Volt Accused of Not Going All the Way

Is it or is it not? That is the question being asked this past week as news comes the Chevy Volt may not be as electric as it claims to be. Edmunds says GM has lied: "it isn't as electric as GM has been saying for the past three years."



Electric, Hybrid, or Neither?

GM has fired back in a statement: "There is no direct mechanical connection (fixed gear ratio) between the Volt’s extended-range 1.4L engine and the drive wheels. In extended-range driving, the engine generates power that is fed through the drive unit and is balanced by the generator and traction motor. The resulting power flow provides a 10 to 15 percent improvement in highway fuel economy." and "If the traction motor is disabled, the range-extending internal combustion engine cannot drive the vehicle by itself."

Seemingly at the heart of the debate is what the Volt can call itself. GM claims the Volt is an electric car (ignore the gas engine behind the curtain, please). Edmunds (and others like the NY Times) claim the Volt is a hybrid, really a plug-in hybrid.  But that's not really the problem here.

Back Story, the Birth of an E-REV
The story I have had in my head based on all I've read and learned about the Chevy Volt E-REV goes like this. The Volt is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, but a variation within that framework, one I had come to realize deserves a new name to distinguish it from other plug-in hybrid vehicles. The Volt runs on electric power alone for 40 miles (electric power you have stored up overnight by plugging in). After that, the electricity is produced by a small gas engine which supposedly just recharged the battery pack.

Shocking Truth?  Or Just Media Bias?
It's shocking, to me and others, to find that story isn't quite true. According to Edmunds, the gas engine is assisting the electric motors at highway speeds (at or above 70 mph ). Kicking Tires points out "there's a power-split device similar to the type in hybrids from Toyota and Ford. "

It doesn't really matter if the car can only move if the electric motor is also running.  ("The engineers say yes. They say the arrangement produces a slight increase in efficiency, but they emphasize that it's not as if the gas engine takes over from the electric drive. The electric drive is indispensable, at high as well as low speeds, they say." Source: MSNBC") What matters is GM has been clear for years now the gas motor would not be capable of pushing the car.

Truth or How Dare They?
And the real kicker, does this mean the gas engine will kick in at highway speeds even in the first 40 miles? Can you really call a car like that an E-REV? What's exciting about the Volt is the ability (if you only travel less than 40 miles a day), you can own an electric car without the 'range anxiety' an all electric car brings. The Leaf goes for 100 miles, but after that you need to recharge. In other words, you need to find a plug and about 4-8 hours of time. The Volt just needs to pull into a local gas station if you don't have a handy plug.

And that's why most of the questions I've seen about the gas engine are 1) can it be even smaller? and 2) what if you don't go over 40 miles for a year or two?  Doesn't the gas go stale?

That's the way people are thinking about the Volt.

Truly an Electric for 40 miles or not?
But if that's not true, if your commute involves highway driving at 70 mph, and the gas engine is going to turn on anyways... Well, now we have a real problem.  This is what the true furor is about.

Consumers are hoping for an electric car for most days, but a gas car when you need it to go farther. What if they don't use gas for a couple of years? GM has said they have thought of this and it won't be an issue. Now I'm wondering if this is why they were so confident about that.

"The buzz around the internet — and at this event — suggests the world will soon come to an end because the Volt isn't what people thought it would be, that it's somehow a lesser vehicle. I don't see it. Once the engine starts, the point is efficiency." (Source: Joe Wiesenfelder at Kicking Tires)  With all respect to Joe, that's not the point at all of the Volt.  A true plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will be more efficient than an E-REV.

If the gas engine only 'assists' the electric motor after you are in 'extended range', then the furor over the name calling (what's in a name, after all?) will be over in my mind. The gas engine is already on and what difference does it make that the engine is not only recharging the battery pack, but it's also helping move the car a little bit increasing the efficiency.

What's in a Name
The E-REV definition separates the Volt from an all electric car. It also separates it from a plug-in hybrid (like the one expected from Toyota in the next year or so). But only if the gas engine doesn't assist at high speeds in the first 40 miles. If it does, then the Volt will need to be relabeled as a plug-in hybrid. Because that's what it would be, whether GM wants it to be called that or not.  Toyota and Ford hybrids already drive at low speeds on all electric power as just hybrids.  The difference maker for the Volt was being able to go any speed up to 40 miles (you're miles will vary).

Sidenote:
BTW (To Mark Phelan at freep) who says "If you don't believe Parks and the independent testers who've driven the car, though, ask the federal government. It has approved the Volt for a $7,500 tax credit that only applies to electric vehicles. Hybrids need not apply." That's not true. The credit is not to 'electric cars' and the Toyota Prius plug-in will probably qualify for the tax credit.

