CNG-Powered Semis Hit I-94

Andersen Windows‘ delivery trucks have hit the highways, and they’re being fueled by compressed natural gas that, the company believes, will save them over $25,000 per year at today’s gas prices. Per truck. More than enough, in other words, to make back the $40000 premium on CNG trucks compared to their conventional counterparts.

At $5/gallon? There’s no question the CNG alternative is a winner.

Savings like that are one reason why commercial fleets like AT&T and states like California, Nevada, and Utah are turning their attention away from diesel and gasoline and considering compressed and liquefied natural gas which, thanks to “the shale-gas revolution”, is available for about $2 less per the equivalent gallon of conventional petroleum gasoline and diesel.

“Natural gas transportation is starting to hit a tipping point,” says Rob Brown, an analyst for Craig-Hallum Capital Group of Minneapolis. Brown sees more and more companies turning to CNG, driven partly by better CNG engine technologies designed strictly for burning natural gas, and a push among large companies to reduce harmful carbon emissions and boost their “green” image.

These CNG supporters are also working to address the fuel’s biggest perceived obstacle – a lack of infrastructure. In other words: a lace of places (especially for trucks, which need maneuvering room and rapid-fill pumps) to fill up.

Two CNG filling stations specifically designed for semi trucks will be opening in Wisconsin this week, built in cooperation with Andersen Windows so that company’s trucks will be able to refuel near its Menomonie, Wis., distribution centers. That station, a Cenex truck stop just off of I-94, works in concert with another in Green Bay will be open to the public. It’s hoped that these stations will form the basis for a natural-gas shipping corridor between the twin cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul and Chicago, IL.

“You need a place to start, and Andersen Windows is creating that start,” said Craig Dickman, CEO of Breakthrough Fuel, a Green Bay-based company that helps shippers reduce their costs.

Source: Gas2.0

BMW i Series - Born Electric - VIDEO

BMW i born:

Volkswagen Plug-In Test Fleet to Hit California

On Friday last week, Volkswagen officially marked the start of its U.S. electric car test program by shipping an all-electric Golf to its Electronic Research Laboratory in Belmont, California.

Called the eGolf in the U.S. the all-electric hatchback is essentially the same as the Volkswagen Golf blue-e-motion prototype we drove back in July last year.

Despite Volkswagen’s extensive electric car test programs spanning the past few decades, only 500 eGolfs will be produced at the current time, with just 20 cars being sent to the U.S. for testing.

Based on the current Golf VI, the eGolf’s 26.5 kilowatt-hour battery pack is split into several sections, allowing it to be placed throughout the car for ideal weight distribution and handling. It also ensures that the eGolf retains its five seats, and hatchback load area.

2014 Volkswagen Golf blue-e-motion prototype

Under the hood, an 85 kilowatt motor drives the front wheels, producing 200 pound-feet of torque and accelerating the car from 0-62 mph in 11.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 87 mph.

While the eGolf is fairly conventional by electric car standards, it does feature an advanced regenerative braking system that allows the driver to choose how much regenerative braking is applied when they lift their foot off the accelerator.

This makes it possible to employ hypermiling techniques like coasting to reach a claimed range of 90 miles on a single charge.

Volkswagen has no plans to bring this particular generation Golf to market as an electric car, but hasn’t ruled out the possibility of making an all-electric Golf in the future.

Source: Green Car Reports

Fisker appoints Tom LaSorda CEO

Fisker Automotive, the developer of luxury range-extended electric vehicles, has appointed Tom LaSorda as its new CEO, with full responsibility for the running of the company’s day to day operations, effective immediately. LaSorda had joined the company as Vice Chairman of the Board and executive advisor to the management team in December. Co-Founder Henrik Fisker will become Executive Chairman of the company.

Henrik Fisker, who co-founded Fisker Automotive in 2007 after a design career at brands including BMW and Aston Martin, will focus on building the Fisker brand in global markets and the styling and design of future Fisker models.

A well-known industry executive, with more than 30-years experience, LaSorda was a former CEO, President and Vice Chairman of the Chrysler Group and also held a number of executive positions at General Motors over a 23-year career.

As part of our future strategy, we will be seeking strong partnerships and alliances as Fisker continues to grow as a brand.

—Tom LaSorda

Sparrow 2, the updated three-wheeled EV, on the drawing board for late 2012

An updated version of the Sparrow, the entirely quirky three-wheeled battery-electric vehicle that sold around 300 units before its parent company went bankrupt almost a decade ago, could make a comeback later this year, Wired magazine reported.

This new vehicle, the Sparrow 2, is the latest incarnation of what was first called the Corbin Sparrow, the brainchild of motorcycle-seat maker Mike Corbin. Corbin started deliveries of the $14,000 Sparrow in 1998 and at one time had taken $40 million in orders. Ultimately, the company only made 289 cars before going bankrupt in 2003, according to Wired. Corbin has long been working on a successor to the Sparrow, even pitching a gas-powered version called the Raven in 2007 through his Sparrow Motors. Corbin has said that vehicle would get as much as 100 miles per gallon in fuel economy. His new mission is to get the Sparrow 2 onto the road, but he's got a long way to go.

The upcoming Sparrow 2 is different from the Duo from Myers Motors. Myers ended up with the leftovers of Corbin Motors and created the NMG (No More Gas), a one-seat, high-top-shoe-shaped vehicle that costs $29,995. The updated version, the Duo (which stands for Don't Use Oil and seats two), has been claimed in the past to cost about $25,000 before the federal tax credit for EVs kicks in and may have a single-charge range of about 60 miles as well as a top speed of 75 miles per hour. Tallmadge, OH-based Myers Motors, which is taking $250 pre-orders on its website, was set to deliver the vehicle (which is classified as a motorcycle) last spring. The website now says, "Start driving electric in 2012."



Source: Autoblog Green

First Prius Plug-In production models arrive in U.S., ready for up to $4,000 off in California

The brand-new Toyota Prius Plug-In has arrived in California, and Toyota wants to make sure that potential buyers know that the plug-in hybrid can be up to $4,000 dollars lower than the sticker price might make it seem, plus other benefits.

