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.]
British Columbia Joins California Challenge of Denial of Automotive GHG Waiver; Province Converting 34 Vehicles to Plug-in Electrics
November 27, 2008
The Province of British Columbia, Canada (BC) has filed a legal brief with the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in support of California’s legal challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which denied a waiver to implement the AB 1493 (Pavley) greenhouse gas emissions standard for vehicles. (Earlier post.)
BC introduced legislation in April that allows adoption of California greenhouse gas emission standards for vehicles. The California model will achieve greater GHG emission reductions than the proposed US federal fuel economy standards that have also been committed to by Canada as a minimum starting in 2011. An analysis by the staff of the California Air Resources Board concluded that implementing the Pavley rules in Canada would result in a cumulative total of 87 MMT of GHG reductions by calendar year 2020, compared to 58 MMT of GHG reductions achieved by the proposed federal standards.(Earlier post.)
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U-M Researchers Developing Interactive Tool to Assess Viability of Transportation GHG Reduction Technologies and Policies; PHEVs as Test Case
November 25, 2008
Researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) are launching a project to develop a Web-based, interactive modeling tool that can be used to analyze the likely impact and potential viability of proposed technologies and policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the light-duty vehicle sector. As a test case for the development of the tool, the researchers are using President-elect Barack Obama’s proposal to put a million US-made plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) getting 150 mpg on the road by 2015.
The U-M Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute is providing $365,000 in seed money for the project, which is an adjunct to a four-university, $1.9-million project funded though the National Science Foundation MUSES program (Materials Use: Science, Engineering and Society). The goal of the MUSES project is to produce modeling tools and methods that can be used to analyze changes in materials flows that would result from policy instruments aimed at reducing GHG emissions from passenger cars and light trucks. (Earlier post.)
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Electric Truck Exclusively Options Regenerative Magnetic Shock Absorber Technology from Tufts
November 23, 2008
Electric Truck, LLC (ET) has exclusively optioned commercial rights to a technology from Tufts University that can recharge the batteries of any hybrid electric and electric-powered vehicle while it is driven. The regenerative electromagnetic shock absorber technology was developed by Tufts engineering professor emeritus Ronald Goldner and colleague Peter Zerigian within the School of Engineering and received additional support in subsequent years from Argonne National Laboratory.
At the SAE Government/Industry Meeting in Washington in 2001, Goldner, Zerigian and J.R. Hull from Argonne presented a paper estimating that the percentage of recoverable power/energy for a 2,500 lb vehicle that employs four optimized design regenerative magnetic shock absorbers and whose average speed is 20 meters/s (45 mph) on a typical US highway is likely to be between 20% and 70%.
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Fisker Automotive to Use GM Ecotec 2.0L VVT DI Turbo, Other Components in EREV Karma
November 22, 2008
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| The 2009 Ecotec 2.0L VVT DI Turbo. Click to enlarge. |
Fisker Automotive, Inc. will use a GM 2.0-liter, direct injection, turbocharged four-cylinder Ecotec engine in the Fisker Karma, its Extended Range Electric Vehicle. (Earlier post.) Fisker will obtain the engines through GM’s on-highway integrator Powertrain Integration LLC. Fisker Automotive says that it is also considering the purchase of several additional GM vehicle components to enhance the Karma.
The 260 hp (194 kW) Ecotec will be used to generate electricity when the series hybrid Karma has exceeded its 50 mile electric-only range.
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Bye Energy and Porous Power Partner to Develop Energy Storage Systems for Hybrid-Electric and Electric General Aviation Use
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| Sectional view across a typical lithium cell electrode pair modeling hypothetical electrical and ionic resistances with electrolyte solution/gel filling pore spaces. More porous components improve conductivity levels throughout the cell and directly affect power and capacity. Click to enlarge. Source: Beard and Feaver 2006 |
Bye Energy, an integrator of alternative energy and renewable fuel technologies for the business and general aviation sectors, and Porous Power Technologies (PPT), the developer of highly porous, laminable separator membranes for lithium-ion batteries, are collaborating to develop energy storage systems for aviation use.
Bye Energy is developing an electric energy propulsion system that will be used in single- and twin-engine light aircraft. Existing aircraft can be retrofitted with these systems, and new aircraft can be built with either electric system in place.
