Toyota Prius Prime Arrives In US: Will It Be The Plug-In Sales Champion For 2017

New copies of the Toyota Prius Prime (such as this one at Expressway Toyota) arrived at US dealers starting on November 8th

Despite some hiccups getting production underway on the new Toyota Prius Prime in Japan this Fall due to some difficulty manufacturing componentry unique to the plug-in version, Toyota still managed to land the car on US soil ahead of the company’s original schedule.

A Prius Prime (with optional 11.6 inch HD multimedia screen) at Toyota of Oakland waits to find a home

The 25 mile plug-in hybrid Toyota (details) was only expected to arrive just before year’s end, but car’s starting arriving on dealer lots in limited quantities on November 8th nonetheless.

Also of note, and some of those cars have already made it out to states that aren’t California. /refreshing

This pleasant delivery surprise from Toyota means that not only will the company manage to log some plug-in sales of consequence this year, but the plug-in is in no danger of finishing last on our monthly plug-in scorecard for US sales(just 52 of the long out-of production 1st generation Prius PHV had been sold thus far in 2016).

Currently as of press, Toyota has already managed to build inventory of the PHEV up to around 250 units nationally passed the sales demand thus far. (but still mostly in California).

UPDATE (December 1st):  Indeed the Prius Prime was very well received in the US, as Toyota sold just about every copy that arrived on dealer lots, and in so doing set a new all-time record for most plug-in sales by a new offering in its first month – ever, with 781 sales in November.

And if the 2017 Prius Prime heads into 2017 well stocked, it could move all the way from the bottom of the plug-in sales charts ni the US to the very top, as the $27,950 price-point is extremely attractive to not only thrifty EV buyers, but traditional consumers of the standard Prius.

Discounting the $4,500 federal credit the Prime is eligible for (thanks to its new, larger 8.8 kWh battery), the new plug-in Prius has an effective price of $23,450 – which is $1,000 less than the base petrol Prius model…of which Toyota historically sells anywhere from 7,000 to 10,000 a month of those.

Inside the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Excluding new plug-in offerings, the Tesla Model S was forecast to sell around ~30,000 to 35,000 copies in the US next year, which translates to a monthly sales rate of 2,500 to 2,900 EVs, while the Chevrolet Bolt EV is estimated to move around 25,000 copies in the US for full year 2017 (~2,100/month).

The original Prius plug-in (which was not competitively priced, and with just 11 miles of electric range) was the #2 best seller in 2012, and #4 in 2013 and 2014 before being discontinued mid 2015.

So what do you think?  Can the much improved, priced-right Toyota Prius Prime be the best selling plug-in for the US?  We think it has a good shot…if properly stocked to demand.

And even if it doesn’t hit the top of the charts, one thing is for certain – the Toyota Prius Prime is here…and it is going to put a lot of new customers behind the wheel of a plug-in car in 2017.

New (Sort Of) Karma Revero Seeks To Take A Bite Out Of Tesla Model S Market

The Fisker Karma is back, sort of. After Fisker went bust in 2013, its assets were purchased by Wanxiang, a Chinese company. From 22 employees then, the company has grown to over 600 today. It plans to have nearly 1,000 by the end of the year. The Fisker name is nowhere to be found any more, but the Karma name has been retained. The new version is known officially as the Revero.

Details revealed during the launch this week include a starting price of $130,000, with few options available. The powertrain is virtually unchanged from the original Fisker Karma. It remains a plug-in hybrid with a 260 horsepower turbocharged four cylinder gasoline engine sourced from General Motors. 40 kW  DC fast charging is now available. The battery still uses cells supplied by A123 but has been upgraded from 20.4 kWh to 21.4 kWh. A recharge on standard household current takes 12 hours or 3 hours with the DC fast charging option.

All electric range is said to be 50 miles, which means Revero owners should be able to get to work and back without ever needing an assist from the engine.  The onboard charger has been upgraded from 3.3 kW to 6.6 kW. 0-60 in Sport Mode now happens in 5.4 seconds — 1 second faster than the original car was capable of.

Owners of the Fisker Karma complained bitterly about the lousy touchscreen. Wanxiang has focused the bulk of its attention on making the touchscreen in the new car faster and more responsive. Apple CarPlay is standard. Android Auto will be available soon. Over the air software updates are standard. All cars will come with a built-in 4G wireless hot spot.

