Honda Sees Insight Hybrid Below $20,000 In U.S. - 2009-02-06 Honda Motor Co said on Thursday it wants to price the new Insight -- its first real attempt at selling gas-sipping hybrid cars in big volumes -- below $20,000 in the U.S. market.
Pennsylvania Awards Axion Power $800,000 to Demonstrate PbC Batteries in Hybrids, PHEVs and EVs - 2009-02-02 The Pennsylvania Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) program has awarded Axion Power International, Inc. an $800,000 grant to demonstrate Axion’s proprietary PbC battery technology in a variety of electric vehicle types including: hybrids (HEVs); plug-in hybrid electric (PHEVs) used in commuter, delivery and other vehicles; and EVs , including converted (from combustion engine operation) EVs.
Ener1 Expands Relationship with ITOCHU, Preparing to Enter Japanese Marketplace - 2009-02-02 Ener1, Inc., the parent of EnerDel, maker of lithium-ion batteries, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Japan-based ITOCHU Corporation, a highly diversified global trading company that leads the world market in distribution of specialized equipment and materials needed to produce lithium-ion battery cells. ITOCHU is a long-term strategic partner of and current investor in Ener1.
AFS Trinity Revs Up Prototype for 150 MPG Hybrid Electric SUV - 2009-01-29 AFS Trinity Power Corporation announced this week that it has upgraded its prototype for a high performance, high mileage green SUV with new technology to extend the vehicle's driving range.
Senate Proposal Would Boost "Plug-In" Incentive - 2009-01-29 Senate lawmakers on Tuesday proposed doubling the number of plug-in electric hybrids eligible for consumer tax credits as a way to stimulate sales when the vehicles hit showrooms late next year.
China To Subsidize Purchases Of Clean-Energy Cars - 2009-01-28 China's central government will subsidize purchases of clean-energy vehicles for public fleets in 13 cities to help the automobile industry develop green technology, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
UK To Provide £2.3B Support Package for Auto Industry; Focus on Low-Carbon Initiatives - 2009-01-28 The UK government introduced a £2.3 billion (US$3.3 billion) package of measures to support its domestic auto industry, including guarantees to unlock loans of up to £1.3 billion European Investment Bank (EIB) guarantees for investment in lower carbon initiatives; and loans or loan guarantees to support of up to £1 billion of lending for lower carbon initiatives for non-EIB backed projects.
DONG Energy Invests in Li-ion Battery Management Systems Company - 2009-01-23 DONG Energy is taking an undisclosed stake in Denmark-based LiTHIUM BALANCE A/S, a developer of lithium-ion battery management systems (BMS) for applications including electric and hybrid cars. DONG Energy is a Northern European energy company based in Denmark, and is primarily owned by the Danish government.
TM4 Partners with Tata Motors and Miljø in EV Project - 2009-01-22 Miljø Innovasjon, a subsidiary of Tata Motors, has selected TM4, a subsidiary of Hydro-Quebec, to provide electric motors, power electronics and vehicle controllers for an electric car demonstration program to be launched in Norway in 2009-2010. Electrovaya is providing the Li-ion batteries.
UK to Spend £250M for Low Carbon Vehicles - 2009-01-20 The UK Government will spend £250 million (US$354 million) on a wide-ranging package of measures to promote ultra-low carbon vehicles. Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon announced the move alongside the government’s decision to grant approval for a third runway at Heathrow Airport—a highly-charged issue in the UK.
BMW Group to Loan 10 MINI E EVs to New York City - 2009-01-16 The BMW Group will loan a fleet of 10 MINI E electric zero-emissions cars to the City of New York. New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg made the announcement during his State-of-the-City speech.
Better Place Enters Electric Car Network Partnership with Ontario - 2009-01-15 Better Place has entered a partnership with the government of Ontario to help bring an electric car network to the province and create a model for the adoption of electric cars in Canada. Ontario is one of North America’s largest car producing regions.
Vehicle Scrappage Bill Introduced in Both US Senate and House - 2009-01-15 A measure introduced by US Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Charles Schumer (D-NY) would establish a national voucher program to encourage drivers to trade in older, less fuel efficient cars, trucks or SUVs for a more fuel-efficient vehicles or to use mass transit.
Tesla May Use Evonik Battery Cell Widely - 2009-01-15 Electric car startup Tesla Motors Inc said on Tuesday it may use battery cells produced by Evonik Degussa GmbH, an affiliate of Daimler AG, for its own cars if they proved a better option than products from its current Japanese suppliers.