The new Prius qualifies for the State of California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) worth $1,500. The corded Prius can also get California's HOV lane access sticker and qualifies for a $2,500 federal income tax credit. This is the same program that gives Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt buyers up to $7,500, but the Prius Plug-in has a smaller battery and thus only gets a third as much money back.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is expected to get 95 miles per gallon equivalent, can go up to 11 miles in pure electric mode and, once the battery is emptied out, gets an EPA combined rating of 50 mpg. The car will have two trim lines, the standard for $32,000 and the Advanced for $39,525



Source: Autoblog Green

GM-backed Envia claims huge advance in cheaper, better batteries for 300-mile EVs

Looking for signs that the automotive landscape may be changing sooner than most people realize? Here's one. Envia Systems, a start-up battery company that counts General Motors as a significant investor, has announced it has produced a cell with an energy density of 400 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). It also claims they will be priced somewhere in the $125 per kilowatt-hour neighborhood. Put another way, a $20,000 car using these cells could travel 300 miles on a charge. Even if that scenario sounds a bit optimistic, color us impressed. GM must be pleased, too, since when it made its $7-million investment is also concluded a separate licensing deal to use Envia's new technology in future vehicles.

To contrast Envia's numbers with batteries in electric vehicles available today, most lithium cells fall between 100-150 Wh/kg and easily cost double to triple Envia's projected price. Only Tesla Motors – using cells from Panasonic – even comes close to these figures. Its Model S batteries should weigh in at around 240 Wh/kg and, price-wise, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is recently on record as saying he expects to see cost drop below $200 per Wh in the near future.

Envia says its breakthrough comes from pairing a "High Capacity Manganese Rich (HCMR)" cathode with a silicon-carbon nanocomposite anode. The other major battery component, the electrolyte through which the lithium ions pass, has also been altered from what is typically used and allows for a somewhat higher voltage.

Perhaps the best part of this news is the fact that Envia's numbers aren't just based on expectations from early research. In fact, the cells in question have already undergone independent testing by the Electrochemical Power Systems Department at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) and are expected to be commercialized by 2015. The company will make its official announcement of the breakthrough at the ARPA-E conference today.



Source: Autoblog Green

Infiniti EMERG-E Supercar Leaked

A number of images of Infiniti’s upcoming EMERG-E electric supercar have been leaked ahead of the car’s offical debut at next month’s Geneva Auto Show. Like the Nissan Mid-4 concept of the 1980s, this one was also built as a technological showpiece to steal some of rival carmaker Acura’s stunning new NSX hybrid. To do that, the EMERG-E builds on technology developed by Nissan/Renault (Infiniti’s parent company) in its high-profile Nissan Leaf and low-cost Renault Twizy EVs.

The leaked photos follow months of poorly-lit videos and patent-drawing leaks, and show a slinky Japanese sportscar with mid-engine proportions and aggressively styled flanks. The Infiniti concept’s batteries are expected to be powered by a small, internal combustion, range-extending engine, which will help the powerful electric motors deliver useful driving range to the car’s (conceptual) buyers.

There is no word yet on the Infiniti’s production prospects.

Source: Gas2.0

Military Unveils Fleet of GM Fuel Cell Vehicles in Hawaii

PRESS RELEASE

The U.S. Army, Pacific, on Wednesday unveiled a fleet of 16 General Motors' hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles, the world's first military fleet of fuel cell vehicles. Each branch of the military is evaluating the vehicles in real-world use.

"Operating these vehicles will provide the military with the necessary data and experience to determine future applications of fuel cell technology," said Charles Freese, GM executive director of Global Fuel Cell Activities.

The vehicles are being paid for by the Army Tank Automotive Research Development Engineering Center (TARDEC), Office of Naval Research and Air Force Research Laboratories (ONR) and Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL).

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM's brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

DENSO’s new e-compressor making world debut on Ford’s electrified vehicles

The integrated inverter in the current DENSO e-compressor is stacked above the motor. The new e-compressor debuting on the Ford vehicles improves the packaging by moving the inverter in-line with the motor. Click to enlarge.

DENSO’s new inline electric compressor will make its global debut on Ford Motor Company’s Focus Electric, which began production this past December, with retail production ramping up the first half of the year. The inline e-compressor will also appear on the Fusion and C-MAX Hybrids and Energi Plug-in Hybrids, going on sale in North America this year.

DENSO introduced electric compressors for hybrid electric vehicles in 2003. In 2005, DENSO introduced an electric compressor, jointly developed with Toyota Industries Corporation, that incorporated an inverter to drive the built-in motor. This structure reduced the compressor size by approximately 60% compared with a conventional electric compressor and inverter (when they are assumed to provide the same output). DENSO miniaturized the inverter by using simplified circuits and a higher-density mounting with three-dimensional wirings.

The inverter for a conventional compressor is cooled by the engine’s coolant system. To be able to integrate the electric compressor and inverter, DENSO developed a new cooling method using air conditioning refrigerant in the compressor. DENSO’s segment conductor wiring method, which was developed for alternators in 2000, also reduced the size of the built-in motor.

The current e-compressor with the integrated inverter stacked above the motor. The new e-compressor places the inverter in-line with the motor. Click to enlarge.

DENSO’s newest inline e-compressor is smaller, lighter and quieter than previous generations. DENSO improved the packaging—allowing for easier under-the-hood component packaging—by repositioning the e-compressor’s integrated inverter in-line with the motor as opposed to the current integrated inverter that is stacked above the motor.

Despite the decrease in weight and size, the inline e-compressor maintains the same cooling capacity as the previous generation while consuming less power. This helps extend the lithium-ion battery range when the air-conditioning (A/C) is running. Also, for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), the e-compressor helps make the car less reliant on the internal combustion engine when running A/C.

Not only does the inline e-compressor keep the cabin cool, it also can cool the lithium-ion battery to help it maintain an optimal temperature, improving the battery’s range and overall longevity.

Conventional compressors are powered by an engine’s belt drive, but EVs don’t have belt-driven engines that energize the peripheral systems (Hence, the move to an electric-driven compressor). This electrified compressor has its own motor, inverter and circuit board.

Source: Green Car Congress

YoMobile CNG Hybrid Crossover - VIDEO

A look at the tech aspect of the Russian ToMobile:

2nd-Gen Renault Zoe EV Could Have 220 Mile Range, Affordable Price

Because electric cars require costly batteries, these vehicles are currently relegated to those that can afford the high cost of entry for a vehicle with a limited range. The Holy Grail of battery technology is a pack that offers over $200 miles of range in a package under $25,000. A new report suggests that French car company (and Nissan partner) Renault is working on a second-generation battery pack for the Zoe EV that could offer about 220 miles of driving range in a vehicle that currently costs around €15,000, or about $20,000.

That’s about the same range as the Tesla Roadster or base Model S offer, but at over three-times the price. An EV with a range of over 200 miles will satisfy most people’s daily driving needs, and at a price point that most Americans would find easy to swallow. The secret is that, unlike Nissan and its Leaf, Renault leases the battery to customers, rather than sell the whole package, at a cost of €100, or about $125, per month.

