Electric Muscle: Tjaarda EVX and HST Shelby Cobra Ford Mustangs

[David Burkart]

With last year’s announcement that CAFÉ standards will be increased to 35mph by 2020, the death of the pony car looked inevitable. While the resulting emissions are unfortunate, the throaty growl a Ford Mustang produces cannot be replicated under such standards. Or can they?

The folks at Tjaarda and HST have recently teamed up to put an earth-friendly face on the pony car America holds a steadfast affection for, usually turning their heads when the mpg factor is considered.

Both Tjaarda’s EVX Mustang and HST’s Shelby Cobra produce zero emissions with 300 horses powered by K2 Energy Solutions-designed lithium iron phosphate battery packs. The two companies unveiled their vehicles at the recent 34th Annual Toyota Grand Prix show, claiming they would “change the face of electric cars.”

And they have a point. During the show’s “Green Power Prix-View,” the automakers explained how their green Stangs could shoot from 0-60 in under four seconds, a feat that was previously assumed by auto enthusiasts by-and-large to be impossible for an electric car. All that the Stangs require is 3.5 hours to recharge on a 220V outlet or 8 hours on a 110V outlet. After that, expect a good 100 miles of operation out of them.

The Tjaarda EVX Mustang can hit 0-60 in 3.9 seconds at 120 mph. The selling point is its three cent per mile operating cost—a miracle for consumers paying for current gas prices. She’s still a bit pricey, though, at 80k.

HST’s Shelby Cobra can do one better, hitting 0-60 in 3.2 seconds at 150 mph. Gas efficiency is about the same, but the price jump for the Shelby is pretty substantial, at $125k.

For more information on the Tjaarda EVX Mustang and the HST Shelby Cobra, check out the press release below. Also, be sure to check out the photos from AutoBlogGreen in the reply below.

[David Burkart]

Check out the thumbnails below. Enjoy!

[Source] MustangBlogGreen

[David Burkart]

Press Release:

HST International - Tjaarda Design Alliance Changes Face of Electric Cars
‘Electric Muscle(TM)’ on display at Long Beach ‘Green Power Prix-View’

SAN DIEGO, APRIL 16 /PRNewswire/ — HST International has announced a partnership with Tjaarda Design that will change the face of electric cars. The designs that will define the next generation of “Electric Muscle(TM)”, the Tjaarda EVX Mustang and HST Shelby Cobra EVX, will premiere at the 34th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach’s “Green Power Prix-View” on April 18-20.

The Mustang EVX and HST Shelby Cobra EVX prove that electric cars can be environmentally friendly as well as winners on the track and in the looks department. While designed for different purposes, both cars are true zero emission vehicles and feature 300-horsepower electric motors using lithium iron phosphate battery packs developed by K2 Energy Solutions. With 1000 ft/lbs of torque @ 0 rpm, they have the capability to do 0-60 in less than four seconds and a range of over 100 miles.

“We’re excited to be bringing these vehicles to market because they’re head turners and so much fun to drive,” says Tod Boretto, president of HST International. “But more than that, this is a long-term initiative and a unique opportunity on several levels. We do not believe any other manufacturer is bringing together this level of design, performance and green technology today.”

The Tjaarda EVX Mustang is designed to be driven daily — which, with its ability to do 0-60 in 3.9 seconds is no hardship. With a top speed of 120 mph and a range of 110 miles between charges, its estimated operating cost is 3 cents/mile. The exterior is a modern version of a muscle car era classic Mustang, but under the hood it’s a green dream.

The HST Shelby Cobra EVX has the capability to run 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, a top speed of 150 mph and a range of 120 miles, depending on driving habits. With on-board recharging, it requires 3 1/2 hours/220V and 8 hours/110V. Estimated operational cost is 3 cents/mile.

“Tom Tjaarda’s place in automotive design history — from the Ferrari 365 GT California Spider to the Fiat 124 Spyder — will ensure that these cars continue to drop jaws for their looks as well as their performance,” adds Boretto.

The Tjaarda EVX Mustang starts at $80,000 and the Cobra at $125,000, with a range of options available for both vehicles. They will be on display in booth #2104 at the Green Power Prix-View from April 18-20, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Tjaarda EVX Mustang and HST Shelby Cobra EVX will next be featured at NBC’s World Series of Golf in May.

San Diego-based HST International uses high-technology engineering and manufacturing to address specialized needs in the automotive industry. Through its alliance partnerships with K2 Energy, Torino International and Tjaarda Design, HST International develops products that achieve the highest levels of quality, innovation and performance. For additional information, go to HST INTERNATIONAL