Green Overdrive: The Fisker Karma [video]

In the latest episode of Green Overdrive, Katie Fehrenbacher gets the full sales pitch on but no test drive of the first delivered Fisker Karma series hybrid electric vehcile.

The BMW i3 EV Concept & i8 Hybrid Concept [video]

More promotional video of the i3 EV Concept & i8 Hybrid Concept provided by BMW.

BMW i8 Concept: First Look

BMW's first plug-in hybrid vehicle will focus not just in saving the earth, but also on satisfying its driver's need for speed. Like the Chevrolet Volt, the BMW i8 concept combines a traditional gasoline engine with an electric drivetrain. According to BMW, the i8 can be as fuel-efficient as the best hybrid cars, while still delivering sports car-like performance.

An electric motor drives the front wheels, while a traditional gasoline engine drives the rears. The i8 can thus act as a front-, rear-, or all-wheel-drive car depending on which power sources are running. An "energy tunnel" containing the battery and drivetrain electronics runs down the middle of the vehicle, connecting the two axles.

The electric motor and engine peak at a combined 349 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. That means the 0-to-62-mph sprint requires just 4.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically restricted to 155 mph. BMW says overall economy in European testing will be 2.7 liters per 100 kilometers, or 87 mpg. In real-world driving, the company expects the i8 to return mileage of 33 to 47 mpg. As gloating company executives note, no other production car can return the same combination of performance and economy.

The front-mounted electric motor is the same unit used in the i3 electric-car concept, but it is slightly modified to offer 128 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Because the i8 also has a gasoline engine, the electric motor's battery pack is significantly smaller than that in the i3. The i8 has an all-electric driving range of about 20 miles and can be fully charged in just under two hours. The electric motor can also recharge the battery, acting as a "through the road" hybrid system that can bolster the engine's output.

At the rear axle, a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine produces 220 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. BMW would only tell us that the engine is mated to an "automatic" transmission with "enough" speeds. It may be a traditional automatic or perhaps a dual-clutch unit. However, BMW doesn't think the transmission in the i8 is very important to discuss as the electric motor provides plenty of torque regardless of the gasoline engine's operating speed or gear.

i8 Concept. The electric motor in the i8 Concept has been adopted from the BMW i3 Concept and modified for use in the i8 Concept’s plug-in hybrid power train—i.e., for operation with a smaller battery pack and in conjunction with an internal combustion engine. It drives the front axle, while a 164 kW/220 hp turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine developing up to 300 N·m (221 lb-ft) of torque drives the rear axle. Together, the two drive units take the vehicle to a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Like the electric motor, the 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine was developed entirely in-house by the BMW Group.

A high-voltage generator attached to the internal combustion engine can generate power for recharging the batteries. This option is only used to increase the range of the vehicle while out on the road, and is not intended as a substitute for stationary recharging at an electric power socket.

Locating the electric motor at the front axle of the BMW i8 Concept optimizes braking energy recuperation, since the front axle is where greater braking forces are developed due to the dynamic wheel load shift when decelerating. Whenever there is a chance to recuperate braking energy, intelligent driving dynamics systems make the most of it, taking into account traction conditions and driving situation, without compromising stability and dynamics, BMW says. This allows very high levels of braking energy recuperation even in the wet or in snow. Depending on requirements, braking is initially provided by the recuperation function and only when more powerful braking is required is the conventional brake system engaged.

BMW i3 Concept: First Look

BMW has finally given us our first official, undisguised look at its futuristic, all-electric city car. For now the i3 is still labeled a concept, but this car is much more complete than the MegaCity concept that preceded it. The four-passenger i3 concept is perhaps the most advanced take on electric cars yet, and draws on BMW's experience with a fleet of 600 Mini E and 1000 BMW ActiveE electric cars. Unlike those cars, however, which were traditional cars converted to electric drive, the i3 was developed from the ground up to accommodate electric propulsion.

The i3 is built around a new chassis concept called LifeDrive, which divides the vehicle into sections for Life, the passenger compartment, and Drive, the powertrain and battery. For the i3, the bottom half of the car is the Drive section, and is made mostly of lightweight aluminum; the Life passenger compartment sits on top and is built from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Employing these lightweight materials keeps the i3's weight down to just 2750 pounds. The Nissan Leaf, for comparison, tips the scales at 3366 pounds.

BMW says that CFRP is as strong as but 50 percent lighter than steel. The entire Life CFRP shell weighs less than 220 pounds. Better yet, it never rusts and reportedly offers better protection than steel in a crash. CFRP only forms the Life sections' shell, however, as replaceable plastic panels form the i3's true bodywork. The Life section slots on top of the Drive chassis and is attached with strong adhesives and four bolts.

The i3's electric motor was developed by BMW because the company wanted tight control over the feel and performance of its powertrains. It is said to be 40 percent smaller than the similar motor used in the Mini E. It is rated at 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and has a single-speed transmission. The motor is located directly above the rear axle, making the i3 a rear-wheel-drive vehicle and also keeping the front-rear weight balance even.

The motor is fed by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack that is mounted under the floor of the passenger compartment. This means there is no intrusion or transmission tunnel in the cabin, and also helps keep the i3's center of gravity low for better handling and stability. BMW wouldn't specify the battery's storage capacity.

Though the maximum range per charge is rated at 140 miles, BMW admits real-world i3 mileage will be between 80 and 100 miles -- approximately on par with the range offered by the Nissan Leaf. Data from the Mini E trials taught BMW that a battery range of 74 to 93 miles would satisfy 90 percent of all drivers. The i3 concept can reach 62 mph in 7.9 seconds, and its top speed is limited to 93 mph because BMW says higher velocities would drain the battery too quickly.

A full charge is said to take just six hours via a standard European outlet, while an optional fast-charger yields an 80-percent charge in just one hour. Charge times on American 120-volt outlets will likely be longer.

i3 Concept. The electric motor of the BMW i3 Concept is designed primarily for operation in an urban environment. Already tested in a pre-production version in the BMW ActiveE, the version of this permanently excited hybrid synchronous motor which will be used in the BMW i3 Concept has undergone further optimization in terms of weight and driveability.

A single-speed gearbox accelerates the BMW i3 Concept to an electronically governed 150 km/h (93 mph). The BMW i3 Concept accomplishes 0-60 km/h (37 mph) in less than four seconds and 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in under eight seconds. The motor is located directly above the drive axle, for optimal and typical BMW rear-wheel-drive handling characteristics.

With the dual accelerator/decelerator function of the accelerator pedal approximately 75% of all braking operations around town can be performed by energy recuperation which generates a braking effect, BMW says. Intensive use of this energy recuperation function of the electric motor can increase the driving range by up to 20 per cent. Only when the driver’s braking request exceeds a given level is the conventional brake system of the BMW i3 Concept engaged as well.

A coasting facility makes this single-pedal control of acceleration and braking using just the accelerator even more user-friendly. The BMW i3 Concept features a distinct “neutral” position of the accelerator pedal—i.e. rather than switching straight to recuperation when the driver eases off the pedal, the electric motor’s zero torque control keeps the drive train disconnected as long as the pedal is in this position. The vehicle now coasts without consuming power, driven by its own kinetic energy. Used as part of a proactive driving style, this coasting mode is a way to increase the driving range even further.