So while the Nissan Leaf starts at €30,000, the much-cheaper Zoe cuts that price in half. And if Renault can deliver on its promise of a 200+ mile battery at a compact car price point, it might convince other manufacturers to do the same. At current gas prices in the U.S., $125 is two, maybe three fill-ups depending on how big your fuel tank is and what gasoline costs in your area. Even if you add in the cost of electricity, the electric vehicle will remain competitive, or even cheaper than, petrol powered cars and even most hybrids.

At first I wasn’t a fan of the battery-leasing idea. But I might be changing my mind. Leasing the battery could bring in more money than the upfront cost of the car over the long term, while making the vehicle more accessible to a wider audience. This might just be the way to go, and if the French can do it, so can we.

Source: Gas2.0

Panasonic to supply Li-ion battery cells for Ford’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles

Lithium-ion battery cell for plug-in hybrid vehicles (left) and hybrid electric vehicles (right). Click to enlarge.

Panasonic Corporation will prismatic lithium-ion battery cells for Ford Motor Company’s Fusion Hybrid Electric and C-Max Hybrid Electric as well as the Ford Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrids. Ford is doing the pack work in-house.

The new Ford in-house Li-ion hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) pack delivers peak charge and discharge power of 35 kW, compared to 25 kW and 27 kW, respectively, in the older Fusion hybrid NiMH pack, said Chuck Gray, Chief Engineer - Ford Electrification Engineering, at the SAE Hybrid Vehicle Technologies Symposium. The lighter weight Li-ion pack offers specific power of 0.84 kW/kg, compared to 0.412 kW/kg in the outgoing NiMH pack, he said.

The increased battery power, along with improved electric motor and generator capability, offset the decrease in combustion engine performance in the new Fusion that would have resulted from the switch to a 2.0L Atkinson from the earlier 2.5L Atkinson and the optimization of gear ratios for fuel economy.

The lithium-ion battery supply agreement with Ford Motor Company builds on a long-term partnership between the two companies. Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd, which was acquired by Panasonic last year, has been supplying Ni-MH battery systems for the Ford Escape hybrid vehicle since 2004.

The company’s battery systems have been powering the Ford Escape Hybrid, and the company’s battery cells have been powering the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

The partnership now expands to lithium-ion battery cells for the four Ford hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Battery cells are delivered in cell stack configuration to increase transportation efficiency and reliability.

Panasonic is already supplying nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery cells and systems for hybrid electric vehicles to a growing number of automotive manufacturers around the world, including Ford Motor Company as well as lithium-ion battery cells and systems for hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

Source: Green Car Congress

Ford’s 3rd generation powersplit hybrid system

Output from Self-Organizing Map of attributes and component sizing. Each pixel in each 3d contour represents a design which plots an attribute against a design feature or a design feature against another design feature to identify optimum combinations to deliver desired effects. This is a very important tool for Ford, Gray said. Click to enlarge.

The hybrid system in the coming 2013 MY Fusion and C-Max hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) marks the third major generation of Ford’s powersplit system. The overall system sizing and all major components were optimized for class-leading efficiency, with each major subsystem and many new components being redesigned to deliver the gains, said Chuck Gray, Chief Engineer - Ford Electrification Engineering, at the SAE Hybrid Vehicle Technologies Symposium this week in San Diego.

With the Generation 3 HEV system, Ford decided to downsize the engine from a 2.5L Atkinson to a 2.0L Atkinson to improve fuel economy. This, noted Gray, results in a reduction in acceleration and vehicle speed. However, Ford was able to compensate for that reduction by increasing battery power with its new Li-ion pack, and increased electric power through the motor and the generator to recover to nearly the same level of performance as the outgoing model, but with significantly improved fuel economy. In-house engineering was a key enabler and included all controls, the battery pack, transmission and eDrive system, Gray said.

With the final system, Ford was able to deliver 140 kW of power from a combined engine peak power of 105 kW and its new 35 kW battery. The 2012 Fusion Hybrid carries an EPA fuel economy rating of 41 mpg city, 36 mpg highway; Ford expects the upcoming 2013 Fusion Hybrid to offer about 47 mpg city, 44 mpg highway.

Rough schematic of Ford’s powersplit architecture. Click to enlarge.

Powersplit architecture. Ford has been working on its powersplit system for more than 8 years, and more than 10 years, counting early development, Gray said. The powersplit system consists of two electric machines connected to the engine and wheels through a single planetary gear set. Engine power is split between mechanical and electrical paths; E-CVT functionality is delivered through generator speed control.

It’s a simple mechanical arrangement, Gray said, noting that there are no clutches, and no torque converter. The e-CVTs functions to operate either power source in the optimum arrangement. The hybrid system offers four modes of operation:

• Electric drive.
• Engine drive - positive split.
• Engine drive - negative split.
• Regenerative braking.

One of the outcomes of the redesigned system is reduced engine runtime; in the third-generation system, Ford was able to reduce engine runtime by up to 30%. Additionally, the extra capability of the e-Drive increased the all-electric speed range up to 62 mph. All of that contributes to the overall fuel economy improvement, Gray noted.

Ford was also able to improve the brake specific fuel consumption of the 2.0-liter engine over the 2.5-liter engine from 0-10% in the main regions where they operate. On a plot of break specific fuel consumption vs. output power, the 2.0-liter Atkinson shows about a 3% improvement in the primary real-world operating region compared to its 2.5-liter predecessor.

With the e-Drive system—the inverter, controls and electric machines—Ford engineers were able to deliver measurable loss improvements of up to 4.5% over three different operating points, due to the attention to detail in design and the controls, Gray said.

The battery itself is another whole conundrum...various considerations to be pondered are size, location, thermal management, type of cell, type of chemistry, how control it, how much power, what’s the SOC and so on—a whole multitude of decisions.

—Chuck Gray

The new battery pack, designed and built by Ford using prismatic Li-ion cells from Panasonic, has a charge and discharge power of 35 kW and nearly double the specific power per unit mass of the outgoing NiMH product (0.84 kW/kg vs. 0.47 kW/kg). The pack is cabin air cooled and packaged in a similar location to its predecessor.

Ford also redesigned the Fusion top hat with an eyer to improving aerodynamics; the 2013 Fusion Hybrid offers a 10-15% drag reduction form the outgoing product due to body design as well as the addition of features such as a full active grill.

