Plug-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.]
Germany Aiming for 1M EVs and PHEVs by 2020
November 28, 2008
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| Battery costs are the largest hurdle for a successful market for electric vehicles, according to a VW presentation at the conference. Click to enlarge. |
The German federal government wants to take strong measures towards electric and hybrid vehicles in the next ten years, with the goal of putting one million electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles onto Germany’s roads by 2020. Germany currently has a car parc totalling about 46.1 million vehicles, according to figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’s Association (ACEA), with a total vehicle fleet of around 49.7 million as of 2006.
The plan, announced during a German national strategy conference on electric mobility (Nationale Strategiekonferenz Elektromobilität) held in Berlin earlier this week, was drafted jointly by the departments of Economics, Transport, Environment, and Education & Research. It will be finalized and put into legislation early next year.
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British Columbia Joins California Challenge of Denial of Automotive GHG Waiver; Province Converting 34 Vehicles to Plug-in Electrics
November 27, 2008
The Province of British Columbia, Canada (BC) has filed a legal brief with the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in support of California’s legal challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which denied a waiver to implement the AB 1493 (Pavley) greenhouse gas emissions standard for vehicles. (Earlier post.)
BC introduced legislation in April that allows adoption of California greenhouse gas emission standards for vehicles. The California model will achieve greater GHG emission reductions than the proposed US federal fuel economy standards that have also been committed to by Canada as a minimum starting in 2011. An analysis by the staff of the California Air Resources Board concluded that implementing the Pavley rules in Canada would result in a cumulative total of 87 MMT of GHG reductions by calendar year 2020, compared to 58 MMT of GHG reductions achieved by the proposed federal standards.(Earlier post.)
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U-M Researchers Developing Interactive Tool to Assess Viability of Transportation GHG Reduction Technologies and Policies; PHEVs as Test Case
November 25, 2008
Researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) are launching a project to develop a Web-based, interactive modeling tool that can be used to analyze the likely impact and potential viability of proposed technologies and policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the light-duty vehicle sector. As a test case for the development of the tool, the researchers are using President-elect Barack Obama’s proposal to put a million US-made plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) getting 150 mpg on the road by 2015.
The U-M Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute is providing $365,000 in seed money for the project, which is an adjunct to a four-university, $1.9-million project funded though the National Science Foundation MUSES program (Materials Use: Science, Engineering and Society). The goal of the MUSES project is to produce modeling tools and methods that can be used to analyze changes in materials flows that would result from policy instruments aimed at reducing GHG emissions from passenger cars and light trucks. (Earlier post.)
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Fisker Automotive to Use GM Ecotec 2.0L VVT DI Turbo, Other Components in EREV Karma
November 22, 2008
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| The 2009 Ecotec 2.0L VVT DI Turbo. Click to enlarge. |
Fisker Automotive, Inc. will use a GM 2.0-liter, direct injection, turbocharged four-cylinder Ecotec engine in the Fisker Karma, its Extended Range Electric Vehicle. (Earlier post.) Fisker will obtain the engines through GM’s on-highway integrator Powertrain Integration LLC. Fisker Automotive says that it is also considering the purchase of several additional GM vehicle components to enhance the Karma.
The 260 hp (194 kW) Ecotec will be used to generate electricity when the series hybrid Karma has exceeded its 50 mile electric-only range.
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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.)
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Ohio State University Launches PHEV, EV and Smart Charging Program
November 10, 2008
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) at Ohio State University has launched a new program focused on Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Electric Vehicles (EVs) and intelligent charging. The program is intended to develop not just an economically viable plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV), but also the support systems, life-cycle plans, infrastructure, and public policies that are necessary to successfully deploy, operate and maintain PHEVs.
The inaugural meeting for the SMART@CAR (Sustainable Mobility: Advanced Research Team) project in late October drew more than 40 people, representing 11 companies. Those companies included automotive partners, the electric utility sector, power electronics and the Ohio Department of Development.
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UK Report on Potential Impact of EVs and PHEVs on GHG Reduction Concludes That EVs Could Cut Emissions by 40% Per Vehicle Even with Current Grid Mix
November 07, 2008
A new report, jointly produced by Arup and Cenex for the UK’s Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Department for Transport (DfT) concludes that electric vehicles have the potential to produce significant greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to conventional vehicles over the full life-cycle.
