Jan 9, 2014 - 09:22 am Charging behaviour of EV users, EV Predictions for 2014.
Study tip: “Understanding Charging Behaviour of Electric Vehicle Users” by the TU Chemnitz, Germany, identifies different types of EV drivers with subjective levels of range anxiety and the respective charging patterns.
plugincars.com, sciencedirect.com (Study for purchase)
Click tip: Navigant Research has published a paper with ten predictions for the global EV industry in 2014 which Green Car Congress has summarised avidly. The year ahead is looking good!
greencarcongress.com
Jan 8, 2014 - 09:47 am Toyota, Fiat, Chevrolet, Smart, Electra, Trek.
Welcome to today’s edition of electrive.com, the new industry service for electric mobility – Made in Germany! Here are the top stories and innovations this wednesday:
– Brands + News –
Toyota goes H2: At the opening of the CES in Las Vegas, two fuel-cell cars took centre-stage. The Japanese are presenting their FCV concept in shiny blue next to its „ugly“ brother – a prototype in camouflage that had been tested on U.S. roads for more than a year. The FCV will first be introduced in California in 2015.
hybridcars.com, greencarreports.com
Tiny, tinier, the tiniest: Jim Motavali compared the Fiat 500e, Chevrolet Spark and the Smart ED. All three had their “virtues”. In the end the American built suited Motavali best, with the Spark being over the Fiat “by an electron”, while the Smart excited most by being a convertible.
nytimes.com via plugincars.com
Electra taken over by Trek: The mayor bicycle company will provide logistics and financial support to its smaller competitor based in California. However, Trek does not want to interfere with Electra‘s product management or branding.
bike-eu.com
Jan 8, 2014 - 09:45 am Electric Vehicle Sales Reports.
The SMMT counted 191 newly registered pure electric cars to hit UK roads in December 2013. With a total of 2,235 hybrid cars, 295 of them were eligible for the government’s plug-in grant. In Germany, 445 new electric and 2,062 hybrid cars were registered in December.
smmt.co.uk (UK), kba.de (Germany)
Jan 8, 2014 - 09:42 am INRIX, BMW, Renault, Battery prices.
Intermodal navigation: INRIX partners with BMW to introduce their intermodal information system that integrates local public transport data into the on-board navigation. The system will be used in the i3 and i8. It informs drivers about alternative public transport connections and will reroute the driver considering the current traffic and range status.
greencarcongress.com
Renault Zoé Next Two: The French carmaker just announced the next stage of testing of its autonomous electric car. The completely connected Zoé “Next Two” is set to be out on the roads already this year in preparation for bringing it to the market from 2018.
technologicvehicles.com
Battery price speculations: Savvy internet users and EV fans have tracked replacement batteries for the Chevy Volt listed at a retail price of 144.12 USD (105.80 EUR) per kWh. Hence, questions arose on how much these batteries actually cost GM. Has the magical line of 200 USD/kWh (147 EUR/kWh) McKinsey predicted for 2020 been crossed already?!
cleantechnica.com
Jan 8, 2014 - 09:34 am Formula E goes public, wrong PEV policy strategy in the U.S.?
Video tip: The Formula E is starting to make some noise – marketing wise – and filmed Lucas di Grassi taking a ride down the legendary strip of Las Vegas.
youtube.com (Video)
Study tip: Researchers from the University of Michigan and the Rochester Institute of Technology criticise the Obama Administration for a failed PEV promotion. Instead of simply focusing on mainstream consumers, they suggest more strategic and cost-effective incentives.
greencarcongress.com
Jan 7, 2014 - 09:43 am Fisker, Audi, Lincoln, BMW.
Fisker back in court: A new offer by the Wanxiang Group could see the sale of Fisker being turned around at the last minute. The new bid of 24.75 million USD (18.17 million euros) by the owners of A123 is favoured by creditors and investors. Fisker, however, would like the court to approve the original offer of Richard Li, as they blame Wanxiang for being partly responsible for their bankruptcy.
greencarreports.com, green.autoblog.com
Updated Sport quattro: Audi is debuting a new and powerful plug-in hybrid car at this year‘s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Apart from a special headlight system, the Sport quattro laserlight concept features an electric motor with 110 kW powered by a 14.1 kWh battery pack that lasts for a 30 miles of electric driving.
plugincars.com, autoblog.com
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid recall: 7,153 MKZ Hybrid cars assembled between April 2012 and September 2013 are being recalled in the USA. According to a notice by the NHTSA, an error in production could cause the automatic car to shift out of ‘Park’ without the driver depressing the brake pedal before.
greencarreports.com, autoblog.com
Test ride the BMW i8: Greg Kable got his hands on a prototype of the upcoming BMW plug-in hybrid and tested it on the Miramas track in France. After extensively trying all driving modes while going through all kinds of curves and situations, Kable has no doubts about where the i8 belongs: „Driving it, is definitely new world“.
autoweek.com
Jan 7, 2014 - 09:39 am Ford, Elio Motors, Tsinghua University.
