Categories from the Electric Vehicle Motorsports Series would transcend current differences in auto racing. The GT category would feature a Touring GT class with a maximum output of 300kW and a 500kW all-electric class. Quimera also wants an entry-level class for 150kW vehicles that could be modified passenger vehicles currently produced by automakers. The Open Wheel category would attract vehicles like the EF01 by Formulac, a 350kW electric racer that could compete with standard race cars. The Electric Vehicle Motorsports Series may also include a Drifting category as well as overlap with the TTXGP World Championships.

Quimera is jumping into the fray this year by running the AEGT All-Electric GT racer in the 2012 American Le Mans Series. The AEGT All-Electric GT will be demonstrated at a handful of races to generate interest in the proposed series. This open-wheel racer features a carbon fiber body that reduces weight while protecting the driver. Quimera notes that the vehicle is powered by three UQM electric motors and EIG lithium-polymer batteries. Performance metrics for the AEGT All-Electric GT include a total range of 186 miles per charge and a 0-60 MPH time of three seconds.

The Electric Vehicle Motorsports Series should be viewed as a potential job creator, marketing bonanza and step toward sustainability. The popularity of auto racing around the world means that production of electric racers, drive systems and parts could generate thousands of jobs. Quimera could work with race organizers to attract corporate sponsors akin to the traditional racing world. These sponsorships would not only attract revenue into the series but draw viewers who are loyal to specific brands. The biggest impact of Quimera’s proposal could be changing perceptions of electric vehicles among automotive traditionalists.

Pike Pulse Report breaks down each manufacturer based largely on development strategy and execution. Manufacturers are placed into categories ranging from Leaders and Contenders to Challengers and Followers based on myriad criteria. Each company was rated based on categories like vision, partnerships, market share and pricing. Senior Analyst Dave Hurst noted that none of the manufacturers fall into the Leaders or Followers categories. The clustering of motorcycle and scooter manufacturers in the middle of the pack shows that this industry remains in its infancy.

Frontrunners Zero Motorcycles and Jiangsu Xinri E-Vehicle are taking different approaches toward the electric mobility market. Zero’s reputation for high-end products and experienced management group provide stability in a shifting industry. The primary goal for Zero in the near future is to push a handful of electric bikes through lucrative outlets in North America, Asia and Western Europe. Jiangsu Xinri has broadened their selection of electric scooters to meet the needs of Chinese consumers. The company’s plan for 2012 includes doubling production, seeking public investment and expanding into Africa, the Middle East and South America.

Pike Research cites various factors that could help Brammo, Zongshen and other competitors expand in the next generation. Total sales of electric bikes and scooters totaled 17 million vehicles throughout the world including 16.7 million sold in Asia. The meager sales figures in Latin America, Europe and Africa could increase significantly with improved marketing as well as a desire for alternative transportation. These manufacturers already possess marketing budgets, connections with global dealers and development teams that should yield greater competition. Pike Pulse Report exposes a growing market that could explode especially in the developing world over the next decade.

Generation Y consumers purchased 25% of automobiles in the U.S. in 2011 and could purchase up to 40% of automobiles in the next decade. A general preference (59%) among Generation Y drivers for green vehicles includes an overwhelming desire for hybrid vehicles. Deloitte determined that 57% of these consumers prefer hybrids, 37% traditional vehicles and 2% all-electric vehicles. This conclusion shows that Generation Y wants to keep one foot in the traditional auto market while venturing a bit into the future. Giffi stated that 49% of Generation Y drivers would pay $300 for each mile-per-gallon gain in an automobile. This increment aligns closely with $350 mile-per-gallon gain that currently exists in the hybrid vehicle market.

Deloitte found Generation Y respondents willing to pay premium prices for connectivity options rather than all-electric drive systems. The typical participant stated a willingness to spend more than $3,000 for connectivity equipment offered by automakers. This desire for connectivity starts with touch screen interfaces desired by 73% of respondents. Generation Y drivers could use these interfaces to access maps, directions, vehicle performance statistics and entertainment. Automakers could benefit from software updates and aftermarket purchases with 77% of respondents willing to spend money to upgrade basic interfaces.

The report issued at the Shifting Gears conference in Detroit affirms existing progress made by automakers. American, Japanese and European automakers have focused on hybrid vehicles as gateway models until electric and hydrogen vehicles are available. These models are also designed to balance traditional views of transportation with the desire to push the technological envelope. Generation Y plays exactly into this balance, which means that hybrid vehicles should persist for the next two decades while alt-fuel vehicle development is stunted. The tendency toward hybrids improves on the previous generation’s fuel consumption and emissions but holds back demand for plug-ins and alt-fuel models.

The National Household Travel Survey from 2009 used data about commuting distance, city size and driving habits from March 2008 to May 2009. The authors of the report found that vehicles used within this period traveled about 40 miles per day. Participating drivers often traveled less than 30 miles (95% of trips) and 99% of trips were less than 70 miles. “Assessment of Electric Cars’ Range” notes that 95% of total daily commuting was below 120 miles and 99% fell below 250 miles. The average participant traveled only 12.6 miles in one direction for a daily commute.

