The 2013 Ford Fusion – recently voted Green Car of the Year – just got greener as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certified the new Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid at up to 108 MPGe, making it America's most fuel-efficient sedan.
Fusion Energi is the Ford brand's fifth electrified vehicle to launch in the past year and is expected to accelerate the company's record hybrid sales pace, including its highest monthly hybrid sales month ever in November. Ford is seeing demand for fuel economy across its lineup as the brand ranks No. 1 in fuel economy customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and now beats Toyota for leading efficiency in every segment where both compete.
The EPA also certified Fusion Energi to deliver up to 92 MPGe highway and a combined 100 MPGe – figures that could potentially help save customers an estimated $6,850 in fuel costs compared with an average new car over the course of five years.
"The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid is the exclamation point for Ford's transformed lineup of fuel-efficiency leaders that now beats Toyota across the board," said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development.
Adding to Fusion Energi's value – and the myriad ways it beats Toyota Prius plug-in – are its innovative technologies that are designed to help win over both novice and pro hybrid owners.
SmartGauge® with EcoGuide, for example, provides in-vehicle customizable displays, including instantaneous fuel economy readings and coaching functions to help drivers understand and optimize their fuel efficiency.
SYNC® with MyFord Touch® offers multiple ways – including voice commands – for customers to manage and control their phone, available navigation, entertainment and climate functions. Plug-in hybrids and all-electric models have additional options for monitoring information like battery state of charge.
EV+ combines the built-in GPS of Ford SYNC with proprietary software algorithms developed by Ford engineers to learn frequent destinations. As a result, vehicles give drivers more drive time in electric-only mode.
Such technologies have helped get sales for Ford's electrified vehicle lineup up and running. With more than 19,000 hybrid vehicle sales projected, the automaker expects total fourth-quarter hybrid sales to set an all-time record for a three-month period, with more than half of hybrid sales this year expected to come in the fourth quarter.
In fact, C-MAX became the fastest-selling hybrid ever at launch after 8,030 units were sold in October and November, the first two months C-MAX was on the market. The pace beat Toyota Camry Hybrid's 7,300 sales in its first two full months of availability in May and June 2006.
"The response to C-MAX really shows the amount of pent-up demand from a specific market for C-segment hybrids," says C.J. O'Donnell, marketing manager, Ford Electrified Vehicles. "Fusion Energi has a different audience in the midsize sedan market, but delivers many of the characteristics and technologies that make C-MAX Energi so great, which is why we're anticipating a similar positive response."
C-MAX is geared toward those most concerned with fuel economy, but designed so that owners aren't forced to sacrifice comfort and convenience.
Fusion is designed with the driver's sense of style in mind, delivering a midsize sedan that offers functional design elements that enhance its sleek exterior and promote fuel economy. A video explaining the origin of Fusion Energi can be found here.
With Fusion Energi and Fusion Hybrid, the all-new Fusion lineup brings the widest range of powertrain options to the U.S. midsize segment. Fusion also is available in gas-powered versions with a choice between a pair of fuel-efficient EcoBoost® engines and a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine.
The addition of Fusion Energi gives customers yet another Ford option when shopping for an electrified vehicle – already available are Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid, C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi.
Three of the vehicles – Focus Electric, C-MAX Energi and now Fusion Energi – have received EPA ratings of 100 MPGe or more. Focus Electric delivers EPA-estimated ratings of 110 MPGe city, 99 MPGe highway and 105 MPGe combined, making it America's most fuel-efficient five-passenger car. C-MAX Energi has an EPA-estimated rating of 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined.
Focus Electric went on sale in late 2011, followed by C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi – the two vehicles that make up Ford's first hybrid-only line in North America – this past autumn.
Fusing technologies
Many of the innovative technologies of Fusion Energi are shared across Ford's electrified vehicle lineup and draw from the automaker's portfolio of about 500 patents related specifically to hybrid technology:
MyFord® Mobile: Enables access via smartphone or Web-based interface to perform key tasks, such as monitoring a vehicle's state of charge and current range or locating charge stations and planning routes to find them
Eco cruise: Saves vehicle energy by relaxing acceleration compared to standard cruise control
EV mode button: Conveniently mounted on the console to the right of the shifter – allows a driver to switch vehicle operation between three modes: all-electric, normal hybrid operation and conserve battery power for later use
Regenerative braking is capable of capturing and reusing more than 90 percent of the braking energy normally lost during the braking process
Hybrid transmission, designed by Ford engineers in-house, is capable of operating at high speeds and in a smooth, fuel-efficient manner at the same time
Advanced lithium-ion batteries used in Ford's electrified vehicle lineup – covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile component limited warranty – are smaller and lighter than nickel-metal-hybrid batteries used in previous-generation hybrids
Charge port with LED light ring, conveniently located on the driver's side and near the front of the car, it features a light ring that illuminates to indicate charge status
Nissan has announced starting spring 2013 they will offer a limited warranty on battery capacity loss.
Confirmed by Nissan's executive vice-president Andy Palmer, this will be applied starting with next spring as part of the revised New Electric Vehicle Limited Warranty plan. It was created to protect against battery capacity loss in the first 5 years / 60,000 miles for U.S. customers only.
If in this period the battery capacity gauge drops below 9 bars - from a total of 12 - Nissan will repair/replace the battery "to restore capacity at or above a minimum of nine bars". Replacement will be done with either a brand new battery or a remanufactured unit.
The revised warranty plan comes as a response after several problems experienced by Leaf owners living in warmer climates. A few drivers from Arizona asked Nissan to analyse battery capacity loss after they noticed important capacity losses during high temperatures.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today that the new Outlander PHEV will go on sale at dealerships throughout Japan from January 24, 2013. Powered by the Plug-in Hybrid EV System powertrain derived from MMC's lineup of electric vehicles (EVs), the Outlander PHEV will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of ¥3,324,000 - ¥4,297,000 (including consumption tax). The Outlander PHEV qualifies for Japan's "eco-car" tax incentives*1 and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "Subsidies for measures designed to promote introduction of clean energy vehicles" (maximum ¥430,000), making the actual cost to the customer as low as ¥2,894,000.
The world's first plug-in hybrid SUV, the Outlander PHEV represents a fusion of the EV technologies developed by MMC for models such as the i-MiEV, 4WD technologies honed in the Lancer Evolution, and SUV know-how gained from the Pajero (Montero or Shogun in some countries). The result is a groundbreaking new model that brings together the superior environmental performance and quietness of an EV, the stability and handling of a 4WD, and the practicality of an SUV.
The Outlander PHEV will be available in five trim levels: the base G, the G Safety Package fitted with MMC's "e-Assist" (Japan-market name) advanced safety technology system, the G Navi Package, which comes with on-board navigation and other features, the G Premium Package, which features a RockfordFosgate® Premium Sound System and leather-upholstered seats for extra comfort, and the built-to-order E.
