Tesla says solar roof production has started in Buffalo
According to Reuters, Tesla Inc said on January 9th, 2017 that it began manufacturing its premium solar roof tiles at the company’s Buffalo, New York factory last month and has started surveying the homes of customers who made a deposit of $1,000 to reserve the product last year.
It sounds like long awaiting news, and many people impatiently waiting for the Tesla’s declaration to start solar roof tiles production to become reality.
The Tesla and SolarCity solar roof is a complete roof that is beautiful, durable and brings renewable electricity production to any home or business. When Tesla and SolarCity embarked to design and engineer the solar roof together, the goal was to create the most beautiful and efficient roof ever – one that would make homes look better while reducing the cost of electricity.
The solar roof consists of uniquely designed glass tiles that complement the aesthetics of any home, embedded with the highest efficiency photovoltaic cells. It is infinitely customizable for a variety of different home styles, each uniquely engineered so that the photovoltaic cells are invisible. Customers can choose which sections of their roof will contain the hidden solar technology while still having the entire roof look the same. These new roofs will seamlessly and beautifully supply renewable energy to homes, battery storage systems and back into the grid creating savings for owners. When combined with Tesla Powerwall, the solar roof can power an entire home with 100% renewable energy.
The solar roof is offered in four styles – Textured Glass Tile, Slate Glass Tile, Tuscan Glass Tile, and Smooth Glass Tile – so could be used in a variety of architectural styles.
More than a dozen Tesla employees, including Musk and Chief Technical Officer JB Straubel, had the solar roofs installed on their homes last year as part of an initial pilot program.
Tesla started taking orders for the solar roof tiles in May by asking homeowners to put down a $1,000 deposit via its web site. Tesla would not disclose how many reservations it had received for the solar roof. The product will be installed on some customer rooftops in the coming months.
Further expansion of charging networks in Denmark and Sweden
More than one million electric vehicle drivers have charged their car batteries at E.ON stations in Denmark over the past three years, reports E.ON press release on December 14th, 2017. The one million charges cover a distance of 58 million kilometers.
E.ON entered the Danish e-mobility market in 2014 and became with 1,300 charging points the number one in Denmark. The company intends to maintain this position in the future and is therefore continuously expanding its store network.
E.ON is currently constructing additional charging points in the Danish capital – in places where drivers can park their cars for a certain amount of time anyway and make good use of the parking time to charge their e-cars. Therefore E.ON is entering into partnerships with operators of car parks, fast-food and petrol station chains and municipalities. In addition, E.ON is currently building 80 new charging stations in neighboring Malmö, Sweden.
Denmark is now one of the most developed e-mobility markets in Europe. As the market leader, E.ON has gained valuable experience there in developing and expanding store networks in Germany and other European markets.
Interesting post by cH2ange about hydrogen fuel cells, as a clean energy alternative to conventional gasoline. The fuel cell electric cars, like Toyota Mirai, are already available in some countries. The hydrogen cars run on an electric engine. The benefit of hydrogen powered car comparing to electric battery-powered ones, is that it takes just few minutes to fill the hydrogen tank.
Though, there are quite opposite opinions about hydrogen fuel cells. Watch the movie and let us know what you think via comments.
The mini-electric concept MINI Electric Concept, which, with its classy and futuristic interpretation of the classic MINI language of speech, gives a taste of how sustainable MINI driving pleasure can flourish in tomorrow’s urban environments.
Picture credit: BMW Group
Picture credit: BMW Group
Picture credit: BMW Group
Picture credit: BMW Group
Picture credit: BMW Group
Picture credit: BMW Group
Picture credit: BMW Group
Picture credit: BMW Group
With its compact proportions and its patented go-kart feel, the full-electric MINI Electric Concept is not just a typical MINI, with its electric drive line, its aerodynamic design and lightweight focus, this concept model also gives a glimpse of MINI’s full-electric production model, launched in 2019.
“The systematic strategy for the electrification of the MINI brand and its production models is a vital part of” NUMBER ON> NEXT “- BMW Group’s strategy for the future – and MINI Electric Concept is the next exciting and important chapter in this work,” announces BMW Group Chairman Harald Krüger.
