Twitter headlinesElectric (Battery)
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
DfT Publishes Ricardo Report on Technology Options for Reducing CO2 Emissions from Heavy Goods Vehicles; Focus on Vehicles, Powertrains and Fuels
July 18, 2009
| Representation of cost vs. benefit of low-carbon HGV technologies. Source: Ricardo/DfT. Click to enlarge. |
The UK Department for Transport has published a report prepared by Ricardo on the potential of various technologies for reducing CO2 emissions that are applicable to the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) sector. HGVs (goods transport vehicles with >3.5t GVW) represent 24% and vans 12% of total UK road transport greenhouse gas emissions.
The report presents an analysis of a number of HGV technologies with carbon saving potential and evaluates these technologies in terms of CO2 benefits, technology costs, environmental costs arising from production of the technology, safety and other limitations, and the maturity of the technology within the market. The report then summarizes which technologies are the most promising in terms of CO2 benefits when all these other factors are taken into consideration.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Daimler Previews Work on Electric Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Sportscar
July 16, 2009
| Components of the electric SLS AMG. Click to enlarge. |
Mercedes-AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, is developing a battery electric version of its upcoming SLS AMG sportscar, now in vehicle testing. The electric drive SLS AMG uses four electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW (526 hp) and maximum torque of 880 N·m (649 lb-ft).
The electric gull-wing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds—putting it on the same level as the conventional SLS AMG with a 6.3-liter V8 engine developing 420 kW/571 hp. The conventional SLS AMG is scheduled to be launched in spring 2010.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
UC Berkeley Study Concludes Battery Switching Model Would Accelerate Mass-Market Adoption of Electric Cars; Baseline Scenario Projects EVs Reaching 64% of New LDV Sales in 2030
July 14, 2009
| EV penetration with a battery swap model in three scenarios. Becker (2009). Click to enlarge. |
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley, Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology projects that, given a battery switching model and pay-per-mile contracts such as proposed by Better Place (earlier post), electric cars would account, in the baseline scenario, for 64% of US light-duty vehicle sales by 2030 and comprise 24% of the US light-duty fleet by then.
In two other scenarios considered, a high oil price scenario (using EIA projections) and a battery swap operator-subsidzied scenario, EV new vehicle sales penetration reaches 85% and 86% respectively by 2030.
More... | Comments (33) | TrackBack (0)
ECOtality Establishes Joint Venture to Manufacture and Distribute Electric Vehicle Charging Systems in China
July 06, 2009
ECOtality, Inc. has signed a letter of intent to enter into a joint venture with Shenzhen Goch Investment, Ltd. that will provide US$15 million to establish manufacturing and distribution operations for electric vehicle (EV) charging systems in China.
To support the Company’s anticipated expansion, ECOtality received a combined US$2.5 million direct investment from Shenzhen Goch and existing ECOtality institutional shareholders.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Korea’s CT&T To Manufacture Electric Vehicles in US
| The e-Zone Electric Vehicle (EV) is a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) that passes international crash test standards and will be one of the vehicle types CT&T will produce for the US market. Source: CT&T United. Click to enlarge. |
CT&T Company, Ltd., a South Korea-based manufacturer of low speed electric vehicles (LSVs) plans to build a range of electric vehicles in the US, beginning with its e-Zone and c-Zone low speed electric vehicles.
CT&T United, the US subsidiary of CT&T Korea, Ltd., will establish a North American headquarters, a research and development center and several manufacturing facilities to produce and market an entire product line of EVs and batteries. Company officials are considering potential sites in South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama and California.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
VW Chief Executive Says Company Will Introduce EVs Based on the Up! New Small Family in 2013; Cautions Against “Electro-Hype”
July 04, 2009
Cautioning that the development and commercialization of the electric car is “not a sprint, but a marathon”, Volkswagen AG Chairman of the Board of Management Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn said that Volkswagen would introduce its first electric vehicles based on the up! New Small Family (earlier post) in 2013. Within a decade, he added, Volkswagen wants to offer significant numbers of pure electric cars at affordable prices and with the range expected by customers.
Winterkorn made the remarks during a presentation at the 17th Handelsblatt-Jahrestagung in Munich on 3 July, during which he outlined VW’s approach to future mobility in the current context of the economic crisis, pessimism about the industry and technology potential.
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)
Renault-Nissan Alliance and EDF to Test 100 Units of Production EV Models in Paris Region in 2010; New Partnership in Lombardy
July 02, 2009
The Renault-Nissan Alliance and EDF are planning a large-scale electric vehicle test in the Paris region. For one year from September 2010, consumers, professionals and local government employees will try out 100 electric Renault-Nissan Alliance passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance plans to use the full-scale trial to test the usage and performance of their future electric vehicles. The vehicles in the trial will be identical to the series-production models scheduled for launch at the start of 2011.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Bosch: Electrification is Coming, But Combustion Engines to Dominate for Another 20 Years
July 01, 2009
| In the long run, the large variety of drivetrain concepts will give way to electric drive. Source: Bosch. Click to enlarge. |
While full electric powertrains (battery and fuel cell) will at some point become pervasive in light-duty vehicles, the dominance of the internal-combustion engine will remain unchallenged over the next twenty years, according to Robert Bosch GmbH executives at their annual International Automotive Press Briefing in Boxberg, Germany. This is due in part to important technological challenges to powertrain electrification that must first be overcome and in part to ongoing efficiency improvements in combustion engine technology.
As a supplier, Bosch is active in both areas, said Dr. Bernd Bohr, chairman of the Bosch Automotive Group. Bosch is working hard to get the electric drive of the future readied for large-scale series production, while also doing its utmost to further improve the internal-combustion engine for decades to come, Bohr said. The company is investing €3 billion (US$ 4.25 billion) in R&D in the automotive technology sector in 2009.
More... | Comments (30) | TrackBack (0)
Renault to Make Kangoo be bop Z.E. Prototype EV Available for Test Drives; Four Different EV Models in Market by 2012
June 29, 2009
| Electric motor and power electronics package for the be bop Z.E. Click to enlarge. |
Renault will make its Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E. prototype electric vehicle (earlier post) available for test drives. The technology seen on this car is very similar to that which will feature on the brand’s upcoming production vehicles currently under development, and due to go on sale in 2011.
The Renault Kangoo be bop Z.E. prototype is powered by a 44kW (60hp) electric motor and is equipped with a 15 kWh Li-ion battery pack. With 18 months remaining before the release of Renault’s forthcoming production electric vehicles, Kangoo be bop Z.E. provides a range of approximately 100 km (62 miles). By the time of their launch, Renault’s electric vehicles will have benefited from an evolution to their battery technology which will take their real-world range to 160 km (100 miles), according to the company.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
First Three Conditional Loan Commitments Under DOE’s ATVM Program go to Ford Motor Company, Nissan Motors and Tesla Motors
June 23, 2009
The Obama Administration is awarding $8 billion in three conditional loan commitments for the development of innovative, advanced vehicle technologies: $5.9 billion for Ford Motor Company; $1.6 billion to Nissan North America, Inc.; and $465 million to Tesla Motors.
These are the first conditional loan commitments reached as part of the Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program. The Department plans to make additional loans under this program over the next several months to large and small auto manufacturers and parts suppliers up and down the production chain.
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Smith Electric Vehicles, Altec and PG&E Partner on All-Electric Utility Truck
June 22, 2009
Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation (SEVUS) and Altec Industries Inc. have developed an all-electric utility truck with an aerial device. The truck is a battery-powered, all-electric Smith Newton produced by SEV US and SEV UK with an aerial bucket integrated by Altec Industries Inc. The partners inroduced the prototype at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Va.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will add the first test unit to its fleet to conduct routine and emergency overhead line work in PG&E’s northern and central California service area. PG&E will provide test data to SEV US and Altec for the creation of a production model. This unit is the first all-electric aerial utility truck to be put into operation by a major utility company before being brought to the market.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
French Environment Agency Demonstrator Awards €57M to 11 Lower-CO2 Vehicle Projects
June 19, 2009
The French environment agency ADEME is awarding €57 million (US$80 million) via its technology demonstrator to 11 low-carbon vehicle projects selected through an initial call for expressions of interest. The projects include light- and heavy-duty applications, and hybrid or electric powertrains. A second call for expressions of interest for research projects on vehicle decarbonization ends 26 June. Projects selected will be announced in the fall and receive awards totalling €50 million.
The projects selected for the first round of funding are:
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Sainsbury Orders Another 50 Electric Vans As Companies Work With Mayor Of London to Encourage Adoption of Commercial EVs (corrected)
June 09, 2009
| Sainsbury’s electric Edison. Click to enlarge. |
UK retailer Sainsbury Online, which uses the Smith Electric Vehicles Edison electric vans for home shopping delivery in London, is ordering another 50 electric vans for its fleet. The order comes as Sainsbury, TNT Express and other leading UK companies are working with the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to encourage wider take-up of commercial electric vehicles.