MMC has made state-of-the-art safety technology more accessible for anyone who wants the Outlander PHEV. The acclaimed e-Assist advanced safety technology package - now installed in over 80% of new Outlander models in Japan - is available as standard equipment from the trim level of G Safety Package and higher, for a difference of as low as just ¥95,000 over the base G.
The Outlander PHEV offers three drive modes:
EV Drive Mode.
EV Drive Mode is an all-electric mode in which the front and rear motors drive the vehicle using only electricity from the drive battery
Series Hybrid Mode.
In Series Hybrid Mode the gasoline engine operates as a generator supplying electricity to the electric motors. The system switches to this mode when the remaining charge in the battery falls below a predetermined level and when more powerful performance is required, such as accelerating to pass a vehicle or climbing a steep gradient such as a slope.
Parallel Hybrid Mode.
The system switches to Parallel Hybrid Mode when the vehicle reaches high speeds. In this mode the high-efficiency gasoline engine provides most of the motive power, assisted by the electric motors as required, such as when more powerful performance is required to accelerate or climb a slope.
Plug-in Hybrid EV System.
Mitsubishi developed the Plug-in Hybrid EV System based on the EV technologies used in the i-MiEV and MINICAB-MiEV for use in mid-size and larger passenger cars that require longer cruising ranges.
The drive battery is a high-capacity lithium-ion battery developed for the PHEV System based on the technology used in the i-MiEV and MINICAB-MiEV (16.0 kWh models). It consists of 80 cells mounted in series housed in a battery pack enclosed in a secure frame, and has a total voltage of 300V and total storage capacity of 12.0 kWh.
The battery can be switched to Battery Charge Mode, which allows electricity to be generated by the engine and stored when stationary or on the move (giving 80% charge in approximately 40 minutes when stationary) and Battery Save Mode, which maintains charge while driving. Stored electricity can be used in EV Drive Mode at the destination or used to power appliances.
Estimated charging times at 200 V AC (15 A) is approximately 4 hours for a full charge; quick-charging (factory option) to an 80% charge takes approximately 30 minutes.
The battery also supports a 100V AC power supply capable of delivering up to 1,500W of electricity (factory option) as an external power source.
Smaller, lighter, higher output versions of the permanent magnet synchronous motors used in the i-MiEV and MINICAB-MiEV are located front and rear. These have a maximum output of 60 kW each and maximum torques of 137 N·m(101 lb-ft) (front) and 195 N·m (144 lb-ft) (rear).
The 4B11 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine functions solely to generate electricity in Series Hybrid Mode and is mainly used to provide motive power in Parallel Hybrid Mode. It is fitted with MMC’s MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) technology, which keeps the engine in optimal efficiency ranges by continuously varying the timing of the air intake valves according to engine speed in Parallel Hybrid Mode. Additionally, exhaust noise has been reduced and the engine room soundproofing increased in order to ensure the vehicle remains as quiet as EV Drive Mode, even when the engine is in use.
The engine delivers 87 kW (117 hp) at 4,500 rpm and maximum torque (net) of 186 N·m (137 lb-ft).
In Series/Parallel Hybrid Mode and in Battery Charge/Save Mode, the generator generates electricity through motive power from the engine to store into the drive battery.
Taking advantage of the fact that electric motors require no complex transmission mechanisms, the front and rear transaxles incorporate simple single-speed fixed reduction gears for smoother travel free from “shift shock.” The front transaxle also has a built-in clutch that switches the system to Parallel Drive Mode mainly for engine-powered travel at high speeds.
MMC developed a new Twin Motor 4WD system that delivers power independently to the front wheels (from the front motor and/or engine) and rear wheels (from the rear motor). The use of motors and absence of mechanical connections such as a propeller shaft mean the Twin Motor 4WD delivers better response and finer control than conventional 4WD systems and reduces friction loss.
Twin Motor 4WD is coupled with MMC’s S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) integrated vehicle dynamics control system, which combines front- and rear-wheel drive control and left and right wheel brake control to provide consistent handling and stability on the road. Two modes are offered, selectable at the flick of a switch: Normal Mode for ordinary conditions and Lock Mode for enhanced all-terrain performance.
During deceleration, the motors function as generators so that electricity can be generated to charge the drive battery. The regenerative braking can be increased when the brake pedal is pressed. The strength of regenerative braking is adjustable using the selector lever, which has three strength settings, and a paddle selector on the steering wheel (standard on all trim levels except E), which offers six strength settings. The regeneration level can be selected as the driver likes according to road conditions, such as when approaching a bend or descending a mountain road, or when seeking a sportier ride.
Body and chassis. The Outlander PHEV features enhancements including a reinforced body to ensure high levels of impact safety and stability. MMC has also made meticulous efforts to dampen vibration and insulate and absorb sound, resulting in the kind of interior comfort unique to a PHEV.
The front and rear suspensions have been tuned to handle the weight of the Plug-in Hybrid EV System and reduce road noise. Placing the drive battery under floor lowers the center of gravity, which provides improved stability and ride comfort.
e-Assist safety system. The advanced e-Assist safety system available on some trim levels comprises three functions: the Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM), which automatically helps avoid a collision with the vehicle ahead or reduce impact damage in the event of a collision; the Lane Departure Warning System (LDW), which alerts the driver when the vehicle starts to drift from its lane aiding driver concentration; and the Adaptive Cruise Control System (ACC), which automatically maintains a driver-adjustable distance with the vehicle in front, reducing the chance of a collision if the vehicle suddenly stops.
Active Stability Control (ASC) is standard on all models. This controls delivery of drive and braking force to the four wheels to prevent skidding on slippery roads or when sudden steering changes are made.
As on ICE models, all Outlander PHEV models come standard with a total of seven SRS airbags: driver and passenger seat airbags, side and curtain airbags, and a knee airbag for the driver.
With a Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety body, the Outlander PHEV is fully fitted to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
Remote control. The Outlander PHEV can be remote-controlled through specially-designed smartphone or tablet applications, making available variety of functions, including scheduled charging, pre-air conditioning, and access to information on battery charge and door status (factory option on most trim levels).
The annual Andros Trophee Ice Racing season in the French Alps is underway with the EV class back for their third year.
Each Andros Car, built by Exagon engineering, is rear wheel drive, weighs just 800 kg and is powered by a 90 Kw (122 hp) Siemens 3 phase AC electric motor with 200 Nm of torque.
The annual Andros Trophee Ice Racing season in the French Alps is underway with the EV class back for their third year.
