Honda CR-Z refresh coming this fall

Despite moving just 1,562 of them through July 2015 with sales down 33.7 percent, the Honda CR-Z issomehow still kicking in the US lineup. Honda isn't ready to give up and is even announcing a refresh for the hybrid hatchback in hopes of giving the little car a jolt. Before you get too excited, the powertrain remains unaltered for the update with the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder and IMA hybrid system making 130 horsepower.

The refresh arrives in Japan in October, and according to Automotive News, the improvements arrive in the US in November. The styling sees the biggest change of the revisions. Up front, the lower air dam now slices through the grille and leads right to the foglights. A similar addition is found on the rear, as well. The brake discs grow to 15-inches, an inch larger than before. Japan gets LED headlights too, but they reportedly aren't coming here to keep prices down.

To match the revised exterior, there are tech tweaks inside. An upgraded infotainment system that adds both noise cancelation and an engine sound amplifier to make those 130 ponies at least sound sporty. Another tiny change is the switch to an an electric parking brake and the addition of a center armrest.

Rumors suggest Honda is considering whether to dump the hybrid in favor of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the next-gen CR-Z. However, chief engineer Terukazu Torikai disagrees. When asked about the possibility of a non-electrified model, he told Automotive News, "There are no plans for that whatsoever."

Lamborghini Pledges Carbon-Neutral Production By 2015

The push for greener cars and more efficient production methods isn’t just coming from the usual suspects of treehuggers and academia. Lamborghini recently signed a pledge to reduce the emissions of its cars by 35%, as well as making its production facility carbon neutral by 2015. Lamborghini, the new leader of “green” cars? Granted, Lamborghini’s exotic supercars still consume gasoline like its going out of style, but that just means there is a lot of room for improvement. Ferrari managed to reduce the emissions of its own supercars more than any other European automaker last year, and they’re currently developing their own super-hybrid as an Ferrari Enzo successor. For awhile there though, the only “green” thing about European supercars were found in the color options.

This year Lamborghini became the first automaker to sign Italy’s Ministry of the Environment and Land and Sea Protection, promising to try and reduce the emissions of its cars by 35%. Cleaner-burning engines and lighter vehicles, as well as the use of hybrid systems will help Lamborghini in their efforts. More importantly though, Lamborghini will try to make its production facilities carbon neutral, which benefits not just the environment but Lambo’s bottom line.

Lamborghini is already well on its way, having built Italy’s first multi-story building with Class A energy certification for prototype development. Can one of Europe’s most prestigious purveyors of pollution become the shining standard for carbon neutral manufacturing? Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.

Source: Motor Authority

Honda Hopes To Rekindle Success Of CVCC Engine With New Hybrid Tech

Japanese automaker Honda has had a rough time of it lately, especially when it comes to hybrids. Not only has the Prius-fighting Insight and sporty CR-Z failed to gain traction in the marketplace, but lawsuits against the Honda Civic Hybrid have seriously hurt resale values. But Honda is hoping a new generation of hybrid technology will get them back in the game. Thing is, Honda isn’t talking details. Who wants to play “Wild speculation!” with me?

All Honda execs will say is that the new hybrid system is both simple, and effective, which they say will help it set a new standard when it comes to fuel efficiency. Sounds like typical corporate blustering, though it would be unwise to count Honda out just yet.

In fact, Honda has a history of innovative drivetrains, chief among them the Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion, or CVCC engine. This “stratified charge engine” injects fuel into the cylinder near the spark plug just prior to emission. Back in the 1970s, this allowed Honda to forgo using both catalytic converters and costly fuel injection systems, helping turn the small automaker into a corporate juggernaut.

Can Honda repeat its past successes with a new, simplified hybrid system? Perhaps. The current Honda hybrid system has roots from way back in 1999. While it has no doubt been tweaked and tuned for optimal performance, it sounds like Honda has started with a blank slate. The next Honda hybrid system could appear as early as the end of 2013 in the new Honda Fit subcompact. Can this new hybrid technology give Honda the kick in the ass it needs? I certainly hope so. My recent and all-too-brief experience with a 1998 Honda Accord has made me a believer in the legacy of simple reliability that made Honda so popular.

Hopefully Honda can recapture some of that lost magic, bottle it, and make a lot of money off of it to people needing a cheap, simple, and reliable automobile

Source: Gas2.0

Center for Automotive Research Projects EV Sales - Broken Down By State

The CAR study uses the distribution of hybrid sales as the basis to estimate the distribution of plug-in electric vehicle sales. Source: CAR. Click to enlarge.

In a new study, the Center for Automotive Research, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based nonprofit research organization, is estimating the national distribution patterns of electric vehicles across the United States, and the incentive programs that will assist with the proliferation of these vehicles, over the next four years.

The study is not a forecast sales of electric vehicles; rather, it estimates electric vehicle deployment by state, using other forecasts of total electric vehicle sales in the US to generate a reasonable approximation of what electric vehicle sales might look like for the period 2012 to 2015. Within the study, CAR denotes the percentages it used to divide national electric vehicle sales among states. With the state percentages, one could select any forecast and generate state-by-state results based on that forecast.

The study uses hybrid vehicle sales in each of the 50 states as a proxy for electric vehicle sales, and a national estimate of electric vehicle market share annually. That estimate puts a total of 496,000 plug-in electric vehicles on US roads in 2015, with annual sales of 27,000 for 2011; 77,000 for 2012; 116,000 for 2013; 136,000 for 2014; and 140,000 for 2015.