Source: Green Car Congress

2012 Chevrolet Volt Cleared for California's Carpool Lanes

PRESS RELEASE

A low emission model of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt electric car are on their way to California, where customers will qualify for a $1,500 state rebate and be allowed to drive solo in the state's carpool lanes.

Volts with the Low Emissions Package, which is standard for California, began shipping from the General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck plant this week and should begin arriving at the more than 140 participating Chevrolet dealerships in California before the end of the month.

"The Volts with the Low Emissions Package are certain to be a strong draw for California commuters looking to travel the state's notoriously congested freeways in the carpool lane," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing.

Commuters who use carpool lanes in Southern California save an estimated average 36 minutes a day, or about a third of their total driving time.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles is making 40,000 Clean Air Stickers available for registered vehicles that meet the state's emissions standards. Applications can be downloaded from the DMV's web site at www.dmv.ca.gov

Additionally, the new Low Emissions Package makes the 2012 Volt eligible for owners and lessees to receive up to $1,500 in state rebates through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. This incentive is in addition to a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 Clean vehicle rebate applications can be submitted online at www.energycenter.org

California has more than 1,400 miles of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes. Originally restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants to help minimize congestion, the lanes are now open to single occupancy use by owners of advanced, low-emission vehicles. Volts registered in Georgia, New York and Florida also are eligible for single occupancy access to carpool lanes.

The Volt has a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas-and tailpipe-emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank. Volt owners have travelled more than 10 million miles since the vehicle launched late last year. Roughly two-thirds of those miles were powered by grid electricity.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Gas Prices on the Rise, Here's Why

Over the past week or so, we’ve seen the average price of gasoline hit $3.60 per gallon of regular, with some areas of the country -- like California -- reaching a heady $4 a gallon.

But while the Syrian uprising and political tensions between Iran and the West over its nuclear program are playing a small part in increasing the price you pay at the pump, energy specialists say the biggest culprit lies closer to home.

In short, the U.S. isn’t refining as much gasoline as it once was.

During Wednesday’s All Things Considered on NPR, Fadel Gheit, senior energy analyst at investment firm Oppenheimer and Co., explained that outdated and unprofitable oil refineries had been closed down in recent years.

Declining Refineries

“The supply of gasoline has been declining,” he explained. “We have 700,000 barrels of refining capacity [that were shut down] in the last three months. That is almost 5 percent of U.S. gasoline production...now offline.”

Most of the recently closed refineries -- more than energy analyst Phil Verleger has seen in his 39-year career -- have been closed down as a direct consequence of the type of oil now common on the market.

High Sulfur Crude

Traditionally, so-called “sweet” low-sulfur crude was refined into gasoline, but as supplies have dwindled the cost of sweet crude has risen, more refineries have started to process high-sulfur crude.

But high-sulfur crude, while cheaper to buy, requires more processing in order to remove the higher levels of sulfur. In turn, that means older refineries be retrofitted with expensive equipment designed to deal with the higher levels of sulfur.

The U.S. isn’t alone in a reduction of oil refineries either. According to Verlerger, a large oil refinery in Europe has also had a big impact on U.S. gasoline supplies.

Offshore Oil Rig

Exports Impact Domestic Sales

With a drop in domestic gasoline production, you may expect the U.S. is importing more oil than normal, accounting for a rise in gas prices.

But the truth is the exact opposite. Over recent years, the amount of foreign gasoline imported into the U.S. has dramatically dropped, while the export of gasoline has increased.

And with increased gasoline exports, there’s even less gasoline for domestic customers.

Driving A High Gas-Mileage Future?

At the moment, gas prices are having a negative effect on the bank balances of Americans nationwide.

But if it continues, the rise in gas prices could help the U.S. auto industry, which has focused a lot of attention in the past few years on producing high gas mileage cars, hybrids and plug-in cars.

Source: Green Car Reports

John Anderson Joins CODA Automotive as Vice President of Aftersales and Customer Quality Experience

PRESS RELEASE

CODA Holdings, a leading developer of all-electric vehicles and advanced battery systems, today announced automotive professional John Anderson as its vice president of aftersales and customer quality experience for CODA Automotive.

"With such a rich automotive background, we're excited to have John Anderson join our executive team," said Thomas Hausch, SVP of sales, marketing and aftersales, CODA Holdings. "With John's extensive experience in both large and small OEM aftermarket environments, we're confident that he will help us fulfill CODA's commitment to our customers and dealers, and ultimately help accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles."

Anderson has more than 30 years of aftersales experience in corporate and retail environments. During his tenure at Saab, Anderson supported numerous new vehicle and new dealer launches with comprehensive aftermarket strategies. He held numerous positions at Saab's corporate headquarters in Sweden and was most recently responsible for aftersales operations for both US and Canadian markets. Anderson also held various positions at General Motors, where he successfully developed and implemented key initiatives for Opel, Chevrolet and Saab – from a comprehensive aftersales channel marketing strategy to wholesale and retail training curriculums – for the North American and European markets.

"I'm excited to be a part of the CODA team," said Anderson. "The opportunity to join an all-EV brand as it is launching is a rare opportunity that I'm thrilled to be a part of. I look forward to helping the brand quickly grow and working closely with dealers on delivering an exceptional CODA customer experience."

About CODA Holdings
Headquartered in Los Angeles, CODA Holdings is a leading developer of advanced Lithium-ion power battery systems comprised of three key business lines: CODA Automotive, CODA EV Propulsion Systems and CODA Energy. Together with its JV partners, CODA is working to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and leading the way to a cleaner future through its electric vehicles and stationary energy storage products. The first consumer product available will be a zero emission four-door, five-passenger EV sedan with a full-size trunk that is designed to meet American drivers' daily transportation needs. For more information on the CODA sedan, visit www.codaautomotive.com.

MPG Comparison: 2012 Volt vs. 2010 Prius

I suppose I’ve always been a bit of a car guy. At the age of 16, my brother and I already had three cars and performed a nearly successful engine rebuild on our 1957 Chevy convertible. During my adult life as a parent, engineer, runner, amateur cook, and car aficionado, I’ve had several GTOs, BMWs, and other non-performance cars. My two most recent BMWs are shown below.

2008 BMW 135i 2000 BMW Z3

However, my 2012 Volt is unique among all of them. Although not as peppy as the 135i that I traded-in on my Volt, it is nearly as much fun to drive.

My recent fascination with electrics started a few years ago when I started a consulting gig for a battery supplier. Although not responsible for the design of vehicles, my job brought me close enough to get bitten by the electric car bug. I knew I had to have one. At this point I must give some credit to my dear wife of nearly 40 years. As an environmentalist of long-standing she convinced me back in 2004 that the new model Prius would be a wise investment. So, now on our second Prius (a 2010 model IV), we have some street credibility when it comes to environmentally friendly vehicles.