Each Andros Car, built by Exagon engineering, is rear wheel drive, weighs just 800 kg and is powered by a 90 Kw (122 hp) Siemens 3 phase AC electric motor with 200 Nm of torque.
Tesla Motors has announced European pricing for the Model S.
In the Netherlands, where Tesla recently announced it's European Distribution Center in Tilburg, a 60 kWh Model S kicks off at €72,600 ($96,000). 85 kWh models start at €83,150 ($110,000), and the Model S Performance starts at €97,550 ($129,000).
Signature models, arriving in the Spring, cost €101,400 ($134,000), and Signature Performance cars will be €110,950 ($147,000). All prices are before local incentives, and inclusive of purchase tax.
That purchase tax, plus a slight price increase to account for transport costs, import duties and other costs relevant to individual European countries (plus exchange rates) explains the large price difference between European and U.S. pricing. U.S. pricing starts at $67,400 for the 60 kWh model.
Tesla also confirmed that the 40 kWh model won't be available in Europe, at least initially--Tesla may choose to sell it in Europe at a later date.
Tesla will also offer deductions of €1,700 ($2,250) to buyers who already hold a Model S reservation in Europe, or plan to do so by the end of December. Buyers will need to finalize their order within four weeks of receiving their "Invitation to Configure" from Tesla.
Model S Signature models will start arriving by late Spring, and non-Signature car deliveries will start in Summer 2013.
CNET reviewed almost 100 cars this year and attended auto shows around the world, finding the best in automotive tech.
Most people know the Model S for its electric drivetrain, which not only gives it tremendous acceleration, but also the best range among current production electric cars. Compared to an internal combustion engine, the Tesla's electric motor delivers magnitudes of better energy efficiency.
Beyond its efficiency, the Model S modernizes the whole idea of a car's cabin. Tesla streamlined the entire process of getting into the car and setting off, taking out steps that have become anachronistic. A big touch screen handles all in-cabin functions, eliminating the need for an array of buttons across the dashboard. A 3G data connection feeds the infotainment functions, providing maps, destination search, and music, similar to what we have become used to with our personal electronics.
The all-new 2014 Cadillac ELR extended-range electric luxury coupe will make its world debut January 15 at the North American International Auto Show.
The ELR is the production version of Cadillac’s Converj, a concept vehicle revealed at the North American International Auto Show in 2009. The ELR will advance the design theme of the Converj while featuring the same Voltec electric propulsion system as the Volt.
Detroit-Hamtramck is the only U.S. automotive manufacturing plant that mass produces extended-range electric vehicles. The plant is home to the Chevrolet Volt, Opel Ampera, and Holden Volt extended-range electric vehicles. Extended-range electric vehicles are exported to 21 countries from the plant.
The addition of the ELR to Detroit-Hamtramck represents a $35 million investment and increases total product investment to $561 million since December 2009. It is the first two-door car built at the plant since the 1999 Cadillac Eldorado.
The annual Andros Trophee Ice Racing season in the French Alps is underway with the EV class back for their third year.
Each Andros Car, built by Exagon engineering, is rear wheel drive, weighs just 800 kg and is powered by a 90 Kw (122 hp) Siemens 3 phase AC electric motor with 200 Nm of torque.
The annual Andros Trophee Ice Racing season in the French Alps is underway with the EV class back for their third year.
Each Andros Car, built by Exagon engineering, is rear wheel drive, weighs just 800 kg and is powered by a 90 Kw (122 hp) Siemens 3 phase AC electric motor with 200 Nm of torque.
Ford’s all-new C-MAX has become the fastest-selling hybrid ever at launch, with 8,030 sales in its first two full months on the market in October and November. This significantly outpaces Toyota Camry Hybrid’s 7,300 sales in its first two full months in May and June 2006.
C-MAX hybrids also are selling three times faster than the combined sales for the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight when launched in 2000.
Ford sold 8,999 C-MAX hybrids through November, a figure projected to surpass by 40 percent through December the combined Prius and Insight launch sales of 9,350 in 2000. C-MAX sales would represent four months compared to the initial combined 18 months of Prius and Insight sales.
“Dealers are seeing an overwhelmingly positive response to C-MAX hybrids and are excited to finally take on Prius, with some offering comparison test drives right on their lots,” says C.J. O’Donnell, group marketing manager, Electrification. “Our customers also are excited to have a fresh hybrid option, with leading fuel economy that does not sacrifice driving fun, performance and technology – choices typically not offered with hybrids.”
Ford achieved its best electrified vehicle sales month ever in November with a total of 7,157 sales, with C-MAX hybrids acting as the driving force behind the milestone. Ford is projecting an all-time record quarter for hybrid sales at December close. More than half of Ford’s hybrid sales this year are expected to come in the final quarter of the year as the company continues to ramp up production of Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.
C-MAX hybrid sales totaled 4,848 in November, up 52 percent month-over-month. November marked the first month both C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid were available on dealer lots.
Johnson Controls filed an appeal in bankruptcy court today of the Dec. 11, 2012 sale order approving Wanxiang's purchase of A123 Systems. As part of the sale order, the court ordered the escrow of the break-up fee and expense reimbursement due to the company under its stalking horse agreement with A123. Johnson Controls is appealing the sale order to obtain the breakup fee and expense reimbursement to which it is entitled under that agreement and which were previously approved by the bankruptcy court.
"We appreciated the opportunity to serve as stalking horse, which resulted in significant value to the estate, creditors and employees," said Alex Molinaroli , president, Johnson Controls Power Solutions.
A123 was directed to place the breakup fee and expense reimbursement in escrow after A123's creditors' committee suggested to the court that Johnson Controls was lobbying against the sale of A123 to Wanxiang.
"As a market leader and major employer with significant operations in the United States, we have expertise and insights regarding the industries we serve, which are important resources for leaders and decision makers. Our representatives regularly provide educational material and expert opinions on many topics including advanced batteries, lithium-ion technology and the various applications they serve," said Molinaroli.
Johnson Controls maintains an active government relations function that involves regular interaction with policy makers and agencies on the full range of issues relevant to the company. The activities of Johnson Controls' representatives involving public officials are consistent with First Amendment rights to free speech and are strictly governed by the company's ethics policy and comply with government regulations.
The significant issue of U.S. regulatory approval required for any sale of A123 to Wanxiang has been a constant challenge dating back to Wanxiang's original failed attempt to acquire A123 earlier in 2012 prior to bankruptcy. Johnson Controls has consistently maintained that national security questions tied to the core technology used in all of A123's businesses represent a risk to the sale which cannot be dismissed until resolved by the government review process.
Johnson Controls shares concerns that have been voiced by members of Congress and other interested parties and therefore will continue to monitor this process.
