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[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.]
Antonov to Develop 2-Speed Transmission for EVs
November 24, 2009
Antonov Plc, the UK-based transmission technology specialist, has been awarded, in partnership with Jaguar and MIRA, a project by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board to develop a high efficiency 2-speed transmission suitable for use in electric vehicles. The project will run for one year with Antonov as the leading partner on the project and a final aim of demonstrating the transmission in a vehicle application.
Antonov will realize an initial engineering turnover of approximately £200K (US$332K) at this stage. Thereafter, the developed 2-speed should be ready for use in a commercial application, potentially leading to serial production. In parallel, Antonov is actively continuing its efforts to pursue new opportunities for its 2-speed technology.
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UK Government Soliciting Bids for £30M for Charging Points; New Office for Low Emission Vehicles
November 19, 2009
The UK Government is soliciting bids for £30 million (US$50 million) in funding to support the installation of plug-in vehicle charging points on streets, car parks and in commercial, retail and leisure facilities. This initiative—called Plugged-In Places—will support the development of between three and six electric car cities and regions across the UK which will act as trailblazers for electric car technology. The experiences of these locations will inform the future development of a national charging infrastructure.
Funding will be made available to consortia in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland made up of local authorities, businesses, electricity distributors and suppliers and other organizations like the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). The funds will be made available in two phases.
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US and China Presidents Announce US-China Electric Vehicles Initiative, Six Other Measures to Strengthen Cooperation Between the Countries on Energy Issues
November 18, 2009
In Beijing, US President Barack Obama and China President Hu Jintao announced a package of seven measures to strengthen cooperation between the United States and China on clean energy, including: a Clean Energy Research Center; Electric Vehicles Initiative; Energy Efficiency Action Plan; Renewable Energy Partnership; 21st Century Coal; Shale Gas Initiative; and Energy Cooperation Program.
The US-China Electric Vehicles Initiative builds on the first-ever US-China Electric Vehicle Forum in September 2009. The two leaders emphasized their countries’ strong shared interest in accelerating the deployment of electric vehicles in order to reduce oil dependence, cut greenhouse gas emissions and promote economic growth. Activities under the initiative will include:
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German Government to Award up to €9M to Support Development of Battery-Electric Mercedes-Benz Vans
November 17, 2009
The Federal German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Reactor Safety (BMU) will award Mercedes-Benz Vans a grant of up to €9 million (US$13.4 million) for the research and development, testing and trial of battery-electric vans. The funds are being made available from the German government’s Economic Support Program 2.
Up to 50 Mercedes-Benz vans will be produced and delivered to customers as part of this project. The drive system is configured solely for electric operation, and dispenses with a powertrain designed for internal combustion engines. The findings from this project will be directly incorporated into the further development of these vehicles.
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Electrification Coalition Roadmap Calls for 75% of Light-Duty Vehicle Miles Traveled in the US to Be Electric by 2040
November 16, 2009
| The Electrification Roadmap calls for 75% of light-duty VMT in the US to be electric by 2040. Achieving this will require a minimum of 25% of new light-duty vehicles purchased in the US to be grid-enabled vehicles (GEV) by 2020. Source: Electrification Roadmap. Click to enlarge. |
The newly formed Electrification Coalition (earlier post) has released its Electrification Roadmap, a report outlining a vision for the deployment of a fully integrated electric drive network.
The report, prepared in partnership with the organization Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) and in consultation with PRTM management consultants for market analysis and technical input, proposes completely transforming the US light-duty vehicle fleet into one in which grid-enabled mobility (grid-enabled vehicles, GEV) is the new conventional standard. By 2040, the report proposes, 75% of the light-duty vehicle miles traveled in the US should be electric miles.
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Northern Lights Energy and Reva Electric Car Company Sign Agreement to Develop the Electric Vehicle Market in Iceland
November 12, 2009
| The REVA NXR. Click to enlarge. |
Northern Lights Energy (NLE), the initiator of the 2012 charging infrastructure project and provider of infrastructure and services for electric vehicles (EV) based in Iceland, has signed an agreement with Reva Electric Car Company to jointly develop the electric vehicle market in Iceland.
NLE will have exclusive distribution rights for the NXR, the new model premiered by Reva at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and consequent follow-up models, such as the sports coupé NXG, which will be launched in 2011. The sales and marketing of the car will commence in the second half of 2010 and customer deliveries at the end of 2010.
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Accenture Reports Identifies 12 Disruptive Technologies Most Likely to Transform Supply and Demand of Transport Fuels and Cut Emissions Within Next 10 Years
November 10, 2009
| Accenture timeline for evolution of electrification technologies, the “game-changing” subset of the disruptive technologies. Source: Accenture. Click to enlarge. |
Accenture has identified 12 technologies that it concludes have the potential to disrupt the current views of transport fuels supply, demand and GHG emissions over the next 10 years. In a report comparing advances in combustion engines, biofuels, electrification and other technologies, Accenture warns that the commercial viability of those disruptive technologies will be delayed unless regulators more proactively support the transformation of science into applied technologies.
“Betting on Science – Disruptive Technologies in Transport Fuels” selected 12 innovations in electrification and genetically modified biofuels, as well as existing fuel sources that will have the most immediate impact on emissions and on the gasoline and diesel markets. The study profiled 25 companies that aim to commercialize these technologies in the next five (i.e., by 2014) and also examines different global markets.
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Citroën to Launch i MiEV-Derived C-ZERO EV in Q4 2010
| The Citroën C-ZERO. Click to enlarge. |
Citroën will launch its electric city car, the C-ZERO, developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation from the i MiEV, in the fourth quarter of 2010. C-ZERO is Citroën’s second electric vehicle alongside Berlingo First Electric, developed with Venturi. In France, both these models qualify for the government bonus of €5,000 (US$7,500).
In September, Osamu Masuko, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), and Philippe Varin, CEO of PSA Peugeot Citroën, in Paris had signed a cooperative agreement on the development of EVs, one point of which was the development of an EV for the European market based on MMC’s Japanese i-MiEV model. The vehicle is to be sold in Europe, with both Peugeot and Citroën versions. (Earlier post.)
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EVI Launches New Medium-Duty Electric Truck, Allies with Freightliner Custom Chassis for Electric Walk-in Van, Selects Valence for Exclusive Battery Supplier
November 07, 2009
Electric Vehicles International (EVI) has introduced its new medium-duty truck, the MD EVI. (Earlier post.) EVI also has formed a strategic alliance with Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation to build a fully electric Walk-In Van, the WI EVI.
At the unveiling of the vehicles at the Grand Opening ceremony for EVI’s new US headquarters and production facility in Stockton, California, EVI also announced an exclusive supply agreement with Valence Technologies for Li-ion energy storage systems.
