Wheel Motor validation testing confirms 1,250 Nm Peak Torque

Recent results from NATA certified dynamometer validation testing has confirmed the Evans Electric wheel motor produces a peak power output of 150 Kw (201.15 hp) and peak torque of 1,250 Nm (921.83 lb-ft).

The direct drive Axial Flux AC Induction Wheel Motors not only provide all-wheel-drive vehicle propulsion but also enable non-contact electromagnetic braking, replacing hydraulic friction brake systems which are mostly redundant in current generation Hybrid vehicles.

Additionally, earlier this month Evans Electric were issued US Patent #8,393,443 covering a vehicle drive system based on their Axial Flux Wheel Motor technology. Granted patent claims include software based vehicle dynamics features such as ABS, stability control, traction control, brake steer, active brake bias, torque vectoring, intelligent cruise control, emergency brake assist and collision avoidance.

Following the wheel motor validation milestone having been achieved, a demonstration vehicle featuring All Wheel Drive with up to 600 Kw (804.61 hp) is nearing completion. In addition to the wheel motor development, Evans Electric have concurrently developed prototype power electronics in-house to suit the unique AWD powertrain.

Despite remaining largely in stealth mode the company has recently been approached by several well known names in the global automotive business and is currently preparing for a new funding round.

Stay tuned (subscribe to email or RSS) for more news as it breaks.

Evans Electric

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Fully Charged - The Renault Zoe [VIDEO]

Robert Llewellyn test drives the new Renault Zoe in Portugal.

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Subaru introduces XV Crosstrek Hybrid [VIDEO]

Subaru today unveiled the brand’s first-ever production hybrid vehicle, the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid, at the 2013 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center. Based on the popular XV Crosstrek crossover introduced for 2013, the 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid model arrives in Subaru dealerships fourth quarter of 2013. When the XV Crosstrek Hybrid goes on sale it will be the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emissions AWD hybrid crossover in America.

In developing its first-ever hybrid, Subaru chose one of its popular, go-anywhere crossover vehicle platforms. As a result, the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid offers all the capability and versatility of the gasoline XV Crosstrek. The added benefits of a hybrid powertrain, including higher fuel efficiency, broaden the vehicle’s appeal. Key to this approach is that the XV Crosstrek Hybrid shares the gasoline model’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and chassis capability. For example, the 8.7 inches of ground clearance is the same as for the gas model and is higher than for some dedicated SUVs, while providing a low step-in height.

With the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru re-engineered the chassis to handle the added weight of the battery system, improving handling, steering and ride. In addition to chassis changes, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid added extra sound insulation, a start/stop feature, revised HVAC, new gauge cluster, keyless start and numerous other changes.

The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter Subaru BOXER engine with a 13.4-hp electric motor that’s integrated into the Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A 100v, 13.5kw nickel-metal hydride battery is located under a revised rear floor area, and the engine uses and integrated starter/generator for the automatic start/stop feature. The compact hybrid system weighs just 209 lbs. and places the electric motor just behind the transmission and in front of continuously variable transfer clutch. With the addition of all the new features, the XV Crosstrek Hybrid weighs approximately 300 lbs. more than the gasoline engine XV Crosstrek.

Under light acceleration, the Subaru-engineered hybrid system uses the electric motor for initial vehicle acceleration and then starts the gasoline engine once underway. The electric motor can also provide motor assist for acceleration in parallel with the gasoline engine, and an EV mode will operate the vehicle in certain low-speed situations.

Same Capability and Utility as Petrol Model

Significantly, the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid builds upon the utility and versatility of the gas model, while also offering enhanced handling responses and quieter driving performance.

The Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD provides the same operation and benefits as in the gasoline model. The system sends power to the four wheels all the time and adjusts the torque distribution in response to acceleration, cornering and road conditions.

Passenger cabin room in the new XV Crosstrek Hybrid is essentially the same as in the gas model (0.7 cu. ft. difference), while the hybrid’s maximum cargo room (rear seatbacks down) measures 50.2 cu. ft., vs. 51.9 in the gas model.

In addition to optimizing the 2.0-liter FB-series BOXER engine to reduce internal friction, Subaru applied a number of other efficiency-enhancing technologies to the XV Crosstrek Hybrid. An Auto Start/Stop system shuts down the gasoline engine when the vehicle is stopped. Brake regeneration works when the car is coasting or the driver has applied the brake, recapturing kinetic energy from the turning wheels to recharge the battery.

All-season tires are mounted on new aluminum alloy-wheels with an aerodynamic design. Exclusive to the North American market, a new Active Grille Shutter system helps reduce air resistance. The air conditioning system uses a temperature and humidity sensor to optimize operation for reduced draw on engine power.

Subaru retuned the platform’s suspension and revised the steering ratio to give the XV Crosstrek Hybrid sharper handling responses. Numerous enhancements that help to reduce noise include thicker floor sections, under-floor covers and additional sound insulation.

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GM to produce next-generation electric car in S.Korea

General Motors will produce its next-generation electric cars in South Korea, the head of its South Korean unit told Reuters on Thursday.

Sergio Rocha, CEO of GM Korea, gave no time frame for the launch of the new vehicles, but said they would be slightly bigger than the Spark small car and use a thoroughly new design, unlike the Spark EV which was based on an existing gasoline engine model.

GM will continue working with South Korea's LG Chem Ltd to supply batteries for its second generation of electric vehicles, which will be produced at GM's plant in Bupyeong, near Seoul, he added.

"This (next-generation electric) car has a lot of similarities with the products we produce today in Bupyeong," Rocha said in the interview, on the sidelines of the Seoul auto show.

GM has had a Cruze EV demo fleet running in Korea since 2010. The fleet uses full-size sedan electric vehicles powered by batteries from LG Chem and propulsion systems (motor/inverter) from LG Electronics. GM’s EV demo fleet in South Korea has consisted of Chevrolet Cruzes and GM Daewoo Lacetti Premieres.

GM Korea, which makes more than 40 per cent of GM's Chevrolet-branded vehicles and specialises in developing small cars for the US company, produces the Aveo, Trax, Captiva and Malibu at its Bupyeong plant.

GM Chief Executive Dan Akerson said early this month that the US automaker was developing new EVs, including one with a 200-mile range.

GM Korea started production of its current generation of Spark EVs in Korea this month for export to the US market and plans to begin selling it in South Korea and Europe in the second half of the year.

LG Chem makes the lithium-ion batteries for GM's electric vehicles, which are produced in Korea and the United States.