"Should the sale of A123 Systems to Wanxiang not be completed for any reason, Johnson Controls remains open to considering future opportunities to acquire relevant portions of A123's assets, keeping this critically important technology in the United States, preserving jobs and furthering the purpose of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act," said Molinaroli.
About Johnson Controls
After ordering a vehicle at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012, Arnaud Montebourg, Minister of Industrial Recovery, was presented today with the keys to the first ZOE in the Cour d’Honneur of the Bercy Finance Ministry by Carlos Tavares, Chief Operating Officer of the Renault group.
ZOE, the spearhead of Renault’s Z.E. range, is the Group’s first full-electric car. The widely affordable vehicle qualifies for a €7,000 government environmental bonus, bringing the starting price in France down to €13,700 (including VAT).
ZOE targets consumers and professionals alike. It is ideal for daily journeys and embodies Renault’s excellence in electric technology. The mobility-enhancing model features the most advanced technology in terms of range, user friendliness (with the installation of a charging station at motorists’ homes or workplaces) and connectivity. It is a key symbol of the Group’s commitment to the electric revolution.
The Minister of Industrial Recovery is the first customer to take delivery of ZOE before mass launch in the Renault network in spring 2013.
Commenting, Carlos Tavares, Chief Operating Officer of the Renault group, said: “The first ZOE delivery is a vital step in Renault’s electric vehicle offensive, aimed at making zero-emission mobility affordable for the greatest number. The commitment of the government and Mr Montebourg, as confirmed today, is a decisive advantage for making France a robust cornerstone of electric vehicle development and serves to reinforce Renault’s position as a French champion on the international stage.”
The launch will be accompanied by the widespread development of public and private charging stations with the support of the taskforce headed by Philippe Hirtzman and tasked with stimulating and backing infrastructure projects in large urban agglomerations.
The initiative is ideally embodied in the installation by the Ministry of Industrial Recovery of charging stations at the Bercy Finance Ministry. The move is part of the “Plan Automobile” announced by the French government on July 25, 2012 and providing for the installation of charging stations at government ministries and the inclusion of electric vehicles in public fleets.
AOL's Translogic takes a spin in the brand new Toyota RAV4 EV, the only all-electric SUV on the market and the first product of a unique collaboration between Toyota and Tesla Motors.
With seating for 5, 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space and an EPA-estimated range of 103 miles, Toyota's RAV4 EV is one of the most practical electric vehicles on the market today.
But how is the performance and why does it look so different from the recently unveiled 2013 gas-powered RAV4 EV?
The City of Raleigh announced today its involvement in the Apollo Program, a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles through the use of wireless charging technology. The program, launched by local startup company Evatran, has installed six prototype wireless charging systems with participants such as Google, Duke Energy, and The Hertz Corporation. The City of Raleigh is the first municipality nationwide to join the seven other participants in the second phase of the program, which kicks off early next year.
The City of Raleigh, along with the other Apollo partners, will use Plugless Power wireless charging systems on its own fleet of electric vehicles. These second generation systems, improved following the feedback from the first phase of the program, are production-intent and will be available to individual electric vehicle owners as soon as next April.
"We are excited to be the first municipality to participate in this program," Mayor Nancy McFarlane said. "This is another example of how Raleigh continues to lead the nation in sustainability issues."
With offices in the Research Triangle Park area, Evatran has been developing the wireless charging technology for high-power applications over the last three years. The City of Raleigh's commitment to the Apollo Program represents the first wireless charging stations installed in the local area. The installations, at three parking spots in municipal lots around the Raleigh, will allow a Chevy Volt and two Nissan LEAF vehicles to pull up and charge without the effort of plugging into the unit.
"This is an exciting announcement for Evatran," said Rebecca Hough, chief executive officer and co-founder of Evatran. "We've been looking forward to getting this technology into the field and there's something to be said for our local municipality stepping up to be first. The Raleigh-Durham area is one of the most electric vehicle-friendly areas in the country, and with the City's participation in the Apollo Program, it will now be a leader in the adoption of advanced electric vehicle charging technologies."
The City of Raleigh will have systems installed at the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex and the City's Transit Operations Center. Both locations will provide charging for City-owned vehicles.
The Nissan Global Media Center presents this week's episode of The Dashboard, a program on cars, people, technologies, motorsports and relationships that are changing the industry.
We join Nissan LEAF owners from around the world celebrating the second anniversary of the start of sales of the all-electric car. We go inside the factories to see behind the scenes as the innovative zero-emission vehicles are built, and experience just how fast an electric car be on the track in the Nissan LEAF Nismo RC.
There's more each week on The Dashboard, powered by Nissan.
Nissan have announced that its range of hybrid models would be expanded with 15 new petrol-electric models by March 2017. The automaker’s decision to expand is aimed at making its line of green hybrid models more attractive than its competitors.
Nissan’s green plans are a part of a long-term strategy aimed at taking advantage of the increasing demand for environmentally friendly cars.
Nissan Japan also announced that the launch of an electric version of Infiniti luxury car would happen some time in 2014. And even though this new electric car has received mixed reviews from experts, varied from each other, but they agree about they all agree that the model is one of the most significant models in recent years and that it envisions the future of vehicles.
Experts have concluded that that all of Nissan’s plans indicate that the Japan’s car manufacturer is ready to move away from gasoline engine vehicles despite the fact that the company is currently struggling with the LEAF model in the U.S.
Despite slow LEAF sales, Nissan remains committed to its six-year environmental protection plan, which was released in 2011. The company’s green plan is aimed at reducing emissions generated by its vehicles, production and other activities.
Nissan’s increased focus on the expansion of its hybrids and EVs is partly due to the current situation in the Chinese market. Japan’s car manufacturers, including Nissan Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co., have been suffering due to a territorial dispute between China and Japan. Japan’s exporters saw their sales drop and they are looking for new markets which could offset losses in China.
Nissan believes that sales of its hybrid and EV models will protect it from any other potential downturn that might occur in China.
As a key step towards beginning worldwide distribution of Model S, Tesla Motors announced today that it will begin operations this month at its new European Distribution Center in Tilburg, Netherlands. This new facility will serve as Tesla’s European service and parts headquarters, as well as the final assembly and distribution point for Model S vehicles sold in Europe. General production of European left-hand drive Model S is planned to begin in March 2013.
Tesla’s new 62,000 square foot facility is centrally located to enable efficient, timely and cost effective operations throughout Europe. Starting this month, the new distribution center will begin stocking parts for both the Tesla Roadster and Model S. In addition to parts warehousing, Tesla plans to utilize this facility for vehicle importing operations, final vehicle assembly and distribution, service headquarters, technical training operations, parts remanufacturing, collision repair and more. The new Tesla European Distribution Center will lead to the creation of approximately 50 jobs in the next few years.
