Toyota Launches Budget Electric Car Brand in China

Despite offering very few “pure” EVs, Toyota are world leaders in hybrid and battery technology. As such, it was only a matter of time before they entered the EV market in a big way, and they’re doing that now with this Ranz EV, which is set to launch a new budget brand of electric cars in Asia.

Based on the previous Toyota Corolla EX model, the Ranz is meant to be part of a sub-brand of the FAW-Toyota joint venture (similar to the Scion brand of Toyota-Subaru joint ventures here in the US) that’s focused on making cheap electric cars. Power is expected to come from a 95 hp electric motor that’s good for a Chinese government-approved 74 mph (120 km/h) top speed. Range wasn’t mentioned at the show, but I’d expect something in the 100 km range from a budget model like this- more or less on par with Mitsubishi’s iMiEV.

The first examples of Toyota’s new Ranz branded electric cars is expected to go on sale in Shanghai this April- a region that’s pushing hard for electric and hybrid cars in a bid to curb its horrible pollution problems. Pricing is expected to be somewhere in the 90,800 – 113,800 yuan range (about $18,000 on the high side, which is way low for the Chinese market). No word, yet, on whether the cars will be available for the general public or if they’ll be reserved for a select group of “test case” drivers.

In other words: some animals are more equal than others.

Source | Photos: Car News China, via Motorpasion.

Australian Automotive Manufacturing Industry Collaborates on Electric Vehicles

PRESS RELEASE

Melbourne, Australia, 18th February 2011 – Industry leaders in the Australian automotive manufacturing industry came together today to announce the launch of EV Engineering Limited.
EV Engineering Limited will design and engineer seven ‘proof of concept’ fully-electric versions of Australia’s number one selling passenger vehicle, the Holden Commodore. This project will take place over a 15 month period.

The ‘proof of concept’ vehicles will be powered by renewable energy using standard electric vehicle plug-in and battery switching infrastructure. They will be used to investigate technical viability and attractiveness to customers so that consideration for mass production can be undertaken.

Consistent with the direction of the Automotive Australia 2020 roadmap, EV Engineering Limited represents the first industry collaboration on large, powerful, zero-emissions vehicles. EV Engineering Limited brings together major automotive components suppliers Air International, Bosch, Continental and Futuris, electric vehicle infrastructure and services provider Better Place, with the support of Holden and the CSIRO.

According to the chairman of EV Engineering Limited and former President and CEO of Mitsubishi Australia, Robert McEniry, electric vehicles represent an exciting opportunity and important part of the future of the Australian car manufacturing industry.

“This collaboration is evidence that the local manufacturing and automotive industries have recognised the important role these vehicles will play in their future,” Mr McEniry said.
“EV Engineering Limited builds on the existing strengths of the industry in large sized passenger vehicles for both domestic and export markets. This initiative will strengthen the local capabilities and give Australia the opportunity to lead the world in the development of large, powerful, zero-emissions vehicles, and ensure we remain globally competitive in this sustainable, high growth market.”

Members of EV Engineering Limited are backing the project with financial and in-kind contributions and substantial access to IP, and engineering support. Funding of $3.5M to be allocated to engineering costs, will be provided from the Australian Government’s Green Car Innovation Fund (GCIF).

Gavin Smith, Regional President of Powertrain and Chassis Systems Control at Bosch Australia said of the partnership, “This project will help develop electric vehicle engineering skills, capabilities and components within the Australian supplier industry.

“By their involvement, each of the partners makes a clear statement. They believe there is a place for the Australian industry to participate in the exciting new developments surrounding the electrification of the motor vehicle. By developing the skills and capability here, the partners will be in a good position to exploit opportunities as vehicle manufacturers further extend their portfolio of electric vehicles.”