Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[SAE 2009: Is mobility sustainable? Not the way we're running it today]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/sae-2009-is-mobility-sustainable/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/sae-2009-is-mobility-sustainable/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/sae-2009-is-mobility-sustainable/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



One of the more approachable topics discussed at the SAE World Congress this week (as opposed to, say, "CAE Simulation/Test Correlation and Optimization in Automotive Engineering." Not that there's anything wrong with that) was a talk by Philip Gott, director of automotive consulting at IHS Global Insight with the title "Is mobility as we know it sustainable?" Gott used IHS' deep resources to look at how the world will deal with the potential of 3.5 billion vehicles in 2035. If that's going to happen (and, if current trends continue, then it will), then the problems we see today with 800 million vehicles will be compounded like mad. What's the solution? There are many, but carsharing and smaller urban vehicles are two. Full details - and audio - after the jump. Oh, and he talks about the AirPod, too.

Continue reading SAE 2009: Is mobility sustainable? Not the way we're running it today

SAE 2009: Is mobility sustainable? Not the way we're running it today originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airpodihs global insightIhsGlobalInsightphilip gottPhilipGottsustainablesustainable mobilitySustainableMobilityMon, 27 Apr 2009 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: Yazaki's booth proudly displays J1772 connector]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/sae-2009-yazakis-booth-proudly-displays-j1772-connector/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/sae-2009-yazakis-booth-proudly-displays-j1772-connector/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/sae-2009-yazakis-booth-proudly-displays-j1772-connector/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


J1772 connector - click above for more

At the SAE World Congress last week, one of the more important technical discussions revolved around a new connector standard for plug-in vehicles called J1772. As we mentioned in our write-up of the progress made at the event, the Yazaki company was behind the connector's original design. The Yazaki booth at the Congress drew our attention thanks to a small-scale frame car model that showed off the company's products. You can see in the gallery some of the parts, like the connection system and DC to DC converter. The highlight, of course, was the plug. You can see the inside of the connector above, but what you can't tell is that all of those circles are retractable. They slide up to cover the actual connection points so that the risk of electric shock is minimized. Yazaki calls it "finger safe, touch-proof contacts." The mechanism is robust, Yazaki says, and should be good for over 10,000 insertion/removal cycles. If you plug in twice a day, that's something like 13 years of service. Sound reasonable?

Gallery: SAE 2009: Yazaki

SAE 2009: Yazaki's booth proudly displays J1772 connector originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>j1772plug inplug in hybridplug in hybridsPlugInPlugInHybridPlugInHybridssae j1772sae world congressSaeJ1772SaeWorldCongressSun, 26 Apr 2009 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: Honda's fuel cell friendly exhibit ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/sae-2009-hondas-fuel-cell-friendly-exhibit/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/sae-2009-hondas-fuel-cell-friendly-exhibit/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/sae-2009-hondas-fuel-cell-friendly-exhibit/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's no secret that Honda - even with a new and popular hybrid, the Insight, on the market - doesn't see a bright future for plug-in vehicles. Nope, the Japanese automaker is all about hydrogen, as the company's booth at the SAE World Congress made abundantly clear. There was an Insight on display, as were Honda's walking assist devices, but the main message was: here's how fuel cells work and here's why Honda will make them the right way. You can pretend you're on the scene by clicking through the gallery below.

One portion of the display, pictured above, had a little solar panel that used artificial light to electrolyze water. We're all fully aware of the problems with the coming hydrogen economy, but seeing the system work, even in miniature, makes Honda's decision to go heavy on the H seem a bit more reasonable.

