Green Cars, Hybrid Cars, Electric Cars and Clean Diesel News

Study: Hybrids Are Best Choice for City Drivers

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:19:00 -0500

Will that hybrid vehicle pay for itself and help the environment? That depends on how and where you drive, Carnegie Mellon University researchers report.

Jeremy Michalek, a professor of mechanical engineering and engineering and public policy at CMU, and Orkun Karabasoglua, a mechanical engineering research assistant, analyzed the potential cost and greenhouse gas savings of hybrid and electric vehicles under different driving conditions.

"We found that for highway drivers, hybrid and plug-in vehicles cost more without much benefit to the environment," Michalek said. "But for drivers who experience a lot of idling and stop-and-go traffic, a hybrid could lower lifetime costs by 20 percent and cut greenhouse gas emissions in half."

The study, funded by the National Science Foundation, Ford and Toyota, appears in the journal Energy Policy as the EPA is rolling out new fuel economy labels starting with 2013 vehicles.

"The new labels are improved, but no single test can capture all kinds of driving," Michalek said. "Hybrid and plug-in vehicles will do the most good at the lowest cost if adopted by drivers who spend a lot of time in traffic. For these drivers, hybrids are a win-win, and the benefits may be much more than the labels suggest."

The U.S. government uses standard laboratory tests to measure vehicle fuel efficiency for federal fuel economy labels and standards.

"The fuel economy standards are still based on old lab tests that make vehicles appear to be more efficient than they really are," Michalek said. "This has always been an issue, but it is simplified with today's vehicle technologies. These tests may be underestimating the relative real-world benefits of hybrid and plug-in vehicles."

Driving conditions affect not only cost and emissions, according to Michalek. "Aggressive driving can cut vehicle range by 40 percent or more. That's a notable risk for pure electric vehicles, which already have limited range and take a long time to recharge. But with hybrid electric vehicles, which run on gasoline, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that use electricity for short trips and switch to gasoline for longer trips, there's no added risk of being stranded," he said.

Michalek reports that "the bottom line is: before you buy, consider how you drive."

Tesla Model S Recalled Sedans for Seating Issue

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:04:00 -0500

Tesla Motors is recalling more than 1,200 Model S electric sedans manufactured between May 10, 2013 and June 8, 2013.

During quality testing earlier this month, Tesla found the attachment strength of a mounting bracket in the second row seat may not be as strong as intended.

Elon Musk, CEO and Chairman of Tesla Motors, said in a blog entry Wednesday that the weakened bracket “reduces our confidence” that the back of the left-hand seat would be protected and remain intact if the driver were to be involved in a road accident.

Musk stresses that there have been no complaints, no injuries (that the company is aware of), and no weld failures.

The issue was discovered June 10 and the company notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Owners of potentially affected vehicles, made between May 10 and June 8, will be contacted by Tesla.

The company will arrange for the cars to be picked up and returned, and a loaner vehicle will be provided, if needed.

The recall is the first of its kind since Tesla Motors launched its new service and warranty program in earlier this year. There are a number of new perks for car owners, such as the ability to pick up another Model S on loan while their car is in service.

2014 Buick LaCrosse Priced at $34,060

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:22:00 -0500

The 2014 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan goes on sale later this year with a suggested retail price of $34,060, including a $925 destination charge.

Standard equipment includes next-generation IntelliLink connectivity, an eight-inch reconfigurable color cluster display, eight air bags and an eAssist powertrain that offers an EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg.

An all-new Ultra Luxury interior package is available for owners looking for the highest in fashion and comfort. The package includes a unique dark stained Tamo Ash wood throughout the cabin, jet black synthetic suede on the headliner and vanity mirrors, and Semi-Aniline full leather seats in sangria color. It is available on select trim levels as a $2,495 option.

Every 2014 Buick offers a full suite of active safety technologies, and two available package groups comprise the offerings for LaCrosse. A Driver Confidence I package includes Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Warning, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, articulating high-intensity discharge headlights, and a head-up display for $2,125.

