Autoblog

How nasty, foot-long "wandering meatloaf" snails could improve car batteries

Chris Tutor — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:33:00 EST

"Slow" and "ugly" are words used to describe some hybrid cars and, coincidentally, the gumboot chiton. Soon the two may have even more in common thanks to a discovery by researchers at the University of California, Riverside.

Gumboots, also known as the "wandering meatloaf," are foot-long marine snails that roam tidal zones, scraping algae from rocks by using up to 80 rows of magnetite-tipped teeth. Magnetite, the "hardest biomineral known on Earth," not only strengthens the gumboot's chompers, it makes them magnetic as well. New teeth are grown continuously and enter the "wear zone" as old ones wear out.

University of California Riverside Assistant Professor David Kisailus studied how the gumboots grew their magnetic teeth and found they produced nanocrystals at significantly lower temperatures than scientists have ever figured out. That could mean cheaper, more efficient solar cells and faster-charging Li-ion batteries. According to the Ward's Auto:

"Kisailus presently is using the snail's biomineralization pathway to grow minerals used in Li-ion batteries and solar cells. By controlling the crystal size, shape and orientation of engineering nanomaterials, he believes he can build materials that will allow the batteries and solar cells to operate more efficiently."

The same process might also be used to grow materials for car and airplane frames as well as abrasion-resistant cloth. Check out Ward's for the full scientific download.

How nasty, foot-long "wandering meatloaf" snails could improve car batteries originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A123 winning bid from China's Wanxiang prompts concern in Congress

Zach Bowman — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology

The Detroit News reports that China's Wanxiang Group Corporation will acquire almost all of bankrupt A123 Systems Inc. for $256 million. The deal includes all of the American battery manufacturer's grid and commercial business assets as well as the company's facilities in Michigan, Massachusetts and Missouri. Meanwhile, Woodridge, Illinois-based Navitas Systems will purchase all of A123 Systems' government contracts for $2.25 million.

Previously, Johnson Controls was a leading bidder for the bankrupt EV battery manufacturer, but that company withdrew its bids from the bankruptcy auction after declining to match Wanxiang's highest bid. But the final sale will be subject to approval by the bankruptcy court handling the case in Delaware, and some members of Congress have reportedly raised concerns over the sale.

Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Michigan, said he was concerned about Wanxiang taking over A123 Systems because of the battery maker's close ties with the US Defense Department. Huizenga has been quoted as saying, "I am concerned about the government of China having access to sensitive technologies being used by our military forces."

This isn't the first time we've heard those rumblings. Back in August, several US automotive executives said Wanxiang's purchase of A123 Systems could put industry trade secrets at risk, including cutting-edge lithium-ion battery technology. Likewise, November saw US senators John Thune, R-South Dakota, and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, raise concerns over the Chinese company's interest in the bankrupt battery maker.

A123 winning bid from China's Wanxiang prompts concern in Congress originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Did A123 Systems get $1M federal check the same day it declared bankruptcy?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology

Automotive News reports A123 Systems, an electric vehicle battery manufacturer, received a disbursement check from the federal government on the same day the company filed for bankruptcy. On Oct. 16, A123 received $946,830 as the latest portion of a clean energy grant from the US Department of Energy. That was the same day A123 Systems filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following a failed attempt to secure funding from Chinese parts supplier Wanxiang Group. Of the original grant, $115.8 million is still outstanding, and despite the company's monetary woes, A123 Systems says it may still need the grant to update or expand its manufacturing capacity.

Republican Senators John Thune and Chuck Grassley wasted no time blasting the disbursement check as careless spending. The two issued a statement saying, "The Department of Energy needs to answer for why it appears to put federal grants on auto-pilot to the detriment of US taxpayers. This can't stand."

The Department of Energy, meanwhile, responded by saying the grant program requires companies to submit invoices detailing their progress toward predetermined goals before any funds can be issued.

Did A123 Systems get $1M federal check the same day it declared bankruptcy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A123 confirms Fisker Karma batteries could have cooling problem

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:48:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Safety, Fisker, Luxury

Battery maker A123 has announced that batteries it supplied to Fisker Automotive for its Karma range-extended luxury sedan might have "misaligned" hose clamps for the cooling system, which could cause coolant to leak. Unabated, A123 admits the leak could cause an electrical short-circuit.

