Electric (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.]
Michelin to Commercialize Electric Active Wheel Technology
December 01, 2008
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| 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.
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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%).
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Germany Aiming for 1M EVs and PHEVs by 2020
November 28, 2008
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| 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.
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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AC Propulsion System Powers the MINI E
November 24, 2008
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| 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).
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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%.
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Bye Energy and Porous Power Partner to Develop Energy Storage Systems for Hybrid-Electric and Electric General Aviation Use
November 22, 2008
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| 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.
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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.
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SF Bay Area Mayors Announce Coordinated Policies to Accelerate Establishment of EV Infrastructure; Better Place to Enter US Market in California
November 20, 2008
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| 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.
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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.
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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.)
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UPS Adds 12 Modec Electric Vans to European Fleet
November 10, 2008
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| The Modec van for UPS. Click to enlarge. |
UPS has ordered twelve electric vehicles from UK-based Modec, the manufacturer of the world’ss 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.
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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.
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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.
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Optare Shows Hybrid and Electric Buses
November 05, 2008
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| 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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eRUF Electric Porsche Powered by UQM, Axeon
October 20, 2008
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| 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.
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BMW Group Electric MINI to Debut at LA Auto Show in November
October 18, 2008
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| 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).
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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.
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Nissan Shows Present and Future of City Cars at Paris Show: Pixo and NuVu EV
October 05, 2008
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| Nissan’s NuVu. Click to enlarge. |
Among its introductions at the Paris Motor Show, Nissan unveiled a new production city car—the Pixo—and a battery-electric concept car highlighting Nissan’s focus on electric drive for the future, the NuVu.
Pixo, built in collaboration with Suzuki Motor in Delhi, India, is a five-door, four-seater featuring a three cylinder 1.0-liter engine. With its lightweight construction, it produces CO2 emissions as low as 103 g/km with fuel consumption of 4.6 L/100km (51 mpg US) on the combined cycle (NEDC). Pixo is available with manual or automatic transmissions.
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Renault Unveils New Electric Concept Car
October 02, 2008
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| The Z.E. Concept. Click to enlarge. |
Renault has unveiled a new battery-electric concept car—the Z.E. Concept (Z.E. = Zero Emission)—at the Paris Motor Show. Based on the new Renault Kangoo be bop, the Z.E. Concept is powered by a 70 kW (95 hp) electric motor with 226 Nm (167 lb-ft) of torque and a lithium-ion battery pack.
The use of heat-reflective paint and insulating bodywork featuring large surface areas contributes to the reduction of temperature fluctuations. Traditionally this prompts the use of climate control or heating systems which are big consumers of energy. Insulation is further optimized by the use of acid green-tinted glass for the glazed areas.
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DuraCar Introduces New EV Derived from ITS InnoVan at Paris Show
October 01, 2008
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| The QUICC! Diva. Click to enlarge. |
DuraCar, a Dutch automobile manufacturer, is introducing its QUICC! brand and the prototype of a new electric vehicle at the Mondial de L’Automobile opening in Paris this week. The QUICC! DiVa is fully battery-powered distribution van (DiVa), and the body and chassis of the vehicle are entirely made of plastic.
DuraCar Holding BV is young Dutch automobile company, based in Heerlen and focused on sustainable solutions for mobility. The company acquired its core intellectual property and first prototype—the InnoVan—in 2007 from Innovative Transportation Systems AG (ITS).
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Toshiba SCiB Li-Ion Battery Debuts in a Schwinn E-Bike
September 25, 2008
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| SCiB module and Schwinn Tailwind. Click to enlarge. |
Cannondale Sports Group, a global provider of branded bicycles and a division of Dorel Industries, Inc., has selected the new Toshiba fast-charging SCiB (Super Charge ion Battery) lithium-ion battery (earlier post) to provide the power battery module for a new electric bicycle for the North American and European markets.
Toshiba’s SCiB 24V/4.2Ah module will be installed in the Tailwind, a new electric bicycle Cannondale Sports Group will bring to market under the Schwinn Bicycles brand. Commercial launch of the Tailwind is scheduled for early 2009.
