Plug-In Hybrid Development Consortium

GM road-tests batteries for Volt electric car

David West — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:02:00 +0000

The lithium-ion batteries to be used in General Motors' Chevrolet Volt electric car will soon be installed and tested in specially-equipped versions of the Chevrolet Malibu, the company said.

This will allow the automaker to test the batteries in actual driving situations, the company said during a media event in the Detroit suburb of Warren. Read Aritcle

Tecstar and Raser Sign Agreement Leading to Manufacture of 100 mpg Plug-In Hybrid Fleet Vehicles

David West — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:55:00 +0000

PROVO, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)----Raser Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Arca: RZ) announced today that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Tecstar, LP and Wheel to Wheel, LLC, outlining their intent to work together with Raser to manufacture plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) for utility, government, and other fleets.

Tecstar is one of the nation's leading second stage manufacturers and has been working with leading automakers to modify production line vehicles under warranty for OEM sales. Wheel to Wheel, LLC is a sister company to Tecstar and provides engineering development and prototyping support. Raser plans to have Tecstar convert popular SUV and light truck vehicles to 100 mpg plug-in series hybrid vehicles with 40 mile all electric range using Raser's proprietary Symetron(TM) electric powertrain technology and integrated series hybrid drive system to fulfill soft orders by utility, government and other green fleets. read article

PG&E Signs Agreement to Purchase Plug-In Hybrid SUVs from Raser Technologies

David West — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:10:00 +0000

Utility to Expand Green Fleet With Plug-in Hybrid Electric Sports Utility Vehicles Designed to Achieve Over 100 Miles per Gallon

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7- Pacific Gas and Electric Company today announced it has entered into an agreement with Raser Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Arca: RZ) for the purchase and demonstration of plug-in series hybrid electric sport utility vehicles (SUV). The vehicles are designed to achieve over 100 miles per gallon (mpg) in typical daily driving, while operating in near zero emission mode.

Initially, PG&E will purchase two plug-in hybrid SUVs from Raser for demonstration and testing, with the goal to integrate additional PHEVs into its fleet in the future. The PHEVs are expected to cut operational fuel costs up to 75 percent by driving in all-electric mode during typical daily fleet routes of up to 40 miles. When driving beyond the 40-mile battery electric range, the PHEVs may continue up to 400 miles by generating their own electricity. The fleet PHEVs are also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to nearly zero during local daily driving. PG&E plans to plug in the vehicles at night, when energy demand is lowest, to maximize emission reductions and fuel savings for daily routes. Subsequent versions are expected to provide emergency mobile power from the vehicles onboard 100 kW generator to assist in power outages or provide mobile power for work and repairs. Read Article

Raser Signs Agreement with Leading Global Automaker to Build 100 mpg SUV Plug-in Hybrid with Integration from FEV

David West — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:52:00 +0000

Raser Technologies, Inc. has signed an agreement with a global automotive manufacturer in its effort to produce a plug-in-hybrid electric demonstration vehicle incorporating Symetron electric motor and electronic drive technology.

Raser also announced previously that it teamed with FEV Engine Technology, Inc. as the integrator for this plug-in-hybrid vehicle project. (Earlier post.) The vehicle is targeted to achieve more than 100 mpg for the typical American driver with improved acceleration while dramatically reducing harmful exhaust emissions.

FEV has previously supported this undisclosed OEM as an engine, powertrain and vehicle developer, and system integrator. FEV works with OEMs worldwide to develop new powertrain and vehicle integration designs into prototypes that can be integrated into OEM production vehicles.
Read Article

Ford delivers first plug-in hybrid to California South Edison

David West — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 18:30:00 +0000

Ford announced that a Ford Escape plug-in hybrid, able to reach 120 mpg (yes, that's what they say) has already been delivered to utility company California South Edison as "part of unique partnership to advance commercialization of PHEVs." It's the first of a series of 20 vehicles which will conduct a long-term road test. Read article

Maxwell Technologies and Tianjin Lishen Batteries to Develop and Market Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESS) Combining Ultracaps and Li-ion Batteries

