Electric Truck Sales To Surge In Next Decade Says Navigant Research

A report from Navigant Research claims that electric truck sales will grow from roughly 31,000 worldwide in 2016 to more than 332,000 by 2026. The research firm believes the growth will be driven by economics — trucks with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric powertrains will simply cost less to purchase and operate over their useful lifetime than diesel powered trucks. The calculus in favor such vehicles will only improve over time as battery prices fall and charging infrastructure increases.

Diesel trucks today are becoming more expensive as manufacturers add costly pollution control systems such as exhaust after treatment and advanced fuel injection systems to satisfy stricter emissions regulations. The higher the price of new diesel trucks, the more competitive alternatives like hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric trucks become. In addition, am electric truck typically has significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs. A professional fleet manager has to look at total cost when choosing which truck to buy. Return on investment is one key metric that can skew the decision in favor of a vehicle with alternative power.

In an odd twist of fate, the Volkswagen diesel emissions cheating scandal has had a knock on effect on how the public looks at all diesel vehicles. The illusion of  “clean diesel technology” has now been shattered, thanks to VW. Four of the world’s largest cities have pledged to ban diesel powered vehicles from their streets completely by 2025. It is unlikely they would have taken such agressive action had the VW scandal not raised public awareness of the environmental hazards of diesel engines.

Also, general awareness of global climate change is higher now than ever before, thanks to the Paris climate accords agreed to by all the world’s nations last December. More and more corporations are adopting stricter environmental guidelines for their businesses both out of a desire to increase their “green” credentials with customers and a because of a recognition that climate change is not a hoax created by the Chinese and must be dealt with seriously.

An electric truck may be a hybrid — a vehicle that utilizes an onboard fossil fuel engine to recharge their batteries. The engine can vary from the tiny 648 cc two cylinder engine used by Workhorse to the natural gas powered turbine developed by Wrightspeed that burns so cleanly it meets California’s strict emissions standards without a catalytic converter. It can also include a conventional gasoline or diesel engine that keeps batteries charged during the work day. Plug-in hybrids simply allow the trucks to be recharged when not in use, which means the onboard range extender engine needs to run less frequently.

Pure battery electric vehicles face obstacles such as high initial costs and relatively short range. But they may prove ideal for the “last mile” scenario that gets consumer goods from suburban warehouses to stores and customers in cities. Deutsche Post has begun manufacturing just such a vehicle which it designed in house. It will be perfect for moving consumer goods into the four cities that plan to ban diesel vehicles completely.

The hardest challenge for an electric truck is moving freight long distances. Diesel engines still excel compared to other power sources in the world’s fleet of tractor trailers. But changes are happening there, too. Nikola Motors has unveiled a prototype tractor with battery power and a hydrogen fuel cell range extender. Tesla Motors has hinted it may be working on an electric truck of its own, although no details have been released.

One thing seems certain. The days when the diesel engine was king of the freight hauling world appear to be numbered. That’s good news for the environment.

Source: Hybrid Cars

Jaguar J-Pace Diesel Electric Hybrid Caught Testing

Jaguar is known to be working on a battery electric SUV. But it may also have a diesel electric hybrid verson of that car under development. The hybrid, which may be called the J-Pace, has been spotted testing by Autocar. Based on the F-Pace SUV, the test mule appears to be longer than the existing model. A 2.0 liter diesel engine coupled to an electric motor or two is rumored to reside under the camouflaged exterior.

Until the Volkswagen’s diesel emissions cheating scandal exploded last September, diesel engines were hugely popular in the UK and in Europe, thanks to two generations of government policies favoring the more fuel efficient engines. Apparently, the demand for diesels still remains among customers on the Continent. 

Jaguar is reportedly anxious to create a sub-brand for its green vehicles, all of which will have vastly different styling than its traditional models in much the same way that BMW’s offerings from its “i” division are distinctive from other cars from the Bavarian auto maker.  Within that planned family, the diesel-electric hybrid and all electric SUVs may be separate models, each with its own styling.

Autocar suggests the  hybrid J-Pace could be a larger model that will slot above the all-electric SUV. Having a hybid powertrain would eliminate any range concerns  in a larger vehicle. Eventually, there may be as many as four models in Jaguar’s green car offirings. All will probably use the same aluminum-intensive platform as the current F-Pace and XE sedan.

The all electric SUV is expected to go on sale as early as 2017 with the diesel electric hybrid following along about a year later. Jaguar has reportedly trademarked the names E-Pace and I-Pace but no J-Pace. The use of the word “pace” refers back to previous advertising campaigns based on the slogan, “Grace, Pace, And Space.”

Source: Green Car Reports   Photo credit: Jaguar Land Rover

Diesel Electric Audi Q7 e-Tron PHEV Debuts In Geneva

The wraps came off the diesel electric Audi Q7 e-Tron plug-in at the Geneva Auto Show this week. The car offers unprecedented fuel economy with very low emissions for a vehicle of its size. With a 17 kWh battery, the car is capable of going 34 miles on electric power alone. Overall, it is rated at 166 MPGe with just 50 grams of CO2 emitted per kilometer.

The technological wizardry baked into the Q7 e-Tron is amazing. Front and rear suspension components have been completely redesigned and weigh 130 lbs less than those found on previous Audi 4X4’s. The disc shaped electric motor is connected to an 8 speed Tiptronic transmission and can be uncoupled completely from the drivetrain.

An electronic management system controls a center differential and other components of the driveline to insure torque goes where it is needed most. It also decides when and how much to use either the electric motor or the 6 cylinder TDI engine to maximize economy, acceleration or regenerative braking. Driver selectable controls tell the computer what driving dynamics the driver prefers. Working together the engine and electric motor pump out enough torque (442 lb-ft) to get the car to 60 mph in under 6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 139 mph.