Karma will use the same machines at its new California assembly plant that Valmet used to build the Fisker Karma in Finland. Many of the production manuals were in Finnish, so they needed translating before production began. One new feature of the Revero is a solar panel roof that can generate enough electricity in a day to move the car about 1.5 miles.

The Revero is obviously aimed at Tesla Model S owners who still suffer from range anxiety. The car is priced near the top of the Model S range. It is 2 seconds slower than the fastest Model S. It has an exhaust pipe. And while it is not unattractive, it is no ravisbhing beauty, either. Chances are the Revero’s main selling point will be that it is not a Tesla. While there may be a dozen or more Teslas at the local country club, the Revero owner will have the advantage of exclusivity.

Will that be enough to make the Revero a success? Online orders begin at the end of this month. Or you can contact your nearest Karma dealer.

Source: AutoBlog  Photo credit: Karma

Naked Hyundai Ioniq Spied In The Wild

Little is known about the technical specifications for the car, other than the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Ioniq will both use a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine. There are no range specifications for the plug-in or the battery version of the car available at this time.

The good news is that the car is clearly a crossover SUV style vehicle. That just happens to be the hottest part of the automobile market right now, so Hyundai is doing itself a favor by positioning the ioniq to compete in that segment. The bad news is that Hyundai — which has some of the best looking cars on the road — seems to have recorded a swing and a miss with the styling of this car.

In essence, it is the same type vehicle as the Tesla Model X — a 4 door sport utility vehicle with a hatchback. But it does not look nearly as appealing as the Model X. The front is ordinary in a way that other current Hyundai models are not. From the rear doors back, the car bears an unfortunate resemblance to the late and largely unlamented Pontiac Aztek. It’s not that there’s anything particularly wrong with the appearance of the Ioniq, but there’s not a lot that’s especially right about it, either.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, and if the price is right, lots of buyers will be shopping for precisely this kind of car. From these photos, the Ioniq appears to be somewhat larger than the Prius, which will appeal to many folks. The Ioniq may be more appealing once more is known about its electronics and interior appointments.

2016 Chevy Volt Wins Green Car Of The Year Award

The 2016 Chevy Volt has won the Green Car Of The Year award at the Los Angeles auto show. The  award is based on a number of factors, including fuel efficiency, performance, affordability, accessibility and availability. The 11 member selection panel also considers certifications from the Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board when making its decision. Other cars in the running this year were the Audi A3 e-tron, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Prius.

“Chevrolet’s all-new Volt is a milestone, building on an already-technologically advanced ‘green’ car and delivering what buyers have longed for, including an impressive 53-mile driving range on a single charge,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal. “A visually appealing design, increased five passenger seating, and an array of on-board electronics combine with the Volt’s inherent efficiencies to make the 2016 Chevrolet Volt a real winner,” Cogan told Electric Cars Report.

The second generation Volt is an improvement over the original car in almost every way. It can travel more than 50 miles on battery power alone. Several people who have taken test drives in the new car report that range is accurate in real world driving. Since the average US driver travels only 40 miles a day or less, the Volt is fully capable of functioning as a pure electric car most of the time.

In fact, the car’s computer is instructed to start the on-board range extender engine from time to time just to make sure that the internal engine bits are kept properly lubricated while it waits to called upon. The new car is more fuel efficient that the original. It is rated at 42 mpg on the highway versus 37 and has an EPA rating of 106 MPGe.

The new car has been extensively restyled inside and out, giving it a more refined and upmarket look. The interior in particular looks like that of a more expensive luxury car. Robin Purchia ofCleanTechnica drove one recently and reported the Chevy Volt is quite capable of being a family vehicle, too.

The 2016 Chevy Volt is available now in California and 10 other states. It will find its way into showrooms nationwide by early next year. Not only is it handsome and fun to drive, with a larger battery and longer range, it is also priced at $1,000 less than the prior model. Well played, Chevrolet!

