Blade Electric Vehicle (circa 2008)
The Blade Electric Vehicle was an electric car conversion for new and used Hyundai Getz cars commenced production during 2008. It is no longer available.
Mitsubishi iMiEV
The iMiEV electric car (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) was available in some countries late in 2009 or early in 2010. It was expensive, not popular and had a poor range.
BYD Auto (circa 2009)
2009. The F3e made by BYD AUTO in China integrated both IT technology and Auto technology of BYD. It combined world class rechargeable battery technology, excellent R&D technology of automobile core components and parts and complete vehicle manufacturing technology. This vehicle was not available in Australia.
2010. Nissan introduced the Leaf EV. The vehicle is still available.
General Motors (circa 2011)
The GM Volt (a PHEV) was built in Detroit in 2011 – some were imported into to Australia.
Ford (circa 2008)
The Ford Motor Company has a Project M to build a prototype of a totally electric, battery-powered car in just six months. When it was started summer 2008, the effort was considered a tall order by the small team of executives and engineers assigned to it. But Ford was feeling pressure from competitors, and decided it could not afford to fall behind in the rapidly expanding race to put electric cars in dealer showrooms. “Frankly, I think it’s a gamble not to do it,” said William Ford jnr, the company’s executive chairman. “It’s clear that society is headed down this road.”
This vehicle was not available in Australia.
Toyota (circa 2012)
Toyota FT-EV. Japanese car maker Toyota used the 2009 Detroit motor show to unveil the FT-EV, a concept car that previews a new battery-electric “urban commuter” vehicle set to go on sale globally in 2012. This electric car may cost around A$25,000 could be on sale in Australia by 2012.
Toyota was building the second-generation Toyota RAV4 EV. In 2011, 35 vehicles were built for a demonstration program. The were expected to be in showrooms in 2012. This version was expected to have a range of 100 miles.
Toyota Prius hybrids have been available since 2010 but as at February 2023 Toyota have not built any pure EVs.
Tesla (circa 2013)
Over 250 Tesla Roadsters were delivered in the United States by 2103. These pure electric cars are capable of very fast acceleration and over 350km range per charge.
The Tesla Model S had a 500km range, a 45 minute quick charge feature and can seat 7 people with more cargo space than station wagons.
