electric vehicles

PSA Peugeot Citroën Unveils Hybrid Diesel-Electric

PSA Peugeot Citroën has unveiled a new diesel-electric hybrid technology, the "HYmotion4" all-wheel drivetrain that will be fitted on mid-sized and executive Peugeot and Citroën models to be launched in 2011. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on the Peugeot Prologue and the Citroën Hypnos concept car, HYmotion4 offers an unrivaled combination of driving performance and fuel efficiency. The Peugeot Prologue family car, for example, consumes 4.1 liters/100km and emits 109g/km of CO2, with the powertrain delivering 200hp.

The HYmotion4's architecture optimizes the performance of the diesel-electric drivetrain with a rear-mounted electric motor that drives the rear wheels, while the diesel engine runs the front wheels, providing a new type of all-wheel drive.

Dutch Firm to Make Electric Cars in Malaysia

The Jakarta Post reports that a Dutch-based company plans to produce affordable electric cars by the end of 2009, promising they will be much more powerful than existing models and have zero emission.

Detroit Electric is in negotiations with Malaysia's national auto maker, Proton, to produce the car in this Southeast Asian nation and is also talking to a German and a U.S. carmaker, said the company's chief executive, Albert Lam. He declined to name the companies.

"We believe in affordable electric vehicles for the public. That is our dream ... to find innovative ways to counter global warming," Lam told a news conference before journalists test-drove a sports car, a sedan and a subcompact car fitted with Detroit Electric's technology.

"When people tell you it is not practical, that it runs at a slow speed and you can't charge it, that is not true," Lam said at Proton's test track in central Shah Alam city.

Electrovaya joins Tata Motors

Electrovaya Inc. of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada has connected with Tata Motors and Miljo Grenland/Innovasjon to make electric cars in Norway using Electrovaya's Li-ion battery technology.

Miljo Grenland/Innovasjon, in which India-based Tata has just taken a 50.3% interest, will start next year to produce electric vehicles based on Tata products with Electrovaya's SuperPolymer batteries.

Electrovaya will receive an undisclosed equity stake in Miljo, along with a technology licence fee and a royalty.

The venture's first vehicle will be the Indica EV, said to be capable of carrying four people and their luggage for up to 200km.

Dongfeng Motor to Develop Eco-friendly Vehicles

Dongfeng Motor Group Co., the Hong-Kong listed unit of China's third largest automobile manufacturer, Dongfeng Motor Corp., plans to invest RMB33 billion to develop electric and hybrid vehicles, says Hu Xindong, secretary of the company. Dongfeng Motor expects to unveil its electric vehicles before 2020, but no specific timetable was given. It was also reported that Dongfeng Motor will team up with global partners to develop the vehicle. Currently, it has incorporated joint ventures with Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and Peugeot S.A.

The spokesman says Dongfeng Motor Corp. would fund part of the project, while the remaining capital would be borne by its partners. The car maker posted a net profit of RMB2.47 billion in the first half of the year, an increase of 27% from RMB1.95 billion for the corresponding period last year.

Nissan Developing Plug-In Hybrid

Nissan Motor Co. of Tokyo, Japan is developing a plug-in hybrid vehicle that could hit the market after the debut of its electric cars in 2010.

"Development is already under way and we are conducting performance tests," said Executive Vice President Mitsuhiko Yamashita. But he acknowledged that the timing of the commercialization of the vehicles is still undecided.

The automaker, which is currently focusing on electric cars as part of its efforts to develop next-generation environment-friendly vehicles, aims to expand its offerings. The electric cars are scheduled for roll out in the Japanese and U.S. markets in 2010.

Plug-in hybrids, which run on Li- ion batteries and can be recharged externally by connecting to a household power outlet, use both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. The electric motor is used for shorter distances. When the power runs out, the gasoline engine takes over.

Optare Selects Enova for U.K. Buses

Enova Systems of Torrance, California, has shipped new orders for hybrid diesel-electric and full-electric transit bus drive systems to Optare plc, the U.K.'s second largest manufacturer of buses with single and double deckers.

The plug-in hybrid diesel-electric and full-electric vehicles will use the latest lithium-ion battery technology to provide maximum vehicle range and fuel efficiency. Enova's electric and hybrid drive system solutions include fully integrated on-board or stationary battery charging systems. The Enova drive systems and chargers will be featured in two new Optare transit buses which debut at the Euro Bus Expo taking place in Birmingham, U.K. on November 4-6.

Toshiba Li-Ion Battery To Help Schwinn Bike Go

Toshiba Corp. of Tokyo, Japan says that its SCiB Li-ion battery will be used on a Schwinn brand electric bicycle made by Canadian firm Dorel Industries Inc., the battery's first commercial application since its 2007 debut.

The battery, known for its rapid charging and long life, will be mounted on the luggage rack and supply electricity for the bike's power assist. The module has a 24V capacity and can produce 4.2Ah of power. It measures 30 x 10 x 4.5cm and weighs around 2kg.

The battery-equipped bicycle is due out in Europe and North America early 2009. In the future, the battery will be used on bikes in Japan, and plans call for applications in electric motorcycles and automobiles as well.

Toshiba is targeting ¥100 billion in SCiB sales in 2015.

Ford's Next-Generation Hybrid System

Ford's next-generation hybrid system debuts in the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan which will arrive in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2009. The system delivers a more seamless transition between the battery-powered motor and gasoline-driven engine and is expected to exceed fuel efficiency of the Toyota Camry hybrid by at least 5mpg in the city.

Fusion and Milan Hybrids can operate in electric mode at speeds of up to 47mph with a range of more than 700 miles of city driving on a single tank of gas. A smaller, lighter high-volt battery has greater charge capacity and range than the previous generation battery.

The system's smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery has been optimized to produce 20% more power. Improved chemistry allows the battery to be run at a higher temperature, and it is cooled using cabin air.

An added variable voltage converter boosts the voltage to the traction battery to operate the motor and generator more efficiently. A new high-efficiency converter provides 14% increased output to accommodate a wider array of vehicle features.

The regenerative brake system captures the energy normally lost through friction in braking and stores it. Nearly 94% energy recovery is achieved by first delivering full regenerative braking followed by friction brakes during city driving.