Nissan and Toyota had Better Worry About the Volt Fires And So Should You

You have to be wondering how closely Toyota and Nissan are watching the NHTSA investigation into the Chevy Volt fires.  Actually, all car makers should be watching for fallout very carefully.  But specifically, Toyota just started taking orders on the Plug-in Prius.  And the Nissan Leaf has been competing (sales-wise) with the Volt from the beginning.  And consumers are not going to make a distinction between any of the car makers when it comes to battery fires.

They've seen too many cases in laptops and phones now of spontaneous combustion to ignore the issue.  Mind you, the opposite argument could be made, that they have gotten used to the risk of having batteries that could overheat near them on a constant basis.  But I doubt it.  There's something different about the batteries in electric and quasi-electric cars (the size!).

Imagine if consumers stop trusting large battery packs.  What will the automakers do when it comes to the new fuel efficiency guidelines if they can't sell at least some electric or extended range electric vehicles?  They are all working on them.  Imagine if all the research investment, time and money, has been wasted in the effort as they have to pull up and wait for a new generation of batteries to come forward?  Imagine what that will mean when they lobby for a postponement to the new fuel economy laws?

I can see it now.

"I'm sorry senator, we really would like to build and sell electric cars, but we just can't yet.  The technology isn't there.   I'm sure you understand why we can't put voters, err... I mean drivers at risk just to meet these fuel economy guidelines." - any car maker lobbyist in D.C.

In case you're not familiar, the NHTSA was conducting crash tests on the Chevy Volt (5-stars!).  They put one through it's paces (i.e. smashed it up, really good!) and then placed it into storage.   A few weeks later, a fire broke out in the battery pack (the coolant line had been severed) and burned up the Volt, plus several nearby cars.  Since then, in cooperation with Chevy (General Motors), they have subjected several other Volts to similar circumstances in an effort to start more fires.  They were successful (smoke and sparks, at least).

GM says this is a known factor when dealing with these battery packs.  One of the safety measures they've outlined is to discharge the battery pack after an accident to keep a fire from starting.  But the NHTSA didn't follow their guidelines and that's why the fire occurred.  In the meantime, they emphasize their cars are safe (noting the 5 star rating they received) but just in case anyone's nervous, they will let them drive a loaner for free while the investigation continues.  A 'handful' of customers have done just that.

Competition Between Leaf and Volt Heating Up

Everybody's talking about the competition between the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt (Detroit News, AutoBlog, GM-Volt, etc...).  But really, does it matter all that much that the Volt outsold the Leaf this past month?   Does it matter that the Leaf has been outselling the Volt since May?  Does it matter if either company makes their 10,000 sold in the first year?  Not really.

The difference between the two cars is profound.  GM may call the Volt an extended range electric vehicle, but the Leaf is all electric.  That means they are very different.  The Leaf does not have a gas option, meaning it can only go 70-100 miles on one charge. The Volt can go only 30-40 miles on electric before switching to gasoline (to charge the battery, but still it's running on gas at this point).  The Volt is $5-10 thousand dollars more than the Leaf.  But when you can get 1000 miles on 11 gallons of gas, maybe that's worth the extra money to those people who can afford the $35 thousand just to be able to choose between the two.

In their first year, the Volt and Leaf are depending on similar buyers; very financially sound; environmentally minded; and risk-minded individuals.  These people are willing to take a risk on something new, something they want to support.  They know there will be issues, but they are OK with being the guinea pigs.

The real question isn't how many of these people either company gets to buy (although I will say the more that buy, the better off the company is).  It's how, or even if, they are going to transfer to the more general public.   At these prices, maybe they won't be able to.  But if they don't, that 10,000 sold maybe the best they can do every year.  And considering both companies are planning on ramping up production to 5X or more, that's what really matters.

In order to sell 50,000 of these two cars a year; in order to make these cars ultimately profitable, and not just green flags to wave; in order to help transition our gas powered vehicle fleets into something a little less dependent on oil; that's what matters.

GM Invests $325 Million Into Retooling Plant for Electric

GM is going to put $325 million back into their Warren transmission plant, an effort to retool the plant into making electric parts.  This will create or save 418 jobs at the plant, which currently builds transmissions for large crossovers like the Enclave, Acadia and Traverse, as well as the Malibu sedan.