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BMW Motorrad Develops C1-E Electric Study as Contribution to eSUM
November 06, 2009
| BMW Motorrad concept C1-E. Click to enlarge. |
BMW Motorrad has developed an electric study vehicle, the C1-E, as a contribution to the European safety project eSUM. This study unit is based on the concept of the BMW C1, and is characterized by a very high level of active and passive safety.
The electric motor employed in the study has been designed for city use and is based on components by the company Vectrix. The motor obtains its power from a lithium-ion battery and thus possesses sufficient power for mastering most inner-city traffic riding. Alternatively the vehicle could also be equipped with an efficient, low-emissions internal combustion engine.
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UK Government Providing Funding for New Electric City Car That Can Be Sustainably Manufactured
November 05, 2009
| Bill Gibson Chairman, Zytek Automotive; Lord Drayson , Science and Innovation Minister; and Gordon Murray, Chief Executive and Technical Director, Gordon Murray Design. Click to enlarge. |
The UK-backed Technology Strategy Board is investing £4.5 million (US$$7.5 million) in a new £9-million research and development project that will allow a consortium to develop four prototypes of a new all-electric city car that can be more sustainably manufactured.
Consortium partners for the electric T.27 project are Gordon Murray Design as the lead organization and Zytek Automotive Limited. Technical support will be provided by Michelin Plc and Continental Corporation and sub-contractors will include MIRA Limited, Vocis Driveline Controls, VCA UK, and ENAX.
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Chrysler Powertrain Strategy to Rely Heavily on Integrating Fiat Engine Technology; Chrysler to Be Global Center of Competence for Hybrids and EVs for Fiat and Chrysler
November 04, 2009
| Chrysler’s new powertrain strategy relies heavily on the rapid integration of Fiat technologies. Click to enlarge. |
Chrysler’s new powertrain strategy is relying on the rapid transfer of Fiat Group technology for Multiair; Gasoline Direct Injection; turbocharging and alternative fuels to support rapid downsizing and improvement of fuel economy, along with the simplification of the company’s engine line-up, according to Paolo E. Ferrero, Senior Vice President, Chrysler Powertrain. Ferrero was speaking during a briefing at Chrysler headquarters today outlining the company’s new five-year business plan.
In addition, Ferrero said, the Chrysler Group will be the global center of engineering competence for hybrids and electric vehicles for Fiat Group and Chrysler Group.
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Ford and Smith Terminate Partnership on Electric Transit Connect Project for US; Ford Now Partnering with Azure Dynamics to Deliver the Vehicle in 2010; Smith Partnering with AM General on Electric Vans for USPS
October 30, 2009
Ford Motor Company and Smith Electric Vehicles US (SEV US) have mutually agreed to terminate the development project of an electric car-derived van based on Transit Connect. (Earlier post.)
In a trading statement issued today, UK-based Tanfield Group, SEV US’ parent, said that given the growth in demand for its production-ready Smith Newton, the forecast volumes of the electric Transit Connect did not, in the short- to medium-term, justify the investment requirement to deliver the vehicle, and also limited the working capital available to support the growth of Newton. SEV US has commenced production of the Smith Newton electric truck platform at its assembly facility in Kansas City, Missouri, and currently has an order book of 255 trucks.
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Tata Motors Selects EIG Lithium-ion Polymer Batteries for Indica Vista Electric Vehicle Program
October 27, 2009
| EIG will supply 20Ah NCM Li-ion polymer cells to Miljøbil Grenland AS. Click to enlarge. |
Miljøbil Grenland AS, a Norwegian subsidiary of Tata Motors European Technical Centre plc., awarded South Korea-based Energy Innovation Group Ltd. (EIG) a contract to supply batteries for the Indica Vista EV project (earlier post), a development of the TATA Indica Vista.
Within the supply agreement, EIG Ltd. is to supply 20Ah lithium-ion polymer cells to Miljøbil Grenland AS for the design validation and the subsequent engineering sign-off scheduled for early 2010. The supply agreement envisions the supply of two million battery cells as well as the associated parts and services through the end of 2012.
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CT&T Outlines International Expansion Efforts At Tokyo Motor Show; $400M in Orders for 38,000 EVs
October 23, 2009
| The e-Zone Electric Vehicle (EV) will be one of the vehicle types CT&T will produce for the US market. Source: CT&T United. Click to enlarge. |
South Korea-based electric vehicle maker CT&T outlined the company’s expansion efforts during a press briefing at the Tokyo Motor Show and announced $400-million, 38,000-units in sales and distribution agreements. Shipments of CT&T’s compact electric vehicles to Japan will begin in November.
CT&T, founded in 2002 by former Hyundai Motor executive Young Gi Lee, currently produces two versions of its e-Zone EV, differentiated by battery pack: lead acid or Li-polymer. (Earlier post.) The current e-Zone uses a 72V, 7.0 kW motor and offers either a 72V, 165Ah lead-acid battery (base option) or a 72V, 140Ah (approx. 10 kWh) Li-polymer battery.
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Daimler Investing €600M in Center of Excellence for Compact Vehicles; To Begin Limited Series Production of A-Class E-CELL EV in 2010
| Powertrain of the Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO E-CELL, introduced in January 2009 in Detroit. Click to enlarge. |
Mercedes-Benz is further expanding its center of excellence for compact vehicles by enlarging its Rastatt plant with an investment of €600 million (US$902 million). The first vehicles of the successor generation to the current A- and B-Class will roll off the assembly lines in Rastatt from the end of 2011.
From the end of 2010 production at the Rastatt plant will also be expanded with small series production of the battery-electric A-Class E-CELL. Daimler introduced three near-production Concept BlueZERO vehicles in January at the North American International Auto Show: the BlueZERO E-CELL with battery-electric drive; the BlueZERO F-CELL (fuel cell); and the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and internal combustion engine as range extender. (Earlier post.)
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US Utilities Pledge to Ramp Up Efforts To Make Electricity a Crucial Transportation Fuel
October 21, 2009
Declaring an urgent imperative to prepare for the use of electricity as a crucial transportation fuel in the future, the US’ electric utilities collectively pledged to move forward aggressively to create the infrastructure to support the full-scale commercialization and deployment of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs).
The pledge represents a culmination of efforts by Edison Electric Institute (EEI) member companies to survey the current state of electric transportation initiatives among utilities, evaluate how those initiatives fit in with the overall goal of advancing transportation electrification and determine what more is needed. There are five areas of focus:
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Nissan and Sumitomo to Launch Second-Life Venture for EV Battery Packs; 4R Business Model
October 20, 2009
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Sumitomo Corporation are planning to initiate a business venture to “Reuse, Resell, Refabricate and Recycle” (4R) lithium-ion batteries previously used in electric cars, giving them a second-life as energy-storage solutions in markets worldwide.