Read More
To read more on the controversy: Money Times, IB Times, US News, Kicking Tires, Earth Techling, GM, freep
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Toyota Works on Their Own Smart Grid

Toyota is working on their own plug-in smart grid system for homes. With plug-in hybrids coming in the next couple of years, Toyota wants to be ready for the new phase of vehicle development.

One of the biggest limiting factors on electric (or even partially electric cars) is the limited sources for plugging in. Add in how long it takes to recharge a battery pack and you can understand why most people would be reluctant to switch out of their gasoline powered cars.

Nissan, with the new electric Leaf, had installers come and emplace vehicle recharging stations in homes of people who buy the Leaf. Toyota has the same intentions, apparently, but they want to install their systems into new car buyers homes.

The smart grid installation from Toyota "allows people to see on TV screens and mobile handsets how much electricity is being consumed by a household, how much a plug-in vehicle has charged, and how much electricity has been stored in the home. Source: Detroit News"

It also works out when to shut off gadgets that aren't being used and how to maximize when to recharge the battery in your car (rates are cheaper at night).Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Report Card for Cars, What Grade Will Your Car Get?

New Fuel Economy Sticker for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

The EPA and DOT are working together to create a new fuel economy sticker to be placed on new cars. They have proposed two different labels, which while different, are both designed to let the buyer know just what kind of car they are buying.

The first label gives a letter grade to the car, based on its fuel economy. Electric cars would get A+ ratings, while no van would get over a C+. Plug-in hybrid vehicles would fall in the A- range.

The second label focuses in on the miles per gallon and the estimated fuel costs. This allows for greater comparison between vehicles, especially given the big differences that are happening with new cars.

Both label have MPG and GPM (gallons per 100 miles) ratings along with greenhouse gas emissions. They will also give an estimate of annual fuel costs, plus more information comparing the fuel economy of this car to that of other like vehicles. Smart phone owners will be able to scan in the QRR code and get additional information.




Electric Vehicles Get an A+


The exciting part for those who are following the new types of cars (electric, plug-in hybrid, E-REV, etc...) is the new labeling system. Vehicles like the Volt are supposed to drive for 40 miles or so on all electric power, then go hybrid. After that initial electric range, you need gas to go, so the fuel efficiency figure is important to know.

That type of information will now be found on the sticker. The new sticker is designed to let you know the estimated fuel economy in each different mode (electric, hybrid, or gas-only).

The only problem I have with the new sticker is its emphasis on 'energy consumption measurement' where the energy consumption (in this case, electricity) is in MPGe, or Miles Per Gallon equivalent. That sort of measurement is confusing to people. The KiloWatt hours is shown on the electric vehicles, but not on the plug-in hybrid vehicles. That's less informative than it could be.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Toyota Test Plug-in Prius at Logan Airport

Toyota has been testing their plug-in Prius (due out in 2012 or so) in various sites and with different customers throughout the world. And now it's Logan Airport in Boston who gets to try one out.

It will only be for two months as Toyota gathers feedback and testing information. Massport officials, who run Logan, will use the "car to drive to meetings, visit construction sites and terminals, and to help with other errands."

That's most likely going to result in really good test results, as the miles driven at any time will most likely be very low, which means less reliance on gasoline and more on the battery pack. Unlike the Chevy Volt, the plug-in Prius is more like a souped up hybrid. It will drive at higher speeds on all battery power for longer time periods, but doesn't rely on just the one power source. The Volt goes for 40 miles (your miles will vary) before the gas engine kicks in. The Prius plug-in may start using the gas engine immediately (or not) depending on your use.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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New Standard for Measuring Hybrids and Plug-ins Fuel Economy

The trouble with measuring fuel efficiency of a vehicle that doesn't necessarily use gas is a tough one. Just look at the ridiculous numbers floating around for the Volt (230 mpg) and the Nissan Leaf (an electric vehicle!). I mean, really, what does an MPG rating for an electric vehicle mean to anyone?

You quickly get the idea that some sort of standard needs to be worked out. And not the same one that works for gas-only vehicles.

Plug-ins or Electric Range Extended Vehicles (E-REV), in particular, are tough. If you can drive 40 miles on all electric, then switch over to gas powered, you probably aren't interested in knowing your mpg as we know it. If you drive less than 40 miles a day, you may not need to worry about your 'fuel economy', but you may be very interested to know how much electricity your using. Or, if you do go over the 40 mile range, the traditional mpg rating could be very important, since you want to know how much gas you're using.  Then throw in the whole city vs highway driving.

And just to complicate matters, you want to be able to compare the E-REV to the plug-in to the hybrid to the gas-only vehicle when you go out to buy one (otherwise what's on the sticker the dealer has to put there becomes worthless).