Among the findings of the study are that, by 2015, California will be selling close to 35,000 electric vehicles each year with more than 110,000 electric vehicles registered in the state. Other states will be selling less than 8,000 electric vehicles per year, with fewer than 26,000 total registrations by 2015, even in the large markets of Texas, New York, and Florida.

The report notes that these estimates are highly subject to variation and could be altered by unexpected shocks such as a major oil price spike or by planned conditions such as aggressive incentive programs. It also notes that, while the specific numbers may not be exact, their magnitude should be correct along with relative sales among states.

It is unlikely, for instance, that a state projected to sell only a couple hundred vehicles annually by 2015 will be selling thousands. It is also unlikely that California will be selling only a few thousand electric vehicles annually by 2015. If anything, states that have been selected as early deployment states, or have already committed to being leaders in electric vehicle deployment and have been recognized as such, will see faster rates of electric vehicle adoption (higher levels of sales than the table above predicts), while other states may experience slower adoption rates (lower sales levels).

—CAR study

The authors note that actual deployment across the states will undoubtedly be different from the estimates; however, they add,this study and estimating tool give a reasonable starting point and can be revisited as more vehicles enter the marketplace.

We obviously find that many factors could affect deployment. Among these are fleet operations decisions, development and expansion of EV-friendly cities and regions, and enactment of government programs. Both local government and private sector fleets can serve as a major driving force for deployment of electric vehicles. As fleet managers gather data on the performance of electric vehicles, they can determine in which niches these vehicles might fit well. Companies can write off electric vehicle purchases as a business expense; due to high levels of utilization, these vehicles will have a relatively short payback period, favoring early deployment among fleets.

EV-friendly cities and regions can offer perks to owners of vehicles by creating plug-in-infrastructure and providing special parking and driving privileges, serving to assist in driving consumer demand. Additionally, governmental programs such as the Clean Cities initiative and other partnerships bring together multiple stakeholders to ensure that deployment is organized and that support for vehicles is available even before they arrive in cities.

—CAR study

Click to enlarge.

Source: Green Car Congress

Porsche to Unveil New Full Hybrid Model at Geneva Show

Porsche AG will stage the world premiere of a parallel full hybrid model at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

The world premiere in Geneva is being complemented by the 918 RSR hybrid racing car concept, making its first public appearance in front of a European audience. The mid-engine coupé combines the design of the 918 Spyder with the technology of the 911 GT3 R hybrid racing car.

The V8 engine in the 918 RSR is a further development of the direct injection engine from the successful RS Spyder race car and now offers an output of 563 hp (420 kW) at 10,300 rpm in the 918 RSR. The electric motors on the two front wheels each contribute 75 kW to the peak drive power of 767 hp (572 kW). This additional power, which is generated during braking, is stored in an optimized flywheel accumulator.

Daimler Stepping Up Hybrid Vehicle Offerings in Response to Increasing Global Fuel Economy Standards

Mercedes E-Class F-Cell











Daimler will offer hybrid versions of its Mercedes-Benz C-, E- and S-class vehicles in the United States and Europe within three years to meet tightening global fuel economy standards.

Herbert Kohler, head of Daimler's E-Drive and Future Mobility unit, said Daimler is moving quickly on hybrid technologies. "We have a leading position in the premium segment concerning alternative propulsion systems, and we will defend it," he said on the sidelines of a press event here.

A Daimler source said the C- and E-class full hybrids will be launched in Europe before 2013 and the S-class plug-in hybrid will be launched in 2014.

A second source said U.S. versions will follow about six months later.

Mercedes does not currently offer a plug-in version of its vehicles in the United States. The current S400 is offered as a mild hybrid, and the M class is a full hybrid.

A mild hybrid uses an electric motor and acts as a start/stop system, but the electric motor does not drive the vehicle by itself. A full hybrid can be driven short distances using the electric motor.

Kohler also said Daimler will continue to invest heavily in r&d this year, spending half of its $5.6 billion budget on alternative powertrain technology.

Source: Automotive News

2011 Honda Insight Lineup Gains Standard Features and a New Entry Model

Should not Honda have taken this stance with the Insight from day one?

PRESS RELEASE:

2011 Honda Insight Lineup Gains Standard Features and a New Entry Model

Gateway product to hybrid technology becomes even more affordable

Going on sale today, the 2011 Honda Insight hybrid gains new standard features and the addition of a value-oriented entry model that offers enhanced value, exclusive content and a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $18,200, plus a destination and handling charge1 of $750.

The range of Insight models for 2011 now starts with a new value-oriented base model, simply designated as “Insight.” As before, the well-equipped “Insight LX” continues to be available, yet with additional features, along with the top-of-the-line “Insight EX,” which continues to be available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. All Insight models are equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) for 2011, which was previously exclusive to the Insight EX.

The new Insight base model includes remote entry and has exclusive content compared to the other models consisting of unique seating fabric and a basic audio system with CD player and two speakers. The Insight LX gains features for 2011, adding cruise control, a USB audio interface, center armrest storage console and floor mats. The Insight EX adds to the LX features with steering wheel-mounted audio controls (previously exclusive to the Insight EX when equipped with navigation).

The distinctively styled, five-passenger, five-door dedicated hybrid vehicle is powered by an Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) system comprised of a 1.3-liter i VTEC® gasoline engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor that together contribute to an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 40/43/41 miles per gallon2. The Insight features the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist™), an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback related to individual driving styles.

A sleek exterior features a highly aerodynamic side profile with a front-end design similar to the hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity, a marquee environmental vehicle for Honda. The interior offers a roomy passenger environment with a configurable rear seating and cargo area enhanced by 60/40 split fold-down seats.