David West — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:13:00 +0000

Maxwell Technologies, Inc. and Tianjin Lishen Battery Joint-Stock Co., Ltd., (Lishen), China’s leading producer of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, have formed an alliance through which they plan to manufacture and market novel hybrid energy storage system (HESS) products combining the companies’ respective ultracapacitor and li-ion battery technologies.The companies have identified a number of initial target applications for the new products that leverage the complementary power-dense and energy-dense strengths respectively of double layer capacitor and li-ion battery technologies, ranging from quick-charge cordless tools to electric vehicles, and anticipate production and delivery of initial product samples in early 2008.
Read Article

Raser Teams with Leading Automotive Integrator to Develop a PHEV Using Symetron Technology

David West — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:23:00 +0000

More Than 100 Miles Per Gallon Targeted.

Raser Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Arca: RZ) announced today that it has signed an agreement appointing FEV Engine Technology, Inc., one of the world’s leading developers of advanced powertrain and vehicle technologies, as the integrator for an advanced plug-in-hybrid electric demonstration vehicle, incorporating Symetron™ electric motor and power electronic drive powertrain technology. The vehicle is targeted to achieve more than 100 mpg for the typical American driver while dramatically reducing harmful fuel emissions. Read Article

Is California driving toward gas at $4 a gallon?

David West — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:19:00 +0000

SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS. As the price of crude oil marches toward the once unthinkable level of $100 a barrel, California drivers find themselves paying more than they ever have for a fill-up during the month of November - typically the cheapest time of the year.

The South Bay average hit $3.39 a gallon Wednesday, more than a buck higher than last November and almost double the $1.70 a gallon motorists paid this month four years ago. The cost of a fill-up has jumped 49 cents a gallon in the past nine weeks. Where will it stop? Read Article

GM will beat Toyota to market by 1 year on lithium-ion batteries

David West — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:05:00 +0000

Sept 10, 2007 Wall street Journal. Bob Lutz said that GM will beat Toyota to market with lithium-ion batteries by several months, maybe even a year! Toyota is having problems with their battery over heating, and Bob says "we are 100% confident we won't have heat issues" with their batteries. Oh, smack! I can't wait to hear what Toyota has to say about that one.

However, Bob adds, "Toyota will get this technology, too. ... Everybody will. ... If this stuff is going to work, everybody's going to have it." Couldn't get an exclusive contract, Bob? Anyway, Toyota has tried to downplay being the loser in the lithium-ion battery technology race. The delay of the lithium-ion Prius did not help Toyota's case for being battery technology leaders. Toyota senior vice president Don Esmond bet $100 that they will have the first lithium-ion vehicle on the market. Wow, times sure do change fast.
Read full Article

GM Plans Family of Electric Vehicles Beyond Chevy Volt

David West — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:55:00 +0000

September 12, 2007; Page A3 Wall street Journal
GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz said yesterday that the company hopes to launch a family of electric vehicles that would share many parts with GM's mainstream models. GM still needs suppliers to develop the batteries required for electric vehicles, and it isn't yet certain the suppliers will come through. GM already is mapping out plans to produce a wide range of electric models beyond the Chevrolet Volt, which it has vowed to launch in three years or so.

Interview on CBS Morning Show
Read Full Article in Wall Street Journal

GM Picks A123 To Develop Electric Car Batteries

David West — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:59:00 +0000

(Dow Jones) GM said Thursday it has an agreement with battery developer A123 Systems to create a battery cell for the auto maker's planned Chevrolet Volt electric car, a move that could help the auto maker win a global hybrid-electric vehicle race that currently is dominated by Toyota Motor Corp. (TM).

