Toyota to equip Prius V Wagon with lithium-ion battery

The Prius minivan hybrid due later this year will be the first standard hybrid from Toyota Motor Corp. equipped with a lithium-ion battery.

But the advanced, lightweight power pack will appear only in the Japanese version of the car, a person familiar with the plan said Friday. The U.S. version will stick with the heavier nickel-metal hydride batteries used in the current Prius hatchback and Toyota's other gasoline-electric vehicles.

Toyota is using lithium in the Japan-spec Prius minivan to open up more interior room and allow for three rows of seats, as preferred by Japanese customers, the source said. The Prius V minivan shown at this year's Detroit auto show had only two rows of seats, while the Prius + variant shown this week in Geneva has three rows.

Using a bulkier nickel-metal battery requires the battery to consume space in a console between the driver's and passenger's seat.

"We are doing it only for cabin configuration considerations," the source said.

Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco said the company couldn't comment on future product plans.

Japan's Nikkei business daily reported separately that the minivan version of the Prius would go on sale in Japan next month and start at 3 million yen ($36,590), when equipped with a lithium ion battery. A lower-grade version with a nickel-metal hydride battery will also be offered, starting at 2.35 million yen ($28,660).

Inside Google's Self-Driving Toyota Prius

The self-driving car that Google revealed to the world last October made an appearance at TED on Thursday, with Sebastian Thrun, one of the developers of the project, speaking to the audience and then taking attendees for a test drive.

The folks at Mashable got the opportunity to ride along as the car whipped around a test track set up outside the conference. Riding at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, the vehicle maneuvered its way between dozens of test cones that had been set up, making a combination of hard stops, tight turns and quick accelerations.

Not a single cone was hit, and I can verify that the driver did not touch the wheel until the very end to drop myself and two other passengers off (this was planned).

The car itself traveled from San Francisco to Long Beach, California, for the conference as part of Google’s ongoing tests. While Thrun tells me he thinks we’ll see self-driving cars in the hands of consumers within our lifetimes, he notes that at this time, “It’s really just a science project … pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s clearly not something that’s going to make us money any time soon.”

Limitations of the vehicle currently include dealing with weather, as well as capturing the imagery and data necessary to allow the car to do things such as stop at red lights and observe speed limits (most of this work has been limited to the Bay Area for now).

Nonetheless, one can’t help be impressed by what Google has accomplished thus far, with its test drive clearly set up to show off just how far along the technology is.

Toyota unveil Yaris Hybrid Concept @ Geneva Auto Show

The Yaris HSD concept was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and represents the first down-sizing of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology.

The concept car inherits all the clever DNA of the Yaris as well as the smooth, sophisticated driving experience of Toyota’s full hybrid powertrain. Its new, more advanced and sophisticated style points to the forward-looking design direction for the next Yaris model range.

It offers customers an ingenious combination of small, compact packaging and a spacious, practical interior. Flanked by highly contoured headlamps, the upper grille opening is shallow, helping the air flow smoothly over the upper half of the body.

The Toyota logo is fully integrated within the front lip of the bonnet, adding stylish articulation to its leading edge.

In profile, the Yaris HSD concept’s sleek, monoform shape is emphasised by the long, sweeping roofline and a single, crisp character line which runs smoothly through the length of the vehicle.

Short front and rear overhangs and a long wheelbase maximise passenger accommodation and load space. Several hybrid-specific styling cues indentify the Yaris HSD concept as a Toyota full hybrid model derivative.

Air turbulence has been minimised by flat, vertical ‘aero’ corners housing front foglamps and matching rear reflectors, a large integral rear spoiler, comprehensive underbody covers and 18″ aero wheels featuring enlarged air gaps for improved cooling air flow.

Even the door handles and rear side-view cameras have been carefully designed to the most aero-efficient shape.

The show car’s striking, white pearl paintwork is unique to the Yaris HSD concept. It showcases a further development of this remarkable finish, with highlighting provided by sparkling blue metallic accents.

Requiring specialised, multi-layering application techniques, this hybrid-specific application brings an extraordinary depth and quality feel to the finished paintwork.

The presence of Hybrid Synergy Drive® is further emphasised through hybrid Blue Toyota badges, LED daytime running lights and ‘synergy’ blue illuminated highlight surrounds to both the outer mirrors and door handles.

Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology targets demanding urban customers who expect a new driving and ownership experience from their car.

Combining low fuel consumption, emissions and cost of ownership with uniquely relaxed and quiet driving, HSD proves that driving pleasure need not be compromised by environmental responsibility and low running costs.

Introducing full hybrid technology into a car of this size has presented Toyota with several unique engineering challenges.

The new powertrain design must be optimised for installation within the vehicle’s compact, extremely efficient packaging design without detriment to either system quality and performance, or passenger or cargo space.

This comprehensive repackaging of HSD technology is essential for meeting the growing market demand for urban-based family vehicles, without compromising either interior space or hybrid performance.

The production model, following on from the Yaris HSD concept, will be launched throughout Europe in the second half of 2012.

Better Place and Renault release EV subscription plan pricing

Better Place opened, together with its partner Renault, Europe’s first Better Place center. Visitors can place an order for a Renault Fluence Z.E. with the Renault staff and sign up with the Better Place team for a subscription of mobility services.