Even based on the current UK electricity grid mix, the authors expect an emissions reduction on a per vehicle basis of 40%. With further decarbonization of the UK power mix, reductions from the use of EVs would increase.
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EPA to Award Up to $1.35M to Projects to Advance Hydraulic Hybrid, Engine and Fuel Technology
November 06, 2008
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting applications from eligible entities to collaborate with EPA in a set of hybrid technology pilot projects that can span the optimization of Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle (HHV) technology (including plug-in electric-hydraulic hybrids); unique clean and efficient engines for full-series hybrid vehicles; and clean lower greenhouse gas transportation fuels.
The EPA expects to select 5 programs. Estimated total program funding is $1,350,000, with an award ceiling of $450,000. The EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) has identified the following as high priority specific technology projects:
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Two Southeast Utilities Partner on Plug-In Hybrid Smart Charging Trial
November 03, 2008
Advanced Energy, in partnership with utilities Duke Energy and Progress Energy, will initiate a smart charging trial of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Twelve converted Toyota Priuses will be equipped with charging management technology from Seattle-based V2Green (earlier post) and deployed in North Carolina and Florida.
Advanced Energy will lead the design and implementation of the charging management scenarios to be explored in the trial. The trial will assess the potential of plug-in vehicles to positively impact electric grid operations, maximize use of clean energy and demonstrate that PHEVs are a viable alternative to today’s cars.
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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.
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DLR Outlines Approaches for 40% Reduction in Global Light-Duty Vehicle GHG Emissions by 2050
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| Well-to-wheel CO2 emissions of light duty vehicles in the reference and energy [r]evolution scenarios from 2000 to 2050. Click to enlarge. |
A combination of higher efficiency vehicle technologies, a major switch to grid-connected electric vehicles and incentives for travellers to save CO2 could result in a reduction of well-to-wheel greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the global light-duty vehicle sector in 2050 by roughly 25% compared to 1990 and 40% compared to 2005, according to a new report produced by the European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) and Greenpeace International.
Total LDV sector energy consumption in total is reduced by 23% in 2050 compared to 2005, in spite of tremendous increases in some world regions. Even with the aggressive focus on new technologies and demand reduction, 74% of the final energy used in cars will still come from fossil fuel sources, 70% from gasoline and diesel, according to the findings. Renewable electricity covers 19% of total car energy demand, biofuels cover 5% and hydrogen 2%.
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Magna Electronics Acquires BluWāv Systems LLC, Expands Electric Propulsion Capabilities
October 24, 2008
Magna Electronics, an operating unit of Magna International Inc., has acquired BluWāv Systems LLC (formerly Wavecrest Laboratories), a developer and supplier of controls, motors and energy-management systems for hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and battery electric vehicles. (Earlier post.)
Magna Electronics says that the acquisition of BluWāv enhances its position in developing and supplying components and systems to the emerging automotive market for electric and hybrid vehicles.
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GE Increases Investment in A123Systems; Total Position of $55M for 9% of Company
October 22, 2008
GE is making its sixth equity investment in lithium-ion battery manufacturer A123Systems, putting $30 million into A123’s $102 million Series E financing. GE is the battery manufacturer’s largest single cash investor, with 9% ownership. The investments were made by GE Commercial Finance - Equity and GE Energy Financial Services, bringing GE’s combined total investment in A123Systems to $55 million. (Earlier post.)
GE made the announcement at a Battery Technology Symposium held at its Global Research Center in Niskayuna, New York. In addition to receiving capital from GE, A123 is drawing on the research and technology development expertise of GE Global Research to design battery system components for automotive programs. A123Systems says that it is participating in GE’s exploration of a dual battery system—the combination of two battery chemistries, one biased toward power and the other toward energy, into a single battery pack, in a DOE-funded project with Chrysler. (Earlier post.)
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NREL Report Finds Operational Problems with CTTRANSIT Prototype Fuel Cell Bus Reduced Availability
October 14, 2008
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| CTTRANSIT’s fuel-cell hybrid bus. Click to enlarge. |
A report on the results of a preliminary evaluation of a prototype plug-in fuel-cell hybrid bus at Connecticut Transit (CTTRANSIT) in Hartford by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that while the experience for operators and riders with the fuel cell bus has been positive, there have been a number of specific problems and limitations that resulted in bus availability consistently below the 85% target.