The 4R business model defined by the two companies is designed to capitalize on the supply of reusable lithium-ion batteries as electric cars achieve more widespread marketplace acceptance. Although today there is no existing supply of large-capacity reusable batteries, by 2020 in Japan, the demand for second-life batteries is expected to reach the equivalent of 50,000 electric cars per year at the minimum, as demand grows for an increasing range of energy-storage solutions.
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UK Studies Suggest New Business Models and Policies Required for EV and PHEV Uptake; Price a Critical Issue
October 16, 2009
The UK’s Committee on Climate Change commissioned research from a number of consultants to inform its advice on meeting carbon budgets across multiple sectors, including transportation. CCC has published the reports on its website. Two of those, one by consultancy Element Energy and a second by AEA Technology, explored the characteristics of EV buyers, technology, utilization, and prospects for market adoption of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Element Energy report: Electric Vehicles, Strategies for uptake and infrastructure implications. Element energy explored a set of related topics, including purchasing decisions, demographics of EV buyers, EV types and utilization; and infrastructure requirements. Among the findings of the report:
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Zytek To Supply Electric Powertrains for Navistar / Modec JV
October 15, 2009
| Zytek’s integrated E-Drive unit. Click to enlarge. |
A range of electric delivery vehicles being developed for the North, Central and South American markets will use a highly integrated 70 kW powertrain from UK specialist Zytek. Developed with the support of a $39 million (£23 million) US Government grant, the vehicles will be manufactured by a new joint venture company being established by US truck supplier Navistar and British electric commercial vehicle specialist Modec. (Earlier post.)
The US Modec / Navistar application will be for a new generation of class 2c-3 vehicles optimized for suburban / urban pick and drop applications. To provide good performance for high productivity combined with excellent hill start capability when fully laden, the new vehicle will use a 70 kW, 300 N·m (221 lb-ft) version of Zytek’s E-Drive, which is also available in 55 kW, 120 N·m (89 lb-ft) and 55 kW 160 N·m (118 lb-ft) versions.
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Large-scale Series Production of the smart fortwo electric drive to Begin in 2012 in Hambach; Support from the French Government
October 08, 2009
| Dr. Dieter Zetsche and French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Hambach plant for the announcement. Click to enlarge. |
Daimler AG selected its plant in Hambach, France as the location of future large-scale series production of the smart fortwo electric drive. The company had earlier announced it would begin limited series production of some 1,000 units of the smart fortwo electric drive at Hambach this November. (Earlier post.) These vehicles will be provided to customers participating in various mobility projects in major cities in Europe and the US, in order to generate additional feedback from the use under everyday conditions.
As of 2012, the smart fortwo electric drive will be produced at Hambach in “significantly larger volumes” as a regular part of the smart product portfolio and will be sold through the smart sales network.
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Toyota to Show New Compact Electric City Vehicle Concept at Tokyo Motor Show
October 06, 2009
| Toyota’s new FT-EV II concept. Click to enlarge. |
Toyota will display a new electric vehicle concept—the FT-EV II—at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show later this month. Toyota will also showcase the Li-ion plug-in Prius concept, and a new compact, rear-wheel drive sports car concept.
In January 2009 at the North American International Auto Show, Toyota introduced its first FT-EV concept, based on the iQ. (Earlier post.) The FT-EV II features a body even more compact than ultra-compact iQ, but that still seats four. The FT-EV II is a compact EV designed for short distances, and is based on the idea of a future mobility society in which EVs are common, and means of transport are divided according to purpose, the characteristics of the energy to be used and the status of the supply infrastructure.
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France Launches 14-Point Plan to Accelerate Development of Electric Cars and Plug-in Hybrids; €1.5B for Charging Infrastructure, New €625M Li-ion Battery Plant
October 02, 2009
Jean-Louis Borloo, France’s Minister for Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and the Sea, presented a national 14-point plan designed to accelerate the development and subsequent commercialization of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in France. The government intends for its strategy to lead to the production of two million EVs and PHEVs (combined) by 2020.
Among the financial highlights of the plan are a public investment of €1.5 billion (US$2.2 billion) to establish a network of 1 million charging points by 2015 and the building of a €625 million (US$910 million) lithium-ion battery plant at a plant owned by Renault with a public contribution of €125 million (US$182 million) toward the total.
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Honda-Led Research Team Devises Method to Control Growth of Nanotubes with Metallic Conductivity
October 01, 2009
| Carbon nanotubes are preferentially grown by controlling the shape and size of the catalyst. Tubes growing on red and pink exhibit metallic properties, while semiconducting tubes are on blue. The height of the nanotubes indicates the probability of each specific tube in the experiment. Source: Honda RI. Click to enlarge. |
A team of researchers from Honda Research Institute USA, Inc., in conjunction with researchers at Purdue University and the University of Louisville, has developed a method for controllably growing carbon nanotubes with metallic conductivity. With further optimization, the researchers say, “direct control over nanotube structure during growth may well be feasible.” A paper on their work appears in the 2 Oct issue of the journal Science.
Carbon nanotubes are grown on the surface of metal nanoparticles, and take the form of rolled graphene sheets. The nanotube bonding configuration is known as its chirality. The chirality determines the conductivity of the nanotube—i.e., either metallic or semiconducting. Nanotubes exhibiting metallic conductivity possess extraordinary strength compared to steel, higher electrical properties than copper, are as efficient in conducting heat as a diamond and are as light as cotton.
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Panasonic Develops 1.5 kWh Li-ion Battery Module; Targeting Home Storage and Vehicle Applications
| Panasonic module. Click to enlarge. |
Panasonic Corporation has developed a 1.5 kWh battery module from 18650-type (18 mm in diameter x 65 mm in length) lithium-ion battery cells to provide energy storage solutions for a wide range applications. Multiple units can be connected in series and/or parallel to store energy generated by home-use photovoltaic (PV) systems and fuel cells or power electric vehicles (EV), the company suggests.
The module has a volume of approximately 7 liters and weighs 8 kg. Voltage is 25.2V with a capacity of 58 Ah. A prototype will be shown at CEATEC JAPAN 2009 (Makuhari Messe, 6-10 October 2009) and New Energy Industry Fair Osaka (Intex Osaka, 7-9 October 2009).
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Balqon Introduces On-Highway Heavy-Duty Electric Mule Truck
| The Balqon Mule 150. Click to enlarge. |
Balqon Corporation, an emerging developer and manufacturer of zero emissions heavy-duty electric vehicles for Class 7 and Class 8 applications (earlier post), introduced a lithium-ion battery powered heavy-duty electric truck designed for use in on-highway short-haul applications at the Governors’ Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles, California.
