Volvo Planning ts Driveline Architectures All To Be Plug-in Hybrid Capable; Considering a Range-Extended Electric-Drive Architecture in the Future

Volvo is planning all its future driveline architectures with the ability to accommodate a rear-axle electric motor and battery for enabling a plug-in hybrid option, according to Paul Gustavsson, Volvo’s Vice President Business Development and Electrification Strategy.

Volvo’s current plug-in architecture of choice is shown on its V70 diesel PHEV prototypes: combining a front-wheel drive engine (diesel initially) with an axle-integrated rear-wheel drive electric motor, powered, in the case of the V70 PHEV, by an 11.3 kWh Li-ion battery pack (8 kWh is usable) under the trunk floor. (Earlier post.)

The V70 diesel PHEV is projected to support up to a 50 km (31 mile) all-electric range—sufficient to cover the daily transport needs of 75% of European drivers. Carbon dioxide emissions will average out at 49 g/km, with fuel consumption of 1.9 liters per 100 km (124 mpg US), according to the NEDC certification driving cycle.

Green Car Congress spoke with Gustavsson on the phone following Volvo’s affirmation at the Paris Motor Show that it would introduce a series-produced plug-in hybrid diesel as early as 2012. (Earlier post.)

Volvo concept of a range-extended architecture. Click to enlarge.

Gustavsson said that in the medium- to long-term, Volvo would consider a series hybrid architecture—i.e., a purely electric drive vehicle with a small range-extending ICE.

The plug-in hybrid is a perfect bridge to an electric society. We think that [a range-extended electric vehicle] would be an alternative in the long term, if we have a bridge. Plug-in hybrids are expensive—they’re a combination of two expensive drive trains. But that’s a bridge to get used to electrification, to get away from range anxiety.

The next step would be [around] 2016, 2017, 2018. We will still have a range limitation with battery cars. But we would avoid that if we put in a small range extender, say a 1-cylinder, 15 hp (11 kW) engine, very small, or a fuel cell. We think it’s probably long term the most interesting.

But it is at such an early stage. What we do right now is try to listen. We have our hands full to deliver a plug-in hybrid and a battery car [the electric C30].

—Paul Gustavsson

Based on the NEDC cycle, CO₂ emissions from Volvo’s V70 plug-in diesel hybrid will average out at 49 grams per kilometer, with fuel consumption of 1.9 liters per 100 km (124 mpg US), according to Volvo. The diesel engine—optimized to run on renewable synthetic diesel and complying with future exhaust emission requirements—can be run separately or in combination with the electric motor for optimal power and energy utilization.

Volvo plans to launch its PHEVs in all markets, including the US, and is working to develop a gasoline-engined PHEV to that end. The company is also evaluating the introduction of diesel-engined PHEVs into the US market, although the cost to meet US emissions requirements is a challenge, Gustavsson said.

Another cost-related challenge facing PHEV and EV introduction, Gustavsson said, is government support, which is “absolutely critical” in the beginning.

A lot of countries are hesitating in the budget. It is a mixed picture. In some markets, they withdraw from earlier promises; some markets increase, like Sweden. It’s a mixed picture

Green Car Congress

=> Volvo Planning ts Driveline Architectures All To Be Plug-in Hybrid Capable; Considering a Range-Extended Electric-Drive Architecture in the Future.

Seat Ibe concept, the zero-emissions sports coupe of the future, comes to Paris

Seat Ibe concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

By unveiling the Ibe all-electric sports coupe concept at the Paris Motor Show, automaker Seat showed that it’s about ready to go toe-to-toe with some of the big dogs in the world of dreamy battery-powered machines. The low-slung four-seater oozes with style befitting a proper sports coupe and, in red, it’s oh so delicious to look at. In concept form, the Ibe lacks the necessary go power that’s needed to convince the performance-oriented buyer that its a real contender in the sports coupe category, but what the Ibe gives up in grunt, it more than makes up for in design.

