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[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
New Turbo S E-Hybrid PHEV to be the flagship model in the Panamera line
February 24, 2017
Porsche is launching the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid plug-in hybrid as the flagship of a model line for the first time. The four-liter V8 engine from the Panamera Turbo is combined with an electric motor, resulting in 500 kW/680 hp of system power and outstanding power delivery—even when just above idle speed, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid—the second hybrid variant in the Panamera lineup—offers an 850 N·m (627 lb-ft) of torque. The new PHEV accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph).
The boost strategy of the all-wheel drive Panamera comes from the 918 Spyder super sportscar. (Earlier post.) In the New European Driving Cycle, the average fuel consumption is 2.9 l/100 km (81 mpg US), and the new flagship Panamera can drive on fully electric power for up to 50 kilometers. Porsche says that the new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid underlines the high importance of electromobility to the company.
Driving Hyundai's electrified Ioniq line-up; cost-effective efficiency and dynamics
February 21, 2017
Hyundai has begun the US roll-out of its Ioniq line-up of electrified vehicles: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric. (Earlier post.) The Ioniq Hybrid offers up to the highest fuel economy in the US (up to 58 mpg / 4.05 l/100 km) for a non-plug-in vehicle and the Ioniq Electric is the industry's most efficient EV (136 mpge / 25 kWh/100 miles).
In addition to efficiency and value, a key design goal for the Hyundai team was driveability: specifically, a fun-to-drive, "segment-appropriate" driving experience. During the media launch last week in Santa Barbara, California, Hyundai provided production versions of the hybrid and battery-electric vehicle, and a pre-production version of the plug-in hybrid. Based on relatively short drives in all three variants, we conclude that Hyundai nailed its goals. In addition to the fuel efficiency of the powertrains (described in this earlier post), the Ioniqs are quiet, comfortable, and appropriately dynamic—although not high-performance, all models are a pleasure to drive.
Hyundai begins rollout of Ioniq Hybrid, PHEV and EV; most efficient non-plug vehicle, most efficient EV in US; powertrain discussion
February 16, 2017
Hyundai has begun the US sales rollout of its Ioniq line of electrified vehicles, which come in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric variants. (Earlier post.) At a media preview in Santa Barbara this week, Hyundai executives said the the hybrid will be moving into showrooms shortly, the battery-electric version in April (in California initially), and the plus-in hybrid in Q4. The Ioniq Hybrid boasts the highest fuel economy in the US (up to 58 mpg) for a non-plug-in vehicle and the Ioniq Electric is the industry's most efficient EV (136 mpge).
All three variants were available for media drives this week (drive impressions embargoed until next Monday); the hybrid and EV versions were production cars, the plug-in was still characterized as "prototype." Nevertheless, technical executives and engineers from Korea and from the Hyundai-Kia America technical center in the US were on hand to provide market and technical background. Furthermore, two engineers from the US technical center gave presentations last week at the SAE 2017 Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Technologies Symposium in San Diego, discussing aspects of the hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, including some of the unique features and Hyundai "firsts" represented in the Ioniq.
Hyundai begins rollout of Ioniq Hybrid, PHEV and EV; most efficient non-plug vehicle, most efficient EV in US; powertrain discussion
Hyundai has begun the US sales rollout of its Ioniq line of electrified vehicles, which come in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric variants. (Earlier post.) At a media preview in Santa Barbara this week, Hyundai executives said the the hybrid will be moving into showrooms shortly, the battery-electric version in April (in California initially), and the plus-in hybrid in Q4. The Ioniq Hybrid boasts the highest fuel economy in the US (up to 58 mpg) for a non-plug-in vehicle and the Ioniq Electric is the industry's most efficient EV (136 mpge).
All three variants were available for media drives this week (drive impressions embargoed until next Monday); the hybrid and EV versions were production cars, the plug-in was still characterized as "prototype." Nevertheless, technical executives and engineers from Korea and from the Hyundai-Kia America technical center in the US were on hand to provide market and technical background. Furthermore, two engineers from the US technical center gave presentations last week at the SAE 2017 Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Technologies Symposium in San Diego, discussing aspects of the hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, including some of the unique features and Hyundai "firsts" represented in the Ioniq.
TÜV lifecycle analysis shows Mercedes-Benz E 350 e PHEV cuts GHG footprint 44% compared to E 350 CGI; equivalent NOx
February 15, 2017
The Mercedes-Benz E 350 e plug-in hybrid (earlier post) has successfully completed the TÜV validation audit and received the Environmental Certificate. This award is based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in which the independent experts at TÜV Süd (the German Technical Inspection Authority) comprehensively assess the environmental impact of the passenger car over its entire life cycle.
The Mercedes-Benz E 350 e is rated with an NEDC fuel consumption of 2.1 l/100 km (112 mpg US), and electric energy consumption (NEDC) of 11.5 kWh/100 km. The LCA found total CO2 emissions around 44% lower than the previous E 350 CGI model, which has comparable performance data and a conventional engine, during its life cycle (material manufacture, production, driving for 250,000 kilometers (155,000 miles) calculated with certified consumption figures and recycling) when the hybrid model is charged externally with the European energy mix.
Cumulative worldwide sales of Toyota hybrids surpass 10 million units; Europe outpaces N America in 2016
February 14, 2017
Cumulative worldwide sales of Toyota Motor Corporation hybrids reached 10.05 million units as of 31 January, scooting past the 10-million unit mark. Toyota said that this milestone demonstrates the staying power of a technology that is now emerging as a mainstream solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
Toyota launched the Coaster Hybrid EV in August 1997 and the Prius—the world's first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle―in December of the same year. This latest milestone of 10 million units was achieved just nine months after total sales reached 9 million units at the end of April 2016. Although hybrid sales in Japan have stalled, and have dropped in North America, Europe and other regions have been the growth engine.
Volvo Buses receives order for 90 electric hybrid buses and fast charging stations from Belgium
February 10, 2017
Volvo Buses has secured its largest order yet for complete solutions for electric bus traffic. The Belgian cities of Charleroi and Namur have together ordered 90 Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid buses as well as 12 charging stations. The buyer is public transport company TEC Group. The charging stations will be delivered by ABB.
The order from TEC Group covers 55 buses for Charleroi and another 35 buses for Namur. ABB will supply 4 charging stations to Charleroi and 8 charging stations for Namur. Delivery and installation will get under way this autumn. After the delivery, the TEC Group will have ordered in total 101 Volvo electric hybrids and 15 ABB charging stations.
Volvo Cars to introduce 3-cylinder FWD PHEV in 2018, BEVs & 48V mild hybrid in 2019; Modular Electrification Platform
February 09, 2017
Volvo Cars will introduce a front-wheel drive (FWD), 3-cylinder engine variant of its Twin Engine plug-in hybrid electric vehicle system in 2018, followed by its first production battery-electric vehicles and a new 48V mild hybrid system in 2019, according to Mats Anderson, Senior Director of Electric Propulsion Systems. Anderson was speaking at the SAE 2017 Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technologies Symposium in San Diego.
Currently in its line-up, Volvo offers the T8 Twin Engine all-wheel drive (AWD) system, currently on the XC 90 T8 Drive-E Twin Engine (earlier post). The 4-cylinder engine T8 AWD is intended to match the performance of 6- and 8-cylinder engined competitors, said Anderson. The new Twin Engine FWD platform will use a 3-cylinder engine, with the system matching the performance of 4- and 6-cylinder engined competitors.
Norwegian Electric Systems to provide hybrid electric systems for three new ferries; Odin's Eye DC grid system
Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) has signed a new contract with Havyard Ship Technology, Leirvik for the delivery of hybrid electric systems for three new ferries owned by Norway`s largest ferry company Fjord1. The ferries—with capacity for 50 cars and 199 persons—are designed by Multi Maritime. The first ferry is schedueled for delivery in May 2018.
All three ferries will be capable of all-electric operation with fast charging. Diesel engines, capable of pure biodiesel operation, will be installed as well, enabling hybrid and plug-in hybrid operation. The ferries have been designed with energy efficient hulls, equipment and systems.
New hybrid electric ferry launches in Taiwan with Visedo electric propulsion system
February 02, 2017
The Taiwanese harbor city of Kaohsiung has launched a new hybrid electric ferry. The Cijian Island passenger ferry is retrofitted with a Visedo electric propulsion system, replacing the original diesel engine. It heralds Asia's first hybrid electric ferry and, if successful, the Kaohsiung City Government plans to retrofit the rest of its diesel fleet to help reduce pollution levels around Taiwan's largest harbor.
Visedo OY, a leading Finnish manufacturer of electric drivetrains for marine vessels, commercial vehicles and heavy duty applications, worked alongside Taiwan's Ship and Ocean Industries R&D Center (SOIC) to complete the retrofit.
Torotrak shifting strategic focus in response to electrification trend; focus on KERS, away from V-Charge
January 31, 2017
UK-based Torotrak, a developer and supplier of emissions reduction and fuel efficiency technology for vehicles, is refocusing its strategy based on its understanding of how the priorities for many players in the European passenger car market—Torotrak's customers—have profoundly changed in recent months.
The Torotrak Group has three main product lines: Flybrid flywheel-based kinetic energy recovery (KERS); Torotrak variable drive transmissions for use in powertrains and auxiliary devices; and V-Charge, a supercharging product containing Torotrak variable drive technology. Torotrak has been in commercial discussions with passenger car Tier 1s and OEMs as they seek to understand the full capability of V-Charge—Torotrak's variable-drive mechanical supercharger that can enable ambitious engine downsizing (earlier post).
Report: Nissan to unveil new e-Power Juke concept at Tokyo show; 2nd application of new series-hybrid powertrain
January 30, 2017
Car and Driver reports that Nissan will unveil a Juke e-Power concept at the Tokyo auto show this fall. In November 2016, Nissan introduced the new series-hybrid e-Power drive system in the Note. Although e-Power borrows technology from the LEAF, unlike the all-battery-electric powertrain of the LEAF, e-POWER adds a small gasoline engine to charge the high-output battery when necessary, eliminating the need for an external charger while offering the same high output. (Earlier post.)