An early adopter of EVs, Sainsbury has worked with Smith Electric Vehicles since 2006 and now has the largest fleet of new technology electric delivery vans in Britain. Sainsbury is still in conntract negotiations, and will not yet confirm the supplier or suppliers of the 50 new electric vans.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Fuji Heavy Launches Subaru Plug-in STELLA EV in Japan; Targets 170 Units in FY 2009
June 05, 2009
| Components of the STELLA EV powertrain. Click to enlarge. |
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, launched its Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle (EV). The model will be sold in Japan directly through FHI, with delivery starting from late July. Around 170 units of delivery in total will be planned in this fiscal year (by the end of March 2010). After-sales services will be provided through some Subaru dealerships designated by FHI.
The production version of the STELLA EV features a more powerful traction motor than used in the prototype introduced last year: 47 kW and 170 N·m (125 lb-ft), compared to 40 kW and 150 N·m (11l lb-ft). A 9 kWh, 346V Li-ion battery pack comprising 16 modules in series supports a range of 90 km (56 miles) when driven in the Japan 10-15 mode cycle.
More... | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
Mitsubishi Motors Begins Production of i-MiEV; Targeting 1,400 Units in Fiscal 2009
| The i-MiEV system configuration. Click to enlarge. |
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) unveiled the production version of the i-MiEV electric vehicle on World Environment Day in Tokyo. The company is presenting the production i-MiEV as the ultimate eco-car, a solution to the various challenges the automobile faces today including environmental pollution, global warming and the depletion of petroleum-based energy supplies.
Even when the CO2 emitted at power generating stations is taken into consideration, the i-MiEV generates approximately one-third of the CO2 produced by the gasoline “i” minicar, according to MMC. (Calculated in-house based on the average of electric energy frameworks in Japan).
More... | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)
Coda Automotive to Bring China-Built Electric Mid-size Sedan to California Market in 2010; New JV with Lishen for Automotive Li-ion Systems
June 03, 2009
| Components in the Coda. Click to enlarge. |
Coda Automotive, a new company formed and developed under the stewardship of entrepreneur Miles Rubin (known for his marketing and sales of low-speed, electric fleet vehicles under the Miles Electric Vehicles brand), will introduce an affordable, full-performance all-electric sedan built by Hafei in China to the California market in 2010.
Additionally, the company, which has an existing long-term sourcing contract with Tianjin Lishen Battery Joint-Stock Co., Ltd., (Lishen) for lithium-ion batteries used in the Coda, announced the establishment of a global joint venture with Lishen to design, manufacture and sell transportation and utility power storage battery systems. Coda will own 40% of the JV, with Lishen holding 60%.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
CalMotors Partners With Parker Hannifin on Hybrid and Electric Powertrains
June 02, 2009
| CalMotors, powered by Parker. Click to enlarge. |
CalMotors, makers of high performance hybrid (series and parallel) and electric powertrains, has formed a strategic alliance with Parker Hannifin Corporation to produce fully integrated powertrain solutions for the automotive and marine industries. Parker can provide motors, inverters, systems design and manufacturing.
In addition to developing fully integrated powertrains, CalMotors has also designed, engineered, fabricated and tested several advanced technology vehicles for military, commercial, and consumer applications. Ruf engaged CalMotors to combine the lithium-ion batteries with the motor for its electric Porsche, as an example. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Vehicle Electrification a Key Strategic Initiative for Magna; Steady Increases in Capabilities and Technology Portfolio Over Past Few Years
May 30, 2009
Canada-based international auto supplier and contract assembler Magna International, now with a Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of Opel from General Motors (earlier post), sees vehicle electrification as one of its key strategic initiatives. Accordingly, it has been steadily increasing its capabilities with hybrid and electric vehicle technologies over the past several years.
At Magna’s Annual General Meeting, held earlier this month, Magna Co-Chief Executive Officer Siegfried Wolf noted that Magna has the capability to develop and produce many of the key components that are new and unique to electric vehicles. A key competitive advantage for the company, he said, is its “ability to integrate these new technologies into the complete vehicle and to develop complete vehicle concepts for pure electric mobility.”
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Chrysler LLC Requests $224M from DOE for the Rapid Development and Manufacturing of Electrified Vehicles; Total Investment of $448M
May 26, 2009
| A prototype electric minivan for the USPS. Click to enlarge. |
Chrysler LLC has submitted three proposals representing a request for $224 million in funding to two US Department of Energy (DOE) initiatives: the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative and the Transportation Electrification Initiative. With a 50/50 cost share, the total investment represented by the proposals is $448 million. Proposed vehicles covered under the submission include Dodge Ram 1500 Plug-in Hybrid-electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Chrysler Town & Country PHEVs and Chrysler Town & Country Electric Vehicles (EVs).
If approved, Chrysler LLC plans to use funds to build a demonstration fleet of the plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), as well as create a new-vehicle electrification technology and manufacturing center located in Michigan. The proposal will enable the production of commercially viable products in a shorter time frame.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Washington Governor Issues Executive Order Directing State Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gases; Consideration of California Low Carbon Fuel Standard and Highway Electrification
May 24, 2009
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire issued an executive order directing a variety of state actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including continued participation in the Western Climate Initiative to develop a regional greenhouse has emissions reduction program; an increase in transportation and fuel-conservation options including a low-carbon fuel standard; and the pursuit of the electrification of the interstate highway and associated metro centers.
Gregoire issued her executive order, entitled “Washington’s Leadership on Climate Change,” after testifying at the US Environmental Protection Agency’s public hearing in Seattle on the regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. The order contains a number of directives specifically for the Department of Ecology and the Department of Transportation.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
Daimler Takes 10% Stake in Tesla; Strategic Partnership to Collaborate on Future Models
May 19, 2009
Daimler AG has acquired an equity stake of nearly 10% in Tesla Motors Inc. The two companies have already been working closely to integrate Tesla’s lithium-ion battery packs and charging electronics into the first 1,000 units of Daimler’s electric smart car. (Earlier post.)
This investment deepens the relationship between the two, and enables the partners to collaborate even more closely on the development of battery systems, electric drive systems and in individual vehicle projects. Executives from both companies announced the arrangement this morning in a webcast press conference.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
AVL Introduces New Modular Range Extender Technologies and Engineering Services
May 17, 2009
| A Range Extender Module based on a rotary engine. Click to enlarge. |
AVL has introduced new range extender system technology and engineering services targeted at OEMS for short-term market introduction of range-extended electric vehicles.
The Range Extender is an autonomous auxiliary power unit added to pure electric drive vehicles to extend the operational range beyond that obtainable in the pure electric mode. AVL took a modular approach; depending on the specific customer production background and product needs, the internal combustion engine (ICE) component can be designed as a 2- or 4-stroke piston engine, or for lowest NVH and best compactness, as a rotary engine.
More... | Comments (22) | TrackBack (0)
Think Receives Pan-European Homologation Certificate for TH!NK EV; MOU for 550 Units to Spain
May 13, 2009
| Think signed an MOU for 550 units for Spain. Click to enlarge. |
At EVS 24, the Electric Vehicle Symposium (Norway, 13-16 May), Think announced that the TH!NK city electric vehicle has been granted the first pan-European homologation certificate for an EV. The new certificate first became available from 1 May 2009, and is intended to help accelerate the introduction of roadworthy EVs.
Think also has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deliver 550 TH!NK city EVs to the Spanish market. The first of the compact EVs will be delivered towards the end of this year.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
New Two-Speed Electric Vehicle Transmission For Improved Performance, Range and Battery Life
May 12, 2009
| The red region shows the most efficient speed range for a traction motor. By keeping the motor operating in, or close to, this region, the new two-speed transmission developed by Vocis could increase the range of electric vehicles by up to 10%, with little impact on cost. Click to enlarge. |
Transmission engineering and control specialist Vocis is developing a novel multi-speed transmission for electric vehicles. The company will preview the transmission at EVS, the Electric Vehicle Symposium (Norway, 13-16 May).
Simulations show that a two-speed configuration could reduce the battery energy consumed by 5-10% over the industry-standard New European Drive Cycle, without any significant increase in overall cost or packaging volume, as well as extending battery life and providing the potential to substantially downsize the powertrain and battery pack.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Study Finds Bioelectricity Better Option Than Liquid Biofuels for Transportation Output and GHG Emissions
May 08, 2009
| Kilometers per crop hectare for switchgrass feedstock with a small SUV. Campbell et al. (2009) Click to enlarge. |
A new life cycle assessment comparing the performance of bioelectricity and ethanol from a variety of pathways with respect to transportation kilometers and GHG offsets achieved per unit area of biofuels cropland concludes that bioelectricity used to charge a battery electric vehicle outperforms ethanol for a combustion engine across a range of feedstocks, conversion technologies, and vehicle classes.
The study by University of California, Merced, Assistant Professor Elliott Campbell along with Christopher Field of the Carnegie Institution’s Department of Global Ecology and David Lobell of Stanford University, found that bioelectricity produces an average 81% more transportation kilometers and 108% more emissions offsets per unit area cropland than cellulosic ethanol. A paper on the work appeared in the 8 May issue of the journal Science.
More... | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
$26.4B DOE FY 2010 Budget Request Cuts Funding for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles; With Recovery Act Funding Boosts Support for PHEVs, Biomass and Biorefineries
May 07, 2009
| The budget picture for the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. FY 2010 Budget requests are in green, the FY 2009 additional appropriation (Recovery Act funding) is in red. Electrification of transportation is receiving a major infusion of investment. Click to enlarge. |
President Barack Obama’s Fiscal Year 2010 $26.4 billion budget request to Congress for the Department of Energy increases investments in a number of areas, including investments in basic science and plug-in and hybrid electric vehicles and biofuels. It also scales back in areas such as oil and gas company research and moves away from funding vehicular hydrogen fuel cells to technologies “with more immediate promise,” according to Energy Secretary Steven Chu.