According to Bloomberg-BusinessWeek, the company has a fix for the issue, and luckily the issue was discovered when there are no more than 50 Karmas needing the repair. A123 provides batteries to several other OEMs, but only Fisker's batch appears to suffer from the cooling issue.

A123 confirms Fisker Karma batteries could have cooling problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MIT students develop liquid fuel for electric cars

Zach Bowman — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Electric

A group of Massachusetts Institute of Technology students may have come up with the perfect solution to our electric vehicle charging woes. Instead of relying on lithium or nickel, the new battery design stores its electrons in semi-solid flow cells. Charged particles are suspended in an electrolyte solution and pumped between compartments used for storing or releasing energy. The tech supposedly makes the batteries up to ten times more efficient than their traditional counterparts, and even more importantly, the new tech is cheaper to produce. Estimates say that the design could cut the size and expense of current batteries by as much as 50 percent.

That's all well and good, but the really cool part is that charging the cells is as simple as pumping the drained fluid out and pumping fresh charged fluid in. That means that getting on your way could take as little time as a standard gasoline fill-up, greatly reducing the inconvenience and range woes associated with modern EVs. An operational prototype is expected to be completed in the next 18 months or so.

MIT students develop liquid fuel for electric cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J.D. Power says global battery demand may be overhyped

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Government/Legal, Electric

As per usual whenever there's great change afoot, finding the shelter of reality among competing storms of He Said/She Said isn't easy - it will probably take us another ten years to find out what's really true right now. J.D. Power and Associates has added more data to the mix with its report, "Drive Green 2020: More Hope than Reality." The one-sentence summary is that, according to J.D. Power's research, there might be more hype than substance to hybrid and battery demand, but that China could change everything.

J.D. Power is basing this on its assumption that hybrids and electric vehicles will only go from 2.2 percent of worldwide vehicle sales to 5.2 percent of worldwide sales in 2020. The cautious note on sales the firm puts down to regulatory inconsistencies across the globe, stable oil prices, and buyers' concerns about buying and maintaining such vehicles.

To make battery demand a serious, valid concern, Powers believes that there will need to be a "significant increase" in the price of oil, a significant decrease in the costs of green technologies and a "coordinated government policy." The report holds that customers simply don't want to spend the up-front money required to go green, and worry about how much more money it might take to stay green. Follow the jump for the complete press release.

[Source: J.D. Power]

Continue reading J.D. Power says global battery demand may be overhyped

J.D. Power says global battery demand may be overhyped originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM studying what Volt batteries can be used for after you're done with them

Zach Bowman — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

The keys to the first Chevrolet Volt haven't even landed in their owner's pocket yet, and General Motors is already looking to what will happen to the vehicle's batteries at the end of the EV's life cycle. As it turns out, those cells may play a part in upping the efficiency of the electrical grid in America. GM has signed a memorandum of understanding with ABB Group aimed at developing new projects just for the Volt batteries after they've lived out their useful lives in the extended-range EV, and the two companies believe the cells will still have the ability to effectively store energy even after they've done a tour of duty on the road.

According to GM's press release, ABB Group is the world's largest supplier of power grid systems, so the company ought to know a thing or two about storing electricity. If all goes to plan, the recycled Volt batteries may be used for everything from storing energy from renewable sources like wind, solar or hydro plants, to serving as backup power solutions for communities. Hit the jump to take a look at the press release.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM studying what Volt batteries can be used for after you're done with them

GM studying what Volt batteries can be used for after you're done with them originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: DieHard keeps Gary Numan "stable for days"

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos

DieHard battery ad with Gary Numan - Click above to watch the video after the jump

How could we forget about the fantastic 1980's synthesizer-heavy hit "Cars" by Gary Numan? Not only is it an infectious tune, it acts as a sort of an ironic new-wave theme song for automobile enthusiasts. Now, some three decades later, Numan has paired up with the DieHard battery folks for a new ad showing just how powerful their car batteries are - a single one is apparently enough to handle Mr. Numan (who is looking moderately creepy in his old age) playing his oddly dispassionate hit on the horns of a whole fleet of cars.