Sunny side up: Ford is to reveal its C-Max Energi as “Solar Concept” at the CES. The new PHEV features a so-called „solar concentrator“ that works like a magnifying glass. When parked under this canopy, focused sun-rays hit solar cells in the roof of the vehicle and charge the plug-in hybrid while the car autonomously follows the way of the sun rays. So far, the solar concept is not set for production.
plugincars.com, youtube.com (Video)
Elio Motors trike debut: The company presents its new three-wheeler at this year‘s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The high-efficiency gas-powered vehicle is said to cost 6,800 USD (4,990 euros) and is scheduled for early 2015. Later versions might feature an electric motor.
green.autoblog.com
Stability through selectivity: The professors Qiang Zhang and Fei Wei from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, have developed an ion selective membrane system to make lithium-sulfur batteries more stable. The membrane separates lithium and polysulfide ions, thus suppressing the destructive „shuttle-effect“ on the anode.
phys.org, pubs.rsc.org (Original study)
– Feedback –
Most clicked Link on monday: Speculations about GM buying Tesla.
usatoday.com
Jan 7, 2014 - 09:36 am Elevated cycle paths, Honda MC-B Driving Review.
Click tip: Plans for a network of elevated cycle paths in London just got rejuvenated by star-architect Sir Norman Foster. The SkyCycle could channel up to 12,000 cyclist high above traffic.
thesundaytimes.co.uk
Video tip: In this mini movie by AutoMotoTV you can see the Honda MC beta in action in some Asian city. Commentary is missing, so sunny weather and uplifting music are all you get, to imagine what it must be like to drive this electric city car.
youtube.com (Video)
Jan 6, 2014 - 09:38 am Audi, GM, Tesla, Mitsubishi.
Welcome to a new edition of “electrive.com today”, the new industry service for electric mobility – Made in Germany! Here are the top news and innovations this monday:
– Brands + News –
Audi’s big plans for the future: The German carmaker will invest 22 billion euros (30 billion USD ) in new models until 2018, thus expanding its range from currently 49 to 60 products. Already, Audi has trademarked new model names like SQ2, SQ4, and Q9 as well as f-tron. The latter indicates that there might be a fuel-cell powered Audi in the future.
greencarcongress.com, autoblog.com, hybridcars.com
Speculations about GM buying Tesla: A trading analyst told CNBC that General Motors or other established car manufacturers might show an interest in the Californians already in 2014. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has so far denied any plans to repeat his move from 2002 when he sold PayPal to eBay.
usatoday.com, forbes.com, hybridcars.com
New Mitsubishi hybrids for the USA: The Japanese want to bring a new Evo, which is supposed to not have anything to do with the current Lancer to the U.S. market no later than 2017. By then there will also be a new PHEV version of the Pajero (Montero in Europe). The start of the new Outlander PHEV however, is delayed until 2015 due to delivery problems at Mitsubishi’s battery supplier Lithium Energy Japan (LEJ).
autoblog.com (Evo), autoblog.com (Pajero/ Montero), autonews.com (Outlander)
Tesla rating revisited: The Model S was the highest-rated car Consumer Report (CR) tested (99 out of 100 points). After one year and 11,380 miles (18,500 km) driven, the testers noticed a few minor flaws with the avg. range being “only” 225 miles (362 km) and range losses when using the air con or not charging for more than a day. However, CR is still „impressed by the quiet glide and instant and irresistible power“ of their Tesla.
green.autoblog.com, consumerreports.org
Jan 6, 2014 - 09:36 am Supercharger statistics.
Tesla posted good news when saying that 2.1 million kWh had so far been “delivered” by Superchargers. This equates to about 9.6 million miles (6 million km) charged.
insideevs.com
Jan 6, 2014 - 09:33 am Daimler, Absolute Design, BYD.
New Mercedes test centre in Germany: Daimler will publish plans tomorrow to invest 200 million euros (271.7 million USD) in a new testing and technology centre in Immendingen, a town in the south of Germany. On what used to be a military training area, the company’s autonomous driving systems and new drive train technologies will be put to the test. If approval is granted, construction could begin in autumn 2014.
indianautosblog.com, stuttgarter-zeitung.de (In German)
Easy access e-car: Croatian automotive designers are running a crowdfunding campaign for their “Equal” vehicle. The all-electric car has an extendable ramp in the rear for barrier-free wheelchair access. Once rolled in, physically challenged persons can steer, brake and accelerate with one hand.
earthtechling.com, indiegogo.com (Campaign with video)
Super-sized e-bus for Bogotá: The Chinese BYD produced an extra long version of its all-electric bus for the Columbian capital. Instead of the twelve metres of the K9 model, the new e-bus measures 18 m. It features the usual in-wheel motors and in tests ran 240 km (150 miles) on one charge.
electriccarsreport.com (With video)
Dec 18, 2013 - 05:09 pm Voxan Wattman, VW e-up!, Ford, BYD, Nissan, Saab.