Tesla’s decision to locate the new European Distribution Center in Tilburg is the result of almost two years of on-going cooperation between Tesla, BOM Foreign Investments, NFIA (Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency), CBRE Group, Inc. and the City of Tilburg.
Now that the relevant authorities have given their approval, Bosch is moving ahead with the reorganization of its lithium-ion traction battery operations. Effective immediately, the former operating units SB LiMotive Germany GmbH in Stuttgart and Cobasys LLC based in Orion, Michigan, will be incorporated into the Bosch Group as a wholly owned subsidiary under the new name Robert Bosch Battery Systems.
As part of the further intensification of battery activities, Bosch has taken on all existing battery system projects. It is planned for Samsung SDI to be the cell supplier. In addition, Bosch will have the flexibility to use cells from other manufacturers. The Fiat 500e, which was recently unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will go into series production in 2013, is the first all-electric vehicle with a Bosch battery pack.
Focus on the battery system
Currently, Bosch is concentrating on the battery system and in particular battery management and matching energy storage to the vehicle as a whole, which includes all aspects of mechanical and electronic integration. This is exactly where the company's classical competencies lie. After all, the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles depend on obtaining the optimum interaction of all electric and electronic components and managing major battery variables such as temperature or state of charge so that they meet the specific requirements of different situations. Developments in these areas can deliver significant improvements in range and charging time, which are the decisive factors for the success of electric vehicles. This is one of the reasons why Daimler chose a Bosch battery management system for its Smart EV.
More efficient lithium-ion battery cells in development
As part of their continued cooperation, the former joint venture partners have agreed to give each other access to the patents. On this basis, Bosch will be able to develop new generations of cells and the production methods for more efficient and economical energy storage. This development involves Bosch researchers, current engineering work on maritime applications, and Bosch process technology and manufacturing specialists, in close cooperation with selected partners.
Independent European network of battery specialists
Demand for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids is predicted to sharply increase from 2020. Bosch is making good use of the time available by further expanding its activities to develop and produce more efficient lithium-ion battery systems. Bosch wants to cooperate closely with specialist partners from industry and higher education to establish research and development work on high-performance battery cells in Germany and to set up a European specialist and supplier network. This will cultivate expertise relating not only to batteries for electromobility, but also to the stationary energy storage devices of the future.
As one of the world's leading automotive suppliers, Bosch is taking up the best possible position in the battery technology market for hybrid and electric vehicles. To achieve this, the Bosch Group spends 400 million euros a year for electromobility alone. Bosch currently has over 1,100 associates working in this field – including the roughly 500 battery specialists in Germany, the U.S., and China. This global presence gives Bosch close contact to its customers in the world's most important e-mobility markets.
Chinese automaker BYD will soon be running a fleet of 49 electric vehicles as emissions-free taxis in the capital of Colombia. BYD will supply 49 of its e6 EVs to Bogota for what will be the first all-electric taxi fleet in South America. Three more e6 EVs will be provided for Colceincias, Bogota's Technology, Science and Innovation Administration. The taxi fleet will go live sometime by March 2013.
The District Government authorized this scalable all-electric taxi pilot in an effort to improve the air quality in Colombia’s dense cities. Forty-nine BYD e6, 5-passenger, all-electric cross-over sedans received approval from the Colombia Ministry of Transportation to operate as taxis in the city of Bogotá.
A measure was adopted by the Ministry of Environment in 2009 so that these types of vehicles could be imported with zero tax and electric cars in Bogotá do not have license plate restrictions as do conventional vehicles.
With two years of Nissan LEAF sales just completed, the company today announced the launch of the United States’ largest lithium-ion automotive battery plant in Smyrna, Tenn. The facility – which is making battery components for the ramp-up of production of the all-electric, zero-emission 2013 Nissan LEAF early next year – is one of three of its kind in the world operated by a major automaker.
Since December 2010, Nissan has delivered more than 18,000 LEAFs to U.S. customers and more than 46,000 worldwide, making it the most successful 100-percent electric vehicle in history.
“Opening this U.S. plant is an important milestone in Nissan’s overarching strategy to foster sustainable mobility around the world,” said Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive officer of Nissan Motor Co. “Nissan is the zero-emissions vehicle leader, and we are making significant strides as one of the largest producers of electric vehicles and batteries in the United States. The opening of this facility in Tennessee supports our goal of making zero-emissions mobility a reality through American jobs and American manufacturing.”
The first batteries produced at the plant have completed the required aging process and are now ready to receive their first charge. The state-of-the-art facility is capable of expanding to produce modules for up to 200,000 batteries annually depending on market demand. Those batteries can serve as the power source for the all-electric Nissan LEAF and for future vehicles that could be added to the portfolio.
The new battery plant is located adjacent to Nissan’s existing vehicle assembly plant in Tennessee, which has been retooled to accommodate production of the Nissan LEAF. Adding production of the Nissan LEAF and the battery has resulted in the creation of more than 300 U.S. manufacturing jobs to date. As battery production and LEAF assembly expand to accommodate demand, combined operations could add up to 1,000 additional jobs as needed.
The Nissan LEAF is manufactured on the same line as Altima and Maxima so volume can readily be adjusted among the vehicles to meet demand. The 2013 model-year Nissan LEAF will receive a number of technological advancements and feature changes, which will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date in early 2013.
The recent growth of Nissan’s U.S. manufacturing plants is part of a strategy to localize core-model production. By 2015, Nissan aims to have 85 percent of all Nissan and Infiniti products that are sold in the United States produced in North America. Nissan, which is in the middle of a product blitz launching five key models in 15 months, will report record sales for 2013 following a year of significant new vehicle introductions, such as the all-new 2013 Altima, Sentra and Pathfinder.
Combined, the construction of the battery plant and modification of the Smyrna manufacturing facility represent an investment of up to $1.7 billion when built to full capacity. The project is supported by a U.S. Department of Energy loan for up to $1.4 billion.
The loan was issued as part of the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, program authorized by Congress as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The program is designed to accelerate the development of vehicles and technologies that increase U.S. energy independence, create cleaner means of transportation and stimulate the American economy.
Germany's BMW AG and Boeing Co. have agreed to work together to tackle the challenges of carbon fiber manufacturing and recycling.
Both BMW and Boeing are using carbon fiber increasingly in new products. BMW's i3 and i8 electric cars will have carbon passenger cells, while carbon fiber constitutes half of the materials in Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.
Both companies are seeking better ways to recycle the lightweight, but extremely hard material. It's difficult and requires a great deal of energy now to separate the fibers from the resin.
"Boeing for us is a suitable partner," said Herbert Diess, BMW's head of development. "Boeing has many years of extensive experience using carbon fiber in the field of aviation, while the BMW Group has earned a significant competitive advantage through its use of special manufacturing methods for series production of carbon fiber parts."
