Green Car Congress: Hybrids

Hybrids

[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.]

DOE AVTA Completes 1M Miles of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Testing

November 19, 2009

PHEVs and demonstration locations. Source: INL. Click to enlarge.

The US Department of Energy (DOE), through its Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity (AVTA) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), has completed 1 million miles of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) testing.

The AVTA’s testing of PHEVs demonstrates PHEV concepts in real-world usage by using fleet and public drivers. The 1 million test miles and more than 26,000 charging events have been accumulated in on-road operations across the United States and Canada. More than 215 PHEVs, representing 12 different PHEV models—mostly conversions—have made up the PHEV test fleet to date.

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Volvo Upgrades Hybrid System in Prototype Refuse Truck; Small-Scale Series Production Pushed Back to 2012 at the Earliest

Updated Volvo hybrid refuse truck in London. Click to enlarge.

After a year and a half of initial field testing, Volvo Trucks is releasing an upgraded hybrid refuse truck (earlier post) with new components and software. The new refuse truck will be tested by Veolia Environmental Services in central London.

The new truck is an upgraded version of the parallel hybrid trucks field-tested in Stockholm and Göteborg, Sweden, over the past eighteen months. It has two separate drivelines, one for diesel and one for electricity, which can be used either separately or together. The refuse truck promises up to 30% lower fuel consumption than a conventional model.

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Volt and Its Battery Pack Converging on Product and Process Validation in February 2010; Fine-Tuning in Preparation for Start of Regular Production in Nov 2010

November 18, 2009

The Volt and its Li-ion battery pack have proceeded in parallel through GM’s development and manufacturing process. Next up is the PPV (product and process validation) stage (Feb-Aug 2010) prior to the start of regular production (SORP) in November 2010.

Both the Chevy Volt extended range electric vehicle and its battery pack are converging on the beginning of the product and process validation (PPV) stage of GM’s development and manufacturing process, scheduled to start in February 2010, according to an online status update given by Andrew Farrah, Volt Vehicle Chief Engineer and Bill Wallace, Engineering Group Manager, Voltec Battery Systems.

Both the vehicle and the pack have undergone some expected tweaking on the run-up to PPV based on the testing to date. On the vehicle side, these have included adjustments to address NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) issues when running in electric mode. On the pack and cell side, GM has made minor adjustments in the chemistry (LG Chem’s Li-ion manganese spinel) in collaboration with LG Chem for improved life. The current cell chemistry for the Volt, now in its fourth generation, is the one that will head into production.

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Forecast: Cumulative Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Fleet Sales to Reach Nearly 4 Million Units By 2015

Cumulative sales of hybrid vehicles in the fleet sector will total nearly 4 million worldwide between 2009 and 2015, according to a recent report from Pike Research. The cleantech market intelligence firm forecasts that hybrid fleet sales will increase from 300,000 in 2009 to more than 830,000 in 2015, with the largest growth categories in medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses.

Pike Research managing director Clint Wheelock says that North America will be the leading region in terms of hybrid fleet penetration, with hybrids reaching 8% of all fleet sales in the next five years. Early adopters will include government, university, and utility company fleets. Asia Pacific will be the leader in terms of unit volumes by that time, reaching 420,000 fleet hybrids sold per year, though the hybrid penetration will be somewhat lower than North America’s.

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Hyundai-Kia Developed Its First CVT for the LPI Hybrids

November 14, 2009

Hyundai-Kia developed the CVT applied in the Elantra and Forte LPI Hybrids. Source: Hyundai. Click to enlarge.

Hyundai-Kia developed its first, independent Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for application in the Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid (earlier post) and the Kia Forte LPI Hybrid (earlier post). The work on the CVT, which took three years, as well as other components of the hybrids, was carried out at the Namyang Research and Development facility in South Korea.

The LPI Hybrid is a mild hybrid powered by a 1.6-liter Liquefied Petroleum Injection Gamma engine; a 15 kW /105 N·m pancake type Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor; the CVT; and a 180V, 5.3 Ah lithium-ion polymer battery (LIPB) pack (with cells from LG Chem) with forced air cooling. The Elantra LPI HEV emits 99 g/km of CO₂ and 90% fewer emissions than an equivalent standard gasoline-powered Elantra. It qualifies as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).

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Peugeot Shows Three-wheel Drive Hybrid Scooter Concept: the HYbrid3 Evolution

November 11, 2009

The HYbrid3 Evolution. Click to enlarge.

At the Milan International Cycle and Motorbike Show, Peugeot is presenting a three-wheel drive hybrid scooter concept: the HYbrid3 Evolution. The scooter delivers 36 kW (49 bhp) of power, with fuel consumption of 2.0L/100 km (118 mpg US) and 48 g/km of CO₂ in the combined cycle.

The HYbrid3 Evolution is a roofless—and higher-powered—version of the HYbrid3 compressor, presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The HYbrid 3 Evolution features electric motors in each of its two front wheels and a naturally aspirated engine at the rear. There are no mechanical connections between the front and the rear, with everything controlled electronically (“by wire”), which works in favor of the vehicle’s compact size.

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Delphi Details Evaporative Emissions Control Strategies For Hybrid Powertrains at tank.tech 2009

Delphi evaporative emissions canisters. Click to enlarge.

At the tank.tech 2009 congress in Bad Gögging, Germany, Delphi’s Dr. Andrzej Kalina, engineering manager, evaporative emission control products, is presenting a technical paper co-authored by Jan Jasinski, group engineering leader, evaporative emission control products and titled, “Evaporative Emissions Control Strategies for Hybrid Powertrains.”

The tank.tech conference focuses on fuel systems. Delphi is detailing the aspects of evaporative emission control in hybrids with open and sealed fuel systems. The technical paper addresses the emission control strategies, the application requirements, the system mechanization as well as safety and durability aspects.

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BMW Provides Update on ActiveHybrid X6

November 09, 2009

Output and torque diagrams, BMW ActiveHybrid X6. Click to enlarge.

BMW has provided some additional detail on its two-mode ActiveHybrid X6, as well as updating some of the figures released for the introduction of the production model at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. (Earlier post.) The ActiveHybrid X6 arrives in US BMW Centers in the fourth quarter.

The ActiveHybrid X6 is BMW’s first application of the two-mode transmission developed in partnership with GM and then-DaimlerChrysler, and offers approximately a 20% reduction in fuel consumption versus a comparable vehicle powered by a combustion engine alone, while at the same time offering an increase in driving dynamics.

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Reported US Sales of Hybrids Up 11.4% in October Year-on-Year; 2.9% New Vehicle Share for the Month

November 05, 2009

Reported US sales of hybrids. Click to enlarge.

Reported US sales of hybrids in October 2009 rose 11.4% by volume to 24,475 units, representing a 2.9% share of reported new vehicle sales for the month. October 2009 had 28 selling days, while October 2008 had 27. All comparisons here are by total volume, not by daily selling rate.

Reported hybrid sales include those from Toyota, Ford, Honda, GM and Nissan; Mercedes-Benz is not breaking out sales of its new S400 Hybrid. (Total S-Class sales in October were 1,124 units.)

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EnerDel to Develop Batteries for Series Hybrid XM1124 Humvee

Cutaway of the XM1124. Source: Brudnak et al. Click to enlarge.

Automotive lithium-ion battery maker EnerDel, Inc. has received a $1.29 million contract to design and build high-performance lithium-ion battery systems for the hybrid version of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee), the XM1124 Humvee. The XM1124 is a series hybrid with a diesel genset and two traction motors, one for each axle.

