Automakers like Tesla and Fisker have opened the door for electric sports cars, and now there are repots that Lotus is working on a battery-powered vehicle, as well. According to Lotus' CEO, Michael Kimberly, we should not be "surprised to see an electric Lotus shortly."

According to Motor Authority, this new Lotus will use a gas-powered generator to charge its batteries on the go and that this vehicle will be able to travel up to 400 miles on one tank of fuel. Lotus says that they're working in collaboration with a major automotive manufacturer to develop certain parts of this sports car. Also, MA points out that Tesla currently contracts Lotus to assemble the bodies for its electric roadster, though this new product from Lotus will compete directly with cars like the Tesla.

As for us, we're eagerly awaiting the fuel-sipping comparison test between these electric sports cars. Lotus wants to develop this car in order to expand its model range after the official launch of the new four-seat Evora later this year.

+ Motor Authority: Lotus working on range-extending electric vehicle

Held every January in Las Vegas, NV, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will feature a Greener Gadgets Techzone section for 2009. The exhibits will be displayed in Central Hall, and highlight pioneering technologies that benefit the environment and sustainability of global economy.  

Amongst the crowd will be ELV motors, one of the first electric transportation companies to participate at CES. The company presents a whole range of "Fleet Certified" electric bicycles and electric and hybrid scooters. At its booth will be both the regular and police versions of the company’s  2009 A2B electric bicycle, equipped with a 500 watt, throttle driven motor.

Well, sort of.

We already know that Toyota is planning to show its 2010 Prius at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, but the automaker has now hinted that it will be showing an all-electric vehicle at Cobo Hall, as well. In a very short press release, Toyota said that "this display marks the world debut of this concept vehicle," so we're not really sure what to expect.

Naturally, there's been some speculation within the industry, and the folks at the Wall Street Journal seem to think that this new concept is a battery-powered version of Toyota's iQ, the Smart ForTwo rival. We'll be sure to bring you the full details from Toyota's press conference in a couple of weeks.

+ The Car Connection: 2009 Detroit Auto Show: Toyota Bringing Electric City Car

General Motors is making the Chevrolet Volt its top priority at this point, but there are now rumors circulating that Cadillac may be the next GM brand to get its own vehicle using the Volt's technology. Motor Authority reports that a Cadillac Volt would make great economic sense because the luxury appeal of a Cadillac means consumers would be more willing to pay out for the expensive technology found in the Volt.

GM's Bob Lutz has stated that an electric-powered Cadillac was definitely a possibility and that the brand would unveil "some kind of dramatic environmental statement" soon. This aligns with reports from GM insiders who say that a plug-in hybrid Cadillac is currently in development along with other plug-in models for the Opel brand and possibly a plug-in SUV for Chevrolet. Looking at GM's timeline, 2011 or 2012 seems like a reasonable possibility for an electric Cadillac to hit the market.

+ Motor Authority: Bob Lutz hints at Cadillac plug-in hybrid

For the Detroit Auto Show in January, Mercedes plans to give the world a preview of three fuel-saving systems for its new entry-premium model range, which should replace the B-class by 2010. Known as Concept BlueZero, the technology will be shown in forms ranging from a purely electric car, a plug-in hybrid, and as a fuel cell model.

The electric model “E-Cell” will have a 100-kilowatt motor with a lithium-ion battery pack and a range of around 60 miles. The plug-in hybrid on the other hand will feature a three-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric generator to extend the car's range in electric mode (similar to what General Motors plans for the Chevrolet Volt). The third model called the F-Cell, will use a fuel cell and hydrogen tanks to produce the necessary electricity.

Mercedes' plan is to replace the B-class and A-class with four cars, which include a coupe to compete with the BMW 1-series, and also an SUV to rival BMW's upcoming X1. These replacements are slated to be built in Rastatt, Germany, as well as in Kecskemet, Hungary where M-B will open up shop by 2010. Have a look at the full press release for Concept BlueZero below and take a look at a few images of the car in our attached gallery.