Gallery: SAE 2009: Honda Fuel Cells

SAE 2009: Honda's fuel cell friendly exhibit originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellFuelCellhonda fuel cellHondaFuelCellsae world congressSaeWorldCongressFri, 24 Apr 2009 18:44:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: Torotrak mechanical flywheel KERS, likely coming to next Jaguar XJ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/sae-2009-torotrak-mechanical-flywheel-kers-likely-coming-to-ne/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/sae-2009-torotrak-mechanical-flywheel-kers-likely-coming-to-ne/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/sae-2009-torotrak-mechanical-flywheel-kers-likely-coming-to-ne/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Adding an electric motor and battery to a vehicle is just one of many ways to create a hybrid. We've seen hydraulic hybrids being tested in a variety of commercial vehicle applications. Torotrak has an altogether different mechanical system based on flywheels. The Torotrak system first came to our attention a couple of years ago when the FIA proposed allowing kinetic energy recovery systems on Formula One cars. Subsequently, at least two F1 teams licensed the Torotrak system for use, but none are believed to actually be using it right now. The flywheel system has a number of advantages over electric hybrid systems, including cost, weight and size.

It does have limitations as well. The system has to be mounted in physical proximity of the drive hardware because of the mechanical connections needed. Also clearly it cannot be adapted to plug-in capability. However, Torotrak Technology Director Chris Greenwood told ABG at the SAE World Congress that several UK companies are currently testing the flywheel hybrid system in road-going applications in government-funded research programs. Among those is Jaguar-Land Rover. Continue reading after the jump.

Continue reading SAE 2009: Torotrak mechanical flywheel KERS, likely coming to next Jaguar XJ

SAE 2009: Torotrak mechanical flywheel KERS, likely coming to next Jaguar XJ originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaguarxjkerskinetic energykinetic energy recov...kinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyKineticEnergyRecov...KineticEnergyRecoverySystemsae world congressSaeWorldCongresstorotraktorotrak kersTorotrakKersFri, 24 Apr 2009 17:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge Circuit EV First Drive: electric car makes grand promises on Earth Day]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/dodge-circuit-ev-first-drive-electric-car-makes-grand-promises/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/dodge-circuit-ev-first-drive-electric-car-makes-grand-promises/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/dodge-circuit-ev-first-drive-electric-car-makes-grand-promises/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Two months ago we went for a ride in the Dodge Circuit EV. We can now say with confidence that it is worth waiting 70+ days to make the shift to the left side of the car, following a brief spin around Cobo Hall in a prototype vehicle during the SAE World Congress here in Detroit.

We got to spend about 15 minutes in the car with John Myers, who works for Chrysler's ENVI and was project lead on the Dodge Circuit EV. Not to take anything away from what Chrysler has done here, but every time we get behind the wheel of an EV, we get the same giddy smile. It will be a long, long time before the thrill of driving an all-electric vehicle wears off. Chrysler isn't the first to realize that building an EV off of a Lotus platform makes for an incredibly fast and fun experience (see also: Tesla Roadster)

We escaped from the dark confines of Cobo Hall onto a decently sunny day and cruised along the river and past the Ren Cen, gunning the Circuit whenever possible. A car like the Circuit does not like to be stuck on roads with 25 mph speed limits, but those roads made up most of the prescribed route. Still, the instant torque of the electric motor is a rush you get to experience all the time in city driving; each time you pull away from a red light and stop sign you're wondering why gasoline engines ever became popular. The trouble is you then have to stop right away, which brings about some pretty strong regenerative braking action, something that Chrysler needs to work on before making the Circuit available for sale. Keep reading about the EV's good and bad qualities after the jump.

Gallery: SAE 2009: Dodge Circuit quick drive

Continue reading Dodge Circuit EV First Drive: electric car makes grand promises on Earth Day

Dodge Circuit EV First Drive: electric car makes grand promises on Earth Day originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler electric vehiclechrysler evChryslerElectricVehicleChryslerEvdodge circuitdodge evDodgeCircuitDodgeEvenvifeaturedjohn myersJohnMyersWed, 22 Apr 2009 19:48:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: FEV proposes Wankel rotary as range extender]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/sae-2009-fev-proposes-wankel-rotary-as-range-extender/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/sae-2009-fev-proposes-wankel-rotary-as-range-extender/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/sae-2009-fev-proposes-wankel-rotary-as-range-extender/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As more automakers are working on extended range electric vehicles, the issue of NVH is becoming even more of an issue than in existing parallel hybrid vehicles. With vehicles that operate predominantly in electric mode minimizing the impact of starting up the range extender or auxiliary power unit is critical. Companies like General Motors are working hard to make sure the range extenders operate as quietly and smoothly as possible, but small piston engines inherently have some degree of vibration.