In order to combat the problem, a standard is needed and the SAE International says they have one.

The SAE International has released a new standard to measure the exhaust emissions and fuel economy of hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and all their variants. The new standard is J1711 - Recommended Practice for Measuring the Exhaust Emissions and Fuel Economy of Hybrid Electric Vehicles, including Plug-in Hybrid.

It can be applied to any Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). An HEV is defined as a road vehicle that can draw propulsion energy from both of the following sources of stored energy: 1) a consumable fuel and 2) a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) that is recharged by an electric motor-generator system, an off-vehicle electric energy source, or both.

For more information about the standard, visit http://standards.sae.org/j1711_201006.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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China Sets Subsidies for Electric Cars

China is getting into the electric car game the same way the US and Japan did, using subsidies. The Chinese government is offering 50,000 yuan (over $7,000) to those who buy a plug-in hybrid car, and 60,000 yuan (over $8,500) to those who buy an all electric car. Those who just buy more fuel efficient cars (smaller engines of 1.6-litres or less) can get 3,000 yuan. (Source: Reuters)

The subsidies are available in five cities and are an effort to cut back on pollution and fuel use. The subsidies are set to expire after 50,000 cars are sold

Unlike in the US and Japan, the money goes to the car maker, rather than the person buying the car.

So, it looks like this is an effort to encourage car makers to build and sell electric cars in China, rather than a direct encouragement to the consumer. Although the release does say the cost savings should be passed along to the buyer.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Calcars Lists 20 Companies Making Plug-ins

The Companies Who are Making Plug-in Vehicles - Calcars

Not to put too fine a point on it, but the reason you keep hearing about plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) lately is because everyone is doing it.  Calcars put together a list of 20 car makers who are working on their plug-in hybrid technology, and the list just keeps on getting longer.


I love the image they put together (I hope they don't mind my posting it here with attribution to them!).  It really brings home how cars are moving towards electrification.

By merging the best of gas engines and electric cars (in other words, getting rid of range anxiety from electric cars while reducing gasoline usage), car makers are betting that PHEV technology will bring more consumers to the table than all electric vehicles will.  And with more stringent laws about emissions coming, car makers have to increase their fuel efficiency now.


Some car makers are more serious about their efforts than others, with Fisker basing their whole business model on electric options, GM building the Volt, Toyota plugging in the Prius and so on.  Others are just talking about it or building concepts that may or may not become production models.


The good news for you is, the more car makers who opt in, the more choices you have.  The better news is, with more companies working on and building cars with bigger batteries, the sooner the cost on those batteries will come down.


The Nissan Leaf, an electric vehicle with 100 miles range, is going to sell at for over $32,000 here in the US.  And at that price, Nissan is talking about taking a loss.  Over half of that price tag comes from the battery pack alone. The Chevy Volt, with 40 miles of all electric range, plus several hundred more miles of range using the gas engine, is predicted to cost $40,000.  Those price tags put the electric and plug-in electric cars out of the range of most buyers, even with the tax credits from the federal government (up to $7,500).


But with more companies jumping in, the more quickly the prices on the batteries and the technology will drop.  Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Hawaii Rebates for Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Hawaii will receive $4.25 million in stimulus money to help develop the plug-in hybrid car market in the island state. Rebates of $4,500 will be made available to those who purchase an electric or plug-in hybrid starting on August 1st. The program ends March 30, 2012.

That's in addition to the up to $7,500 available nation-wide. In addition, another $500 will be offered to those who purchase a charger for their new vehicle.

This is good news for those who were excited to learn Hawaii had been added to the short list of the initial states the Nissan Leaf would be available in. Also, the Chevy Volt launch date is rapidly approaching.

Another $3.25 million will be allocated for the installation and deployment of charging stations.

Rebate forms and grant applications will be available on the state's energy website and is given on a first-come first-served basis.

Source: KITVSource URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Toyota Wants Plug-in Prius in China

Toyota wants to start testing plug-in Prius in China as soon as possible (Source: Nikkei via GCC). And it's no wonder that Toyota would like to succeed in China, where it seems everyone is increasing the number of cars they are selling at incredible rates.

But hybrids are not selling well, so it's a wonder that Toyota is pushing for plug-in hybrids in China. Maybe it's more of a political move, or maybe they are taking a long term approach. After all, the Prius wasn't what you would call an overnight success story here in the states. It took a lot of time for it to really catch on.