The euphoniously named Chinese company Guon Mengguli Corporation (MGL) has partnered with tire behemoth Michelin in developing a new, in-wheel electric powertrain. Know as Active Wheel, the first commercial applications of the product are being developed for production in China sometime next year, with a launch in Western markets possible by 2010.

The Active Wheel system uses a pair of small electric motors housed inside of the wheel, with one of the motors spinning the tire and providing power, while the second acts to power an active suspension system. Long the stuff of concept cars, the in-wheel motors are designed to work with battery or fuel-cell powered electric vehicles, and alleviate the need for a gearbox, clutch, drive shaft, and more.

Michelin and MGL have already shown the technology in a test vehicle based on the Chinese Lifan 520—the Active Wheel electric car. The batteries in that vehicle are said to have a lifespan of between 62,000 and 81,000 miles, with a range of roughly 70, miles, and a top speed approaching 90 miles per hour.

+ Motor Authority: Michelin partners with China’s MGL to produce Active Wheel powertrains

Fisker Automotive has announced that it will be using General Motors' 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder in its upcoming Karma sedan. This engine is good for 260 horsepower and can already be found in vehicles like the Chevrolet HHR SS and Saturn Sky Redline. Fisker has already confirmed that the electric portion of the drivetrain will be sourced from Quantum Technologies and that the Karma will have a fifty-mile electric range before the internal combustion engine kicks in. As it turns out, Fisker is considering using several other GM components for the Karma, as well.

Henrik Fisker, CEO, says that he is "confident that this is the beginning of an important partnership between GM and Fisker in developing the most desirable fuel efficient vehicles of the future."

The Karma's launch is expected to come around the same time as other four-door sports cars like the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide. As of this writing, domestic deliveries of the Karma will begin in the fourth quarter of 2009 while Europe will have to wait until 2010. Fisker plans to produce 15,000 cars each year, with more than half going to overseas markets.

+ Motor Authority: Fisker picks GM Ecotec engine for Karma plug-in hybrid

The world’s first all electric supercar, the Tesla Roadster, is set to get an update from German super tuners Brabus; a package that includes appearance tweaks to the interior and exterior, as well as a fascinating sound package for the near-silent EV.

New wheels and tires, a carbon-fiber front lip spoiler, and a “futuristic” lighting package are all very nice for the Tesla, but we’re most interested in the “space sound generator” that will come equipped on each Brabus Roadster. The tuning house is seeking to give the Tesla a more exciting, albeit completely faked, running sound with electronically produced effects. Owners will be able to set their Tesla to make noises approximating a V-8 engine, a racecar engine, or “two futuristic soundscapes.” Those last two effects are named “Beam” and “Warp,” and we’re absolutely chomping at the bit to hear them in action—we’re looking into the matter as of this writing, don’t worry.

This type of piped in sound is a feature that Hybrid and EV makers have been discussing for a hot minute now, and could lead to a class of vehicles that are aurally dissimilar from anything we’re used to today. It’s a topic that causes some deal of fretting from auto enthusiasts and one that we’ve dealt with in some measure before (click through the link below to get our own Chris Paukert’s take on the subject).

Have a look at the gallery of Brabus Tesla Roadster images above and stay tuned for more information, as we have it, about the tantalizing sound generator. You’ll find the full press release below.
 

+ Winding Road: Pace Notes

Fisker Automitive announced today that they will be opening a new engineering and development center in Pontiac, Michigan. This 34,000-square foot facility will be capable of housing up to 200 designers and engineers whose main focus will be putting out Fisker's first production car, the Karma sedan.

The Karma has the potential for fuel economy of around 100 miles per gallon on extended drives with its Q-Drive powertrain (developed by Quantum Technologies) being capable of more than 350 miles of total range -- 50 miles solely on electricity. The Karma is said to have a top speed of 125 miles per hour and will be able to hit 60 mph in less than six seconds.

Initial deliveries of the Fisker Karma are scheduled to happen in the fourth quarter of 2009 with plans to sell the car in North America in Europe. Fisker's annual production is anticipated to reach 15,000 vehicles by 2011.

+ Global Motors: Fisker Automotive announces new Engineering and Development center in Pontiac, Michigan