The Driver Confidence II package includes Adaptive Cruise Control, an Automatic Collision Prep system, and a patented Safety Alert Seat that directs the driver’s attention using vibrations through the surface of the seat bottom. It is a $1,745 option that must be paired with Driver Convenience I.

LaCrosse is available with all-wheel drive on many V-6 models for customers who want the most sure-footed traction possible. On-demand traction is delivered via an advanced Haldex all-wheel drive with an electronic limited slip rear differential.

A 304-hp 3.6L V-6 engine is a no-cost option for the LaCrosse. With EPA estimates of 18 city/28 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models and 17/26 mpg for all-wheel drive, the 2014 model gains 1 mpg highway for both models and 1 mpg city for front-drive.

Other standalone options include various wheel choices, Bose audio, navigation, rear seat entertainment, and a sunroof.

Additional equipment, including rear park assist, a rear vision camera, passive entry and passive start, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a power rear sunshade, and real-time dampening, are included as standard equipment in various LaCrosse equipment groups.

Every 2014 LaCrosse comes standard with two years or 24,000 miles of included regular maintenance and five years of OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob services. Regular maintenance includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections. OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob services allow owners to lock and unlock the vehicle’s doors or activate remote start (on applicable models) using a smartphone app.

Honda to Reuse Rare Earth Metal from NiMH Batteries for Hybrid Vehicle Motors

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:06:00 -0500

Honda has agreed with TDK Corporation and Japan Metals & Chemicals (JMC) additional to joint project to reuse "rare earth metal" extracted from nickel-metal hydride batteries used in hybrid vehicles for the magnets of new hybrid vehicle motors.

In early March of this year, Honda began supplying a battery manufacturer with rare earth metals extracted from used nickel-metal hydride batteries at a JMC plant for reuse in new nickel-metal hydride batteries of hybrid vehicles.

Now, Honda will expand the reuse of extracted rare earth metals to motors for hybrid vehicles to achieve the further recycling of this limited and precious resources.

The three companies will begin detailed discussion toward the reuse in motors and begin the process as soon as a sufficient volume of used nickel-metal hydride batteries is secured.

Quebec, Vermont Announce Electric Car Charging Corridor

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:52:00 -0500

Quebec Premier Pauline Marois and Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin unveiled the first sites of the Vermont-Québec Electric Car Charging Corridor.

The Electric Car Charging Corridor is the result of an agreement between Drive Electric Vermont and the Québec-based Electric Circuit.

The corridor will initially link Burlington and Montréal and – thanks to the more than 20 charging stations installed along the route – will give electric vehicle drivers assurance that they can charge when needed along the route between Vermont and Québec.

The number of charging stations is expected to increase with the signing of new partnership agreements. Construction of the stations is progressing smoothly, and the 138 mile corridor which includes I-89 and Highway A-10, Rte 104 and Rte 133, is expected to open this fall.

In addition to announcing the initial corridor, the agreement also envisions continued cooperation towards installing similar corridors on other cross-border routes, including Magog-Sherbrooke-St. Johnsbury.

The initiative is the result of discussions that began at the most recent Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) and provides a powerful example of what cross-border cooperation can produce. The State of Vermont, Québec, and a group including Hydro-Québec, Green Mountain Power Corporation, the Burlington Electric Department, and Drive Electric Vermont, are currently looking into other ways to bolster public infrastructure for electric cars.

The official opening of the corridor will take place this fall.

ZAP Announces Roll Out of 2013 EV Product Line

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:27:00 -0500

ZAP announced that Jonway Auto, its subsidiary in Zhejiang, China has successfully completed their 5-Star MiniVan EV and is preparing to finalize the type approval in China.

This MiniVan EV represents one of three new EV models that will be launched this year for China and the international markets. The other two models are the new 3-Door E380 SUV, and the 5-Door E-Falcon SUV. All four models were shown at the Shanghai Auto Show in May this year. The latter two are planned for availability later on this year.

