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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.]
Opel Revamping Corsa for 2010; Better Performance, Lower Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions
November 19, 2009
The Opel Corsa is receiving a complete re-make for 2010, with major engineering changes, re-vamped powertrain line-up, chassis improvements and steering recalibration to give the Corsa better performance and greater fuel economy as well as comfort, handling and driving dynamics. The Corsa, which accounts for some 30% of Opel/Vauxhall total sales, is available in three-door and five-door variants.
Gasoline engine line-up. The new gasoline engine line-up for the Corsa fully complies with Euro 5 standards. All engines have been re-worked to offer more torque while featuring up to 13% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Both the 1.2- and 1.4-liter Twinport variants are each available in two versions with different outputs. Every country selects and offers customers the variants that suit the needs of their region. Some may decide to go for optimal fuel efficiency; other may want to balance it with more performance.
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Dutch Cabinet Approves Mileage Tax; In Effect in 2012 if Approved by Parliament
November 14, 2009
The Dutch Cabinet on Friday approved a new road tax bill that would eliminate the current motor vehicle tax and purchase tax and replace them with a charge per kilometer driven, starting in 2012 and increasing through 2018. The measure needs to be approved by the Dutch Parliament before becoming law.
The Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management cited research showing that the number of vehicle kilometers driven will decrease by about 15% under such a mechanism. The Ministry also suggested that motorists seeking alternatives such as public transport will increase by 6%, while traffic fatalities are expected to decrease by about 7%. Emissions of CO2 and particulate matter are expected to decrease by more than 10%.
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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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Renault-Nissan Alliance, CEA and FSI to Form Joint Venture to Develop and Manufacture Batteries for Electric Vehicles
| Li-ion pack of the type to be assembled at Flins. Click to enlarge. |
The Renault-Nissan Alliance, the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and the French Strategic Investment Fund (FSI) signed a letter of intent to set up a joint venture company that would develop and manufacture batteries for electric vehicles, under the patronage of Christian Estrosi, the French Minister for Industry.
The joint venture between Renault, Nissan, CEA and FSI would focus on advanced research, manufacturing and the recycling of electric vehicle batteries. The joint venture plans to produce batteries from mid-2012 at the Renault Flins plant, located 30 km from Paris. Production capacity is targeted at 100,000 batteries a year. The investment value of the first phase of the project is estimated at €600 million (US$893 million).
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Neste Oil and St1 to Collaborate in VTT’s TransEco Development Program; Focus on Bio-ethanol and Bio-components for Gasoline
November 04, 2009
Neste Oil and St1 have begun working together on a fuel project as part of the TransEco development program coordinated by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The project will focus on developing cost-efficient solutions tailored to Finnish conditions that will enable the 20% bio-component target set for automotive fuel in 2020 as part of national climate goals to be achieved.
The joint project between VTT, Neste Oil, and St1 will concentrate on car fuels, as a number of other projects are already working on biofuel research related to trucks and other heavy vehicles. St1 will concentrate on optimizing high-blend bio-ethanol designed to replace fossil gasoline for Finnish conditions and minimizing the environmental impact of its use, while Neste Oil will focus on developing other bio-components suitable for blending with conventional gasoline.
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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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UK Carbon Trust Launches PEM Fuel Cells Challenge, Striving for a Critical Reduction in Costs
October 11, 2009
The UK Carbon Trust launched the “Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge”, which aims to accelerate the commercialization of UK technology that could see the mainstream cost-effective mass production of fuel cell powered cars and buses, as well as providing electricity and heat in homes and business.
The £8 million (US$12.8 million, €8.7 million) Polymer Fuel Cell Challenge will be split into two phases. A newly opened call for proposals will result in the selection of up to three novel ideas, offering up to £1 million (US$1.6 million, €1.1 million) per project to further develop and prove them. If one of these demonstrates its potential for lower-cost fuel cell systems, the Carbon Trust will then co-invest up to £5 million (US$8 million, €5.4 million) in the technology to develop it commercially.
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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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European Experts Say Transformation Needed to Meet 2025 World Challenges
September 27, 2009
Meeting the challenges of the near future may mean moving towards a new production and consumption model, new rural-urban dynamics, and a new gender and intergenerational balance, according to the European Foresight Expert Group. The group presented the finings of its report, The World in 2025, at a conference in Brussels.
The experts identified principal trends, tensions and transitions while highlighting strategies that may help policy stakeholders make informed decisions. They also say that competition for natural resources and shifts in wealth, industrial production and populations may lead to tensions over natural resources (food, energy, water and minerals), migration and urbanization.
