Hybrid Vehicle - Volvo's 124 mpg V60

The 124mpg is not as high as the XL1 from Volkswagen, but this hybrid vehicle from Volvo is designed for more than just two people.

In that aspect the engineers of Volvo did a great job at getting such a rather large vehicle (European standards) to run so efficient! Also the 50km full electric range must be one of the longest in hybrid cars currently known, it must pack quite a battery in there.

Volvo's 124 mpg V60 plug-in hybrid diesel to debut in Geneva
http://www.gizmag.com/volvo-v60-plug-in-hybrid-diesel-geneva/17712/

Volvo will introduce a “virtually production-ready” plug-in hybrid version of it’s V60 sports wagon at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Expected to hit showroom floors in 2012, the hybrid V60 splices together a 2.4-liter D5 turbodiesel driving the front wheels with a 70 horsepower electric motor at the rear axle. According to Volvo this configuration delivers incredibly miserly fuel consumption of 124 mpg (1.9 l/100 km) along with the ability to cover 31 miles (50 km) using only the electric drive.

(via Instapaper)

Have a nice weekend!

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Hybrid Vehicle - B-Class F-CELL was accepted

Good news if you like the way Mercedes is pioneering in the hybrid vehicle market with their B-class F-cell; it got approved by the people of the National Organisation for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology in Germany.

This not just confirms they have a technically solid product, but also can boost the trust in hydrogen powered vehicles by the public.

B-Class F-CELL was accepted by the National Organisation Hydrogen ...
http://infogreenglobal.com/b-class-f-cell-was-accepted-by-the-national-organisation-hydrogen-and-fuel-cell-technology-in-germany/

“Electric cars featuring fuel cell drives have the potential to revolutionize our mobility again. The fuel cell drive in the B-Class F-CELL is efficient, clean and highly suitable for everyday use. It enables local zero-emission motoring with a range of around 400 kilometres, and this is with a refuelling time of just three minutes. In addition, the vehicle really comes into its own in terms of driving pleasure”, explained Dr. Thomas Weber.

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Hybrid Vehicle - VW Diesel-Electric Gets 261 MPG

Wow! That is the word to describe this hybrid vehicle from Volkswagen. They have really gone to the max in terms of lightweight construction and super efficient power trains, while still keeping it (at least a bit) practical. 

This 2 seater might just reflect the type of vehicle we might be driving in the not so distant future, achieving 261 mpg or over 100km on a liter of gasoline and can travel as fast as 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). Just wow! Go check out the full story below;

Sexy Futuristic VW Diesel-Electric Gets 261 MPG
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/01/vw-xl1-concept-car/

The mad scientists at Volkswagen have wheeled out a bullet-shaped diesel-electric plug-in hybrid that gets a stunning 261 mpg. VW claims it is the most fuel-efficient hybrid ever, and it shows what’s possible when you let your engineers run wild.

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Electric Vehicle - Around the World in Two Hours

This may sound very SF for an electric vehicle just yet, though for some the EV in the first place is SF and not reality yet (check your local EV dealer and step into the future)

The system under discussion here by Wired could enable high speed personal travel across the globe in a fraction of the current time, just imagine the look on Jules Verne his face if he would find out about this one.

Around the World in Two Hours on a ‘Traffic Internet’
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/01/drive-around-the-world-in-two-hours-on-the-traffic-internet/

Building a “traffic internet” of vacuum tubes that zip drivers to anywhere on earth in under an hour and circumnavigate the globe in two hours might sound like science fiction, but work on vehicles capable of tube-travel is already underway.

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Electric Vehicle - Should Shared Cars Be Electric Cars?

Great article on an opportunity for car rental companies to focus on the electric vehicle is a business case. The technology is new, lots of incentives and lotscof curious people who would like to try or buy one.

Should Shared Cars Be Electric Cars? | PluginCars.com
http://www.plugincars.com/should-shared-cars-be-electric-cars-106689.html

Logistical Challenges

Shared electric vehicles present a slew of logistical challenges for car sharing providers, from acquiring and installing charging equipment to scheduling charge times, when the vehicle won’t be available for booking and won’t be generating revenue. Yet for a service like Connect by Hertz (a lesser known brand within a large corporation) or a regional nonprofit like City CarShare, there may be no better time to start offering EVs: The technology is new, advertising campaigns and media coverage are ramping up, incentives are available, and consumers are curious enough to rent an EV for an hour or two, if not buy it outright.

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Electric Vehicle - Tesla likes a challenge

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the plans to have an electric vehicle with a price tag below $30k by 2015.

Overly ambitious, or very realistic given Tesla's current track record? Tesla is known to be good at making electric vehicles (look at the Tesla Roadster) and has highly anticipated plans for the sedan Model S and the SUV type, Model X. The only real enemy here might be time; 4 years is something even the big car manufacturers might have trouble with to meet such an ambitious target. Go Tesla! 

Tesla's Challenge: Build $30k Mainstream Electric Car by 2015
http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/1053971_teslas-challenge-build-30k-mainstream-electric-car-by-2015

Just to make things clear, Musk told the audience that Tesla’s Model X SUV would be one of the vehicles released. He added that it would be “Cooler” than any other vehicle of its type on the market. 