The budget request represents a 21.8% decrease against the FY 2009 Appropriation of $33.7 billion for DOE. However, the FY 2010 budget complements the $38.7 billion the Department of Energy will invest as part of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Ford Investing $550M to Retool SUV Plant to Produce Focus Small Car and EV
May 06, 2009
Ford Motor Company is investing $550 million to transform its Michigan Assembly Plant into a flexible manufacturing complex that will build Ford’s next-generation Focus global small car along with a new battery-electric version of the Focus for the North American market. (Earlier post.) The 2.866 million square-foot plant was built in 1957.
The plant, formerly the Michigan Truck Plant and the production site for Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigators SUVs, is one of three North American light truck plants Ford is retooling to build fuel-efficient global small cars in the coming years. The new Focus will begin rolling off the line next year and the battery-electric version of the Focus—Ford’s first all-electric passenger car—debuts in 2011.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Renault Introduces the Kangoo be bop Z.E. Electric Vehicle Demonstrator
| The Kangoo be bop Z.E. electric vehicle. Click to enlarge. |
Renault used the Annual General Meeting of its shareholders today in Paris, France, as the stage for introducing its new prototype electric vehicle, Kangoo be bop Z.E.. Renault said that the technology featured on this vehicle is very similar to that featured on the brand’s upcoming production electric vehicles which are currently under development.
Kangoo be bop Z.E. is an all-electric zero emission (in road use) vehicle. It is powered by a 44 kW (60 hp) electric motor which revs to 12,000 rpm. Kangoo be bop Z.E.’s electric motor is coupled to a reducer which replaces the gearbox traditionally mated to heat engines. This reducer has a single, constant output ratio. Electrical energy is transmitted to the motor by a power electronics unit which incorporates the controller that delivers the required amount of energy to the rotor.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Testing Finds Proterra Electric Transit Bus Achieves More Than 20 mpg Diesel Equivalent
May 05, 2009
| Proterra battery-electric bus. Click to enlarge. |
An all-electric version of the 35-foot Proterra FCBE 35 transit bus, powered by a UQM PowerPhase 150 electric propulsion system and an Altairnano Li-ion battery pack (earlier post), achieved more than 20 miles per gallon diesel equivalent in fuel economy equivalency testing conducted by the Pennsylvania Transportation Institute at Pennsylvania State University.
Testing of the composite body all-electric version of the FCBE 35 transit bus was conducted using a modified Transit Coach Operating Duty Cycle (ADB) that includes simulated central business district, arterial and commuter operations.
More... | Comments (21) | TrackBack (0)
Battery/Ultracapacitor System for Small Electric Vehicles
April 27, 2009
| Configuration of an EV with battery pack and ultracapacitor. From Li et al.(2009) Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology and Allborg University (Denmark) are studying a hybrid battery/ultracapacitor system for small electric vehicles. They presented a paper on their work at the recent SAE 2009 World Congress in Detroit.
In the system, the batteries function as the main energy storage source of the vehicle, supplying average power to the load. The ultracapacitors are used to meet the peak power demands during transients. In their study, the researchers connected the battery pack and ultracapacitor bank in parallel to the DC link with bi-directional two quadrant buck-boost converters. To control the system, they propose a power flow management methodology based on load demand.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Li-ion Polymer Battery Maker Kokam America Is Partner of Choice for Smith Electric Vehicles US; Kokam JV With Dow Targeted at Scaling Up Production
April 17, 2009
When Smith Electric Vehicles US Corp (SEV-US) announced on 27 March its selection of Kansas City, Missouri as the site for its US assembly plant for electric commercial vehicles (earlier post), SEV-US CEO Bryan Hansel named Kokam America (also based in Missouri) as the electric vehicle company’s battery “partner of choice.” SEV-US is working on an official statement that will soon be released detailing more of the scope of the relationship, according to an SEV-US spokeswoman. The partnership with Kokam does not currently extend to Smith Electric Vehicles based in the UK.
Kokam America also made news earlier this week when its newly unveiled joint venture with Dow Chemical and Townsend Ventures LLC—KD Advanced Battery Group LLC (KD)—announced plans to invest $665 million in a new 800,000 square foot battery manufacturing facility in Michigan, and also was awarded $144.6 million in tax credits towards that plant from the state. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Renault-Nissan Alliances Forms EV Partnership in Phoenix Metro Area; Beginning of a Phoenix-Tucson EV Charging Corridor
April 16, 2009
Nissan and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), which represents the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan region, are forming a partnership to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network. ECOtality Inc. will participate in the partnership by initiating its EV Micro-Climate program in the Phoenix region to promote sensible policies, intelligent deployment of charge infrastructure, and strong public awareness to foster the successful consumer adoption of grid-connected electric vehicles.
In March, Nissan announced a similar partnership with ECOtality and the Pima Association of Governments, in the Tucson, Ariz., area, to promote a charging network infrastructure. (Earlier post.) ECOtality plans to link the Phoenix and Tucson Metro areas by implementing strategic fast-charge stations along Interstate 10 (I-10) to create the first implementation of an EV Corridor in North America. (Phoenix is about 116 miles (187 km) from Tucson via the 10.)
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Study Finds That CO2 Standards for Vehicles Can Reduce Price of Oil
April 10, 2009
| Car fleet composition in the EU under the different scenarios. Click to enlarge. |
A new study by the French institute Enerdata, commissioned by the European Federation for Transport & Environment (T&E), suggests that the European CO2 standards for new vehicles due to come into effect in 2012 will lead not only to a European savings on oil (mainly via lower oil import volumes) but also to slightly lower global oil prices. Enerdata concluded that a 0.9% reduction in global oil consumption results in a drop in global oil prices of 1.2%.
Most analyses of the economic assessments of energy efficiency measures normally use fixed oil prices when accounting for economic benefits. By working out that the price of oil will fall when the EU’s regulations fully take effect, the study suggests that the European economic benefits of fuel efficiency have been underestimated, in general by up to 17%, according to T&E.
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Renault-Nissan Alliance Partners with China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on EVs
The Renault-Nissan Alliance has entered a partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China (MIIT) for Zero-Emission Mobility, a first step in bringing Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) to China.
Nissan will provide MIIT with electric vehicle (EV) information and propose a comprehensive plan, including a blueprint for a battery-charging network and programs for mass-marketing EVs. The Chinese government has launched a pilot program of “new energy vehicles” to be rolled out to the public transport sector in 13 cities.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
GM And Segway Partner on Urban Personal Mobility Electric Vehicle
April 07, 2009
| The Project P.U.M.A prototype takes a test drive in New York. Click to enlarge. |
General Motors Corp. and Segway are unveiling a new type of personal mobility vehicle targeted for city use. Under “Project P.U.M.A.” (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility), GM and Segway are developing an electrically powered, two-seat prototype urban vehicle that has only two wheels.
Project P.U.M.A. combines technologies developed and demonstrated by GM and Segway, including electric drive and batteries; dynamic stabilization (two-wheel balancing); all-electronic acceleration, steering and braking; vehicle-to-vehicle communications; and autonomous driving and parking.
More... | Comments (27) | TrackBack (0)
Optimal Energy to Introduce Pilot Fleets of Joule EV by 2010, Mass Production by 2012
April 04, 2009
| Optimal Energy’s Joule. Click to enlarge. |
Optimal Energy, the Cape Town, South Africa-based company that unveiled the Joule full battery-electric multi-purpose urban passenger vehicle to the world at the Paris Motor Show in 2008 (earlier post), plans to have pilot fleets on the road in South Africa and globally from 2010 onwards, with mass production to start in South Africa from 2012.
This announcement comes following a further share issue to the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), as well as Innovation Fund, the technology investment division of the Department of Science and Technology, for a fourth round capital investment. Optimal Energy intends raising further private capital towards the end of 2009.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Optare Introduces Battery-Electric Bus
March 31, 2009
| The Solo EV. Click to enlarge. |
UK-based Optare PLC has introduced the Solo EV, a full battery-electric bus. The Solo EV is a progression of the established Solo family of buses. The Solo EV is available in lengths of 8.1m, 8.8m and 9.5m and widths of either 2.3m or 2.5m.
Replacing the usual diesel engine is an all-new electric drive, featuring an Enova Systems P120 AC induction motor rated at 120 kW and powered by two banks of Valence Lithium Ion Phosphate batteries. The two packs work in parallel and provide 307V with a total capacity of 80 kWh. The batteries are housed in two steel crates set either side of the centrally mounted motor for excellent weight distribution.
More... | Comments (23) | TrackBack (0)
Detroit Electric and Proton Announce Strategic Partnership to Produce EVs
March 30, 2009
| The DE e63 in a media test drive at the Proton Center of Excellence track in Malaysia. Click to enlarge. |
Detroit Electric Holdings Ltd, originally formed as a joint venture between ZAP and China Youngman Group (earlier post), and Malaysia-based Proton Holdings Berhad are forming a strategic partnership for the mass production of electric vehicles.
