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Tesla Chooses Hanergy Solar’s Thin-film Products for its Supercharging System

April 23, 2014 in China, Electric Vehicles, EV charging, EV News, Supercharger, Tesla

Photo courtesy of Hanergy Solar Group

Photo courtesy of Hanergy Solar Group

BEIJING, April 23, 2014 — At the recent delivery ceremony of Tesla’s first batch of Chinese orders in Beijing, two PV charging systems caught the eyes of the guests. The system was requested by Tesla Motors, and designed and manufactured by Hanergy Solar Group. Hanergy thin-film flexible PV system was Tesla’s first choice for the first PV Supercharger station in China. Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla Motors, said at the ceremony, “In the future, Tesla will work with partners to build supercharger network. The first charging station in Beijing was built in cooperation with Hanergy Solar Group. Tesla will continue to invest in the construction of superchargers in China, aiming to quickly expand the network.”

Hanergy Solar Group will deliver two solar carports, each in Beijing and Jiading, Shanghai. The Beijing carport, a mobile carport designed to be assembled and transported, adopts Hanergy’s GSE flexible thin-film solar modules. The Shanghai carport will be a fixed structure, and adopts Hanergy’s MiaSole CIGS high-efficiency modules. The first phase of both carports has been completed.

In Elon Musk’s first interview on “Dialogue,” a China Central Television program, the American billionaire said that China is a key market and Tesla would make big investments in China, including investments in environment for charging, building seven super charging networks, and providing uninterrupted solar power supply 24 hours per day. The first batch of charging stations will be built up in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

The PV charging system by Hanergy Solar Group protects vehicles like ordinary carports while converting sunlight into electricity utilizing its designated rooftop. At the same time, the system charges the electric vehicle through its energy storage system. The system uses the CIGS thin-film PV technology, the most advanced in the world. With conversion rates peaking at 20.5%, this technology offers light weight, flexibility, excellent low-light performance and advanced packaging. More importantly, no fixed column is required, which significantly reduces the cost. The carport is mobile, beautiful, modern in appearance, and a perfectly integrated to city surroundings, providing convenient and fast charging services to electric car owners.

Ms. Zhang Qingliang, Vice President of Hanergy Global Solar Power and Application Group said, “We are pleased to be the one to provide Tesla the first batch of solar powered Supercharging stations in China. As a technology-driven company, Hanergy has been actively exploring ways to utilize its thin-film photovoltaic technology to provide solutions through technological innovation and cross industrial integration. We have been working with multiple domestic and foreign automobile manufacturers to integrate solar, and is also researching on energy storage, photovoltaic car roof and other solar-automobile applications.”

In his interview, Elon Musk also stressed that the charging stations that Tesla is building in China can work 24 hours per day. Utilizing solar power and energy storage systems, the charging stations reduce the impact of electric coal on environment. The batteries are charged during the daytime with solar power; then can supply power for vehicles at night. In fact, under the double pressure of escalating oil price and increasingly strict emission standards, the electric vehicle industry has become a strategic industry all over the world.

Electric coal is currently the dominating source of energy. The EV industry still suffers from the traditional energy supply pattern. Combining the electric automobile industry and that of renewable energy, the cooperation between Tesla and Hanergy is an active practice towards cross-industrial technological innovation. It is a first step towards freedom from the traditional energy pattern and the plight of traditional fossil energy on which the current electric auto industry relies upon.

This article is a repost, credit: Hanergy.

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Tesla Motors Presents Supercharging At IAA And Announces Plans For European Network Expansion

September 10, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Model S, Supercharger, Tesla

Frankfurt IAA hosts Germany’s first Supercharger, Tuesday, September 10, 2013

"Many Europeans will live within 320 km of a #Supercharger by end of 2014." Tesla tweet (9-10-13) Photo courtesy of Tesla

“Many Europeans will live within 320 km of a #Supercharger by end of 2014.” Tesla tweet (9-10-13)
Photo courtesy of Tesla

Tesla Motors presents its award winning Model S and revolutionary Supercharger at this year’s Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) in Frankfurt. Having begun the first European deliveries of Model S this August in Norway, followed by Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland, IAA is an important platform to showcase Model S to Europe.