Perfectly adapted to the urban mobility of the future.
MINI Electric Concept is the result of the fact that the classic MINI concept’s urban character and legendary driving pleasure are cut and cut for electrified mobility. The immediate response of the electric drive line, combined with a relevant range and weighted chassis and aerodynamic shape details, results in the typical MINI driving experience. This makes the MINI Electric Concept an all-electric vehicle concept in addition to zero emissions and maximum driving pleasure is also perfectly adapted to all the challenges posed by personal mobility in tomorrow’s urban environments.
MINI – electric pioneer
Already ten years ago, MINI took a decisive step in the development of full-electric drive lines in the form of the fully powered MINI E, a model that laid the foundation for BMW Group’s continued work on electrical mobility solutions. MINI E was introduced in 2008 and was the BMW’s first fully powered model where over 600 MINI E-cars were driven and evaluated by individuals in a daily traffic environment in a comprehensive field trial. In addition to the electrical drive line’s performance and zero emissions, MINI E also delivered lightning acceleration and superb driving performance. The field study’s experiences and lessons learned were then channeled into the development of the BMW Group’s first full-electric production vehicle, BMW i3.
Typical MINI – with extra sharpness.
The BMW Group Design Manager, Adrian van Hooydonk, describes the MINI Electric Concept as “a typical MINI compact, smooth and flashy response; In short, the perfect tool for driving everyday “. He also believes that the concept car’s aerodynamic form and radiance are hardly a gimmick: “Aerodynamics and lightweight design are not only important in motorsport, these qualities are also crucial factors in maximizing the reach of an electric vehicle. In MINI Electric Concept we have chosen a design language that focuses on aerodynamics, with clean, sharp lines that enhance the sense of efficiency while the exterior design is unmistakably MINI. ”
Coloring that shrinks the pioneer model MINI E.
The overall impression of MINI Electric Concept is dominated by a pure line play with a distinct aerodynamic character. The electric drive line in MINI Electric Concept is reminiscent of, among other things, the body’s eye-catching color scheme in silver and yellow, which is a tribute to the original MINI E model from 2008.
Minimalism that exudes power and efficiency.
From the front, the MINI Electric Concept radiates a real MINI feel, with some distinctive features such as the “closed” grill, the car’s headlight arrangement, the powerful sculpted front spoiler and the barbecue’s accent list in Striking Yellow are discreet hints on the emission-free technology under the hood.
The contrast-rich blend of smooth surfaces, distinct contours, color schemes and accents that characterize the front panel continues alongside the sides, and reinforces the sharpness of MINI Electric Concept’s basic proportions. Side sections are marked as the front of purity in the lines, which together with the heavily curved threshold widths give a minimalistic impression of a silhouette that exudes low power and efficiency.
The clean and dynamic language of the design also characterizes the stern party’s design. Smooth surfaces over the tailgate and the upper part of the bumper give the backparty a sporty look flanked by the rear-viewer’s transparent appearance with Union Jack motifs and the lower part of the bumper with the diffuser in the same version as the air spoiler’s air intake. The tip of i is the matte “Reflective Silver” Reflection Silver, which further enhances the MINI Electric Concept’s sophisticated lightweight character.
Form details made with 3D technology.
Another visual highlight of MINI Electric Concept is the dark 19-inch rims in the same design as the grill’s accent list. The outer layer of the aerodynamic posts of the rims has the same design as the “closed” air intake of the front spoiler and both shape details on the MINI Electric Concept are made with 3D printers and emphasize the concept car’s focus on lightweight technology.
Visionary concept for a production-oriented future.
Overall, MINI Electric is a conceptual and formally completed example of how MINI addresses the future demands for mobility in metropolitan areas. A visionary all-electric vehicle concept intended for the near future – with advanced power management, unrivaled efficiency, impressive performance and superb driving dynamics. In short, character features that breathe classic MINI and which are also unmatched in their segment.
New MINI Countryman SE ALL4 – Successful plug-in hybrid.