See the commercial for yourself in the video after the jump, and if you've never heard the original song (or seen the original video), it's available for your viewing and listening pleasure. Good luck not getting it stuck in your head. Thanks for the tip, Chris!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: DieHard keeps Gary Numan "stable for days"

Video: DieHard keeps Gary Numan "stable for days" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Panasonic to follow the Tesla model of laptop batteries in cars

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST

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.

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Detroit 2009: GM will build Volt battery packs with LG Chem in Michigan

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM

One of the big remaining technical questions for General Motors' Chevrolet Volt has been who the automaker will tap to supply the batteries. LG Chem and A123 Systems are the two companies that have been supplying prototype battery packs for Volt development program. It has long been rumored that South Korea's LG Chem would be selected, and today CEO Rick Wagoner confirmed the selection. Surprisingly though, GM has decided it will take responsibility for actually building the complete packs. GM will also take full responsibility for all the battery management systems and power electronics.

The company will build a new factory in Michigan, but a specific site has yet to be announced, in part because negotiations are ongoing with state and local authorities on the usual incentives and approvals. LG Chem's US subsidiary, Compact Power of Troy, Michigan, has been building the prototype packs for the development vehicles and will continue to provide integration support and act as a liaison for the program.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Detroit 2009: GM will build Volt battery packs with LG Chem in Michigan

Detroit 2009: GM will build Volt battery packs with LG Chem in Michigan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Buffet recharges his batteries with investment in BYD

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, China, Technology

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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Toyota to build hybrid batteries in North America

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota

Even with the $5,000 difference between the Prius and non-hybrid Toyotas, there was a time when Toyota lost money on the car. Even when the car entered the black, and even though they halved the cost of the hybrid system from one generation to the next, Toyota still didn't make the margins on it that they did with their go-to sedans. Yet with plans to start making batteries for the Hybrid Synergy Drive in the U.S., Toyota says it should be able to halve costs again, and bring the next-gen Prius profit to near parity with the Corolla.

Toyota doesn't know where or when it will start building batteries in the States. The company says "it's difficult to make the main parts of batteries outside of Japan," but didn't explain why that was the case. From 2010, the Prius will be manufactured in Toyota's Mississippi plant, however, that doesn't mean the battery plant will be nearby.

Toyota moved up the date to offer the plug-in Priuses to government and fleet operators to the end of 2009. Right now, Toyota says the Prius gets 13 miles on battery power alone. If the plug-in Prius does arrive in a year or so, and with a substantially higher range -- and that is a ginormous "if" -- then it has a chance of upstaging the Chevy Volt, which appears to be what Toyota is aiming for.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Toyota to build hybrid batteries in North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford's Mark Fields calls plug-in hybrids a "national priority"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green, Ford, Earnings/Financials

In these days of nearly nonexistent profits for every one of Detroit's Big Three automakers, R&D funds must be allocated very carefully. In contrast, Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota and Honda have been earning profits on a yearly basis. Not long ago, a mild spat arose regarding whether or not the Japanese government helped fund the development of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Even if they didn't do it in the past, Ford's President of the Americas Mark Fields indicated that they are doing it now at a conference held today in Washington, D.C. by Brookings and Google.org titled Plug-In Electric Vehicles 2008: What Role for Washington?

Fields called on the U.S. government to step up to the plate, mentioning tax breaks and incentives as one option to aid consumers who'd like to purchase these ultimately expensive vehicles one day. On the manufacturing side, Fields suggests that plug-in hybrids should be a "national priority", with Washington needing to allocate funds for research and development. Another area singled out is a domestic supply of batteries, since most of the units used in today's hybrids are being manufactured overseas.