“The focus of Model S on design, engineering and performance makes it very well suited for the European market,” said Elon Musk, Tesla co-founder and CEO. “This year has already been one of tremendous growth and expansion throughout Europe for Tesla and Model S. Before the end of this year, our European operations will expand even further, with new stores and service centres in locations including Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Berlin, Paris, Cote d’Azur/Provence, Stavanger, Vienna, Amsterdam, Basel, Geneva, Rotterdam, Arnhem, Stockholm and London.”

At the same time that Model S hit European roads, Tesla energized Superchargers in Europe, including one on-site at IAA. Tesla Superchargers represent the most advanced charging technology in the world, capable of charging Model S 20x faster than most common charging stations. Superchargers provide half a charge in about 20 minutes, delivering up to 120 kW DC (Direct Current) power directly to the Model S battery.

Tesla’s first network of European Supercharging stations opened in Norway at the end of August, allowing Model S owners to travel conveniently and for free across Norway’s most vital and commonly used roads and highways. More European routes will be energized in the coming months, providing coverage well within the Model S rated range of 480 km per charge. By the end of 2014, 100 percent of the population of Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Denmark and Luxembourg will live within 320 km of a Supercharger station, with about 90 percent of the population in England, Wales and Sweden living within the same distance of a charging station.

“Tesla’s Supercharger network is a game changer for electric vehicles and will offer Model S owners free, fast charging for convenient long distance drives throughout Europe,” said JB Straubel, Chief Technical Officer at Tesla. “All our Superchargers are located near amenities like roadside restaurants, cafes and shopping centresso that road trippers can stop for a quick meal while their Model S charges for free.”

About Tesla

Tesla Motors’ (NASDAQ: TSLA) goal is to accelerate the world’s transition to electric mobility with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs, as well as EV powertrain components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered over 15,000 electric vehicles to customers in 31 countries. Deliveries of Model S in Europe started this summer.

About Model S

Model S is the world’s first premium sedan built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, meticulously designed and engineered to elevate the public’s expectations of what a car can be. At the heart of Model S is the proven Tesla powertrain, delivering both unprecedented range and a thrilling drive experience. With a rigid body structure, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a remarkably low center of gravity, Model S offers the responsiveness and agility expected from world’s best sports cars while providing the ride quality of a premium sedan.

Setting the bar for electric driving range, Model S offers 60 kWh and 85 kWh battery options, delivering unprecedented range of up to 500 km (on the NEDC drive cycle) with the 85 kWh variant. Both batteries are contained within the same enclosure, integrating with the vehicle in the same way, providing structural, aerodynamic, and handling advantages. The batteries use automotive-grade lithium-ion cells arranged for optimum energy density, thermal management, and safety

Without an internal combustion engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of Model S has more cargo space than any other sedan in its class and includes a second trunk under the hood. The interior features a 17” in-dash touchscreen with Internet capabilities.

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Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding expansion of European operations and future Tesla Supercharger locations, timing and capabilities, are “forward-looking statements” that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, and as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those projected. Various important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including potential difficulties in finding suitable Tesla  store, service centre and Supercharger sites, negotiating leases or obtaining required permits for such locations, as well as the risks and uncertainties identified under the sections captioned “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations” in Tesla’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2013. Tesla disclaims any obligation to update information contained in these forward-looking statements.

This article is a repost, credit: Tesla Motors, http://www.teslamotors.com/. Video courtesy of Tesla Motors

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EV Sales Skyrocketing. eGallon Holds Steady, Source: DOE

July 19, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Tesla

Image courtesy of DOE

Image courtesy of DOE

The latest national eGallon price is $1.18, as compared to $3.49 for a gallon of unleaded gasoline. In June, the Department of Energy launched the eGallon to help inform EV drivers how much they can save by fueling their cars with electricity instead of gasoline. Our popular eGallon tool allows consumers to see the difference in eGallon and gasoline prices state by state.