Major features standard to the Insight include front, front-side and side-curtain airbags; VSA; an anti-lock braking system; a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT); Eco Assist; automatic climate control; tilt-and-telescope steering column; manual driver’s seat height adjustment; power windows; an AM/FM audio system with CD player and two speakers; an auxiliary audio input for external digital music players; and much more.

The Insight LX adds or replaces to the Insight with cruise control (new to LX), a four-speaker audio system, USB audio interface (new to LX), armrest console (new to LX), floor mats (new to LX) and a security system.

The Insight EX adds or replaces to the Insight LX features with alloy wheels; steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters; an audio system with six speakers; heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals; and much more. Exclusively available on the Insight EX, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System3 (6.5-inch screen) with voice recognition provides routing and guidance to individual addresses and more than 7 million points of interest within the continental United States. Models equipped with the navigation system also include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® for hands-free operation of compatible mobile telephones, along with related steering wheel-mounted controls for voice activation of the navigation and hands-free telephone systems.

A 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder engine with Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) and a DC brushless electric motor forms the foundation of the IMA hybrid system. The electric motor, positioned in-line between the engine and the transmission, adds power during acceleration and in certain cruising situations, and recaptures energy from the vehicle’s forward momentum during braking (regenerative braking).

The Insight’s IMA system has the capability to operate exclusively on electric power in certain low- to mid-speed cruising conditions. It can also provide cylinder deactivation during deceleration and an idle-stop feature when the vehicle is stationary. With a 10.6-gallon fuel tank, the Insight delivers an estimated maximum driving range exceeding 400 miles. Models for sale in California and states that have adopted the California Air Resources Board (CARB) ZEV standards receive an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) emissions rating.

The Insight uses Eco Assist to help drivers improve fuel efficiency, both by altering vehicle functionality and providing driver feedback, with fuel-economy dependent on their given set of driving conditions. Pressing the ECON button can further enhance the efficiency of multiple vehicle systems: throttle control, CVT operation, idle-stop duration, air conditioning and cruise-control operation (if equipped). Eco Assist also provides feedback about driving style via a 3D-appearing background within the speedometer. The background changes colors from green to blue to reflect how efficiently or inefficiently the driver is accelerating or braking (green = efficient). The driver’s results are continuously tracked as fuel efficiency ratings are shown per drive cycle and on a lifetime basis in the form of plant-leaf graphics that appear in the Multi-Information Display (MID). Up to five leaves can be ‘earned’ as the driver demonstrates a fuel-efficient driving style. A real-time score is shown in the Eco Guide MID screen.

Standard safety features on all Insights include dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbag system; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD); driver’s and front-passenger’s active head restraints; and a front body designed to mitigate pedestrian injuries. All new Insights also feature Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which provides improved occupant protection and crash compatibility between vehicles of different sizes and ride heights in frontal crashes.

Honda is a leader in developing cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicle technologies, including the original Honda Insight, introduced as America’s first mass-produced hybrid car in December 1999. Honda is also a leader in the development of advanced alternatives to gasoline, including the zero-emission, hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel-cell electric car, the world’s most-advanced production fuel cell automobile.

Honda’s diverse lineup of environmental vehicles also includes the Civic GX compressed natural gas-powered (CNG) sedan, the only retail CNG vehicle currently available from any automaker in the U.S., and three distinct gasoline-electric hybrid models: Civic Hybrid, CR-Z sport hybrid and Insight hybrid.

Honda was recently named America’s “Greenest Automaker” for the fifth consecutive time by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The award is earned by the company with the lowest combined score of its smog-forming and greenhouse gas emissions (primarily CO2) in its U.S. automobile fleet. Honda has led the UCS rankings of overall vehicle environmental performance since the first UCS study in 2000, marking a decade of Honda leadership in reduced vehicle emissions. Honda earned the recognition this year with an industry-best score based on model year 2008 data, the latest available for analysis.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks the 2011 Honda Insight as the third-best vehicle in the United States for fuel economy, tied with the Civic Hybrid, among all currently available 2011 model year vehicles evaluated by the agency.

Audi TechDay e-mobility, Part 1: Q5 Hybrid, A1 e-tron range extended electric vehicle and R8 e-tron battery-electric vehicle

Audi held a TechDay in Ingolstadt focused on its efforts to electrify the driveline, and provided more details on the upcoming Q5 hybrid-electric vehicle, the A1 e-tron range extended electric vehicle and the R8 e-tron battery-electric vehicle.

In electric mobility, Audi distinguishes between two groups of vehicles: fully hybrid vehicles, driving a maximum of about 3 km (1.86 miles) under electric power; and high-energy battery vehicles for longer distances. These are the plug-in hybrids, the range extender vehicles and the strictly electrical vehicles. At TechDay, Audi spent time describing the issues and its approaches for constituent elements of different electric drive systems including electric motors and power electronics; battery pack; charging; thermal management; energy recuperation; electromechanical brakes; torque distribution; safety; lightweighting; and the use of a cell phone in the human machine interface (HMI). (To be summarized in Part 2.)

Q5 hybrid

Q5 hybrid and drivetrain. Click to enlarge.

The Q5 hybrid quattro, which goes into production in 2011, is the first hybrid model from Audi with two drive systems. Its gasoline engine, a 2.0 TFSI, and its electric motor are mounted directly behind one another as a parallel hybrid system, with system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and 480 N·m (354 lb-ft) for sporty dynamics. The mean consumption in the normal cycle (NEDC) is limited to less than 7.0 liters per 100 km (33.6 US mpg), corresponding to CO₂ emissions of less than 160 grams per km (257.5 g/mile).