EnerDel will spend the next 18 months collaborating with the US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) to produce four custom-built power systems that will be subjected to extreme performance simulations. TARDEC and its partners have evaluated a number of battery solutions over the past few years, including systems from Saft and A123Systems.

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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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Toyota Shows Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG, Two Modified Prius Hybrids at SEMA

November 03, 2009

Surfrider Camry CNG Hybrid. Click to enlarge.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA has partnered with the Surfrider Foundation to create a specially modified Camry Hybrid fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG). The Toyota Surfrider Camry Hybrid CNG and two modified Prius gas-electric hybrid vehicles are on display in the Environmental Lifestyle Zone of the Toyota vehicle display at the 2009 SEMA Show.

The CNG system in the Surfrider Camry hybrid was built by Metal Crafters of Fountain Valley, Calif.; Metal Crafters also built the CNG Camry Hybrid concept in 2008. To convert the stock Camry Hybrid to a CNG vehicle, the gasoline fuel system was replaced with a CNG system in the spare tire well area.

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IBM Global Trucking Study Finds Fuel Efficiency, High-Tech Features More Important than Brand Name

November 01, 2009

Most important external forces impacting the trucking industry today versus 2020. Source: Truck 2020. Click to enlarge.

IBM released the findings of a new global study which shows that trucks will become more fuel efficient, environmentally sound and safer due to the adoption of new technologies throughout the vehicle. The use of these innovations will help truck manufacturers differentiate their vehicles, as the study shows that brand names of trucks are becoming less important.

The Global Truck 2020 Study, titled “Transcending Turbulence,” was developed by IBM Global Business Services’ Auto practice and the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV). The study—unveiled at last week’s CALSTART Hybrid Truck Users Forum National Conference—comprises interviews with 91 executives in 13 countries, representing the entire truck value chain.

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Michigan State University Receives $2.5M ARPA-E Award to Build Wave Disc Engine/Generator for Series Hybrid Applications

October 31, 2009

Schematic model of a wave disk engine, showing combustion and shockwaves within the channels. Source: MSU. Click to enlarge.

Researchers from Michigan State University have been awarded $2.5 million from the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E program (earlier post) to complete its prototype development of a new gasoline-fueled wave disc engine and electricity generator that promises to be five times more efficient than traditional auto engines in electricity production, 20% lighter, and 30% cheaper to manufacture.

The wave disc engine, a new implementation of wave rotor technology, was earlier developed by the Michigan State group in collaboration with researchers from the Warsaw Institute of Technology. About the size of a large cooking pot, the novel, hyper-efficient engine could replace current engine/generator technologies for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

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Williams F1 Establishes Technical Center in Qatar; Initial Focus on Commercial Development of Magnetically Loaded Composite Flywheel

October 29, 2009

CAD rendering of the MLC flywheel. Source: WHP. Click to enlarge.

Williams F1 and the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) formally signed an agreement to inaugurate the Williams Technology Center (WTC). QSTP is a world-class incubator for the research, development and commercialization of new technologies that has attracted significant R&D investment from companies such as Shell, Microsoft and GE.

The Williams Technology Center at QSTP will be the first Formula One-related Technical Center outside the sport’s traditional heartland of Europe. The WTC will initially be tasked with the progression of two Formula One inspired R&D projects with clear commercial goals. The first is the development of an industrial-application large Magnetically Loaded Composite (MLC) flywheel—essentially a wholly composite flywheel which integrates the magnets of the electric motor into the composite.

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UK Manufacturer Axon Automotive Unveils Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

October 27, 2009

The Axon Automotive PHEV. Click to enlarge.

UK-based Axon Automotive, a spin-off from Cranfield University, previewed a pre-production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of its lightweight city car at the Milton Keynes Science Festival. The Axon gasoline-powered city car uses existing engine technology and carbon fibre material advances to offer 100 mpg UK (83.3 mpg US, 2.8 L/100km).

The plug-in version offers full electric mode for local travel and uses a gasoline or bioethanol powered engine for long distance or highway travel. Using a typical UK powerstation mix to account for emissions generated during electricity generation, the Axon PHEV emits just under 50 g/km of CO₂ for the mix of electric and gasoline used in the Government test. This is half the level needed for free annual road tax in UK for this car (band ‘A’ is below 100 g/km of CO₂ = zero road tax in the UK).

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Bright Automotive Launches Bright eSolutions; US Army Hybrid Vehicle Contract

October 26, 2009

Bright Automotive, Inc., the developer of the purpose-built, plug-in hybrid IDEA (earlier post) launched of Bright eSolutions to support automotive customers worldwide to accelerate vehicle electrification, lightweighting, and overall platform efficiency. Bright Automotive launched eSolutions with a just-announced contract from the US Army TACOM to conduct a demonstration project on a low-cost plug-in hybrid electric solution for non-tactical military vehicles.

Bright eSolutions will work with TACOM to demonstrate the feasibility of Bright Automotive’s parallel hybrid technology for military non-combat use. As part of the $1.4 million contract, eSolutions will also work with the US Army to demonstrate the ability of plug-in hybrid vehicles to deliver power to the grid (V2G).

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ALTe Developing Series Plug-in Hybrid Powertrains for Conversion and OEM Applications

Rendering of the Gen 2 series plug-in hybrid powertrain under development. Source: ALTe. Click to enlarge.

A Bloomfield, Michigan startup is developing light- and medium-duty series plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrain systems—initially as conversions, but ultimately extending to an OEM basis.

ALTe, LLC has initially targeted fleet applications—specifically, the New York Ford Crown Victoria taxi fleet—as the passenger car market does not drive enough miles per year to deliver the financial payback on the incremental cost of the conversion, said John Thomas, ALTe CEO, at the Business of Plugging In conference in Detroit last week.

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Quantum Introduces Advanced High Performance All-Wheel Drive Diesel Hybrid Electric Drive System

October 23, 2009

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. has introduced a fuel-efficient, high-performance diesel hybrid electric powertrain, “Q-Force”. In 2007, the US Army awarded Quantum a $4.88-million contract (earlier post) to develop a diesel hybrid electric version of its Alternative Mobility Vehicle (AMV) “Aggressor.” (Earlier post.)

The proprietary 4-wheel drivetrain can be configured for specialized military as well as commercial applications. In one configuration, the diesel engine produces 75 hp (56 kW), the electric motor, 133 hp (99 kW), and the powertrain yields 5,463 lb-ft (7,407 N·m) of torque after gear reduction.

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Ford Partnering With University of Michigan to Speed Development of Control Systems for Next Generation of Hybrids

October 22, 2009

Ford Motor Company and the University of Michigan are working together on a project to accelerate the development of future hybrid vehicles. Researchers are analyzing data from 2,500 road trips to determine how internal electronic vehicle controls could be tweaked to further improve fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive attributes.

Working with U of M, Ford has tested nearly 1 million design simulations of hybrid vehicle control systems to date—as many as 175,000 per week—and continues to conduct about 50,000 a week. While other academic work in hybrid vehicle technology primarily has been focused on fuel economy, Ford and U of M are looking at the union fuel economy and drivability.

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U of Michigan Study Finds Costs of Plug-in Cars Primary Key to Broad Consumer Acceptance

October 21, 2009

Probabilities at different price points for at lest some chance of purchase. Source: Curtin et al. (2009) Click to enlarge.