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Aluminium-air battery can power EVs for 1,600km [VIDEO]

Phinergy, an Israeli developer of metal-air energy systems, has demonstrated a new type of aluminum-air battery that is capable of providing enough energy to power an electric vehicle (EV) for up to 1000 miles at a time—with occasional stops to take on more water. The company claims they have developed new technology that prevents carbon dioxide from entering the system, which in the past, has led to breakdowns of the materials used in such batteries.

Metal-air batteries get their energy via interaction between oxygen and metals. In this new battery system, the aluminum serves as the anode and the oxygen in the air as a cathode. The system is made up of aluminum plates that give up their energy and must eventually be replaced (via recycling, the company says).

Water is used as an electrolyte, and thus it too must be replenished on a regular basis. The company claims that each plate holds enough energy to carry an EV for approximately 20 miles and that their system currently holds 50 of the plates at one time, which together add up to a charge capacity of 1000 miles (the system needs a water fill-up every 200 miles). Once the plates are depleted they must be replaced.

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Nissan Leaf goes into production at Sunderland Plant [VIDEO]

Nissan is today celebrating the dawn of a bold new era in European car manufacturing with the official start of production of the new and improved, 100% electric Nissan LEAF.

This new Nissan LEAF, incorporating more than 100 updates, is now rolling off the line at the company's record-breaking Sunderland Plant, using advanced lithium-ion batteries manufactured in Nissan's new UK Battery Plant.

Today marks the culmination of four years of preparation at the plant and a previously announced £420m investment by Nissan. Together the Battery Plant and Nissan LEAF production are supporting jobs for more than 2,000 people in the UK car industry, including more than 500 directly at Nissan.

Nissan's continuing innovation means the world's best-selling electric vehicle is now even better. The new LEAF for 2013 has more than 100 updates aimed at making Nissan's zero-emissions technology accessible to even more European drivers, including an increased driving range of 199km (123 miles) and the ability to recharge in half the time of the first-generation LEAF.

UK Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron said: "Nissan's record breaking year last year is a success story for UK volume car manufacturing and demonstrates how our automotive industry is competing and thriving in the global race. I warmly welcome the production of the new electric LEAF model and battery plant at Sunderland. This £420 million investment, backed by Government, is supporting over 2,000 jobs in our automotive sector including more than 500 at Nissan in Sunderland, helping people in the area who want to work hard and get on.

"The Government has committed £400 million to make the UK a leading market for ultra low carbon vehicles. Nissan's announcement shows the confidence the company has in the skills-base and the business environment in the UK and that the UK is open for business."

This historic launch event comes as Nissan Sunderland Plant celebrates making more than seven million units since its opening in 1986. Last year it produced 510,572 vehicles and so became the first UK car factory ever to make more than half a million cars in one year.

Nissan's Executive Vice President Andy Palmer celebrated the official start of electric vehicle production with the 6,100 staff now employed on site. "Today's announcement progresses Nissan's unwavering commitment to zero emissions motoring.

"The Nissan LEAF is our most technically advanced car yet and the launch of this new model, built along with its batteries in Sunderland, is a huge boost not only for the plant but for British manufacturing. We have been showing that you can operate a world-beating plant in the UK for almost 30 years and the construction of the Battery Plant is a vote of confidence in the country's ability to support high-technology manufacturing."

"We could not have reached this point without the support and commitment we have enjoyed from Governments across Europe, especially the British Government, who are backing the car industry on manufacturing and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. I would also like to once again place on record our thanks to our many partners and their strong belief in zero-emissions motoring."

With more than 55,000 Nissan LEAFs on the world's roads today, and with two years of real-world zero emissions experience behind it, today's announcement marks the start of an exciting chapter for Nissan. The Nissan LEAF now is built in three locations worldwide: Sunderland, UK; Smyrna, Tennessee, USA; and Oppama, Japan.

The launch of three new grades, new interior trim, the addition of Nissan's Around View Monitor technology and new suspension settings specifically tailored for European roads build on the LEAF's unique driving experience. This new package gives customers in Europe a second generation zero-emissions car, before most companies have even launched their first electric vehicle.

Integrated on the same line as the best-selling Nissan Qashqai, the new LEAF is a major milestone in Nissan's global zero-emission leadership. In just 12 months, Nissan has increased the number of dealers selling the LEAF from 200 to 1,400 and the number of charging points in Europe has grown from 12,000 to more than 20,000, proving that electric vehicles are becoming increasingly attractive.

The new Nissan LEAF soon will be joined by all-electric versions of the award-winning NV200, to be called e-NV200, in both light commercial van and five-seat combi versions. Development of a dedicated EV taxi based on the e-NV200 is also under way. An Infiniti EV is expected in 2015.

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Mercedes unveils Tesla-powered electric car [VIDEO]

The all-new 2014 model year Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive makes its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. The Electric Drive shows off a dynamic design, high-quality interior and a high-torque electric motor for completely emission-free driving. This makes for a lively drive with an estimated range of around 115 miles (200 km). In addition, the B-Class Electric Drive is digitally networked. Thanks to its connectivity, it can be conveniently checked and configured via the internet. As a true Mercedes it also sets high standards in terms of comfort, quality and safety. The B-Class Electric Drive will have its global launch in the USA in early 2014 and be the first luxury battery electric car from Mercedes-Benz in the market.

The 2014 B-Class Electric Drive surprises with a particularly dynamic driving experience, delivering decidedly brisk acceleration while gliding along the road in near perfect silence. The driver and passengers in this new electric Mercedes will enjoy the familiar comfort of a well designed, high-quality interior offering generous space. The B-Class Electric Drive offers driving pleasure with zero local emissions – in short, electric driving at the premium level.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the Mercedes-Benz Cars Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing: "The B-Class Electric Drive meets the wishes of many customers for emission-free driving without foregoing the hallmark attributes of a Mercedes-Benz, namely: safety, comfort and, of course, not to forget exhilarating driving pleasure."

Powerful and lively drive system The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is based on the conventionally powered B-Class, which has become a bestseller in many countries since its market debut in 2011. As a particularly versatile vehicle concept, the B-Class also allows environmentally friendly driving at the Mercedes level – with its innovative electric drive. In the USA, the vehicle will only be introduced with battery electric drive.

Quiet and locally emission-free drive power is provided by an electric motor with more than 134 hp (100 kW). Typically for an electric drive, the maximum torque of 228 lb.-ft. is available right from the first tap on the accelerator pedal – this roughly corresponds to the torque delivery of a modern gasoline engine with a displacement of 3.0 liters. This results in decidedly powerful acceleration from a standing start. For the standard sprint from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h), the electric-powered B-Class requires less than ten seconds. This guarantees superior driving performance and highly dynamic, exhilarating driving pleasure in any situation.