On to the goods we go. At less than 13 feet in length, the Ibe’s smallish size significantly contributes to its low, 2,425-pound curb weight. With a max of 102 horsepower and around 148 pound-feet of torque provided by the electric motor, the Ibe’s performance capabilities are very much determined by the vehicle’s mass. The battery-powered 2+2 sports coupe runs 0-60 in a few ticks shy of 10 seconds and tops out at 100 miles per hour. The lithium-ion battery, with a rated capacity of 18 kWh, should provide an honest 81 miles of range.

Seat describes the Ibe as the, “super-compact sports coupe for urban mobility in the near future,” and we find no reason to argue with that. Hit the jump for more on Seat’s spectacular battery-powered Ibe sports coupe concept and your day just wouldn’t be complete without checking out the high-res image gallery of the zero-emissions sports coupe of the near future.

AutoblogGreen

=> Seat Ibe concept, the zero-emissions sports coupe of the future, comes to Paris.

PSA Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi Motors to Develop Electric Version of Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and PSA Peugeot Citroën have signed an agreement to start the technical development of an electric version of Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo LCVs built at the PSA Vigo plant in Spain.

Under this new cooperative agreement, both partners will specify all technical and industrial aspects to be able to commence production of these electric versions by the end of 2012.

This signature is a continuation of the previous Cooperative Agreement on the jointly-developed European Peugeot iOn and Citroën C-ZERO models based on the i-MiEV new-generation electric vehicle.

Green Car Congress

=> PSA Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi Motors to Develop Electric Version of Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo.

Renault Introduces Kangoo Express ZE Electric LCV at 20,000

At the International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Renault is premiering the definitive version of Kangoo Express ZE (Zero Emission), the first all-electric van developed and built by a vehicle manufacturer. (Earlier post.)

Kangoo Express ZE will be sold in Europe at a price of €20,000 (US$26,800) excluding VAT, prior to any tax incentive that might be deductible. In France, for example, a state subsidy of €5,000 will reduce the price of Renault Kangoo Express ZE down to €15,000 (US$20,000) excluding VAT, the same price as a Kangoo Express of identical diesel-engined power.

Ownership of the vehicle will be separate to that of the battery. Customers will be able to purchase or lease their ZE van and take out a subscription for the battery costing from €72 (US$96) excluding VAT per month.

Renault Kangoo Express ZE is 4.21m long with a load capacity of between 3 and 3.5 m³, a load length of 2.50m and a payload of 650 kg (1,433 lbs). The batteries are located in the center of the vehicle under the floor, so load capacity is exactly the same as on the internal combustion-engined Kangoo Express. The asymmetric hinged rear doors and sliding slide door provide easy access to the cargo area, which is large enough to take a euro-pallet.

Kangoo Express ZE is powered by a 22 kWh Li-ion battery pack. The electric motor has a power output of 44 kW (60 hp) and a maximum speed of 10,500 rpm; maximum torque is 226 N·m (167 lb-ft). Energy efficiency is 90%. Low rolling resistance tires improve energy performance even further.

Kangoo Express ZE has a range of 160 km (99 miles) over an NEDC combined cycle. Renault has developed a special MMI (man machine interface) display to inform the driver of the remaining battery charge and operational range:

• a gauge next to the speedometer shows the remaining battery charge,
• an econometer displays the level of energy consumption in real time,
• the econometer uses a new colour code: light blue for “normal” use, dark blue for optimum operation (energy recovery) and red for excessive consumption that will impact vehicle range,
• the onboard computer is tailored to the characteristics of electric vehicles. It shows the remaining range and number of kWh, as well as real-time and average consumption.

New functions will also be available, such as pre-heating and pre-cooling during recharging, to maximize vehicle range.

The electric van will be produced in France at the Renault MCA (Maubeuge Carrosserie Automobile) plant in Maubeuge, on the same production line as the internal combustion-engined version. It will take full advantage of the first Kangoo’s production know-how, supplier fabric and logistics network. This will make it possible to start production quickly as well as ensuring high quality standards from the outset, Renault says.

Vehicles can be pre-ordered now on the website www.renault-ze.com.

