Cosworth to consider KERS supply in 2013

Cosworth may offer KERS and transmission packages to F1 teams in 2013.

F1 business manager Mark Gallagher told F1 Fanatic they are considering the move to coincide with the move to four-cylinder 1.6-liter turbocharged engines.

Gallagher hailed the rules change, calling it: “a new era where new technologies and innovation will be rewarded.”

Source: F1 Fanatic

50,000 Waiting for Electric Cars

This was the year General Motors Co. and Nissan made good on their promise to bring mass-produced electric cars to the market. But don't count on seeing one in traffic soon. Sales so far have been microscopic and they're likely to stay that way for some time because of limited supplies.

GM sold between 250 and 350 Chevy Volts this month and Nissan's sales totaled less than 10 Leaf sedans in the past two weeks. Production for both is slowly ramping up.

It will be well into 2012 before both the Volt and Leaf are available nationwide. And if you're interested in buying one, you'll need to get behind the 50,000 people already on waiting lists.

The first electric car sales were marked with fanfare. The envy of green-car geeks across the country, new owners were treated like rock stars at dealerships. They were greeted by high-level GM and Nissan executives, followed by cameramen and interviewed by local reporters. When they got home, they blogged about their experiences, sent links of newspaper stories to their friends, and stopped to talk to anyone who expressed interest in their new wheels.

Jeff Heeren of Nashville, Tenn., became the sixth Nissan Leaf owner on Dec. 22. Nissan's advertising agency, Chiat Day, followed Heeren and his family around as they picked up their silver-colored Leaf, and have posted a video on the Leaf's Facebook page. Not surprisingly, Heeren is a fan. "What's amazed me the most in driving it is that it's just a car, like any other car," he said.

The Leaf is the only all-electric car on the market. It can travel about 100 miles on battery power before needing to be recharged. Using a standard outlet, that takes 16 to 18 hours. Nissan Motor Co. recommends that Leaf owners install a 220/240-volt outlet in their homes so they can recharge in about seven hours.

Japan-based Nissan initially sent only 10 Leafs to the U.S. and spokesman David Reuter said a second shipment of around 90 cars that arrived by cargo ship on Dec. 23 is on the way to dealers.

Nissan won't give estimates on how many Leaf sedans it expects to sell in the U.S. next year, but says it has capacity to make 50,000 annually at a plant in Oppama, Japan. Those will be sold in Japan, the U.S. and Europe.

The Volt goes about 40 miles on battery power alone before needing to be recharged. But it comes with a backup gas engine that GM says can extend its range to 375 miles as it kicks in to recharge the batteries on the fly.

The Volts are being assembled in Detroit. GM predicts it will sell 10,000 of them in 2011 and between 35,000 and 45,000 in 2012. By way of comparison, Chevrolet sold 187,250 Malibu sedans in the first 11 months of the year with sticker prices that start at $21,975.

Hybrids made up 2.4 percent of U.S. sales this year and the category that includes hybrids and electric cars is expected to double to 4.8 percent by 2013, according to consumer web site Edmunds.com. But electric vehicles likely will be only a small part of this total, said Michelle Krebs, senior analyst at Edmunds, and she doubts they will be big money makers for the car companies.

Rumors that GM may end on Jan. 3 the $350-a-month lease promotion it began advertising this summer sent some Volt buyers scrambling to close early. Peter Schleck, an attorney in Rockville, Md., knows his Volt is heading towards Maryland on a freight train. But he's already signed the papers making him its official owner.

GM spokesman Rob Peterson says the Volt lease terms "will extend into 2011, but I don't have the specifics on how long it will be out there." He added that the company expects to honor the deal for people who have already put down a deposit.

Paul and Cari Sykes of Fort Worth, Texas, made a $1,000 deposit on a Volt earlier this month, expecting to pay $350 a month for a lease. They know their car is on its way — theirs was the 724th built — and they are both excited and worried that they may have acted a bit irrationally. They've never purchased a car at sticker price before, nor have they bought a car sight unseen. They've never driven the Volt. The closest they came was when the buyer of the first Volt in Granbury, Texas, let them join him in a test drive. As passengers.

"I've never done anything like this before," Cari Sykes said. "I hope I can say three years from now that I was part of the transformation, and will be ready to buy the next generation."
Felix Kramer is doing his part to boost electric car sales. The Redwood City, Calif., resident picked up his white Chevy Volt last week, and he is on the waiting list for a Nissan Leaf. Kramer is the founder of CalCars.org, a group promoting development of cars that get 100 mpg or more.

He said his family put 350 miles on the odometer in the first week and used only 2.4 gallons of gas. He's averaging about 35 miles on electric power per charge, right in the middle of the 25 miles to 50 miles he was expecting.

His son Josh, 20, was driving the Volt around town and was followed home off the freeway by a state trooper. Rather than giving him a ticket, the trooper peppered him with questions about the car.

Kramer said he's impressed by how quickly the Volt accelerates from a stop or on the highway. His only complaint: the loud beeping noise when the car is in reverse. "I'm going to find out if there's some way to change that," he said.

New World Record for an Electric Vehicle

Shawn Lawless and the crew from Discovery channel's Orange County Choppers (OCC) have set a new record for the 1/4 mile by an electric vehicle. The record was previously held by Killacycle with a 7.82 @ 168 MPH.

Breaking the Guinness book of world records for the fastest electric vehicle/bike, the Orange county choppers sponsored 360 volt electric bike recorded a time of 7.77 seconds @ 168 MPH in the Quarter Mile at Quaker City Raceway.

Both bikes are powered by A123 M1 battery cells, 2,000 for Lawless, 1210 for Killacycle and both run custom rewound DC motors paired with a high current Zilla controller.

Killacycle uses 2 modified 6.7-inch Advanced DC motors while Lawless use a 13" DC motor, believed to be of GE origin, that was originally rebuilt for Denis Berube's S-10 and his Worlds Fastest EV dragster Current Eliminator V.

Tesla Says Electric Car Battery Plan Will Be Profitable From Lower Sales

Tesla Motors Inc., the electric carmaker backed by Toyota Motor Corp., said cheaper batteries will make its Model S sedan profitable with much lower sales than Nissan Motor Co. is seeking for its Leaf car.

The $57,000 electric Model S, which uses cells similar to those in laptops, is designed to make money for Palo Alto, California-based Tesla at 20,000 annual deliveries, Chief Technology Officer J.B. Straubel said in an interview. Nissan Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn has said combined battery- car sales for Nissan and affiliate Renault SA may need to reach 500,000 vehicles a year to be profitable without government aid.

Nissan’s choice of a larger type of lithium-ion battery means “they will have a cost challenge that will be more difficult to solve,” Straubel said yesterday in an interview. “It will require a lot higher volume before they really get to a cost point that is internally sustainable.”

Tesla, which has yet to post an annual profit, has delivered $109,000 rechargeable Roadsters since 2008, powered by thousands of small lithium-ion cells similar to those used in portable computers. The Silicon Valley startup says such cells, supplied by Panasonic Corp. and other manufacturers, will remain more cost-effective for the foreseeable future than the larger lithium batteries in the Leaf and General Motors Co.’s $41,000 plug-in Volt, which both went on sale this month.

Not Comparable

Tesla’s battery packs may cost as little as $200 per kilowatt hour, compared with about $700 to $800 per kilowatt hour for so-called large-form cell lithium-ion packs, Martin Eberhard, a Tesla founder and former chief executive, said in an interview last month. Straubel declined to confirm Eberhard’s estimate or discuss the cost of Tesla’s battery packs.

Nissan’s electric vehicle strategy can’t really be compared with that of Tesla, said David Reuter, a spokesman for the Yokohama, Japan-based company’s North American unit. He didn’t elaborate.

“The Nissan Leaf product program will be profitable over its lifecycle,” Reuter said. He declined to say how long the product cycle would be for the $32,780 Leaf.