The powerful lithium-ion battery is accommodated in the "Energy Space" in the vehicle's underfloor – both space-saving and safe. Thanks to this intelligent packaging, the five-seater retains the familiar, generous interior and luggage space of the B-Class.

The maximum speed is electronically limited to 100 mph (160 km/h) - in the interests of operating range. The range is around 115 miles (184 kilometers), according to the respective driving cycle. This means that in addition to emission-free urban driving and short-range trips, longer journeys can also be undertaken without any problems, such as the distances covered on a daily basis by commuters. The battery of the B-Class Electric Drive can be recharged at any standard domestic power outlet. In the USA, the charging time for a range of about 60 miles (100 kilometers) is less than 2 hours at 240 V/40 A.

While the car is on the move, the electric drive itself contributes to a favorable energy balance by converting kinetic energy into electric current on the overrun and during braking, and feeds this energy into the battery (recuperation).

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Lux predict Solid-state Batteries superior to Li-Air, Li-S by 2030

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have established themselves as a leader in energy and power densities for mobile applications. These batteries account for a market worth more than $10 billion, and have a complex value chain with many stakeholders. However, the reign of Li-ion will soon be threatened by next-generation batteries. While much of the motivation for next-generation batteries – whether in the public’s imagination or governments’ largesse – comes from transportation, our analysis shows that the automotive market will be the last to adopt next-generation batteries due to the extreme cost sensitivity of automakers, stringent safety and lifetime requirements, and long, cautious adoption cycles.

The makers of next-generation batteries will have to look to other markets first. While military applications are always a happy hunting ground for emerging technology, it is the designers of consumer devices, still the largest Li-ion application today, that will move the next generation battery market more meaningfully as they continue to push towards devices with smaller footprints. Operating systems like Microsoft Windows or Apple OS X are increasingly being deployed in handheld smart phones and tablets and system complexities will only grow with time and in smaller, thinner devices. Batteries are a major roadblock today on the way to this goal: The thin, small, lightweight batteries of today simply do not pack the energy required by truly novel consumer electronics.

Analyzing the consumer electronics space, solid-state batteries will provide real completion to Li-ion in the consumer electronics market, offering tremendous technical value for a segment that prizes volumetric efficiency and low costs. The incumbent, Li-ion, will put up a worthy fight but by 2020, solid-state will draw close as current complex manufacturing processes that are a challenge today are solved, costs fall and energy densities rise. From this foundation, it will surge past Li-ion in technical value by 2030. lithium–sulfur batteries (Li-S) will also make strong progress, but won’t quite match the well-rounded value propositions of solid-state and advancing Li-ion, finding only niche consumer electronics applications that prize excellent specific energy above all else. Li-air is a non-factor in this sector, hampered by its volumetric inefficiency and its need for peripherals.

For innovative companies with materials science, chemistry or battery systems expertise, the landscape of next-generation energy storage technologies presents a bevy of opportunities, whether consumer electronics, military or the shiny transportation prize so much R&D investment is chasing. Just like we have seen in Li-ion, some startups will falter through overexpansion, others through misjudged applications. The road to technologies like Li-air, Li-S, and solid-state batteries is long, but the time to start paying attention and tracking the development of specific companies, technologies and applications is now.

Source: Lux Research

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Rolls-Royce to supply propulsion system for battery powered car ferry

Rolls-Royce plc has signed a contract for the delivery of its highly efficient Azipull propulsion and control system for the 'ferry of the future', a new vessel which will operate on battery power alone.

The vessel is being built at the Fjellstrand yard in Norway, and once in service will be operated by Norwegian transport company Norled between Lavik and Oppedal.

In 2010, the Norwegian Ministry of Transport announced a tender to develop a new ferry that was 15 to 20 per cent more energy efficient than existing vessels. The Rolls-Royce Azipull propulsion system, which utilizes pulling propellers as opposed to conventional azimuth thrusters will help the battery powered, aluminium catamaran meet these standards.

Neil Gilliver, Rolls-Royce, President - Merchant said: "The combination of good manoeuvrability and reduced energy consumption provides a highly efficient ferry for Norled, with significantly reduced operating costs and improved environmental performance. This contract also marks the tenth anniversary of the delivery of our very first Azipull thrusters, which was also to Fjellstrand shipyard."

The vessel currently serving this route uses on average one million liters of diesel a year and emits 570 metric tons of carbon dioxide and 15 metric tons of nitrogen oxides. The electrically powered ferry was developed for submission to a competition organized by Norway's Ministry of Transport. As a reward for winning the competition, the shipping company Norled has been granted the license to operate the route until 2025.

The ferry has been specially designed to accommodate the requirements of an electric drive system. As a catamaran with two slim hulls, it offers less resistance in the water than a conventional vessel. Furthermore, the hulls are made of aluminum instead of steel, which is conventionally used. Rather than a diesel engine, the ferry is equipped with electric motors to drive the ship's two screws. These motors are powered by a battery weighing 10 metric tons.

All in all, the new vessel weighs only half as much as a ferry of conventional design. This saving has a direct impact on the specifications of the drive system. Whereas the ferry currently serving the route has an engine with an output of 1,500 kilowatts (kW) or more than 2000 horsepower, the battery in the new vessel will have an output of 800 kW. In normal conditions, operating at a speed of 10 knots, battery power of 400 kW will suffice.

The crucial feature of the new ferry is that it only takes 10 minutes to recharge the batteries. In the two small villages linked by the ferry, however, the local grid is not equipped to deliver such a large amount of power in such a short space of time. To deal with this problem, batteries have been installed at each port.

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Sergio Perez tests the McLaren P1 Hybrid @ Top Gear test track [VIDEO]

Sergio "Checo" Perez taking the McLaren P1™ through its paces on the Top Gear track at Dunsfold.

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Renault Zoe EV on sale June in UK from £13,650 [VIDEO]

Orders for the Zoe are being taken now, with prices starting at £13,650 for the Expression model inclusive of the government's plug-in car grant. The two Dynamique models cost £14,750 once the grant has been deducted.