This update comes as Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz today highlighted the continued growth of electric vehicle sales — doubling in the first six months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. In fact, according to numbers from Argonne National Lab and the Hybrid Market Dashboard, June’s EV sales were the strongest on record for the United States.

eGallon holds steady

First, the eGallon. What do EV drivers like to see from their eGallon? Low and stable prices. In the latest monthly data, which reflect April’s electricity prices, the national eGallon price rose about 4 cents — from $1.14 to $1.18. This slight increase in eGallon prices was predictable, as electricity rates generally trend upward as the hotter summer months approach — but, then again, so do gasoline prices. Even with higher summer electricity rates, the eGallon still costs about a third as much as a gallon of gasoline — and if you live in a state that offers reduced-rate prices for EV charging, your eGallon price could be even lower.

The biggest fluctuations in eGallon prices came in two states: Vermont and Rhode Island. In Vermont, an uptick followed a month of relatively low electricity prices that experts at the EIA suggest might be a statistical anomaly. In Rhode Island, prices fell. But Rhode Island is a state where you might say that electricity prices are “predictably volatile.” In most larger states — like California, New York and Texas — EV prices crept up a few cents.

Gasoline prices fell about 16 cents from June to July — from $3.65 to $3.49. The EIA says that part of the reason for declining gasoline prices is higher fuel efficiency in American cars, which has shaved off about 21,000 barrels from U.S. daily oil demand. At the same time, increased production has added to supply.

Levi Tillemann Special Advisor for Policy and International Affairs Photo courtesy of DOE

Levi Tillemann
Special Advisor for Policy and International Affairs
Photo courtesy of DOE

EV sales: Let’s do the numbers 

EV sales are surging. In the first six months of 2013, Americans bought more than 40,000 plug-in electric vehicles — more than twice as many as the same period in 2012. Click here to download the data set for monthly EV and hybrid sales.

Sales were led by the Chevy Volt, which moved about 2,700 units in June. But Nissan also posted huge gains — selling 2,225 LEAFs. Cumulatively, Nissan sold more than 200 percent more LEAFs in the first half of 2013 than in the first six months of 2012.

What are some of the possible explanations for this huge rise in LEAF sales? One is price. By transferring production from Japan to the U.S. with the help of a Department of Energy loan and making a number of other modifications, Nissan was able to reduce the price of its LEAF by $6,000. Nissan has also started rolling out a network of 500 fast chargers across the U.S. that will make it possible to charge your Nissan LEAF up to 80 percent in under 30 minutes.

Tesla Motors, which recently repaid its entire outstanding loan to the Department of Energy nine years ahead of schedule, has also been posting big sales numbers. In fact, in the first quarter of 2013, Tesla beat its own sales goals by delivering 4,900 Model S sedans and posted its first quarterly profit. Tesla hasn’t announced its second quarter sales yet, so we’re using independent market estimates from the Hybrid Market Dashboard as a placeholder until the actual Model S numbers come in.

These are impressive numbers for the industry, but what do they mean for the long term? Joann Zhou, an analyst at Argonne National Lab, says that a simple trend analysis would indicate that EVs are on track for growth that significantly outpaces hybrid vehicles. She does this by looking at vehicle sales since introduction. For instance, the Prius was released in 1999, and the first U.S. plug-in vehicles were released at the end of 2010. By counting 31 months forward for each, we can see that EVs are outselling hybrids by a factor of more than two to one. That’s great news for the future of electrification.

Check back next month for more eGallon updates, and make sure to use the eGallon tool to see eGallon prices in your state.

This article is a repost, credit: US Department of Energy, http://energy.gov/articles/ev-sales-skyrocketing-egallon-holds-steady.

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Tesla Supercharging Stations at CBL Malls

June 24, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Supercharger, Tesla

Tesla Supercharger Plug Photo courtesy of Tesla

Tesla Supercharger Plug
Photo courtesy of Tesla

CBL & Associates Properties Inc. (NYSE: CBL) today announced the launch of a partnership with Tesla Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) to install Tesla Supercharging stations at several CBL Malls across the country. Tesla is building a network of Supercharging stations that will eventually enable Tesla owners to drive coast to coast in their electric vehicles. The initial cooperation will place Tesla Superchargers at five CBL Malls to include Gulf Coast Town Center in Fort Myers, FL; The Pavilion at Port Orange in Port Orange, FL; Alamance Crossing in Burlington, NC; CherryVale Mall in Rockford, IL and Imperial Valley in El Centro, CA.