The company has been developing its lithium-ion battery technology over the past two decades, “so a lot of the investment has already been amortized through many years,” Reuter said.

Nissan fell 1 percent to 777 yen as of the 11 a.m. trading break in Tokyo. The stock has declined 4.1 percent in 2010. Tesla rose $1.32, or 5 percent, yesterday to $27.73 in Nasdaq Stock Market trading in New York. The shares have surged 63 percent since they began trading on June 28.

Higher Prices

Tesla’s Straubel conceded the Model S’s higher price will make it easier to turn a profit with fewer deliveries after it goes on sale in 2012. Still, cheaper batteries are the main reason, he said.

Tesla’s challenge is to ensure a high level of quality control in its battery pack and assembly processes as it tries to expand from supplying about 1,000 Roadsters a year to making 20,000 or more of the Model S, said Brett Smith, who specializes in alternative propulsion vehicles at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“There’s a method to their madness,” Smith said. “Tesla is using cells that, while not exactly the same as those in laptops, can be made on existing lines that already mass-produce them.”

As a result, Tesla didn’t have to spend as much for battery research and development and lithium-ion cell production, Smith said. “Especially for a small manufacturer, there’s a logic to what they’re doing,” Smith said.

Source: Bloomberg

Nissan LEAF Aero Concept to Debut @ Tokyo Auto Salon

Nissan has announced plans to debut nine vehicles at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

The Leaf Aero Style concept boasts a new front bumper, extended side skirts, and restyled mirrors. Other goodies include LED daytime driving lights and unique wheels.

To highlight dealership accessories, the Juke Sporty Package has a rear spoiler, chrome accents, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Minivan enthusiasts can rejoice as the Elgrand Rider Premium concept has been "specifically tuned up for a higher level of driving performance." While Nissan declined to elaborate, the concept has quilted leather seats and wood trim.

Lastly, the NISMO GT-R RC is track ready as it boasts a slick tire-compatible suspension, an FIA-compliant roll cage, and a 120-liter safety fuel tank. It will be "able to compete in various production races held around the world." Hopefully, Nissan will release photos soon.

Other vehicles on display include the March Bolero, Serena Rider, NISMO Fairlady Z (aka 370Z), NISMO Elgrand S-tune, and Motul Autech GT-R.

Source: Nissan

Solar UAV QinetiQ Zephyr records ratified

The flight in July over the US army Yuma proving ground by the Qinetiq ‘Zephyr’ has been ratified by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) as a world record for the longest unbroken time spent in the air by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The flight lasted 10 times longer than the previous duration record held by the RQ 4A Global Hawk.

• the absolute duration record for an Unmanned Air Vehicle – being filed at 336 hrs / 22 minutes
• the duration record for a UAV (in the U/1.c / 50-500Kg category) – time as above
• the absolute altitude record for a UAV (in the above category) – being filed at 70,740ft (21,561m)

Launched by hand, the aircraft flies by day on solar power delivered by amorphous silicon solar arrays that cover the aircraft’s wings and are no thicker than sheets of paper. These are supplied by Uni-Solar, the world’s largest producer of flexible solar panels. The solar arrays are also used to recharge the lithium-sulfur batteries that are used to power the aircraft by night and supplied by Sion Power Inc, a leading developer of the next high energy rechargeable battery technology. Together they provide an extremely high power to weight ratio on a continuous day/night cycle, thereby delivering persistent on station capabilities.

Around 50% larger than the previous version, Zephyr incorporates an entirely new wing design with a total wingspan of 22.5m to accommodate more batteries that are combined with a totally new integrated power management system. The entirely new aerodynamic shape also helps to reduce drag and improve performance. Zephyr’s ultra-lightweight carbon fibre design means it weighs in at just over 50Kg.

Previous records beaten include:

• Surpassing the previous world record for the longest flight for an unmanned air system (set at 30 hours 24 minutes by Northrop Grumman’s RQ-4A Global Hawk on 22 March 2001).
• Surpassing the Rutan Voyager milestone of 9 days (216hours) 3 minutes and 44 seconds airborne – previously the longest flight by an aeroplane without refuelling and set in Dec 1986. Quadrupling its own unofficial duration record of 82 hours, 37 minutes set in 2008

Seoul Starts Operations of Battery Electric Buses

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it has started commercial operation of eco-friendly full-size electric buses on the Mt. Namsan circular routes as of December 21. It is the first time in the world that battery electric buses have been put into commercial operations.

SMG has worked on the project to develop full-sized electric buses with local technology over the last one and a half years, since it signed an agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hankuk Fiber for the development of electric buses in September 2009.

Electric bus services will not only improve air conditions in the city but also lead the technology of large-sized electric vehicles in the global electric car market, the City said.

The electric coaches serving on the Mt. Namsan circular routes are 11.05 meters long and run up to 83km with a single charge. They can be fully charged in less than 30 minutes with a high-speed battery charger. The electric bus, with its maximum speed of 100 km/hr, has a low floor and a 322-horsepower engine. It adopts a high-capacity lithium-ion battery and an energy saving system that can collect and reuse energy generated from brakes when running downhill.

Its body is made of a carbon composite material, not of iron plates, which considerably reduces the vehicle's weight while reinforcing durability. The electric buses are also equipped with automatic slant boards for wheelchair users. The bus is shaped like a peanut and decorated with designs symbolizing the Namsan Tower and landscapes of Mt. Namsan.

SMG has replaced five buses on the Namsan circular routes with electric vehicles. It plans to gradually substitute all 14 buses with electric coaches to minimize any inconvenience of citizens that may be caused by the introduction of the new buses. It also plans to build two more battery chargers on Namsan by March 2011, increasing the number from two to four.

SMG expects that the electric bus service has enabled Seoul City to move one step further toward a "Green-Car, Smart City." SMG has set a goal of putting a total of 120,000 electric vehicles in use in the city by 2020, which will account to 50 percent of all public transport vehicles, 10 percent of sedans and 1 percent of trucks and vans.

NEC to Expand EV Li-Ion Battery Production Capacity 5x by 2012

The NEC Group announced today that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's (METI) "Regional Development Subsidy for Enterprises Creating Employment and Adding to a Low-Carbon Society" is supporting the Group's capital investment in reinforcing its production capacity of electrodes for rechargeable high-capacity lithium-ion batteries.


This capital investment will be carried out by NEC Energy Devices, Ltd. (NECED; Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture), a wholly owned NEC Corporation subsidiary that develops and produces rechargeable high-capacity laminated lithium-ion batteries. NECED will leverage the subsidy to increase electrode production capacity by the 2012 fiscal year.


This expansion is a major milestone towards the NEC Group achieving a capacity of 10 million kilo watt-hours (kWh) per year in the 2012 fiscal year, compared with the current capacity of 2 million kWh per year. The NEC Group aims to continue expanding its production capacity to meet customer requirement.

Going forward the NEC Group will promote its smart energy and green business centered by advanced lithium-ion battery to hold a leading global position.

Nissan Leaf Gives You CARWINGS in the Race to Efficiency

Nissan has announced it will introduce an Information and Communication Technology system (ICT) for electric vehicles (EVs). The system will be implemented with the all-new Nissan LEAF, on sale now in Japan and the U.S., and in Europe early next year. ICT will help deliver greater convenience, comfort and security for EVs, as well as provide real-world data that will be important to realizing a low-carbon society in the future.

With the ICT system, Nissan LEAF owners are connected at all times to the data and information they need to optimize their EV experience. The NISSAN CARWINGS Data Center, an information control center, communicates with the car navigation system via the onboard Telematics Communication Unit (TCU). ICT has features unique to EVs, including EV usage history and battery conditions. Remote control for battery charging and climate control also exist. The system can be accessed by a dedicated Website for EV owners, via mobile phones, smart phones and computers to manage energy usage.