A newly released University of Michigan study found widespread consumer interest in buying plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; however, the cost of the cars is much more influential than environmental and other non-economic factors as a predictor of purchase probabilities.

The survey of a nationally representative sample of 2,513 adults age 18 and over was conducted between July and November 2008 by the U-M Institute for Social Research as part of the Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. The findings were released at The Business of Plugging In conference in Detroit today.

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Toyota Unveils Sai Compact Luxury Hybrid in Japan

October 20, 2009

The SAI G package. Click to enlarge.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has unveiled the Sai compact luxury hybrid sedan in Japan (earlier post); the vehicle, based on the platform also used for the Lexus HS 250h (earlier post), is planned to go on sale in Japan on 7 December. The new platform was developed for medium/compact vehicles. The monthly sales target for Japan is 3,000 units.

The Sai features a 2.4 liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine (2AZ-FXE) with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), coupled with a 105 kW motor and reduction gear. By delaying intake valve closure, the engine achieves a high expansion ratio at low pressure, thus raising heat efficiency.

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JATCO to Display New Transmission for Hybrids, CVT with Auxiliary Gearbox at Tokyo Motor Show

October 19, 2009

Thew new JATCO RWD hybrid transmission. Click to enlarge.

Japanese transmission manufacturer JATCO will exhibit a newly-developed transmission for hybrids at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show 2009. The company will also showcase its new continuously variable transmission, developed with Nissan, featuring an auxiliary gearbox. (Earlier post.)

The new transmission for hybrids is based on the company’s 7-speed automatic transmission for FR vehicles (front engine, rear-wheel drive). Designed for parallel-type hybrid vehicles, the unit features one motor and two clutches, and supports motor-independent drive.

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Parker Hannifin Commercializing Series Hydraulic Hybrid System for Delivery Vehicles; Initial 20 Unit Order from Freightliner Custom Chassis

October 18, 2009

The FCCC hydraulic hybrid chassis. Source: FCCC.Click to enlarge.

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC), a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America, has made an initial 20 unit commercial commitment for a series hydraulic drive system from Parker Hannifin. (Earlier post, earlier post.) The commitment came as part of a grant under the United States Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program and was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) spearheaded the submittal of these winning applications which will support the purchase of 638 hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Parker is the only supplier of the hydraulic hybrid systems for the vehicles. The series hydraulic hybrid systems will be incorporated into delivery vehicle models, based on the FCCC MT-55 chassis, intended for use by United Parcel Service (UPS).

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Ford’s US Hybrid Sales Up 73% for First 9 Months of 2009; Total US Hybrid Sales Down 14% for Same Period

October 14, 2009

Ford Motor Company’s US hybrid sales for the first nine months of 2009 are 73% higher than the same period in 2008, fueled by the introduction of hybrid versions of the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, which went on sale in March 2009. In contrast, total reported hybrid sales in the US dropped 14% (from 257,533 to 220,593 units) during the same period. (Earlier post.)

Through September, Ford has sold 26,016 hybrid vehicles, up 73% versus the 15,015 units for the same period last year. Toyota, still the number one provider of hybrids in the US with 144,351 units sold in the first nine months of 2009, saw its hybrid sales drop 28% from the same period in 2008 (200,450 units).

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Clemson Researchers to Study Increasing Efficiency of PHEVs Through Integration with IntelliDrive Technology

October 13, 2009

The IntelliDrive taxonomy. Click to enlarge.

Clemson University researchers were recently awarded a $470,363 National Science Foundation grant to study making plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) more efficient through integration with a Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) (“IntelliDrive”) system.

Such VII systems can act as probes, providing detailed traffic data—such as speed profiles and travel time—of any VII-monitored highway, which can be utilized by infrastructure agents, in addition to receiving data from other sources, to provide real-time trip information to these vehicles. PHEV-VII vehicles utilize these data to predict acceleration profiles in their driving path for use in developing an energy management control strategy.

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Nissan Confirms Production of Infiniti M35 Hybrid; On Sale in Spring 2011

October 07, 2009

The M35 Hybrid. Click to enlarge.

Nissan has confirmed production of the Infiniti M35 Hybrid, due to go on sale beginning in Spring 2011, depending upon market. Nissan recently introduced the new M range line of luxury performance sedans. The Infiniti M35 Hybrid picks up styling cues from the Essence concept that made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year.

Infiniti’s hybrid system, developed solely within the Nissan group, is a one electric motor/twin clutch arrangement. The first clutch is installed between the naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and the electric motor. The result of this engineering configuration, where all components act on a single propshaft to the rear differential, is a consistent driving feel under all conditions with linear performance and the “direct responses” that the engineers sought.

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New Study Shows Fleet Purchases of More Efficient, Lower-Carbon Vehicles Can Spur Major Decreases in Emissions and Fuel Consumption

The “greening” of corporate vehicle fleets presents an opportunity to move a substantial number of highly efficient, clean fuel vehicles onto the road in a relatively short timeframe with results that are both environmentally and economically positive, according to a new report by the Sustainable Transportation and Communities group at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), an Ann Arbor-based nonprofit research organization.

In the report, The Economic and Environmental Impacts of a Corporate Fleet Vehicle Purchase Program, the group examines the economic and environmental contributions of converting corporate fleets from gasoline to compressed natural gas (CNG) and hybrid vehicles.

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September Auto Sales Plunge in Aftermath of Cash for Clunkers; SAAR at 9.2M units, LDV Sales Down 41% from August, Hybrid Sales Down 48%

October 05, 2009

Reported hybrid sales by month. Click to enlarge.

In the aftermath of the summer sales boom fueled by the US Cash for Clunkers program, September 2009 light duty vehicles sales dropped back to pre-incentive lows. With 745,997 cars and light duty trucks sold in September, according to Autodata, sales were down 22.7% year-on-year, and off 41% from August. The Seasonally Adjusted Sales Rate (SAAR) in September dropped back down to 9.22 million units, from 14.09 million units in August.

Reported sales of hybrids in September dropped 4.1% year-on-year to 19,977 units. (Reported sales do not include sales of the Mercedes S400 hybrid, which went onsale in the US late in August.) Compared to August results (38,701 units), however, hybrid sales dropped 48.4%. New vehicle market share for reported hybrid sales in September dropped back down to 2.7% from a high of 3.6% in July.

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Torotrak to Present Paper Advocating Flywheel Hybrid System for Buses at SAE Commercial Vehicle Conference

October 03, 2009

Torotrak flywheel KERS unit. Click to enlarge.

At the SAE Commercial Vehicle Congress on October 6-7, full-toroidal traction drive specialist, Torotrak, will present a paper advocating a more cost effective approach using flywheel hybrid technology based on the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) developed for F1 racing. (Earlier post.) As well as saving cost, Torotrak claims the system offers more than 30% fuel saving over the London bus test cycle and to package around the existing transmission.

The paper will highlight past successes with flywheel hybrid bus applications and the system designed for F1, for which Torotrak developed the full-toroidal traction drive that provides the link between the flywheel storage device and the remainder of the powertrain.

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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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Mitsubishi to Debut Concept Plug-in Hybrid and Concept Cargo Variant of the i-MiEV at Tokyo Show

September 30, 2009

The PX MiEV. Click to enlarge.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will be showing a total of 16 cars at the 41^st 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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National Labs Developing Methodology for Estimating Real World Fuel and Electricity Consumption of Plug-in Hybrids Based on Dynamometer Data

September 29, 2009

NREL’s proposed adjustment method assumes that the increase in gasoline use during CD mode is the same as the increase calculated for CS mode. This works well for blended PHEVs that have lower electric power capabilities. Source: Gonder et al. Click to enlarge.