On the Fluence Z.E. “Prime Time” launched in Denmark from 205,000 DKK (€27,496, US$38,300), including VAT, Better Place will offer consumers a choice of five, fixed-price, packages based on kilometers driven. For drivers who drive more than 40,000 kilometers (24,855 miles) per year, Better Place offers a fixed-price package of ‘all you can drive’ kilometers for 2,995 DKK (€399, US$560) per month.

For drivers who drive less than 20,000 kilometers (12,427 miles) per year, the fixed monthly price offer ranges from 1,495 DKK (€199, US$279) to 1,895 DKK (€249, US$354).

That price range equates to approx $1.00 - $1.50 per kWh which is 10-15x the average US utility rate of $0.10 per kWh and 20-30x the $0.05 kWh cost of off-peak PG&E EV plans.

Each subscription includes a one-time fee of 9,995 DKK (€1,341, US$1,868) for the installation of a private charge spot so that drivers can safely plug in at home. Initial delivery of the Renault Fluence Z.E. with Better Place mobility services will occur in the fourth quarter of this year.

The Renault Fluence Z.E. “Prime Time” will include, as standard features, climate control, navigation and energy management services via the in-car software system, radio-CD, alloy wheels, electric mirrors, 4 electric windows, central locking, and lithium-ion switchable battery pack.

The car will offer Danish drivers a range of up to 185 kilometers (115 miles), measured on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) with a fully charged battery. Switching batteries takes less than five minutes.

Every subscription includes unlimited access to the Better Place network of public charge spots and battery switch stations, electricity usage, personalized energy management and navigation services via in-car and network software, an inventory of batteries with a guaranteed service level agreement, 24-hour access to customer service and support, and a private charge spot.

Source: Businesswire

Toyota iQ EV Concept debut @ Geneva Auto Show

Toyota has brought the iQ EV concept to Geneva.

The electric version of the mini iQ model is not yet ready for production but Toyota will be testing this prototype here with an intention of bringing it to market.

The iQ EV comes with a 47kW (64 PS / 63 bhp) permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and 11kWh/270V lithium-ion battery which lies flat in the bed of the car. A new battery layout for Toyota which does not eat up valuable cabin space, especially on a minicar like the iQ.

0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes a long 14 seconds, though, and top speed is a modest 125.5 km/h (78 mph). Range on a full charge is 105 km (65 miles).

The iQ EV features dual 100/200V AC and DC charging sockets - a DC quick charge station delivering an 80 percent charge in about 15 minutes.

Toyota will begin testing the iQ EV in Europe, Japan and the U.S. later this year.

Source: Toyota

Rolls-Royce 102EX debuts @ Geneva Auto Show [video]

Rolls-Royce has officially unveiled the 102EX prototype.

Described as "one of the most significant initiatives taken by the company in recent years," the 102EX is a Phantom-based electric vehicle which kick starts Rolls-Royce's exploration of alternative powetrains. As part of this mission, the company will send the prototype on an international tour to give owners, VIPs and media the opportunity to test drive the car. Through this process, Rolls-Royce hopes to answer fundamental questions regarding consumer acceptance and confidence in EV technology.

At its heart, the 102EX is motivated by a 71 kWh lithium-ion battery which sends power to two electric motors that develop a combined 389 hp (290 kW / 394 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the prototype to accelerate from 0-60 mph in "under 8 seconds" and hit a limited top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). More importantly, Rolls-Royce estimates the car will have a range of approximately 200km (124 miles) on a single charge.

When the battery is depleted, it can be recharged in 20 hours with a single-phase charger or 8 hours with a three-phase charger. Additionally, the car is equipped with an induction charging system which allows for wireless recharging. To use this system, the car is parked on top of an induction pad and "power frequencies are magnetically" transferred to the battery.

On the styling front, the model is virtually indistinguishable from a standard Phantom. Despite this, the 102EX has an Atlantic Chrome exterior with an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament and a C-pillar charging port.

Inside, the cabin takes an eco-friendly path as the wood trim is replaced by aluminized foil weave accents. Furthermore, the unique Seton Corinova leather upholstery - which is tanned using vegetable oils - covers the seats, floor and arm rests. Lastly, the 102EX is outfitted with a revised instrument cluster and a center console-mounted charging indicator.

While it is worth noting that Rolls-Royce has invested significant thought into the development of 102EX, the company has no plans for a production model.

Source: Rolls-Royce

Peugeot plans to test hybrid 908

Peugeot is planning to test a diesel-hybrid version of its 908 sportscar ahead of the Le Mans 24 Hours this year.

Although the French car maker opted for a diesel power unit for its latest challenger, it has announced that it is planning to run the hybrid version at the official pre-Le Mans 24 Hours test day at the French circuit on April 24.

"Achieving this ambitious objective will depend on how well the team's preparations for Le Mans go with the new 908, and also on how the 908 HYbrid4 performs during its maiden track test at the end of March," Peugeot said in a statement.

The system used by the 908 HYbrid4 recovers and stores the kinetic energy generated under braking and it provides a power boost of 60kW (80hp) during the seconds that follow its redelivery.

The hybrid car will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show this week.