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Electric Vehicle - As long as it is black...

Ford has a unique approach to manufacturing their electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle range. They use the same vehicles and provide various options on the drive train, so either hybrid or fully electric. It reminds of the old Henry Ford his comment on the T-Ford;

"

• Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black.

• Remark about the Model T in 1909, published in his autobiography My Life and Work (1922) Chapter IV, [p. 71-72]

"

(Wikipedia: http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Henry_Ford)

Though this time the cars will look the sam, but with a different drive train. As explained in the referenced article this has enormous cost savings potential, a smart move from Ford.

Ford’s Electric Cars: Same on the Outside, Different Under the Hood | BNET
http://m.bnet.com/blog/auto-business/ford-8217s-electric-cars-same-on-the-outside-different-under-the-hood/2204

That approach saves Ford lots of money compared to the cost of building a unique auto platform — and related assembly line — for each type of engine. Nissan (NSANY.PK), for instance, will build the battery powered Nissan Leaf in a dedicated factory that won’t build anything else without expensive alterations.

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Electric Vehicle - Snow Demo

We all know that driving an electric vehicle in winter conditions has its challenges. The video below shows us how well the traction control of the Tesla Roadster actually is, quite amazing really!

Check out this video on YouTube:

Tesla Roadster Traction control demonstration in Snow [Video] | Electric Vehicle News
http://electric-vehicles-cars-bikes.blogspot.com/2011/01/tesla-roadster-traction-control.html

The Roadster is fitted with 'winter' tires but it is still a great demonstration of the Tesla's traction control in action.

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Electric Vehicle - Ford lightens up

Ford has provided an insight in their electric vehicle program. Similar to BMW they aim for weight reduction with which they think they can gain the most with respect to the vehicle range of their new EVs.

BMW has already stated they aim for carbon fibre to do the trick for them; they plan to slash production costs of carbon fibre parts by a factor ten.

Ford lightens up for the future
http://www.hybridcarblog.com/ford-lightens-up-for-the-future/

“The more weight we can take out of our vehicles though use of alternative materials, and other lightweighting strategies that we have, that enables us to further downsize the engine—which is the biggest lever you can pull in the vehicle. Taking the displacement down gets you on a percentage basis the best fuel economy value versus other technologies,” claims Barb Samardzich, Ford’s Vice President, Global Product Programs.

Additionally, Ford noted that weight was the biggest “enemy of electrification”.

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Electric Vehicle - Electric Rolls-Royce limo?

The world's most luxurious car maker, Rolls Royce, might have plans to build an <a href="http://www.myhev.com" >electric vehicle</a>. It might sound strange for these heavy tanks to electrify, most cars that go electric go for a light weight approach in general, not something Rolls Royce is known for.

It makes perfect sense though, those heavy gas guzzlers can save a lot of fuel by using the much more efficiebt electric motor. Also, those motors are a lot more silent which seems to fit perfectly ob the Rolls Royce experience. 

Report: Electric Rolls-Royce limo in the works? - Autoblog Green
http://i.green.autoblog.com/2011/01/16/electric-rolls-royce-limo-battery/

Rolls-Royce is well known for high-end luxury automobiles like the Ghost and Phantom. These vehicles, if piloted with nothing more than a gentle application of the throttle, will return 15 miles per gallon. That’s not exactly a number that’s going to woo over a carbon-conscious buyer. However, there’s been an ample amount of speculation over the past two years suggesting that Rolls-Royce is actively developing a rechargeable luxo-barge.

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Electric Vehicle - Getting more love

The electric vehicle is getting more attention by people now, which led to more people who would like to get an electric car. About 20% even according to this study from IBM. 

This is good news if you're a car maker that has just spend a lot on an EV program like Nissan, Tesla and GM. The study also shows thay a lot of people are just finding out about these cars.

Ibm Study Shows Strong Consumer Interest In Electric Cars - The Business Blotter - Portfolio.com
http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/the-business-blotter/2011/01/11/ibm-study-shows-strong-consumer-interest-in-electric-cars?ana=e_pft

The study by IBM’s Institute for Business Value shows a huge slice of potential consumers, 19.9 percent, would be somewhat or very likely to buy an all-electric car.

(via Instapaper)

A nice positive message to leave you for the weekend, have a good one!

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Hybrid Vehicle - Toyota Prius Pickup

Wanting to get the best of both worlds is often asociated with a hybrid vehicle, good fuel efficiency, no polution in urban areas and a fuel based engine for the long hauls.

Toyota is considering the best of both worlds in another way, by combining the fuel efficiency of their Prius with the ever popular pickup truck in the USA. It does not seem to be the obvious marriage, but it does make sense; a larger vehicle consumes more  fuel, so in total there is more to save by having a hybrid pickup.

Rumormill: Toyota considering Prius pickup
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/rumormill-toyota-considering-prius-pickup/

Think of the most aerodynamic passenger vehicle on the market. Now think of the least. In one corner you may have the Toyota Prius, with its wind-cheating, economy-boosting shape. In the other there’s a pickup truck, with its boxy shape that looks about as aerodynamically efficient as the broadside of a warehouse.

