Autoblog

Indianapolis plans for all-EV, hybrid fleet

Zach Bowman — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Technology, Electric

Indianapolis is moving to replace its entire vehicle fleet with electric and plug-in hybrid options. The Detroit News reports mayor Greg Ballard signed an executive order this week that will see Indianapolis replace its sedans with EVs.

Over time, the municipality will work in natural gas-powered snow plows, fire trucks and other heavy equipment in a bid to wean Indianapolis off foreign energy sources. Ballard's plan includes police vehicles, which could save tax payers around $10 million per year in fuel, though the city also maintains a fleet of 500 non-law-enforcement cars. So far, there's no estimation on how much the initial changeover will cost.

Right now, Indianapolis is working with automakers and fleet firms to come up with the best deal for the EV fleet purchase. The area already boasts 200 EV charging stations and plans to install more locations soon. Expect to see the entirety of the Indianapolis fleet switch over to hybrid and electric propulsion by 2025.

Indianapolis plans for all-EV, hybrid fleet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alt-fuel cars unsustainable without government assistance

Zach Bowman — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:59:00 EST

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

According to the 2012 U.S. Automotive Industry Survey and Confidence Index by Booz & Co., alternative vehicle powertrains may take up as much as 10 percent of the total market by 2020, but only if the federal government continues to support development.

Without a helping hand from Uncle Sam, only 30 percent of the researchers, executives and consumers who participated in the survey believe alternative-fuel machines will be able to carve out that small slice of the market. Specifically, federal tax incentives for potential buyers could help push the technology forward in the future.

According to Wards Auto, further development faces a double hurdle. First, additional urban planning is required to demonstrate plug-in hybrids and EVs will be viable options for buyers, but at the same time, government agencies also need to see fuel cell and battery costs come down before being willing to pony up for chargers or incentives.

Even so, 70 percent of those surveyed said they were more confident about future hybrid demand than they were in 2011. Take a look at the full survey results here.

Alt-fuel cars unsustainable without government assistance originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Senate panel approves $3.6B for electric vehicles and chargers

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Electric

A United States Senate bill that would provide a further $3.6 billion in funding for plug-in vehicles has made it past the first of many hurdles toward passage. The Senate Energy Committee approved the legislation, put forward by Senator Byron Dorgan, (D-ND) that would create so-called deployment communities around the country and subsidize the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) and the installation of infrastructure.

By focusing on specific areas for deployment of EVs and charging stations, the bill would take care of the well-known chicken/egg issue of which is needed first, EV chargers or the vehicles that need them. It would also allow for the evaluation of what happens when you have large numbers of EVs in a concentrated area. Of course, there are already regions around the country that are planning for large numbers of EVs - like southern California and New York - and it's not clear if the bill would support these regions or move to get other areas plug-in ready.

There is no guarantee that the Dorgan bill will be passed by the full Senate or even the House of Representatives, but it is one more step on the way to setting the stage for electric vehicles. Dorgan rather enthusiastically hopes that the results of the legislation will ultimately lead to half of the U.S. vehicle fleet being electrified by 2030.

[Source: Detroit News]

Senate panel approves $3.6B for electric vehicles and chargers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: U.S. government to purchase first 100 Chevy Volts and thousands of hybrids *UPDATE

Eric Loveday — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:21:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

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

In an effort to make the government's fleet of vehicles more green, the Obama administration has reportedly announced plans to add more hybrids this year followed by plug-in hybrids next year. The plan should double the number of hybrids in the government's fleet, a step towards achieving its goal of reducing fleet petroleum use by 30 percent by 2020.

The new plan involves purchasing 100 plug-in vehicles by the end of next year, and the front-runner is the Chevrolet Volt. According to Ward's Auto, the White House has announced that the government will purchase the first 100 Chevy Volts to roll off the assembly line later this year. The government is also considering adding the plug-in hybrid electric Dodge Ram to its fleet, though how many units it's considering has not been released.