Under the agreement, Detroit Electric will license two Proton vehicle platforms and contract Proton to assemble the vehicles, using the Detroit Electric drive systems. The vehicles will then be marketed under Detroit Electric’s brand.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Smith Electric Vehicles US Selects Kansas City for Electric Truck Assembly Plant; Newton Model to Be First
March 27, 2009
| The SEV US Newton. Click to enlarge. |
Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation (SEV US) has selected Kansas City, Missouri as the site for its US assembly plant. (Earlier post.) The new assembly plant will be located at a portion of an airline overhaul base at Kansas City International (KCI) Airport and is expected to create 120 jobs by 2010. Production of the first zero-emission commercial trucks is scheduled to begin third quarter of 2009.
SEV US Corp will initially focus its production on battery-electric-powered vehicles for depot-based predictable-route delivery fleets. The first truck model produced will be the Smith Newton—the world’s largest battery-electric-powered truck. It has a top speed of up to 50 mph, a range on one battery charge in excess of 100 miles and a payload of up to 16,280 lbs. SEV US Corp will utilize the Enova 120 kW P120 drive system for the Newton, a proven solution currently being used by Smith in Europe, and a lithium-ion iron phosphate battery pack.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
DOE to Award Up to $2.4B for Advanced Batteries, Electric Drive Components, and Electric Drive Vehicle Demonstration/Deployment Projects
March 19, 2009
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has released two competitive solicitations that will provide up to a combined $2.4 billion in federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) in support of the development of advanced electric drive vehicles (EDVs) including plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), electric vehicles (EV), and fuel cell vehicles (FCV). President Barack Obama announced the availability of the funding during a visit to Southern California Edison’s Electric Vehicle Center today.
This funding has been divided between two Funding Opportunity Announcements: Recovery Act - Transportation Electrification (DE-FOA-0000026); and Recovery Act - Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative (DE-FOA-0000028). The former will provide up to $400 million for EDV and electrification infrastructure demonstration and evaluation projects. The latter will provide grants to US-based manufacturers of up to $1.5 billion to produce advanced automotive batteries and their components, and up to $500 million to produce other components needed for electric vehicles, such as electric motors.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Siemens Highlights Prototypes of New Drive Systems for Electric Cars
March 13, 2009
|
| The powertrain components for the eRUF. Source; Siemens CT. Click to enlarge. |
Siemens Corporate Technology, Siemens’ research organization, supplied the drive systems for the prototypes of two electric cars shown at the Geneva Motor Show. For each of two automotive firms—the Swiss concept car manufacturer Rinspeed and the German company RUF Automobile GmbH—the Siemens research team developed an integrated system consisting of a motor/generator, power electronics and an interface with a battery connection.
This research is taking place within the framework of the exploration by Siemens Corporate Technology of the opportunities and challenges associated with a comprehensive concept of electro-mobility and its value-added chain. Topics under investigation include, among others, energy generation and distribution; traffic and energy management; smart metering; power electronics; software and sensor technology; electric drive train systems; and the recovery and storage of energy.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Pininfarina/Bolloré BLUECAR EV Shown at Geneva
March 09, 2009
 |
| The BLUECAR. Click to enlarge. |
Pininfarina and Bolloré, which set up a 50-50 joint venture at the beginning of 2008 with the purpose of designing, developing, manufacturing and distributing an electric car, displayed the latest version of the Pininfarina BLUECAR at the Geneva Motor Show on the Véhicules Électriques Pininfarina-Bolloré stand. (Earlier post.)
The prototype shown at Geneva is a forerunner of the vehicle which will go into production in Italy at Pininfarina starting from 2010 with the first units. Production on an industrial scale will take place between 2011 and 2017, with forecast output by 2015 being about 60,000, according to the partners.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Nissan, Pima Association of Governments and ECOtality to Partner on EVs and EV Charging Infrastructure for Tucson Area
March 06, 2009
Nissan; the Pima Association of Governments (PAG), which represents the Tucson, Arizona region; and ECOtality are forming a partnership to promote the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the area.
Nissan will introduce EVs in the United States in 2010 and will mass market EVs globally two years later. In conjunction with the anticipated 2010 launch of Nissan’s zero-emission electric vehicle, ECOtality will initiate its EV Micro-Climate program in the Tucson region to promote sensible policies, intelligent deployment of charge infrastructure, and strong public awareness to encourage consumer adoption of grid-connected electric vehicles.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Nissan Motor and City of Yokohama Embark on Zero-Emission Mobility Project
March 04, 2009
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and the city of Yokohama will jointly embark on Yokohama Mobility “Project ZERO”, a 5-year project aimed at achieving zero-emission mobility. Confirmation of the Project follows a joint study, which was completed in November 2008.
The Project uses a total-management approach to address the issue of zero-emission mobility. It adopts a zoning system that designates the city’s central district as a “Zero Carbon” zone, which extends into the “Low Carbon” periphery areas. In 2009, the Yokohama Mobility Project Zero has the following scope:
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Ford Unveils New Battery-Electric Tourneo Connect at 2009 Geneva Show
March 02, 2009
 |
| Ford Tourneo Concept BEV. Click to enlarge. |
At the Geneva Motor Show, Ford introduced a new concept Ford Tourneo Connect equipped with a conceptual but fully operational Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) powertrain developed in collaboration with Smith Electric Vehicles.
In the UK and select European markets, Smith already offers battery electric versions of the Ford Transit medium commercial vehicle to fleet customers, and later this year will introduce a battery electric version of the Ford Transit Connect small commercial. (Earlier post.) It is this technology that has been adapted for the Tourneo Connect BEV concept. Smith is also working with Ford on a US BEV version of the Transit. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation to Assemble Zero-Emission Commercial Trucks in North America
Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation (SEV US Corp) (earlier post), a Delaware corporation temporarily headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., is announcing the launch of its new company in conjunction with the National Truck and Equipment Association’s (NTEA) Work Truck Show to be held at Chicago’s McCormick Place, 4-6 March.
The company will assemble and market all-electric zero-emission commercial vehicles in North America, and said it will initially focus its production on battery-electric-powered vehicles for depot-based route delivery fleets.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Balqon Begins Production of Electric Port Drayage Trucks for San Pedro Ports
February 25, 2009
 |
| Balqon E30 rolls off the line. Click to enlarge. |
Balqon Corp. has begun production of all-electric, heavy-duty drayage trucks capable of hauling 30-ton shipping containers in and around the San Pedro Bay, California port complex. (Earlier post.)
An initiative of the Port of Los Angeles’s Clean Air Action Plan, the development and demonstration of the Balqon Nautilus E30 electric truck was co-funded by the Port and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) at a total cost of $527,000. Designed specifically for short-haul or drayage operations, this heavy-duty truck can pull a 60,000-pound cargo container at a top speed of 40 mph, and has a range between 30 to 60 miles per battery charge.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
ARB Chairman Characterizes Ideological Debate Between Hydrogen and Batteries as “Madness”
February 23, 2009
California Air Resources Board (ARB) Chairman Mary Nichols characterized the sometimes contentious, ideological debate between those who advocate for hydrogen fuel cells and those who advocate for batteries as the ultimate enabler of low-carbon transportation as “madness” from the point of view of a regulator.
Chairman Nichols made the comment during a keynote at the third annual UC Berkeley Energy Symposium, presented by the Berkeley Energy & Resources Collaborative (BERC), that focused on policy and legislative activity in the context of California’s climate change efforts.
More... | Comments (67) | TrackBack (0)
Chery Launches S18 Electric Vehicle
February 19, 2009
 |
| The S18 EV. Click to enlarge. |
China automaker Chery has begun introduced the S18 EV, an all-battery electric vehicle it developed in-house. The S18 electric vehicle has a range of 120 to 150 km (75 to 93 miles) when fully charged, with a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph.).
The S18 features a 336V 40 kW electric drive system, powered by a battery pack built with 40 Ah lithium-ion iron phosphate batteries. At 220V, charge time is 4-6 hours. Fast charging will provide 80% of pack capacity in 30 minutes.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Renault Powertrain Strategy: Focus on Electric Motor Development for EV Powertrains, New Technologies for Conventional Engines
February 17, 2009
Renault is currently working on the development of low-emission and zero-CO2 emissions vehicles in what it calls “a determined bid” to introduce as many effective technologies as possible at an affordable price. Its work on powertrains focuses on two main areas: the development of a range of electric motors for all-electric vehicles, and new technologies for conventional engines, including a new generation of turbocharged internal combustion engines as well as on new automatic transmissions.
Electric motors. Renault is aiming to become the industry leader in the realm of mass-market electric vehicles. The Renault-Nissan Alliance is consequently developing a comprehensive range of all-electric powertrains, with power outputs ranging from 50 to 100 kW (70 to 140 hp).
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Rinspeed To Introduce the “iChange” Concept EV at Geneva
February 16, 2009
|
| The iChange in single-driver (top) and “pop-up” three-passenger (bottom) configurations. Click to enlarge. |
Swiss auto innovator Rinspeed is unveiling the “iChange,”—an electric car the body of which can adapt through the use of a “pop-up” rear end to seat between one and three passengers, at the upcoming Geneva Motorshow.