Onboard EV service (while driving)

"Expected reachable area map display" function: checks how far Nissan LEAF will be able to travel … accessible by a single touch of the screen.

"Charging spot update" function: automatically updates data to display the nearest charging station.

"Timer charging" function: charges the battery anytime one wishes, e.g., late at night when the electricity rate is lower.

Offboard EV service (before and after driving)

Remote control function: checks the state of battery charging, controls battery charging, estimates time to finish charging and shows a possible driving range, maintains the battery and makes failure diagnosis.

"Remote climate control" function: sets air conditioning via remote control so it can be turned on before one enters the vehicle.

"Electricity rate simulation" function: checks how much it costs for electricity after driving. Calculation function: calculates how much CO2 emissions were reduced by driving EV (predicted rate).

"Ranking" function: Nissan LEAF owners worldwide can compete with each other in electricity consumption, traveling distance and the amount of charge produced by regenerative braking.

"Route planner" function: Creates a driving plan while checking a possible driving range and charging station locations.

Based on the consent of EV owners, the NISSAN CARWINGS Data Center will retain historical driving, charging and electricity consumption information globally. Based on this data, it will analyze EV driving and charging data to measure how much CO2 is reduced through EV use and to evaluate clean energy usage.

The ICT system for EV was developed not only to provide driving support for EV owners, but also to contribute to a sustainable zero-emission society in the future. Nissan is working to help realize a sustainable low-carbon society using the ICT system in several demonstration tests. This includes the Yokohama Smart City Project, a low-carbon city project conducted with Yokohama City, and YOKOHAMA Mobility "Project ZERO" which is focused on how to create a smart mobility city.

In preparation for wide introduction of renewable energy in the future (for example, solar electric generation at home), EVs may be utilized not only for mobility, but also for energy management, depending on surplus electricity. The EV ICT system has functions which can start charging at times when surplus electricity is most likely to be generated.

Working towards being a global zero-emission leader, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has formed partnerships with more than 80 governments, cities and other organizations around the world. Nissan will utilize the data obtained by the demonstration tests in these partner countries and cities to actively participate in the creation of a zero-emission society globally.

Japanese Giants Investing in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Anticipating steady growth in demand for pure electric and hybrid cars over the next 10 years, Japanese manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries are investing heavily in new production facilities.

Since 2009 they have spent more than $3 billion in Japan and, counting low-interest loans and grants awarded to Nissan Motor Co.’s overseas affiliates, an estimated $5 billion globally

All are hoping to compete for a global market in 2020 - depending on which forecast proves correct - of between 5 million and 15 million electric cars and hybrids.

Despite their dominance in hybrid batteries (mostly nickel-metal hydride types), claiming 95% of sales since the 1997 launch of the Toyota Motor Corp. Prius, and early lead in electric cars as lithium battery suppliers to Nissan and Mitsubishi Motor Corp. for the Leaf and i-MiEV, they anticipate strong competition from South Korea and China.

South Korea, for instance, has committed to spending $13 billion (15 trillion won) to become the world’s leading battery manufacturer by 2020. China, similarly, plans to support hybrid and electric vehicle infrastructure and sales through a 10-year investment program reported to exceed $15 billion (RMB 100).

The following is summary of recent facility investments by Japanese battery makers and their automotive customers:

NEC Corp., jointly with Nissan in June 2009, opened a $140 million (12 billion yen) line inside Nissan’s old Zama manufacturing complex west of Tokyo. When fully operational in 2011, the line will produce as many as 12 million lithium-ion cells annually, enough to make batteries for 65,000 pure electric and hybrid cars.

By late 2012, Nissan and NEC plan to expand lithium-battery production outside Japan into the U.S., U.K. and Portugal. Including planned capacity in France by Nissan’s ‘alliance’ partner Renault SA, total capacity will approach 90 million cells and batteries for nearly 500,000 cars.

To support the Zama operation, NEC Tokin Corp., an NEC subsidiary, invested an additional $129 million (11 billion yen) in a lithium-manganese electrode line at its Sagamihara plant west of Tokyo.

Also in June 2009, GS Yuasa Corp. began production at the first of two joint battery manufacturing ventures with Japanese automakers: Lithium Energy Japan. Jointly owned, jointly owned by Mitsubishi, the company currently has capacity to make 1.6 million cells on lines in Kusatsu (Gumma Prefecture) and Kyoto. A new plant in Ritto (Shiga Prefecture) is scheduled to come on stream in 2012 will add 4.4 million cells, bringing total capacity to 6 million, enough for 68,000 batteries.

Total investment in the three facilities: $608 million (51.7 billion yen).

Meanwhile, a second joint venture with Honda Motor Co. began operations this autumn inside GS Yuasa’s Osando plant near Kyoto. The venture, named Blue Energy Co., is believed to have capacity to make 2.8 million cells for around 30,000 hybrids and electric cars. Honda would not confirm planned production volumes.

Cost of the line: $294 million (25 billion yen).

Elsewhere, three of Japan’s electronic giants have also entered the market - Hitachi Ltd., Panasonic Corp. and Toshiba Corp.:

Hitachi Vehicle Energy Ltd., a Hitachi subsidiary, opened a new 3.6 million cell line in October 2009 in Hitachinaka (Ibaraki Prefecture). The new line raises capacity at the site to 4.1 million. Hitachi opened a 500,000-cell line in 2004.

Cumulative investment at the site: $176 million (15 billion yen).

To support the operation, Hitachi Maxell Ltd., another Hitachi subsidiary, invested $71 million (6 billion yen) in a new electrode line at the company’s Kyoto Works. The line began electrode production in February 2009.

Panasonic Energy Co., the battery-manufacturing division of Panasonic Corp., began lithium cell production in April 2010 at a new $1.2 billion (100 billion yen) ($1.2 billion) plant in Osaka. Initial capacity is 12 million cells. No details were provided about the automotive share.

In July 2010, Sanyo Electric Co., since December a wholly owned Panasonic subsidiary, opened a $153 million (13 billion yen) EV battery plant in Kosai (Shizuoka Prefecture) with capacity of 12 million cells. By 2016, Sanyo hopes to boost output to 120 million cells.

Toshiba will open a $294 million (25 billion yen) line at its Kashiwazaki plant in Niigata Prefecture this coming February. Initial capacity: 500,000 cells per month.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Japan’s largest diversified machinery manufacturer, completed construction of a plant inside its Nagasaki Shipyard and Machinery Works in November. Capacity at the plant, which will produce lithium batteries for forklifts, is 400,000 units.

Note that last January Primearth EV Energy Co., Toyota’s battery subsidiary, opened a new $353 million (30 billion yen) nickel metal hydride plant in northern Japan in Miyagi Prefecture. With the plant’s opening, the supplier has capacity to make 1 million nickel metal hydride batteries.

In 2010, it is expected to deliver more than 700,000 units, mostly to Toyota.

Paris looks to ban SUVs

Paris is planning to test restrictions on gas-guzzling vehicles, likely including sport utility vehicles, as part of attempts to curb pollution.

Denis Baupin, an environmental official in the mayor's office, said Wednesday that sport utility vehicles and old diesel cars are likely to be targeted in upcoming test restrictions.

To any Parisian who drives an SUV, Baupin's advice is: "Sell it and buy a vehicle that's compatible with city life.

"I'm sorry, but having a sport utility vehicle in a city makes no sense," Baupin told RTL radio.
Paris, Lyon, Grenoble and Aix-en-Provence are among the cities planning to try restrictions on gas-guzzlers in late 2011 or 2012.

The Environment Ministry says officials in each city are still discussing precisely how the restrictions would work -- what types of cars would be affected, in what neighborhoods, during what hours or periods of the year. Exact penalties are also an open question.