2012 Volt and 2010 Prius IV (blue in background)

So How Do They Compare?

As an engineer you just knew there would be some tech talk. Yes, but it will be short and sweet. In comparing my 2012 Volt and 2010 Prius I want to know which car is better to drive on a trip. For example, if we are planning a 100 mile journey which car is most economical? How about a 200 mile trip or longer?

Before I can get down to comparing the two vehicles, I needed to install one piece of monitoring equipment for the Volt, i.e. an energy meter that would tell me how much energy my Volt consumes during a recharge.

This is necessary because the Volt’s internal readout only tells how much electrical energy (KWh) is used from the battery to travel a given number of miles, i.e. net energy used. I call this the battery specific energy (KWh_b/mile). However, for a valid comparison what is needed is the total amount of energy to charge the battery, i.e. gross energy used. I call this the true specific energy (KWh_T/mile). The battery and true specific energies are different because of the pumping and fluid heating/cooling energy required to maintain the battery temperature during charging. The true specific energy should always be greater than or equal to the battery specific energy.

Figure 1 shows the gross and net specific energy history over the past three months or so. Again, the difference between these is that the net specific energy is determined using the Volt instrument readout while the gross specific energy is determined using the KWh meter readout. There appears to be a 0.032 KWh/mile overhead associated with the pumps and heaters when charging the Volt’s batteries.

The graph below makes the decision easy. Figure 2 compares the Volt and Prius based on the energy used (mpg_e) as well as on the cost of the energy (mpg_$). It shows the breakeven trip at around 90 miles or 60 miles depending on whether energy or current cost is the basis of the comparison, respectively.

The assumptions used to generate figure 2 are given below:

1) average EPA gasoline mileage

2) see figure 1 which is based on data from my volt between 11/18/11 and 2/16/12

3) recent price of 89 octane gasoline in my locality

4) based on recent utility electric bills

5) average Prius mileage between 9/18/10 and 2/17/12 ~ 50.1 mpg

6) data averaged from several websites

Figure 3 is presented to show the effect of $4 per gallon gasoline on the comparison. This is a very real and I feel reasonable projection given recent trends.

Figure 3 now shows the breakeven trip at around 90 miles or 67 miles depending on whether energy or cost is the basis of the comparison, respectively. The two curves overlap at $6 per gallon gasoline. This suggests that the true cost of gasoline based on its energy content should be around $6 per gallon.

Conclusions:

1) The criterion upon which a comparison can be made between the performance of the Volt and Prius is technically straightforward. If we use as a criterion the amount of energy consumed, the Volt shows a miles driven breakeven of about 90 miles. Whereas, if we use the cost of the energy consumed, then the miles driven breakeven falls to about 60 miles.

2) A clear implication here is that as gas prices rise relative to the electric rate, the $-breakeven will approach the energy-breakeven at around $6 per gallon.

3) Of course the electric rate and gas price are both relative to the local market in which the comparison is made.

4) Also, the time-of-year and temperature are additional variables that will affect the comparisons.

5) During the time of my comparison when I had the KWh meter installed there was not much variation in the amount of energy required for pumping and heating the battery. The average remained fairly constant at 1 KWh.

Source: GM-Volt.com

Tesla CEO Look to the Day When EV Batteries Cost $200 per kWh

Anyone who knows EV’s knows that the highest cost of doing business comes from the expensive battery technology that, I think it is fair to say, has not matured. It’s a lot like the first cell phones or tablets; pricey at first, but more and more affordable as time goes on. During a stockholder meeting, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk says that he believes the cost of EV batteries will drop below $200 a kWh in the “not-too-distant future.”

What does that mean? Any number of things. Tesla has unveiled two new models in the past year, the Model S sedan and Model X crossover, and both already have substantial pre-orders. So much so, in fact, that Tesla is not loaning cars to auto journalists prior to it going on sale, breaking a much hallowed tradition as sucking up to the people who review your billion-dollar products.

While so far Tesla has focused on high-end luxury electric vehicles, they are also working on a cheaper EV for the masses. When asked about the $200 kWh battery price tag that will supposedly help make EV’s cheaper and more competitive on the open market, Tesla CEO Elon Musk says he sees the price dipping below that point on the “not-too-distant future.”

Tesla has been quoted as saying the Energy Storage System, or ESS, on the $109,000 Roadster costs around $36,000 to replace. At 53 kWh, that puts the battery cost per kWh at $679. If the price per battery were $200 per kWh, that would shave off over $25,000.

Tesla is planning to unveil a cheaper, mass market EV in the next few years, perhaps as soon as 2015. But will that be enough to bring more people over to the EV market? These days it all comes down to money…but who knows where the world economy will be in four years? If a Republican gets elected, is he going to pull the plug on electric vehicle incentives and research loans?

Scary thoughts, but Tesla is committed at this point, and I think think Musk is all-in with this venture.


Source: Gas2.0

VW Golf Plug-in Hybrid

The MkVII Volkswagen Golf will be available with hybrid power – a first for the Golf. And we’ve driven a prototype of the plug-in.

It’s based on the current three-door model, and featured a 1.4-litre TSI turbo petrol engine, boosted by an 80Kw electric motor. It also had a lithium-ion battery that can be topped up from the mains.

On the move, the plug-in Golf is very impressive indeed. Under most driving conditions it’s effectively an electric car – and you really need to press very hard on the throttle for the petrol engine to cut in at all.

In town, it’s fast enough for you to breeze through traffic. Plus, the motor is so powerful, the engine is barely used on high-speed roads.

VW says the Golf will have an electric-only range of around 30 miles and should be able to return 141mpg with overall CO2 emissions as low as 46g/km.

The new MQB platform will also allow designers to mount the battery and electric motor in a way that doesn’t encroach on passenger or luggage space.

Source: autoexpress.co.uk

Better Place Renault Fluence Z.E. battery swap video

Better Place Battery Swap video:

Toyota: If all Americans drove a Prius, dependence on foreign oil would drop by 70%

Speaking at the Economic Club of Chicago during the Chicago Auto Show last week, the president and COO of Toyota Motor North America, Yoshi Inaba, laid out his company's near-future plans, and made about as strong a case for hybrids as you're likely to hear this month. This is to be expected, since Toyota is going to launch 19 new or updated vehicles this year (including some from the Scion and Lexus brands) and, Inaba said, "nearly half will be hybrids or electric vehicles."