These problems include initial quality assurance of the bus manufacturing/integration, the traction batteries, heating and air conditioning, operating in slippery conditions, maximum bus operating speed, and degradation of the fuel cell power system.
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Audi Introduces A1 Five-Door Concept with Plug-in Hybrid Drive at Paris Show
October 02, 2008
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| The Audi A1 Sportback PHEV concept. Click to enlarge. |
At the Paris Motor Show (opening to the media today), Audi is unveiling the A1 Sportback concept study. A follow-on from the Audi A1 project quattro three-door show car presented in 2007 (earlier post), this is a concept for a five-door four-seater for the sub-compact class with a plug-in hybrid drive.
The powertrain is based on a turbocharged 1.4-liter TFSI engine developing 110 kW (150 hp), whose power is directed to the front wheels by means of the S tronic dual-clutch transmission. This engine is an advanced version of the unit that made its series production debut in the Audi A3. Whereas the 1.4 TFSI delivers 92 kW (125 hp) in the A3, it delivers 110 kW (150 hp) at 5,500 rpm in the study. Its peak torque of 240 Nm (177.01 lb-ft) is on tap over a broad rev band from 1,600 – 4,000 rpm.
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GridPoint Acquires V2Green for SmartGrid V2G Solution
September 23, 2008
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| 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.
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Chrysler Unveils Production-Intent Electric Drive Technology; Three Prototypes, One to Be Produced in 2010
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| The three Chrysler electric-drive prototypes: battery electric Dodge EV and plug-in hybrid (extended range electric vehicle) Jeep and Chrysler. Click to enlarge. |
Chrysler LLC and its ENVI electric-drive organization (earlier post) unveiled new production-intent, advanced electric-drive technology packaged in three different vehicle formats: sportscar, SUV and minivan—one for each of its brands, Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler. The prototypes include both full battery-electric and plug-in hybrid (extended range electric) vehicles.
Chrysler will select one electric-drive model to be produced in 2010 for consumers in North American markets, and European markets after 2010. Additionally, approximately 100 Chrysler electric vehicles will be on the road in government, business, utility and Chrysler development fleets in 2009.
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Daimler to Showcase Alternative Drive Systems at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show; Three Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Premieres
September 19, 2008
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| 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.
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Argonne Study Highlights Impact of Real World Drive Cycles on PHEV Battery Sizing
September 18, 2008
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| 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.
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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
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| 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.
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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.
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GM Formally Unveils the Production Version of the Volt
September 16, 2008
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| 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.
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EIA: PHEV40s Could Come Close to Matching Energy and Emissions Benefits of Fuel Cell Vehicles
September 13, 2008
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| 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).
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EDF Energy and Toyota Launch UK Trials of PHEV
September 10, 2008
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| 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.
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Concept: Moller International Designs a PHEV with Short Flight Capability
September 09, 2008
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| 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.
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Toyota to Accelerate Development of HEVs, PHEVs and EVs; Downgrades Sales Target for FY2009
August 28, 2008
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| 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).
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Angel Restoration Orders 10 Converted Ford EVs and PHEVs from Envia
August 22, 2008
Angel Restoration Services, a disaster restoration provider servicing the lower mainland of Vancouver, Canada, has ordered 10 ten electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) from Envia, a Vancouver-based company that converts new model Ford vehicles into full lithium-ion battery-powered highway-capable EVs and PHEVs under its REV (Rapid Electric Vehicle) and REV-H brands.
Angel is starting with three REV Ford Escapes for the management team to drive and to verify that the product is sound, according to Jay Giraud, Envia’s founder and president. Subsequently, Envia will convert seven F-Series trucks to REV-H plug-in hybrids.
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Lithium Technology Corp. In Marketing Agreement for Li-ion Batteries for Advanced Motor Sports
August 18, 2008
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| The Li-ion-based PHEV Apollo racer. Click to enlarge. |
Following the performance of their plug-in hybrid electric race car concept at the Nürburgring 24 hour race (ADAC Zurich 24h-Rennen) in May (earlier post), Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC) and Hybrid Racing AG have entered into an agreement to market specialized lithium-ion batteries to power advanced vehicles for the motor sports industry. The applications will include batteries for cars, boats and planes to be used in consumer and professional racing vehicles.
