SAIC Displays Six Models of New Energy Vehicles to Be Used at Expo 2010 and Unveils Commercialization Plans for Hybrid, PHEV and BEVs by 2012

The Chinese seem serious about producing alternate energy vehicles as their nation begins to demand more and more cars and the highway infrastructure is built. It is clear the nation does not want to follow the United States in its current energy dependency. Indeed, the Chinese have a plan and have options, which is certainly more than we can say about the Detroit Three.

From Green Car Congress:

At the China International Industry Fair held earlier in November in Shanghai, SAIC Group displayed six models of new energy vehicles, which will serve the Expo 2010. Of those models, two made their premiere at the Fair. The models were the Shenchi Brand 4-seat battery-electric car; the Shenchi Brand 11-seat fuel cell vehicle; the Shanghai Brand fuel cell car; the Shanghai Brand hybrid; the Buick LaCrosse hybrid; and the UNDP fuel cell bus.

SAIC has set clear targets for industrializing new energy vehicles in combination with the 2010 World Expo Shanghai, including the introduction of mild-hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV) by 2012:

• SAIC will introduce the Roewe 750, a mild-hybrid car offering a 20% boost in fuel economy compared to the conventionally powered model, into the market in quantities in 2010.

• The Roewe 550, a plug-in strong hybrid car offering a 50% boost in fuel economy, will enter the market in quantities in 2012.

• In the same year, SAIC-made and branded battery-electric vehicles will also enter the market.

SAIC Group says it has set up a relatively complete new energy vehicle industrial supply chain, laying a solid foundation for integrated vehicle development. As a leading auto maker in China, SAIC says it adheres to the principle of “making independent innovations, integrating resources both at home and abroad and utilizing overseas and domestic strengths at the same time”.

While seeking international cooperation, SAIC has actively fostered domestic parts suppliers and eventually put in place an industrial chain that is strategically safe and independently controlled by SAIC.

The plug-in hybrid system developed by SAIC has entered the prototype-making stage. This technology helps circumvent the technical barriers erected by Toyota, General Motors and other overseas and domestic hybrid product makers, SAIC says, so that people can expect SAIC-made new energy vehicles to be equipped with electric transmissions in 2012.

SAIC Expo 2010 Gallery
	Shenchi Brand 4-seat electric inter-pavilion car (for service within the Expo Zone). The bodywork is made of high-strength glass fiber-reinforced plastic. The chassis is made of parts for mini vehicles. The powertrain adopts advanced overseas and domestic products. Maximum speed is 35 km/h (22 mph) and the continued driving mileage is up to 80 km (50 miles).
	Shenchi Brand 11-seat fuel cell sight-seeing car (for service within the Expo Zone). The vehicle features front and rear independent suspension, four-wheel disc brake, electric power steering and vacuum brake booster. Maximum speed is 40 km/h (25 mph) and the continued driving mileage is up to 80 km (50 miles).
	LaCrosse hybrid car (for service outside the Expo Zone).The LaCrosse hybrid car is the first such in the mainstream B-plus models made in China. The car is equipped with a 2.4L ECO engine plus an all-new hybrid powertrain. For urban driving, LaCrosse ECO-Hybrid can improve fuel economy by 16% and more, and meets the EU IV emissions standard. (Earlier post.)
	Shanghai Brand fuel cell hybrid car (for VIP service inside the Expo Zone). Shanghai Brand fuel cell car is the first SAIC-developed and branded fuel cell hybrid. A plug-in hybrid, the vehicle uses the battery as the main power source (rechargeable with 220 V direct current) and a small hydrogen fuel cell system for auxiliary power. For short distance driving, the car can run on the battery pack. For longer distances or when the battery runs out, the car can shift to a hybrid driving mode, where the fuel cell generates electricity and produces enough electricity to drive the car while supplementing the power battery with electricity in the meantime.
	Shanghai Brand hybrid car (for VIP service outside the Expo Zone). This mild-hybrid vehicle uses a BSG system (belt driven starter generator) system. Top speed is 205 km/h (127 mph). The Shanghai Brand hybrid car offers a 20% boost in fuel economy and can be expected to go to the market at the end of 2010.
	UNDP fuel cell bus (for service on the Expo Avenue inside the Expo Zone). This vehicle is specially developed for implementing the phase II project of GEF/UNDP, i.e. Demonstration Project of China’s Fuel Cell City Bus Commercialization. It adopts the advanced dual fuel cell system independently developed in China. Using an advanced ultra-low-floor structure, this model is a high-end mainstream city bus.