Green Car Congress

=> Renault Introduces Kangoo Express ZE Electric LCV at 20,000.

Peugeot Releases Specs, Pricing Package for the iOn EV

Peugeot has released the specifications for the iOn EV—based on the Mitsubishi iMiEV (earlier post)—in advance of the Paris Auto Show. Peugeot is planning to put the electric vehicle on sale at the end of this year.

Peugeot says that it will market the iOn based mainly on an “all-inclusive” mobility offer. As an example, in France this offer lasts for five years and costs €499 (US$643) including VAT per month, which includes: the vehicle and its battery; 5-year warranty covering the battery and electric power train; servicing and maintenance for five years or 50,000 km (31,000 miles); specific electric assistance; and Peugeot Connect, Electric Driving (smartphone application) services and access to the Mu by Peugeot mobility program.

Peugeot is targeting the iOn mainly at local government, local authorities and public services and companies active in the transport and energy sectors, leasing companies, car sharing companies and the fleets of large corporations. In the first half of 2010, Peugeot has already signed 15 letters of intent with:

• three public transport companies, including two for an offer in different European countries;
• six leasing companies in three European countries; and
• six energy companies in six European countries.

Peugeot is also a partner in the consortium VTLIB’ (Veolia urban transport), still in the running as a candidate for the Autolib’ project, a future electric car self-service system planned for Paris and nearby suburbs in 2011. To a lesser extent, the company says, private individuals are also target customers.

Powertrain. The iOn is a rear-wheel drive vehicle in which the electric motor and single-ratio reduction gearbox are installed in front of the rear suspension. The motor is supplied with a 330 V three-phase alternating current (AC) from the inverter which is supplied with a 330 V direct current (DC) from the main battery pack.

The inverter regulates the current, frequency and voltage according to the position of the accelerator pedal. The inverter, the motor and the reduction gearing provides a potential speed range from 0 to 130 km/h (81 mph). The single reduction gear provides an overall ratio of 6.066 in both forward and reverse gears. Reverse gear is obtained by reversing the direction of the motor’s operation.

The compact synchronous permanent magnet electric motor delivers maximum power of 47 kW (64 bhp) and has a maximum torque of 180 N·m (134 lb-ft) from 0 to 2000 rpm.

The lithium manganese oxide (LiMn₂O₄ battery pack was developed by Lithium Energy Japan (LEJ, a joint venture between Mitsubishi/GS-Yuasa). The batteries are produced in Kusatsu in Japan. Each battery module has four or eight 3.7 V cells and a capacity of 50 Ah. With a total of 88 cells, connected in series, the battery pack can store 16 kWh of electrical energy with a nominal voltage of 330 V.

The recharging of each cell in the battery pack is controlled continuously by a control system which includes monitoring of each cell and a central battery controller.

The battery can be fully recharged in six hours using a single-phase 220 V household supply via a five meter cable fitted with a standard socket and a special plug for connection to the vehicle.

For quick charging, the 50 kW charging unit directly supplies voltage and direct current to recharge the drive battery. The unit operates on a three-phase 380 V supply (supplied directly from the country’s electrical network). The car’s battery is, therefore, supplied with a single-phase direct current of up to 125 A. A quick recharge fifteen minutes to provide 50% battery capacity and 30 minutes for 80% capacity.

Range per the European standard cycle is 150 km (93 miles).

The inverter, on-board charger, (DC) converter and electric motor are cooled by circulating water supplying a radiator positioned at the front of the vehicle. To optimize the life of the battery, if certain temperature thresholds are reached by elements of the battery pack during quick charging, ambient air or air cooled by the air conditioning is circulated through the pack.

The instrument panel features a battery charge indicator (with sixteen positions) letting the driver know the battery charge level. A power meter encourages economical driving by providing an instantaneous readout of levels of energy consumption or energy recovery during deceleration and braking, by means of a needle which moves across coloured zones:

• the green zone, driving with minimal energy consumption,
• the white zone, “energy hungry” driving,
• the blue “Charge” zone, level of energy recovery;
• the trip computer, as well as the usual information, indicates the available range calculated on the basis of driving conditions recorded over the last 25 kilometers. Parameters taken into account include the type of driving, traffic conditions, the type of journey and use of the heating or air conditioning; and
• gradual range reduction warnings and an emergency strategy.

When the battery charge level falls to two bars, the “gauge” symbol flashes, warning of the need to recharge the battery (17% of energy remaining). When the last bar is reached, it too flashes in addition to the “gauge” symbol. Charging is now essential.

When no bars are displayed any more, the “gauge” symbol stays on and the trip computer indicates no range. The heating and air conditioning are switched off by the vehicle’s onboard systems. The vehicle inertia allows the heater blower to diffuse any remaining hot or cold air. The power of the electric motor is gradually reduced.

When the requested acceleration can no longer be fully supported a “tortoise” symbol appears on the instrument panel and the vehicle’s performance is reduced; the vehicle comes to a complete stop when the minimum battery level is reached.

The electrical air conditioning and heating systems of the passenger compartment are powered from the lithium-ion battery pack.

The heating system operates via the circulation of coolant which is electrically heated. It provides warm air immediately after a cold start or when the vehicle is at a standstill. The power of the heating can be adjusted to obtain just the right level of comfort in order to minimize the consumption of electricity.

An optional “cold pack” is available which includes a heated driver’s seat ensuring good thermal comfort when only the driver is present, and optimizing the energy usage for the heating of the passenger compartment.

Air conditioning is provided by a refrigeration unit with an electric compressor controlled electronically so that only energy required for the current setting is consumed.

Green Car Congress

=> Peugeot Releases Specs, Pricing Package for the iOn EV.

FAW to launch electric B50 and other models this year

First Automobile Works are planning to launch their first pure electric vehicle this year, the Besturn B50, and will be FAW’s first mass produced electric vehicle. At the same time, FAW’s Tianjin subsidery, XiaLi, are also planning to launch a pure electric vehicle. An initial production run is set to happen soon in small numbers and an end of year launch is expected.

By the end of the year China will have five pure electric vehicles in production, including the BYD E6, Chang’an Ben Ben Mini and the new FAW vehicles, which will give consumers and governmental departments a wider choice in green vehicles.

China Car Times

=> FAW to launch electric B50 and other models this year.

CODA to Launch CODA EV in Hawaii in 2011

CODA Automotive intends to distribute the battery-electric CODA Sedan to consumer and fleet customers in Hawai’i in the third quarter of 2011.

CODA plans to begin limited deliveries at the end of 2010. The CODA Sedan is a four-door, five-passenger car, powered by an all-electric drive system, including a CODA-designed 33.8 kWh Lithium-ion battery system. CODA’s proprietary battery management and thermal management systems keep the battery within a specified temperature range which enhances safety and durability, and allows for a consistent and dependable range of up to 120 miles (193 km) across all US weather conditions, the company says.

CODA Automotive’s all-electric vehicle is another important addition to Hawai’i’s efforts to transition to a clean energy economy. The State of Hawai’i recognizes new electric vehicle technology and the electrification of the transportation sector will play a critical role in helping Hawai’i reduce its dependency on the use of fossil fuels and achieving our 70 percent clean energy goal by 2030.

—Governor Linda Lingle

Under the Hawai’i Clean Energy Initiative launched by Governor Lingle and the US Department of Energy in 2008, Hawai’i’s vision is to have clean energy account for 70% of its total energy needs by 2030.

Green Car Congress

=> CODA to Launch CODA EV in Hawaii in 2011.

Manufacturing process for electric vehicles could prove problematic for automakers

Nissan Leaf battery pack – Click above for high-res image gallery

As automakers decide upon the best approach for marketing and selling their upcoming battery-powered vehicles, manufacturing engineers are scrambling to find the best ways to make them. As Norm Bafunno, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana Inc. said, “Electric vehicles present an engineering challenge even for the most flexible automakers.” Bafunno said that electric vehicles (EVs) commonly utilize many materials and parts which are not present in conventional autos and this presents a problem at the assembly line because many manufacturing facilities are not equipped to accommodate material changes or the installation of additional parts such as the Leaf’s underbody battery cover.

