Electric Vehicles: Sounds
Electric Vehicles: Sounds
The near silent nature of Hybrids and Electric Vehicles is clearly a potential safety problem for pedestrians. Until now, the branded sounds cars make has been a function of the engine and exhaust system. The option of making future electric vehicles sound like anything we want creates a world of options.
After decades of trying to make cars quieter, manufacturers are willing to bring back, and even brand, decibels. It’s clear that some vehicle manufacturers see prospects of warning sounds as a unique and possibly valuable form of branding. Maybe even to the point of a commercial prospect.
Renault Launches EVs Site
Renault Zero Emission Range
Renault made quite an impact at the Frankfurt Motor Show with an extensive electric vehicle range. Following on the success of the show Renault has just launched a new site dedicated to promoting its upcoming range of Zero Emission vehicles; the Fluence, Kangoo, Zoe and Twizy. But the site is not only about the vehicles. The new site also provides information about Renault's process of making EVs affordable to everyone.
The site offers explanations of how Renault hopes to make these cars mainstream and affordable. Renault plans to offer all of its EVs with a Better Place strategy. Renault will lease the batteries of all upcoming EVs rather than outright selling the battery to the buyer. The energy storage system will all be leased separately with payments going to a chosen energy supplier. Additional information on the site suggests that Renault will offer three charging options for all of its EVs.
New Electric Car Sharing Plan In Paris
Paris Electric Car Sharing
Paris is willing to chase the success of Vélib‘, the bike-sharing project in Paris, and attempt a similar initiative with electric cars. The green scheme, dubbed Autolib (short for "automobile" and "liberté"), is scheduled for launch as early as 2011. Advocates say the system would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 22,000 tons a year while improving traffic congestion as fewer Paris residents would need to own cars. It would be the first major city to offer such a service.
The plan to make 4,000 electric cars available for Parisians to pick up and drop off at rental stands still has some kinks to be worked out. The program likely will be operated as a public-private partnership. The winning bidder not only will build the infrastructure but also operate the program - and be responsible for finding a manufacturer to supply the electric cars. But getting those cars on the road may not be easy. Although several automakers are developing all-electric cars, none is yet mass-produced. Though it would be more economically feasible for Paris to buy a fleet of existing EV models rather than commission a new car specifically for the Autolib scheme, city hall says both options are being considered.