Many other European cities, including London and Berlin, already have "low emission zones," with varying restrictions on the type of vehicles targeted.

Toyota to Reveal Prius Wagon @ Detroit Auto Show

Toyota will stage the world premiere of the Prius family of vehicles at a press conference at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

In addition to the current third-generation Prius and Prius Plug-in vehicle (PHV), the first all-new addition to the Prius Family will debut along with a Prius concept vehicle.

The press conference will be held on Monday, Jan. 10 at 1:05 p.m. EST in the Riverview Ballroom at Cobo Center.

A live Webcast will be available at ToyotaNewsroom.com.

TTXGP Partner With Australian FX-Superbike Championship

TTXGP expands the global footprint for the next generation of motorsports with its first national championship in Australia

The Australian FX-Superbike Championship is a national series covering 6 rounds, starting in mid March and ending in early November. In 2011 they will partner with TTXGP to include electric superbike racing for the first time creating an Australian national e-championship. Running to the TTXGP Rule book and incorporating both the TTXGP and TTX75 classes, the new eFX Championship will be an exciting addition to the TTXGP family. Australia has a very active EV community so we are sure to see thrilling racing on innovative platforms.

Commenting on the partnership Azhar Hussain, Founder and CEO of TTXGP said "we are very excited to be working with ARTRP and help launch a new national electric championship. eFXC/TTXGP will be a fantastic opportunity for anyone wishing to join the growing group of EV racers as well as sponsor a new, exciting, high profile race series. ARTRP is both pioneering and hugely successful; they make an ideal partner for TTXGP to work with and help nurture a fast growing electric race series."

Terry O'Neill the Managing Director of ARTRP (series promoter) comments "We are very excited to be part of the expanding world of TTXGP electric motorcycle racing. We have always been involved in innovative ideas to further motorcycle racing in Australia, we started by having the first motorcycle carbon neutral racing events in the southern hemisphere and now by encouraging the local EV patrons to get involved building and racing motorcycles."

"It seemed logical to be partnering with TTXGP and having spent a long time discussing with Azhar, our and his visions, the decision was simple"

The series will be nationally televised on the very popular free to air SBS Speedweek and also on the Fox cable network as well as be distributed with all TTXGP programming across the world. The TTXGP World Series will also be available in Australia.

eFXC/TTXGP winners will be invited to attend to the TTXGP World Series Final 2011 for a chance to become TTXGP Champions 2011.

eFXC/TTXGP dates for your calendar are as follows:-

2011 Australian EFXC/TTXGP-Superbike Championship
Test : Wakefield Park Raceway (NSW) 29th April - 1st May 2011 (AFXSBK Rd2)
Round 1: Eastern Creek Raceway (NSW) 1st - 3rd July 2011 (AFXSBK Rd3)
Round 2: Winton Raceway (VIC) 2nd - 4th September 2011 (AFXSBK Rd4)
Round 3: Wakefield Park Raceway (NSW), 8-9th October 2011 TBC

Related Web Link: EFXC/TTXGP

Sumitomo, Nissan, NEC sign MoU to promote EV charging service

Sumitomo Corporation, Nissan Motor and NEC Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote a new membership-based charging service for electric vehicle (EV) users that will be available for the first time in Japan.

As per the MoU, the three companies will conduct a joint study to develop charging facilities which can provide continuous service to EV users and maintenance of charging equipment by working with existing service providers.

The companies will also establish a business model for the charging infrastructure that will give convenience to EV users by optimally installing standard charging facilities and quick chargers at key strategic locations, including provisions of charging facilities for residents of apartment buildings and monthly parking users.

Sumitomo also launched the New Business Development & Promotion Division, which is responsible for environmental businesses and is working on developing new approaches to realizing a low-carbon, recycling-based society.

Sumitomo will also support the widespread adoption of next-generation vehicles including EV through the second-life use of lithium-ion batteries for automotive use, the development of the system that facilitates Green IT and the auto lease business by its affiliate company, Sumitomo Mitsui Auto Service Company.

Through the new service, Nissan intends to accelerate the development of infrastructure essential to promoting EV and achieve both greater convenience to users and business feasibility.

Through this new business, NEC will improve convenience for users with the establishment of a new infrastructure that takes advantage of networked charging facilities and ICT technologies to promote a whole new service that will contribute to the environment.

The first trial service is set to start within Kanagawa prefecture early 2011, in collaboration with the prefecture and its local governments.

General Motors Introduces Sail Electric Vehicle Concept

General Motors is participating in the 2010 Guangzhou Auto Show, which began today, through its Shanghai GM joint venture. Under the theme of "Drive to Green and Leading Innovation," it is showcasing 23 production and concept vehicles. Among the products on display are the Sail electric concept vehicle, which is making its global debut, and the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle.

"GM is committed to delivering a range of advanced propulsion technologies and offering a portfolio of solutions that will allow our customers to choose the vehicle that best meets their needs," said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. "GM's expertise in batteries, electric motors and power controls will enable us to provide the best possible choices when it comes to vehicle electrification technologies."

Sail Electric Concept Vehicle

The Sail electric concept vehicle was developed by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai. Based on the Chevrolet Sail that went on sale at the beginning of the year, it is an environmentally friendly small car that is targeted at ordinary Chinese families.

The Sail electric concept vehicle is powered by a lithium-ion battery with maximum output of 65 kW and maximum torque of 220 Nm. It has a maximum speed of 130 km/h and can go up to 150 kilometers on a single electric charge. It uses regenerative braking to produce additional energy. The Intelligent Charging Assisting System maximizes the energy conversion ratio.

Its simple contemporary design is aerodynamic. Inspiration has come from leaves, and is reflected across the exterior. The Sail electric concept vehicle features a simple yet modern interior along with a range of electronic amenities. It has adopted electric vehicle standards for safety set by SAE and ISO.

Chevrolet Volt Extended-Range Electric Vehicle

The Chevrolet Volt is the world's first extended-range electric vehicle that provides the benefits of an electric vehicle without the range limitations associated with other electric vehicles on the market. Powered by GM's revolutionary Voltec propulsion system, it provides maximum torque of 368 Nm, maximum output of 111 kW and a maximum speed of 160 km/h. It can run solely on electric power stored in its 16 kWh lithium-ion battery for up to 80 kilometers without consuming a single drop of petroleum and with zero emissions.

When the battery is depleted, its on-board engine-generator starts producing electricity to drive the Volt another 490 kilometers, giving the Volt a range of up to 570 kilometers. When launched in China in the fourth quarter of 2011, the Volt will be equipped with the OnStar system, which will offer a smart phone application co-developed by Chevrolet and OnStar. Owners will be able to control all vehicle functions and OnStar services on a 24/7 basis.

The Volt has received several awards in North America including Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year, Automobile Magazine 2011 Car of the Year, 2011 Green Car of the Year from Green Car Journal, and Best Innovation from Popular Mechanics magazine.

"The Sail electric concept vehicle and Chevrolet Volt are examples of industry-leading solutions being developed by GM and our partners globally," said Wale. "GM is also establishing battery electric vehicle demonstration fleets around the world to better understand driving patterns, battery charging, market needs and customer acceptance of electric vehicles. At the same time, GM is investing in start-up companies with innovative ideas to accelerate next-generation electrification technologies."

General Motors wants to triple electric-car sales,

General Motors Co. Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson is looking to at least triple the company's target for electric-car sales by expanding the market for the Chevrolet Volt and adding models that would share similar technology, said three people familiar with his plan.

Akerson, who took over on Sept. 1, told GM's executive team in early December to find ways to sell three to four times as many electric cars as planned for 2012 by mid-decade, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans are private. GM has said it expects to sell 10,000 Volts in 2011 and 45,000 the following year, when capacity may reach 60,000.

