Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Quieter Spirit: Rolls reportedly planning hybrid Ghost for 15% better economy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/quieter-spirit-rolls-reportedly-planning-hybrid-ghost-for-15-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/quieter-spirit-rolls-reportedly-planning-hybrid-ghost-for-15-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/quieter-spirit-rolls-reportedly-planning-hybrid-ghost-for-15-b/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've been pondering getting on the list for a Rolls-Royce Ghost but you're hesitant because of the negative environmental impact (and social standing) of the big, beautiful boat's V12 engine, we've got good news for you. British site Autocar is reporting that a hybrid version of the Ghost is in the works. It's rumored to be based off the mild hybrid system of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, which makes sense considering that the two luxury sleds utilize the same platform. The nearly 18-foot long Ghost will likely still sport a 6.2-liter V12, but the brutish powerplant will be aided and abetted by a 20kW electric motor capable of an extra 15 hp and 155 lb-ft fitted into the baby Rolls' eight speed ZF auto transmission.

Battery power will reportedly come courtesy of a .6 W/h lithium-ion battery pack fitted to the Ghost's substantial trunk. The reported hybrid Ghost won't have the ability to run on battery power alone, but the luxury barge will employ start/stop tech and due to the battery's presence it won't need an alternator, either. The net result of the of the (relative) greenification of the Ghost will reportedly be a 15% bump in fuel economy.

A 15% efficiency bump probably won't do much to improve the Ghost's likely miserable fuel economy figures, but the added twist from the Ghost's electric motor may help it hit 60 mph more quickly than the gasoline-only 4.8 seconds (U.S. spec).

Sure, if this hybrid Rolls ever sees the light of day it'd make the already massive Ghost even heavier and more costly, but the negatives pale in comparison to the gratification of telling other rich people that your chauffeur drives a hybrid.


Gallery: Hands-On: Rolls-Royce Ghost


[Source: Autocar]

Quieter Spirit: Rolls reportedly planning hybrid Ghost for 15% better economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost2010Rolls-royceGhostactivehybridactivehybrid 7Activehybrid7bmwLithium IonLithiumIonrolls royceRollsRoyceFri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Panasonic to follow the Tesla model of laptop batteries in cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-panasonic-to-follow-the-tesla-model-of-laptop-batteries/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-panasonic-to-follow-the-tesla-model-of-laptop-batteries/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-panasonic-to-follow-the-tesla-model-of-laptop-batteries/#comments
Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the lithium ion battery technology that everyone expects to be at the heart of the upcoming generation of electric vehicles was initially used in consumer electronics devices, only one company so far has committed to using laptop-style cells. Tesla Motors builds a battery pack for the Roadster that consists of 6,831 cells of the type used in portable computers. Virtually every battery maker developing lithium ion for automotive applications is creating larger format cells that have what is referred to as a prismatic (flat rectangular) shape.

Interestingly, one company seems to be taking a different approach. Panasonic - which has a joint venture with Toyota to produce nickel metal hydride and lithium ion batteries for hybrid and plug-in vehicles - reportedly intends to produce automotive battery packs using laptop cells. The company claims to have developed a new method for connecting the cells which will bring the cost down by half compared to the larger format cells. The savings are claimed to come from using existing production facilities and tooling to produce cells.

However, critics suggest that while it may be true that producing cells on existing equipment will be cheaper than building new lines for prismatic ones, the quantity of cells required if EV sales approach projections over the next decade could quickly outpace this approach. Using larger format cells means far fewer interconnects are required and the complexity of building packs from the cells is greatly reduced. Because of the size of packs needed for car applications, the prismatic cells also provide greater density and improved thermal management.


Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Panasonic to follow the Tesla model of laptop batteries in cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatterybattery packbattery packsBatteryPackBatteryPackselectric car batterieselectric car batteryElectricCarBatteriesElectricCarBatterylaptop batterieslaptop batteryLaptopBatteriesLaptopBatteryLithium IonLithium-IonLithiumIonpanasonicMon, 05 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: GM lithium ion battery plant goes to Brownstown Twp, MI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/officially-official-gm-lithium-ion-battery-plant-goes-to-brown/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/officially-official-gm-lithium-ion-battery-plant-goes-to-brown/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/officially-official-gm-lithium-ion-battery-plant-goes-to-brown/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As was speculated several weeks ago, General Motors announced this morning that it will build a factory to manufacture lithium ion battery packs in Brownstown Township south of Detroit. The plant will produce the packs for the Chevrolet Volt and other upcoming vehicles using the Voltec powertrain. It will not, however, build the packs for the Buick plug-in hybrid crossover that debuts in 2011. Those will be built in a separate facility by LG Chem subsidiary Compact Power Inc.

From the Brownstown plant, GM will truck the batteries 20 miles up the road to the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant for installation.

The 160,000 square foot facility will initially employ about 100 people in a facility located in an existing building just off I-75. GM will spend about $43 million from the battery grants that were announced last week as part of the stimulus package. Some equipment has already been installed and initial pilot production should start as soon as the first quarter of 2010, and while some equipment is new, other equipment is being transferred from other GM facilities.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: GM lithium ion battery plant goes to Brownstown Twp, MI

Officially Official: GM lithium ion battery plant goes to Brownstown Twp, MI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgm battery plantGmBatteryPlantlithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium-ionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesThu, 13 Aug 2009 11:41:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Nissan Leaf electric car: In person, in depth - and U.S. bound [*UPDATED w/vids & live photos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/2010-nissan-leaf-electric-car-in-person-in-depth-and-u-s-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/2010-nissan-leaf-electric-car-in-person-in-depth-and-u-s-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/2010-nissan-leaf-electric-car-in-person-in-depth-and-u-s-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for hi-res gallery

It would be easy to paint Nissan as late to the burgeoning U.S. green party, as the company essentially only counts the Altima Hybrid to sell among its alt-fuel offerings - and that sedan utilizes technology borrowed from Toyota, and it's only sold in a few states in small volumes. While that may be the case, Nissan says their near-term prospects are really quite different. While the company has admittedly been cautious in marketing alt-fuel vehicles in North America, they have been hard at work developing electric vehicles - as well as the advanced lithium-ion batteries to support them - since 1992. What's more, officials say they are now singularly well-placed to leapfrog "transitional" powertrain solutions like gas-electric hybrids in favor of genuine zero-emissions vehicles, and they are promising that their first pure-electric car will reach U.S. shores late next year.

That car, the Nissan Leaf shown here, is the reason we find ourselves in the company's brand-new Yokohama headquarters today. Designed as a four-to-five seat, front-drive C-segment hatchback, Nissan says the Leaf is not just for use as a specialty urban runabout, but rather, it was designed as an everyday vehicle - a "real car" whose 160-kilometer+ (100 mile) range meets the needs of 70% of the world's motorists. In the case of U.S. consumers, Nissan says that fully 80% of drivers travel less than 100km per day (62 miles), making the Leaf a solid fit for America's motoring majority, even taking into account power-sapping external factors like hilly terrain, accessory draw, and extreme temperatures.

We were afforded an advance look at the Leaf ahead of the car's unveiling today, and while it was a hands-off affair, we did have the chance to formulate some in-the-metal first impressions and take a deep dive into the car's technology. Click through to the jump to learn all about it.


Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV


Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV- Yokohama Introduction

Continue reading 2010 Nissan Leaf electric car: In person, in depth - and U.S. bound [*UPDATED w/vids & live photos]

2010 Nissan Leaf electric car: In person, in depth - and U.S. bound [*UPDATED w/vids & live photos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyalternative fuelAlternativeEnergyAlternativeFuelbattery electricbattery electric vehicleBatteryElectricBatteryElectricVehicleBEVbreakingbreakingnewsfeaturedleasingliOnlithium ionLithiumIonNissanNissan headquartersNissan LeafNissan YokohamaNissanHeadquartersNissanLeafNissanYokohamapure electricPureElectricyokohamazero emissionsZeroEmissionsZEVSat, 01 Aug 2009 21:48:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota plans to manufacture up to 30,000 plug-in hybrids in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/toyota-plans-to-manufacture-up-to-30-000-plug-in-hybrids-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/toyota-plans-to-manufacture-up-to-30-000-plug-in-hybrids-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/toyota-plans-to-manufacture-up-to-30-000-plug-in-hybrids-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fanning competition against GM's upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in, the Nikkei business daily reports that Toyota Motor Corp. plans to manufacture 20,000 to 30,000 plug-in hybrids in 2012. Toyota allegedly wants pricing comparable to Mitsubishi's all-electric car, which is set to debut this month to fleet customers in Japan (both vehicles are eligible for government subsidies).

Toyota's plug-in vehicles will be powered by lithium-ion batteries co-developed with Panasonic EV Energy Co. and are expected to offer a full-charge range between 20 to 30 km (12.4 to 18.6 miles) on battery power alone. According to the paper, Toyota would not comment on future product plans.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

REPORT: Toyota plans to manufacture up to 30,000 plug-in hybrids in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>All-electricBattery PowerBatteryPowerElectricHybridliionliion batteriesLiionBatteriesLithium ionLithiumIonMitsubishi ElectricMitsubishiElectricPanasonic batteryPanasonicBatteryToyotaSun, 05 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[New lithium-ion process could lead to super fast charging, but still needs BIG pipe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/new-lithium-ion-process-could-lead-to-super-fast-charging-still/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/new-lithium-ion-process-could-lead-to-super-fast-charging-still/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/new-lithium-ion-process-could-lead-to-super-fast-charging-still/#commentsResearchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have been researching where the bottlenecks are inside lithium-ion batteries that limit charging and discharging rates, and they've learned some interesting things. Lithium iron phosphate chemistry is particularly promising in terms of high charge and discharge rates. Researchers found that some new processes for manufacturing the lithium phosphate coating on lithium iron phosphate crystals could provide better access to the lithium ions, allowing them to move around more readily.

This all sounds similar to the premise behind the lithium iron phosphate batteries produced by A123 Systems and the lithium titanate cells produced by Altairnano. The increased surface area of material allows more ions and electrons to move in and out without heating up as much as traditional lithium cobalt oxide cells. The result is that cells made with these materials can be charged at very high rates without degrading the charge capacity over time. Imagine charging your electric vehicle in two minutes rather than 12 hours and you can understand the significance of this research.

The bigger issue remains the power needed to actually charge an automotive sized battery pack in a few minutes. A five-minute charge would require 180 kW or more, which is not something that's available at home or any existing charging stations.

[Source: ars technica]

New lithium-ion process could lead to super fast charging, but still needs BIG pipe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenlithiumlithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium iron phosphatelithium iron phosphate lifepo4lithium iron-phosphate batterylithium-ionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIron-phosphateBatteryLithiumIronPhosphateLithiumIronPhosphateLifepo4massachusetts institute of technologyMassachusettsInstituteOfTechnologymitThu, 12 Mar 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Preview: Mighty Morphin' iChange proves Rinspeed is up to its old tricks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/geneva-preview-mighty-morphin-ichange-proves-rinspeed-is-up-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/geneva-preview-mighty-morphin-ichange-proves-rinspeed-is-up-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/16/geneva-preview-mighty-morphin-ichange-proves-rinspeed-is-up-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Rinspeed iChange

From the gloriously fertile mind of Frank Rinderknecht comes the Rinspeed iChange, a shape-shifting zero-emissions concept car. As its name suggests, the iChange actually morphs its body shape depending on how many people are going to be onboard, thus optimizing its aerodynamic profile around the passenger load that is called for.

The Swiss auto designer's creations have always been a highlight of the Geneva Motor Show, from outsized roadsters with crazy paint jobs to cars that run on garbage and have tilting occupant cells to exoskeltal minimalist roadsters to Lotus Elise-based roadgoing submarines. Next month, we expect the iChange to be no different.

In the main, the lightweight (1,050 kilograms, or 2,315 pounds) zero-emissions iChange starts off as a one-seat sports car that is capable of changing to a three-seat coupe thanks to a pop-up rear end.

In the drivetrain department, the iChange is motivated by a 150-kilowatt motor, whose power is routed through a six-speed "pre-selector" gearbox which Rinspeed says is borrowed from Subaru's WRX. Juice storage is provided by one of two stack configurations of lithium-ion batteries, depending on whether short- or long-distance driving is planned. So-equipped, the iChange will whir its way to 100 kilometers-per-hour (62 miles-per-hour) in just over four seconds, topping out at 220 km/h (137 mph). The car's pure-electric drivetrain is further supplemented by a roof shingled in solar panels, which generates power that is stored in the batteries and also helps operate cooling fans to vent the interior.

Click on the jump for more details and a stupendously-large press release, and check out the 70+ image high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Geneva Preview: Rinspeed iChange concept


[Source: Rinspeed]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Mighty Morphin' iChange proves Rinspeed is up to its old tricks

Geneva Preview: Mighty Morphin' iChange proves Rinspeed is up to its old tricks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleconcept carConceptCarelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleGenevaGeneva 2009Geneva Auto ShowGeneva Motor ShowGeneva2009GenevaAutoShowGenevaMotorShowiPodLi-ionlithium ionLithiumIonmorphpower rangersPowerRangersRinderknechtRinspeedshape-shiftsports carSportsCarSwissSwitzerlandZEVMon, 16 Feb 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: 204-hp lithium battery-powered MINI E revealed!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/la-preview-204-hp-lithium-battery-powered-mini-e-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/la-preview-204-hp-lithium-battery-powered-mini-e-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/18/la-preview-204-hp-lithium-battery-powered-mini-e-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the MINI E

BMW has finally unleashed some information and photos of the much anticipated MINI E set to debut next month at the LA Auto Show. For those who haven't been paying attention, late last spring BMW announced plans to build and lease a fleet of 500 battery powered MINIs starting sometime in 2009. The front wheels of the MINI E receive torque through a single speed gearbox from a 204 hp, 162 lb-ft electric motor. Those numbers are rather unusual for an electric drive system which usually has much more torque. Nonetheless, the MINI E can hustle to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and, according to BMW, can cover about 150 miles on a full charge of its lithium ion battery pack.

Anyone who has driven a MINI knows that the back seat is for small kids or occasional use only. For the purposes of this electric version, that is no longer an issue as that area has been completely consumed by the battery pack. The pack itself has a capacity of 35 kWh and judging by the description the company has used a similar set up to the Tesla Roadster. Instead of larger cells specifically designed for automotive applications, this pack uses 5,088 cells arranged in 48 modules. As always, charging time depends on the current and voltage of the outlet the car is plugged into. MINI will be supplying a high current charging station with the cars that can be installed in the driver's garage to facilitate quicker charges, providing a full charge in 2.5 hours. The regenerative braking system can provide three-quarters of the braking requirements when running in urban stop and go driving. Aside from the battery pack replacing the rear seat and the yellow trim, the main change inside is a battery meter that replaces the tachometer in front of the driver. BMW will be leasing the 500 cars to commercial and private customers in California, New York and New Jersey starting early next year. They may eventually expand the program to Europe as well.

Gallery: MINI E


[Source: MINI]

Continue reading LA Preview: 204-hp lithium battery-powered MINI E revealed!

LA Preview: 204-hp lithium battery-powered MINI E revealed! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>la auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008lithiumlithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium-ionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesmini emini evMiniEMiniEvSat, 18 Oct 2008 12:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Buffet recharges his batteries with investment in BYD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/warren-buffet-recharges-his-batteries-with-investment-in-byd/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/warren-buffet-recharges-his-batteries-with-investment-in-byd/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/01/warren-buffet-recharges-his-batteries-with-investment-in-byd/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Chinese battery manufacturer BYD can now be mentioned in the same breath as Goldman Sachs: both have recently been given the blue-chip imprimatur by U.S. billionaire investor Warren Buffet. The Oracle of Omaha's MidAmerican Energy Holdings has bought a 10-percent stake in BYD for $230 million.

BYD has big plans for its lithium-ion battery work and its automotive division. The company's automaking arm builds - or clones, depending on your viewpoint - cars that it intends to eventually export around the world, including America. Its ultimate aim is create its own cars that run on its own batteries, like the e6. Assuming that BYD gets the batteries to work, and then can sell them to other automakers, the company will have a huge competitive advantage. If it can sell its cars, that is.

Buffett's investment will help BYD achieve that, and should help Buffett make even more money. BYD says another planned use of that $230 million is to accelerate its move into the U.S. market, which was planned for 2010. When they finally do arrive, we'll see if Buffett has as much faith in their vehicles as he does in their batteries.

[Source: IHT]

Warren Buffet recharges his batteries with investment in BYD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for more high-res images of the Tesla Roadster

The Tesla Roadster is like the gorgeous girlfriend that loves football, tunes a hotrod in her spare time, and doesn't believe in celebrating anniversaries and birthdays. The Roadster is a beautiful car, it runs on exhaust-free plug power, and it's already primed for more power. A Norwegian specialty car importer is quoting the Euro Tesla's power at or over 300 hp, with a 13,000 rpm redline and a single speed transmission.

Our man Sam tells us that the above is likely to come courtesy of drivetrain 1.5, which will be available later in the Tesla's production run. The revised gearbox drops a gear, adds an upgraded power electronics module, and provides better cooling. It seems the hype machine that is the Tesla Roadster is beginning to heat up, and more power will only make us want the green little drop-top more.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster


[Source: Autoblog Green]

Tesla Roadster rated at 300 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300 hp300HpAutoblog GreenAutoblogGreenElectric CarElectricCarlithium ionLithiumIonTesla RoadsterTeslaRoadsterMon, 05 May 2008 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Next-gen Prius coming in January with more power, efficiency]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/next-gen-prius-coming-in-january-with-more-power-efficiency/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/next-gen-prius-coming-in-january-with-more-power-efficiency/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/next-gen-prius-coming-in-january-with-more-power-efficiency/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The current Prius is baked from a refined recipe that results in a roomy, practical and efficient vehicle lurking under an eco-statement exterior, or at least we thought so. Five years on, it's still the most popular way to conspicuously consume under the guise of saving the planet. Toyota hasn't been resting on the success of its green badge of targeted consumerism, so we're going to see a new Prius at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in January, according to Toyota President Watanabe. The 3rd-generation Prius will grow in size, and engine displacement will be bumped to 1.8 liters to increase performance. Despite the increase in size and sprightliness, weight will reportedly hold steady. Further changes are in store after the launch, with plug-in and Li-Ion updates to come.

The nameplate will also move beyond a single model and become a sub-brand during the reign of Prius the III. More body styles are coming, and if you think the Prius is a roachy-looking thing, the concept hints Toyota has given us are possibly even weirder. The sub-1,000 pound 1/X might offer a glimpse at another type of Prius, though more realistically, the sad-eyed Hybrid X vannish concept suggests the way things are headed without the ridiculous pronunciation of its featherweight companion. If things go according to Toyota's plan for world domination, the Prius will become one of the pillars upon which the marque is built, next to the Corolla and Camry institutions.

Gallery: Review: 2007 Toyota Prius Touring


[Source: Auto Observer]

Next-gen Prius coming in January with more power, efficiency originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 detroit2009 toyota prius2009Detroit2009ToyotaPriusbreakingdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowli-ionli-ion hybridsli-ion priusli-ionbatteryLi-ionHybridsLi-ionPriuslithium ionlithium ion batterylithium ion priusLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteryLithiumIonPriusnew priusnew toyota priusNewPriusNewToyotaPriusnorth american inter...NorthAmericanInter...plug inplug in priusplug-inplug-in hybridplug-inhybridPlugInPlugInPriuspluginstoyota priusToyotaPriusTue, 29 Apr 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[New York '08 Preview: Nissan to give Big Apple a charge with Denki Cube EV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/new-york-08-preview-nissan-to-give-big-apple-a-charge-with-de/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/new-york-08-preview-nissan-to-give-big-apple-a-charge-with-de/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/new-york-08-preview-nissan-to-give-big-apple-a-charge-with-de/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click image for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Denki Cube concept

We've known for several weeks now that Nissan was planning to show off an all-electric car based on the JDM Nissan Cube at this week's New York Auto Show. The Denki (meaning electric) Cube has of course spilled out onto the interwebs in advance of it's official unveiling tomorrow at the Javits Center. Looking much like the battery pack that will power it, the Denki Cube should appeal to fans of the now-departed first-gen Scion xB. The basic Cube has been dressed up inside and out to better shout out about its high tech power supply. Nissan has a lithium battery joint venture in Japan with NEC that will likely be the source of the energy storage systems. Stay tuned for more details tomorrow!

