Peugeot EX1 sets electric car record on the Nürburgring

EX1 concept racer took just over 9 minutes to lap the 20.8 km track of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife

The Peugeot EX1 Concept has set a new record for an electric car on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

Driver Stéphane Caillet took just 9:01.338 seconds to lap the electric racer around the 20.8 km (12 mile) Nordschleife track. The car clocked an average speed of 138,324 km/h (85.9 mph) on the run.

The feat beats the previous record for an electric vehicle on the Nordschleife track by over 50 seconds.

For comparison, the record for fastest four-door production saloon around the Nurburgring, a 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX driven by Tommi Mäkinen, set a time of 7 minutes and 55 seconds.

Peugeot is promising photos and a video will be available soon, so stay tuned.

BYD Announces EV Fleet Results at Anniversary of Green-Taxi Project

Today marks the one year anniversary of the world’s largest all-electric vehicle Taxi fleet, manufactured by BYD. In conjunction with this anniversary, BYD announced results of several of its electric vehicle pilots – the F3DM, e6 and eBUS-12 which are in fleet testing across the world. Fifty of BYD’s e6, five-seat crossover vehicles, each with a range of over 160 miles (up to 300 Km) and a top speed of 88 mph (140km/h), have been in service at Shenzhen-based Pengcheng Electric Taxi Company since April 29, 2010.

The Shenzhen e6 Taxi fleet has now accumulated ~1,730,000 all-electric miles (or 2.77 million kilometers). The distance traveled for single fleet vehicles has reached ~63,000 miles each (>100,000 km). “This fleet of 50 e6 taxis has survived the very harsh operating conditions of hot Shenzhen summers and a very cold winter this year, and drivers and passengers alike have been extremely satisfied with their ride experience,” according to Stella Li, Senior Vice President. 250 more eTaxis are being delivered to the International University in Shenzhen before August this year. According to collected data, the per-car-fuel-savings is over $1167 per-Taxi-per-month (driving an average of 400Km per day). BYD’s all-electric Taxis are expected to help Shenzhen avoid about 133 lbs (or 60.4Kg) of carbon-dioxide pollution per day per Taxi. This is an equivalent of 2,425,060 lbs (or 1.1M kg) of carbon-dioxide pollution saved by this fleet in the first year.

The most important finding in the e6 fleet testing was that there has been no noticeable energy drop – both driving range and battery performance has been stable in rapid-charging conditions over the 1.73M miles tested – a breakthrough in EV rapid-charging. BYD has been challenged by the media about its claims of long-range electric vehicles and superior battery longevity in rapid-charging regimes since launching its first dual-mode, electric and plug-in-hybrid electric vehicles in December 2008. With the results of the e6 fleet, which was continuously rapid charged in 20- 30 minutes, BYD now has a proven track record for its Iron-Phosphate battery technology. The data is there to show vehicle charging efficiencies, consumption efficiencies, and EV ranges over time-- all with rapid-charging regimes.

BYD also reported on its F3DM fleet which BYD launched in its first US tests at the Housing Authority of Los Angeles (HACLA). The F3DM can travel over 40 miles all-electric but can be engaged to act as a Hybrid-Electric (HEV) to extend its range up to 300 miles. The HACLA fleet has now accumulated ~10,430 miles all-electric and 14,430 total miles (4,000 fuel-driven miles when extended range was necessary). The fleet is achieving an equivalent of 88 mpg and BYD estimates the per-car-savings---even netting out EV charging and electricity costs-- is ~70%. BYD’s dual-mode cars are expected to save HACLA about 37 lbs of carbon-dioxide per-day-per-auto when driven to the EV range.

In China, BYD launched an all-electric bus fleet with the eBUS-12 (click for video link) in Shenzhen and Changsha, China in January 2011. These fleets have already accumulated 28,802 all-electric miles (46,380 Km) while undergoing a 3-hour-charge of the 324 Kwh FE battery. An example of the per-eBUS-savings for Shenzhen’s Bus Line 202 (driving only 200Km per day) is about $2833 monthly per eBUS. 300 more buses will be delivered to Shenzhen in August of this year. BYD’s all-electric eBUSes save about 708 lbs (or 322Kg) in carbon-dioxide emissions per eBUS per day.

In total, BYD EVs have accumulated over 1.769 million all-electric miles and have seen no diminished range or capacity due to rapid-charging. BYD vehicles are estimated to have already saved $360,000 in fuel costs and over 2.776 million lbs of carbon-dioxide. BYD launched consumer sales of the F3DM in September 2010 and anticipates very good demand for the BYD e6 and all electric vehicles in China, fueled in part by government incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles. “Consumers that purchase pure electric vehicles will also enjoy the special privilege of "license-plate-lottery-free, no traffic restrictions and tax-free exemptions (paid by the government)."

JD Power Sees 4X Growth in Green Car Market by 2016

The J.D. Power and Associates 2011 US Green Automotive Study indicates major growth in consumer interest in green cars—including hybrids, clean diesel, plug-in hybrids and pure electric cars. The market research firm expects as much as 10 percent of sales to come from vehicles with these fuel-efficient technologies by 2016. That would represent a four-fold increase in the sales numbers for green cars compared to 2010.

J.D. Power’s primary research included a study of more than 4,000 consumers who indicate they will be in the market for a new vehicle within the next one to five years. The study was fielded in February 2011, prior to the steepest rise in gas prices this year—which has increased interest in fuel-efficient alternatives.

Interest in the alternatives is unequivocal. More than half of the respondents said they would either definitely or probably consider a hybrid gas-electric car. Approximately one in three said the same for a diesel engine or plug-in hybrid car. There was similar high interest in battery electric vehicles, with more than one in four participants saying they would either definitely or probably consider an EV.

Carmakers appear ready to supply the growing demand. By the end of 2016, J.D. Power and Associates expects there will be 159 hybrid and electric vehicle models available for purchase in the US market—a significant increase from 31 hybrid and electric models in 2009.

The J.D. Power press release states, “Overall, the study reveals interest in alternative powertrain vehicles among a majority of consumers, with perceptions of green vehicles being largely positive.”

The study also states that improvements in the technology, improved infrastructure (for electric cars) and reduced costs—all anticipated in the near future—will help to overcome any obstacles and myths about these technologies.

“It is the financial issues that most often resonate with consumers, whether it is the higher price of the vehicle itself, the cost to fuel or charge the vehicle, or the fear of higher maintenance costs,” said Mike VanNieuwkuyk, executive director of global vehicle research at J.D. Power and Associates. Yet, public education campaigns and other efforts to familiarize consumers could help inform them that the upfront costs of the most fuel-efficient green vehicles are recouped in fuel-saving during the first few years of ownership.

Other respondents expressed concern about increased maintenance costs and compromised vehicle performance of electric-drive and diesel vehicles—apparently not realizing that many of these cars have faster acceleration than conventional models, while offering reduced maintenance costs on many components.

The study revealed growing recognition about how these vehicles can reduce the sting at the gas pumps. For example, 75 percent of consumers who indicate they would consider a hybrid electric vehicle cite lower fuel costs as a main benefit. In contrast, 50 percent cite “better for the environment” as the reason to buy a hybrid.

Exxon make $5M/hr profit yet still qualify for US Gov subsidies [video]

Rachel Maddow Wants You To Know Just How Profitable Oil Is

Mitsubishi keen on F1-style electric car series

Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi has revealed its interest in F1 governing body the FIA’s plans to create a global racing series for electric cars.

Recent reports said FIA president Jean Todt, who thinks the new category can be set up for 2013 and be run on formula one circuits, has been asked to create the series by the European Commission.

There is some resistance within F1 to the sport’s own greener initiatives including smaller engines and hybrid technology, but Japan Today quoted president Osamu Masuko as saying Mitsubishi Motors is “very interested” in the electric series.

