AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Is peak oil never going to happen?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/is-peak-oil-never-going-to-happen/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/is-peak-oil-never-going-to-happen/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/is-peak-oil-never-going-to-happen/#commentsFiled under: ,



You can make a coherent, logical argument for cars that don't burn gasoline without once mentioning global petroleum supply. You can talk about international relations and the power of gasoline exporters (just read the first three paragraphs of this for a bit of history). You can talk about climate change. You can talk about the health effects of CO2 in the air. But the fact remains that gasoline (or diesel) remains the go-to fuel for almost every passenger vehicle on the planet, so the question of how much black gold is out there is an important one. The answer, though is not so clear.

Despite some claims that peak out has already happened, a new study (PDF) by the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that increased energy production in North America means that, between now and 2018, global oil production capacity will increase by 8.4 million barrels a day. Since this is "significantly faster than demand," Time says peak oil is dead, with perilous consequences. As the chart above shows, the IEA's predictions are that OPEC will have spare capacity for years to come.

On top of North American production, crazy new energy sources are being investigated (like methane hydrate, or crystalline natural gas. See video below). These require incredibly expensive research and exploration efforts, but the end result could be, as The Atlantic so provocatively puts it, "infinite fossil fuel?" The magazine has a detailed debate on the subject between Charles Mann and Amory Lovins here, here and here. Well worth reading.

Continue reading Is peak oil never going to happen?

Is peak oil never going to happen? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 May 2013 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gasolinemethane hydratespeak oilpetroleumTue, 21 May 2013 12:33:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578124/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578124/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/is-peak-oil-never-going-to-happen/20578124/article-detail.xml 20578124 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/medium-term-oil-market-balance_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/medium-term-oil-market-balance.png <![CDATA[XL Hybrids, Knapheide will offer aftermarket systems for commercial fleets]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/xl-hybrids-knapheide-offer-aftermarket-systems-commercial-fleets/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/xl-hybrids-knapheide-offer-aftermarket-systems-commercial-fleets/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/xl-hybrids-knapheide-offer-aftermarket-systems-commercial-fleets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hybrid electric vehicles are gaining appeal for fleets of all types as more models make it to showrooms bearing a variety of price tags. Even commercial fleets are finding more available products, from pickups and vans to medium-duty trucks. Now, there's a new option.

XL Hybrids, Inc., and the Knapheide Manufacturing Company announced an agreement for installation and distribution of XL Hybrids' low-cost hybrid electric powertrains, which are designed for class 1 to 3 commercial fleet vehicles. Knapheide is a longstanding commercial vehicle equipment provider in North America, and provides fleets with other alternative fuel vehicle choices.

The announcement was made at the 2014 GM Fleet and Commerical Product Preview, where the companies displayed a hybrid Chevrolet Express cargo van upfitted with XL Hyrids' powertrain system at Knapheide's booth. XL Hybrids' technology will be installed by Knapheide through its existing ship-through process, offering fleets a one-stop purchase, upfit, delivery and invoice experience. Nationwide delivery of converted hybrid 2014 Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans will start Aug. 1. 2013. XL Hybrids and Knapheide are also available for installation on what the press release refers to as "bailment pool vehicles," or as a retrofit for 2010 to 2013 GM cargo vans. Read it below for more details.

Continue reading XL Hybrids, Knapheide will offer aftermarket systems for commercial fleets

XL Hybrids, Knapheide will offer aftermarket systems for commercial fleets originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cargo vanchevy expresscommercial fleetsgm fleethybridsxl hybridsThu, 16 May 2013 16:11:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568755/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568755/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/xl-hybrids-knapheide-offer-aftermarket-systems-commercial-fleets/20568755/article-detail.xml 20568755 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-express_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevy-express.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S battery swap announcement coming soon?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/tesla-model-s-battery-swap-announcement-coming-soon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/tesla-model-s-battery-swap-announcement-coming-soon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/tesla-model-s-battery-swap-announcement-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Sure, your first response to the idea of Tesla introducing a battery swap system might be, "what, this again?" After all, we heard in 2009 that the Model S was built with battery swaps in mind and, in 2011, Tesla CEO Elon Musk explained the Model S battery swap idea this way: "When people take an occasional two-way long distance trip, they'll get a replacement pack and then pick up their original one on the way back. The issue of giving up your one-year old pack for a three-year old one goes away." The Supercharger network, too, was at one point supposed to feature battery swapping robots that could get the job done in as little as one minute.

But the Supercharger stations - as they exist today - don't have that feature. And Musk has recently been much more excited about the benefits of quick charging than battery swaps. Which is why we forgive any ongoing skepticism that Tesla will introduce batter swaps to the Model S.

