While Mercedes-Benz didn't have an official press conference during the show, their latest little BlueZERO concept did make its way onto the show floor. The cute little Benz uses a unique sandwich-floor architecture which Mercedes-Benz had originally introduced for the A-Class and B-Class nearly ten years ago. The BlueZERO is Mercedes' entry into the small, electric concept car segment, showing that they have all of the necessary equipment to create vehicles like these.

For all of the details, click through the post and read M-B's press release, and click through the gallery above to see the BlueZERO live on the NAIAS floor.

 With 150 roadsters already delivered to its customers, Tesla has recently added a new model to its lineup called the Roadster Sport. Essentially an upgraded version of the original roadster, the Sport has 15 percent more power, totaling to about 285 horsepower (compared to the regular 248), bringing the 0-60 time down to 3.7 seconds— 0.2 faster than the standard model.

The additional power partially comes from the hand-wound stator with a higher winding density and lower resistance, which (apparently) provides a higher peak torque. The electric motor redlines at 14,000 rpm with power transmitted to high-performance Yokohama tires via an upgraded gearbox found in the “powertrain 1.5” package. Improved suspension, including adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars, keep the Roadster Sport firmly planted on the ground.

Tesla has already started taking orders on the $128,500 Sport in the U.S., and the first completed models are expected to be delivered in late June. For the 1,100 customers who have yet to receive their Tesla, they can still upgrade to the more powerful model.

+ Motor Authority: Tesla adds more powerful Roadster Sport to lineup

Last fall Chrysler showed off a tarted up all-electric version of a Lotus Europa, calling the sleek creation the DodgeEV. Not content to let that bit badge frippery lie, the automaker has released early images and information about a further honed version of the car to be launched at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, now called the Dodge Circuit EV. Wild times.

In this new version, effectively the same car shown a few months ago, Dodge has shifted the placement of the plug to the driver’s side of the car, while coating the whole affair in a very Mopar shade of orange called “Tangoreen”. The erstwhile Lotus has also gotten the trademark Dodge crosshair grille treatment. Read on below for the full press release from Chrysler, and expect loads of live images when the car debuts later this afternoon.

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