BMW X5 xDRIVE40e Coming To US This Fall, 13 Mile EPA Range, 55 MPGe

Good News: The BMW X5 xDrive40e Arrives In The US This Fall

The BMW X5 xDRIVE40e made it’s world debut only a few days ago and now BMW USA is updating the specifications and options specific to the US market.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e Is Capable Of Driving All-Electrically For 13 Miles

As expected, the earlier announced 31 km (19 mile) range for Europe on the wildly optimistic NEDC sliding scale has been toned down to a more realistic 13 mile estimated EPA range.

BMW says the plug-in SUV will move from a standstill to 60 mph in very respectable 6.5 seconds, while returning an average of55 MPGe.  The combined performance of the gas engine and electric motors puts out 308 horsepower and produces 332 lb-ft of torque.

On its own, the electric motor puts is good for 111 hp, and has a maximum torque of 184 lb-ft.

Top speed in all-electric mode is electronically limited at 75 mph.  When the 2.0L 4 cylinder engine is in use (240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque), the top speed of the plug-in X5 reaches 130 mph.

More Room Than Your Standard PHEV

The Green Ring Means All Charged Up

BMW is quick to tout the vehicle’s advantages over a plug-in passenger car:

“The BMW X5 xDrive40e offers a luggage capacity of 34.2 – 72.5 cubic feet. The plug-in hybrid model thus provides all the versatility associated with a full-sized sports activity vehicle in terms of not just its driving qualities but also its levels of spaciousness”

Thankfully, BMW is also not waiting a long time to release this offering in the US, with the company saying that it should arrive at dealers this fall.

Inside The BMW X5 xDrive40e

Check out BMW’s incredibly thorough press release below:

X5 xDRIVE40e LAUNCHES THE NEXT CHAPTER OF EFFICIENTDYNAMICS WITH ITS FIRST EVER PLUG-IN HYBRID SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLE

The first plug-in hybrid BMW Sports Activity Vehicle

• Up to 13 miles of zero-tailpipe-emission pure electric driving
• Preliminary fuel economy estimates up to 55 MPGe
• 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds

BMW X5 xDrive40e Gets A Charge At One Of BMW’s New 24 kW DC Sttations

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – March 17, 2015 … The BMW X5 xDrive40e, the company’s first plug-in hybrid Sports Activity Vehicle, charts the next chapter of BMW’s ongoing EfficientDynamics initiative. Benefitting from the groundbreaking work by BMW i on electromobility, the X5 xDrive40e combines the company’s award-winning 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery, integrated into its 8-speed automatic transmission. This newest BMW SAV can travel approximately 13 miles on pure electric power, ideally suited to short commutes and quick trips around town. Working in concert, the gasoline engine and electric motor puts out 308 horsepower and produces 332 lb-ft, enough to propel the X5 xDrive40e from 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds. As the name implies, it features BMW xDrive, the company’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, for optimal stability and traction under all circumstances and road conditions. Early preliminary estimates put US EPA mileage estimates at 55 MPGe. The 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e will arrive in US showrooms in the fall of 2015.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e is the first plug-in hybrid production model from the core BMW brand. It combines the versatility and luxurious ambience of a full-sized Sports Activity Vehicle with the superb traction offered by the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system as well as BMW EfficientDynamics eDrive technology for exemplary efficiency.

Time To eDrive? BMW Has Several Different Power Options To Choose From

BMW eDrive technology provides exceptionally efficient performance as well as the potential for all-electric mobility with zero tailpipe emissions, ushering in a whole new form of driving experience in a Sports Activity Vehicle. At the same time, the BMW X5 xDrive40e reaps the benefits of the technology and know-how transferred from the debut of the BMW i cars. The BMW i8 blazes a trail for seamless blending of sustainability and The Ultimate Driving MachineTM driving thanks to plug-in hybrid drive power. These traits can now be enjoyed in a model from the core BMW brand.

Drive duo and permanent all-wheel drive for trademark driving pleasure and maximum efficiency.
Thanks to its duo of drive units, intelligent hybrid powertrain control and permanent all-wheel drive, the BMW X5 xDrive40e promises effortless performance and outstanding efficiency on the road. Its drive system comprises a four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The lithium-ion high-voltage battery pack can be topped up from any 120-volt/15 amp electrical outlet or – quickly and conveniently – from the BMW Charging Station, as well as at public charging stations. The high-voltage battery, which also supplies power to the battery for the 12V electrical system via a voltage transformer, is housed underneath the luggage compartment floor, where it is particularly well protected in the event of a crash. The BMW X5 xDrive40e offers a luggage capacity of 34.2 – 72.5 cubic feet. The plug-in hybrid model thus provides all the versatility associated with a full-sized sports activity vehicle in terms of not just its driving qualities but also its levels of spaciousness.