Battery rental must be considered in the Zoe's purchase price. That costs from £70 a month, based on a three-year contract with a mileage limit of 7,500 annually. Increasing the mileage threshold adds more to the monthly rental; a limit of 9,500 miles pushes the rental to £77, 10,500 miles is £85 and 12,000 miles is £93. Reducing the length of the contract by a year adds £10 a month to the rental charge. So for example, a one-year battery rental contract on a Zoe with a mileage cap of 10,500 miles would cost £105 a month.

Every Zoe is powered by a synchronous electric motor producing 86bhp and 162lb ft of torque. Top speed is limited to 84mph. The batteries that supply the motor are charged through Renault's 'Chameleon' charger, which is adaptable to any power supply from 3kw to 43kw. That means charging times vary from 30 minutes to nine hours. Renault claims 80 per cent of the Zoe's energy can be restored through a 30-minute charge at a 43 kW AC power source. The NEDC range is 130 miles, although Renault states 90 miles is a more accurate real-world prediction.

The Zoe will be available in entry-level Expression trim and Dynamique Zen or Dynamique Intens, the latter two being identically priced. All Zoe models feature Renault's R-Link infotainment system with seven-inch touchscreen, an Eco mode to extend the range and regenerative braking. Renault has also fitted the Zoe with 'ZE Voice', a sound-emitting device to warn pedestrians of the Zoe's presence. It operates between 1mph and 18mph, and features 3 different noises. ZE Voice can also be disabled by the driver.

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BBC News peer under the bodywork of Drayson's 850 hp EV racer [VIDEO]

BBC reporter Theo Leggett takes a look underneath the bodywork of the 850 hp Lola-Drayson B12/69EV.

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Energy Department Offers $50M to Advance EV Technologies

The Energy Department on March 8 announced more than $50 million in funding for new projects that will accelerate the development of advanced plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) technologies to improve vehicle fuel economy and performance. This new funding supports the Energy Department's EV Everywhere Grand Challenge, which aims to make PEVs as affordable to own and operate as today's gasoline-powered vehicles within the next 10 years and will help to advance the technology goals outlined in the EV Everywhere Grand Challenge.

The Department will select new research projects that focus on lowering the cost and increasing the efficiency of PEV components and develop models and tools to predict these vehicles' performance and help improve fuel economy. The Department will fund projects that cover 12 areas of interest across five major areas of research and development, including: advanced light-weight and propulsion materials; battery development; power electronics; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; and fuels and lubricants.

Through the Advanced Vehicle Power Technology Alliance between the Department of Energy and the U.S. Army, the Army is contributing $3.5 million in co-funding in several areas where there are joint development opportunities. The Energy Department will accept applications from industry, national laboratories, and university-led teams to address these challenges and enable technologies that will drive innovation in vehicle design.

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Mahindra Introduces New Electric Vehicle e2o

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd Monday introduced a new electric vehicle, e2o.

The car, developed by Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles (formerly Reva Electric Car Company), is priced at 596,000 rupees (about $11,000) at showrooms in New Delhi. The lithium ion battery powered e2o will replace its predecessor Reva, India’s first electric car.

“The launch of the Mahindra e2o marks an important milestone for the Mahindra Group. This is not just about selling a car, it is about helping people to change their lifestyle. We are working at creating an ecosystem that includes mobility solutions along with other environment-friendly innovations,” Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra told reporters here.

The group also plans to extend the electric mobility technology to its two-wheelers.

Sales target for the e2o, President (Automotive and Farm Equipment Sectors) Pawan Goenka said, are 400-500 vehicles a month. They expect Delhi to be the biggest market and should account for about 150-200 units.

e2o is the first car from Mahindra stable after the acquisition of Reva Electric Car nearly three years ago. It would be produced at the company’s plant in Bangalore with a capacity of 30,000 units annually.

The car is powered by a new generation lithium-ion battery combined with a more energy efficient three phase AC induction electric motor with regenerative braking. Charged from any 15A power socket, the battery takes five hours for one full charge and has a driving range of 100 km per charge. The e2o has a single speed gearbox and is aimed at city driving.

Other features of the car include a remote charge activated through a mobile application, GPS navigation system, keyless entry.

The e2o will be launched in phases across India. In the first phase, it has been launched in eight cities. Prices will vary depending on the subsidy state governments will give to the electric car.

The company also plans to export the new electric car to Europe in six to nine months.

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TRANSLOGIC Brammo Empulse R test ride [VIDEO]

Aol's Tranlogic heads to Ashland, Oregon for a chance to test drive the Brammo Empulse R electric motorcycle.

The Empulse R has a unique 6-speed transmission setup to provide plenty of push off the line and a top end speed of over 100 miles per hour. But can the eerily silent, gas-free Empulse R really keep up with its gas-burning sportbike rivals?

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Evatran & Oak Ridge Labs working on High Power Wireless Charging

Evatran announced today, in cooperation with Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL), that it has been awarded a subcontract under ORNL's DOE Project, "Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) and Charging of Plug-In Electric Vehicles." The three-year project, opened in October of 2012, covers high power wireless charging technology integration into electric vehicles currently on-sale in select US markets. Evatran's knowledge of efficient wireless power transfer, system controls, and intuitive user interfaces coupled with the Company's documented success in prototype field trials led ORNL to select the three year-old, Virginia-based start up for inclusion.

Utilizing strong technical knowledge out of its office in the Research Triangle Park area of Raleigh, Evatran will focus on vehicle integration and supply production designs for the Project Team. "This is our area of expertise," commented Rebecca Hough, Evatran CEO and co-founder. "We've spent the last three years focusing on how to efficiently and safely integrate wireless charging systems into electric vehicles. The information and learnings gathered from our field trials will be extremely valuable in helping ORNL to create an efficient, low cost production design. We couldn't be more excited to work with such strong industry leaders on this initiative to bring wireless charging into the mainstream."

The project team, led by ORNL, also includes two major international automotive manufacturers, Clemson University's International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), Cisco, and Duke Energy. After a first year of design research, the team will integrate 6.6kW and 10 kW designs into six production electric vehicles during the second year of the project. The third year of the project will see those vehicles placed into the field for limited field trials. The project team will install static wireless charging systems and show capability for dynamic wireless charging (wireless charging while vehicle is in motion).

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Record lap for Audi R18 e-tron quattro diesel hybrid

The Audi R18 e-tron quattro is causing a sensation on its first racing commitment in the United States. In qualifying for the 12-hour race at Sebring (Florida) both hybrid race cars from Audi Sport Team Joest clearly beat the previous qualifying track record.