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Chrysler Unveils Production-Intent Electric Drive Technology; Three Prototypes, One to Be Produced in 2010
September 23, 2008
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| The three Chrysler electric-drive prototypes: battery electric Dodge EV and plug-in hybrid (extended range electric vehicle) Jeep and Chrysler. Click to enlarge. |
Chrysler LLC and its ENVI electric-drive organization (earlier post) unveiled new production-intent, advanced electric-drive technology packaged in three different vehicle formats: sportscar, SUV and minivan—one for each of its brands, Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler. The prototypes include both full battery-electric and plug-in hybrid (extended range electric) vehicles.
Chrysler will select one electric-drive model to be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010. Additionally, approximately 100 Chrysler electric vehicles will be on the road in government, business, utility and Chrysler development fleets in 2009.
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GM Formally Unveils the Production Version of the Volt
September 16, 2008
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| The production version of the Volt. Click to enlarge. |
General Motors marked its centenary today by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle. The design of the Chevrolet Volt production car has changed from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Earlier post.)
Because aerodynamics plays a key role in maximizing driving range, GM designers created a more aerodynamically efficient design for the production vehicle than was represented by the concept. While design cues from the concept vehicle remain in the production Volt, the Volt’s rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille are functional, enabling air to move easily around the car. In the rear, sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler allow the air to flow off and away quickly. An aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass help reduce turbulence and drag.
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Fiat to Show New Natural Gas and Electric Light Commercial Vehicles at Hanover
September 15, 2008
Two new Fiat natural gas light commercial vehicles will make their debut at the Hanover International Motor Show (25 September to 2 October): the Ducato and Fiorino Natural Power models. Fiat held a 47% share of new natural gas commercial vehicles in Europe in 2007 (66.8% in Italy); in the 1B segment, with Doblò Natural Power in particular, Fiat has a 45% market share in Europe.
In addition, Fiat will introduce a lithium-ion battery-electric version of the new Fiorino, produced by Micro-Vett in cooperation with Centro Ricerche Fiat (Fiat Research Centre).
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Tesla Completes Development of “Powertrain 1.5”; BorgWarner to Manufacture Gearbox
September 10, 2008
Tesla Motors has completed development for what its has called “Powertrain 1.5” (earlier post)—the enhanced powertrain with higher current and torque, using a single-speed transmission to achieve the original performance spec.
Tesla began working on Powertrain 1.5 after announcing a delay last year due to problems with the previous two-speed transmission. The design work being done, Tesla has selected BorgWarner to manufacture the single-speed gearbox. Tesla has been working with them since early this year.
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Daimler and RWE Launch EV Project in Berlin; 100+ EVs, 500 Charging Points
September 05, 2008
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| Mercedes-Benz and smart EVs for e-mobility Berlin. Click to enlarge. |
Daimler AG and RWE AG have jointly launched a large-scale electric vehicle (EV) trial in Berlin: e-mobility Berlin. Daimler will provide more than 100 electric cars from Mercedes-Benz and smart as well as the vehicle service. RWE is handling the development, installation and operation of the charging infrastructure accounting for some 500 charging points, the supply of electricity and central control of the system.
The partners are co-developing the interfaces between the vehicle and the intelligent charging points to enable effective, customer-friendly and convenient everyday operation. The payment system is based on an exchange of data between an in-car communication system and the charging point. The project is being supported by the German federal government.
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Toyota to Accelerate Development of HEVs, PHEVs and EVs; Downgrades Sales Target for FY2009
August 28, 2008
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| Watanabe characterized the rapid change is the US market toward more fuel-efficient vehicles as structural. Click to enlarge. |
Outlining Toyota’s response to rapidly changing global market conditions, growing environmental issues and increasing material costs, President Katsuaki Watanabe said that the company was accelerating its development of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all electric vehicles. Watanabe said that Toyota would advance its delivery of plug-ins for fleet deployment to 2009 from 2010, and was planning series production of a next-generation electric vehicle in the early 2010s.
Watanabe also said that Toyota had dropped its global sales target for fiscal 2009 to 9.7 million vehicles from the earlier target of 10.4 million. Toyota is expecting flat sales in North America for FY 2009 (approximately 2.70 million units) and Japan (approximately 2.25 million units). The company expects growth in Europe (1.3 million units, up from 1.25 million); Asia (1.75 million units, up from 1.65 million) and Central and South America, Africa and the Middle East (1.7 million, up from 1.65).
