You would think the auto companies at the Detroit Auto Show would be trying to out green each other to no lengths.

Instead we have an industry moving at a glacial pace putting out hybrids and bio fueled vehicles as to say “look we are trying”. Like the student just doing enough work to pass the class.

There is an opportunity right now to revolutionize personal transportation!

There is a reason why Ford and GM are having huge quarterly loses.

They don’t listen to their customers!!!

We have all seen what happens to industries that don’t listen to their customers. They lose respect, trust and die quickly. Anybody want to buy a music store chain or record label?

Walking a heard of methane producing cattle through downtown Detroit did not impress us.

If the Big 3 don’t wise up there are a 100 little foreign and domestic auto companies ready to take their place.

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There is a nice little preview over at Autoweek that shows three new EV/Hydrogen Hybrids from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep. Details about 300 mile ranges get us very excited. Check it out! 
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 We here at Plug In love fast electric vehicles! Mitsubishi, a company that seems to be ignoring hybrids all together, are betting the bank on EVs. This strategy may have something to do with Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko being an EV lover and driver himself.The i Miev Sport has a top speed of 180km/h and can travel 200kms before needing a recharge. It also features a photovoltaic generator on the top of the vehicle and two fans in the front grill that also produce juice. Lots of details in the design of this car. All the lights are LED and the windows are designed to keep the car cool so you won’t have to use the air conditioning as often. Starting in 2010 the i Miev Sport (the hyper younger brother to the i Miev) will be available in Japan and Europe.    More pics c/o Autoblog. More details including full specs c/o Zercustoms
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The Detroit Auto Show starts in 2 days. So far there are a slew of Hybrids but nothing for EV’s. We will be keeping an eye on what is announced and will post anything that rocks our socks. In the meantime checkout Auto Blog Green’s coverage of the upcoming show. 
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This article has blurbs and pictures of 27 electric car projects, listed according to their release date, with information on fuel type, range, top speed and price.

read more | digg story

It always amazes me that the big automobile companies don’t have at least one fully electric vehicle in their yearly lineups. In North America Subaru is considered a small car company with less than 400 000 units sold last year. What an opportunity to cash in on all us EV hold outs here in North America. Subaru can you hear us?

The R1e can drive 85km before needing a recharge. It has a top speed of 120km/h and the lithium battery made by NEC Lemilion Energy would need replacing every 190 000kms or so. I’ve read conflicting reports that quick charging would take between 3 and 15mins. A full charge on a standard 100v plug would be about 8 hours. Numbers for pricing have been between $13k to 17k. If you know more please share in the comments.
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Santa Monica, California based Miles Electric Vehicles have been working on the XS500 Sedan. This little electro beast can go 80mph (thats 129km/h for us Metric folk) for roughly 240 mins. Also the battery is expected to last 100 000 miles (160 000 km) before needing replacing.

Rumour around the interwebs is that it will sell around $35k and it is being manufactured in China for sale in the United States. If you want to drive fast but can’t afford a Tesla this may be the car for you.

Keep up to date on Mile’s site by joining their mailing list.

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From the city that had the one of the first subway systems in 1900 comes another first. Mayor Bertrand Delanoe is introducing an Electric Car Rental Program. The program will start off with 2000 vehicles which anyone can rent for just a few Euros.

The cars can be picked up or left anywhere in the city. No word yet on how they are going to prevent theft and vandalism. Previous bicycle rental programs have been successful throughout Europe.

Expect updates as we hear more about this program. Yet another reason to love Paris.
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Plug In is going to cover everything related to electric cars and hybrids. Like me you are very interested in purchasing an electric vehicle but don’t know where to start. Hopefully we here at Plug In can sort through all the noise and bring you information that is helpful, clear, and non propagative.

If you are an expert on the subject or even an Electric N00b feel free to join in on the conversation. Critical and Positive comments are welcomed. We are also open to guest bloggers!

The Revolution has already begun.
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Welcome to Plug In. Stay tuned.