Hybrid News

Filed under: Hydrogen, Chevrolet, GM

Here in the Ann Arbor office of ABG we don’t have access to a public hydrogen filling station yet. The only ones around here at the EPA national testing lab, the NextEnergy Center in Detroit and at various automakers facilities. That means that we’re not eligible to get one of GM’s Project Driveway fuel cell Equinoxes. We’ve driven it (full disclosure: In my previous life working as an engineer I was involved in developing the brake system on the FC Equinox so I’ve spent plenty of time in them) on public streets for a short jaunt around Las Vegas during this year’s CES. With a home base in Los Angeles, the team at Motor Trend was found to be eligible and has been given one of the Equinoxes to drive for a few weeks. MT Editor Angus MacKenzie gives his first impressions over on their blog and not surprisingly finds it to be pretty unexceptional to drive. That’s not a slam by any means, but more a statement of the fact that the Equinox basically just works. Aside from some compressor whine and some occasional clicks of opening and closing valves in the fuel system, It drives like a conventional Equinox but with a better low end torque thanks to the electric drive. MacKenzie’s biggest complaint? Make a car of the future look more futuristic (take a hint from Honda’s FCX Clarity here).

[Source: Motor Trend]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, UK

NICE Car Company has announced another new all-electric addition to their line-up to be debuted at the British International Motor Show (BIMS). This vehicle, which the company classifies as an MPV, they say is “neither a concept nor prototype”. Priced at £14k ($27,995.08) NICE is calling this car the first all-electric that fits within a family budget. The Euro-styled, Sino-constructed Ze-O will be available for sale this autumn and will be theoretically capable of 55 mph and have a 65 mile range. An upcoming lithium ion battery option should help out that range considerably. The car is free of emissions and exempt from road tax and congestion charges. Sadly, It bears no resemblance to the other Zeo. Press release after the jump.

[Source: NICE Car Company]

Continue reading NICE to unveil the Ze-O at British International Motor Show

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Transportation Alternatives, Peugeot, UK

Allied Vehicles has announced they will debut their electric E7 taxi at the upcoming British International Motor Show (BIMS). The company has been building taxis for some time now and are already quite familiar with the Peugeot E7 platform. They also build wheelchair accessible vehicles and have incorporated this ability into their taxi as well. It will join other electric vehicles in the increasingly crowded “Electric Vehicle Village” at BIMS and stay on display for the length of the show.

Currently there is some kind of red-tape technicality with Transport for London’s taxi licensing division, the Public Carriage Office, keeping it from the capitol-city streets. However, it should be available for other municipalities by October of this year. The lithium-ion batteries are being supplied by Axeon and should give the cab a 100 mile range and a 60 mph top speed. That’s a little faster top end than the TX4E hack that is planned for the UK for 2009. The price tag should read £39,450 ($78,759.51). Considering it comes with a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty on the base vehicle from Peugeot and a 6-year warranty on the battery, comparatively negligible fuel costs and wheelchair accessibility, we think this is one amazing deal.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, UK

The “Electric Vehicle Village” at the British International Motor Show is getting another sports car to keep the Tesla Roadster, also to be on display, from completely hogging the electric-car limelight. The British designed and built Lightning GT will get its world-wide debut at the show which begins on the 23rd of July. Previously we’ve only been privy to renderings such as the one above and those in the gallery below and are looking forward to seeing what customers will be getting for their £120,000 ($237,716.55) investment.

Though no names were mentioned, it has been disclosed that “lots of people” including several celebrities have already coughed up the £15,000 ($29,716.42) deposit to go to the front of the queue. We would hazard a guess that Top Gear presenter and electric car non-aficionado, Jeremy Clarkson, is not one of those celebrities despite the fact that, with a claimed 0 to 60 time of 4 seconds and a 130 mph top speed, it is no G-Wiz.

[Source: The Guardian]

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: MPG, Honda, Lightweight, UK

The British International Motor Show will be the backdrop for the latest Honda reveal; a lightweight, low CO₂ sports car concept called the OSM. The acronym stands for Open Model Study and speculation runs rife that it somehow related to the upcoming CR-Z hybrid coupe slated for 2009 production. Drivetrain details were not released so it is unknown if it is envisioned as another hybrid, though it will probably have some type of internal combustion engine as it is referred to as “low CO₂” and not “CO₂ free.” Company spokesperson, Steve Kirk, did say it wasn’t meant as a replacement for the rear wheel drive S2000.

The convertible was penned at the company’s German R&D center in Offenbach and, if the concept goes from clay to metal and eventually makes it to showrooms, Honda has hopes it will further boost their “green image”. Though it still early days, judging by the drawing, the OSM should be true to its apparent homophone, “awesome.”

[Source: Automotive News Europe {sub-req’d}]

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: Transportation Alternatives, Legislation and Policy, On Two Wheels, UK

Lately, London Mayor Ken Livingstone has seen a great deal of press coverage regarding his efforts to increase the congestion charges in London, which caused Porsche to vehemently disagree with said charges. This is not Livingstone’s only legislative issue these days, though, as he is also opposed to allowing motorcyclists access to London’s bus lanes. He claims that there is “only a very small safety benefit for motorcyclists [versus] a larger disbenefit for other vulnerable road users. On this basis I do not propose to further allow motorcyclists to use bus lanes. Those who have advocated rushing though a change have clearly acted prematurely and irresponsibly. Such changes could have endangered the lives of cyclists and pedestrians.”

What evidence does he point to? Transport for London’s Road Safety Unit ran something is called the “Tanner Test,” and the results are what Livingstone consulted. There’s a looming issue about the test, though, as Chris Hodder, government relations executive for the British Motorcyclists Federation, has alleged that Livingstone’s report was purposely doctored in order to remove evidence that casualties actually decreased by 42 percent when cyclists were allowed in bus lanes.

Craig Carey-Clinch, policy director for the Motorcycle Industry Association, put his thoughts very plainly into words when he said, “By doctoring the results to suit both his and his advisors’ personal opinions, Livingstone has condemned cyclists and motorcyclists to greater vulnerability in London’s traffic.” That sounds like a very serious allegation to us. We’ll be sure to keep you informed if more information regarding this case becomes available.

[Source: Motorcycle News]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Porsche, Legislation and Policy, UK

By now, you’re surely aware of the efforts of London Mayor Ken Livingstone to increase London’s congestion charge. You’re also likely know about the distaste that Porsche feels regarding these changes. Back in late February, Porsche polled Londoners themselves and found that 74 percent of Londoners think that the new £25 congestion charge is too high. Hmm… Livingstone’s got his own survey too, and he says, “This robust survey provides further clear evidence of the strong support from Londoners for these measures, with 61% behind the decision to charge £25 for gas-guzzlers. Moreover, 65% say that the overall policy is good for London.” Who’s right? Don’t know, be we do konw that someone’s wrong. Unless 74 and 61 make 100 in some sort of new math.

This ongoing debate seems far from over. We’re sure that more numbers will be thrown around from both camps (and just about anybody else who has an opinion) which support their viewpoints. Round and round we go!

[Source: What Car]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Mitsubishi, Legislation and Policy, UK

Click in the image to enlarge

London’s Congestion Charge has drawn ire from some manufacturers, but others are doing something to help alleviate the “financial burden” the charges place on their customers. According to Jim Tyrrell, Mitsubishi’s Managing Director, “The vast majority of our customers run a 4×4 for a specific purpose - not simply as a fashion item. We have worked hard to reduce the emissions levels wherever we can to help minimize any negative financial impact on the thousands of businesses that have chosen to use our pick-ups.”

In line with this statement, new Mitsubishi L200s equipped with a manual transmission and not fitted with the Rallitronic power upgrade will now come with a 225 g/km CO₂ emissions rating, placing them in a lower Congestion Charge band. Before the modifications to the L200, drivers would be forced to pay £25 per day for trips into London; now the charge will be £8 per day.

The TfL Congestion Charge on dual purpose double cab pick-ups will be effective starting October 6th, 2008 and will be retroactive, meaning that older pickups will face the same penalty as brand new ones.

[Source: Mitsubishi]
L200 - ALL COLOURS NOW AVAILABLE IN GREEN

* L200 CO2 emissions reduced Single, Club and Double Cab variants
* Reduced emissions places L200 in lower Congestion Charge band

Mitsubishi has announced that the new L200’s manual transmission variants will come with a 225 g/km CO2 emissions rating, placing them in the lower Congestion Charge band and saving drivers £17 per trip in and out of the Capital.

The CO2 reduction secures exemption from Transport for London’s (TfL) “Extended-cab dual purpose pickup” congestion charge of £25 per day. Applicable to all new L200 registrations from April 1st 2008, a customer driving the revised L200 Club and Double Cab range with manual transmission will only pay £8 per day.

Jim Tyrrell, Mitsubishi’s Managing Director, stated that “the vast majority of our customers run a 4×4 for a specific purpose - not simply as a fashion item. We have worked hard to reduce the emissions levels wherever we can to help minimise any negative financial impact on the thousands of businesses that have chosen to use our pick-ups.”

The multiple award-winning L200 is also renowned for its rugged practicality, off road prowess, high specification, low running costs and numerous safety features - including being the only vehicle in its class to boast stability and traction control on all high series variants.

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, MPG, Ford, UK, USA

While many high-end autos are boasting seven or even eight gears in their transmissions, mainstream vehicles often are saddled with units including only half that many. The lack of mechanical gear ratios is rather detrimental to fuel economy, so we’re happy to see that Ford is launching more six-speed units for both front- and rear-wheel-drive applications. The new 2009 F-150 will feature a six-speed, and considering the huge sales numbers of that vehicle, the 4 to 6 percent improvement in fuel efficiency on average should translate into a good deal of fuel savings. Also slated for six-speeders are the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariners when powered by the gasoline engine. The hybrids will continue to use a CVT.

Ford is also planning on bringing their dual-clutch Powershift transmission to America for upcoming models. The Powershift is available oversees already in the Euro Focus and is capable of providing a 10 percent decrease in fuel mileage.

Press Release:

FORD TRANSMISSIONS ARE CLUTCH PLAYERS IN THE DRIVE FOR FUEL ECONOMY LEADERSHIP

DETROIT, April 13, 2008 - The often overlooked transmission is proving to be a secret weapon for Ford Motor Company in the quest for improved fuel economy.

“Transmission technology is playing a key role in bringing down fuel consumption,” said Craig Renneker, chief engineer for new automatic transmissions for Ford Powertrain Operations. “That’s why Ford is rolling out an industry-leading array of fuel-efficient, six-speed automatic transmissions on more than half of the North American product lineup, including the new 2009 Ford F-150.”

And there is more to come. Later this year, Ford will begin producing a new fuel-saving, front-wheel drive six-speed transmission for use first in the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, which goes on sale this summer.

Hybrids, fuel cells and advanced internal combustion engines will remain at the forefront this week when more than 35,000 automotive engineers gather in Detroit for the 2008 SAE World Congress. But the role of advanced transmissions also will be highlighted in panel discussions and technical papers at the annual conference.

New transmission technologies are a key part of Ford’s strategy to deliver sustainable, quality vehicles that customers want and value. The new transmissions deliver 4 to 6 percent improvement in fuel efficiency on average compared with typical four- and five-speed gearboxes.

“Ford is on the cutting edge of advanced transmission technology,” Renneker said. “We’ve introduced an array of advanced transmission from multispeed automatics to CVTs, but we’re not used to making headlines. Our objective is for the transmission to be invisible to the customer with its performance and smoothness, so I guess we tend to fade into the background.”

However, Renneker and his gearbox experts have much to talk about, particularly the highly sophisticated six-speed automatic transmissions in North America and a new dual-clutch transmission called Powershift, which is already delivering diesel fuel economy improvements of 10 percent to the Focus in Europe. Powershift also is planned for future vehicles in North America.

“These new technologies are all about fuel economy,” Renneker said. “Particularly, here with the six-speed autos, we’re delivering a wide ratio span that provides a high top gear for fuel-efficient cruising while delivering good launch feel for lower displacement engines. This technology will mate perfectly with the new Ford EcoBoost engines that are on the way.”

The significant advancements in automatic transmission technology mean that more drivers in North America will reap the fuel economy benefits traditionally enjoyed by vehicle owners with manual transmissions.

Philip Yuhasz, director of transmission and driveline engineering at Ford, will be speaking on a panel on the role of transmissions of the future on consumer buying decisions at the 2008 SAE World Congress. Yuhasz’s presentation highlights the differences in customer preferences between the United States and Europe. Yuhasz will also share his insight into the role of different government regulations and testing regimes for driving manufacturers to develop different technologies for regional needs.

[Source: Ford]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Ford

Click the 2009 Escape Hybrid for a high res gallery

When we visited with the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid last year, it had just received a whole new look. It went from the softer, rounder appearance of the first-generation model that debuted in 2001 to a sharper-edged look more in keeping with its big brothers in the Ford Truck lineup. The 2008 changes were almost entirely visual with most of the major mechanical bits carried over from 2007. Nonetheless, the changes seem to resonate with consumers. Sales of the Escape were up almost ten percent in the first four months of 2008 compared to last year, even while the market as a whole was down.

For 2009, Ford has addressed the mechanical side of the Escape equation with new powertrains across the board along with a host of other upgrades. Both the four and six cylinder engines have been upgraded and the former four speed automatic transmission has been replaced with a brand new six speed that we told you about last week. The hybrid model has also been rewarded with a new brake system that provides better pedal feel and finally adds traction and stability control. We headed out to the wilds of Pinkney MI to sample the upgraded Escape and you can read about it after the jump.

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
Click the 2009 Escape Hybrid for a high res gallery

When we visited with the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid last year, it had just received a whole new look. It went from the softer, rounder appearance of the first-generation model that debuted in 2001 to a sharper-edged look more in keeping with its big brothers in the Ford Truck lineup. The 2008 changes were almost entirely visual with most of the major mechanical bits carried over from 2007. Nonetheless, the changes seem to resonate with consumers. Sales of the Escape were up almost ten percent in the first four months of 2008 compared to last year, even while the market as a whole was down.

For 2009, Ford has addressed the mechanical side of the Escape equation with new powertrains across the board along with a host of other upgrades. Both the four and six cylinder engines have been upgraded and the former four speed automatic transmission has been replaced with a brand new six speed that we told you about last week. The hybrid model has also been rewarded with a new brake system that provides better pedal feel and finally adds traction and stability control. We headed out to the wilds of Pinkney MI to sample the upgraded Escape and you can read about it after the jump.

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford

Click the 2009 Escape Hybrid for a high res gallery

Prior to our drive of the 2009 Ford Escape the other day, several Ford representatives talked about the changes for the new model year along with how the Escape is doing. Since the debut of the 2008 models a year ago, the Kansas City Assembly Plant that builds the Escape, Mariner and Mazda Tribute has been running at capacity including some overtime, a rare occurrence these days at Ford. While sales of many Ford models have been dropping like a stone this year, the Escape has done well, registering a 10 percent increase. One Escape model that hasn’t increased sales in the last couple of years is the hybrid which is holding steady at about 25,000 annually and that will remain the case for 2009. Even though gas is now at or above $4/gallon, Ford will only build 25,000 Escapes again this year out of about 220,000 total (including Mariner and Tribute).