BMW developed the motor and power electronics for the i3 Concept entirely in-house. The space requirements of the electric motor used in the BMW i3 Concept have been reduced by 40% compared with the motor used in the MINI E. This compact drive unit is mounted over the rear axle, together with the power electronics, transmission and differential, causing no loss of interior space.

The BMW i3 Concept’s battery system has also undergone detailed optimization which reduces the extent to which external factors can influence the vehicle’s power and driving range. An integrated liquid cooling system keeps the battery at its optimal operating temperature at all times, helping to boost the performance and life expectancy of the cells. The climate/heating system cools the fluid circulating in the battery housing via a heat exchanger.

If necessary, in winter, this fluid can also be heated in order to bring the battery up to its optimal operating temperature of around 20 °C. The battery can be fully recharged in six hours at a standard power socket. If a high-speed charger is used, an 80% charge can be achieved in just one hour.

Optional range extender. The BMW i3 Concept offers an optional Range Extender, the REx, which allows the electric driving range to be increased. REx, a small gasoline engine, drives a generator which maintains the battery charge level and therefore extends the range of the electric motor. As soon as the battery charge reaches a critical level, REx supplies the necessary energy to get the driver the rest of the way to the destination.

The compact size of the electric motor used in the BMW i3 Concept means there is room left over to accommodate REx and its attached generator over the rear axle, alongside the drive components. The gasoline engine complies with the SULEV standard. To reduce fuel consumption to a minimum, REx also features such functions as Automatic Start-Stop and other intelligent operating strategies.

Fully Charged episode 26 Renault Fluence ZE [video]

An announcement about the series and a short drive in the Renault Fluence ZE

Electric Cars Rule Georgia Town [video]

The town of Peachtree Georgia has been adapted to cater for electric golf carts.

With 90 miles of purpose built pathways, almost every family in this town of 34,000 owns a golf cart for local commuting. There are approx 10,000 electric golf carts in Peachtree displacing the more typical family mode of transport in the US, the gas guzzling SUV or Minivan.

Peachtree, a suburb of Atlanta, is only a short distance from Augusta Georgia which is home to two of the largest Electric Golf Cart manufacturers in the USA, Club Car and E-Z-Go.

HaloIPT and Drayson to Bring 'Wireless Charging' to Electric Motorsport

HaloIPT today announces a new strategic partnership with Drayson Racing Technologies, the green R&D racing organisation founded by Lord Drayson, former UK Minister for Science and Innovation. The partnership will use HaloIPT's unique wireless charging technology to power high-performance cars as they race around the track.

The partnership with Drayson Racing, which develops and races green motorsport technology, including electric vehicles, aims to pioneer the deployment of dynamic (in-motion) charging of zero emission electric vehicles. The racing cars, fitted with HaloIPT technology, will pick up power wirelessly from transmitters buried under the surface of the road or race track; transferring power directly to the vehicle's electric battery, ensuring that the vehicle receives constant charging on the move.

This innovation is made possible because HaloIPT's tried and tested technology provides a significant tolerance to misalignment over the transmitter pads, automatically adjusting for changing vertical gap. The system has the ability to intelligently distribute power: ensuring a consistent delivery of power at speed.

HaloIPT and Drayson Racing will work together on the development of electric drive-train packages and trackside-charging systems to replace the internal combustion engine and fuel pit stops.

Lord Paul Drayson, co-founder of Drayson Racing said: "Dynamic wireless charging will be a real game-changer, enabling zero emission electric vehicles to race over long periods without the need for heavy batteries. This is a milestone innovation that will have a dramatic effect not just on racing but on the mainstream auto industry. We're looking forward to putting this technology through its paces as it charges electric race cars at speeds of up to 200 mph."

Dr Anthony Thomson, CEO of HaloIPT, said: "HaloIPT's technology has a proven heritage in dynamic charging and we are excited to be transferring this expertise to the electric vehicle market. The deal with Drayson Racing demonstrates the appetite for technology that makes driving an electric car more convenient, and this is certainly the case in the motorsport sector - nothing could be more convenient than a race car that re-fuels itself on the track."

Renault F1 alarmed by electric pit running from 2014

Renault team boss Eric Boullier is among a number of Formula One personalities to express fears that plans to make cars run electrically in the pits from 2014 is too dangerous.

The proposal that "the car must be run in electric mode (no ignition and no fuel supply to the engine) at all times when being driven in the pit lane" was included in the governing FIA's new 2014 regulations published last week.

Other environmentally-friendly ideas were also adopted but some teams feel they were not adequately consulted on the changes by the governing body.

"The concept is intriguing but... the cars would not make noise and that could be very dangerous," Boullier told reporters at the German Grand Prix.

"I think there are aspects of the rules published by the FIA which should be looked at again."

Formula One is due to switch to a new 1.6 litre turbo V6 engine with energy recovery systems from 2014. The sport currently uses V8 units.

Boullier is also keen on an extra practice session rather than just two on a Friday from 2012 while teams continue to talk with the FIA about a return to some form of in-season testing from next year.

GM engineer gets 3,108 mpg in his Chevy Volt [video]

In a bit of tongue-in-cheek marketing, GM blog has posted a video showing the dash display of a Chevy Volt leased by General Motors Battery Systems Engineer Andy Oury.

Showing the Volt's maintenance mode, which cycle the fuel and lubricate parts of the vehicle if the engine hasn't been used, the dash display also shows the vehicles lifetime MPG numbers of 1554.1 Miles range having used just 0.5 Gallons of gasoline. This is a good illustration of the main advantage of a plug-in as opposed to a non-plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Note: The 2011 Chevy Volt has an EPA-estimated 35 miles on a single charge; EPA-est. 93 MPGe [electric]; 35 city, 40 MPG hwy [gas]. Actual range varies with conditions.

TRANSLOGIC get to sample the EPIC 232se Electric Sport Boat [video]

Aol's Translogic web TV series get the chance to put the EPIC 232se electric sport boat to the test with World Champion wakeboarder Jeff Weatherall.

Nissan to invest $68M to add Leaf motor production to US plant [video]

Nissan Americas today confirmed that, starting in early 2013, it will produce the electric motor for the Nissan LEAF at its Decherd, Tenn., powertrain assembly plant.

Preparation of the plant for electric motor production, facilitated by U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program loan funds, will include addition of a new assembly line and will create up to 90 new jobs.

When the new assembly line is completed, the plant will have the capacity to produce up to 150,000 electric motors annually for Nissan LEAFs, which will be built at the company's assembly plant in Smyrna, Tenn.

"Nissan's Tennessee operations are paving the way to a zero-emission future for everyone," said Bill Krueger, vice chairman of Nissan Americas. "By delivering motors for the first mass-produced electric vehicles manufactured in the United States, our Decherd plant will play a vital role in making zero-emission mobility a reality for American consumers."

The work to support the electric motor assembly line represents the fifth addition to Nissan's Decherd operations, which began production in 1997. The new assembly line will be located within the existing facility using 100,000 sq.-ft. of available floor space, and will feature highly automated, state-of-the-art equipment including wire winding machines, magnetization and magnet insertion equipment, varnishing and hot press equipment and test equipment.