…quite a mouthful

The BMW X5 xDrive40e furthermore succeeds in fusing its versatility and poise with a level of efficiency that simply places it in a class of its own. Short everyday journeys up to 13 miles can be easily completed with zero tailpipe emissions, while actual fuel consumption is reduced substantially when driving for longer distances. Capable of consuming zero fuel in electric mode, according to early preliminary estimates the BMW X5 xDrive40e is rated at 55 MPGe, based on early preliminary estimates, setting new benchmarks for efficiency in its segment. On longer journeys, when both engine and motor need to be deployed, the powertrain system which has been systematically geared towards maximizing efficiency keeps the fuel consumption and emissions figures far lower than in comparable models with similar power output. The plug-in hybrid drive system in  the BMW X5 xDrive40e produces major efficiency savings in everyday driving situations when compared to conventionally powered models in this segment.

BMW TwinPower Turbo and BMW eDrive technologies mated to perfection.
The 2.0-liter four cylinder in the BMW X5 xDrive40e has already won the coveted title of “International Engine of the Year” three times, as well as having been named to Ward’s “10 Best Engines”,  and features a TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and variable camshaft control on both the intake and exhaust sides (Double-VANOS). It generates a maximum output of 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of peak torque.

Dash Console Graphically Displays Which Drive Mode The X5 Is In

The electric motor provides output of 111 hp, while its maximum torque of 184 lb-ft is available from the word go in typical electric drive fashion. This has the effect of boosting the engine’s output for thrilling, instantaneous responsiveness and power build-up with absolutely no delay when accelerating from stationary, as well as far more dynamic performance whenever a quick burst of speed is required. The BMW X5 xDrive40e completes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 6.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. In all-electric drive mode the vehicle is capable of a top speed of 75 mph, again electronically limited.

BMW xDrive permanent all-wheel drive even in all-electric mode.
The power stemming from the two drive units is transformed into effortless forward motion courtesy of the 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The BMW X5 xDrive40e can be optionally equipped with shift paddles on the steering wheel, enabling the driver to swiftly make manual gear selections with the greatest of ease. Regardless of the proportion of drive power being sourced from the engine and motor respectively, xDrive ensures optimal traction in all weather and road surface conditions, together with optimized handling stability and increased agility when powering through corners. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch provides the basis for fully variable distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear wheels. xDrive is linked up to the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), making it capable of acting in advance to counter vehicle understeer or oversteer and to always direct drive power in such a way as to optimize the handling dynamics.

Obligatory Shot Of The Door Rail With Badging

Driving Dynamics Control switch and eDrive button allow the vehicle set-up and powertrain control to be configured as desired. The eDrive button on the center console lets the driver modify the powertrain control. When the vehicle is first started, the default AUTO eDrive setting is activated, with both engine and electric motor working efficiently in tandem. The electric motor alone is used for setting off with normal power requirements, while the engine cuts in at around 45 mph or when the driver wishes to accelerate very sharply. In this mode, the intelligent operating strategy determines the most efficient drive combination at all times and switches to it automatically. The driver can also switch to the all-electric drive mode setting MAX eDrive, in which the vehicle is powered solely by the electric motor. This mode is designed for comfortable driving with zero local emissions without the engine being started, and offers a maximum range of 13 miles at a limited top speed of 75 mph.

The third mode that can be activated is the SAVE Battery setting, which allows the driver to save or build up the high-voltage battery’s energy reserves for a later point in time. When driving on the highway, for instance, the state of charge can be kept constant or even boosted in order to use the high-voltage battery’s power for all-electric driving in urban areas later in the journey. In this way, the stored electrical energy can be selectively deployed exactly when required.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e also comes standard with a Driving Dynamics Control switch, just like the conventionally powered model variants of the sports activity vehicle. This can be used to activate the vehicle set-up modes COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO, which each have the effect of altering the throttle mapping, the steering characteristics, the responses of the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, as well as the characteristics of the standard Dynamic Damper Control on the BMW X5 xDrive40e. The ECO PRO mode triggers efficiency-optimized control of electrically powered comfort functions, such as the air conditioning, seat heating and heated mirrors. Besides this, when the driver’s foot is off the accelerator at speeds between 0 and 100 mph, the coasting function shuts off the engine, allowing the vehicle to glide along without burning any fuel.