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Ford Introduces 2010 Fusion/Mercury Milan and Hybrid Versions; Wireless Diagnostic Data Collection
November 21, 2008
by Jack Rosebro
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| Ford Fusion Hybrid. Click to enlarge. |
Ford introduced its new-generation mid-size sedans, the 2010 Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan vehicles, with both conventional and hybrid powertrains, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The hybrid versions of the Fusion and Milan are Ford Motor Company’s first mid-size, traditionally styled hybrid sedans to enter the marketplace, following the late Honda Accord hybrid as well as the current Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, and Saturn Aura hybrids.
Details on Ford’s new hybrid powertrain, elements of which are also used in the 2009-up Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner compact SUV hybrids, were initially revealed at the 2008 SAE Hybrid Symposium by Global Core Engineer Sherif Markaby (earlier post). Further details on both the hybrid and conventional Fusion and Milan powertrains were released by Ford last month (earlier post).
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Porsche Gets Green Light for Cayenne Diesel; Hybrid Still in the Works
November 20, 2008
Porsche’s Executive Board has approved the production of a Cayenne SUV equipped with a diesel engine. The Board said the decision was in response to changed legal regulations, especially in European markets, resulting in tax incentives for vehicles with diesel engines. Furthermore, it said, Porsche’s stake in the Volkswagen Group, the world’s largest manufacturer of modern diesel engines for passenger cars, has opened up new opportunities to utilize diesel technology.
Porsche will equip the Cayenne with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine with 240 hp (176 kW) of power and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque supplied by Audi AG, a subsidiary of the VW Group. The average consumption of the Cayenne Diesel is 9.3 liters per 100 kilometers (25 mpg US), with CO2 at 244 grams per kilometer. The new Cayenne diesel will initially be offered in Europe. Preparations for market introduction in other countries are underway.
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Lexus Announces 2010 RX 350, RX 450h Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicles
by Jack Rosebro
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| The RX 450h. Click to enlarge. |
Lexus premiered two second-generation mid-sized luxury sport-utility vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Shows: the 2010 RX 350, and the 2010 RX 450h hybrid. The vehicles replace the current RX 350 and RX 400h SUVs, respectively.
The RX 350 and RX 450h are both slightly longer and wider then their predecessors. The RX 350 is powered by a 275 hp (205 kW) 3.5L V6, mated to a six-speed automatic transaxle, while total system output of the RX 450h is 27% higher than its predecessor at 295 hp (220 kW). Both vehicles use undertrays to help achieve a coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.32.
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Hyundai Introduces Hybrid Blue Drive Platform; First US Application to be in Sonata
November 19, 2008
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| Basic components of the Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive system. Click to enlarge. |
Hyundai Motor America launched its Blue Drive initiative and platform technologies at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Blue Drive will eventually encompass a set products and technologies through which Hyundai is targeting a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2015, five years ahead of the new CAFE minimum.
Most immediately, an internally-developed parallel hybrid system is at the core of the Blue Drive strategy. To be first applied in the next-generation Sonata (to be Hyundai’s first gasoline-electric hybrid for the US market), Hybrid Blue Drive offers both an all-electric mode and a parallel drive mode. This parallel hybrid drive architecture will serve as the foundation for future hybrid drive vehicles to be developed by Hyundai, starting with the Sonata.
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Toyota Shows Concept CNG Camry Hybrid at LA Auto Show
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| The CNG Camry Hybrid. Click to enlarge. |
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA showed a compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid concept vehicle at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. (Earlier post.)
The CNG Camry Hybrid concept was designed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and built by Metal Crafters of Fountain Valley, Calif. To convert the stock Camry Hybrid to a CNG vehicle, the gasoline fuel system was replaced with a CNG fuel system including two Lincoln composite Type 4 CNG tanks installed in the spare tire well area.
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Bosch Developing Modular KERS Systems for Range of Motorsport Applications
November 18, 2008
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| The KERS flywheel energy storage device can store up to 750 kilojoules of energy. Click to enlarge. |
Bosch Motorsport is developing a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) for use in motor racing. The modular KERS kit covers racing requirements from Formula 1 to series such as the DTM or 24-hour races. Bosch presented the variable, modular KERS kit at the Professional MotorSport World Expo 2008 (11-13 November) in Cologne, Germany.