Today, the 1.2 million sq.-ft. Decherd plant produces engines and components for Nissan vehicles built in North America, and also houses engine casting and forging operations. The plant currently has the capacity to produce 950,000 engines, 1.1 million crankshaft forgings and 192,000 cylinder-block castings annually.

Nissan will produce the Nissan LEAF and the batteries that power it at its Smyrna manufacturing complex. The advanced, lithium-ion battery plant is on track to be operational late next year at approximately the same time LEAF production is targeted to begin in Smyrna.

Toyota Targets at Least 16,000 U.S. Plug-In Prius Sales

Toyota said it expects U.S. sales of at least 16,000 plug-in Prius hatchbacks in 2012 after the model debuts early in the year.

The new version of the world’s best-selling hybrid, designed to be recharged at a standard 110-volt outlet, will go at least 13 miles solely on its lithium-ion battery pack, John Hanson, a Toyota spokesman, said in an interview. After that, it will operate like a standard Prius, averaging 50 miles per gallon of gasoline in city and highway driving, he said.

“We think it’s going to be a strong seller and we’ll deliver to whatever level the market wants,” he said yesterday. “We’re certainly on line to sell 16,000 to 17,000 in 2012.”

Toyota has dominated sales of alternative-power vehicles since it brought the Prius to the U.S. in 2000, selling 140,928 of the hybrids last year. The new version from the Toyota City, Japan-based company joins a market for rechargeable autos led this year by Nissan Motor Co.’s electric Leaf and General Motors Co. (GM)’s plug-in Volt.

The Leaf and Volt offer greater all-electric range, with as much as 100 miles for the Yokohama, Japan-based Nissan’s model and about 35 miles for the GM car. The Prius plug-in will have a pricing edge. Hanson said the new version will begin U.S. sales “very early” next year, without elaborating.

Toyota’s target is “reasonable, but the issue will be availability,” said Alan Baum, principal of automotive consulting firm Baum & Associates in West Bloomfield, Michigan. The Japan-built plug-in will also be in demand in Toyota’s home market and Europe, so U.S. supplies may be tight, he said.

Federal, State Incentives

Toyota expects the plug-in Prius to sell for $3,000 to $5,000 more than a standard version, which starts at $23,520, said Jana Hartline, a company spokeswoman.

The car should qualify for a federal tax credit of at least $2,500, Hartline said. While Toyota hasn’t begun a promotional campaign for the plug-in, 29,000 potential customers have “pre- registered” to buy one on the company’s website, she said.

In California, the plug-in Prius should also qualify for a $1,500 rebate and be allowed to use carpool lanes even with a solo driver, said Mike Ferry, program manager for the state’s Center for Sustainable Energy, which distributes the payments. The most populous U.S. state is requiring sales of plug-ins and battery-only autos starting in 2012 to reduce pollution.
Leaf, Volt Prices

Nissan said yesterday that 2012 model Leafs would cost $35,200 to $37,250, an increase of 7.4 percent and 10 percent from 2011 versions, to cover additional equipment. That’s before a $7,500 federal tax credit. Ferry said the Leaf also qualifies for a $2,500 California rebate in 2012 and carpool-lane access.

GM’s Volt costs $40,280, before the $7,500 federal tax credit. While the 2011 Volt didn’t qualify for California rebates, the Detroit-based automaker has said it will meet state requirements by 2012. That would let buyers get a $1,500 rebate and access to carpool lanes with a solo driver, Ferry said.

Toyota’s Hartline said the plug-in Prius’s “relatively small battery” doesn’t require 240-volt home chargers, which cost about $2,000 to install and may also require rewiring for older houses that can add a few thousand dollars in expenses.

“We’re finding in our research, from our demonstration program, that that is an appealing factor for many people,” said Hartline, who is based at Toyota’s U.S. sales unit in Torrance, California. The model recharges in three hours from a 110-volt outlet or as little as 90 minutes from a 240-volt charger, she said.

Autocar drives the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC [video]

Autocar's Colin Goodwin had the rare opportunity to test drive the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC prototype racer around "Britain's fastest racing circuit" Goodwood.

However, Autocar's selection of a test driver who starts complaining the moment he gets in the car and who is a fan of "piston engines" spoils the video.

Fisker promises Bugatti Veyron levels of performance

The Fisker Karma is still MIA, but that hasn't stopped the company from having grand ambitions.

According to CEO Henrik Fisker, engineers are developing a new gearbox that will give their range-extended electric vehicles "[ Bugatti] Veyron levels of performance." That's not much to go off, but the executive hinted the transmission would increase the amount of torque that is sent to the wheels.

For comparison, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds while the Fisker Karma takes 5.9 seconds.

Source: Autocar

Toyota RAV4 EV Coming to Market in 2012

Recent reports have incorrectly stated that the 2012 RAV4 EV will only be marketed to fleet and car sharing programs. We’d like to set the record straight. The 2012 RAV4 EV will definitely be sold to the general public. We anticipate robust public interest in the RAV4 EV and are keen to inform consumers that their future vehicle options include a battery electric Toyota.

Toyota is the only manufacturer bringing two battery electric vehicles to the market in 2012 - the RAV4 EV and the Scion iQ EV. While the RAV4 EV will be available to the public, the Scion iQ EV will be marketed to fleet and car sharing programs only.

Multiple reports have been corrected on various automotive blog sites

Toyota

2012 Nissan Leaf upgraded for America

Nissan North America Inc. is expanding availability of the all-electric Nissan LEAF to U.S. consumers for the 2012 model year, with upgrades based on feedback from the thousands of owners who already have driven several millions of miles in the first 100-percent electric car for the mass market.

The Nissan LEAF, enriched with additional standard equipment including quick charging and cold-weather features for the 2012 model year, now will be available for order in the Southeastern United States and Illinois.

"Many enthusiastic consumers have eagerly anticipated ordering a Nissan LEAF of their own, and now we can make zero-emissions mobility a reality in more markets," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America. "In response to direct feedback from Nissan LEAF owners, the features that customers want most will come standard on the 2012 Nissan LEAF - including quick charging and cold-weather features."

Nissan on July 25 will open up the ordering process to consumers with existing reservations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

After the prioritized ordering phase for existing reservations in those markets, Nissan on Aug. 4 will open new reservations and orders to the general public, both in these new markets, as well as places where the Nissan LEAF already has been on sale (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington). Expected delivery of the first 2012 Nissan LEAFs will begin in the fall.

The MY12 vehicle features product enhancements that incorporate feedback from early LEAF drivers, including standardizing the most popular options. These features include:
DC Fast Charge capability standard on Nissan LEAF SL: The vast majority of MY11 consumers have opted for the DC fast charge port, which allows the vehicle to be charged at 480V - reducing charging time to under 30 minutes for charging the vehicle to 80 percent from a fully depleted state. As DC fast charge stations proliferate across the country, Nissan expects this feature to become even more popular. For 2012, fast-charging capability will be standard on the SL trim level.

Cold weather features standard on Nissan LEAF: As the Nissan LEAF rolls out to U.S. markets with colder climates, cold weather features become standard equipment on all trim levels of the Nissan LEAF. These include a battery warmer, heated steering wheel, and heated seats in both the front and rear.
The manufacturer's suggested retail price of the 2012 Nissan LEAF is $35,200 for the SV trim level, and $37,250 for the SL trim level. The monthly lease price will begin at a highly competitive $369.
Nissan will expand into additional new markets as the year continues. In the fall, orders from existing reservations and new reservations will begin in Connecticut, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. By the end of the year, Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island will be added as markets where the Nissan LEAF will be available for order.