Engineering services company FEV has been studying the problem and has decided to propose an unusual solution. FEV has built an experimental range extended electric version of the Fiat 500 that uses a small Wankel rotary engine as the APU. The Wankel has a number of potential advantages, including much higher power density than piston engines and virtually vibration free operation. The high specific power output means that a very small engine can be used that reduces weight and adds packaging flexibility. The downside is that Wankel's traditionally aren't very fuel efficient. However, FEV feels that most ER-EVs will be driven predominantly in EV mode and the limited use of the range extender will limit the effect of the lower engine efficiency. New Wankel engines can also be made more efficient through the adoption of technology like direct fuel injection. It remains to be seen if anyone will adopt a Wankel range extender in a production vehicle, but it's an interesting idea.

Gallery: FEV Wankel range extender

SAE 2009: FEV proposes Wankel rotary as range extender originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>extended range electric vehicleExtendedRangeElectricVehiclesae 2009sae world congressSae2009SaeWorldCongressWed, 22 Apr 2009 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: mix hydrogen and a wheelchair to get the H-ergo]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/sae-2009-mix-hydrogen-and-a-wheelchair-to-get-the-h-ergo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/sae-2009-mix-hydrogen-and-a-wheelchair-to-get-the-h-ergo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/sae-2009-mix-hydrogen-and-a-wheelchair-to-get-the-h-ergo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


H-ergo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hey look, it's a hydrogen PUMA (sort of). We almost walked right past the H-ergo Piemonte Personal Mobility Vehicle at the SAE World Congress this week thanks to its small size. Once we stopped and checked the H-ergo out, we learned that this is a hydrogen-powered wheelchair-esque vehicle intended for cities and other places where a small size and zero vehicle emissions are benefits (indoors, anyone?). Power comes from two 800 watt electric motors run from a hydrogen fuel cell and the H-ergo can go whizzing by at 12.4 miles per hour (20 km/h). If you start with a full charge, the H-ergo can run for two hours. Certainly not enough for a full day if you're someone who is dependent on a vehicle like this to get around, but at least the work done by From Concept To Car, among other groups, makes the wheelchair seriously futuristic. See more details here and in the gallery below.

Gallery: SAE 2009: H-ERGO hydrogen vehicle

SAE 2009: mix hydrogen and a wheelchair to get the H-ergo originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>h-ergohergopiemontepiemonte personal mobilty vehiclePiemontePersonalMobiltyVehicleWed, 22 Apr 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: FEV unveils solid-SCR NOx reducer for diesels]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/sae-2009-fev-unveils-solid-scr-nox-reducer-for-diesels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/sae-2009-fev-unveils-solid-scr-nox-reducer-for-diesels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/sae-2009-fev-unveils-solid-scr-nox-reducer-for-diesels/#commentsFiled under: ,



Powertrain engineering specialists FEV are showing off a number of new technologies at the SAE World Congress this week including this new NOx reduction system for diesel engines. The basic principle of the Solid SCR is the same as the urea injection systems found on most of the new 50-state legal diesel vehicles coming to market. Ammonia is reacted with the NOx in the exhaust gases to convert it to nitrogen and water. Where it differs is the source of the ammonia. Instead of an aqueaous urea solution that is injected into the exhaust stream, this one uses a solid known as a ammonia carbomate that is a byproduct of fertilzer production.

The ammonia carbomate is stored within a canister similar to an oil filter. A small amount of diesel fuel is passed through the canister after being heated to just 60 C which causes the ammonia carbomate to sublimate directly into gaseous ammonia. The ammonia and diesel are passed through an oil separator to recover the fuel. The ammonia is injected into the exhaust stream to react with the NOx. No diesel is consumed in the process and the solid system is one third the volume of a urea system. The solid system provides easier handling and packaging and doesn't require the heated storage tanks that urea needs to keep from freezing in cold weather.