Researchers from the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) are cooperating to develop and test a method for predicting the real-world fuel and electricity consumption of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by adjusting dynamometer test results. After examining data on the only PHEV currently available in large numbers, the new adjustment method shows promise for reasonably predicting PHEV average fuel and electricity use, despite differences in design.

Current rules for conventional vehicles do not work for plug-in hybrids because the vehicles run on both electricity and gasoline; industry debate centers on the rules for estimating miles per gallon. This was highlighted by the reaction to GM’s announcement that the Chevy Volt would attain 230 mpg in the city cycle, given a single charge per day, along with combined cycle electricity consumption of 25 kWh/100 miles, based on a draft EPA methodology. (Earlier post.)

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FPL Group and Duke Energy Pledge 10-year, $600M+ Commitment to Transition Fleets to PHEVs and EVs

September 27, 2009

FPL Group, Inc. and Duke Energy last week announced a 10-year commitment to transition their company cars and trucks to plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicles. The announcement was made during the Clinton Global Initiative’s (CGI) fifth annual meeting in New York City.

The joint commitment represents more than 10,000 vehicles and potential revenues of at least $600 million for manufacturers who can produce viable plug-in electric vehicles. This minimum number does not include a premium that is anticipated for electric vehicles, so actual revenue opportunity would be more.

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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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Toyota Concerned About Market Viability of Plug-ins, Sees Clear Path to Commercialization of Fuel Cell Technology in 2015

September 23, 2009

Based on its 15 years of experience with advanced battery technology and the now-mainstream Prius, Toyota has key unanswered questions regarding market acceptance of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles and who the target buyers—in numbers sufficient to meet California ZEV mandates—might be, according to Michael O’Brien, Toyota’s US corporate manager for advanced technology vehicle planning. O’Brien was speaking at the California Air Resources Board’s ZEV Technology Symposium in Sacramento, California.

As Toyota learned with the introduction of the Prius and its efforts on the 2002 RAV4 EV, O’Brien said, it is difficult to force technology adoption by consumers. The current state of market readiness of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles presents serious challenges, particularly in mass production, given issues including range; cost; a charging time still longer than a conventional gasoline refueling; a broad variation in battery pack life, and the lack of infrastructure. “Creating consumer demand for mandated advanced technology vehicles will require substantial government engagement at all levels.”

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Purdue Researchers Detail Mechanisms of Fluid Boiling in Microchannels; Commercializing Hybrid and EV IGBT Cooling Systems with Delphi

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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DOE Announces $528.7M Conditional Loan for Fisker Automotive for PHEVs

September 22, 2009

The US Department of Energy is awarding a $528.7-million conditional loan to Fisker Automotive for the development of two lines of plug-in hybrids—the Karma and the new Project Nina vehicle—by 2016. This is the fourth conditional loan commitment the Department of Energy has entered into under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan program. The Department plans to make additional loans under this program over the coming months to large and small auto manufacturers and parts suppliers up and down the production supply chain.

In the first stage of the program, Fisker Automotive will use a $169.3 million ATVM loan for engineering integration costs as it works with primarily US suppliers to complete the company’s first vehicle, the Fisker Karma. (Earlier post.) Engineers will also design tools and equipment and develop manufacturing processes. This work will be conducted at Fisker’s Pontiac, Michigan office with support from its headquarters in Irvine, California.

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Michigan Energy and Advanced Automotive Research Lined Up for $99.5M in Funding from FY2010 Defense Appropriations Bill

September 21, 2009

The Defense Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2010, passed earlier this month by the US Senate Appropriations Committee and now under consideration by the full Senate, contains US$14.4 billion in funding for Michigan firms, the majority of which—$12.4 billion—is allocated for vehicle and weapons procurement, according to Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.

Of the total, $99.5 million is designated for energy research and development ($75 million), with a heavy emphasis on lithium-ion battery technology; and advanced automotive systems development ($24.5 million), including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hydraulic hybrids.

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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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Lexus Tweaks the 2010 LS 600h Hybrid

The 2010 Lexus LS 600h hybrid. Click to enlarge.

Toyota Motor has made a range of technology and styling changes to the LS 600h, the full hybrid Lexus flagship first introduced in 2006 (earlier post), including redesigned seating, updated equipment, a new ECO driving mode and new brakes.

The full hybrid Lexus Hybrid Drive system that powers the LS 600h has a new ECO mode, which modifies the throttle action and performance of the air conditioning system to support fuel-efficient driving.

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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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Volkswagen Unveils New One-Liter Concept Car; Smallest Production-Intent Diesel Yet from Volkswagen Applied in A Full Hybrid Design

Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Volkswagen Brand Technical Development, in front of the Volkswagen Concept Car L1 in Frankfurt. Click to enlarge.

Volkswagen unveiled the L1, its second-generation one-liter class concept car, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The diesel-electric full-hybrid vehicle, weighing just 380 kilograms (838 lbs), offers an initial glimpse at how a future production version might appear.

The “one-liter” designation refers to the design target of fuel consumption of 1 liter per 100 kilometers (235 mpg US). Volkswagen first revealed a one-liter concept at the annual meeting in 2002, then cancelled the project in 2005. (Earlier post.) In 2007, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn confirmed that VW was resurrecting the 1-liter car project and would place it in production. (Earlier post.)

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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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Prius Plug-in Concept to Support All-Electric Driving Up To About 12 Miles at Speeds Up To 62MPH

September 10, 2009

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept. Click to enlarge.

Toyota has provided some initial details on the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept to be unveiled next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Plug-in Prius will support an all-electric driving range of about 20 km (12.4 miles) miles at speeds up to 62 mph. Over longer distances and higher speeds, the Prius Plug-in switches to conventional gasoline-electric full hybrid operation. The extended electric range brings CO₂ emissions down to around 60 g/km, according to Toyota.

Toyota’s presentation of the new concept, which is based on the new third-generation Prius, comes ahead of a test program that will see more than 500 cars leased to customers worldwide for real-world evaluation of performance and monitoring of driver attitudes and experiences. Approximately 150 of these will be in Europe, with another 150 in the US and 200 in Japan. (Earlier post.)

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Mercedes-Benz to Show S-Class Plug-in Hybrid Concept at IAA; Likely Included in Next Generation of Production S-Class

The Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID Click to enlarge.

Mercedes-Benz will present the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID at the 63^rd IAA in Frankfurt. The concept vehicle has an all-electric range of up to 30 km (19 miles). Combined with the CO₂ bonus for the battery-electric driving mode, the vehicle achieves a certified consumption of 3.2 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers (73.5 mpg US). CO₂ emissions are 74 grams per kilometer in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle).

The drive system in the concept car consists of three main components: a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a next-generation direct injection system; a 44 kW/60 hp hybrid module that delivers 250 N·m (184 lb-ft) of torque; and a lithium-ion battery with more than 10 kWh of storage capacity that can be recharged at charging stations. The Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.

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UK Technology Strategy Board Awards £10M+ for Development of Efficient Electrical Systems for Hybrids and EVs

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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Pike Survey: 48% of US Consumers Interested in Purchasing a PHEV40

September 08, 2009

Expressed interest in PHEV40 purchases. Click to enlarge.

According to a new survey from Pike Research, 48% of prospective US consumers would be “extremely” or “very” interested in purchasing a PHEV with a 40-mile range on a single charge (PHEV40), given electricity cost equivalent of $0.75 per gallon, home re-charging, additional charging stations being available around town, and assuming the price and other vehicle features were right.