The non-plug-in e-POWER system features full electric-motor drive with the EM57 traction motor from the LEAF, which delivers a maximum 254 N·m. The power from a high-output battery is delivered to the e-POWER's compact powertrain comprising a gasoline engine, power generator, inverter, and a motor.
Mitsubishi Motors to supply 635 Outlander PHEVs to National Police of Ukraine
January 27, 2017
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced that through its local importer and distributor MMC Ukraine, MMC will supply the National Police of Ukraine with 635 units of the Outlander PHEV. These vehicles are to be delivered around July 2017.
The supply stems from an emissions trading agreement signed by a number of Japanese companies with the Government of Ukraine. As part of its policy to reduce CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions using the Green Investment Scheme under the Kyoto Protocol, the Ukrainian government will use the Outlander PHEVs as police vehicles.
Viking Grace LNG ferry to install rotor sail; first LNG/wind electric propulsion hybrid ship
January 26, 2017
Norsepower Oy Ltd., a provider of low- maintenance, software-operated, and data-verified auxiliary wind propulsion systems, signed an agreement with Finnish shipping company Viking Line to install its Rotor Sail Solution onboard the M/S Viking Grace, an LNG-fueled cruise ferry.
The 57,565 GT M/S Viking Grace currently operates in the archipelago between Turku (Finland) and Stockholm (Sweden), and is already one of the most environmentally-friendly cruise ferries in the global maritime industry. With the addition of Norsepower's technology, the vessel will further reduce its emissions, fuel burn and fuel costs; reducing carbon emissions by around 900 tonnes annually; equivalent to cutting 300 tonnes of LNG fuel per year.
Ford running 12-month trial of 20 plug-in hybrid Transit Custom vans in London
January 20, 2017
Ford is launching a multi-million pound project designed to help improve air quality in London. The project, supported by Transport for London, features a 12-month trial of 20 new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Transit Custom vans that reduce local emissions by running solely on electric power for the majority of city trips such as deliveries or maintenance work.
Ford plans to introduce a Transit Custom PHEV van on the market in 2019; the Transit Custom PHEV vans in the London trial are an advanced prototype design that allows them to be charged with mains electricity for zero-emission journeys, while featuring an efficient on-board combustion engine for extended range when longer trips are required. Ford is the first volume manufacturer to offer PHEV technology in this segment of the van market.
CARB releases Midterm Review of ZEV regulation, LEV III GHG and PM standards; calls for post-2025 standards
January 19, 2017
When the California Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted the Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) program in 2012 (earlier post), the agency committed to conduct a comprehensive midterm review of three elements of the program: the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) regulation; the 1 mg/mi particulate matter (PM) standard; and the light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas standards for 2022 and later model years. ARB has now released the Midterm Review of Advanced Clean Cars Program—an extensive evaluation of the California passenger vehicle market and technology.
The Review finds that the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards currently in place for model years 2022-2025 are readily feasible at or below the costs estimated back in 2012. The report also finds that ZEV technology has seen significant development that, in many cases, is beyond what was envisioned just four years ago. The report indicates that existing programs in California will add at least 1 million zero-emission vehicles on its roads and highways by 2025.
Efficient Drivetrains awarded bus fleet order for the City of Sheyang, China
Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI) Awarded Bus Fleet Order for the City of Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI) has received a major order for its EDI PowerDrive 6000 systems from the city of Sheyang in China. The company is supplying its drivetrain technology to Yaxing Motor Coach for integration into a fleet of city buses to be delivered in March of this year.
The company's EDI PowerDrive 6000 PHEV drivetrain system surpassed one million miles in a commercial fleet setting in late 2016. Utilized for a mass transportation application, EDI PowerDrive 6000, certified by the China government, delivered full OEM performance with more than 40% improvement in fuel economy and emissions reductions as the system was deployed in the field to perform standard bus routes in place of its conventional diesel fuel counterpart.
Hard parts supplier Rheinmetall Automotive expects electrification to account for more than half of sales in 2020
January 17, 2017
Global Tier 1 supplier Rheinmetall Automotive—formerly KSPG and Kolbenschmidt Pierburg—expects electrification to account for more than half of its sales in 2020. Rheinmetall Automotive AG is the management company of the Automotive sector of Germany's Rheinmetall Group. Sales amounted to around €2.6 billion (US$2.8 billion) in 2015, including around 16% from the companies located in NAFTA.
Rheinmetall Automotive is more known as a supplier of hard parts (e.g., pistons, blocks, cylinder heads, etc.) and mechatronics. However, said Horst Binnig, Rheinmetall Automotive CEO, "products with a cable" already constitute roughly 40% of the company's total sales.
UCR team's new evolutionary-algorithm-based EMS for PHEVs can deliver >30% fuel savings than conventional controls
January 11, 2017
Engineers at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) have developed a new online energy management system (EMS) based on an evolutionary algorithm for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) that they say can improve PHEV fuel efficiency by more than 30%. A paper describing the research was recently accepted for publication in the journal IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems.
PHEVs, which combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor and a large rechargeable battery, offer advantages over conventional hybrids because they can be charged using grid electricity, which reduces their need for fuel. However, improving the efficiency of current PHEVs is limited by shortfalls in their energy management systems (EMS), which control the power split between engine and battery when they switch from all-electric mode to hybrid mode.
Schaeffler Group sees e-mobility and digitalization as key opportunities
January 10, 2017
The Schaeffler Group, a global integrated automotive and industrial supplier, sees e-mobility, Industry 4.0 and digitalization as the key opportunities for the future, said CEO Klaus Rosenfeld at the company's press conference at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
Schaeffler is placing a strong emphasis on hybrid and electric drive technologies, ranging from P0 belt starter on up to full electric drive. Some of these technologies include P2 arrangements that place the electric motor between the internal combustion engine and the transmission, and electric axle architectures.
ARPA-E to award up to $20M in new CIRCUITS program for redesigned WBG power electronics
The Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) will award up to $20 million to projects under the new Creating Innovative and Reliable Circuits Using Inventive Topologies and Semi Conductors (CIRCUITS) program (DE-FOA-0001727). CIRCUITS seeks to accelerate the development and deployment of a new class of efficient, lightweight, and reliable power converters based on wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors through transformational system-level advances that enable effective operation at high switching frequency, high temperature, and low loss.
ARPA-E is also awarding up to $10M in a companion SBIR/STTR FOA for CIRCUITS (DE-FOA-0001736). The submission deadline for concept papers is 20 February 2017.
Honda to add new dedicated hybrid model with i-MMD in US in 2018; hybrid system to expand to light trucks
Honda will produce a new dedicated hybrid model in the US for nationwide in 2018, as part of the Honda Electrification Initiative, which will expand the company's portfolio of electrified vehicles. Honda set a global target for two-thirds of all sales to come from electrified models by 2030 and to halve its total company CO2 emissions from 2000 levels by 2050.
The new, dedicated hybrid vehicle will utilize Honda's second-generation two-motor hybrid system, which is currently deployed in the Accord Hybrid (earlier post). The new model will be produced at an existing plant in the United States. Additional details on the vehicle and its manufacturing will be announced closer to launch.
Eighth generation Toyota Camry makes its debut in Detroit
January 09, 2017
Toyota unveiled the eighth-generation Camry in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Sold in more than 100 countries, the Toyota Camry is the most popular mid-size sedan in the world and is the segment leader in many global markets where it is available. Introduced in Japan in 1982, the Camry was Toyota's first mass-produced vehicle with a transverse engine layout.
The new Gen8 Camry utilizes TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) which represents a completely new strategy to the way the company designs, engineers, and packages its vehicles. TNGA retains all of Toyota's traditional values of superlative build quality and safety while injecting a fun driving experience that plays on all the senses. The physical manifestation is the usage of a new engine, transmission and GA-K platform.
Audi unveils Q8 plug-in hybrid concept full-size SUV; production version in 2018
Audi presented the Audi Q8 concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2017. Combining the spaciousness of an SUV with the lines of a coupe, the Q8 concept features a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The concept full-size SUV is the basis for a production model that Audi will launch on the market in 2018; whether or not the first production version will be a plug-in hybrid has yet to be determined.
The Audi Q8 concept uses production technologies for the drive system and suspension. The combustion engine in the Q8 e-tron concept is a 3.0 TFSI producing 245 kW (333 hp) and a maximum of 500 N·m (368.8 lb-ft) of torque. The electric motor—100 kW of power and 330 N·m (243.4 lb-ft)—is integrated into the eight-speed tiptronic along with a decoupler. The complete system produces 330 kW and 700 N·m (516.3 lb-ft) of torque.
Ford adding hybrid F-150 & Mustang, PHEV Transit, new BEV SUV by 2020; $700M for Flat Rock for EV production; cancels $1.6B Mexico plant
January 03, 2017
Ford detailed seven of the 13 new global electrified vehicles it plans to introduce in the next five years, including hybrid versions of the iconic F-150 pickup and Mustang in the US, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Transit Custom van in Europe and a fully electric SUV with an expected range of at least 300 miles (483 km) for customers globally.
The automaker also announced plans to invest $700 million to expand its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan into a factory that will build high-tech autonomous and electric vehicles along with the Mustang and Lincoln Continental. The moves are part of a $4.5 billion investment in electrified vehicles by 2020.
ABB delivers OppCharge fast charger for electric hybrid buses to Bertrange, Luxembourg
December 21, 2016
ABB has inaugurated the first OppCharge fast-charging station for electric buses in Benelux, in the commuter belt town of Bertrange, Luxembourg. The fast charger, with associated electrical systems, is based on OppCharge, an open interface for DC electric bus charging using pole-mounted pantographs, as opposed to putting the pantograph on the vehicle's roof. (The vehicle-mounted OppCharge connector rails weight about 2kg, compared to the 70-200 kg with a roof-mounted pantograph.)
The project has been delivered with ABB fast charging infrastructure and substation to the local authority MDDI Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure; with the support of the national road administration of Luxembourg (Administration des Ponts et Chausseés). Bus operator Sales-Lentz will use the charger to recharge electric hybrid buses from Volvo.