Plug-in and battery-electric vehicles hitting the market in the next five years meet these commuting requirements with some leeway. The Nissan LEAF can achieve a 138-mile range when fully charged, which would handle 95% of all commutes. “Assessment of Electric Cars’ Range” also concludes that the 2011 Tesla Roadster could meet 98.5% of commutes even if the driving range was reduced 15% from EPA estimates. This report highlighted the oft-mentioned distinction between urban and rural commutes. Consumers in compact spaces from New York City to Honolulu travel only 24 miles per day while Midwestern drivers average about 49 miles per day. EV owners in urban and rural areas could balance adequate range with smart grid use based on these findings.

Organizers of the Solar Journey USA project are highlighting these findings prior to a cross-country excursion this summer. Rob van Haaren and Garrett Fitzgerald will use a vehicle powered by solar paneling to cover 3,200 miles in 17 days. “Assessment of Electric Cars’ Range” and the Solar Journey USA trip highlight the reliability of EV technology at a precarious economic moment. This message must be repeated ceaselessly by researchers, automakers, government agencies and utilities to keep consumers looking forward.

The Plug-in Car Grant currently offers discounts on 10 vehicle models including the Nissan LEAF, Tata Vista and Citroen CZero. The Department for Transport notes that 1,052 qualifying vehicles were purchased in the United Kingdom though only 892 grant applications had been approved. This disparity comes from the delay between a manufacturer’s application for reimbursement and government approval.  The first round of qualifying vans should be approved by the end of January after a month-long application process. The addition of vans to the Plug-in Car Grant should help families, small businesses and government agencies save significantly on their green vehicle investments.

Manufacturers of plug-in vans must meet rigorous criteria for their models to qualify for the Plug-in Car Grant. Current standards require qualifying vehicles to travel up to 70 miles per charge with a top speed of 60 miles per hour. The Department for Transport requires manufacturers to provide at least a 60,000-mile warranty as well as a five-year battery warranty to protect consumers. Qualifying vans must also meet British and international vehicle safety standards including whole-vehicle crash tests. These criteria not only save consumers from lemons but protect the government’s substantial investment in this market.

The British government has invested $614 million in advancing low-emissions vehicles throughout the country. This investment includes $460 million for incentives like the Plug-in Car Grant, $123 million on advanced vehicle research and development and $46 million for EV charger installation. The Department for Transport notes that the United Kingdom features more than 2,500 plug-in stations including 765 funded during the recent Plugged-in Places project. These stations should be joined by 4,000 charging stations purchased by businesses through the end of this year. The Plug-in Car Grant is a worthwhile program that could become unique as European, American and Asian governments begin to cut back on national budgets.

Tata’s global team of engineers was concerned with creating an all-electric vehicle that would work in heavily congested cities. This “right size” approach to vehicle design led to a frame that is relatively short but features sufficient head room and leg room for four adult passengers. Tata removed unnecessary pillars between the front and rear doors to allow for improved sightlines. The design team also ensured that the rear doors open to a 90-degree angle for easier entry and exist. The eMO EV also reduces environment impact compared to other compact vehicles by using a less extensive painting and finishing process.

The eMO EV drive system includes an 18.4 kWh battery pack located under the front seats along with an electric motor. Tata eliminated trunk space to keep body length and width down but allow passengers to store luggage underneath their seats. Performance metrics for the eMO EV include a top speed of 65 miles per hour with an estimated range of 100 miles per charge. This concept vehicle can hit 20 MPH from a dead stop in 3.4 seconds. Tata’s Vehicle Programs & Development (VPD) Group estimates that production costs could be manipulated to ensure a suggested retail price around $20,000.

This innovative approach to urban EV development could yield significant developments for Tata in the next decade. Tata consulted with 300 vehicle engineers and designers during the yearlong development process for the eMO EV. These engineers pushed the envelope enough during this process to receive 15 patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The eMO EV is a glimpse into a future where urban drivers throughout the world opt for smaller vehicles that reduce parking, traffic and emissions problems.

The Nissan e-NV200 starts with the low body profile and design features of the NV200 currently on the market. Nissan has won acclaim for the NV200 body from organizations like Universal Design GMbH, providing a solid base for the all-electric version. This commitment to the NV200 form allows Nissan to offer corporate clients different drive options without sacrificing cargo space. The e-NV200 uses a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery and 80kW AC motor similar to those components used in the LEAF EV.

Street testing of all-electric versions of the NV200 began this past summer throughout Japan. The Japan Post Service used the Nissan e-NV200 primarily in Yokohama for parcel delivery as well as letter collection. Nissan is currently assessing the Japan Post trial results as they prepare production versions of the e-NV200. The e-NV200 is currently undergoing further testing with FedEx drivers in London this month. These tests should demonstrate the vehicle’s ability to handle commercial requirements in a variety of weather and traffic conditions.