Johnson Controls-Saft in 5-Year Li-ion Pack Supply Agreement with Azure Dynamics - 2009-01-14 Johnson Controls-Saft (JCS) and Azure Dynamics Inc (AZD) have entered a five-year supply agreement under which JCS will provide a Li-ion battery pack and pack electronics to Azure Dynamics for use in its commercial vehicle hybrid systems.
2010 Honda Insight Hybrid Makes World Debut at the North American International Auto Show - 2009-01-13 Utilizing the fifth generation of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology and new, more cost-efficient production methods, the 2010 Insight offers an estimated EPA city/highway/combined fuel-economy rating of 40/43/41 miles per gallon US.
Toyota Reveals Third-Generation Prius; 50 mpg - 2009-01-13 The new version of the world’s top-selling hybrid vehicle (more than one million sold in 44 countries) offers better mileage ratings and enhanced performance, as well as new design features.
Chrysler Introduces New 200C EV Concept, New Jeep EV Concept and Update on Three Earlier EV Concepts - 2009-01-12 Chrysler unveiled the 200C EV Concept, the newest Chrysler ENVI electric-drive vehicle , at the North American International Auto Show. The 200C EV, based on a shortened version of Chrysler’s rear-wheel-drive platform, features a range-extended electric drive system that delivers up to 40 all-electric miles, with a total range of up to 400 miles.
Ford Rolls Out Accelerated Plan for HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs - 2009-01-12 Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford unveiled an accelerated plan to bring next-generation hybrid-electric (HEV); a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV); and battery-electric (BEV) vehicles to market quickly and more affordably during the next four years.
A123Systems Seeking $1.84B in ATVMIP Loans to Support Construction of Li-ion Plants in US - 2009-01-07 A123Systems has submitted an application under the US Department of Energy’s $25-billion Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program (ATVMIP) to qualify for $1.84 billion in direct loans to support the construction of new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities in the United States, with the first construction location in southeast Michigan.
Green Fuels, Cars Get Boost from Cow Pie Power, the Queen and New EV Charging Hub - 2009-01-07 The drive to green mobility got a boost into the New Year with news of heightened efforts to produce fuels from a variety of waste products, word that Queen Elizabeth's Bentleys are going green and the launch of an electric vehicle charging network in Northern California.
China-based Battery Maker Takes Stake in US PHEV Conversion Company - 2008-12-22 Gold Peak Industries North America, a subsidiary of China-based GP Batteries International, has acquired an equity stake in Plug In Conversions Corp. (PICC), a designer, developer and marketer of kits that allow hybrid owners to convert their cars to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Panasonic Buying Sanyo for $9B; HEV and EV Batteries an Important Focus - 2008-12-19 Batteries are one of the primary areas of benefit for Panasonic. The acquisition will, among other things, catapult Panasonic’s share of the rechargeable battery market to 38% from 10% this year, according to a Goldman Sachs analyst report.
New Jersey Releases Draft Plan for Reducing GHG Emissions; Low Emission Vehicle Standards a Key Element - 2008-12-16 The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released the state’s proposed plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 (approximately a 25% reduction below estimated 2020 business-as-usual emissions), followed by a further reduction of emissions to 80% below 2006 levels by 2050.
LG Chem and STMicroelectronics Partner on Li-ion Battery Packs - 2008-12-12 LG Chem, the largest Korean chemical company, and STMicroelectronics, one of the world’s leading semiconductor suppliers, are developing new automotive battery packs that combine LG Chem’s lithium ion (Li-ion) battery technology with a battery management chip manufactured by ST.
Better Place Unveils Design and Deployment of Charging Spot and Electric Parking Lots in Israel - 2008-12-08 Better Place Israel introduced its first “plugged-in” parking lots as well as the charging spot design that will be used in Better Place deployments around the world. Better Place Israel CEO Moshe Kaplinsky unveiled the charging spot at the Cinema City parking lot in Pi-Glilot.
Hawaii unveils plans for Better Place - 2008-12-03 Hawaii has decided to partner with Better Place to bring car battery exchange stations for electric vehicles to the islands, Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle announced Tuesday.
Michelin to Commercialize Electric Active Wheel Technology - 2008-12-01 Michelin’s Active Wheel, an in-wheel system comprising a brake, 30 kW (40 hp) electric traction motor and electric suspension motor system, will be used in the Heuliez-produced WILL electric vehicle (battery or fuel cell), due to be available to fleet owners in 2010. The WILL grew out of a concept developed by Heuliez and Michelin and features networked services innovated by Orange.
Portugal and Renault-Nissan Alliance Implement EV Agreement for 2010 - 2008-11-25 The Government of Portugal and the Renault-Nissan Alliance announced a comprehensive partnership to deliver zero emission mobility to Portugal from 2010. The plan will utilize electric vehicles supplied by the Alliance, and will leverage an extensive charging network that will be built across Portugal over the next three years.