“Our employees are saying that we should definitely do it,” he added.

“The development costs for electric vehicles seem much lower than for gasoline cars and it would also contribute to the technological development of cars that are already on the market,” said Masuko.

Mitsubishi’s motor sport heritage has been predominantly in rallying, but it withdrew from its main focus – the off-road Dakar rally – two years ago.

Said Masuko: “I’m said to be unenthusiastic about motor sports but with electric vehicles, I want to promote them.”

Age of cheap fuel is over: IEA

One major indicator of inflation is the price of petrol and the latest information from the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows it will only get more expensive.

Oil is deeply embedded in the economy, with the cost reflected not only at the petrol bowser but in food and clothing products.

The IEA is an independent, multi-government agency formed out of the wake of the 1973 oil crisis. It forecasts oil production, monitors the international oil market and other energy sectors.

Only five years ago it confidently stated that oil production was set to rise to 120 million barrels a day by 2030.

But IEA chief economist Fatih Birol says the world's crude oil production peaked in 2006.

He says oil prices are likely to rise 30 per cent over the next three years.

"The existing fields are declining so sharply that in order to stay where we are in terms of production levels in the next 25 years, we have to find and develop four new Saudi Arabias," he said.

"It is a huge, huge challenge that we continue to underline."

Dr Birol says although peak crude oil production is already behind us, liquid natural gases may provide a viable alternative.

But he says one of the conclusions the IEA has come to is that the age of cheap oil is over. At the height of the global financial crisis in 2008, oil spiked to $148 a barrel.

Dr Birol says the impact of both a financial crisis in Europe and global instability in oil-rich regions means crude oil will only get more expensive.

"The amount of increase in the oil input bill in Europe is equal to the government budget deficit of Greece plus Portugal put together," he said.

"It is only the increase value of $90. If it increases further ... we believe [it] will increase at least 20, 30 per cent higher in the next few years to come and this would mean additional pressure on the financing of many governments who are the oil importers."

Dr Birol says the oil reserves might be there but the access is not.

He also says it could be in the best interest of producers if crude oil is not always flooding the market.

"The producers, intentionally or unintentionally, may not bring the oil under the reserves to the markets," he said.

"For some producers, it is better that oil doesn't come to market so they would like to see perhaps higher prices as a result of tightness in the markets."

The IEA says governments around the world need to rethink their reliance on oil.

Luxgen's Neora EV sedan concept unveiled @ Shanghai Auto Show

Taiwan’s first and only domestic car brand, Luxgen, used the Auto Shanghai show to premiere its electric-powered Neora four-door premium sedan concept, featuring sprightly acceleration and a 400km battery range.

Luxgen says the Neora weighs 1600kg (slightly more than a Nissan Leaf), and that its 48kWh lithium-ion battery pack – twice the size of the Leaf’s – enables a claimed maximum range of 400km from a full charge, comfortably beating the Leaf’s 160km.

The Taiwanese brand says the Neora’s batteries can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in one hour. The Leaf’s smaller battery takes 26 minutes on fast-charge or eight hours from a household outlet.

The Neora’s 180kW electric induction motor sends 100kW more power to the front wheels than a Leaf does. As a result, Luxgen says its electric sedan concept can achieve the sprint from rest to 100km/h in a Golf GTI-shaming 6.5 seconds, topping out at 250km/h – matching the electronically-limited top speed of many high-performance European cars.

The Neora’s design, with its front-end reminiscent of what a car customiser might do to a Honda Insight, and its side profile dropping hints of Hyundai i45, is said to incorporate design cues that signal the future styling direction of Luxgen products.

What appears to be a big front grille is just for show as Luxgen claims the Neora’s “minimum intake area decreases the drag coefficient and achieves both aesthetics and efficiency”.

Look beyond the fancy lighting effects of the Neora’s exterior and you see a thinly-disguised concept car that looks close to production. The same goes for the interior – for all its translucent surfaces and blue lighting, it looks realistic, especially when one considers that the interior of Luxgen’s existing product line-up are adorned with multiple screens and high-tech gadgets.

Like the new Mercedes SLK, the Neora’s panoramic glass sunroof uses polymer dispersed liquid crystals to electronically vary the amount of light entering the cabin and a fully-digital LED instrument panel is complemented by a head-up display and nine-inch colour screen for the infotainment system.

In keeping with the eco-friendly powertrain, the Neora’s interior features recycled wood and the leather upholstery is finished in “earth tone colours”. Other interior materials originate from unprocessed raw materials in their natural colour.

Luxgen says: “A natural pure innocence is expressed through the interior design. While using the eco-friendly trims, the combination of the materials and colours carries a clean green future, to which Luxgen and Neora are both committed.”

If Luxgen can bring its performance and battery range claims for the Neora concept to reality in a conventional sedan-shaped car, it will represent a significant step forward in the challenge to bring electric vehicles into the mainstream.

Luxgen was established in 2008, with its first launch outside Taiwan at the Dubai motor show in December 2009. The brand’s first model was a luxury people-mover named the Luxgen7 MPV, which was later joined by the Luxgen7 SUV.

The Taiwanese brand later launched what it claimed to be the world’s first seven-seat electric vehicle, the MPV EV+, which offered the same 180kW peak power output as the Neora concept but with a battery range of 300km – at a constant 40km/h.

F1 Teams using ‘kickdown’ to trigger KERS

Four teams are using an innovative method to maximise the driver’s ability to efficiently deploy KERS in 2011.

That is the claim of Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport, describing the novel method as ‘kickdown’.
‘Kickdown‘ refers to the additional pressure that a driver must deploy beyond full throttle to activate the KERS power-boost.

It means the driver, who is already at full throttle when he needs to use KERS, must do nothing other than press even harder on the right-foot pedal to trigger the energy-recovery system.
Nick Heidfeld confirmed that he made the ‘kickdown’ suggestion for KERS when he joined Renault this season.

“I had the idea to use kickdown when we had traction control,” the German is also quoted as saying. “We did that at BMW.”

Another clever innovation in 2011 is in the Mercedes footwell, where Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg rest their foot on a third pedal to the left of the brake to activate the DRS rear wing.

Toyota and WiTricity Form Wireless Battery-charging Alliance

Toyota has entered into a technological collaboration agreement with Massachusetts, United States based WiTricity Corporation* concerning the practical application of automotive wireless charging systems and the promotion of their widespread use. TMC plans to participate in a WiTricity capital increase.

WiTricity's charging technology uses resonance, which allows charging without direct contact and is more efficient than electromagnetic-induction, another wireless technology—but one that requires contact—that is starting to come of age in mobile phone and other chargers. TMC believes that resonance wireless charging is suitable for automobiles and aims for its early practical use.

The collaboration is aimed to accelerate development and eventual implementation of wireless charging for automobiles. The charging of a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle could be as simple and convenient as parking near an embedded charger at a home or in a parking facility.

In the Toyota Global Vision announced in March, TMC expressed its commitment to leading the way to the future of mobility by integrating automobiles, homes and information technology. Wireless charging is just one of the many technologies TMC seeks to develop for the future.

WiTricity

Nissan Leaf Entered in 2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

With electric automobiles popping up like dandelions across the landscape of American driving, it's no surprise that they will be part of the field at the 89th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 26.

The latest entrant in the Electric Division is professional racer Chad Hord (Felch, Michigan), who will be driving a stock 2011 Nissan Leaf at Pikes Peak, with its high response 110 hp, 80kW AC synchronous electric motor capable of delivering speeds as much as 90 miles per hour.

The all-electric Nissan Leaf was named the 2011 World Car of The Year at the New York Auto Show on Thursday last week.

The Leaf, which went on sale in the United States in December and is also available in Japan and Europe, beat the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8 for the top spot.

