Tesla Motors Stock Charged Up

Luxury electric vehicle maker Tesla Motors' stock (TSLA, NASDAQ) spiked to $211 today February 21, 2014.    Here is the link to the  company's 2013 financial results for the 4th quarter: Tesla 4th Quarter 2013.  Here's a YouTube video on Tesla production principles:

Tesla Motor's electric vehicle factory is the largest American auto manufacturing plant start-up in 90 years.

New 2016 Fuel Standards For Trucks Planned By Obama

Safeway announced a new more aerodynamic design for its delivery trucks, in time for proposed new fuel efficiency  standards in 2016.    President Obama highlights the fuel savings of the new truck design in this news video.

The truck design  has a decidedly "low rider" look that achieves significant fuel savings.

GM's Lutz Now VIA Motors' Chairman

After retiring from General Motors, Bob Lutz has started a second career as Chairman of electric vehicle maker VIA Motors. 





Bob Lutz with an electric Chevy Silverado (photo courtesy PR.com)



VIA manufactures a proprietary electric power train, V-Drive. It integrates the equipment into OEM  trucks, vans and SUVs.  The company then sells the electrified vehicles to fleets with the VTRUX brand name.

Lutz said "...VIA is electrifying the right end of the business and is implementing a very sound business strategy".

For electric vehicle savings and payback information here is the link for VIA Motors.



Cadillac ELR: GM Does The Electric Slide

For $76,000,  you will look upscale and  hot driving by in a blur with  power from the Cadillac ELR's instant torque.   GM introduced it's new  luxurious plug-in and gas hybrid Cadillac ELR in  a slick commercial spot during 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics' television programming. 

GM is very modest about the range for the ELR's electric motors, it's about 37 miles.    I appreciate the honesty about this part of the vehicle's performance. 

Total range with the electric motors and hybrid batteries is 340 miles according to the manufacturer.  Get more statistics about the total performance at the this GM link for the Cadillac ELR.

The Cadillac dealer in my area, Chicago's south suburbs, said that the ELR will be on his showroom floor in mid summer 2014.


GM shares  rarefied air along with luxury electric vehicle manufacturers Porsche, BMW and Tesla.   The Cadillac ELR is a first-class ride from all appearances.

A Doctor's Tesla

Here's a Tesla I spied at a medical facility in Chicago's south suburbs.  I know it's a doctor's car because the driver is parked in a space designated for  doctors only.



Tesla Model S photo by Pat Thomas

 

 

 

I spotted it out the corner of my eye, stopped driving while thinking 'there is something different about that car'. I got out of my car (in back)  to look closer and then I noticed the Tesla badge.

 

It's a Tesla Model S trim P85, ultra-new shiny clean black.  The manufacturer claims 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds.  The Doc's car looks like it could go even faster.



Ford Unveils Solar Energi

Ford Motor Company has just changed the definition of "sunroof".  Ford debuted Solar Energi,  a concept  car version of the Ford C-MAX plug-in hybrid in January 2014.  According to Mike Tinskey, Ford's Director of Vehicle Electrification, the Solar Energi can  both convert solar energy and use conventional  electrical grids for power. 

Ford and it's contractors, re-invented solar panels to power the weights of conventionally designed cars.  Contractors working on  the Solar Energi project team include Sunpower, Eaton, Whirlpool and students at Georgia Tech.

The current plug-in Ford C-MAX version achieves 108 mpg in the city and 100 mpg combined.  There's no word yet on how much Solar Energi will top that or horsepower production.  But Ford claims that Solar Energi's  roof top panel redesign produces 50% more energy than the typical solar panels used in solar racing cars.