During a speech, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said A123 will be a key supplier for GM's E-Flex system, which essentially is the propulsion designed to power the Volt and other electric cars the auto maker hopes to make. E-Flex uses an electric motor to drive a vehicle, backed up by a more traditional engine for when battery power is not adequate. Read Full Article

Consortium Member A123 to Supply Li Ion Batteries for Volt

David West — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 21:33:00 +0000

GM awards two contracts to supply Lithium Ion batteries for the new Chevy Volt. One contract goes to A123 Systems partnered with Continental Automotive Systems and the other to Compact Power Inc (CPI). The two companies are acting as the battery systems integrators for this program. Continental will be using lithium ion cells provided by A123 Systems while Compact Power is using LG Chem cells. CPI is the North American subsidiary of South Korea’s LG Chem. During the course of the one year contracts the two integrators will supplying complete energy storage systems including thermal and charge management for the production development of vehicles based on the new E-Flex platform that is the basis of the Volt. Read Article

New York Taxis Going Hybrid

David West — Wed, 23 May 2007 13:07:00 +0000

New York City's fleet of yellow cabs will be entirely hybrid within five years, and all of its vehicles for hire will be required to meet new emissions and mileage standards by next year, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced today.
Today, there are just 375 fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles among the 13,000 taxis rolling on city streets. That number will increase to 1,000 by October 2008 and will grow by about 20 percent each year until 2012, when every yellow cab will be a hybrid.
Read article

Chevrolet Volt production model coming in 2010

David West — Wed, 09 May 2007 23:30:00 +0000

GM has set the target date for the production of an all-electric plug-in hybrid car for 2010, said Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman,GM yesterday at the Geneva Motor Show. It was reported in early February that GM will get some help from it’s European division, Opel, to help build a production version of the Chevrolet Volt.

Lutz stated one of the major obstacles faceing the production of the Chevrolet Volt was whether lithium-ion batteries can be developed to power it. But now he’s saying that working production version of the Volt concept will be ready by the end of 2007.
Source: Reuters [tags]Cars, Car, Auto, Automobile, Vehicles, Technology, Auto News, News, GM, Chevrolet, hybrid

EPA Approves California's Zero Emissions Vehicle Program Setting Stage for Plug-Ins

David West — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 02:42:00 +0000

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allowed California's Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) regulations to take effect by approving a waiver in late December. Under the Clean Air Act, California is the only state allowed to set regulations for automobile emissions that are more restrictive than federal law, but other states are allowed to adopt the California regulations. Those vehicles will be powered by fuel cells or batteries, but the ZEV regulations also emphasize near-zero-emissions technologies, including hybrid electric vehicles and Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (PZEVs). See Article. Read CARB Press Release

GM Pledges Commitment to Energy Diversity with E-Flex Family

David West — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 02:03:00 +0000

According to General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, the company's multi-tiered energy diversity strategy includes accelerated development of electrically driven vehicles, intensified efforts to replace petroleum-based fuels, and enchanced efficiency of gasoline and diesel powertrains. Download Article ->GM_eFlex.pdf

Chevy Volt Plug-in Featured on NPR's Science Friday with Ira Flatow

David West — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 17:55:00 +0000

GM's environmentally-friendly concept cars, including the Chevy Volt--a plug-in concept car that runs on electricity and gas or a gas/ethanol blend
Listen to Radio Story

Commute to Work All Week without a Drop of Gas with Chevy Volt "Plug-In"

David West — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:39:00 +0000

Introducing a new kind of electric vehicle — Chevy Volt (a plug-in concept car). It’s unlike any previous EV (electric vehicle) or hybrid vehicle, thanks to its innovative rechargeable electric drive system and range-extending onboard generator. It can be configured to run on electricity, gasoline, E85 or biodiesel.
Read More

NPR : Will Green Cars Make It to the Street?

Benson — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:04:00 +0000

NPR's Talk of the Nation , January 12, 2007. "This week at the annual cavalcade of cars that is the North American Auto show in the motor city, there were also some green options, including a new electric concept car from GM called the Volt. Bill Moore, editor and publisher of EVWOrld.com, a publication focusing on electric vehicle technology, talks about the viability of the newest electric autos."

