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Thursday, 22 July 2010 7:29 P.M.
Modern
Electric Car Era Begins November at the L.A. Auto Show
Mass-Production
Electric Vehicles Become Available to Consumers
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PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / ©AMERICAJR.com
The
Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle |
Photo
credit: www.ubergizmo.com
The
Nissan Leaf electric vehicle |
LOS
ANGELES -- A new era of modern, electric drive transportation
begins at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. Worldwide, nearly
all major automakers have announced plans for an electric car in
the next few years and Los Angeles will receive the first arrivals
in the next several months.
Auto manufacturers
are looking to Los Angeles to lead the charge in early electric
vehicle adoption, much as Los Angeles continues to lead in hybrid
vehicles sales. Since Los Angeles is recognized as a trendsetter
for the automotive industry, it makes sense that at least a half-dozen
electric vehicles will make news during the LA Auto Show Press Days
Nov. 17 and 18.
The first
electric cars to kick-off this new era are the Chevrolet Volt and
Nissan Leaf, expected to arrive in November and December of this
year, respectively.
Several
other electric vehicles will debut at the LA Auto Show including
the North American, production-version of Mitsubishi's i-MiEV and
Toyota's RAV4 EV concept. Expected to be one of the next electric
vehicles to hit dealerships, the i-MiEV model debuting at the LA
Show will be wider and will also include an upgraded list of standard
and optional interior features to make it more attractive to the
U.S. buyer. Toyota's RAV4 EV will use Tesla's lithium-ion battery
packs, which will be modified to become more aerodynamic. Toyota
has been testing prototypes of the car, which is scheduled to hit
the market in 2012.
This drive
toward the electrification of the automobile has also spawned new
manufacturers focused exclusively on the electric vehicle market.
Expected to reveal important news are at least two leaders in this
category, including Santa Monica, California-based Coda Automotive
and luxury electric car maker, Fisker Automotive. Both manufacturers
are expected to make customer deliveries in 2011.
"After
years of anticipation, electric vehicles are finally here,"
said Andy Fuzesi, LA Auto Show general manager. "It may take
years for electric vehicles to be accepted broadly, but it's undeniable
that an electric era has officially begun."
For the
first time ever, the coveted Green Car of the Year award nominees
will feature electric vehicles. The focus of the Green Car of the
Year award is to recognize significant environmental achievement
in a production vehicle. Having electric vehicles qualify for the
prestigious award is further evidence that the modern electric car
era is finally beginning in earnest. The winner will once again
be unveiled at an LA Auto Show press conference on Nov. 18.
Significant
announcements about infrastructure are also expected at the show.
Specifically, one of the region's major utility providers, Southern
California Edison, will address important questions about the costs
of operating this new generation of plug-in vehicle. Also, PEP charging
stations will be on hand to demonstrate what is required for both
in-home and commercial charging of electric vehicles.
About
the Los Angeles Auto Show
The 2010
LA Auto Show will feature at least 20 world debuts and more than
20 North American debuts. Press Days, Nov. 17 and 18, will feature
more than 25 press conferences from manufacturers around the globe.
To receive the latest show news and information visit www.laautoshow.com.
Join the LA Auto Show conversation by following the Show on Twitter
at Twitter.com/LAAutoShow.
Source:
Los Angeles Auto Show
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