Hord's competition on the mountain this year is the returning Electric champion, Ikuo Hanawa of Japan, who will drive his Concept two-wheel drive 2010 Custom Summit HER-02 model again this summer.

His Yokohama tire equipped EV won the Electric Exhibition class with a time of 13:17:575, a 93-second improvement over its time from 2009. That mark shattered the previous Pikes Peak EV record, set by Jeri Unser in 2003, by 65 seconds.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which began in 1916, is America's second oldest motor sports race behind the Indy 500. The race is staged on a 12.42 mile course with 156 turns. It begins at 9,390 feet and ends at the famous mountain's 14,110 foot summit above Colorado Springs.

Chevy Volt & Nissan Leaf earn top ratings in crash tests [video]

The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf earn the highest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the first-ever U.S. crash test evaluations of plug-in electric cars. The milestone demonstrates that automakers are using the same safety engineering in new electric cars as they do in gasoline-powered vehicles.

The Volt and Leaf earn the top rating of good for front, side, rear, and rollover crash protection. With standard electronic stability control, they qualify as winners of TOP SAFETY PICK, the Institute's award for state-of-the-art crash protection. The ratings help consumers pick vehicles that offer a higher level of protection than federal safety standards require.

The addition of the 2 electric cars brings to 80 the number of award winners so far for 2011, including 7 hybrid models. That lifts General Motors' current model tally to 12 and Nissan's to 3.

"What powers the wheels is different, but the level of safety for the Volt and Leaf is as high as any of our other top crash test performers," says Joe Nolan, the Institute's chief administrative officer.

The dual-power Volt and all-electric Leaf not only surpass benchmarks for protecting occupants in crashes but also exceed current fuel efficiency and emissions standards. Both models are brand new for 2011. The Volt is a plug-in battery/gasoline hybrid that can run in electric-only mode with a range of about 35 miles on a single charge. A gasoline engine kicks in to power the electric motor when the battery is spent. The Leaf runs on battery power alone and has an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated average range of about 73 miles on a single charge

"The way an electric or hybrid model earns top crash test ratings is the same way any other car does," Nolan says. "Its structure must manage crash damage so the occupant compartment stays intact and the safety belts and airbags keep people from hitting hard surfaces in and out of the vehicle."

The Volt and Leaf are the first mainstream electric cars the Institute has tested. Last year engineers put 2 low-speed electric vehicles through side barrier tests for research purposes. Results for the GEM e2 and Wheego Whip were starkly different from results for the Volt and Leaf. Crash test dummies in the GEM and Wheego recorded data suggesting severe or fatal injuries to real drivers. The GEM and Whip belong to a class of golf cart-like vehicles that aren't required to meet the same federal safety standards as passenger vehicles. Although growing in popularity, these tiny electrics aren't designed to mix with regular traffic.

"Eco-minded drivers keen on switching to electric would do well to buy a Leaf or Volt for highway driving instead of a low-speed vehicle if they're at all concerned about being protected in a crash," Nolan says.

Small but safe: The Volt and Leaf are classified as small cars, with their overall length, width, and passenger capacity in line with their peers. But their hefty battery packs put their curb weights closer to midsize and larger cars. The Leaf weighs about 3,370 pounds and the Volt about 3,760 pounds. This compares to about 3,200 pounds for Nissan's Altima, a midsize car, and about 3,580 pounds for Chevrolet's Impala, a large family car. Larger, heavier vehicles generally do a better job of protecting people in serious crashes than smaller, lighter ones because both size and weight influence crashworthiness.

For years the debate over fuel economy has been about making cars smaller and lighter, changes that could put people at greater risk of dying or being injured in crashes. The Institute long has maintained that advanced technology is key to improving fuel efficiency without downgrading safety.

"The Leaf and Volt's extra mass gives them a safety advantage over other small cars," Nolan says. "These electric models are a win-win for fuel economy and safety."

About the award: The Institute awarded the first TOP SAFETY PICK to 2006 models with good ratings for front and side protection and acceptable for rear protection. The bar was raised the next year by requiring a good rear rating and electronic stability control as standard or optional equipment. Last year, the Institute added a requirement that all qualifiers earn a good rating in a roof strength test to assess rollover crash protection. The ratings now cover the 4 most common kinds of injury crashes.

Most U.S. Consumers Want to Buy an Electric Vehicle

Plug-in electric vehicles may just be entering the market, but most U.S. consumers are ready to buy them. E Source recently analyzed data from the Nielsen Energy Survey and found that 85 percent of U.S. consumers say they would purchase a battery-driven car either right away (3 percent), when their current car needed replacement (57 percent), or when the technology is proven and it becomes more mainstream (25 percent). The caveat is that consumers strongly prefer (58 percent) plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) versions such as the Chevrolet Volt.

PHEVs have greater range than electric-only cars like the Nissan Leaf and only 8 percent of consumers prefer them. "We are seeing a substantial willingness for drivers to move to plug-in electric vehicles, but only if the manufacturers can provide the easy extended range of travel that Americans are used to," says Bill LeBlanc, senior advisor at E Source.

E Source also reports that younger drivers are more willing than older drivers to purchase the electric-only cars, and people who describe themselves as liberals are similarly more inclined to desire the all-electric cars than those classified as conservatives. "We see that all ages and all political mindsets like the plug-in hybrid vehicles equally," says LeBlanc. "But when it comes to the all-electric car, it appears to be seen as more of a 'green' purchase, rather than as a practical upgrade to a more-efficient vehicle."

Another factor that E Source looked at was how far people drive each day and how that affects their desire for a plug-in electric vehicle. Daily driving habits don't seem to affect desire for the all-electric vehicle; however, desire for the PHEV grows as people spend more time in their cars. "Overall, the survey supports the existence of a huge untapped market for electric vehicles that can be charged at night at home. People seem very ready to move to the next generation of cars and dramatically decrease the frequency of their visits to the gas station," reports LeBlanc.

The E Source study examined other variables, including home ownership, type of home, household size, annual income, gender, age, marital status, and ethnicity. More information about the study can be found:

Source: E Source

Mitsubishi selects State of Hawaii for electric vehicle launch

Mitsubishi Motors has selected Hawaii to be the first state to receive the North American version of the company's 100% electric-powered Mitsubishi i production vehicle beginning in November 2011.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the base ES model of the new Mitsubishi i electric vehicle is $27,990 in Hawaii.

Beginning April 22, 2011 Hawaiian consumers will be able to reserve their own Mitsubishi i with a fully-refundable deposit of only $299 at the website i.MitsubishiCars.com.

Mitsubishi anticipates deliveries of the five-door 2012 Mitsubishi i to its dealership network in the western US, specifically Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington, in November 2011, with entry into the northeastern market to follow by March 2012 and availability across US by the end of 2012.

"We thank Mitsubishi Motors for choosing Hawaii as one of the first states to receive the new "i" electric car. Electric vehicles use a fraction of the fuel needed by traditional cars, so each EV on the road means we're reducing our dependence on imported oil and increasing our ability to reach Hawaii's goal of 70 percent clean energy within a generation," said Estrella Seese, Acting Energy Program Administrator, Hawaii State Energy Office.

World's First Electric Street-Bodied Car to Break into the 9's [video]

Oliver Young made it into electric drag racing history today at Santa Pod Raceway in the UK with his electric VW bug, "Black Current." Olly piloted the Black Current to a 9.82 @ 133 mph run at 10:15 GMT followed by a 9.51 time at 135.65 mph at 13:52 GMT.

This makes the speedy electric bug the "World's First Street-Bodied Electric Car" to break into the 9's. A significant historic event for EVs and electric drag racing history. Congratulations to Olly and his work on Black Current! We'll have more details as they become available.

This time last year, Black Current, with Sam Young at the wheel made it into the NEDRA 100 mph Club with a speed of 112.48 mph.