Schaeffler acquires motor manufacturer Compact Dynamics; power electronics agreement with SEMIKRON
December 20, 2016
Automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler finalized a purchase contract with SEMIKRON International GmbH for the acquisition of 51% of the shares of Compact Dynamics GmbH, a manufacturer of high-performance electric motors.
At the same time, Schaeffler and SEMIKRON have agreed a cooperation for the development of power electronics systems and the integration of power electronics components. With this acquisition and cooperation, Schaeffler is expanding its expertise in electric motors and power electronics for the development and production of electric drives.
FCA delivers 100 uniquely built Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs to Waymo for autonomous driving test fleet
December 19, 2016
Waymo (formerly the Google self-driving car project, earlier post) and FCA announced that production of 100 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans (earlier post) uniquely built to enable fully self-driving operations has been completed.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles are currently being outfitted with Waymo's fully self-driving technology, including a purpose-built computer and a suite of sensors, telematics and other systems, and will join Waymo's self-driving test fleet in early 2017. Waymo and FCA also revealed today the first images of the fully self-driving Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicle.
BMW to introduce BMW 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid at Detroit show
December 18, 2016
BMW will stage the world premiere of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and the US premiere of the BMW Concept X2 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January in Detroit. Also part of the line-up at the BMW stand will be the new BMW 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid, the BMW M550i xDrive, and the BMW 6 Series model range. BMW ConnectedDrive will be showcasing a selection of new services.
The BMW 530e iPerformance offers the full breadth of BMW 5 Series Advanced Driver Assistance systems and the latest technology introduced with the new 5 Series, combined with eDrive plug-in hybrid powertrain technology. In the US, the BMW 530e iPerformance is the fourth member of a growing portfolio of iPerformance (PHEV) models already available at US dealers. (Globally, there are six, with two additional models in China). The 2018 BMW 5 Series iPerformance will be available at US dealers in spring 2017. Pricing will be announced closer to market launch.
Continental producing 48V hybrid drives at Nuremberg plant; in use in Renault diesels by end of year
December 16, 2016
Continental's new 48V hybrid drives are making their first appearance in series production vehicles. (Earlier post.) Manufactured at Continental's Nuremberg plant, these first series-production 48V hybrid drives will be applied in "Hybrid Assist" diesel variants of both the new Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic models from the end of this year.
Just three years after the start of the project, the Nuremberg location developed a modular manufacturing concept that it uses to manufacture efficiently and in line with the cost structures of the volume market. To do so, the supplier invested around €15 million (US$15.7 million) in new production equipment. Using the currently installed equipment, up to 200,000 vehicles can be furnished with 48-volt drives.
XL Hybrids expanding product line-up with new plug-in hybrid system for pick-ups; product launch in Q4 2017
December 15, 2016
XL Hybrids is introducing a new product line, the XLP plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) upfit solution. The XLP will be an industry-first fleet-ready solution offered as a ship-thru upfit on half-ton pickup trucks from leading OEMs, and is targeted to provide a 50% improvement in miles driven per gallon for major fleets across the United States, as well as significant reductions in CO2 emissions. XLP ship-thru deliveries to fleet customers will begin in the fourth quarter of 2017, said Clay Siegert, XL Hybrids' co-founder and chief operating officer.
Utility and municipal fleets including San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Liberty Utilities, Hawaiian Electric Company and Montgomery County Maryland, which is headed by a recent public sector fleet manager of the year William Griffiths, are among the North American customers that intend to purchase the XLP PHEV system for use in their pickup fleets. SDG&E, as one example, signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase up to 110 of the plug-in electric hybrid truck systems between 2017 and 2020 to upgrade SDG&E's fleet vehicles.
Oerlikon Graziano unveils new EV transmission, modular FWD hybrid transmission concept
December 10, 2016
Oerlikon Drive Systems Segment's transmission specialist brand, Oerlikon Graziano, introduced a new EV transmission and the concept of a new modular front-wheel drive hybrid transmission at the 2016 CTI Symposium and Transmission Expo in Berlin this past week.
The new entry in the electric vehicle range of products of Oerlikon Graziano is a single-speed transmission for a battery electric vehicle designed for a maximum input torque of 270 N·m (199 lb-ft) and max input speed of 14000 rpm. A new lubrication concept guarantees maximum flexibility in term of installation angle to allow the highest level of compatibility with different vehicle layouts. The transmission features a compact design (150 mm (5.91 inches) center distance input shaft) focused on weight optimization.
Honeywell Transportation Systems Forecast: turbocharged vehicles to account for 48% of annual global sales by 2021; electric boosting emerges
December 09, 2016
Honeywell's Transportation Systems Forecast projects that turbocharged vehicles will acount for 48% of annual global sales by 2021, up 9 percentage points from 2016. This annual sales estimate, combining both passenger and commercial vehicles, would add more than 232 million turbocharged vehicles globally between 2017 and 2021—an increase of 35% from today.
This year's forecast recognizes an industry trend for slightly bigger engine sizes in Europe and China as automakers adapt powertrain strategies to tackle updated emissions regulations developed for real-world driving conditions. In these regions, a typical powertrain is a three- or four-cylinder engine with a displacement size between 1.2 liters and 1.7 liters. By rightsizing engines with available technologies, automakers are able to continue applying the benefits of smaller turbocharged engines while fine-tuning powertrain systems to further optimize fuel economy, emissions and performance.
New Lexus LC 500h with Multi Stage Hybrid System
December 08, 2016
Following the world premiere of the V8-powered LC 500 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2016, Lexus introduced its hybrid variant, the new LC 500h. (Earlier post.) The LC is a new flagship 2+2 performance coupe for Lexus' global model range, and will go on sale in the US in Spring 2017.
The LC 500h is the first model to feature the new Multi Stage Hybrid system. (Earlier post.) Adding a multi stage shift device to the 3.5-liter V6 hybrid powertrain delivers greater torque, more usable power across a wider range of engine speeds and rhythmic, linear acceleration that gives the driver the sensation of working with a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Toyota unveils new TNGA-based engines and transmissions and improved hybrid systems; deployment begins in 2017
December 06, 2016
In Japan, Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled new advanced engines and transmissions and further evolved hybrid systems based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). Toyota intends to deploy these new powertrain units in a rapidly broadening range of vehicle models, starting in 2017. The new units will feature in 60% or more of vehicles sold annually in Japan, United States, Europe and China in 2021, reducing CO2 emissions in those markets by 15% or more.
Within the five years to the end of 2021, Toyota plans to introduce 17 versions of nine new engines; 10 versions of four transmissions, including multi-geared automatic transmissions and a new kind of continuously variable transmission; and 10 versions of six hybrid systems.
Toyota teams with 5 Japanese power companies on PHV Connected Power Service to encourage more electric driving in Prius PHV
December 05, 2016
Toyota Motor Corporation will partner with five Japanese power companies—Tohoku Electric Power Co., Ltd.; TEPCO Energy Partner, Inc.; Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.; Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.; and Shikoku Electric Power Company, Inc. to offer the new PHV Connected Power Service. This service will provide customers of the new Prius PHV with various benefits depending on the distance driven in EV-mode as well as the amount of home charging.
The service seeks to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles by encouraging customers who drive the new Prius PHV plug-in hybrid to use the car's all-electric mode for longer driving distances. This is part of Toyota's coordination with other industries using the mobility service platform—a core element of its connected strategy.
New ORNL hardware-in-the-loop capability to integrate advanced combustion, new fuels, and electrification pathways
December 02, 2016
A multi-disciplinary team of researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has developed a new testing capability which integrates a driver model, full vehicle model, and hardware to explore the synergies of advanced combustion, new fuels, and emerging hybrid vehicle architectures over real-world drive cycles. This new facility is focused on low temperature combustion engines but builds upon the powertrain-in-the-loop expertise established with the Vehicle Systems Integration Laboratory (VSI) at ORNL.
The transient advanced combustion laboratory is initially supporting research on the potential of low temperature combustion modes with new fuel and vehicle technologies. The hardware-in-the-loop setup includes a transient dynamometer cell (AVL 300 kW AC) with a low-temperature combustion (LTC) multi-cylinder engine instrumented for combustion and emissions analysis. The light-duty diesel engine used in these experiments (earlier post) was modified for dual-fuel use for port fuel injection of low-reactivity fuel (i.e. gasoline, ethanol etc.) and a high-reactivity fuel (i.e. diesel, biodiesel etc.).
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid PHEV minivan EPA-rated at 84 MPGe in electric-only mode; role of eFlite dual-motor/one-way clutch strategy
December 01, 2016
Exceeding its initial program targets, the plug-in 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (earlier post) has earned an electric-mode fuel economy rating of 84 miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). No other minivan has ever come close to this rating. (As examples of SUV/MPV-style electric vehicle fuel efficiency, the 2016 Tesla Model X AWD - 75D is EPA-rated at 93 MPGe combined city/highway; the Model X AWD - P90D is EPA-rated at 89 MPGe; and the 2016 BYD e6 compact MPV is EPA-rated at 72 MPGe. All figures from fueleconomy.gov.)
The new benchmark reflects the Pacifica Hybrid's combined city- and highway-cycle performance in electric-only mode, as tested by the EPA. FCA US had estimated the vehicle would achieve 80 MPGe, which represents the distance a vehicle can travel using a quantity of fuel with the same energy content as a gallon of gasoline.
GKN expands electric all-wheel drive program with BMW; eAxle for PHEV X1 in China
November 28, 2016
GKN Driveline is expanding its global electric axle (eAxle) drive partnership with the BMW Group, supplying eAxle technology for a plug-in hybrid version of the BMW X1 for the Chinese market. The system is part of the same scalable family of eAxles used in the plug-in hybrid BMW 2 Series Active Tourer 225xe (earlier post).
Early adopters of GKN's electric axle drive used the technology to create plug-in hybrid sports cars with electric all-wheel drive that enhanced performance and efficiency. Automakers are now equipping a new generation of compact vehicles with GKN electric drive technology.