“This investment in the future recognizes the excellent work force and operation of this plant,” said GM Manufacturing Manager Gerald Johnson. “While we aren’t sharing many details about this product, I can tell you that this investment demonstrates how GM, working with our UAW partners, continues to innovate and bring new electrification solutions to our customers.”

The move is part of the current contract with the UAW, which states they will invest in the plant.  It's possible the parts being built will be for a mild hybrid system (start-stop) set for the Malibu next year.

Fisker Karma Gets 52 MPGe

The Fisker Karma will begin selling at a measly $95,900. That makes it the most expensive plug-in hybrid to be mass produced and sold. Is 32 miles of electric range, followed by 20 mpg worth that amount?

To put it in perspective, the Volt is supposed to get 35 miles on electric, followed by 37 mpg on gasoline alone. But then again, I don't think fuel economy is what the Karma is truly about. When the Karma can go 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, but still get 52 MPGe, Fisker may be targeting a different demographic altogether.

Good Enough for a Plug-In?

I've been thinking a lot lately about what is good enough for a plug-in hybrid electric car. With Ford deciding to opt out of the Escape Hybrid (they are instead moving the hybrid version into a new model, although it will be similar from what I've seen), I was wondering why no one else has tried to truly duplicate the Prius model.

 Obviously, the Prius is the top selling hybrid car on the road and has been for over a decade. And Toyota has done very well by it. It beats out all other hybrids, with one out of every two hybrids sold in the US being a Prius. That despite the multitude of hybrid models on the road today.

 The truth is, the Prius is still the best of all options. Room for four, best fuel economy, not a luxury price tag, etc... Nothing else is similar. Nothing else beats it out in those three categories.

 So, now with car companies beginning to compete with in the plug-in hybrid category, what's going to be good enough, and what's going to be the best? Is the Volt the best car companies can do? Will the Prius plug-in continue the Toyota domination?

When looking over the specs for the V60 Plug-in Hybrid, where does Volvo try to differentiate itself? They are already warning in the media releases of the cost. The electric only mode is 50 km (31 miles). There is room for four. But does Volvo think that's good enough to compete realistically?

Say Good-Bye to the Altima Hybrid

So, that's it for the Nissan Altima Hybrid.  After four years of leasing the hybrid technology from Toyota, Nissan has decided to drop the Altima Hybrid for next year.  A bad sign for current owners, but may be a good sign for Nissan and hybrid technology in the future.

(Source: Kicking Tires)

Nissan has designed their own hybrid technology, it's just going into the Infiniti line-up.  They also want to concentrate on their EV Leaf for now.  In other words, their halo car is the Leaf and there's no reason to point to the Altima Hybrid as their version of green  anymore.

Altima Hybrid sales have never risen very far, as Nissan never pushed it.  Nissan only sold it in 10 states.  They never really tried to differentiate themselves.  How could they since they were using Toyota hybrid technology?  So the history books will point to the Altima Hybrid experiment as a cash losing proposition.  A halo car that wasn't so angelic.

Maybe the Leaf and it's EV successors will turn out better.  It's no doubt Ghosn and company are hoping so.

Hybrid Trucks

Unlike hybrid cars and SUVs, the hybrid truck has had a limited consumer response and a limited production. There are several reasons for this, but it really is a shame. Hybrid technology is designed to improve fuel economy and like SUVs, trucks don't have very good mpg. They are designed for other things, towing, drafting, carrying. In other words, they are the workhorses of the vehicle family. the people who buy trucks aren't as concerned with the fuel consumption, so much as the towing capacity for instance.

But hybrid technology can improve both fuel economy and power at the same time. The problem is the price tag. It's too easy for someone who is purchasing a truck to convince themselves the extra price for the electric motor just isn't worth it. If you're running a business, the bottom line is the bottom line. And the $4,000 extra you pay for the hybrid motor is hard to justify.

There are counterarguments, however. Along with the electric motor, you also get a large battery pack that you can run electric hardware off of. And the hybrid trucks come with plugs to make it easy.  You also get higher towing capacity and more power even at low speeds.

You also get the already mentioned higher fuel economy and more power at lower speeds than you might expect. Going from 15 mpg to 20 mpg is worth more than going from 40 to 45 mpg. If your hybrid truck is being driven 12,000 miles a year, you'll be buying 200 gallons less every year. At today's gas prices (say $3.75/gallon) you'll spend $750 less a year. That means even at $4,000 extra you have to pay for the hybrid motor, you can still make that up during the life time of the car. And the more you drive, the quicker you'll make the hybrid truck pay for itself.