Hybrid systems by Bosch Motorsport comprise an energy storage system, the electric motor, and the KERS controller, containing the power electronic, battery management, and management system for hybrid and engine functions.
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Freescale and McLaren Electronic Systems Collaborate on F1 KERS Technology
November 12, 2008
Freescale Semiconductor and McLaren Electronic Systems (MES) are collaborating to develop next-generation kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) technology for F1 racing from 2010 onward.
Freescale’s and MES’ KERS technology collaboration addresses the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA, the governing body of world motorsport) commitment to reduce development costs, enhance competition, and support ever-growing fuel efficiency and energy recovery initiatives in the next generation of Formula 1 powertrains. Smaller, lighter and more efficient hybrid systems are expected to result from these initiatives.
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Ohio State University Launches PHEV, EV and Smart Charging Program
November 10, 2008
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) at Ohio State University has launched a new program focused on Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Electric Vehicles (EVs) and intelligent charging. The program is intended to develop not just an economically viable plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV), but also the support systems, life-cycle plans, infrastructure, and public policies that are necessary to successfully deploy, operate and maintain PHEVs.
The inaugural meeting for the SMART@CAR (Sustainable Mobility: Advanced Research Team) project in late October drew more than 40 people, representing 11 companies. Those companies included automotive partners, the electric utility sector, power electronics and the Ohio Department of Development.
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UK Report on Potential Impact of EVs and PHEVs on GHG Reduction Concludes That EVs Could Cut Emissions by 40% Per Vehicle Even with Current Grid Mix
November 07, 2008
A new report, jointly produced by Arup and Cenex for the UK’s Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Department for Transport (DfT) concludes that electric vehicles have the potential to produce significant greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to conventional vehicles over the full life-cycle.
Even based on the current UK electricity grid mix, the authors expect an emissions reduction on a per vehicle basis of 40%. With further decarbonization of the UK power mix, reductions from the use of EVs would increase.
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EPA to Award Up to $1.35M to Projects to Advance Hydraulic Hybrid, Engine and Fuel Technology
November 06, 2008
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting applications from eligible entities to collaborate with EPA in a set of hybrid technology pilot projects that can span the optimization of Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle (HHV) technology (including plug-in electric-hydraulic hybrids); unique clean and efficient engines for full-series hybrid vehicles; and clean lower greenhouse gas transportation fuels.
The EPA expects to select 5 programs. Estimated total program funding is $1,350,000, with an award ceiling of $450,000. The EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) has identified the following as high priority specific technology projects:
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US Sales of Hybrids in October Down 10%; Monthly Share Up to 2.6%
November 05, 2008
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| Reported US sales of hybrids. Click to enlarge. |
Reported sales of hybrids in the US in October dropped 10% by volume to 21,979 units from 24,443 units in October. There were 27 selling days for October 2008, versus 26 days for October 2007.
However, with the overall 31.9% decline in light-duty vehicle sales in the US (earlier post) hybrids represented 2.62% of the new vehicle market for the month, up from 1.98% in October 2007. For the 10 months through October 2008, hybrids have a 2.4% share of the new vehicle market.
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Two Southeast Utilities Partner on Plug-In Hybrid Smart Charging Trial
November 03, 2008
Advanced Energy, in partnership with utilities Duke Energy and Progress Energy, will initiate a smart charging trial of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Twelve converted Toyota Priuses will be equipped with charging management technology from Seattle-based V2Green (earlier post) and deployed in North Carolina and Florida.
Advanced Energy will lead the design and implementation of the charging management scenarios to be explored in the trial. The trial will assess the potential of plug-in vehicles to positively impact electric grid operations, maximize use of clean energy and demonstrate that PHEVs are a viable alternative to today’s cars.
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2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Feature New Engines, 6-Speed Transmission, New Hybrid System
October 30, 2008
The 2010 model year Fusion and Milan, which will arrive in showrooms next spring, will offer Ford’s all-new Duratec 2.5-liter I-4, producing 175 hp (130 kW); an enhanced 240 hp (179 kW) flex-fuel capable 3.0-liter V-6 with 19 more horsepower than its predecessor; and a high end 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 263 hp (196 kW) on the Fusion Sport model. Fusion models equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry.