The obvious question is why. Although battery supply constraints would seem to be one likely answer, that is apparently not an issue. Ford claims they can get as many batteries as they need. It turns out that it’s a business decision. With the plant running at capacity, in order for Ford to build more hybrids, they would have to cut production of the other models. Although no one from Ford was willing to openly admit it, the continued references to building as many Escapes as they can while limiting hybrid production at an arbitrary number indicates that it comes down to profit. Ford can clearly make a larger profit margin on the non-hybrid models and has made the calculation that 25,000 is enough to indicate they are serious while still maximizing cash flow wherever they can. Given Ford’s precarious financial situation of late, you sure can’t blame them although many who might want a high-mileage crossover might be disappointed. Later this year, Ford will be doubling their total hybrid production when they add the new Fusion and Milan hybrids. Those will apparently use an upgraded, next-generation version of Ford’s hybrid system.

[Source: Ford]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, UK

We briefly mentioned earlier that the NICE Car Company would be showing its Super Light Electric Sport Car concept at this year’s British International Motor Show (BIMS) along with some other to-be-introduced models (including, we hear, a face-lifted Mega city) from the company. While that’s pretty cool, NICE won’t be the only electric car company in the house. Nope. Word on the street (ok, it was a press release) is that there will be a veritable cornucopia of electric car companies assembled to create what they are calling, “The Electric Vehicle Village.”

Sponsored by Co-operative Insurance, the “Village” will feature 20 different vehicles including the Tesla Roadster and its antithesis, the Reva G-Wiz, as well as an offering from an entirely new brand, currently existing in apparent stealth mode called, “Quiet Cars.” Beside the cars to look at, there will be demonstrations held of the Elektrobay on-street recharging station from Elektromotive. The event kicks of on the 23rd of July and runs until the 3rd of August. Organizers are expecting over half a million souls to pass through the gates. All the details can be read from the press release after the break.
Press Release

20 May 2008
UK’S BIGGEST MOTOR SHOW ‘PLUGS IN’ TO DEMAND FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

The organisers of this year’s British International Motor Show, sponsored by Zurich Connect, are ‘charged up’ about their all-new showcase of the latest electric vehicle models!

The Electric Vehicle Village, sponsored by Co-operative Insurance, will bring together one of the largest collections of zero-emissions vehicles ever seen in the UK, with a display of more than 20 vehicles which are propelled solely by battery power. Vehicles to be exhibited include the Super Light Car from the NICE Car Company, the well-known G-Wiz, models from new brand Quiet Cars and even the Tesla Roadster - a two-seat electric sports car, as well as future-focused concept models. In addition, the Village will also feature demonstrations of the Elektrobay on-street recharging station from Elektromotive.

Electric vehicles are around 70 per cent greener than the equivalent fossil-fuelled car, which is an increasingly important consideration for new car buyers. Vehicle emissions levels affect motoring costs, in particular vehicle excise duty, and electric cars are exempt from the congestion charge in London with free parking in Westminster and some surrounding boroughs.

Kirsty Perkinson, Motor Show Marketing Director, said, “We are really excited about our new Electric Vehicle Village. The aim of the feature is to highlight the significant advances made in developing zero-emissions vehicles and to reflect the mushrooming demand for these cars. Vehicle manufacturers are pushing the engineering boundaries to produce cleaner and greener forms of transport, and consumers - particularly in London - are responding positively to the new technology.” Perkinson continues, “We want the Show to reflect the broad range of vehicles on sale now as well as those which will be launched in the near future. Visitors will see everything from electric cars and global premieres, to supercars from brands such as Ferrari and Maserati.

“Choosing a new car can be a confusing and difficult process as buyers need to think carefully about fuel consumption, fuel type and CO2 emissions as well as style, practicality and brand. We hope to help in the decision-making process by providing potential buyers with the most comprehensive range of vehicles in an entertaining and informative environment.”

The Show, which runs from 23 July until 3 August, is returning to ExCeL London where the award-winning 2006 event attracted over 415,000 attendees. The 2008 Show is expected to draw over 550,000 visitors.

Tickets for the Show start at just £10 for an adult weekday pass and £6 for a child’s ticket. Tickets are available through the Show’s all-new website at www.britishmotorshow.co.uk or by calling 0871 230 5588.

[Source: BIMS]

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Original post by Domenick Yoney