Electric Car Networks Heading For the West Coast - 2008-11-24 Electric cars and the infrastructure needed to power them got a big push on several fronts last week with the announcements of new networks in two states.
Portugal Sees Mass Use Of Electric Cars In 2011 - 2008-11-24 Portugal will build 1,300 charging stations for electric cars by the end of 2011 as part of a deal with Renault and Nissan to promote zero-emission vehicles, the government and the auto makers said on Saturday.
San Francisco Plans To Be Electric Car Capital - 2008-11-24 San Francisco Bay Area cities promised to build the electric car capital of the United States, announcing a plan Thursday to work with start-up Better Place to put battery-powered autos on the road in 2012.
Renault-Nissan Alliance Adds Oregon and Monaco to Growing Roster of EV Partners - 2008-11-21 The Renault-Nissan Alliance has added two more partners for the development and promotion of a charging infrastructure to support electric vehicles: the US state of Oregon, and the Principality of Monaco. Since July this year, the Alliance has announced partnerships with Portugal, the City of Yokohama in Japan, the US state of Tennessee, and French utility giant EDF. In addition, the Alliance is also partnering with Better Place.
Verizon, UPS, Cox Expand Their Green Fleets - 2008-11-17 Verizon is doubling its fleet of hybrid sedans, UPS will add zero-emissions vans to routes in the United Kingdom and Germany, and Cox Communications is getting hybrid bucket trucks for operations in six states.
EnerDel Providing Two Li-Ion Packs to Large European OEM for PHEV Demonstrator Program, Pack to Tier 1 Supplier for EV - 2008-11-14 EnerDel has received a purchase order for two lithium-ion battery packs for plug-in hybrid electric development vehicles (PHEV) from “one of the largest car manufacturers in Europe” said Charles Gassenheimer, Chairman and CEO, on a conference call reporting third quarter results. The company will also provide a pack for a demonstration electric vehicle (EV) to one of the largest international tier one OEM supply companies.
UPS Adds 12 Modec Electric Vans to European Fleet - 2008-11-10 UPS has ordered twelve electric vehicles from UK-based Modec, the manufacturer of the world’ss first purpose-built zero-emission van. Six vehicles will be introduced into UPS’ UK fleet in February 2009, including the vehicle that was used for testing until now. The remaining six will operate in Germany.
Ohio State University Launches PHEV, EV and Smart Charging Program - 2008-11-10 The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) at Ohio State University has launched a new program focused on Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Electric Vehicles (EVs) and intelligent charging. The program is intended to develop not just an economically viable plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV), but also the support systems, life-cycle plans, infrastructure, and public policies that are necessary to successfully deploy, operate and maintain PHEVs.
Optare Shows Hybrid and Electric Buses - 2008-11-05 Optare plc, the UK’s second largest manufacturer of buses, is highlighting new hybrid and all-electric models at the Euro Bus Expo taking place in Birmingham, UK on November 4 through 6, 2008.
China's Changan, Electrovaya To Launch Clean Car In Canada - 2008-11-05 Changan Automobile Group, Ford Motor's China partner, said on Tuesday it will roll out 30 electric cars developed jointly with Electrovaya in Canada before the end of this year, potentially becoming the first Chinese auto maker to tap the North American market.
Two Southeast Utilities Partner on Plug-In Hybrid Smart Charging Trial - 2008-11-03 Advanced Energy, in partnership with utilities Duke Energy and Progress Energy, will initiate a smart charging trial of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Twelve converted Toyota Priuses will be equipped with charging management technology from Seattle-based V2Green and deployed in North Carolina and Florida.
Honda: New US CAFE is a “Game Changer” - 2008-11-03 American Honda Motors (AHM) views the new CAFE regulations under development as a “game changer” both in terms of how fuel economy is determined and in likely responses by automakers.
EU Ready To Help Car Industry Develop Greener Cars - 2008-10-30 The European Commission is ready to support the car industry and help it achieve EU targets to curb CO2 emissions despite the economic crisis, EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said on Wednesday.
Bolivia To Tap Huge Lithium Deposit In Salt Lake - 2008-10-28 Bolivia is moving ahead with plans to tap potentially huge lithium reserves at Uyuni, the world's biggest salt lake and one of the country's top tourist attractions, as demand for lithium-ion batteries surge.
SK Energy to Invest $110M to Expand Li-Ion Production - 2008-10-27 South Korea-base SK Energy will invest 159 billion won (US$110 million) to expand its lithium-ion battery production, according to a filing with the Korea Exchange.
