Hybrid News

Filed under: MPG, MINI, UK

If a Corvette Z06 with its monstrous 7.0-liter eight cylinder engine was able to achieve nearly 31 miles per gallon at the MPG Marathon, what were some other performance cars able to manage? BMW’s MINI can be both an economy car or a serious sporting contender depending on what engine option resides under its short little bonnet, and the highest of all performing Coopers features a force-fed 1.6-liter engine that’s included as part of the John Cooper Works package. One such JCW MINI took part in the aforementioned mileage challenge and after the first day of 411 total miles of various roads, the team of auto scribes from Auto Express managed an impressive 53.3 mpg. That equates to an improvement of over 25-percent when compared to the JCW’s combined European rating. To get that high mileage, the drivers of the car shifted early, usually under 2,000 RPM, kept a light foot on the throttle and didn’t pass 40 miles per hour.

For a more accurate portrayal of the kind of mileage you might manage from a JCW MINI just by driving the speed limit and with a reasonable amount of restraint, the team adjusted their driving habits for the second day of testing and drove the 60 mph speed limit. The results? Not bad at all, with the tally coming in at 49.4 mpg after the second day had ended. A spokesperson for MINI U.K. was impressed, saying, “You’ve proved this model is the UK’s greenest hot hatch. We believe this makes the JCW ideal for drivers who want to downsize, reduce fuel costs and environmental impact, but still own a sporting car.” High praise indeed, though it came from a person with a vested interest to believe his own words. Still, despite the fact that it didn’t win any records, it was a fine effort.

[Source: Auto Express]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Toyota

Changes are afoot at Tesla Motors as the reality of running a carmaker takes hold in San Carlos. When we got wind of a story on Valleywag this morning about layoffs and executive changes at Tesla, our first call was to SVP Marketing Darryl Siry. Not surprisingly Siry told us that Valleywag was less than totally accurate. There are are indeed some lay-offs happening at Tesla as well as changes among the executive staff. Chairman and chief architect Elon Musk will be taking a more hands on role as he takes over the position of CEO from Ze′ev Drori. That makes Musk the fourth CEO of Tesla in one year. Drori will get the title of Vice Chairman. As for the layoffs, there are some although we are still awaiting details. Siry has promised an update this morning and as soon as it’s ready we′ll let you know.

[Source: Tesla Motors]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, China

During and before this summer’s Olympic games, a significant amount of attention was given to the air quality that the world’s top athletes would be breathing in Beijing. As was widely reported, the city’s air was highly contaminated due to an abundance of people, manufacturing plants and automobiles. As you are likely aware, the city limited the number of cars that could be on its roads before and during the games and is set to continue the practice now that attention has turned away. The largest improvement is expected to come from limiting the number of new car sales in the city. Only 100,000 new license plates will be granted annually, which will have the undesirable effect of running half the city’s auto dealerships out of business. To help counter the expected problem, mass transit and bus routes will be upgraded.

As another measure, the city will take 30-percent of cars owned by its own government off the road as well, sealing them up “for safekeeping.” What’s more, the city vehicles that are left will be banned from the roads one out of every five days. Emergency and police vehicles won’t be included in that ban. These measures should help the city keep the clean air it fostered while the world was watching.

[Source: Gasgoo]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, USA

Our favorite British electric-car vlogger, Danny Fleet, came to America recently whilst on holiday and had the opportunity to not only see the Tango from Commuter Cars up close but also go for a ride. As is his wont, he took his video camera along and now we can all have a small taste of how it feels to ride in the very narrow, very fast electric two seater. The star of this video was last seen by us parked outside of Buck’s Restaurant with a Founders’ Series Tesla Roadster and the Wrightspeed ͱ and is owned by a guy named Jorg.