Balqon’s Mule M150 is designed for short-haul on-highway routes in inner cities, port facilities and airports for the distribution of goods and cargo. The Mule M150 is equipped with Balqon’s fully integrated heavy-duty electric drive system and lithium-ion batteries to provide increased range and performance.
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Mitsubishi to Debut Concept Plug-in Hybrid and Concept Cargo Variant of the i-MiEV at Tokyo Show
September 30, 2009
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will be showing a total of 16 cars at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show later in October, including two concept cars: the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid and the i-MiEV CARGO. MMC will also show 10 current production vehicles that qualify for eco-car tax incentives in Japan.
MMC Plug-in Hybrid. Powered by the new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System, the Mitsubishi Concept-PX (plug-in hybrid crossover) MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) returns fuel economy in excess of 50 km/liter (118 mpg US, 2.0L/100km) on the Japanese 10-15 cycle.
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Honda to Show Hybrid and Battery-Electric Vehicle Concepts at Tokyo Motor Show; CR-Z Concept 2009
| The CR-Z Concept 2009. Click to enlarge. |
Honda will reveal the CR-Z Concept 2009, the most recent prototype of a compact sports car using Honda’s IMA technology, at October’s Tokyo Motor Show. Honda introduced the first version of the CR-Z concept at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007. When the production version goes on sale in 2010, it will be the first series-production sports hybrid car from a major OEM, and the first gasoline-electric vehicle to employ a 6-speed manual transmission.
Honda will also reveal two more concepts at the show. The EV-N is a small, 4-seater battery electric vehicle, inspired by the N360, Honda’s 360cc micro car launched in the 1960s. It features solar panels in the roof, which could be used to help to charge the on-board battery. The EV-N is purely a design study and there are no plans for production.
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BMW, Daimler and VW Propose Global e-mobility Standardization on Vehicle2Grid Communication, Harmonization of Chargers
September 26, 2009
| BMW, Daimler and VW are proposing a global OSI-Layer based standardization of smart charge communication. This diagram shows requirements and technologies mapped against the OSI 7-layer reference model for interoperability. Source: Oestreicher/Preuschoff/Bogenberger. Click to enlarge. |
In a joint presentation at the California Air Resource Board ZEV Technology Symposium last week, BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen proposed global standardization for the e-mobility charging infrastructure, including one worldwide standard for smart charge communication, as well as a proposed pathway for harmonizing the two main standards for AC chargers and infrastructure.
Vehicle communications. Currently, there are two primary and parallel standardization efforts for vehicle to grid communications: a joint ISO/IEC working group and an EPRI/SAE effort. These could result, said Werner Preuschoff from Daimler, in two sets of standards, one ISO/IEC standard, and one SAE standard. “So which to implement, both of them? That’s a lot of effort.”
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General Motors India And REVA Form Partnership To Develop Electric Vehicles for Indian Market
September 24, 2009
| The new REVA NXG introduced at IAA, due for production in 2011, features a Li-ion phosphate pack. Click to enlarge. |
General Motors India and Reva Electric Car Company (REVA) have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop electric vehicles for the Indian market. The partnership will develop car platforms, electric vehicle technology and advanced control systems.
The agreement was announced jointly by Karl Slym, president and managing director, General Motors India and Chetan Maini, deputy chairman and chief technology officer, REVA. The two companies said that they began studies on the feasibility “sometime back”of GM’s vehicle platforms hosting REVA electric drivetrains and that more details on the vehicles will be coming soon.
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Purdue Researchers Detail Mechanisms of Fluid Boiling in Microchannels; Commercializing Hybrid and EV IGBT Cooling Systems with Delphi
September 23, 2009
| Researchers identified five major flow regimes of bubbly, slug, churn, wispy-annular, and annular flow, and a postdryout regime of inverted-annular flow. Garimella 2009. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Purdue University have determined precisely how fluid boils in microchannels, and as a result have created formulas and models that will help engineers design systems to cool high-power electronics in electric and hybrid cars, aircraft, computers, and other applications.
Allowing a liquid to boil in cooling systems dramatically increases how much heat can be removed, compared to simply heating a liquid to below its boiling point, said Suresh Garimella, the R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. However, boiling phenomena at the microscale are complex.
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Continental Supplying the Complete Electric Drive for Planned Volume Production Electric Vehicles
September 18, 2009
| One of the first electric drive systems which will be produced in high volumes for electric vehicles. Click to enlarge. |
Continental’s Powertrain Division is developing and producing the complete electrical drive train, including the control system, for the electric vehicles of an as yet unnamed car manufacturer, which should be available in large numbers on the Europe market from the start of 2011.
Continental Powertrain has developed low-cost, production-ready drive components and complete systems for electrifying the drive train. The core components are the energy storage unit (i.e. the battery), the power electronics and the electric motor.
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US House Passes $2.85B Bill for Advanced Technology Vehicle R&D from 2010-2014
September 17, 2009
The US House yesterday passed by a vote of 312-114 a bill that would authorize additional appropriations totalling $2.85 billion over the 2010-2014 period for the US Department of Energy (DOE) to support a broad range of research activities for advanced technology vehicles.
H.R. 3246, the “Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009” covers research on light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as infrastructure and pilot programs. Ultimately targeting the development of technologies and practices that improve the fuel efficiency and reduce emissions of vehicles produced in the US, the bill also aims to “ensure a proper balance and diversity of Federal investment in vehicle technologies”, while strengthening “partnerships between Federal and State governmental agencies and the private and academic sectors.”
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Volvo Working on Battery-Electric C30; EnerDel Li-ion Pack
| The C30 BEV. Click to enlarge. |
In addition to its planned market introduction of a plug-in hybrid in 2012 (earlier post), Volvo Cars is currently evaluating the viability of a fully battery-electric vehicle (BEV). This year, Volvo has built and been internally testing a small number of prototype versions of a BEV version of its C30. In addition to focusing on performance and safety, much of the focus is on integration of the electric propulsion system with the rest of the car.
The Volvo C30 BEV is powered by a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack; for its plug-in hybrid, Volvo is eyeing a 12 kWh pack. Recharging the C30 BEV pack via a household supply (230V, 16A) will take about eight hours.
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Better Place Debuts EV Services Platform and Partners at Frankfurt Motor Show
September 16, 2009
| A screenshot of Better Place’s in-car EV services software, code-named AutOS, introduced at Frankfurt. Click to enlarge. |
Better Place introduced its electric vehicle (EV) services platform at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in conjunction with Renault’s unveiling of the Fluence ZE Concept with Quickdrop (switchable) battery system and an expanded agreement with Renault, committing both companies to a volume of at least 100,000 electric cars in Israel and Denmark by 2016. (Earlier post.)