The new top model of the Q5 series accelerates in 7.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and attains a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph). In electric mode the hybrid SUV can cover a distance of up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) at a maximum speed of 60 km/h (37 mph).

Q5 hybrid motor. Click to enlarge.

The turbocharged gasoline direct injection 2.0 TFSI in the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro has a displacement of 1984 cc (121 cu in), with output of 155 kW (211 hp) and maximum torque of 350 N·m (258 lb-ft) permanently available at 1500 to 4200 rpm. The Audi valve lift system (AVS) further increases power, torque and efficiency by switching the stroke of the exhaust valves between two stages depending on the load and rpm.

The 2.0 TFSI has been overhauled in some respects for use in the Audi Q5 hybrid. The drive of the ancillary units has been dropped, and the crankshaft bearing and fine tuning of the turbocharger have been adapted to the specific demands. A secondary air system at the cylinder head makes sure that the exhaust gas treatment cuts in particularly quickly. Integrated in the engine control unit, the hybrid manager controls the efficient change and smooth transitions between the operating modes, and was fully developed by Audi alone.

A largely modified eight-speed tiptronic serves the power transmission without the aid of a torque converter. Its place is taken by the disk-shaped electric motor, combined with the multi-plate clutch operating in an oil bath that it couples and decouples the electric motor and the TFSI. The hybrid gear unit contributes significantly to the efficiency of the Audi Q5 hybrid— its eight gears are widely spaced. When the 2.0 TFSI is turned off, an electric pump maintains the oil pressure in the hydraulic system to safeguard the convenient start-stop feature.

Cooling systems. Click to enlarge.

The power electronics, connected to the battery and the electric motor by high-voltage cabling, is located in the plenum chamber of the engine compartment. Cooling is provided by a separate low-temperature water-filled circuit. The component includes a DC/DC converter that couples the electric consumers in the 12 V electrical system with the high-voltage network.

A permanently excited synchronous machine serves as an electric motor, as a starter and—during deceleration—as a generator. It outputs up to 33 kW (45 hp) of power and 211 N·m (156 lb-ft). The electric motor is integrated in the cooling circuit of the engine.

Audi Q5 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Concept
Audi is also studying the potential of fuel cell drive systems for long-range electric mobility—the Audi Q5 HFC (Hybrid Fuel Cell) concept car has this technology on board.
The concept car relies on synergism and consequently utilizes many technical components from the future hybrid models. Two high-pressure cylinders store hydrogen under a pressure of 700 bar. The polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell outputs 98 kW (133 hp).
The lithium-ion battery serving hybridization has an energy content of 1.3 kWh. The drive is provided by two electric motors close to the wheels; the motors have a combined top output of 90 kW and a torque of up to 420 N·m (310 lb-ft).
The efficiency of the fuel cell drive lies above 50% in a wide operating range.

A lithium-ion battery system, weighing 38 kg (83.78 lb), serves as the energy store for the electric motor of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro. The compact unit with its 26 liter (6.87 US gallon) capacity is positioned in a crash-safe area under the loading floor, with hardly any detriment to the luggage compartment. The battery consists of 72 cells; at 266 volts its nominal energy is 1.3 kWh and its output 39 kW.

The lithium-ion battery is air-cooled in two ways, depending on the requirement. At low-temperature load, it draws temperate air from the vehicle interior by way of a fan. If its temperature exceeds a certain limit, a separate refrigerant circuit is activated. It is coupled to the main climate control system of the vehicle and uses a separate evaporator. This heavy-duty active cooling system distinguishes the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro from many other hybrid vehicles, Audi noted, and makes a key contribution to the high electrical availability of the hybrid system.

As a component of the modular longitudinal platform, the powertrain of the Q5 hybrid quattro can also be used in other Audi models with longitudinally mounted engines. They include the new Audi A8 as well as the A6 and the A6 Avant of the next generation.

A1 e-tron

A1 e-tron technical data. Click to enlarge.

The Audi A1 e-tron is a range extended electric vehicle. The synchronous motor of the Audi A1 e-tron is mounted transversely in the front, with its low installation benefiting the center of gravity. It has a continuous power of 45 kW (61 hp), with a torque of 150 N·m (111 lb-ft) already available from a standstill. The peak performance lies at 75 kW (102 hp), the maximum torque at 240 N·m (177 lb-ft). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 10.2 seconds.

The electric range is similar to that of the e-tron Spyder, about 50 km (31 miles). A small rotary engine in the rear serves as a range extender. In range mode the A1 can cover a further distance of 200 km (124 miles).

The torque flows to the front axle via a single-staged transmission flanged to the electric motor. The selector lever stems from the series production model, following the appropriate adaptation. The modes are D, R, N and Range—on this level the range extender is activated depending on the applied operating strategy; the electronic management system cuts in the extender with smooth transitions. The current load requirement and the energy level of the battery are the most important factors.

In the engine compartment next to the electric motor are the power electronics, which control the electric traction. The DC converter coupling the 14 V electrical system to the high-voltage system, the switching unit for protecting the high-voltage components and the charging module are also accommodated in the front end.

Shaped like a T, the battery pack of the Audi A1 e-tron is located underneath the rear part of the center tunnel and under the rear seats. The lithium-ion battery, operating at 270 volts, has a normal energy level of 12 kWh, and is water-cooled to stay within an optimal temperature range. The socket for the standard charge plug is located behind the rings in the single frame of the Audi A1 e-tron.