And it may just be they don't want GM to get ahead of them with the Volt or Nissan with the Leaf.  It doesn't seem like Toyota is getting close to a production ready plug-in.  And the Volt is only months away.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Toyota Plug-in Prius Just Like Every Other Car

According to Edmunds Senior Editor, John O'Dell:

They seem to do everyting Toyota has said it's PHEV will do, ncluding powering down the freeway at a steady 60 miles an hour in all-electric drive for a bit

But absent some heart-wrenching flaw that wasn't apparent in my limited time behind the wheel, the most I can say about Toyota's PHEV Prius is that driving it is pretty much just like driving a standard Prius, but with a bit less engine noise.
But isn't that what you want from a car? No matter what's in the engine compartment, you still want it to drive like every other car.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Cadillac XTS Moving Coming in 2011

The Cadillac XTS, the luxury plug-in hybrid sedan, will be coming next year as a 2012 model. And according to some reports, will replace the Cadillac Converj as the new upcoming plug-in Cadillac.


The Cadillac XTS  Platinum, a Plug-in Hybrid
The XTS is set to replace the DTS and STS. It should look something like the XTS Platinum concept according to MotorTrend.

Cadillac (GM) rejected the idea of developing the Converj concept, a plug-in E-REV built on the Volt architecture, because they believe the demand will not be there. So, it's a bit surprising to hear they are now going to build a different plug-in Cadillac.

They are going to use the plug-in system developed for the Vue, meaning the all electric range will be a lot less. That means they don't have to worry as much about the battery size, which is a major reason the Volt price tag is going to come in at $40,000.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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No Longer Has a Hemi-Hybrid

Chrysler has ended the Ram Hybrid, before it even really started. Chrysler announced they would be expanding on a plug-in hybrid test for their Ram pickup, but would end the program to create a hybrid Ram.

Given their track record, I won't be holding my breath on the plug-in Ram.

Chrysler sold their Hybrid Aspen and Durango for a two months before abandoning their program. The plan was for the two-mode hybrid system, co-developed with BMW and GM, to go into the Dodge Ram later this year. But Chrysler just doesn't see a market for it.

Chrysler also killed off their ENVI division shortly after announcing they would create it and put an all electric vehicle on the road sometime soon.

The Plug-in Electric Hybrid (PHEV) system will be placed into 140 units with a lithium-ion battery pack capable of all electric movement for up to 20 miles. The truck will then turn into a hybrid car, with the gas engine providing most of the power from that point on. The electric motor will assist the gas engine.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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S-Class Getting 81 MPG

Mercedes-Benz Plans on Building S-Class E-REV

Mercedes-Benz is looking to build an S-class plug-in hybrid (actually, from the description, it's an E-REV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle)) that will achieve 81 mpg. More details are coming out according to CarandDriver.  Mercedes-Benz launched a hybrid S-Class in Japan last September.
 
The new S-class will mate a 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine-dirct injection and peizo injectors witha 60 hp electric motor. The electric range will be about 20 miles.

Mercedes-Benz Thomas Weber feels that the biggest issue with electric cars is the battery. From the expense, charging time, possible overheating, to just the extra weight. Thus, they are looking at the variants which will allow them to use smaller batter packs, but still keep the range and reduce the cost of the vehicle.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Porsche 918 Spyder into Production?

Porsche is seriously considering taking the 918 Spyder, a plug-in hybrid that is more powerful than the Carrera GT. The electric motor helps the 500 hp V8 go from 0-60 in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph, all while 78 mpg. 

It took them five months (started last August, finished the day before it was revealed).  But now it looks like Porsche is looking to move the Spyder into production.

Porsche 'will build 918' - Autocar.co.uk

Porsche has yet to commit to producing the car - but speaking to Autocar, Macht admitted that the positive reaction to the 918 had already swayed opinion within the firm.

"There is no one inside Porsche who doesn't want to build the 918," he said. "The response has been marvellous; we will ask buyers to sign letters of intent.

"The 918 Spyder provides the answer to whether there can be high-performance cars in the future," he added. "Many have said they are finished. This car shows they are not."

According to the NYTimes blog Porsche has never built a show car they didn't move into production.
Porsche’s Stealth Debut - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com

Believe it or not, the 918 Spyder is Porsche’s first concept car since the Boxster, which was initially shown in Detroit in 1993 and went into production as a 1997 model. Porsche has never built a show car it didn’t eventually put on the market, and the 918 is a possibility down the road.

Porsche 918 Spyder

But don't start holding your breath. It could take five years, even if they do decide to go ahead with it.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Rumors of a Plug-in Chevy

When the plug-in Saturn Vue was cancelled (since Saturn was ending), there were rumors flying about the Vue plug-in would morph into a Chevy Eqinox plug-in, but those rumors were later squashed by GM exectutives.

But now the rumors are back, but with pictures.  Straightline has photos of a plug-in hybrid with Saturn and hybrid badging, taped over plug-in port, and Buick wheels.  Straightline thinks this indicates the Chevrolet Equinox plug-in may be back on, but I'm wondering if it might be something else.

