Ford Gets $5.9 Billion Gov. Tech Loans, Says Electric Focus will Arrive in 2011, Plug-in Hybrid by 2012

The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that Ford has been approved for a $5.9 billion government loan to develop fuel-saving technologies that will reduce the nation's dependency on foreign oil. Ford, which is the only American automaker not to receive emergency federal aid, said that it intends to apply the loans on a variety of fuel-saving technologies.

These include the development of hybrid-electric systems, alternative-fuel power plants, direct-injection engines as well as new dual clutch transmissions, aerodynamic improvements and weight reduction measures through platform efficiencies and greater use of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel.

Ford also outlined its electric and hybrid car strategy that accelerates with the introduction of a pure battery electric (BEV) Transit Connect commercial van in 2010 and a BEV Focus in 2011, as well as a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) by 2012.

Both the electric Transit Connect, which Ford is developing with Smith Electric U.S and the electric Focus that will be produced in collaboration with Magna at the Michigan Assembly Plan, are expected to have a range of up to 100 miles or 160 kilometers.

"This green partnership between Ford and the U.S. government will help accelerate the development of advanced technologies for even better fuel efficiency and emissions," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "Ford is absolutely committed to fuel economy leadership with every new model we introduce. In fact, we plan to invest nearly $14 billion in advanced technology vehicles in the next seven years."

"Our partnership with the Department of Energy also will help retool our U.S. plants more quickly to produce fuel efficient vehicles and help meet the new, rigorous fuel-economy requirements," Mulally concluded.

Husqvarna Panthera Leo Concept: Cool Plug-in Electric Mower

In keeping with the eco-friendly theme that seems to have swept all types of industries, Sweden's Husqvarna has presented an all-electric plug-in mower concept called Panthera Leo. Made out of recyclable materials, the green concept mower supposedly gives an indication how the future of mowing might come to look. In terms of design, there's no doubt that the futuristic-looking Panthera Leo will grab the attention of your neighbors.

In the Panthera Leo, the traditional gas engine has been replaced by a Lithium-phosphate battery pack that can be charged at any electrical outlet. A full charge offers approximately two hours of working time. The mower comes equipped with five powerful electrical motors partnered with a sound absorbing cutting deck. There are three separate cutters equipped with razor sharp blades that can be controlled to suit wide or narrow lawns (from 85cm up to 120cm).

All functions of the mower are controlled through paddles on the steering wheel while an LCD-display informs the driver about the speed, cutting height, cutting width, remaining battery time, service needs and even warns him about objects that are too close.

Mitsubishi Unveils Production Version of i-MiEV All-Electric RWD Minicar, Priced from $47k

The much anticipated production version of Mitsubishi's pure-electric i-MiEV minicar was unveiled today in Japan. Mitsubishi will begin leasing the minuscule EV principally to corporations and to local authorities in Japan in July. Individual sales are due to start in the Land of the Rising Sun in April 2010, followed shortly after by Europe and later on, the United States. In Japan, prices for the i-MiEV have been set at a hefty 4,599,000 Yen which is about $47,500 US or €33,700 at today's rates. That's more than double the price of a Toyota Prius that costs 2,050,000 Yen or $21,200 in Japan.

The production model of the four-seater EV which is based on Mitsubishi's 'i' minicar does not differ significantly from the concept version which was last previewed at the New York Auto Show this past April. Measuring in at 3.395mm or 133.6-in. in length, the i-MiEV is roughly the same size as the Fiat 500.

While retaining the i's rear mid-ship architecture, the i-MiEV replaces the conventional gasoline engine, transmission and fuel tank with a 330-volt lithium-ion battery system located under the floor deck, electric motor and onboard charging system. The electric motor that drives the rear wheels develops an output of 47kW or 64HP and 180Nm or 132.8-lbs/ft of maximum torque.

According to Mitsubishi, charge times to replenish the lithium-ion battery pack will be 7-14 hours, although the automaker said that it is developing fast charging stations throughout Japan that will take just half an hour. A full charge delivers up to 100 miles or 160 km of pure electric driving.

Coda Unveils All-Electric Sedan: Made in China, Priced from Around $35k in the U.S. - with VIDEO

Electric car announcements seem to be coming in from all sorts of directions these days. The latest news in the EV world is the unveiling of a new all-electric mainstream sedan by Coda Automotive, a U.S. company formed by Miles Rubin known for the distribution of low-speed, electric fleet vehicles under the Miles Electric Vehicles brand. Though it may appears at first some to be some kind of Ford mishmash, the Coda EV is in fact based on the Chinese Hafei Saibao sedan. The all-electric sedan is initially scheduled to go on sale in California in the fall of 2010 with prices set at $45,000 or around mid-$30,000s after a $7,500 Federal tax credit and additional state incentives.

That's about $15k less than Tesla's estimated price for the larger, faster, better looking and let's not forget, U.S. built, Model S sedan (see pictures and details here).

"The Coda sedan is an all-electric vehicle for everyone," said Kevin Czinger, President and CEO, Coda Automotive. "It's a practical revolution for real drivers who need reliable transportation."

Measuring in at 175-inches or 4,445mm in length, 69-inches or 1,752mm in width and 57.6-inches or 1,463mm in height, the Coda EV is about the same size as the U.S. market Ford Focus Sedan. The California-based importer claims that the EV sedan has been "engineered to be FMVSS complaint", and based on existing crash test results, the company expects a four or five-Star NCAP crash rating.

The Coda EV is equipped with an electric motor that develops an output of 100kW which is the equivalent of 134 horsepower and 300Nm or 221-lbs/ft of torque. The motor is powered by a set of Lithium-ion batteries that are built by China's Tianjin Lishen Battery Joint-Stock Co., Ltd. The EV can accelerate from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in less than 11 seconds while its top speed is electronically limited to 80mph or 130km/h.

According to Coda, the EV sedan has a real-world range of 90 to 120 miles (145-193km) depending on individual driving habits. The car comes with an onboard charger that can be plugged into any 110 or 220V standard outlet and completes a full charge in less than six hours at a 220V service. Coda said that charging the battery for a 40-mile commute can be completed in two hours. The company estimates that it will cost drivers less than $3 on average, to drive the car for 100 miles.

When it goes on sale in California next year, the Coda EV Sedan will come equipped with several standard features including a telematics package, navigation with turn-by-turn directions, a "green screen" that monitors driving efficiency, roadside assistance with an emergency button, a Bluetooth system with an embedded microphone, Sirius radio, iPod dock, MP3/USB connectivity and alloy wheels.