Larry Schneider, vice president of product development for Boeing's commercial airplanes business, said one of the biggest issues now was figuring out what to do with the left-over materials. "We want to look at ways to reclaim and reuse those materials to make new products," he said.
BMW has a joint venture with SGL Group, SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC, operating a state-of-the-art plant in Moses Lake, Wash., that makes carbon fibers for the BMW i3 and i8 cars.
Jaguar's Global Brand Director announced the cancellation of production due to the ongoing global economic crisis, as the carmaker considered that " it seems the wrong time to launch an £800,000 to £1 million supercar." The company expects to take advantage of part of the investment in the C-X75 development by using the the C-X75 technology in future Jaguars.
The C-X75 was first revealed as a concept at the Paris motor show in 2010. Its hybrid drivetrain included a pair of gas turbines to power the car once charge from the four electric motors, one mounted at each wheel, had expired.
In May 2011 Jaguar confirmed the C-X75, which features the firm's first bonded carbonfibre chassis using Williams F1 expertise, had been signed off for production, albeit without the gas turbines.
The original drivetrain had been replaced with a turbocharged/supercharged 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, mounted at either end of the car, driving transaxles and powered by a liquid/air-cooled battery pack.
The combined power figure of the hybrid drivetrain was 888bhp and combined torque 590lb ft. The C-X75 could crack 0-60mph in 2.8sec and promised 0-100mph in less than 6.0sec. An all-electric range of 60 miles was quoted.
Jaguar announced its decision to continue working on five prototypes to be developed until May 2013. Up to three of these will then be sold at auction, while one will go into a future Jaguar museum, and the other will be kept by Jaguar for running demonstrations
When the first production version of the BMW i3 rolls off the assembly line in Leipzig in late 2013, it will mark the provisional culmination of 40 years of development work at BMW. It all began at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, where the BMW starting line-up included two electrically powered test vehicles. The converted BMW 1602 models served as a means of transport for the members of the organising committee, and were also deployed as support and camera cars in various long-distance events. However, there could be no questioning that lead batteries weighing 350 kilograms and with a range of around 60 kilometres (37 miles) were hardly ideal for a production car. BMW therefore launched a series of research and development projects with the aim of bringing an improved and, above all, more efficient technology for electric drive systems onto the road.
From late 1975, an experimental vehicle built on the platform of the BMW LS and fitted with new batteries and a new electric motor started to deliver the first findings. Then, in the 1980s, a research project was launched entitled “Electric car with high-energy battery”, which provided valuable experience in the use of sodium-sulphur energy storage devices. BMW furthermore constructed a special test rig for electric drives with a built-in output calculator. Besides the batteries, testing here focused primarily on the drive system and drive control. To trial the concept, eight vehicles based on the BMW 325iX were converted and subsequently proved their merit in inner-city use, for example as delivery vehicles for the German postal service.
The promising results of the research project prompted BMW to start work on designing a pure electric vehicle. Whereas previous experimental vehicles had been merely converted versions of standard production models, providing little scope for tailoring them to the specific requirements of an electric drive, this was all about to change. BMW’s work was underpinned by the realisation that the limited range of electric cars made them of interest for city use first and foremost. The first purpose-built solution was unveiled at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show: the BMW E1, an electrically propelled “citymobile” for use in cities and conurbations. Even back then, this prototype stood out for its low weight and high safety levels thanks to its consistent lightweight design and high-strength bodyshell.
Its performance capabilities also made impressive reading: with an output of 32 kW, a peak torque of 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) and a range of around 160 kilometres (100 miles) its attractive key figures made it a viable possibility for day-to-day use, too.
In addition to the five E1 prototype vehicles, the project also featured 25 converted production models based on the BMW 3 Series. Between 1992 and 1996, eight BMW 325 models were in service on the island of Rügen off Germany’s Baltic coast to test out various motors, transmissions and batteries under everyday conditions. The field trial produced large quantities of detailed data, which provided valuable insights for the further development of electric mobility. The project came to a conclusion with the BMW electric in 1997.
In 2008, a fleet of around 600 all-electric MINI E models designed for private, everyday use took to the roads. The findings gleaned by the BMW Group from its pilot project were channelled straight into the development process for a production car. The potential of lithium-ion batteries in particular was taken to new heights in the MINI E. Just one year later, the world premiere of the BMW Concept ActiveE in early 2010 saw the BMW Group push even further ahead with its research and development activities. Practical trials of over 1,000 units of this model got under way in 2011. As with the MINI E, the overriding objective was the creation of a Megacity Vehicle (MCV), which is now on the verge of being launched as the BMW i3. The electric drive system in the BMW i3 Concept is a perfect example of what ongoing, systematic development can achieve: it takes up around 40 per cent less space than the drive in the MINI E while generating the same output.
Fiat's first US campaign for the 500e is using the oldest rule in the marketer's playbook ("Sex Sells"). The racy new commercial aims to estabish its EV as the hot, sexy car in the category.
How Chrysler describes Fiat's new "Test Track" commercial, above:
Billed as the only electric that turns “you” on, the ad shows a female test-driver entering the passenger's side of the vehicle, then the car whips around a curve, losing control. The crew rushes to her rescue only to find her and the driver in a very precarious position. The new Fiat 500e: environmentally sexy.
The Nissan LEAF, the first mass-produced, purpose-built, all-electric car on the Australian market, is now available at the drive away price of $46,990 until 31 March 2013.
The campaign also includes a Nissan Financial Services Australia offer of 0.0% per annum comparison rate with zero deposit.
Nissan is also offering a repayment package starting at $499 per month (36 month term calculated at 3.0% per annum comparison rate) and has also made special Fleet Pricing available.
To-date a total of 71 Nissan LEAF vehicles have hit the road in Australia in 2012.
The Nissan LEAF is slated for an upgrade in 2013 following the launch of the updated model in Japan last month.
This year's Design Challenge theme, Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025, called upon premier automotive design studios to create the ultimate 2025 law enforcement patrol vehicle that supports the needs of dynamic urban environments.
Six automotive design studios from BMW, General Motors, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Subaru showcased entries featuring cutting-edge vehicle designs with drone technology, land and air capabilities, electric vehicle systems and renewable resource-fuelled vehicles equipped with topographical scanners.
Gary Smyth, executive director of GM's Science Labs, discusses the successes GM has made and continues to make in developing advanced powertrain systems and vehicles, in large part due to increasing reliance on combustion modeling and simulation.
Chinese firm Wanxiang emerged as the winning bidder of bankrupt battery-maker A123's assets after a days long auction that lasted until nearly 4 a.m. Saturday.
The sale of A123, the recipient of a $249.1 million federal grant and tens of millions of dollars in tax credits from Michigan, has been the subject of intense political debate, with military leaders and politicians arguing that U.S.-funded technology should not be transferred to the foreign firm.