A fully discharged battery requires less than three hours’ charging from a 230 V grid; a 380 V high-voltage current reduces the time to less than an hour under optimal conditions. A display next to the plug-in connection shows the remaining charging time and the charge state. This value and the current range also appear in the driver's information display of the instrument cluster.

During travel the large electric motor driving the A1 e-tron can convert the deceleration energy into electric current and feed it back to the electrical system, by operating briefly as a generator. The energy return flow begins once the driver releases the accelerator.

The extent of the recuperation is controllable in five stages by rocker switches on the steering wheel. At stage 1 the deceleration is slight, and at stage 5 considerable. In urban traffic the A1 e-tron can recover through recuperation almost a third of the energy needed for driving. When the rocker switches lie at 0 and the driver releases the accelerator, the vehicle needs no energy at all—it simply glides.

A small single-disk rotary piston engine serves as the range extender on board the Audi A1 e-tron. It has a chamber capacity of 254 cc (15.5 cu in) and constantly runs at 5000 rpm in its optimal efficiency range. The rotary piston engine drives a generator that produces up to 15 kW (20 hp) electrical charging power.

The great strengths of the rotary piston engine are its vibration-free and practically noiseless operation, small dimensions and the extremely low weight. Including the generator, the entire assembly group weighs about 65 kg (143 lb). This weight already includes the special power electronics, the intake, exhaust and cooling systems as well as the acoustic encapsulation and the auxiliary frame.

According to the draft for standardization for determining the consumption of range extender vehicles, the rate of fuel consumption by the Audi A1 e-tron is 1.9 liters per 100 km (124 mpg US)—a CO₂ equivalent of 45 g per km (72 g/mile). The fuel is supplied from a tank with a capacity of 12 liters (3.17 gallons US).

The ancillary units of the A1 e-tron are electrified. A high-voltage refrigerant compressor operating according to the current power requirement drives the air conditioning system, for greater efficiency compared with conventional concepts. The power steering operates electrohydraulically as in the series production model. The hydraulic brake system includes a brake servo, with the vacuum supplied by an electrically operated pump, also demand-controlled.

In 2011 Audi will be joining three project partners—the energy supplier E.ON, the Munich public utility company and Munich Technical University—in launching a fleet test with the A1 e-tron. (Earlier post.) By the middle of the year the first vehicles should be hitting the road in the Bavarian capital, while at the same time 200 new charging stations will become operational.

R8 e-tron

The Audi R8 e-tron is a high-powered sports car with a battery-electric drive. Its four motors—which can be individually actuated—provide a total power of 230 kW (313 hp). The four asynchronous motors—two each on the front and rear axles—make the Audi R8 e-tron a quattro. Power is transmitted to the wheels via the single-staged transmission and short input shafts. With up to 4,500 N·m (3,319 lb-ft) torque at the wheels available from a standstill, the R8 e-tron accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The large, fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery and the power electronics lie directly behind the passenger compartment. The result is an optimal center of gravity and a load distribution of 42:58 between the front and rear axles—just like the series production R8 with its 5.2 liter FSI.

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery installed in the Audi R8 e-tron consists of single cells with a high energy density connected in parallel and in series, and ensures a high output. The 550 kg (1,213 lb) battery stores 53 kWh of energy, with the usable share amounting to 42.4 kWh. In the final design stage of the Audi e-tron, the battery will enable a range of about 250 km (155 miles) when operated in the NEDC cycle.

For recharging the battery a household current with 230 volts suffices; the process takes six to eight hours for a fully discharged battery. A high-voltage current will reduce the charging time to about two and a half hours.

The distribution of the electric drive torque in the R8 e-tron distinctly favors the rear axle. Like the standard Audi R8, about 70% of the power acts at the rear in regular operation, with the remaining 30% going to the front wheels. Should slip occur at an axle, this balance changes in a fraction of a second.

The R8 e-tron also manages the lateral dynamics through its four motors. They allow torque vectoring, the selective acceleration of individual wheels and therefore active distribution of torque. Understeering and oversteering can be compensated by small power boosts and brake interventions. The electrically driven high-powered sports car retains neutrality even at maximum lateral acceleration.

The running gear employs double triangular control arms at the front axle and trapezium links made of forged aluminum components at the rear axle—a configuration that has proven its merit in motor sports as an optimal layout for high dynamics, maximum precision and exact intrinsic steering behavior. Notwithstanding the firmness of the springs and shock absorbers, they still afford good comfort. The rack and pinion steering with its direct gear ratio provides finely differentiated feedback. The steering is electro-mechanically assisted depending on the speed. The Audi R8 e-tron rolls on 19-inch wheels.

Audi will be bringing a limited edition of the R8 e-tron to the roads in late 2012. It will be built at quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm, which has extensive experience in the construction of exclusive sports cars.

Source: Green Car Congress

MAGNA E-CAR SYSTEMS OPENS NEW HYBRID & ELECTRIC VEHICLE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CENTER

PRESS RELEASE:

Magna E-Car Systems, a recently formed joint venture between Magna International and the Stronach Trust, announced today the grand opening of its latest facility, a new hybrid- and electric-vehicle system development center and state-of-the-art battery/materials testing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

"It is with great pride that we at Magna E-Car Systems, together with our many supporters and collaborators from government and private industry, are able to officially unveil this modern facility today," said Ted Robertson, President North America, Magna E-Car Systems. "Magna E-Car Systems has a full range of industry-leading capabilities and this facility represents an important step forward as we work to develop effective, innovative solutions for future mobility."

The 82,000-square-foot facility is located at 4121 North Atlantic Drive. Approximately 200 employees work on new electric-vehicle designs as well as cells and battery packs, hybrid- and electric-vehicle components, and complete hybrid- and electric-vehicle systems.