FEV is working with supplier Tenneco to market the system and the retrofit market is seen as a prime target for the system. The solid SCR could be adapted to older buses and trucks to bring them up to modern emissions standards.

SAE 2009: FEV unveils solid-SCR NOx reducer for diesels originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fevnox treatmentNoxTreatmentsolid scrSolidScrWed, 22 Apr 2009 11:06:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: SAE J1772 plug standard could be finalized by this fall]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/sae-2009-sae-j1772-plug-standard-could-be-finalized-by-this-fal/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/sae-2009-sae-j1772-plug-standard-could-be-finalized-by-this-fal/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/sae-2009-sae-j1772-plug-standard-could-be-finalized-by-this-fal/#commentsFiled under: ,

The SAE task force that is currently working on a standard for a conductive connector for plug-in vehicles could finalize that work as soon as this fall. The proposed plug standard is currently going through certification testing at Underwriters Labs and that work is scheduled to be completed by the end of May. If the testing is successfully completed, the standard will go to balloting which could result in the standard being adoped within a few months.

General Motors Gery Kissel, who is the sponsor of the J1772 task force is presenting at the SAE World Congress this week and he spoke with AutoblogGreen about the plug standard. Among the companies that are participating or supporting the standard are GM, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Tesla. The plug was also submitted to the International Electrotechnical Commission in Europe for approval. The proposed standard connector was developed initially by supplier Yazaki and adopted by the task force in January 2008.

The connector is designed for single phase electrical systems with up to 240 V and 70 A such as those used in North American and Japan. The round 43 mm diameter connector has five pins and will support communication over power lines, to identify the vehicle and control charging. The connector is designed to withstand up to 10,000 connection/disconnection cycles and exposure to all kinds of elements. The supporting manufacturers have committed to using the new plug including GM for the Volt and its derivatives. Tesla has even committed to changing over to the standard plug and retrofitting existing vehicles.

This plug is unrelated to the recently announced European plug standard. That plug is designed for 400 V three phase applications.

SAE 2009: SAE J1772 plug standard could be finalized by this fall originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>sae j1772sae standard plugsae world congressSaeJ1772SaeStandardPlugSaeWorldCongressTue, 21 Apr 2009 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: FEV shows off Dodge Caliber ER-EV concept]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/sae-2009-fev-shows-off-dodge-caliber-er-ev-concept/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/sae-2009-fev-shows-off-dodge-caliber-er-ev-concept/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/sae-2009-fev-shows-off-dodge-caliber-er-ev-concept/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for a high res gallery of the FEV Dodge Caliber ER-EV concept

One of the vehicles at the FEV stand here at the SAE World Congress is this extended range electric Dodge Caliber. FEV isn't a supplier so the company has no interest in selling the powertrain it has developed for this Caliber. Instead, FEV wants to demonstrate its powertrain engineering and integration services capabilities. The company's engineers also wanted to learn more about controls, electrical architecture and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) issues for ER-EVs so two vehicles have been built for test purposes, this Dodge and a Fiat 500 that is being used in Europe.

The Dodge that is being shown in Detroit uses a motor and a generator provided by UQM. The 75 kW (peak) generator is driven by a 1.0-liter three cylinder engine. The 40-mile electric range is supplied by a 20 kWh lithium ion battery pack. FEV built the pack, but declined to say who supplied the cells. FEV has followed the same path as GM with the Voltec architecture using a T-shaped pack under the center tunnel and rear seat.