All are paired with six-speed transmissions for up to a 10% fuel economy improvement and other new technologies aimed at improving performance while gaining fuel economy. The new lineup will also include Ford’s first sedan-based hybrid models. (Earlier post.) The more efficient hybrid system that debuts with the Fusion and Milan models delivers a more seamless driving experience and is expected to beat the Toyota Camry hybrid by at least 5 mpg in the city cycle, according to Ford.
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Ford Introducing New Instrument Cluster on Fusion and Milan Hybrids to Coach Drivers on Optimizing Performance
October 29, 2008
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| The SmartGauge instrument cluster in “Engage” configuration. Click to enlarge. |
Ford is introducing a new instrument cluster—SmartGauge with EcoGuide—on its upcoming Fusion and Milan hybrids to help drivers maximize their fuel efficiency. Ford collaborated with IDEO and Smart Design to develop the new cluster.
SmartGauge with EcoGuide uses two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon. Growing leaves and vines can track and “reward” the driver’s efficiency.
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DLR Outlines Approaches for 40% Reduction in Global Light-Duty Vehicle GHG Emissions by 2050
October 27, 2008
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| Well-to-wheel CO2 emissions of light duty vehicles in the reference and energy [r]evolution scenarios from 2000 to 2050. Click to enlarge. |
A combination of higher efficiency vehicle technologies, a major switch to grid-connected electric vehicles and incentives for travellers to save CO2 could result in a reduction of well-to-wheel greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the global light-duty vehicle sector in 2050 by roughly 25% compared to 1990 and 40% compared to 2005, according to a new report produced by the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) and Greenpeace International.
Total LDV sector energy consumption in total is reduced by 23% in 2050 compared to 2005, in spite of tremendous increases in some world regions. Even with the aggressive focus on new technologies and demand reduction, 74% of the final energy used in cars will still come from fossil fuel sources, 70% from gasoline and diesel, according to the findings. Renewable electricity covers 19% of total car energy demand, biofuels cover 5% and hydrogen 2%.
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Magna Electronics Acquires BluWāv Systems LLC, Expands Electric Propulsion Capabilities
October 24, 2008
Magna Electronics, an operating unit of Magna International Inc., has acquired BluWāv Systems LLC (formerly Wavecrest Laboratories), a developer and supplier of controls, motors and energy-management systems for hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and battery electric vehicles. (Earlier post.)
Magna Electronics says that the acquisition of BluWāv enhances its position in developing and supplying components and systems to the emerging automotive market for electric and hybrid vehicles.
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GE Increases Investment in A123Systems; Total Position of $55M for 9% of Company
October 22, 2008
GE is making its sixth equity investment in lithium-ion battery manufacturer A123Systems, putting $30 million into A123’s $102 million Series E financing. GE is the battery manufacturer’s largest single cash investor, with 9% ownership. The investments were made by GE Commercial Finance - Equity and GE Energy Financial Services, bringing GE’s combined total investment in A123Systems to $55 million. (Earlier post.)
GE made the announcement at a Battery Technology Symposium held at its Global Research Center in Niskayuna, New York. In addition to receiving capital from GE, A123 is drawing on the research and technology development expertise of GE Global Research to design battery system components for automotive programs. A123Systems says that it is participating in GE’s exploration of a dual battery system—the combination of two battery chemistries, one biased toward power and the other toward energy, into a single battery pack, in a DOE-funded project with Chrysler. (Earlier post.)
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NREL Report Finds Operational Problems with CTTRANSIT Prototype Fuel Cell Bus Reduced Availability
October 14, 2008
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| CTTRANSIT’s fuel-cell hybrid bus. Click to enlarge. |
A report on the results of a preliminary evaluation of a prototype plug-in fuel-cell hybrid bus at Connecticut Transit (CTTRANSIT) in Hartford by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that while the experience for operators and riders with the fuel cell bus has been positive, there have been a number of specific problems and limitations that resulted in bus availability consistently below the 85% target.
