2010 Los Angeles Auto Show: Guide To Electric Vehicles
November 20th, 2010 
November 20th, 2010
November 20th, 2010 - Articles Contributed: 71
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2011 Chevrolet Volt test drive, Michigan, October 2010Gallery
Our opinion hasn't changed - these are still probably the most important EVs at the show as they're cars that will make up the bulk of EV sales over the next few years. However, there are other electric stars at the show too, so here's a full, alphabetical run-down of all the EVs at this year's L.A. show.
2011 Chevrolet Volt
You know the drill - GM's first electric vehicle since the ill-fated EV1 uses a range-extending gasoline engine to boost the batteries when they come to the end of their 40-mile range. The engine can also assist with propulsion directly in some situations. GreenCarReports has tested the production car, and their ultimate reference guide can be found here.
2011 Coda Sedan
Now announced as the victim of production delays putting delivery back to Fall 2011 (find out here why we aren't surprised), the Coda Sedan is a no-nonsense family EV with a greater range than Nissan's Leaf at up to 120 miles. Greater cost too at $44,900 before incentives.
Commuter Cars Tango
It's been a while since we've looked at the Tango, having driven it back in January. The quick and quirky urban EV has been on sale for a number of years now, though at over $100,000 it's more of a plaything for the wealthy than a practical urban proposition.
2011 Fisker Karma
Deadlines for the stunning Fisker Karma have come and gone but the project still appears to be gaining pace. Whilst no journalist has yet driven the car, the extended-range Karma promises electrifying performance and a 50-mile pure-EV range.
2012 Honda Fit EV Concept
The electric Honda Fit is one of the biggest stories of this year's show. Honda have been playing down the benefits of full EVs for years now but recently did an about-turn and they've now equipped one of their most popular models with an electric drivetrain. Range should be around 100 miles.
2010 Jaguar C-X75 Concept
We first saw Jaguar's incredible C-X75 at the 2010 Paris Motor Show back in September. Taking the role of a modern-day XJ220 supercar, the C-X65 uses two gas turbines capable of 80,000 revolutions per minute as a range extending motor. 70 miles of pure EV mode are possible around town... if Jaguar build it. As yet, it's only a pre-production concept designed to wow motor show crowds, and not quite a driveable prototype.
2010 Kia Pop Concept
Another Paris Show star, Kia's Pop concept is a quirky city car reminiscent of sixties bubble cars like the BMW Isetta. It's slightly larger than the upcoming 2010 Scion iQ, and seats three.
Li-ion concepts
It gave the Aptera 2e a battering in the Automotive X-Prize, and now you can see Li-Ion Motors' Wave II for yourself at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It manages the electric equivalent of 200mpg, with a 100 mile range and reaches 60mph in 6.6 seconds.
2010 MINI E
GreenCarReports' John Voelcker wasn't keen on MINI's EV when he tested it, citing a jerky drivetrain and an even smaller trunk than usual as the car's main ailments. MINI are still running trials with the car all around the world and the data from these tests will help them build future electric cars such as the high-tech 2013 Megacity EV.
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV (U.S. spec)
The i-MiEV has been around for quite some time now in the Japanese market, and several trials are taking place throughout Europe and the U.S. too, but until now we've only experienced the Japanese-spec car. The L.A. show will preview the new, wider U.S. i-MiEV, which should offer greater quality than before. Check out our ultimate reference guide for more.
2011 Nissan LEAF
There's not a lot to say that's not already been said about the LEAF, and it's now taken GreenCarReports' best car to buy in 2011 title to add to its achievements. The LEAF is a quality electric family car with up to 100 miles of range. Deliveries have been delayed, but order books are splitting under the strain.
SAAB 9-3 ePower concept
Another Parisian refugee making an apperance in the City of Angels. SAAB have chosen the practical Sport Combi version of the 9-3 sedan for their first electric car. The electric components don't intrude into the cabin and performance from the 135kW (184 horsepower) electric motor is more than adequate.
2011 smart fortwo electric drive
We've tested the diminutive fortwo electric drive on a few occasions now, and we generally consider it to be superior to the gasoline versions. Range is quoted at 84 miles, but smart admit that in low-speed city driving you could see as much as 138 miles before you need to recharge.
2012 Toyota RAV4 EV
We've been waiting for this one for a while, and our patience has been rewarded in Los Angeles. The Toyota-Tesla RAV4 EV apparently offers good performance (equivalent to the V6 gasoline version) and great practicality. Range hasn't been anounced yet, but we expect it to be competitive with other current EVs.
2011 Volvo C30 Electric
Having claimed earlier in the year that the compact C30 EV wouldn't be coming to the States, Volvo changed their mind and announced they'd be testing the electric C30 in California, and it's making an apperance at the show. Offering Volvo quality and style in a compact package, the C30 EV is part of Volvo's plan to reduce their collective CO2 emissions to pass stringent E.U. regulations.
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