Better Place announced it is working with Continental of Germany, Flextronics, Intel, Microsoft, and TÜV Rheinland on different aspects of its EV services platform and infrastructure: Flextronics for charge points; Continental, Microsoft and Intel for the in-car computing platform AutOS; and TÜV Rheinland for safety certification.
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Peugeot Shows Two HYbrid4 Concepts, New BB1 EV Concept at Frankfurt
September 15, 2009
| The 3008 HYbrid4 concept previews the production model that will appear in spring 2011. Click to enlarge. |
Peugeot used the Frankfurt Motor Show as the platform to show two concept versions of its HYbrid4 platform. The 3008 HYbrid4 (earlier post) previews the production model scheduled to appear in the spring of 2011, while the experimental RCZ HYbrid4 is a sports car application of the same hybrid system.
In addition, Peugeot introduced the BB1 electric concept car. The company also recently signed an agreement with Mitsubishi for the introduction of the electric iOn—based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV—at the end of 2010. (Earlier post.)
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Audi Introduces the e-tron Electric Sports Car Concept
| The Audi e-tron concept. Click to enlarge. |
At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi unveiled the e-tron. a high-performance electric sports car featuring four drive motors—two each at the front and rear axles—making the concept car a true quattro. Producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319 lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h (37 – 75 mph) in 4.1 seconds. The 53 kWh lithium-ion battery pack enables a range of approximately 248 kilometers (154 miles) (NECD combined cycle).
The e-tron is 1.90 meters (74.80 in) wide, 4.26 meters (167.72 in) long and 1.23 meters (48.43 in) tall. The wheelbase of 2.60 meters (102.36 in) leaves plenty of room between the axles for people and technology. Like with a mid-engined sports car, the cabin of the e-tron is shifted far forward toward the front axle, leaving room in front of the rear axle for the roughly 470 kg (1,036 lb) battery unit, the inverter and the power electronics.
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Renault Unveils Four Concept EVs and Quickdrop Battery Switch System; Commits to 100,000 EVs with Better Place
| Aerial view of the four ZE Concepts: Twizy, Kangoo, Zoe, and Fluence. Click to enlarge. |
At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault unveiled four Lithium-ion battery electric concept vehicles that provide a preview of Renault’s range of production electric vehicles to be released from 2011 on: Twizy ZE Concept (city car); Zoe ZE Concept (compact car); Fluence ZE Concept (5 passenger sedan); and Kangoo ZE Concept (electric van).
In addition to standard charge and quick charge option, Renault also highlighted the exclusive “Quickdrop” system for battery switching at an exchange station such as that being developed by Better Place. Renault and Better Place also announced an expansion of their current agreement by committing to a volume of at least 100,000 electric cars in Israel and Denmark by 2016.
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Volkswagen Introduces the E-Up! EV Concept
September 14, 2009
| The E-Up! concept. Click to enlarge. |
Volkswagen introduced the E-Up! Concept electric vehicle at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Designed under the leadership of Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Brand, and Head of the Development business area, the E-Up! is based on modules of the New Small Family (earlier post) anticipated in the year 2011, but at 3.19 meters in length, the E-Up! is even more compact. A production version of the E-Up! is due in 2013.
The 3+1 seater is driven by an electric motor with a peak power output of 60 kW (continuous power: 40 kW), and has a top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph). The motor of the front-wheel drive car develops a maximum torque of 210 N·m (155 lb-ft) right from rest. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 11.3 seconds; acceleration from 0 to 50 km/h (31 mph) takes 3.5 seconds.
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ETI Launches £11M Nationwide Plug-in Vehicle Plan to Accelerate Market Growth in UK
September 11, 2009
The UK’s Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) launched a Joined-Cities Plan designed to make it easier for drivers to charge plug-in vehicles in a number of major UK cities by deploying a cost-effective and compatible network of recharging points. (Earlier post.)
The £11-million (US$18-million) plan has been created to help support the roll-out of a single national network that will ultimately enable plug-in vehicles to be easily used and recharged anywhere, including the home.
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UK Technology Strategy Board Awards £10M+ for Development of Efficient Electrical Systems for Hybrids and EVs
September 10, 2009
The UK Technology Strategy Board is awarding more than £10 million (US$16.5 million) to projects to develop ultra-efficient electrical systems for electric and hybrid vehicles. This is the first set of awards resulting from a competition run under the Integrated Delivery Programme, a £200-million (US$331-million) investment program that will help accelerate the introduction of low carbon vehicles onto UK roads. More than 30 UK companies and seven universities will take part in the development projects, which have a total value, including contributions from the companies, of £20 million (US$33 million).
This is the second major recent investment in electric vehicle technology by the Technology Strategy Board, which is sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). In June, TSB announced it will invest £25 million to enable more than 340 low carbon vehicles to be road-tested across the UK over the next eighteen months. (Earlier post.)
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Smith Electric Vehicles in £2.8M Project to Develop More Efficient Electric Driveline; Introduces Two New Passenger EVs at LCV2009
September 09, 2009
Smith Electric Vehicles (SEV) is part of a consortium working on a £2.8-million (US$4.6-million) project to develop a new, more efficient electric driveline, along with smarter, more energy efficient ancillary systems, such as heating and air conditioning. Combining all these elements together, Smith’s engineers believe they can improve the range of its electric vans by up to 20 miles (about 20%) on a full battery charge. Current maximum range is around 100 miles for urban operations.
Separately, Smith Electric Vehicles, a producer of commercial electric vehicles, introduced two new electric passenger vehicles at LCV2009, a showcase for low-carbon vehicles, in the UK. The first is a new electric people carrier, the second, a new electric executive minibus.
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Zytek Shows Electric A-Class Demonstrator with Uprated 55kW E-Drive; Developed in 10 Weeks
September 08, 2009
| The 55kW E-Drive fits neatly onto the existing engine mounting points with just three additional connections (water, high voltage electrics and low voltage electrics). Click to enlarge. |
Zytek has unveiled a fully engineered, electric version of the Mercedes A-Class that it developed in just ten weeks. Designed to demonstrate the capability of the company’s production-ready 55kW E-Drive electric powertrain, the five-seat electric family car project is a Zytek in-house activity and is entirely independent of Mercedes-Benz.
For the A-Class demonstrator, Zytek developed an uprated version of its 55kW E-Drive, using a higher current switching system to increase the maximum torque from 120N·m (89 lb-ft) to 160N·m (118 lb-ft). Zytek also increased the maximum motor speed from 12,000rpm to 13,000rpm to provide a top speed of 70 mph (113 km/h) while providing sufficient torque to ensure good low speed performance and the ability to comfortably climb steep gradients.