Except that the other day, Musk Tweeted, "There is a way for the Tesla Model S to be recharged throughout the country faster than you could fill a gas tank." And our friends at Green Car Reports noticed this line from Tesla's latest quarterly report (PDF):

Other factors that may influence the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles, and specifically electric vehicles, include ... our capability to rapidly swap out the Model S battery pack and the development of specialized public facilities to perform such swapping, which do not currently exist but which we plan to introduce in the near future.


So, yeah. Now what? We asked Tesla directly, and Sarah Meron, VP of communications for Tesla Motors, told AutoblogGreen, "We don't have any comment on battery swapping right now or timing of further announcements. But we'll let you know when we do!"

Tesla has already announced replacement costs for its battery packs ($10,000 for the 60-kWh and $12,000 for the 85-kWh pack), but that's if you need an entirely new pack and you purchased the warranty. This is something else entirely. Is Tesla going to make actual battery swaps available soon?

Tesla Model S battery swap announcement coming soon? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 14 May 2013 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery swappingelectric vehicleelon muskswapteslatesla model sTue, 14 May 2013 16:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568189/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568189/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/tesla-model-s-battery-swap-announcement-coming-soon/20568189/article-detail.xml 20568189 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/model-s-signature-red-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/model-s-signature-red-628.jpg <![CDATA[More turbochargers, direct injection coming to China as plug-in interest drops]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



China seems to be hedging its bets on meeting stiffening emissions and fuel economy regulations, and addressing consumer demand for cleaner air. Electric vehicles remain part of the strategy, but their high cost, limited range and lack of infrastructure have kept sales at a slow pace. Hmm, that kind of sounds familiar, doesn't it?

As automakers are doing in the US, China-based manufacturers are exploring fuel-saving technologies that don't rely on plugging in, things like turbocharging and direct injection for gasoline and diesel engine powertrains. Chinese consumers are reticent about spending more on EVs, but they are paying extra for technology upgrades that improve fuel economy and driving experience.

Automotive supplier BorgWarner has seen its turbocharger sale double in China over the past three years. The company expects it to double again in the next three years, thanks to tougher fuel economy and emissions standards, and the fact that turbocharged vehicles are more fun to drive, according to BorgWarner China president Tom Tan. About 80 percent of turbochargers will be installed on engines between 1.4- and 2.0-liters, he added. Chinese government policy plays a role in turbocharger growth in small engines, since taxes are much higher on engines above 2.0L.

Direct injection technology is following the turbocharger trend. UK-based engineering consultancy, Ricardo, is seeing automakers clients requesting more direct injection, and expects that all gasoline-powered engines in China will include turbocharging and direct injection within 10 years.

Chinese automakers would like to be seen as technologically innovative, a central theme at last month's Shanghai Motor Show. Geely, for example, showed off its "self developed" turbocharged direct injection engine integrated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Government subsidies have failed to incentivize consumers to buy battery-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles in China in huge numbers. Larger subsidies are expected for hybrids, including plug-in hybrids, in the next few months. The Chinese government wants 500,000 hybrids and EVs on the road by 2015 and five million by 2020, but Chinese consumers only purchased 11,375 EVs and plug-in hybrids last year.

More turbochargers, direct injection coming to China as plug-in interest drops originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese auto marketdirect injectionelectric vehiclesgovernment incentiveshybridsturbochargedThu, 09 May 2013 17:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562090/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562090/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/20562090/article-detail.xml 20562090 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/detroit-electric-and-geely-at-shanghai-auto-show_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/detroit-electric-and-geely-at-shanghai-auto-show.jpg <![CDATA[Audi forecasts a kinder, gentler, more collaborative urban future]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/audi-forecasts-a-kinder-gentler-more-collaborative-urban-futur/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/audi-forecasts-a-kinder-gentler-more-collaborative-urban-futur/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/audi-forecasts-a-kinder-gentler-more-collaborative-urban-futur/#commentsFiled under: ,

Audi's urban future is pretty bright

Turns out, the good folks at Audi aren't nihilists. The German automaker has joined up with Columbia University researchers to make predictions about city life in 2050, when 7 billion people will be urban dwellers. The result is five potential future scenarios, and none of them involve world destruction. Or even replicants.

The project is called the Extreme Cities Project of the Audi Urban Future Initiative, and the scenarios envision cities as places where high population density forces a greater sense of collaboration and innovation, so long as turf wars don't get in the way.