Check out the above video of Black Current in 2010.

Volt Owners Go 1,000 Miles Between Fill-Ups

Chevrolet Volt owners made fewer trips to the gas station in March, going an average of 30 days – or nearly a month – between fill-ups. In fact, some Volt owners say they are challenging themselves to see how fuel-efficient they can be by tracking how far and how long they can go without buying gasoline.

“Volt owners drove an average of 800 miles between fill-ups since the Volt launched in December, and in March they averaged 1,000 miles,” said Cristi Landy, Volt marketing director. “When the majority of miles driven are electrically, gas usage decreases significantly.”

“I am surprised how infrequently I go to the gas station. It’s become a game to achieve as many miles as I can in EV mode,” said Steve Wojtanek, a Volt buyer in Boca Raton, Fla. “I have made it my goal to drive as efficiently as possible and I am seeing the results, with more than 3,417 miles under my belt – of which 2,225 are EV miles.” A Volt owner since December, Wojtanek is averaging 122 miles per gallon and visiting the gas station about once a month.

“On April 11, I had to buy gas for the first time since filling up on Jan. 9,” said Volt owner Gary Davis of Greenville, S.C. “In my Volt I’ve driven 4,600 miles on 8.4 gallons of gas. That’s an impressive 547 mpg that I am achieving with my Volt.”

“Today in the U.S., 80 percent of drivers commute fewer than 40 miles a day, making the Chevy Volt a great daily driver,” said Landy. “We’re hearing from customers like Steve Wojtanek and Gary Davis, who are seeing great daily results.”

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended-range capability. On a fully charged battery and tank of gas, the Volt has a total driving range of up to 379 miles. Because the Volt can use gasoline to create its own electricity in extended-range mode, long trips are possible. Typical electric driving range is 25-50 miles depending on temperature, terrain, driving technique and battery age. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine-generator seamlessly engages to extend the driving range until the vehicle can be recharged.

Nissan Leaf Is World Car Of The Year

The all-electric Nissan Leaf has been named World Car of the Year 2011 in a ceremony at the New York International Auto Show. The jurors noted that it was "the world's first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car", and added, "The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter."

A panel of 66 automotive journalists from 24 countries named the Leaf the best thing on four wheels, choosing it over 39 other automobiles from around the world. The jurors called it “the gateway to a brave new electric world.”

The Leaf's closest rivals for the title were the Audi A8 and BMW 5-Series. Previous winners of the award are the Volkswagen Polo, Volkswagen Golf, Mazda2, Lexus LS 460, BMW 3-Series and Audi A6.

This award validates EV technology. There are still hurdles to be cleared in terms of cost and range, but any car — and the technology underpinning it — that tops a field of 39 cars ranging from the Aston Martin Rapide to the Peugeot RCZ to the Volvo S60 must be taken seriously.

NISMO Carbon Fiber RWD Nissan Leaf Electric Race Car [video]

Nissan have released an animated trailor featuring the NISMO built Carbon Fiber RWD Nissan Leaf Electric Race Car.

Johnson Controls-Saft to supply batteries for China electric vehicles

Johnson Controls-Saft have announced that they will supply the complete battery system for two electric vehicles which will be launched by the Beijing Electric Vehicle Company (BJEV), a subsidiary of Beijing Automotive Industry Company (BAIC). BJEV and BAIC have plans to manufacture 150,000 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2015.

"The electric vehicle market in China represents a tremendous growth opportunity for the automotive industry," said Ray Shemanski, who leads the Johnson Controls-Saft joint venture and is vice president and general manager of Advanced Battery Systems for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. "While this electric battery system is the first China-specific product designed and developed by our advanced battery team in China, it leverages our proven technology currently in production in Europe and the United States, and indicates the potential of a quickly growing China market."

The Johnson Controls-Saft electric battery system will power the C30 and M30 electric vehicles, which are initially launching in an evaluation fleet of 2,000 units beginning later this year. The C30 is a A0 segment subcompact hatchback while the M30 is a small cross-over vehicle based on the same platform. Both vehicles have been adapted with an electric powertrain by BEVC.

"This fleet will provide critical and early customer usage and feedback information to support full product launch to consumers in 2012," said Dr. Dazong Wang, - the President of BAIC. "We look forward to working with Johnson Controls-Saft and other key component suppliers to meet our goal of producing 150,000 HEVs and BEVs vehicles by 2015."

The C30 and M30 can travel more than 100 kilometers on a single charge. Johnson Controls-Saft is supplying the complete battery system, which consists of 106 prismatic lithium-ion cells, the battery management system and integrated battery package to accommodate the existing vehicle platform.

Nissan Says It Will Boost U.S. Deliveries of Leaf Electric Cars This Month

Nissan Motor Co., Japan’s second- largest automaker, said beginning this month it will boost shipments of Leaf battery-electric cars to the U.S., where it has made about 500 deliveries since late December.

The company, with 20,000 customers waiting to receive cars, this week got its first shipment of the cars since Japan’s March 11 earthquake and tsunami, said Carlos Tavares, chairman of Nissan’s Americas operation. Nissan aims to fill all initial orders in seven regional markets within months, with the remaining U.S. cars to be delivered later, he said.

“Nissan Leaf deliveries are about to grow from the few hundreds to the many thousands,” Tavares said today at the New York International Auto Show. “All current customer orders will be fulfilled by the end of this summer.”

While Nissan expects to be the world’s largest seller of electric cars, it has struggled to boost deliveries of the rechargeable Leaf. The crisis in Japan last month added to production delays, while the company this week also said it needed to fix a software defect in initial models.

Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn has said the market for electric vehicles may reach 10 percent of global auto sales as early as 2020 because of demand for vehicles that emit little or no gases linked to global warming.

Nissan’s goal for Leaf isn’t volume, Tavares said in an interview.

“We have never said we wanted to rush in sales volume,” he said.

Renault Report

Tavares declined to comment on a report in the French magazine Challenges that he is being considered to become Renault SA (RNO)’s next chief operating officer. Renault is Nissan’s largest shareholder, with a 43 percent stake, and both are led by Ghosn.

Nissan said today it plans to build the new Infiniti JX luxury crossover at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, where it’s also adding Leaf and Rogue compact sport-utility vehicle production. To accommodate that move, the Yokohama-based company is shifting production of the Xterra SUV and Frontier pickup to its factory in Canton, Mississippi.

The move will boost the percentage of Nissan’s sales in the Americas that are produced in the region to 85 percent by 2015 from 69 percent last year, Tavares said.

The full cost of the production changes still are being determined, Tavares said.

Nissan’s North American unit is based in Franklin, Tennessee.

GM’s Holden-designed electric pod to undergo trials on Chinese roads

A two-wheeled electric commuter concept designed by young Australian designers at GM Holden could morph into a production vehicle that will cruise without driver input through city traffic snarls in China.

The Port Melbourne-designed two-seater Xiao EN-V (Electric Networked-Vehicle) was one of three EV passenger ‘pods’ revealed ahead of the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai last May, when General Motors and its Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) revealed their vision for sustainable urban transportation in the year 2030.

Now, GM China has announced it will develop a next-generation EN-V to take part in real-world testing on public roads in China, as part of a memorandum of understanding it signed on April 17 with the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co Ltd (SSTEC).

As part of the agreement, GM will initiate a feasibility study to incorporate a ‘mobility internet’ into transport infrastructure to support vehicles like the EN-V.

GM China Group chief and former Holden executive, Australian Kevin Wale, said at today’s Shanghai motor show opening that GM has reached a preliminary agreement with the SSTEC to conduct joint-research to directly address urban congestion concerns being expressed in major cities.

“At World Expo 2010 Shanghai, GM demonstrated our vision of sustainable urban mobility and published the GM Sustainable Urban Mobility Blue Paper at the conclusion of the event as a call for action and a roadmap to the future,” said Mr Wale.