More than 4,000 Nissan LEAFs have been delivered to U.S. customers, and Nissan, as it begins the next phase of the launch, continues to learn from them. While 82 percent have never previously owned a Nissan, a full 75 percent considered no other vehicle than the Nissan LEAF in their purchase decision. On a whole, these early adopters report that they are using the Nissan LEAF as their primary car, and driving it far more than was originally anticipated. These consumers, most of whom are highly educated and have high income levels, are technologically savvy, environmentally conscious, and consider themselves advocates for electric-car technology.

How Its Made: Production of the BMW ActiveE begins [video]

Just a few years ago, the zero-emission vehicle seemed little more than a dream to Mirco Schwarze, a team leader at the BMW plant in Leipzig.

Now, just a couple of years later, the BMW ActiveE is rolling off the assembly line in Leipzig. More information at

Youtube

Audi to make all Chinese built models mild hybrids [video]

Audi will equip all of its Chinese made models with mild hybrid technology next year according to an interview with Mr Dominique Boesch of the GM of FAW-VW’s Audi sales unit.

The mild hybrid technology can reduce energy consumption by 3-5% said Mr Boesch. They have not made the final decision on pricing.

They are also considering applying mild hybrid technology to the imported Audi models. Mr Boesch also said that they will launch Audi Q5 coming with full hybrid technology in the near future, and then launch all-electric vehicles.

Audi has started to develop new energy vehicles since 1989. It’s also the first automaker to launch hybrid technologies, including mild hybrid and full hybrid. By 2009, Audi had launched five all-electric vehicles.

Renault 4Lectric concept helps power the home and local community

Electric vehicles are intended to be used as modes of transportation, but Charlie Ngehiem’s Renault 4Lectric concept aims to be something different. The Renault 4 concept created by him makes the vehicle do something more than it has been all these years. His Renault 4Lectric concept vehicle is not just a mode of transportation like its other cousins, but it can sustain a whole community by supplying power to them. The concept is one of the 50 entries shortlisted by Designboom for their Renault 4EVER competition.

The aim of the designer is to create a “circular economy” through the use of a humble vehicle. Well, it is not so humble after all. The car uses solar power to generate electricity for itself as well as for an entire community of people. The purpose is to create a self-sustaining, functional as well as an environmentally responsible model of vehicle, which will cater to every need of its owner.

The 4Lectric comes fitted with two batteries which act as the main power source of the vehicle. Solar films attached to the windows and roof of the vehicle helps the battery to generate electricity from sun’s rays. Apart from that, the car will also be fitted with numerous thermal sensors. The purpose of having two batteries is that one battery accumulates energy when the other one is engaged in powering the vehicle. Therefore, when the user goes to a charging station for charging the vehicle, he gets only the amount needed to charge the first battery as it was already accumulating energy during its rest period.

The batteries can also be charged at home. A two-way circuit allows the energy from the vehicle’s battery to be used for domestic purposes. At no time, the car is passive. Even when it is parked, the car is active because it constantly generates its own energy. The second battery functions much like the other battery does with one difference. Since it is designed for collective consumption, it helps in redirecting the accumulated energy to a storage center. This way, the car can be extremely useful in remote areas where availability of electricity is limited.

Fully Charged Vauxhall Ampera Test Drive [video]

Robert Llewellyn takes a test drive in the Vauxhall Ampera EREV, available in the UK early 2012

LlewBlog

Prototype version of the electric McRae 4×2 Dakar Buggy Revealed [video]

Following long preparations, Tim Coronel today presented the first electric Dakar Buggy in spectacular fashion to press and business associates. In the premises of partner All Green Vehicles (AGV) in Oosterhout,Coronel unveiled the prototype version of the electric McRae 4×2 Buggy, thereby providing a world first. The Netherlands’ first astronaut, Wubbo Ockels, drove the first few metres in the electric Dakar Buggy and Glennis Grace opened the afternoon with a spectacular performance.

The buggy presented is the version Tim used to win the solo category for the second time
together with Prodakar in 2011, and is fitted with a 90KW electric engine. Over the coming
months the prototype will be used in extensive testing in order ultimately to come up with the
definitive version for Le Dakar 2012.

After Coronel intimated a few months ago that he wanted to conquer the toughest rally in
the world using an electric buggy, a lot of people thought he was out of his mind, but a small
group of experts were willing to take up the challenge. The adventure started at Novolectriq
and All Green Vehicles and, through Wubbo Ockels, was given a home at Delft University of
Technology where a team of 10 students spent 10 weeks (4000 hours) labouring away at the
numbers.

Delft University of Technology was primarily occupied with calculating the energy
requirements, air resistance and minimum weight of the Buggy so as to produce optimum
results. After the students had finished calculating, it was down to AGV and Prodakar to fit the
specially prepared electric engine into the existing McRae 4×2 Buggy and prepare it for the
first tests. Following months of hard work by the various parties, today the initial results are
manifest and phase two of the Dakar Electric project can be set in motion.

Phase two will chiefly consist in testing the Buggy under a variety of conditions and kinds of
weather. In particular, the extreme heat in the Atacama desert during Le Dakar will play a
significant role in the project’s success (or failure).

To this end the different working groups have drawn up a comprehensive testing programme which will be carried out in countries such as the Netherlands, France, Spain and Morocco. The definitive version of the electric Dakar Buggy will be designed on the basis of this test data.

Japanese researchers triple li-ion battery capacity using metal foam

A new material has been developed by Japanese researchers, which has the ability to triple the capacity of lithium-ion batteries. Sumitomo Electric Industries has worked to set up a “small-scale production line” for producing such a material at its Osaka Works which is its R&D center. This project is named as “Aluminum-Celmet“.

Aluminum-Celmet forms the base of a highly efficient battery in which the porosity power is up to 98 per cent. It essentially is the replacement for the aluminum foil anode in a secondary rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This porous characteristic of Aluminum-Celmet forms the basis for a huge volume of lithium compound that helps in the flow of electricity.

This development by Sumitomo Electric is infact an outgrowth of its previous work on nickel and nickel-chromium materials which was tagged as Celmet generated from cell and metal. The way these are manufactured involves a high porosity conductive coating to form a foam made of plastic plated with nickel.

The foam is removed by heating the material which results into a 3-D mesh that is spherical in shape and has open pores. This can be easily processed by conventional methods which are cutting and attaching. Hence, Sumitomo Electric decided to use nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium battery cells.

However, the advantage of the new Aluminum-Celmet material lies in it being light and having an improvised electrical conductivity power which can easily avoid corrosion resistance. These are the exact qualities that makes it well-suited for secondary lithium-ion batteries.

The firm has estimated that a lithium-ion automotive battery using Aluminum-Celmet will be able to provide one and a half times more power and a higher charging capacity of up to three times. It also seems to be an answer for improved capacitors seeking an aluminum capacitor having both positive and negative conductors by using a dielectric separator.

Renault to make 200,000 electric cars per year by 2016

Renault intends to produce more than 200,000 electric vehicles a year by 2016, French Industry Minister Eric Besson said Wednesday.