These problems include initial quality assurance of the bus manufacturing/integration, the traction batteries, heating and air conditioning, operating in slippery conditions, maximum bus operating speed, and degradation of the fuel cell power system.
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Johnson Controls-Saft Announces Second Lithium-Ion Hybrid Battery Production Contract
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| VL6P power vs. energy during 10s pulses at various temperatures. Click to enlarge. Source: JCS |
Johnson Controls-Saft (JCS) will be providing lithium-ion batteries for production versions of BMW’s 7 Series ActiveHybrid car, currently being showcased at the Paris motor show. (Earlier post.) The ActiveHybrid is a mild hybrid configuration.
JCS will use its new high-power 6.8 Ah VL6P cells in the BMW packs. The VL6P, developed under several cost share programs with the sponsorship of USABC (FreedomCar) and the Department of Energy in the USA, is targeted for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and high power applications, said Frederic Bonhomme, Johnson Controls-Saft USA, in a paper presented at the recent 1st International Conference on Advanced Lithium Batteries for Automobile Applications, organized by Argonne National Laboratory.
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MIT Bringing Smart Biking Project to Copenhagen; Prototype Hybrid Bicycle
October 12, 2008
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| Exploded image of rear wheel of prototype hybrid smart bicycle. Battery, motor and electronics are all packed in the rear wheel. Click to enlarge. Credit: MIT |
MIT researchers at its SENSEable City Laboratory have unveiled a project in Copenhagen aimed at transforming bicycle use, promoting urban sustainability and building new connections between the city’s cyclists. The project, called SmartBiking, will utilize a novel self-organizing smart-tag system that will allow the city’s residents to exchange basic information and share their relative positioning with each other.
As part of the project, a prototype of a smart bicycle is being developed in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab’s Smart Cities Group. This hybrid bicycle harvests the energy created when braking and releases it while cycling. All hybrid-drive elements, including the battery, are packed in the rear wheel, which becomes a self-contained component that could be retrofitted on most existing bicycles.
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Azure Dynamics Receives Six Orders for Mild Hybrid LEEP Freeze System
October 09, 2008
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| The components of the LEEP system. Click to enlarge. |
Azure Dynamics Corporation has received six orders for its Low Emission Electric Power (LEEP) Freeze system. The LEEP is a mild hybrid electric system that provides ancillary power for a variety of applications. The LEEP system draws energy from the combustion engine during normal driving, optimizes the use of stored or generated energy when applying ancillary power and can be plugged into the grid (220 VAC single phase or 208 VAC three phase power) for off-duty charging.
The system is adaptable across most PTO-ready truck chassis platforms and can be used by refrigeration, aerial lift, telecom and other commercial applications. In the application for these orders, the LEEP Freeze system will be mated to a Kidron UltraTemp refrigeration system to provide a transport refrigeration solution for Buchy Food Service in Greenville, Ohio.
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BAE Systems Introduces Improved Version of HybriDrive
October 06, 2008
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| BAE’s HybriDrive applied in an inline configuration in a Daimler Buses North America Orion VII NG (next generation). Click to enlarge. |
BAE Systems introduced an improved version of its series hybrid propulsion system that can be used on multiple bus platforms, is mechanically simpler, reduces maintenance costs, and makes possible the use of electric accessories. The company unveiled the latest HybriDrive system at the American Public Transportation Association’s Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego.
Based on the company’s series diesel-electric hybrid technology already in use, the new system can be configured with the diesel engine and generator arranged inline or transversely to make it adaptable to a wider range of bus models. It also can generate power for electrically operated systems such as air conditioning, power steering, engine cooling, and lighting, serving these electrical loads without belt-driven alternators.
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US Sales of Hybrids Down 8.9% in September
October 03, 2008
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| Monthly reported sales of hybrids in the US. Click to enlarge. |
Reported sales of hybrids in the US dropped 8.9% by volume to 20,836 units in September 2008 year-on-year—the lowest September sales volume since 2005. Overall sales of light duty vehicles in the US in September dropped 26.6% year-on-year. (Earlier post.) September 2008 had 24 selling days, compared to 25 selling days last September. Hybrids had a 2.2% new vehicle market share for the month.
