Twitter headlinesPlug-ins
[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.]
Ener1 to Provide Lithium-Ion Packs for Volvo Cars V70 PHEV Demonstration
July 13, 2009
Volvo Car Corporation has selected lithium-ion battery systems designed and produced by Ener1, Inc. to power a pair of plug-in diesel-electric hybrid (PHEV) V70 demonstration cars being put through their paces across Europe this fall as part of a development program leading up to the planned 2012 commercial launch of a production plug-in model.
The PHEV demo project is a joint venture between Volvo and Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest electric utility companies and a leading proponent of electric vehicle infrastructure build-out. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
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.
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)
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).
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
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.
More... | Comments (30) | TrackBack (0)
GAO Report Concludes Plug-in Vehicles Offer Potential Benefits, but High Costs and Limited Information Could Hinder Integration into the Federal Fleet; Recommended Actions
June 25, 2009
The US federal government has set a goal—via Executive Order 13423—for federal agencies to use plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) as they become available at a reasonable cost. In response to a request from Representatives Henry Waxman (Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce); Edolphus Towns (Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform); and Darrell Issa (Ranking Member, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform), the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) examined the (1) potential benefits of plug-ins; (2) factors affecting the availability of plug-ins; and (3) challenges to incorporating plug-ins into the federal fleet.
The GAO found that increasing the use of plug-ins could result in environmental and other benefits, but also that realizing these benefits depends on several factors. Although plug-ins could significantly reduce oil consumption and those associated greenhouse gas emissions, the electricity used for charging the batteries would need to be generated from lower-emission fuels such as nuclear and renewable energy rather than the fossil fuels for PHEVs to reach their full potential.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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:
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
NIST Releases EPRI Report on Smart Grid Development; Priorities, Standards, Architecture
| Smart Grid electric transportation applications summary communications diagram. Click to enlarge. |
The US Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released for public review a report that identifies issues and proposes priorities for developing technical standards and an architecture for a US Smart Grid. The Smart Grid is a planned nationwide network that will use 21st century information technology to deliver electricity efficiently, reliably and securely, while allowing increased use of renewable power sources.
The nearly 300-page report, developed and delivered to NIST by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), is part of the first phase of NIST’s three-phase plan, announced in April, to expedite development of key standards for the Smart Grid. NIST will accept public comments on the report for 30 days after the publication of an upcoming notice in the Federal Register announcing the report’s availability.
More... | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
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.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
3.4 kWh EIG Li-ion Pack for Plug-in Applications
| Rendering of the pack. Click to enlarge. |
At the recent Advanced Automotive Battery Conference 2009 (AABC 2009), Korea-based EIG Ltd. described a prototype lithium-ion battery system targeted at a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) application. The system shows 58 kW discharge power output at 50% depth of discharge (DOD), with 3.4 kWh useable energy. (A 3.4 kWh capacity matches the USABC short-term goal for a 10-mile equivalent electric range PHEV.)
The PHEV pack is based on 14 Ah lithium-ion polymer cells, with carbon-coated LiFePO4 as the cathode material. Carbon coating is a technique used to overcome the low conductivity of lithium iron phosphate by enhancing conduction on the particle scale. (Earlier post.) The cell design target was 120 Wh kg-1 and power density of 2,500 W kg-1. 96 cells were serially connected to obtain the 307V battery pack.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
SK Energy Has Two HEV, Four PHEV Li-ion Cells, Packs Ready for Production
June 12, 2009
South Korea-based SK Energy has now developed six lithium-ion cells: two targeted at hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications and four targeted at plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) applications. Jeon Oh, SK Energy’s Leader, Corporate R&D Center/HEV Battery Project, provided an update on the company’s Li-ion automotive battery activities at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference 2009 this week in Long Beach.
SK Energy is Asia’s fourth largest energy provider, and was Korea’s first oil refining company, now with a domestic market share of 38%. The company was the first Korean company, and the third in the world, to independently develop a lithium-ion battery separator, which features proprietary technology for low shrinkage and heat resistance.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Argonne Study Examines Impact of Real World Drive Cycles on Efficiency and Cost of Different PHEV Configurations
June 11, 2009
Results from a study by Argonne National Laboratory on the impact of real world drive cycles on the fuel efficiency and cost of different plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) configurations suggest that while different PHEV configurations all demonstrate great potential for displacing petroleum use (with fuel displacement increasing linearly with available electrical energy), the relative benefits of adding more battery capacity seem to decrease with increasing pack size.
Aymeric Rousseau, program manager at Argonne, presented a small slice of this wide study at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference 2009 (AABC) this week in Long Beach.
More... | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)
Software Upgrade to Prius PHEV NiMH Conversion Kit Enables All-Electric Driving At Up to 70mph
June 10, 2009
Poway, California-based Plug In Conversions Corp. (PICC) has completed a software upgrade to its 6.1 kWh NiMH plug-in hybrid (PHEV) conversion kit that enables all-electric mode driving at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (until the battery pack is depleted) in a converted Prius. The software upgrade is based upon patented technology developed by Chicago-based Ewert Energy Systems, which has granted PICC exclusive rights for its use in Prius conversion kits.
Previous Prius PHEV conversion kits—including PICC’s earlier generations (earlier post)—have been limited by Toyota programming to a top speed of 34 mph in all-electric mode.
More... | Comments (28) | TrackBack (0)
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.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Volvo Cars and Vattenfall to Develop New Plug-in Diesel-Electric Hybrids; Three V70 PHEV Demonstrators on the Road This Summer
June 01, 2009
Swedish energy company Vattenfall and the Volvo Car Corporation are launching an industrial joint venture partnership to introduce plug-in hybrids on the market by 2012. In January 2007, Volvo and Vattenfall launched a joint project with the aim of testing and developing plug-in technology. (Earlier post.) They are now extending that cooperation.
The development of the cars is being carried out and financed jointly by the two companies. The Volvo Car Corporation will manufacture the cars and Vattenfall will develop charging systems and supply the cars with electricity.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Chrysler LLC Requests $224M from DOE for the Rapid Development and Manufacturing of Electrified Vehicles; Total Investment of $448M
May 26, 2009
| A prototype electric minivan for the USPS. Click to enlarge. |
Chrysler LLC has submitted three proposals representing a request for $224 million in funding to two US Department of Energy (DOE) initiatives: the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative and the Transportation Electrification Initiative. With a 50/50 cost share, the total investment represented by the proposals is $448 million. Proposed vehicles covered under the submission include Dodge Ram 1500 Plug-in Hybrid-electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Chrysler Town & Country PHEVs and Chrysler Town & Country Electric Vehicles (EVs).
If approved, Chrysler LLC plans to use funds to build a demonstration fleet of the plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), as well as create a new-vehicle electrification technology and manufacturing center located in Michigan. The proposal will enable the production of commercially viable products in a shorter time frame.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
ANL Project on Actively Coupled Ultracapacitor-Battery System for PHEVs Attracting OEM Interest
May 20, 2009
| The actively coupled ultracapacitor-battery system has four primary components. Source: ANL. Click to enlarge. |
Work on a research project developing an actively coupled ultracapacitor-battery system targeted at plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) applications is attracting interest from a variety of OEMs both at a component and a system level, according to Argonne’s Ted Bohn, in his presentation at the Department of Energy Merit Review this week. The project is led by Argonne; Maxwell Technologies Inc. and Gold Peak Battery-USA are research partners in the project.
The objective of the project is to develop a high power and high energy electrical storage system that combines the strengths of each technology—high power density for ultracapacitors and high energy storage for Li-ion batteries—at equal or better system efficiency and net cost/density compared to current conventional Li-ion batteries.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
A123Systems’ Prismatic Cell Lineup: Up to 5,300 W/kg in High Power Cell, 20 Ah Cell for PHEVs
May 19, 2009
| A123Systems scalable prismatic module is reconfigurable for applications ranging from 1 kWh to more than 100 kWh. Source: A123Systems. Click to enlarge. |
At the Department of Energy (DOE) Annual Merit Review for the Hydrogen and Vehicle Technologies Programs, A123Systems co-founder Ric Fulop described the progress the company has made with two DOE-funded projects, one on high-power hybrid batteries, the other on plug-in hybrid battery development.