Of those interested in purchasing a PHEV40, almost half (49%) said they would be willing to pay 5 or 10% more for a PHEV compared to the price of a standard gasoline vehicle; 17% expressed a willingness to pay between 20 and 50% more; just over one-third (34%) said they would not pay a premium at all—a PHEV would have to be the same price as a gasoline vehicle, or they would not purchase one.

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Lotus to Introduce Range Extender Engine

September 07, 2009

The Lotus 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder Range Extender engine with integrated electrical generator. Click to enlarge.

Lotus Engineering will unveil its Range Extender engine at the 63^rd Frankfurt International Motor Show next week. In a series hybrid vehicle, the Range Extender engine is attached to an electricity generator and provides an efficient source of energy to power the electric motor directly or charge the vehicles battery. The battery can also power the electric motor which enables the design of a drivetrain that has low emissions, optimized performance and acceptable range.

The Lotus three-cylinder 1.2 liter Range Extender engine is optimized between two power generation points, giving 15 kW of electrical power at 1,500 rpm and 35 kW at 3,500 rpm via the integrated electrical generator.

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Peugeot to Introduce iMiEV-Based EV, Two HYbrid4 Concepts at Frankfurt Show

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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Aura System’s Generator Incorporated into Azure’s Balance Hybrid for USPS

September 06, 2009

The AuraGen. Click to enlarge.

Azure Dynamics Corporation incorporated Aura Systems’s AuraGen motor/generator into its Balance Hybrid Electric vehicle delivered to the United States Postal Service fleet (USPS). The Balance Hybrid Electric vehicle is a two-ton step van, and will participate in the USPS fleet in Long Island, New York for a twelve-month pilot program. The vehicle utilizes Azure Dynamics’ hybrid electric drive train on the Ford E-450 chassis.

The AuraGen is a solid rotor axial flux induction machine, comprising two stators and a solid rotor sandwiched between the stators. The stators are made from a steel ribbon with copper windings. The rotor is made from a dual casting of steel and aluminum. The AuraGen is an axial gap induction machine, rather than a squirrel cage radial gap machine.

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Toyota Global Cumulative Hybrid Sales Top 2M

September 04, 2009

Annual global sales of TMC hybrids. Click to enlarge.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has cumulatively sold more than 2 million hybrid vehicles since the launch in 1997 in Japan of the Coaster Hybrid EV in August and the Prius in December.

As of 31 August 2009, cumulative sales of TMC hybrid passenger vehicles reached 2,014 thousand units and sales of commercial hybrid vehicles reached 2.7 thousand units, for a total of 2,016.9 thousand units. On May 31, 2007, the global cumulative sales of TMC’s hybrid vehicles had topped 1 million. (Earlier post.)

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Hyundai to Debut ix-Metro Hybrid Concept and i10 Electric Vehicles at Frankfurt Show

The ix-Metro is a hybrid-electric CUV for the European sub-B segment which promises CO₂ emissions of 80g/km. Click to enlarge.

Hyundai will stage the world debut of the ix-Metro—a new hybrid-electric CUV concept for the European sub-B segment which promises CO₂ emissions of 80 g/km—at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show. The other world debut Hyundai will be making at Frankfurt is the i10 Electric, an electric urban commuter vehicle which will see limited series production beginning in 2010 with the Korean market.

The fifth in a series of concept cars to be created by the Global Design Team in Namyang Korea, the ix-Metro is powered by an inline three-cylinder, 1.0-liter gasoline engine. Direct injection, dual CVVT, turbocharging are all combined with a six-speed dual clutch transmission.

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Mercedes-Benz Provides Update on BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS Extended Range Electric Vehicle Concept

September 03, 2009

The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS. Click to enlarge.

At the North American International Autoshow in January, Mercedes-Benz presented the Concept BlueZERO for electric vehicles. Based on a single vehicle architecture, this modular concept supports three models with different drive configurations: 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.)

Mercedes has now provided some additional details on the extended range electric vehicle, BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS.

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Reported Sales of US Hybrids Up 48.6% in August; 3.07% Market Share

September 02, 2009

Market share of reported hybrid sales in the US. Click to enlarge.

Buoyed by the extension of the US Cash for Clunkers (CARS) program, as well as the availability of more hybrid models on the market, reported sales of hybrids in the US jumped 48.6% in August year-on-year to 38,701 units. Overall sales of light duty vehicles in the US rose 1% to 1,261,977 units in August, according to figures from Autodata. Reported hybrid sales represented 3.07% of new vehicle sales in August. (There were 26 selling days in August 2009, vs. 27 in August 2008. All comparisons here are by volume, not adjusted for the daily selling rate.)

Compared to July 2009 results, however, hybrid sales rose 9.2% month-to-month in August; sales of all light-duty vehicles jumped 26.5%. In July, the new market share of reported hybrid sales had reached 3.55%. (Earlier post.)

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BMW’s “CO2 Champion” Performance Concept is a Plug-in Diesel Hybrid; 50 km/31 mile All-Electric Range; Thermo-electric Generator for Waste Heat Recovery

August 30, 2009

The powertrain of the plug-in hybrid BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. Click to enlarge.

BMW has provided more details on the concept car it will unveil at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show—a concept that Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, called a “CO₂ champion” that will demonstrate “a whole new dimension of driving pleasure with regards to efficiency with performance” during a press conference late in July. (Earlier post.)

The plug-in full hybrid BMW Vision EfficientDynamics all-wheel drive concept car is powered by a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbodiesel; two electric motors, one on each axle; and a 10.8 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack. Overall system output is 262 kW (356 hp), with maximum torque of 800 N·m (590 lb-ft).

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German Transport Ministry Includes Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Series Hybrid City Bus in Its Electric Mobility Development Program

August 28, 2009

The German Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS) will provide funding for Daimler Buses to develop, evaluate, and test the first small fleet of Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid articulated buses (earlier post). The Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid is a series diesel-hybrid city bus able to run solely on electric power.

The Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid features four wheel-hub motors on the center and rear axles of the bus. These motors develop a maximum output of 80 kW each and are liquid-cooled. A roof-mounted Li-ion battery system has an output of 180 kW and a weight of less than 350 kg, including cooling. The batteries are charged not only by the diesel generator but also by fuel-saving energy recuperation from braking.

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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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Canadian Study Concludes Rebates to Hybrid Buyers Not Cost-Effective for Reducing Carbon Emissions

August 24, 2009

Canadian government programs that offer rebates to hybrid vehicle buyers are failing to produce environmental benefits commensurate with the cost, according to a study by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

The study finds that the rebates had a large and positive effect on the market share of hybrid vehicles, largely at the expense of intermediate cars, intermediate SUVs and some high performance compact cars. However, only 26% of the hybrid vehicles sold during the rebate programs can be attributed to the rebate; in other words, the rebates primarily subsidize people who would have bought hybrids or fuel efficient cars in any case.

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New US Army Laboratory Will Support Next-Generation Ground Vehicles; Hybrid-Electric and Fuel Cell Configurations

August 18, 2009

The GSPEL facility, designed by SwRI. Click to enlarge.

The US Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) broke ground on a new 30,000-square-foot facility for testing military ground vehicles. Called the Ground Systems Power and Energy Laboratory (GSPEL), the facility will evaluate an array of military vehicles, from light transports such as HMMWVs to heavy combat vehicles such as military tanks, with hybrid-electric and fuel-cell configurations.

