The 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit – better known as the Detroit Motor Show – is expected to be a powerful showcase for new electric car technologies. The show, which takes place between January 11th and 24th, 2010, will feature an entire exhibition devoted to them for the first time ever. Named ‘Electric Avenue’, this will cover an area of 37,000 square feet, present about 20 electric vehicles produced both by well-established carmakers and small enterprises, and include both conferences and the chance to view these cars in action and even ride in them.

Electric Car Technologies

A number of car manufacturers have firm plans to bring mass-produced electric car technologies to the market in the closing months of 2010, and the Detroit Motor show will host many of these. One attraction will be the debut exhibition appearance of the Nissan Leaf – a 100 per cent electric design capable of travelling 100 miles off a single charge. The Chevrolet Volt has been seen before (it debuted at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show) but it too will be present. The Volt will soon enter commercial production and be available to would-be-environmentally friendly car purchasers at around $40,000, excluding associated tax credit schemes.

Among the European car manufacturers set to be represented at the show, at least one – BMW – is expected to launch a new electric car design, while Toyota will exhibit a brand new hybrid: this firm’s Prius design having proven to be a popular hybrid model in recent months.

Electric Military Vehicles

Electric/hybrid vehicles won’t just be represented by private motor cars, however: the US Army is planning to show its new CERV (Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle) electric military vehicle design, produced by Michigan-based TARDEC (the Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center). The CERV is a diesel hybrid intended to be used for surveillance, reconnaissance and other military roles, while lowering fuel consumption by 25 per cent.

“In keeping with the nation's interest in fuel efficiency, renewable power and energy security, TARDEC is fully engaged in ambitious programs that push development of hybrid electric vehicles for U.S. military use," Paul Skalny - National Automotive Center Director at TARDEC National – stated in recent media comments. “The organization is also pursuing advanced technologies in areas like energy storage, power and thermal management, robotics, survivability and vehicle platform design that not only benefit our soldiers, but have commercial applications as well.”

Enviro News will present further coverage on the electric vehicle element of the Detroit Motor Show as future facts emerge.

See also:

Electric Car Designs at Auto Show