Here's how the five ideas play out. The "Complexity" scenario specifies how density necessitates advancements in things like technology. "Generosity" is a bit of a spin-off of that scenario, forecasting cities where closer-knit communities collaborate on everything from transportation to food harvesting. "Asymmetric Mobility" describes a city where the process of moving between different modes of transportation is smooth as silk. "Migration" surmises that the concept of decades-long residency in one city will be rare, and picking up stakes and moving the family multiple times across multiple continents will become the norm. Lastly, "Transgenerational Capacity" predicts that innovation speeds because lifespans will have lengthened, allowing older city dwellers a more extensive chance to share knowledge with the young ones.

Check out Audi's press release below. Or maybe you could just go rent Blade Runner.

Continue reading Audi forecasts a kinder, gentler, more collaborative urban future

Audi forecasts a kinder, gentler, more collaborative urban future originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 08 May 2013 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audicitiescolumbia universityfutureresearchurbanWed, 08 May 2013 07:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20558027/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20558027/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/audi-forecasts-a-kinder-gentler-more-collaborative-urban-futur/20558027/article-detail.xml 20558027 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audifuture_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/audifuture.jpg <![CDATA[BMW EV hackathon works on anonymous driver communication to make charging easier]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/bmw-ev-hackathon-works-on-anonymous-driver-communication/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/bmw-ev-hackathon-works-on-anonymous-driver-communication/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/bmw-ev-hackathon-works-on-anonymous-driver-communication/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



BMW brought 80 software developers and computer programmers together to tackle the themes of sustainability and electro-mobility in a hackathon last month. BMW hosted the Sustainability Hackathon to deal with a widespread problem - electric vehicles that get parked at charging stations - for example, during the workday - for extended periods of time beyond the few hours needed for charging.

One typical problem the coders were trying to solve was this: a driver shows up at a charge station needing just a few minutes of charging to reach his destination, but there's another car hooked up. The solution could be to anonymously contact the driver of the parked car to request permission to charge for a few minutes, and reconnect the original car upon completion. The winning apps in the contest would enable this sort of communication to more efficiently use charging stations. Fifteen apps for smartphones and mobile phones competed for first place in seven award categories. A total of $3,000 in prize money was awarded to the most practical, creative apps. The Hacker League page has a list of categories and winners.

The event, held April 27-29 at BMW's Technology Office in Mountain View, CA, was sponsored by BMW's car sharing subsidiary DriveNow and charging station network developer ChargePoint.

BMW EV hackathon works on anonymous driver communication to make charging easier originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbmwchargepointcharging stationsdrivenowelectric vehicleevhackathonplug-in hybridsmartphonesustainabillity hackathonTue, 07 May 2013 18:25:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20560568/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20560568/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/bmw-ev-hackathon-works-on-anonymous-driver-communication/20560568/article-detail.xml 20560568 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-sustainability-hackathon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-sustainability-hackathon.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla CEO Elon Musk likes autonomous driving cars, but prefers term 'autopilot']]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/tesla-ceo-elon-muck-like-autonomous-driving-cars-but-prefers-te/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/tesla-ceo-elon-muck-like-autonomous-driving-cars-but-prefers-te/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/tesla-ceo-elon-muck-like-autonomous-driving-cars-but-prefers-te/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tesla model s

Looks like Tesla might be hiding more in its software than blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control. According to Bloomberg, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is "discussing" autonomous cars with Google, specifically the Lidar laser tracking system. Oh, and if you're going to have a self-driving future Tesla vehicle, then you shouldn't call it autonomous. Instead, Musk prefers the term autopilot. As he told Bloomberg, "Self-driving sounds like it's going to do something you don't want it to do. Autopilot is a good thing to have in planes, and we should have it in cars."

Any Tesla robot chauffeur is a ways away - Musk Tweeted it is "still a few years from production," but Google has been working hard on driverless cars (with green cred, too, since the test mules are mostly Toyota Prius hybrids). In fact, the search company says the technology could be ready for prime time in as little as three to five years - though safety regulations and other logistical questions will likely push that back, perhaps a decade. The government's work on self-driving vehicles is mostly the purview of DARPA and its Urban Challenge and Grand Challenge test courses.

Musk says - surprise - that Tesla's system is better than what's come before, telling Bloomberg, "The problem with Google's current approach is that the sensor system is too expensive. Its better to have an optical system, basically cameras with software that is able to figure out what's going on just by looking at things." He did try to quell excitement about the idea of a driverless Telsa by Tweeting, "Am a fan of Larry, Sergey & Google in general, but self-driving cars comments to Bloomberg were just off-the-cuff. No big announcement here."