Magna Electronics Acquires BluWāv Systems LLC, Expands Electric Propulsion Capabilities - 2008-10-24 Magna Electronics, an operating unit of Magna International Inc., has acquired BluWāv Systems LLC (formerly Wavecrest Laboratories), a developer and supplier of controls, motors and energy-management systems for hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and battery electric vehicles.
Spain And Renault Study Electric Car Plan - 2008-10-21 Renault and the Spanish government are studying the introduction of fully electric cars on its roads within three years, Industry Minister Miguel Sebastian said in an interview with Reuters.
France Fast-Tracks Green Cars - 2008-10-13 French President Nicolas Sarkozy pledged 400 million euros in state support last week for development of hybrid cars and electric vehicles, while the Renault Nissan Alliance and PSA Peugeot Citroën struck separate deals to work with EDF.
Renault and EDF to Partner on Electric Vehicles and Recharging Infrastructure in France - 2008-10-09 Renault and French electric utility EDF signed a memorandum of understanding to create, starting with France, a large-scale zero-emissions personal transport and travel system. The objective is to establish electric cars as a viable and attractive transport solution for consumers and to develop a supporting recharging infrastructure.
Electric Cars to Dominate Green Car Race - 2008-10-09 It will be years before demand for hybrid cars in the United States and Europe is big enough for battery manufacturers to make money from that business, but electric cars are nevertheless poised to dominate the market for greener vehicles, the world's largest car battery maker said on Tuesday.
Renault Unveils New Electric Concept Car - 2008-10-02 Renault has unveiled a new battery-electric concept car—the Z.E. Concept (Z.E. = Zero Emission)—at the Paris Motor Show. Based on the new Renault Kangoo be bop, the Z.E. Concept is powered by a 70 kW (95 hp) electric motor with 226 Nm (167 lb-ft) of torque and a lithium-ion battery pack.
Honda Reveals Insight Concept Hybrid at Paris - 2008-10-02 The new Insight marks the return of a dedicated hybrid to the Honda model line-up and the start of a new phase of Honda’s hybrid strategy—the Insight is the first of three new hybrid models that will appear within the next four years.
Mitsubishi Motors Set to Test Electric Cars in Europe - 2008-10-02 Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corp said on Wednesday it will begin testing its electric cars in Europe next month as it aims to beat rivals to the uncharted market and promote itself as the pioneer of the zero-emission vehicles.
Renault Pushes Electric Vehicle Sales - 2008-10-02 Renault expects to sell between 20,000 and 40,000 electric vehicles in 2011, and break through the 100,000 unit threshold the following year, said Patrick Pelata, executive vice president of the fourth largest European carmaker by sales volume.
DuraCar Introduces New EV Derived from ITS InnoVan at Paris Show - 2008-10-01 DuraCar, a Dutch automobile manufacturer, is introducing its QUICC! brand and the prototype of a new electric vehicle at the Mondial de L’Automobile opening in Paris this week. The QUICC! DiVa is fully battery-powered distribution van (DiVa), and the body and chassis of the vehicle are entirely made of plastic.
US Senate Approves $25B Loan Package for Auto Industry - 2008-09-29 In a special session on Saturday, the US Senate passed leglislation including authorization for $25 billion in low-interest loans to automobile manufacturers for retooling older factories.
U. Mich. Battery Spin-Off Lands $3.0M in State Funding - 2008-09-29 Sakti3 intends to develop and commercialize an advanced manufacturing method for high- power batteries primarily for placement in electric vehicles.
India's Iconic Electric Car Gets Energised - 2008-09-19 Long before "green" cars became trendy in other parts of the world, a boxy electric two-seater began rolling out of a small factory in the Indian city of Bangalore, which was then emerging as a software services hub.
China’s R&D Efforts on Li-Ion Batteries for Transportation - 2008-09-18 China, already a global center for lithium-ion battery component production and battery manufacturing, is ramping up its research and development efforts in the field, both within the private sector and with government support.
Tesla Plans Silicon Valley Electric Car Factory - 2008-09-18 California electric sports car-maker Tesla Motors is building a US$250 million Silicon Valley plant to produce sedans that will roll onto US highways in late 2010, the company said ahead of a Wednesday announcement.
GM Formally Unveils the Production Version of the Volt - 2008-09-16 General Motors marked its centenary today by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle. The design of the Chevrolet Volt production car has changed from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
EIA: PHEV40s Could Come Close to Matching Energy and Emissions Benefits of Fuel Cell Vehicles - 2008-09-15 Competition from other promising new vehicle technologies, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that could run on electricity from the grid for 50 to 80 percent of their travel, as well as continued improvement in more conventional technologies, make the prospect of widespread use of hydrogen FCVs an even greater challenge.