Now, it's clear that Toyota wants to increase sales of it's most popular hybrids, the Prius family models. In Chicago, Inaba made the point that increased Prius sales would benefit the U.S. by reducing the amount of gasoline we need. In fact, he said, studies show that "if everyone in the U.S. drove a Prius, we could reduce our dependence on foreign oil by 70 percent."

Inaba talked up all the Toyota brand's hybrids, including the Highlander SUV, and gave that gas-electric a U.S. connection by announcing that it will soon be built in America. To date, all the Highlander hybrids have been built in Japan, even though some non-hybrid versions are built in Princeton, IN. Following a $400-million investment in that plant, Toyota will be able to make 50,000 more Highlanders there each year, some of them hybrids. Inaga said this will directly create 400 jobs as well over 1,000 indirect "spin off" jobs.



Source: Autoblog Green

Ford Launches 3-Cylinder 49 MPG Focus In Europe

Unlike some automakers who are diving head first into the electric car field, Ford is focusing a lot of energy on wringing the most MPG’s from petrol-powered engines. European countries are especially sensitive to the high cost of gasoline, so it makes sense that Ford has launched its 1.0 liter, 49 MPG EcoBoost Focus in the Old World. But will it come to America?

The EcoBoost line of engines are designed to maximize fuel economy from good ol’ gasoline, which remains an amazing source of energy. The smallest EcoBoost engine is a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder that comes in a 98 horsepower and 123 horsepower flavors. The 98 horsepower version offers the best fuel economy Ford has ever gotten out of a non-hybrid; 4.8 liters/100km , or about 49 mpg on the U.S. standard, though converting from one standard to another is not an exact science or a direct translation.

Even if the number is a few mpg’s short of 49 mpg, an engine capable of delivering decent horsepower with such stellar fuel economy should prove a big hit in cost-conscious Europe. But is 98 horsepower enough for American buyers?

I think so. While Ford is focusing on the launch of the 1.0 liter EcoBoost overseas in places like Europe and Asia, I think it is only a matter of time before this engine comes to the U.S. There are plenty of cars for sale in America that have around 100 horsepower, and even less torque, than the 1.0 liter EcoBoost (which cranks out at least 125 ft-lbs) is capable of.

Even if Ford were only to import the brawnier 123 horsepower model, which delivers a few less mpg’s (5 liters/100 km or 47 mpg) that is still better fuel economy than any other pure-petrol compact car. However, the 1.0 liter EcoBoost might only be available in the Fiesta, rather than the Focus. Americans tend to equate car size with engine size, and a 3-cylinder Fiesta might be an easier sell.

I’d give serious consideration to a turbocharged 3-cylinder car with that kind of gas mileage. Would you?

Source: Gas2.0

3M and Chesapeake Energy Corporation partner to develop and market new CNG tank technology for natural gas vehicles

3M and Chesapeake Energy Corporation will collaborate in designing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks for use in all sectors of the United States transportation market. Currently the fuel tank on a CNG vehicle is its most expensive single component, according to the partners. The new CNG tanks developed through the 3M and Chesapeake partnership are intended to reduce costs while increasing performance. Less expensive tanks will enable greater market adoption of CNG as an alternative automotive fuel source, according to the partners.

3M’s CNG tank solution combines the company’s proprietary liner advancements, thermoplastic materials, barrier films and coatings, and damage-resistant films. Using nanoparticle-enhanced resin technology, 3M Matrix Resin for Pressure Vessels, 3M says it will create CNG tanks that are 10 to 20% lighter with 10 to 20% greater capacity, all at a lower cost than standard vessels. In addition to these benefits, 3M says its technology produces safer and more durable tanks than those currently on the market.

3M says that its resins inherently have much higher modulus and fracture toughness than conventional epoxy resins. These properties provide improved fiber delivered strength and fiber translation, burst pressure after impact damage, and cycle life in composite overwarp pressure vessels (COPVs).

3M believes in the potential of natural gas, and this agreement illustrates our commitment to the industry. We are excited about this collaboration to speed the development and adoption of natural gas-powered vehicles.

—George Buckley, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of 3M

Chesapeake has pledged an initial $10 million toward design and certification services, market development support and a commitment to use the new tanks for its corporate fleet conversion to CNG. The company’s investment will be provided by Chesapeake NG Ventures Corporation (CNGV), established in 2011 to identify and invest in companies and technologies that will replace the use of gasoline and diesel derived primarily from foreign oil. CNGV has committed $1 billion over the next 10 years to help fund various initiatives to increase demand for natural gas, including investments totaling $300 million in Clean Energy Fuels Corp. and privately-held Sundrop Fuels, Inc.

3M has engaged Hypercomp Engineering, Inc. of Utah for the design and certification of tanks. 3M will manufacture the tanks and focus its capital on all future operations and production. 3M expects these tanks to be available for sale during the fourth quarter of 2012.

Source: Green Car Congress

Cruze US diesel engine being co-developed with GM diesel center of excellence in Torino, Italy

The coming Chevrolet Cruze diesel engine for the US market will leverage GM’s global powertrain expertise. GM sold more than half a million diesel-powered cars across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America last year, including 33,000 Cruzes. GM expects that the introduction of a diesel option for Cruze—one of the top-selling gasoline-powered cars in the United States in 2011—will fuel its diesel car sales.

For Cruze, powertrain engineers at GM’s diesel center of excellence in Torino, Italy, are working with counterparts in Pontiac, Mich., to develop a world-class engine that delivers outstanding fuel efficiency and torque while providing a smooth, quiet ride. In addition, GM engineers in Russelsheim, Germany, are supporting the program by developing the accessory drive, acoustic cover and other specialized components.

Future Cruze diesel engine development will benefit from GM’s recent commitment to invest €20 million ($26.5 million) to add five new dynamic benches at its Torino facility for climatic, noise and vibration and chassis dynamometer testing. These additions will speed development time.

Climatic tests simulate temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius) up to (158 °F) (70 °C) and altitudes as high as 10,000 feet (3000 meters). Noise and vibration tests help minimize engine vibro-acoustic response. Chassis dynamometer tests measure emissions.

Source: Green Car Congress

GE “Forcing” Employees Into Chevy Volts

General Motors and General Electric are two companies that have been in the political crosshairs lately. GM stands accused of “crony capitalism,” while GE is under fire for paying no Federal income taxes in 2010. The two companies share more than that though, with GE placing an order for 12,000 Chevy Volts and other hybrid vehicles.