A123Systems, which began by manufacturing cylindrical format cells, is developing a portfolio of prismatic automotive cells funded through two USABC 50:50 cost share programs. The emerging prismatic lineup includes a 20Ah energy cell for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, with a targeted start of production (SOP) of 2009/2010; and 4Ah, 6Ah and 8Ah power cells for hybrids, with vehicle SOP of 2011/2012.
More... | Comments (15) | TrackBack (0)
Waxman/Markey Bill Accelerates Infrastructure and Build-out for Plug-Ins, Calls for Harmonization of Motor Vehicle GHG Standards; 3% of Emissions Allowances for Cap-and-Trade Go to Auto Industry
May 17, 2009
The major climate and energy bill introduced last week by House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming Chairman Henry Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Edward Markey—H.R. 2454, The American Clean Energy and Security Act—which establishes a cap-and-trade program also contains a number of provisions for accelerating the deployment of a vehicle charging infrastructure and the manufacturing of plug-in electric drive vehicles.
The bill also calls for the harmonization of Federal and California motor vehicle greenhouse gas emission standards. In addition, the bill allocates 3% of the emissions allowances (under the cap-and-trade scheme defined in the bill) through 2017 and 1% from 2018 through 2025 be allocated for investments in electric vehicles and other advanced automobile technology and deployment.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
GM Quantifies CO2 and Fuel Consumption Reductions Via E-REVs And PHEVs, As Compared To “Conventional” Hybrids
May 16, 2009
by Jack Rosebro
| Energy sources, paths, storage media, and propulsion systems available or in development. “FCEV” refers to all fuel cell vehicles, including E-REVs and fuel cell hybrids. Adapted from Tate et al. (2009). Click to enlarge. |
General Motors has released a white paper that evaluates the CO2 reduction potential of extended-range electric vehicles (E-REVs) as well as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), in combination with multiple vehicle charging scenarios, as compared to conventional hybrids. The paper was presented by authors Ed Tate and Peter Savagian at last month’s SAE 2009 World Congress in Detroit.
In the paper, the GM team broke down CO2 and fuel consumption reduction potentials into several categories:
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)
ARB Staff Publishes Revised, Tiered Requirements for PHEV Conversions
May 15, 2009
The California Air Resources Board staff has published a supplemental report on revised requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle conversion systems certification and installation.
In January, ARB staff presented certification test procedures for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) along with certification procedures for aftermarket PHEV conversion systems. The Board approved the exhaust and evaporative emissions test procedures as well as a new method for determining the range of fuel cell vehicles, but deferred a decision on the proposal for certification and warranty requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Elektromotive Debuts Tool for Monitoring and Invoicing Electricity Drawn from Charging Stations; Three-Phase Fast Charge Prototype with Mennekes Coupler
| The Mennekes system. Click to enlarge. |
UK-based Elektromotive introduced EBConnect—a tool for monitoring and invoicing electricity drawn from vehicle charging stations—at EVS 24. EBConnect will be installed in all Elektrobay charging stations, of which there are already more than 160 across the UK.
The EBConnect software manages a two-way exchange of data via GSM and the internet to track electricity usage and invoice accordingly. The system allows the possibility of a number of payment methods including a ‘pay-and-go’ service, where the user adds credits to their personalized Elektrobay keyfob.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Argonne Lifecycle Analysis Calculates WTW Petroleum Energy Use and GHG Emissions for PHEVs Fueled With Petroleum, E85 and Hydrogen
May 14, 2009
| Summary of WTW petroleum energy use and GHG emissions for combined CD and CS operations relative to baseline gasoline ICEV. Single markers indicate conventional hybrids. Click to enlarge. |
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have published results of a well-to-wheels (WTW) lifecycle analysis of petroleum energy use and greenhouse gas emissions of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles employing gasoline, diesel, E85 and hydrogen (fuel cell) fuels, with an all-electric range between 10 to 40 miles.
Compared to an internal combustion vehicle fueled with gasoline, PHEVs that employed petroleum fuels (gasoline and diesel) offered a 40-60% reduction in petroleum energy use and a 30-60% reduction in GHG emissions. PHEVs fueled by E85 offered a 70-90% reduction in petroleum energy use and a 40-80% reduction in GHG emissions. PHEVs equipped with hydrogen fuel cells offered a more than 90% reduction in petroleum energy use and a 10-100% reduction in GHG emissions.
More... | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
Toyota to Lease More Than 150 Experimental Li-Ion PHEVs in Europe
Toyota Motor Europe (TME) will lease more than 150 units of its experimental Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) to selected fleet customers across Europe as a next step towards commercialization. Toyota says it will deploy more than 500 new PHVs in global trials—including in Europe, Japan and the US—by 2010.
France will be the first country to participate in the three-year European pilot, with discussions ongoing in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. Based on Toyota’s full hybrid technology, the new PHV will come equipped with a lithium-ion battery, extending the vehicle’s range in electric vehicle mode. The first wave of PHVs will reach Strasbourg in late 2009.
More... | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
Better Place Demonstrates Battery Switch Technology
May 13, 2009
| Demo vehicle moving into position for battery switch. Click image to see demonstration video. |
Better Place officially opened the Yokohama, Japan EV exhibit with the public debut of its automated battery switch system, designed to make long distance travel by EV convenient for customers.
Better Place selected the Nissan Dualis to demonstrate the battery switch technology. This crossover utility vehicle is not necessarily indicative as to any potential EV lineup by Nissan. The technology demonstration used specially-built 400V battery packs with standard lithium-ion cells from A123Systems. The cells were inserted into an enclosure built to fit this specific Nissan Dualis vehicle application.
More... | Comments (39) | TrackBack (0)
Ener1 Subsidiary Developing Fuel Cell Range Extender for Electric Vehicles
May 12, 2009
Although much of the attention on Ener1 has been focused on its lithium-ion battery subsidiary EnerDel (which last week signed a letter of intent for a potential long-term battery supply agreement with Fisker, earlier post), Chairman and CEO Charles Gassenheimer used the company’s quarterly earnings conference call also to highlight what he called the “excellent progress” being made at EnerFuel—Ener1’s fuel cell subsidiary—on fuel cell range extenders for plug-in hybrids.
EnerFuel is developing advanced high-temperature PEM fuel cell systems and is currently focused on developing a range extender for electric vehicles, said Daniel Betts, EnerFuel’s Principle Engineer and on the executive management team, on the conference call.
More... | Comments (25) | TrackBack (0)
EnerDel Signs Letter of Intent to Supply Lithium-Ion Batteries to Fisker Automotive; Inaugurates New Manufacturing Line
May 08, 2009
| Enerdel produces both high energy systems for EVs and PHEVs (left) using a hard carbon/mixed oxide chemistry and high power systems for hybrids (right) using a LTO/LMO chemistry. Source: EnerDel. Click to enlarge. |
EnerDel and Fisker, the independent American carmaker developing a line of plug-in vehicles for the global market, have signed a letter of intent for a potential long-term battery supply agreement. Results of reliability and performance testing will determine a final contract. The Fisker Karma is scheduled to be the first OEM plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) on the US market in June 2010.
Fisker currently plans to build 15,000 vehicles per year and market them through an existing network of 32 US retailers. A European retail network will be announced in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)
European Automotive Industry Outlines R&D Priorities for EU Green Car Initiative
May 07, 2009
European automotive suppliers and vehicle manufacturers have united to submit a series of R&D priorities to the European Commission to shape the European Green Car Initiative (EGCI), announced by the EU. CLEPA (the European umbrella membership organization representing the interests of the global automotive supply industry) and EUCAR (the European Council for Automotive R&D from the major European passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturers) jointly prepared the document.