It should be noted that General Motors already has a head start towards PHEVs with its upcoming Chevy Volt. As far as we're aware, the development costs for this vehicle and its batteries has been moving forward without direct assistance from the government. Feel free to read Field's entire speech after the break.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford's Mark Fields calls plug-in hybrids a "national priority"

Ford's Mark Fields calls plug-in hybrids a "national priority" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler gets serious about R&D, will increase spending to $21 billion by 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

Click on the image to view high-res shots of the Mercedes F700 concept

Massive amounts of money are being spent in the alternative energy sector of the automotive industry. Last year, Daimler spent $6 billion in research and development and another $2.7 billion on environmental protection. Expect those already rather large sums to increase in the coming years. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche says that the company will "increase these budgets even more and by 2010 we'll invest $21 billion in research and development." Daimler has invested heavily in hydrogen technology and holds twenty-five patents protecting new battery technology for automobile use. Further development will continue to cost a large chunk of change.

Of particular interest is the fact that Daimler intends "to offer at least one model in each of the Mercedes-Benz core model series that is a leader in fuel consumption," according to Zetsche. Despite looming legislation that will require more fuel efficient vehicles, Mercedes-Benz plans on continuing to offer vehicles that will meet the size, performance and luxury demands prospective buyers have come to expect from the premium German marque. Otherwise, it won't be $21 billion well spent.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2007: Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept

[Source: The Car Connection]

Daimler gets serious about R&D, will increase spending to $21 billion by 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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President Bush eases up on auto industry in State of the Union address

John Neff — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green

We'll be honest. We didn't watch President Bush's State of the Union address last night, the final one of his second presidential term. Our disinterest can probably best be measured by the fact that the address being broadcast in high definition was the only draw for us, which got us to watch for about five minutes and then it was back to American Gladiators on the DVR. Apparently we didn't miss much as it relates to the auto industry. Automotive News reports that the president called for more federal research into advanced batteries and renewable fuels for cars and trucks of the future, and that was about it. It's a far cry from last year's State of the Union where President Bush declared that the U.S. is addicted to oil and made a little weed called switchgrass famous. The heavy-handed 2006 address was likely one of the factors that led to getting a new energy bill passed in December with significantly stricter Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements for automakers. With just a year to go in his final term, however, it seems President Bush isn't pushing the auto industry as hard as he did last year. At the same time, the auto industry also seems less in need of a push in 2008. The aforementioned new energy bill seems to have taken care of that.

[Source: Automotive News, Photo by TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty]

President Bush eases up on auto industry in State of the Union address originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota delays introduction of Li-ion batteries for Prius

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 31 May 2007 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Toyota

When talking about the (hopefully coming in 2010) Chevy Volt, Bob Lutz repeatedly said he was waiting on battery makers to provide GM with battery packs that were up to the challenge, seeing as the show car relies on technology that doesn't exist. GM isn't the only maker with battery issues -- Toyota has pushed back the introduction of lithium ion batteries in the next generation Prius, saying that they're not just not ready to be put in cars because of safety issues. There are independent companies that are installing li-ion battery packs into cars and getting stunning results. Toyota, though, in light of corporate liabilities and its recall record of late, simply can't afford to risk what would be a huge black eye if the next Prius suffered from a hasty misstep.

[Source: Winding Road]

Toyota delays introduction of Li-ion batteries for Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #65

Dan Roth — Wed, 09 May 2007 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Trends, Sedan, Truck, Auctions, Etc., Dodge, GM, Hyundai

We're punchy for this one (just check out our outtakes at the end, even better than last time!). We start off with a lively debate over Hyundai's rumored full-size RWD truck on the BH platform and whether it will be good or bad. No consenus was reached, but it will be exciting to see if Hyundai can morph the concept of the Honda Ridgeline into something a little more haul-friendly.

We segue from unibody pick 'em ups into the exciting story of the 2nd most expensive car ever auctioned. That is, if the buyer doesn't fink out (Too late, already did! - Ed.) when it comes time to hit the old PayPal. John Schneider's personal "General Lee" Charger with history (if you can call 80's TV camp real history) was sold on eBay for 9.95 million dollars. The cash isn't going to fund some humanitarian effort, rather, it will be used to finance a sequel to Mr. Scheider/Duke/Kent's Collier & Co. - Hot Pursuit movie. We're sure it's the next Citizen Kane. Speaking of movies, we also touch on the despicably obvious product placement in the Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which is essentially a popcorn-bucket-length Dodge spot.