GM Aims to Debut a "Volt Style" Car by 2010

David West — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:45:00 +0000

General Motors Corp. hopes to begin producing an all-electric car by 2010 that uses technology unveiled in January in its Chevrolet Volt concept car. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz gives the project a 90% chance of actually happening. But he joins other OEMs in cautioning that success and timing will hinge upon the development of low-cost lithium-ion batteries.
The Volt runs on electricity stored in batteries that could be recharged by an onboard engine-generator, fuel cell or by being plugged into the nation’s power grid.
Source: AutoBeat 3/07/07

Consortium Member A123 Featured in NY Times Article-New Batteries for PHEVs

David West — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:44:00 +0000

A123Systems, a start-up in Watertown, Mass., says it has created a powerful, safe, long-lived battery. If the cell fulfills the ambitions of its maker, that softer sound will be the future of automobiles. read the article in the NY Times .

Consortium Members Awarded PHEV Conversion Contracts

David West — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 22:29:00 +0000

District directors Friday awarded contracts to Quantum Technologies Inc. of Irvine and Hymotion of Toronto, Canada, to prepare a plug-in test fleet.

Quantum, which also develops hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles and hydrogen storage systems, received $2 million to buy and convert 20 of Ford Motor Co.'s Escape gasoline-electric hybrid SUVs. The Escapes will use batteries from Advanced Lithium Power Inc., a Vancouver, Canada, company in which Quantum is a 20% stakeholder. see article

Chevy's Volt Creates Big Buzz at Auto Show

David West — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 18:57:00 +0000

The big hybrid buzz from this year's Detroit Auto Show was the Chevy Volt, a series hybrid concept from General Motors. The Volt concept promises all-electric, gas-free driving for 40 miles, extended driving range up to 600 mile, and use of a so-called "eflex" system to allow a full range of fuel sources, including gasoline, hydrogen, and biofuels. The Volt would put much greater emphasis on the electric part of the gas-electric combination than today's hybrid offerings.

The Chevy Volt concept announcement, like GM's recent announcement about producing a plug-in hybrid version of the Saturn Vue Green Line, is earning praise from environmentalists and advocates of electric cars and plug-in hybrids. But some, such as Walter McManus of the University of Michigan, see subterfuge.

I ran into Bob Lutz, GM’s product guru, and asked him about the key questions regarding the Volt. “I think we can get the batteries relatively soon that will demonstrate the proof of concept to where we can put people in the car and demonstrate it to the press and make it do all the things we say it's going to do,” said Lutz.

Likelihood of delivering the Volt: "Let me put it this way, we would not be doing this, if we weren't confident that it could be done." -read full article at HybridCars.com

A123 Energizes President Bush with Li-Ion Batteries

David West — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 23:28:00 +0000

WASHINGTON -- President Bush peered under the hood of an all-electric sport utility truck parked at the White House Friday to stress that his goal of reducing gasoline use by 20 percent over the next decade is realistic.

"I firmly believe that the goal I laid out _ that Americans will use 20 percent less gasoline over the next 10 years _ is going to be achieved, and here's living proof of how we're going to get there," Bush said on the South Lawn after examining the SUV and a car that had a battery tucked in its trunk.

The hybrid car that Bush inspected had a high-power lithium-ion battery made by A123 Systems of Watertown, Mass. It can power the car for about 40 miles and recharge in five hours.
Read Full Article from Washington Post

Consortium Gives Advocacy Award to Japan TV Celebrity

Raser Technologies — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 22:01:00 +0000

Yokohama, Japan – Oct , 2006 – The Japan Automobile Research Institute, and the Electric Vehicle Symposium announced today, that Mr. & Mrs Dave Spector will attend the 22nd Electric Vehicle Symposium on October 25, 2006 to receive the Hybrid Consortium’s Hybrid Vehicle Advocacy Award at the opening reception.

Mr. Spector will also attend the Electric Vehicle Symposium’s Ride and Drive event to test drive one of the new hybrid electric cars at 16:30. Following his test drive, the Hybrid Consortium, in association with the Japan Automotive Research Institute (JARI) and the Electric Vehicle Symposium, will present Mr. And Mrs. Spector with the Hybrid Consortium’s Hybrid Vehicle Advocacy Award at the Symposium’s Opening Reception at 18:00.

The Hybrid Vehicle Advocacy Award is presented to outstanding individuals and organizations whose support has a positive impact on Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle development.

Read Press Release