Whether or not the Volt and PHEV Ram are being considered because the government just happens to be part owner of their parent companies remains to be seen, but we haven't heard mention of the excellent Ford Fusion Hybrid.

UPDATE: GM has officially responded to the government suggesting that the first 100 Volts will end up in government fleets by stating,

We are pleased to see that the Federal government is interested in the greening of their vehicle fleet. Media speculation has led to reports that the GSA and DOE will be buying the first 100 Chevrolet Volt's because we will meet this criteria. At this time we have no further details regarding these purchases.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Report: U.S. government to purchase first 100 Chevy Volts and thousands of hybrids *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to expand electric and hybrid offerings to Europe from 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:50:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Ford, Electric

Ford Transit Connect Electric - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has big plans for electrification of its fleet over the next decade, and while most of the emphasis has been on North America so far, Europe will be joining in on the party starting in 2011. Nancy Gioia has announced that between 2011 and 2013, Ford of Europe will get five new hybrid and battery electric models added to its lineup. About six to nine months after each of the new models rolls out in North America, they will be introduced in Europe.

Ford's first new battery-powered vehicle, the Transit Connect Electric goes on sale this fall in North America followed by a European launch in the middle of 2011. The battery powered van is just the beginning of Ford's global electrification plan. Read more about it after the jump.

Gallery: Ford Transit Connect Eletric at Chicago Auto Show

Photos by Drew Phillips, Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford to expand electric and hybrid offerings to Europe from 2011

Ford to expand electric and hybrid offerings to Europe from 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept teased ahead of Chicago show

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Kia, Electric

Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept - Click above to enlarge

Kia is hoping to steal the spotlight at what may be another relatively quiet auto show in Chicago next month with a new plug-in hybrid concept dubbed the Ray. The teaser image sent out by Kia last night shows off what looks like a four-door sedan, possibly with a solar photovoltaic roof to aid in charging the battery or cooling the interior.

The concept was created at the Kia Design Center America and is the first from the Korean brand based on this powertrain architecture. We'd guess the powertrain is similar to the Hyundai Blue-Will concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show last week. That car is based on the same configuration that will go into a production hybrid Sonata later this year, but with a bigger motor and battery that is claimed to give a 40-mile electric driving range.

[Source: Kia]

Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept teased ahead of Chicago show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Hatchback, Hyundai, Electric

Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept - click above for high res image gallery

The Hyundai Blue-Will concept isn't entirely new; it first appeared last April at the Seoul Motor Show. However, it is making its North American debut next week in Detroit. What makes the Blue-Will special is that it is Hyundai's first ever plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The hybrid powertrain is based on the same Blue Drive architecture that Hyundai unveiled at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. This is a strong parallel hybrid system, meaning it's capable of driving the vehicle under electric power alone, use the internal combustion or a combination of both. The first production applications will find their way into the Korean market Elantra LPI hybrid and the Sonata hybrid that debuts late this year.

For the PHEV version, the electric motor/generator is increased in size from 30 kW on the Sonata to 100 kW, which should allow it to operate under electric power pretty much throughout its operating range. Hyundai doesn't say how big the lithium ion polymer battery pack is, however, the automaker claims the Blue-Will can go 40 miles on an single electric charge.

In addition to the hybrid hardware, which can provide start-stop capability for the engine and regenerative braking, the concept also features a thermal electric generator. This is designed to convert the heat energy of the exhaust gases into electrical energy to be stored in the battery. The engine is a direct injected version of Hyundai's 1.6-liter Gamma inline-four with 152 horsepower.

The concept has the same 106.3 inch wheelbase as the current Elantra Touring, but the overall length is seven inches shorter. According to Hyundai this concept "may" also provide a preview of a future dedicated hybrid to compete with the Toyota Prius, and if that happens, expect it to arrive sometime late next year.