Hyliion developing hybrid system for semi-trailers
November 27, 2016
Hyliion, a start-up founded by a group of graduate students at Carnegie Mellon, has developed an add-on hybrid system for semi-trailers. Combining regenerative braking and power boost for the trailer to reduce on-the-road fuel consumption, the system also functions as an auxiliary power unit to reduce engine-on idling. Their patent application describing the basics of the system was published earlier this month,
The Hyliion System—comprising motor, battery and control electronics—can power a truck cab for 20 hours, out-performing an industry standard, idle-free all-electric APU. Overall fuel savings are upwards of 30%, according the company.
ICCT: 2025 target average of 70 g/km CO2 for new cars in EU feasible and economical; more so with electric drive
November 22, 2016
A 2025 CO2 target of an average 70 g/km for new cars in the EU could be met with very little electrification and with an average payback period of less than 4 years, according to a new study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). However, transitioning soon to electric drive could lower manufacturers' compliance costs by as much as €500 (US$532) per vehicle in 2025.
Under current European Union regulations, average new car CO2 emissions must decrease from the present 120 grams per kilometer (g/km) to 95 g/km by 2021. Although no further reductions are presently mandated, new targets for 2025 and 2030 are under discussion in Brussels. In 2013 the European Parliament recommended an "indicative range" of 68–78 g/km for 2025, while holding out the possibility that even lower targets should be considered if justified.
IMI calls on UK Government to invest £30M in hybrid and electric vehicle training; affordability issue
November 21, 2016
In the UK, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is calling on the UK Government to make a £30-million (US$37-million) investment in specialist electric and hybrid vehicle training for thousands of maintenance and repair technicians in the independent retail sector. IMI asserts that the investment is crucial to support the public switch to ultra low emission vehicles (ULEV).
The IMI says the Government will need to spend a proportion of the £600 million (US$815 million) it has set aside to promote the uptake of low emission vehicles, on the technical skills infrastructure across the whole UK. It says the £40 million (US$49 million) already allocated to cities to meet air quality and emission targets, and the Chancellor's goal of every new car and van being ULEV by 2040 will not work in isolation.
CMU team details impact of regional and drive-cycle variations on degradation of a PHEV battery pack
November 20, 2016
A team at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) led by Dr. Jeremy Michalek has investigated the implications of regional and drive cycle variations on the degradation of a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) battery. Modeling a PHEV with an air-cooled battery pack comprising cylindrical LiFePO4/graphite cells, they simulated the effect of thermal management, driving conditions, regional climate, and vehicle system design on battery life.
In their paper, published in the Journal of Power Sources, they reported that in the absence of thermal management, aggressive driving can cut battery life by two-thirds; a blended gas/electric-operation control strategy can quadruple battery life relative to an all-electric control strategy; larger battery packs can extend life by an order of magnitude relative to small packs used for all-electric operation; and batteries last 73–94% longer in mild-weather San Francisco than in hot Phoenix.
2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid on sale in US in spring 2017; ~30-mile electric range
November 16, 2016
Cadillac will put the 2017 CT6 Plug-In Hybrid (earlier post) sedan on sale in the US in the spring of 2017, with a total driving range of more than 400 miles. All-electric range for the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid is an estimated 30 miles.
In a detailed presentation at SAE 2016 Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technologies earlier this year on the design of the RWD PHEV system for the CT6, Tim Grewe, GM's General Director of Electrification, called it a "Volt on steroids." (Earlier post.) The rear-wheel drive sedan will accelerate from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, and is expected to deliver a fuel economy rating of 65 MPGe.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid starts at US$41,995
November 15, 2016
The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivan (earlier post) lineup features two highly equipped models, starting at $41,995 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), not including destination. With the available $7,500 US federal tax credit, customers can get the Pacifica Hybrid is for as low as $34,495, not including any state or local incentives.
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only hybrid minivan in the US. It delivers an estimated 30 miles of all-electric range, 530 miles of total range and 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in city driving. It also offers many of the same features offered by the gasoline-powered Pacifica, including tri-pane panoramic sunroof, 10-inch seatback touchscreens, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, 360-degree Surround View camera, ventilated seats, rotary e-shifter, capless fuel filler, handsfree sliding doors and liftgate and KeySense programmable key fob.
NHTSA sets Quiet Car safety standard for new HEVs and EVs to protect pedestrians
The US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is adding a sound requirement for all newly manufactured hybrid and electric light-duty vehicles to help protect pedestrians. The new standard, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 141, responds to Congress' mandate in the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010 (PSEA) that hybrid and electric vehicles meet minimum sound requirements to provide an audible alert for blind and visually-impaired pedestrians.
The new federal safety standard will help pedestrians who are blind, have low vision, and other pedestrians detect the presence, direction and location of these vehicles when they are traveling at low speeds, which will help prevent about 2,400 pedestrian injuries each year once all hybrids in the fleet are properly equipped.
Audi FAW China JV to intro 5 locally produced e-tron models within 5 years; Audi also in discussion with SAIC
November 14, 2016
Audi has outlined a growth plan for its joint business with FAW Group in China for the next 10 years, establishing a base course for sustainable growth in the brand's largest global market.
Within the next five years, the joint venture, FAW-Volkswagen, will add five locally-produced Audi e-tron models to its China portfolio, including pure battery vehicles with a range of more than 500 kilometers. By 2025, Audi, with FAW-Volkswagen, will offer at least one locally-produced electrically powered SUV and sedan model in all volume segments and, with this, there will be an e-tron model in each of the six biggest segments.
Porsche introducing long wheelbase version of Panamera plug-in hybrid; new entry-level V6 turbo
November 12, 2016
At the Los Angeles Auto Show next week, Porsche will present a long wheelbase version of its new Panamera version, called the Panamera Executive. Designed as a chauffeur sedan, this Porsche is available in the all-wheel drive versions Panamera 4 Executive (243 kW / 330 hp); plug-in hybrid Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive (340 kW / 462 hp); Panamera 4S Executive (324 kW / 440 hp); and Panamera Turbo Executive (404 kW / 550 hp).
Porsche introduced the fully redeveloped second-generation of the Panamera in the summer of 2016. The four all-wheel drive models—Panamera 4S, Panamera 4S Diesel (310 kW / 422 hp), Panamera 4 E-Hybrid (earlier post) and Panamera Turbo—are already available on the market.
Wolfspeed wins 2016 R&D 100 Award for wide bandgap underhood inverter for HEVs/EVs
November 11, 2016
Wolfspeed, A Cree Company, a leading global supplier of silicon carbide (SiC) power products, won a 2016 R&D 100 Award for its high-temperature, wide-bandgap (WBG) underhood inverter for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Wolfspeed's high-temperature, WBG underhood inverter was developed in response to the need for smaller, lighter, and more efficient systems with higher power density in the electric vehicle market, and in collaboration with the Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA); the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL); the University of Arkansas National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission; and the Department of Energy Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO).
Dana introducing Spicer Electrified family of e-axles for hybrid, electric vehicles
November 09, 2016
Dana Incorporated introduced the Spicer Electrified family of fully integrated motor, control, and e-drive technologies that advance electric propulsion systems for light-duty, commercial, and off-highway vehicles.
Currently in production, the Spicer EV Drive for electric vans manages speed and torque from the e-motor to the wheels. Planned for launch in 2018, Dana's new e-axles for electric transit buses and city delivery vehicles feature a fully integrated motor and gear box and leverage the company's experience in chassis drivetrain applications.
SAE REX: PHEVs and REEVs could open door for advanced combustion regime engines
November 07, 2016
Increased market penetration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) across vehicle segments could present an opportunity for emerging advanced combustion regime engines, such as those using various low-temperature combustion modes, according to a number of presentations at the SAE 2016 Range Extenders for Electric Vehicles Symposium held last week in Knoxville.
The REEV or PHEV also may present opportunities for more novel power sources such as turbines (Wrightspeed), fuel cell stacks (Nissan) or aluminum-air batteries (Phinergy and Arconic), speakers suggested. The REX symposium was sponsored by Mahle; the organizers were from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Mahle.
MAN Diesel & Turbo wins first order for HyProp ECO hybrid propulsion system
November 05, 2016
MAN Diesel & Turbo has won the order for a complete propulsion package for a chemical tanker. As a world-first, the package features a full HyProp ECO system with PTO/PTH (Power Take Off/Power Take Home); HyProp ECO is a hybrid propulsion system.
The system will be employed aboard a 7,500-dwt stainless-steel chemical tanker ordered and operated by IÇDAŞ Çelik Enerji Tersane Ve Ulaşim Sanayi AŞ in Turkey. The propulsion package also features a MAN 6L32/44CR common-rail main engine, a MAN Alpha Kappel propeller and a MAN SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system capable of operating on MGO (marine gas oil), MDO (marine diesel oil) and HFO (heavy fuel oil). A delivery date for the newbuilding has been scheduled for September 2017.
BMW has sold more than 100,000 EVs and PHEVs worldwide over three years
November 03, 2016
The BMW Group has now delivered more than 100,000 purely electric-powered cars and plug-in hybrids to customers worldwide since the launch of BMW i in November 2013. The BMW i3 alone has reached a figure of more than 60,000 units, making it the most successful electric vehicle in the premium compact segment. More than 80% of BMW i3 customers worldwide are new to BMW.
The BMW i8 ranks first among electrified sports cars, with more than 10,000 delivered since the middle of 2014. (For comparison, Tesla sold approximately 2,400 units of the Roadster.) Additionally, there are the approximately 30,000 plug-in hybrids (BMW iPerformance) sold to date.
Cummins working on two medium- and heavy-duty PHEV projects; Class 6 truck, Class 7 and 8 buses
At the SAE 2016 Range Extenders for Electric Vehicles Symposium this week in Knoxville, Gary Parker, Director of Electromobility programs for Cummins, Inc. outlined two of the plug-in hybrid projects in which the engine manufacturer is currently involved.
The first project, in partnership with the Ohio State University, PACCAR, NREL and Argonne National Laboratory and funded with $4.5 million from the DOE, is to develop a Class 6 commercial plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that can reduce fuel consumption by at least 50% over conventional Class 6 vehicles. (Earlier post.)