Answering a deputy's question in the National Assembly, Besson said 80% of Renault's electric vehicles will be produced in France.

Renault estimates that electric vehicles will account for 10% of global vehicle sales by 2020, and is investing EUR4 billion with its Japanese alliance partner Nissan to become the world's leading producer of mass-market zero-emission vehicles.

Renault plans to start selling three electric vehicles later this year and will produce 100,000 mass-market models called the Zoe annually starting in mid-2012, Besson said.

Renault recently disclosed it is delaying a planned facility making batteries for electric vehicles, citing a technical adjustment to reformat the project without state financing.

Besson said the plant was supposed to start in 2012 but will be delayed by one year. Renault has said start-up will happen early in 2014.

Lola to develop electric racing car with Drayson Racing

Lola is to build an all-electric racing car in conjunction with established sportscar team Drayson Racing Technologies.

The car - which will be named the Lola-Drayson B12/69EV - will be developed by the two groups, with Lola taking responsibility for the chassis and Drayson undertaking work on the electric drivetrain.

Paul Drayson, who has led his team to wins in the American Le Mans Series and the British GT Championship over the past four years, said: "This project aims to tap into the huge demand from high tech industry for innovative new technologies that improve vehicle performance and sustainability.

"The Lola-Drayson B12/69EV will act as a racing laboratory, catalysing technology innovation and driving commercial application in the automotive and related industries."

Lola managing director Robin Brundle added: "This joint technology showcase programme will truly evidence the technical excellence that exists within Lola. We are delighted to work with Drayson Racing and on this very exciting and multi-industry led programme.

"You cannot fail to be impressed with the full range of new technology that will be used in this first project which will demonstrate performance in a different class."

The car, which is being aimed at the proposed FIA Electric Car Championship from 2013, is due to run during the latter stages of this year.

An entry into the Le Mans 24 Hours in the future was not mentioned.

Volvo announces three range extended EV concepts

Volvo Car Corporation develops Range Extenders for electric cars - adding 1,000 km extra range

Volvo Car Corporation is now taking the next step in the company's electrification strategy by producing test cars with Range Extenders - electric cars that are fitted with a combustion engine to increase their effective range.

The projects, supported by the Swedish Energy Agency and the EU, encompass three potential technology combinations. Tests of the various concepts will get under way in the first quarter of 2012.

"This is an exciting expansion of our increasing focus on electrification. Battery cost and size mean that all-electric cars still have a relatively limited operating range. With the Range Extender, the electric car has its effective range increased by a thousand kilometres - yet with carbon dioxide emissions below or way below 50 g/km," says Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain Engineering at the Volvo Car Corporation.

The company's technological developments in this area currently encompass three different technology combinations, with three-cylinder petrol engines being installed to complement electric drive to the front wheels. All the variants feature brake energy regeneration. The engines can run on both petrol and ethanol (E85).
Two of the solutions are based on the Volvo C30 Electric. In both cases, the standard battery pack has been somewhat reduced in size to make room for the combustion engine and its fuel tank.

Technical concept I: Volvo C30 with series-connected Range Extender

This is based on a C30 Electric with a three-cylinder combustion engine producing 60 horsepower (45 kW) installed under the rear load compartment floor. The car also has a 40 litre fuel tank.
The combustion engine is connected to a 40 kW generator. The power it generates is used primarily to drive the car's 111 horsepower (82 kW) electric motor, but the driver can also choose to let the generator charge the battery, thus increasing the car's operating range on electricity. The Range Extender increases the electric car's range by up to 1,000 km - on top of the 110 km range provided by the car's battery pack.

Technical concept II: Volvo C30 with parallel-connected Range Extender

Here the car gets a more powerful three-cylinder combustion engine at the rear and a 40 litre fuel tank. The difference between this and the first solution is the parallel connection, whereby the turbocharged 190 horsepower engine primarily drives the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. This gives a better fuel efficiency rating when driving with the combustion engine cruising on the highway. Via a 40kW generator the battery can also be charged to give the car increased range on electricity alone.
Here too the electric motor is a 111 hp (82 kW) unit. The two power sources give the car more than 300 hp in total, and acceleration from 0-100 km/h of less than six seconds.
The Range Extender increases the electric car's range by more than 1,000 km - in addition to the range of up to 75 km provided by the car's battery pack.

Technical concept III: Volvo V60 with parallel-connected Range Extender

This is a solution whereby the entire drive package is installed under the bonnet at the front. The 111 hp (80 kW) electric motor is supplemented with a three-cylinder petrol turbo engine producing 190 hp (140 kW), a two-stage automatic transmission and a 40 kW generator. Power from the combustion engine drives the front wheels via the gearbox and recharges the battery pack whenever needed.

Up to 50 km/h, the car is always powered solely by electricity. The combustion engine is activated at higher speeds. What is more, it charges the battery pack when its charge drops below a predetermined level.

The battery pack is located under the rear load floor and it gives the driver a range of 50 km on electricity alone. The car also has a 45 litre tank for petrol or E85.
With this technology, the Range Extender increases the car's total range by more than 1,000 kilometres.

CO2-lean driving pleasure and comfort

The series-hybrid Range Extender in the C30 is part of an EU project in which the Volvo Car Corporation is the only car manufacturer among eight partners. The company's two parallel-hybrid Range Extender solutions are being developed with a grant of SEK 10.8 million (EUR 1.2 million) from the Swedish Energy Agency.

"These three projects allow us to evaluate the Range Extender's various possibilities. As with the C30 Electric and V60 Plug-in Hybrid, the goal is to make the cars exceptionally CO2-lean without compromising on customer requirements such as comfort, driving pleasure and practicality," explains Derek Crabb.

NYPD to Get 50 Chevy Volt Police Cars

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg today unveiled the first of what will be a fleet of 50 Chevrolet Volt NYPD police cruisers, which will hit the treacherous and busy streets of Manhattan this year.

“This is the latest and largest-ever addition of electric vehicles to the City’s fleet, which is already the largest municipal clean-air vehicle fleet in the nation,” Bloomberg said in a statement. “We will continue to lead by example, but we also must provide New Yorkers with tools to make environmentally friendly choices in their own lives.

“When provided with the facts, people become far more likely to choose an electric vehicle. Our job is to ensure the public has the facts, ensure they can make their own decisions and ensure that if they want to drive an electric vehicle, we are providing the infrastructure needed. It’s all part of our PlaNYC agenda to create a greener, greater New York City.”

The Volt is the first fully-electric car to join the NYPD’s ranks. In addition, the New York City Police Department will add 10 Ford Transit Connect electric vehicles and 10 Navi-Star trucks to its fleet.

Fisker Has 3000 Karma Pre-Orders

The first Fisker Karma will be delivered later this month, with the company claiming to secured 3000 pre-orders for the radical range-extended four-door performance car.

The Mercedes CLS-sized Karma is the work of former Aston Martin designer Henrik Fisker, and has been developed around a bespoke aluminium spaceframe chassis. Its powertrain consists of a mid-mounted battery pack and twin rear-mounted electric motors, with a 260bhp 2.0-litre turbo four acting as a generator when electric power is depleted.

Film star Leonardo di Caprio will take delivery of the first production car, with high-profile buyers including Al Gore and Colin Powell set to follow.

