BMW Group Thailand has inaugurated local high-voltage battery production plant in partnership with the DRÄXLMAIER Group, one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers and a partner of BMW Group since 1966. BMW Group Thailand launched the local assembly lines in July 2019 at the DRÄXLMAIER Group plant. The high-voltage battery... Read more →

Since the beginning of 2018, Bosch has won electromobility orders worth roughly €13 billion (US$14.4 billion), including production projects for electrical powertrains for passenger cars and light trucks. The Mobility Solutions business sector is again developing better than global automotive production in 2019. Despite the market’s current significant downward trend,... Read more →

Garrett Motion Inc., a leading differentiated technology provider in the automotive industry, has developed a new turbocharger boost control software that can significantly enhance turbo performance and health and help unlock optimized energy management in hybrid vehicles. Electrifying a turbocharger removes the constraint of needing a small turbine with excellent... Read more →

Audi is systematically pursuing its electrification strategy and is now offering its large four-door A7 Sportback coupe as a powerful, efficient plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The new Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro delivers a system output of 270 kW (367 PS) (combined fuel consumption of 2.1 – 1.9 l/100... Read more →

One of two world debuts at the Audi stand at the IAA in Frankfurt is the second-generation Audi RS 7 Sportback. Audi Sport GmbH is presenting the RS 7 Sportback as a wide-bodied five-seater for the first time, also showcasing the improved performance and efficiency delivered by a mild hybrid... Read more →

MAHLE has developed a new, fully integrated and modular hybrid drive that can be tailored to suit a wide range of vehicle applications. The MAHLE Modular Hybrid Powertrain (MMHP) is a fully integrated, plug-in hybrid drive that incorporates a highly efficient 2- or 3-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine featuring the latest... Read more →

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC EQ Power, featuring third-generation plug-in hybrid technology, is making its debut. With battery capacity of 13.5 kWh, the GLC 350e 4MATIC EQ Power will benefit from increased all-electric range (NEDC electric range approx. 28-30 miles; EPA electric range TBA). The redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e will... Read more →

Audi is updating the A5 sedan. At market introduction, four A5 engine variants will be equipped with a mild hybrid system (MHEV). A belt alternator starter, which is connected to the crankshaft, recovers energy during deceleration and stores this in a compact lithium-ion battery. Audi A5 Coupé With the four-cylinder... Read more →

Bosch and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) have concluded a long-term strategic cooperation agreement under which the partners will jointly specify high-performance battery cells. CATL will then design, develop, and manufacture these cells in accordance with Bosch requirements. The cells are to be used in the 48-volt battery developed... Read more →

The new MINI Cooper SE electric vehicle (fuel consumption combined: 0.0 l/100 km; electric power consumption combined: 16.8 – 14.8 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km) will make its show debut at the IAA in Frankfurt next week. Also highlighted will be the latest version of the MINI Cooper... Read more →

Prodrive has created the first 48V to 12V DC-DC converter targeted at the ISO/DIS 21780 standard for 48V automotive systems. The unit will be launched at this year’s LCV (Low Carbon Vehicle) Show, which takes place at Millbrook, UK, 4-5 September. With the projected growth in 48V systems (predicted to... Read more →

With the market launch of the new BMW X5 xDrive45e (earlier post), the drive portfolio of the Sporty Activity Vehicle (SAV) is now being expanded to include a plug-hybrid system. The second-generation of the BMW X5 with electrified drive combines a model-specific in-line 6-cylinder gasoline engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo... Read more →

Despite continuing economic uncertainty and diminishing consumer confidence, the European car market registered growth in July 2019, as registrations were up by 1.2% to 1,325,600 units, according to JATO Dynamics. Although the growth was marginal, it marks a significant improvement on the drop seen in June, when registrations fell by... Read more →

From the end of August the EBS public transport company will be operating 93 Mercedes-Benz Citaro NGT hybrid low-floor urban buses in the Rotterdam - The Hague metropolitan area. The fleet is made up of 83 Citaro NGT hybrid solo buses and ten Citaro G NGT hybrid articulated buses. Their... Read more →

Sales of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in California during the second quarter of 2019 were largely stable from the prior quarter with a slight increase to 26,754 units from 26,053, although with a slight drop in market share from 5.6% to 5.5%, according to an analysis of new vehicle sales... Read more →

The new Passat GTE plug-in hybrid features, under the new WLTP cycle, an electric range of up to 54 km (33.6 miles) (Variant) or 56 km (34.8 miles)(sedan). The battery’s energy capacity has been increased by 31% to a total of 13 kWh. The purely electric range of the predecessor—determined... Read more →

Volvo has extended its S60 range—the third generation of the premium mid-size sedan—to incorporate further powertrain choices and equipment grades, including an all­wheel­drive gasoline-electric hybrid and a trim level that focuses on luxury and craftsmanship. The existing T5 turbocharged 250 hp gasoline unit has been joined by an all-wheel-drive T8... Read more →