Including Auburn Hills, Magna E-Car Systems has four facilities throughout North America and three facilities in Europe working on several programs, including the Ford Focus Battery Electric Vehicle, a Volvo hybrid program and powertrain controllers for General Motors.

The company was honored to have Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as a guest speaker at the grand opening. As a champion for alternative energy initiatives and the lead advocate for reinventing Michigan's economy and creating jobs for the 21st century, Gov. Granholm delivered a passionate speech and proudly welcomed Magna E-Car Systems' new facility to the state of Michigan.

In August 2009 Magna was selected to receive funding from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 to support electric-drive vehicle components manufacturing. The grant was part of the $2.4 billion in Recovery Act funding announced by the Department of Energy.

About Magna E-Car Systems

Effective August 31, 2010, Magna International spun-off its E-Car Systems operating unit and established a new joint venture with the Stronach Trust to jointly continue to pursue opportunities in the vehicle electrification business. Under the terms of the Magna E-Car joint venture, Magna indirectly holds a 73-percent equity interest and the Stronach Trust indirectly holds a 27-percent equity interest in the new vehicle electrification joint venture.

The Magna E-Car Systems joint venture serves as the gateway to Magna's diversified range of hybrid- and electric-vehicle capabilities. Magna E-Car Systems will continue to deliver innovative solutions for future mobility while increasing capabilities, which already include the ability to develop, manufacture, and integrate a wide range of hybrid and electric products and total vehicle systems.

About Magna International

Magna International (www.magna.com) is the most diversified global automotive supplier. We design, develop and manufacture technologically advanced automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of cars and light trucks. Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; body and chassis systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; hybrid and electric vehicles/systems as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.

We have over 90,000 employees in 242 manufacturing operations and 76 product development and engineering centers in 25 countries.

Fisker Karma PHEV to Make Driving Debut at Monterey Automobile Races

The Elegant and Sleek Fisker Karma PHEV



Here is another alternate energy vehicle on track for full blown production. The Fisker Karma PHEV is a great concept and will make its driving debut on August 15th at the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races.

The Karma is a plug-in hybrid vehicle capable of 50 miles range in all-electric mode and 300 miles with the use of its generator set. The downside is its reported MSRP, which will be around $80,000. Not even the $7,500 US tax rebate can make much of a dent in that price. Nonetheless, we would love to have one.

From Green Car Congress:

The Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) will make its public driving debut during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races on 15 August, 19 months after being unveiled as a concept car. It will be the first time a PHEV has appeared on track at the event.

The Fisker Karma will also be on display at Concorso Italiano on 14 August, alongside the Karma Sunset hardtop convertible concept. The Karma Sunset will again be on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 16 August.

The Fisker Karma PHEV is an extended range electric vehicle. With seating for four, the Karma has a range of 50 all-electric miles on a full charge of its lithium-ion battery, and a total range of 300 miles thanks to an on-board generator turned by the traditional but efficient 2.0L 260 hp (194 kW) Ecotec engine from GM. Two 201.5 hp (150 kW) electric motors send enough traction through a single-speed differential to reach 60 mph in about six seconds and a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).

Together, these components comprise the Q-DRIVE powertrain exclusive to all Fisker automobiles. Q-DRIVE can average more than 100 mpg.

Nissan To Retool Tennessee Auto Plant Using Government Funds

The Nissan EV Prototype









Nissan is using $1.6 Billion in order to re-tool their Smyrna, Tennessee plant making the line capable of producing EV's as well as hybrids. This would appear to be a smart move as the future demand of electric vehicles is unknown. Factors such as gas prices and the cost of EV's all contribute to the demand. Nissan's EV will qualify for the full $7,500 US government tax refund, which should greatly reduce the MSRP.

From Bloomberg:

Nissan Motor Company is aiming to be the top seller of electric vehicles in the U.S., is hedging its bets.

Nissan will use a $1.6 billion U.S. loan to retool a Tennessee factory so battery-powered cars can be made on the same line that currently produces hybrids and other models to keep from wasting capacity. Electric-vehicle assembly will be phased in “to avoid under-utilizing the plant while the market is developing,” said Senior Vice President Andy Palmer.

Carmakers are readying electric vehicles in response to higher oil prices, demand for more fuel-efficiency and concerns over climate change tied to carbon exhaust. Even with U.S. aid to build and buy them, the higher cost and shorter driving range of electric vehicles may hold the total market to less than the 150,000 vehicles Nissan will be able to build at the factory.

“There is a risk that the plant may struggle to reach full capacity quickly,” said Ashvin Chotai, managing director of Intelligence Automotive Asia Ltd. in London. “A lot will depend on the price and affordability of the car and experience of initial users.”

Current costs for lithium-ion battery packs that can propel a car 100 miles (160 kilometers) are as much as $30,000, and may fall to about $15,000 by 2015 as production techniques improve, said Menahem Anderman, president of Advanced Automotive Batteries, a consulting firm in Oregon House, California.

Initial U.S. demand will be at least a total of 7,500 electric vehicles, or EVs, sold in model years 2011 through 2013, along with about 60,000 plug-in hybrid cars, due to requirements in California under its so-called zero-emission vehicle program.

Basically California

“I would suggest that the EV market in the U.S. will basically be the California regulatory requirement, plus perhaps 20,000 units,” Anderman said. “As long as the gasoline price is under $5 a gallon, there’s no real market for EVs.”

Gasoline cost an average $2.48 a gallon in the U.S. on July 17, according to the AAA, a drivers’ group. The price peaked at $4.11 a gallon on July 15, 2008.

