Important Innovations

  Germany' Sono Motors' Sion Solar Car                                                                                           Source:  Sono Motors Priced Just About Right at $25,497 Germany's Sono Motors has a solar-powered SEV that is very close to production.  In fact, it is so close, the company says that it will start production in mid-2023 and it can be bought at a price starting at $25,497.  The Sono Sion is a unique solar vehicle, and it may be the world's most affordable solar car.  There are solar panels on every flat surface of the EV, even on the fenders.  Most solar cars have the solar panels just on the roof.  The pictures show the production ready version of the SEV (solar electric vehicle) from the updated design.  The vehicle is very sleek and has advanced technologies.  The Sion is dedicated to "Celebrating the Sun". German Solar Startup With Lots of Ideas Sono was founded in the Munich area in 2016 in a garage by two friends Laurin Hahn an

   Lifestyle Vehicle -  Affordably Priced For an EV                                                                           Source:  Canoo Lifestyle Van Coming to Market 2022 Los Angeles based EV startup Canoo is rolling out in 2022 its much anticipated electric Lifestyle Vehicle at prices starting at a moderately priced $34,750 for an EV and accelerating to $49,950 for its top performing EV models.  The company is accepting $100 deposits for the EV, which goes into production and for deliveries in 2022. Canoo is also accepting $100 deposits on its electric pickup truck and electric delivery van, although production on those vehicles won't get underway until 2023. Lifestyle Range of 250 Miles The Lifestyle Vehicle runs on a 80 kWh battery pack that can produce 300 hp and 332 pound-feet of torque.  It's capable of 250 miles on a charge.  The vehicle charges up to 80% within a half hour. Top speeds on the Lifestyle are 125 mph.  The cabin is spacious like an SUV and is accentua

VW's New Affordable E-Car Source:  VW ID Lineup Electric People's Car Volkswagen is developing an affordable, inexpensive electric compact for the people,  It's called the ID.1.  VW is targeting a price below $22,000 with incentives.  The EV will roll out in 2023.  And, there will also be a cross-over version.  The ID.1 is designed as a city car.  The base version of the electric car is expected to have a range of 300 miles on a charge.  This is a big development in enabling the affordable purchase of green, clean electric cars by the masses. VW's Electric Lineup The ID.1 is the smallest ID branded vehicle in VW's lineup of seven electric models. The ID.3 compact is launching in Europe mid-2020, to be followed by the ID.4, formerly known as the ID Crozz. The ID.1 will have a choice of two different battery packs:  24 KWh and 36 KWh. Affordable Green Driving VW wants to sell 1 million EV's a year starting in 2023.  In order to achieve that goal,

Citroen's Ami: 100% Electric, Ultra Compact Car Source:  Citroen Amid  Very Affordably Priced This is a fun piece of urban electric mobility.  Citroen just introduced Ami, its all electric, sub-compact electric car, in France.  It's not much bigger than an enclosed  scooter.  The two seater may be the electric car for everyone who needs to get around, particularly in crowded urban areas. It is very affordably priced. No License Required The vehicle gets 44 miles on a charge and has a top speed of 28 mph.  The battery takes 3 hours to recharge.  Citroen says that Ami is agile, ultra-compact and protective of the driver and passenger. The interior is equipped with a heater for use when needed.  What's amazing is that in France, it's accessible to anyone 14 years or older.  In much of Europe, it's expected to be available to those 16 years or older with or without a license. $22.00 Per Month to Rent Ami is the world's most affordable, zero emissio

Toyota and China's BYD Team-Up Source:  Toyota Electric Concept Car Affordable, Electric Battery Powered Vehicles The collaborations in the global electric and self-driving automotive market are unrelenting.  Toyota just announced a partnership with China's BYD, an electric automaker, to develop electric vehicles and the batteries to power them.  The industry partnerships are designed to help speed the development of new technologies into the market and to share the very high R&D costs. Compact Crossover in 2020 Toyota and BYD's goal is to develop electric vehicles that are affordable to mass populations.   They are targeting both electric sedans and SUVs.   The vehicles will be sold under the Toyota brand by 2025.  Batteries are needed by Toyota to reach its new goals.  It wants half of its global sales from electric vehicles, including gasoline hybrids, by 2025.  That's five years ahead of schedule.  Zero Emissions Market Massive competition has deve

Mass Market Electric Cars Debuting at Geneva Auto Show Source:  Citroen Ami One Electric Car New Market Conditions Could Favor China According to Germany's Center of Automotive Management, global electric car sales hit 2.1 million in 2018 and are forecast to rise to 2.8 million in 2019.  China is the biggest market with more than 1 million sold, Europe is second with 389,000 and the US third with 359,000 vehicles sold last year.  The market is expected to ramp up and start accelerating as the European Union's tough emissions standards start rolling out in 2021. Geneva Auto Show Electric Vehicle Debuts There are a number of mass market electric cars debuting in Geneva.  They are more affordably priced and have good driving range.  Some examples: Kia e Soul Honda Urban Citroen Ami One, a tiny, 2 seat, city car that doesn't require a license Renault Zoe Nissan Leaf Peugeot Citycar 208 Volvo Polstar 2, a compact with 275 mile range Some of the cars being in