The Q7 is more about creature comfort than fuel economy, though, and it cossets is driver and passengers in a cocoon of luxury that few other cars can match. Ever since the Tesla Model S hit the streets, a large center display with ultra-crisp resolution is absolutely necessary and the Q7 does not disappoint in this regard. It features a voice activated screen powered by a Tegra 30 graphics chip from NVIDIA. It also comes with a bespoke Audi tablet computer for rear seat passengers to use. A large sunroof is available, as are ultra-plush heated seats with massage function.

Don’t even ask what the Q7 e-Tron will cost when and if it reaches America. The world’s car makers seem to have gone mad for massively expensive so-called “sporty” cars that allow wealthy patrons to careen about in sumptuous surroundings while smiling smugly to themselves about how eco-friendly their cars are compared to the lowly Toyotas and Hondas they are forced to share the roadways with. Anyone who thinks the Q7 or the similar Mercedes V Class V-ision e have anything to do with protecting the environment is practicing the fine art of self-delusion. But that won’t prevent Audi from selling ever last one they can weld, screw and bolt together.

Source: AutoBlog

273-foot Hybrid Yacht Is A Lesson In Opulent Efficiency

Hybrid cars have become almost old hat these days, with nearly every automaker offering at least some kind of hybrid in their lineup. But hybrid boats are an entirely different story, and a 273-foot mega yacht dubbed The Savannah has just launched boasting a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system that its builder Feadship claims is the “first true hybrid superyacht.”

Built over four years and at an undisclosed cost, the Savannah requires a full-time crew of 26 people and took the combined efforts of about 1,000 individuals to complete. As you might expect from a multi-million dollar luxury barge, it’s got some crazy cool features like an underwater viewing lounge, 29-foot deck-level pool, and an open-aft design that allows for lots of fun in the sun. It also absolutely dwarfs other supposed hybrid yachts, about four times over. There are also four guest rooms and a VIP suite with a balcony, a garage, and of course a cinema, the first for any super yacht.

But where The Savannah really shines is efficiency, and its diesel-electric propulsion system allows it to run on either liquid fuel or electric power solely, or combining the two together for greater efficiency. Three large generators and a huge lithium-ion battery pack are coupled to a single diesel engine, rather than the two engines a ship this size would normally require. The unique aft section allows for a propeller that’s 40% bigger than average, and the hull has an especially slim design that also contributes to efficiency.

All told, this huge hybrid yacht is about 30% more efficient than similarly-sized vessels. Considering that even at idle, this yacht consumes about 130 gallons of fuel per hour, such efficiency improvements can save a lot of money for people who clearly have way too much.

2015 Ford Focus ST Gets A Diesel Version

The Ford Focus ST is getting a diesel engine to keep it competitive with other fuel-sipping hot hatchbacks, like the Volkswagen Golf GTD. While it sacrifices horsepower, it still offers a spirited drive from 0 to 60 MPH and the same fun-to-drive suspension. Just don’t expect the diesel option to come to the United States.

Using a 2.0 liter common-rail turbodiesel in place of the 2.0 liter EcoBoost the Focus ST normally comes with, diesel drivers will make due just 180 horsepower instead of 252 galloping ponies, though everything else stays the same. That means the same track-tuned suspension, Recaro racing seats, and torque-vectoring limited-slip differential as the gas-powered Focus ST, just with a more-efficient diesel.

The obvious target here is the Golf GTD, and while the Focus ST diesel has one extra horsepower, it takes a full 8.0 seconds to go from 0 to 60 MPH, compared to the 7.6 second sprint of the Volkswagen. It’s still plenty fast for most drivers, and fuel economy should be a step up from the normal Focus ST, which gets as much as 34 MPG on the highway on the U.S. rating system. Over in Europe, a diesel-powered Focus should be well into the 40 MPG range.

For 2015, Ford has given the Focus a new look that brings it in line with the rest of the corporate fleet, as well as more standard technology to make it a top competitor in the compact car market. The addition of a potent but potentially still fuel-efficient diesel to the Ford’s hot hatchback lineup makes it even more appealing to buyers used to dealing with $9 a gallon fuel. Speaking of gas prices, still no mention of the Ford Focus Electric.

But Americans shouldn’t hold their breath, as Ford remains ambivalent towards U.S. diesel sales. At least we’ll be safe from Focus STD jokes.

Source: AutoExpress

GM Considering Diesel Engines For Buick Lineup

The decision to keep Buick alive during the 2009 restructuring of General Motors baffled many, but so far seems to be justified by increased sales and interest from customers. To keep the momentum going, GM is reportedly considering the addition of diesel engines to its lineup, in an effort to make Buick ever more European.

It’s an interesting move for GM, which will launch its first American diesel sedan in a long time next year with the Chevy Cruze Diesel. The Buick Verano, the upscale version of the Cruze, is likely to be the first model to get a diesel engine, though it doesn’t sound like it will be the last.

Buick is basically GM’s dumping ground for European designs under the Opel brand, fueling speculation that the Opel Adam could come stateside as a Buick. It would also mean giving Buicks more diesel engine options, which might better appeal to Buick’s more affluent customer base, and there’s the possibility of a LPG option down the road.

GM is also seeking to offer its surprise hit, the crossover Buick Encore, with a more-powerful engine that could also be a turbodiesel. With fuel economy remaining a top priority for car buyers, offering more diesel engines in the Buick brand could bring in buyers who might not otherwise consider buying a Buick.

Give me a turbodiesel Buick Regal with more than 350 ft-lbs of torque, and we can start talking.