Increasing Volt sales and developing other models with electric drive will spread out the cost of developing the technology across more vehicles. It also carries risk because hybrid and electric cars have tended to sell in low volume and be unprofitable, said Jim Hall, principal of 2953 Analytics Inc., a consulting firm in Birmingham, Mich.

“That makes sense in the long term, but they have to get costs down,” Hall said. “Once the government sales incentives are gone, GM has to mature the cost of the technology to get prices down and make sure they're not losing money.”

Akerson's plan for more cars with electric drive underscores his strategy to differentiate GM and make it a technology leader, following an initial public offering that raised more than $20 billion in November, 16 months after the automaker emerged from bankruptcy. Akerson, 62, has told top executives that he wants GM to seek new markets and prepare for higher fuel prices, according to the people.

Europe, China

The Volt went on sale this month in the U.S. at a price of $41,000. The car, which can travel as much as 50 miles using batteries, will be sold in China during the second half of 2011. GM last month began taking reservations for the electric-drive Opel Ampera, which will sell in Europe next year. The models include a gasoline engine that extends the driving range to more than 370 miles.

Dave Darovitz, a GM spokesman, said GM will look at other models for the Volt system. He declined comment on Akerson's volume goals for the technology.

The federal government is offering consumers a $7,500 tax credit to buy the Volt, plug-in hybrids and electric cars. The credit begins to phase out after a manufacturer produces 200,000 eligible plug-in electric vehicles, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website.

Exploiting the Volt

Akerson, a former managing director of private equity firm Carlyle Group, succeeded Ed Whitacre as CEO in September and assumes the role of chairman at the end of the year. Akerson told his executive team to come back to him with a way to meet the higher sales numbers for the Volt and other electric-drive models, or with reasons why it can't be done, one of the people familiar with the plan said.

GM is considering adding electric-gasoline Volt technology to several models under multiple brands, most of them larger than the Volt, including SUVs, according to the three people familiar with the plan. In April at the Beijing Motor Show, Chevrolet showed a five-passenger SUV that could drive in all- electric mode for 32 miles using the Volt's powertrain system. That kind of vehicle is one possibility, the people said.

Larger cars

Making larger models using the same system is difficult and may be more expensive because adding features and passenger space will make the car heavier and less aerodynamic, according to two of the people. GM stopped work on a plan hatched by now- retired Vice Chairman Bob Lutz to make a two-door Cadillac sports car called the Converj that used the Volt's drive system, two executives with knowledge of the decision said in March.

The Volt runs using only electric drive for the first 25 miles to 50 miles. After that a four-cylinder gasoline engine turns on and recharges the lithium-ion battery.

The EPA rated the Volt's fuel economy at the equivalent of 93 miles per gallon in electric-only mode and 37 mpg if the car runs on gas after the battery is drained.

Navy Launches Pilot With an Electromagnetic Shove

The Navy made history Saturday when it launched the first aircraft from the Naval Air Systems Command, Lakehurst, N.J., test site using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS, technology.

The Navy has been using steam for more than 50 years to launch aircraft from carriers. Saturday, the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) program launched an F/A-18E Super Hornet using the EMALS technology that will replace steam catapults on future aircraft carriers.

“This is a tremendous achievement not just for the ALRE team, but for the entire Navy,” said Capt. James Donnelly, ALRE program manager. “Saturday’s EMALS launch demonstrates an evolution in carrier flight deck operations using advanced computer control, system monitoring and automation for tomorrow’s carrier air wings.”

EMALS is a complete carrier-based launch system designed for Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and future Ford-class carriers.

“I thought the launch went great,” said Lt. Daniel Radocaj, the test pilot from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) who made the first EMALS manned launch. “I got excited once I was on the catapult but I went through the same procedures as on a steam catapult. The catapult stroke felt similar to a steam catapult and EMALS met all of the expectations I had.”

The current aircraft launch system for Navy aircraft carriers is the steam catapult. Newer, heavier and faster aircraft will result in launch energy requirements approaching the limits of the steam catapult system.

The mission and function of EMALS remain the same as the steam catapult; however, EMALS employs entirely different technologies. EMALS will deliver the necessary higher launch energy capacity as well as substantial improvements in system weight, maintenance, increased efficiency, and more accurate end-speed control.

“I felt honored to be chosen as the Shooter to help launch the first live aircraft tested on the new EMALS track at Lakehurst,” said Chief Petty Officer Brandon Barr, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Test Department, Lakehurst. “It was very exciting to knowingly be a part of naval aviation history. Petty Officers 1st Class Hunsaker and Robinson, Petty Officers 2nd Class Williams, Wong, and Simmons, were the sailors on my team who worked together to help make this test a success. We all look forward to seeing this cutting edge technology deployed on the Gerald R. Ford."

“I’m excited about the improvement EMALS will bring to the fleet from a capability and reliability perspective,” said Cmdr. Russ McCormack, ALRE, PMA-251, deputy program manager for future systems. “EMALS was designed for just that purpose, and the team is delivering that requirement.”

The system’s technology allows for a smooth acceleration at both high and low speeds, increasing the carrier’s ability to launch aircraft in support of the warfighter.

The system will provide the capability for launching all current and future carrier air wing platforms – lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters.

Engineers will continue system functional demonstration testing at NAVAIR Lakehurst. The team will expand aircraft launches with the addition of T-45 and C-2 aircraft next year.

Wired

Nissan-Renault chooses AXA for EV Assistance in Europe

Renault and Nissan are readying to launch a range of new services to ensure the mobility and peace of mind of their future electric vehicle customers. AXA vehicle assistance is the first step in this global approach to preparing for the wide-scale launch of electric vehicles.

Renault and Nissan will bring customers a full set of innovative services specific to the new market, alongside conventional roadside breakdown assistance and towing. Enabling customers to get from A to B as quickly and smoothly as possible, these services will initially be available in the 21 following European countries: France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.

Vehicle assistance accounts for a full 40% of AXA Assistance's business worldwide, with some 4 million cases. The company has prepared extensively for the opening of this promising market, both by getting its breakdown assistance partners involved and by adapting the service at its assistance platforms. Working with a specialized international body, AXA has organized dedicated training courses at its assistance platforms and with service providers.

The new market is vital for the image of AXA Assistance at a number of levels. Presence in the emerging, high-potential sector of electric vehicles fully involves the company in a policy of technological innovation and sustainable development at pan-European level.

Customer deliveries of the Alliance's first 100% electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF have begun in December in the United States and Japan to be followed by selected markets in Europe. Renault will launch its first three electric models - Kangoo Express Z.E., Fluence Z.E. and Twizy - in the second half of 2011.

Electric Bluebird to attempt land speed record in 2011

Don Wales - holder of the UK Land Speed Record for an electric car - will attempt to go even faster in a fresh attempt next year.

He will also aim to exceed the land speed record set by his grandfather - Sir Malcolm Campbell - in 1925.

"I have held the record for over 10 years and it's now looking very vulnerable," said Mr Wales. "I want to set the UK record well beyond 150mph, the speed Sir Malcolm clocked in 1925. Ideally I'd like to match his record of 1927 - 175mph."

Don Wales and the Bluebird Electric Team set the current UK electric record of 139mph in August 2000 at Pendine Sands in Wales. Project Director Martin Rees said: "Don's ambition to be the fastest in the world is a goal we are all working hard to achieve and his recent speed record breaking exploits, and those we achieved in the electric Bluebird 10 years ago, are testament to his undoubted dedication and commitment to excellence. Taking the car back to Pendine next Spring with improved drive and bodywork will be another chapter in the Campbell and Wales and Pendine story."

The attempt, at Pendine Sands in Wales (also the venue for Sir Malcolm's successful record attempts in the 1920s) is part of the Campbell family's celebrations of the centenary of Campbell first christening a car Bluebird at the Brooklands racing circuit, in 1911.