Tesla Superchargers allow Tesla owners to travel for free between cities along well-traveled highways in North America. Superchargers provide half a charge in about 20 minutes and are strategically placed to allow owners to drive from station to station with minimal stops. By the end of the summer, Tesla will have two dozen stations to support long-distance driving along the most popular routes in North America and where customers want to stop, such as cafes, restaurants, and shopping areas. By the end of the year, Model S drivers will be able to travel coast to coast for free charging along the Supercharging network.

“CBL is pleased to be one of the first national mall developers to enter into a long-term partnership with Tesla. We are very excited to bring this amenity to our customers and the surrounding community,” said Jim Ward, Vice President of Brand Development for CBL. “We are confident that Tesla owners will appreciate the convenience of charging their vehicles at our well-located shopping centers that serve as the hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment in their communities.”

“We have been working hard to bring in new charging stations across the U.S. to give our customers more opportunities to travel in their Tesla vehicles,” said Mateo Jaramillo, director of powertrain business development. “With this partnership, CBL is helping to enable free long-distance travel along heavily traveled routes in Florida, North Carolina, Illinois, and California, while helping to enable the transition to electric mobility.”

About Tesla Motors Inc.

Tesla Motors’ (NASDAQ: TSLA) goal is to accelerate the world’s transition to electric mobility with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs, as well as EV powertrain components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered more than 10,000 electric vehicles to customers in 31 countries.

About CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.

CBL is one of the largest and most active owners and developers of malls and shopping centers in the United States. CBL owns, holds interests in or manages 158 properties, including 96 regional malls/open-air centers. The properties are located in 31 states and total 92.7 million square feet including 10.5 million square feet of non-owned shopping centers managed for third parties. Headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, CBL has regional offices in Boston (Waltham), MA, Dallas (Irving), TX, and St. Louis, MO. Additional information can be found at cblproperties.com.

This article is a repost, credit: CBL & Associates Properties, http://www.cblproperties.com/cbl.nsf/index.html.

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by Jack Collins

Tesla Freedom to Roam on the Supercharger Sustainable Road

June 6, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Tesla

Tesla Supercharger Photo courtesy of Tesla

Tesla Supercharger
Photo courtesy of Tesla

Tesla plans to have the entire Supercharger network running on clean sustainable power.  Coast to coast, the company will be charging Model S cars on sunshine.  This is one of the greatest developments in the United States in modern times.  And, it has far reaching potential benefits for the world.  It is not very difficult to see the direction this is headed.

A Supercharger can provide 200 miles of range in a half hour.  Undoubtedly, there are a number of world leaders that would like to talk to Mr. Musk about his Supercharger.  As time moves forward, Mr. Musk is going to increasingly feel the pressure to develop the generation III.  In Europe, people pay approximately double the gasoline prices of the United States.  In Norway, where the first European Model S deliveries will be made, the petrol prices are very expensive despite the country being an oil exporter.  The Norwegian government has put in place some of most progressive electric car policies in the world.  As a whole, the country is very mindful of sustainability.  Mr. Musk will start his European Supercharger sustainable road here, in Norway.

We are at the end of the age of cheap oil.  However, the end game has changed.  We are now at the beginning of a whole new beginning for electricity.  We can adapt to an electric world.  In the clear blue sky, the sun is shining, and a Supercharger is charging an electric car.  Human beings want a clean sustainable future, and world leaders want to deliver.

About EV News Report    

EV News Report is a news and information service on electric car news with a focus on the campaigns, events and star leaders shaping the electric car revolution.

Electric vehicles are driving the change to a clean green sustainable future for the United States and the world. Tesla CEO Elon Musk and other EV stars have launched a revolution. At EV News Report, you will see daily updates on the happenings of the industry, including Tesla news, LEAF news, and all the leading EV industry players.

Plug-in to the electric car revolution by creating a free account with EV News Report and join the forums to discuss your ideas with other EV enthusiasts. We’re just getting the electric motor started. Let’s change the world…

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Tesla Motors Announces 2013 Annual Shareholder Meeting Webcast

June 3, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, Tesla

PALO ALTO, Calif.- Tesla Motors, Inc. announces the webcast for its 2013 Annual Shareholder Meeting.