At the auction, held in Chicago, Johnson Controls Inc. of Milwaukee and NEC Corp. of Japan teamed up in an unsuccessful effort to top the bid of Wanxiang Group Corp., a Chinese auto parts maker whose North American headquarters is in Elgin, Ill. The German electronics giant Siemens AG also submitted a qualified bid at the auction.
A source close to the deal said the purchase price was about $250 million. Wanxiang was excluded from the purchase A123’s U.S. government and military contracts. Wanxiang, a unit of China's Wanxiang Group, made an offer to purchase the lithium-ion-battery maker earlier this year when a $465 million deal collapsed.
The Wanxiang purchase of A123 marks the second major foreign purchase of a U.S. battery company backed by Department of Energy funding. Ener1, a battery maker with operations in Indiana, was snapped up in another bankruptcy by Boris Zingarevich, a Russian businessman who at one time was in business with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
Global competition over battery technology has significantly intensified despite the corporate bankruptcies. Just over a week ago Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that the DOE would spend an additional $120 million to enhance battery technology at Argonne National Laboratory in suburban Lemont.
The hub is designed to build batteries that are five times more powerful at a fifth of the cost in five years using a strategy that has been compared to the Manhattan Project, which led to the first atomic bomb.
The Environmental Protection Agency has released its efficiency and range ratings for the mid-level Tesla Model S, which uses a 60-kWh battery pack.
The all-electric sedan will carry a 208-mile (333 km) total driving range rating. Economy is rated at 95 MPGe combined, close to the 99 MPGe achieved by the significantly smaller and lighter Nissan Leaf. (The Wheel Motor powered SIM-LEI achieves the same range with a 24.5 kWh battery)
Those figures compare with 265-mile (425 km) range and 89 MPGe ratings for the top-spec 85-kWh Model S, which hit the market back in June.
The 60-kWh version is expected to launch in late January, while the entry-level 40-kWh variant will arrive in March. The latter has yet to receive ratings from the EPA, though Tesla estimates its range at 160 miles (265 km).
Think of it as a Manhattan Project, except instead of secret nuclear bombs, the end result is much better batteries for devices, electric vehicles and the power grid. That’s at least one of the analogies used by the U.S. Department of Energy on Friday when it announced the launch of a new advanced research “Battery Hub,” to the tune of a $120 million, five-year government grant.
The Battery Hub, as most of those involved refer to it — officially named the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR, pronounced “J Cesar”) — will be led by scientists at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois (outside Chicago), will include actually include top researchers from a wide swath of some of the most prestigious institutions around the country, among them Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and other universities throughout the state and the Midwest.
“We wanted to have an aspirational and ambitious, but concrete, goal,” said Jeff Chamberlain, an Argonne chemist and the Battery Hub’s deputy director. “That goes back to Bell Labs and the Apollo Mission and the Manhattan Project. We set the goal as high as we possibly could.”
The Hub, to be known as the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), will combine the R&D firepower of five DOE national laboratories, five universities, and four private firms in an effort aimed at achieving revolutionary advances in battery performance. Advancing next generation battery and energy storage technologies for electric and hybrid cars and the electricity grid are a critical part of President Obama's all-of-the-above energy strategy to reduce America's reliance on foreign oil and lower energy costs for U.S. consumers.
"This is a partnership between world leading scientists and world leading companies, committed to ensuring that the advanced battery technologies the world needs will be invented and built right here in America," said Secretary Chu. "Based on the tremendous advances that have been made in the past few years, there are very good reasons to believe that advanced battery technologies can and will play an increasingly valuable role in strengthening America's energy and economic security by reducing our oil dependence, upgrading our aging power grid, and allowing us to take greater advantage of intermittent energy sources like wind and solar."
"This new Hub brings together, under a single organizational roof, the world's leading scientists, engineers and manufacturers in energy storage and provides them with the tools, resources and market reach necessary to produce major breakthroughs," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. "The large-scale, innovative research and transformational new battery systems that will result from this venture will mean more effective, lower cost and longer life energy storage technologies with real world applications for anything that can use a rechargeable battery. The project promises to have a significant economic impact across Illinois with the help of towns and businesses who have already agreed to partner on the commercialization of promising technology developed at the Hub."
"The research at the Energy Storage Hub has the potential to revolutionize the energy industry," said Senator Kirk. "From transportation to the electric grid, the Hub will bring the private sector, national labs and universities together to deliver new technologies and scientific approaches needed to transform the battery and energy storage industry and spur commercial innovation. The Hub at Argonne will help boost our local economy and create new jobs. Today's announcement further establishes Illinois and Argonne as a leader in this growing industry."
Governor Quinn is providing $5 million through his Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction plan to help build the state-of-the-art JCESR facility, which will be located on the Argonne National Laboratory campus in suburban Chicago. Additionally, the Governor has committed to working with the General Assembly to provide an additional $30 million in future capital funding for the building, which will serve as a nationwide center for energy storage research and is a key part of the governor's plan to create jobs and grow Illinois' economy through cutting-edge innovation.
"Illinois is the birthplace of innovations that have changed the world, including the web browser, the cell phone and the ultrasound," Governor Pat Quinn said. "As I said during my State of the State address, this innovative center will attract the best minds from across our state and country to turn cutting-edge scientific research into new companies that will create more American jobs and revolutionize our energy economy."
"Argonne has a long tradition of exceptional leadership on energy research, and the DOE's selection of Argonne for this exciting project will cement its role as the nation's leading facility for advanced battery technology," said Representative Judy Biggert (IL-13). "Most importantly, this project will give scientists and researchers the best environment in which to develop the next generation of energy storage to power our homes, cars, and industries in the decades to come. I applaud the team at Argonne on winning the project, and I thank my colleagues from across the Midwest who worked with us to make it happen."
"This award sets up Argonne National Laboratory to be the world leader in an emerging field that will promote American energy independence, make green energy more available and affordable, and grow manufacturing in the region," said Representative Dan Lipinski (IL-03). "I believe this new facility will bring a significant return on the investment for our nation and especially for the communities around Argonne."
"Since taking office, I have been focused on making Chicago the electric vehicle and batteries capital of the nation," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "This includes creating incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, attracting companies to manufacture electric vehicles, and now, working with Argonne to make sure that Chicago is at the epicenter of research on this subject. All of these pieces fit together into a comprehensive strategy that will allow Chicago to lead in this industry, from conception to construction to implementation. I will continue to work to attract more companies, create more jobs and foster more economic development in this crucial space."