Eventually, says Mr Wales, he hopes to go even faster. He plans to attempt a new world land speed record for an electric car with his sights set on 500mph in 2012, and is currently evaluating several design options. His world attempt will take place in a Gulf state or at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the US, where there is a nine-mile course. Pendine offers only four miles, insufficient for an attempt on the world record.

He added: "At last the world is making real progress with electric vehicles as a viable alternative to the internal combustion engine. Ten years ago electric vehicles were unheard of in the news and people couldn't understand the importance of electric car technology. Now there is a whole new generation of electric road cars in production."

Don Wales - the nephew of Donald Campbell - another famous record breaker, appears to have inherited the quest for speed. In May this year he twice broke the world land speed record for a lawnmower, setting it at 87.833mph. He also holds the world record for a steam powered car (148mph) as a member of Charles Burnett III's British Steam car team at Edwards Airforce base, in August 2009.

The World Electric Land Speed Record stands at 321.834 mph set by the same team with the Buckeye Bullet in 2004.


Bluebird

Valeo and BAIC Developed New Electric Demo Car

Valeo and BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation) presented to the Beijing Governor today an electric demo car equipped with a complete Valeo electric powertrain system, demonstrating the Group's expertise in systems that reduce electric vehicles' energy consumption.

By using a synchronous permanent magnet motor with a large operating speed range, Valeo's electric powertrain is able to deliver both good acceleration at low and medium speeds and a high top vehicle speed all with a single gear transmission.

Developed by Valeo and its partners Leroy Somer and GKN, this system includes an electric motor, an inverter, a transmission, a charger, a supervisor and a DC/DC converter.

The partnership between Valeo and BAIC started in early 2010 with the intent to bring an electric vehicle to series production in 2011. This demo car is the first concrete achievement of this partnership.

Jacques Aschenbroich, Valeo's Chief Executive Officer, declared: "The development of this vehicle with our partner BAIC demonstrates Valeo's expertise in powertrain systems designed to reduce vehicle CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency. It also confirms our know-how in electric and hybrid vehicle technology worldwide."

Valeo is an independent industrial Group fully focused on the design, production and sale of components, integrated systems and modules for the automotive industry, mainly for CO2 emissions reduction. Valeo ranks among the world's top automotive suppliers. The Group has 110 plants, 21 Research centers, 40 Development centers, 10 distribution platforms and employs 57,300 people in 27 countries worldwide.

Cadillac working on luxury plug-in hybrid

General Motors has leaked news they are working on a plug-in hybrid crossover utility vehicle based on its Cadillac SRX to Reuters

The new model would share some of the same Voltec technology that GM has developed for the Chevy Volt, which would allow the automaker to reduce the cost of its emerging electric-car offerings, one of the sources said.

The project would mark the first luxury electric car from the top U.S. automaker by volume after it dropped a plan to build the Converj plug-in hybrid, a Cadillac variant of the Volt that GM debuted at the Detroit Auto Show last January.

The current SRX made its debut at the Detroit auto show in 2008 as a concept car that GM said could carry a fuel-cell and electric powertrain in the future.

Lotus and Proton to build Supermini Hybrid City Car in 2013

Lotus, in collaboration with parent company Proton and an undisclosed third automaker, will bring a supermini hybrid car to the Asian and European markets in October 2013, Lotus CEO Dany Bahar has told CAR magazine.

Drawing power from a hybrid system that combines a 53 kilowatt electric motor with the range-extending 1.2-liter three-cylinder flex-fuel (methanol, ethanol and gasoline) motor found in the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept, the Lotus City Car has a claimed top speed of 102 miles per hour and can reportedly reach 60 MPH in 9 seconds flat.

The concept can travel about 39 miles in electric mode only but with the on-board gasoline generator can go an additional 288 miles before refueling is required.

The little concept appeared on the Lotus platform at the recent Paris Auto Show, but was mostly overlooked by the presence of five larger, more exciting sports cars.

Car Magazine

Ford Focus Electric spied

Spies over at Auto express have just captured this Focus Electric mule undergoing testing, and it’s the first we’ve seen that uses the new mkIII Focus bodyshell.

Along with the blanked-off rear bumper, the car features disguises over the area where the fuel filler cap is on both sides, which could mean that the Focus Electric will feature plug sockets on both side of the car, making recharging easier.

Ford began its Focus Electric project with the launch of a number of prototypes based on the current generation car at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Called the Focus BEV, it had boot-mounted 23kWh lithium-ion batteries which powered a 134bhp electric motor. The range is 100 miles and top speed is 85mph.

At this year’s Geneva show, Blue Oval bosses confirmed that the Focus Electric will be based on the new Focus, and will go on sale in the US in 2011, before arriving in the UK in 2012.

Expect the production Focus Electric to feature similar specs to the BEV prototype, which will put it on a par with the Nissan Leaf for range and performance. The electric Ford will join an electric version of the Transit Connect, and is followed by two next-generation petrol hybrid-electric vehicles and a C-MAX plug-in hybrid in 2013.

Honda to Start Electric Vehicle Testing Program in Japan

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its plan to start its Electric Vehicle Testing Program with Saitama Prefecture for its next-generation personal mobility products, including electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric scooters, and electric carts. The specifics of the testing program, testing vehicles, and solar-powered charging stations made their public debut in Japan.

Conducted in real-world urban transportation environments, the program will focus on motorcycles, automobiles and power products based on electromotive technologies. The comprehensive program will also use advanced communications & telematics and solar-powered charging technologies to explore future forms of personal mobility and their potential of CO2 emissions reduction.

Major objectives of the Electric Vehicle Testing Program

• In March 2009, Honda and Saitama Prefecture concluded an agreement to collaborate on environmental issues. Based on this agreement, Honda will start an Electric Vehicle Testing Program in the cities of Saitama, Kumagaya and Chichibu that features advanced electromotive technology and communications & telematics to realize a low-carbon mobility society in the future. The program will study the following:
• The practicality and convenience of electromotive technology featured on next-generation personal mobility products, including Honda's EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the EV-neo electric scooter and the Monpal ML200 4-wheel electric cart.
• The effectiveness of solar power generation and other renewable energy sources in helping to realize a low-carbon mobility society.
• The effectiveness of advanced communications & telematics to enhance customer convenience and product usability.

Based on the results of the program, Honda plans to further advance its electromotive technologies for personal mobility products. In combination with Honda's strong position in solar panels, cogeneration systems and other energy-generating products, these electromotive technologies will help Honda work together with customers to achieve the goal of "Total Energy Management", a system that supplies households and communities with energy for personal use, while supporting a comfortable, low-carbon lifestyle.

Earlier on December 15, 2010, Honda announced this Electric Vehicle Testing Program in the United States (Torrance, California). In addition to Japan and the United States, Honda is considering the possibility of conducting a similar program in China.

Press Release

Nissan LEAF cars connected at all times through Telenor Connexion

Telenor Connexion will enable Nissan LEAF owners to use a mobile phone or PC to check battery status and range, to turn on vehicle's air-conditioning etc. even when their Nissan LEAF is parked and completely switched off. This is the first time connectivity becomes a standard in an electrical car. Nissan LEAF was awarded "European Car of the Year 2011".

Telenor Connexion has been chosen as the European connectivity supplier for Nissan LEAF's "CARWINGS" intelligent transport (IT) system, allowing connection between the electric car's sophisticated onboard transmitting unit and Nissan's CARWINGS Data Center. Thanks to Telenor Connexion, owners of the 100% electric vehicle will have access at all times, both on and off board, to the data and information they need for greater convenience, comfort and peace of mind. Unique features of the Nissan CARWINGS system include electric vehicle battery state monitoring, usage history and air-conditioning remote control. This is made possible by seamless communication between the vehicle and people via mobile networks and PCs.