At present five cars a week are being built at the Valmet production plant in Finland, with production set to rise to 300 cars a week from November. Consequently Fisker estimates the $100,000 car (set to cost around £95,000 in the UK after taxes) is sold out until early 2012.

"Our sales are split 50:50 between early-adopting car enthusiasts and total non-car enthusiasts who just like that we are bringing something totally new to market," said Fisker. "They recognise the infrastructure isn't there for electric cars, and see we offer a stylish, stress-free alternative with no range compromises."

Saloon, convertible and shooting-brake models of the Karma will eventually be produced, with the latter set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Subsequently, in 2013, a smaller, four-door range-extended BMW 3-series rival will be launched, which is currently known as Project Nina.

Again, there will be three bodystyles and it will cost from $50,000, although unlike the Karma it will be available in left and right-hand drive.

Fisker estimates it will sell 100,000 Nina models a year, making it one of the best-selling alternatively powered vehicles when it goes on sale.

EVs are 1/10th the Cost to 'Fuel' Compared With ICE Vehicles

Under current utility electric vehicle (EV) tariffs, it is always cheaper to recharge an EV than to fuel a conventional gas-powered vehicle, according to a new study released today by Northeast Group, LLC. The study benchmarked and analyzed the first wave of EV-specific tariffs launched by electric utilities across the United States.

"In all scenarios we studied, the costs to recharge an electric vehicle were cheaper than fueling a gasoline-powered car. In the most likely EV charging scenarios, costs were approximately one-tenth to half the costs of fueling a conventional vehicle with gasoline," according to Northeast Group, LLC. The cost analysis looked specifically at "fueling" expenses, and did not consider other operating costs of vehicles.

"Electric utilities in the US are encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles by rolling out EV-specific tariffs to their customers. These tariffs take different forms, ranging from time-of-use (TOU) tariffs to flat rate tariffs. With the TOU tariffs, customers receive cheaper rates when they charge during off-peak times (typically nights and weekends). With the flat rate tariffs – e.g. $40 per month – all charging is typically covered. Utilities are now studying which tariffs will best accommodate the increasing number of electric vehicles on US roads," according to Northeast Group, LLC.

The study, "United States Smart Grid: Utility Electric Vehicle Tariffs," includes a benchmark of the EV tariffs of ten different utilities in six different US states (California, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon and Texas). It provides a description of the different EV tariff structures offered across the country, a list of utilities and their specific EV tariffs, and a comparison and analysis of these tariffs. For example, the study includes an analysis of how different tariffs' costs vary for EV owners depending on distance driven and the time of day an EV is recharged.

Audi A1 e-tron wins 2011 Silvretta Electric Car Rally [video]

Audi is this year’s overall winner of the second Silvretta Electric Car Rally in Austria’s Montafon region. The 2011 victory of the A1 e-tron follows the R8 e-tron’s win last year. The second Audi in the rally, a Q5 HFC with a fuel cell finished in sixth place. A total of 32 electric vehicles were evaluated.

After three days, 307 kilometers and a total altitude difference of 11,541 meters, the A1 e-tron bearing the number 206 was named the winner of the second Silvretta Electric Car Rally Montafon. The event took place from July 7-9 as part of the 14th Silvretta Classic. The name Silvretta refers to a group of mountains in the eastern Alps of Austria. The Audi A1 e-tron won against 31 competitors in a rally, that was held on highly taxing mountain roads with inclines up to 15 percent, presenting a special challenge to electric vehicles. The Audi Q5 HFC, which was also entered by Audi, achieved sixth place. This was the best final result of all cars with a fuel cell.

The A1 e-tron contains technology that Audi’s development engineers are using to study the mobility requirements for such a future-oriented concept. The technological basis includes an electric motor with a maximum output of 75 kW that is powered by a lithium-ion battery. The battery features a 12 kWh capacity and can be completely charged in 30 minutes (quick charge), or in less than three hours (standard charge). It offers a range of 50 kilometers. To prevent drivers from being stranded by an empty battery, the A1 e-tron also comes equipped with a combustion engine, which can charge the battery as needed. The one-disc rotary engine (254 cc) is located under the trunk floor; it provides 15 kW of output intended solely to charge the battery, rather than to directly power the wheels.

The A1 e-tron is designed with a local emission-free electric drive system, which is ideally suited for driving in a city.

During the rally the A1 e-tron was driven by Franciscus van Meel, Head of Electromobility Strategy at AUDI AG. Long-time Audi employee Gerhard Gruber took on the important role of co-driver. “Sending an electric car into the Alps is one of the toughest challenges you can present it with. The fact that the A1 e-tron proved so impressive here is especially gratifying to me and it proves we’re on the right track with our electric mobility approach of combining an electric motor with a combustion engine . Many thanks to our dedicated team for making our second overall victory in a row possible,” said van Meel after crossing the finish line.

Van Meel then went on to describe the rally itself: “On the first day we drove cautiously and despite a distance of just over 100 kilometers we finished with a lot of electricity left in the battery. On the second day we were better prepared and we were able to win the day; on day three we came in second, and in the end that was enough to win the overall victory. The car ran flawlessly. We’re now looking forward to the 2012 rally. We already have a few ideas about the kind of concepts we’ll enter with, of course.”

Opel and Europcar Launch Major Electric Vehicle Cooperation

Opel and Europcar have announced an agreement to introduce the Opel Ampera as a rental car throughout Europe. With the market introduction of the electric Opel Ampera by the end of 2011, Opel will create a new segment in the European automotive market and underline its role as a trendsetter for innovative mobility solutions.

The two companies are joining forces to broaden the range of people that will be able to access electric vehicles, capitalising on the Ampera's launch. The goal is to deploy the first vehicles in Europcar rental outlets in Germany in November of this year, followed soon afterwards by Belgium and the Netherlands. The Opel Ampera will then be rolled out throughout France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom from the beginning of 2012.

"Electric cars are among the best long-term solutions to meet society's energy and environmental challenges. The fact that Europcar is going to introduce the Opel Ampera to its day-to-day business is further proof that our extended-range electric vehicle is completely suitable for everyday use – even as a fleet vehicle in the tough rental car business", says Opel/Vauxhall Vice President Sales, Marketing & Aftersales Europe, Alain Visser.

Full introduction to Ampera on handover to rental customers

The Ampera is as easy to drive as any other car. The electric vehicle also offers a number of intelligent functions that help the driver to operate the vehicle highly efficiently. Opel and Europcar have together created a comprehensive introduction to the Ampera to present these features to rental customers. On booking, customers are advised to plan 10-15 minutes for the handover to accommodate this.

Trained Europcar employees will explain a range of topics including battery charging, the range extender, as well as other special functions and features such as the energy consumption and energy efficiency displays. In addition, customers will receive advice on energy-efficient driving in battery operation and how to recuperate energy when braking. Customers will also have the opportunity to give feedback through online chats and questionnaires.

Nissan and 4R Energy Develop new Solar EV Charging System

Nissan and 4R Energy Corporation today announced that the two companies have developed a charging system for electric vehicles that combines a solar power generation system with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. Testing of this new charging system began today at Nissan's Global Headquarters in Yokohama.

