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May 08, 2008

A123 Plug-In for Toyota Prius




Plug-In LogoA123 Systems has developed a Plug-In conversion kit for the Toyota Prius.  While not developed by Toyota - nor approved by Toyota - here are the details!

By inserting another battery between the normal (small) battery and the coToyota Priusmputer control systems the Prius is tricked to keep running on battery as there is more battery power.  This additional battery boost can carry many people through their daily commute ... allowing them to power the car mostly by electric from their home.

A123 Plug-in Battery for Prius " ... ... half of the cars in the U.S. are driven just 25 miles a day or less....Plug-in Conversion Modules enable your vehicle to achieve outstanding fuel economy by electrically supplementing the hybrid drive train for up to 40 miles. When the Hymotion L5 module is fully depleted, your vehicle will function as a standard hybrid until you recharge."

" ... plug your car into your house using an extension cord and a standard 120V outlet. Your L5 module will be fully charged when you are ready to go in the morning. ..."

 

Via:  A123 Systems   Link

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April 10, 2008

Th!nk Electric Cars from Norway




Th!nk Car

Once part of the Ford Motor Company, Th!nk is now an electric car manufacturer. Th!nk car

The Parent Company is called Th!nk Global " ... as its owners want to explore new forms of a global technology partnership for local manufacturing of the Th!nk City ...."

oN THE HORIZON FOR tH!NK:

" ... become even more modular, allowing different options and energy sources,"

" ... a hybrid with a supplementary fuel cell, and a module that runs on biofuels."

" ... manufacturing that is modular and decentralized, ... The THINK can be built in an efficient way even in small assembly plants, as 80% of the car’s cost are supplier linked: Coordinating the purchase on behalf of many locally owned plants can drastically reduce the cost of all."
 
 
Via:  Th!nk Global   Link 

 

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April 08, 2008

FMC Positioned for Electric Vehicle Battery Future




FMC Corporation is profiled as a good investment for the future based on its market position in battery technology. ...
... "Lithium Ion batteries make it the de-facto battery of choice for next generation battery electric vehicles [BEV], fuel-cell vehicles [FCV], and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles [PHEV]. " ...
Via Seeking Alpha: Future of Battery Technology

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March 26, 2008

Electric Cars and Wind are like Peas and Carrots




Shai's picture unites electric car with wind power to make a perfect match for electrons. ...
... "Electric cars and windmills are the most complementary products in the green world. Windmills generate a lot more energy at night, as wind picks up when the air cools down. " ...
Via Shai Agassi's Long Tailpipe: The Virtual Oil Field

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March 13, 2008

Electric Car Infrastructure




Shai Agassi on the infrastructure for electric vehicles ...

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February 12, 2008

Israel Promoting Electric Cars




 

 Israel embraces electric cars!
 

"The Israeli government announced a major initiative to push the nation’s drivers toward electric cars ... the Israeli attempt ... aligns policy makers and a major car company with an outfit prepared to build hundreds of thousands of electric charging stations across the country. ..."I

" ... Renault-Nissan will manufacture the cars and Better Place, a California start-up founded by former SAP executive Shai Agassi, will build the infrastructure, ...A few hundred vehicles are expected to be on the road by 2009, with production scaled to the mass market by 2011. On Jan. 13, Israel slashed the tax rate on cars powered by electricity to 10% in order to encourage consumers to buy the vehicles once they are available."

 

Via:  IsRealli - The State of Israel Official Blog  Link

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January 24, 2008

Simple Explanation of Electric Car Infrastructure




Not sure how electric vehicles can replace gas-powered cars and lower greenhouse gas emissions? Check out this simple explanation of Project Better Place, a novel idea for an electric car infrastructure. ...

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January 22, 2008

Renault Nissan Commits to Pure Electric Vehicles




Renault-Nissan commits to Project Better Place and the delivery of an electric vehicle with volume production within three years. ...
... "We had a car-maker, the fourth largest one in the world, that committed to Pure Electric Vehicles (EV) as a mass-market product. Not only are they committed, they have allocated the funds required to develop such vehicle, for the needs of the country where we will start. " ...
Via Shai Agassi's Long Tailpipe: Transformation

Continue reading "Renault Nissan Commits to Pure Electric Vehicles" »

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December 30, 2007

Think Electric Car Vid




Here's video of the Think electric car ...



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Think Electric Vehicle Starts Production




The Think electric vehicle starts production. The company leadership has deep bench strength. And, there has been a fair amount of investment in the research and development of the electric car by previous owners. The battery powered vehicle has a range of 180 kilometers, or over 100 miles. ...
... "We believe that electric cars are a macro trend, and their use will grow very fast, and for a long time," says Mr Bjorseth. " ...
Via Financial Times Deutschland: Race for Electric Cars
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November 14, 2007

New York Governor's Mansion Goes Green




 New York Governor's Mansion

"Silda Wall Spitzer, ... wants to turn the governor's mansion ... into a modern model of energy efficiency ... “Greening the Mansion” will cut its electrical energy consumption by 50% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half.solar panels

Highlights include:

* solar panels
* a fuel cell to  replace back up dielsel powered generator
* energy efficient appliances

Via:  TreeHugger.com   Link

 

Continue reading "New York Governor's Mansion Goes Green" »

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November 06, 2007

Tesla Roadster Electric Car Closeup




Here's closeup of the Tesla Roadster by Veronica Belmont, a stylish electric vehicle. It achieves 60 miles per hour in 4 seconds. The video shows the car, its charging mechanism (charging occurs in three to four hours), and a test drive. ...



Via Mahalo Daily: Tesla

Continue reading "Tesla Roadster Electric Car Closeup" »

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October 29, 2007

Creating the Electric Vehicle Foundation




Shai Agassi creates company that will build the foundation, or recharging infrastructure, for electric vehicles. Recharging can be accomplished by plugging-into the grid or through battery exchange. Pilots are planned as early as 2008 with initial focus on taxis and delivery vehicles. A subscription model is envisioned for payment. ...
... "The company will deploy the regional and global infrastructure to support electric vehicles on a country by country basis. Project Better Place will establish a widespread grid of electric charging spots at current parking locations as well as battery exchange stations through software systems integration. These capabilities will provide consumers with the energy to keep their cars charged and driving without the need to wait for electricity at any point. The new grid presents a practical solution to address barriers to electric vehicle adoption. " ...
Project Better Place

Continue reading "Creating the Electric Vehicle Foundation" »

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September 30, 2007

Solar Fox Test




Team SolarFox ...
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June 06, 2007

GM Pursues Battery Development For Chevy Volt




GM awards contracts for battery development to CPI and Continental Auto Systems to power its Chevy Volt, electric car.  CPI was formed in 2000 to become the supplier of choice for state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery technology for automotive and industrial applications.  The Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG covers the full range of systems and specializes in the GM Battery Contracts Awardeddevelopment of innovative technologies for vehicles.  ...

... "GM selected two companies out of the 13 technical proposals it considered to provide advanced lithium batteries for both range-extender electric and fuel cell variants of the E-Flex architecture. The E-Flex electric vehicle architecture underpins the Chevy Volt concept car shown earlier this year and is being developed as part of GM's strategy to diversify transportation away from petroleum. One contract will go to lithium-ion battery supplier Compact Power, Inc., based in Troy, Mich. CPI is a subsidiary of Korean battery manufacturer LG Chem. A second contract has been awarded to Frankfurt, Germany-based Continental Automotive Systems, a division of Continental A.G., a tier one automotive supplier that will develop lithium-ion battery packs. GM continues to assess other solutions to quickly bring lithium-ion batteries to production.

These suppliers demonstrated solutions that best met the specific energy, power, mass and durability requirements for the battery in the E-Flex range-extender variant. The battery for the fuel-cell variant requires half the energy and power, but must be integrated and connected to the vehicle in a similar way. " ...

Via GM: Advanced Development Battery Contracts For Chevrolet Volt E-Flex System

 

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April 10, 2007

Battery Research For PHEVs




DOE funds research on batteries for PHEVs. ...
... "DOE and USABC seek to identify electrochemical storage technologies capable of meeting or approaching USABC's criteria for performance, weight, life-cycle, and cost. Other considerations include the potential to commercialize proposed battery technologies and bring them to market quickly. DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Vehicle Technologies Program leads the Department’s efforts to bring PHEVs to market and works with industry to develop advanced transportation technologies that will reduce the nation’s use of imported oil. The development of a lower cost, high-energy battery has been identified as a critical pathway toward commercialization of PHEVs. " ...

Via Department of Energy: $14 Million to Develop Advanced Batteries for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Goals for Advanced Battery Development for Plug-in Electric Vehicles: "In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), USABC will award contracts to developers selected that have electrochemical energy storage technologies capable of meeting or approaching USABC's performance, weight, life-cycle and price criteria, plus near- and long-term technical readiness goals for high power-to-energy-ratio and high energy-to-power-ratio batteries, respectively. "

 

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March 26, 2007

GM Committed to Chevy Volt Concept




Bob Lutz expresses his committment to the Chevy Volt concept and maintaining a open dialogue on the challenges of development. ...
... "We are 100 percent committed to making this happen. We are invigorated by the Chevy Volt Concept Carchallenge. We are going to continue to be as transparent as we can in this process, knowing that there are some proprietary technology issues we will have to keep veiled. " ...

Via GM FastLane Blog: GM Charging Ahead with Volt

 

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January 27, 2007

Hybrid Electric Plug-In: Chevy Volt Video




Chevrolet Volt Concept Demonstration. This video is meant to show how the Volt can be plugged in/out from a standard electrical outlet in a home. ...
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January 25, 2007

Ford Escape Hybrid Electric Video




Ford Unveils World's First Drivable Fuel Cell Hybrid on Video ...
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January 08, 2007

Ford Airstream Concept Car: Plug-In Hydrogen Fuel Cell




Ford and Airstream join forces to present a concept crossover car that operates in pure electric mode with the Ballard hydrogen fuel cell recharging its lithium-ion batteries to enable a total range of approximately 300 miles.  ...

... "The concept is powered by a plug-in hydrogen hybrid fuel cell drivetrain - called HySeries Drive - that operates under electric power at all times. This advanced fuel cell system is half the weight and cost of today’s fuel cells and can operate in the dead of winter. That's a major step forward because today's fuel cells don’t do well when the mercury dips below freezing. Ford Airstream Concept

The concept's bold, futuristic front-end explores a new look for Ford, encapsulating the single-surface grille and headlamps into the same graphic. Each of the concept's bold orange-trimmed window graphics is a unique shape.

The Ford Airstream Concept features a floating instrument panel with flush-mounted, touch-sensitive controls and a multi-function single gauge display provides the driver all primary information.  A Sharp dual-view screen centrally mounted on the instrument panel provides a camera view and secondary driver-oriented information, while allowing the front-seat passenger to view DVDs and post mobile blogs. The driver and front-seat passenger will navigate in style in modern, pod-shaped swiveling captain’s chairs that also rotate so they can easily socialize.

Tucked inside the cocoon-like lounge in the rear of the Ford Airstream Concept is the ultimate entertainment source – a 360-degree viewing screen. The focal point of the passenger area, this innovative screen can be viewed from every seating position in the car – even the front seats, when they swivel around toward the conversation pit.

The new HySeries Drive plug-in hydrogen fuel cell featured in the Ford Airstream Concept is more than a concept.  This powertrain is already on the road and driving in a Ford Edge prototype. Ford scientists and engineers created this vehicle with partial funding from the United States Department of Energy. The HySeries Drive delivers the combined city / highway equivalent fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon.  In this application, the fuel cell's sole function is to recharge the vehicle's lithium-ion battery pack as needed. This allows it to work like a portable generator, instead of an engine, as had been the case in previous Ford fuel cell vehicles. " ...

Via Ford Motor Company: TWO AMERICAN ICONS DELIVER THE CROSSOVER MODEL OF THE FUTURE WITH THE FORD AIRSTREAM CONCEPT

The Ford Airstream Concept was developed by the following team members, led by J Mays, group vice president – Design, and chief creative officer.  Peter Horbury, executive director - Design, The Americas,  Freeman Thomas, director - North America Strategic Design,  David Woodhouse - chief designer,  Kris Tomasson - chief designer,  Jordan Bennett - exterior design manager,  Matt Edwards - interior design manager

 

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January 07, 2007

Electric Car: Chevy Volt




Chevy Volt uses range extending technology to recharge the batteries as its goes. The concept extends to any type of hybrid vehicle.  The Chevrolet Volt is charged by plugging it into a 110-volt outlet for six hours per day. A fully charged battery will enable the Volt to deliver 40 city miles of electric-only vehicle range. When the battery is fully depleted, a 1-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine creates electricity and replenishes the battery. This increases the fuel economy and range.
 ...
... "For instance, we've added a range extender using a system we call E-Flex. General Motors Chevy VoltBasically, it works by using the onboard engine to generate additional energy for the battery. On a long trip, this system would continually charge the batteries, even after the initial battery range is passed. The range extender can be used with any type of onboard engine, whether it is powered by gasoline, ethanol, electricity or hydrogen — hence the Flex in E-Flex. This system will make the Volt the most versatile electric car when it comes out, virtually eliminating gasoline use for those who only take their cars for short distances ... " ...

Via GM FastLane Blog: GM Presents Chevy Volt Concept: A New Kind of Electric Car

 

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December 09, 2006

Electric Vehicle Launch: Electrum Spyder




Universal Electric Vehicle will launch their Electrum Spyder vehicle today. Universal Electric Vehicle Corporation (U.E.V.) mission is to design, engineer, and manufacture alternative fuel vehicles (AFV's). See video interview of UEV's CEO ...

 

Via Netscape and AutoblogGreen ...

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December 06, 2006

Reva Electric Car Investment




Reva, India's electric car company based in Bangalore, receives $20M investment from Draper Fisher ventural capital and the Global Environment Fund to support its strategy for global growth and expansion.  Reva differentiates itself as a city car and has cultivated a recognized brand in the automotive market segment for electric vehicles.  ... Reva Eletric Car
... "Reva is beginning to get global recognition and is among the pioneers in the electric car market. It will use this investment to expand its business by increasing its production capacity, developing newer models and further enhancing its international and domestic distribution. " ...
Via India Times: Read
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October 24, 2006

Hybrid Diesel-Electric Commercial Bus




Another hybrid electric bus announcement ...
... "IC Corporation announced today at the BusCon Expo at Navy Pier in Chicago that it is launching a new line of hybrid commercial buses. The innovative new buses can be powered by hybrid diesel-electric engines that provide significant improvement in fuel efficiency. " ...
Via Enova: IC CORPORATION LAUNCHES HYBRID COMMERCIAL BUS LINE THAT PROVIDES SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN FUEL EFFICIENCY ...
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October 06, 2006

Hybrid Electric Powertrain: Ford E-Series ...




Azure Dynamics partners with Ford Motor to develop hybrid electric powertrain for Ford's E-series commercial vehicles.  ...Ford E-Series

...   "Azure is responsible for the development of the parallel hybrid electric gasoline system that will be applied to Ford's E-series commercial vehicles. Azure will be the Azure Hybrid Electric PowertrainsVehicle Modifier and will complete the hybrid modification on the E-350 and E-450 commercial chassis. Ford, as the OEM of the incomplete commercial vehicles, will provide Azure with assistance to facilitate the development of the hybrid electric powertrain. "   ...

Via Azure Dynamics: Azure Dynamics Announces Agreement with Ford Motor Company ...

Eaton Trucks has experience with development of hybrid electric powertrains ...

Eaton Trucks: Hybrid Electric Powertrain Systems: "Because hybrid systems comply with emissions regulations while reducing fuel consumption and improving drivability, they possess great appeal for both the light- and medium-duty market segments. "

Eaton supplied Fedex with hybrid powertrain system to create a more efficient delivery truck ...

Fedex: Innovative Technology Produces Hybrid Electric Powertrain: "Eaton's hybrid-electric powertrain effectively combines a diesel engine and electric motor to drive the vehicle. A computer determines the most efficient combination, depending on current operating conditions and driver demand. A four-cylinder engine replaces the six-cylinder version currently used in the FedEx Express W700 delivery vehicle. The engine size is reduced because of the added power provided by the electric motor. A particulate trap has been added to the truck to further reduce emissions. "

GM's hybrid-electric systems are driving emissions reduction in mass transit ...

General Motors: Hybrid Buses: "GM is also applying hybrid technology to mass transit operations across North America.  The state-of-the-art buses, powered by an advanced hybrid-electric powertrain developed by our Allison Transmission division, dramatically reduce emissions from the diesel engine – an environmental plus in Southern California and other metropolitan locations across the United States. Referred to as the EP System, the hybrid-electric powertrain is a strong parallel hybrid architecture that is scaleable for various medium- to heavy-duty vehicle platforms. "

 

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September 24, 2006

Electric Hybrid Vehicles: Plug-In Outlook ...




The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy releases report on plug-in hybrid vehicles and their role in making America energy efficient.  ...

...   "Plug-in hybrid vehicles could contribute greatly to reducing automobile oil consumption and emissions, but reaching those goals requires major progress in key areas. According to a report released by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the environmental and economic appeal of plug-in hybrid vehicles will Plug-in Partnersdepend heavily upon cleaner power sources and further battery advances. The report, Plug-In Hybrids: An Environmental and Economic Outlook, examines the benefits of plug-ins relative to today's hybrids.  It finds that greenhouse gas emissions reductions associated with a plug-in powered by today's electric grid would be about 15% on average across the nation, ranging from 32% using California electricity to zero using Upper Midwest electricity. "   ...

Via ACEEE: Plug-Ins Promising - But Better Batteries, Cleaner Power Plants Essential ...

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July 26, 2006

Stylish Electric Vehicle: Tesla Motors Roadster ...




Electric vehicle combines style and technology to deliver efficiency ...

...   "Using a unique two-speed electrically actuated manual transmission, the Tesla Roadster's power comes from a 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor. The motor is controlled by the Power Electronics Module (PEM) which also controls the inverting direct current to 3-phase alternating current, charging and braking systems.  The Roadster's Energy Storage System (ESS) provides power to the entire vehicle, including the motor. Its durable, tamper-resistant enclosure includes: 6,831 lithium-ion cells, a network of microprocessors for maintaining charge balance and battery temperature, a cooling system, and an independent safety system designed to disconnect power outside the enclosure under a variety of detectable safety situations.  Tesla Roadster Electric Vehicle

The Tesla Roadster comes complete with its Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE), a home-based charging system, which features an automatic safety disconnect system and can charge the Tesla Roadster in approximately 3.5 hours. An optional mobile charging kit is also available.  The Tesla Roadster has a range of up to 250 miles (EPA Highway) on a single charge, roughly triple the range of previous mass-produced electric vehicles. "   ...

Stylish Electric Vehicle: Tesla Motors Roadster: Via Tesla Motors: Tesla Motors Hosts World Debut Of Tesla Roadster: Offering Performance, Style & Efficiency — With A Conscience  ...

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July 24, 2006

Electric Vehicle Battery Technology ...




The Deputy First Minister, Nicol Stephen, recognizes Axeon Power's innovative battery technology that contributes to the development of electric vehicles.  ...   Electric Smart Car will be produced ...

...   "The Dundee-based company is working with ITI Energy and Aberdeen-based Axeon Technologies to develop a novel battery management system that will substantially help to improve the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles.  Globally new clean energy technologies are considered to be a vital part of environmental sustainability and electric cars have a large part to play in reducing carbon emissions. Last week Ford announced a commitment to invest GBP1bn to explore alternative engine technologies and at the London Motor Show, Daimler Chrysler launched an electric version of its Smart car. "   ...

Electric Vehicle Battery Technology: Via Axeon Ltd: Dundee company on the road to a greener future ...

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