Ford/Azure Dynamics Transit Connect Electric

Nissan isn't just using its experience with electric vehicle batteries to make consumer cars. At the Tokyo Truck Show this week, Nissan's Light Commercial Vehicles unit is showing off several concepts utilizing the energy storage technology available in the LEAF, including an all-electric truck called the ATLAS e-NT400. Based on the popular ATLAS F24, the zero-emissions e-NT400 concept has a cruising range of 100 kilometers, utilizing a similar powertrain to the one found in the LEAF.

What's the secret sauce of electric cars? In a speed-obsessed society, you’d expect it to be acceleration—which most EVs have in spades. But actually the thing that distinguishes one electric car from one another is not how quickly it gets going, but the way it stops. In recent weeks, I’ve reached out to engineers from BMW, Ford, Toyota, Honda and Tesla to learn about each company’s approach to regenerative braking—the system that provides the feel or flavor of their electric cars.

On May 6 - 8, my company, PlugInConnect, organized an EV Experience event—not related to GE’s events that share the same name—as part of the 10th Annual Living Green Expo at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. For the first time in Minnesota, everyone from key decision makers to the general public had an opportunity to see plug-in vehicles, charging infrastructure, and even a functioning solar charging system. The most exciting aspect was the chance to experience test rides in various EVs and plug-in hybrids.