Military vehicles provide special testing challenges because they operate at extremely high power levels under extreme environmental conditions, often requiring new and experimental technologies. Currently no such facility exists to meet these challenges; therefore, the Army determined it needed a one-of-a-kind, fully integrated test facility.

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UC Davis Study Finds That Ultracapacitor-based Micro-Hybrid Systems Can Deliver Substantial Fuel Economy Improvements

August 17, 2009

Using a micro-hybrid system featuring carbon/carbon ultracapacitor units as energy storage can result in significant increases in fuel economy over a baseline conventional vehicle, according to a study by Dr. Andrew Burke at UC Davis.

In a series of simulations of mid-size passenger cars using ultracapacitors in micro-hybrid, charge-sustaining hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrain designs, the micro-hybrids delivered improvements of about 40% on the FUDS (Federal Urban Driving Schedule) and ECE-EUD (Economic Commission for Europe-Extra Urban Driving) cycles and 20% on the Federal Highway and US06 cycles.

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FEV, Inc. Partnering with EIG on Li-Ion Pack Development for Range-Extended Electric Vehicle Project

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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Suzuki To Introduce Hybrid Kizashi In N America In 2011; Hybrid System Reportedly Co-Developed with GM

August 16, 2009

The new Kizashi will have a hybrid option, reportedly in 2011. Click to enlarge.

During its recent introduction of the new mid-size Kizashi sedan at the end of July, Suzuki said that it was developing a hybrid version to be added to the lineup in the future. Kizashi is slated to begin sales in North America later this year as a 2010 model; Suzuki introduced a concept Kizashi at the New York Auto Show in 2008.

The Nikkei reports that Suzuki will introduce the Kizashi sedan into the North American market in 2011, using a next-generation system co-developed with GM.

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Eaton to Support Project to Develop and Deploy Medium-Duty Plug-in Hybrid Systems; Stimulus Funding to Support Largest Commercial PHEV Demonstration to Date

August 13, 2009

Eaton Corporation’s truck and electrical businesses will support a $45.4 million grant to develop a fully integrated, production plug-in hybrid system for Class 2 – 5 vehicles (8,501 – 19,500 lbs gross vehicle weight), and the accompanying demonstration of a fleet of 378 plug-in hybrid trucks and shuttle buses.

The funding is part of the recently announced $2.4 billion in grants by the US Department of Energy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. (Earlier post.) This will represent the largest deployment of commercial PHEVs to date.

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Enova Systems Shows Ze, Outlines Planned Improvements in School Bus Plug-in Hybrid Drive

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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BMW Announces Production Versions of ActiveHybrid X6 and ActiveHybrid 7; Part 2: The ActiveHybrid 7 with Li-ion Pack

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7. Click to enlarge.

BMW announced the production versions of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. Both will make their world premieres at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in September. The ActiveHybrid X6 will reach US BMW Centers in fourth-quarter 2009, and the ActiveHybrid 7 will arrive in the US in Spring 2010.

The ActiveHybrid 7 is a mild-hybrid application, and offers approximately a 15% reduction in fuel consumption. (Earlier post.) The combination of an upgraded twin-turbo, High Precision Direct Injection, V8 engine with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455 hp (339 kW) and maximum torque of 516 lb-ft (700 N·m) (preliminary figures).

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BMW Announces Production Versions of ActiveHybrid X6 and ActiveHybrid 7; Part 1: The Two-Mode ActiveHybrid X6

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6. Click to enlarge.

The full hybrid ActiveHybrid X6 is BMW’s first application of the two-mode transmission developed in partnership with GM and then-DaimlerChrysler, and offers approximately a 20% reduction in fuel consumption versus a comparable vehicle powered by a combustion engine alone, while at the same time offering an increase in driving dynamics. (Earlier post.)

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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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Enova Delivers Hybrid Drive Systems to First Auto Works for Hybrid Buses

August 10, 2009

Enova’s Pre-Transmission Parallel Hybrid System locates the electric motor between the engine and transmission. Click to enlarge.

Enova Systems, Inc. has delivered the first 70 pre-transmission hybrid drive systems to First Auto Works for application in a hybrid bus. FAW has ordered an additional 150 hybrid drive systems for delivery in 2009. Enova Systems and FAW have executed an agreement to supply a further 800 pre-transmission hybrid drive systems in 2010.

First Auto Works is one of China’s largest vehicle producers, manufacturing in excess of 1,000,000 vehicles annually. The Enova drive system will be integrated and branded under the name of Jiefang. The Jiefang 12-meter hybrid bus can carry 103 passengers and travel at a maximum speed of 85 km/h (53 mph). The bus meets Euro III emission standards. It will consume 30 liters of fuel every 100 kilometers (7.8 mpg US) and discharge 20% less emissions.

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UMTRI Agent-Based Simulation Study Concludes US PHEV Annual Sales Could Reach 4-5% With Fleet Penetration of 2+% by 2020 If Subsidies Are in Place

August 07, 2009

Fleet penetration of PHEV by 2020 in different scenarios. The first character of the scenario represents the price of gasoline at simulation termination, the second represents “yes” or “no” on a manufacturer subsidy, and the third represents “yes” or “no”on a sales tax exemption. Source: Sullivan et al. 2009. Click to enlarge.

Annual sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the US could reach 2% – 3% with fleet penetration of around 1% by 2015, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). By 2020, sales could reach around 4% – 5% with fleet penetration a little more than 2%. And in 30 years, they could be around 20% of sales with a fleet penetration of about 16%.

However, the team notes in the study, “PHEV marketplace penetration: An agent based simulation”, to achieve that level of penetration given the additional cost of the vehicles, subsidies in addition to the Federal tax credit already in place are critical. In the base case (which includes the current tax credit), “both fleet penetration and sales penetration are feeble at best”. Fleet penetration would be less than 1% in ten years, the study finds.

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Toyota Advanced Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle Achieves 431 Mile Estimated Range; Toyota Targeting Commercialization Within Six Years

The Toyota Highlander Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle – Advanced (FCHV-adv) (earlier post) achieved an estimated range of 431 miles on a single full tank of compressed hydrogen gas, and an average fuel economy of 68.3 miles/kg (approximate mpg equivalent) during a day-long trip down the southern California coast.

In mid-2008, the US Department of Energy (DOE), Savannah River National Laboratory (SNRL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), approached Toyota to participate in a collaborative evaluation of the real world driving range of the FCHV-adv. On 30 June 2009, two fuel cell vehicles, two Toyota Technical Center engineers, an SRNL engineer and a NREL engineer completed a 331.5 mile extended round trip drive between Torrance, California and San Diego.

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GM to Debut Two-Mode Plug-in Hybrid Technology in New Buick Crossover in 2011; LG Chem to Supply the Li-ion Cells

August 06, 2009

The 8 kWh battery pack for the new 2011 Buick PHEV crossover vehicle is prepared for testing at the General Motors Tech Center in Warren, Michigan. (Photo by Jeffrey Sauger for GM) Click to enlarge.

General Motors will debut its two-mode plug-in hybrid technology—originally intended to appear first in a Saturn VUE, prior to that brand’s sale—in a new Buick crossover vehicle in 2011. Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman of product development, made the announcement during the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Michigan. In early testing, the plug-in hybrid is capable of electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles at low speeds.

The yet-to-be-named Buick crossover will launch in late 2010, offering a family of fuel-efficient direct-injected gasoline engines, followed in 2011 by the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model. The new five-passenger crossover will build on the success GM has had with the Buick Enclave.