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Peugeot to Introduce iMiEV-Based EV, Two HYbrid4 Concepts at Frankfurt Show
September 07, 2009
| The Peugeot iOn. Click to enlarge. |
On the heels of the recently-signed EV cooperation agreement between Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and PSA Peugeot Citroën (earlier post), Peugeot will introduce the “iOn” EV—based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (earlier post)—at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor show.
With four doors and four seats, a length of 3.48 m and a turning circle of 4.50 m, the iOn all-electric Peugeot vehicle will develop a maximum power output of 47 kW (64 bhp) and a torque of 180 N·m, with a maximum speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). The lithium-ion battery pack supports a range of 130 km (81 miles) on the European cycle, and is rechargeable in six hours using a conventional 220 V socket or to 80% capacity within thirty minutes with a 50 kW quick charge.
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Iveco Electric Daily Prototype Begins Testing in Brazil
September 04, 2009
| The Electric Daily in Brazil. Click to enlarge. |
Iveco has presented a prototype of its new Electric Daily in Brazil, destined to be the first zero emission light commercial vehicle produced in Latin America. The project builds on Iveco’s long-running research and development of electric propulsion, which started with the development of the first Daily with pure electric drive in 1986.
This new project sees Iveco collaborating with Itaipu Binacional, an organization which manages the largest hydroelectric generating station in the world on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. The production of the prototype will enable suitability testing to be carried out, looking specifically at the utilization of electrical energy for the transportation of goods and passengers.
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UQM Technologies and BorgWarner Collaborate on Electric Powertrain Systems; Initial Project is the CODA Sedan
September 03, 2009
UQM Technologies is collaborating with BorgWarner on electric powertrain products for all-electric and hybrid-electric passenger automobiles.
Initially, the companies are working together to integrate UQM Technologies’ PowerPhase electric propulsion system with BorgWarner’s 31-03 eGearDrive transmission (earlier post) for the all-electric CODA front-wheel drive five-passenger sedan, scheduled for introduction in the California market in mid-2010. (Earlier post.)
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USPS OIG Concludes Electrification of Post Office Delivery Fleet Operationally Feasible, But Costly; Federal Funds and V2G Revenue Required
September 01, 2009
| More than 96% of the USPS delivery fleet drives less than 40 miles per day. Data: USPS OIG report. Click to enlarge. |
Broad use of electric vehicles (EVs) in the US Postal Service (USPS) delivery fleet would be operationally feasible, according to a study assessing the operational and economic feasibility of moving the fleet to EVs conducted by the USPS Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Electrification of the USPS fleet could also provide a valuable opportunity for the nation to test EV technology.
However, the report finds, due to the Postal Service’s current financial distress, government funds and vehicle to grid (V2G) revenue would likely be needed to make this transition economically feasible.
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Renault Introducing New Fluence Sedan Line; Diesels All Less Than 119 gCO2/km, All-Electric Model in 2011
August 31, 2009
| The Renault Fluence. Click to enlarge. |
Renault will extend its vehicle line-up this autumn with a new sedan, the Fluence. The Fluence is the successor to the sedan version of the old Mégane. (Renault introduced the New Renault Mégane Hatch and New Renault Mégane Coupé at the Paris Motor Show in 2008, marking the beginning of the renewal of its C-segment lineup.)
From launch, and depending on market, Renault Fluence will be available with a range of engines. All diesel models in the Fluence range have a CO2 emissions rating of 119g/km and qualify for the Renault eco² signature. Renault says it will introduce an all-electric version of the Fluence in 2011.
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Ener1 to Take 31% Stake in EV Maker Think Global; Think City Production Moves to Valmet in Finland
August 27, 2009
Lithium-ion battery manufacturer Ener1, Inc. is taking the lead among a group of investors that plans to inject $47 million of equity funding into Think Global AS, the Norwegian electric vehicle producer. Ener1, Inc. is the parent company of EnerDel, a leading manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion automotive battery systems based in Indianapolis and an existing supplier to Think. (Earlier post.)
Ener1, Inc. has agreed to invest approximately $18 million in three tranches, and convert an additional $3.0 million in debt for convertible preferred shares of Think, effectively transferring the 10% equity stake held by Ener1 Group to Ener1, Inc. Once all stages are complete, Ener1, Inc. will hold approximately a 31% stake in the company.
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US DOE Awards $300 Million in Clean Cities Grants to Support Alternative Fuels, Vehicles, and Infrastructure Development
August 26, 2009
| Geographical distribution of Clean Cities Recovery Act awards. Click to enlarge. |
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 25 cost-share projects under the Clean Cities program that will be funded with nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects put more than 9,000 alternative fuel and energy-efficient light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles on the road, and establish 542 refueling locations across the country.
The vehicles and infrastructure being funded include the use of natural and renewable gas, propane, ethanol, biodiesel, electricity, and hybrid technologies. And with the cost share contributions from the recipients, every federal dollar spent will be matched by nearly two dollars from the project partners.
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Better Place to Conduct Pilot Project in Tokyo for Electric Taxis with Switchable Batteries; Research Partnership with University of Melbourne
Better Place has received an award from the Japanese government to conduct a pilot project in Tokyo for the world’s first electric taxis with switchable batteries. Better Place will partner with Tokyo’s largest taxi operator, Nihon Kotsu, in the project commissioned by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry’s Natural Resources and Energy Agency.
The project, which follows on the company’s successful battery switch demonstration earlier this year in Yokohama (earlier post), is slated to begin in January 2010.
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Series Production of Second-Generation smart Electric Drive to Begin in November
August 21, 2009
| The smart electric drive. Click to enlarge. |
Series production of the second-generation electric drive smart fortwo (earlier post) will begin in mid-November 2009 at the smart factory in Hambach, France. The second-generation smart fortwo EV is fitted with a 14 kWh lithium-ion battery pack from Tesla Motors (earlier post), housed in a space-saving position between the axles.
A 30 kW electric motor is fitted at the rear and offers 120 N·m of torque. The smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 - 60 km/h in 6.5 seconds – just as quickly as a gasoline model which it initially leaves behind it. Its maximum speed has been deliberately limited to 100 km/h, a suitable speed for the city, according to smart.
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FEV, Inc. Partnering with EIG on Li-Ion Pack Development for Range-Extended Electric Vehicle Project
August 17, 2009
FEV, Inc. is developing a 21 kWh Li-ion battery pack utilizing cells from Korea-based Energy Innovation Group (EIG Ltd.) for a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (ReEV) project. The battery pack is expected to be demonstrated in a ReEV concept Dodge Caliber that was shown by FEV at the 2009 SAE World Congress. (Earlier post.)