The popularity of the NV200 and LEAF EV should boost long-term sales prospects of the E-NV200. The NV200 is sold in 40 countries around the world with production facilities in Japan, Europe and China. New York City has brought the Nissan NV200 into the spotlight by designating the model as the primary cab for local taxi companies. This designation means that the NV200 will carry more than 600,000 passengers per day. The Nissan LEAF EV has achieved a higher profile due to the automaker’s aggressive marketing strategy in North America. Nissan hopes that the connective thread between these three models will increase market share around the world.

The Jetta Hybrid combines components from the Touareg Hybrid SUV with advancements that increase fuel efficiency. The hybrid drive system features an 110kW diesel engine, a 20kW electric motor along with a seven-speed transmission. Volkswagen noted that the Jetta Hybrid can travel up to 43 miles per hour for a distance of 1.2 miles using only electric power. This all-electric mode leverages brake energy stored in the 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery. Performance metrics include a fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon and a 0-60 MPH time of less than nine seconds. These metrics should appease traditional Volkswagen fans while nudging the automaker further into the green vehicle market.

The E-Bugster uses an 85kW electric motor and a 28.3 kWh lithium-ion battery to achieve a range of 110 miles per charge. Volkswagen kept the Blue-e-Motion drive system under 80 kilograms to balance curb weight with fuel economy. This all-electric concept can hit 60 MPH from a dead stop in 10.9 seconds. Drivers can use 120-volt home outlets for standard charging and quick chargers for full recharges in about 35 minutes. The Combined Charging System developed with Audi, BMW, Daimler and Porsche allows a motorist to recharge at almost any station on the market today.

Volkswagen generated plenty of buzz in Detroit for the Jetta Hybrid and the E-Bugster. The Jetta Hybrid represents a short-term measure to attract Volkswagen enthusiasts concerned about rising fuel prices. This model maintains the popular styling of the traditional version while reducing fuel consumption significantly. Industry experts and casual observers alike were impressed by the E-Bugster’s potential as a rival to the Nissan LEAF. Volkswagen threw down the gauntlet to fellow automakers by focusing on smaller details like compatibility between plug-in units and charging stations.

Industry observers and consumers alike are optimistic about green vehicle technology based on this report. The report shows that 81% of respondents use high fuel economy as an important criterion in vehicle purchases. A significant portion (40%) of consumers was very interested in all-electric models that could travel up to 100 miles per charge with an equivalent price of $0.75 per gallon. Pike Research also concluded that 80% would be interested in fast chargers in their homes with an average stated price of $408.

The wide net cast by Pike Research found that respondents across all demographics were concerned with brand as well as upfront costs. Respondents selected Toyota (51%) and Ford (46%) as their desired brands when asked to consider potential EV purchases. These manufacturers do not offer plug-in vehicles in North America while Chevy (42%) and Nissan (33%) currently offer electrified models. Consumers balked at high prices for fast-charging units in their homes with 28% refusing to pay more than $500 for the technology. Pike Research also determined that 25% of respondents would not select from five theoretical models posited by callers.

Analysts used the Van Westendorp Price Sensitivity Meter to locate the retail price where consumers would be willing to purchase green vehicles. Pike Research determined that a traditional sedan priced at $20,000 could be priced up to $23,750 as a hybrid model without a significant dip in sales. The $3,750 premium demonstrates public awareness of the realities of the green vehicle market. This price differential does not reflect the realities of vehicle pricing for models like the Nissan LEAF. Automakers must accelerate R&D efforts to produce hybrids and EVs that are affordable, reliable and widely available in the United States. These efforts seem expensive given the current economic environment but dividends could be enormous within the next decade.

The XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept uses a drive system that produces a total output of 209kW. This system includes a 52kW electric motor and 12kWh lithium-ion battery. Volvo notes that the battery can be recharged from a 110-volt outlet in less than eight hours. This rate can be cut in half when a 220-volt outlet is available. American and Chinese consumers should be thrilled with a four-wheel drive that combines traditional power in the front wheels and electric power in the rear wheels. The Integrated Starter and Generator (ISG) replaces the starter motor and alternator while boosting acceleration power by 34kW.

Volvo included a three-mode drive system as they designed the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept. The Pure Mode allows the XC60 to travel up to 35 miles per charge on all-electric power. This mode eliminates all emissions created by the vehicle while showing the future of Volvo’s VEA technology. Drivers interested in extended range and fuel economy opt for Hybrid mode. The XC60 achieves 50 miles per gallon with a total range of 600 miles during Hybrid mode. The Power mode boosts torque in the XC60, allowing the vehicle to reach 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in 5.8 seconds.

The VEA incorporated into Volvo’s next generation of vehicles attempts to achieve four goals. Designers sought to eliminate the number of unique components in the drive system, thus increasing efficiency while decreasing lifetime costs. Volvo also significantly reduced the overall weight of drive systems by incorporating composites and reducing parts. The VEA technology reduces fuel consumption up to 35% compared to current Volvo models on the market. This design template can be adapted easily for all-electric power thanks to simplified components and layout. The XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept could be Volvo’s Trojan horse into the nascent American EV market.