Wrightspeed and the Ratto Group introduce range-extended electric refuse truck; 15 trucks over next 12 months
November 02, 2016
Wrightspeed, the leading manufacturer of range-extended electric vehicle (REV) powertrains for heavy-duty applications, and The Ratto Group, a Santa Rosa, California-based refuse, yard waste and recycling collection and processing company, unveiled the first commercial application of a range-extended electric refuse truck. Ratto and Wrightspeed will roll out 15 Route-equipped trucks—retrofits of trucks in Ratto's fleet—over the next 12 months to meet community needs.
With the support of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, communities in Sonoma and surrounding counties will be serviced by a fleet of clean, quiet trucks from The Ratto Group, powered by Wrightspeed's range-extended powertrain, The Route. (Earlier post.) Designed to deliver economic, environmental and performance benefits in both OEM-installed new vehicles and existing fleet retrofits, The Route is a scalable solution that has been recognized by The State of California for its ability to help meet progressive climate and air quality mandates. Wrightspeed was awarded $7 million in grants by the California Energy Commission to further develop the technology for broad-based adoption.
Nissan introduces series-hybrid powertrain with Note e-POWER in Japan; small pack, small engine, LEAF motor, low price
In Japan, Nissan Motor introduced its new series-hybrid drive system called e-POWER along with its application in the Note. This marks the first availability of e-POWER technology for consumers, marking a milestone in the electrification strategy under Nissan Intelligent Mobility.
e-POWER borrows from the EV technology in the Nissan LEAF. Unlike the all-battery-electric powertrain of the LEAF, e-POWER adds a small gasoline engine to charge the high-output battery when necessary, eliminating the need for an external charger while offering the same high-output. Nissan says that although e-POWER uses a much smaller battery than the LEAF (1.5 kWh vs 30 kWh), it delivers the same driving experience as a full EV.
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid on sale in June 2017
October 26, 2016
MINI has officially unveiled the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, the brand's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, as one of the three variants of the new MINI Countryman. (Earlier post.) All three of the new MINI Countryman variants will make their World Premiere at the Los Angeles International Auto Show at a press conference on 16 November.
Propulsion is shared between a 134 hp (100 kW) 3-cylinder gasoline engine and a 65 kW synchronous electric motor. Together they produce a system output of 221 hp (165 kW) with system torque of 385 N·m (284 lb-ft). Average fuel consumption on the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles is 112 mpg US, with CO2 emissions of 49 grams per kilometer; 0–62 mph time is 6.9 seconds.
Infineon launches next gen AURIX hexa-core microcontroller for automotive applications; 3x more performance than current
October 24, 2016
Infineon Technologies AG launched the next generation of its AURIX microcontroller family. The TC3xx microcontrollers offer the highest level of integration on the market and real-time performance that is three times higher than that available today.
With a high-performing hexa-core architecture and advanced features for connectivity, security and embedded safety, the AURIX family TC3xx is suited for a wide field of automotive applications. In addition to engine management and transmission control, powertrain applications include new systems in electrical and hybrid drives. Specifically hybrid domain control, inverter control, battery management, and DC-DC converters will benefit from the new architecture.
Continental puts first 48V hybrid assist system into production with Renault diesels
October 21, 2016
From the end of 2016, diesel variants of the Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic models will be equipped with Continental's 48-volt hybrid drive—the first application of the 48V "Hybrid Assist" in production vehicles.
The first production solution combines an efficient, water-cooled induction motor with an integrated inverter. The electric motor transmits power via a belt drive directly to the crankshaft of the combustion engine—an arrangement referred to as "P0 topology." Further production ramp-ups are soon to be set in motion on the basis of a modular system for 48-volt drives.
Geely launches Lynk & Co; a new electrified and connected global car brand
China-based automaker Geely has launched Lynk & Co—a new global car brand designed and engineered in Sweden; every model will feature an electrified powertrain.
First in the range will be the Lynk & Co 01—an SUV featuring full premium specifications and characteristics as standard. Full mobile connectivity will also be standard, working in partnership with Ericsson. (Each vehicle will be a Wi-Fi hub, with the cellular data plan included in the price.) Geely claims that the SUV will be the most connected car to date, built around an open API and inviting developers' creative ideas to enrich the automotive experience. (This open approach sounds similar to Volkswagen's open-platform approach it is taking with MEB for its electric vehicles. Earlier post.)
Toyota to produce hybrid transaxle and new gasoline engines in Poland; adjusting to shrinking diesel share in Europe
October 20, 2016
Toyota Motor Europe will start production of a hybrid transaxle in 2018 at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland (TMMP) in Walbrzych, and add two gasoline engines—a 1.5L in 2017 and a 2.0L in 2019—at Toyota Motor Industries, Poland (TMIP) in Jelcz-Laskowice. Combined, the new projects represent an additional investment of approximately €150 million (US$165 million), bringing the total investment to-date of Toyota's manufacturing operations in Poland to more than €950 million (US$1 billion) since operations started in 2002.
The hybrid transaxle to be produced at TMMP is a key part of Toyota's hybrid powertrain, and will be fitted with the 1.8L ZR engine. This hybrid engine equips all Toyota Auris and Auris Touring Sports Hybrid vehicles sold in Europe, and will equip the new crossover Toyota C-HR when it starts production at the end of this year.
MINI management previews coming plug-in hybrid model, the brand's first
October 17, 2016
Head of MINI brand management Sebastian Mackensen and Head of MINI series management Peter Wolf previewed the brand's coming first plug-in hybrid model; series development process for this car has almost been completed.
AUTO eDRIVE standard mode permits all-electric speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph), while in MAX eDRIVE mode, speeds of up to 125 km/h (78 mph). are possible. Said head of MINI brand management Sebastian Mackensen, this is a question of character: "In a hybrid MINI model, driving electrically must also be an exhilarating experience. This means that entirely electric driving is not limited to speeds of 30 or 40 km/h, but to speeds well beyond city traffic pace."
BMW plans hydrogen fuel cell offering "early in next decade"
October 13, 2016
Speaking on the future of powertrains at the Aachen Colloquium, Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG, Development, said that BMW will enter the fuel cell market early in the next decade, starting with very small production runs.
Fröhlich noted that at least until 2025 costs will remain too high and the hydrogen infrastructure too sparse to allow broad-based market penetration. However, he added, "by the time the fundamentals are in place, the BMW Group will also have marketable products ready that are attractive to customers."
BMW unveils Gen7 5 Series; more efficient gasoline and diesel units; plug-in hybrid 530e in 2017
BMW has unveiled the seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan, which will go on-sale in markets around the world in February 2017. The 5 Series has been a major hit for BMW, selling 7.6 million units since its first introduction in 1972. Further enhanced dynamics, assistance systems, connectivity and a new and innovative operating system are important new features in the latest generation, in addition to the new, more efficient powertrains.
The new 5 Series features TwinPower Turbo gasoline and diesel engines from the modular BMW EfficientDynamics family of power units. Two diesel engines and two gasoline variants will be available from launch, working in tandem with either rear-wheel drive or BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. In March 2017, a BMW 5 Series Sedan with plug-in hybrid drive system—the BMW 530e iPerformance—will join the line-up, offering extremely low CO2 emissions of just 46 g/km (2.0 l/100 km), based on the EU test cycle. System output is 185 kW/252 hp.
Maxwell Technologies unveils 51-Volt ultracapacitor module for hybrid buses
October 12, 2016
Maxwell Technologies, a leading developer and manufacturer of ultracapacitor-based energy storage and power delivery solutions, has introduced a 51-volt (51V) module, the newest addition to its ultracapacitor product offerings for rugged applications. The 51V module uses Maxwell's leading 2.85V, 3,400-farad (F) ultracapacitor cell to deliver the company's highest available energy and power density.
As durable and efficient energy storage solutions are in strong market demand, Maxwell's 51V module provides a self-cooling system solution that helps to optimize the performance of hybrid buses and other high-duty cycle applications.
UPS adding 200 more series hybrid delivery trucks
October 11, 2016
UPS will add 200 new series hybrid electric delivery trucks to the company's growing alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet. The vehicles have the same 650cc 2-cylinder engine and E-GEN chassis as the 125 vehicles UPS announced earlier this year. (Earlier post.)
Equipped with lithium ion batteries and a range-extender engine, these trucks will deliver significant fuel economy equivalency gains, approximately four times the fuel economy of a gasoline powered vehicle. A cloud-based, real time telematics performance monitoring system provides feedback for energy monitoring and route efficiency.
2017 Mercedes-Benz S550e PHEV will offer wireless charging system built using Qualcomm Halo inventions
With the facelift of the Mercedes-Benz S550e plug-in hybrid in 2017, Daimler AG plans to launch a wireless electric vehicle charging (WEVC) system, manufactured by a Tier 1 power electronics supplier, which has licensed Qualcomm Halo inventions. The commercial application of WEVC will be a first among hybrid vehicles. Drivers of the S550e (badged S500 in Europe) equipped with the wireless charging option will simply park atop a special pad and charging will begin.
Qualcomm Halo uses high-power, resonant magnetic inductive wireless energy transfer and supports a relatively wide air gap between base charging unit (BCU) and vehicle charging unit (VCU). The charging pad's multi-coil design ("Double "D" Quadrature") delivers high energy-transfer efficiency and high power even if the pads are misaligned. The high degree of tolerance in both the vertical (z) and lateral (x,y) planes means drivers do not have to park accurately or need complex and expensive on-board alignment systems.
CPT showcases full range of 48V systems at Aachen
October 10, 2016
Controlled Power Technologies (CPT) is showcasing its range of 48V systems at the Aachen Colloquium this week: its Cobra electric compressor, SpeedStart belt-integrated starter-generator, SpeedTorq drivetrain motor-generator, and TIGERS exhaust energy recovery system.
Two of the technologies feature in the ADEPT (advanced diesel-electric powertrain) demonstrator vehicle (in which program CPT was a consortium partner), which makes its first appearance in Germany following its debut at the recent Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle event in the UK. (Earlier post.)