A memo leaked to Green Car Reports lays out GE’s plans for their new fleet of Volts, and as expected, it has some people crying foul.

The memo, sent to employees of GE Healthcare Americas team explains that all sedan, crossover, and minivan purchases in 2012 will be replaced by the Chevy Volt. Only field engineers are excepted from having to drive a company Volt.

GE will offer estimates for installation Level 2 Charging Stations, though all-gas use will be allowed when there is no electric option. Any employees who opt out of the Volt program will not be compensated for their expenses. Those who do choose to drive the Volt will be reimbursed for public charging and home charging costs, in addition to gas uses.

While some people are probably put off by having to drive a Volt, GE claims to have crunched the numbers and believes that in the long term, this will save the multi-national company big bucks. More than that though, GE is positioning itself as a big player in the EV charging market. Getting employees into Volts also means getting charging stations into homes.

It’s a bold move to be sure, and it will hopefully prove to be a boon to the Volt’s flagging sales numbers. GM had hopped to sell as many as 60,000 Volts in 2012, before dropping that number to 45,000. Will they even make that number though? Hard to tell, though GE’s business will go a long way towards giving the Volt some sales momentum.

Source: Gas2.0

Tesla Roadster vs. Porsche 911 Carrera – Electric Car Win (Video)

These Electric Vehicles lay the smack down:

Mitsubishi will debut production-ready extended-range Outlander at Geneva

Along with redesigning the entire Outlander line which will debut next month at the Geneva Show, Mitsubishi will introduce its long-anticipated production plug-in hybrid version with capability of 31 miles all-electric range, and potential for near-triple-digit MPG equivalent.

The U.S. version of the tech-laden vehicle is to go on sale in 2013 and is derived from the second all-wheel-drive PX-MiEV concept previously shown at Tokyo. According to Mitsubishi spokesperson Christine Jew, it is capable of operating as a series hybrid, parallel hybrid, or on battery power alone.

We noticed a report saying a battery electric version will be introduced, but in the interest of avoiding confusion, we’re reporting Mitsubishi verified that was an error.

Instead, the “EV-based Outlander” will use a gasoline engine (possibly 2.0-liter but not confirmed) plus dual electric motors, lithium-ion battery pack and other technology from its “i” electric city car. Mitsubishi would not verify powertrain details, but the concept upon which it’s based was said to deliver power on par with a 3.0-liter V6.

The two electric propulsion motors (60-kw (80.5 horsepower) on the concept) – one for the front, another for the rear wheels – are controlled by sophisticated electronics. Combined with the petrol power plant, range is said to be over 500 miles (800 km), with emissions below 50 grams per kilometer.

How the plug-in Outlander will do on the EPA fuel efficiency test cycle is to be determined, but Mitsubishi’s initial projection for the easy going Japanese cycle is a combined rating of 141 MPGe (60 km per liter). This cycle normally scores significantly higher than does the U.S. cycle. For some reference, the EPA says Mitsubihi’s smaller i makes 112 MPGe combined.

Mitsubishi says the “eco-friendly” Outlander line will include variants for other markets including gasoline and turbo diesel.

Order of introduction for these new Outlanders is Russia first this summer, then to “European, Japanese, Oceania, Chinese and North American markets,” with the extended-range version beginning production later this fiscal year. The diesel is not scheduled for the U.S.

Among other safety features, the lineup will include the following advanced safety technologies:

• FCM (Forward Collision Mitigation System): Detects obstacles on the road ahead of the car and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision.
• ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control System): Operates to maintain a safe distance between the car in front even at very low speeds experienced in heavy traffic congestion.
• LDW (Lane Departure Warning System): Functions to warn the driver that their vehicle is about to depart from its lane.

Production ICE version.

The plug-in Outlander is actually one of eight electrified vehicles Mitsubishi will reportedly launch by 2016. These will include plug-in hybrids and full-electric vehicles.

Part of this new plan – which is reportedly well under way – is to produce small SUV’s and light trucks to attract farmers, contractors, and others who use light trucks as part of their work.

As for their BEV forerunner, the humble i, Mitsubishi has said it hopes to double last year’s global sales for 2012 to 42,000 units.

Mitsubishi looks like it means business, and if it meets its ambitious goals over the next few years, it stands to become a force to be reckoned with.

Source: GM-Volt.com

VW will start making electric vehicles in China in 2014

Volkswagen will start making electric vehicles in China in 2014 and will reach full EV-production capacity four years later, Reuters is reporting, citing VW China operations chief Karl-Thomas Neumann, who was speaking at a Beijing convention.

The German automaker, which has partnerships with China's FAW Group and SAIC Motor Corp., will also debut its first plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle in China in 2015. Neumann said EVs are "desperately needed" in China, the wire service said.

VW is banking on EV demand from a country expected to eventually overtake both the U.S. and Europe when it comes to electric-vehicle demand. Green research firm Pike Research said last year that Asia-Pacific will account for about 617,000 annual sales within five years, almost the number annually sold in North America by that time.

China is VW's largest market, accounting for more than a quarter of the automaker's vehicle sales in 2011. Last year, VW sold 2.26 million vehicles in China, up 18 percent from a year earlier.

In September, China Car Times reported that Volkswagen's Shanghai unit will launch an electric vehicle-only sub-brand with called Tantos, whose first EV model will be the E-Lavida. VW reportedly will likely have another EV-only badge called Kai-Li.

GS Yuasa bringing new automotive Li-ion battery factory online; targeting lowering production costs to 25% of 2009 level

GS Yuasa Corp. will bring a new automotive Li-ion battery factory in Shiga Prefecture online next month, with the aim of reducing production costs.

“Through mass production, we will soon lower production costs to a quarter” of what they were when the company first started making such batteries in 2009, said President Makoto Yoda.

The annual output of the factory, which is being built with Mitsubishi Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. at a cost of ¥37.5 billion (US$471 million), will be enough to equip 50,000 Mitsubishi Motors i-MiEV electric vehicles. The plant will make batteries for the i-MiEV and Minicab-MiEV, and for i-MiEV-b ased EVs of France’s PSA Peugeot Citroën Group. A plug-in hybrid to be released in fiscal 2012 will also use batteries manufactured at the plant, according to Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko.

The partners are also building another plant at the same site for ¥30 billion (US$377 million), with the capacity to power 75,000 i-MiEVs a year.

Toyota starts making, selling Camry Hybrids in Taiwan

PRESS RELEASE

Toyota City, Japan, February 16, 2012-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that its production affiliate in Taiwan, Kuozui Motors, Ltd. (Kuozui), today marked the start of production and sales of the "Camry Hybrid" in Taiwan.