Continue reading Tesla CEO Elon Musk likes autonomous driving cars, but prefers term 'autopilot'

Tesla CEO Elon Musk likes autonomous driving cars, but prefers term 'autopilot' originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 07 May 2013 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousautopilotco-pilotdarpadriverlesselectric vehicleelon muskgoogleteslatesla model sTue, 07 May 2013 14:17:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20560841/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20560841/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/tesla-ceo-elon-muck-like-autonomous-driving-cars-but-prefers-te/20560841/article-detail.xml 20560841 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2012-tesla-model-s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2012-tesla-model-s-628.jpg <![CDATA[California rethinks battery-swap status in ZEV mandate]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/california-rethinks-battery-swap-status-zev-mandate/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/california-rethinks-battery-swap-status-zev-mandate/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/california-rethinks-battery-swap-status-zev-mandate/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Better Place battery-swapping technology

In February, the world's best-known plug-in battery-swapping network left California. Now, it looks like the state's not too keen on the concept.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), which is leading the effort to increase the number of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) in the state in the coming years, is making changes to the ZEV mandate. One such change will exclude battery swapping as a so-called "fast-refueling" technology that helps automakers earn ZEV credits.

CARB is holding a one-day workshop in Sacramento May 20 to review changes to the ZEV plan. The state is shooting for 1.4 million ZEVs - including battery-electrics, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles - to be sold in California by 2014. In February, California detailed its ZEV action plan, which, among other actions, involved subsidizing electric-charging discounts and charging-infrastructure build-out in order to help spur adoption.

Of course, the prospect of a battery-swapping network in the state, never all that likely, got quite a bit dimmer once Better Place, the electric-vehicle battery-swapping technology developer, said earlier this year that it would shut down operations in California and Australia to focus on Europe. Read the note from CARB here (PDF).

California rethinks battery-swap status in ZEV mandate originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A123 Systems

Lithium-ion battery developer A123 Systems is re-emerging from its bankruptcy and sale to China-based Wanxiang Group as ... well, we're not sure exactly what.

Wanxiang is starting a new division called A123 Venture Technologies, Green Car Congress says. The buzzwords are strategic partnerships and game-changing energy storage, and the intent is to use the company's scientists and labs in Massachusetts and Michigan to further green-related technology, but beyond that, the division's purpose is somewhat nebulous.

A123 Systems filed for bankruptcy last fall and in January had the sale of its assets to Wanxiang for $257 million approved by the US government. More recently, the official successor to A123 Systems, called B456 Systems, reached a settlement with troubled plug-in vehicle maker Fisker Automotive in which $140 million in claims by Fisker was reduced to $15 million.

Continue reading ​A123 reborn as technology incubator A123 Venture Technologies

​A123 reborn as technology incubator A123 Venture Technologies originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 May 2013 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123a123 systemsbatterychinaelectric vehicleincubatorplug-in hybridtechnologywanxiangThu, 02 May 2013 14:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20554894/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20554894/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/a123-reborn-technology-incubator-venture-technologies/20554894/article-detail.xml 20554894 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/a123b456-1367442647_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/a123b456-1367442647.jpg <![CDATA[Vocis' second-gen multi-speed transmission promises lower-cost EVs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/vocis-launches-second-gen-multi-speed-ev-transmission/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/vocis-launches-second-gen-multi-speed-ev-transmission/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/vocis-launches-second-gen-multi-speed-ev-transmission/#commentsFiled under: , ,



UK-based transmission engineering and control specialist Vocis wants to take electric vehicles in another direction, one with dual clutch transmissions. Vocis says its dual clutch transmissions provide seamless shifting and up to 15 percent improvement in EV efficiency. Vocis' DCT is currently on display in a Mercedes-Benz Vito minibus demonstration vehicle.

Many EV powertrans use a single e-machine (motor/generator). Vocis uses two smaller e-machines, each driving a separate input shaft. It's described as an eDCT (electric dual clutch transmission) and resembles a DCT configuration - but with two motors instead of twin clutches.

A multi-speed transmission offers faster acceleration and a higher top speed than a single e-machine. This improves hill climbing and pull-away performance, and its higher ratios in the transmission can provide more efficient high-speed cruising.

The multi-speed transmission can also help reduce the cost, because a smaller battery battery pack combined with the multi-speed transmission can deliver the same traveling range as a larger battery on a single-speed EV. Smaller battery, lower cost.

The eDCT was designed with modular architecture to make it pliable for a wide range of vehicle types, said Richard Taylor, technical director of Vocis Driveline Controls. The motors can be installed parallel to each other or on opposite sides of the unit, providing layout flexibility. Vocis' second-generation unit has received partial funding from the Niche Vehicle Network, a specialist car and chassis manufacturer association. It also was nominated for an SMMT Automotive Innovation Award last year.