Schaeffler presents high-performance 48V concept mild hybrid vehicle at Aachen
As part of the 25th Aachen Colloquium this week in Germany, Schaeffler is unveiling the "Schaeffler High Performance 48 Volt" concept vehicle. The 48V mild hybrid, based on an Audi TT, features an electric rear axle equipped with a 20 kW motor complementing the internal combustion engine which drives the front axle (P4 architecture). In the demonstrator vehicle, the engine is connected to a 48V belt-driven starter generator.
The Schaeffler electric axle produces a starting torque of up to 2,000 N·m. This provides purely electric driving up to 35 km/h (21.75 mph) as well as active sailing at speeds of more than 70 km/h (43.5 mph).
Prius Prime PHEV pricing to start at $27,100; on sale later this year
October 07, 2016
The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, unveiled at the 2016 New York International Auto Show in March (earlier post), features a larger 8.8 kWh battery pack for twice the electric range of its predecessor, as well as some enhancements to its powertrain, including a Toyota-first dual motor generator drive system. This uses both the electric motor and the generator for drive force, helping to boost acceleration performance.
The 2017 Prius Prime offers an EPA-estimated 133 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent)—a substantial 26% enhancement over its predecessor model, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, as a result of greater battery capacity and the improved hybrid system. The EPA-estimated all-electric range is up to 25 miles at up to 84 mph. In hybrid mode, the Prius Prime exceeds all competitors' fuel economy ratings with EPA-estimated 55 city/53 highway/54 combined MPG. Pricing starts at $27,100.
Valeo introduces new 48V e4Sport hybrid system; all-wheel drive
October 04, 2016
At the Paris Motor Show, Valeo introduced another 48V hybrid system, the 48V e4Sport. The new system, which can be applied across all vehicle segments, to both gasoline and diesel engine models, recovers a maximum amount of braking energy and stores it in a 48V battery for various uses, such as increasing engine torque, via the starter-generator, or maximizing engine power during acceleration and boost phases, using the electric supercharger.
The system also supports driving in all-electric mode and, when on low-grip surfaces, improving performance by connecting the rear axle to the 48V eRAD electric rear axle drive, effectively transforming the vehicle into a four-wheel drive.
Porsche launches new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid plug-in hybrid with new gen hybrid module; more e-range, better performance
October 01, 2016
Porsche unveiled the new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid plug-in hybrid (earlier post)—the fourth model in the Panamera line—at the Paris Motor Show. The vehicle generates some 340 kW (462 hp) of system power and delivers fuel consumption figures of 2.5 l/100 km (94 mpg US) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) for plug-in hybrid models, with up to 50 km (31 miles) all-electric range. That corresponds to CO2 emissions of 56 g/km. Energy consumption is 15.9 kWh/100 km.
Porsche views "hybrid" as being as synonymous with performance as with sustainability, pointing to the victory of the 919 Hybrid in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2015 and 2016. The same philosophy defines the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid; the new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid features a hybrid strategy based on the 918 Spyder (earlier post).
Toyota introduces C-HR hybrid at Paris
September 30, 2016
Toyota introduced the C-HR—or Coupe High-Rider—crossover at the Paris Motor Show. Fitted with the latest-generation hybrid power plant, the C-HR generates CO2 emissions as low as 82 g/km, with combined-cycle fuel consumption of only 3.5 l/100 km (67.2 mpg US).
Delivering 90 kW/122 DIN hp, this new hybrid powertrain is not only more efficient and lighter than the previous system, but also offers sharper performance. Detailed design changes to the gasoline engine have resulted in a thermal efficiency of 40%. Other hybrid system components have been made lighter and smaller, and have been repositioned for optimum packaging, further contributing to the car's low center of gravity.
UPS places 50 advanced hydraulic hybrids in its fleet in time for holiday rush
United Parcel Service, Inc., the world's largest package delivery company and a provider of supply chain management solutions, placed 50 Lightning Hybrids hydraulic hybrid delivery trucks in the Chicago metro area. The hybrid systems were partially funded by Drive Clean Chicago, a program that aims to accelerate the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure in Chicago.
The first of the hydraulic hybrid systems were commissioned last week. The hybrid systems are converting Freightliner MT-55s with gasoline engines into cleaner and more fuel efficient delivery trucks and will reduce harmful emissions in Chicago as soon as they are deployed.
Toyota Motor Europe hybrid sales up 45% year-to-date; targeting 50% hybrid take-rate by 2020
September 27, 2016
Toyota Motor Europe (TME) reported that sales of hybrids have increased 45% so far this year compared with the same period in 2015—which was already a record year. The company is tracking to sell close to 300,000 hybrids this year, said Karl Schlicht, Executive Vice President of TME.
31% of Toyota Motor Europe's customers have opted for a hybrid powertrain in 2016; 41% in Western Europe alone. Toyota's target is to reach 50% of its European sales with hybrid vehicles by 2020, with a hybrid version in every major market segment.
Rolls-Royce MTU introduces new hybrid power pack for rail systems; up to 25% fuel savings
September 26, 2016
At Innotrans in Berlin, Rolls-Royce Power Systems' MTU brand introduced the new MTU EnergyPack battery system for rail as a product that is now available for ordering. The Hybrid PowerPack is a market-ready advanced development based on a test version that has demonstrated its reliability in an intensive test program consisting, among other things, of test runs covering no less than 15,000 km.
The Hybrid PowerPack combines a diesel engine with an electric machine, which can be used either as an electric motor or generator, and the MTU EnergyPack battery system, which stores the energy recovered during braking. The battery system has been significantly improved by MTU engineers since the completion of the trials with the hybrid test vehicle.
Silicon Mobility introduces OLEA T222 for hybrid and electric powertrain control
September 19, 2016
France-based semiconductor fabless company Silicon Mobility has introduced OLEA T222, its new solution dedicated for hybrid and electric powertrain control. OLEA T222 is a new member of the OLEA family, the first automotive microcontrollers with embedded, robust and secured programmable logic.
Silicon Mobility says that OLEA T222's flexibility, hard-real time parallel processing and safe architecture makes it suited to control all flavors of hybridization—micro-, mild- or full-, including Integrated Belt Starter Generator (i-BSG); Crankshaft Motor driven Generator (CMG); Gearbox Motor driven Generator (GMG); in-wheel Motor or in-axle Motor; DC/DC converter; as well as full electric powertrains.
Delta Motorsport introduces Micro Turbine Range Extender
At the LCV 2016 event in the UK last week, Delta Motorsport unveiled a new low-cost micro-turbine applied as a range-extended in an electric car. The company developed the E-4 Coupe extended-range electric electric vehicle in a £3.1-million (US$4-million) collaborative R&D project. The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and Innovate UK co-funded the project.
The new system, dubbed MiTRE (Micro Turbine Range Extender), is specifically designed for use as a range extender for electric vehicles. Delta has produced two complete MiTRE prototype systems with 17 kW power output; one is fitted into the E-4 Coupe for further development.
NC State team develops new SiC inverter; 12.1 kW/L & greater efficiency in a smaller, lighter package
September 15, 2016
Researchers at the Future Renewable Electric Energy Distribution and Management (FREEDM) Systems Center at North Carolina State University have developed an inverter for hybrid and electric vehicles using off-the-shelf components made of the wide-bandgap semiconductor material silicon carbide (SiC).
The new SiC-based inverter has a power density of 12.1 kW/L—close to the US Department of Energy's target of 13.4 kW/L by 2020. By way of comparison, a 2010 electric vehicle could achieve only 4.1 kW/L. Further, says Iqbal Husain, ABB Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NC State and director of the FREEDM Center, the silicon carbide prototype inverter can transfer 99% of energy to the motor—about two percent higher than the best silicon-based inverters under normal conditions.
GKN Driveline develops new e-drive system for PHEVs; starts production on global platform in 2019
September 14, 2016
GKN Driveline has developed a new, complete electric drive system for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). The system will start production in 2019 on a global platform from a European vehicle manufacturer.
Tighter integration of electric drivelines improves system efficiency and gives automakers more packaging and assembly options. The new module integrates a water-cooled electric motor and inverter with a single speed eAxle reduction gearbox. The system generates a maximum 65 kW of power and can deliver up to 2,000 N·m (1,475 lb-ft) of torque to the rear wheels.
Final testing confirms ADEPT 48V diesel hybrid reduces fuel consumption 10-12% at low incremental cost
September 13, 2016
The three-year ADEPT (advanced diesel-electric powertrain) project (earlier post) in the UK set the target of developing and validating a range of advanced mild hybrid technologies with 48V "intelligent electrification" utilizing an advanced lead carbon battery. These have been applied to a Ford Focus project demonstrator which, for the first time, will be made available for public ride and drive evaluation by delegates at the Low Carbon Vehicle event (LCV2016), at Millbrook, UK.
Final testing has confirmed ADEPT's key achievement of 10-12% reduction in fuel consumption (NEDC)—equivalent to sub-80g/km of CO2 emissions. According to the latest updated analysis of the potential cost of production implementation of ADEPT—conducted independently by Ricardo—the system would represent an incremental cost of in the region of €60 per gram/km of CO2 reduction. This is a result that makes the ADEPT powertrain architecture very competitive with other fuel economy solutions such as full hybridization, where costs of implementation can be significantly higher.
Rome study finds Prius hybrids have zero tailpipe emissions for 74.2% of commuting journey time
September 12, 2016
A study from the University of Rome commissioned by Toyota Motor Italy has found that the new, fourth-generation Prius hybrid operates with zero emissions for most of the time and distance covered on a typical city commute in Rome.
Data gathered from more than 2,200 km (1,367 miles) of driving on a typical Rome commuting journey revealed that the test Prius cars spent an average 73.2% of the journey time (62.5% of the journey distance) producing no tailpipe emissions. These figures included periods when the car was stationary, with the engine automatically switched off.