With the new charging system, electricity is generated through solar cells installed at Nissan's Global Headquarters, and is stored in lithium-ion batteries which are equivalent to four units of Nissan LEAFs. With seven charging stations (three quick charge, four normal charge) located in the headquarter grounds, the total electricity that can be generated and stored is the equivalent to fully charging approximately 1,800 Nissan LEAFs annually.

This new system will enable electric vehicles, which do not emit any CO2 when driven, to be charged through a completely renewable energy source. This is one solution to create a cycle where CO2 emissions resulting from driving is zero. By using the same lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles as stationary storage batteries, electricity can also be supplied to EVs regardless of the time of day or weather, enabling efficient use of renewable energy sources.

4R Energy Corporation, a joint venture established by Nissan and Sumitomo Corporation in September 2010, has already started tests on a compact electricity storage system installed with second-life lithium ion batteries previously used in Nissan LEAFs. Based on the outcome of this larger system, 4R Energy plans to enter the market of mid-sized electricity storage systems for commercial and public facilities.

Nissan and 4R Energy Corporation will continue various efforts to help move toward a sustainable, zero-emission society.
Demonstration test outline Solar cell: Maximum power output: 40kW (Solar Frontier)
Power conditioner: Rated power output: 40kW (10kW×4)
(Sanyo Denki Co., Ltd.)
Storage battery capacity: 96kWh (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation)
Grid management unit: Rated power output: 200kW
(Sanyo Denki Co., Ltd.)
EV charging equipment: Quick charger: 3 (50kW×3)
Regular charger:4 (3.3kW×14)
Outline of 4R Energy Corporation President: Takashi Sakagami
Company Address: Queen's Tower C 12F, 2-3-5, Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City
Capital: 450 million yen
Date of Establishment: September 14, 2010
Stakeholders: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (51%)
Sumitomo Corporation (49%)
Business Description: Demonstration tests and commercialization study for the second-life use of lithium-ion batteries previously used in EVs

Driverless electric cars to hit London

LONDON'S legacy Olympic Park could become the testing ground for electric driverless cars, which experts believe could be commonplace by the 2030s.

The EN-V - electric networked vehicle - produced by General Motors could help to make the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, carbon-free in transportation terms.

It is the closest the industry has come to cars driven by artificial intelligence. Driven by next-generation satellite navigation and v2v - vehicle-to-vehicle wireless connectivity with other cars - and carrying an array of built-in sensors, GM claims that the EN-V concept makes collisions impossible, renders traffic lights redundant and, running on an electric charge, eliminates urban congestion and pollution. They can even take children to school and park themselves.

The concept car, developed by GM's Michigan-based British scientist Chris Borroni-Bird, was targeted originally at the cities of the future, such as those being developed in China and the Far East. Mr Borroni-Bird has also considered their use for closed communities such as those for the elderly or for sprawling student or commercial campuses.

However, GM has approached the offices of the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, offering the EN-V as the ideal mode of transport when the area is transformed from 2013 into the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. GM said: "The EN-V has the capability of being the Boris bike of the future."

The legacy Olympic Park envisages 11,000 homes plus businesses being built in five communities connected by nine miles of roads and twenty-two miles of cycle and footpaths. The Olympic Park Legacy Company said that no decisions had been made on transportation but that it "would be keen to support and hugely encourage sustainable schemes". Working models of the EN-V have been in Britain for the first time over the past week. Showcased at last weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed, the vehicles were also put through their paces at GM's testing grounds at Millbrook in Bedfordshire.

GM has been calling the project the "reinvention of the automobile". Tom Brown, project engineer on the EN-V programme and the vehicle's chief test driver, told The Times: "The EN-V means you have to rethink everything you think about cars and about traffic." He said that the futuristic design of the EN-Vs - drawn to appeal to the Chinese market - had prompted several offers from wealthy car enthusiasts at Goodwood.

GM created the EN-V for the Shanghai Expo as a solution to expected population shifts in the coming decades. It is said that by 2030, 60 per cent of people will be living in urbanised areas. A recent White Paper from the European Commission proposed the abolition of anything other than electric cars from urban areas by 2050.

NRMA’s roadside assistance goes electric

NRMA Motoring & Services unveiled its first electric roadside assistance vehicle and mobile electric car charging station today in a bid to support the ever-growing electric vehicle market.

The NRMA's first electric roadside assistance vehicle, the i-MiEV, will be trialed in the Sydney CBD from early September after completing a six week tour of the state, showcasing the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) to some of the NRMA's 2.3 million Members.

In an Australian first, the NRMA will also launch the first mobile Electric Vehicle charger to rescue Members if their EV battery goes flat.

The mobile charging station will recharge an EV battery to a point where Members can drive their car to a dedicated charging station for full charge.

NRMA Motoring & Services President Wendy Machin said she was delighted to announce the NRMA's first electric roadside assistance vehicle, marking the mutual's transition to cleaner and greener fuels.

"The NRMA's i-MiEV is a further step in greening our Patrol fleet, which would assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions," Ms Machin said.

"It will help us understand our Members' EV needs as part of our regular roadside assistance network in the city and will service both electric and regular vehicles.

"Our Patrol workers have been trained on servicing electric vehicles to ensure the NRMA is keeping pace with emerging alternative fuels technology," said Ms Machin.

The i-MiEV will be on trial for approximately six months and will provide the organisation with much needed data about the costs of running and maintaining an electric vehicle as well as the practicality of this new technology.

The NRMA has installed a charging station for the i-MieV at its Wynyard office and North Strathfield headquarters in partnership with Club Assist, the provider of car batteries, car electrics and auto glass services for the NRMA.

Club Assist's COO Mr Steve Grossrieder said Club Assist is thrilled to have partnered with the NRMA as their preferred supplier in bringing EV mobile charging technology to NRMA Members.

"Club Assist continues to lead the way internationally in the Electric Vehicle arena. We are a dominant leader offering expertise and professional advice in EV Charging Systems to motoring clubs globally," said Mr Grossrieder.

"We look forward to working with the NRMA in the future to bring this service to all NRMA Members."

"We see the electric vehicle revolution as the best way to reduce our dependence on imported oil and the associated price volatility," said Ms Machin.

"If EVs are powered with renewable sources of electricity, these vehicles will ultimately reduce the transport sector's contribution towards Australia's greenhouse gas emissions."

The hybrid Toyota Prius has sold more than 8,327 vehicles since 2008.

The first i-MiEVs for sale will arrive in August this year at around $50,000. 110 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs have been leased in Australia since 2010.

Ford Make Tire Technology Breakthrough [video]

Ford Motor Company has developed new low-rolling-resistance tire for improved fuel efficiency.

According to reports, the new fuel efficient low resistance tires developed by Ford Motor Company can improve fuel economy by up to 2 mpg and are expected to feature on the company’s upcoming C-MAX Energi, C-MAX Hybrid and Focus Electric vehicles.

David Rohweder, Ford Motor Company global chief engineer for tire and wheel engineering said, “tire technology, pressures and wear can make a big difference to a vehicle’s fuel economy, so the company is working closely with leading tire companies to optimize performance with low-rolling-resistance tires.”

Fully Charged INFINITI M35h Hybrid Test Drive [video]

Robert Llewellyn takes a drive to the Red Bull Formula 1 workshops in the Infiniti M35h Hybrid.