Gallery: Nissan Denki Cube


[Source: SuperNissans via AutoblogGreen]

New York '08 Preview: Nissan to give Big Apple a charge with Denki Cube EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Much has been made of the fact that Toyota is seemingly behind General Motors and other manufacturers in the race to adopt lithium-ion batteries as the future battery of the hybrid and electric vehicle market. Lithium-ion batteries pack more energy into less space than nickel metal hydride batteries, which are the current industry standard in hybrids. Could this delay in the adoption of lithium ion technology be because they have something better up their corporate sleeves for the next-next Prius? According to reports from Japan, Toyota may be investing in zinc-air batteries, which are currently popular only in your grandpa's hearing-aid. If the rumors are true, these new batteries would make up a big chunk of Toyota's plan on offering a hybrid version of every car it sells by 2020. In the meantime, expect to see lithium-ion batteries in future Toyota hybrid models until it's ready to unveil its newest battery technology, whatever that may be.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Li-ion? Puhleeze. Toyota working on next-next-gen batteries originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybridhybrid batteryhybrid-batteryHybridBatterylithium ionlithium-ionLithiumIonpriustoyotazinc airzinc-airZincAirThu, 06 Mar 2008 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[General Motors accelerates battery development with A123 Systems]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/09/general-motors-accelerates-battery-development-with-a123-systems/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/09/general-motors-accelerates-battery-development-with-a123-systems/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/09/general-motors-accelerates-battery-development-with-a123-systems/#commentsFiled under: ,


Bob Lutz and A123 CEO Dave Vieau

This morning at the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, MI, General Motors Vice-Chairman Bob Lutz announced that they were promoting battery supplier A123 Systems from Tier 2 to Tier 1 supplier status. That means that A123 will effectively no longer just be a sub-contractor to other companies that do battery pack integration.

GM will now work directly with A123 systems on the development of their nano-phosphate lithium-ion battery chemistry for use in motor vehicles. A123 will still work with companies like Cobasys and Continental on pack integration for applications like the plug-in Saturn Vue hybrid and the Chevy Volt, which Lutz said he expects to be ready for sale by 2010. Check out the live blog post at AutoblogGreen as well as the announcement.

General Motors accelerates battery development with A123 Systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123 systemsA123Systemsbatterylithium ionLithiumIonThu, 09 Aug 2007 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Third-gen Prius to flirt with 100 mpg?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/third-gen-prius-to-flirt-with-100-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/third-gen-prius-to-flirt-with-100-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/third-gen-prius-to-flirt-with-100-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

According to AutoExpress UK, Toyota is set to go for the green-veined jugular with its next Prius. The automaker's next hybrid will reportedly net a scarcely-believable 94 mpg (113mpg in imperial gallons). The figure comes about as the company has reportedly set a fuel economy bogey of 40km/liter, as it looks to distance itself from the fuel-sipping diesels that are so popular abroad.

Word is that the gains will largely come from replacing the current Prius' nickel-hydride batteries with lithium ion cells. AE further reports that Toyota hopes to have the charged-up hybrid on the road by as early as 2008. While pulling up the MPG, the manufacturer also hopes to improve the car's acceleration, and is expected to drop its 0-60 mph times by more than one second.

[Source: AutoExpress UK]

(Great tip, Jay!)

Third-gen Prius to flirt with 100 mpg? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Apr 2006 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100 mpg100MpgDual Synergy DriveDualSynergyDriveEarth DayEarthDayecoenvironmentEPAfuel economfuel economyFuelEconomygas savingGasSavingHybridLeonardo DiCaprioLeonardoDicaprioLithium ionLithiumIonNickel HydrideNickelHydridePriusToyotatreehuggerTue, 11 Apr 2006 07:33:00 EST