 Source: Edmunds

Geneva 2013: Mitsubishi’s Hybrid Pickup Points The Way Forward

You would think that for a country as obsessed with pickup trucks as America is, there would be more powertrain options when it comes to buying a new one. But America’s automakers have been slow to offer an alternative to the standard V6 or V8 gasoline engines, leaving the door open for a more innovative solution. Enter the Mitsubishi GR-HEV, a diesel-electric hybrid pickup that could point towards the future of medium-size trucks.

Mitsubishi has not sold a pickup in America since 2009, when the rebadged Dodge Dakota hit lots as the Mitsubishi Raider. Yet there are plenty of Mitsubishi box trucks to be found in America, and overseas the L200 pickup is popular with developing nations and the first world alike. It’s fair to say that Mitsubishi has some experience in building trucks.

That is why the GR-HEV concept is so exciting. While just a concept, and with few technical details provided, a diesel-electric pickup could offer far more efficiency than the current crop of V6 models. While Mitsubishi doesn’t talk mpgs, they do note that CO2 emissions of the 2.5 liter diesel engine will be rated at 149 g/km, which loosely translated is around 36 mpg with the Super All Wheel Control System full-time 4WD. The much ballyhooed global Ford Ranger diesel emits about 264 g/km, which works out to about 20 mpg.

Right now the 2013 Ram 1500 pickup with two-wheel drive and a 3.6 liter V6 engine is the MPG champion, boasting up to 25 mpg on the highway. Ford is rumored to have joined forces with Toyota on a hybrid pickup, and Chrysler is working on its own plug-in hybrid, as well as an EcoDiesel V6-powered Ram.

But Mitsubishi is the first company to debut a pickup concept in some time that boasts anything other than a gas engine. Even if it is a concept, and it debuted over in Europe, Mitsubishi could find a lot of interested buyers for such a vehicle…if they have the cajones to build it in America.

Mitsubishi’s press release does say that the application of hybrid technology to larger, tougher vehicles is “the next logical step”, but  for now this concept remains very much in the “Do-Want-But-Won’t-Get” category.

Source: Mitsubishi

Volvo Putting 475 Hybrid Buses On the Road in Quebec

It may not be as exciting as their 2000 HP hybrid electric dragster, but it’s probably better for the planet Earth and the city of Montreal’s air quality that Volvo will be putting 475 hybrid-diesel buses to work by the end of 2014.

The huge order may only be the tip of the iceberg for Volvo’s hybrid bus presence in Canada, however. The initial delivery of 475 buses will be distributed through Quebec’s nine transportation authorities, but the Canadian province has an option on up to 1200. In addition, the fuel-efficient, low-emission diesel hybrid buses are being sold in Europe and South America, with tests currently active in Brazil and Mexico City and similar hardware underpinning London’s famous double-decker buses, as well. The Volvo people movers are said to get about 30 percent better fuel economy than comparable diesel vehicles.

Volvo Buses Receives Order for 475 Hybrid Buses from Quebec

Volvo Buses’ North American subsidiary, Nova Bus, has received an order for 475 hybrid buses from Quebec in Canada. This is the single largest order for hybrid vehicles that the Volvo Group has ever signed to date. The buses are scheduled for delivery beginning of 2014.

With a total of more than 1600 delivered hybrid buses Volvo Buses is the world leader in the fast-expanding market for hybrid buses. Now the company’s North American subsidiary, city bus manufacturer Nova Bus, has received an order for 475 hybrid buses from the province of Quebec in Canada. This largest-ever single order for hybrid vehicles confirms Volvo Buses’ position both in North America and globally. Delivery of the 475 LFS HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) buses will start in 2014. The order also encompasses an option for a further 1200 vehicles.

Long-term cooperation The customer, ATUQ, is a consortium consisting of the province’s nine transit authorities.”This order underlines the strong relationship ATUQ and Nova Bus have developed over the years,” said Jean-Pierre Baracat, President of Nova Bus. “ATUQ has renewed its confidence in our vehicles once again, and we are glad to continue to work together to further enhance transit services in our communities.”

Environmentally optimised technology Compared with conventional diesel-powered buses, the Nova LFS HEV offers approximately 30% lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In parallel with the continued enhancement of hybrid technology, Nova Bus is working on the development of other environmentally optimised solutions such as plug-in hybrids and all-electric buses.

“One important part of Nova Bus’ vision is to be a leader in green efficiency and electro-mobility. We believe that lower-emissions buses help meet urban challenges such as congestion and improve quality of life,” says Stefan Tilk, President Business region Americas,Volvo Buses.

Volvo Bus Corporation is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of large buses and coaches. The range comprises complete vehicles, chassis, bus bodies, transport system solutions for metropolitan traffic, leasing, financing and service contract maintenance. Volvo Bus Corporation is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment and drive systems for marine and industrial applications. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service.

Source: Volvo

2013 Volvo V60 Diesel Plug-In Hybrid Enters Production

Diesel hybrids are now no longer a new concept--even if none are sold in the U.S.--but Swedish carmaker Volvo is the only company offering a diesel plug-inhybrid.

That car, the Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid, is now in full production at the maker's Torslanda plant in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid: First Drive Video

The Plug-In Hybrid has required parts of the factory's final assembly line to be modified, accommodating the 300 extra components which go into the diesel plug-in.

The electric motor and driveshafts are assembled at the same station as the firm's all-wheel drive models, while cooling and high-voltage cables are fitted along with the rest of the drivetrain and chassis parts.

The 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides a range of up to 32 miles on electric power, is inserted through the tailgate before being rotated and installed below the trunk floor.

First diesel plug-in

While Mercedes-Benz now offers a diesel full-hybrid and Peugeot-Citroen has a range of diesel through-the-road hybrids, Volvo is the first company to offer a plug-in option using a diesel engine.

The setup uses a 2.4-liter, five-cylinder turbo-diesel and six-speed automatic transmission to power the front wheels, while a 52-kilowatt motor supplies the rear wheels. That makes it a through-the-road hybrid just like the French vehicles, but the Volvo is able to run on battery power alone for much longer.