Toyota. September sales of the Prius dropped 13% to 10,873 from the year prior on continuing limited availability. Sales of the Camry Hybrid were down 33.6% to 2,785 units year-on-year, representing 9.4% of all Camry models sold in the month. Total Camry sales were down 27% by volume to 29,486 units from the year before. Sales of the Highlander Hybrid rose substantially year-on-year to 921 units, up from 193 in September 2007. Hybrids represented 16.1% of all Highlander sales. Total Highlander sales dropped 30% to 5,729 units.
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Volvo Cars Introduces Three Efficient DRIVe Cars; Roadmap for Reducing CO2 Emissions
October 02, 2008
Together with the introduction of three fuel-efficient diesel DRIVe cars (C30, S40 and V50 1.6D DRIVe) with CO2 emissions below 120 g/km at the Paris Motor Show (earlier post), Volvo Cars outlined its roadmap for cutting CO2 emissions.
The company plans DRIVe models with emissions of about 100 g/km (representing fuel consumption of about 3.8 L/100 km, or 62 mpg US) within a few years. Further steps include introducing a new generation of turbocharged gasoline direct injection engines in 2009; the introduction of a new micro-hybrid system in 2011; and a diesel hybrid in 2012 followed by a plug-in hybrid sometime after that.
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PSA Peugeot Citroën Unveils HYmotion4 All-Wheel Hybrid Drivetrain; Diesel and Gasoline, Front- and Rear-Engined Variants
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| The HYmotion4 hybrid powertrain components as applied in the Prologue concept car. Click to enlarge. |
PSA Peugeot Citroën has introduced a new hybrid drive architecture—the HYmotion4 all-wheel drivetrain—which will be fitted on select mid-sized and executive Peugeot and Citroën models scheduled for market launch in 2011.
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on the Peugeot Prologue, Peugeot RC, Citroën Hypnos, and Citroën C4 WRC concept cars, the HYmotion4 uses a “through-the-road” design to provide hybrid all-wheel drive. The motor is mounted in either the rear or front of the vehicle, depending upon whether the vehicle is front- or rear-engined, respectively.
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Honda Reveals Insight Concept Hybrid at Paris; Jazz, CRZ-Derivative Hybrids to Follow
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| The Insight concept. Click to enlarge. |
Honda revealed a concept version of its new small hybrid-only vehicle, the new Insight, at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. (Earlier post.) The new Insight marks the return of a dedicated hybrid to the Honda model line-up and the start of a new phase of Honda’s hybrid strategy—the Insight is the first of three new hybrid models that will appear within the next four years.
Honda also plans for upcoming launches of a new sporty hybrid based on the CRZ and a Jazz Hybrid, as well as a new version of the Civic Hybrid. Honda is planning global sales of more than 500,000 units per year with its four hybrids, said Takeo Fukui, president and chief executive officer of Honda Motor Co, at the reveal.
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Audi Introduces A1 Five-Door Concept with Plug-in Hybrid Drive at Paris Show
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| The Audi A1 Sportback PHEV concept. Click to enlarge. |
At the Paris Motor Show (opening to the media today), Audi is unveiling the A1 Sportback concept study. A follow-on from the Audi A1 project quattro three-door show car presented in 2007 (earlier post), this is a concept for a five-door four-seater for the sub-compact class with a plug-in hybrid drive.
The powertrain is based on a turbocharged 1.4-liter TFSI engine developing 110 kW (150 hp), whose power is directed to the front wheels by means of the S tronic dual-clutch transmission. This engine is an advanced version of the unit that made its series production debut in the Audi A3. Whereas the 1.4 TFSI delivers 92 kW (125 hp) in the A3, it delivers 110 kW (150 hp) at 5,500 rpm in the study. Its peak torque of 240 Nm (177.01 lb-ft) is on tap over a broad rev band from 1,600 – 4,000 rpm.
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MTU Introduces Prototype Underfloor Hybrid Drive Unit for Railcars
September 26, 2008
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| The underfloor hybrid drive unit. Click to enlarge. |
At this year’s Innotrans rail exhibition in Berlin (23-28 September), the Tognum Group introduced under the MTU brand a prototype of a new underfloor hybrid drive system for railcars. MTU estimates that fuel consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions can be reduced by up to 25% with the hybrid drives, depending on the route.