The sole driver is conveyed in a teardrop-shaped car that offers optimal aerodynamic properties and thus minimized energy consumption. The pop-up extension provides sufficient headroom for two additional passengers. As a result of the increased weight and no longer optimal aerodynamics the energy consumption increases, but only for the time passengers are actually on board.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Volkswagen and Toshiba to Partner on Electric Drive, Power Electronics and Batteries
February 12, 2009
Volkswagen AG and the Toshiba Corporation signed a letter of intent to cooperate for the development of electric drive units and the accompanying power electronics for Volkswagen’s planned New Small Family. Furthermore, Volkswagen and Toshiba are planning the development of battery systems with a high specific energy density for the next generation of electric vehicles.
Volkswagen’s objective, said Prof. Dr Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the board of management, is to be the first manufacturer to provide an emissions-free, affordable and safe large-scale production electric vehicle.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Ford Launching Transit Connect in US Starting This Summer; Battery-Electric Version Due in 2010
February 09, 2009
 |
| The 2010 Ford Transit Connect. Click to enlarge. |
Ford is introducing the North American version of the 2010 Transit Connect light commercial vehicle at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show this week. (Earlier post.) Sales begin this summer.
Ford also said that the first product in Ford’s new electric vehicle plan announced in January(earlier post) will be a battery electric-powered version of the Transit Connect commercial vehicle. Ford is collaborating with Smith Electric Vehicles to bring the electric Transit Connect to market in North America in 2010.
More... | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
Tanfield Establishing Joint Venture in North America for Production of Smith Electric Vehicles
February 06, 2009
UK-based Tanfield Group, the parent of Smith Electric Vehicles, is forming a joint venture in North America with the newly-formed US-based Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation (SEVUS).
SEVUS plans to begin production of Smith electric vehicles during 2009. Smith Electric Vehicles had originally announced in 2007 (at EVS-23) that it would establish a major production facility in the US with the capacity to produce up to 10,000 electric trucks per year, from 2010. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
SEAT Presents Electric Drive Research Prototype to Spanish Government
January 23, 2009
 |
| Under the hood of the SEAT León Twin Drive prototype. Click to enlarge. |
SEAT, a member of the Volkswagen Group, presented an electrically-driven research prototype to Miguel Sebastián, Spanish minister for Industry, Tourism and Business. The research prototype is an electrically-powered León Twin Drive Ecomotive vehicle equipped with a lithium-ion battery for urban circuits, connected to an internal combustion engine for interurban trips, with optimum consumption level.
SEAT’s Global Sustainable Mobility Plan for 2014 is designed to carry out research within the field of plug-in hybrid propulsion and into the gradual phasing-out of the use of the internal combustion engine.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
TM4 Partners with Tata Motors and Miljø in EV Project
January 22, 2009
 |
| Miljø will use TM4’s MΦ120 electric motor, designed for EVs and HEVs. Click to enlarge. |
Miljø Innovasjon, a subsidiary of Tata Motors, has selected TM4, a subsidiary of Hydro-Quebec, to provide electric motors, power electronics and vehicle controllers for an electric car demonstration program to be launched in Norway in 2009-2010. Electrovaya is providing the Li-ion batteries. (Earlier post.)
Under this program, Miljø will produce more than one hundred units of an all-electric version of Tata Motors’ new Indica Vista.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
New System for Managing Multiple Types of Power Units Could Reduce Cost of Hybrids and Plug-ins
January 18, 2009
 |
| Multi-Flex unit in a golf cart battery pack. Click to enlarge. |
An Indiana startup, Indy Power Systems, has developed a hardware platform that uses embedded software to manage the flow of energy between multiple types of power units—including different types of rechargeable batteries and fuel cells.
Indy Power System’s Multi-Flex Energy Management System blends two or more sources of power so that the cost and performance characteristics of each can be optimized. The system could potentially reduce the cost of a battery-electric vehicle energy storage system by around 50% per vehicle, according to internal company tests that combined power from lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (2)
City Of Newark, Delaware First US Electric Utility to Approve Use of V2G
The City of Newark, Delaware has become the first electric utility in the United States to approve the use of an electric vehicle to store and provide power for the local electric grid.
University of Delaware (UD) researchers led by Associate Professor Willett Kempton developed the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) concept in collaboration with a consortium (MAGIC, Mid-Atlantic Grid Interactive Cars Consortium) of industry partners over the past decade to establish the communications protocol between the vehicle and the grid operator. (Earlier post.) Industry partners in the consortium include Delmarva Power and its parent company Pepco Holdings Inc; PJM, the regional grid operator; California-based electric vehicle manufacturer AC Propulsion; and others.
More... | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)
BMW Group to Loan 10 MINI E EVs to New York City
January 16, 2009
The BMW Group will loan a fleet of 10 MINI E (earlier post) electric zero-emissions cars to the City of New York. New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg made the announcement during his State-of-the-City speech.
These vehicles will be used in the city’s Street Condition Observation Unit, known as SCOUT, and will be among the 500 MINI Es the BMW Group is producing as part of a one-year pilot field study to determine the viability of electric vehicles in real life use. The MINI Es will be used by SCOUT inspectors who drive New York City’s streets in search of street conditions, such as potholes and graffiti. The vehicles are scheduled to begin arriving in April.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Better Place Enters Electric Car Network Partnership with Ontario
January 15, 2009
Better Place has entered a partnership with the government of Ontario to help bring an electric car network to the province and create a model for the adoption of electric cars in Canada. Ontario is one of North America’s largest car producing regions.
Better Place will establish its Canadian head office in Ontario, and build an electric vehicle demonstration and education center in Toronto to lay the groundwork to help get electric vehicles running on Ontario roads. The province has committed to conducting a comprehensive study which will look at ways to speed up the introduction and adoption of electric vehicles. The study is scheduled for release in May 2009. At the same time, Better Place will be developing an electric car charging network plan and timeline.
More... | Comments (25) | TrackBack (0)
GM’s Burns Calls for New US Public/Private Partnership for Rapid Commercialization of Electrically Driven and Connected Vehicle Technologies; the New Automotive DNA
January 14, 2009
During his speech at the Chairman’s Luncheon of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) 88th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, Larry Burns, GM vice president for Research & Development and Strategic Planning, called for the creation of a new public/private partnership to rapidly commercialize US automotive technologies in two strategic and converging areas: electrically driven vehicles and connected vehicles.
Burns said the partnership should include the US government, auto manufacturers and suppliers, the energy and infrastructure industries, and other key stakeholders. He said its focus should be on enabling technologies for electrically driven vehicles such as advanced batteries, electric motors, power electronics, fuel cells, hydrogen infrastructure and storage systems; and connected vehicle technologies such as sensors, actuators, wireless communications and GPS systems.
More... | Comments (26) | TrackBack (0)
Chrysler Introduces New 200C EV Concept, New Jeep EV Concept and Update on Three Earlier EV Concepts; Production to Begin in 2010
January 12, 2009
 |
| The Chrysler 200C EV. Click to enlarge. |
Chrysler unveiled the 200C EV Concept, the newest Chrysler ENVI electric-drive vehicle , at the North American International Auto Show. The 200C EV, based on a shortened version of Chrysler’s rear-wheel-drive platform, features a range-extended electric drive system that delivers up to 40 all-electric miles, with a total range of up to 400 miles.
In September 2008, Chrysler and its ENVI electric-drive organization (earlier post) had unveiled three production intent electric-drive prototypes: a battery electric Dodge EV sportscar; a plug-in hybrid (extended range electric vehicle) Jeep; and a range-extended Chrysler minivan. (Earlier post.) In addition to the new 200C EV concept shown at Detroit, Chrysler unveiled updated versions of the original three, along with the Patriot EV, a range-extended version of the Patriot.
More... | Comments (21) | TrackBack (0)
Ford Rolls Out Accelerated Plan for HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs; To Partner with Magna on BEVs, First One Due in 2011 (corrected)
January 11, 2009
 |
| Elements of the 2011 Ford/Magna BEV. Click to enlarge. |
Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford unveiled an accelerated plan to bring next-generation hybrid-electric (HEV); a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV); and battery-electric (BEV) vehicles to market quickly and more affordably during the next four years.
The plan, unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, leverages Ford’s work with a range of partners—utilities, suppliers, policymakers and universities—in areas including batteries, manufacturing and infrastructure. For starters, Ford will introduce in North America:
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Toyota Concept EV Based on the iQ; Company Confirms Plans to Launch Urban Commuter BEV by 2012, Li-ion Prius PHEV in Late 2009
January 10, 2009
|
| Toyota FT EV. Click to enlarge. |
Toyota’s promised FT-EV concept to be shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) (earlier post) is based on the new iQ urban commuter vehicle (earlier post), the company said in a statement issued today. Toyota said it planned to launch an urban commuter battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by 2012.