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Mitsubishi and Partners Launch R&D Project for EV Charging Infrastructure with Renewable Energy; Vehicle-to-Home Prominent
August 25, 2008
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| The EV recharging infrastructure designed by the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Click to enlarge. |
Mitsubishi Corporation recently launched a new R&D project in collaboration with Tokyo Institute of Technology (T. Tech), Tostem Housing Institute Co., Ltd., GS Yuasa Power Supply, Ltd. and other partners, to develop an infrastructure system to charge electric vehicles (EVs) using renewable energy such as solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal energy and wind power.
As part of the project, Tostem Housing is building a model concept house in Tokyo with solar panels on the roof. The charged lithium-ion pack in the electric vehicle will be used to power the home appliances at night via a vehicle-to-home (V2H) system.
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Angel Restoration Orders 10 Converted Ford EVs and PHEVs from Envia
August 22, 2008
Angel Restoration Services, a disaster restoration provider servicing the lower mainland of Vancouver, Canada, has ordered 10 ten electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) from Envia, a Vancouver-based company that converts new model Ford vehicles into full lithium-ion battery-powered highway-capable EVs and PHEVs under its REV (Rapid Electric Vehicle) and REV-H brands.
Angel is starting with three REV Ford Escapes for the management team to drive and to verify that the product is sound, according to Jay Giraud, Envia’s founder and president. Subsequently, Envia will convert seven F-Series trucks to REV-H plug-in hybrids.
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Study: All New Vehicles By 2020 Will Have Some Level of Hybridization
August 13, 2008
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| Anticipated change in importance of external forces impacting the automotive industry in 2020. Click to enlarge. |
While technological progress will continue to top the list of automotive priorities in 2020, sustainability shoots up to a close number two, according to a new study on the automotive industry by the IBM Institute for Business Value. The report, based on interviews with 125 executives in 15 countries from automotive OEMs, suppliers, and other thought leaders, finds that sustainability concerns will drive investments, product categories, and performance and convenience packaging decisions well into the next decades. Eight-five percent of the top auto companies worldwide participated in the study, including all of the top 10.
Alternative power will see continued innovation that extends far beyond 2020, with hybridization and battery technology leading the drive toward environmentally sustainable transportation, according to the report. Micro-, mild- and full-hybridization are currently undergoing extensive development today, and study participants believe strongly that by 2020 all new vehicles will have some level of hybridization.
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DOE to Invest up to $24M to Advance Integration of Solar Energy Systems; Plug-in Project Included
August 12, 2008
The US Department of Energy (DOE) will invest up to $24 million in Fiscal Year 2008 and beyond—subject to the availability of funds—to develop solar energy products to significantly accelerate penetration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States.
The Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems (SEGIS) funding opportunity was announced on 15 November 2007. The projects selected for negotiation of awards focus on collaborative research and development by US industry teams to develop products that will allow PV to become a more integral part of household and commercial smart energy systems. One team, lead by VPT Inc., is developing products that facilitate interaction between solar energy systems and plug-in hybrid vehicles, to provide a secure back-up power source during outages.
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Mitsubishi Motors to Begin i MiEV Fleet Testing in US with Two California Utilities
August 07, 2008
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| The i MiEV will begin fleet testing in the US in the fourth quarter. |
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has signed letters of intent with two California utilities—Southern California Edison (SCE) and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)— that will result in the electric i MiEV entering the fleet testing and vehicle evaluation programs run by each.
The i MiEV, which has been in test in Japan over the past two years with seven major utility companies, is powered by a compact 47 kW motor that develops 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque and a 330V, 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack from Lithium Energy Japan (LEJ). LEJ is a joint venture of GS Yuasa Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC). Top speed of the i MiEV is 130 kph (81 mph), with a range of up to 160 km (100 miles) under Japanese 10-15 cycle driving conditions. (Earlier post.)
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Nissan Previews Upcoming Hybrid and New All-Electric Vehicles, New Fuel Cell Stack
August 06, 2008
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| Nissan’s new parallel hybrid system. Click to enlarge. |
At its Advanced Technology briefing in Tokyo, Nissan Motor unveiled prototypes of its original hybrid electric and new all-electric vehicles, both powered by lithium-ion batteries from the Nissan-NEC joint-venture, AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation) (earlier post). Nissan plans to introduce production versions of the hybrid and the EV in 2010.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). The hybrid system employs two new Nissan technologies: a parallel-powertrain hybrid system and a high-performance rear-wheel drive hybrid system. The parallel-powertrain system uses two clutches in which one motor is directly connected to the V-6 engine and transmission via two separate clutches.