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Volvo Car Corporation to Introduce Diesel Plug-in Hybrid in Europe in 2012
September 25, 2009
| PHEV battery pack in V70 demonstrator without damage after a full scale rear crash test. Click to enlarge. |
Volvo Car Corporation is postponing its plans to produce a full hybrid based on a diesel engine and instead will introduce a series-produced plug-in diesel hybrid (PHEV) in Europe as early as 2012. The plug-in will support up to a 50 km (31 mile) all-electric range—sufficient to cover the daily transport needs of 75% of European drivers. For longer distances, the diesel automatically takes over. The combined range is about 1,200 kilometers (746 miles). Carbon dioxide emissions will average out at 49 g/km, with fuel consumption of 1.9 liters per 100 km (124 mpg US), according to the NEDC certification driving cycle.
The strategy that Volvo is adopting to start series-producing plug-in cars as early as 2012 is to exploit existing architecture for major components such as the body and engine. The company says it is saving time by installing the battery and electric motor beside a conventional driveline instead of waiting for an entirely new generation of car models.
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Fiat, MINI and smart Beat 130 gCO2/km New Car Average in Europe for First Half of 2009
September 20, 2009
The average CO2 emissions figure on new Fiat cars sold in Europe during the first half of 2009 dropped 5.2 g/km to 129.1 g/km, according to an analysis by JATO Consult, the bespoke consulting service of JATO Dynamics. That makes Fiat the only mainstream car brand to achieve the European average goal of 130 g/km by 2015, five years early. The MINI and smart brands also came under the 130 g/km mark.
Overall, JATO found an average 6.2 g/km reduction in the CO2 output of new cars sold by the top 25 brands in Europe in 1H 2009, with a similar reduction measured in JATO’s 21 monitored EU markets. The figures underline how incremental improvements to high-volume vehicles can have an impact that far exceeds that of low-volume hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles, JATO noted.
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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 Adds A4 and A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI Flex Fuel Models; Optimized for E85
Audi has added new flexible-fuel versions to its A4 model series: The A4 and A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI flexible fuel can operate on up to E85 ethanol blends. The 2.0 TFSI flexible fuel engine is based on the 2.0 TFSI with Audi valvelift and start-stop system. Like that engine, it produces 320 N·m (236 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm and puts out 132 kW (180 hp).
The four-cylinder engine is optimized for operation on E85. E85 is currently available at nearly 300 gas stations in Germany, with Norway and Sweden having the densest network of E85 filling stations in Europe.
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Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept Uses Same Powertrain as the Prius
September 11, 2009
| The Auris HSD Full Hybrid concept. Click to enlarge. |
Toyota has provided more detail on the new Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) concept, to be unveiled next week at the Frankfurt motor show. The concept, which previews the production model of the hybrid to be built in the UK beginning in the second half of 2010, uses the same powertrain applied in the current-generation Prius. (Earlier post.)
The Auris hybrid will be Toyota’s first full hybrid mainstream model in Europe. A five-door hatchback is the best selling type of car in Europe, Toyota notes, and so consequently the installation of HSD in Auris is the logical first step in deploying full hybrid technology across Toyota’s entire European model line-up. Sales are scheduled to start during second half of 2010.
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ETI Launches £11M Nationwide Plug-in Vehicle Plan to Accelerate Market Growth in UK
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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Germany Launches H2 Mobility Initiative to Expand Infrastructure for Refueling Hydrogen Vehicles
September 10, 2009
Daimler AG and leading energy companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Berlin, with the participation of the German Minister of Transport, Wolfgang Tiefensee, to evaluate and expand the setup of a hydrogen infrastructure in Germany to support the series production of fuel cell electric vehicles. In addition to Daimler, partners in the “H2 Mobility” initiative include EnBW, Linde, OMV, Shell, Total, Vattenfall and the NOW GmbH (National Organization Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology). The project is open for other interested partners.
The H2 Mobility launch comes one day after leading automakers signed a Letter of Understanding regarding the commercialization and series production of fuel cell electric vehicles from 2015 onward. Noting the importance of a hydrogen infrastructure with sufficient density, the automakers—Daimler, Ford, GM/Opel, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Renault Nissan Alliance, and Toyota—in that LoU strongly supported building up a hydrogen infrastructure in Europe, with Germany as regional starting point, among other global starting points. (Earlier post.)
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Citroën Launches the New C3; 99 g CO2/km Model Available From Launch
September 04, 2009
| The new C3 with Zenith windshield. Click to enlarge. |
Citroën is launching the new version of the C3 supermini (earlier post)—a best-seller that has sold more than two million units since its introduction. (The C3 was also Citroën’s first production vehicle fitted with a stop-start system, beginning in 2004. Earlier post .)
Controlled weight and aerodynamics (Cd 0.30) contribute to management of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions; a 99 g/km HDi DPFS 90 diesel version is available from launch. This will be the first full production Citroën to emit less than 100 g CO2/km.
