The Fisker Karma Sunset, a stunningly beautiful hardtop convertible plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), has won the 2009 Production Preview Concept of the Year. The award is part of the eighth annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year awards which honor the vehicles most likely to influence the future of the automotive industry. Just from sheer looks alone, the Fisker Karma Sunset, also called the Karma S, would have done that. But, by combining that incredible style with great energy efficiency and impressive performance, the Karma S secured a place in history.
Following the approval of a loan from the U.S. Department of Energy, Nissan has announced that they will be drastically expanding the operations of their Smyrna, Tennessee. The $1.6 billion loan will be used to bring the factory into the 21st century by making it capable of constructing battery electric vehicles and individual battery packs for other vehicles.
When people talk about all of the new technologies that accompany the development of hybrid and electric vehicles, the discussion usually focuses on batteries and electric motors. One very important aspect of this development, however, is often ignored: tires. Tire manufacturers are working hard to create a new generation of rolling stock that will provide a lower rolling resistance, good treadwear life, and adequate grip; a very tricky combination to pull off.