Mercedes‑Benz Cars is introducing plug-in hybrids under the EQ Power label in the A- and B-Class. These new models, equipped with third-generation hybrid drive, include the A 250 e (combined fuel consumption 1.5-1.4 l/100 km (156.7-167.9 mpg US), combined CO2 emissions 34-33 g/km, combined electrical consumption 15.0-14.8 kWh/100 km); A... Read more →

Ferry operator Scandlines signed an agreement with Norsepower Oy Ltd, leading clean technology and engineering company pioneering modern wind propulsion technology, to install Norsepower’s Rotor Sail Solution on board the M/V Copenhagen, a hybrid passenger ferry. Illustration of Scandlines hybrid ferry M/V Copenhagen with Rotor Sail. Operating between Rostock in... Read more →

The new BMW 330e plug-in hybrid features the latest generation of BMW eDrive technology paired with a four-cylinder gasoline engine. Making its debut appearance in a BMW, the standard-fitted XtraBoost raises the system output of the plug-in hybrid to a maximum 215 kW/292 hp. The all-electric range is more than... Read more →

Porsche’s Cayenne range follows the Panamera series (earlier post) in now featuring a plug-in hybrid as its new flagship model. Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupé, Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, 2019 The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupé draw their system output of 500 kW from... Read more →

The technology group Wärtsilä is to provide hybrid propulsion capability for a new offshore wind construction support vessel. The Acta Centaurus, a DP2 walk-to-work construction support vessel owned by Netherlands-based Acta Marine, will thus gain fuel consumption and environmental benefits through being able to operate the vessel with less running... Read more →

BMW is increasing the efficiency and variety of its electrified models for the upper mid-range segment. The latest battery cell technology contributes to increasing the electric range of the BMW 530e Sedan plug-in hybrid model to between 61 and 66 kilometers. In addition, the latest-generation BMW eDrive technology has reduced... Read more →

Starting in 2021, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland (TMMP) plans to produce a second electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) at its plant in Wałbrzych. With this €70-million investment, TMMP will also be producing one of the electric motors that is integral to Toyota’s hybrid electric powertrain system. Together with earlier announcements,... Read more →

Audi is adding the Q3 Sportback compact SUV in coupé shape to its model range. For the market launch in Europe, a gasoline and a diesel engine are available. With 169 kW (230 metric hp), the 2.0 TFSI is the most powerful engine. The 2.0 TDI has an output of... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Group has developed the world’s first Active Shift Control (ASC) transmission technology. The innovation optimizes transmission efficiency by monitoring gear shifts 500 times per second, precisely adjusting the transmission rotation speed to for faster shift times. The new technology will premiere in the upcoming Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and... Read more →

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) reported half-year sales of 578,400 vehicles across the region, up 3.3% year-on-year and registering a 5.3% market share. Hybrids drove the strong performance between January and June 2019, with total hybrid sales of 303,400 units (+18% year-on-year), or 52% of the total. The first half of... Read more →

Three months since the introduction of the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in London, results of a year-long trial in the capital suggest that plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) commercial vehicles could present the most practical, readily available option for businesses trying to meet clean-air targets in cities. The trial—supported by a... Read more →

In a briefing in Tokyo last week, Honda Motor outlined its direction of technology development toward its 2030 Vision. A key element therein is the development of zero-carbon technologies. Honda said that because powertrain requirements differ from region to region and are becoming further diversified depending on infrastructure, regulations and... Read more →

UK new car registrations declined for a fourth consecutive month in June, with year-on-year demand falling by -4.9% to 223,421 units, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 1,269,245 new cars joined British roads in the first half of the year, down... Read more →

Audi’s sporty top model of the Q family, the SQ8 TDI SUV coupé, features a biturbo V8 TDI diesel that delivers 435 metric hp, 900 NN·mm (663.8 lb-ft) of torque, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds. 4.0-liter V8 TDI Biturbo engine with electric powered... Read more →

The technology group Wärtsilä’s hybrid power module solution, the Wärtsilä HY, is now fully operational on the Vilja, an escort tug owned by the Swedish port of Luleå. The tug was built at Gondan Shipbuilders in Asturias, Spain and was delivered in the end of June 2019 following successful completion... Read more →

ZF is launching a product offensive for hybrid and electric vehicles, active chassis systems, integrated safety, and automated driving. The Group will showcase its next-generation mobility solutions at the forthcoming IAA. ZF is pursuing two directions in electromobility. It is laying the foundation for a new breed of battery-electric vehicles... Read more →

BMW Group sales of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles decreased 22.6% in June 2019 vs. June 2018. Model changeover has limited the current BMW Group electrified lineup to five models including the BMW i3, BMW i8 and i8 Roadster, BMW 530e, and MINI Countryman plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Plug-in... Read more →