The new Hub will integrate efforts at several successful independent research programs into a larger, coordinated effort designed to push the limits on battery advances. Advancements in batteries and energy storage technology are essential for continued efforts to develop a fundamentally new energy economy with decisively reduced dependence on imported oil. Improved storage will be vital to fully integrating intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar into the electrical grid. It will also be critical to transitioning the transportation sector to more flexible grid power.
JCESR (pronounced "J-Caesar") will be directed by George W. Crabtree, Argonne Senior Scientist, Distinguished Fellow and Associate Division Director; Distinguished Professor of Physics, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago; and an internationally recognized leader in energy research.
"The JCESR batteries and energy storage hub gives us a new collaborative, inter-institutional R&D paradigm in which to develop the energy storage technologies that transform both the electricity grid and transportation and so reduce our dependence on foreign oil,' said Eric Isaacs, Director of Argonne National Laboratory.
The Hub will bring together some of the most advanced energy storage research programs in the U.S. today. Other national labs partnering with Argonne include Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. University partners include Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois-Chicago, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, and University of Michigan. Four industrial partners have also joined to help clear a path to the marketplace for the advances developed at JCESR, including Dow Chemical Company; Applied Materials, Inc.; Johnson Controls, Inc.; and Clean Energy Trust.
"This ambitious initiative, which builds on Argonne National Laboratory's innovative work in advanced battery technology, will create new opportunities for technological research and economic development in the city of Chicago and the region," said Robert J. Zimmer, University of Chicago President. "It will rely on a public-private partnership to speed the development of environmentally sound energy storage capabilities, with potentially profound economic benefits. We are grateful to all of the public officials who helped make this possible, especially Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Governor Pat Quinn and Senator Richard Durbin, whose support and commitment to economic development through innovation have been vital."
Selected through an open national competition with a rigorous merit review process that relied on outside expert reviewers, JCESR is the fourth Energy Innovation Hub established by the Energy Department since 2010. Other Hubs are devoted to modeling and simulation of nuclear reactors, achieving major improvements in the energy efficiency of buildings, and developing fuels from sunlight. A fifth Hub focused on critical materials research was announced earlier this year and is still in the application process.
Energy Innovation Hubs are major integrated research centers with researchers from many different institutions and technical backgrounds that combine basic and applied research with engineering to accelerate scientific discovery in critical energy areas. They are modeled after the strong scientific management characteristics of the Manhattan Project, Lincoln Lab at MIT that developed radar, AT&T Bell Laboratories that developed the transistor and, more recently, the highly successful Bioenergy Research Centers established during the Bush Administration to pioneer advanced techniques in biotechnology, including biofuels.
Over the decades, DOE national laboratories and DOE-funded university research programs have been responsible for some of the most important advances in battery technology. For example, key battery improvements developed at Argonne helped make the Chevy Volt battery possible.
Protean Electric's advanced in-wheel electric drive has been named one of the 10 Most Promising Technologies for 2013 by Car and Driver magazine.
Being named to this list is evidence that Protean Electric's in-wheel electric drive has a bright future in the global auto industry, according to Car and Driver, the world's largest auto enthusiast magazine. This list of Most Promising Technologies accompanies Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars celebration, which has existed for more than three decades.
Car and Driver's technical director, Don Sherman, author of the Most Promising Technology feature, is a strong believer in the potential of in-wheel and wheel-hub motors for coming electric and hybrid-electric automobiles.
"Integrating the propulsion system with the wheel hubs will enable designers and engineers to achieve major gains in packaging efficiency, fuel economy and, potentially, performance," he noted. "We expect Protean Electric to help manufacturers implement this technology."
"To be named a leader and one of the Most Promising Technologies by Car and Driver is an immense honor. This recognition indicates that the industry is no longer thinking of 'if' but 'when' in-wheel motors will be commonly used across a wide range of vehicles. And we believe that when is now," said Protean Electric Chairman and CEO Bob Purcell.
Chevrolet Volt owners collectively have driven more than 100 million all-electric miles since the vehicle went on sale two years ago this month. The average Volt owner travels more than 65 percent of the time in pure electric mode as the car was designed – only using the gasoline-powered generator for longer trips.
By charging regularly, Volt owners drive approximately 900 miles, or a month and a half, between fill-ups. However, many Volt owners quickly exceed that average, based on an EPA-estimated 98 MPGe that puts electric-only range at 35 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway. Andrew Byrne from Los Angeles is one of these drivers.
“Since my daily driving is all electric, I only really need to buy gas for long road trips,” Byrne said. “I drove over 1,900 miles on my last tank of gas.”
With each avoided trip to the gas station, Volt drivers continue to increase their return on investment. Based on EPA estimates and compared to the average new vehicle sold in the United States, Volt owners are saving about $1,370 a year in fuel costs.
“The best sign of a great product is when your customers are the most satisfied in the industry,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet Volt marketing director. “Volt owners have found the Volt is not only fun to drive, but provides technology and performance where consumers need it most.”
This is the second year in a row the Volt has topped the satisfaction survey of one of the leading consumer testing organizations in the United States.
“My commute is 55 miles round trip, but with the Volt I use 80 percent less gas and save over $150 each month,” said Farris Khan from southeastern Michigan. “Plus the Volt is really fun to drive because of its instant torque; driving anything else feels like yester-tech!”
The 5 million gallons of gas saved is equivalent to $21 million in gasoline costs averted overall based on $4 per gallon of premium, or more than two supertankers of gas.
For the first 38 miles, the Volt can drive gas and tailpipe-emissions free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16.50-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank.
Teijin Limited announced today that it has begun operating a pilot plant for the fully integrated production of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) components from carbon fiber on the premises of its Matsuyama Factory in Ehime Prefecture, Japan.
The plant features Teijin's proprietary mass-production technology for CFRTP components, which significantly reduces cycle times required for molding composite products to under a minute, enabling rapid production of prototypes and performance evaluation tests, including complex-shaped molded products and large components.
Teijin's mass-production technology facilitates the integrated manufacturing process from carbon fiber to molded composite products within one minute, the ideal takt time required by automakers for vehicle mass production. CFRTP components, which have the potential to realize unprecedented weight reductions, are expected to find wide-ranging applications for automobiles and other industrial uses. They also are highly recyclable, since used thermoplastic resins can be reheated and remolded into new shapes.
With its new pilot plant, Teijin aims to accelerate collaboration with automotive makers worldwide, as well as create markets for other applications. Continued developments are being spearheaded through a collaborative effort involving the Japan-based Teijin Composites Innovation Center, Teijin's R&D hub for carbon fiber composites business, and Michigan, USA-based Teijin Composites Application Center, a technical center opened in April 2012.
Teijin, as a global leader in the field of carbon fibers and composites business, is aiming at annual sales of 150 to 200 billion yen (USD 1.8 to 2.4 billion) for carbon fiber composite products by around 2020.
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