BMW X5 xDrive40e Out For A Spin In Europe

The modes selectable with the eDrive button and the Driving Dynamics Control switch can be combined with one another at will, allowing the powertrain control and vehicle set-up to be tailored precisely to the prevailing situation and the driver’s personal preferences. In this way, comfort, sportiness and efficiency can each be combined with high-intensity hybrid driving as desired.

Instrument cluster and Control Display with hybrid-specific readouts.
The BMW X5 xDrive40e features a black-panel instrument cluster with enhanced hybrid-specific functions added to its array of readouts. The drive readiness display positioned in the lower part of the tachometer switches from “OFF” to “READY” when the start/stop button is pressed. The high-voltage battery’s state of charge is visualized in the form of a battery symbol below the gear display. The Driving Dynamics Control switch setting is also indicated, as is the operating mode selected with the eDrive button. Depending on the selected drive mode, information on the vehicle’s electric and total range, current fuel or electricity consumption, recuperation of electrical energy in the high-voltage battery and the progress of vehicle charging can likewise all be shown in the instrument cluster.

Model-specific menu options and readouts are also available in the iDrive operating system’s Control Display. An energy flow display can be called up while on the move, illustrating in graphical form the interaction between combustion engine and electric motor as well as how energy is being fed to the high-voltage battery. Charging of the battery from the power grid can also be controlled from the iDrive menu using a timer function, which can factor in a planned departure time as entered by the driver. In addition to this, preconditioning of both the interior and the battery can be programmed in the iDrive menu. Timer-controlled cooling or heating ensures a pleasant temperature inside the passenger compartment ready for the start of the journey, while the high-voltage battery can also be cooled so that it is in an optimum operating state at the time of departure. The electrically powered auxiliary heating and ventilation function is also part of the standard specification on the BMW X5 xDrive40e. It can either run on grid power during vehicle charging or be powered by the high-voltage battery if it has sufficient capacity.

BMW X5 xDrive40e Charging

BMW X5 xDrive40e: a classic sports activity vehicle offering unique hybrid performance.
Exclusive, bespoke design touches on the model’s exterior clearly identify the BMW X5 xDrive40e as a classic sports activity vehicle while also making its unique hybrid capabilities plain to see. The most noticeable feature is the charging connection for the high-voltage battery located in the left front fender. Blue light effects also appear here at the start of the charging process to indicate the flow of energy. The exhaust system on the BMW X5 xDrive40e has a twin-tailpipe design with trapezoidal tips. Besides the model badge at the front of the vehicle’s flanks, the “eDrive” logo, already familiar from the BMW i models, graces the tailgate and door sills with their blue background as well as the center console.

Apart from Dynamic Damper Control, the standard specification for the BMW X5 xDrive40e also includes self-levelling rear air suspension. The 2‑zone automatic climate control that is standard on all BMW X5 models extended to include an auxiliary heating and ventilation system comprising an electric instantaneous water heater and an electric refrigerant compressor. In addition to this, all of the optional extras from the BMW X5 range are available, with the exception of the third row of seats, the Adaptive M Suspension, Active Steering and comfort seats in the rear. The BMW X5 xDrive40e can, however, be specified with xLine and Luxury Line for the exterior and interior to emphasize either the Sports Activity Vehicle’s robust, versatile nature or its exclusive, luxurious character. The plug-in hybrid model can also be ordered with M Sport as well as the Ivory White and Mocha Interior Design Packages.

The BMW Navigation Professional system is another standard feature in the BMW X5 xDrive40e. A wealth of BMW ConnectedDrive options are offered, including Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, BMW Head-Up Display, the BMW Night Vision system with pedestrian and animal recognition, Lane Active Blind Spot Detection, Parking Assistant, rear view camera, Surround View and Speed Limit Info. All driver assistance systems are also available when driving in all-electric mode. The Adaptive LED Headlights, Comfort Access, as well as the full selection of 19- and 20-inch light-alloy wheels, are available to order for the BMW X5 xDrive40e.

