December 30, 2009

Subaru G4e

EVM score: 7
Range: 124 mi
Speed: highway speeds likely
Price: ?
Battery: Li-Vanadium (346v)
Safe: yes
This is a hot little hatch. We'll know more about it Oct 24 when new announcements are scheduled. It's predecessor, the R1e, has a top speed of 62 mph which doesn't exactly say highway capable to me. Don't worry, Subaru won't let us down. They'll just slap an outback sport badge on it and give it a 0-60 in 4 seconds. Just u wait enry iggins. So if they can get the price right and deliver on that 124 mi then I think this car will blow our socks off. And they are expecting it in 2009. Cool beans.

December 29, 2009

Mitsubishi i MiEV

EVM score: 8
Range: 99-106 mi
Speed: freeway capable though slow
Price: $30,000
Batteries: Lithium ion (GS Yasua)
Safe: Yes
Not a bad looking little car. I think people would buy it, especially women. It helps that it's coming from a major OEM (original equipment manufacturer). So you know it's gonna be fully crash tested and durability tested and not squeak and rattle when you make a left turn. Personally I like a lighter car because I commute alone and when I go out with the family I take the Honda Odyssey. Later someone can make an electric minivan with a range extender.