LTC supplied a 9 kWh GAIA battery pack comprising 90 high power 27 Ah cells connected in series for the Apollo/HHF Hybrid race car (HHCC). The battery was charged prior to the race and recouped energy from braking during the race. Current electric range of the vehicle is 50 kilometers.
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Three Fraunhofer Institutes to Develop Li-ion Polymer Battery for VW PHEV Fleet Tests
August 15, 2008
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| Prototype of a Fraunhofer lithium-polymer cell for use in hybrid vehicles. |
The Fraunhofer Institutes for Silicon Technology (ISIT) in Itzehoe, Integrated Circuits (IIS) in Nuremberg, and Integrated Systems and Device Technology (IISB) in Erlangen are collaborating on the development of a new lithium-ion polymer cell and pack as part of the German project “Fleet test: electric drive vehicles” (“Flottenversuch Elektromobilität”).
Volkswagen AG is leading the project, with E.ON (energy provider) and LTC/GAIA and Evonik/Li-Tec (lithium-ion battery providers) as principal partners. Also contributing from the research side are the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Heidelberg Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (Ifeu), the German Center for Aerospace Technology (DLR), and the Westphalian Wilhelms University at Münster. (Earlier post.)
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Study: All New Vehicles By 2020 Will Have Some Level of Hybridization
August 13, 2008
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| Anticipated change in importance of external forces impacting the automotive industry in 2020. Click to enlarge. |
While technological progress will continue to top the list of automotive priorities in 2020, sustainability shoots up to a close number two, according to a new study on the automotive industry by the IBM Institute for Business Value. The report, based on interviews with 125 executives in 15 countries from automotive OEMs, suppliers, and other thought leaders, finds that sustainability concerns will drive investments, product categories, and performance and convenience packaging decisions well into the next decades. Eight-five percent of the top auto companies worldwide participated in the study, including all of the top 10.
Alternative power will see continued innovation that extends far beyond 2020, with hybridization and battery technology leading the drive toward environmentally sustainable transportation, according to the report. Micro-, mild- and full-hybridization are currently undergoing extensive development today, and study participants believe strongly that by 2020 all new vehicles will have some level of hybridization.
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DOE to Invest up to $24M to Advance Integration of Solar Energy Systems; Plug-in Project Included
August 12, 2008
The US Department of Energy (DOE) will invest up to $24 million in Fiscal Year 2008 and beyond—subject to the availability of funds—to develop solar energy products to significantly accelerate penetration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United States.
The Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems (SEGIS) funding opportunity was announced on 15 November 2007. The projects selected for negotiation of awards focus on collaborative research and development by US industry teams to develop products that will allow PV to become a more integral part of household and commercial smart energy systems. One team, lead by VPT Inc., is developing products that facilitate interaction between solar energy systems and plug-in hybrid vehicles, to provide a secure back-up power source during outages.
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Study Finds About 1/3 of US New Vehicle Buying Households Have the Required Infrastructure and Buying Interest for PHEVs
August 10, 2008
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| Distribution of PHEV design choices by potential early market buyers in the study. Extending charge-sustaining fuel economy was the most popular option. 4.7% chose a 40-mile all-electric range like the Volt. Click to enlarge. |
About one-third of US new vehicle buying households in the US have both the required infrastructure for recharging and the interest to purchase a vehicle with plug-in capabilities during the nascent phase of the market, according to a new consumer study by researchers John Axsen and Ken Kurani at the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis.
The team observed a “wide diversity” of consumer interests in various design options for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The most popular option was improved fuel economy in charge-sustaining mode. They found little evidence of inherent demand for all-electric operation in charge depleting mode, even following education of the participating consumers.
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HEVT Showcases Converted F-150 PHEV
July 29, 2008
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. (HEVT) introduced a prototype plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the Ford F-150 pickup truck at the Plug-In 2008 Conference and Exposition in San Jose, California last week. Converted with a proprietary adaptive controller and using a scaled-down version of a proprietary drivetrain HEVT has designed for transit buses, the F-150 PHEV, with its 12 kWh battery pack, offers up to 15 miles all-electric range (AER).
HEVT projects that the conversion will deliver up to 41 mpg for 30 miles/day at mixed speed driving, and up to 21 mpg as a hybrid operating in charge-sustaining mode. The conversion also has vehicle-to-grid capability, and offers on-board 120V power.