Vocis first showed off its EV two-speed transmission during the Low Carbon Vehicle Event 2011 at Rockingham Motor Speedway in the UK. It was fitted for yet another minibus - this one a prototype electric minibus developed with powertrain supplier Zytek.

Continue reading Vocis' second-gen multi-speed transmission promises lower-cost EVs

Vocis' second-gen multi-speed transmission promises lower-cost EVs originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery packdctdual clutch transmissionelectric vehiclemulti-speed transmissionukvocisWed, 01 May 2013 18:06:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20553601/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20553601/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/vocis-launches-second-gen-multi-speed-ev-transmission/20553601/article-detail.xml 20553601 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vocis-mercedes-benz-vito-minibus_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vocis-mercedes-benz-vito-minibus.png <![CDATA[Ford shows off Fiesta with in-wheel motors in Belgium]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/ford-fiesta-in-wheel-motors/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/ford-fiesta-in-wheel-motors/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/ford-fiesta-in-wheel-motors/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford Fiesta, which is being used as an in-wheel motor mule

Ford is looking to find ways for more folks to drive sideways, and we're not talking "Tokyo Drift" variety. The US automaker is working with Germany-based Schaeffler at developing in-wheel motors and is showing off a concept version of a modified Fiesta in Belgium this week.

Ford's eWheelDrive concept car has motors in both rear wheels, which saves space (in the area that used to be the engine compartment), cuts weight and allows for better urban mobility by allowing greater turning flexibility in the wheels themselves. Ford says this sort of in-wheel technology could allow a car the size of today's two-seater to accommodate four people and aims to have two more in-wheel concept cars out by 2015.

Ford joins a growing group of automakers and component companies researching in-wheel motors as a way to cut weight, boost fuel economy and save space. Michigan-based Protean Electric, which last year received $84 million in funding, earlier this month showed off a production version of its in-wheel electric-drive drivetrain system.

Check out Ford's press release below.

Continue reading Ford shows off Fiesta with in-wheel motors in Belgium

Ford shows off Fiesta with in-wheel motors in Belgium originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiestafordin-wheel motormotorMon, 29 Apr 2013 07:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20550159/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20550159/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/ford-fiesta-in-wheel-motors/20550159/article-detail.xml 20550159 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiesta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiesta.jpg <![CDATA[E. coli used to create diesel-like biofuel in UK study]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/e-coli-used-to-create-diesel-like-biofuel-in-uk-study/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/e-coli-used-to-create-diesel-like-biofuel-in-uk-study/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/e-coli-used-to-create-diesel-like-biofuel-in-uk-study/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

UK university creates diesel-like biofuel using e. coli

Mention the term "e. coli" here in the US, and one gets visions of sick cows and poisonous burgers. Reference e. coli with some groundbreaking work performed by UK's University of Exeter, and things get a little more positive.

The university, with some funding from Shell, created a plant-based biofuel that's "almost identical" to conventional diesel. The fuel not only requires less of a blend with petroleum relative to biodiesels made from plants but may eliminate the corrosive effects other biofuels have on engines.

According to a more authoritative explanation from the News Scientists, the e. coli is combined with glucose to create the properly sized hydrocarbons that more or less mimic those compatible with engines. So far, the new fuel's being produced in "tiny" quantities but, hey, you have to start somewhere. Check out the article from the University below.

Continue reading E. coli used to create diesel-like biofuel in UK study

E. coli used to create diesel-like biofuel in UK study originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiofueldiesele. coliexeterukuniversity of exeterSun, 28 Apr 2013 08:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20549261/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20549261/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/e-coli-used-to-create-diesel-like-biofuel-in-uk-study/20549261/article-detail.xml 20549261 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/biodiesel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/biodiesel.jpg <![CDATA[More automakers will use turbochargers to meet CAFE standards]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/more-automakers-will-use-turbochargers-to-meet-cafe-standards/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/more-automakers-will-use-turbochargers-to-meet-cafe-standards/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/more-automakers-will-use-turbochargers-to-meet-cafe-standards/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Plug-ins may be getting a lot of the attention from folks looking to cut emissions, but no one is forgetting the good old-fashioned turbocharger. In the end, turbos might even have a far larger impact.

Decidedly non-electrification-related features such as turbochargers, eight-speed transmissions and low rolling-resistance tires will be included on most US vehicles in 2025, the year automakers will have to meet the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard of 54.5 miles per gallon (which is closer to a "real world" 40 mpg), Wards Auto says, citing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials.