Continental has been developing cost-effective 48-volt electrification, which can be used with both gasoline and diesel engines for number of years. In the run-up to IAA 2019, Continental Powertrain is now presenting a 48-volt high-power drive system with 30 kW, enabling a full-hybrid vehicle. Conventional full-hybrid vehicle would normally use... Read more →

Audi’s updated Q7 SUV will have the company’s 48V mild-hybrid system (MHEV) as standard. In customer operation, this technology can reduce consumption by up to 0.7 liters per 100 kilometers. Its central component, the belt alternator starter (BAS), powers a 48-volt main electrical system in which a compact lithium-ion battery... Read more →

Registrations of pure electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid cars totalled 94,000 units in 18 European markets in May 2019, counting for 7.1% of the total volume, up from 5.3% in May 2018, according to figures from JATO Dynamics. The majority of registrations came from hybrid vehicles, but the growth was... Read more →

Daher, Airbus and Safran are partnering for the design and development of the wing-mounted EcoPulse distributed hybrid propulsion demonstrator with a maiden flight scheduled in 2022. Based on Daher’s TBM platform, this project, kick-started by CORAC (the French Civil Aviation Research Council) with support from DGAC (the French Civil Aviation... Read more →

Emissions Analytics, a leading independent specialist for the scientific measurement of real-world emissions, suggests that mass adoption of hybrid vehicles, rather than low-volume take-up of full BEVs, is the most effective solution to cutting CO2 now and also in meeting 2030 emission targets. Of all electrification strategies, full BEVs currently... Read more →

The new generation BMW 3 Series Touring will offer the first plug-in hybrid drive system for one of BMW’s Touring models. The BMW eDrive technology in the BMW 330e Touring comprises a four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The new BMW 3 Series... Read more →

HELLA, the lighting and electronics expert, develops and manufactures products that support all stages of automotive electrification. With its new Dual Voltage Battery Management System and PowerPack 48 Volt products, the company is now one of the first on the market to offer innovative battery module solutions for mild-hybrid vehicles.... Read more →

Audi is launching the fourth generation of the A6 allroad quattro on European markets with a choice of three V6 TDI 3.0-liter engines. The 3.0 TDI is available in three output ratings. The first produces 170 kW (231 PS) and – from 1,750 to 3,250 rpm – 500 N·m (368.8... Read more →

Audi is launching the fourth generation of the A6 allroad quattro on European markets with a choice of three V6 TDI 3.0-liter engines. The 3.0 TDI is available in three output ratings. The first produces 170 kW (231 PS) and – from 1,750 to 3,250 rpm – 500 N·m (368.8... Read more →

BMW Group sales of electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles decreased 29.7 percent in May 2019 vs. May 2018. Model changeover has limited the current BMW Group electrified lineup in the US to five models including the BMW i3, BMW i8 and i8 Roadster, BMW 530e, and MINI Countryman plug-in... Read more →

Kiel-Toshiba Railway Europe GmbH (TRG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba Infrastructure Systems and Solution (TISS), Toshiba Group’s core group in the infrastructure business, will showcase Toshiba’s modular diesel electric hybrid locomotives at Transport Logistic 2019 this week. Furthermore, TRG will showcase its Toshiba HDB 800 locomotive demonstrator in pantograph... Read more →

Mercedes-Benz will further expand the GLE model range with the introduction of the V8-powered Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC. The GLE is the first SUV in the Mercedes-Benz line up to introduce the new E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL 48-volt active suspension system. The GLE 580 4MATIC features an electrified V8 biturbo gasoline... Read more →

The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro with 270 kW (367 hp) system output (combined fuel consumption: 2.4 – 2.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 53 – 46 g/km) is the first of the new plug-in models from Audi. The new drive concept comprises a 2.0 TFSI, a four-cylinder, turbocharged... Read more →

The eighth-generation of the bestselling Volkswagen Golf bestseller will feature a 48V mild hybrid electric drive system. In 2018, Volkswagen announced at the Vienna Motor Symposium that it would make the innovative low-voltage concept accessible to a broad public. The Group is now delivering on its promise and bringing the... Read more →

Audi is offering the revamped A4 with many engine options equipped with 12V and 48V mild-hybrid systems (MHEV). This also applies to the Audi S4 TDI (combined fuel consumption 6.3 – 6.2 l/100 km (37.3 - 37.9 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions 166 – 163 g/km (267.2 – 262.3 g/mi),... Read more →

Opel presented the new all-wheel drive PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) version of the Grandland X. Topping Opel’s SUV offer (that also comprises the Crossland X and the Mokka X), the Grandland X Hybrid4 combines the power of a 1.6 turbocharged gasoline engine and two electric motors for a system... Read more →