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Plug-In Supply Inc. Introduces Lead-Acid PHEV Prius Conversion System for $4,995
Plug-In Supply, Inc unveiled its PbA10 Conversion System last week at the Plug-in 2008 conference in San Jose. The PbA10 Conversion System, based on the CalCars Open Source design, turns a standard 2004-2008 model year Prius into a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) with an all-electric range of 10-15 miles and improved average mileage of up to 100 miles per gallon (plus 1 cent/mile of electricity).
The conversion system uses a 5 kWh pack comprising new extended life lead-acid batteries (more than 800 cycles) for better battery longevity than was previously available. The system is designed to permit an upgrade to lithium iron phosphate batteries with an all electric range of 15-20 miles as costs for these longer range batteries decline.
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eTec and V2Green to Evaluate PHEV Fast-Charging and Smart Grid Interactions; V2Green and Coulomb Also Partner
July 23, 2008
Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (eTec), a wholly owned subsidiary of ECOtality, Inc., has launched a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) Grid Interaction Project to demonstrate and evaluate a bi-directional fast-charge system capable of both fast-charging a PHEV in 10 minutes and supplying the stored energy of a PHEV back to a smart grid.
Funded by the US Department of Energy through Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and supported by project partner V2Green, the project will pair the eTec Minit-Charger Level 3 fast-charge system with V2Green’s smart grid technology.
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Andy Grove Calls for Concerted US Effort to Convert Pickups, SUVs and Vans to 40+ Mile PHEVs
July 22, 2008
In a lunchtime address at the Plug-in 2008 conference and exposition in San Jose, California, Andy Grove, former Chairman & CEO, Intel Corporation, called for an urgent inter-industry effort in the US to convert pickups, SUVs and Vans (PSVs) to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with at least a 40-mile electric range.
Characterizing the current energy situation as a “clear and present danger” to the United States, Grove said that an inter-industry task force comprising electric utilities, automakers, high technology companies and academia should develop a plan to have 10 million plug-in hybrid—which he calls dual-fuel vehicles—PSVs on US roads in 4 years, and then present the plan to the new President on 21 January 2009.
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Coulomb Technologies Introduces New Smart Charging Infrastructure for Plug-In Vehicles
July 21, 2008
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| The ChargePoint Network. Click to enlarge. |
Coulomb Technologies is introducing a new smart charging infrastructure for plug-in vehicles, including Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs such as the Volt), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
Coulomb’s ChargePoint Network includes public charging stations, a consumer subscription plan and utility grid management technology for electric utility companies to smooth electrical demands on the grid. The infrastructure solution will be showcased with GM’s Saturn Vue Plug-in Hybrid at the Plug-In 2008 Conference & Exposition 22-24 July in San Jose, California.
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Concept: Through-the-Road PHEV Conversion Kit
July 20, 2008
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| The Poulsen Hybrid system attached to a Jetta. Click to enlarge. |
Poulsen Hybrid is developing a conversion kit that will add through-the-road plug-in hybrid capability to conventional vehicles by externally mounting electric motors onto 2 of the wheels. The motors are normally applied to the rear wheels, in the process converting a FWD car to all-wheel drive, but the system works with rear- and all wheel drive vehicles as well, according to Poulsen.
The system will be available in kit form and could be installed by individuals (do-it-yourself, DIY) in a day, although Poulsen says that it has not decided whether or not to offer the kit that way, due to potential liability issues. Poulsen, which is competing for the Progressive Insurance Automotive X-Prize, plans to offer the system through a network of authorized installers.
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EPA Funds $900K UC Davis Study on Alt-Fuel Vehicle Emissions and Climate Change Impact on Those Emissions
July 16, 2008
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is funding a $900,000 research project at UC Davis to learn what emissions millions of alternative-fuel vehicles might produce and how climate change might affect those emissions. Alt-fuel vehicles to be studied include E85 vehicles; hybrid-electric cars; plug-in hybrid electric cars; and heavy-duty trucks fueled with biodiesel.
The research is urgently needed to improve forecasts of how climate change will affect air quality in California, said Michael Kleeman, the project’s lead researcher and a UC Davis professor of civil and environmental engineering.
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US DOE and Sweden SEA to Advance Market Integration of PHEVs
July 07, 2008
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| Argonne has developed a new tool—ARDAQ—for onboard data collection from and diagnostics of PHEVs. Click to enlarge. |
The US Department of Energy (DOE) and the Swedish Energy Agency (SEA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on accelerating consumer acceptance and commercialization of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The MOU outlines a one year, US$1 million cost-sharing arrangement that will be equally funded by DOE and the Swedish Energy Agency.
DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory will work with Test Site Sweden to demonstrate plug-in technologies, support research and development (R&D), as well as share operational and consumer data and solutions to potential vehicle-to-grid. Over the next year, the following activities will take place under the MOU:
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Study: Net-Zero or Low-Cost Technologies in Transportation Could Bring Light-Duty Vehicle GHG Emissions Below 1990 Levels
July 06, 2008
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| Combining cost-effective vehicle efficiency technologies with in-use practice and lower-carbon fuel could result in GHG emissions from light-duty vehicles below the level emitted in 1990. Click to enlarge. Source: Lutsey (2008) |
A new report published by the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis (ITS) suggests that there are many net-beneficial “no regrets” climate change mitigation technologies—where the energy savings of the technologies outweigh the initial costs—and that most of these technologies are not being widely adopted.
According to the study, transportation technologies represent approximately half of the “no regrets” mitigation opportunities and about one-fifth of the least-cost greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation measures to achieve a benchmark 1990 GHG level.
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Toyota Outlines Technology Strategy for Alternative Powertrains: Right Vehicle, Right Place, Right Time
July 01, 2008
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| Toyota says it is pursuing all of these energy and powertrain pathways. The brick walls in the diagram represent barriers to be overcome. Click to enlarge. |
In a presentation at the recent Toyota Environmental Forum held in June in Japan, Masatami Takimoto, Executive Vice President, outlined the company’s technology strategy for meeting the needs of a “sustainable mobility society”. (Earlier post.)
Hybrid—and plug-in hybrid—technology is core to Toyota’s plans, but Takimoto described a range of efforts across conventional powertrain development, alternative fuels, biofuels, electricity, and hydrogen pathways that Toyota believes will be required.
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Volkswagen Unveils PHEV Prototype at Launch of German Government PHEV Fleet Project
June 26, 2008
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| The Golf TwinDrive PHEV. |
Volkswagen chairman and CEO Prof. Martin Winterkorn and German Federal Environment Minister (Bundesumweltminister) Sigmar Gabriel introduced a prototype VW plug-in hybrid electric vehicle—the Golf TwinDrive—at the launch of a four-year PHEV fleet and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) demonstration project supported by the German Federal Government.
Eight German alliance partners are participating in the “Fleet test: electric drive vehicles” (“Flottenversuch Elektromobilität”). Volkswagen AG is leading the project, with E.ON (energy provider) and LTC/GAIA and Evonik/Li-Tec (lithium-ion battery providers) as principal partners. Also contributing from the research side are Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Heidelberg Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (Ifeu), the German Center for Aerospace Technology (DLR), and the Westphalian Wilhelms University at Münster.
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ITS to Showcase Heavy-Duty Plug-in Hybrid Retrofit at Sydney Truck Show
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| The Argosy Hybrid. Click to enlarge. |
Innovative Transport Solutions Pty. Ltd., an Australian startup that developed a retrofit plug-in hybrid electric conversion system for heavy-duty vehicles (earlier post), has entered into an alliance with Australia’s Cooperative Research Centre for Forestry (CRC for Forestry) and TimberCorp to produce a purpose-built 6x6 electric hybrid prototype retrofit and an electric hybrid road-train prime mover (truck/tractor) for the Australian forestry industry.
The prototype Argosy Hybrid will be shown at the Sydney Truck Show, 7-9 August 2008. The truck will be in service for preliminary trials on a Sydney-Melbourne route (about 1,900 km (1,200 miles) round-trip) soon after the show. Expected reduction in fuel consumption and emissions output is 25%.
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First Aussie Plug-in Hybrid Debuts
June 13, 2008
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| The new PHEV in front of Szencorp offices, where it will charge. |
Australia’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) was unveiled in Melbourne by the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and green development company Szencorp. The Szencorp/UTS PHEV is based on a 2005 Toyota Prius, fitted with an extra NiMH battery pack from Nilar for greater storage and a power socket to enable it to be charged directly from the power grid.
The conversion was commissioned by Szencorp and undertaken by the University’s Institute for Sustainable Futures (ITS) and Faculty of Engineering with assistance from Sydney technology entrepreneur Stan Baker, according to Chris Dunstan, Project Director from the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures.