Norwegian Post 1st Customer for Ford Transit EV in Europe [video]

Ford Motor Company and Azure Dynamics announce that Norwegian Post becomes the first European customer of the Ford Transit Connect Electric with order of 20 units

The all-electric, zero-emission Ford Transit Connect Electric van has a targeted range of up to 130km (80 miles) per full charge, and is ideal for fleet owners with well-defined routes

Transit Connect Electric is the first of five new electrified vehicles Ford is bringing to market in Europe by 2013, including the Ford Focus Electric debuting next year

Ford and Azure Dynamics Corporation have confirmed their first European customer for the zero-emission Ford Transit Connect Electric van. Norwegian Post today signed a contract to purchase 20 Transit Connect Electric vehicles, with an option to order more vehicles in the future. Norwegian Post is the largest provider of mail and logistics servicesand the biggest employer in Norway.

"The Norwegian Post will be an environmental leader in the mail and logistics industry by taking advantage of the latest technology available," said Dag Mejdell, CEO, Norwegian Post. "In signing a contract for delivery of the new Ford Transit Connect Electric, the Norwegian Post is taking an important step towards its goal of reducing 150.000 tonnes of CO2 annually."

Ford and Azure are introducing the Transit Connect Electric in summer 2011, as increasing numbers of fleet operators are demanding the benefits of efficient, clean alternative power for their vehicles.

With 28kWh of power to call on, Transit Connect Electric has a top speed of 120km/h (75mph) and a range of up to 130 km (80 miles) on a full charge.

"Transit Connect Electric was designed and engineered with customers like Norwegian Post in mind," said Scott Harrison, Azure CEO. "The ForceDrive(TM) powertrain excels under the types of urban driving conditions that the Transit Connect Electric is likely to encounter during postal delivery routes. We're honoured to have Norwegian Post as our inaugural customer in Europe and are eager to help them achieve theenvironmental, operational and performance goals that they seek."

Ford's Global Electric vehicle plan

The Ford Transit Connect Electric - Ford's first all-electric vehicle in Europe - is the first of five electrified vehicles that Ford plans to launch in Europe by 2013. Next comes the Ford Focus Electric in 2012, followed by the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, as well as another hybrid electric model in 2013.

"By providing a variety of electrified vehicles, we are making it easier for our customers to embrace this fuel-saving technology," said Thormod Skofsrud, managing director, Ford Norway. "This strategy is true to our heritage of making innovative technology available to as many people as possible and to our vision of developing great products."

Practical and affordable

Transit Connect Electric will offer European operators the opportunity to eliminate petrol bills in their small vans and help to lower overall maintenance and running costs.

Ford's Transit Connect commercial platform is an ideal choice for battery electric power thanks to its unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, generous cargo capacity, easy accessibility and low operation costs.

With a cargo volume 3.8 m3 and a payload of 500 kg, Transit Connect Electric will particularly appeal to operators who travel predictable, short-range routes with frequent stop and go driving. Transit Connect Electric can be recharged using standard European 220/240-volt outlets in approximately eight hours. Commercial van users generally return to a central location at the end of a driving cycle perfect for recharging over night.

Zero emissions

The Transit Connect Electric is a pure electric-powered version of the award-winning, long-wheelbase Transit Connect light commercial vehicle. Azure's proprietary Force Drive(TM) powertrain uses an advanced lithium ion battery pack designed by Johnson Controls-Saft to power the vehicle that produces zero tailpipe emissions.

Azure's ForceDrive(TM) powertrain has previously been deployed in more than 40 vehicle integrations and has more than 35 million miles of on-the-road experience.

Tried and tested

The Transit Connect Electric goes on sale in European markets this summer following its successful launch in North America in December 2010.

'Glider' units - complete vehicles except for the powertrain - are shipped from the Ford Otosan manufacturing facility in Kocaeli, Turkey, directly to an Azure-contracted up-fitter for final assembly. The completed Transit Connect Electric vehicles are then sold by Azure Dynamics through a specially-created network of dealerships. The European Transit Connect Electric will be badged with both the Ford Blue Oval and Azure's Force Drive logo.

Transit Connect Electric builds on an existing relationship between Ford and Azure and battery supplier Johnson Controls-Saft.

"Transit Connect Electric exemplifies how we are leveraging our relationships as well as our hybrid and advanced powertrain programs to bring energy-efficient technologies from the laboratory to the street," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "Not only is this an ideal vehicle for eco-conscious fleet operators, it is an important part of Ford's future."

Transit Connect Electric Technical data

Body

'Glider' assembly at Ford Otosan plant in Kocaeli, Turkey

Final assembly by Azure Dynamics Corporation

Propulsion architecture

Siemens AC induction motor, Azure Dynamics inverter

Borg-Warner transaxle, Johnson Controls-Saft battery pack

System voltage range 260V - 380V

Electric drive system

Motor Siemens model 135, 3-phase AC induction motor, 300V nominal, liquid-cooled

Torque 158 Nm (continuous) / 235 Nm (peak)

Transmission Borg-Warner 31-03, single-speed

Gear ratio 8.28:1

IEC 62196 type 1

Battery

Johnson Controls-Saft lithium-ion pack

Capacity 28 kWh, 16 modules / (192 cells)

Voltage range 215V - 390V / charger - 3.3 kW

Weights and capacities

Maximum payload 500 kg

Curb weight 1791 kg (est.)

Cargo volume 3.8 m3

Performance

Driving range up to 130 km (80 miles) per full charge

Charge time of around 8 hours for full cycle using 230 V

Top speed 120 km/h (75 mph)

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 12 seconds (based on kerb weight)

0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 15 seconds (based on gross vehicle weight rating)

Nissan Begins Delivery of Leaf to UK Customers

Nissan today began deliveries of the first 100% electric, mass produced, affordable family car, the Nissan LEAF, to customers in the UK.

Smooth FM DJ Mark Goodier and electronics engineer Richard Todd took delivery of their Nissan LEAFs today at Glyn Hopkin Nissan in Waltham Abbey, Hertfordshire. This groundbreaking moment represents the start of Nissan's vision of bringing sustainable mobility to the mass market in the UK.

Smooth FM Radio DJ Mark Goodier has been driving electric cars for the last decade. "The great thing about electric cars is that the fuel distribution is already in place. We all have mains electricity at home. We have it at work and councils are already working on how to install thousands of charging points at the roadside. You can see why EVs make such sense, particularly in towns and cities.

The LEAF is a proper full size family car with a 100 mile range* - way more than most drivers do in a day. It's everything that people like me, who have been driving electric vehicles for a long time, have been waiting for. It's going to change our lives for the better," he commented.

Silicone chip designer Richard Todd from St Albans, Hertfordshire was the first customer in the UK to place his order for a Nissan LEAF when the order books opened last September. Today, he and his wife Jane took delivery of a black Nissan LEAF with the optional solar panel.

"As an engineer I have always wanted an electric car - I've just had to wait for the battery technology to arrive. Hybrids are good but the driving experience of an all electric vehicle is way beyond this. Of course, the lack of emissions in town is a big positive too," he commented.

"The Nissan LEAF is ideal for us as a family with the range and size being more than adequate for most of our driving needs. At evenings and weekends, we'll be using the Nissan LEAF mainly for local trips and transporting our two children between their many activities," he continued.

Paul Willcox, Managing Director at Nissan Motor GB, was on hand to witness the handover of the first Nissan LEAFs in the UK. He commented: "The Nissan LEAF is pioneering the electric car revolution in the UK. We first unveiled the car in August 2009 and we've been building up to this moment for over 18 months.

Today's deliveries mark the start of the introduction of the Nissan LEAF to customers across the country as our network of EV dealers will be delivering LEAFs to their pioneering customers later this week," he continued.

The Nissan LEAF is currently built in Japan, but will be manufactured at Nissan's award winning plant in Sunderland from 2013.

A comprehensive charging network is currently under development in the UK and Nissan's network of EV dealers - currently 26 sites across the country - will be equipped with a quick charger, which will charge the battery from zero up to 80% capacity in under 30 minutes. Across the UK there are programmes under way to install around 9,000 charge points by 2013.

Google Testing Wireless EV Charger

Using wireless technology similar to that available in an electric toothbrush, Google is trialing a Plugless Power™ charging station for electric vehicles at its Mountain View, Calif. headquarters. Plugless Power is the first electric vehicle (EV) charging system on the market to offer consumers a simple way to charge their EVs with the ease of hands-free, automatic technology.

Developed by Evatran™, LLC, Plugless Power is based on inductive technology, which has been used in electrical transformers for more than 100 years, and streamlines the charging of electric vehicles and extended-range hybrids by eliminating the nuisance of the cord and the plug.

“We are thrilled to have our first public release of the Plugless Power technology installed at Google’s headquarters,” said Tom Hough, co-founder and CEO of Plugless Power. “The interest shown by Google and the cooperation we’ve received to retrofit their EV provides evidence that a simple, convenient charging process is needed for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.”

Google has multiple low-speed electric vehicles for short-range travel around its campus and includes plug-in vehicles in its on-campus employee car-sharing program. The company will initially use the Plugless Power station to charge a retrofitted short-range electric vehicle. Google showed interest in testing the Plugless Power technology and understanding how its features could simplify the charging process for its plug-in EV fleet vehicles.

According to Hough, this first public installation is an important step in bringing the technology to commercial customers, and Evatran is actively seeking other fleet trial opportunities with corporations and municipalities to experience the Plugless Power technology in the third quarter of 2011. Most EV models are eligible for Plugless Power through a simple retrofit process. In addition to fleet distribution, Evatran is currently working with automotive manufacturers to integrate the Plugless Power technology into mass-market EVs by 2012.

Porsche 918 Spyder Plug In Hybrid goes on Sale for $845,000

Porsche has today opened the order book for its new 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid supercar - and set the price at $845,000, excluding destination and handling charges.

To ensure the 918 Spyder's worldwide exclusivity, Porsche will produce no more than 918 examples. Start of production at Porsche's famed factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen is planned for Sept. 18, 2013. The first car arrives in November 2013.

The U.S. base manufacturer's suggested retail price is $845,000 (excluding destination and handling charges) or 645,000 euros (£563k) plus VAT and local taxes in Europe.

Unlike the Geneva Motor Show concept car, the Porsche 918 Spyder two-seat production version, based on a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque, will feature a manual roof system with removable panels that can be stored in the front luggage compartment.

The 918 Spyder will be powered by a unique plug-in hybrid system that will include a high-revving, mid-mounted V8 engine with capacity of more than 4.0 liters and producing at least 500 horsepower.

Two electric motors – one each on the front and rear axles – together will provide approximately 218 additional horsepower. This configuration also will offer an innovative, variable all-wheel drive system with independent control of the drive forces on both axles. Electrical energy will be stored in a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be recharged from a standard household outlet. Electric-only driving range is expected to be more than 16 miles on the NEDC. Recharge time will depend on each country's electrical power network, but charging is expected to take about seven hours at 110V/10A in the United States. A quick-charge option is being evaluated to further reduce charging times.

With anticipated combined fuel consumption of just 78.4 mpg (3.0 L/100 km) on the NEDC, this equates to CO2 emissions of only 70 g/km or 112 g/mile. On the other hand, the Porsche 918 Spyder will deliver super sports car performance. It is estimated that the final production version will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 3.1 seconds on its way to an estimated top track speed of 199 mph. It should also tackle Germany's famed Nurburgring Nordschleife in less than 7 minutes and 30 seconds, two seconds faster than the Porsche Carrera GT. Under the right conditions, the 918 Spyder will be able to drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 94 mph for limited distances.

Customers who order the 918 Spyder also have the opportunity to acquire a special-edition 911 Turbo S Coupe or Cabriolet. Also limited to no more than 918 units, the 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder will have exterior and interior design elements echoing the plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder supercar's styling. It features similar exterior colors, carbon-fiber elements inside and out, enhanced leather equipment and numerous acid-green accents on items such as the brake calipers, illuminated sill plates, interior stitching and instrument cluster needles. A limited-edition badge on the glove compartment door will feature the same production number as the customer's 918 Spyder.

Worldwide 918 Spyder customers can begin ordering this special edition 911 Turbo S sports car today, and customer deliveries will start later in 2011. The U.S. base manufacturer's suggested retail prices for the Coupe and Cabriolet versions are the same as the standard 911 Turbo S models, $160,700 and $172,100 respectively, excluding destination.

Panic buying raises prices on Toyota Prius Hybrids

Americans have begun snapping up Toyota Prius, Honda Fit and other fuel-efficient models made only in Japan almost the way shoppers denude bread and milk shelves in a supermarket when a storm is predicted.

The intensity first spurred by rising gas prices has been amplified by predicted shortages of many models as the Japanese auto industry remains disrupted by the March 11 earthquake and its aftermath.

"We've gone from 60 (Priuses) in stock to 16" over the last two months, says Buzz Rodland at Rodland Toyota in Everett, Wash. A dozen are coming, "but we are told they are going to dwindle" quickly after that.

Indicating the shortages may not be brief, Honda has told dealers it's not taking orders for any vehicles made in Japan in May. March and April orders already were delayed.

Topsham, Maine, dealer Adam Lee says the only Priuses left that dealers can get their hands on in New England tend to be the fully equipped, costlier models, which could have the effect of pushing up prices even more if buyers get past their usual resistance to the higher-price versions.

In what now seems like a stroke of genius, he says, the family's Toyota store bought 15 used Priuses at a wholesale auction, then went back and got 15 more — at higher prices. Wholesale prices on used Priuses are up about $1,500 just in the last month, he says.

Toyota, Honda and others say they hope to resume production this week, but that could be unrealistic.

"From all the things we're gathering, including memos from Japanese companies … the potential impact of the tragedy is a bigger deal" than they are portraying, says Jesse Toprak, analyst at auto researcher TrueCar.com.

Prices of Prius and Fit, both iconic for fuel-conscious buyers and both made only in Japan, inched up immediately after the disaster, according to daily data tracked by TrueCar.com. The average price paid for a Prius in the U.S. rose $135, or 0.5%, the first four days after the March 11 quake, to $25,629. Fit was up $21, or 0.1%, to an average $17,246.

Other high-mileage cars made for the U.S. market only in Japan include the Toyota Yaris; Honda Insight, CR-Z and Civic hybrids; Mazda3; and Nissan Leaf electric car.

People seeking to quit leases early and get into new cars before there's a shortage could be in luck. Brian Allan, general manager at Galpin dealerships in Los Angeles, says many dealers want off-lease cars for used car lots because the recession cut the number of trade-ins. When the leases were written in the worst of the recession, wary lenders assigned artificially low after-lease values. Now the cars are worth more than forecast, giving the lease holder equity toward a new car and the dealer a potentially profitable used car.

Allan says he's telling lease customers, "'You're in a position to trade out early, skip your last four payments and get into a new car.'"

Green Overdrive: Inside Tesla’s Model S Alpha [video]

For the latest episode of GigaOM TV’s Green Overdrive Show Katie Fehrenbacher takes a look behind the scenes of the Alpha program for Tesla’s next-generation all-electric car the Model S.

Tesla has built 20 Alpha (prototype) Model S’s that it’s using to test out various features like safety, durability, electronics and steering capability.

Katie a look at some of the Model S design features and interview Tesla Model S Program Director Jerome Guillen, who has been driving the Model S Alphas to and from work.

Porsche Takes on Nurburgring 24 with 911 GT3 R Hybrid v2.0

Porsche AG will enter the Nürburgring 24 hour race on June 25, 2011, with a more advanced version of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid. The priority for this latest edition was improvement of efficiency through the targeted optimization of hybrid components, which also resulted in a 20 percent weight reduction. Version 2.0 of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid is intended to achieve the same lap times as its predecessor but with less fuel consumption.

The general layout of the hybrid was adopted from the 2010 model. A portal axle with two electric motors drives the front wheels and supplements the four-liter - depending on the balance of performance classification - approximately 470 hp, six-cylinder boxer engine at the rear. The output of both electric motors has increased from 60 to 75 kilowatts each. For bursts of multiple seconds at a time, drivers now have almost an additional 200 hp at their disposal with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0. Depending on the programming, this power is automatically activated through use of the throttle pedal. Moreover, pilots can manually call up this extra power, for instance when overtaking.

The electric flywheel accumulator, with its rotor spinning up to 40,000 rpm and storing energy mechanically as rotational energy, is now housed with the other hybrid components in a carbon fiber safety cell on the passenger's side.

At first glance, the new GT3 R Hybrid is clearly distinguishable from the 2010 model. Thanks to the optimization of the hybrid system's high voltage components, the large louvers in front of the rear fenders were no longer necessary. This reduces drag and also lowers fuel consumption. All in all, the weight of the vehicle decreased from 1,350 to 1,300 kilograms.

"We've collected a great deal of information from our races on the Nürburgring, at the ALMS race at Road Atlanta, as well as from the ILMC race on China's Zhuhai circuit. The data was invaluable for the further development of our racing laboratory," says Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche motorsport. "The emphasis of our work was on improving efficiency. That means we want to keep the lap times consistent with 2010 but use less energy, hence less fuel. In this way, we support future developments of road-going, sporting hybrid vehicles."

The cockpit of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid has also been completely revised. Most of the displays and controls have moved to the steering wheel. Drivers can operate the rest of the functions via backlit buttons now situated on the centre console. Priority was placed on the ergonomics and the clear layout for pilots – particularly in darkness.

The new 911 GT3 R Hybrid is a perfect example of the 'Porsche Intelligent Performance' philosophy, a principle found in every Porsche - more power on less fuel, more efficiency and lower CO2 emissions – on the race track and on the road.