Hybrid Nation

Chery Auto unveils first self-made electric car

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 02:51:00 +0000

SHANGHAI, Feb 19 (Reuters) - China's Chery Automobile said on Thursday it has rolled out its first self-developed electric car, becoming the second home-grown car maker to tap potential demand for clean energy cars.

The model, known as S18, is capable of going as far as 150 kilometers on electricity when fully charged, with a maximum speed of 120 kilometres per hour, Chery said in a statement.

Chery uses iron-phosphate-based lithium-ion batteries for S18, which can be fully charged in 4 to 6 hours and 80 percent charged in half an hour, it said.

The company did not say when it would start mass production of the model or whether it had secured firm orders.

BYD Auto, subsidiary of rechargeable battery maker BYD Co (1211.HK), launched its plug-in hybrid car F3DM in China late last year.

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Oil Conscious

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:18:00 +0000

With the price of gasoline now gathering back to a healthy and more affordable price, will our thoughts on being more fuel efficient go with the wind. Will we stop caring about being oil independent, purchasing hybrid cars, or even stop thinking about our precious environment. We as a nation have to stop and think, do we keep spending billions of dollars on petro which in turn the majority of that money goes in to the hands of countries which aid terrorist regimes, or do we become energy conscious and rid ourselves of these hate spewing leaders like Ahmedijinad and Hugo Chavez. Lets wake up America.

Toyota rolls out hybrid CPO program

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:13:00 +0000

What’s better than a used hybrid? Toyota believes it’s a certified pre-owned (CPO) hybrid. It seems folks aren’t aware hybrid Toyotas are available as CPO cars, and Toyota would like to change that trend. “We’ve already sold 30,000 hybrids to date on this program, but we’ve found that consumers have low awareness that hybrids are included in our CPO cars,” explained Steve Gallagher, Toyota certified used vehicles marketing manager.

The program, announced this morning, is called the Toyota Certified Used Hybrid (TCUH), an extension of the existing Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV), and it provides inspection points and extended warranty coverage on all certified used Toyota hybrids.

What’s the difference? Toyota tells us it’s 14 inspection points that affect the components running adjacent to the internal combustion system. These checkpoints include the multi-informational display, inverter coolant levels, electric motor assisted power steering and the hybrid vehicle battery.
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2010 Fisker Karma S—World’s First Plug-in Hybrid Convertible, In Concept

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:43:00 +0000

DETROIT— Forget about your wimpy little gas-sipping hybrid cars, styled like George Jetson's toaster. The Fisker Karma, penned by industry design heavyweight Henrik Fisker, will run 0-60 in an impressive 5.8 seconds, and is claimed to be capable of sustained top speeds of 125 mph.

Fisker Automotive isn't just another startup designed to milk investor money until its inevitable failure. Danish-born Fisker is responsible for the design of such vehicles as the BMW Z8, Aston Martin Vantage V8 the Lincoln Zephyr, and now, the Karma.

Powered by two 210 hp electric motors connected to the rear wheels, the Karma runs on a 26 kWh battery pack from Quantum Industries. These batteries can be recharged from any 110 or 220-volt outlet, providing a 50-mile range when in Stealth mode. Under the hood is a GM-sourced 260 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection Ecotec engine coupled directly to a generator to recharge the batteries and provide increased performance. The powertrain is capable of delivering an impressive 963 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear axle.

Fiskar promotes greenness inside and out, utilizing materials such as wood reclaimed from forest fires and lakebeds for trim parts and a leather substitute derived from bamboo cellulose.
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Can U.S. Hybrids Beat Japanese Competition?

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:38:00 +0000

By BIANNA GOLODRYGA
Jan. 12, 2009

This year's Detroit auto show presents an opportunity for American automakers to not only tout new energy-efficient vehicles but also to convey another message: When you think innovation, think domestic.

Amid the somber reality that auto sales in the United States are likely to drop this year, automakers are unveiling new models they hope will spur some excitement among environmentalists and consumers.

But no matter how hotly anticipated these cars might be, the question remains as to whether this newest generation of energy-efficient cars can race past their Japanese counterparts when it comes to sales.

One of the most talked about cars at the annual North American International Auto Show, which started Sunday, was Ford's Hybrid Fusion. Said to be the most fuel-efficient car in the United States, the Fusion gets 41 miles to the gallon.

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Cities give 'green' light on parking perks for hybrid drivers

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:49:00 +0000

By Wendy Koch, USA TODAY
Many hybrid car owners, who often get tax credits and special use of HOV lanes, are getting another perk: parking privileges.
An increasing number of offices, hotels and others are giving drivers of hybrids free or reduced-cost parking or reserved spots closer to entrances, similar to those for the disabled or for pregnant women. They're following at least a dozen cities, which introduced such perks in 2004.

"It really encourages people to buy hybrids," says Maureen Lacey, of Boston University Medical Campus' parking office. She says the medical center's preferential first-floor parking for hybrids, begun in 2007, was so popular that in October it doubled to 100 the number of available spaces.

The perk reflects broader efforts by government and the private sector to promote energy conservation and healthier living. For example, Boston University's medical centergives preferential parking to people who carpool.

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China's first mass-produced hybrid car goes on sale: car maker

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:23:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) — China's first mass-produced hybrid electric car hit the market on Monday, its manufacturer said, in a move aimed at driving the nation to the cutting edge of the world's green auto industry.

The car is made by BYD Auto, a Chinese company backed by American Warren Buffett, one of the world's most successful investors who owns 9.9 percent of the firm.

The F3DM is also the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid car, meaning owners can charge it from powerpoints at home for the first time, as well as in specialised electric car charging stations, according to BYD.

BYD president Wang Chuanfu was quoted by Chinese media as saying that his firm and China were on their way to being world leaders in the fuel-efficient auto industry.

"Through the F3DM dual-mode electric vehicle, BYD will grab a head-start in the new energy automobile market," he said at the launch in the southern city of Shenzhen, according to Auto 18, an online platform for China's auto industry.

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Hybrid pace car sends positive message to fans

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:49:00 +0000

By Raygan Swan, NASCAR.COM
November 14, 2008
The country elected its first "green president" and now it may be a step closer to its first green NASCAR.

Perhaps taking a page from President-elect Barack Obama's playbook of greening the nation's auto fleet, NASCAR and Homestead-Miami Speedway announced their plan to debut the first hybrid pace car this weekend at the Ford 400.

With this, NASCAR fans have been sent a message: Hybrid cars are no longer exclusive to tree huggers and environmentalists; it's cool to go green in the off-track sense.

But like Kermit the Frog said, "It's not easy being green."

Changing mind-sets and educating the public takes time. Costly advertising campaigns and effective leadership is required to persuade the NASCAR stronghold that driving a plug-in car is better or at least more socially responsible than a sport utility vehicle that averages 18 miles per gallon.

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FACTBOX: Obama's positions on energy issues

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:43:00 +0000

(Reuters) - Energy was a major issue in the U.S. presidential campaign after high gasoline prices added to consumer woes this year and candidates pledged to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.

Here is a look at the energy plan of President-elect Barack Obama.

ENERGY RESEARCH

Obama wants to invest $150 billion over 10 years on low-carbon energy sources that will help create 5 million jobs, double research and development spending on biomass, solar and wind resources; accelerate commercialization of plug-in hybrid cars, invest in low-emission coal plants.

WINDFALL PROFITS TAX

Obama supports a five-year windfall tax on excessive profits of large oil companies. The proceeds from the tax would pay for a $1,000 tax rebate for low- and middle-income families to help them cope with rising energy prices.

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Electric-car race could strain lithium battery supply

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:01:00 +0000

Posted by Martin LaMonica

The headlong rush to create electric cars for green-minded consumers may come with a significant economic and environmental cost.

Lithium ion batteries--the same used in electronic gadgets and laptops--have become the preferred battery type for plug-in hybrids and electric cars now starting to come to market.

That swelling demand has some industry observers concerned that there will be a shortage of the metal lithium, the material used to make the batteries.

"You can solve the transportation problem but end up creating an equally vexing commodity problem," said Matthew Nordan, president of emerging technology consulting firm Lux Research. "It's a big concern."

In the short term, auto companies will be able to bring plug-in hybrid cars to market as planned in the next few years. Production of lithium has increased since the 1990s to meet the demand for batteries in power tools and consumer electronics, said Brian Jaskula, the lithium mineral commodity specialist at the U.S. Geological Survey. Prices over the past few years have increased steadily as well, he said.

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Why China May Save The Electric Car

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:47:00 +0000

William Pentland, 10.27.08, 3:50 PM ET

The news wasn't all bad for General Motors on Tuesday.

Amid talk of bankruptcy and a forced merger with failing Chrysler, GM (nyse: GM - news - people ) introduced a new model of its Chevrolet Equinox in Beijing that runs on hydrogen, making the beleaguered automaker the most recent company to take a big bet on the budding electric vehicle (EV) market in China.

GM sees China as being among the first markets and production sites for alternative propulsion systems and will continue working to advance its strategy of "in China, with China, for China" to help the country develop diverse automotive energy solutions and commercialize such energy solutions, David S. Chen, vice president of GM China Group, said last week.

They're not alone. Recession or no recession, Asia's emerging economies will be buying a massive number of automobiles in coming decades. Odds are, the lion's share of them will run at least partially on electricity. At least that's what investors and manufacturers, from GM to Warren Buffett, think.

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Hybrid cars: Which is most fuel efficient?

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 23:07:00 +0000

Jordan Lite

If your wallet is taking a beating from high gas prices and all this talk of green
energy has inspired you to shop around for a hybrid car, new fuel-efficiency ratings may help you.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ranked 10 hybrid vehicles. Topping the list: the Toyota Prius, which gets 48 miles (77 kilometers) per gallon on city streets and 45 mpg (72 km) on the highway.

The Honda Civic Hybrid is next, racking up 40 mpg (64 km) for city driving and the same as the Prius on the freeway. No. 3 is the Nissan Altima Hybrid, which takes you 35 miles (56 kilometers) per gallon in the city, 33 miles (53 kilometers) per gallon on the expressway.

Tied at fourth for providing 31 to 34 mpg (50 to 54 km) per gallon are three cars: the Ford Escape Hybrid FWD, Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD and Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD
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Volvo Builds First Hybrid Bus

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:36:00 +0000

by Justin Moresco

Volvo is bringing the world’s first hybrid bus to market. Since the Swedish automaker isn’t yet selling a hybrid car, this seems like a case of the Swedes focusing their efforts where their competitors are not.

Called the Volvo 7700, the bus will employ both an electric motor and diesel-powered engine. Volvo engineers say the hybrid technology will mean a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency. The first buses will be delivered to customers next year and mass production will begin in early 2010.

Sweden, like its Scandinavian neighbors, is passionate about clean technology. That’s why it’s surprising that the carmaker has emerged as a laggard in alternative vehicles.

Perhaps it’s the company’s commitment to excellence that has held back its introduction of a hybrid vehicle. Its first true hybrid car—not bus—won’t be out until 2012.

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Plug-in electric cars set to debut in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 02:32:00 +0000

By Kevin Ransom

Robert Lutz, vice-chairman of General Motors, caused a stir in the auto industry -- and in the automotive press -- when he announced in January of 2007 that the Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric car would be ready for mass production and on the road, by the end of 2010.

Because he was making this pronouncement at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, -- in conjunction with the unveiling of the Volt concept car -- skeptics thought that Lutz's statement was a bit too optimistic.

Some thought it might be one of those that falls into the category of "speaking more from hope than experience," and that it was more a rallying cry for the troops than an attainable reality.

After all, at the time, reliable long-term and cost effective lithium-ion batteries required to power a plug-in electric cars seemed to be years away. But now, almost two years later, GM still seems confident that the 2010 launch date will be met.

And that belief is shared by many who work for some of the auto-biz research institutes/industry associations.

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Mercedes-Benz introduces new lithium-ion battery

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:52:00 +0000

Mercedes-Benz is introducing a powerful new lithium-ion battery this week that will pack 10 times the power of its lead counterpart while saving drivers 20pc on fuel efficiency.
By Michael Levitin in Berlin
Last Updated: 7:33PM BST 22 Sep 2008

Daimler’s S400 BlueHybrid, due out in mid-2009, is slated to become the first hybrid car with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery.

At 26kg and the size of a briefcase – compared with Toyota’s and Honda’s more cumbersome nickel-hydride batteries, which take up a large portion of their vehicles’ boot space – Mercedes hopes its battery, and its luxury S-Class, can wrest some control from Japanese automakers who have dominated the electric car market until now.

The new hybrid represents a world record in fuel economy for luxury cars, according to Mercedes. By combining a fuel motor with an electric motor, which stores brake energy released on acceleration, the dual engine – a 279-horsepower V6 supported by a 20-horsepower electric motor – enables a top speed of 155mph and 0-60mph acceleration in 7.2 seconds.

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GM debuts the Chevy Volt

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:48:00 +0000

By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com senior writer
DETROIT (CNNMoney.com) -- General Motors unveiled the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle on Tuesday, allowing outsiders their first full look at the car GM says will go on sale in 2010.

"The Volt symbolizes GM's commitment to the future," said Rick Wagoner, the company's chairman and CEO.

The Volt will be driven by electricity stored in a large T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack running the length of the car. After charging for several hours, the Volt will be able to run for up to about 40 miles without using gasoline.

GM did not announce pricing for the car, which will have the equivalent of about 150 horsepower and a top speed of 100 mph, the automaker said.

To charge the batteries, drivers will plug a cord into one of the ports just ahead of the driver's side mirror. The cord can then be attached to an ordinary home electrical outlet.

Do We Need a Stopgap Fuel?

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:29:00 +0000

It’s becoming clear that energy and energy independence — you have to love that term — will be a major focus of the upcoming presidential election. While most of us are sick of the dog-and-pony shows and pundits of the past few weeks, we are also sick of the all too-easily dismissed ease of both parties’ energy policies.

Do we drill more? Do we import less? Do we use ethanol? Should all cars be flex-fuel?

There are two end goals, it seems: independence from foreign oil and eventually independence from non-renewable fuels.

I’m going to try and tackle just the first one today, and in doing so I think it might become clear that ethanol and natural gas are stopgap fuels that we just don’t need to become energy independent.

The reason I got to thinking about this was the upcoming Senate bill that would require every car to be flex-fuel — to the layman, that means capable of running on both gasoline and ethanol E85.
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Blowin' In The Wind: Bloomberg's Green Energy Plan

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:25:00 +0000

Billionaire Mayor Proposes Energy Initiative That Could Drastically Change New York City Skyline
Windmills On City Bridges & Skyscrapers; Turbines On Rivers' Shores; Solar Panels On Buildings
NEW YORK (CBS) ― Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to change the face of the New York City skyline.

It's a power play that has the mayor tilting at windmills.

The cookies and other treats at the City Bakery in Union Square are made with 100 percent wind power.

"The wind power that we use is the equivalent of actually planting 450 acres of trees per year," said Sara Weeks Dima, general manager of City Bakery.

If Bloomberg gets his way wind mills will generate a lot more of the city's electricity.

"If you could get 2 or 3 percent from wind, and from solar -- and the potential's greater than that -- you really could make a difference," Bloomberg said.

Speaking at a major conference on alternative energy Tuesday night in Las Vegas, Bloomberg proposed putting windmills on top of city bridges, and skyscrapers, and turbines in the Hudson and East Rivers.

In terms of offshore locations, aides to the mayor told CBS 2 HD's Magee Hickey, the city is looking at the generally windy coast off of Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island for the turbines, which could provide 10 percent of the city's electricity in just 10 years.

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McCain Announces His Running Mate - The Chevy Volt

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:43:00 +0000

By Keith Barry

The Chevrolet Volt has joined baseball and apple pie as an unassailable, non-partisan symbol of American can-do and know-how. General Motors won't start selling the plug-in hybrid for another 18 months (at least), but that hasn't kept it from becoming the most important political accessory since the flag lapel pin.

The two leading presidential candidates have practically tripped over each other meeting with GM CEO Rick Wagoner, who stopped bailing water long enough to tell the candidates what they can do to help his sinking company build cars that won't destroy the planet. Both Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain have hailed the Volt as the very definition of American ingenuity, but McCain seems especially enamored by it.

“The eyes of the world are now on the Volt. It's the future of America and the world, ” McCain told a crowd of 500 GM autoworkers Friday at the GM Technical Center in Warren, Mich. The way McCain sees it, American-made fuel efficient cars will save both the environment and the economy, and he promises to make sure they're built if he's elected president.

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Oil bills: Congress gets little done

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:09:00 +0000

By David Goldman, CNNMoney.com staff writer
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- As Americans clamor for action on record oil and fuel prices, Democratic leaders in the House had promised to address energy issues this week, but they ended up without much to show for it.

The House passed two pieces of legislation on Thursday. The Saving Energy Through Public Transportation Act would provide nearly $2 billion in grants to lower mass transit fares over the next two years. And the Energy Markets Emergency Act directs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to use its existing authority to investigate and curb "excessive" energy speculation.

Policy analysts were not impressed. The CFTC bill is just political rhetoric, they said.

"The bill doesn't do anything," said Christine Tezak, policy analyst for Stanford Group. "The CFTC is well on their way to doing what [House Speaker Nancy Pelosi] is screaming for."