The Green Car Initiative, a part of the European economic recovery plan, aims to allocate €5 billion (US$6.7 billion) through a Public Private Partnership to bolster innovation in the automotive sector and sustain its focus on environmental progress. The initiative complements the European Clean Transport Facility which, through the European Investment Bank, serves to provide more immediate financial relief to the sector.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
GM And University of Michigan Form GM/U-M Institute Of Automotive Research And Education; Focus On Fuel-Efficiency And Reinvention Of The Automobile
General Motors and the University of Michigan have formed the GM/U-M Institute of Automotive Research and Education, with a strategic focus on reinventing the automobile and developing the next generation of high-efficiency vehicles powered by diverse energy sources.
The Institute, which builds on more than 50 years of collaboration between the organizations, supplements GM’s ongoing research and development in key areas: advanced batteries, engine systems, smart materials and vehicle manufacturing.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
GM Will Apply Plug-in Hybrid Technology To One of Its Remaining Four Core Brands, Delivery Still in 2011
May 05, 2009
|
| Prototype Saturn Vue PHEV plugging in to a Coulomb Chargepoint (earlier post) in San Jose, CA. Click to enlarge. |
In a post on GM’s FastLane blog, Vice Chairman Tom Stephens said that the company will apply plug-in hybrid technology to one of the four core brands remaining after the restructuring: Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC.
Saturn currently sells two hybrid vehicles (VUE and Aura with GM Hybrid System) and was scheduled to begin initially offering a two-mode hybrid Vue (earlier post), with a Vue plug-in two-mode hybrid version (earlier post) due in 2011 for use in a cooperative demonstration test fleet with the US Dept. of Energy (DOE) and nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Study Finds UK Power Infrastructure Has Capacity for Significant Rise in Use of EVs and PHEVs
April 30, 2009
According to the results of simulation studies by a consortium including Ricardo, Jaguar-Land Rover, E.ON and Amberjac Projects, a substantial medium-term rise in the number of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles would have a much lower impact on the UK national power grid than has previously been estimated.
The research study has been carried out by the consortium as part of the Range Extended Hybrid Electric Vehicle (REHEV) project, which is led by Jaguar-Land Rover and part-funded by the UK’s Technology Strategy Board.
More... | Comments (15) | TrackBack (0)
UK Collaboration Develops Plug-in Hybrid Retrofit for Conventional Vehicles
| Battery pack state of charge vs. distance for the ADDZEV vehicle under all-electric power on the UDDC cycle. Source: Cranfield. Click to enlarge. |
A collaboration led by the UK’s Cranfield University has developed a retrofit plug-in hybrid conversion system for a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle. The Affordable Add-on Zero Emissions Vehicle (ADDZEV) technology demonstrates how it may be possible to convert segment of the existing the UK vehicle fleet into plug-in hybrid vehicles using a through-the-road approach. (Earlier post.)
Developed to reduce the carbon emissions of inner-city driving, the ADDZEV system was developed using a standard Vauxhall Combo van. The development team retained the existing conventional front-wheel-drive system of the Combo but added an electric drive, powered via low-cost valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries, to the rear wheels.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
The Long View from SAE 2009 World Congress
April 29, 2009
by Bill Cooke
On 20 April, the opening day of the SAE 2009 World Congress, the AVL Technology Leadership Theater presented a forum on “Green Mobility—The Long View”. Organized by Shane Chang at Honda Research Institute USA Inc., the session counted among its panelists:
Professor John Heywood, Sun Jae Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Sloan Auto Laboratory at MIT. Dr. Heywood recently co-authored a study called “On The Road in 2035—Reducing Petroleum Consumption and GHG Emissions.”
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Israeli Microturbine-Based Range-Extended Electric Vehicle Startup Lands $12M Series A Round
April 25, 2009
| Drawing of the proposed advanced microturbine. Source: ETVM Click to enlarge. |
ETV Motors Ltd. (ETVM), an Israeli start-up developing a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) technology combining a novel dual-power micro-turbine and a new high-voltage lithium-ion battery chemistry, has closed a US$12-million Series A investment round. The round was led by The Quercus Trust of Newport Beach, California. New York-based 21Ventures LLC co-invested.
The investment enables ETVM to move ahead with a multi-year research and development program in which it is partnering with universities and development organizations.
More... | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
FEV Showcased Partner and Internal Advanced Hybrid Development Projects at SAE World Congress; Demonstrations of Capability
April 24, 2009
| California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger dropped by the FEV booth to see the H3 ReEV after his remarks at the SAE 2009 World Congress opening ceremony. Click to enlarge. |
At SAE 2009 World Congress, FEV showcased two advanced hybrid development projects it undertook with partners—the range-extended electric vehicle (ReEV) HUMMER H3 done in cooperation with Raser and a heavy-duty series hydraulic hybrid yard hostler done in partnership with EPA—as well as two internal hybrid development projects: a Dodge Caliber-based range-extended electric vehicle, and a small Wankel-based 18 kWe APU that could, for example, also be used as the genset in the Caliber.
FEV, a powertrain and engineering company, works closely with OEMs on a variety of projects—many of which it has to keep confidential. That can make it a bit tough to drum up new business, said David Gian, FEV Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integration “when your prospective customer asks ‘What have you done?’ and you have to say ‘I can’t tell you.’” With its ongoing push to be fully capable in transmission and driveline design, development, and testing, FEV decided to produce a couple of demonstrations of capability (the Caliber and the Wankel APU) that prospects could see and drive.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
California Energy Commission Adopts $176M Green Transportation Plan
April 23, 2009
The California Energy Commission has adopted the state’s first transportation Investment Plan. The Alternative and Renewable Fuels and Vehicle Technology Program’s Investment Plan allocates $176 million over the next two years to stimulate green transportation projects and encourage innovation to help meet the state’s aggressive climate change policies.
The Alternative and Renewable Fuels Vehicle Technology Program was established by Assembly Bill 118 (Núñez, Chapter 750, Statutes of 2007) and is an essential element of the California's climate change and energy policies. The state is aggressively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, decrease petroleum fuel use to 15% below 2003 levels by 2020, and increase alternative fuel use to 20% by 2020.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
UK Government Launches £250M 5-Year Plan for Cutting CO2 from Road Transport; Includes Incentives for Purchase of PHEVs and EVs
April 16, 2009
| High-level technology roadmap for the UK’s decarbonization of road transport. Click to enlarge. |
The UK Transport and Business Secretaries launched the Government’s vision for cutting carbon from road transport over the next five years. Central to the £250-million (US$373-million) strategy is a consumer incentive initiative for plug-in vehicles worth £2,000 - £5,000 (US$3,000 - US$7,500) towards buying the first electric and plug-in hybrid cars when they hit the showrooms, expected to be from 2011 onwards.
The strategy also includes plans to provide £20 million (US$30 million) for charging points and related infrastructure to help develop a network of “electric car cities” throughout the UK and an expansion of an electric and ultra-low carbon car demonstration project on the UK’s roads. The demonstration project will involve more than 200 motorists throughout the country.
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Renault-Nissan Alliances Forms EV Partnership in Phoenix Metro Area; Beginning of a Phoenix-Tucson EV Charging Corridor
Nissan and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), which represents the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan region, are forming a partnership to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network. ECOtality Inc. will participate in the partnership by initiating its EV Micro-Climate program in the Phoenix region to promote sensible policies, intelligent deployment of charge infrastructure, and strong public awareness to foster the successful consumer adoption of grid-connected electric vehicles.
In March, Nissan announced a similar partnership with ECOtality and the Pima Association of Governments, in the Tucson, Ariz., area, to promote a charging network infrastructure. (Earlier post.) ECOtality plans to link the Phoenix and Tucson Metro areas by implementing strategic fast-charge stations along Interstate 10 (I-10) to create the first implementation of an EV Corridor in North America. (Phoenix is about 116 miles (187 km) from Tucson via the 10.)
