The proponents of the research see a direct correlation between consumer acceptance of electric vehicle technology and batteries being sold separately.

At first look, consumer may be hesitant on buying a $15,000 battery pack with their vehicles. They might be thinking that the battery technology is not yet proven and it may have issues on longevity and durability. EV owners may also think that the car they purchased may not fit their need in the long run and will be a bit reluctant on getting the battery as part of the total cost.

Car manufacturers looked into the study and are following what it suggests. Nissan is not yet decided if it will include the battery with their LEAF and considers leasing the battery as another product. Other major car makers have long decided that leasing the battery is the right way to go.

Marketing wise, the cost of the vehicle with the battery also makes the price appear to be a lot lower. Car buyers do not see the rolled in cost if the $15K battery comes with the package. Most buyers see the monthly leasing battery fee as a more affordable option.

Experts expect a turn around in the attitude of consumers as soon as feedback with regard to battery and electric vehicle technology start to come in. When this time comes, consumers may want the battery to come with the total cost and they may see some other use for the car battery pack after it has served its purpose with their EVs.

Adding to the upgrading of their vehicles, CCE also said that they now have a heavier duty hybrid tractor. The said vehicle is aimed at supporting a 55,000 lbs gross vehicle combination weight. The said innovation is a welcome development for the company’s 33,000 lbs gross vehicle weight.

CCE’s newest truck is designed with a hybrid powertrain for heavier loads. The new hybrid tractor is also in line with CCE’s campaign toward less energy consumption. The new truck is said to consume 305%less fuel that that of its old counterparts. CCE officials also said that the truck is said to produce 30% less of their old hybrid truck’s emissions.

The popular beverage company is not entirely new to the hybrid campaign. CCE has, in fact, started their research for hybrid trucks since 2001. The company has partnered with their suppliers in the search for hybrid electric trucks.

As of press time, CCE has deployed hybrid electric cars in different cities in North America. Some of them include Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, Baltimore, Miami, Los Angeles, Toronto and Washington DC. Company officials said that the new hybrid acquisitions are planned to be deployed.

The LAMPO gets its raw power from electric BRUSA motors installed in its front and rear parts. The rear portion is designed to be maximized for acceleration while the rear engine will utilize regenerative braking technology. Combined, these two motors produce an output of 268 horsepower with a torque of approximately 440Nm.

The company boasts that the LAMPO can perform like a modern sporty car with the advantage of traveling on its 32KWh battery for 200 kilometers.

The LAMPO utilizes for charging an energy source known to mankind for around 4.5 billion years, the sun. Getting its DNA from a Tuscany photovoltaic plant, the car is able to take advantage of the solar energy.

The energy efficiency of the car is unparalleled and it is also winning praises for its zero emission performance. If mixed with modern European electricity mix, the CO2 emission might be as low as 7g/km or as much as 40 g/km based on the EU projection for 2020.

The LAMPO was designed by the Swiss company Protoscar based in Ticino, Switzerland. The company focuses on designing of Clean Cars and the introduction of these technologies to the market.

LAMPO literally means “lightning” in Italian, a name that goes well with a sports car that aims to be fast but efficient.

The track is located at the Michigan Hall at the lower level of the Cobo Center. Around 12 vehicles are available for journalists during the press preview and the public during regular exhibition day.

According to organizers the annual car show is the perfect venue to display the future and developments in the auto industry. Aside from consumers about 6000 journalists from all over the globe attend the event.

A lot of electric, hybrid, and concept cars will be in the block with the new releases of the major car makers. Displaying the next generation mode of transportation, that is being more conscious about the environment and efficient, is the focus of most players of the auto industry. According to organizers, this just shows that the auto industry is heading the right direction amid the global financial crisis.

The vehicles on display are proof that the car makers are exerting effort and money with their research and development programs.

The EcoExperience will allow the press and public ride the vehicles from Mitsubishi, Ford Motor Co., and General Motors Corporation.

The test drive is strictly limited to speeds of 10 miles per hour. Crash barriers are also in place around the forest like track.

The space available for the green car experience may also be due to the withdrawal of major car industry players like Mitsubish, Ferrari, Nissan, and several others who intend to cost cut or allocate the budget for other essential company expenditures.

A comical looking car, it has been described as a bobsled on wheels. In fact, the passenger sits behind the driver. If one requires added storage space the rear seat removes leaving space for a couple suitcases. Believe it or not, the Tango is actually six inches less wide than the average motorcycle. Not only does it reduce dangerous emissions, it also reduces congestion as four cars can fit in one parallel parking spot and two ride in a traditional roadway lane.

Although little in size, performance compares with other vehicles going from zero to sixty miles per hour in a mere four seconds and can reach speeds of one hundred and fifty mph. Using lead-acid batteries, the car plugs into a standard dryer outlet making charging fast and convenient. And with the tough emission laws in the state of California, the Tango exceeds all expectations with zero emissions.

Because the company does not have available funding for mass production, the current price point of over one hundred thousand dollars is cost prohibitive. The owners do believe, however, that once the Tango is accepted and receives ample funding for large-scale production, the price would be lower than twenty thousand dollars.

Venturi Automobiles are known for their leadership in renewable energy cars and have been producing superior electric vehicles since 2001. Classified as energy-autonomous, the Eclectic was the first dually powered solar-electric vehicle. Not only is this car complemented by the use of electricity for recharging, it can also be charged and powered by both solar energy and wind turbines.

Venturi’s Fétish was shown in 2004 and has been on a two-year world sojourn gaining recognition and respect for its prowess as an electric vehicle. What makes the Fétish most exciting is its sports car capabilities and features. And the last vehicle from their leading group of environmentally positive cars is the Astrolab, an electro-solar hybrid. Racing features, Formula 1 safety, charging capabilities while in motion or idle, no fossil fuel resources, the Astrolab is uniquely crafted with yacht-like precision in its aqua-dynamic design. Solar Powered Cars are awesome — and the Astrolab is a great thing.

Michelin, “a better way forward”, is focused on advanced technologies and reducing negative environmental impact through the development of tires for all aspects of transportation including the US space shuttle.

The new vehicle will be presented at the Venturi booth and will be introduced through a press conference the first day of the Paris Motor Show.

For more background information on the web, check:

• http://www.venturi.fr/
• http://www.michelin.com/