The 5-Star Minivan EV represents the first lithium battery full electric minivans in China. The 5-Star Minivan EV-L (Lithium) has a range of 140km (87 miles), with a peak power of 110 km/h (68 mph) under load. A battery swap version of the Minivan-L is being designed together with China National Grid in Hangzhou to support extended range delivery routes.

The 5-Star Minivan-LA (Lead Acid) is the lead acid version. The lead acid model is cheaper but has a shorter range and is offered at the economic price of around US$12,000. This EV minivan will prove to be very popular for city transport and delivery. ZAP says that this product is ideal for delivery fleets in densely populated cities where governments are sensitive to exhaust pollution and gasoline prices. The Lead Acid version has a peak power of 80 km/h (50 mph) with a range of 80km (50 miles).

All four EV models: the Minivan-L, and the already type approved E-380SUV, and the lithium battery versions of the 3-Door SUV and the E-Falcon, are all eligible for China's central government EV incentives of over US$9,500 per vehicle. Additional incentives from local governments for lithium battery EVs vary from US$6,000 to US$9,000.

Cities like Hangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing are offering the additional incentives to stimulate the adoption. In aggregate, the total incentives for full electric lithium battery driven vehicles can enjoy up to US$15,000 or more in reimbursements from the central and local governments. ZAP Jonway's Minivan-L, and the E-380 SUV models all are qualified for the reimbursements from Chinese government.

2014 Fiat 500L To Go On Sale This Month In The US

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:48:00 -0500

All-new 2014 Fiat 500L arrives to FIAT studios in the U.S. this month with a starting price of $19,100, plus $800 destination fee.

With its recognizable Cinquecento exterior design features and a silhouette that is 27.7 inches (70.4 cm) longer, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L boasts 42 percent more interior space than the regular 500 and seats five.

The fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine finds its way into the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L as the single engine offering, delivering 160 horsepower, 184 lb.-ft. of torque and up to an EPA estimated 33 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway with either the six-speed manual or Euro Twin Clutch transmission.

The all-new Fiat 500L can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed Euro Twin Clutch transmission. Sharing a common design, both transmissions deliver quick acceleration while maintaining fuel economy. The Euro Twin Clutch is standard on the Fiat 500L Lounge model and is available on the Fiat 500L Easy and Trekking models.

With the Euro Twin Clutch six-speed transmission, the Fiat 500L delivers an EPA estimated 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined rating. Similarly, the Fiat 500L with the enthusiast-desired six-speed manual transmission delivers an EPA estimated 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined rating.

Four versions will be offered: the base model Fiat 500L Pop, the 500L Easy, the 500L Trekking and the 500L Lounge.

Fiat 500L Pop
Designed for customers who want Italian style, versatility, efficiency and personalization options, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Pop includes a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with six-speed manual transmission, premium Koni frequency selective damping (FSD) front struts and rear shock absorbers, bi-halogen headlamps with daytime running lamps, 16-inch chrome-accented wheel covers, all-season tires, stainless steel exhaust tip, black exterior mirrors with driver and passenger side spotter mirrors; heat, air conditioning, power lock and windows with one-touch up/down, cruise control, body-color instrument panel, six speakers, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with trip computer, miles-to-empty, average fuel economy and tire-pressure monitoring (TPM) display; steering wheel controls, six-way adjustable cloth seats with driver and front-passenger height adjust, 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks with segment-exclusive fore-aft adjustment, recline and tumble/slide feature; tilt and telescoping steering column, 12-volt console and auxiliary power outlets, multi-position cargo area trunk panel, cap-less fuel-filler door, floor mats, interior observation mirror and dual sun visors with vanity mirrors.

In addition the Fiat 500L Pop includes the innovative Uconnect 5.0 with its 5-inch touchscreen display, radio voice commands, handsfree phone, Bluetooth-audio streaming, text message reader, personalization settings and media hub (USB and auxiliary ports) for seamless integration of portable devices. Safety features include seven standard air bags, reactive front head restraints, vehicle theft security alarm, child seat anchor system and electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist.