Production of the Camry Hybrid at Kuozui's Kuanying Plant in Taiwan's Taoyuan County began on February 15, making the plant Toyota's seventh hybrid-vehicle production site outside Japan. Initial annual production is set at approximately 7,000 vehicles, to be the exclusive supply of the domestic market.

Sales of the vehicle, ranging in price from 1,069,000 to 1,399,000 Taiwan dollars, began today.

Marking the development, Kuozui President Haruaki Hoshino said: "We are very proud to begin production of the state-of-the-art Camry Hybrid at our Kuanying Plant. With environmental and energy-conservation consciousness in Taiwan rising every year, we hope to supply the Taiwanese market with as many hybrids as possible."

TMC considers addressing environmental issues to be one of its most important management tasks and is actively working to promote hybrids and other environment-friendly vehicles. At the end of 2011, global cumulative sales of TMC-produced hybrid vehicles reached approximately 3.6 million units.

Overview of Kuozui Motors, Ltd. (as of January 31, 2012)

Establishment		April 1984
Location		Jungli City, Taoyuan County, Taiwan
Chairman		Su Yannhuei
President		Haruaki Hoshino
Capital ratio		TMC: 65%
		Hotai Motor (a joint venture of Taiwanese investors, TMC and Hino Motors): 30%
		Hino Motors: 5%
Capital		3.46 billion Taiwan dollars
Employees		Approx. 4,000
	Plant	Jungli Plant (Jungli City)	Kuanying Plant (Kuanying)
	Start of production	August 1986	March 1995
	Products	Corolla	Vios, Yaris, Wish, Innova (IMV*), Camry, Camry Hybrid, others
	Site area	227 square kilometers	336 square kilometers
	Production capacity	100,000 units/year	65,000 units/year
*A project aimed at creating an optimal production and supply network on a global scale; the project consists of three pickup trucks, a minivan and an SUV.

VW will start selling Golf plug-in hybrid in 2015

Volkswagen will start selling a plug-in hybrid-electric (PHEV) version of the Golf in 2015 and has estimated that the car will be able to go as far as 30 miles in electric-only mode, AutoExpress is reporting.

The Golf PHEV will likely pair a 1.4-liter turbocharged gas engine with a 107-horsepower electric motor. The German automaker will show off a Golf PHEV concept vehicle at the Paris Motor Show this September, the website reported. PlugInCars cites a review on the UK-based AutoExpress website saying that the prototype was "very impressive" in a test drive.

VW last July unveiled a station-wagon prototype of the Golf "Twin Drive" PHEV. That car paired a 1.4-liter gas engine with an electric motor that provided 161 horsepower as well as 35 miles of electric-only range and more than 550 miles of range on a full tank. VW, which estimated the prototype's fuel economy at 112 miles per gallon-equivalent, planned at the time to build 20 Golf Twin Drive vehicles for testing.

Last summer, VW CEO Martin Winterkorn said in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport that he thought plug-in hybrids would be embraced by consumers at a far faster rate than battery-electric vehicles that don't provide a gasoline-powered option.



Source: Autoblog Green

Darryl Hannah's BioDiesel El Camino Sold at Auction

For years, the great and the good of Hollywood have helped encourage people to ditch gas guzzlers by turning up to red-carpet events and driving around Beverly Hills in an eclectic mix of trendy eco-cars.

But when those cars are traded in for the latest, greenest model, or perhaps swapped for something different, what happens to ex-celebrity owned green cars?

In the case of a certain 1983 El Camino pickup truck once owned by former Kill Bill star Daryl Hannah, it gets sold for just $2,250 at auction.

The unlikely eco-ride in its dowdy gun-metal grey finish looks more suited to Montana than Hollywood, but glance at the rear window and everything becomes clear -- Hannah’s former pickup truck is powered by biodiesel made from vegetable oil.

A well-known supporter of biofuels, Hannah has been championing the biofuel alternatives to gasoline and diesel for many years. In 2003, she set up the Sustainable Biofuels Alliance, and insisted on running her stock Chevy pickup for many years without modification to prove that almost any diesel vehicle could run on fuel derived from recycled vegetable oil.

Daryl Hannah's BioDiesel El Camino Pickup Truck

One of a few hundred diesel El Caminos to be built, Hannah sold her biodiesel ride 4 years ago on eBay for a cool $10,000.

Since then, it has been the daily driver of Tennessee tech entrepreneur Freddie O’Connell, but as a consequence of an expanding family, O’Connell replaced the truck with an all-electric car, putting the classic up for auction.

We have no details on the mystery new owner, but hope Hannah's former truck continues to be fed on the finest recycled oil from fast food restaurants for many years to come.

As for Hannah? After she sold the truck, she turned her attention to the 1979 Pontiac Trans Am she drove in Kill Bill, converting it to a badass E85 hotrod.

Now if only she were to sell that...

Source: Green Car Reports

Tesla Takes 500 Model X Reservations In First Four Days

Few companies go ten years without turning a profit, and manage to stay alive. Tesla Motors has though, and it seems like CEO Elon Musk’s predictions that the company will turn a profit next year might actually come true. Hot on the heels of the Tesla Model S release, Musk and crew unveiled the Tesla Model X crossover.

And just as I predicted, the soccer mom’s flocked to the falcon-wing doors and seven-passenger seating. Tesla says that between the unveiling last Thursday and Valentines Day this past Tuesday, they took 500 reservations worth a cool $40 million.

This is serious cash we’re talking about too; at least $5,000 for a standard Model X, and up to $40,000 to reserve one of the few Signature models that will likely be the first ones to roll off the assembly line. All this for a car that nobody outside of a few employees and reporters have even seen in person. Then again, the Tesla Model S also got over 500 reservations in its first week, but something tells me the Model X crossover will be Tesla’s bread-and-butter.

And that wasn’t the only good news this week, as Tesla announced another deal with Daimler, parent company of Mercedes. Tesla will provide the old-school Mercedes brand with a new-school electric powertrain for an upcoming luxury roadster. Details are scant, but the deal is sure to put a lot more money in Tesla’s pockets.

Things are looking up for Tesla; the company expects to deliver its first Model S sedan this summer, and 5,000 of them by the end of the year. There are just 330 Tesla Roadsters left, and they expect to sell the last of them by the end of the year, mostly in Europe and Asia.

2014 is a long was away though, and I’m not sure the Model X will survive in its current form. People are fickle, especially rich people. Will the falcon-wing doors survive?

Source: Gas2.0