Nissan introducing Rogue Hybrid model for 2017; one-motor, two-clutch system
September 10, 2016
The newly announced 2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid, the latest addition to the popular Rogue crossover lineup, offers a second powertrain choice for Rogue buyers for the 2017 model year in both FWD and AWD applications. Like the MY2017 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine-equipped standard Rogue models, the Rogue Hybrid offers freshened exterior and interior styling, additional safety, security and driving aid technology and a wide range of standard and available comfort, convenience and utility features. Rogue Hybrid will join the lineup by the end of 2016.
The 2017 Rogue Hybrid produces projected fuel economy of 33 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined (estimated) (7.12, 6.71 and 6.91 l/100km respectively) for the front-wheel drive model. Rogue Hybrid all-wheel drive models are projected at 31 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined (estimated) (7.58, 6.91 and 7.12 l/100km, respectively). Rogue Hybrid does so with virtually no compromise of performance, interior roominess or cargo space (compared to standard Rogue models).
Porsche introducing new Panamera 4 E-hybrid PHEV at Paris Show
September 09, 2016
Porsche will unveil the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid with controlled all-wheel drive and an electric range of 50 kilometers (31 miles) at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. The plug-in hybrid will be the fourth model in the Panamera line.
The vehicle generates some 340 kW (462 hp) of system power and delivers fuel consumption figures of 2.5 l/100 km (94 mpg) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) for plug-in hybrid models. That corresponds to CO2 emissions of 56 g/km. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is available to order now, with prices starting at €107,553 (US$122,000) including VAT in Germany.
BMW introduces X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance plug-in hybrid; China market only
September 06, 2016
BMW unveiled the new BMW X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance plug-in hybrid at the Chengdu Motor Show 2016 as the latest addition to BMW's family of new energy vehicles (NEVs) and the first plug-in hybrid in the compact luxury SUV segment. Manufactured by BMW Brilliance, the new PHEV model is only available for the Chinese market.
The new BMW X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance was developed simultaneously with the new BMW X1 Series launched some time ago and borrows the innovative eDrive technology from the BMW i line-up. The gasoline engine and electric motor power the front and rear wheels, respectively, with the intelligent energy management system taking care of on-demand power response and maximizing energy efficiency.
Audi ups A3 Sportback e-tron PHEV technology offerings for US MY2017; virtual cockpit
August 30, 2016
For MY 2017, Audi has updated its A3 Sportback e-tron plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for the US with improved technology offerings such as the available Audi virtual cockpit and standard driver assistance systems including Audi pre sense front.
The A3 Sportback e-tron continues to feature a 1.4-liter TFSI engine and a permanent magnet-driven electric motor to produce 204 hp (152 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 N·m) of torque. The e-tron accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 7.6 seconds. 2017 EPA estimates not a available yet; the base 2016 model is EPA-rated at 83 MPGe, with up to 16 miles of all-electric range.
XL Hybrids awarded DOE Small Business Vouchers Pilot; testing of first diesel/XL3 combo at Argonne
XL Hybrids, Inc. has been awarded test funding from the US Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Vouchers Pilot (SBV). Testing validation and analysis of its XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System for Reach walk-in commercial vans will be performed at Argonne National Laboratory. The goal of the SBV-funded project is to overcome specific technical challenges, the company said.
The Reach van from Utilimaster is a high-roof Class 3 delivery van that comes with a standard 151.4 inch wheelbase and the high efficiency 3.0L, 150 hp, Isuzu DOHC I-4 diesel engine. The XL3 hybrid system is available on the Reach van with 2,500 pounds payload capacity with the XL3 system installed. (Hybrid system weight is 385 lbs / 175 kg.)
Honda begins taking orders for NSX hybrid supercar in Japan; starting at US$236,000
August 25, 2016
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. began accepting applications in Japan for custom orders of the all-new NSX hybrid supercar (earlier post), which underwent a full redesign for the first time in 26 years since the introduction of the original NSX. Customer delivery will begin on 27 February 2017. Pricing starts at ¥23,700,000 (~US$236,000). Honda is targeting sales of 100 units in the first year.
The all-new NSX was created to be true to the "human-centered supercar" heritage of NSX and to bring the "New Sports eXperience" for this new era by integrating Honda's original and advanced electrification technologies that have evolved with the times.
Kenworth receives $8.6M in grants for low-emission T680 Day Cab drayage truck projects in California; hybrids, CNG hybrid and fuel cell
August 20, 2016
Kenworth has been awarded three government grants totaling $8.6 million that will support low emissions projects involving Kenworth T680 Day Cabs targeted for use as drayage tractors in Southern California ports.
The first two projects are funded at $1.9 million each by the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), with Southern California's South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) as the prime applicant. Kenworth will build two, proof-of-concept T680 Day Cab drayage tractors to transport freight from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to warehouses and railyards along the I-710 corridor in the Los Angeles basin.
Survey: Norwegian PHEVs drive electrically 55% of time, BEVs driven more in total and in everyday traffic
August 16, 2016
Norway leads the European market for plug-in vehicles, with more than 105,000 units registered through May 2016. A recent survey of 8,000 vehicle owners in Norway by Norway's Institute of Transport Economics found that plug-in hybrids there drive electrically with power from the grid 55% of the time (and 63% on work trips), while battery electric vehicles are driven more in total and in everyday traffic.
The survey also found that buyers of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles have different transport needs but both are motivated by economy of use and environment; battery electric vehicle owners are also motivated by a free toll road incentive. Battery electric vehicle owners are younger, have more children, a longer distance to drive work and own more vehicles than other vehicle owners.
2017 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance PHEV going on sale in US starting at $89,100
August 11, 2016
The 2017 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance plug-in hybrid (earlier post) is in production and will arrive at US dealerships in August starting at $89,100 plus $995 Destination and Handling. With its eDrive technology, the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance can be driven in all-electric mode up to 75 mph (120.7 km/h). Combined fuel economy of 64 MPGe and an all-electric range of 14 miles is possible (EPA official figures).
The BMW eDrive technology in the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance ensures its greenhouse potential (CO2e) is approximately 30% lower than that of the gasoline powered 740i over the full lifecycle of the car. The BMW Group defined the sustainability targets for the new BMW 7 Series to include the vehicle's entire life cycle since the beginning of development. The "greenhouse potential" is measured on the basis of the CO2e emissions produced by everything from the extraction of raw materials through the entire manufacturing, the actual usufruct of the vehicle and finishes with the recycling at the end of the vehicle's life.
BMW says electrified models exceeding sales expectations, especially in Europe
BMW said that its electrified models continue to exceed expectations, especially in Europe. While 4% of all BMW sales in Western Europe in July were electrified vehicles, that percentage increases significantly in markets where innovative electric mobility is supported through financial and infrastructure measures.
In the Netherlands, 43% of BMW 3 Series registrations are for the plug-in hybrid BMW 330e model and 26% of 2 Series Active Tourer registrations are for the BMW 225xe. In Scandinavia, those figures are even higher, with the plug-in hybrid versions accounting for 45% of all BMW 3 Series sales and 55% of all BMW 2 Series Active Tourer sales.
Urban Drive Cycle Testing shows a 26% mpg improvement on Ford Transits with XL Hybrids drive system
August 10, 2016
XL Hybrids announced vehicle testing results showing a 26% improvement in miles per gallon on the EPA UDDS (Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule) drive cycle for Ford Transit vans upfitted with XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive Systems. (earlier post) The fuel economy improvement on the EPA UDDS drive cycle also includes a more than 50% reduction in NOx emissions.
Conducted at an independent, EPA-certified chassis dynamometer testing lab, the test results mirror earlier EPA UDDS chassis dyno performance for Chevrolet and GMC 2500 Express and Savana vans equipped with XL Hybrids' technology.
Audi developing electromechanical rotary dampers; potential for energy recuperation from suspension; 48V
Audi is developing a prototype electromechanical rotary dampening system called "eROT," in which electromechanical rotary dampers replace the hydraulic dampers used today for an even more comfortable ride. The eROT system also offers the potential for energy recuperation from the suspension.
Every pothole, bump, and curve in the road induces kinetic energy during compression and rebound of the car's suspension, observes Dr.-Ing. Stefan Knirsch, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG. "Today's dampers absorb this energy, which is lost in the form of heat. With the new electromechanical damper system in the 48-volt electrical system, we put this energy to use. It also presents us and our customers with entirely new possibilities for adjusting the suspension."
Sales of Ford Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi jump in LA in June; up 35% and 40% y-o-y respectively
July 26, 2016
Ford Fusion electrified vehicle retail sales spiked in the Los Angeles market during the month of June, the first month of availability for the new 2017 model. Based on Ford June sales figures, Fusion Energi (the plug-in hybrid variant) sales jumped nearly 40% in LA compared to June 2015. During the same time period, Fusion Hybrid sales jumped 35%. Both of these numbers are retail sales and do not include fleet sales.
By comparison, the total midsize sedan segment is down nearly 5% in LA through May, according to IHS Automotive data. Consumer demand for trucks and SUVs continues to rise in Los Angeles and across the country, but sales of the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Fusion Energi plug-in are moving ahead.
DOE to issue funding opportunity to support Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines initiative
July 16, 2016
The US DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) intends (DE-FOA-0001623) to issue, on behalf of the Bioenergy Technology Office (BETO) and Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) entitled "Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines." The FOA (DE-FOA-0001461) will be restricted to US institutions of higher education and non-profit research institutions.
This FOA will support the Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima) initiative (earlier post), a collaborative initiative being pursued by BETO and VTO to accelerate the introduction of affordable, scalable, and sustainable high-performance fuels for use in high-efficiency, low-emission engines.
BMW introduces its trio of 7 Series plug-in hybrids
July 15, 2016
BMW has introduced its three 7 Series plug-in hybrid luxury sedans: the 740e iPerformance, 740Le iPerformance, and the 740Le xDrive iPerformance. (Earlier post.) The trio source their power from a latest-generation four-cylinder gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor. Together, they deliver a system output of 240 kW/326 hp.