Toyota also confirmed that it will advance the roll-out of a limited number of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to global lease-fleet customers to late 2009 from 2010 (earlier post), using Li-ion battery packs from partner PEVE.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
KPMG Global Auto Executive Survey Highlights Impact of Downturn on Industry; Increasing Importance of Hybrid, Electric and Battery Technologies
 |
| Concerns about the global economy and environmental issues have grown steadily in importance to the industry, according to the latest survey findings. Source: KPMG. Click to enlarge. |
The just-released tenth consecutive annual survey of senior global auto executives carried out by KPMG firms—The KPMG Global Auto Executive Survey 2009—highlights the impact of the economic crisis on the global automotive industry. The survey found that sales and profitability expectations are down sharply; that more bankruptcies are expected, along with intensive restructuring; that costs must be cut, meaning process innovation will have to intensify; and that auto execs expect that customers will become more discriminating, and more concerned with total cost of ownership.
However, the industry also sees great opportunities in new technologies, particularly alternative fuel and fuel efficiency technologies. Despite the fall in oil prices during late 2008, companies have increased their sales expectations for hybrid and alternative propulsion vehicles.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
London Bus Design Competition Spawns New Freight/Passenger Concept
December 27, 2008
 |
| Rendering of the Freight*BUS with side elevation drawing showing one possible configuration. Click to enlarge. |
Earlier in the year, Transport for London (TfL) staged an open design contest for new buses for London. The contest generated more than 700 entries from five continents.
Two whole bus designs—from Aston Martin and Foster + Partners; and Capoco Design Ltd—shared first place. The first design proposed a “zero-emissions ready” powertrain, the second a series hybrid powertrain. Both of these designs, as well as the runners-up and merit award designs, took a conventional, passengers-only view of the bus. One of the submissions to the contest, however, took a different approach, proposing flexibly combining passenger and freight transport in the same vehicle: the Freight*BUS.
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Valence Technology to Supply Li-ion Systems to PVI for Commercial Electric Vehicles
December 16, 2008
 |
| PVI’s electric Maxity will be powered by Valence Li-ion technology. Click to enlarge. |
Valence Technology, Inc. has entered into a multi-year non-exclusive supply agreement with France-based PVI for Valence’s U-Charge XP Energy Storage Systems. PVI develops and manufactures commercial electric vehicles including electric buses under the GEPEBUS brand and trucks in partnership with Renault Trucks.
Under terms of the supply agreement, Valence will provide lithium phosphate battery systems and engineering support to power four commercial EV platforms. Valence will begin shipments to PVI in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Based on PVI projections, revenue for Valence from this supply agreement could represent approximately $3 million in fiscal 2010.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Mercedes-Benz to Present BlueZERO Modular Drive Concept for Electric Vehicles at Detroit Show
December 15, 2008
|
| The BlueZERO concept. Click to enlarge. |
Mercedes-Benz will present its near-series electric-drive Concept BlueZERO at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
Based on a single vehicle architecture, this modular concept allows three models with different drive configurations: the BlueZERO E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 km (124 miles); the BlueZERO F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of more than 400 km (249 miles); and the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and internal combustion engine as range extender. The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS has an overall range of up to 600 km (373 miles) and can cover a distance of up to 100 km (62 miles) using electric drive alone.
More... | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
Evonik and Daimler Establish Strategic Alliance for Automotive Li-ion Battery Research, Development and Production; Li-Tec Cells to Be Used in Mercedes EVs
 |
| A Li-Tec 40 Ah high-energy cell. Click to enlarge. |
Evonik Industries AG and Daimler AG have established a strategic alliance to further the research, development and production of lithium-ion battery cells and battery systems in Germany. (Earlier post.)
The two companies will form a joint venture focused on the development and production of batteries and battery systems for automotive applications. Daimler will hold 90% of this joint venture, and Evonik 10%. In addition, Daimler is acquiring 49.9% of Evonik Group subsidiary Li-Tec—Evonik Industries AG already holds 50.1%. As part of the agreement, Mercedes will use Li-Tec lithium-ion cells in upcoming series-production electric vehicles.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Blade Electric Vehicles Conversion of the Hyundai Getz Picks Up Momentum
December 14, 2008
Australia-based Blade Electric Vehicles (BEV), a small start-up that converts the Hyundai Getz into a lithium-ion powered electric vehicle with a range of 120 km (75 miles), recently won a contract to supply 200 of the converted Getz (called the Electron) vehicles to New Zealand. BEV expects to have 18 of its Electrons on the road in Australia by the end of the year. (Blade Electric Vehicles was founded by Ross Blade, and has no relationship with the Blade bolt-on tailpipe filter marketed by Sabertec as an aftermarket system to improve fuel economy.)
BEV is targeting the four-seat Electron at government and corporate fleets that travel short commuter distances. The City of Melbourne, one of the original purchasers of an Electron, found that its fuel cost was A$1.00/100km—or A$0.01/km (approximately $US0.01 per mile at current exchange rates), according to Blade.
More... | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
Study Concludes Wind-Powered BEV and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Best Options, Biofuels the Worst to Address Climate, Energy Security and Pollution
December 13, 2008
 |
| A combined weighted ranking of the 12 combinations of energy sources and vehicle type against 11 impact categories. Click to enlarge. |
A new study by Stanford University professor Mark Jacobson (earlier post) reviews and ranks major proposed energy-related solutions to global warming, air pollution, and energy security while considering impacts of the solutions on eleven different factors ranging from resource availability to mortality. To place electricity and liquid fuel options on an equal footing, Jacobson considered 12 combinations of energy sources and vehicle type: nine electric power sources (solar-PV, CSP, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, wave, tidal, nuclear, and coal with CCS) and two liquid fuel options (corn-E85, cellulosic E85) in combination with three vehicle technologies (battery-electric, BEVs; hydrogen fuel cell, HFCVs; and flex-fuel E85 vehicles).
The overall rankings of the combinations (from best to worst) were: (1) wind-powered battery-electric vehicles (BEVs); (2) wind-powered hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; (3) concentrated-solar-powered-BEVs; (4) geothermal-powered-BEVs; (5) tidal-powered-BEVs; (6) solar-photovoltaic-powered-BEVs; (7) wave-powered-BEVs; (8) hydroelectric-powered-BEVs; (9-tie) nuclear-powered-BEVs; (9-tie) coal-with-carbon-capture-powered-BEVs; (11) corn-E85 vehicles; and (12) cellulosic-E85 vehicles. His findings are published online in an open access article in the journal Energy & Environmental Science.
More... | Comments (92) | TrackBack (0)
FedEx Express Orders 10 Modec Electric Vans for Use in the UK
December 12, 2008
 |
| The FedEx Modec van. Click to enlarge. |
FedEx Express has ordered 10 Modec electric commercial vehicles for use in the United Kingdom. The zero tailpipe emission vehicles will be the first such to join the FedEx fleet in the UK and will operate in the greater London metropolitan area. The vehicles feature a large, removable battery pack and can travel up to 70 miles on one overnight charge.
The new vehicles are part of a growing fleet of more than 170 hybrid electric vehicles in the FedEx fleet worldwide—the largest hybrid fleet in the transportation industry—and support the company’s commitment to improve the fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet by 20% by 2020. FedEx has also committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from its aircraft fleet by 20% per available ton mile by 2020.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
Better Place Joins Japan Ministry of Environment EV Project; First Demo of Battery Exchange Mechanism
December 09, 2008
Better Place is joining Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., maker of Subaru automobiles, and other Japanese carmakers in the first Ministry of Environment sponsored electric-vehicle (EV) project in Japan. Better Place, the only foreign company participating, was invited by the Japanese Ministry of Environment to build a battery exchange station for EVs and showcase the technology.
The government’s project supports the move to sustainable transportation and includes various electric-car models and EV infrastructure in multiple cities to demonstrate feasibility. The EV project is scheduled to begin in January 2009 and last three to six months, encompassing municipalities in Kanagawa, Aichi, Osaka, and Hyogo prefectures.
More... | Comments (20) | TrackBack (0)
Better Place Unveils Design and Deployment of Charging Spot and Electric Parking Lots in Israel
December 08, 2008
 |
| A Better Place EV prototype and the charging spot. Click to enlarge. |
Better Place Israel introduced its first “plugged-in” parking lots as well as the charging spot design that will be used in Better Place deployments around the world. Better Place Israel CEO Moshe Kaplinsky unveiled the charging spot at the Cinema City parking lot in Pi-Glilot. (Earlier post.)
The company has begun deployment of its recharging network pilot in Israel with several municipalities including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Kefar Sava, Holon, and Jerusalem, and it plans to continue to deploy the network in public places in these cities.
More... | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
REV Introduces AC Direct Drive System for Ford Ranger and Escape EV Conversions
December 04, 2008
British Columbia-based REV Technologies (formerly Envia, earlier post) has introduced its REV AC Direct Drive system for the conversion of the Ford Ranger and Ford Escape to battery-electric vehicles. The system features a 92% efficient, 90 kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. In October, REV announced a supplier relationship with Valence Technology, a provider of lithium iron phosphate cells.
The REV pure battery Ford conversions offer up to 34kwh of power for an all-electric range of up to 200 km (124 miles). The electric version offers faster acceleration, increased horsepower and torque, a lower center of gravity and improved weight distribution, according to REV.
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Chrysler Asking for $7B Bridge Loan from Congress; Production of More Than 500,000 Electric-Drive Vehicles by 2013
December 03, 2008
Chrysler is asking Congress for a $7 billion secured working capital bridge loan by 31 December 31, 2008 to support ongoing operations as it continues to restructure its business, according to a summary of the presentation to be made by Chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli on 4 December. Like Ford (earlier post) and GM (earlier post), Chrysler cited the “unprecedented” drop in vehicle sales caused by the financial crisis as the fundamental cause of its financial distress.