GM Volt reaches 2 million miles, 1.3 million of them gas-free

Like many Americans, Kory Levoy's weekly routine included shelling out $50 to $60 a week to fill his Audi TT Roadster. In the six months he has owned his Chevrolet Volt, Levoy has driven approximately 7,500 miles and has filled up only three times.

"I was tired of spending roughly $200 plus a month on gas," said Levoy, a manufacturing manager from Yorba Linda, Calif. "The ability to not even consider finding a gas station or worry about fuel pricing is a phenomenal experience."

Like many other Volt owners, Levoy is averaging 40 miles on a single charge of electricity, more range than he needs for his daily commute of 25 miles each way to work.

"At night I charge my Volt at home using my 240-volt home charging station, and am then able to use my 120-volt portable vehicle charge cord to charge during work, meaning I rarely need to use gas," said Levoy.

Levoy estimates his average electric bill to charge his Volt is about $25 a month, or less than a dollar a day. Even with paying for more electricity, Levoy could save close to $2,000 a year in gasoline.

Levoy is not alone in seeing real savings from owning a Volt. Carey Bailey, an electrical engineer from Cottage Grove, Ore., used to spend about $500 a month in gasoline for his 75-mile roundtrip commute. Since purchasing his Volt in January, Bailey he has cut that to about $100 a month and expects it to drop further. He estimates it costs roughly $1.10 a day to charge his Volt.

"Each day, I use about a quarter of a gallon of gas to get to work, which is hardly anything," said Bailey. "Being able to charge at work is an added benefit and I love the fact that I am reducing my carbon footprint by not consuming as much gas."

The Volt's extended-range capability offers a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank.

"About two-thirds of the more than 2 million miles driven by Volt owners to date have been powered by domestically produced electricity," said Cristi Landy, Volt marketing director. "We are hearing from owners like Kory and Carey who are able to charge both at home overnight and at work during the day. These owners are able to maximize driving on electricity alone, seeing real saving at the pump and in their wallets."

Nissan Leaf sales surpass 4,000 in U.S.

Since its launch in December 2010, Nissan has delivered more than 4,000 Nissan LEAF electric vehicles in the United States. The Nissan LEAF currently is available in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Tennessee, Texas, Oregon and Washington, with additional markets launching later this year. To date, more than 350,000 people have expressed interest in the Nissan LEAF by signing up for updates, including information on how to purchase and reserve a vehicle, at www.NissanUSA.com.

"As the Nissan LEAF gains momentum in its U.S. rollout, more consumers have expressed the desire to get behind the wheel and experience gas-free driving for themselves," said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Marketing, NNA. "We're thrilled to bring the 'Drive Electric Tour' to new cities across the country, as well as revisit several key markets where consumer interest continues to grow."

The Drive Electric Tour, a one-of-a-kind consumer driving experience, began in October 2010 and by March 27 had provided approximately 50,000 Nissan LEAF test drives in key markets across the country. The tour provides prospective Nissan LEAF owners the opportunity to learn about the car, its technology and features, and take it for a test drive. Current Nissan LEAF owners also are invited to participate and share their ownership experiences with others interested in electric-vehicle technology.

Toyota City smart homes to use EVs for standby power

The Toyota City Low-Carbon Society Verification Promotion Council, an organization of 26 entities, including Toyota City and private companies, has completed model smart houses*1 in the Higashiyama and Takahashi districts of Toyota City for testing energy-management systems and has started trial operations under the Verification Project for the Establishment of a Household and Community-based Low-Carbon City in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.

1. Project Description

The Verification Project is being conducted as a Next-Generation Energy and Social System Demonstration project (a five-year project running from 2010 to 2014) of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Toyota City was selected as a demonstration area for the Verification Project in April 2010 to support development of testing equipment and information systems. The key feature of the project is the pursuit of optimal energy use in living spaces at the community level.

1) Optimization of Household Energy Use
Household energy consumption is increasing. The Verification Project seeks to coordinate supply and demand within communities in conjunction with the use of both grid and renewable natural energy to achieve local production of energy for local consumption. Verification of distributed power supply from storage batteries and reduced carbon emissions from homes will be carried out, with the overall aim to reduce household carbon dioxide emissions by 20% (70% or more for smart houses).

2) Achieving Compatibility between Environmental Preservation and Resident Satisfaction
The Verification Project will predict and control energy consumption and support activities using an original energy data management system (EDMS) and home energy management system (HEMS). The aim is to maximize the use of renewable energy while achieving energy savings and conservation that maintains community quality-of-life levels and comfort.

3) Creation of Low-Carbon Traffic Systems
In addition to reducing the carbon dioxide emissions from road traffic through the introduction of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), the Verification Project will use IT and ITS technologies to efficiently integrate motor vehicles and public transportation for commuting and other travel with the aim of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the transport sector by 40%.

2. Verification of the Household and Regional Energy Sectors

This year, the Verification Project’s second year, marks the start of the testing phase for energy management at the household and community levels. Sales of the smart houses, where trial operation of the system will be conducted, began on June 3. The first phase of verification testing will begin in September at 14 of the smart houses.

In each house, a HEMS will link energy-generating devices (solar cells, fuel cells, etc.) and energy storage devices (household storage batteries, EcoCute heat-pump water heaters, etc.) in the home with next-generation vehicles (PHVs and EVs) and intelligent household appliances to optimize and make possible visualization of electric-power supply and demand and control of individual household devices. Storage batteries connected to and controlled by the HEMS will support low-cost and low-carbon energy consumption in the home and can serve as an emergency power source.

On the community level, the EDMS will coordinate the balance of the electric power supply and demand within the region by linking homes, convenience stores, schools, and the like with the aim of achieving local production of energy for local consumption by the community. For example, if a shortage of power generated by solar panels in the community is predicted, residents will be advised to limit their energy consumption, and eco-points will be awarded for conduct in accordance with those recommendations. Also, information concerning electricity usage and accumulated eco-points can be sent to specialized terminals, PCs and smart phones to encourage ongoing environmentally-friendly behavior that can be reasonably carried out.

In addition to charging PHVs and EVs from household electricity, V2H*2 (vehicle to home) supply of electric power from motor vehicle batteries to the home will also be tested. During normal times, vehicle batteries can store excess power from the home and from the community, contributing to efficient energy usage. And during emergencies, the batteries support regional energy autonomy by acting as mobile power sources.

List of Member Organizations and Businesses of the Toyota City Low-Carbon Society Verification Promotion Council (26 organizations as of June 30, 2011):
Aichi Prefecture, Toyota City and (in alphabetical order): Central Nippon Expressway Company Limited, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc., Circle K Sunkus Co., Ltd., Denso Corporation, Dream Incubator Inc., Eneres Co., Ltd., Fujitsu Limited, Hewlett-Packard Japan, Ltd., KDDI Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd., Nagoya University, Secom Co., Ltd., Sharp Corporation, Systems Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd., Toho Gas Co., Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, Toyota Housing Corporation, Toyota Industries Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Smile Life Inc., Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Yamato Transport Co., Ltd., Yazaki Corporation

*1Houses that contain an IT network of electrical appliances and other household equipment, solar panels, household storage batteries, onboard automobile storage batteries, and other devices, enabling household power leveling and optimized energy usage
*2Charging of PHV and EV batteries from household electricity and supplying electric power from onboard automobile storage batteries to the home