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Cash for Clunkers Buoys US Auto Sales; Hybrid Sales Up 31.8% for Monthly New Vehicle Share of 3.55%

August 04, 2009

Monthly new vehicle market share for hybrids. Click to enlarge.

Buoyed by the US government’s CARS (“Cash for Clunkers”) program, US auto sales slowed their decline in the US in July, dropping on 12.1% to 997,824 units, according to summary figures from AutoData. Passenger car sales dropped 10.6% to 554, 527 units, while light truck sales dropped 14.1% to 443, 297 units. All comparisons are by volume. As a result, the SAAR for July surged to 11.24 million units; US SAAR had been below 10 million since January.

Hybrids had an especially good month, with reported sales jumping 31.8% year-on-year to 35,429 units, representing a 3.55% new vehicle sales market share for the month—the highest monthly share yet. Hybrid gains were largely due to an increase in Prius sales (up 29.7% to 19,173 units) and Ford hybrids (up 323% to 5,353 units).

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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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SymPowerco Corporation Acquires Majority Interests in Highline Hydrogen Hybrids and Hoss Motor Sports

July 29, 2009

SymPowerco’s Flowing Electrolyte DMFC replaces a proton exchange membrane with a flowing electrolyte to reduce methanol crossover. Source: SymPowerco. Click to enlarge.

SymPowerco Corporation, holder of a direct methanol fuel cell technology, has acquired 70% ownership in both Highline Hydrogen Hybrids, Inc. (HHHI) and Hoss Motor Sports, Inc. (HMSI) in an all-stock deal. The closing of the agreement completes the terms of the Letters of Intent previously announced on 11 May 2009 (HMSI) and 30 June 2009 (HHHI).

Hoss Motor Sports Inc. has designed several types of Off Road Utility Vehicles including vehicles designed specifically for Search and Rescue, Construction Sites and for Sport Utility and Off Road Enthusiast markets. Under the SymPowerco umbrella, HMSI will manufacture its advanced vehicles at HMSI’s new facility in Dumas, Arkansas.

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Velozzi Provides Some Details on the SOLO Crossover; Micro-Turbine Extended Range Electric Vehicle

July 23, 2009

The SOLO. Click to enlarge.

Velozzi released a rendering and some preliminary detail on its upcoming electric-drive crossover, the SOLO. The SOLO is an extended range electric vehicle equipped with a combination of supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries for energy storage and a multi-fuel micro-turbine for the range-extending genset.

The vehicle will also have the ability to reverse its polarity and serve as a power generator, able to power equipment or a home if necessary. Regenerative braking will capture kinetic energy when slowing the vehicles improving its range. According to Velozzi, the SOLO will reach 100 mpg (2.4 L/100km), accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds, and have a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).

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FedEx Converts 92 Delivery Trucks to Hybrids, Expanding Hybrid-Electric Fleet by 50%

July 21, 2009

FedEx Corp. has added 92 hybrid-electric trucks to its delivery fleet by converting standard FedEx delivery trucks to hybrid-electric systems. The addition of the 92 trucks increases the FedEx fleet of hybrid-electric vehicles by more than 50%, from 172 to 264.

The hybrid conversions were produced in Charlotte, N.C. over the past six months. The converted hybrids were developed with Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) and Eaton Corporation, which provided the hybrid-electric systems (earlier post). The standard FedEx trucks used in the retrofit program were 2000 or 2001 models with 300,000 to 500,000 miles driven.

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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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Oak Ridge Two-Phase, Floating Loop Cooling System for Power Electronics Meets DOE 2020 Targets

July 17, 2009

Schematic of the floating loop cooling system. Click to enlarge.

Power electronics and electrical machines (PEEM) are essential elements of hybrid and electric-drive vehicles. PEEM technology comprises three main elements: power electronics (e.g., boost converters and inverters); electric motors; and thermal control and system integration. Thermal control is a critical element to enable power density, cost, and reliability of the other components.

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), which runs one of the leading PEEM research centers, in a three-year project developed an innovative two-phase “floating loop” cooling system for direct-contact cooling of power electronics and motors that can exceed DOE FreedomCAR 2020 targets for power density (13.4 kW/L).

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Third Phase of SDG&E In-Use Study Shows PHEVs Excel on Fuel Economy and GHG Emissions Reductions Compared to Gasoline ICE and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles

July 16, 2009

One of SDG&E’s converted PHEVs. Click to enlarge.

The third phase of a SDG&E multi-year in-use study on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles showed that plug-in hybrids offer significant improvements in gas mileage and reductions in emissions when compared with standard hybrid-electric and gasoline internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. (Earlier post.) SDG&E is a regulated public utility that services San Diego and southern Orange counties.

SDG&E tested the performance of two 2007-model Prius hybrids and then converted them into plug-in hybrids, using a Hymotion 5 kWh lithium-ion battery conversion kit. In the most recent study, the prototype battery was replaced with a production-model battery. The same pool of drivers was used during vehicle evaluation.

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ETV Motors Demonstrates Proof-of-Concept Microturbine-Based Range-Extended Electric Prius

July 12, 2009

Israeli startup ETV Motors Ltd. (ETVM) completed a proof-of-concept test of its Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) architecture using a gas microturbine for the range-extending generator. The company had closed a $12M Series A round in April. (Earlier post.)

For the test drive, the company modified a Toyota Prius using commercially available components. ETVM replaced the OEM NiMH pack with a large-format lithium-ion battery, and retrofitted a liquid-fueled, gas turbine generator to the car for the range extender.

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Proterra Fuel Cell Hybrid Bus in DoD Hydrogen Energy Cycle Pilot Project

July 11, 2009

Colorado-based Proterra LLC, a manufacturer of electric drive commercial transportation solutions (battery-electric and range-extended EVs) from city transit buses to class 4-8 trucks (earlier post), will provide a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid bus (earlier post) for use a US Department of Defense (DoD) pilot project designed to test an end-to-end clean hydrogen energy cycle.

Led by the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), the pilot project will include all elements of a clean hydrogen energy cycle, including local hydrogen generation via waste water treatment digester gas cleanup and reformation; bulk hydrogen storage, transport and dispensing; and hydrogen load in the form of 19 fuel-cell powered electric forklifts and Proterra’s fuel cell powered bus.

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Magna Steyr to Provide Li-ion Battery Systems for Volvo I-SAM Heavy-Duty Hybrids; A123Systems Cells

July 10, 2009

Magna Steyr’s emerging battery pack portfolio. The heavy-duty line is the first to enter series production. Source: Magna Steyr. Click to enlarge.

Magna Steyr, an operating unit of Magna International Inc., will produce lithium-ion battery systems for Volvo Group. The battery systems will be integrated into Volvo’s city buses, heavy-duty distribution vehicles and refuse trucks using the I-SAM parallel hybrid system.

Production of these battery systems, which incorporate A123Systems’ 32113 Li-ion cells, will begin in August 2009 at Magna Steyr’s facility in Graz, Austria.

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CALSTART Small Hybrid Bus Working Group Selects StarTrans-Azure Dynamics for National Hybrid Bus Deployment

July 09, 2009

The Azure Dynamics Balance chassis. Click to enlarge.

CALSTART’s Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) Small Hybrid Bus Working Group members have selected the supplier team of StarTrans-Azure Dynamics for a 16-plus vehicle national hybrid-electric bus procurement.