The complementary cooperation combines the engineering and test core competencies of FEV with the lithium-ion battery core competencies of EIG. The cooperation will enable joint development of solutions to the automotive electrification challenges of both FEV and EIG customers, FEV said.
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Ford’s View on Electrification Enablers; Looking for Battery Commonization
August 15, 2009
| Ford’s view of the different enablers for successful vehicle electrification. Click to enlarge. |
Noting that “once you plug the vehicle into the wall, success becomes a team sport”, Mike Tinskey, manager of Ford’s sustainability activities focused on electric vehicles and infrastructure, outlined what Ford sees as enablers for electrification (“controllable success factors”), during a presentation at the Plug-in 2009 conference in Long Beach this past week.
Prior to his current position, Tinskey led Ford’s product planning and product management activities for hybrids and for developing and implementing the electric vehicle strategy announced last January (earlier post). During his talk, he suggested that migrating to some battery commonality would be a huge win for the industry simply because it would support a more rapid achievement of the higher production volumes required to bring prices down.
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BMW and UC Davis Partner on MINI E Study
August 14, 2009
BMW of North America and the University of California at Davis (UC Davis) are partnering on a year-long field study to determine the viability of electric vehicles. MINI E customers, based primarily in Los Angeles with a few in the New York City-area, will participate in the study.
Marking the first comprehensive study of its kind since the mid-1990s, the UC Davis-led research will focus on user interactions with the MINI E, and is expected to yield insights into real-life usage and perceptions about electric vehicles. The study will gather in-depth information from 50 voluntary participants, a subset of the 450 MINI E customers in the US, through online travel diaries, written questionnaires and a series of interviews conducted throughout the one-year study.
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Enova Systems Shows Ze, Outlines Planned Improvements in School Bus Plug-in Hybrid Drive
August 13, 2009
| The Ze electric drive system. Click to enlarge. |
Enova brought its Ze (zero emissions) commercialized all-electric step-van to the Plug-in 2009 conference in Long Beach. Engineered specifically for urban delivery routes and service/maintenance operations, the Enova Ze plug-in step van drive system offers a range of up to 150 miles per charge and can reach a top speed of 65 mph. Operating costs are projected to be $.08- $.10 per mile—significantly less than the average of $.24-$.48 per mile in a comparable diesel vehicle.
Enova is supplying drive systems to Smith Electric Vehicles, and recently announced a major contract with First Auto Works (FAW) in China for hybrid buses. (Earlier post.) The Ze gives Enova entry into the chassis manufacturer market, said James Badalamenti, Director Worldwide Sales and Marketing. Ultimately, he said, Enova would like to evolve its position to become a Tier 1 supplier to commercial OEM chassis manufacturers.
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GM Expects Chevrolet Volt to Deliver 230 mpg in City Driving Based on EPA Draft Methodology
August 11, 2009
Based on the analysis of development data (both dynamometer and road-test) using a draft federal fuel economy methodology for extended-range electric vehicles (EREV) under discussion by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), GM expects the Chevrolet Volt will achieve city fuel economy of at least 230 mpg US, given a single charge per day (as the methodology assumes).
Based on the same draft EPA methodology, the Volt would also deliver “triple-digit” combined cycle fuel economy along with combined cycle electricity consumption of 25 kWh/100 miles, according to GM. At the US average cost of electricity (approximately 11 cents per kWh), GM calculates that a typical Volt driver would pay about $2.75 for electricity to travel 100 miles, or less than three cents per mile.
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AeroVironment Awarded Patent for Electric Vehicle Energy Data Management and Control; Web-based System Solution for EV Battery Optimization
August 10, 2009
AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) has been granted a patent (no. 7,444,192) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for technology that facilitates the optimal charging, management, control and maintenance of battery packs, chargers and electric vehicles (EVs).
AV’s technology is directly applicable to battery packs, chargers and battery-powered EVs that can be linked to the electric utility network and managed by a “smart grid” controller. The technology is designed to gather data from the EV or the charger, and uses the data to determine whether the rate of charge is optimized for the vehicle’s performance, the battery’s long-term health, and the utility’s power availability.
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Modec Finalizing Joint Venture With Navistar for Class 2c-3 Electric Trucks
August 06, 2009
| President Obama announced the awards for the $2.4B in funding at Navistar in front of a Navistar Modec prototype. Click to enlarge. |
UK-based Modec and Navistar International Corporation are finalizing a joint venture for the production and sales of electric Class 2c-3 commercial vehicles in North, Central and South America. The all-electric delivery vehicle would primarily be used for urban-suburban pickup and deliveries, where stop and go driving would otherwise consume a large amount of fuel.
Among the 48 projects receiving the combined $2.4B DOE funding announced yesterday (earlier post), Navistar was awarded $39.2 million to develop, validate, and deploy 400 advanced battery electric delivery trucks (12,100 lbs. gross vehicle weight) with a 100-mile range.
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DOE Award Supports Largest Single Deployment of EVs and Infrastructure Yet; Up to 5,000 Nissan LEAF EVs in 5 Regions
August 05, 2009
One of the projects receiving support in the massive $2.4-billion award for advanced battery and electric drive projects from the US Department of Energy (DOE) (earlier post) will result in the largest deployment of an electric vehicle and supporting charging infrastructure yet undertaken.
Lead grant applicant Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (eTec), a subsidiary of ECOtality, received a $99.8 million award, which will be matched by regional project participants for a combined value of approximately $199.6 million, for installation of approximately 2,500 charging stations in each of five markets: Tennessee, Oregon, San Diego, Seattle and the Phoenix/Tucson region. The project will also deploy up to 1,000 Nissan LEAF EVs (earlier post) in each market, for a total EV deployment of up to 5,000 units.
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President Obama Announces 48 Projects to Receive $2.4B in Grants for Next-Generation of Batteries and Electric Vehicles; To be Combined with $2.4B in Industry Cost-Share
President Obama announced 48 new advanced battery and electric drive projects that will receive $2.4 billion in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects, selected through a highly competitive process by the Department of Energy (DOE), are intended to accelerate the development of US manufacturing capacity for batteries and electric drive components as well as the deployment of electric drive vehicles.
The announcement marks the single largest investment in advanced battery technology for hybrid and electric-drive vehicles ever made. Industry officials expect that this $2.4 billion investment, coupled with another $2.4 billion in cost-share from the award winners, will result directly in the creation tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs in the US battery and auto industries.