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Lightning GT, Other New Electric Vehicles Debut at British Motor Show
July 25, 2008
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| The Lightning GT reveal at the British Motor Show. Click to enlarge. |
A number of new electric vehicles are making their debut at the British International Motor Show (23 July-3 August) in London, ranging from the high-performance UK-designed and built Lightning GT sports car to low-speed imports from China.
The Lightning GT (earlier post) uses a 35 kWh battery pack with 30 Altairnano large-format NanoSafe batteries and four 120 kW Hi-Pa Drive in-wheel motors from PML Flightlink Ltd. The car features full traction control and regenerative braking on all four wheels independently. The Lightening will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds when fully developed, and has a top speed of 130 mph.
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eTec and V2Green to Evaluate PHEV Fast-Charging and Smart Grid Interactions; V2Green and Coulomb Also Partner
July 23, 2008
Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (eTec), a wholly owned subsidiary of ECOtality, Inc., has launched a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) Grid Interaction Project to demonstrate and evaluate a bi-directional fast-charge system capable of both fast-charging a PHEV in 10 minutes and supplying the stored energy of a PHEV back to a smart grid.
Funded by the US Department of Energy through Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and supported by project partner V2Green, the project will pair the eTec Minit-Charger Level 3 fast-charge system with V2Green’s smart grid technology.
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Jamison Report Calls for Fast-Tracking Development of Electric Vehicles in Australia
A report commissioned by Australia’s National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) calls on the Australian Government to set a target of reducing oil dependence by 20% by 2020; 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050 and to do all it can to fast-track the development of the electric car in Australia, charged by renewable energy sources such as wind or solar.
The NRMA established the Jamison Group following the company’s Alternative Fuel Summit in 2006. The group, comprising David Lamb, Mark Diesendorf, John Mathews and Graeme Pearman, produced the report: A Road Map for Alternative Fuels in Australia: Ending our Dependence on Oil.
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Nissan and Tennessee Form Zero-Emissions Vehicle Partnership
July 22, 2008
Nissan and the State of Tennessee are forming a partnership to promote zero-emission vehicles (ZEV), including electric vehicles, in Middle Tennessee with participation from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and other partners. This marks the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s fourth such ZEV initiative, and the first one in the US.
Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Renault, SA, made the announcement of the Tennessee agreement during the dedication of Nissan Americas, a newly completed building in Franklin serving as the coordination point for the company’s operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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GM and Electric Utility Industry Launch Collaboration in Support of Commercializing Plug-in Vehicles
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| Saturn Vue PHEV plugging in to a Coulomb Chargepoint (earlier post) in San Jose, CA. Click to enlarge. |
General Motors and the nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)—with the support of more than 30 of the top electric utilities in the United States and Canada—launched a new collaboration to accelerate the introduction of plug-in electric vehicles.
General Motors, EPRI and the utility companies will work on everything from codes and standards to grid capability to provide an infrastructure to support the Chevy Volt, the Saturn Vue Plug-in Hybrid and other plug-in vehicles when they come to market. Details of the alliance—the largest and most-comprehensive yet between an automaker and the electric utility industry—were announced in San Jose during the Plug-In 2008 Conference.
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Coulomb Technologies Introduces New Smart Charging Infrastructure for Plug-In Vehicles
July 21, 2008
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| The ChargePoint Network. Click to enlarge. |
Coulomb Technologies is introducing a new smart charging infrastructure for plug-in vehicles, including Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs such as the Volt), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
Coulomb’s ChargePoint Network includes public charging stations, a consumer subscription plan and utility grid management technology for electric utility companies to smooth electrical demands on the grid. The infrastructure solution will be showcased with GM’s Saturn Vue Plug-in Hybrid at the Plug-In 2008 Conference & Exposition 22-24 July in San Jose, California.
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Israel Corp. to Invest up to $100M More in Project Better Place EV Efforts; Agassi Pushing PBB for the US
July 08, 2008
Israel Corp., Israel’s largest holding company, will invest another $15.5 into Project Better Place (PBB) in addition to the $7.5 million already in. The company said it would invest up to $100 million in the venture designed to deploy a regional and global infrastructure to support electric vehicles on a country-by-country basis. (Earlier post.)
Israel Corp.’s announcement to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange of the additional funding followed a presentation to the Israel Corp. board of the Better Place budget, including milestones and a fund-raising plan. Idan Ofer, Chairman of Israel Corp., is serving as Chairman of the Board of Project Better Place.
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