Chrysler’s viability plan includes 24 major product launches through 2012, including a wide portfolio of hybrid electric-drive vehicles within several categories: Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV), City Electric Vehicles (CEV), Range-extended Electric Vehicles (ReEV), and full-function battery electric vehicles (BEV).
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Ford Asks Congress for $9B Stand-By Line of Credit; Commercial BEV by 2010, BEV Sedan by 2011
December 02, 2008
 |
| Overview of Ford’s technology sustainability plan. Click to enlarge. |
Ford Motor Company this morning submitted to Congress a business plan detailing a pathway to profitability and requested a “stand-by” line of credit in the amount of up to $9 billion at Government borrowing rates, for a 10-year term, with TARP conditions, in case the current economic crisis worsens or there is a bankruptcy of a major competitor. (TARP is the $700-billion Troubled Assets Relief Program for the financial sector.)
Ford said it will accelerate the transformation of its North American automotive business through aggressive restructuring actions and the introduction of more fuel-efficient vehicles—including a broader range of hybrid-electric vehicles and the introduction of advanced plug-in hybrids and full electric vehicles.
More... | Comments (25) | TrackBack (0)
Michelin to Commercialize Electric Active Wheel Technology
December 01, 2008
 |
| Michelin’s Active Wheel integrates brake disk, electric motor and suspension motor. Click to enlarge. |
Michelin’s Active Wheel, an in-wheel system comprising a brake, 30 kW (40 hp) electric traction motor and electric suspension motor system, will be used in the Heuliez-produced WILL electric vehicle (battery or fuel cell), due to be available to fleet owners in 2010. The WILL grew out of a concept developed by Heuliez and Michelin and features networked services innovated by Orange.
Michelin has shown earlier versions of the Active Wheel in concepts before, such as the Michelin/PSI Concept HY-LIGHT Fuel Cell Vehicle shown at the 2004 Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai. (Earlier post.) The two-wheel motor WILL is its first application in a series production-intent vehicle. The partners showed the WILL at the Paris Motor show in October. Venturi Automobiles also showed an application of the Active Wheel in the premier of its four-wheel motor Volage.
More... | Comments (35) | TrackBack (0)
Evaluation of Shared Low-Speed Link to Public Transit Finds Demand Higher Among Day Users Than Commuters
November 29, 2008
Researchers from the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis have published an evaluation of the results of the 16-month EasyConnect field test in the San Francisco Bay area. EasyConnect was launched in August 2005 to test and evaluate the potential for a shared-use low-speed mode vehicle service at bridging the “last mile” from a public transit station to the workplace. The program used electric bicycles, non-motorized bicycles, and Segway Human Transporters (HTs). (Earlier post.)
Although in concept the program was more focused on commuters, the results of the analysis found higher demand among day users (e.g., for lunch, errands, and business meetings) than among commuters (i.e., getting from the public transit station to work and back). The electric bicycle had the highest low-speed mode share (68%) relative to the conventional bicycle or the Segway HT for commute travel; for day use, however, the Segway had the highest share (52%).
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Germany Aiming for 1M EVs and PHEVs by 2020
November 28, 2008
 |
| Battery costs are the largest hurdle for a successful market for electric vehicles, according to a VW presentation at the conference. Click to enlarge. |
The German federal government wants to take strong measures towards electric and hybrid vehicles in the next ten years, with the goal of putting one million electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles onto Germany’s roads by 2020. Germany currently has a car parc totalling about 46.1 million vehicles, according to figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’s Association (ACEA), with a total vehicle fleet of around 49.7 million as of 2006.
The plan, announced during a German national strategy conference on electric mobility (Nationale Strategiekonferenz Elektromobilität) held in Berlin earlier this week, was drafted jointly by the departments of Economics, Transport, Environment, and Education & Research. It will be finalized and put into legislation early next year.
More... | Comments (40) | TrackBack (0)
Smith Electric Vehicles Shortlisted for UK £50M Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Program
Smith Electric Vehicles (SEV) is one of a small group of van manufacturers to reach the second stage of the UK’s £50 million (US$76.5 million) Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Program (LCVPP). The scheme, funded by the Department for Transport and operated by Cenex (Centre of Excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies), aims to jump-start sales of low-carbon vehicles for use in public sector fleets. (Earlier post.)
The government plans to use the majority of program funding in the initial phase on the procurement of lower-carbon vans. The Department for Transport says that its consultation and research suggests that development of such a model for use in the public sector fleets could have a significant wider market impact. It will also conduct smaller procurement of all-electric vans, a lower-carbon minibus, and potentially a small demonstration fleet of plug-in hybrid passenger cars.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
British Columbia Joins California Challenge of Denial of Automotive GHG Waiver; Province Converting 34 Vehicles to Plug-in Electrics
November 27, 2008
The Province of British Columbia, Canada (BC) has filed a legal brief with the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in support of California’s legal challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which denied a waiver to implement the AB 1493 (Pavley) greenhouse gas emissions standard for vehicles. (Earlier post.)
BC introduced legislation in April that allows adoption of California greenhouse gas emission standards for vehicles. The California model will achieve greater GHG emission reductions than the proposed US federal fuel economy standards that have also been committed to by Canada as a minimum starting in 2011. An analysis by the staff of the California Air Resources Board concluded that implementing the Pavley rules in Canada would result in a cumulative total of 87 MMT of GHG reductions by calendar year 2020, compared to 58 MMT of GHG reductions achieved by the proposed federal standards.(Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (35) | TrackBack (0)
Portugal and Renault-Nissan Alliance Implement EV Agreement for 2010
November 25, 2008
The Government of Portugal and the Renault-Nissan Alliance announced a comprehensive partnership to deliver zero emission mobility to Portugal from 2010. The plan will utilize electric vehicles supplied by the Alliance, and will leverage an extensive charging network that will be built across Portugal over the next three years.
In July, Portugal became the first European country to establish a partnership directly with the Renault-Nissan Alliance to explore zero emission mobility. (Earlier post.) The goal was to address concerns such as global warming, dependence on oil and sustainable mobility. After four months of discussion and analysis, Portugal became the first European country to sign a final agreement with the Alliance for implementing a zero emission mobility program.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
AC Propulsion System Powers the MINI E
November 24, 2008
 |
| AC Propulsion Drive System for MINI E. Click to enlarge. |
AC Propulsion is supplying both the electric propulsion and the battery technology for the MINI E electric vehicle introduced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show by BMW Group. (Earlier post.) AC Propulsion has already delivered more than 500 drive systems to the BMW Group factory in Munich for MINI E production.
The MINI E features a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor powered by a 35 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (approximately 28 kWh usable), with a single-stage helical gearbox transferring power to the front wheels. The electric drive train produces a peak torque of 220 Nm (162 lb-ft), with 0 to 100 kph acceleration in 8.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 152 kph (95 mph).
More... | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)
Electric Truck Exclusively Options Regenerative Magnetic Shock Absorber Technology from Tufts
November 23, 2008
Electric Truck, LLC (ET) has exclusively optioned commercial rights to a technology from Tufts University that can recharge the batteries of any hybrid electric and electric-powered vehicle while it is driven. The regenerative electromagnetic shock absorber technology was developed by Tufts engineering professor emeritus Ronald Goldner and colleague Peter Zerigian within the School of Engineering and received additional support in subsequent years from Argonne National Laboratory.
At the SAE Government/Industry Meeting in Washington in 2001, Goldner, Zerigian and J.R. Hull from Argonne presented a paper estimating that the percentage of recoverable power/energy for a 2,500 lb vehicle that employs four optimized design regenerative magnetic shock absorbers and whose average speed is 20 meters/s (45 mph) on a typical US highway is likely to be between 20% and 70%.
More... | Comments (24) | TrackBack (0)
Bye Energy and Porous Power Partner to Develop Energy Storage Systems for Hybrid-Electric and Electric General Aviation Use
November 22, 2008
 |
| Sectional view across a typical lithium cell electrode pair modeling hypothetical electrical and ionic resistances with electrolyte solution/gel filling pore spaces. More porous components improve conductivity levels throughout the cell and directly affect power and capacity. Click to enlarge. Source: Beard and Feaver 2006 |
Bye Energy, an integrator of alternative energy and renewable fuel technologies for the business and general aviation sectors, and Porous Power Technologies (PPT), the developer of highly porous, laminable separator membranes for lithium-ion batteries, are collaborating to develop energy storage systems for aviation use.
Bye Energy is developing an electric energy propulsion system that will be used in single- and twin-engine light aircraft. Existing aircraft can be retrofitted with these systems, and new aircraft can be built with either electric system in place.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Renault-Nissan Alliance Adds Oregon and Monaco to Growing Roster of EV Partners
November 21, 2008
The Renault-Nissan Alliance has added two more partners for the development and promotion of a charging infrastructure to support electric vehicles: the US state of Oregon, and the Principality of Monaco. Since July this year, the Alliance has announced partnerships with Portugal, the City of Yokohama in Japan, the US state of Tennessee, and French utility giant EDF. In addition, the Alliance is also partnering with Better Place.