GM promised a Buick crossover plug-in hybrid for testing by the Energy Department in 2010, with a production model to follow in 2011.  The idea of the crossover moving into production was killed off fairly quickly, however.

Now, whether or not those time lines still apply in the current economic climate is another thing, but if they promised a vehicle to the Energy Department, what Straightline saw may be an early iteration/holdover from Saturn to be sent for testing.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Porsche 918 Spyder Plug-in Hybrid

Porsche 918 Spyder

Porsche unveiled the 918 Spyder Plug-in Hybrid at the Geneva Auto Show, stunning journalists attending the event.

The Spyder plug-in is faster than the Porsche Carrera GT, while getting 78 mpg (emissions of 70g CO2/km).

The 500 hp V-8 is mated to two electric motors located on the front and rear axle, which can create another 160 kW of power (218 hp). Combined, the Spyder plug-in can produce 718 hp.

Which means the mid-engined two seater car can go from 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 198 miles per hour.

The V-8 was described as high-revving with seven speed transmission. The electric motors are powered by liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery.

There are four modes, controllable by the driver which allow it to run in:


• E-Drive mode (all electric) for a 16 mile range
• Hybrid mode (more fuel efficient)
• Sport hybrid (aggressive performance)
• Race Hybrid (All about Pure Performance)



"Porsche is not saying whether the 918 Spyder concept will go into production, but don’t bet against it. The technology is just too promising, the styling too delectable." - NY Times Blog

"the specifications out of this car seem too good to be true." - USA Today

"stealthy-looking ride is a parallel hybrid just like the Prius – well, except much, much sexier." - Inhabit

"One thing there's no debating is the 918's style, a magnificent two-seater with clear Porsche DNA that's low, lean and mean without being over-the-top outrageous. It has the supercar looks, we'll see if Porsche can deliver on its eye-popping future propulsion numbers." - WOT MotortrendSource URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Ford Plans on Big Growth in Electric and Hybrid Market

Ford is projecting a big growth curve for hybrids and electric vehicles over the next decade. So much so that hybrid and electric vehicles could account for up to 25 percent of its global sales by 2020.

"There is no question in our mind at this point that oil, as the only alternative for our vehicles, is not a good business strategy," said Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of global electrification. "Around the world by 2020, we see 10 to 25 percent of the Ford fleet electrified."

70 percent of the upcoming electrification will come from hybrid sales, with another 20 percent coming from plug-in hybrids.

Ford is expected to announce two new hybrids, a plug-in hybrid and two new all electric vehicles for Europe by 2013. The same vehicles Ford is promising to the US market by 2012.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric, an all battery powered commercial vehicle is expected next year. This will be followed by the Ford Focus Electric in 2012.

Press Release from Ford on their electric plans follows:

Geneva, March 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is confirming today that its global electric vehicles plan is extending to Europe with five full electric or hybrid vehicles across its C, CD and light commercial vehicle ranges coming for European customers by 2013.

Specifically, Ford will launch two zero-emission full battery-electric vehicles including the Transit Connect Electric light commercial vehicle in 2011 followed by the Ford Focus Electric in 2012. Three other vehicles – two next-generation petrol hybrid-electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid – will be introduced in 2013.

Ford’s global electrification strategy will deliver a suite of electrified vehicles to a variety of markets and build on the company's overall vision of offering the widest possible range of technology solutions – instead of a single vehicle or technology – to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions for customers around the world.

"We recognise that one technology does not work for all our customers," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "Our electrification strategy and plans include hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles to best meet our global customers' needs. Leveraging our global platforms is also central to this strategy and allows us to build on our strong product line-up in the most customer-driven, affordable way."

As Ford's global product vision accelerates to ensure that all the company's vehicles competing in global segments become common in Europe, North America and Asia, the resulting efficiencies will allow a global portfolio of environmentally friendly transportation solutions to be developed based around hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and all-electric vehicles.

"Our goal is to provide consumers with access to significant fuel economy improvements and reduced CO2 emissions to meet their functional needs and without compromising their driving experience," said John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"There is increasing interest among a number of customers in Europe for electrified vehicles and we are responding by stepping up our efforts to bring these models to the marketplace alongside our latest-generation, fuel-efficient petrol and diesel powered models," Fleming added. "This is further evidence of how the ONE Ford global product vision is transforming our business. European consumers will not have to wait too long before they can choose from a range of electrified alternatives from Ford."

Zero-Emission
The first models to be launched in Europe will be zero-emission, full-electric versions of two significant models in Ford's global product portfolio.