In the cockpits of the two Audi R18 e-tron quattro cars, Marcel Fässler (CH) and Allan McNish (GB) fought a close duel for the top spot on the grid in the 15-minute qualifying session on Friday afternoon. In the end, the Swiss with a razor-thin advantage of 0.009 seconds prevailed against his Scottish team-mate. The two-time Le Mans winner and current World Endurance Champion took his first pole position in a Le Mans prototype plus his first one as an Audi factory driver.

Fässler on his fourth flying lap managed setting a time of 1m 43.886s. The Audi racer thus beat the fastest time of the conventionally powered Audi R18 TDI from last year by almost two seconds – as well as the previous qualifying track record set by Marco Werner in 2007 in the Audi R10 TDI (1m 44.974s).

At the – provisionally – last last run of an LMP1 sports car at Sebring, Fässler is sharing the cockpit of a 2012-specification R18 with Oliver Jarvis (GB) and Benoît Tréluyer (F). Lucas di Grassi (BR), Tom Kristensen (DK) and Allan McNish (GB) are driving the 2013-specification Audi R18 e-tron quattro that is celebrating its racing debut in Florida and completed initial test laps in its most current configuration on Monday. An accident by Allan McNish in Thursday morning’s free practice cost valuable track time.

For Audi, this marks the tenth pole position in total at 14 events at Sebring. The brand with the four rings has so far won the U.S. endurance classic an equal number of times. In turn 1, Audi is exhibiting four of its Sebring-winning cars this weekend. In addition to the Audi factory drivers who are active at Sebring, four Sebring winners – Frank Biela (D), Dindo Capello (I), Emanuele Pirro (I) and Marco Werner (D) – are on location.

The 61st running of the 12-hour race at Sebring will start on Saturday at 10:30, local time (15:30 CET).

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Nissan to build 50,000 Leaf EVs in China

Nissan may build Leaf electric vehicles in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, according to a government statement.

Nissan's Chinese joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group Co. may invest 2 billion yuan ($322 million) in the project, the National Development and Reform Commission's Guangdong branch said on its website. According to the statement, the plan calls for initial capacity of 10,000 Leaf units a year and 50,000 after 2015, comparable to Nissan's U.K. and Japan plants.

Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Co., a Chinese joint venture of the Japanese automaker, showed off it's first electric vehicle under its China-only Venucia brand, the e30, at the Guangzhou auto show in November 2012.

Leaf production in Guangdong is among major new-energy vehicle projects listed in a 2013-2020 plan released by the provincial government. The province, bordering Hong Kong, is also home to BYD Co., maker of the e6 electric car.

The Guangdong province aims to build its annual production capacity for alternative-energy vehicles to more than 200,000 units a year by 2015 and boost sales to 50,000 units by then, according to the statement. Total sales of such vehicles in the province were about 7,000 units in 2011, the local government said.

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VW announce first fully electric production car: E-up!

Volkswagen is writing a new chapter in mobility in presenting its first fully electric production vehicle: the new e-up!. The four-seat car – which operates with nearly zero noise – is being shown at today's Annual Press and Investors Conference in Wolfsburg. The new e-up! impresses with its driving range of 150 km and excellent everyday practicality.

Innovations that fascinate: the e-up! offers entry to a new pioneering vehicle concept with an electric drive and four seats. A car for daily use in the city but it is also ideal for commuters or as an innovative second car. It can handle distances of up to 150 km effortlessly. Afterwards, the e-up! can be recharged to as much as 80 per cent of its energy storage capacity within 30 minutes.

With nearly zero noise, the e-up! is powered by an electric motor with 60 kW / 82 PS peak power – without any disturbing gearshift interruptions or powertrain noise. Its continuous power is 40 kW / 55 PS. Its maximum torque of 210 Newton meters is available immediately with the first revolution. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h within 14 seconds and reaches a top speed of 135 km/h. The lithium-ion battery integrated in the underfloor area has a total energy storage capacity of 18.7 Kilowatt-hours (kWh); this means that the car can cover up to 150 km (per NEDC) on a single charge thanks to its low vehicle weight of 1,185 kg.

The port for charging the battery in the e-up! is hidden behind the "fuel door". As an option, the Combined Charging System (CCS) is used, which has been standardised by Volkswagen and other carmakers. It supports both DC and AC charging, so that drivers can easily charge their cars at most charging stations – regardless of the power sources or charging rates that they offer.

The styling of the e-up! is subtle and expresses high quality. One distinctive exterior feature is the curved layout of the LED daytime running lights in the front bumper. In addition, the front end, sills and underbody have been aerodynamically optimised.

The e-up! can be made out at first glance by its machine-polished 15-inch alloy wheels, Volkswagen emblems with blue backgrounds and an e-up! logo at the rear.

The vehicle's interior features e-up! light-grey seat covers with blue top-stitched seams. Special leather and chrome accents have been used to convey a puristic impression that matches the vehicle concept of a full-fledged urban electric car.

In autumn, the e-up! will celebrate its fair premiere at the International Autoshow in Frankfurt and can be ordered subsequently.

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Toyota to commercialize solid-state batteries by 2020

Toyota aims to commercialize solid-state batteries around 2020 and lithium air batteries several years later, as successors to today's lithium ion batteries.

The solid-state batteries will be three or four times more powerful than lithium ion batteries, while lithium air will achieve a fivefold increase in output for the same weight.

Both technologies have advantages over the lithium ion and nickel-metal hydride batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles. They are smaller, use fewer costly materials such as rare earths and have lower internal resistance.

Toyota unveiled a prototype of its all-solid-state battery in Japan in 2010. In solid-state batteries, engineers replace the liquid electrolyte used in lithium ion batteries with a solid one.

The positive electrode, negative electrode and solid electrolyte of the prototyped cell are made by using lithium cobalt dioxide (LiCoO2), graphite and sulfide, respectively. That makes the battery more compact and more stable, allowing a higher voltage to be packed into a smaller package, Shigeki Suzuki, managing officer for material engineering said.

In lithium air batteries, the lithium cathode used in lithium ion batteries is replaced with one that interacts with oxygen. This requires less material and allows for lighter packaging. They have much higher energy density than current batteries.

"Next-generation battery cells need to exceed the energy density in lithium ion batteries significantly," Suzuki said. "We've been accelerating our development of those next-generation batteries technologies since 2010."

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Chevy Volt leads Plug-in EV Global Sales Race

GM's Chevrolet Volt and Toyota's plug-in Prius outsold Nissan's Leaf globally in 2012.

Deliveries of the Volt more than tripled to 30,090 units in 2012, the top seller among vehicles that need to be plugged in to a socket for recharging. It was followed by Toyota’s plug-in Prius, whose first-year sales of 27,181 units exceeded the 25,435 units of the Leaf, the leader in 2011.