“We are pleased that GM’s partnership with SSTEC can serve as the first step for realising our vision.”

The is no guarantee that Holden Design’s “nautically inspired” version of the EN-V - which translates to ‘laugh’ in Chinese and is a “light-hearted” Aussie design that looks like a deep-sea diving suit – will reach production.

But it has as much chance as the Jiao (pride) EN-V designed by GM Europe and the Californian-designed Miao (magic), which will also ride on a next-generation Segway platform that balances on two wheels powered by two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery.

Either way, Holden says it is chuffed that its most daring design to date could go to the next level in the production process.

“Obviously from a Holden perspective, it’s pleasing to see the hard work and creative vision that our advanced design team put into the original concept rewarded with this next step in the program,” said spokesman Jonathan Rose.

“The original work, showcased at last year’s China Expo, really broke the mould of the projects we undertake within Holden Design.”

While the three advanced GM EN-Vs took pride of place at the SAIC-GM Pavilion a year ago, this week Mr Wale announced an ambitious five-year business plan in which he said GM would take further steps to bring its vision of a world without petroleum, vehicle emissions, accidents and traffic congestion to life.

Mr Wale also announced GM would introduce 60 new or upgraded models and achieve EV leadership in China in the next five years as part of its drive to double sales to about five million vehicles in its largest single market and the world’s most populous nation by 2015.

This week’s GM-SSTEC MOU aims to collaborate on plans to integrate next-generation EN-Vs in Tianjin Eco-City from a power, communications and physical infrastructure perspective.

GM says that by combining GPS with vehicle-to-vehicle communications and distance-sensing technologies, compact EN-Vs - which can be driven both manually and autonomously – can offer greater manoeuvrability and safety in areas with limited space.

“SSTEC is committed to building a practical and sustainable Eco-City, which includes having a comprehensive and integrated green transport system,” said Ho Tong Yen, the CEO of SSTEC, the master developer for the Tianjin Eco-City, a landmark joint-venture project between China and Singapore with private-sector investment.

“We look forward to welcoming EN-Vs in the Eco-City. We are confident that GM’s expertise, commitment and innovation will help in our drive to promote the early adoption of new-energy vehicles in the Tianjin Eco-City.”

Spanning 30 square kilometers, the Tianjin Eco-City is located 40km from Tianjin’s city centre. Designed to be “a harmonious and sustainable community that meets the needs of an urbanising China”, it will initially house a 4sq-km start-up area with as many as 26,500 households.

Providing a glimpse into a future in which 60 per cent of the world’s population of eight billion will be living in mega-cities around the globe, the eco-city will eventually become a modern township in which 350,000 residents will live, work and play, with first residents expected to move in next year.

“Since its global introduction at World Expo 2010 Shanghai, the first-generation EN-V has travelled the world and received attention from global leaders, academics and environmentalists,” said the vice-president of GM’s Global Research and Development Organisation, Alan Taub.

“The EN-V provides a glimpse into the future and represents another major step forward in GM’s advanced vehicle technology leadership.”

Unlike the original Segway, which was controlled by the rider leaning in the direction of travel, the new EN-V automatically keeps it balance while being driven by drive-by-wire controls for up to 40km at a top speed of 40km/h.

As we’ve reported, the 500kg Xiao EN-V, four of which can occupy the space of a conventional small car, was developed over 15 months by a team of young Holdne designers overseen Holden design director Tony Stolfo, design manager Aaron Deneweth and lead designer Frank Rudolph.

Fullycharged Zero Carbon Leaf Drive [video]

Robert Llewellyn takes a trip through the English countryside to re-charge in a special place in his new on-loan-from-Nissan Leaf.

Audi A3 e-tron Sedan Concept Shown @ Shanghai Auto Show [video]

Audi has unveiled its latest e-tron concept in Shanghai this week, carrying over much of the earlier A3 Sedan concept's styling but swapping in a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain under the skin.

Replacing the A3 Sedan concept's petrol-only 300kW 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine is a turbocharged and direct-injected 157kW 1.4 litre TFSI petrol engine, mated to a 20kW electric motor.

Combined with Audi's seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission, the A3 e-tron concept is capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 231km/h.

Power for the electric motor is supplied by a 12kWh lithium-ion battery park, and in electric-only mode, the A3 e-tron offers a driving range of up to 54 kilometres.

The unveiling of Audi's latest in a growing line of e-tron concepts follows the reveal last week of the A3 e-tron hatch prototype, based on the current model and featuring an all-electric drivetrain.

The all-new A3 is expected to make its international production debut in the second half of 2012, in both sedan and hatch form.

Toyota's low-emission cars to be manufactured in China

Toyota is planning to start production of low-emission cars in China as it looks to tap into growing demand for in the country. Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota Motors said the company was keen on introducing its latest technologies to the Chinese market. Interest in greener vehicles in China is growing as the country works towards reducing its pollution levels.

China is the world's biggest car market.

"We want to introduce all our environmental technologies to China," Mr Toyoda said. Along with being the world's biggest car market, China has also become the world's biggest polluter. As the government looks to cut down emission levels in the country, car makers are gearing up to cater to growing demand for environmentally-friendly cars.

On Tuesday, Honda Motors' chief executive Takanobu Ito said the company plans to start production of electric cars in China by next year. Ford Motors has also announced plans to introduce a test fleet of electric vehicles to the Chinese marker later this year.

"With China aiming to go green on the road with new-energy vehicles, the country is the perfect platform to showcase Ford's advanced technologies in the electrification plan," said Joe Hinrichs, chief executive of Ford China.

The push is coming not only from international carmakers but even domestic manufacturers. Geely Automobiles and Dongfeng Motor group have both said they plan to start production of electric and hybrid vehicles by end of next year.

Dongfeng Motors has even set a target of selling 100,000 electric cars by 2015.

GM Volt Crossover Is One Step Closer to Production

(click for larger image)

General Motors has serious intentions regarding a crossover vehicle based on the model Volt. The American automaker intends to fill a gap in its model range with the new generation crossover model.

Rumor has it that the official name for the new car is going to be “Crossvolt” and that it’ll be an electric vehicle. Judging by the name, it’s obvious that the new car is going to be a crossover version of the current Volt. The engine might be the 115kW (154 hp) electric motor with the 1.4 L petrol engine featured on the Volt. However, this new crossover model will have some extra weight compared to the Volt and that could drive GM to develop a more powerful engine to cope with the car’s extra pounds.

In addition to the production of Crossvolt, GM already revealed the Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept in 2010. This model in particular has a 108.6 inch (2,760-mm) wheelbase which compared to the standard Volt is 0.6 inch (15 mm) longer, while the body is 7.1 inch (181 mm) longer, 2.8 inch (73 mm) wider and 7.1 inch (182 mm) taller.

The interior of the MPV features center stack and gauge cluster with two-tone leather seats. Like any crossover that rolls out of the Chevrolet assembly line, the seats position offers the maximum comfort level available.

Cargo space is generous with 863 liters of space behind the second row and 1764 liters available with the seats folded.

2,564 Miles Per Gallon Achieved at Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2011 [video]

For the third year in a row and beating last year's mileage by 77 mpg, the student team from Universite Laval in Quebec, Canada took home the Internal Combustion First Prize with an astonishing best run of 2,564.8 miles per gallon in the Prototype class. And in the UrbanConcept class, the team from Louisiana Technical University in Ruston, La. took First Prize by achieving a best run of 646.7 mpg.

"Every year, the competition at Shell Eco-marathon Americas gets a little tougher," said Anthony Bernier of Universite Laval. "With more teams participating this year, there are a lot of really smart and innovative fuel-efficient ideas to be seen on and off the track. We put a lot of time and hard work into our vehicle this year and are very proud of how we did. We are excited to be Shell Eco-marathon Americas champions for the third year in a row and to have beat our mileage achieved last year!"