Of course, Nissan is already ironing out the details as it begins to ready its plant in Smyrna, TN for Leaf production. Susan Brennan, vice president of manufacturing at the Nissan plant, recently spoke about the manufacturing challenges with Automotive News (sub. req.) and building the Leaf may require some manual overhead work – a potentially dangerous task that has been eliminated by the company. She said, “There will be some challenges for us to figure out. But if we can’t, the consequences for us are too great.” Surely there will be hurdles to overcome as automakers venture into EV production, but we’re entirely confident that the industry will come up with creative solutions to build these cars.

AutoblogGreen

=> Manufacturing process for electric vehicles could prove problematic for automakers.

Report: Mercedes-BYD to launch Chinese-market EV based on outgoing B-Class

Mercedes-Benz B-Class – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Autocar, company insiders at Mercedes-Benz have disclosed some potentially revealing information about the company’s electric car joint venture (JV) with China’s BYD Auto. The report suggests Mercedes will utilize a slightly modified version of the company’s outgoing B-Class front-wheel drive platform for the electric vehicle. Mercedes will take advantage of the flat-floor layout of its B-Class to house the electrified version’s lithium-ion battery pack in an underfloor position. Mercedes had initially designed the outgoing B-Class with electric intentions in mind and, as such, the platform should be well-suited for battery-powered motivation.

The zero-emissions hatchback will feature its own unique exterior styling and interior design but, unfortunately for us, it’s a Chinese-market only offering. We know Mercedes and BYD will eventually decide upon and announce a new brand for its range of electric vehicles produced under the JV, but marketing and selling this car is years away – or maybe more.

AutoblogGreen

=> Report: Mercedes-BYD to launch Chinese-market EV based on outgoing B-Class.

BMW Releases Teaser Sketch of First Electric Car—The 2013 Megacity

Back in April we brought you news that BMW’s first full production (sadly the Mini E was just an experiment) electric car—the Megacity—will be hitting the market in 2013. The car will make extensive use of carbon fiber to decrease weight and increase structural rigidity. BMW also said it would be of a striking design, although at the time there were no pictures to back up this claim.

Well, now there are. BMW has released a teaser concept sketch of what the Megacity might look like… and man is it different than any BMW I’ve ever seen.

Gas 2.0

=> BMW Releases Teaser Sketch of First Electric Car—The 2013 Megacity.

Report: Mitsubishi Planning 2M US$22K EV by FY 2012

The Nikkei reports that Mitsubishi Motors Corp. plans to bring the price of its electric vehicles down some 30% to around ¥2 million (US$22,000) by fiscal 2012.

Unveiled last July, the i-MiEV electric car can now be purchased in Japan, including government subsidies, for ¥2.84 million (US$31,300).

But Mitsubishi Motors sees the need for further price cuts considering the growing popularity of hybrids priced around 2 million yen. Factoring in subsidies, the i-MiEV will effectively sell for around 2 million yen.

Volume production of lithium ion batteries, the most expensive component in an electric vehicle, will lower costs sharply. A battery plant coming online in April 2012 will churn out 70,000 units a year, with the mass production cutting battery costs to under 1 million yen per vehicle, down from 2.5 million yen. Mitsubishi Motors will also work with the suppliers of motors, rechargers and other parts to reduce component numbers, making volume production easier.

Mitsubishi is also targeting an increase in automated manufacturing processes for EVs to about 10% of total assembly—on par with gasoline-fueled vehicles—from the current 2%.

Green Car Congress

=> Report: Mitsubishi Planning 2M US$22K EV by FY 2012.

Report: Tesla IPO to happen week of June 28

Tesla Model S – Click above for high-res image

It looks like Tesla Motors will finally be going public the week of June 28, if a report in the Wall Street Journal is correct. The long-anticipated stock offering was originally planned for the fall of 2008, but the global financial melt-down made that impossible. Tesla is hoping to sell 11.1 million shares at a price of $14 to $16 a share for a total take of up to $178 million.