BMW X5 xDrive40e Returns An Estimated 55 MPGe

Highly versatile charging options as well – thanks to pioneering products and services from BMW 360° ELECTRIC.
The plug-in hybrid design of the BMW X5 xDrive40e provides the ideal basis for extensive use of the electric drive system for highly efficient mobility, even including urban driving with zero tailpipe emissions. Its high-voltage battery offers a gross energy capacity of 9.0 kilowatt hours (kWh) and can be topped up with energy from a home charging station, like the BMW i Charging Station, as well as at public charging stations. With an occasional use charger, the BMW xDrive40e can be charged from a standard 120-volt outlet.

A tailor-made solution for safe, simple and extra-fast battery charging at home is available for the BMW X5 xDrive40e under the umbrella of BMW 360° ELECTRIC. The BMW Charging Station is capable of replenishing the high-voltage battery at a charging rate of 3.5 kW (16 A/220 V). As a result, it takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to fully recharge an empty battery pack. Charging progress can be checked on a graphic displayed in the vehicle’s instrument cluster or on a smartphone using the BMW Remote app. The data displayed on the monitor includes the quantity of energy supplied and information on preceding charge cycles.

Under the umbrella of BMW 360° ELECTRIC customers are offered an all-embracing service concept covering everything from the supply and installation of the charging station to maintenance, support and other services. There is also the ChargeNow service, comprising a ChargeNow card that grants access to the entire network of ChargePoint public charging stations nationwide. Beyond this, the BMW 360° ELECTRIC portfolio also comprises BMW Solar and ParkNow Long Term programs as well as maintenance, assistance and other customer services that have been specially tailored to this model and eMobility.

Innovative new functions from BMW ConnectedDrive furthermore help to plan journeys in such a way that the vehicle drives on electric power alone as much as possible and at maximum efficiency at all times. The Navigation Professional system fitted in the BMW X5 xDrive40e gives drivers the option of calculating a hybrid-specific ECO PRO route to an entered destination, which makes allowance for factors such as the traffic situation, the route profile and driving style. The intelligent energy management function in the BMW X5 xDrive40e utilizes the available data on the route profile for all navigation-assisted journeys anyway, together with real-time traffic information. This forms the basis for anticipatory and efficiency-optimized powertrain control that keeps fuel consumption as low as possible while making intensive use of electric mobility, for example when nearing the journey’s destination. On a longer journey that goes through both rural and built-up areas, for instance, Brake Energy Regeneration can be employed and the engine’s load points deliberately raised at higher speeds to ensure there are sufficient power reserves for completing the urban sections in all-electric drive mode. What’s more, the locations of public charging stations are added to the selection of points of interest on the navigation map whenever route guidance is activated.

The BMW Remote app also comes in a hybrid-specific version and lets the driver retrieve information on the high-voltage battery’s state of charge even when they are away from the vehicle by using a smartphone. The app also displays the location of public charging stations. Efficiency evaluations for the last journey completed can be viewed on the smartphone as well, along with the total distance driven purely on electric power and the amount of fuel saved by using grid power. The auxiliary heating and ventilation functions of the BMW X5 xDrive40e can similarly be activated to heat or cool the interior prior to departure.

Production at the BMW Spartanburg plant: centre of excellence for BMW X models and hybrid technology.
The BMW X5 xDrive40e is being produced at the BMW Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. This is where all other model variants of the sports activity vehicle are also built along with the BMW X6, BMW X3 and BMW X4 models. It has been over 15 years since the first-generation BMW X5 went into production. Since then, this US plant has evolved into the global center of excellence for BMW X models.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e is assembled in parallel with both the other model variants of the BMW X5 and the BMW X6 on a shared production line. Special assembly steps have been added to the manufacturing process for integrating the hybrid-specific components. The high-voltage battery is manufactured in a newly constructed production hall on the site of the BMW Spartanburg plant. All production processes are subject to the same strict quality and safety standards that the BMW Group applies worldwide. The BMW Spartanburg plant stands out for its resource-efficient system of energy supply. It was here that the intelligent Energy Data Management System (iEDMS) with continuous and comparative power consumption measurement was first implemented. Moreover, a large part of the energy required for vehicle production is obtained from methane gas, sourced from a nearby landfill, with the help of highly efficient turbine generators.