(via Instapaper)

Just curious when they will announce more on this.

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Article: Video: Audi’s Electrifying R8 e-Tron | Autopia | Wired.com

Some nice coverage by Wired on the new Audi E-Tron, the electric vehicle they are planning to launch in 2012. Some nice specs, a nice coat and a powerfull electric motor at each wheel will make a nice toy to drive around in. If only they'd decide on the sound they want to add for safety, though I also like the suggestion of looping Rammstein.

Check out the video from Wired on YouTube:

Video: Audi’s Electrifying R8 e-Tron | Autopia | Wired.com
http://m.wired.com/autopia/2011/01/video-audis-electrifying-e-tron/

But the car is pretty much finalized except for one detail: Like all electrics, it’s practically silent, and the engineers have yet to decide on an “appropriate noise profile.” We recommended installing some speakers behind the wheels and blasting Rammstein on a loop.

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Article: Ford Unveils New All-Electric Focus | The Daily How Tos

Ford has shown the world its version of the electric vehicle with their new all electric Focus. It was announced with a nice flair of theatre and opens up more options for the future EV buyers out there. Keep them coming!

Ford Unveils New All-Electric Focus | The Daily How Tos
http://www.thedailyhowtos.com/2011/01/ford-unveils-new-all-electric-focus.html

“The future has arrived and you are the first to witness it.” Everyone cheered as a fake garage door ascended and a gleaming electric Focus pulled out of the mock-garage (complete with mulch, shovel and sled). Ford posed by the lit-up circle where a driver might ordinarily pump his gas. But of course, this car had instead a long cord connecting the car’s electric battery to a small charging station.

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Elektrische Auto - Inductieladen – GM maakt voortgang

Je elektrische auto draadloos opladen lijkt nog iets van een goede SF film, maar het is al mogelijk. In dit artikel van The New Motion is te lezen hoe GM kennisen ervaring op gaat doen met deze technologie. Gemak dient de mens, dus deze technologie gaat hetnog ver schoppen!

Over inductieladen – GM maakt voortgang
http://www.thenewmotion.com/2011/01/over-inductieladen-gm-maakt-voortgang/

Chevrolet kondigt vandaag aan dat ze een aandeel genomen hebben in een bedrijf genaamd Powermat. Ze gaan er samen als eerste voor zorgen dat je in de auto van General Motors (waaronder bijvoorbeeld de Volt) je telefoon, laptop en MP3-speler draadloos kan opladen.

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Rij veilig, rij duurzaam

Article: Five Tips to Save Money on Your Home Electric Car Charge Point - All Cars Electric

Great advice if you have recently purchased an electric vehicle or having plans to do so. You probably want a charger with that as well at home, but not have to wait for too long as on the standard American power levels. Go get a charger, but look at whay is available instead of going with the standard version from your car dealer; chances are you can save a lot of money doing so.

Five Tips to Save Money on Your Home Electric Car Charge Point - All Cars Electric
http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/1052979_five-tips-to-save-money-on-your-home-electric-car-charge-point

Of course, it is technically possible to charge an electric car from a standard 110V domestic outlet in your garage. However, specially designed Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) can reduce your electric car recharge time and improves the home charging experience.  

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable

Electric Vehicle - VW & Audi in dispute over EV strategy

There is news on an argument between Audi and Volkswagen on how to go about with their <a href="http://www.myhev.com">electric vehicle</a> program. It is said Audi wants to go their own way, without Volkswagen. 

If the only motivation would be so they can use the Wankel motor in their E-Tron, I think they'd better go for an alternative power source. The theme in most businesses is to align for partnerships and co-create, not split up and fight. We'll see how this story goes.

Check out an Audi E-Tron video on YouTube:

VW & Audi in dispute over Electric Vehicle strategy
http://electric-vehicles-cars-bikes.blogspot.com/2011/01/vw-audi-in-dispute-over-electric.html

Details are sketchy, but the Financial Times Deutschland is reporting Audi wants to develop electric vehicles independently of Volkswagen. This hasn't made the parent company happy as sources have indicated VW has "frowned upon" Audi's "anarchist project."

(via Instapaper)

- <a href="http://nl.linkedin.com/in/rreineman">Roelof</a>

Drive safe, <a href="http://www.myhev.com">drive sustainable</a>

Electric Vehicle - BMW Carbon Fiber Electric Cars

BMW is going for a less common route to improve the performance of their <a href="http://www.myhev.com/electric-vehicle/electric-vehicle-–-maximising-range-by-design">electric vehicle</a>. They have plans to utilise carbon fiber and aim to reduce production costs significantly.

BMW Carbon Fiber Electric Cars
http://www.taranfx.com/bmw-carbon-fiber-electric-cars

BMW is alone in pursuing the concept — the boldest idea currently under development in the automobile world, and one which is an economic riddle for the competition.

(via Instapaper)

- Roelof

Drive safe, drive sustainable