Voxan presents powerful e-motorcycle: The French manufacturer unveiled the Wattman at the Paris Motorcycle Show. The electric motorbike boasts 200 HP and accelerates from 0-100 km/h (60 mph) in 3.4 seconds. The super-e-bike’s most striking feature is its exoskeleton that replaces the frame and contains all components of the powertrain.
electriccarsreport.com
Small price tag for a small car: In the UK, the VW e-up! is now available for 19,450 pounds (23,203 euros), after the 5,000 GBP (5,965 euros) government subsidy. The EV has a range of up to 93 miles. UK customers can also take home an optional wall box, with which the car’s 18.7 kWh lithium-ion battery can be fully charged in six hours.
thegreencarwebsite.co.uk; fleetnews.co.uk
Ford gets new plug-in vans: Not only will the American car maker bring the C-Max Energi to Europe in 2014, it will also install the van’s inner workings into two larger models. According to the German magazine “Auto Bild,” the S-Max and Galaxy will also be available as plug-in hybrids by the end of next year.
autobild.de (in German)
BYD-Leaks: A new document found online allegedly shows BYD’s planned product range. Apparently, the Qin plug-in hybrid will be offered at 18,000 dollars (13,000 euros), including government subsidies. The company will also launch the G1, S1, S3, and M2 but has not specified which drivetrains will be used.
chinacartimes.com
Just a copy? Nissan is being sued over its BladeGlider concept by millionaire Don Panoz who says it “borrows” heavily from his Delta Wing racing car project, which Nissan helped financed. The Japanese carmaker has not yet commented on the matter.
hybridcars.com
Electric Saab coming soon: The production lines at the Trollhättan plant in Sweden are rolling again – under Chinese management. First up is the Saab 9-3 petrol-run car and an electric version set to follow in spring 2014. The first models will be sold in China. Partner Qingdao has already ordered 200 models.
fleetworld.co.uk
Dec 18, 2013 - 05:01 pm Graz University, Mazda, NXP Semiconductors, Skoda Electric.
Light and airy: Researcher at the Graz University (Austria) and University of St. Andrews (UK) have found a way to increase the efficiency as well as capacity of lithium-air batteries. By using titanium carbine as electrodes instead of carbon, and light weight oxygen instead of heavy ionic structures, researcher say, storage capacity could be increased tenfold.
ofweek.com, samachar.com
Rotary range extender: Mazda has revived its Wankel rotary engine, giving it a purpose in a new context. The rotary now serves as range extender in a Mazda2 EV prototype, adding an extra 200 kilometres (125 miles) to the battery pack.
greencarreports.com, autoexpress.co.uk
New connection? NXP Semiconductors and Datang Telecom have established a joint venture for the development and marketing of semiconductor solutions for electric and hybrid vehicles in China. It is the first of its kind company in the country. Chinese authorities have yet to give the business a green light.
digitimes.com; nxp.com
Skoda Electric plans e-busses: The Czech manufacturer takes to the streets with two electric busses. The first model was introduced in September and has a range of 150 kilometres (93 miles). Charging takes place at the depot overnight. The second e-bus, due in 2014, is said to have a range of 30 km (19 m) and can be recharged quickly at bus stops and terminals.
greencarcongress.com
Dec 18, 2013 - 04:21 pm ZEV-Guidebook, Tesla Model S.
Video Tip: Tesla has been braving through fire and now ice. A new video highlights the Model S’ rather cool features, which are designed to make it run smoothly even in winter.
youtube.com
Click Tip: The Californian government has published a guide aimed at cities and provides recommendation for the construction of charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations. The goal is to have 1.5 million EV on the roads by 20150.
opr.ca.gov (download as PDF)
“E-mobility is the future.”
“With our platform strategy, it is quite easy to bring a lot of electrified vehicles to the market for the different brands in a very short time.”
“Last year, about 90,000 electric vehicles have been sold worldwide and this year it will be another 150,000. If sales continue at this rate, the one million-mark will be reached in a few years.”
“Fuel-cell electric vehicles will be in our future sooner than many people believe and in much greater numbers than anyone expected.”
“We’re confident that, with support from the corporate and public sectors, the adoption of EVs will more than double, from 4,200 to 10,000, over the next three years.”
“I expected about 2,000 i3s would be ready for the big bang, but we got a damp squib.”
“We are now in a transition period where battery prices are dropping by 20-30% each year. The consequences for the automotive industry are mindboggling.”
“By 2020 the range of an EV like the Zoe will double to around 250 miles.”