I attended the LA Auto Show on Monday, Nov 22.
I have a few additional tidbits and some pictures that you might find interesting. I'll try to only add items that mwalsh didn't touch on in his comprehensive report on nissan-leaf.net.
First, for those of you wondering whether EVSE suppliers would have displays and reps there, the answer is NO. Even downstairs in the after-market and mass market bazaar of Kentia Hall, there were no EVSE suppliers there.
Also, Southern Cal Edison has a large booth on the stairway lobby OUTSIDE the West exhibit hall. Worth a stop to talk with quite knowledgeable SCE analysts and supervisors.
Now for the tidbits:
Honda: showcased their handheld remote which, (at an unspecified but close range) would display State of Charge, driving range in miles and allow starting and stopping charging and pre-heat/cool functions for their Fit EV. This would be in addition to apps on smart phones for the same functions.
They also showed a concept (really just a lucite mockup of a car chassis) of a plug-in hybrid that they said they would introduce in 2012 with about 15 miles of EV-only range.
My impression of Honda was very much that they are playing "Me Too" with Nissan and Toyota, and late to the game at that. I am impressed that they do seem to be considering Sport modes for their EVs though, for better acceleration and response at times.
Nissan: Here is the only LEAF at the show, very much in captivity. They were handing out somewhat cheesy LEAF bracelets made of recycled tires and car metal. I did grab a handful for fellow LEAFers, though.
Here are some more shots of the Ellure Concept:
A couple of shots of the Infiniti Essence Concept. I hope that a few of its lines make it into the Infiniti EV
Fisker: Had one car on display. It looked pretty production ready, but since deposit holders were there that day to sit in it and to option their own cars, they wouldn't let anyone else close to it.
I do think that Fisker is taking the use of sex appeal at bit far in using this image in their advertising.
Euromasters: a small manufacturer, they showed a Porsche Speedster EV Replica. About $45,000 before the $7500 Fed incentive. They claim over 200 miles range, 0-60 in 5.6 seconds and a 5 year warranty. Plugs in to 110 V or 240 V with a regular plug, no EVSE required. And it has a 4 speed transmission. Euromasters is located in Fountain Valley, CA and they said I could drive this exact car there by appointment.
I sat in the car. It was quite a maneuver to climb in or out of it, since it was low and has wide door sills and little bodywork to grab onto. Inside it is roomy, with tight confines for your feet on the pedals, and pretty bare bones, like the original Porsche. I got excited at first, then calmed down about this replicar.
That's about it for tidbits. Here is a link to more pictures on my Flickr album for the show. http://www.flickr.com/photos/71336612@N00/sets/72157625454896384/