Gallery: Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Detroit 2010: Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept

Detroit 2010: Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next-gen Mercedes-Benz S-class to launch with plug-in hybrid

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Vision 500 Plug-in HYBRID - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz only recently launched its first production hybrid in the form of the S400 BlueHybrid, and it's already working on the next generation of its flagship S-class. When that model debuts in a few years time, it is expected to be the first model from Stuttgart to offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. At this point, it's unknown which of Mercedes' two hybrid systems it will use. The S400 uses a new mild hybrid system that doesn't support electric-only driving, but Mercedes-Benz also has the two-mode system from the ML450 hybrid. The automaker showed off the potential for this car with the Vision 500 Plug-in HYBRID concept (above) at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

With the disbanding of the two-mode hybrid joint development with BMW and General Motors, it has been thought that the two-mode system would not be used by Mercedes-Benz in any new applications. This system can support a plug-in variant with electric-only drive. It's also possible that Daimler will create a brand-new system, perhaps derived from the mild system but with a more powerful motor to support electric drive. The PHEV system that will be used in the next-gen S-Class is also expected to be applied across the Mercedes range, so we're thinking a new system is more likely.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz S 500 Hybrid

[Source: AutoCar]

Report: Next-gen Mercedes-Benz S-class to launch with plug-in hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric

Toyota Prius PHEV - click above for high-res image gallery

In Japan today, Toyota officially launched its Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) lease program. Over the next six months, Toyota will be building and deploying 600 examples of the plug-in Prius for testing primarilly in Japan, United States and Europe. The Japanese market will get 230 units, with 150 coming to the States and 200 going to Europe. The cars will be leased to government, commercial, and university fleets for field testing that help to gather more data on how PHEVs are used in the real world.

To accommodate plug-in charging the Prius gets a 5.2 kWh lithium ion battery pack in place of the standard nickel metal hydride unit. The battery and associated charging hardware appear to be the only significant mechanical changes to the PHEV. The motor and other hybrid hardware are apparently carried over intact. Even with the standard motor, Toyota claims a maximum EV speed of 62 mph.

On the Japanese JC08 cycle, the Prius can run about 14.5 miles before depleting the battery. It's not clear what the performance level will be in EV mode and what sort of driving will trigger the engine to start up while the battery still has available power. Based on that driving cycle, the PHEV is rated at 72 mpg (U.S.) in post-EV hybrid mode which compares with the 50 mpg or so that we typically see in real use. Since the hybrid system is essentially unchanged, the 14 mile range is probably a bit optimistic. The combined efficiency based on a utility factor of .436 (43.6 percent of driving in EV mode) the Prius is rated at 134 mpg (U.S.). The PHEV Prius will undoubtedly get very good mileage, but we suspect that triple digits are unlikely for most people. During the presentation, Toyota also announced a target of retail sales for the PHEV of late 2011 at an "affordable" price. Video of the presentation and the press release are after the jump.

Presentations:

Gallery: Toyota Prius PHEV concept

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011

Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric

Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota rather unceremoniously parked their plug-in Prius hybrid prototype at its North American market debut during the LA Auto Show, while their new Sienna minivan got a royal welcome at its coming out party. At a show that saw the production-ish Chevrolet Volt appearing in public for the first time, it might have seemed likely that Toyota would have made a bigger deal of this model, but we just sort of stumbled upon it while checking out its big brother, the Lexus LFA.

The company did issue a press release, which you can read in its entirety after the jump. In it, they announce that a global demonstration program will start this month in Japan and that the first batch of 500 Lithium-Ion batteries for those vehicles is moving down the assembly line as we speak. The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive package but adds their first generation lithium-ion battery so it can go all-electric further and more quickly than a traditional hybrid. The electric-only range is just 13 miles, but the Prius PHEV will be able to run all the way up to 60 mph in electric-only mode.

Beyond that, the plug-in Prius reverts to regular hybrid mode with the gas engine and electric motor trading off depending on load and demand. The gas engine is important on this Prius PHEV and cars like the Volt because it lessens the "range anxiety" drivers might feel in a pure electric - That uneasiness that comes from thinking you could be stranded when the batteries run down.