Like the Peugeots and Citroens, it also means extra traction in cold weather, or when accelerating hard--62 mph can be reached in under 7 seconds.

Better still, claimed fuel economy is as high as 124 miles per gallon--on the optimistic European cycle, at least. Bank on a realistic 100 mpg, with a full charge of the battery taken into account.

The car has already been in demand, with the first run of 1,000 cars selling out before it reached showrooms. Production will now step up to 4,000-6,000 cars per year.

Sadly, none of those will be coming Stateside--just like the other diesel hybrids out there, this one is Europe-only.

Still, maybe that isn't so bad--diesel hybrids don't make as much sense as you think...

Source: Green Car Reports

VW Diesel Buyers, Hybrid Buyers: Both Want Fuel Economy, But Beyond That...

When the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid arrives at dealers in late December or early January, VW will become the only carmaker offering both a diesel engine and a hybrid model of the same compact sedan.

Why two such different approaches?

Because, Volkswagen says, the audiences for the two cars are actually very different--and there's very littlecrossover from one to the other.

As part of its launch event last night, Rainer Michel,vice president of product marketing and strategy for Volkswagen of America, discussed the two different sets of buyers.

Using data from research firm Strategic Vision, Volkswagen looked at buyers of the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Toyota Prius, and the Honda Insight.

The company found that almost half the Toyota Priusbuyers considered no other vehicle at all. Of those who did look at alternative choices, none had considered the Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

One-third of buyers of the diesel Jetta TDI, however, considered no other make than Volkswagen. And a mere 5 percent looked at the hybrid Toyota Prius as a competitor.

As Michel's presentation noted, "Jetta Hybrid will allow VW to attract new customers who don't consider TDI as a legitimate rival to hybrids; those customers equate hybrid with eco-friendly."

Moreover, the Jetta TDI and hybrid buyers differed demographically as well.

Buyers of the three competitive hybrids were just 51 percent male, 78 percent of them were married, 89 percent had no kids in the household, and their average age was 61.

Jetta TDI buyers, on the other hand, included far more men than women. Fewer of them were married, but more of them had children in the house, and they were fully 17 years younger, with an average age of 44.

Michel reiterated several times that the new hybrid Jetta was not a competitor for the longstanding and much-loved Jetta TDI diesel sedan.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Instead, he said, the new model would bring new buyers to the Jetta model, those who would not previously have considered buying a Jetta because they didn't feel it had sufficiently high fuel economy.

The company projects that the new Jetta Hybrid will comprise about 5 percent of overall Jetta sales.

Last year, Volkswagen sold 150,000 Jetta sedans, meaning hybrid sales next year could number roughly 7,500.

What do you think: Is Volkswagen right? Are diesel buyers and hybrid buyers two distinct groups?

Source: Green Car Reports

Peugeot Onyx Hybrid Supercar Gets Supplemental Three-Wheeled Plug-In Scooter

Alternative fuel and hybrid supercars are fast becoming a trend among automakers, especially those in Europe. One of the best-looking “green” supercars I’ve seen ahead of the Paris Auto Show is without a doubt the diesel-electric Peugeot Onyx, a copper-plated, 680 horsepower statement of eco-badassery.

It only gets better though. Peugeot is bringing along a companion vehicle to the Onyx supercar, the three-wheeled plug-in hybrid Onyx Scooter Concept. Also, it transforms. I’ll take both!

The Onyx Scooter Concept utilizes a 0.4 liter gas engine with an electric motor sending power to the rear wheel. This combo produces 60 horsepower and 43 ft-lbs of torque, a far cry from the 680 of the supercar…but not bad for a scooter. This allows for a top speed of 93 mph, and the battery is big enough to go over 18 miles in all-electric mode. This enables the Onyx Scooter Concept to get up to 117 mpg.

Now, about that transforming bit. The Onyx Scooter Concept features a center-mounted “clip box”, which when removed Onyx Scooter into “Urban Mode”, and makes it look like, well, a scooter. But with the clip box in, the Onyx Scooter is more superbike than scooter. Also, three-wheels!

Are Scooters suddenly getting cool? I wouldn’t mind being seen on some of these scooters, especially the Onyx since it looks to utilize the same bare-copper plating found on its big-brother supercar. Once the Onyx Scooter gets a nice patina going, it will look even cooler. Too bad Peugeot probably won’t build it.

Source: Peugeot

GE’s Hybrid Locomotive Cuts Fuel Consumption And Emissions

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve taken a look back at the rail innovations of GE through the lens of their recently launched annual reports data visualization. These innovations include America’s first electrification project and a train powered by beef tallow. But now I want to talk about hybrids, specifically GE’s Hybrid Evolution locomotive, which is being designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions over its extended lifetime.

The GE Evolution Hybrid train is being designed with sophisticated sodium-metal batteries that will store energy recovered during braking. I don’t have to tell you that it takes a lot of energy to stop a 207-ton locomotive. If GE can capture even a fraction of that energy, it can then be used by the crew to lower fuel consumption while providing a boost of up to 2,000 horsepower.

The impact such trains could have on the environment, and rail travel as a whole, cannot be understated. The U.S. has one of the most efficient and cost-effective freight rail lines in the world. Train shipping is already very cost competitive with other methods of travel, and GE’s Evolution Hybrid trains could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent. That’s 15 percent more money invested elsewhere in the company. The energy saved over the course of a year could power 9,100 homes over the same year time-period. That’s a lot of energy, folks.