Congress Outlines Green Car Rescue Package - 2008-09-12 The ailing U.S. auto industry could soon receive a major shot in the arm in the form of $25 billion in low interest loans from the federal government, designed to help manufacturers meet new fuel efficiency standards and accelerate the development of low carbon vehicles.
EDF Energy and Toyota Launch UK Trials of PHEV - 2008-09-10 EDF Energy and Toyota are extending their European plug-in hybrid testing program to the UK. The beginning of the UK road trials marks the first introduction of a PHEV by a car manufacturer to the UK.
Daimler and RWE Launch EV Project in Berlin; 100+ EVs, 500 Charging Points - 2008-09-05 Daimler AG and RWE AG have jointly launched a large-scale electric vehicle (EV) trial in Berlin: e-mobility Berlin. Daimler will provide more than 100 electric cars from Mercedes-Benz and smart as well as the vehicle service.
French Government Declares Car Feebates System a Success - 2008-08-29 French environment minister Jean-Louis Borloo declared a bonus/malus (“feebate”) system introduced to encourage car buyers to make greener purchase choices a success.
Toyota to Accelerate Development of HEVs, PHEVs and EVs; Downgrades Sales Target for FY2009 - 2008-08-28 Outlining Toyota’s response to rapidly changing global market conditions, growing environmental issues and increasing material costs, President Katsuaki Watanabe said that the company was accelerating its development of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all electric vehicles. Watanabe said that Toyota would advance its delivery of plug-ins for fleet deployment to 2009 from 2010, and was planning series production of a next-generation electric vehicle in the early 2010s.
Mitsubishi and Partners Launch R&D Project for EV Charging Infrastructure with Renewable Energy; Vehicle-to-Home Prominent - 2008-08-27 Mitsubishi Corporation recently launched a new R&D project in collaboration with Tokyo Institute of Technology (T. Tech), Tostem Housing Institute Co., Ltd., GS Yuasa Power Supply, Ltd. and other partners, to develop an infrastructure system to charge electric vehicles (EVs) using renewable energy such as solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal energy and wind power.
Sanyo in Talks With Car Makers on Batteries - 2008-08-25 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd the world's largest rechargeable battery maker, said on Friday it was in talks with major car makers in Europe, the United States and Japan on the supply of auto-use batteries.
Navistar Introduces Li-ion Battery Lease Program for Medium-Duty Hybrid Trucks - 2008-08-21 Navistar is now offering customers of the International DuraStar Hybrid medium-duty truck (earlier post) a battery-lease program—the first of its kind in the North American commercial truck industry—that results in an additional $10,000 off the initial purchase price of the truck in exchange for making 60 monthly lease payments on the battery.
Hyundai Aims to Launch First US Hybrid in 2010 - 2008-08-21 Hyundai Motor Co expects to release its first hybrid in the US market as early as 2010, featuring cutting-edge lithium-ion battery technology, an executive said on Wednesday.
Island Pilot to Introduce Diesel-Electric Series Hybrid Motor Yacht - 2008-08-19 Island Pilot, LLC will introduce a diesel-electric series hybrid production motor yacht at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The twin-hull Island Pilot DSe Hybrid 12m combines diesel, solar and electric power (the components of the DSe label).
GM to Finish Electric Car Design by Mid-September - 2008-08-15 General Motors Corp said Thursday it would finalize the design of the all-electric Chevy Volt by mid-September and aims to have 50 prototypes with production-ready parts by the end of 2008.
Study: All New Vehicles By 2020 Will Have Some Level of Hybridization - 2008-08-14 Alternative power will see continued innovation that extends far beyond 2020, with hybridization and battery technology leading the drive toward environmentally sustainable transportation, according to the report. Micro-, mild- and full-hybridization are currently undergoing extensive development today, and study participants believe strongly that by 2020 all new vehicles will have some level of hybridization.
Mitsubishi Motors to Begin i MiEV Fleet Testing in US with Two California Utilities - 2008-08-07 Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has signed letters of intent with two California utilities—Southern California Edison (SCE) and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)— that will result in the electric i MiEV entering the fleet testing and vehicle evaluation programs run by each.
Lotus Engineering Develops Sound Simulation Technology for Electric Drive Vehicles - 2008-08-05 Lotus Engineering has developed technologies to synthesize external sound on electric and hybrid vehicles to counteract the growing concern these ‘quiet’ vehicles pose to pedestrians and cyclists. Lotus applied the technology to a standard Toyota Prius to create a ‘Safe & Sound’ Hybrid technology demonstrator vehicle.
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