The new BMW 740e iPerformance with standard wheelbase and the new BMW 740Le iPerformance with long wheelbase offer combined cycle average gasoline consumption of 2.2–2.0 liters per 100 kilometers (106.8–117.5 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 50–45 grams per kilometer (BMW 740Le iPerformance: 51–45 g/km). The new BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance delivers 2.5–2.1 l/100 km (94-111.9 mpg US) with CO2 emissions combined of 56 –49 g/km). Intelligent all-wheel drive distributes the combined power of the combustion engine and electric motor permanently and as required between the front and rear wheels.
Nissan's ProPILOT autonomous drive technology debuts in new Serena; autonomous drive first for Japanese automakers
July 13, 2016
Nissan Motor's new Serena, scheduled to go on sale in Japan in late August, will come equipped with the company's ProPILOT autonomous drive technology. ProPILOT is designed for highway use in single-lane traffic. Nissan is the first Japanese automaker to introduce a combination of steering, accelerator and braking that can be operated in full automatic mode, easing driver workload in heavy highway traffic and long commutes.
Employing advanced image-processing technology, the car's ProPILOT system understands road and traffic situations and executes precise steering enabling the vehicle to perform naturally.
Daido Steel & Honda develop neodymium magnet free of heavy rare earth elements; Honda Freed hybrid first to adopt resulting new motor
July 12, 2016
Daido Steel Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have developed a practical hot deformed neodymium magnet containing no heavy rare earth elements (REE) that still delivers the high heat resistance properties and high magnetic performance required for the use in the driving motor of a hybrid vehicle.
Honda will first apply this hot deformed neodymium magnet with absolutely no heavy rare earth elements to the Honda Sport Hybrid i-DCD (Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive) system, a system Honda will use in the all-new Freed scheduled to go on sale this fall. Honda will continue expanding application of this technology to new models in the future.
First public flight of Siemens 260kW electric motor; to be used in development of hybrid-electric aircraft
July 04, 2016
Siemens researchers have developed a new type of electric motor that, with a weight of just 50 kilograms, delivers a continuous output of about 260 kilowatts—five times more than comparable drive systems. (Earlier post.) This record-setting propulsion system successfully completed its first public flight at Schwarze Heide Airport near Dinslaken, Germany, where it powered an Extra 330LE aerobatic airplane.
The new drive system made its maiden flight on 24 June 2016. Siemens will be contributing this technology to the cooperative project that Siemens and Airbus agreed to in April 2016 for driving the development of electrically powered flight. (Earlier post.)


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Hotfrog Philippines provides information regarding Manila Paper Mills in Makati Metro Manila. Manila Paper Mills is located at Union-Ajinomoto Building, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati Metro Manila and provides Paper services. Contact them on (02) 895 3390.
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text:
- Description
- View Full Specifications
- Year:
- 1988
- Length:
- 45'
- Engine/Fuel Type:
- Twin / diesel
- Located In:
- nj, NJ
- Hull Material:
- Fiberglass
- 51469-1781317
- Current Price:
DONT LET THE PRICE FOOL YA....THIS IS A REAL NICE BOAT!! the owner wants to be in a different style boat all together. this viking has a customized interior layout. 2 stateroom 2 head mid galley layout with a large dinette to starboard. her detroit 671 tib's 485hp have been majored independently of each other in the past 5 yrs. one engine has a little more than 400 hours and the other around 800 hours. she has newer generator and air and heat. her interior has been updated tastefully with granite and tommy bahama like softgoods throughout. her sofa and barrel chair have been recovered in ultra leather, there is washer and dryer as well and they are seperate units of each other. her interior appointments are as to be expected in a yacht of this class. this boat is fish rigged as are most of these 45 vikings; hardtop with full enclosure, outriggers, rocket launchers, spreader lights, rod holders, fish box, fighting chair, ckpt bait freezer and bait prep area with sink and storage for tackle, windlass anchor as well. her electronics are to include; northstar 958 color gps chart plotter, northstar 951 monochromatic gps chart plotter, furuno large screen fish and bottom finder, simrad radar, simrad auto pilot, dytek sea temp, cd player on bridge, icom vhf as well. all new enclosures and cushions on flybridge. overall this viking shows well and should treat her next owner very well in the years to come. owner is moving to a larger aft cabin boat. all pics and specs are at njyachtsales dot com
contact adam lifland on his cell at 609 707 4500
Please contact ADAM LIFLAND at 609 707 4500
Additional Specs, Equipment and Information:
Builder: Viking
LOA: 45 ft 0 in
Maximum Draft: 4 ft 0 in
Bridge Clearance: 12 ft 5 in
Total Power: 970 HP
Engine 1:
Engine Brand: detroit diesels
Engine Model: 671 tib's
Engine Type: Inboard
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
Engine Hours: 850
Drive Type: Direct Drive
Engine Power: 485 HP
Engine 2:
Engine Brand: detroit diesels
Engine Model: 671 tib's
Engine Type: Inboard
Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel
Engine Hours: 850
Drive Type: Direct Drive
Engine Power: 485 HP
Beam: 15
Displacement: 44400
Total Power: 485
Cruising Speed: 25
Max Speed: 29
Fuel: 600
Fresh Water: 160
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
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|Games & Hobbies
|Video Games
The IGN PlayStation Team sits down and talks all things Sony, sprinkling a little madness and song along the way. Podcast Beyond is the premiere source for Sony news, opinions and old-fashioned shenanigans.
September 30th, 2015
Episode 261 of 335 episodes
An official comment from Sonyputs another nailin the Vita's metaphorical coffin, so we reflect on what the little system did right, what it did wrong, and what approaches might've worked better. Beyond that we also discuss the last-genUncharted Trilogy'sflying leap onto PS4 with The Nathan Drake collection, Max's love for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, and Black Ops III's tone-deaf Twitter publicity stunt. Podcast Beyond is Max Scoville, Marty Sliva, Brian Altano, and Andrew Goldfarb.
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Hello Ladies! Can I join your thread? I've just discovered it, I've been on another site's forum in the long term ttc and have felt very out of place becuase this is my first IVF cycle!
I'm on CD3 and started my injections today (yuck!) and have my first scan tomorrow. I'm so excited to be finally starting!
Hi Jilapril,
i have done 2 ivf cycles with orgalutran. And omg yes painful. Stings like crazy. Lucky it's only once a day. Just imagine that baby and what your doing this all for, that's what I think about when I have to do it. Also inject the liquid very very slowly. Doesn't sting as much if you do it super slow. Goodluck. It is sore for sure but its only a few days. Positive thinking
best of luck.
jilapril (14-01-2013)
Ladies, I just wanted to wish good luck to every one of us, to those who just waiting to start, those who injecting and everyone else. Let it be our licky cycle.
Beanie87, Im feeling dizzy on GonalF too and ver lightheaded, but , as the girls noticed earlier, when you drink heaps of water you feel less dizzy. Good luck everyone, Im off to my second ultrasound and blood test. Feeling bloated already and its only my 6 th day ....
Hello, can I join? I haven't read all 400 and something posts though!
Here's my backstory: I'm 23, DP (female) is 26. We've done 3 rounds of IUI, one which ended up in a chemical pregnancy and 2 BFNs so onto IVF for us!
I got my af yesterday (today will be cd1) so I will call the clinic later to book on. I really don't know what IVF will entail (I get the basics, but not sure about the nitty gritty) so looking forward to speaking to my Clinic and finding out.
It's a bit daunting.
We will be using unknown (identity release) donor sperm for our cycles. I have no apparently fertility problems.
Good luck to everyone! X
Well.. I had my bt and ultrasound this morning. Its kind of good and bad news. I have lots of follicles (I think there was about 15), but they are worried I am going to over stimulate. Nurse said that I have lots measuring ahead for this early. So they have to wait for the results from my BT this afternoon to find out what to do next.
She said they will probably either go ahead as normal and risk OHSS and just do the EPU early on Thursday (which will mean less mature eggs). Or they will do it on Friday, but give me a different trigger shot that will help to prevent the OHSS. And they will probably also lower my dose of gonal f. But I think this means waiting a month for them to put an embryo back in. I think either way, I may have to wait if I am too stimulated.
What sounds crazy to me is that she said if we do it thursday you might get 4-5 mature eggs. If we do it friday you might get 10-15 mature eggs. One day can make that much difference?!
So I guess all the dizziness and tears are for a reason- she said it was all totally normal. Thanks for the advice girls, I've been drinking heaps of water.. I have 3 water bottles on rotation in the fridge
Welcome 4furbabies and rainbowrd. Nice to have you both. I am a newbie to IVF too.
I would like to add that you ladies that work full-time and do this are courageous! I really don't know how you do it. Between the headaches and the light-headedness I am not looking forward to being back at work this week (part time). I just want to curl up on the couch and sleep. Sooooo sleepy.
Last edited by beanie87; 14-01-2013 at 09:42.
So I have my first appt on the 31st to make sure I've ovulated and to start the blocking drugs? Hahaha going to need to get the hang of the lingo aren't I?!
Kind of looking forward to 3 weeks of not thinking about ovulating!
And obviously scraping every last penny we have to afford it :/
Welcome 4furbabies & rainbowrd 😃
Beanie, I went through that possible scenario last cycle. The main priority is that you are well, my FS told me that I lose nothing by doing an FET when my body is rid of all the hormones. Time will tell, hope you're doing ok with all the h2o!!
I hope everyone is doing good today!
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Set primarily in a march-like style with a more lyrical song-like interlude, McIvor's brass quintet arrangement of Adeste Fidelis is perfect for both sacred and secular performances at...
With three recognized carols at its core, this accessible setting is a festive selection for holiday concerts or worship presentations. Includes: We Three Kings; Veni Emmanuel and...
Incorporating three beloved carols, Richard A. Nichols uses his expertise as a veteran brass player to create appealing settings for performers and listeners alike. Idiomatically crafted for brass...
This is an English carol dating from the 16th century. This arrangement features sets of duets (trumpets then horn/trombone) on the harmonized melody with rhythmic backgrounds underneath. Trumpet 1 is...
This arrangement features three variations of the tune alternating with newly-composed interludes. The rhythms often alternate between duple and triple groupings. This was recorded on the...
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