More importantly (at least as far as Mother Nature is concerned), these trains could reduce pollution by up to 50%. If you take a look through the 132 years of annual reports aggregated in GE’s new Data Visualization, you’ll see that their portfolio is full of emissions and fuel-reducing innovations. The GE Evolution Hybrid locomotive was introduced way back in 2005, and as yet I don’t think it is in production. But with gas prices on the rise once more, now is as good a time as ever to introduce a fuel-saving train to locomotive buyers.


Source: Gas2.0

THE VOLVO V60 PLUG-IN HYBRID - THE MOST TECHNICALLY-ADVANCED VOLVO MODEL EVER

PRESS RELEASE

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid and is Volvo Car Corporation's most technically advanced model ever - an electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one. At the touch of a button, the driver can choose which of the three cars they want to drive at any given moment.

The indicative price of the world's first plug-in hybrid with diesel engine is starting at between £45,000 and £50,000 in the UK, minus any government subsidy for electric cars (Plug-in Car Grant).

Sales get under way at the start of 2012 with a limited model year production run of 1,000 cars starting in November 2012. They will be offered with Pure Limited specification, which includes the highest SE Lux trim level.

"Our plug-in hybrid has received considerable attention since it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011. Now we're taking the next step by presenting the production model, which is graced with a distinctive profile featuring a spectacular silver colour, an exclusive interior and generous standard equipment," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

The production version of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be launched in just one colour - Electric Silver. The car is also distinguished by aero-designed 17-inch wheels, integrated exhaust tailpipes and a number of bodywork features in glossy black, such as the grille and the aerodynamic front spoiler. The chromed "Plug-in Hybrid" emblem is found both on the lower part of the tailgate and in a smaller version on the front wings.

Nordic region the biggest market

After the initial batch of 1,000 cars for model year 2013, production of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will increase to 4,000-6,000 cars as of model year 2014.

About 30 per cent of total volume will go to Sweden and the other Nordic countries. Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and the UK will have a share of between 5 and 15 per cent each.

"We expect the order books to fill very quickly. The most discerning customers have many exclusive cars to choose between. But for anyone who truly wants to be in a league of their own behind the wheel of the most ingenious car in the world, there's only our V60 Plug-in Hybrid," concludes Stefan Jacoby.

Electrifying temporary presence

In addition to other venues, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be launched through "electrifying" temporary presence in high profile venues. They will appear in places such as Stockholm, Berlin and London. The idea is that customers should meet the car where they feel most at home.

Surveys reveal that the main target group for the V60 Plug-in Hybrid includes customers that are eager to adopt unique new technology. The car is ideal for customers who want superior environmental performance without compromising any of the established qualities in a contemporary luxury car.

Volvo Car Corporation expects that 80 per cent of total sales will be in the form of company cars.

Exclusive interior

The interior of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid has black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching and inlays of blue-grey wood. Other distinctive interior details include a leather-covered steering wheel, specially designed floor mats and a gear lever knob with integrated indicator.

The list of standard equipment includes features such as speed-dependent power steering, electrically adjustable driver's seat, parking sensors front and rear, Bluetooth phone link and Volvo on Call.

Standard specification includes the High Performance Multimedia DVD audio system with its 4x40W amplifier, eight loudspeakers and seven-inch screen.

The first Volvo with the D6 badge

On the car's tailgate there is a D6 badge. The reason is that the combined performance of the five-cylinder turbo diesel and electric motor puts the car firmly within the same horsepower range as the petrol powered T6.

The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid are powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbo diesel producing 215 hp and maximum torque is 440 Nm. The car has a six-speed automatic transmission.

The rear axle is powered by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. The electric motor is supplied with power from an 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.

The sophisticated and exceptionally compact battery pack consists of 10 modules each containing 20 cells. An integrated computer monitors the system and compares temperature and charge level in each of the 200 cells. The battery pack also has an integrated water-cooling system driven by the car's climate unit.

Three driving modes - three cars in one

The driver selects the required driving mode via three buttons that give the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. If the battery pack has been recharged with electricity from renewable sources, its range is up to 32 miles with no carbon dioxide emissions from the tailpipe. The electric range varies with terrain, climate and driving style.

Hybrid is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The diesel engine and electric motor cooperate to ensure optimal balance between driving pleasure and environmental footprint. CO2 emission (NEDC, mixed driving cycle for certification) is just 49g/km and it has a total range of up to 621 miles.

In Power mode the technology is optimised to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor have a total power output of 215+70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440+200Nm. The electric motor's lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 62mph in 6.2 seconds.

Save battery power for later

The driver can choose to save battery power in order to drive on pure electricity later on, for instance in an urban green zone or in the heart of a city.

When Save is activated, the on-board system ensures that there is always sufficient charge for driving later in Pure mode. If necessary, the high-tension alternator will charge the battery pack so there is sufficient capacity for driving in Pure mode.

The aim is that the Save mode should ensure there is sufficient battery power for about 12.5 miles of driving on electricity alone.

Charge at home - cooling or heating in advance

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid can be recharged from a regular power outlet (230V/6A, 10A or 16A) at home or in a car park. Recharging time varies with amperage. A full charge with 10A takes 4.5 hours. This is cut to 3.5 hours with 16A, while a 6A charge takes 7.5 hours.

It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment to provide a more comfortable start of your journey. This also means that more battery power is used for actually propelling the car.

The pre-conditioning function can also cool the batteries. The ideal operating temperature for the battery pack is 20-30°C. This means that cooling prior to driving is very important in order to maximise battery charge and thus also range.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has two heating systems. In electric mode the car uses a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) air heater. The car also has a diesel-powered heater.

Better pulling power with four-wheel drive (AWD)

Pressing the AWD button activates the electrical four-wheel drive. Instead of the mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central control unit distributes power between the diesel-driven front wheels and the electrically-driven rear axle. The electric four-wheel drive system has been designed to provide better grip when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for instance in snow or mud.