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Volkswagen to Premiere New Generation of Polo, Golf and Passat BlueMotion Models; Consumption As Low As 3.3 L/100km (71.3 mpg US)
September 02, 2009
| Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion, Polo BlueMotion and Golf BlueMotion. Click to enlarge. |
Volkswagen will introduce the new generation of the Polo BlueMotion, Golf BlueMotion and Passat BlueMotion at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in two weeks.
All three Volkswagens are the most fuel-efficient models in their respective size classes, according to VW; all three are celebrating world premieres as production versions at the IAA; and all three can be ordered later this fall.
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Chrysler Bringing New Dodge Caliber to Frankfurt Show with New Diesel
September 01, 2009
| The new Dodge Caliber. Click to enlarge. |
Chrysler is bringing the new Dodge Caliber to the Frankfurt Motor Show fitted with a new 2.2-liter, Euro 5 compliant common-rail diesel (CRD) engine. The new turbo diesel is paired to a six-speed manual transmission and produces 120 kW (163 hp DIN) and 320 N•m (236 lb-ft), delivering 16% more power, 3% more torque and 25% more towing capability (1,500 kg) compared with the previous diesel engine.
Fuel consumption is improved by 5% (5.8L/100km compared to 6.1L/100km; 40.6 mpg US vs. 38.6 mpg US). CO2 emissions are improved by 3% (154 g/km compared to 159 g/km).
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Fiat Punto Evo To Debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show; Start&Stop Standard, Dual Fuel Versions
August 31, 2009
| The Punto Evo. Click to enlarge. |
The Fiat Punto Evo, the evolution of the Grande Punto, will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The Punto Evo will offer a range of Euro 5 engines, including a 1.3 second-generation Multijet diesel and a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with the MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve-timing system developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and eventually to be incorporated in all Fiat Group engines. (Earlier post.)
The new Punto Evo also offers Start&Stop, the system that switches off and restarts the engine in stop-and-go traffic. Start&Stop is being introduced as standard on all Euro5 gasoline and diesel engines. Fiat is also offering methane and LPG units with the Punto Evo.
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VTT Launches European NEMO Project for Cellulosic Ethanol
August 26, 2009
| NEMO will focus on novel enzymes for hydrolysis and novel microorganisms for cellulosic ethanol production to identify the most eco-efficient and economic process options for cellulosic ethanol. Source: Universita Degli Studi di Milano. Click to enlarge. |
The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has launched, as co-ordinator, the NEMO project (Novel high performance enzymes and micro-organisms for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol), a collaborative research effort involving European research institutes and companies to develop technologies for the production of cellulosic ethanol.
The NEMO project, which has received funding of €5.9 million (US$8.4 million) from the EU’s FP7 (Seventh Framework Programme), is aimed at developing technologies to produce cellulosic ethanol from agricultural and forestry waste, such as straws and wood chips, via a fermentation pathway. Total cost of the project will be €8.2 million (US$11.7 million).
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Opel to Debut New Astra at Frankfurt; Improved Fuel Consumption Across the Line-up
August 25, 2009
| The Astra (left) and Ampera (right). Click to enlarge. |
Opel will debut the new Astra at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show; the company will also showcase the Ampera, Opel’s implementation of the Voltec extended range electric vehicle architecture. The Ampera made its global debut in march at the Geneva Motor Show. (Earlier post.)
The Astra powertrain line-up features eight engines with high specific power outputs (from 70 kW/95 hp to 132 kW/180 hp), low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions. All engines meet the Euro 5 emission norms. Most come standard with six-speed manual transmissions, although five speeds are standard on the naturally-aspirated 1.4 and 1.6-liter gasoline and the 1.3 turbo diesel. A six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option with the 1.6, 1.4 Turbo and 1.6 Turbo gasoline engines and with the 2.0 turbo diesel motor.
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Citroën to Introduce the DS3 Supermini at Frankfurt; As Low as 99 gCO2/km for Diesel Model
August 24, 2009
| The DS3. Click to enlarge. |
Citroën will unveil the DS3 supermini—the first model from the new DS line—at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009 next month.
The DS3 will be available with a choice of Euro V power plants consisting of two HDi diesel units and three BMW co-developed gasoline engines. The two HDi diesels—a 90 bhp (67 kW) and an 110 bhp (82 kW) unit—are fitted with Citroën’s DPFS (Diesel Particulate Filter System). The three gasoline engines—VTi 95, VTi 120 and THP 150—are fitted with either 5- or 6- speed manual gearboxes.
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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
August 01, 2009
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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EIB to Contribute Up to €300M in Financing to Valeo for €645M Fuel Consumption and Emissions Reduction Projects
July 26, 2009
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will grant financing of up to €300 million (US$426 million) to Valeo for its current research projects aiming to reduce the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of cars and improve active safety. The total research investment of Valeo, one of the world’s top automotive suppliers, for these projects is €645 million (US$916 million) over four years. The EIB loan will come with competitive terms in two installments, the first one of €225 million (US$320 million) to be drawn by the end of July.