The 2014 Fiat 500L Pop model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $19,100 (plus $800 destination charge).

Fiat 500L Easy
Providing customers with versatility and efficiency and even more style and comfort features, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Easy takes the Fiat 500L Pop model and adds standard 16-inch aluminum wheels, deep-tint rear glass, body-color exterior mirror caps, front seat center console with armrest, leather-wrapped square-in-circle designed steering wheel, premium leather-wrapped shift knob with chrome accent, vinyl-wrapped instrument panel available in three colors, unique cloth seat fabric and six-speaker FIAT premium audio system with 520-watt amplifier.

The 2014 Fiat 500L Easy model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $20,195 (plus $800 destination charge).

Fiat 500L Trekking
For customers who want the perfect blend of rugged styling and versatility to match their active lifestyle, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking adds to the Fiat 500L Easy model with aggressively designed two-piece front and rear fascias with Grigio Chiaro (graphite) inserts, fog lamps, satin-finished “whiskers,” door handles and unique lower front and rear fascia accents, Grigio Chiaro wheel arch and body-side sill moldings, Grigio Chiaro recessed license plate area and lower left and right side reflector surrounds, and larger 17 x 7-inch aluminum wheels with wider 225/45R17 all-season tires. Inside, the Fiat 500L Trekking features a painted instrument panel bezel and a unique two-tone Nero/Marrone (black/brown) interior environment that carries through on its leather-wrapped steering wheel, door and door-panel armrest bolsters, low-back bucket premium cloth seats and floor mats.

The 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $21,195 (plus $800 destination charge).

Fiat 500L Lounge
Tailored for individuals who want their all-new Fiat 500L to reflect their stylish lifestyle and need for premium appointments and convenience technologies, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge model adds on to the Fiat 500L Easy model with an innovative Euro Twin Clutch six-speed transmission, 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, chrome bodyside moldings and mirror caps, dual sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, premium vinyl-wrapped instrument panel available in two colors, premium heated leather front seats with power four-way adjust, two-way power driver’s side lumbar, 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks with segment-exclusive fore-aft adjustment, recline and tumble feature; integrated armrest with cup holders, automatic dual-zone climate control and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass.

The 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $24,195 (plus $800 destination charge).

In addition, Fiat said that Easy, Trekking and Lounge models produced this year will include $1,700 worth of added technology upgrades at no additional charge — including rear-park assist, backup camera and a Uconnect 6.5 system with a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen and navigation.

Volvo to Launch Electric Buses in Gothenburg in 2015

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:15:00 -0500

Electric buses that glide noiselessly without emissions, that pick up passengers indoors and which are powered entirely by electricity from renewable sources will become a part of Gothenburg’s public-transport system in 2015.

Like something out of a vision of the future, but which is already a reality here and now, buses powered entirely by electricity from renewable sources will become a part of the Gothenburg’s public-transport system. The electric buses will be extremely fuel-efficient, silent and completely emissions-free. Passengers onboard will have access to new technologies and at least one of the bus stops will be located indoors.

Behind the initiative is the Volvo Group in cooperation with the Swedish Energy Agency, the City of Gothenburg, Västtrafik, Lindholmen Science Park and Johanneberg Science Park.

Sustainable social development is closely linked to the development of new transportation systems. The use of electric power not only places Gothenburg on the map in terms of sustainable and innovative solutions for public transport; the new bus service will also open up new possibilities in city and urban planning.

Commencing in 2015, the electric buses are to run between Johanneberg Science Park adjacent to Chalmers and Lindholmen Science Park in Hisingen.

In addition to the electric buses, the cooperation also includes the creation and trial runs of new bus-stop solutions, traffic-routing systems, safety concepts, energy supply and business models.

The hope is that the project, known as ElectriCity, will attract more commuters to use public transport. This is also expected to clear the way for more, attractive public-transport solutions in the Västra Götaland region.