Already today there is the possibility of running an electrified MINI in the form of the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 plug-in hybrid. The model has become an immediate success, and the new MINI Countryman SE ALL4 is featured on All Service Cars 10th Top List of Chargers, where the model’s high overall rating picks down the Volvo V60 in Charge Hybrid. In all service cars test drive, MINI Countryman SE ALL4 impressed, especially positive, it was based on the combination of driving pleasure and efficiency where the actual range of electricity even proved to be slightly longer than the manufacturer’s own tasks!
Uniti is now available for pre-orders for as little as *149€!
(*refundable at any time)
Uniti is a Sweden’s new safe, clean and affordable electric car. The perfect second family car, daily commuter vehicle, or the first car for the next generation.
The target price is from 14.900€. Plus, in Sweden, E.ON customers will get FREE SOLAR ENERGY when charging their Uniti vehicle at home!
Target Specifications & Options
2, 4 and 5 seater models
Up to 300km range (22kWh battery)
Auxiliary battery to charge anywhere (30km top up)
Home fast charging (AC) 3hrs 10mins = full charge
DC charging 200km range in 30mins
0-80kmph in 3.5 seconds in sports mode (top speed up to 130kmph)
Suitable for both city and highway driving
*Choose your specifications/options in mid 2018 when the vehicle configurator will be released.
Uniti advertises that by placing a pre-order, you can be among the first to test-drive and own a Uniti vehicle.
On December 7th, 2017 Uniti, Sweden’s newest electric car maker, revealed its eagerly awaited new vehicle, the Uniti One. The stylish yet affordable vehicle is designed to set new standards in sustainability, safety and convenience for a price tag of under €19 900.
Held at the company’s production facility in Landskrona, Uniti’s first annual launch event (U17) offered a first peek of the capabilities of Uniti One in front of a 2,000-people strong crowd of press, insiders, enthusiasts, investors and partners. Audience members were given a hands-on preview of the vehicle’s many innovative features, such as impressive energy efficiency (300km with only a 22kWh battery), and it’s unique and intuitive user experience. Lewis Horne, CEO of Uniti states, “We are pleased to share our progress and demonstrate our vision for future mobility as we move towards mass production.” A demonstration of its forward-thinking interior drew audible interest as it showcased two available steering options, one traditional and also their world-first, centre pivot joystick control system unique to Uniti.
Uniti will offer a line of two, four and five-seat vehicle models, with first deliveries targeted for 2019. All models are premium products, but even the high-end versions will retail for around €19,900, with lower cost options available for as low as €14 900. Eager customers can join a rapidly growing list of Uniti enthusiasts (over 1,000 pre-orders to date and rapidly growing already before launch) by reserving their Uniti One for a refundable pre-order cost of €149. Pre-ordering the Uniti One will offer early access to the online vehicle configurator, eligibility for the pending beta test program, and early delivery among other perks. Further details and purchase options are available online at www.uniti.earth/order or through Uniti retail partner MediaMarkt. Prospective drivers in Sweden can also now visit in-store showrooms to see the Uniti One for themselves by visiting MediaMarkt locations in Malmö (Svågertorp) and Stockholm (Nacka).
About Uniti Uniti exists to design, produce and bring to the mass market, ultra modern, high performance, premium electric cars. Uniti vehicles are lightweight, and designed with a particular focus on holistic sustainability. The vehicle launched on 7 December 2017 in its production facility in Landskrona, Sweden, and first deliveries are scheduled for 2019.
Tonight was a first ever launch of Uniti electric car!
Uniti is a Swedish startup company, which is developing an electric urban car.
U17 was a fantastic event, revealing the fantastic car!
This site is all about electric cars, bikes, scooters, vehicles and around. We want to make an Earth a better place be supporting the movement to environment friendly, pollution free means of transportation, energy consumption and production.
“El resa” means “electric ride” (or travel, journey, trip, voyage) in Swedish. We like how it sounds, hence here we go!
The site concept is work in never-ending progress. We want to keep it agile and responsive to always-changing world around us. We encourage you to share your comments, suggestions, posts and thoughts with us! Thus contribute to the effort of making world a bit cleaner and better place to live in.