The share offering must happen sometime this year under the terms of the recent agreement between Tesla andToyota if the Japanese automaker is to proceed with its plan to invest $50 million in the electric car maker. At $15 per share, Toyota would get about 3.3 percent of the company or about one-third of what Daimler got last year for a similar investment.

Aside from a single month in July 2009, Tesla has never turned a profit in its seven-year existence and is unlikely to do so until after the Model S goes on sale, now expected to happen in 2012. As of March 31, 2010, Tesla sold 1,063 Roadsters and there is no longer a waiting list for the electric sports car. Tesla officials have declined comment on the IPO report.

AutoblogGreen

=> Report: Tesla IPO to happen week of June 28.

Report: Renault shoots for annual target of 200,000 EVs by 2016

Renault Zoe Z.E. concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

We already know that Nissan is really bullish when its comes to discussing the future of electric cars; it turns out partner Renault has similar sentiments. As the French paper La Tribune reports, sources within Renault state that the company is shooting for the optimistic goal of producing 200,000 electric vehicles (EVs) per year by 2016. Though some estimates suggest that EVs will make up no more than five percent of a company’s overall production by 2016, La Tribune reports that Renault plans to easily eclipse that threshold.

The report goes into further detail about specific production numbers for Renault. The Renault Zoe will account for at least 150,000 of the company’s 200,000 annual EVs. Renault’s other electric vehicles - Fluence, Kangoo andTwizy – will presumably account for the rest of the sales volume. Critics would suggest that both Renault andNissan are overly optimistic about EVs, but we think that the bullish approach will likely push both companies up to the front of the pack, leaving others scrambling to catch up.

AutoblogGreen

=> Report: Renault shoots for annual target of 200,000 EVs by 2016.

BYD and Daimler sign joint-venture agreement

The new company, called Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd will owned 50:50 by BYD and Daimler. The two companies will invest RMB 600 million (about 88 million USD) to form the new joint-venture, headquartered in Shenzhen, the same city as BYD.

Regardless of the success of this new JV, one can see how associating themselves with Mercedes-Benz’s parent company will certainly give BYD more credibility, or as the Chinese call it, “face.” BYD will not be producing cars for Daimler, but developing cars with them.

Hopefully this does not go down as the Daimler-Chrysler partnership. Excerpts from the press release below:

Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Company Limited:

“Together with Daimler we are making excellent progress identifying opportunities to utilize the strengths of both companies to create a new brand of electric cars for China. This is a unique and exciting initiative and together we are pushing hard to bring this new electric vehicle to market as soon as possible.”

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG:

“Our new joint venture is well positioned to make the most of the vast potential of electric mobility in China. We are fortunate to have excellent joint venture partners in China and the establishment of this research and technology center with BYD adds another dimension to our growing presence in this important market.”

China Car Times

=> BYD and Daimler sign joint-venture agreement.

Electric RaceAbout is Finnish(d), unveiled in Helsinki

Electric RaceAbout – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Finnish X-Prize contender from the RaceAbout Association is finally, well, completed. The Electric RaceAbout (ERA) had its first test-driving session a few days ago and, with its virginal 100 kilometers on the odometer, was presented to the public at the Cable Factory in Helsinki last night. With the formalities finalized, the four-wheel-drive electric sportscar is now headed to the U.S. for this month’s “shakedown stage” of theProgressive Automotive X-Prize competition.

Said to be “paving the way for creating an electric car industry in Finland”, the majority of the 60 companies and institutions involved with the project are from that Nordic country. One of the technologies involved are the direct-drive motors the ERA has powering each wheel. The design, developed specifically for electric vehicles by Lappeenranta University of Technology and also shared by Valmet’s EVA concept, allow builders to forgo the use of a mechanical gearbox. To get a sneak-preview of the two-seater in motion, hit the jump for several videos showing the development process and some footage from the track tests.

AutoblogGreen

=> Electric RaceAbout is Finnish(d), unveiled in Helsinki.