However, owing to the electric motor's lower power, torque to the rear wheels is limited and four-wheel drive is active up to 75mph.

When four-wheel drive is activated, the diesel engine operates continuously and the generator ensures that the charge level in the battery pack is sufficient to supply the rear axle with the necessary power.

Since electric four-wheel drive is only activated by the driver when necessary, it is more economical than conventional permanent four-wheel drive.

Two-stage braking system

A two-stage braking system is yet another smart feature of the Volvo Plug-in Hybrid. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the system starts braking the rear axle's electric motor. This braking energy is then used to recharge the car's battery pack.

The mechanical brakes are activated only when the situation requires more braking power than the rear axle can provide.

Smartphone app

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the first Volvo to be launched with an entirely digital Driver Information Monitor (DIM). The conventional analogue gauges have been replaced by a one-piece LED screen offering a large number of display options. The driver can choose which information to show via the car's menu setup.

It is also possible to communicate with the car via a mobile app. This gives the owner access to a number of smart functions such as air conditioning, pre-cooling and after-cooling, and a reminder to connect the charge cable if this has not been done by a predetermined time.

Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 diesel-electric crossover now on sale; limited edition sold out

The new Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4, the first full diesel hybrid light-duty passenger vehicle on the market, is now available to pre-order. Having sold out of the 3008 HYbrid4 limited edition, the range offers two versions: a 99 g/km CO₂ and a 104 g/km CO₂ version.

HYbrid4 designates the hybridization of a diesel engine (2.0 liter HDi FAP 120 kW / 163 bhp) with an rear-axle-mounted electric motor offering a maximum power output of 27 kW (37 bhp). Peugeot says the choice of a diesel engine is based on its fuel consumption, reduced CO₂ emissions and Peugeot’s latest generation Stop & Start technology.

Close-up of the rear “HYbrid4” unit: multi-link rear suspension and electric motor. Click to enlarge.

The 3008 HYbrid4 crossover features 4 wheel drive; a maximum power output of 200 bhp; and an all-electric ZEV mode (Zero Emission Vehicle).

Source: Green Car Congress

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Wagon Prototype: First Test Drive

Here is a video of Volvo's upcoming V60 diesel electric plug in hybrid vehicle.

Chevrolet unveils Colorado diesel show truck for global debut at Bangkok show

Chevrolet revealed the Colorado Show Truck in advance of the Bangkok International Auto Show, where it is making its global public debut. The concept previews the next-generation Colorado midsize pickup truck; the Colorado goes on sale in Thailand later this year.

Thailand is the world’s-largest market for midsize pickups, so this was the perfect location in which to unveil our new Colorado.

—Susan Docherty, vice president, GMIO Sales, Marketing and Aftersales

Colorado show truck. Click to enlarge.

The show truck features an extended-cab body atop a high-stance AWD chassis and rides on large, 20-inch wheels and off-road tires. Power comes from a 2.8L turbo-diesel engine, which produces a broad torque band for cargo and towing capability.

While the new Colorado was developed within GM’s global product development organization, engineers took careful steps to ensure it would meet local market needs. Roberto Rempel, GM’s global vehicle chief engineer, lived in Thailand for several months during the truck’s development, immersing himself in the market and observing how the Thai people use their trucks and the road conditions they experience.

More details about the production model will be released later in the year.

Source: Green Car Congress

Land Rover Range_e 4WD diesel plug-in hybrid previews future production powertrains

The Range_e development 4WD diesel PHEV. Click to enlarge.

Land Rover presented its Range_e development model at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this week. This development model features a plug-in hybrid diesel-electric powertrain that Land Rover expects to make available in future production models, following the scheduled launch of its diesel-electric hybrid in 2013.

Range_e is based on the Range Rover Sport and uses the current 245 PS (242 hp, 180 kW) 3.0-liter TDV6 diesel engine, working with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and a 69 kW electric motor. Using a parallel hybrid system with a 14.2 kW/h lithium-ion battery that can be recharged from an external 240V power source, Range_e can be driven on electric power alone for more than 20 miles.

Range_e has a maximum system output of 339 PS (334 hp, 249 kW) and a top speed of around 120 mph (193 km/h), delivering a fuel economy of 85 mpg UK (71 mpg US, 3.32 L/100km). Overall CO₂ emissions are 89g/km. Improved fuel efficiency from the hybrid system makes 690 miles possible on a full tank of fuel.

Range_e is also engineered with the same full 4WD capability as the standard Range Rover Sport, with high and low range in the transmission, front and rear differentials and a mechanical locking centre differential. Dependant on the driver demand, the car’s intelligent system decides the most efficient method to deliver the power required, whether this is by electric, diesel or both. The Range_e also features regenerative braking to capture energy usually wasted in heat energy via the brakes. This energy can then be redeployed to drive the vehicle, further reducing fossil fuel consumption.

This system is the first example of a premium plug-in hybrid that also provides the full four-wheel-drive capability that you would expect from a Land Rover. It is an evolution of the production intent diesel-electric hybrid technology which will be launched in our next generation of SUVs and will be available for customers within the next two years.

—John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director

The Range_e is one of a number of Land Rover projects supported by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board and five prototype models are currently engaged in a test programme with Land Rover’s fellow members of the CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emissions Demonstrators) consortium.

Pete Richings, Chief Engineer Hybrids, said that they started the Range_e fleet trial in December 2010 and have so far covered 12,000 miles on the trial between the five test vehicles. Jaguar Land Rover is committed to spending £800 million (US$1.3 billion) on environmental technologies and has targeted a 25% reduction in its fleet-average CO₂ emissions between 2008 and 2012.