Electric cars are an “emerging” market, Nissan’s Palmer, head of the company’s electric vehicle program, said via e-mail. The company plans to start making the exhaust-free cars in the U.S. by 2012. The U.S. loan will also fund a lithium-ion battery factory next to the Smyrna plant that will make packs for as many as 200,000 cars a year.

Flexibility to make different types of advanced cars on one line will let demand “drive the optimum production balance between zero-emission and low-emission vehicles,” said Palmer.

Nissan rose 3.7 percent to 590 yen at the close of Tokyo trading. The shares have gained 84 percent so far this year. The automaker’s American depository receipts gained 11 cents, or 0.9 percent, to $12.52 at 1:31 p.m. New York time in Nasdaq trading.

Forecast Range

Industry forecaster CSM Worldwide predicts global electric vehicle output will rise to 132,067 in 2015 from 7,115 units this year, said CSM analyst Yoshiaki Kawano. An economic study from University of California, Berkeley, this month predicted electric vehicles will make up 64 percent of U.S. sales by 2030, assuming prices are held down by letting drivers lease battery packs that can be readily switched.

Competition in the market for low-pollution cars ranges from Toyota Motor Corp., the largest seller of gas-electric hybrids, Honda Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co., to new entries including California’s Tesla Motors Inc. and BYD Co., a Chinese car and battery maker backed by Warren Buffett.

The only electric vehicle sold in the U.S. approved for highway use is Tesla’s $109,000 Roadster. Mitsubishi Motors Corp.’s electric i-MiEV minicar, sold in Japan for 4.6 million yen ($49,000), goes on sale in the U.S. next year.

Nissan said yesterday it will invest $700 million to build two plants in the U.K. and Portugal that will also make lithium- ion batteries for electric cars.

Ford, Tesla

Nissan on June 23, along with Ford Motor Co. and Tesla, was among the first companies to benefit from the Energy Department’s program to provide $25 billion in low-cost loans to fund production of highly fuel efficient autos in the U.S.

The aid is part of Congress’s 2007 energy bill to help automakers boost average fuel economy by about 40 percent, to 35.5 miles (56 kilometers) per gallon by 2016. President Barack Obama moved up the fuel-efficiency deadline from 2020. The U.S. also provides a $7,500 tax credit to consumers who buy electric cars.

Smyrna Factory

Nissan said it will use the federal cash refurbish its 26-year-old Smyrna factory. The plant has about 3,900 employees and capacity to make as many as 550,000 cars and light trucks annually, including the hybrid Altima sedan.

A version of the electric car Nissan will eventually build at the Smyrna plant is to be unveiled in Japan next month. Nissan has said the 5-passenger model goes 100 miles solely powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Limited sales begin in Japan and the U.S. next year.

To make the car more affordable, Nissan has said it may lease the battery pack to customers for about the same amount they’d spend annually on gasoline.

The loan “is specifically dedicated to the investment of EV and battery production in Smyrna,” said Palmer. “We are committed to becoming the leader in zero-emission vehicles.”

New GM Emerges From Bankruptcy, Now What?

So General Motors has emerged from bankruptcy in a mere 40 days, cleansing itself from all its "toxic" liabilities. The only remaining question is, "What's next?" What will GM do in order to prove it was worthy of all those government handouts and bankruptcy assistance? Is CEO Fritz Henderson the best choice to lead the new company? Time will tell soon enough.

What GM really needs to do is start over since they were able to obtain this clean break. Gone are the days of high profit, high margin SUV's and pick-up trucks. GM needs to sell cars and lots of them. Will the new GM actually offer the vehicles the masses are clamoring for? Low cost, fuel efficient quality vehicles. So far they have not changed much.

GM is betting heavily on the positive public relations benefit of producing the Chevy Volt. Unfortunately, the Volt will only be produced in limited quantities at first and may never reach healthy production volume. Will GM ever offer vehicles like the Honda Insight or the Toyota Prius? Relatively low cost, fuel efficient hybrids? Will GM retain their current paradigm of mediocre 30 mpg vehicles? These are the questions that linger and demand to be answered. GM doesn't have much time to waste and really needs to announce a whole new lineup of green vehicles.

Sanyo Will More Than Triple Its NiMH Battery Output To Meet Hybrid Vehicle Demand

In order to meet the ever growing demand for alternate energy, hybrid vehicles, Sanyo will increase NiMH battery production by 350%. Obviously, momentum has grown steadily and demand for the gas sipping vehicles is on the rise. This is a great sign that the people of the world are realizing the importance of reducing their reliance on oil.

In fiscal 2008, Sanyo made such batteries for hybrid cars at a rate of 1 million units a month. And when it announced its business results in mid-May, the company said it would boost production by 150% and make 2.5 million units a month in fiscal 2009. But now, Sanyo has decided to boost production by 250% to a monthly rate of 3.5 million batteries in fiscal 2009.

It said it will invest several billion yen to expand production lines at its Sumoto plant, in Hyogo Prefecture, which is the only plant where it makes NiMH batteries for hybrid cars.

Sanyo supplies NiMH batteries to Honda and Ford, and is looking for more customers and expanded business.

Honda Insight is First Hybrid Best Seller in Japan

No need for further proof that hybrid and alternate energy vehicles are here to stay.

Honda's Insight ranked as the best selling car among all new vehicle registrations in Japan in April—excluding mini-vehicles with displacement of less than 660cc—with sales of 10,481 units, according to data from the Japan Automobile Dealers Association.

This marks the first time a hybrid model has been the best selling vehicle in Japan for any monthly sales period.