The Focus Electric will be based on Ford's next-generation Focus model and is one of at least ten vehicles that will be developed from the company's new global C-car platform. Focus Electric will be introduced in the US and Canada in 2011, followed by Europe in 2012.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric is a zero-emission, pure electric-powered version of the award-winning Transit Connect light commercial vehicle and goes on sale in North America later this year. Ford is aiming to make the Transit Connect Electric available for European customers from 2011.

Future Hybrids
While Ford has considerable experience in the North American market with full petrol-hybrid vehicles, the company also is planning to expand its presence in Europe with two all-new, next-generation hybrid passenger cars based on global platforms following in 2013.

In addition, European customers will be able to opt for a plug-in hybrid model, also coming in 2013.

"Thanks to the global economies of scale afforded to us by our ONE Ford initiative, I am delighted we are able to make the commitment now to deliver these models to customers in Europe, particularly as the demand for hybrid vehicles grows," added John Fleming.

Further details of Ford's hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be revealed closer to launch.

Prototype Trials in Europe
Ford's Product Development team is participating in two specific European trial initiatives to demonstrate the technology in real world driving conditions, and generate feedback to help develop further the Focus Electric and the Transit Connect Electric for market acceptance in Europe.

In the UK, a consortium of Ford, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Strathclyde University is preparing later this year to run a fleet of zero emissions prototype Ford Focus Battery Electric Vehicle prototypes, based around the current Focus model sold in Europe and using elements of the technology under development for the new Focus Electric.

The vehicles will be used for evaluation by both SSE and a number of fleet and private customers based in Hillingdon, Middlesex from mid-2010.

This new UK-based BEV demonstration fleet is being created partly with public funding from the UK Government's Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which promotes innovative industry-led projects that reduce CO2. The BEV research programme aims to test the technology's suitability and to gain greater insight into customer charging behaviour.

In Germany, Ford has recently announced its participation in the colognE-mobil project. This initiative will research the impact of electric vehicles on urban air quality, traffic safety and the electricity supply infrastructure. Scientists will then scale up the results to examine the true benefits an electric future could deliver for German cities.

Ford is one of four partners in the colognE-mobil project and will provide an early fleet of next-generation Focus Electric vehicles in late 2011.
The other partners are utility company RheinEnergie AG, the City of Cologne and the University of Duisburg-Essen. The colognE-mobil project is partly funded by the German Government and coordinated by the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

"These initiatives are a revolution for both the utility and automotive industries," Fleming said. "Collaborating across sectors is essential to ensure customer focused products that provide the right value along with the readiness of the infrastructure. We need to work and learn together and Ford is very pleased to be a part of these important trials."

Portfolio of Technologies
Ford Motor Company is committed to offering customers affordable environmental technologies in the vehicles they want and value.

To do this, Ford is introducing a range of global environmental technologies, including electrified vehicles that provide customers with more fuel-efficient models emitting fewer greenhouse gases without compromising safety, interior room or performance.

"Ford is focused on solutions that reach not just hundreds or thousands of cars, but millions of vehicles – because that is how Ford can truly make a difference," Derrick Kuzak said.

Near- and longer-term advancements include the new Ford EcoBoost global engine family featuring turbocharging and direct injection technology, Ford's ECOnetic range of low- CO2 technologies in Europe, and multi-speed transmissions such as Ford PowerShift.

Also, Ford is developing a range of other environmentally focused features, including advanced electric power steering, weight reduction and aerodynamic improvements, plus biofuel-capable vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

“Electrification is a key element in the effective use of Ford's global resources and talents to provide a portfolio of affordable and fuel-efficient technologies for customers,” said Fleming. “In particular our fleet trials in the UK and Germany will give us vital experience and insight into how fleet and private customers for these niche models will use them on a daily basis. This will ensure that the five models we bring to market are fully developed to meet their expectations."Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Mercedes F800, a Fuel Cell Plug-in Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz F800, Hybrid Concept

Mercedes-Benz will be showing off its F800 concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show, a hydrogen fuel cell plug-in hybrid. According to the press release, the F800 concept can travel 18 miles on an all electric charge, after being plugged in overnight. Once the charge in the lithium-ion battery pack is gone, the fuel cell can power the vehicle for another 375 miles.

The result is no emissions, at least while you're driving (electricity production produces emissions at the plant, not the car).

Fun features in the five-seater include sliding rear doors, bold fenders and a prominent grille that Mercedes-Benz is telling reporters gives the direction they are heading in for future vehicles.  A new camera touchpad records images of the user's hand and displays it in transparent form above the center console.  A “range on map” shows how far the car can travel in electric mode.