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Volkswagen, Sanyo to develop lithium-ion batteries

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:54:00 +0000

By Chang-Ran Kim and Noriyuki Hirata

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sanyo Electric Co (6764.T: Quote, Profile, Research) and Volkswagen AG (VOWG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Wednesday they would jointly develop lithium-ion batteries, joining an intensifying race to provide the key component for the next generation of hybrid cars.

Sanyo, which has the biggest global market share of lithium-ion batteries used in personal computers and mobile phones, said it would spend 80 billion yen ($769 million) over the next seven years for the project, aiming to begin mass production in 2009.

Top global automakers are all working on developing vehicle-use lithium-ion batteries to replace nickel-hydride ones currently used in gasoline-electric hybrid cars, since they can store more energy in lighter, smaller packs.

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Facts You Need To Know About The Hybrid Car

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:53:00 +0000

SkyNewswire.com)--The term "hybrid" means that something is mixed with its original form. The hybrid is a car that has both an electric and a gas motor to run it. But, unlike electric cars of yesteryear, the hybrid will recharge itself, hence no need to plug it into an outlet.

The gasoline engines in these cars are smaller than in standard vehicles and where they leave off the electric engine takes over. The hybrid can work on just one of these engines, but hybrid owners will use both to conserve on fuel.

What's Under The Hood?

Most hybrids use the gasoline engine primarily. But when more power is needed, the electric motor kicks in.

In the gasoline motor, there is energy conservation, for example, it instantly shuts off when the vehicle stops. When you hit the pedal again, the engine smoothly turns back on. Meanwhile, the battery keeps all of your appliances on -- lights, radio and other needed features.

Because the gasoline engine cuts off and on, it is usually virtually silent. This can confuse the driver and parking attendants, who may think the car is off, but it is actually on. Fortunately, an indicator light has been added, showing the status of the engine.

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Plug-in hybrid from Volvo

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:16:00 +0000

Volvo Cars is getting together with electricity provider Vattenfall, Saab Automobile and the Swedish government in a broad-based joint research venture to develop plug-in hybrid car technology. Field tests will be carried out in Sweden.

"I see this project as a positive further development of sustainable personal transport. We have a unique opportunity to take the lead when it comes to innovations for advanced green-car technology", says Fredrik Arp, president and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

The aim of the project, which is being carried out jointly by the four partners, is to develop and demonstrate next-generation hybrid cars. A fleet of 10 plug-in hybrids will be produced that can be recharged directly from a mains wall socket.

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State deals blow to zero-emission vehicle supporters

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 03:03:00 +0000

The Air Resources Board substantially reduces the number of clean-air cars that big automakers will be required to sell in the next few years.

By Ken Bensinger, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 28, 2008
California's Air Resources Board voted Thursday to slash by 70% the number of emission-free vehicles that carmakers must sell in the state in coming years, a significant blow for environmentalists and transportation activists.

But the panel set new rules requiring automakers to build tens of thousands of plug-in hybrid cars, which run on electricity and gasoline. And it adopted a motion to overhaul its entire Zero Emission Vehicle program to align it with tougher greenhouse-gas emission standards enacted in California in recent years. That could lead to the production of many more clean vehicles, but the overhaul won't happen until at least the end of 2009.
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FOR THE RECORD:
Zero-emission vehicles: An article in the Business section on Friday said VantagePoint Venture Partners was an investor in plug-in hybrid carmaker Fisker Automotive. VantagePoint is an investor in electric carmaker Tesla Motors. —story continued

ZAP Launches Sale of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Car, Tests Show up to 120 Miles per Gallon

noreply@blogger.com (anthony m,) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:08:00 +0000

Hybrid vehicles retrofitted with systems from Hybrids Plus of Boulder, Colorado can achieve a significantly greater fuel economy. In tests these systems increased hybrid fuel economy up to 120 miles per gallon in the city and up to 90 mpg on the highway. The cost for the conversion ranges from $24,000 to $36,000 depending on the vehicle and size of battery pack.

All gasoline electric hybrids currently produced by major automakers today are essentially gasoline-powered vehicles. They reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency compared to conventional cars, however they are fueled exclusively by gasoline. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) will allow the owner to charge their vehicle from a normal household wall outlet. By integrating a larger battery pack and a plug-in charging system, it becomes a new vehicle drawing energy from two fuel sources.

Hybrids Plus has sold PHEV systems to private individuals, fleets, power companies, and governmental entities. Deliveries can be provided in approximately four weeks from the initial order.

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