High-tech Volt video aims to captures the imagination of high-tech potential buyers - VIDEO

How do you like this video? Does Chevrolet need to do more things along these lines?

Low Gas Prices Hinder Hybrid Sales, But Plug-Ins Still Selling

The national average for a gallon of regular gas has fallen to just $2.88 a gallon. That’s helped truck and SUV sales grow, but has put a hurting on hybrid sales. Sales of the Toyota Prius are hurting in particular, and hybrids share of the market seems stalled at 3%. Plug-in car sales are a different matter though.

As the LA Times notes, even inside of California where the Prius has been a best-seller for a couple of years, hybrid sales are slipping. One of the most obvious culprits are conventional gas-powered cars, many of which have narrowed the fuel economy gap that the Prius once enjoyed. Many conventional mid-size sedans can now get 30+ MPG on the highway, while hybrid cars still carry a $3,000 or $4,000 premium over comparable gas models.

Despite there now being more than 40 various hybrid vehicle offerings from just about every major carmaker, hybrid car market share is holding steady at 3% of the total market. Toyota hopes its next-gen 60 MPG Prius will turn the tides in favor of hybrids once more, but in the face of dropping gas prices, nothing is garaunteed.

But another factor not discussed by the LA Times are the increasing numbers of plug-in models available to consumers that may attract people who may have otherwise purchased a conventional hybrid. While plug-in car sales were down in Ocotober, year-to-date plug-in car sales are up 28% over the same time in 2013, with sales surpassing 75,000 units so far this year. While that’s still a fraction of total U.S. sales (and less than the total number of Prius sold so far in 2014 alone), it represents an increasing trend in America of plugging in rather than gassing up. Nissan LEAF sales alone

As Martha might say, “It’s a good thing.”

2016 Chevy Volt Could Offer Shorter Range, Lower Cost Version

In an effort to boost sales and find a wider appeal, a lower-priced, shorter range version of the Chevy Volt is reportedly planned. With GM investing $450 million into the Hamtramck factory where the Volt is built, the automaker is doubling down on a plug-in hybrid that has seen sales stagnate even as competitor sales surge.

The Volt has already undergone a $5,000 price cut, and when you apply the $7,500 tax credit, the price comes down to $27,500. But that tax credit is already about a quarter used up, with Chevy selling over 58,000 Volts of the 200,000 that government will subsidize. So even if sales have stagnated, it will only take a few more years before that tax credit disappears.

Enter a shorter range, cheaper Chevy Volt with fewer features, a new look, and a starting price at or under $30,000. While the standard Volt is good for up to 38 miles of all-electric range, a cheaper Volt might make due with 25 miles or less, like many competitors do. The Ford C-Max Energi is rated at 21 miles, and the Prius Plug-In switches over to the gas generator after only 13 miles. The Volt has the most all-electric mileage of any hybrid under $40,000, but that hasn’t helped sales in recent months.

Meanwhile, competitors have copied the Volt’s design but with smaller batteries and lower costs, and the results have been promising. While the Volt remains top dog in overall sales, the number of other options has eaten into GM’s dominance of the market. A cheaper alternative with wider appeal could be the way to go…though there have also been rumors that GM is working on a Volt with 200 miles of pure electric range as well.

So which is it? Less range? More range? Both? We probably won’t find out until sometime next year, though GM could still surprise us next week at the New York Auto Show. Keep your fingers crossed.

Source: Reuters

Survey of California plug-in vehicle owners highlights charging behavior

California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project rebates by vehicle type through July 2012. Source: CCSE. Click to enlarge.

Californians own more than 12,000 plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), roughly 35% of all plug-in vehicles in the United States. As of July 2012, approximately 1,000 new plug-in vehicles are being sold in the state every month. The more than 12,000 PEVs provide both consumer and environmental benefits, according to a new study by the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE). CCSE conducted the survey in support of California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP).

The study surveyed more than 1,400 PEV owners in coordination with the California Air Resources Board (ARB) in early 2012. Owners supplied information on vehicle usage, charging behavior and access to charging infrastructure. The study found that owners drive their cars an average of 26 miles per day and charge their vehicles primarily at night.