The vehicles are 23-foot, gasoline-powered hybrid electric cutaway buses using the StarTrans Senator bus body, Ford E450 chassis, and the Azure Dynamics Balance parallel electric hybrid system with the Ford 5.4L engine and the 5-speed automatic TorqShift transmission. The Azure Balance system includes engine-off at idle and at below 20 mph (32 km/h), while electronically supporting key ancillary functions like air conditioning, power steering and braking.

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Piaggio Introduces Plug-in Hybrid Version of MP3 Scooter

July 08, 2009

The MP3 hybrid. Click to enlarge.

The Piaggio Group has introduced the MP3 Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid version of its MP3 three-wheeled scooter. With a grid-chargeable Li-ion battery pack, the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid reduces both fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50%. The MP3 Hybrid has a Euro 3 emissions rating.

The Piaggio MP3 Hybrid incorporates a parallel hybrid drive in which the 124cc combustion engine and a 2.6 kW, 15N·m synchronous brushless permanent magnet traction motor are mechanically and electronically linked and simultaneously supply power to the wheel. The hybrid powertrain offers combined power of 11 kW (15 hp), with combined torque of 16 Nm (12 lb-ft).

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Reported US Hybrid Sales Up 5.2% Year on Year in June; 3% New Vehicle Market Share for the Month

July 03, 2009

Hybrid new vehicle market share by month. Click to enlarge.

Reported sales of hybrids in the US increased 5.2% by volume in June 2009 year-on-year to 26,205 units, representing 3% of new vehicles sold—marking the highest monthly new vehicle share since April 2008, and the fourth straight month of increasing share. For the first half of 2009, hybrids held a 2.6% new vehicle share.

Hybrids significantly outperformed the total light-duty vehicle market, which dropped 27.7% by volume to 859,847 units, according to figures from Autodata. The SAAR (seasonally adjusted annual rate) in June was 9.69 million—lower than May’s 9.91 million.

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Victoria Launches Australia’s First Trial of Hybrid-Electric Buses; Series and Parallel

July 02, 2009

The Grenda parallel hybrid (top) and the Ventura series hybrid (bottom). Click to enlarge.

The government of the state of Victoria has launched Australia’s first hybrid-electric bus trial. The A$500,000 trial (US$398,000) in Melbourne, which will involve buses on two outer suburban routes, will assess the viability of both parallel- and series-hybrid buses in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the public transport sector.

The Victorian government partnered with the Commonwealth government to fund the trial, which is being conducted with Grenda Corporation (parallel hybrid) and Ventura Buses (series hybrid).

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£30M Fund for Low Carbon Buses in the UK; New GM-Allison Hybrid Buses in London

The UK Government is establishing a £30 million fund (US$49 million) to encourage the purchase of low carbon emission buses (LCEB). The fund is part of the Department for Transport’s wider strategy to encourage a shift to low carbon transport and improve air quality in UK cities.

A Low Carbon Emission Bus (LCEB) is a bus that is able to achieve the LCEB target for Greenhouse Gas Emissions, which is equivalent to a 30% reduction in its Greenhouse Gas Emissions compared to a current Euro 3 diesel bus of the same total passenger capacity. These buses will all meet the latest air quality standards, delivering at least Euro V EU emission standards.

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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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UK TSB Awards £25M to Eight Low-Carbon Vehicle Demonstration Projects; Focus On Electric Vehicles

June 24, 2009

Eight new low carbon vehicle projects will receive a share of £25 million (US$41 million) of funding from the UK’s Technology Strategy Board Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator to run ‘real-life’ trials. The project, which will put 340 vehicles on the road in trials within the next six to eighteen months, will be the biggest of its kind and is intended to accelerate the availability of low carbon cars to consumers.

The majority of the vehicles are electric, with a small number being plug-in gasoline-electric hybrids. The information gained from this project will contribute to the future plans of manufacturers and their partners to develop low carbon vehicles for the mass market.

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ZF and ISE Plan to Collaborate to Supply Electric Hybrid Drive Systems and Components to North American Vehicle Market

June 23, 2009

ZF Friedrichshafen (ZF), a leading manufacturer of vehicle driveline and chassis technology, and ISE Corporation (ISE ), a leading designer and manufacture of series hybrid propulsion systems and components for heavy duty vehicles, plan to collaborate on the development and supply of a complete line of parallel-electric hybrid drive systems and components for the North American vehicle markets.

ZF and ISE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines plans for an intended Strategic Collaboration and Development Partnership. The combined expertise of the two companies will result in a product portfolio of series and parallel hybrid-electric drive systems and components.

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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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Hyundai Begins Taking Pre-Launch Orders for Elantra LPI Hybrid

June 17, 2009

Elantra LPI Hybrid. Click to enlarge.

Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, has begun taking pre-launch orders for its Elantra LPI Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), its first hybrid vehicle for commercial sale. (Earlier post.)

Hyundai will accept pre-launch orders until 7 July, a day before it officially introduces the car in the Korea domestic market. The car, which is the world’s first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by a Liquefied Petroleum Injected (LPI) engine, was first unveiled at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show in April.

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Consortium Seeks Stimulus Funding for DME-Electric Hybrid Buses

June 15, 2009

A consortium is seeking US stimulus funding available through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) program to convert 20 hybrid diesel-electric buses to hybrid dimethyl-ether (DME)-electric propulsion.

Among the consortium members is Alternative Fuel Technology, Inc., a developer of fuel injection equipment for DME-fueled vehicles. Volvo Truck Corp. has been using AFT fuel systems in field demonstrations and in laboratory research since 1995, according to the company.

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Ohio State University Takes Top Spot at 2009 EcoCAR Competition with EREV Design

June 13, 2009

University students from The Ohio State University earned top honors at the 2009 finals of the EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge competition in Toronto, Canada for their design of a Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV).

The Ohio State University took first place out of 17 universities in the US and Canada that competed in the first major milestone of this three-year competition sponsored by the US Department of Energy, General Motors, and many others including the Government of Canada. The competition challenges university engineering students across North America to re-engineer a 2009 Saturn VUE to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions while retaining the vehicle’s performance and consumer appeal.

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Design of the Daimler S400 Mild Hybrid System

June 11, 2009

Hybrid concept for the S 400 hybrid. Source: Daimler. Click to enlarge.

Daimler’s S400 BlueHYBRID, which goes on sale this month, is the first series production passenger car featuring a traction lithium-ion battery pack. (Earlier post.) At the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference 2009 in Long Beach, Dr. Uwe Wiedemann from Mercedes-Benz Cars/Development, Hybrid Systems & Components, presented an overview of the design of the system and components, with a particular emphasis on managing the small 0.8 kWh Li-ion pack.

The S400 Hybrid uses a parallel mild hybrid system with a small 15 kW e-motor connected to the crankshaft between the motor and transmission, along with a Lithium-ion battery pack for energy storage, power electronics and a complement of electrified auximilary systems. The system offers start/stop functions, regnerative braking and electrical drive support.

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Toyota to Lease 200 PHEVs in Japan Starting at End of 2009, 500 Globally; Gen3 Prius Plus Li-ion Pack

June 03, 2009

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) will begin leasing approximately 200 plug-in versions of its third-generation Prius (earlier post) equipped with lithium-ion battery packs in Japan starting at the end of this year. This will be the first time a lithium-ion battery is to be employed in a Toyota vehicle for propulsion.

The leases will be to designated users such as government ministries, local governments and corporations. This brings the initial planned global deployment of early plug-ins—primarily to fleet customers—to approximately 500 units.

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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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