Source: Green Car Congress

Introducing The Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid Diesel Electric Vehicle

Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle

PRESS RELEASE

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Volvo Cars will be unveiling the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid - a virtually production-ready Volvo V60 with carbon dioxide emissions below 50 g/km. The Plug-in Hybrid, which will be launched in the market in 2012, is the result of close co-operation between Volvo Cars and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall.

The concept of a plug-in diesel hybrid gives the driver the very best of what an electric and diesel car can offer: very low fuel consumption and CO2 levels, combined with long range and high performance.

By simply pressing a button, the car gives the driver the option of how they want to drive:

* An electric car with a range of up to 32 miles.
* A high-efficiency hybrid with carbon dioxide emissions averaging just 49 g/km.
* A dynamic and engaging car with a combined output of 215 + 70 horsepower, 440 + 200 Nm of torque and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph of just 6.9 seconds.

The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be driven by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbo diesel, which produces 215 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 Nm.

The rear axle features ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) in the form of an electric motor producing 70 horsepower, which receives its power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The car features a six-speed automatic transmission.

The driver chooses the preferred driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel: Pure, Hybrid and Power. The interaction between diesel and electric power is handled via a control system.

"The second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a superbly carbon dioxide-lean car packed with driving pleasure. To get drivers to think green, we have offered both, in one traditional genuine sports wagon" says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. He adds: "The technology is still undergoing development and testing, however, the car already points very clearly to what our customers can expect when the plug-in hybrid enters showrooms next year. What we've done is to spice it up with spearhead technology that allows the driver to choose: zero emissions, high-efficiency hybrid or full-on performance. Just select the mode that suits best."

The Pure, Hybrid and Power driving modes give the V60 Plug-in Hybrid three different temperaments:

* In Pure the car runs only on its electric motor as much as possible. If the battery has been recharged using electricity from a renewable source supplied by Vettenfall, the driving range is up to 32 miles with zero emissions of carbon dioxide. Battery range varies with terrain, climate and driving style.
* Hybrid is the default mode whenever the car is started. The diesel engine and electric motor interact to provide the optimal balance between driving pleasure and low environmental impact. Emissions of CO2 are 49 g/km (EU Combined), corresponding to diesel fuel consumption of 150 mpg. The car's total range is up to 746 miles.
* In Power mode the technology is optimised to give the car the best possible performance. The diesel engine and electric motor have a combined power output of 215 + 70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 + 200 Nm. The electric motor's lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car's 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of 6.9 seconds.

The majority of all European car drivers cover less than 32 miles a day, for instance to and from work. On longer trips, the diesel engine is activated automatically, giving the car the same properties and range as a conventional hybrid.

The cost of the battery pack means the plug-in hybrid will be more expensive to buy than a Volvo V60 with a conventional combustion engine. Pricing will be announced nearer the 2012 launch date. On the other hand, fuel costs are expected to be one-third of a conventional combustion engined V60.

The plug-in hybrid can be charged via a regular household electricity socket at home or elsewhere. Charging time is about five hours if the car is recharged at home.

In addition to its three driving modes, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid features a number of other possibilities and benefits:

* The driver can choose to save battery capacity in order to be sure of driving on clean electricity later, for instance after entering the city. In order to maintain a sufficient battery charge level, the car is powered by its diesel engine.
* Pushing the AWD button in the centre stack activates electric four-wheel drive. Instead of the mechanical power transmission of the conventional AWD system, the central control unit manages torque distribution to the diesel-driven front wheels and the electrically powered rear axle.
* Using the car setup menu, the driver can key in the planned route's distance (short, medium or long). The control system calculates the balance between diesel and electric power to obtain the lowest possible CO2 emissions for the given distance.

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is recharged via a regular power socket (230V/6A, 10A or 16A). The charging time depends on the level of the current. A full 10A charge takes 4.5 hours. The time is shortened to 3 hours with 16A, while a charge in a 6A socket takes 7.5 hours.

The driver has the possibility to preheat or cool the passenger compartment during the recharging process. This means that more battery capacity can be used for powering the car. This pre-conditioning is programmed via a timer in the car's setup menu or remotely via a mobile phone. Via the mobile app, it also gives the owner access to a number of smart features, such as a reminder to plug in the charging cable if this hasn't been done at a certain pre-set time.

The instrument panel in the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid has been modified to give the driver a full range of important information about diesel and electricity consumption, battery charge level and remaining range.

On the outside the car has several additional features that emphasise its CO2-lean profile, such as lightweight wheels with exceptionally low air drag and Pirelli tyres designed for low rolling resistance.

Uncompromised Safety

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid includes a systematic approach to all safety aspects related to battery power. The basic perspective is that the battery-powered Volvo must be as safe as any other new Volvo car - when it comes to owning and driving and also in the event of an accident.

"We apply the same high safety standards to all our products but the safety-related challenges may differ depending on the driveline and fuel being used. To us, electrification technology is another exciting challenge in our quest to build the safest cars on the market," says Jan Ivarsson, Senior Manager Safety Strategy & Requirements at Volvo Cars. He adds: "It is understandable that a lot of questions about electrification safety are related to what will happen in an accident but it is important to have a holistic approach including all the aspects of day-to-day usage of the car."

Volvo Cars is currently conducting wide-ranging and thorough analysis of a variety of safety scenarios for cars with electric power, including virtual and real life tests in Volvo's own crash-test centre. Through advanced automatic monitoring of battery status and by encapsulating the battery and protecting it effectively in a collision, the result is a world-class safety level.

"Based on our significant database with input from actual road incidents and accidents, we know where the focus must lie in everyday traffic conditions. The solutions we have developed for the V60 Plug-in Hybrid takes into account the situations that are unique to this type of car," says Jan Ivarsson.

"We have carried out full-scale crash tests with different load cases, such as frontal, rear and side collisions to confirm that the battery technology fulfils our safety requirements," reveals Jan Ivarsson. He adds: "The lithium-ion batteries are separated from the crumple zones and the occupants' compartment."