Bruce Culpepper, Shell Oil Company Executive Vice President Americas Operations, kicked off the challenge on Saturday, April 16, by waving the green start flag and asking the teams to "Start your fuel-efficient engines!" The competition was steep with a record number of 62 student teams and their 68 vehicles competing.

BYD-Daimler’s First EV Design Completed, Prototyping Started

The 50:50 Joint Venture between BYD and Daimler Mercedes-Benz (called the Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Company Limited), announced at its first board meeting since receiving its business license from the Market Supervision Administration of Shenzhen (MSAS) that Mr. Ulrich Walker CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia Investment Co. Ltd, would be the Chairman of the Board of BYD-Daimler and that Mr. Yubo Lian Senior Vice President of BYD Co., Ltd and Chief Engineer of BYD’s auto business would be President and CEO.

The Joint Venture has made significant progress since cooperation began over a year ago – the design of the first BYD-Daimler electric vehicle (EV) model has been finalized and prototyping has been kicked off – a major milestone. Both parties will work on EV production preparations and team members from design, engineering, procurement, and quality management have all relocated to the BYD Shenzhen Headquarters.

From the outset of the collaboration, BYD and Daimler put special emphasis on high quality standards for design of the vehicle. The whole process of new vehicle design has been closely supervised by Mercedes-Benz Quality Management experts. This process has included creating a new international supply chain and the selection of the right combination of mold-makers and high-quality component suppliers. Cooperation with the World‘s leading suppliers plays an important role in safeguarding the new vehicle’s superior quality. The electric vehicle co-developed by the joint venture will capitalize on Daimler’s know-how in highly-reliable and safe electric vehicle architectures as well as combining BYD’s leading-edge, environmentally-friendly, Iron-Phosphate battery technology and electric drive systems. The vehicle will be marketed under the new brand jointly created and owned by Daimler and BYD.

NISMO Build a Carbon Fiber RWD Nissan Leaf Electric Race Car

Nissan is taking the LEAF Zero Emission concept to a different level with the NISMO RC LEAF Concept Vehicle. According to Nissan, the race car features a 3.9-inch shorter wheelbase and is actually sitting 13.8 inches lower than the production version of the same car.

The 2-door race version was created by the Nissan Global Design Center in Japan and features a special 4-coat Pearl White paint with blue NISMO/Zero Emission graphics.

Here is the official release from Nissan:

The name on the back panel, just under the massive adjustable rear wing, says Nissan LEAF™. The powertrain is an 100% zero emission advanced Lithium-ion battery design, just like that found on the world’s first affordable mass market electric vehicle. And despite its lack of rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities, there is a discernable family resemblance. But that is where the similarities between the production Nissan LEAF and the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC end. As indicted by the “RC” – for Racing Competition – this new electric vehicle, which makes its world debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show on April 20th, is purpose-built to bring new meaning to the term “Racing Green.”

Already a world leader in zero emission production vehicles with the late 2010 launch of the Nissan LEAF passenger vehicle in the United States, Europe and Japan, Nissan is now looking at the racing world as a way to draw attention to the seemingly untapped potential of electric vehicles.

“Combining the talents of NISMO, Nissan’s world renowned motorsports group, and engineers behind some of the company’s Super GT and FIA GT1 race teams, the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC will serve as a rolling laboratory for the accelerated development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motorsports series,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas, speaking at the New York International Auto Show.

The new electric race vehicle will likely make a series of special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues in 2011, with the company exploring pioneer zero emission competition spec series in future years.

A Serious Racing Machine

The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC is designed and constructed as a real racing machine, starting with its full carbon fiber monocoque bodywork. The three-piece bodywork includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights and driver-adjustable rear wing. Building on the unique exterior styling of the production Nissan LEAF, the 2-door race version was created by Nissan Global Design Center in Japan. Special 4-coat Pearl White paint with blue NISMO/Zero Emission graphics completes the exterior.

Dimensionally, the race car features a 3.9-inch shorter wheelbase, is 0.8 inches longer and 6.7 inches wider. The most dramatic difference is height, with the NISMO RC sitting more than a foot (13.8 inches) lower than the production Nissan LEAF. Ground clearance is limited to 2.4 inches, compared to 6.3 inches for the road going car. And, at 2,068 pounds, the race car weighs in at about 40 percent less than the production vehicle.

The layout of the NISMO RC is also markedly different from the production sedan, offering a mid-ship location for the battery pack, electric motor and inverter – with drive to the rear wheels versus the production Nissan LEAF’s front-wheel drive. The NISMO RC also utilizes a double-wishbone suspension design front and rear and driver-adjustable brake balance. It rides on 18-inch 6-spoke wheels and P225/40R18 Bridgestone racing tires.

Like the production Nissan LEAF, the NISMO RC is powered by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes using the quick charging port located inside the rear cowl. And unlike other competition vehicles, the NISMO RC has no tailpipe, no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases while being driven, and no exhaust sound.

In preliminary testing the NISMO RC produces 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 6.85 seconds and a top speed of 93 miles per hour. It is projected to have a running time of around 20 minutes under racing conditions.

“There’s a perception among some people that electric vehicles fall on the dull side of the automotive enthusiasm scale – which is certainly not the case with either the production Nissan LEAF or this electrifying Nissan LEAF NISMO RC,” added Tavares. “Nissan LEAF owners are fully embracing this new world of zero emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the motorsports world as well, with Nissan proud to be first on the starting grid.”

Vettel: Pole performance down to KERS

Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel used KERS to power to pole at Shanghai on Saturday.

The team did not use the energy-recovery technology to dominate in Melbourne, but championship leader Vettel said he needed it to stave off a resurgent McLaren in China.

“We came here and solved most of the (reliability) problems,” the German said. “I think if we did not have it (KERS) today, we would not be here (on pole).”

So significant has been McLaren’s progress in recent weeks that Hamilton, happy to be second best in Australia, was visibly disappointed with his P3 on the Shanghai grid.

“These guys (Red Bull) still have a slight edge but it seems we’ve closed the gap a bit,” said the Briton.

Also visibly disappointed was Vettel’s teammate Mark Webber, who starts 18th on the grid after a wiring loom issue that caused some concern with the KERS. The combination of a bad call by team management to stay on hard tires and another KERS failure resulted in Webber not getting beyond Q3.

Webber set to qualify without KERS for Chinese Grand Prix

Red Bull faces a race against time to give Mark Webber KERS capability in time for the Chinese Grand Prix qualifying session, after the Australian suffered more problems in final free practice at Shanghai this morning.

Webber managed just one flying lap in the final hour's practice after an electrical problem in the RB7's wiring loom meant that he was unable to activate his KERS on track.

The issues come after the 34-year-old was unable to use KERS through the Malaysian Grand Prix last weekend.

"There was an electrical issue, a wiring loom issue actually that caused some concern with the KERS," team principal Christian Horner confirmed to the BBC, who conceded that it was touch and go whether Webber would be able to use the system in qualifying.

"We are doing our best to try and make sure that it is in working order on Mark's car. It's going to be very, very tough though. It looks like a few issues, so it's probable that we won't be running KERS on Mark's car in qualifying but we should be okay for the race."

Horner added that Sebastian Vettel, whose KERS is working correctly, was happy with his running during the morning session after the world champion set the pace in all three practice sessions.

"Sebastian seemed very happy with the balance of his car this morning," said Horner. "Mark, on the one flying lap that he had, was a lot happier today than yesterday, so hopefully we should be in good shape."