Japan and Europe split the first batch of 350 vehicles, but early next year, the next 150 examples are coming Stateside. These first PHEV vehicles will serve as a test program for real world driving needs, kind of like the MINI E program going on right now. Toyota has already announced that Boulder, CO is going to be the first community to get some of these plug-in hybrids - a surefire way for Toyota to see how cold temps affect battery performance. You can read the rest of the presser after the jump and there's a gallery available by clicking any image below.

Gallery: LA 2009: The plug-in Prius

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Buick

2011 Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last night, General Motors publicly unveiled the 2011 Buick Regal that goes on sale in North America in the first half of next year. The Regal will be Buick's new mid-sized sedan entry and is essentially just a re-grilled version of the Opel Insignia that went on sale in Europe last year. The North American Regal will be built at the Oshawa Ontario assembly plant in Canada beginning in calendar 2011 and will only be offered with a choice of direct-injected four-cylinder engines. However, the Regal is actually slated to go on sale in calendar 2010, and some are suggesting that the sedan will be sourced from Germany for 12 to 15 months.

The base engine will be the 2.4-liter normally aspirated unit that debuted earlier this year in the Chevrolet Equinox, among other models. With a six-speed automatic transmission, the Regal should hit 30+ mpg on the highway. The optional unit will be a 220-hp version of the 2.0-liter turbo, but that powertrain likely won't come on-line right away.

Earlier this year, documents were leaked that listed the Oshawa plant as building a new mid-size hybrid sedan in 2011. It looks like the Regal will be that car with GM's new second generation mild hybrid system that was announced in 2008. The new system uses a more powerful motor/generator and a lithium ion battery. According to Ward's Auto World, the Regal could also get GM's plug-in two mode hybrid system, but that likely won't appear before late 2011 at the earliest.

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal

[Sources: Ward's Auto World - sub req'd | GM-Volt.com]

Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM's Lauckner wishes for bigger incentives to get drivers out of gas-powered vehicles

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Electric

At this point, it's no secret that the Chevy Volt and other plug-in vehicles are not going to come cheap. About the least pricey full-speed electric vehicle may very well be the Nissan Leaf, which after incentives may be in the $27-28,000 range before the extra cost of leasing the battery. While the operational costs of these cars should be substantially less than any internal combustion vehicle, customers rarely think that far ahead when signing up for a car loan. That's especially true when gas remains well under $3 a gallon here in the US.

Speaking at the Business of Plugging In Conference in Dearborn, Michigan this week, GM's VP of Global Program Management told the audience that incentives will need to be increased for plug-in vehicles to start gaining a real foothold in the US market.

Although GM won't announce pricing until its launch a year from now, most observers expect the Volt to run about $40,000. With a $7,500 federal tax credit, it will still be well over $30,000, which is very expensive for a compact car. Unless gas prices get significantly higher or incentives are increased, most buyers are unlikely to find this or other plug-ins to be a good economic proposition.

[Source: Detroit News]

GM's Lauckner wishes for bigger incentives to get drivers out of gas-powered vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick teases baby Enclave, promises 2011 plug-in hybrid version

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Buick, GM, Electric

Bob Lutz has gone on record worrying about Buick's advertising campaign, arguing that the messaging doesn't say the right things to the right people. If only Buick had been advertising this instead: a five-passenger "Baby Enclave" CUV that is coming next year, followed by a plug-in hybrid version in 2011.

General Motors expects the plug-in hybrid "to be the first commercially available plug-in hybrid SUV produced by a major automaker," and it looks like they don't plan on any shortcuts with it. The gas-electric Buick will use LG Chem li-ion batteries juicing up a reworked version of GM's 2-Mode hybrid drivetrain, and can be recharged in four to five hours.