Total sales of all-electric and plug-in vehicles, which more than doubled last year, Bloomberg predict will increase 89 percent (not 90%) to 225,000 units in 2013.

The U.S. accounted for 46 percent of global sales of electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrids) while Japan and Europe were tied for second place with 23 percent, according to the report.

While it’s fallen behind the Volt in 2012, the Leaf in January became the first car in this category to reach cumulative sales of 50,000 units.

For 2013 Nissan has updated the Leaf with a longer range and lower price tag while GM Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson said this month GM is working on an electric car that with as much as 200 miles range as the company targets having half a million vehicles on the road by 2017 with some form of electrification.

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Mahindra Reva scheduled to launch E20 March 18th

Mahindra Reva, a part of 15.9 billion dollars Mahindra Group is on its way to launch its next generation electric vehicle in the Indian domestic market. Reva is the first Indian company that had produced the first of India’s own electric vehicle, the Reva-i, which did not really click in the market owing to its ultra-compact model and its lead acid battery that required a replacement in every 3 odd years.

After Mahindra & Mahindra took over Reva by buying the controlling stake in it, Reva regained its strength to continue on its journey of innovative thinking for the Indian automotive industry that is criticized globally for the lack of the same. Thus, the all new, far bigger and better Mahindra Reva E2O was unveiled at the Auto Expo, 2012.

The E2O will use a next generation Lithium Ion batteries that will last much longer depending on usage. On a single charge this battery would cover 100 kms, which would enable the urban consumers to commute within the city very efficiently. The E2O is also very user friendly and comes with a whole host of superior technologically advanced features. The car can be easily charged at home or at the workplace of the customer through any 15 amp plug point. Then again, the battery can also be recharged by using the Sun2Car solar technology, which would use the power of the sun to fuel the car. It is fully emission free and thus, a boon for the eco system that can cope up the raising pollution problem.

Speaking on the impending launch of the E2O Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd President, Automotive & Farm Equipment Sectors, Dr Pawan Goenka said that the company is delighted to announce the launch of the E2O, which will mark a significant milestone in Mahindra’s automotive journey. Electric vehicles at present epitomize clean and green driving and Mahindra wishes to take the lead in developing this segment and its surrounding eco system. He further said that the Mahindra Reva E2O is the next generation electric vehicle of global quality that is built on the capability of using the futuristic ecosystem of Sun2Car to derive energy from the Sun for urban mobility, while protecting and preserving the environment.

The E2O will be produced at the Mahindra Reva‘s recently inaugurated plant, which is India’s first platinum certified automobile plant located at Bengaluru, he added. The Mahindra E2O is expected to start a revolution in the Indian auto market as well as start a new era of the contempor

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It Took Time To Build Gas Stations Too, Says 97-Year-Old Driver [VIDEO]

A new video from Nissan features 97 year old Charlie Yaeger who has been driving for over 80 years. He's driven everything from a 1916 Baker Electric and a Ford Model T to an Eighties Nissan Maxima wagon.

He draws parallels between his experience in the 1930s and today's rapid build-out of public electric-car charging stations.

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FIA Announce 8 city Formula E electric street races for 2014

Formula E presented motorsports governing body FIA with a preliminary list of eight cities that have been picked to host races next year. Cities included in the preliminary calendar are: London, Rome, L.A., Miami, Beijing, Putrajaya (Malaysia), Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

Since its launch in August, Formula E has received formal demonstrations of interest to host a race from 23 cities across five continents. London Mayor Boris Johnson said: "Zero emission world class motor racing is a scintillating concept, and I am hugely keen that London be involved in the birth of Formula E. It has the potential to highlight the impressive strides being made in the manufacture of electric vehicles and hosting a street race could also be of considerable economic benefit to our city."

Formula E intends to organize up to 10 races in '14. The final calendar will be presented to FIA for its approval at the World Motor Sport Council in September. Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag said: "We are thankful to all the cities that have expressed their willingness to host our races. At the moment we are working with the eight selected cities on the feasibility and design of the street circuits. They will all be in city centers, easily accessible by public transport, and will feature some of the most beautiful and well-known landmarks as a spectacular backdrop for the races."

The racing series has two confirmed teams for '14. In a recent interview with SBD Global, Agag said: "This is not a Championship focused only on the average motorsport fan. [It] is targeting a different and younger kind of public, that is not at the moment into motorsport, but is keen on issues like environment, social media, free streaming, and video games. We think there is a niche for this in the global motorsport scene."

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Next Evolution Honda NSX Concept Debuts in Europe [VIDEO]

Honda presents the new Honda NSX Concept for the first time in Europe, highlighting the design and technology direction for the next-generation supercar.

The dynamically-styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from Honda. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX Concept employs several new technologies, including an innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system.

Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, who was part of the development team of Honda's first NSX supercar, recently explained the values of the new NSX, "Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency. In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities."

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept represents the true racing philosophy of an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio.

Utilizing a unique 2 Electric Motor DriveUnit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, which Honda anticipates will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems.

In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, a powerful next-generation VTEC V-6 engine with direct-injection, works in concert with a dual clutch transmission and a third electric traction motor integrated within the transmission housing, to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make the NSX the ultimate expression of, "the synergy between man and machine," added Ito. "The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way."

The new NSX, which is expected to go on sale in the next three years, will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio, USA and is targetted for true sports driving enthusiasts throughout the world.

NSX Concept Dimensions
Length, mm	4,330
Width, mm	1,895
Height, mm	1,160
Wheelbase, mm	2,575
Wheel size	19×9 (front), 20×10 (rear)
Tyre size	255/35R19 (front), 275/30R20 (rear)

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Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf Sales Expected to Increase in 2013

For the month of February, Chevy Volt sales were up almost 60 percent year-over-year, rising from 1,023 in February 2012 to 1,626 last month. Nissan’s figures weren’t as impressive in comparison, at 653 for February 2013, but that was nonetheless an increase of 37 percent over February 2012’s 478 units sold for the Nissan Leaf.

And we can expect Nissan to continue improving in terms of EV sales, as Leaf production has ramped up at the Japanese manufacturer’s U.S. plant in Smyrna, Tenn.

GM sold 23,461 Volts in 2012, more than triple the 7,671 sold in 2011. The Volt outdid the Corvette which only 14,000 were sold last year.

General Motors is planning to build as many as 36,000 Chevrolet Volts and other plug-in hybrids for worldwide delivery this year, 20 percent more than in 2012.