Aligned with the objective of the European Union to establish a competitive knowledge-based economy and the policy of the EIB to finance research and innovation as a priority, this funding will cover fuel efficiency technologies such as mild- and micro-hybrid solutions; the development of systems for electric and hybrid vehicles; efficient transmission systems; and active safety technologies including assisted viewing systems, crash avoidance systems and advanced lighting systems.
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Opel Launches Broad LPG ecoFLEX Range; GM Having Detailed Final Talks with Magna and RHJI on Offers for Opel
July 23, 2009
| Opel’s LPG range. Click to enlarge. |
Opel is now offering five dual-fuel LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)-powered Corsa, Meriva, Astra station wagon and Zafira models with a wide performance range, expanding its line of ecoFLEX models with alternative propulsion. The Opel LPG models can run on gasoline or LPG—the switch happens automatically, but can also be made by pressing a button.
In addition to the standard gasoline tank, these models also feature an LPG tank located either in the spare-wheel well (Corsa, Meriva, Astra station wagon) or under the vehicle floor (Zafira), ensuring storage space and load volume remain unchanged. Instead of the spare wheel, a tire repair set is on board for emergencies.
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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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UK Publishes Strategy for Low Carbon Transport
July 15, 2009
The UK’s Department for Transport has published a strategy designed to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from the transport sector by around 14% (17.7 million tonnes) by 2020 compared to 2008.
The document, entitled “Low carbon transport: a greener future”, also frames the debate for a longer-term decarbonization of transport to give people and businesses more low-carbon choices about when, where and how to travel or transport goods. Transport currently makes up 21% of all UK domestic carbon emissions. The Carbon Reduction Strategy for Transport is based on three main themes:
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Euro Auto Production Down 35% in First Quarter 2009; Second Half Production May be Down 25%; Small Cars Hit New Record Share
| The small car segment has increased its share. Source: ACEA. Click to enlarge. |
In the first quarter of 2009, automotive production in Europe fell by 35% to 3.4 million vehicles, according to the latest Economic Report from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). While fleet renewal schemes (vehicle scrappage) have helped segments of the passenger car market in some countries, overall vehicle demand in Europe went further down as well.
Van (-57%) and truck production (-56%) dropped even more than the manufacture of passenger cars (-31%). With a drop of 57.4%, the UK was the worst affected of the five largest European producers, followed by France (-46.0%), Spain (-40.2%), Italy (-38.6%) and Germany (-32.3%). In Austria, production went down by 69.2%.
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European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative Launches €140M Call for Proposals
July 03, 2009
The European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen (FCH) Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) has issued a second call for proposals for research. Around €140 million (US$196 million) has been allocated to this second call, with €71.3 million by the Commission matched by in-kind contributions of the industrial partners. The FCH JTI, an EU-wide collaborative private-public partnership, has a total budget amounts around €1 billion (US$1.4 billion) to be invested in hydrogen and fuel cell research and development by 2014. (Earlier post.)
The 29 project topics in the second call aim to put fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies on the market two to five years sooner than what is estimated without the support the JTI offers. Selected teams of researchers will investigate bottlenecks in the whole range of applications for these energy technologies, from cars to large scale power plants, as well as the whole supply chain from hydrogen production to demonstration of the market-readiness of applications.
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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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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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Controlled Power Introduces 12V Belt-Driven Integrated Starter Generator for Cars with Diesels
May 20, 2009
| Left: The SpeedStart B-ISG. Right: Installation in Volvo demonstrator with INA damper. Source: CPT. Click to enlarge. |
Controlled Power Technologies has developed the first belt-driven Integrated Starter Generator (B-ISG) to use a conventional 12-volt vehicle electrical system with the high power output necessary to provide excellent stop-start functionality on the majority of European cars equipped with diesel as well as gasoline engines.
The CPT SpeedStart B-ISG system can deliver up to a 5% reduction in CO2 emissions over the New European Drive Cycle when integrated into a modern powertrain, with the potential for even greater savings in real world urban driving situations.
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Elektromotive Debuts Tool for Monitoring and Invoicing Electricity Drawn from Charging Stations; Three-Phase Fast Charge Prototype with Mennekes Coupler
May 15, 2009
| The Mennekes system. Click to enlarge. |
UK-based Elektromotive introduced EBConnect—a tool for monitoring and invoicing electricity drawn from vehicle charging stations—at EVS 24. EBConnect will be installed in all Elektrobay charging stations, of which there are already more than 160 across the UK.
The EBConnect software manages a two-way exchange of data via GSM and the internet to track electricity usage and invoice accordingly. The system allows the possibility of a number of payment methods including a ‘pay-and-go’ service, where the user adds credits to their personalized Elektrobay keyfob.
