Subaru Stella Plug-in Electric Car (EV)

The Subaru Stella Plug-in EV goes on sale in Japan today Not designed to be anything other than a city car, the Subaru Stella has a range of around 55 miles on a full charge of its Li-ion batteries, which can be charged in about five hours from a standard socket (or in 15 minutes from a quick-charge outlet), and a has top speed of 62mph – so it really is a city-only car. Based on Subaru’s existing Stella mini-car the Stella EV is powered by a 60bhp (47kw) electric motor that delivers 125lb/ft of torque from the off. It also incorporates a regeneration system that tops up the batteries during deceleration to help the range.

Lexus CT 200h – the Lexus LF-Ch concept that was

The Lexus CT 200h will debut at Geneva next month Update: 26th Feb: Lexus has now done the full Geneva reveal of the Lexus CT 200h Lexus did threaten when they brought the LF-Ch concept to the Frankfurt Motor Show in all its goldness that the future for Lexus was hybrids. And despite the less than universal praise the LF-Ch concept received for its looks ‘only a mother could love’ we’re going to get the production version at Geneva next month – the Lexus CT 200h. Lexus are calling the CT 200h “…the first full hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment” and want us to think of the CT 200h as a big car with all the luxuries you would expect, but in a smaller package and kind to fluffy bunnies.

Who's Where: Alfonso Albaisa appointed Nissan Design Director for Global Passenger Vehicles and Electric Vehicles

Alfonso Albaisa has been appointed as Nissan's Design Director for Global Passenger Vehicles and Electric Vehicles, a job that will see him move back to Japan. Albaisa joined Nissan Design America almost 24 years ago and has worked on vehicles in every category and on both interior and exterior projects. He has also worked on customized super yacht design and architecture, one of his particular passions in life.