Telenor Connexion's dedicated telematics solution connects Nissan LEAF's onboard unit to the Nissan CARWINGS Data Center in a private network environment allowing Nissan to deliver a secure and stable product to our customers, says Pierre Loing, Vice president of product strategy and planning at Nissan International SA and head of the company's European zero emission business unit. Nissan International, located in Rolle, Switzerland, is the headquarters of Nissan in Europe.

We are very excited to work with Nissan, who is playing a major role in setting a standard for the whole EV industry. This agreement is the start of what we expect to be a long-term partnership. It is of significant value for Telenor Connexion, but above all it reinforces our position as the leading connectivity supplier in the automotive industry. We already have agreements with major global automotive players such as Volvo Cars, Volvo Trucks, Scania and Daimler, says Per Simonsen, CEO of Telenor Connexion.

Nissan LEAF was awarded "European Car of the Year 2011" and is the world's first mass-production, 100% electric, zero-emission car. The new EV will be on sale in Europe early 2011 with the first deliveries to Portugal, Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands.

Honda Use Toshiba Lithium-Ion Batteries in Test Version of Electric Car

Honda Motor Co. is using lithium-ion batteries made by Toshiba Corp. in a test version of its electric car, expanding upon a supply agreement for electric scooters.

Honda’s joint venture with Kyoto-based GS Yuasa Corp. will supply lithium-ion batteries for its hybrid cars, including a plug-in vehicle, while Toshiba’s packs may be more suitable for all-electric cars, which require more power, Tomohiko Kawanabe, head of Honda’s research and development division, told reporters today in Saitama prefecture, north of Tokyo.

Japan’s second-largest carmaker unveiled the test versions of its electric car and plug-in hybrid today, joining Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. in efforts to meet tighter government emissions rules. Honda has supply agreements with four battery makers, including Panasonic Corp. and its subsidiary Sanyo Electric Co., which make nickel-metal hydride packs for Honda’s current hybrid cars.

Honda’s electric car can go more than 160 kilometers (100 miles) on a single charge, farther than Nissan’s Leaf electric car, Tokyo-based Honda said today. The plug-in hybrid can run 25 kilometers on battery power before the gasoline engine kicks in, about the same as Toyota’s plug-in. The figures are based on Japanese highway testing methods.

The carmaker hasn’t decided whether it will use Toshiba’s batteries for mass production, Kawanabe said. Toshiba already makes lithium-ion batteries for Honda’s EV-neo electric scooter, which it started leasing to corporate customers this month.

The company is also seeking to sell batteries made by Blue Energy Co., the venture with GS Yuasa, to other carmakers to help lower costs, he said.

Nissan, Japan’s third-largest automaker, starts selling its lithium-ion battery-powered Leaf hatchback this month in Japan and the U.S. and will begin selling it in Europe next year. Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn has estimated that electric cars may account for 10 percent of global auto sales by 2020.

Toyota plans to sell a short-distance pure electric car and a plug-in hybrid by 2012.

Sunswift to attempt to break world solar land speed record

Wednesday Test Run from UNSW Solar Racing Team on Vimeo.


The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sunswift Solar Racing Team will attempt to break the world land speed record for a solar car next month.

The team's solar car, affectionately known IVy, is a $280,000 three-wheeled, hand-built, carbon-fibre machine which can reach a top speed of 115 km/h using just 1300 W, the same amount of power it takes to toast two slices of bread.

With nothing more than solar energy from photovoltaic cells (no additional power from a battery), the team expects the car to hit at least 90km/h, which would break the record by 11km/h.

At a recent test run at the Western Sydney International Dragway at Eastern Creek earlier this month Business team leader and driver Kristen Casalenuovo said the attempt would show just how quickly solar innovations are progressing.

"A lot of the things created within solar have been adopted with electric cars seen on the road," the photovoltaics PhD student said.

A Guinness World Book of Records official will attend the attempt at an airstrip at the HMAS Albatross near Nowra on the southern NSW coast.

The team’s world record attempt looks promising after they recorded a top speed of 115km/h during the 3000km Global Green Challenge from Darwin to Adelaide.

The Sunswift team need perfect conditions with no wind or clouds so the panels can generate maximum possible energy from the sun with minimal aerodynamic resistance.

Sunswift

Intense demand for GM's Volt proves free market can drive new auto era

Last week, a Volt donated by GM to a Detroit Public Schools science program garnered $225,000 at auction. That's Rolls Royce territory. Just a few years ago, a previous generation Cadillac failed to recapture its sticker price when auctioned off at a local charity ball.

General Motors has a smoking red-hot winner on its hands with the Chevy Volt. The extended-range electric vehicle is sending shock waves through the car-buying market. Already, 250,000 potential buyers have expressed interest in the first 10,000 Volts GM plans to build in the next year. Some dealers have so many customers beating on the doors they plan to add a premium on to the sticker price.

There's opportunity here for GM beyond the initial sales. It can use the intense demand for the Volt to shake off any remaining Government Motors threads from its image.

Anticipating that the price of such vehicles would be prohibitive because of technology costs, the federal government and many states, including Michigan, offered subsidies to buyers that amount to roughly $7,500. That takes the Volt's sticker to the $35,000 range.

It's obvious now that the high price tag isn't a deterrent to sales, and that would-be buyers don't think $42,000 is out of range. The premiums being tacked on by some dealers bring the out-the-door cost of the Volt closer to the original price point, and still buyers are lining up.

GM has proven it can build an electric car that excites the market. And consumers are showing they are willing to pay a very rich price for the opportunity to drive that vehicle. It's the law of supply and demand at its finest.

General Motors has done a remarkably good job of opening this new era of the automobile industry. With the reception the Volt is receiving, everyone should be confident that the free market can sustain it.

NASA Looking at Electric Railgun / Scramjet Launcher to replace Shuttle

Last week saw Navy researchers set a new world record with a test firing of a new 33 Megajoule railgun. Turns out NASA are also seriously considering a railgun to replace conventional rockets but in their case it would be 5x more powerful and two miles long.

An early proposal has emerged that calls for a wedge-shaped aircraft with scramjets to be launched horizontally on an electrified track. The aircraft would fly up to Mach 10, using the scramjets and wings to lift it to the upper reaches of the atmosphere where a small payload canister or capsule similar to a rocket's second stage would fire off the back of the aircraft and into orbit. The aircraft would come back and land on a runway by the launch site.

How To Fly Into Orbit:


Rev Up The Rail Gun
A 240,000-horsepower linear motor converts 180 megawatts into an electromagnetic force that propels a scramjet carrying a spacecraft down a two-mile-long track. The craft accelerates from 0 to 1,100 mph (Mach 1.5) in under 60 seconds- fast, but at less than 3 Gs, safe for manned flight.

Fire The Scramjet
The pilot fires a high-speed turbojet and launches from the track. Once the craft hits Mach 4, the air flowing through the jet intake is fast enough that it compresses, heats to 3,000ºF, and ignites hydrogen in the combustion chamber, producing tens of thousands of pounds of thrust.

Get Into Orbit

At an altitude of 200,000 feet, there isn't enough air for the scramjet, now traveling at Mach 10, to generate thrust. Here spaceflight begins. The two craft separate, and the scramjet pitches downward to get out of the way as the upper spacecraft fires tail rockets that shoot it into orbit.

Stick The Landing
The scramjet slows and uses its turbojets to fly back to Earth for a runway landing. Once the spacecraft delivers its payload into orbit, it reenters the atmosphere and glides back to the launch site. The two craft can be ready for another mission within 24 hours of landing.

"All of these are technology components that have already been developed or studied," NASA says. "We're just proposing to mature these technologies to a useful level, well past the level they've already been taken."

For example, electric tracks catapult rollercoaster riders daily at theme parks. But those tracks call for speeds of a relatively modest 60 mph -- enough to thrill riders, but not nearly fast enough to launch something into space. The launcher would need to reach at least 10 times that speed over the course of two miles in Starr's proposal.