The next generation cruise-control will follow the car in front into curves without steering at speeds up to 25 mph.  The Pre-Safe 360 Degree system  will engage the brakes about 600 milliseconds before a rear-end collision to prevent a secondary crash into another car or object.

The fuel cell powered engine is under the hood, while the electric motor is near the rear axle. Two of the hydrogen tanks are located between the passengers.

The plug-in V-6 hybrid can produce up to 409 hp and can go from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Ford Plans to Electrify Michigan

Ford will be building hybrid and electric vehicles in Michigan according to Bill Ford Jr., Ford's executive chairma. In a follow-up to yesterday's teaser, Bill Ford Jr, along with Gov. Jennifer Granholm, announced Ford will be investing $450 million in the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne.

"This investment underscores how serious we are about delivering a range of electrified vehicles to customers -- including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles," said Bill Ford Jr., Ford's executive chairman. "Our industry is at the intersection of three critical global issues -- the economy, energy and the environment. The winning companies will be those that address these issues with vehicles that are also exciting and fun to drive, without compromises."

Michigan granted Ford $188 million in tax incentives to insure Ford's investment in the state. the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board approved Phase II incremental job retention credits valued at $110 million and battery pack tax credits valued at $78 million, for a total incentive package valued at $188 million, to help win Ford’s investment over competing states, China, Europe and Mexico.

“Ford continues to demonstrate its commitment to Michigan by bringing together world-class products, advanced technology applications and our talented workforce to build the next generation of vehicles that will help reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil,” Granholm said.

Ford expects production to begin in 2012, and the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles will be built on the global C-car platform (same as the Ford Focus).

Ford is also planning on moving battery pack production and development to Michigan, and out of Mexico. The pack manufacturing will include design and in-house assembly, which is currently done in Mexico. The investment will impact several Michigan Ford facilities, including Michigan Assembly, Wayne Stamping, Van Dyke Transmission in Sterling Heights and the Product Development Center in Dearborn, among others.

Sources: govmonitor, reuters, and Detroit free press.Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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Cadillac XTS Platinum Plug-in Hybrid Concept

GM showed what they could do (if they wanted to) with the plug-in hybrid Cadillac XTS concept at the Detroit Auto Show. The luxury sedan mates a 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gas engine with an electric motor powered in part through a plug.





The concept vehicle takes the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid to the next level. By using a larger battery and adding a plug (of course, it's not that simple, but ...) GM can extend the all electric range. Like the Cadillac Converj (due in 2013) and Chevy Volt (due this year), the car can be plugged in (overnight) and recharge the battery pack. That gives the driver an all electric driving range, followed by hybrid efficiency once the gas engine is needed to extend your driving range.

GM estimates the overall system delivers 350 hp (260 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm), indicating they are not giving up a thing in terms of power.  Nor are they making any exceptions for luxury (if you read the press release).





Press Release follows:

DETROIT – Cadillac unveiled the XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, suggesting a new paradigm for the luxury sedan of the future. The concept showcases Cadillac’s emerging top-of-the-line Platinum series of models, emphasizing new expressions of luxury and technological features, including a plug-in hybrid propulsion system.

The XTS Platinum Concept was designed from the inside out, re-imagining the luxury sedan as a personal headquarters, built for efficiency, luxury and connectivity. The concept introduces a new approach to in-car electronics that improves the form and function of the car’s entertainment, navigation and information systems.

“The XTS Platinum concept is the next expression of Cadillac’s Art and Science execution philosophy, reflecting our drive to deliver the latest innovations in the most artful manner,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “We envisioned this concept as an automotive personal headquarters, using advanced technology to enable new levels of connectivity and luxury.”

The XTS Platinum Concept uses Cadillac’s 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gas engine, paired with a plug-in hybrid system. The plug-in technology enables the battery to fully charge from a standard electrical outlet, enabling pure electric propulsion in many driving situations, especially urban commutes in which fuel efficiency may double that of a conventional hybrid.

Traditional luxury sedans were defined by elegant interiors and Cadillac’s XTS Platinum Concept propels that formula into the future. It delivers new approaches to luxury within a design that combines fine craftsmanship with customer-driven innovation. Like the current Platinum Edition products, such as Escalade Platinum and the STS and DTS Platinum sedans, the interior is based on hand cut-and-sewn materials. The XTS Platinum Concept injects more contemporary forms and themes into the interior design, including the use of Organic Light-Emitting Diode (O-LED) displays in place of traditional gauges and screens.

The concept previews a new integration philosophy guiding the development of future models with respect to in-car electronics. The intent is to progress Cadillac’s intuitive in-car electronics systems, typified by the deployable touch-screen navigation system that has been highly acclaimed in the brand’s CTS and SRX product lines. The XTS Platinum Concept previews this strategy via the minimization of traditional buttons and switches. Designers blended the display screens into a flowing instrument panel. They call it a “dead front” design, because the panels appear black until the car is turned on and the screens illuminate. The instrument panel itself reflects the XTS Platinum’s other focus – uncompromising luxury and attention to detail on the interior.

