electric cars

Car dealers are satisfied with this year’s Motor Show as several brands posted solid sales balances. However, some visitors were disappointed as major car manufacturers were absent, attendants were not very enthusiastic about the worldwide premiers and there was a lack of glamour. Driving simulators and luxury-car payment tours were the main alternative for those who wanted something other than the regular exhibition. The organisers are optimistic and aim to restore the splendour of past shows as the economic situation improves and Barcelona becomes a more important city for motor events.

The 27th edition of the Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS) –the benchmark world congress for this sector- will take place in the Catalan capital, taking over from Los Angeles in organizing the EVS27. Barcelona beat Paris and Geneva in the fight to organise the event, which is a chance for local electric mobility companies to create international synergies.

The decision represents the creation of 700 direct and indirect jobs. Car manufacturer Nissan has confirmed it will build the new ‘e-NV200’, a totally electric van at its Zona Franca plant from next year. The plant is located in Barcelona, next to the city’s port and airport. From there, the new van will be distributed worldwide. Barcelona competed with other Nissan plants in China, Japan and Mexico. In addition, Nissan managers were confident that Barcelona’s plant could produce other models in the future.

The Formula 1 circuit next to Barcelona, which hosts Spain’s Grand Prix, has been the stage of the fourth round of the ECO series 2011 race last Sunday, in which thirty electric and hybrid vehicles competed.

The Catalan capital unveils the first fast recharge point for electric cars within Spain and one of the first in Europe. This technology enables recharging 50% of the battery in only ten minutes and costs around 5 euros. This innovative recharge point joins the other 178 already existing in the city.

Seat will invest 300 million euros in investigation, development and innovation this year, 6 to 7% of its profit. Seat’s ambitious project ‘Forma 0’ aims to create lighter, safer cars.

The motorbike, made by Rieju, will cost around 4,500 euros. The company hopes to sell 2,500 electric motorbikes in 2011.

The city of Barcelona plans to be the frontrunner of the electric car industry in Catalonia. Under the public-private initiative ?Live Barcelona?, the city will take many steps to promote the use of electric vehicles.

Caldes d?Estrac hosts event to promote electric vehicles