The hybrid drive combines a MTU Series 1800 six-cylinder inline diesel with a motor/generator unit and energy storage system; electrical output of the unit is 400 kW. The generator will recover kinetic energy during braking which can be used during acceleration and in stop-and-go operation.
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Siemens Marine Introduces New Hybrid Propulsion Solution for Smaller Vessels
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| One configuration of SISHIP EcoProp. Click to enlarge. |
Siemens Marine Solutions has developed a very compact hybrid propulsion system for small vessels, using a combination of standard commercial generators, motors and mechanical gear package.
The main diesel engine runs at a constant speed, driving an electrical generator that feeds a propulsion motor through a switchboard and converters. This system exploits the optimized efficiency resulting from operating the engine as close as possible to its design point. The intelligent hybrid control and the diesel-electric system continuously drives the engines within the desirable speed and load ranges.
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Volvo Introduces Hybrid Version of 7700 Bus; Up to 30% Reduction in Fuel Consumption
September 25, 2008
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| The Volvo Hybrid 7700. Click to enlarge. |
Volvo has unveiled the hybrid version of its 7700 bus at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany. (Earlier post.) With up to 30% lower fuel consumption and cost-effective hybrid components from Volvo, bus operators can earn a payback on the extra cost in five to seven years, according to the company.
The 7700 Hybrid features a parallel hybrid system with the Volvo MD5 diesel engine and Integrated Starter Alternator Motor (I-SAM). The 4-cylinder, 4-stroke turbocharged and intercooled in-line diesel engine delivers 158 kW (212 hp) of power at 2,200 rpm and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque at 1,200 to 1,700 rpm. Continuous output from the I-SAM motor is 70 kW (94 hp), with 120 kW (161 hp) peak; continuous torque is 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), with 800 Nm peak. A 600V, 4.8 kWh Li-ion battery pack is roof-mounted and water-cooled.
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Kenworth Expands Hybrid Offerings, Introduces New T370 Class 7 Hybrid Tractor Targeted at Local Haul Applications
September 24, 2008
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| The T370 hybrid. |
Kenworth Truck Company has introduced a new Kenworth T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid tractor for local haul applications, including beverage, general freight, and grocery distribution. Kenworth, a division of PACCAR, already offers a T270 Class 6 hybrid-electric truck. Peterbilt, also part of PACCAR, also offers its version of the T270, the Model 335.(Earlier post.)
Both the T270 and T370 share the same hybrid drive system, developed by Eaton. The Kenworth T370 tractor is powered by the PACCAR 6.7-liter PX-6 engine, which is rated at 300 hp (224 kW) at 2,600 rpm, with 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque at 1,600 rpm.
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Continental Begins Series Production of Lithium-ion Battery Packs for Hybrid Vehicles
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| The battery which Continental has developed for the Mercedes-Benz hybrid weighs around 25 kilograms and requires an installation volume of some 13 liters. Click to enlarge. |
Continental has begun series production of lithium-ion battery packs to be used in hybrid-electric cars. The initial packs produced at Continental’s plant in Nuremberg, Germany, will be installed as standard in the new Mercedes S400 BlueHYBRID, available from the middle of 2009. (Earlier post.) The 120V battery-powered electric motor in the Mercedes hybrid can boost the combustion engine by up to 19 kW.
The Continental battery pack, with cells from Johnson Controls-Saft (earlier post), weighs around 25 kg (55 lbs) and requires an installation volume of some 13 liters (0.46 cubic foot).
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Toyota To Display CNG-Powered Camry Hybrid Concept At 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc., will display a compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid concept vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Honda is currently the only automaker with an OEM natural gas passenger vehicle—the Civic GX—on the US retail market.
In 1999 Toyota marketed a CNG-powered four-cylinder Camry to fleet customers in California. However, in an era of cheap gasoline, customers were not attracted to a vehicle that required special refueling techniques and a limited refueling infrastructure, according to Toyota, which discontinued the program a year later.