But until that gets here you'll have to make do with the full-boat gasoline-powered Enclave. Those who don't need that much space but are keen on owning a Buick would be well advised to wait for the forthcoming Saturn Vue-based model, which will arrive with a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine that is expected to get 30 mpg on the highway, and there will also be a 3.0-liter V6 version as well. You can read all about the new model in the press release after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Buick teases baby Enclave, promises 2011 plug-in hybrid version

Buick teases baby Enclave, promises 2011 plug-in hybrid version originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota questions demand for plug-ins, cost, range, durability concerns

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 21 May 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology, Toyota

We all know that there is a hardcore group of consumers out there chanting the mantra of "No plug, no sale!" Okay, well, at least a few of you. The problem is that, like commenters on the internet, the loud fringe makes most of the noise, but often actually represents a very small percentage of the total population. For the rest of the car buying public, the realities of choosing a new car go well beyond the ability to "refuel" from a plug in the garage. This is the reality that Toyota, General Motors, Nissan, Mitsubishi and others have to face in planning for future electric vehicles.

How many people are actually willing to pay the price in purchase cost, range, and utility for a plug-in vehicle?

While Nissan and Mitsubishi are (publicly at least) very bullish on EVs, Toyota apparently remains more skeptical. Bill Reinert, Toyota's U.S. national manager for advanced technology, told a National Academy of Sciences panel in Washington that the company doesn't expect PHEV demand to top 50,000 units a year, and the total could be as low as 3,500. So far, the argument goes, in most real-world testing, PHEVs are showing relatively little benefit to justify the significant extra battery cost. Unless plug-ins are designed as such and able to operate through most of their range on electric power (unlike conversion PHEVs), the real world benefits may only be visible to dedicated hyper-milers.

Gallery: EVS23: PHEV Prius prototype

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Toyota questions demand for plug-ins, cost, range, durability concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raser Technologies E-REV pickup coming to Detroit, promises 100+ mpg

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Truck, Green

Last year at the SAE World Congress, Raser Technologies announced it had, along with FEV, designed a plug-in hybrid powertrain for large trucks. Earlier this year, Pacific Gas and Electric ordered two converted vehicles that use this lithium ion system for testing in their fleet. The potentially exciting number here is that the vehicle is expected to top 100 mpg, but we all know that the way these claims are calculated are notoriously varied. There's a little more to hang our hat on than a quoted EV-only range of 40 miles.

We should be able to get a lot more information from Raser - including, perhaps, which OEM they have been working with (General Motors?) - during the next SAE World Congress later this month. Raser says the E-REV vehicle is now undergoing road testing and that the powertrain can also be used for "many popular light trucks." The SAE show starts April 20.

[Source: Raser Technologies]

Continue reading Raser Technologies E-REV pickup coming to Detroit, promises 100+ mpg

Raser Technologies E-REV pickup coming to Detroit, promises 100+ mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carnegie Mellon study says Chevy Volt may not be such a hot value

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University has found that the cost to create an automotive battery pack capable of providing a range of 40 miles per charge is prohibitively expensive. Coincidentally (or not), that's exactly the range that General Motors is aiming for with its upcoming Chevy Volt extended-range electric vehicle.

GM's not offering any specifics about how much the Volt's lithium-ion battery pack will cost, but current estimates place the figure over $15,000. If the car's going to have mass market appeal, that battery pack may represent nearly half the car's total cost to the consumer, which would be an unsustainable situation without the assistance of federal tax credits and incentives.

Even if the government subsidizes the cost of the Volt's initial purchase, questions remain about the replacement cost of the battery pack despite GM's assertion that it will last the life of the car. GM has until late 2010 to get it all worked out, and we remain excited about the prospect of gas-free motoring that plug-ins like the Volt will provide. Still, studies like the one from CMU cannot be dismissed and cast doubt over any automaker's ability to bring electric or extended-range electric vehicles to market in a cost effective manner.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Sources: Bloomberg, Carnegie-Mellon University]

Carnegie Mellon study says Chevy Volt may not be such a hot value originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot delaying launch of plug-in hybrid?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Peugeot, Citroën

Peugeot plans to offer its 3008 CUV with a diesel-electric hybrid by 2011. The step after that is to add plug-in capability, but those plans have been pushed back "a year or two" because of the economy. With R&D budgets pinched by slim sales, the investment in the technology simply can't be justified right now, especially in light of Peugeot's assertion that such cars will sell in "in the tens of thousands, not millions."

