The MSRC has been supporting the advancement of clean vehicles - and the infrastructure to fuel them - ever since its inception. Carmakers are now beginning to provide a more diverse array of clean vehicle options. The 2016 Detroit Auto Show featured the debut of seven new concept and production clean vehicles that provide insights about the future trends of the industry.
Many of these cars are first-of-their-kind in product categories and demonstrate the growing diversity of clean vehicle options that we can expect to see from automakers. This year, carmakers debuted next-gen hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), off-roading EVs and the world’s first electric minivan. Here’s a quick look at the new offerings:
017 Chevy Bolt
Chevrolet is significantly advancing the range of electric vehicles by introducing its first electric vehicle with 200 mile range. The Bolt will have a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery, and its electric motor will deliver 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to take the 960 pound Bolt EV from 0-60 mph in under seven seconds.
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid
Chrysler unveiled the world’s first electric minivan. It seats 7-8 passengers and it can drive for 30 miles on battery power alone – an impressive feat for a vehicle of this size. The vehicle gets 80 MPGe (miles per gallon gasoline equivalent) when you factor in the Pacifica’s 248 horsepower V6 engine.
2017 Ford Fusion Energi
Ford’s combined plug-in vehicle sales top the charts in the US – and for 2017 they debuted a fresh new look for the Fusion sedan. The new Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid features a sharper, sportier front end, improved performance, and more efficient electric motors. It’s also packed with state of the art technology – including pedestrian detection, hands-free parking, and Ford’s new SYNC 3 infotainment system.
BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid
BMW is working on electrifying its entire vehicle lineup. The 330e Plug-in Hybrid offers 22 miles of electric-only range and 252 horsepower thanks to an 88 hp electric motor paired with a 184 hp four-cylinder engine.
Audi H-Tron Quattro
The H-Tron pairs a 110 kW fuel cell with a 100 kW lithium-ion battery, it has a range of 373 miles, and it fills up in 4 minutes flat. The vehicle also has an energy-conserving heat pump and a solar roof that can provide 620 miles of emission-free driving per year.
Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active
VW unveiled a plug-in hybrid that can go off-road and drive in extreme conditions. The four-wheel-drive Tiguan GTE Active concept offers 221 horsepower. It can travel 20 miles in all-electric mode and it has a combined range of 580 miles.
Lexus LF-FC Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle
The LF-FC is Lexus’ first fuel cell car. The flagship sedan makes good on its futuristic looks by including autonomous driving tech and a holographic interface that lets you control the car with a wave of your hand.