Ampera comes branded with Opel and Vauxhaull badges
March 3, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
These are many brands that will get a version of the plug-in Volt, Holden. Chevy. Opel. Vauxhall. to name the ones announced so far. Europeans will call it the Ampera, but under all those models will be the Voltec technology that gives the hybrid a 60-km (37-mile) electric-only range and a 500-km (310 mile) total range when the gas tank is filled up. Read more
$12.5 Billion for Plug-in Cars in the Stimulus Bill
February 21, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
When the big stimulus bill was passed this week, the number that rose to the forefront was a $2 billion investment for plug in vehicles. But, if you add in all the additional plug-in help for things like infrastructure, the actual plug-in stimulus package is closer to $12.5 billion, according to Plug In America’s legislative director Jay Friedland. Read more
Cayenne S Hybrid Details Released
February 20, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
More information has just been released by Porsche on the new Cayenne S Hybrid that will finally launch in 2010. The company has changed up its powertrain plans since originally announcing the hybrid.
Instead of the older 3.6L normally aspirated V6, it will now use the new supercharged and direct injected 3.0L found in the new Audi S4 and A6. The 333 hp V6 is paired up with a 52 hp electric motor sandwiched between the engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. The combination of the engine, motor and nickel metal hydride battery can propel the Cayenne to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds. Read more
Rahmbo Will Fight For Electric and Hybrid Cars
January 26, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Obama’s White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel is well known for his “take no prisoners” approach to politics and business—earning him the nickname “Rahmbo”. He is also a very strong supporter of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and cars running on compressed natural gas.
He could emerge as the country’s most ardent, powerful and effective advocate for swift action regarding fuel-efficient gas-electric vehicles.
Henrik Fisker discusses his new plug-in hybrid Karma
January 18, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
After the unveiling of the production version of the Fisker Karma and the Karma Sunset concept at the Detroit Auto Show, Henrik Fisker talked about the company he has founded.
He talked about some of the technical details and we now know that the battery supplier will be Advanced Lithium Power. Fisker has exclusive access to batteries from ALP after recently taking an equity stake in the company. Video after the jump. Read more
Azure Dynamics Reduces Workforce by a Quarter
January 18, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Curt Huston, Azure Dynamics chief operating officer.
Azure Dynamics Corporation has announced a 25% cut in its current workforce along with cuts in all discretionary expenses and a focus on actions to offset recent component cost increases. Azure is a developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial vehicles.
The Company also plans to focus on existing products and is actively working with its customers on potential new programs that involve sharing development costs. Read more
Peugeot to Launch All-Wheel Drive Hybrid Crossover
January 15, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Peugeot Introduces the 3008 Crossover; which will be their test platform for HYbrid4 Technology in 2011.
The 3008 Crossover will be the platform for the first production car with the HYmotion4 all-wheel drive technology, as unveiled on the Prologue HYbrid4 concept car at the Paris Motor Show in 2008.
The Prologue HYbrid4 concept and the production 3008 are front-engined. The HYmotion4 technology uses a “through-the-road” design to provide hybrid all-wheel drive. The motor is mounted in either the rear or front of the vehicle, which then dictates if vehicle is front- or rear-engined. Read more
Chrysler Unveils Beautiful Electric Car Concept 200C EV
January 11, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The 200C EV is a plug-in hybrid sedan that uses ENVI’s Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology, and is a rolling test bed for Chrysler’s future uconnect in-car computer and communication device. It also connects directly to an iPhone, allowing you to pre-program the temperature, lock the doors, view an in-car camera remotely and track the car’s location live via GPS – all straight from the iPhone.
It uses Chrysler’s ENVI’s Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology. It has a 40-mile all-electric range, a 400-mile range with a full charge of the lithium-ion battery and a full tank, and a top speed of over 120 miles-per-hour. Read more
Mercedes-Benz Unveils Concept BlueZero at Detroit 2009
January 11, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Mercedes-Benz showed off its new Concept BlueZero at an off-site reception held before the opening of the Detroit Auto Show. The car is both an example of clean technology and a preview of the styling for the next generation Mercedes B-Class. This concept uses a sandwich floor design like the current A and B class models, and adds a modular powertrain system.
There will be three powertrain options depending on the range requirements. The BlueZero E-Cell uses a 35 kWh lithium ion battery pack to provide a 120-mile range, while the BlueZero F-Cell variant gets a 90 kW hydrogen fuel cell for a 240-mile range. The efficiency of the fuel cell version is rated at the equivalent of 81 mpg (US). Read more
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Arrives in Canada
January 7, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
The entire Fusion line-up is overhauled for 2010, with new styling, better-quality materials, and new and more fuel-efficient engines, six-speed automatic transmissions, and a Sport model with a 3.5-litre V6 under the hood. But the big news is the Fusion Hybrid, which company officials said will be the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan on the market when it reaches showrooms in Canada.
It uses a version of the new system found in the Escape Hybrid, and is now entirely Ford’s technology (save for a battery purchased from Sanyo), with over 100 patents pending on the Fusion’s system alone. It uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with Atkinson cycle; the cycle produces better fuel efficiency, while the resulting power loss is compensated by the hybrid system’s electric motor. The nickel metal hydride (NiMH) storage battery is 23 per cent lighter than that in Ford’s original hybrid system, while providing 28 per cent more power. The system produces 155 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque. Read more