Automakers will be able to wring out 33 percent more "effective pressure" from turbochargers than they do today, with some companies boosting pressure by as much as 50 percent. That means that for every Nissan Leaf battery-electric or Toyota Prius Plug-ins, there will likely be many cars like the Hyundai Veloster Turbo (pictured) that will get better mileage thanks to a turbocharger. Even rigs like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado may include four-cylinder engines thanks to improvements in turbocharging power.

Either way, the typical 2025 model will have about $1,800 more in fuel-saving technology than 2016 models, though the higher costs will likely be paid back in under four years, according to the EPA.

More automakers will use turbochargers to meet CAFE standards originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecorporate average fuel economyenvironmental protection agencyepamiles per gallonmpgturboturbochargerThu, 25 Apr 2013 11:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20547755/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20547755/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/more-automakers-will-use-turbochargers-to-meet-cafe-standards/20547755/article-detail.xml 20547755 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundaiturbo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundaiturbo.jpg <![CDATA[Space-age electric tuk-tuk ready for taxi passengers in Philippines]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/electric-tuk-tuk-terra-motors-philippines/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/electric-tuk-tuk-terra-motors-philippines/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/electric-tuk-tuk-terra-motors-philippines/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Tuk-tuks are the three-wheeled passenger vehicles commonly used in Asia, and they're often noisy and most-certainly-not-emissions-free. To counter the current state, Japanese start-up company Terra Motors has launched an electric tuk-tuk and thinks its electric tricycle will be a cost competitive taxi in Asia.

The company plans to build the car in the Philippines and start selling it later this year for about $6,300. It can go about 31 miles on a two-hour charge, which could propose a bit of a limitation for all-day taxi use. This three-wheeler ties into a national program in the Philippines to replace 100,000 gas-powered tuk-tuks with more efficient, cost-effective EVs by 2016.

Drivers can acquire the Terra tuk-tuk on a lease-to-own basis. The idea is to save drivers money by offering lower fuel costs while reducing air pollution in densely populated urban areas. The challenge is that drivers can buy a gas-powered tuk-tuk for somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500, and those don't have a 31-mile range limitation. Still, plans call for the company to expand the business to the broader Asian market while continuing to work on hitting the right price point, according to Terra Motors director of business development Tetsuya Ohashi.

Terra Motors is counting on consumers enjoying the space-age design and ample interior seating. Investors such as former top executives at Apple Japan, Google Japan, Sony and Compaq have been impressed by Terra's plans, despite a small number of Chinese companies also marketing electric tuk-tuks. Of all the e-tuk-tuk builders, Terra is considered the most ambitious and you can see a TV news report on the company's six-seat taxi video below.

Continue reading Space-age electric tuk-tuk ready for taxi passengers in Philippines

Space-age electric tuk-tuk ready for taxi passengers in Philippines originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclejapanphillipinestaxiterra motorsthree wheelertuktukTue, 23 Apr 2013 17:45:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20545486/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20545486/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/electric-tuk-tuk-terra-motors-philippines/20545486/article-detail.xml 20545486 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/terra-motors-three-wheeler_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/terra-motors-three-wheeler.jpg <![CDATA[University of Illinois recharges li-ion battery a thousand times faster]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/university-illinois-recharges-li-ion-battery-thousand-times-faster/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/university-illinois-recharges-li-ion-battery-thousand-times-faster/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/university-illinois-recharges-li-ion-battery-thousand-times-faster/#commentsFiled under: ,

University of Illinois and its microbattery

Imagine recharging a Nissan Leaf from a standard 110-volt outlet in, say, oh, about a minute. Far-fetched, sure, but at least one research facility thinks it has a lead on making lithium-ion batteries that can recharge 1,000 times faster than current ones.

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign say speeds like this are possible and have made so-called lithium-ion microbatteries whose internal architecture is tweaked to maximize both energy storage and power delivery while minimizing size. In this case, a group of microbatteries packed into something the size of a cellphone could jump-start a car. The design has something to do with an "internal three-dimensional microstructure" that includes a "matching" anode to the traditional anode that somehow magnifies efficiency.

William P. King, the University's Bliss Professor of mechanical science and engineering, says batteries have "lagged behind" other products when it comes to reducing size while maintaining power. And while the report didn't specify uses for plug-in vehicles, it's certainly worth dreaming about the possibility of trading electric vehicles' current overnight recharge for one that can be done in a matter of a minute or two. Interested for more? Check out the U of I's report on the subject below.