Gallery: FEV Dodge Caliber ER-EV concept

SAE 2009: FEV shows off Dodge Caliber ER-EV concept originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge caliber er-ev conceptDodgeCaliberEr-evConceptfevsae 2009sae world congressSae2009SaeWorldCongressTue, 21 Apr 2009 14:36:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: Raser unveils 100 mpg ER-EV Hummer H3 prototype]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/sae-2009-raser-unveils-100-mpg-er-ev-hummer-h3-prototype/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/sae-2009-raser-unveils-100-mpg-er-ev-hummer-h3-prototype/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/sae-2009-raser-unveils-100-mpg-er-ev-hummer-h3-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high res gallery of the Raser electric Hummer H3

Raser Technologies unveiled the prototype vehicle for its extended range electric vehicle yesterday morning at the SAE World Congress. Raser and development partners FEV took the iconic bad boy of the environmental movement, a Hummer H3 and merged it with a powertrain very much like what's in a Fisker Karma. This prototype electric H3 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injected EcoTec just like the Karma driving a 100 kW generator. The generator provides electricity to the batteries and the 200 kW drive motor.

Like the Karma and the Chevy Volt, the motor along with a lithium ion battery pack is the only source of propulsion to the wheels. The H3 has three lithium ion battery packs arrayed under the rear end of the vehicle. The batteries can move the Hummer for 40 miles before the range extender has to start up. Beyond that, it has a 400-mile range. Based on 60 miles of daily driving (40 miles of battery plus 20 miles of range extension) Raser estimates the H3 will get 100 mpg. Raser is talking to several automakers about applications for its ER-EV system and expects to have a deal soon. The company will build several of the trucks for Southern California Edison's test fleet in the next year and hopes to have a low volume series production program by 2011.

Gallery: Raser Technologies electric Hummer H3

Continue reading SAE 2009: Raser unveils 100 mpg ER-EV Hummer H3 prototype

SAE 2009: Raser unveils 100 mpg ER-EV Hummer H3 prototype originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric hummerElectricHummerraserraser technologiesraser-fevraser-phevraser-plug-in-hybridrasertechnologiesTue, 21 Apr 2009 11:53:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: all-electric Tata Indica getting ready for Norway, then the world]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/sae-2009-all-electric-tata-indica-getting-ready-for-norway-the/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/sae-2009-all-electric-tata-indica-getting-ready-for-norway-the/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/sae-2009-all-electric-tata-indica-getting-ready-for-norway-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Tata Indica EV - click for a high res gallery

Although the all-electric Tata Indica on display at the SAE World Congress in Detroit this week is not the soon-to-be-released model, there's a lot we can learn from the vehicle - and from TM4's Eriz Azeroual - about how the technology will be implemented when the new model goes on sale in Norway either later this year or in early 2010 (yes, this is later than previously expected). Tata Motors showed off the Indica EV at the Bologna Motor Show in December, but the hatchback is making an appearance in Detroit because of the work that TM4, a subsidiary of Hydro Québec, did providing the permanent magnet motor and the inverter. TM4's Azeroual (he's business development manager there) told us that a limited number of the Indica's are already testing in Norway and that Tata Motors is "a cool company. Very aggressive." Even though they're most famous for the Nano and apparently wanting to dominate the low-end automobile market, in Europe market they want to be known for electric vehicles.

Norway is a perfect entry point to bring an EV to Europe because there is a high tax on gasoline-powered vehicles. The high cost of electric vehilces isn't totally equalized by the taxes, but EVs and gas-powered vehicle prices end up being "comparable" in Norway and this presents customers with an "interesting choice," Azeroual said. Following the Norwegian introduction, Tata plans to expand the Indica EV to other European markets and then possibly the U.S.

Gallery: SAE 2009: Tata Indica EV

SAE 2009: all-electric Tata Indica getting ready for Norway, then the world originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric tataelectric tata indicaElectricTataElectricTataIndicaindicaindica evIndicaEvsae world congressSaeWorldCongresstatatata indicatata indica electricTataIndicaTataIndicaElectricTue, 21 Apr 2009 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: Toyota plug-in Prius (and 3rd-gen Prius) update]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-toyota-prius-and-plug-in-prius-update/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-toyota-prius-and-plug-in-prius-update/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-toyota-prius-and-plug-in-prius-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



To get a little bit of clarification on the reported 12-mile EV-only range that the plug-in Prius is achieving in current testing, we spoke with Toyota Prius vehicle specialist Stephanie Wohlgamuth, who is working at the Toyota booth here at the SAE World Congress. Wohlgamuth said that the number is fairly accurate, and that the vehicles are currently driving between seven and 14 miles on electrons only. While this is notably shorter than the Volt's 40-mile EV-only target, Toyota is giving itself time to work on the technology. Wohlgamuth said that the PHEV Prius will only be available as leased vehicles for fleets through 2012. All we can do is speculate as to when the purchase date for individual customers will be - Wohlgamuth wouldn't say if late 2012 or early 2013 was even in the ballpark.