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BMW Selects SB LiMotive for Li-ion Batteries for Megacity EV
August 03, 2009
BMW has selected SB LiMotive—the 50:50 joint venture between Bosch and Samsung SDI (earlier post)—as a supplier for Li-ion batteries for the upcoming Megacity vehicle, an electric city vehicle planned for the first half of the next decade (earlier post).
The Megacity vehicles, with a pure electric drive or an extremely efficient combustion engine, are to be the first of a whole family of very-low-emission vehicles, Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Management Board of BMW, said during the annual meeting in Munich in May.
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Nissan Unveils the LEAF Production EV
August 01, 2009
| The Nissan LEAF. Click to enlarge. |
In conjunction with the opening of its new, environmentally-focused global headquarters building in Yokohama, Japan, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled the Nissan LEAF production electric vehicle. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge, based on an urban driving cycle (US LA4[1]). Nissan LEAF is slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe.
A 24 kWh pack of laminated lithium-ion batteries from Nissan JV AESC delivers output of more than 90kW to power a synchronous AC motor delivering 80 kW (107 hp) of power and torque of 280 N·m (207 lb-ft). Top speed is 140 km/h (90 mph).
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EC Publishes 6 Calls for Proposals for Transport Research within the Seventh Framework Program; €63M for European Green Cars Initiative and Electromobility
The European Commission has published 53 calls for proposals in various thematic areas of the Seventh Research Framework Program (FP7), including six calls for transport with funding of approximately €243 million (US$344 million). Within that, projects for the European Green Cars Inititative are to receive an indicative (i.e., the actual sum of the awards may vary) €63 million (US$89 million).
Calls for also went out for proposals in health; food, agriculture and fisheries, and biotechnology; information and communication technologies; nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies; energy; environment (including climate change); socio-economic sciences and humanities; space; and security.
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National Research Council Report on America’s Energy Future Highlights Vehicle Efficiency Technologies, Conversion of Biomass and Coal-to-Liquids Fuels, and Electrifying the Light Duty Fleet with PHEVs, BEVs and FCVs
July 31, 2009
| Estimates of potential for gasoline consumption reduction in the US light duty fleet in 2020 and 2035 relative to 2007. Projected consumption assumes efficiency improvements in powertrain and vehicle are offset by increases in performance, size and weight. Improvements result from an optimistic scenario achieving doubling of new vehicle fuel economy in 2035 from today’s value. Source: America’s Energy Future, Fig. 2.4. Click to enlarge. |
With a sustained national commitment, the United States could obtain substantial energy-efficiency improvements, new sources of energy, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through the accelerated deployment of existing and emerging energy technologies, according to the prepublication copy of the capstone report of the America’s Energy Future project of the National Research Council, the operating arm of the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering.
However, the report concludes, initiating deployment of these technologies is urgent; actions taken—or not taken—between now and 2020 to develop and demonstrate several key technologies will largely determine the nation’s energy options for many decades to come. For the transportation sector, these key technologies include a focus on improving vehicle efficiency; developing technologies for the conversion of biomass and coal-to-liquid fuels; and electrifying the light-duty vehicle fleet through expanded deployment of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs).
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Piaggio Introduces Li-ion Electric Version of Ape Calessino As Part of 2009 Refresh
July 29, 2009
| Ape Calessino Electric Lithium. Click to enlarge. |
Piaggio has introduced the refreshed 2009 range of the Ape Calessino, including a new electric version powered by lithium-ion batteries. The three-wheeler Ape has been on sale for more than 60 years, and has sold more than 2 million units in five continents.
The Ape Calessino Electric Lithium is powered by the AEnerBox system from Archimede Energia, including a liquid-cooled, 222V, 6.88 kWh Li-ion battery pack built with 3.7 V, 31 Ah cells and an 18 kW AC motor. Range is 75 km (47 miles) on one charge. Top speed is 50 km/h (31 mph).
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Think and Ener1 Supplying Electric Drivetrains and Battery Packs to Japan Post for EV Conversions; Potential New Line of Business
July 28, 2009
| The converted EV. Click to enlarge. |
Electric vehicle manufacturer Think Global and Ener1, one of its battery partners, are supplying a fully integrated electric drivetrain powered by a lithium-ion battery system to Japan Post for the conversion of delivery vehicles as part of a comprehensive road-testing program. Japan Post is also deploying 40 original electric vehicles this fiscal year—20 units apiece of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the Subaru Plug-In Stella. (Earlier post.)
Think and Ener1 are working with Zero Sports of Japan, which has been selected by Japan Post as one of the conversion partners for delivering electric vehicles as part of the testing program in support of its goal to electrify the fleet of 22,000 delivery vehicles. With the support of strategic partner ITOCHU Corporation, which organized this project, EnerDel provided engineering support on the delivery of the first two postal service vehicles to Japan Post via Zero Sports.
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UQM Technologies to Supply EV Propulsion Systems to Coda Automotive
July 27, 2009
UQM Technologies has completed an agreement with Coda Automotive, a California-based electric car and battery company, to supply UQM PowerPhase 100 electric propulsion systems to Coda Automotive for a period of ten years.
Initial shipments under the agreement are expected to begin later this calendar year and ramp up prior to scheduled deliveries of the Coda 4-door, 5-passenger, all-electric sedan in the California market in mid-2010. (Earlier post.) The agreement provides for the purchase of 20,000 propulsion systems over the initial two-year period following the launch of volume production.
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Nissan Previews EV Platform on Tiida-Based Prototype; Production Design of EV to Be Unveiled 2 Aug
| EV prototype based on the newly developed EV platform. Click to enlarge. |
Nissan Motor Co., previewed its electric vehicle (EV) platform on a Tiida-based prototype in Japan. Nissan’s EVs go to market in the US and Japan in 2010. It also showcased a EV-IT system developed to support electric driving 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
A 24 kWh laminated compact lithium-ion battery pack from Nissan joint venture AESC is placed under the vehicle floor for more efficient packaging, without compromising cabin or cargo space. The battery layout also allows smooth underfloor air-flow which helps reduce drag. Additionally, the regenerative brake system employed to recharge the battery during deceleration and braking extends the driving range to more than 160 km (99 miles) on the US LA4 cycle under a full charge.
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Nissan to Build Li-ion Battery Plants for EVs in the UK and Portugal
July 20, 2009
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., within the Renault-Nissan Alliance, plans to build two plants for the production of its advanced lithium-ion batteries in Europe. The governments of the UK and Portugal have offered to extend financial assistance and other support to ensure that Nissan locates the proposed plants within their respective countries.
The two plants are scheduled to supply the advanced lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles to be produced by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The projected annual capacity for each plant is 60,000 units. Furthermore, the Renault-Nissan Alliance continues its discussion with other governments in Europe to identify other battery plant locations to meet volume requirements.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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%.
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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.)
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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$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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