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
FEV, Inc. to Unveil Dodge Caliber-Based Range Extended Electric Concept Vehicle at SAE World Congress
April 14, 2009
| A conventional MY 2009 Dodge Caliber. Click to enlarge. |
FEV, Inc. will unveil a Dodge Caliber-based range extended electric concept vehicle (ReEV) powered by a UQM propulsion system and generator at the 2009 SAE World Congress next week. The range extended electric vehicle with plug-in capability was developed by FEV to demonstrate the company’s full spectrum of capabilities in hybrid engineering.
The ReEV propulsion system employs a 1.0L, 3-cylinder, 4-valve engine that is mated to a UQM PowerPhase 75 generator that provides 41 kW of continuous power in extended-range mode, with a peak power of 75 kW. The energy storage system consists of a 20 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack that operates at 346V, with a Delphi DC/DC converter. A UQM PowerPhase 125 traction motor powers the wheels.
More... | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)
McKinsey Report Finds 47% Reduction in Global Automotive Emissions Feasible by 2030; Timely Action By All Stakeholders Required
April 06, 2009
| Global passenger vehicle CO2 emissions and abatement potential under three primary scenarios. Source: McKinsey. Click to enlarge. |
A new study by management consultants McKinsey & Company estimates that an integrated approach to carbon abatement in the automotive sector, much of it using proven technologies, could reduce global passenger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 by 47% (2.2 gigatons) relative to a ‘do nothing’ scenario, even in the context of ongoing growth in the global vehicle parc.
Without action, carbon emissions from the use of passenger vehicles are projected to increase by 54% (1.8 gigatons) between 2006 and 2030, fueled by a growing number of cars on the road (from 730 million to 1.3 billion).
More... | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
GM: Putting 1M Plug-ins on the Road Will Require a “Plug-In Ecosystem”
April 02, 2009
In a conference call organized by GM, Tony Posawatz, Chevrolet Volt and Global Electric Vehicle Line Director; Mark Duvall, Director of Electric Transportation, EPRI; and Bob Hayden, Clean Transportation Advisor, Department of Environment, City and County of San Francisco described the nature and role of the “plug-in ecosystem” required to support one million and more plug-ins on the road in the US.
Posawatz (who wryly referred to having read “someplace” about the Chevy Volt having some challenges, earlier post) said that GM believes there are four pillars that make up a plug-in ecosystem and that must be in place to assure the Volt’s successful commercial launch:
More... | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
New Indiana-Based Cleantech Research Partnership; First Activities in Heavy Hybrids and Plug-ins
A new Indiana-based cleantech partnership—The Energy Systems Network (ESN)—launched on Tuesday. The ESN brings together private firms, research institutions and public agencies focused on bringing new energy technologies to market through leveraging Indiana’s manufacturing sector and R&D capabilities. ESN will provide project development and coordination for joint ventures and cooperative partnerships between network members.
Private and institutional investors have already pledged nearly $1.5 million to support the ESN’s activities over the next two years.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Plug In America Challenges Obama Auto Task Force Conclusion on GM Volt, Proposes Reduction in Warranty Terms to Reduce Manufacturer Cost
March 31, 2009
In response to the Presidential Auto Task Force Report that concluded that the plug-in Chevrolet Volt was unlikely to be commercially successful in the short-term due to its cost (earlier post), Plug In America is proposing a plan to make GM’s Chevy Volt and other plug-in cars more affordable. Plug In America also noted that most advanced new technologies are initially more costly.
California law requires that the Volt and other plug-in hybrids come with a 10-year warranty. To ensure this longer life, automakers are as much as doubling the size of the battery pack, increasing cost to manufacturer and consumer. But not a single production plug-in electric vehicle sold to date, from GM’s early EV1 to today’s Tesla, has had a warranty of more than five years, noted Plug In America advisory board member Chelsea Sexton.
More... | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
Presidential Auto Task Force Concluded Plug-In GM Volt Likely “Too Expensive To Be Commercially Successful in the Short-Term”
Following the short address on Monday during which President Barack Obama outlined the next steps for GM and Chrysler (earlier post), the White House posted summaries of the Presidential Auto Task Force’s assessment of the business plans provided by the two struggling automakers, which led to the terms that are currently unfolding.
Among the highlights of the brief summaries was the conclusion that while the Chevy Volt extended range electric vehicle holds promise, “it will likely be too expensive to be commercially successful in the short-term.”
More... | Comments (27) | TrackBack (0)
GM Provides Glimpse of Battery Strategy and Approach for the Future with Briefing on Gen 1 Volt Pack; Work on Gen 2 and Gen 3 Packs Already Underway, With a Focus on Cost
March 21, 2009
by Mike Millikin and Jack Rosebro
| The Gen 1 Volt 16 kWh pack, comprising more than 200 cells grouped into modules. GM is defining a “reuse” strategy for cells, packs and modules within its future vehicle line-up. Click to enlarge. |
Three key General Motors executives involved with the Chevrolet Volt this week held a media briefing on the state of GM’s battery pack strategy for the Chevrolet Volt and its current Gen 1 pack as well as subsequent generations (Gen 2 and Gen 3) of battery packs destined for the underlying Voltec platform. They also delivered an update on the progress of the Volt’s development cycle.
Executive Director of Global Engineering–Hybrids, Electric Vehicles, and Batteries Robert Kruse, Volt Vehicle Chief Engineer Andrew Farah, and Director of Global Battery Systems Engineering Denise Gray took turns describing work completed so far as well as next steps for the project.
More... | Comments (26) | TrackBack (0)
DOE to Award Up to $2.4B for Advanced Batteries, Electric Drive Components, and Electric Drive Vehicle Demonstration/Deployment Projects
March 19, 2009
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has released two competitive solicitations that will provide up to a combined $2.4 billion in federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) in support of the development of advanced electric drive vehicles (EDVs) including plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), electric vehicles (EV), and fuel cell vehicles (FCV). President Barack Obama announced the availability of the funding during a visit to Southern California Edison’s Electric Vehicle Center today.
This funding has been divided between two Funding Opportunity Announcements: Recovery Act - Transportation Electrification (DE-FOA-0000026); and Recovery Act - Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative (DE-FOA-0000028). The former will provide up to $400 million for EDV and electrification infrastructure demonstration and evaluation projects. The latter will provide grants to US-based manufacturers of up to $1.5 billion to produce advanced automotive batteries and their components, and up to $500 million to produce other components needed for electric vehicles, such as electric motors.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
EDF and Toyota Expand Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Demonstration Efforts in Strasbourg, France
March 18, 2009
| The current generation NiMH PHEV prototype in London. Click to enlarge. |
EDF and Toyota are expanding their joint plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) road-trials in France, with about 100 units of a next-generation PHEV equipped with lithium-ion batteries to be leased to selected companies and partners in the Strasbourg area starting from the end of 2009, for a duration of three years.
EDF and Toyota first announced their partnership in Fall 2007, with a small number of NiMH PHEVs being integrated into EDF’s fleet. (Earlier post.) EDF and Toyota expanded their European road trials of PHEVs to the UK last year. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
GM Europe Premieres Opel Ampera,Chevrolet Spark at Geneva Show
March 03, 2009
 |
| The Opel Ampera. Click to enlarge. |
GM Europe staged the world premieres of the Opel Ampera, the European cousin of the Chevrolet Volt, and the Chevrolet Spark mini-car, at the Geneva Motor Show. The Ampera goes on sale in Europe in 2011, the Spark in early 2010. The company also held the European premiere of the Cadillac SRX.
Opel Ampera. The Ampera is an extended range electric vehicle based on the Voltec technology used in the Chevrolet Volt. Equipped with a 16 kWh Li-ion battery pack, the five-door, four-seat hatchback has a battery-powered range of up to 60 km (37 miles) (MVEG cycle). An on-board gasoline/E85-fueled engine-generator extends the Ampera’s range to more than 500 km (311 miles).
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Renault-Nissan Alliance and Electromotive to Collaborate on Charging Infrastructure
February 27, 2009
The Renault-Nissan Alliance and UK company Elektromotive, a provider of electric vehicle recharging stations, are collaborating in the Partnership for Zero-Emission-Mobility, with the aim of accelerating the installation of charging networks for plug-in vehicles in cities.
Elektromotive and EDF Energy and have been working in partnership since 2007 to develop an electric vehicle recharging infrastructure; the Renault-Nissan Alliance is also collaborating with EDF on electric vehicle infrastructure. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Study Concludes That Smaller Capacity PHEVs Would Be a “Robust” Option for Minimizing Fuel Consumption, Cost and GHG Emissions
February 26, 2009
|
| Best vehicle choice for minimum fuel consumption, cost, or greenhouse gas emissions as a function of distance driven between charges across sensitivity scenarios. Shiau et al. (2009) Click to enlarge. |
A team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University has analyzed the impact of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) battery pack size on fuel consumption, cost and greenhouse gas emissions over a range of charging frequencies (distance traveled between charges). The study will appear in an upcoming issue of the journal Energy Policy.
When charged frequently (every 20 miles or less), using average US electricity, small capacity (i.e., lower all-electric range) plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are less expensive operationally and release fewer greenhouse gases (GHGs) than hybrid-electric (HEVs) or conventional vehicles, according to the study’s findings.
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (0)
RMI Launches Project Get Ready to Help Communities Prepare for Plug-ins
February 25, 2009
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) launched Project Get Ready, an initiative that emerged from its Smart Garage Summit in October 2008 and that is intended to help communities prepare for plug-in vehicles including full battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and converted hybrid or internal combustion vehicles.
In addition to launching the project website, RMI provided a list of actions that communities must take “to be truly ready for the plug-in transition.“ For participating communities, RMI is suggesting a stretch target of 2% of registered vehicles by 2015.
More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
DOE to Award Up to $300M in Stimulus Bill Funding for Projects to Expand Use of Alt-Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles
February 23, 2009
The US Department of Energy has issued a $300-million Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-PS26-09NT01236-04) for applications for cost-shared projects that expand the use of alternative fueled vehicles and advanced technology vehicles. The installation or acquisition of infrastructure necessary to directly support an alternative fueled vehicle or advanced technology vehicle is also eligible.
The FOA modifies a much smaller and earlier-issued FOA by incorporating a supplemental $300 million appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 (the stimulus bill) for the Energy Policy Act (EPACT) of 2005 Section 721 to fund a competitive grant pilot program to be administered through the Clean Cities Program.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Dominion Virginia Power Tests Plug-In Hybrid Cars, Hybrid Bucket Trucks
February 19, 2009
 |
| A Dominion PHEV Prius and hybrid bucket truck. Click to enlarge. |
Dominion Virginia Power has added two plug-in electric hybrid cars and two hybrid-powered bucket trucks to its fleet as part of its efforts to determine the impact of plug-in vehicles on electricity demand and to find ways to conserve energy and reduce vehicle emissions.
Two Toyota Prius hybrids have been converted with the Hymotion L5 Plug-in Conversion Module from A123Systems. The 5 kWh L5 pack, built with A123Systems’ nanophosphate Li-ion batteries, supports fuel economy of up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles within the electrically assisted driving range. Recharging requires about five hours through a standard 110-volt electrical outlet.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Mixed Outlook for Mainstream Consumer Adoption of PHEVs
February 14, 2009
 |
| Bubble chart of plausible mainstream PHEV buyers’ battery requirements (light and dark gray circles) and experts’s requirements overlaid on a Ragone plot of NiMH and Li-ion batteries. Source: Ken Kurani. Click to enlarge. |
A series of presentations at the SAE 2009 Hybrid Vehicle Technology Symposium held in San Diego (11-12 February) sketched a mixed outlook for mainstream consumer—i.e., not enthusiast or pioneer—adoption of coming plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), given current market conditions and consumer awareness and attitudes.
The findings from the studies suggest that manufacturers will need to be careful in balancing the design of all-electric range capability against a number of other factors; that competition from alternative solutions will be stiff; and that mainstream consumers still do not place the highest values on fuel economy or low emissions when purchasing a new car.
More... | Comments (33) | TrackBack (0)
Stimulus Bill Provides Major Increase in Plug-in Vehicle Purchase Credit Program
February 13, 2009
The $787-billion stimulus bill (HR 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) that emerged from the joint House-Senate conference committee this week provides funds for a large range of transportation-related projects. It also made significant changes in the current plug-in vehicle tax credit program, including increasing the limit from a program total of 250,000 vehicles to a maximum of 200,000 plug-ins per manufacturer.
The US House of Representatives passed HR1 on Friday morning, on a partisan 246-183 vote. No Republicans voted for the measure, and seven Democrats voted against it. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill Friday as well.
More... | Comments (14) | TrackBack (1)
Raser Provides Update on PHEV Project; Road Testing to Begin By the End of March
February 09, 2009
 |
| Shot of the Raser PHEV powertrain. Click to enlarge. |
Raser Technologies is tracking to begin road testing of its prototype plug-in series hybrid electric vehicle powertrain for full-size SUVs and pickups (earlier post) by the end of March, according to a video update on the development status.
The four-wheel drive electric drive powertrain combines a four-cylinder genset with a Raser 100 kW permanent magnet generator and a 200 kW AC induction traction drive motor. The electric motor is connected directly to the transmission.
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
EcoCAR Teams Roll Out Architectures; Plug-in Li-ion Packs and Renewable Energy Common Attributes
February 04, 2009
Student engineers participating in EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge unveiled their vehicle architectures at the Washington Auto Show. The 17 designs range from systems using on-board hydrogen fuel cells to full battery-electric vehicles.
EcoCAR, which is sponsored by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and General Motors (GM), as well as the Government of Canada, the California Air Resources Board and other government and industry leaders, is a three-year competition that builds on the 19-year history of DOE advanced vehicle technology competitions by giving engineering students the chance to design and build advanced vehicles that demonstrate leading-edge automotive technologies.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
GM Working with Communities to Develop Roadmap For Plug-in Infrastructure
February 03, 2009
General Motors is working with communities such as San Francisco to develop a plan of action to establish the supporting technical and policy infrastructure required for broad commercialization of plug-in electric vehicles such as the upcoming Chevrolet Volt. GM described its approach at the Washington Auto Show.
Challenges that need to be addressed include consumer incentives to make this early technology more affordable; public and workplace charging infrastructure; consumer-friendly electricity rates and renewable electricity options; government and corporate vehicle purchases; supportive permitting and codes for vehicle charging; and other incentives such as high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lane access.
More... | Comments (21) | TrackBack (0)
Ford Selects Johnson Controls-Saft for PHEV Battery Supplier in 2012; Adds 7 Utilities to PHEV Test Program
Ford has into a partnership with Johnson Controls-Saft (JCS) to develop advanced lithium-ion battery system to power Ford’s first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) beginning in 2012. Also, seven regional electric utility partners are joining Ford and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to conduct real-world tests on an expanding fleet of Ford Escape PHEVs.
Ford says partnerships will help it accelerate its electrification strategy, including bringing a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) van to market in 2010 for commercial use, a small BEV sedan developed jointly with Magna International—unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January—by 2011 (earlier post) and a PHEV by 2012.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
NREL Study Concludes That PHEVs and V2G Can Reduce NOx Emissions from Power Generation
January 24, 2009
 |
| Total annual per-vehicle tailpipe, refinery, and generation emissions of pollutants with different-sized PHEV fleets, with V2G services provided by the PHEV fleet (CO2-e is in tonnes, SO2 and NOx are in kg). Credit: ACS. Click to enlarge. |
A new study has concluded that in addition to reducing emissions from the transportation sector, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles may further increase the efficiency of power generation plants and reduce overall emissions by providing two vehicle-to-grid services: energy storage and ancillary services. A paper on the analysis was published online 22 January in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Ramteen Sioshansi (currently at Ohio State University) and Paul Denholm at the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that by changing generator dispatch, a PHEV fleet of up to 15% of light-duty vehicles can decrease net generator NOx emissions during the ozone season, despite the additional charging load. By adding vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services, such as spinning reserves and energy storage, CO2, SO2 and NOx emissions can be reduced even further.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
ARB Approves Modifications for Test Procedures for Plug-in Hybrids and Fuel Cell Vehicles, Defers Decision on Certification of PHEV Conversions
January 23, 2009
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today approved amendments to exhaust and evaporative emissions test procedures for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as well as a new method for determining the range of fuel cell vehicles.
The Board deferred a decision on ARB Staff’s proposal for certification and warranty requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Concerned that the rule as proposed would have been too onerous for conversion start-ups, the Board directed staff to work more with the industry to develop a ruling that will do more to address the need to maintain a viable conversion industry.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
City Of Newark, Delaware First US Electric Utility to Approve Use of V2G
January 18, 2009
The City of Newark, Delaware has become the first electric utility in the United States to approve the use of an electric vehicle to store and provide power for the local electric grid.
University of Delaware (UD) researchers led by Associate Professor Willett Kempton developed the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) concept in collaboration with a consortium (MAGIC, Mid-Atlantic Grid Interactive Cars Consortium) of industry partners over the past decade to establish the communications protocol between the vehicle and the grid operator. (Earlier post.) Industry partners in the consortium include Delmarva Power and its parent company Pepco Holdings Inc; PJM, the regional grid operator; California-based electric vehicle manufacturer AC Propulsion; and others.
More... | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)
BYD Shows Production F3DM PHEV and F6DM in Detroit; Introduces Battery-Electric e6 Crossover
January 13, 2009
 |
| The F3DM plug-in hybrid. Click to enlarge. |
China’s BYD Auto showed the production version of its F3DM (dual mode) plug-in hybrid electric vehicle at the North American International Auto Show. The PHEV, which has gone on-sale in China, will begin US sales in 2011, according to the company. The company also showed the F6DM, a larger version of the F3DM due to go onsale this year, as well as an all-new battery-electric crossover, the e6.
BYD Auto, which is a subsidiary of China-based BYD Group, the leading provider of NiCd batteries (65% global market share) and lithium-ion cell phone batteries (30% global market share), uses BYD lithium-ion iron phosphate cells in its energy storage system. BYD says that its battery packs retain 80% of initial capacity through 2,000 full charge and discharge cycles, and have a 10-year lifetime.
More... | Comments (41) | TrackBack (0)
GM to Manufacture Volt Packs in US; LG Chem Providing Cells; Partnership with U. Michigan
January 12, 2009
As a manifestation of its rapidly developing advanced battery strategy, GM will establish its own lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing facility in the United States—the first such in the US solely operated by an automaker—to produce the 16 kWh Li-ion packs for the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. GM selected LG Chem over A123Systems (earlier post) to supply the cells. GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner made the announcement at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The announcement reflects GM’s embrace of advanced battery technology as a core strategic competency. As part of that strategic adoption of battery technology, Wagoner also announced that GM will open a new automotive battery lab—the largest of its kind—and a new partnership with the University of Michigan to create a new automotive advanced battery lab in Ann Arbor, Mich., as well as a specialized curriculum within U-M’s College of Engineering to develop automotive battery engineers.
More... | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)
Ford Rolls Out Accelerated Plan for HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs; To Partner with Magna on BEVs, First One Due in 2011 (corrected)
January 11, 2009
 |
| Elements of the 2011 Ford/Magna BEV. Click to enlarge. |
Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford unveiled an accelerated plan to bring next-generation hybrid-electric (HEV); a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV); and battery-electric (BEV) vehicles to market quickly and more affordably during the next four years.
The plan, unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, leverages Ford’s work with a range of partners—utilities, suppliers, policymakers and universities—in areas including batteries, manufacturing and infrastructure. For starters, Ford will introduce in North America:
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
Johnson Controls Introduces re3 Concept Plug-in Hybrid at Detroit Show
 |
| Johnson Controls packaged the 96-cell Li-ion pack in a front floor console unit. Click to enlarge. |
Johnson Controls unveiled its re3 concept plug-in hybrid electric vehicle at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The re3 concept is designed to highlight Johnson Controls’ capabilities in seating, interiors, electronics and hybrid power solutions applied in the small car segment.
On the powertrain side, the re3 concept features an air-cooled, 96-cell, 22 Ah Li-ion battery pack with approximately 8.2 kWh of capacity and a discharge capacity of greater than 50 kw. Electric range for the concept is approximately 20 miles.
More... | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
Toyota Concept EV Based on the iQ; Company Confirms Plans to Launch Urban Commuter BEV by 2012, Li-ion Prius PHEV in Late 2009
January 10, 2009
|
| Toyota FT EV. Click to enlarge. |
Toyota’s promised FT-EV concept to be shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) (earlier post) is based on the new iQ urban commuter vehicle (earlier post), the company said in a statement issued today. Toyota said it planned to launch an urban commuter battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by 2012.
Toyota also confirmed that it will advance the roll-out of a limited number of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to global lease-fleet customers to late 2009 from 2010 (earlier post), using Li-ion battery packs from partner PEVE.
More... | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
China-based Battery Maker Takes Stake in US PHEV Conversion Company
December 22, 2008
Gold Peak Industries North America, a subsidiary of China-based GP Batteries International, has acquired an equity stake in Plug In Conversions Corp. (PICC), a designer, developer and marketer of kits that allow hybrid owners to convert their cars to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Founded in May 2007 with an initial target of Prius conversions, PICC currently offers a 6.1 kWh NiMH replacement pack kit—using GP batteries—for the Toyota OEM 1.3 kWh NiMH pack. The PHEV kit sells for $12,500, including installation.
More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Michigan Passes $517.5M Tax Credit Package for Manufacturers of Plug-in Traction Batteries
December 19, 2008
 |
| Elements of the plug-in battery pack tax credit package. Click to enlarge. Source: Michigan Senate. |
The Michigan Senate on Friday approved a package of up to $517.5 million in tax credits designed to encourage the manufacture of plug-in traction batteries in the state. The House had already approved the bill, HB 6611.
The package provides credits in four separate areas: assembly of battery packs with a minimum capacity of 4 kWh; engineering for pack integration into the vehicles; engineering for advanced battery technologies; and capital investment expenses for manufacturing facilities.
More... | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
New US EIA Energy Outlook Projects Flat Oil Consumption to 2030, Slower Growth in Energy Use and CO2 Emissions, and Reduced Import Dependence; 2% PHEV New Sales Share by 2030
December 17, 2008
 |
| The AEO2009 reference case projects no increase in petroleum-based liquid fuels consumption, as biofuel use grows. Click to enlarge. |
The Annual Energy Outlook 2009 (AEO2009) reference case released today by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects virtually no growth in US oil consumption through 2030, reflecting the combined effect of recently enacted CAFE standards, requirements for increased use of renewable fuels, and an assumed rebound in oil prices as the world economy recovers.
With overall liquid fuel demand in the AEO2009 reference case growing by 1 million barrels per day between 2007 and 2030, increased use of domestically-produced biofuels, and rising domestic oil production spurred by higher prices, the net import share of total liquids supplied, including biofuels, declines from 58% in 2007 to less than 40% in 2025 before increasing to 41% in 2030.
More... | Comments (23) | TrackBack (0)
Mercedes-Benz to Present BlueZERO Modular Drive Concept for Electric Vehicles at Detroit Show
December 15, 2008
|
| The BlueZERO concept. Click to enlarge. |
Mercedes-Benz will present its near-series electric-drive Concept BlueZERO at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
Based on a single vehicle architecture, this modular concept allows three models with different drive configurations: the BlueZERO E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 km (124 miles); the BlueZERO F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of more than 400 km (249 miles); and the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and internal combustion engine as range extender. The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS has an overall range of up to 600 km (373 miles) and can cover a distance of up to 100 km (62 miles) using electric drive alone.
More... | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
Study Finds That Without a Price on Carbon, Regular Hybrids Can Lower Lifecycle CO2 Emissions As Effectively as Plug-in Hybrids, and At Lower Cost
December 11, 2008
 |
| No CO2 price scenario. Final penetration of plug-in hybrids and regular hybrids in 2030 is plotted with corresponding changes in cumulative emissions from 2012 to 2030. The dotted line shows the incremental emission changes of plug-in hybrids compared to regular hybrids. Click to enlarge. |
A new working paper from Duke University finds that in the absence of a price signal for CO2, regular hybrids can lower lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions as effectively as plug-in hybrids, and at a considerably lower cost.
In the paper, Eric Williams, co-director of Duke’s Climate Change Policy Partnership (CCPP), compares the two hybrid technologies to see which could lead to lower carbon dioxide emissions, operating costs and overall consumer costs. Williams used six plug-in hybrid penetration scenarios, each of which begins in 2012 and ends in 2030 with a final penetration into vehicle stock ranging from 2% to 56%. He also analyzed four additional scenarios, based on penetrations of 2% and 56%, that have CO2 prices of $20 and $40 per ton. He found that:
More... | Comments (59) | TrackBack (0)
Chrysler Asking for $7B Bridge Loan from Congress; Production of More Than 500,000 Electric-Drive Vehicles by 2013
December 03, 2008
Chrysler is asking Congress for a $7 billion secured working capital bridge loan by 31 December 31, 2008 to support ongoing operations as it continues to restructure its business, according to a summary of the presentation to be made by Chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli on 4 December. Like Ford (earlier post) and GM (earlier post), Chrysler cited the “unprecedented” drop in vehicle sales caused by the financial crisis as the fundamental cause of its financial distress.
Chrysler’s viability plan includes 24 major product launches through 2012, including a wide portfolio of hybrid electric-drive vehicles within several categories: Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV), City Electric Vehicles (CEV), Range-extended Electric Vehicles (ReEV), and full-function battery electric vehicles (BEV).
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
GM Requests $12B in Term Loan and $6B Revolving Line of Credit from Congress; Plan Outlines Increased Production of Fuel-Efficient and Alt Energy Vehicles
|
| During the four-year plan window, GM will invest approximately $2.9 billion in alternative fuel and advanced propulsion technologies; more than $2B of that goes to hybrid and EREV platforms; 26% of the total ($758M) goes to EREVs alone). Click to enlarge. |
GM is asking Congress for term loans of up to $12 billion to provide adequate liquidity levels through 31 December 2009. In a four-year Restructuring Plan submitted to Congress, GM said it anticipates an initial draw of $4 billion in December 2008, another $4 billion in January 2009, and a third draw of up to $2 billion in the February-March time frame based on recent market developments, for a total draw of $10 billion by the end of the first quarter.
In addition to the bridge loans, the company is requesting a $6 billion line of credit to provide liquidity should a severe market downturn persist. GM’s intent is to begin to repay the loans as soon as 2011. Warrants issued as part of the loans would allow taxpayers to benefit from growth in the company’s share price that might result from successful completion of the plan.
More... | Comments (28) | TrackBack (0)
Ford Asks Congress for $9B Stand-By Line of Credit; Commercial BEV by 2010, BEV Sedan by 2011
December 02, 2008
 |
| Overview of Ford’s technology sustainability plan. Click to enlarge. |
Ford Motor Company this morning submitted to Congress a business plan detailing a pathway to profitability and requested a “stand-by” line of credit in the amount of up to $9 billion at Government borrowing rates, for a 10-year term, with TARP conditions, in case the current economic crisis worsens or there is a bankruptcy of a major competitor. (TARP is the $700-billion Troubled Assets Relief Program for the financial sector.)
Ford said it will accelerate the transformation of its North American automotive business through aggressive restructuring actions and the introduction of more fuel-efficient vehicles—including a broader range of hybrid-electric vehicles and the introduction of advanced plug-in hybrids and full electric vehicles.
More... | Comments (25) | TrackBack (0)
Germany Aiming for 1M EVs and PHEVs by 2020
November 28, 2008
 |
| Battery costs are the largest hurdle for a successful market for electric vehicles, according to a VW presentation at the conference. Click to enlarge. |
The German federal government wants to take strong measures towards electric and hybrid vehicles in the next ten years, with the goal of putting one million electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles onto Germany’s roads by 2020. Germany currently has a car parc totalling about 46.1 million vehicles, according to figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’s Association (ACEA), with a total vehicle fleet of around 49.7 million as of 2006.
The plan, announced during a German national strategy conference on electric mobility (Nationale Strategiekonferenz Elektromobilität) held in Berlin earlier this week, was drafted jointly by the departments of Economics, Transport, Environment, and Education & Research. It will be finalized and put into legislation early next year.
More... | Comments (40) | TrackBack (0)
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.)
More... | Comments (35) | TrackBack (0)
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.)
More... | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Fisker Automotive to Use GM Ecotec 2.0L VVT DI Turbo, Other Components in EREV Karma
November 22, 2008
 |
| 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.
More... | Comments (17) | TrackBack (1)
EnerDel Providing Two Li-Ion Packs to Large European OEM for PHEV Demonstrator Program, Pack to Tier 1 Supplier for EV
November 14, 2008
EnerDel has received a purchase order for two lithium-ion battery packs for plug-in hybrid electric development vehicles (PHEV) from “one of the largest car manufacturers in Europe” said Charles Gassenheimer, Chairman and CEO, on a conference call reporting third quarter results. The company will also provide a pack for a demonstration electric vehicle (EV) to one of the largest international tier one OEM supply companies.
Gassenheimer said that EnerDel is custom designing a pack for the PHEV development program that is about half the size of EnerDel’s current Th!nk pack. The EnerDel packs for the Th!nk City are spec’d at 26 kWh capacity, with a gravimetric density of 100 Wh/kg. (Earlier post.)
More... | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)
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.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
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.
More... | Comments (41) | TrackBack (0)
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:
More... | Comments (27) | TrackBack (0)
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.
More... | Comments (22) | TrackBack (0)
New UK £100M Low-Carbon Vehicle Program Contains Funding for EV Demonstration Projects and Development
October 27, 2008
The UK government is putting £100 million (US$157 million) into a new £200-million public-private investment program to speed up the introduction of new low carbon vehicles onto Britain’s roads. (Earlier post.) The UK’s Technology Strategy Board will manage the five-year program through its Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform, and it will be guided by an industry-led advisory panel.
Demonstration project. Included in that commitment, as outlined by UK Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon at an international experts meeting convened in the UK to explore the challenges of bringing electric vehicles to market, is an ultra low-carbon vehicle demonstration competition that aims to see up to 100 new innovative cars on the road in several locations around the UK by the end of 2009.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
DLR Outlines Approaches for 40% Reduction in Global Light-Duty Vehicle GHG Emissions by 2050
 |
| 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%.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
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.
More... | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
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.)
More... | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
NREL Report Finds Operational Problems with CTTRANSIT Prototype Fuel Cell Bus Reduced Availability
October 14, 2008
 |
| 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.
More... | Comments (35) | TrackBack (0)
Audi Introduces A1 Five-Door Concept with Plug-in Hybrid Drive at Paris Show
October 02, 2008
 |
| 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.