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GM Working on 200-Mile Range Electric Car

General Motors is working on developing an electric car that has as much as 200 miles (320 kilometers) range, Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson said.

“There will be breakthroughs in battery technology, they’re on the horizon,” Akerson said today during a presentation at the IHS CERAWeek energy conference. “We’re actually developing a car today which is really anathema to the way the auto industry works: We’re running a dual play on the technology to see which one will succeed. One will result in” a 100-mile range, “the other will be a 200-mile range.”

Dan Akerson also told a meeting of energy executives and investors that GM's new Spark EV would have a range of 75 miles to 80 miles (120-129 km) on a single charge - double the electric-only range of its Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid. The Spark is due to go on sale this summer.

The CEO saw the Spark as an urban car because of consumer concerns about what many in the industry call range anxiety. GM has touted the Volt for its electric driving range of 40 miles that is then augmented by a gasoline engine.

Akerson went on to describe a giant inductive pad under development, which can sit in a garage and charge a homeowner's vehicle every night. Inductive charging technology has not been rolled into any GM products, but the company did invest $5 million in wireless charging start-up Powermat in 2011.

Improving battery life is a priority for many. LG Chem said in October a new generation of power packs would debut in 2015 with GM.

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Subaru VIZIV diesel plug-in hybrid concept debuts @ Geneva [VIDEO]

Subaru unveiled its hybrid crossover concept at the Geneva Motor Show, and it should provide a glimpse at the brand’s future styling and a future production hybrid. It’s called Viziv, which sounds like the name of an obscure app but actually stands for “Vision for Innovation.”

On the outside, the Viziv looks like Subaru’s version of the Range Rover Evoque. It’s a two-door, four-seat vehicle with a high driving position, low roofline, and a big spoiler above the tailgate.

It’s definitely something we’d like to see on the road, except for the headlights. The trim pieces that frame the grille make it look like the concept’s makeup is running.

The giant side windows that serve both front and rear passengers would probably be impractical in real life. As much as we hate to admit it, so are the Lamborghini-style scissor doors.

The Viziv’s hybrid powertrain is closer to reality but, since this is Subaru we’re talking about, it’s a bit odd. Called Subaru Boxer Diesel Hybrid, it uses: a 2.0-liter turbodiesel boxer four, continuously variable transmission, a lithium-ion battery pack, and three electric motors.

One electric motor is coupled directly to the transmission and helps drive the front wheels, while the other two drive the rear wheels without any direct connection to the diesel.

Like most hybrids, the electric motors help power the Viziv at low speeds; the diesel takes over for highway cruising. The rear motors can also be used for torque vectoring, which sends power to the outside wheel during cornering, improving handling.

Subaru’s choice of a diesel engine would make a production car an outlier. Most manufacturers have shied away from diesel hybrids because of the added cost of a diesel engine, and difficulties in synchronizing power delivery. Diesels aren’t very effective at high revs, when internal combustion is supposed to take over in a hybrid.

The interior has a two-tone color scheme and blue nightclub lighting, but it’s still fairly for a concept car. The binnacle gauges are a nice alternative to the amorphous digital gauge screens that are popping up in a lot of production cars.

Since the Viziv lacks a rear prop shaft, it also has a flat floor. Subaru says that, despite the rakish bodywork, four adults can sit comfortably inside.

For now, the Viziv is just a concept, but the world will get a lot more interesting if Subaru decides to put it into production.

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Audi R20 diesel-electric plug-in hybrid hypercar under evaluation

Audi is poised to outline its plans to launch a Le Mans-inspired road car at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Audi technical chief Wolfgang Dürheimer said that the proposed Audi hypercar was in the “product evaluation” stage of its development, but he hinted that the car was looking good to be followed through to production.

Tentatively called the R20, Audi’s hypercar would have a diesel-electric hybrid, all-wheel-drive drivetrain and could be released in 2016 to mark the company’s achievement of hitting 1.5-million global vehicle sales, which Audi says it’s on track to accomplish.

Dürheimer is keen to closely align the Le Mans programme with a road car as it “can have a tremendous boost for brand kudos” and people “would go crazy for it”.

He wouldn’t be drawn on the exact capacity of the powertrain or the platform for the car, but said that all the technology already existed within Audi and the firm would not have to develop anything bespoke from scratch. A plug-in hybrid is likely, however, as Audi continues to push the technology.

Dürheimer said that there was still room for another car maker to create a hypercar, following the launch of the McLaren P1, LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder, but he hinted the volumes would be tiny.

Dürheimer added that hybrid technology would be accepted if these new breed of hypercars prove that the technology can make the cars go faster.

“I am convinced that if a hybrid can cut lap times and increase performance then this will be a breakthrough,” he said. “You might think a race car is a long way from a road application, but the hybrid technology in racing has been transferred to the road cars already.”

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Audi A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in parallel hybrid

Audi is working intently to electrify the drivetrain using plug-in hybrid technology. The brand with the four rings is showing the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. With 150 kW (204 hp) of system power and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of system torque, sporty performance is guaranteed.

The A3 Sportback e-tron is a true Audi. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). According to the ECE standard for plug-in hybrid automobiles, the five-door model consumes on average just 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (156.81 US mpg), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 35 grams per km (56.33 g/mile). In purely electric mode, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron achieves a top speed of 130 km/h (80.78 mph) with a range of up to 50 km (31.07 miles).

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron uses the highly efficient concept of a parallel hybrid. The combustion engine is a modified 1.4 TFSI, which develops 110 kW (150 hp) and 250 Nm (184.39 lb-ft) of torque. The TFSI operates in tandem with an electric motor that generates 75 kW and 330 Nm (243.40 lb-ft) of power.

The disc-shaped electric motor is integrated into a newly designed six-speed e-S tronic, which transfers the power to the front wheels. The two powerplants complement each other. The electric motor develops peak torque from start to around 2,000 rpm, and the TFSI's maximum pulling power is available in a range from1,750 to 4,000 rpm.

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron's energy store is a lithium-ion battery system installed in a space-efficient, crash-protected location in the floor, beneath the rear bench seat. The high-voltage battery, inside a housing made mainly from aluminum, has a capacity of 8.8 kWh. It comprises eight modules with a total of 96 cells.

A liquid cooling system with its own low-temperature circuit keeps the battery in the optimum temperature range. This sophisticated technology is key to the power and stamina of the electric drive unit, which remains available at low ambient temperatures.