“This represents an entirely new mode of travel and will allow for the public-transport system to contribute to a more pleasant urban environment. A silent and emissions-free public-transport system will enable the inclusion of locations in the city that are currently off limits. It is immensely satisfying to be able to launch this in our hometown, in cooperation with Region Västra Götaland and the City of Gothenburg,” commented Olof Persson, President and CEO of Volvo.

“The electric bus service entails a new mode of public-transport system usage, which is highly positive for Gothenburg. It will highlight Gothenburg as a progressive city in terms of city planning. This is also in line with our prioritized objective of having Gothenburg reduce its climate impact to become a climate-neutral city, and of increasing sustainable travel,” explains Anneli Hulthén (Social Democrat), Chairman of the Municipal Board.

2014 Jaguar XF Gets New Diesel Engine

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 05:46:00 -0500

The Jaguar XF has been updated for the 2014 model year, with changes including Jaguar's new four-cylinder, 2.2-liter diesel 161 hp ECO2 engine and an upgraded sat-nav system.

The 2.2-liter four-cylinder ECO2 engine is offered in combination with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system and an eight-speed gearbox, enabling the 2014 Jaguar XF to deliver the performance and driver appeal expected of a Jaguar along with reduced emissions and greatly improved fuel consumption.

Jaguar's new four-cylinder, 2.2-liter diesel 161 hp (120 kW) ECO2 engine, which is paired with with an eight-speed automatic transmission, has new larger Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves and a revised cooling assembly which combine to reduce emissions figures by a further 6g/km of CO2 over the 2013 Jaguar XF.

The 2014 Jaguar XF is capable of achieving 57.7mpg (4.9 l/100km or 48 mpg US) with a CO2 figure of just 129g/km.

The low emissions produced by the ECO2 engine are helped further by Jaguar's Stop-Start system, which uses a Twin Solenoid Starter (TSS) to shut down the engine when the car comes to a halt and restarting it in less time than it takes for the driver's foot to move from the brake to the accelerator. The system also offers 'change of mind' functionality, enabling the engine to quickly restart even during its rundown phase to allow the driver to, for example, exploit a gap in traffic at a junction.

An illuminated 'ECO' symbol appears on the Instrument Panel when the engine has been stopped by the system. Stop-Start can be turned off manually, but it will automatically be turned on again for the vehicle's next journey with every ignition cycle. The system operates in all modes apart from Reverse.

The 2014 Jaguar XF has a secondary battery fitted specifically for engine re-starting, meaning that all the normal car systems - such as the entertainment system, the ventilation and lights - continue to receive power from the standard car battery and are unaffected by the re-start. In addition, a complex control system ensures that the Stop/Start operation only occurs when the car does not require the engine for other functions.

Prices and an on-sale date for the 2014 Jaguar XF are yet to be confirmed.

Aston Martin DB9 Plug-in Hybrid Prototype Revealed [video]

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 04:18:00 -0500

Bosch Engineering and Aston Martin have teamed up to create a DB9 plug-in hybrid prototype to showcase the driving dynamics potential of plug-in hybrids.

The DB9 plug-in hybrid prototype has a 6.0-liter V12 engine and three electric motors – pair of 85kW electric motors to power front wheels and a smaller 25kW electric motor next to the Aston’s V12 – keeping the engine belt turning so the power steering and other ancillaries can do their jobs even in all-electric mode.

This setup enables the DB9 plug-in hybrid to produce more than 740 bhp (230bhp more than is available in the standard car), accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in approximately 3.7 seconds and have an electric-only range in excess of 16 miles (25.7 km).

The DB9 plug-in hybrid's electric motors are driven by an 180kWh lithium-ion battery located just ahead of the rear axle.

Bosch has also fitted the DB9 plug-in hybrid with new TFT screens to setup and monitor the hybrid system.

The Aston Martin DB9 plug-in hybrid prototype was built as a showcase for what Bosch technology can do for existing performance cars.