MG Dynamo Concept Is A Short Range Runabout

To celebrate 90 years as an automaker, MG built the Dynamo Concept, a short range electric vehicle that may hint at MG’s future plans. Could the Dynamo become more than a placeholder in MG’s timeline?

It may stand a better chance at production than you might think. MG Motor was bought by China’s SAIC in 2005, and while headquartered in the U.K., most of the vehicles end up back in China. Still, MG Motor wants to hold onto its past, celebrating its founding in 1924 with a little electric runabout that ain’t half bad looking.

The specifications aren’t all that impressive, boasting just 80 km, or about 50 miles of driving range. The electric motor is only good for 70 horsepower, though the 2,376 pound curb weight could make for an engaging driving experience. The Renault Twizyhas proven exceedingly popular in Europe despite its short range, as buyers are drawn to the low purchase and operating costs.

There’s a market out there for the MG Dynamo, if only the company is ready to take the risk, and it could give the old British automaker a new identity for the 21st century.

Source: MG Motor

SAIC introducing Roewe E50 electric vehicle in China

SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (SAIC Motor) is launching the battery-electric Roewe E50 on the market in China. The company expects to sell 1,000 of them within the first year. The E50 is based on a newly developed electric vehicle platform.

Roewe E50. Click to enlarge.

With a 47 kW motor and a battery pack from A123 Systems , the E50 has a range of 180 km (112 miles) and a top speed of up to 120 km/h (75 mph). The EV supports either 220V charging or fast charging, which can bring the battery to an 80% state of charge in 30 minutes.

The E50 uses several lightweight materials from Evonik for various applications to support reduced energy consumption and lower emissions, such as PLEXIGLAS material for the side screens, rear window and rear lamp, as well as ROHACELL rigid core material and an epoxy resin formulation based on VESTAMIN hardener technology for the engine hood.

Source: Green Car Congress

Volvo C30 Electric wins "Green Car of the Year" in China as 100-day test drives start

PRESS RELEASE

Volvo C30 Electric awarded "Green Car of the Year" in China
More E-cars delivered to SIAC as Volvo Drive-E Action carries on

While the Shanghai International Automotive City Group (SIAC) marked its first anniversary of the electric vehicle (EV) campaign on July 20, 2012, Volvo Car Corporation delivered 15 Volvo C30 Electric cars to the City for pioneering open road test-drive project - EV100 Days. Meanwhile, Volvo C30 Electric was also awarded "Green Car of the Year" in China at the 4th China New Energy Mobility Summit in recognition of its world-leading safety and superb performance on the same day.

According to Freeman Shen, Senior Vice President of Volvo Car Corporation and Chairman of China Operations, delivering Volvo C30 Electric to SIAC and launching of public road test drives represents a solid step of Volvo Car Corporation in the process of promoting new energy vehicles in China, and as a result of Volvo's Drive-E corporate strategy which covers optimization of traditional combustion engines, and development of plug-in hybrids and electric ones.

"We feel honor yet responsibility to share our world-class know-how in new energy vehicles with China, our second home market, in joint efforts from regulators, suppliers and customers. We're confident to take a prominent role in China's safe and sustainable electrification development, making cars for a better life," said Freeman.

A fleet of 15 Volvo C30 Electrics to join SIAC's EV100 real road test-driving

As a substantial step forward since Volvo Car Corporation signed the MoU with SIAC last November on new energy vehicle demonstration and data collection, Volvo delivered 15 electric cars for public testing during the first anniversary of SIAC's EV campaign. A recruitment call was made for open road test-drive projects - EV100, a period of some three months in which qualified volunteer drivers can own and drive a Volvo C30 Electric.

The first group of pilot users include Ms Charlotta Holm Vestberg, Consular of the Swedish Consulate in Shanghai, and Mr Gao Yuan and Ms Ji Xueping, famous local TV anchors with Dragon TV.

"The handover and kick-off of public involvement is a milestone for Volvo Car Corporation's new energy vehicle move in China. We are really proud to introduce this great car to ordinary Chinese car users," said Freeman Shen.

By starting this project Volvo Car Corporation will be able to collect more data about the C30 Electric's performance on Chinese roads as well as the driving habits of Chinese consumers, by monitoring and analyzing operation of these cars. The company will in turn be able to translate the knowledge acquired during the project into future product development. The study will also provide a reference for mass promotion of electric vehicles in China and the development of next-generation electric vehicles.

 During the project, Volvo Car Corporation will support local government's efforts in industrialization of new energy vehicles, providing technical supports, building infrastructures, promoting EV and used EV sales, car insurance, annual checkups, as well we road traffic management. Volvo Car Corporation will share with local government its experience in business operations and management of the new energy vehicle industry accumulated overseas.

C30 Electric carries on Volvo's Safety legend

In the second half of Volvo Cars China operations' Drive-E experience day, the 4th China New Energy Mobility Summit was held at SIAC. Influential speakers and nationwide press gathered to share insights into "Action towards a safe electrification". The occasion comes right after a recent launch of China National Energy Saving & New Energy Automotive Development Plan, and therefore drew wide attention.

Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development, Volvo Car Corporation delivered a keynote speech on Volvo's electrification strategy and technology roadmap, featuring Volvo's safe green cars with no compromise of performance, functionality and appearance, from normal Drive-E versions, V60 plug-in hybrids to C30 electric. "We are focusing on future development. China is crucial, so we're open and committed to develop green solutions with local partners here and around the world." Peter Mertens stated.

The summit awarded Volvo C30 Electric "Green Car of the Year" in China to recognize its uncompromising performance and world leading Safety.

Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Car Corporation's international car range. Described features might be optional. Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification.

A123 Systems and SAIC Motor to expand Li-ion partnership in China; evaluating new plant for local manufacturing of 20 Ah prismatic cells

A123 Systems plans to expand its partnership with SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (SAIC Motor), the largest automaker in China. This announcement builds on the existing partnership between A123 and SAIC Motor that was established in 2009 with the formation of Advanced Traction Battery Systems (ATBS), a battery pack joint venture (JV) company.

Under a new framework agreement, A123 and SAIC Motor are carrying out a feasibility study to define the business plan and required investment for a jointly developed battery manufacturing facility in China in support of ATBS. SAIC and A123 are evaluating the feasibility of a manufacturing JV to build a coating and cell assembly facility in China that will produce A123’s 20Ah prismatic cells, which is expected to create a cost advantage for A123’s technology in the Chinese market.

The proposed manufacturing facility is expected to serve the local market, with an initial focus on transportation, enabling A123 to more quickly and cost-effectively meet increasing demand for advanced lithium ion battery technology.

Additionally, this is expected to substantially increase the local content of systems produced by the A123/SAIC partnership, helping to qualify the output for a variety of incentives and other financial support under China’s New Energy Initiative.

SAIC Motor and A123 expect that the definitive agreements setting forth the terms and conditions regarding the proposed joint manufacturing facility and its operations will be negotiated and completed by the end of September 2012.

Since the formation of ATBS, A123 has proven to be a strong partner for SAIC, including as the supplier of lithium-ion battery systems for three of our electric vehicles: the Roewe 750 hybrid electric sedan, the Roewe 550 plug-in hybrid electric sedan and the Roewe E50 battery electric vehicle.

We believe there is significant opportunity for A123’s technology across several different markets in China, so expanding our partnership should provide SAIC with an even broader opportunity to benefit from the increasing demand for advanced lithium iron phosphate battery solutions.

—Chen Zhixin, executive vice president of SAIC Motor Corp.

SAIC Motor is the leader in the Chinese auto market and holds the country’s top market share when considering the output of its joint ventures with General Motors and Volkswagen among others. In 2011, SAIC Motor’s total vehicle production exceeded 4 million vehicles for the first time.

Through our partnership with SAIC Motor, A123 has made significant progress in entering China’s passenger and commercial vehicle segments. In the automotive industry, it is advantageous to establish manufacturing operations in close proximity to the customer base, so we believe ramping up a manufacturing facility in China will help us bring our solutions to market more quickly and cost-effectively to capitalize on increasing demand.

—Jason Forcier, vice president of the Automotive Solutions Group at A123 Systems

Source: Green Car Congress

VW will start making electric vehicles in China in 2014

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

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

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

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

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

CODA Names Former GM Exec Philip Murtaugh as CEO

The Coda Automotive EV

CODA Holdings, a California-based developer of advanced Lithium-ion power battery systems and all-electric vehicles, announced that its Board of Directors has named Philip Murtaugh as its new CEO. Murtaugh was also appointed a member of CODA’s Board of Directors. Steven “Mac” Heller has agreed to continue his substantial involvement with CODA and has become the company’s Executive Chairman.

Murtaugh was employed by General Motors (GM) for more than 30 years in various management and executive-level positions. From 1996 to 2000, Murtaugh served as Executive Vice President of Shanghai GM, and from 2000 to 2005, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GM China. Over a period of 10 years, Murtaugh grew GM’s presence from 15 employees in its Shanghai operations to 15,000 employees throughout the country while increasing the unit’s revenue from $300 million to more than $7 billion.

Following GM, Murtaugh served as Executive Vice President, International Operations for Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). In his next executive role, Murtaugh was Chief Executive Officer, Asia Operations for Chrysler where he grew sales by 30% during his tenure. Most recently, Murtaugh has been a Director of Lear Corporation, and a consultant and advisor to numerous large sales and manufacturing companies.

Miles L. Rubin, CODA’s founder and Co-Chairman, will retire as Co-Chairman but continue his active involvement as a Director and the company’s largest shareholder. CODA’s Board has designated Rubin Chairman Emeritus.

Now the question remains, "When will we see a production vehicle from this company?"

Source: Green Car Congress

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

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

From Green Car Congress:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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