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Toyota to Lease More Than 150 Experimental Li-Ion PHEVs in Europe
May 14, 2009
Toyota Motor Europe (TME) will lease more than 150 units of its experimental Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) to selected fleet customers across Europe as a next step towards commercialization. Toyota says it will deploy more than 500 new PHVs in global trials—including in Europe, Japan and the US—by 2010.
France will be the first country to participate in the three-year European pilot, with discussions ongoing in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. Based on Toyota’s full hybrid technology, the new PHV will come equipped with a lithium-ion battery, extending the vehicle’s range in electric vehicle mode. The first wave of PHVs will reach Strasbourg in late 2009.
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European Automotive Industry Outlines R&D Priorities for EU Green Car Initiative
May 07, 2009
European automotive suppliers and vehicle manufacturers have united to submit a series of R&D priorities to the European Commission to shape the European Green Car Initiative (EGCI), announced by the EU. CLEPA (the European umbrella membership organization representing the interests of the global automotive supply industry) and EUCAR (the European Council for Automotive R&D from the major European passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturers) jointly prepared the document.
The Green Car Initiative, a part of the European economic recovery plan, aims to allocate €5 billion (US$6.7 billion) through a Public Private Partnership to bolster innovation in the automotive sector and sustain its focus on environmental progress. The initiative complements the European Clean Transport Facility which, through the European Investment Bank, serves to provide more immediate financial relief to the sector.
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UK Government Launches £250M 5-Year Plan for Cutting CO2 from Road Transport; Includes Incentives for Purchase of PHEVs and EVs
April 16, 2009
| High-level technology roadmap for the UK’s decarbonization of road transport. Click to enlarge. |
The UK Transport and Business Secretaries launched the Government’s vision for cutting carbon from road transport over the next five years. Central to the £250-million (US$373-million) strategy is a consumer incentive initiative for plug-in vehicles worth £2,000 - £5,000 (US$3,000 - US$7,500) towards buying the first electric and plug-in hybrid cars when they hit the showrooms, expected to be from 2011 onwards.
The strategy also includes plans to provide £20 million (US$30 million) for charging points and related infrastructure to help develop a network of “electric car cities” throughout the UK and an expansion of an electric and ultra-low carbon car demonstration project on the UK’s roads. The demonstration project will involve more than 200 motorists throughout the country.
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European Investment Bank Approves €866M in Loans for Cleaner Cars; Majority to Nissan and Jaguar
April 12, 2009
The European Investment Bank Board of Directors last week approved loans worth a total of €866 million (US$1.14 billion) to European-based car makers to help design and build cleaner cars with lower CO2 emissions. The loans include €400 million to Nissan’s European operations to develop and build more fuel-efficient vehicles in the United Kingdom and Spain, and €366 million to Jaguar Land Rover to help cut vehicle emissions.
Autocar reported that Jaguar will use the EIB funding to build an extended range electric vehicle based on the next-generation XJ. In May 2008, Jaguar Land Rover received funding from the UK government in support of the development of a number of clean vehicle projects through partnerships with suppliers, government agencies, and universities. These included the extended range electric vehicle; a flywheel hybrid system for premium vehicles; “Limo-Green” and other lightweighting and lower-emitting powertrain projects. (Earlier post.)
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Study Finds That CO2 Standards for Vehicles Can Reduce Price of Oil
April 10, 2009
| Car fleet composition in the EU under the different scenarios. Click to enlarge. |
A new study by the French institute Enerdata, commissioned by the European Federation for Transport & Environment (T&E), suggests that the European CO2 standards for new vehicles due to come into effect in 2012 will lead not only to a European savings on oil (mainly via lower oil import volumes) but also to slightly lower global oil prices. Enerdata concluded that a 0.9% reduction in global oil consumption results in a drop in global oil prices of 1.2%.
Most analyses of the economic assessments of energy efficiency measures normally use fixed oil prices when accounting for economic benefits. By working out that the price of oil will fall when the EU’s regulations fully take effect, the study suggests that the European economic benefits of fuel efficiency have been underestimated, in general by up to 17%, according to T&E.
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All Western European Countries Will Have CO2-Related Car Taxation This Year; European Auto Industry Urges Harmonization of Schemes
April 07, 2009
The number of EU countries with CO2-related car taxation rose to 15 in 2008. With Germany set to introduce CO2-related taxation in July of 2009, all Western European countries levy passenger car taxes that are partially or totally based on the car’s carbon dioxide emissions and/or fuel consumption, completing a trend that peaked in 2007 and 2008, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’s Association’s (ACEA) Tax Guide 2008 published this week.
Romania was the first and so far only Eastern European Member State to introduce CO2-related taxation last year as part of a more comprehensive overhaul of vehicle taxation in the country. In most Central and Eastern European countries, the main concern of policy makers remains to reduce the level of old vehicles on the streets with pollutant emission standards of below Euro 3.