LG Chem Look to Dominate EV Battery Market

LG Corp. doesn't do things small. The company is the world's largest maker of LED monitors and the second-biggest manufacturer of liquid-crystal display (LCD) televisions. It also is the second largest manufacturer of mobile phones and front-loading washing machines sold in the U.S. Now, the 64-year-old South Korean conglomerate is taking aim at the top spot of the fragmented electric-vehicle battery market, where the competition includes fellow South Korean conglomerate Samsung, Japan's Panasonic and relative start-ups like A123 Systems and the automakers themselves.

The company’s LG Chem division last week opened what it said is the world's largest electric-vehicle battery-making plant in Ochang, South Korea. The factory will produce enough lithium-ion batteries for 100,000 electric-drive vehicles, according to Bloomberg News. LG Chem, which makes batteries for a number of electric-drive vehicles including General Motors’ Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid-electric (PHEV), is looking to boost annual revenue from EV batteries to 4 trillion won ($3.67 billion) by 2015, when the company expects to have 25 percent of the worldwide EV-battery market. With another South Korean plant and a U.S. factory scheduled to open by the end of next year, LG Chem will be able to produce enough batteries for 350,000 vehicles by 2013, according to Bloomberg.

"They’re definitely the mover and the shaker right now in the lithium-ion battery market," said John Gartner, senior analyst at Pike Research. "They have strong relationships with GM, Ford and Hyundai, and their technology is viewed as being very stable, safe, and reliable, so it’s not out of the questions that they could reach that goal."

LG's strategy may be a sound one, given electric-drive vehicle projections. Last year, Pike estimated that global sales of PHEVs and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) will surge to more than 1 million units in 2015 from less than 250,000 this year. That said, consolidation isn't guaranteed in an EV-battery market where technology continues to rapidly evolve. For instance, last month, the U.S. Energy Department and an automaker group that includes GM, Ford and Chrysler awarded lithium-ion battery-maker A123 Systems a contract worth $8 million to further develop so-called nanophosphate systems that will produce lighter, cheaper and more powerful batteries for plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles. "It’s a little premature for anyone to be beating their chest unless they have a real corner on the technology," said Philip Gott, managing director at IHS Automotive. "Even GM's hedging its bets."

Additionally, the global lithium-ion battery market will always be bifurcated because automakers such as Toyota and Nissan are almost guaranteed to stay with fellow Japanese companies like Panasonic and GS Yuasa when it comes to battery supply, said both Gartner and Gott. Finally, some automakers are looking to make electric-drive powertrain components themselves in order to gain better cost and operations controls as production of alternative-fueled vehicles expands. Daimler AG and Evonik in 2008 formed a battery-making joint venture that starting next year will supply lithium-ion batteries for Daimler’s Smart Fortwo ED BEV.

Still, LG appears to have the resources and agreements with automakers to take the lead. For the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2010, LG Chem’s net income rose 34 percent from a year earlier to 1.76 trillion won ($1.62 billion) as revenue increased 26 percent to 14.5 trillion won ($13.3 billion). The company was tapped by GM early in 2009 to make battries for the Volt and later that year said it would invest $300 million in a Michigan lithium-ion battery plant that would be opened by 2012. LG Chem also agreed to start a battery-making joint venture with South Korean automaker Hyundai in 2009. And Ford chose LG Chem unit Compact Power to make battery packs for the 2011 Ford Focus Electric.

Regardless of who takes what market share, LG Chem’s investments are likely to help push down the costs of EV batteries and shorten the amount of time it will take for electric-drive vehicles to become cost-competitive with their internal combustion engine counterparts. IHS’s Gott estimated that battery costs could drop by as much as 50 percent by the end of the decade while internal combustion engine costs rise as automakers stretch for better fuel efficiency to meet progressively more stringent federal greenhouse-gas emissions requirements. Pike’s Gartner was even more optimistic, estimating that lithium-ion battery costs will fall by as much as 10 percent a year. “LG will contribute to that, as will other companies that are starting to build to scale,” said Gartner.

Hertz and Mitsubishi sign Car Share and Rental deal for Electric i-MiEV in UK

The Hertz Corporation has signed an agreement with Mitsubishi Motors in the UK to add the pure-electric vehicle (EV) i-MiEV city car to the fleets of Hertz and car sharing club Connect by Hertz in the UK. The rollout starts today, with two Mitsubishi i-MiEVs now available for Connect by Hertz members to zip around London. Hertz plans to add further i-MiEVs to its fleets throughout the year across the UK, as well as offering vehicles for corporate and university pool fleets.

Customers will be able to charge their vehicles at Hertz charging stations located across the capital as well as at Heathrow and London City Airport. In addition, customers will have access to the Source London public charging points which are being rolled out across the city by 2013, as part of the Mayor's plans for London to become the electric vehicle capital of Europe.

Michel Taride, President, Hertz International, commented: "Our partnership with Mitsubishi Motors in the UK to provide i-MiEV cars to our Connect by Hertz members and Hertz customers in the UK is a vital part of our global Electric Vehicle and sustainability initiatives. We are excited that from today, our customers can experience the joy of 100% electric driving with the i-MiEVs, which offer surprising power and a smooth, quiet ride."

Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, Lance Bradley added: "We are delighted to partner with Hertz and to be able to offer the i-MiEV to their customers. The i-MiEV is a very important vehicle for us, making a statement to the global car industry -- being the first mass-produced, zero emission full electric vehicle ever. It has a vastly reduced effect on our environment, yet demands absolutely no compromise in terms of safety, comfort, convenience or fun. It is a vehicle for the future, available right now -- built for the modern city commuter, in a stylish, super-modern, high-tech and exciting package."

Engineered to be the perfect car for the urban environment, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV can park in tight spaces and breeze through traffic while comfortably accommodating four adults. It has a range of over 90 miles and can be charged up to 80% via a quick charging unit in as little as 30 minutes or fully charged overnight via a standard 3 pin domestic plug socket. In the UK, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV was the first mass-produced fully electric vehicle to market and has been involved in official government trials since mid-December 2009. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is also the world's first ever pure-EV to have received the Euro NCAP 4-star Rating.

Hertz's electric vehicle initiative with Mitsubishi Motors in the UK further demonstrates the rental provider's commitment to providing customers with a variety of zero-emission mobility solutions. The partnership forms part of the European development of Hertz's Global Electric Vehicle Program, launched in December 2010, with the Mitsubishi pure-EV i-MiEV complementing both Hertz's existing Green Collection and the Connect by Hertz car sharing fleet.

During the next several months, Hertz Global EV will leverage the company's rental and car sharing locations as bases for vehicles and charging stations, and tap into its technology -- including sophisticated fleet management tools and the consumer-facing NeverLost GPS system -- to help form an EV grid.

As the world's largest general-use car-rental brand, Hertz is uniquely positioned to introduce multiple groups of consumers -- urban drivers, university students, travelers and corporations -- to all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. As part of this strategy, Hertz is forming partnerships with manufacturers, charging station providers, municipalities, NGOs, corporations and other stakeholders.

All the cars in Hertz's Green Collection in Europe can be reserved by make and model, and offer a CO2 output level of less than 140g/km, making them more environmentally friendly than most other cars. The conventional cars in the Collection also achieve 45-65mpg, depending upon vehicle size, so they are more fuel-efficient too. Together, that means customers can enjoy their journey even more, safe in the knowledge that they are saving along the way.

Volvo Releases More Details for 2012 Volvo C30 Electric [video]

With the introduction of the 2012 Volvo C30 Electric to take place later this year in Europe, Volvo has announced some of the finer details for the all-electric, zero-emission hatchback. Volvo estimates that within 10 to 15 years, electric cars will account for up to 10 percent of new vehicles in the European Union, but even though its is launching a fleet of 250 test vehicles, it has yet to announce any timeline for mass production, but it did say that it expects an all-electric driving range of 93 miles with a top speed of 80 miles per hour.