This is quite a delay for Toyota. In fact, Wohlgamuth told us that Toyota had originally wanted to make the plug-in technology available in the third-generation Prius, which is launching in this spring. She wouldn't clarify what caused the hold-up or give any other details. There is one way that the Prius timeline is moving quickly, though: she said that pricing for the 2010 Prius will likely be announced this week.

A PHEV Prius wasn't available at Cobo Hall, but we've got plenty of pictures in our archive. The shots below are from late 2007.

UPDATE: We heard back from Toyota's Jaycie Chitwood and got a bit of clarification on the PHEV capability of the new Prius:
During its development, the new Prius was designed and engineered to package either the lithium-ion battery pack with plug-in capability, or the nickel-metal hydride battery for the conventional gas-electric system.

Gallery: EVS23: PHEV Prius prototype

SAE 2009: Toyota plug-in Prius (and 3rd-gen Prius) update originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>phevphev priusPhevPriusplug in hybridplug in priusPlugInHybridPlugInPriustoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusMon, 20 Apr 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: Scuderi unveils cut-away of split cycle engine]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-scuderi-unveils-cut-away-of-split-cycle-engine/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-scuderi-unveils-cut-away-of-split-cycle-engine/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-scuderi-unveils-cut-away-of-split-cycle-engine/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Scuderi group unveiled a cutaway version of its first prototype of a new split cycle engine at the SAE World Congress this week. We first heard about this engine three years ago and got more details at the 2007 SAE WC, but this is the first time we have seen something physical rather than just CG animations. The first actual running prototype used to prove out the combustion process is being assembled right now and expected to start running by mid-May. It will be a normally aspirated variant with a displacement of 1.0-liter.

The engine uses pairs of pistons operating in parallel to split the typical 4-stroke cycle into pairs of two strokes. The first piston handles the intake and compression strokes with only air coming in. As a result, the air is compressed at a ratio of 100:1 before a crossover valve is opened allowing the compressed air to pass over to the power side. What happens next? Find out after the jump.

Gallery: Scuderi split cycle engine

Continue reading SAE 2009: Scuderi unveils cut-away of split cycle engine

SAE 2009: Scuderi unveils cut-away of split cycle engine originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredsae 2009Sae2009scuderisplit cycle engineSplitCycleEngineMon, 20 Apr 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: Arnold Schwarzenegger goes shopping for his next HUMMER]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-arnold-schwarzenegger-goes-shopping-for-his-next-humme/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-arnold-schwarzenegger-goes-shopping-for-his-next-humme/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-arnold-schwarzenegger-goes-shopping-for-his-next-humme/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Schwarzenegger with military hybrids - click for a high res gallery

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn't kidding when he said that there's nothing wrong with HUMMERs. Soon after finishing his opening session talk at the SAE World Congress this morning, the Governator took a stroll through the expo floor and spent some time at the U.S. military's booth. The display area showcased a few vehicles, but Arnold was most interested in a green hybrid HUMMER, the XM1124 He High Mobility Multupurpose Wheeled Vehicle (aka the HMMWV) and the Reconnaissance Surveillance and Targeting Vehicle (RST-V) Demonstrator (above). Is it just me, or are the people who come up with these names the same ones who named all the G.I. Joe action playsets back in the '80s?

In any case, the HMMWV uses a diesel series hybrid powertrain with li-ion batteries to go up to 20 mph for up to six miles. It can also supply 15 kW of power to a range of military tools in the field (at least, it can do this in testing). The RST-V also has a hybrid powertrain can output 20 kW of power and can operate on diesel power only, battery power only or in hybrid mode.

