If you’re planning on cruising the 101 from Los Angeles to San Francisco, you can now go electric with the trip…provided you have a Tesla Roadster (priced at more than $100,000). It’s because of the EV charging corridor that’s been implemented along the 101 for that stretch and dubbed the “electric highway”, and while it’s current specifications seem to limit it as luxury for the rich, in time it could be a major selling feature for electric cars in California.

The “electric highway” is composed of five charging stations in Salinas, Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria and Goleta—all smaller towns along the way between the major cities of L.A. and San Francisco. The quick-charge stations (four of which are powered by traditional electricity and one which is powered by solar) were provided by Tesla using grants from the California Air Resources Board, and will be maintained by SolarCity and Rabobank (all but one of the stations are located at Rabobanks).

Tesla’s connection with the project has given them a leg up on EV competitors, as the stations currently only feature the Tesla high-powered charger and are therefore only compatible with the Tesla Roadsters, but SolarCity has made it clear that it will update the stations with universal plugs once they are available (most likely in about six months). The universal plugs would allow drivers of almost all electric cars, including the Mini E, Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt, to recharge quickly en route. The universal plugs could also mean drivers will have to start paying for recharges, though they’re currently offered for free by Rabobank and SolarCity. Click here to read more

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With all the attention in the world of green autos focused on how they’ll get around (will it be electric, biodiesel or even something wilder like solar?), car companies seem to be forgetting about the ways they can enhance the eco-friendliness of their exteriors and interiors. But the limited edition Eco Elise that Lotus debuted last year at the London Motor Show didn’t just give a nod to greener components, it revolved around them.

The Lotus Eco Elise isn’t the first foray that Lotus has had into the realm of more environmentally-aware autos, but the company is usually involved in a roundabout way, like manufacturing the chassis for the Tesla Roadster or finding one of their Lotus Exiges used to develop a wind-powered car. For the Eco Elise, Lotus attempted to make the Elise as green as possible—without changing the way it was fueled. And while it managed to slip under the radar for the most part, it’s remains an innovation.

Hemp, the eco-wonder plant, was used to make composite body panels and a spoiler and to make up elements of the trademark Lotus seats (although one car reviewer described sitting in them liking being surrounded by itchy old mens trousers). The upholstery on the seats is made from what Lotus describes as “eco wool”, which is ethically produced wool that hasn’t bee dyed (the sheep it’s sheared from are selected for their natural car-appropriate coloring). Underfoot, sisal comprises the carpeting as a natural abrasion-resistant material. Click here to read more

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Tesla is probably feeling a little heat right about now. The Fisker Karma is making headlines now that the company has set a delivery date of early 2010 and the pictures of the Karma alone are enough to make it a competitor for Tesla’s high-priced Roadster. The Karma is being built by Valmet Automotive, the company that also assembles the Boxster and Cayman for Porsche, and it shows in the seriously sleek curves that scream (in the most civilized way) “luxury vehicle”.

As a plug-in hybrid, the Fisker Karma may also divert some potential Roadster buyers who want the eco-friendliness of an electric vehicle, but with the back-up option of regular fueling. Fisker is claiming the Karma will do 50 miles on batteries only—with an additional 250 miles from the gasoline engine—and that number should be enough for most commuters to use the car as a primarily electric vehicle, with fuel needed only for I-forgot-to-charge emergencies and longer trips. On the other hand, Tesla claims that their Roadster can go 220 miles without needing to recharge the battery, but should you find yourself in a location without an electrical outlet or some free time, you won’t be able to fill the tank with fuel instead. Click here to read more

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