Continue reading University of Illinois recharges li-ion battery a thousand times faster

University of Illinois recharges li-ion battery a thousand times faster originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatteryelectric vehicleevli-ionlithium-ionrecharginguniversity of illinoisMon, 22 Apr 2013 11:49:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20545845/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20545845/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/university-illinois-recharges-li-ion-battery-thousand-times-faster/20545845/article-detail.xml 20545845 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/illinois-1366398019_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/illinois-1366398019.png <![CDATA[Protean Electric shows off production-ready in-wheel electric-drive system]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/protean-electric-production-ready-in-wheel-electric-drive/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/protean-electric-production-ready-in-wheel-electric-drive/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/17/protean-electric-production-ready-in-wheel-electric-drive/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Protean Electric's in-wheel electric-drive system

Protean Electric is ready for the rubber to hit the road for its in-wheel electric-drive system. With one of those systems powering those tires, of course.

The Michigan-based company, which last year secured an $84-million funding round, is showing off the production version of its electric-drive propulsion system this week at the 2013 Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit. The motor's most-recent iteration boosts torque from earlier iterations by 25 percent, up to a whopping 735 pound-feet of torque, not to mention delivering 100 horsepower. Each motor weighs just 68 pounds and, paired with a gas engine, can boost fuel economy by as much as 30 percent.

Protean Electric said last July that it would use its newfound funding to open a factory in Liyang, China. And last December, Car and Driver named the Protean Electric system one of the 10 Most Promising Technologies for 2013. Check out Protean Electric's press release below.

Continue reading Protean Electric shows off production-ready in-wheel electric-drive system

Protean Electric shows off production-ready in-wheel electric-drive system originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric-drivein-wheelin-wheel motorproteanprotean electricWed, 17 Apr 2013 17:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20542840/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20542840/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/17/protean-electric-production-ready-in-wheel-electric-drive/20542840/article-detail.xml 20542840 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/protean-in-wheel-motor-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/protean-in-wheel-motor-628.jpg <![CDATA[X-Prize winner Edison2 shows off Very Light Car, version 4.0]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/x-prize-winner-edison2-very-light-car-version-4-0/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/x-prize-winner-edison2-very-light-car-version-4-0/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/x-prize-winner-edison2-very-light-car-version-4-0/#commentsFiled under:

Edison2's Very Light Car (VLC)

Edison2, the 2010 winner of the Progressive Insurance Automotive X-Prize for ultimate fuel efficiency, showed off the latest iteration, version 4.0, of its Very Light Car (VLC) at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI, this week.

Contrary to the methods other automakers use to develop a viable electric drivetrain, Edison2's strategy is to cut vehicle weight and reduce drag as much as possible. One example is that the car has its suspension within its wheels in order to reduce weight. Check out Edison2's press release below.

An electric powered VLC was tested in the fall of 2011 and got the equivalent of 245 miles per gallon while offering a 114-mile single-charge range. It could recharge from a standard 110-volt socket in six hours.

Edison2 won the 2010 X-Prize mainstream category with a VLC that weighed just 830 pounds and used a one-cylinder motorcycle engine that burned ethanol and gasoline.

Continue reading X-Prize winner Edison2 shows off Very Light Car, version 4.0

X-Prize winner Edison2 shows off Very Light Car, version 4.0 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The mystery of potentially dangerous lithium ion batteries continues to hang over sales of vehicles using this technology. Experts who recently testifyied before the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said that failure of the technology has slowed development of electric cars and other applications of the batteries.

The crisis faced by Boeing in January over its 787 Dreamliner jet was also a major theme during the hearings. NTSB is investigating a battery fire that occurred on board one of the Dreamliners.

About 25 percent of a typical li-ion battery cell is flammable.

Analysts have not taken the reliability factor seriously enough in their sales forecasts - projections "were off by more than a factor of 10" when compared to the actual market size in 2011, said Yet-Ming Chiang, a professor of materials science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to NTSB. The market has been very stressful for battery makers as many of them have gone out of business when the li-ion market failed to materialize.

Chiang said that about 25 percent of a typical li-ion battery cell is flammable. The batteries do need to become safer, but not at the cost of losing performance, said Glen Bowing, vice president of sales at Saft Specialty Battery Group. Thus, battery companies are exploring other technologies outside of li-ion in the hope of finding a safer, less costly solution. Boeing's crisis prompted rival jetmaker Airbus to drop li-ion batteries from its upcoming A350 jet. Tesla Motors and SpaceX chief Elon Musk said the lithium cobalt oxide cells used in the 787 Dreamliner are "fundamentaly unsafe" and packed too close together; if one cell catches fire, the entire battery pack could ignite in a chain-reaction scenario.

Fisker Automotive had its own notorious episodes with li-ion battery technology. Other automakers had their share of woes, too. Last year, Chrysler had the batteries in three of it Ram 1500 pickups overheat. Last month, Mitsubishi stopped production of its Outlander plug-in hybrid and a version of the all-electric i-MiEV. Two separate incidents - both in Japan - involved plug-in vehicle battery-pack fires that prompted investigation and suspension of the production lines.