Wrapping it all up, we ring the bell on the "duh" category a couple times for the Lutz. The Zeta is back on, not that we really thought it was dead. B.L. has decided that it's likely wiser to tweak powerplants than to toss away an entire product renaissance worth of engineering. Whew, and we thought he might actually do it. Speaking of questions, we had no question about GM's committment to developing the Volt's battery technology. It will require an infusion of hundreds of millions of dollars, which seems like a good deal to us. Someone somewhere will have to put some time, money and effort into working out the batteries, so why not GM? It beats just sitting around and waiting. We just hope that when Chevy drops the series hybrid on us, it's wrapped in a prettier shell than the Prius. That's it for this week, enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #65 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2007 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota's Prius in Europe gets a button we don't

John Neff — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Toyota

Ever stare at that spot on your dash that has a piece of plastic where a button should be? Ever wonder what that button would do if it were installed? More and more Prius owners are finding out that that empty spot on their dashes is occupied on Euro-spec Prius models by a button that switches the hybrid into electric-only mode while driving locally at low speeds.

While North America Prius cars can be powered solely by their electric motors at low speeds, anyone who has driven the king of hybrids in the States knows that operating in EV mode for extended periods is nearly impossible. Any adjustment of the throttle is immediately interpreted by the onboard computer as acceleration, which instantly calls upon the gas engine for assistance.

Toyota claims that this feature was disabled for the North American market because U.S. law mandates a minimum 8-year warranty on the hybrid drivetrain, which includes the battery pack. By disabling the option of operating solely on battery power for extended periods the company can better assure a longer life for the car's battery pack, despite the fact that much better fuel mileage is being sacrificed.

Fear not, though. The Prius has already proved to be immensely hackable and computer geeks have already discovered how to enable that missing button's function in North American models. This article from CNET also shows how far Prius hacking can go, including one that allows the nav system to be operated at speed as well as while the vehicle's in Park.

BTW - We're not entirely certain that button we circled above is the missing one in question. Any enlightenment our Euro readers could shed on the button and its exact whereabouts on the dash would be greatly appreciated.

[Source: CNET and Foursprung]

Toyota's Prius in Europe gets a button we don't originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mazda RX-9 features Mighty Morphin' tire technology and energy absorbent skin

John Neff — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 15:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Technology, Mazda

The Mazda RX-9 is an advanced concept that came out on top in this year's Michelin Design Challenge. It's a hybrid featuring a 2.5L V6 and wafer-thin electric motor, but features a couple of technologies not seen before in the race for higher fuel mileage.

James Owen Design is the one-man firm responsible for penning the vehicle's shape. The slick skin features electrostatic collectors that can collect electrical charges that build up on the exterior panels while driving through dry air. The electricity is store in capacitors that can then feed the hybrid drivetrain along with the onboard regenerative braking.

What's more trick are the vehicle's tires, which feature Electroactive Polymers (E.A.P.) that with varying levels of voltage from the vehicle's electrical system can actually change the shape and depth of their tread pattern. The rubber donuts can go from flat and smooth to knobby and grippy, or even ride high on their centers for ultra-low rolling resistance.

Follow the jump for further exposition provided by James Owen himself and for additional images. High res images can be found at the above links.

[Source: James Owen Design]

Continue reading Mazda RX-9 features Mighty Morphin' tire technology and energy absorbent skin

Mazda RX-9 features Mighty Morphin' tire technology and energy absorbent skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan goes 180 degrees to develop own hybrid technology

Joel Arellano — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Hybrid, Green, Nissan

Nissan, like the German automakers, initially was hesitant to develop hybrid vehicles. But seeing Toyota's and Honda's success in the fast-growing segment, Japan's second largest automaker tentatively took steps to the 'green' side by licensing parts from Toyota for the upcoming hybrid Altima which is to debut later this year.

Now it looks like Nissan is further embracing the trend. According to Bloomberg, Nissan is now developing its own battery, inverter and motor for its future vehicles. Mitsuhiko Yamashita, executive vice president of Nissan, states the new components will provide nearly double the output of today's current hybrid technology. However, states Bloomberg, the technology will not available until 2009 at the earliest.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Nissan goes 180 degrees to develop own hybrid technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Apr 2006 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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