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GM Opel Cuts CO2 from 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX Zafira Van 9% to Below 140 g/km
April 06, 2009
| The 1.7 CDTI Zafira. Click to enlarge. |
Opel has improved the efficiency of its 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX Zafira seven-seat van, reducing the CO2 emissions by nearly 9% to 139 g/km, with fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100km (44.4 mpg US).
The 1.7-liter diesel with 81 kW (110 hp) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque available from 2,000 to 2,300 rpm is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter and a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The ecoFLEX Zafira reaches a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) and accelerates to 100 km/h in 13.5 sec.
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EEA Report: Trends in European Transport Are Heading in the Wrong Direction
April 05, 2009
| Indexed European transport sector greenhouse gas emissions, 1990-2006. Source: EEA. Click to enlarge. |
Transport continues to contribute disproportionally to Europe’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, poor air quality and noise, and still uses the least efficient modes to move people and goods according to a new report from the European Environmental Agency (EEA).
Emissions of GHG have increased by 26% (EU-15) or 180 million tonnes between 1990 and 2006, excluding international aviation and marine transport—an amount larger than the entire annual national emissions for 2006 from Belgium (132 million tonnes) or Romania (157 million tonnes).
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European Parliament Adopts Resolution Calling for Measures to Support Job Creation in the Auto Industry and “Green Technologies”
March 26, 2009
A cross-party resolution adopted by the European Parliament (EP) calls for measures to support job creation in the European automotive industry, and to encourage the development of “green technologies”, with which there is “significant potential for job creation...in the automotive sector”. The resolution was adopted by 413 votes to 44 with 13 abstentions.
The European automotive industry is key to the EU economy, employing 12 million workers directly and indirectly—6% of the employed population in the European Union. The industry has been badly hit by the global economic crisis, and has seen a significant drop in demand during the last quarter of 2008 and the first of 2009.
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EU Imposes Temporary Import Duties on US Biodiesel
March 12, 2009
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| US exports of biodiesel to Europe have surged, and represent the bulk of US production. Source: EBB. Click to enlarge. |
The European Union is imposing temporary anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on imports of biodiesel from the United States. The measures will come into effect from 13 March and will be in place for four months while the investigation and contacts with stakeholders continue.
The level of the measures, which are applied together, is set at between €211.20 to €237.00 (US$271.22 to $304.35) per tonne for the anti-subsidy duties and between €23.60 and €208.20 (US$30.31 to $267.31) per tonne for the anti-dumping measures. At the end of this time, the Commission will make a final recommendation to EU member states on whether or not to impose definitive duties in this case, which if imposed would normally last for five years. Provisional duties in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy cases are imposed by the European Commission, while definitive measures are imposed by the European Council.
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European Parliament Transport Committee Backs Pollution Charges on Heavy-Duty Trucks
February 11, 2009
The European Parliament’s Transport Committee approved a proposal to revise the Eurovignette directive to implement charges on heavy-goods vehicles based in part on the air and noise pollution they produce and the congestion they cause. The Eurovignette directive was adopted in May 2006 as a harmonized EU framework for charging heavy goods vehicles on European highways.
The European Commission’s original proposal included air and noise pollution and congestion but stopped short of including CO2 emissions. Some MEPs wanted to add CO2 to the list of chargeable costs, arguing that trucks, like airplanes, are partly responsible for climate change, but the committee voted today to exclude CO2 emissions from the text. Transport accounts for 27% of EU CO2 emissions, of which road transport accounts for 73%.
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New Car Registrations in UK fall 30.9% in January; Industry Urges UK Government to Provide Scrappage Incentives to Boost Demand
February 05, 2009
The new car market in the UK continued to decline sharply at the start of 2009, with volumes down by 30.9% to 112,087 units, according to figures from the UK’s SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders). SMMT expects the market to decline by 19.3% in 2009 to 1.72 million units. This would be some 410,000 units off the 2008 total and almost 685,000 units down on 2007.
In January, diesel penetration rose 0.7 percentage points to match its second highest level ever (45.6%), but diesel volumes still fell by 29.7%. Alternatively fuelled vehicle (AFV) demand showed a particularly sharp decline, down 47.4%, in part reflecting strong growth in 2008.
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Dacia Broadens Fuel Efficient and Low Emission Offerings With LPG and E85 Engines, new 1.2L Gasoline Unit
February 03, 2009
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| The Sandero 1.4 LPG. Click to enlarge. |
Dacia, a member of the Renault group, is broadening its offerings of fuel-efficient and low-emissions engines. During 2009, Dacia will introduce the Sandero and Logan 1.4 LPG, Logan MCV 1.6 LPG, and the Sandero 1.6 E85 bioethanol. Sandero and Logan will also be available with a new gasoline engine, the 1.2 16V 75 hp, with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.
LPG. The 1.4L LPG (75 hp / 56 kW) and 1.6L LPG (90 hp / 67 kW) engines reduce CO2 emissions by up to 12% compared with gasoline power, and offer lower emissions of criteria pollutants.