California PEV owners also have a high adoption rate of solar power, with 39% of respondents currently owning solar and 31% considering solar installations within a year.

This is the largest plug-in electric vehicle owner survey ever taken in California. It’s still early in the development of a robust PEV marketplace, but California is firmly established as a national and worldwide leader in supporting advanced technology, zero-emission automotive transportation.

—Mike Ferry, CCSE Transportation Program manager

Some of the highlights from the survey include:

• 85% of owners use their PEV as their primary car, driving an average of 802 electric-fueled miles per month.
• Roughly two-thirds of vehicle charging takes place in off-peak hours (between 8 pm and 8 am).
• In San Diego, favorable utility rates result in some PEV owners paying equivalent to $0.90 to $1.90 per gallon of gasoline to power their electric vehicles.
• 39% of the state’s PEV owners have also invested in home solar energy systems, helping to power their vehicles with renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• In addition to charging at home, 71% of PEV owners report having access to either public or workplace charging or both.
• Plug-in vehicle owners report they are willing to pay 40% – 70% more for public charging compared to standard residential electricity rates; they also are prepared to pay 2.5 to 3 times more for “critical need” public charging than they are for daily charging.
• About 70% of respondents reported having access to either workplace or public charging or both. Of these, about 90% reported they had access to free charging.
• Most of the PEV owners in this survey (91%) have Level 2 equipment at home, and the 70% that have access to public or workplace charging are primarily using Level 2 charging, as very few DC fast chargers have been deployed in California.
• 54% of California PEV owners have household incomes of $150,000 or more; 25% have household incomes of $100,000–$150,000. 91% reside in a single-family home with attached garage.

CCSE and ARB, in partnership with other key stakeholders, plan to conduct additional surveys in support of the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. The ARB funds the project, and CCSE administers it throughout the state. CVRP provides cash incentives to individuals, businesses and others throughout California for the purchase or lease of battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. CVRP rebates range from $1,500 to $2,500 for highway-capable passenger vehicles.

Funding for CVRP is provided through the California Air Resources Board (ARB) via revenue from vehicle and vessel registration and smog abatement fees, with project funding legislated through 2015. Each year, ARB conducts a competitive solicitation process to select a CVRP administrator. The California Center for Sustainable Energy has managed the Project since launching the program in March 2010.

Approximately $23 million in CVRP funds were distributed to more than 8,000 Californians from March 2010 to July 2012. Project funding for fiscal year 2012 – 2013 is expected to exceed $20 million. Throughout 2011, the majority of CVRP rebates were distributed to owners of a single vehicle model, the Nissan Leaf. However, with the introduction and eligibility of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in early 2012, such as the low-emission package Chevrolet Volt and the Toyota Plug-in Prius, a greater level of vehicle and manufacturer diversity within the project was achieved.

Source: Green Car Congress

MIRA Installs EV/HEV Battery Test and Development Suite

UK-based MIRA, a global development partner to the automotive and defense sectors, has installed a comprehensive battery test and development suite at its dedicated component development center near London. The new equipment will support the rapid development of the latest Electric Vehicle (EV) and Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) powertrains.

To meet increasing market expectations for longevity, high storage capacity and dynamic power flows, rig testing provides the most expedient and cost effective route to performance assurance, MIRA says. Its solutions allow the parallel development of primary traction battery systems, which run alongside the overall vehicle development program to provide the broadest development window.

High voltage (500V) traction batteries can be exercised directly using a 400 Amp, 200 kW unit. When teamed with a separate battery simulator, MIRA can also test ancillary EV components. This capability provides a crucial opportunity to develop EV components prior to prototype battery packs coming on stream. Multiple battery cells/modules can be exercised simultaneously on a secondary system operating up to 72V.

The latest high voltage, high power exercisers are configured to be coupled with MIRA’s array of environmental test equipment. These simulate real world meteorological conditions and draw on representative road load data to add an extra layer of complexity and realism to a battery development program.

MIRA’s equipment can be tuned to support proprietary and third party peripheral devices on industry standard protocols such as: RS485, CAN, I²C, SMBus, and Ethernet. MIRA’s engineers can automatically develop test programs from existing drive cycle data, which is useful for executing proprietary development tests and industry standards such as: FUDS, SFUDS, DST, and ECE-15L.

Source: Green Car Congress