The power electronics are housed in the engine compartment of the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron. These convert the direct current from the battery into alternating current to power the motor. The compact unit, with integral DC-DC converter to supply the 12V electrical system shares the same cooling circuit as the battery and charging device.

The charging connection is located behind the four rings in the radiator grille; the charging socket, like the TFSI engine, sports an e-tron badge. The high-voltage battery can be fully charged in around two and a half hours with a 3.6 kW charger. All relevant components within the high-voltage network of the A3 Sportback e-tron have no conductive connections to other parts of the vehicle. In the event of the belt tensioners or airbags being activated in an accident, the system is immediately disconnected from the power supply. The air conditioning compressor has a high-voltage electric drive; an electric auxiliary heater supports the heating function for the interior.

Energy recovery during braking: electrified brake servo
The vacuum brake servo has an additional supply connection served by an electric vacuum pump. The hybrid management is tuned responsively with the electric motor. Up to moderate braking forces the powerful electric motor, now operating as an alternator, supplies most of the retardation and recovers much of the energy expended so that it can be channeled back into the high-voltage battery. The wheel brakes only become active if the driver presses the pedal more forcefully.

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron can be driven with just the combustion engine, just the electric drive or in hybrid mode. Even in electric mode it offers powerful acceleration without the need to engage the TFSI. The driver can choose to have both powerplants active at the same time ("boosting"). When the driver lets up on the accelerator, they both deactivate temporarily ("gliding"). In this way, engine braking torque is eliminated and efficiency increases.

Three driving programs are selected using the EV button and the e-tron's selector lever. The EV characteristic map covers the electric mode; the D program makes the A3 Sportback e-tron run especially efficiently, and in the S plane it is notably sporty.

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron display concept supplies precise information of the drivetrain status. The powermeter in the instrument cluster replaces the conventional rev counter and shows overall system power. The instrument cluster also includes a charge status display for the battery. The driver information system's color display and the MMI navigation monitor indicate the power flows in the drivetrain, the operating ranges and the consumption figures for electricity and gasoline.

Audi is planning a whole portfolio of new online services for its electrified vehicles under its Audi connect umbrella policy. These will enable the driver to activate and monitor a whole raft of functions such as charging processes and pre-conditioning of the interior climate conveniently from their smart phone.

Sporty elegance: the interior
The ergonomic interior of the A3 Sportback e-tron has an uncompromisingly high-quality finish. The interior is finished in Cloudy Gray, with contrasting stitching highlighting the S sport seats. The door sill trims are in aluminum and display e-tron logos; there are also e-tron badges on the gear knob and steering wheel. The trunk capacity is 280 liters (9.89 cubic ft); folding down the rear seats increases this to around 1,000 liters (35.31 cubic ft).

With its Misano Red paint finish, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron declares its sporty character at the very first glance. Its wheels have the characteristic e-tron design, with a 15-spoke look that evokes turbine blades. The chrome horizontal struts in the single-frame grille and air intake grilles have three-dimensional undulating profiles – another e-tron feature. The rear apron with new diffuser is also specific to the e-tron.

The A3 Sportback e-tron demonstrates its full sporting potential when accelerating, sprinting and cornering at high speed. Its on-road performance is based on its sophisticated chassis, coupled with a low weight for a plug-in hybrid, despite its full range of equipment. Standard features include xenon plus headlights, convenient access, a panoramic tilting sunroof, a lighting package, the driving dynamics system Audi drive select, and MMI radio with extending monitor.

At the Geneva Motor Show, the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron will provide a realistic glimpse into the future of mobility as Audi is planning it. The electrification of the drivetrain, above all using plug-in technology, plays a defining role in the strategy of the brand.

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2013 Mitsubishi Concept CA-MiEV [VIDEO]

The Concept CA-MiEV concept car gives an indication of the direction MMC (which launched its i-MiEV in 2009), believes EVs will take in the near future.

The system is fitted with a 28 kWh Li-ion battery pack (compared to the 16 kWh pack in the i-MiEV) and an 80 kW electric motor. The vehicle combines reduction in body weight with improvements in aerodynamic performance (Cd= 0.26), bringing about a cruising range of 300 km (186 miles).

The EV system brings together lightweight EV components in an integrated motor, inverter, and charger module that reduces power losses. It also incorporates a full-time regenerative braking system that improves energy recovery rate, as well as a magnetic resonance wireless charging device that enables convenient charging (developed by WiTricity Corporation, IHI Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and currently under investigation and testing).

The remote-controlled air-conditioning system and management system for charging and discharging can be linked to smartphones or tablet devices. The vehicle is also equipped with a remote tracking function that captures the vehicle’s position using GPS if the vehicle is stolen, and MMC’s ECO-drive Assist which helps the vehicle to adapt to the driving environment.

0.26 sleek

Pebble-sleek, the arrow-shaped Concept CA-MiEV brings a degree of high tech sleekness to small car design, all the way to its unusual canopy sloping rear roof line. Highly efficient ( full flat floor, rear-view cameras, minimal air intakes, rear diffuser )

High Density

To power Concept CA-MiEV, MMC inaugurates its next generation high efficiency drivetrain , including:

All-in-One integrated power unit ( 80 kW motor + inverter + charger) - to help with energy management, packaging and weight reduction.

Compact flat battery pack – to help with packaging (esp. for possible later applications like range extender, ... ) and better long term battery performance.

Magnetic resonance wireless charging technology – to help with user-friendliness, as jointly announced in September 2011 by WiTricity Corporation, IHI Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and currently under investigation and testing.

High density energy Lithium-ion batteries – to help with energy efficiency and also with packaging ( 28 Kwh available ). Connected

Roomy, sleek, lightweight and efficient, a future electric vehicle like Concept CA - MiEV – but also any future ICE, HEV or PHEV Mitsubishi vehicle for that matter) shall also be connected to the rest of the planet, infrastructure permitting, with telematics features such as:

Automatic e-mailing in case of theft

Automatic e-calling in case of an emergency

Remote controlling (engine start/no start, panic alarm, door locking, ...)

Data transfer (maps,...) from smart phone to in-car system

Remote energy monitoring or pre-heating for EVs and PHEVs (already featured with Outlander PHEV)

Specifications (MMC data)

Dimensions (L x W x H) Wheelbase		4050 x 1775 x 1550 mm 2550 mm
Cd		0.26
Seating capacity		5
Est. driving range		300 km
	Max. output	80 kW
Battery	Type	Lithium-ion
	Capacity	28 kWh
Controller		Inverter
Drive		Front wheel drive

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