The Insight G. Click to enlarge.

The Honda Fit was the best-selling car among new vehicle registrations in Japan for calendar year 2008 and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009. Fit was also the industry’s best-selling car for the month of March 2009, for the fourth consecutive month since December 2008, until it was displaced by Insight.

Fit then became the industry’s second best-selling car in April 2009,with sales of 9,443 units. It is the first time Honda has occupied the industry’s top two best-selling car positions.

It the first three months of sales, Insight has sold 19,475 units in Japan.

The Insight combines a 1.3-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy i-VTEC engine and CVT, with the fifth generation of Honda’s IMA hybrid system. The Insight’s IMA system includes a 10 kW (13 hp) electric motor that delivers 68 lb-ft (92 N·m) of torque and a compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) consisting of a 5.75 Ah, 100.8V NiMH battery pack, Power Control Unit (PCU), motor Electric Control Unit (ECU), and cooling system

In the US, the Insight carries an EPA city/highway/combined fuel-economy rating of 40/43/41 miles per gallon US.

Source: Green Car Congress

US Hybrid Sales Down 45.5% in April

Monthly US sales of hybrids. Click to enlarge.

Reported sales of hybrids in the US reported by Toyota, Honda, Ford, GM and Nissan dropped 45.5% year-on-year in April to 21,735, despite full month sales for the new Honda Insight and the Ford Fusion and Milan hybrids. Total LDV sales in the US were down 34.4%. (Earlier post.)

The reported sales represented a 2.65% hybrid new vehicle market share (based on Autodata’s total LDV sales figure)—the highest monthly new vehicle share for hybrids so far this year, but below the 3.2% high mark in April 2008. Year-to-date in 2009, hybrids are holding a 2.4% new vehicle market share.

Hybrid monthly new vehicle market share. Click to enlarge.

Toyota. Overall, Toyota saw a 62.8% drop year-on-year in its combined hybrid sales in April 2009. Year-to-date US sales of Toyota hybrids through April are down 51% to 49,660 units from 101,334 for the same period last year.

In advance of the market introduction of the new 2010 Prius, Toyota Prius sales dropped 61.5% in April to 8,385 units from 21,757. Other results:

• Sales of the Camry Hybrid were down 67.1% to 2,198 units, representing 8.7% of Camry sales. Sales of conventional Camry models were down 31%.

• Sales of the Highlander Hybrid were down 63.8% to 933 units, representing 16.7% of Highlander sales. Sales of conventional Highlander models were down 37%.

• Sales of the RX 400h Hybrid were down 59.7% to 655 units, representing 10.5% of RX sales. Sales of conventional RX models were up 1%.

• Sales of the GS450h were down 59.8% to 33 units, representing 7.1% of GS sales. Sales of conventional GS models were down 71%.

• Sales of the LS 600h L were down 84.4% to 19 units, representing 2.5% of LS sales. Sales of the conventional LS models were down 60%

Hybrid component of brand sales. Click to enlarge.

Honda. With the first full month of sales of the Insight, Honda moved up to the number two slot behind Toyota, with 5,457 units sold. The Insight sold 2,096 units in April, and pushed combined Honda hybrid sales up 25% year-on-year. In April 2008, Honda had the Civic Hybrid on sale as well as the low-selling Accord Hybrid (25 units in April 2008).

Honda sold 3,361 Civic Hybrids in April, down 22.3% year-on-year, and representing 12.8% of all Civics sold. Sales of conventional Civic models were down 23% in April.

Ford. The addition of the new Fusion and Milan hybrids pushed combined Ford hybrid sales to 2,299 units, up 21% compared to April 2008. Ford posted 1,134 units of the Escape and Mariner Hybrids, down 40.5% year-on-year, and representing 7.3% of Escape and Mariner sales. Sales of conventional Escape and Mariner models were down 13% year-on-year.

OEM hybrid sales as a percentage of total LDV sales. Click to enlarge.

The new Fusion and Milan hybrid sedans sold a combined 1,165 units, representing 5.7% of all Fusion and Milan sales in April. Sales of conventional models of the Fusion and Milan climbed 3% year-on-year in April.

GM. General Motors sold 1,534 hybrids in April, comprising:

• 523 units of the two-mode SUVs (Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade), representing 4.5% of combined sales of those models
• 95 units of the two-mode pickups (Silverado, Sierra), representing 0.27% of sales of those models
• 547 units of the Malibu hybrid, representing 3.7% of Malibu sales
• 338 units of the Saturn VUE hybrid, representing 11.3% of VUE sales
• 31 units of the Saturn Aura hybrid, representing 1.7% of Aura sales

Nissan. Nissan sold 222 units of the Altima hybrid in the US in April, down 72.3% year-on-year, representing 1.8% of Altima sales. Sales of the conventional Altima models were down 46%.

Source: Green Car Congress

Hitachi Develops High Powered Li Ion Battery for Hybrid Vehicles

The Nikkei reports that Hitachi Ltd. has developed a high-power lithium-ion battery for hybrid-electric vehicles. The battery reportedly has specific power of 4,500 W/kg— a power increase of 70% over its current models, and 50% over a new version Hitachi plans to begin mass-producing next year.

Hitachi aims to begin commercial production of the new battery in the mid-2010s. The battery also boasts a 20% longer life, at 10 years, about the same as the life of a car.

Hitachi, which in 2000 became the first company to mass-produce large lithium-ion batteries for cars, has sold 600,000 units so far. It aims to sell 100 billion yen worth of vehicle-use lithium-ion batteries in fiscal 2015.