Gallery: SAE 2009: Arnold Schwarzenegger walks the floor

SAE 2009: Arnold Schwarzenegger goes shopping for his next HUMMER originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arnold schwarzeneggerArnoldSchwarzeneggerfeaturedsaesae world congressSaeWorldCongressMon, 20 Apr 2009 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: Govs. Granholm and Schwarzenegger talk green mobility]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-govs-granholm-and-schwarzenegger-talk-green-mobility/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-govs-granholm-and-schwarzenegger-talk-green-mobility/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-govs-granholm-and-schwarzenegger-talk-green-mobility/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to read more about the Governors' opening talk at SAE 2009

The 2009 SAE World Congress kicked off this morning with a free-form, Michigan-first presentation by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and then an interview-style talk by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who arrived over an hour late. Still, Arnold managed to work in some famous lines by first claiming that the car industry is currently saying, "I'll be back" (cue the crowd's knowing laugh) then segueing into a short list of classic one-liners. This seemed to get everyone back on his side.

Most of the presentation was fairly serious, though, with Governor Schwarzenegger saying it is "embarrassing" that the U.S. only generates 2.8 percent of its energy from renewables. On the California waiver issue, Schwarzenegger said that the entire country should have the same regulations (something that CARB's Mary Nichols has also hinted at). He said he believes very strongly that there should be one fuel standard, and California only took the lead because Washington was not stepping up to the plate. Detroit has been slow in advancing alternative power vehicles, he said, but the blame needs to be shared by both the auto industry here and the lack of leadership in Washington. "We cannot make policy based on the oil price," he said.

You can listen to both talks and read much more after the jump.

Continue reading SAE 2009: Govs. Granholm and Schwarzenegger talk green mobility

SAE 2009: Govs. Granholm and Schwarzenegger talk green mobility originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgovernorgovernor granholmgovernor schwarzeneggerGovernorGranholmGovernorSchwarzeneggergranholmhigh speed railHighSpeedRailSchwarzeneggerMon, 20 Apr 2009 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: Ford's contributions include over 70 papers, many on green mobility]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-fords-contributions-include-over-70-papers-many-on-g/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-fords-contributions-include-over-70-papers-many-on-g/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/sae-2009-fords-contributions-include-over-70-papers-many-on-g/#commentsFiled under: ,


Focus EV "mule" - click for a high res gallery

At the SAE World Congress that starts today, Ford will be showing off its EcoBoost engines (seen it) and some of the lithium-ion battery systems used in the companies upcoming electric drive powertrains (seen those, too). The new stuff will mostly be behind panel discussion doors, since Ford representatives will be presenting over 70 papers "on a variety of powertrain, safety, design and manufacturing topics." Considering that the theme of the conference is "Racing to Green Mobility," you can bet a lot of these papers deal with fuel-saving measures, including why people buy hybrids, the role of hybrids, PHEVs and BEVs in the coming years, and what powertrains might be coming after 2015. The SAE's new Franz F. Pischinger Powertrain Innovation Award will also be awarded to Ford's Gerhard Schmidt "for his professional and academic dedication to improving fuel economy and reducing emissions," as Ford puts it. Next year, Ford will host the SAE World Congress and the SAE Convergence. More details after the jump.

Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SAE 2009: Ford's contributions include over 70 papers, many on green mobility

SAE 2009: Ford's contributions include over 70 papers, many on green mobility originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordsaesae 2009sae world congressSae2009SaeWorldCongressMon, 20 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[GM calls for plug-in vehicle standards]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/gm-calls-for-plug-in-standards/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/gm-calls-for-plug-in-standards/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/16/gm-calls-for-plug-in-standards/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of the factors that has helped to make cars so ubiquitous over the past century is standards. By standardizing things like fuel fillers, inflation nozzles on tires, 12V power sockets and countless other elements, automakers have been able make owning and operating a car much more practical. After all, if you had to drive around to 20 different gas stations to find one with a nozzle that fits your tank, it would be a real nuisance to drive. Most of those industry standards are defined by committees of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

One of the standards currently being worked on is SAE J1772 which will define standard connectors for plug-in vehicles. The committee is meeting next week during the SAE World Congress in Detroit to discuss the plug standard. Having a common electrical interface will be critical to making plug-in vehicles a viable option. It will allow public charging stations to be installed that can plug into any car. In addition to transmitting power, the new plugs will also provide a communications link that can be used for billing systems and relaying the battery state of charge to turn off the charger. The standard probably won't be finalized next week, but the work done there will be a step in the right direction.

