The Subaru G4e does away with an engine and petrol in favour of electric motors and batteries. By TOBY HAGON. Subaru unveiled its idea of a futuristic electric car at the 2007 Tokyo motor show in the form of the G4e concept. The thee-door G4e looks like a regular modern hatchback, but it’s beneath the skin that the G4e’s beauty lies. Instead of using a regular engine and petrol, the G4e gets an electric motor and batteries. The Subaru G4e is Subaru’s next step towards more environmentally friendly motoring. Subaru is also using the latest-generation lithium-ion batteries, which use vanadium, said to vastly improve range and efficiency. Mated to a 65kW electric motor, the Subaru G4e can travel 200 kilometres on a single charge. Unlike hybrid cars, there is no petrol engine to assist or provide back-up. To improve practicality of electric vehicles that need recharging, the new batteries can be charged up to 80 per cent of their capacity in just 15 minutes. A full, slow charge takes eight hours. The Subaru G4e boasts a triangular three-door body complete with some modern touches and additions. This entire post copied from http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleD...ArticleID=44962 PS; not sure why the vehicle is described as a 3 door when the photo is of a 4 or 5 door.
sure ya i'll take one.... PSYCHE!!! didnt notice any estimated release date for this so at least they dont make promises they cant keep. gm are you listening?
In the related article links on pat's link is yet another electric - this time from Mitsubishi - i-Miev Sport which also has a 200km range, and a reported top speed of 180 km/h. Nice summary of what is being shown in Tokyo.