As exhibits of Peugeot's intention to employ the diesel-hybrid drivetrain, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen showed three concepts at last year's Paris Motor Show that employed the technology: the Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4, the Peugeot RC HYmotion4, and the Citroen Hypnos. Nevertheless, the head of Peugeot's hybrid innovations unit said plug-in hybrid production - and we would guess the actual date of any PSA hybrid production at all - would "depend on battery costs."

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Peugeot delaying launch of plug-in hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BYD plans two more electric cars in 2009

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, China, Green

BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, is a Chinese company with huge ambition to become the world's largest automaker. If there's any chance of making that monumental task a reality, the company will need some amazing products, a stage to present them to the world and a little luck. At least one of those requirements has been met, as BYD is set to capitalize on Nissan's absence at the Detroit Auto Show in January by placing its products right on the main floor with all the rest of the major automakers. BYD's working on the product problem too, having just released its first plug-in hybrid, called the F3DM, in its home market ealier this month. If that weren't enough, the automaker reportedly plans to release two more all-electric models in 2009, with the goal of bring its products to the crucial American and European markets in 2011.

All of these impressive developments have been made possible with the help of a $230 million investment from Warren Buffet. Much like the upcoming Chevy Volt, the BYD F3DM and F6DM sedans and the E6 van rely on an electric motor and an on-board battery pack to provide motive force for the first 60 miles, after which a normal gasoline-powered engine kicks in to keep the party going. Needless to say, we'll keep an eye out for the budding Chinese automaker next month in Detroit.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: BYD's F6 DM plug-in hybrid

[Source: Gas2.0]

Report: BYD plans two more electric cars in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota wants to sell 1 million hybrids per year

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Toyota

Shortly after the turn of the decade, Toyota expects sales of its hybrid vehicles to crest the one million unit per year mark. ToMoCo's goal may seem a bit ambitious considering that it's only sold about 1.25 million hybrids since the Prius' introduction in 1997, but the alternative-power push will mainly be fueled by sales of upcoming plug-in hybrid models and Toyota's aim to equip every vehicle in its lineup with a hybrid drivetrain by 2020.

Testing of the plug-in version of the Prius is about to begin in the U.S., Europe and Japan, equipped with a fancy-schmancy lithium-ion battery that's being developed by Toyota and Panasonic EV Energy Co. Sales should start around 2010, assuming that all is well with the power-pack, and we're expecting even more Synergy-Drive models to bow during the upcoming 2008 show season.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Toyota wants to sell 1 million hybrids per year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota delivers pair of plug-in Prius to California universities

Dan Roth — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Hybrid, Green, Toyota

Leaving no stone unturned when looking at a more efficient future, Toyota has teamed up with the Univerisity of California to further study the viability of plug-in hybrid versions of the Prius. As part of the research, Toyota donated two prototype Prius models modified for plug-in operations to the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Berkeley and the Advanced Power and Energy Program at UC Irvine. The two university programs will study ways to measure and test fuel economy and emissions, including upstream emissions from power generation, as well as what sacrifices people are willing to make, how much they'd actively seek to plug their cars in, and what type of range and charge time they're willing to live with.

The current Prius provides a good base for the research, and didn't change drastically to pull PHEV duty. There's a larger battery pack occupying the space normally reserved for the spare tire, and the powertrain controller allows more frequent EV-mode operation, as well as running on battery to about 60 mph. The battery pack size will shrink as new technologies come online, and the limited (7 miles) range in EV mode will likely also increase. Quite an about-face from the days not too long ago when Toyota was vociferously denouncing PHEV conversions of their cockroach-shaped four-wheeled eco-statement.

Hit the jump for Toyota's press release.

Continue reading Toyota delivers pair of plug-in Prius to California universities

Toyota delivers pair of plug-in Prius to California universities originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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