The good news is that NASA and universities already have done significant research in the field, including small-scale tracks at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., and at Kennedy.

The Navy also has designed a similar catapult system for its aircraft carriers. The EMALS Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, which uses a linear electromagnetic accelerator motor, will replace the current C-13 steam catapults in the new USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) currently under construction.

As far as the aircraft that would launch on the rail, there already are real-world tests for designers to draw on. The X-43A, or Hyper-X program, and X-51 have shown that scramjets will work and can achieve remarkable speeds.

BYD Launch Electric Vehicle Testing Program in LA

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) and BYD Motors Inc. announced the launch of a break-through electric vehicle fleet today. The agreement was signed and BYD vehicles were put into service at HACLA Offices, 2600 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles.

"The BYD 'Dual-Mode' vehicles resolve any 'range anxiety' that consumers might have driving an all-electric vehicle. The F3DM can be treated as an all-electric because gasoline is never required – users can drive all-electric all the time"

"We are ecstatic to partner with BYD to test this fantastic EV fleet technology – not only will these electric vehicles reduce fuel costs significantly, but it will reduce direct-emissions by almost 37 lbs of CO2 per car, traveling less than 40 miles per day!" said HACLA President and CEO, Rudolf C. Montiel. "With BYD's technology, I believe we will accomplish great things for the environment and demonstrate the lowest-cost fleet program in the United States."

The F3DM (Dual Mode) sedans used in HACLA fleets can travel by electricity for 40 to 60 miles. An important attribute of the Dual-Mode vehicle is that the users have the ability to manually switch the vehicle to stay in all-electric vehicle or "EV mode" just like a conventional battery-electric vehicles (BEV) throughout the life of the car. However, if there is a requirement to go farther than 60 miles in a given day, the vehicle can be manually switched to plug-in-hybrid electric or "PHEV mode", where a 1.0L gasoline engine can be engaged to extend the range another 300+ miles while charging the batteries. "The BYD 'Dual-Mode' vehicles resolve any 'range anxiety' that consumers might have driving an all-electric vehicle. The F3DM can be treated as an all-electric because gasoline is never required – users can drive all-electric all the time," stated Micheal Austin, Vice President of BYD America.

"As a leader in the affordable housing industry, HACLA continues to implement innovative technology to reduce cost as a sustainable solution to helping the environment," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "I commend HACLA and hope that its example will lead others to make environmentally conscious decisions."

The F3DM comes with an onboard overnight-charger which charges vehicles in less than 7 hours, allowing HACLA to simply install standard 220VAC outlets as you would for a home clothes dryer in their EV fleet parking areas. "Part of the appeal of this EV is the fact that we don't need any special EV charging pedestals or equipment to charge, its all standard – that kept our initial launch costs in control and shortened our pay-back times," said Mr. Montiel. BYD is also in discussions with HACLA to integrate solar power to charge an Energy Storage Station (ESS) during the day that could then discharge later during the EV fleet charging hours.

"BYD is pleased to partner with HACLA and Rudolf Montiel to integrate EVs and potentially renewable energy to charge them – he is a visionary leader and a great friend to City of LA and to the environment," said Mr. Austin.

"The HACLA is the second largest authority of its kind in the United States, serving more than 100,000 residents, and takes seriously its obligation of leadership both environmentally and fiscally" said Mr. Montiel. "This test partnership demonstrates our strong commitment to reducing the City's carbon footprint and HACLA's cost."

Formula One to put more green into racing

Whatever the color of the car, from Fernando Alonso's red Ferrari to Michael Schumacher's silver Mercedes, Formula One is picking up speed toward a greener future.

While the lifting of a ban on 'team orders' made the headlines, the more momentous news emerging from a meeting of the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) in Monaco last week was to do with future engine rules.

The FIA announced that from 2013, engines would be reduced from the current 2.4-liter V8s to four-cylinder 1.6-liter turbocharged units with a rev limit of 12,000rpm and linked to hybrid kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS).

The switch, it said, underlined "a commitment to improving sustainability and addressing the needs of the automotive industry."

It also re-positions the sport in a much more environmentally-friendly arena with the engines, whose development cost has been put at around $150 million, consuming at least 35 percent less fuel.

"Formula One has had a hard look at itself and said 'We've got to be more relevant'," Team Lotus owner Tony Fernandes, whose cars are already painted green, told Reuters in an interview at the weekend.

"I think with this new engine technology we become much, much more relevant.

"I think it's a fantastic time. I think it's great that Formula One is now going to be a driver and a leader in terms of environmental technology," added the Malaysian aviation entrepreneur.

"Thirty-five percent less fuel is amazing. Imagine what that would do to the world if the technology being used in Formula One can be brought to all cars and reduce fuel consumption by 35 percent."

FAMILY RUNABOUT

Those thinking that their regular 1,600cc family runabout has as much, if not more, poke should think again.

According to independent engine maker Cosworth, the combination of the turbo engine and hybrid systems will produce more than 700bhp and deliver the same speeds as at present.

With low drag setup, lap times could even be quicker. And all with far less of a thirst for fuel.

Put in ordinary motoring terms, the 35 percent saving should translate into a reduction of 85-90 liters of fuel per car per race.

"If you think that the average road car has a 70-75 liter fuel tank, then more than a tank of fuel is not going to be used. It's massive," Cosworth F1 head Mark Gallagher told Reuters.

The engines will sound very different -- a big consideration to petrol heads who treat the high-pitched scream of a V8 at full throttle with the same rapt reverence as a classical music devotee listening to the Vienna Philharmonic.

However, as Gallagher pointed out, the twin turbo cars used by drivers such as Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna in the early 1990s also produced only 12,000 rpm, and that period is regarded with considerable nostalgia.

The changes are all part of FIA president and former Ferrari team boss Jean Todt's determination to move Formula One far from the old image of a gas-guzzling, cash-burning, fossil-fuel-dependent sport that cared little for its surroundings.

Plenty has been done already by individual teams in the last few years.

McLaren announced this week that they had become the first Formula One team to earn Carbon Trust certification for achieving annual savings of more than 1,500 tonnes of C02 emissions.

Gallagher said Cosworth had bought five sets of equipment so that they could use less polluting but slower sea freight rather than air transport. Teams have also agreed to reduce the number of staff attending races.

Todt's mission is to speed up things globally.

"I feel sometimes the motorsport community has not yet completely understood that the times are changing," he said back in October.

"If you are looking at what is happening at the Paris motor show, there are a lot of electric, hybrid, hydrogen cars and I really feel that racing must be a display for all those technologies.

"And it will probably encourage manufacturers either to stay, join or come back," he said.

MANUFACTURER INTEREST

Honda, Toyota and BMW have all left Formula One in recent years for cost and strategic reasons but the engine changes could revive the sport's allure for manufacturers and sponsors alike.

Volkswagen, whose Audi brand has long been courted by F1, have already made encouraging noises after being involved as outsiders in drawing up the new engine specification.

"The conditions for a possible entrance of the Volkswagen group have been created," the company's motorsport head Hans-Joachim Stuck told German media, while adding that nothing was decided yet.

KERS, tried out in 2009 but dropped by all the teams for this season as part of cost-saving measures, will be back next year and is here to stay.

"I think in a second iteration it will be quite a lot better," said Williams co-owner Patrick Head.

"One can say 'isn't it just a load of bullshit?' and 'is it really appropriate for Formula One?'. But tell me one motoring magazine now that isn't full of all the electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles."

Gallagher agreed all the changes in the pipeline would help to shift the sport into a better place.

"There is more fuel burned by spectators attending the Tour de France (cycle race) than in the entire Formula One world championship," he said.

"Formula One has an unfair image of gas-guzzling and this new technology absolutely nails that criticism."

Reuters