Meanwhile, Tesla is due to launch the Model X, a battery electric SUV, by 2014.
This isn't the defunct EV1 we're talking about here, nor some of those other models we've heard about before, this is the Phoenix Motorcars electric SUV, which can be plugged into a wall socket and recharged with the same plug that powers your garden party boombox.
ENGADGET: Phoenix Motorcars intros a truly plug-and-play car
Fortunately for eco-minded folks, Portland-based EV manufacturer MotoCzysz -- creator of the wicked E1pc electric motorcycle -- plans to allay some of those concerns with its all-electric eStark SUV.
ENGADGET: MotoCzysz aims to refashion TAC Motors' Stark into an eco-friendly off-roader
Toyota Motor Sales USA has confirmed that the upcoming all-electric RAV-4 compact crossover SUV will go on sale to the general public in 2012.
The two companies said Friday they have signed an agreement to start developing an electric version of Toyota's RAV4 SUV to go on sale in 2012.
The system is said to deliver an estimated 85MPGe efficiency, which is pretty amazing for an SUV, and 14 miles of pure electric driving should you wish.
The SUV features a front-mounted diesel engine paired with an electric motor in a traditional hybrid configuration, plus a second, more powerful electric motor in the rear to drive those wheels in the back.
The SUV boom clashes with Beijing's efforts to push automakers to develop electric cars and to sell smaller vehicles to help curb smog and demand for imported oil.
To the end of November of last year, SUV sales were up 41% from the end of 2009, while sales of petrol-electric hybrids were down slightly.
PowerBox Concept hybrid, for example, shown at the L.A. show, looks a lot like a standard sports utility vehicle (SUV) but combines a supercharged V-6 engine that runs on compressed natural gas and an electric motor that provides added power for acceleration and passing.
The SUV boom is a detour from Beijing's automotive master plan for China to become a leader in electric cars.
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