Oregon. Nissan chairman and Renault SA co-chairman Carlos Ghosn announced the Oregon partnership during his opening address at the Los Angeles Auto Show. (Earlier post.) Nissan will introduce ZEVs in the United States in 2010 and will mass market ZEVs globally two years later.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
SF Bay Area Mayors Announce Coordinated Policies to Accelerate Establishment of EV Infrastructure; Better Place to Enter US Market in California
November 20, 2008
 |
| Better Place introduced a second EV prototype to work with its infrastructure: the Better Place Rogue, based on the Nissan Rogue crossover SUV. Click to enlarge. |
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums announced a nine-point policy plan to establish a pervasive infrastructure to transform the SF Bay Area into the “Electric Vehicle (EV) Capital of the US”. In conjunction with the news, Better Place announced that it would enter the US market with California as its first state, beginning in the Bay Area.
Commercial availability of electric cars is targeted to begin in 2012, and Better Place estimates its network investment in the Bay Area will total $1 billion when the system is fully deployed. The three Mayors said they welcomed Better Place’s announcement and anticipate many other EV companies will focus on the Bay Area as a top-priority market.
More... | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)
Nissan/Renault CEO: “We Need Another Planet”
November 19, 2008
by Jack Rosebro
Addressing journalists at a markedly subdued Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan chairman and Renault SA co-chairman Carlos Ghosn acknowledged that “there is no book to follow” for automakers as they struggle with this year’s global financial crisis, and predicted that “we are going to see fewer actors” in the auto manufacturing industry.
Ghosn cautioned, however, that the greater long-term challenge will be the delivery of zero-emission vehicles in time to satisfy customer demand, especially from emerging economies, and that such demand could see the global vehicle population quadruple from 600 million vehicles today to as much as 2.5 billion vehicles by 2050.
More... | Comments (43) | TrackBack (0)
EnerDel Providing Two Li-Ion Packs to Large European OEM for PHEV Demonstrator Program, Pack to Tier 1 Supplier for EV
November 14, 2008
EnerDel has received a purchase order for two lithium-ion battery packs for plug-in hybrid electric development vehicles (PHEV) from “one of the largest car manufacturers in Europe” said Charles Gassenheimer, Chairman and CEO, on a conference call reporting third quarter results. The company will also provide a pack for a demonstration electric vehicle (EV) to one of the largest international tier one OEM supply companies.
Gassenheimer said that EnerDel is custom designing a pack for the PHEV development program that is about half the size of EnerDel’s current Th!nk pack. The EnerDel packs for the Th!nk City are spec’d at 26 kWh capacity, with a gravimetric density of 100 Wh/kg. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)
UPS Adds 12 Modec Electric Vans to European Fleet
November 10, 2008
 |
| The Modec van for UPS. Click to enlarge. |
UPS has ordered twelve electric vehicles from UK-based Modec, the manufacturer of the world’s first purpose-built zero-emission van. Six vehicles will be introduced into UPS’ UK fleet in February 2009, including the vehicle that was used for testing until now. The remaining six will operate in Germany.
The UK vehicles will operate out of UPS’ Camden facility, which lies within London’s Low Emission Zone and is the company’s central package facility in the capital.
More... | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
Ohio State University Launches PHEV, EV and Smart Charging Program
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) at Ohio State University has launched a new program focused on Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Electric Vehicles (EVs) and intelligent charging. The program is intended to develop not just an economically viable plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV), but also the support systems, life-cycle plans, infrastructure, and public policies that are necessary to successfully deploy, operate and maintain PHEVs.
The inaugural meeting for the SMART@CAR (Sustainable Mobility: Advanced Research Team) project in late October drew more than 40 people, representing 11 companies. Those companies included automotive partners, the electric utility sector, power electronics and the Ohio Department of Development.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
UK Report on Potential Impact of EVs and PHEVs on GHG Reduction Concludes That EVs Could Cut Emissions by 40% Per Vehicle Even with Current Grid Mix
November 07, 2008
A new report, jointly produced by Arup and Cenex for the UK’s Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Department for Transport (DfT) concludes that electric vehicles have the potential to produce significant greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to conventional vehicles over the full life-cycle.
Even based on the current UK electricity grid mix, the authors expect an emissions reduction on a per vehicle basis of 40%. With further decarbonization of the UK power mix, reductions from the use of EVs would increase.
More... | Comments (41) | TrackBack (0)
Optare Shows Hybrid and Electric Buses
November 05, 2008
 |
| Optare is showing an all-electric version of the 8.8m Solo. Click to enlarge. |
Optare plc, the UK’s second largest manufacturer of buses, is highlighting new hybrid and all-electric models at the Euro Bus Expo taking place in Birmingham, UK on November 4 through 6, 2008.
Solo electric bus. An all-electric version of the 8.8-meter Solo bus features an Enova EDU 120 system comprising an electric drive unit and gear train, a central electronics unit, and related power management components. The system features a lithium-ion iron phosphate Valence battery pack which powers an Enova 120 kW Panther traction motor.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
New UK £100M Low-Carbon Vehicle Program Contains Funding for EV Demonstration Projects and Development
October 27, 2008
The UK government is putting £100 million (US$157 million) into a new £200-million public-private investment program to speed up the introduction of new low carbon vehicles onto Britain’s roads. (Earlier post.) The UK’s Technology Strategy Board will manage the five-year program through its Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform, and it will be guided by an industry-led advisory panel.
Demonstration project. Included in that commitment, as outlined by UK Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon at an international experts meeting convened in the UK to explore the challenges of bringing electric vehicles to market, is an ultra low-carbon vehicle demonstration competition that aims to see up to 100 new innovative cars on the road in several locations around the UK by the end of 2009.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Magna Electronics Acquires BluWāv Systems LLC, Expands Electric Propulsion Capabilities
October 24, 2008
Magna Electronics, an operating unit of Magna International Inc., has acquired BluWāv Systems LLC (formerly Wavecrest Laboratories), a developer and supplier of controls, motors and energy-management systems for hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and battery electric vehicles. (Earlier post.)
Magna Electronics says that the acquisition of BluWāv enhances its position in developing and supplying components and systems to the emerging automotive market for electric and hybrid vehicles.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Better Place Partners with AGL and Macquarie to Build EV Infrastructure in Australia; Victoria Sets Up Fuel Efficiency Working Group to Focus on First-Generation EVs
October 23, 2008
Better Place is partnering with AGL Energy and financial advisor Macquarie Capital Group to raise A$1 billion (US$665 million) and to begin deploying an electric vehicle (EV) network powered by renewable energy. With the world’s seventh highest per capita rate of car ownership, Australia has nearly 15 million cars on the road after adding more than a million new cars in 2007.
Better Place will use its scalable model, also adopted through partnerships with Israel and Denmark (earlier post), to build the EV network in Australia. Macquarie will assist in business development and help raise the A$1 billion for the network build. In support of the project, AGL will provide electricity from renewable sources to power the electric cars and enable Better Place to deliver sustainable transportation.
More... | Comments (27) | TrackBack (0)
eRUF Electric Porsche Powered by UQM, Axeon
October 20, 2008
 |
| Battery and motor packaging in the eRUF. Click to enlarge. Source: CalMotors |
The recently introduced eRUF Porsche-based all-electric sports car is being powered by a UQM PowerPhase 150 electric propulsion system. The eRUF is being developed by RUF Automobile GmbH, a manufacturer of high-performance automobiles and producer of the renowned CTR-series of sports cars.
The eRUF all-electric sports car, designated the eRUF Model A, accelerates from zero to 100 kph in less than seven seconds and has a top speed of 225 kph (140 mph). Estimated range per charge is 250 kilometers to 320 kilometers (155-199 miles), depending on performance level, using a 50.72 kWh lithium-ion iron-phosphate pack from Axeon plc.
More... | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
BMW Group Electric MINI to Debut at LA Auto Show in November
October 18, 2008
 |
| The MINI E. The zero-emission MINI will sport a plug logo in Interchange Yellow. Click to enlarge. |
The BMW Group will introduce its battery-electric MINI E (earlier post) at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. BMW says that it will deploy a fleet of some 500 of the all-electric vehicles for private use in daily traffic.
The MINI E will be powered by a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor fed by a 35 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (28 kWh usable), with a single-stage helical gearbox transferring power to the front wheels. The MINI E’s electric drive train produces a peak torque of 220 Nm (162 lb-ft), with 0 to 100 kph acceleration in 8.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 152 kph (95 mph).The battery pack will support a range of more than 240 km (150 miles).
More... | Comments (27) | TrackBack (0)
Renault and EDF to Partner on Electric Vehicles and Recharging Infrastructure in France
October 09, 2008
Renault and French electric utility EDF signed a memorandum of understanding to create, starting with France, a large-scale zero-emissions personal transport and travel system. The objective is to establish electric cars as a viable and attractive transport solution for consumers and to develop a supporting recharging infrastructure.
Through the agreement, the Renault Nissan Alliance and EDF aim to provide consumers access to electric vehicles beginning in 2011. The Renault Nissan Alliance and EDF will jointly develop a commercial project, open to other interested parties, leading to the set up of an Electric Mobility Operator in the longer term. The role of the Electric Mobility Operator will be to supply customers with the infrastructure to recharge an electric vehicle and to manage its range.