[Source: GM Fastlane Blog]

GM calls for plug-in vehicle standards originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>common plugsCommonPlugselectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehicleselectric-carElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesj1772sae j1772SaeJ1772Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:14:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: FEV will bring Dodge Caliber plug-in hybrid concept to Cobo]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/sae-2009-fev-will-bring-dodge-caliber-plug-in-hybrid-concept-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/sae-2009-fev-will-bring-dodge-caliber-plug-in-hybrid-concept-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/sae-2009-fev-will-bring-dodge-caliber-plug-in-hybrid-concept-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We're looking forward to seeing Raser's plug-in 100 mpge HUMMER at the SAE World Congress next week. Raser's partner in that project, FEV, will also bring along a Dodge Caliber to Cobo Hall next week, one that has had a powertrain transplant and now runs off of electrons as well as gasoline in a range-extended electric vehicle (ReEV) set-up. The concept powertrain was intended as an internal R&D project "to evaluate different options for the engine/generator unit, and the associated calibration strategies," said Dr. Joachim Wolschendorf, CTO and vice president of the Vehicle and Drivetrain Engineering Division of FEV, Inc.

The powertrain mates a 1.0L, 3-cylinder, 4 valve engine to a UQM PP75 generator. This gives 41kW of power in extended-range mode (peak power is 75kW) to the 346V li-ion battery pack and gets 40 miles of all-electric power and a top speed of 84 mph. FEV is apparently working on more concept vehicles in their Auburn Hills, Michigan Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Development Center. More details after the jump.

[Source: FEV, Inc.]

Continue reading SAE 2009: FEV will bring Dodge Caliber plug-in hybrid concept to Cobo

SAE 2009: FEV will bring Dodge Caliber plug-in hybrid concept to Cobo originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge caliberDodgeCaliberraserrevsaesae world congressSaeWorldCongressTue, 14 Apr 2009 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE 2009: Raser's PHEV is a 100 mpge HUMMER]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/sae-2009-rasers-phev-is-a-100-mpge-hummer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/sae-2009-rasers-phev-is-a-100-mpge-hummer/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/sae-2009-rasers-phev-is-a-100-mpge-hummer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Last week, we heard news that Raser had teamed up with FEV to develop a plug-in hybrid powertrain for large trucks, but we weren't yet sure what the first platform to get the extended-range electric hardware would be. Now, we know. Interested? Hint: it's from what's generally accepted as the least eco-friendly automaker in America. That's right, HUMMER.

In reality, using a large SUV like the HUMMER H3 as the basis for an electric vehicle isn't necessarily that far of a stretch. A good deal of space will be taken up by a battery large enough to provide 40 miles of range, a 200 kW electric motor and a 100 kW gasoline-powered engine. Even with its brick-like aerodynamics and heavy platform, Raser claims an equivalency of 100 miles per gallon or more.

Further, some people (though, likely, a very small number) really do need the capabilities of an SUV, and Raser claims that its EREV maintains its acceleration and towing capacities. Because the H3 shares much of its chassis with GM's midsize pickup trucks, the technology will likely be adaptable to that platform as well. The demonstration vehicle will be on display at the 2009 SAE World Congress in Detroit starting on April 20th.

[Source: Green Car Congress]

SAE 2009: Raser's PHEV is a 100 mpge HUMMER originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric hummerElectricHummerfeaturedhybrid hummerHybridHummerraser hummerraser plug in hybridraser technologiesRaserHummerRaserPlugInHybridRaserTechnologiesTue, 14 Apr 2009 08:49:00 EST