All safety systems in the Volvo V60 will also be available in the plug-in hybrid version. However, electric power also adds new possible safety scenarios and these too must be dealt with. Volvo's safety experts have analysed the five accident sequence phases and developed unique solutions for the battery and for protection of the occupants as necessary.

When Volvo Cars analyses traffic situations from a safety perspective, the engineers use a model that illustrates the sequence of events during the whole driving phase. The process is divided into five phases and based on these, Volvo develops new safety solutions and improves existing ones.

1. Normal driving: An advanced monitoring system keeps watch and ensures that each cell maintains the correct voltage level and optimal operating temperature by regulating the cooling system. This is of significance to both safety and battery capacity. In the event of any deviation, the battery is automatically shut down as a preventive measure.

2. Conflict: The battery adds weight that alters the standard vehicle's dynamics, for instance in fast avoidance manoeuvres. The braking system has been enhanced to handle the increased mass, and DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) helps the driver contain the situation.

3. Avoidance: If a frontal collision is imminent and the driver is acting too late to brake the car, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid can activate automatic systems such as Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and City Safety to help avoid or reduce the effects of an collision.

4. Collision: To reduce the effects of a collision, the battery package is encapsulated and is protected and separated from the car's crumple zones and the occupants' compartment. Steel beams and the structure around the battery are reinforced to help protect it. If the battery is damaged, resulting in gas leakage, there are ducts that lead the gas out under the car. In extreme heat, the occupants are shielded by the battery's protection. At the moment of impact, crash sensors send information about the collision to the car's computer to shut off the power supply to reduce the risk of a short-circuit.

5. After the collision: The battery has a security cut-out that functions like a household earth fault circuit breaker. It shuts down and isolates the battery if the current travels in the wrong direction, for instance if two cables are pressed together as a result of an accident. Volvo also works with the emergency rescue services, providing them with detailed instructions on how to handle various Volvo models in the event of an accident.

Volvo Cars and the battery manufacturers have far-reaching product responsibility as regards both production and recycling. This ensures proper handling of the battery when it comes to the end of its life in the car.

Electric power offers a range of benefits

Electrification of the transport sector is an important step in the fight against climate change. Electricity is a highly beneficial fuel:

* An electric motor is almost four times as efficient as a regular combustion engine. This means that an electrically powered car consumes less energy and thus produces lower emissions, even if it is powered by a blend of electricity sources that include fossil fuels.
* European electricity production has an emission ceiling. This means that even if all vehicles were to run on electricity, electricity production itself is not allowed to produce more carbon dioxide. This emission ceiling will be gradually lowered over a period of time.
* Electricity is an excellent source of energy. It does not risk running out, and it can be produced virtually without any CO2 emissions.
* Emissions from millions of exhaust tailpipes are transferred to a small number of production facilities, which are easier to control and which will operate on the basis of the EU's trade in emission rights, something that does not apply to the transport sector at present.
* Electric vehicles use relatively little electricity and the increase in consumption will be more than covered by ambitious expansion plans for renewable energy sources throughout Europe. A single wind-power station, for instance, produces sufficient renewable energy to power 3,000 electric cars.

Electricity production is undergoing rapid expansion. Wind-power is being commercially introduced on a large scale and is continuing to expand, biofuels will replace fossil fuels on a broad front, wave-power is expected to enter commercial operation within ten years, and new technology to clean CO2 emissions from coal-fired power stations is currently under development.

Volvo Cars in Partnership with Vattenfall

In January 2007, Volvo Cars and Vattenfall launched an industrial partnership whose aim was to test and develop plug-in technology. This cross-border initiative resulted in the foundation of a jointly owned company - V2 Plug-in-Hybrid Vehicle Partnership,

"No industry or organisation can tackle the climate challenge all by itself. It is our mission to develop carbon dioxide-lean cars, but a sustainable future must be created jointly by everyone in society. This project shows how cooperation between experts in different areas brings us closer to the transition from individually carbon dioxide-lean products to a climate-smart lifestyle," says Stefan Jacoby.

"With our latest development we are once again demonstrating our leadership in the environmental field by being first to market hybrid technology in an entirely new dimension," He adds: "Having Vattenfall in the electricity generating industry as a partner gives us an added strength. It allows us to be on the inside and shape developments in this area, for instance when it comes to clean electricity and infrastructure. We will also offer our customers a climate-neutral electricity supply contract when our plug-in hybrid enters series production."

"We're taking a giant step forward towards our "DRIVe Towards Zero" vision, that is to say the hunt for zero emissions. In fact, when the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is run solely on electricity and recharged using renewable energy, we've already reached that goal."

"Backed by the innovative power and spearhead technological competence of two industries, we have succeeded in creating a car that is truly unique in the automotive world. I'm very proud of the fact that Vattenfall and Volvo Cars are the driving forces behind the development of transport solutions that tackle climate issues and society's oil dependency. With renewable electricity from Vattenfall, the plug-in hybrid can be driven with minimised climate impact and local emissions. The result of the project emphasises that the future of the car lies in electrification," says Vattenfall's President and CEO Øystein Løseth.

The Future of Production

Everything from the way the car is produced, used and serviced to the way they are recycled is analysed thoroughly and the information obtained is used to shape the development of the production car. At Volvo Cars, work progresses on the V60 Plug-in Hybrid in parallel with development of the Volvo C30 Electric, which runs entirely on electricity.

"These two car types complement one another. With a plug-in hybrid the driver is entirely independent of recharging stations when driving long distances. The future electric-car market will feature a mixture of both all-electric cars and plug-in hybrids," says Stefan Jacoby.

The third leg in Volvo Cars' electrification strategy is empowering the upcoming engine generation with hybrid technology.