“The Platinum distinction in Cadillac means the fullest extent of luxury and technology and we’ve tried to reach even further with this concept,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac design director. “Just as the technology pushes the boundaries of what a Cadillac can offer, so do the details that make the XTS Platinum Concept an uncompromising experience.”

The interior takes inspiration from nature, specifically the intricate layers of petals that combine to form an orchid. Cadillac designers translated that into a layered and detailed interior. Light cream is the cabin’s primary color and is contrasted with darker elements, such as the steering wheel and an overhead console motif that runs the length of interior’s roof. The console is made of a richly finished wood and houses lighting features.

Premium leather seats include a new style of automotive suede, with a laser-etched pattern. The patterned material adorns the center sections of the seats and accents the door trim. Thoughtfully detailed stitching is used throughout the interior, including the seats, instrument panel and door panels. Passengers in the spacious rear compartment of the XTS Platinum Concept also have access to the car’s connectivity feature, along with a range of infotainment choices.

“We never lost sight of the fact that a large luxury sedan needs to be spacious and accommodating,” said Dean. “Passengers will find generous headroom, legroom and knee space, along with the technology elements that make the drive more productive.”

A new proportion

The XTS Platinum Concept has a distinctive proportion that transcends the traditional aesthetic of luxury sedans and carries the brand’s Art and Science design in a more progressive manner. The unique proportion supports the “inside out” design priority, while creating a sleek profile that complements the car’s advanced technology elements and necessary aerodynamics.

“The XTS Platinum Concept design artfully conveys its focus on functionality through technology,” said Dean. “It is the antithesis of the conventional three-box sedan, suggesting the active evolution of Cadillac’s design language.”

A sweeping profile culminates in a short, high deck lid that meets the XTS Platinum Concept’s aerodynamic needs – including a rear spoiler mounted on the deck lid, incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp. A high, sloping beltline gestures the vehicle forward, suggesting motion, while the fenders flare outward wrapping tightly around 20-inch wheels and tires. The wheel-to-body proportion was carefully tailored to visually communicate the car’s all-wheel-drive chassis.

Like the interior, the exterior elements are precisely tailored and elegantly detailed. Brushed billet aluminum trim is used selectively and the 20-inch, 11-spoke wheels feature a brushed aluminum face accented with bright inserts within the spokes. The wheels are wrapped with special Bridgestone tires that were created specifically for the XTS Platinum Concept.

Signature elements essential to Cadillac’s Art and Science design language include vertical headlamp and taillamps, with integrated light pipes and richly detailed lighting components. The headlamps feature light-emitting diode technology for bright illumination that requires less energy, as well as Cadillac’s Adaptive Forward Lighting technology, which turns the headlamps with the direction of the front wheels for greater visibility in turns.


Purposeful and efficient performance

The XTS Platinum concept’s plug-in hybrid electric propulsion system (PHEV) builds on the experience Cadillac has gained with the Escalade Hybrid and Escalade Platinum Hybrid flagship models. The plug-in capability boosts the car’s electric-only driving capability, offering additional battery energy capacity and enabling it to recharge from a standard external electrical outlet. The key benefit of external plug-in recharging is that in many situations – such as overnight parking – the battery can fully recharge in roughly five hours while the car is not in use. The plug-in system operates at maximum efficiency when operating on power the battery has drawn from the electric grid. In some conditions, such as urban commutes, drivers can experience efficiency that doubles that of conventional hybrids.

At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine power and electric power or engine power only, propels the vehicle. The combination of the Direct Injection V-6 engine and the PHEV system featuring fully electric variable drive provides a spirited driving experience. The system provides an estimated 350 horsepower (260 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) enables the XTS Platinum Concept to deliver superior road-holding performance while maintaining luxury car composure in “regular” driving conditions. It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and precision.

MRC uses electronic sensors at all four wheels to literally “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions.

An advanced, specially calibrated all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction in wet and slippery conditions, and helps deliver maximum traction while cornering. Four-wheel disc brakes, with four-channel ABS, StabiliTrak stability control and full-function traction control complete the drivetrain details.

“The XTS Platinum Concept was designed to deliver an engaging driving experience without compromising the functional features, space and comfort customers seek in a luxury car,” said Nesbitt. “It is a new vision of luxury that uses advanced technology to deliver functionality efficiently and rewardingly.”Source URL: https://ashesgarrett.blogspot.com/search/label/Plug-In
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