More... | Comments (19) | TrackBack (0)
GridPoint Acquires V2Green for SmartGrid V2G Solution
September 23, 2008
 |
| GridPoint’s SmartGrid Platform. Click to enlarge. |
GridPoint Inc., a developer of a smart grid platform, has acquired Seattle-based V2Green, a provider of vehicle-to-grid technology—including on-board vehicle communication devices—enabling enable utilities to “smart charge” electric vehicles anywhere within a service territory. (Earlier post.)
GridPoint says that the V2Green transaction is the first step in its acquisition strategy, which has been fueled by a recent $120 million equity financing. In conjunction with the financing, which is being predominately funded by existing investors, all of the company’s outstanding shares have been converted into common stock. To date, GridPoint has raised in excess of $220 million.
More... | Comments (21) | TrackBack (0)
Chrysler Unveils Production-Intent Electric Drive Technology; Three Prototypes, One to Be Produced in 2010
 |
| 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.
More... | Comments (44) | TrackBack (0)
Daimler to Showcase Alternative Drive Systems at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show; Three Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Premieres
September 19, 2008
 |
| The Mercedes-Benz Econic BlueTec hybrid makes its debut at the Hanover show. Click to enlarge. |
Daimler AG is presenting 11 vehicles with alternative drive systems—including natural gas, hybrid-electric and fuel cell technologies—at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hanover (25 September - 2 October). (Earlier post.)
Mercedes-Benz will present three hybrid world premieres at the motor show, including the Axor BlueTec Hybrid truck, its first hybrid prototype for use in long-distance transport. For local transport applications, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the Econic with two hybrid variants: the Econic BlueTec Hybrid with diesel engine and the Econic NGT Hybrid, a concept with a natural-gas-powered engine.
More... | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Argonne Study Highlights Impact of Real World Drive Cycles on PHEV Battery Sizing
September 18, 2008
 |
| With current PHEV battery peak power sizing requirements, only 3.5% of the daily trips in the real-world data set for a PHEV-10 and 2.9% of daily trips for a PHEV-40 could be completed in EV mode. Click to enlarge. |
Preliminary results from an Argonne National Laboratory study using real-world data to analyze PHEV battery requirements suggests that the USABC/DOE target battery specifications for 10- and 40-mile plug-in hybrid electric vehicles fall short of enabling a high percentage of trips with uninterrupted all-electric range, given the power and energy demands of real world drive cycles and the impact of sub-optimal driving conditions such as low temperatures. The study is part of a larger Argonne effort on the analysis of PHEV battery sizing using simulation and road-testing.
In a presentation of some of the initial results at the 1st International Conference on Advanced Lithium Batteries for Automobile Applications (ALBAA), Aymeric Rousseau was careful to point out that the results to date are based on one set of driving data (the EPA Kansas City data), and as such cannot be generalized to apply to the entire US market.
More... | Comments (37) | TrackBack (0)
Study Suggests Consumer Demand for Plug-in Hybrid Technology May Be Higher Relatively in Europe than in US; Expectations for Electric Range are High in Both Regions
 |
| Likely PHEV buyers in both Europe and the US have high expectations for mileage resulting from a single charge. Click to enlarge. |
Figures from the annual AutoTECHCAST Europe study conducted by Harris Interactive show that 20% of Europeans are very (13%) or extremely likely (7%) to purchase a vehicle that has plug-in hybrid technology, not taking into account estimated market prices. A further 25% are likely to make that purchase.
In comparison, the earlier Harris Interactive AutoTECHCAST US found that 15% of Americans are very (11%) or extremely likely (5%) (percentages do not add precisely due to rounding) to purchase a vehicle with plug-in technology, with an additional 17% likely to make that purchase.
More... | Comments (20) | TrackBack (0)
APS Report Calls for Policy Focus on Efficiency to Reduce Oil Consumption and GHG Emissions
September 17, 2008
A new report from an American Physical Society (APS) study panel concludes that improving energy efficiency of vehicles and buildings through numerous existing technologies is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to significantly reduce the US’ demand for imported oil and its greenhouse gas emissions without loss of comfort or convenience.
However, the report continues, without federal policies to overcome market barriers, the US is unlikely to capitalize on these technologies. Far greater increases in energy efficiency are available in the future, but realizing these potential gains will require a larger and better focused federal research and development program on energy efficiency than exists today.
More... | Comments (20) | TrackBack (0)
GM Formally Unveils the Production Version of the Volt
September 16, 2008
|
| The production version of the Volt. Click to enlarge. |
General Motors marked its centenary today by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle. The design of the Chevrolet Volt production car has changed from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Earlier post.)
Because aerodynamics plays a key role in maximizing driving range, GM designers created a more aerodynamically efficient design for the production vehicle than was represented by the concept. While design cues from the concept vehicle remain in the production Volt, the Volt’s rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille are functional, enabling air to move easily around the car. In the rear, sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler allow the air to flow off and away quickly. An aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass help reduce turbulence and drag.
More... | Comments (97) | TrackBack (0)
EIA: PHEV40s Could Come Close to Matching Energy and Emissions Benefits of Fuel Cell Vehicles
September 13, 2008
 |
| Full fuel cycle CO2 emissions for PHEV40s and FCVs with 2x (top) and 3x (bottom) baseline fuel economy, under different H2 production scenarios. Click to enlarge. |
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has published an analysis of the impacts on US energy import dependence and emission reductions resulting from the commercialization of advanced hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in the transportation and distributed generation markets.
Among its findings, the report concludes that successful deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) is dependent on several concurrent R&D successes and investments within the next 25 years. At the same time, other promising technologies such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer opportunities for major reductions in petroleum use and CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles (LDVs).
More... | Comments (62) | TrackBack (0)
EDF Energy and Toyota Launch UK Trials of PHEV
September 10, 2008
 |
| Charging the Prius PHEV in Westminster. Click to enlarge. |
EDF Energy and Toyota are extending their European plug-in hybrid testing program to the UK. The beginning of the UK road trials marks the first introduction of a PHEV by a car manufacturer to the UK.
The trial builds on the first European PHEV testing program launched by Toyota and EDF on French roads in September 2007. (Earlier post.) The UK partnership is designed to evaluate vehicle performance within an urban environment, vehicle infrastructure requirements, and driver behaviors and expectations.
More... | Comments (28) | TrackBack (0)
Concept: Moller International Designs a PHEV with Short Flight Capability
September 09, 2008
 |
| Model of the Autovolantor. |
Moller International has completed the design of a 2-passenger sportscar capable of lifting off vertically and flying for about 15 minutes. Called the “autovolantor”, it is designed to function on the road very much like a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) until one gets stuck in traffic. At that point, it can lift off vertically and fly at up to 150 mph for a short distance. Upon landing it can drive on the ground for up to 40 miles or longer using one of its eight Rotapower engines (earlier post) to generate electrical power.
Moller International received a request to design this vehicle from a wealthy foreign businessman who was unable to commute from the city to his country home due to the overcrowded streets of Moscow.
More... | Comments (21) | TrackBack (0)
Toyota to Accelerate Development of HEVs, PHEVs and EVs; Downgrades Sales Target for FY2009
August 28, 2008
 |
| Watanabe characterized the rapid change is the US market toward more fuel-efficient vehicles as structural. Click to enlarge. |
Outlining Toyota’s response to rapidly changing global market conditions, growing environmental issues and increasing material costs, President Katsuaki Watanabe said that the company was accelerating its development of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all electric vehicles. Watanabe said that Toyota would advance its delivery of plug-ins for fleet deployment to 2009 from 2010, and was planning series production of a next-generation electric vehicle in the early 2010s.
Watanabe also said that Toyota had dropped its global sales target for fiscal 2009 to 9.7 million vehicles from the earlier target of 10.4 million. Toyota is expecting flat sales in North America for FY 2009 (approximately 2.70 million units) and Japan (approximately 2.25 million units). The company expects growth in Europe (1.3 million units, up from 1.25 million); Asia (1.75 million units, up from 1.65 million) and Central and South America, Africa and the Middle East (1.7 million, up from 1.65).