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UK To Provide £2.3B Support Package for Auto Industry; Focus on Low-Carbon Initiatives
January 28, 2009
The UK government introduced a £2.3 billion (US$3.3 billion) package of measures to support its domestic auto industry, including guarantees to unlock loans of up to £1.3 billion European Investment Bank (EIB) guarantees for investment in lower carbon initiatives; and loans or loan guarantees to support of up to £1 billion of lending for lower carbon initiatives for non-EIB backed projects.
The new scheme will help ensure that major new low-carbon investment projects in the UK automotive sector are not abandoned or located outside of the UK because companies are temporarily unable to access sufficient funding from traditional sources of finance, according to the government.
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UK to Spend £250M for Low Carbon Vehicles
January 20, 2009
The UK Government will spend £250 million (US$354 million) on a wide-ranging package of measures to promote ultra-low carbon vehicles. Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon announced the move alongside the government’s decision to grant approval for a third runway at Heathrow Airport—a highly-charged issue in the UK.
In a wide-ranging statement to the House of Commons, Secretary Hoon outlined the government’s plans for spending on low-carbon vehicles, and road and rail infrastructure before announcing the Heathrow decision.
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Jaguar Introduces New 3.0L Diesel for European Market
December 31, 2008
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| The new AJ-V6D. Click to enlarge. |
Jaguar is introducing a new 3.0-liter diesel engine—the AJ-V6D Gen III—in two power levels in its XF Diesel S sedan for the European market. The new V6 engine, derived from the 2.7-liter diesel, improves fuel economy by 12% and produces 10% less CO2 (179 g/km) than the 2.7L, while increasing power by 33%. The new 3.0L engines are Euro-5 compliant.
The 275PS (271 hp, 202 kW) version delivers 600 Nm of torque, accelerates the sedan from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, and has combined fuel economy of 35 mpg US (42 mpg UK, 6.7 L/100km)—a 12% improvement in fuel economy over the 2.7-liter V6 diesel. The engine is also available in a 240PS (237 hp, 177 kW) variant, with 16% more power and 15% more torque than the 2.7-liter diesel.
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European Automakers Question Aspects of New EU Fuel Quality Directive
December 29, 2008
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) has raised several technical issues with the fuel quality directive adopted by the European Parliament earlier in December as part of the climate change package. Among the elements of the fuel quality directive is a low carbon fuel standard. (Earlier post).
ACEA’s technical concerns with the fuel quality directive fall into three categories: metallic additives; biofuel blends and labelling; and fuel specifications.
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European Parliament Climate Change Package Includes Vehicle CO2 Regulations and Low Carbon Fuel Standard
December 20, 2008
The European Parliament this past week approved the EU’s climate change package intended to achieve a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 20% improvement in energy efficiency, and a 20% share for renewables in the EU energy mix by 2020. (Earlier post.)
Included in that package is the regulation setting CO2 emissions performance standards for new cars registered in the EU (based on the compromise worked out earlier, earlier post) as well as a revised fuel quality directive that incorporates a low carbon fuel standard.
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EEA Report Calls For New Approaches and Measures To Reduce Transport Demand
December 19, 2008
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| Efficiency improvements have not been sufficient to offset growth in transport demand. Click to enlarge. Source: EEA |
Reducing the spiraling carbon footprint of Europe’s transportation sector will require new approaches and measures to reduce transport demand, according to a new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
The report—Beyond transport policy - exploring and managing the external drivers of transport demand— urges policy makers to take a fresh approach to address the transport growth of transport, supporting “realistic” measures that include pricing schemes for unsustainable mobility and improving citizens’ awareness about the environmental consequences of their shopping basket and travel choices.
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European Parliament Adopts Euro VI Heavy-Duty Emissions Proposal, Advances Implementation
December 18, 2008
The European Parliament adopted a Euro VI compromise proposal, worked out with the European Council, for emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. Emissions standards in the adopted proposal are the same as in earlier versions, but they will now apply de facto from 31 December 2013 for new vehicles, nine months earlier than the Commission proposed.
The proposed Euro VI regulation lays down harmonized technical rules for heavy vehicles of more than 2,610 kg, with which all new vehicles will have to comply in order to get the necessary type approval.
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PSA Peugeot Citroën and Robert Bosch GmbH Enter Strategic Partnership for Diesel Hybrids
December 09, 2008
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| Bosch develops a range of hybrid technologies and components, including battery, electric drive, brake management, engine management and transmission controls as well as electric motors, the necessary power electronics, and DC/DC converters. Click to enlarge. |
PSA Peugeot Citroën and Robert Bosch GmbH have agreed to a strategic partnership for diesel hybrid technology. The recently signed agreement calls for Bosch to co-develop, industrialize and supply electric motors and power electronics for PSA Peugeot Citroën’s four-wheel-drive diesel hybrid powertrain.