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Chrysler Unveils Production-Intent Electric Drive Technology; Three Prototypes, One to Be Produced in 2010
September 23, 2008
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| The three Chrysler electric-drive prototypes: battery electric Dodge EV and plug-in hybrid (extended range electric vehicle) Jeep and Chrysler. Click to enlarge. |
Chrysler LLC and its ENVI electric-drive organization (earlier post) unveiled new production-intent, advanced electric-drive technology packaged in three different vehicle formats: sportscar, SUV and minivan—one for each of its brands, Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler. The prototypes include both full battery-electric and plug-in hybrid (extended range electric) vehicles.
Chrysler will select one electric-drive model to be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010. Additionally, approximately 100 Chrysler electric vehicles will be on the road in government, business, utility and Chrysler development fleets in 2009.
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Bosch Highlighting Hydraulic and Electric Hybrid Systems at IAA
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| Components of the hydraulic hybrid Hydrostatic Regenerative Braking System. Click to enlarge. |
Bosch will highlight its hydraulic hybrid drivetrain at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany as one of its solutions to help reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions in the commercial vehicle sector. Bosch will also showcase its hybrid-electric, CNG, exhaust aftertreatment, and new higher-pressure common rail injection systems.
The Bosch-Rexroth Hydrostatic Regenerative Braking system (HRB) for heavy commercial vehicles reduces fuel consumption by up to 25%. The hydraulic hybrid drivetrain converts kinetic braking energy into hydraulic energy and stores it. The next time the vehicle accelerates, the stored energy is fed back into the powertrain, thereby reducing the load on the combustion engine.
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Furukawa Battery and East Penn Sign Sub-License Agreement for UltraBattery
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| The UltraBattery concept. Click to enlarge. |
Japan’s Furukawa Battery Company and US manufacturer East Penn signed an international commercialization and distribution agreement for the UltraBattery technology developed by Australia’s CSIRO. (Earlier post.) CSIRO, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, is Australia’s national science agency.
CSIRO’s UltraBattery combines an asymmetric supercapacitor (an enhanced-power negative electrode) and a lead acid battery in a single unit, creating a hybrid car battery that lasts longer, costs less and is more powerful than current technologies used in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
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BMW’s Mild Hybrid Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid; Two BMW Hybrid Models to Be in Production in 2009
September 22, 2008
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| Components of the Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid. Click to enlarge. |
BMW will introduce a mild-hybrid version of the 7 Series—the Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid—at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. (Earlier post.) The hybrid combines a V-8 gasoline engine with a 15 kW electric motor, eight-speed automatic transmission and a lithium-ion battery pack to deliver a 15% reduction in fuel consumption compared to a non-hybrid version of the car.
BMW has already recently introduced several other hybrid concepts, including the two-mode Concept X6 ActiveHybrid (earlier post) and the diesel mild hybrid concept BMW Vision EfficientDynamics (earlier post). BMW says that it is developing hybrid technology along various lines for various vehicle segments, and that pursuant to this strategy, two models with BMW ActiveHybrid technology will be reaching production level in 2009.
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Volvo Group Plans Wide Application of Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drive
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| The Volvo FE hybrid refuse truck. Click to enlarge. |
The Volvo Group plans to apply its I-SAM (Integrated Starter, Alternator Motor) hybrid solution (earlier post)—what it calls its fourth-generation hybrid solution—across its range of products in buses, trucks and construction equipment.
Volvo has been testing various types of hybrid solutions since the 1980s. Volvo Group unveiled what it considers a viable hybrid solution for heavy vehicles in March 2006 (earlier post) in the form of the I-SAM. The I-SAM is a parallel hybrid system comprising a starter motor, drive motor and alternator fit between the clutch and the I-Shift automatic transmission.
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Caterpillar to Introduce Electric-Drive Mining Trucks
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| The mechanical-drive version of the 240- to 250-ton class 793F will have an electric-drive counterpart. Caterpillar is also introducing other, larger electric-drive trucks. |
Caterpillar Inc. will unveil new electric-drive mining trucks, along with improved safety features, Tier 2 compliant engines and new integrated technologies in the existing Cat mining fleet, at MINExpo 2008 in Las Vegas, NV (22-24 September).
While Caterpillar believes mechanical drive is the best solution for the vast majority of situations, the company listened to its customers and explored the situations and conditions where electric drive would be the preferred option. Cat is the only manufacturer of 200-ton and above mining trucks with both drives.