Expert: Unsafe lithium-ion batteries mean EV sales predictions were off by "more than a factor of 10" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>787 dreamilnerbatterybattery fireboeingelectric vehiclesevsjetsli-ionlithium ionSat, 13 Apr 2013 08:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20538363/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20538363/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/13/unsafe-lithium-ion-batteries-ev-sales/20538363/article-detail.xml 20538363 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/li-on-battery_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/li-on-battery.jpg <![CDATA[Shell Eco-marathon]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/shell-eco-marathon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/shell-eco-marathon/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/shell-eco-marathon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

An Oil Company Spends Big To Teach Students To Use Less

shell eco-marathon mater dei

The Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2013 is over, the winners declared. Thousands of excited students came to Houston last weekend with 140 cars and the winning team managed to get upwards of 3,580 miles per gallon. Now that the cars have been packed up and shipped back to schools throughout the hemisphere, from Alaska to Brazil, we can look back and discuss some of the bigger issues that the three frenzied, fuel-efficient competition days - and the months of hard work leading up to the event - raise.

Before leaving Houston, we got to sit down with representatives from Shell, which spends an undisclosed amount of money to put on these Eco-marathons around the world. It's a huge undertaking, and one that has lots of positive angles and some particularly thorny ones. But first, a short history.

The story goes that the first Eco-marathon started as a bet between two Shell engineers. The year was 1939 and the winner managed to hit 49.39 mpg.

The story goes that the first Eco-marathon was started as a bet between two Shell engineers to see who could go further on a gallon of fuel. The year was 1939 and the winner managed to hit 49.39 miles per gallon in a 1933 Plymouth. They had so much fun they did it again and, by 1949, the winner was getting 150.53 mpg. The numbers kept going up from there. 1968: 244.62 mpg. 1973: 392.02 mpg. And so on. The event was known as the Shell Mileage Marathon, but in 1985, a name change signified the start of the event in its current form. That year, students from 20 European countries in 25 teams competed in the first Eco-marathon in France, and the winners managed to get 1599.45 mpg. The 1997 event was canceled because of heavy rain and in 2006 the first solar cars ran the race. In 2007, the event was held in the US for the first time, in Fontana, CA, and Asia joined the party in 2010. Today, across the three events, over 400 teams participate each year. Next year, a fourth location will draw teams from the Middle East and Africa. The current record is 8,914 mpg, set by a French team in 2003.

Continue reading Shell Eco-marathon

Shell Eco-marathon originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collegeelectric vehiclegasolinehigh schoolhoustonhydrogenhypermilingmater deimpgshellshell eco marathontexasFri, 12 Apr 2013 14:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20534478/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20534478/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/shell-eco-marathon/20534478/article-detail.xml 20534478 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/shell-eco-marathon-mater-dei-628-1365471129_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/shell-eco-marathon-mater-dei-628-1365471129.jpg <![CDATA[Continental's digital key for EV carsharing points to a new way forward]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/continentals-digital-key-for-ev-carsharing-points-to-a-new-way/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/continentals-digital-key-for-ev-carsharing-points-to-a-new-way/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/continentals-digital-key-for-ev-carsharing-points-to-a-new-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continental digital key carsharing

Electric vehicle carsharing is getting major buy-in from Zipcar, Car2go, and others. What about EV owners? Automotive supplier Continental thinks there's a technology that could revolutionize spontaneous rental of shared cars - a smartphone app!

For short-term EV drivers who want to live off their smartphones, the opportunities are impressive. Reserving and unlocking EVs, getting them set up remotely for charging stations and reserving quick charging are just some of the smartphone apps Continental is working on.

This is all a bit more complicated than downloading an app. Continental is developing a digital car key wirelessly installed in a smartphone along with a special utility program for cell phones. Continental's digital car key exchanges data with the vehicle using near field communication (NFC). An encrypted forgery-proof data record is sent to the phone each time the vehicle is about to be used. The data is stored in the phone's SIM card and contains access authorization for that vehicle. The NFC verifies access to the vehicle and grants permission to start the engine.

For now, Continental is testing the technology in a fleet of vehicles in Bordeaux, France, with four other companies - Veolia, EVTRONIC, Mercur and Proxiway. The project's goal is to create solutions that small and medium enterprises could use for carsharing. As a technology partner in the project, Continental is launching a complete carsharing solution, including the smartphone car key, in-car electronics, and fleet management functions.

Continue reading Continental's digital key for EV carsharing points to a new way forward

Continental's digital key for EV carsharing points to a new way forward originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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