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on the Peugeot Prologue and Citroën Hypnos concept cars (earlier post) , this diesel hybrid technology will equip Peugeot and Citroën vehicles starting in 2011.
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European Parliament and Council Reach Agreement on Automotive CO2 Regulations
December 02, 2008
Following a series of meetings between Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the French Presidency of the Council, the two sides have informally agreed upon the details of future targets on CO2 emissions from cars. The compromise identifies a longer-term reduction target; allows phased-in implementation of the shorter-term target; and reduces proposed penalties against carmakers that exceed the limits.
The informal compromise is based on the Commission’s proposed target of an average of 120g of CO2/km for new passenger cars (M1 category) by 2012, compared to the current levels of 160 g/km. A target of 130g/km is to be reached by improvements in vehicle motor technology; the subsequent 10g/km reduction is to come from other technological improvements and by an increased use of sustainable biofuels. Key elements of the compromise include:
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EU to Exceed Criteria Air Pollutant Limit Partly Due to Growth in Road Transport
December 01, 2008
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| Sum of EU Member State aggregated projections compared with EU-27 emission ceilings defined in Annex I and Annex II of the NECD. Source: EEA Click to enlarge. |
Despite significant emission reductions in recent years, only 11 EU Member States expect to remain within their emission limits for all four air pollutants set by the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NEC Directive), according to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The limit on NOx remains the most difficult to meet. This is partly due to the fact that demand for road transport has grown faster than anticipated.
The NEC Directive status report by the EEA presents country-specific and EU-wide information for the four pollutants covered by the directive: sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) and ammonia (NH3). Preliminary results were reported in May this year.
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Europe Closing in on 6% Lower Carbon Road Fuel Standard by 2020
November 30, 2008
Europe is moving closer to finalizing a new fuel quality law which will require fuel suppliers to cut full life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions from road fuels by 6% between 2010 and 2020.
ENDS (Environmental Data Services) reports that the cuts are expected to come from production efficiency improvements and a switch to biofuels and other cleaner fuels. Biofuel sustainability criteria will be added to the new law once they have been agreed in separate negotiations relating to the new Renewable Energy Directive.
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Germany Aiming for 1M EVs and PHEVs by 2020
November 28, 2008
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| Battery costs are the largest hurdle for a successful market for electric vehicles, according to a VW presentation at the conference. Click to enlarge. |
The German federal government wants to take strong measures towards electric and hybrid vehicles in the next ten years, with the goal of putting one million electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles onto Germany’s roads by 2020. Germany currently has a car parc totalling about 46.1 million vehicles, according to figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’s Association (ACEA), with a total vehicle fleet of around 49.7 million as of 2006.
The plan, announced during a German national strategy conference on electric mobility (Nationale Strategiekonferenz Elektromobilität) held in Berlin earlier this week, was drafted jointly by the departments of Economics, Transport, Environment, and Education & Research. It will be finalized and put into legislation early next year.
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European Commission Proposes €200B Economic Recovery Plan; €5B Green Cars Initiative
November 26, 2008
The European Commission presented a €200 billion (US$257 billion) Recovery Plan—equivalent to 1.5% of European GDP—to pull Europe’s economy out of its current crisis. One of the elements of the plan is a €5 billion (US$6.4 billion) “European green cars initiative”.
The plan will use a wide range of policies and instruments. The co-ordinated fiscal stimulus of around €200 billion comprises around €170 billion (1.2% of GDP) from Member States, and around €30 billion (0.3% of GDP) as EU level action within the EU budget and from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The stimulus will stay within the Stability and Growth Pact, while making use of the full flexibility offered by the Pact.
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VERBIO Grain Ethanol Can Emit Up to 80% Less CO2 on Lifecycle Basis Than Gasoline
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| Greenhouse gas emissions of the individual ethanol production process steps. Red line is the German BioNachV basic value. Click to enlarge. |
Bioethanol produced from grain (rye or wheat) by German biofuels producer VERBIO Vereinigte BioEnergie AG can emit up to 80% less CO2 than gasoline on a lifecycle basis, depending upon the feedstock and facility design, according to a study carried out by the Heidelberg IFEU Institute (Institute for Energy and Environmental Research) and commissioned by the VERBIO.
VERBIO is a leading producer and supplier of biodiesel and bioethanol in Europe, with nominal annual capacity of around 450,000 tonnes of biodiesel (~136 million gallons US) and 300,000 tonnes of ethanol (~100 million gallons US). The study examined ethanol production at VERBIO’s two facilities in Schwedt/Oder and Zörbig, with the aim of determining how much CO2 can be avoided under the prevailing production conditions. The results show that all the techniques and plants under investigation return significantly better CO2 savings than the 30% which are specified in the German Biomass Sustainability Ordinance (BioNachV).