Volvo uses a water-cooled electric motor mounted under the hood that produces 111 horsepower and 162 lb-ft which gets its electricity from a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged in as little as six hours depending on the power source. The battery pack is mounted under the passenger compartment where the conventional C30’s fuel tank goes adding a hefty 616 pounds to the EV’s curb weight, and that added weight hampers the car’s performance. Even though EVs are known for their instant torque, the Volvo C30 Electric isn’t likely to be too thrilling off the line with Volvo claiming acceleration from zero to 70 kilometers per hour (roughly 44 mph) in 6.5 seconds.

Cold-weather driving has proven to be one of the ways most EVs are being tripped in terms of their expected range, so Volvo developed the C30 Electric with a climate control system in attempts to combat this problem. Instead of using the batteries to power a heating source in wintry weather, the C30 Electric uses a heater that is powered by bio-ethanol and in this instance the C30 Electric would create some emissions. Before the “Volvo lied” crowd gets too rowdy, there is also a heating element that is battery powered, but, if used, it would reduce the overall driving range. The fuel tank measures just 3.8 gallons and can be refueled from the same hole used for the fuel tank on the non-electric C30.

“The driver can program and control the climate unit to suit the trip. Ethanol is the default mode that is used when the battery capacity is needed for driving as far as possible,” said Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Cars' Special Vehicles. “However, on shorter distances electricity can be used to power the climate system”
To maximize the driving range, Volvo engineered the C30 Electric down to the fine details such as weight-saving wheels and aerodynamic improvements which are some of the components that give this car a unique exterior styling. The biggest visual change to the C30 Electric are the exclusive, lightweight wheels that help shave 24 pounds from the C30’s curb weight and the new grille that houses the electrical connection, but the underside of the car is also slightly different as well with added panels for improved aerodynamics. All C30 Electric feature the sportier R-Design body kit, and the initial run of cars will feature a Cosmic White color with a light Ornioco Blue accents around the lower edges of the car and on the mirrors.

In true Volvo style, the automaker has designed the EV components to be as safe as possible especially with the batteries, combustible fuel and Volvo’s reputation for safety. The main differences on the C30 Electric are a retuned stability control system for the added vehicle weight and aluminum rear brake discs that further reduce weight and last longer since the brakes are used less with the regeneration system. Volvo even had a crash-tested C30 Electric prototype on display earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Volvo C30 Electric will initially launch in Europe in the second half of this year, but China and the United States will likely get the cars during the 2012 calendar year.

"We have received very positive signals from the market so far. Fleet customers such as authorities and companies will lease most of the initial 250 cars,” said Stegland. “The cars will go to Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, U.S.A. and China. If demand continues to remain high, we will increase our production."

Volvo is among a handful of automakers introducing a mainstream EV going up against the likes of the Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEV and even the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera. Like some of its current EV rivals, certain functions of the C30 Electric (such as the HVAC system) can be preprogrammed to come on at a certain time or remotely operated using a computer or smartphone.

Green Overdrive: Tesla Takes a Cue from Apple Stores [video]

The exec formerly in charge of Apple’s famously successful in-store experience, is paving a new path for electric vehicle company Tesla Motors.

In this week’s episode of Green Overdrive show, Tesla’s VP of Worldwide Sales and Experience, George Blankenship, shows Katie around Tesla’s first experiential store on Santana Row in San Jose, Calif.

Nissan lithium ion battery plant in Portugal on track for 2012 production

Japanese automaker Nissan is in the process of constructing an advanced lithium-ion battery plant in Cacia, Portugal in alliance with European automaker Renault that is on track to start production late next year.

Nissan spokesperson Mia Nielsen told NewNet that Nissan’s longstanding plan for its electric vehicle roll-out has always been to produce its own lithium ion batteries. The upcoming plant is expected to provide batteries for the Leaf, although Nielson said Nissan has not yet fully settled on which electric vehicles it will support.

She said, ‘We expect to start production at the end of 2012, which will produce lithium ion batteries for Renault and Nissan. We haven’t specified which cars they will go into, but will be producing a whole range of EV cars in the future.

‘From the start we’ve always wanted to manufacture the batteries and own that part of the business. We wanted this to be part of our business so we have more control over quality and supply.’

The lithium ion battery plant, which was built alongside Renault’s existing gearbox plant north of Lisbon, involved a €156m investment and is expected to create 200 jobs.

The Cacia plant will be one of three facilities in Europe supplying batteries to electric vehicles produced by the Nissan-Renault alliance. Nissan started producing lithium ion batteries through a joint venture with Japanese manufacturer NEC in advance of launching the Leaf family electric car late last year.

Last April, Nissan began construction of a battery plant in the UK, which is expected to start operations in early 2012 with an annual capacity of 60,000 units. Renault also has a battery plant in Flins, France that is expected to have a total production capacity of 100,000 units a year.

Nissan has a long history of producing lithium ion batteries, having started developing them in 1992. It was also one of the first mainstream automakers such as Ford to produce electric vehicles back in 1943.

‘Oil was much cheaper back then and the batteries were very heavy. The range meant they didn’t go very far,’ said Nielson.

‘We have had a breakthrough in the technology allowing Nissan’s lithium ion battery to be put into mass production. We’ve had the size of the battery reduced and made more compact and also made it more powerful half the size of the previous generation.’

The flat lithium ion batteries Nissan will produce will fit in the floor a normal sized car such as the five-seater Nissan Leaf. For Nissan, producing its own flat batteries is an advantage as some lithium ion versions are cylindrical.

Nielson said that Nissan is targeting both fleet and private customers with its electric vehicles, and is already leasing vehicles through a deal with Leaseplan.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance aims to be a global leader in zero-emission mobility and to have the capacity to produce 500,000 electric vehicles together with batteries by 2015. In 2008, Portugal became the first country in Europe to partner with the Alliance for zero-emission mobility. The country is building an extensive network of charging stations and expects to have installed 1,350 charging units across the country later this year.

Renault announces first UK order for electric kangoo van

Six months ahead of the vehicle’s UK launch, Renault is celebrating the first of what it believes will be many deals for its electric Kangoo Van Z.E. (Zero Emission). Its first order, for six vans, has been placed by longstanding customer JCDecaux, Europe’s largest ‘out-of-home’ advertising company.

Set to arrive in showrooms this October, priced from £16,990 excluding VAT, the Kangoo Van Z.E. is already attracting significant interest from public and private organisations alike, seeking to promote the ‘greener’ side of their operations.

In the UK, JCDecaux’s presence covers all major cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow, making the Kangoo Van Z.E. the perfect choice for its fleet requirements as the infrastructure for charging the vehicles already exists.

The Kangoo Van Z.E. features the same dimensions, equipment and look of the internal combustion-engined versions, together with identical load capacity (ranging from 3 to 4.6m³ depending on model), payload (650kg), load length and high levels of comfort.

Darren Payne, director of fleet and commercial vehicle operations at Renault UK, said: “The fact that a company of JCDecaux’s size and reputation is investing in six Kangoo Van Z.E.s, is a fantastic third-party endorsement of our commitment to zero-emission vehicles.

“Renault will be the first manufacturer to offer a complete range of electric vehicles and this is a historic moment for us in the UK. I’ll look forward to handing over their Kangoo Van Z.E.s later in the year, and am certain they will not just prove their early adopter decision right, but also exceed expectations.”

Mark Cooper, group operations director from JCDecaux, said: “Here at JCDecaux, we have always been industry innovators and have done everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint, and believe that in the major cities where we operate, the transfer of our fleet from fossil fuels to electric is a major step forward in aiding this process even further.

“Some of our staff spend a large proportion of their working day in vans, so it’s vital that we provide the most pleasant working environment for them, especially in heavily congested urban areas. Those fortunate to have sampled the Kangoo Van Z.E. have rated its performance and lack of noise very highly. They were also struck by how easy-to-drive and comfortable it is.”