As Danny films from the back seat he peppers Jorg with questions, “Does it feel completely stable all the time…? How fast, how far?” Jorg patiently answers every question and provides insights only an owner might be privy to. Riding along we discovered this car is not always silent, as electric cars are often described as being. When accelerating from a dead stop the sound of the motor reminds us of a World War II air-raid siren though when traveling on the highway and the driver puts his foot into it, the sound is more like a jet engine. So what does Danny think about the odd-looking speedster? While whipping through the traffic, he exclaims, “I love this thing! It’s brilliant!” Check out the brilliance of the Tango for yourself (in two parts) after the break.

[Source: Danny’s Contentment]

Continue reading VIDEO: Danny’s Contentment rides in the Tango, loves it!

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Hybrid, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA

According to James Ray, Acting Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, the current system of deriving money for the upkeep of the nations roadways is “unpredictable and unsustainable.” He adds, “Without a doubt, our federal approach to transportation is broken, and no amount of tweaking, adjusting or adding new layers on top will make things better.” This view is understandable in the wake of record high gas prices, which are causing consumers to drive less and therefore produce less revenue from the gas tax. Ray has some suggestions to alleviate some of the problem, including paying a fee based on mileage driven, an increase in alternative transportation methods and incentives to drive during off-peak hours.

Hybrids, electric cars and other fuel-saving technology will further cause a dent in the FHA’s pocketbook. In any case, Ray does not plan to increase the gas tax. In fact, the gas tax could be dropped completely in favor of a completely new system, one “more agile and responsive than the current gas tax.” We’ll keep our ears to the ground.

[Source: The Detroit News / Photo: splorp - Licensed under CC 2.0]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Diesel, Green Culture, Hybrid, Volkswagen, Geneva Motor Show

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Golf TDI Hybrid Concept

Finally, we have the full, complete details on the Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid concept. Before we get into the nitty-gritty, lets get one thing out of the way. Volkswagen confirms that a version of this very car is likely to see production (in Europe, at least). Now, on to the details. The Golf TDI hybrid pairs a 74 hp/132 lb-ft 1.2L 3-cylinder diesel (not the 1.4L used in the Polo BlueMotion, as had been speculated) with a 26.6 hp/103 lb-ft electric motor. At low speeds, the car will run in EV-only mode, with the TDI joining in if/when necessary. The tandem should be good for for 69 US mpg and 89 g/km of CO2 emissions in the EU combined cycle. The electric motor replaces the starter motor and alternator, and it will also charge the car’s 220v NiMH battery via regenerative braking. When stopped, the diesel cuts out entirely — all behavior hybrid drivers are accustomed to.Where this Golf concept veers from the norm somewhat is in its use of a 7-speed DSG instead of a CVT. According to VW, using the dual-clutch transmission helps maximize fuel economy. What’s left unsaid, but is known to anyone who has driven a DSG-equipped VW or Audi, is that it should also make it much more engaging to drive, given that the operator can manually shift if he or she wants to.

Visually, the Golf TDI Hybrid is lowered, has smaller intakes, sports a unique grille design, and wears aerodynamic wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires — all lessons VW has learned with its various Euro-market BlueMotion offerings. The front splitter is the same one used on the GTI Edition 30, and occupants will find a uniquely-trimmed interior waiting for them. Overall, this is a very attractive package that pairs a popular, practical body style with a compelling drivetrain that should not struggle in any normal driving situation. 100+ horses and 235 lb-ft of combined power ensure that the Golf TDI Hybrid can merge and pass with ease, and its hybrid operation should make it excel in local/urban runabout duty. They may be late to the party, but VW looks to have brought something good for the guests to try.

[Source: Volkswagen]

PRESS RELEASE:
83 MPG, 89 G/KM OF CO2: INTRODUCING THE GOLF TDI HYBRID CONCEPT

***EDITOR’S NOTE - MPG figures described are in Imperial gallons***

The challenge: to create a viable, highly-efficient family vehicle capable of emitting less than 90 g/km of CO2. The Volkswagen engineers’ solution, unveiled on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, combines an advanced diesel engine with an electric motor and the very latest generation of seven-speed DSG gearbox. The so-called Golf TDI Hybrid concept vehicle is capable of achieving 83 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 89 g/km of CO2 - while around town the vehicle reverts to purely electric mode to be emission-free.

At the core of the new Golf TDI Hybrid is a highly-efficient 1.2-litre three-cylinder common rail TDI diesel engine developing 75 PS and 132 lbs ft of torque. Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, if required, on its own, is an electric motor developing 27 PS and 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also replaces the conventional starter motor and alternator to save weight and improve packaging.

It can also operate as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking to charge the 220 volt, 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery which has a capacity of 1.4 kW hours.

In practice the electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine only engaging should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. In these situations the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor only working if required to supplement the combustion engine - for example, during overtaking manoeuvres. When at a standstill the diesel engine shuts down completely to conserve fuel and increase efficiency. The energy split is relayed to the driver and passengers through a graphic display accessed through the touchscreen satellite navigation screen.

Drive on the concept car is channelled through the new seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox. This features a pair of dry clutches as opposed to the wet clutches and sets a new energy efficiency standard for automatic gearboxes.

Visual changes which differentiate the Golf TDI Hybrid include a new, unique grille design, smaller front air intakes to reduce aerodynamic drag and subtle ‘TDI-Hybrid’ badging. The Golf TDI Hybrid also sits lower than the standard Golf on revised suspension and adopts the front splitter from the Golf GTI Edition 30 to help further reduce aerodynamic drag. A unique interior further distinguishes the Golf TDI Hybrid from the conventional vehicle.

The Golf TDI Hybrid is currently a concept vehicle, but a version of this vehicle is likely to go into production in the future.

This study follows the recent launch of the efficient new Golf BlueMotion. Adopting an optimised 1.9-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine linked to a revised gearbox and more efficient aerodynamics the Golf BlueMotion can achieve a combined 62.8 mpg while emitting just 119 g/km of CO2 meaning it will be exempt from the London Congestion Charge from October 27th onwards.

Timing

• Makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show
• The Golf TDI Hybrid is likely to inspire a future production vehicle

Key facts

• An engineering study aimed at extracting maximum efficiency from the combination of an advanced common rail diesel engine and a powerful electric motor designed to work in tandem also uses very latest generation of seven-speed DSG gearbox
• The so-called Golf TDI Hybrid concept vehicle is capable of achieving 83 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 89 g/km of CO2; around town the vehicle reverts to purely electric mode to be emission-free
• Powered by a highly-efficient 1.2-litre three-cylinder common rail TDI diesel engine developing 75 PS and 132 lbs ft of torque. Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, if required, on its own, is an electric motor developing 27 PS and 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also replaces the conventional starter motor and alternator to save weight and improve packaging
• The motor also operates as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking to charge the 220 volt, boot-mounted 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery which has a capacity of 1.4 kW hours
• The electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine only engaging should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. In these situations the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor only working if required to supplement the combustion engine - for example, during overtaking manoeuvres
• When the vehicle is stationary the diesel engine shuts down completely to conserve fuel and increase efficiency. The energy split is relayed to the driver and passengers through a graphic display accessed through the touchscreen satellite navigation screen
• Drive on the concept car is channelled through the new seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox
• Visual changes which differentiate the Golf TDI Hybrid include a new, unique grille design, smaller front air intakes to reduce aerodynamic drag and subtle ‘TDI-Hybrid’ badging. The Golf TDI Hybrid also sits lower than the standard Golf on revised suspension and adopts the front splitter from the Golf GTI Edition 30 to help further reduce aerodynamic drag

A unique interior further distinguishes the Golf TDI Hybrid from the conventional vehicle

 

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Original post by Alex Nunez

Filed under: Green Culture, MPG, Ford, Green Daily

How much would you pay to bump up your car’s miles per gallon rating up by 25 percent? Back in 1974, Car and Driver discovered that just $11 (about $50 when adjusted for inflation) was enough to make a Ford Pinto achieve this increase. The changes, discovered and posted by our friends at Ecomodder, didn’t touch the engine and included removing fan blades, installing a front air dam and partially blocking the grill, were cheap and effective. Not all can be performed on today’s vehicles, but it just goes to show that even an economy car can be made more so by someone with the skills and a few bucks at hand.

[Source: Ecomodder / thanks to Darin]

 

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: Etc., Green Culture, Volvo, Green Daily

Click on the image to enlarge

While safety is likely the first thing that springs to mind when the automotive conversation turns to Volvo, the Swedish auto manufacturer would like the average person to know about its efforts to reduce its impact on the environment. To that end, Volvo has launched its ‘Clean inside and out’ program, which outlines everything that the automaker is trying to do in protection of the environment.

After the break, we’ve pasted Volvo’s latest press release detailing some of its environmental policies, but one figure stands out in our minds: all new Volvo’s are 85 percent recyclable and 95 percent recoverable and have been so since 2002. In an age where cars are often looked as necessary but disposable objects, we can respect the distances that Volvo is going to address their environmental impact.

Press Release:

VOLVO - CLEAN ALL ITS LIFE

* All new Volvos are 85% recyclable and 95% recoverable
* Climate neutral manufacturing
* Material and parts selected for low environmental impact
* Customer carbon footprint data by model

Volvo Cars’ commitment to environmental activities and continuous investment to help reduce its carbon footprint goes far beyond lowering CO2 emissions. Volvo’s ‘Clean inside and out’ programme represents a holistic approach to the environmental impact of the car. It focuses on health, resource utilisation and the ecological consequences of the production, use and disposal of the vehicle.

Recycle, Re-use
A recent European Commission study stated that all new vehicles should be at least 85% recyclable or reusable by 2015. All new Volvo cars reached this figure in 2002. Volvo ensures all new models are 85% recyclable and designed for 95% recoverability as well as introducing initiatives to ensure that vehicles are clean throughout their life. The use of recycled materials such as steel, iron, aluminium and many other metals is common practice, while metals from the catalytic convertor are reused in new catalysts. Even the Volvo battery plastic covers become the wheel-arch liners on new cars.

Climate neutral manufacturing
Volvo Cars’ focus on other energy sources than oil has been going on for more than 25 years. Back in 1982 the company took the first step by using residual heat from the nearby refineries to heat the factory in Torslanda, Sweden. In 1988 Volvo started using natural gas, which was the main fuel for heating its European factories (Sweden and Belgium) and, from 1 January 2008, Volvo’s European manufacturing units now only use green electricity - hydropower. This is Volvo’s latest step in making its production climate neutral and future plans may also extend to other energy sources such as biogas and wind-power.

Material selection
Volvo continues its dedication to customer care by removing harmful materials traditionally associated with automotive production from its manufacturing processes. All traces of lead, cadmium, mercury and chromium can no longer be found in a Volvo, even the tanning procedure to create the leather in the seats has been changed to avoid the use of chromium. The interior of all new Volvos has been designed to comply with a strict international standard called Oeko-Tex, which ensures that all the materials used are hypoallergenic and free from hazardous substances.

Recycle parts and exchange
In addition to responsible manufacturing, servicing is also an environmentally friendly activity. Volvo has created the Volvo Exchange System where used parts are collected from dealers and remanufactured to the same quality as new parts. The Volvo Exchange System offers reconditioned, guaranteed, Volvo approved parts, ranging from starter motors to whole engines.

Assess Volvo’s wholelife impact
Volvo provides environmental information to customers, in the form of the Volvo EPI (Environmental Product Information) for all of its models, split by engine and transmission. This covers the car’s environmental impact during production, use and disposal enabling the environmental impact of any Volvo model to be judged independently. It gives an integrated picture of the car’s total environmental impact and makes it easier to assess and compare between different Volvo models and engine options. For more information visit the Lifecycle diagram section at www.volvocars.com/epi

[Source: Volvo]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Etc., Carbon Offset

How much carbon does the fleet of vehicles over at KickingTires spew? For starters, about 26 tons. That’s at least what the Cars.com team has decided is the right amount of Terrapass carbon offsets to buy for the fleet, and senior editor Dave Thomas said that this initial purchase will be reviewed as the cars’ emissions are more accurately rated in the coming months. He told AutoblogGreen that he expects he’ll need to buy more to round out the year, but for now, at least, when Cars.com reviews a huge SUV, somewhere an angel gets its wings a tree is planted.

In a blog post announcing the passes, they write that this purchase isn’t trying to get on anyone’s good side (although I′ve gotta say I approve), but “the main reason for this program is to help the environment for future generations of drivers.” Oh, and the challenge to other review outlets to do the same? Clever. We don’t exclusively focus on reviews here, but we do our share. Just might have to consider this for our own green selves.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

 

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, European Union

Every day, it seems, we are bombarded by sackfuls of e-mail from our vast Hungarian readership asking when an electric car will be produced in their country. We are happy to report today that the answer to that question is “now.” That’s right. Brixxon Elektromos Aut&oacute Kft has announced to the world that sales of their first Hungarian-designed model, the Bontino, available in mini-pickup form or with a box for a boot, have begun. Unfortunately for our Hungarian friends, due to what their website refers to as “unfavorable manufacturing conditions and uncertain economic prospects,” it will be produced in Austria.

Although this company (and its car) are sized smaller than a Smart Car, its plans loom larger than a Ford F-550 Quad-Cab 4Ҵ. With duallies. And what are those plans? Well, since you asked so nicely, they expect 3,000 baby Bontinos will be born this year alone to begin filling purchase order papers the company has already received from Austrian firms. The next four years will see an additional 150,000 csecsemős produced with 500 of those going to Spanish company Dilixi Life S.L. in Barcelona. Performance numbers are not yet available but we suspect its 0-60 time to be best measured with a sun dial with its top speed to be similarly impressive.

Video of the cute-mobile rolling is after the break. Leave us a comment to let us know what you think, extra points if you can understand what they′re saying.

[Source: Brixxon Elektromos Autó Kft]

 

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: MPG, Lightweight

Hungary is not generally known as a hotbed of automotive development, although Audi does have a factory there that builds many of its engines. A new prototype vehicle from the former Soviet block state, though, provides a very interesting look at some possible future transportation.

The Antro Solo combines some of the best ideas from legendary race car designers like Colin Chapman and Gordon Murray with concepts from solar racers, mopeds and Priuses. Living up to Chapman’s mantra of “adding lightness” the Solo weighs a mere 600 lbs thanks to a composite construction. Clever packaging with two passenger seats on either side of a central driver’s throne a la Murray’s Mclaren F1 are blended with diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. The battery gets some range extension from roof top solar cells and pedals for the passengers. Antro is targeting an $18,000 sticker and 117mpg city/157mpg highway specs. With those kinds of numbers, this could be an X-Prize winner. Unfortunately, the carbon fiber body alone is likely to cost more than $18k and, at 600lbs, passing any kinds of safety standards anywhere in the world is going to be nearly impossible.

[Source: AutoFiends]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, Mercedes Benz, European Union

Stuttgart-based automaker Mercedes has announced a new factory in Hungary, in the town of Kecskemet, south of Budapest. The new facility is expected to cost €800 million and create 2,500 jobs. This announcement comes after the marque revealed plans to enlarge its “subcompact premium” offerings, and the new plant will be able to produce up to four different models. This will help Mercedes compete against the Audi A1 and Mini, while lowering its average fleet CO₂ emission levels. Mercedes’ plant in Rastatt, Germany, where the current A and B Class are made, is also getting a €600 million investment, which could mean that the Hungarian-built models could be completely new. Recent rumors say that Mercedes could make the A and B Class rear-wheel drive (BMW 1-Series anyone?), while the new Hungarian modes could keep the FWD configuration (again, BMW’s Mini anyone?).

[Source: Mercedes]

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Original post by Xavier Navarro