Dear Tesla Motors Stockholders:

You are cordially invited to join the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders of Tesla Motors scheduled for Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at 3:00 p.m., PDT, via the Internet at www.teslamotors.com/2013shareholdermeeting or in person at the Computer History Museum, 1401 North Shoreline Boulevard, Mountain View, California 94043.

Attendance at this meeting is limited to shareholders only.

About Tesla

Tesla Motors’ (NASDAQ: TSLA) goal is to accelerate the world’s transition to electric mobility with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs, as well as EV powertrain components for partners such as Toyota and Daimler. Tesla has delivered more than 10,000 electric vehicles to customers in 31 countries.

This article is a repost, credit: Tesla Motors, http://www.teslamotors.com/about/press/releases/tesla-motors-announces-2013-annual-shareholder-meeting-webcast-0.

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by Jack Collins

Electric Cars Pros and Cons

June 1, 2013 in Electric Vehicles, EV News, LEAF, Nissan, Supercharger, Tesla

Tesla Model S at Supercharger Photo courtesy of Tesla

Tesla Model S at Supercharger
Photo courtesy of Tesla

The pros and cons of electric cars are a hot debate these days due to the rise of Tesla’s stock (TSLA).  Are EVs ready for prime time? 

EV News Report posted an article on the pros and cons of electric vehicles (EVs) back on February 6 after the weak EV sales results in the month of January.  Since that date, the EV industry has received a big upswing in attention from the media and the public.  Why?  There is one primary reason and one secondary.

Primary: Tesla proved to the world that it is a winner, a success!  The all-electric car company reported a profit in the first quarter.  In addition, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has set clear short and long-term goals for the company to build upon its early success.  Mr. Musk has been very visible in recent months to educate the media and the public as to the benefits and potential of Tesla Motors.  The company is 100% focused on all-electric vehicles.  Tesla’s success, vision and focus makes the company the leader in the electric car revolution.  Tesla’s stock (TSLA) appears to be telling us that change is in the air.  Zero emissions!

Read more: Tesla Dramatically Expands Supercharger Network, Delivering Convenient, Free Long Distance Driving Throughout U.S. and Canada

See more: Tesla Supercharger Maps

Read more: Electric Cars Pros and Cons Tesla

Read more: Tesla Sees Demand Increase with Financing Option

Read more: Tesla Improves Financing Product with Best Resale Value Guarantee and Lower Monthly Payments

Image courtesy of Nissan

Image courtesy of Nissan

Secondary: The 2013 Nissan LEAF has seen an increase in sales due largely to the reduced price.  The base LEAF (LEAF S) starts at $28,800 in the U.S. before tax incentives.  Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn is producing the LEAF in Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, and he plans to produce the LEAF in China as well.  In addition, the company has stepped up its quick charging developments.

Read more: Nissan LEAF Charges Through 10,000 European Sales Milestone

Read more: Nissan LEAF Crosses 25,000 U.S. Sales Milestone

Read more:  Nissan LEAF Sales Record, Price Matters!

Electric Cars Pros and Cons

Tesla and Nissan have been addressing the affordability issue and charging aspects.  By addressing these issues, these two companies are helping to push the EV industry out of the early adopter stage.  Mr. Musk and Mr. Ghosn are the leaders of the electric car revolution.  However, Tesla has the advantage, because the company is solely focused on the adoption of electric cars.  The market potential for electric cars is enormous, so there is much for the major manufacturers to lose by not planning ahead.

The following are the all-powerful pros of electric cars that EV enthusiasts espouse in varying combinations: 

  • Zero emissions or reduced emissions, if 100% EV or hybrid EV respectfully
  • Domestic electric energy to power the EV
  • The simplicity and comfort of home EV charging
  • The ongoing EV fuel savings and maintenance savings

Electric car cons are:

  • EVs are too expensive
  • Range anxiety, the EV does not have a far enough range on a battery charge
  • It takes too long to recharge an EV battery
  • There is not enough public charging infrastructure
  • The added expense of a home level II charging system
  • There is no or not enough level II charging infrastructure or level I at apartment/commercial parking lot
  • EV technology needs more time to improve

All these electric car cons are being addressed, but they are going to take more time to fully rectify.  The EV revolution will gain speed as each electric car pro and con is magnified or reduced respectfully.  In the long-run, major technology changes always seem to surprise on the upside.

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