Unfortunately, even if you are interested, there aren't a lot of choices out there in hybrid trucks. There's the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid.  Dodge also has the Ram Pickup Hybrid. But that's it.  With so few options, it's not hard to wonder why not many are opting in.  Other car makers have dabbled in the field with demonstration hybrid trucks, but no one else has followed up with it. I'm hopeful, like hybrid minivans, more will start coming out sooner rather than later. But with everything else going on right now in the automotive field, I get the feeling there's just not enough of a demand.

Prius V Launch Delayed

Not surprisingly, the Prius V launch for April has officially been delayed.  No word on when the launch will happen, but it was scheduled for April in Japan.  No decisions have been made about the summertime launch in the US.

Something to keep in mind is the delay in production for all hybrids (really, all vehicles depending in any way on supplies from Japan) is going to be affected in the coming months, which will affect pricing and supply.  It's already hitting the used hybrid marketplace, and it won't be long before dealers start worrying about when they're going to get another vehicle in.


Press Release from Toyota:
Toyota Motor Corp. announced today that it decided to postpone launch of the Japan-market Prius-derivative vehicle originally scheduled for launch in late April. No decision has been made at this time on when the launch will be rescheduled.

As announced at the North American International Auto Show (Detroit) in January, the Prius v – as the vehicle is known in the U.S. market – is scheduled to launch the end of summer 2011. No decision has been made in regards to a possible need to change the launch timing.

We're making every effort to minimize disruptions to our overall operations

New York Loses Out on Hybrid Taxi

After years of courtroom battles, NYC has lost out on their bid to force all taxis to go hybrid.   The Supreme Court has refused to hear their argument, letting the ruling from the lower court stand. 

Taxi owners argued the city was regulating fuel economy, something only the federal powers are allowed to do.  And although some states have created emissions and fuel standards, those have come by a waiver issued by the EPA.

Really, taxi owners simply don't want to pay extra to purchase the hybrid cars.  Taxi drivers love them because of the lower fuel costs and because customers have shown a preference for riding in them.

Still, a large percentage of NYC taxis have already gone hybrid.  And more are expected to, so the effort by the city has not been wasted.

Honda Civic Hybrid Recall 2006 - 2007

Honda is recalling MY 2006-2007 Honda Civic Hybrid to replace a DC to DC converter.  The DC-DC converter is part of the IMA system and may experience an internal failure leading to stalling and malfunction of the headlights.

Around 37,000 Civic Hybrids are being recalled for the repairs.  Notification should start on March 18.

Is the EPA Setting Us Up?

The EPA is currently working out the EPA standards on electric and plug-in electric vehicles and there's been quite a lot of debate on how, why, who, what, etc... But this is the first time I've seen the values being labeled as outright fraudulence:

Using the DOE’s apples to apples methodology, the MPGe of the Nissan Leaf is not 99 but 36! Now, 36 is a good mileage number, but it is pretty pedestrian compared to the overblown expectations for electric vehicles, and is actually lower than the EPA calculated mileage of a number of hybrids and even a few traditional gasoline-powered vehicles like the Honda CR-Z. (Source: Forbes blog)

I don't agree with his argument at the end on tailpipe emissions, although I understand it. But in the long run, it's actually easier to mandate the power sources for emissions than it is each car.  And the analogy he uses for the main subject matter is definitely stretching things...

So is the EPA setting us up for a long term failure? Are we being fooled by the electric dream?

Do We Really Want Green Cars

According to US News and World Report, "Despite all the hype surrounding hybrid and electric cars, some people just aren’t buying it. According to a new study, “some people” are most consumers."

That really doesn't cut it with me. Despite the hype and the hysteria surrounding the sales of hybrids, most people don't take into account hybrid car costs. But even though hybrid cars and SUVs are still luxury items, over 1% of the US market comes from Prius sales.

Let me repeat that in a slightly different way: 1 out of every 100 cars sold is a Prius.

There are very few cars that can say they make up such a large percentage of US consumers.  There are even fewer luxury cars that even come close to it.  Other hybrid cars aren't as fuel efficient, aren't as inexpensive and just plain aren't as good as the Prius. Which is why the Prius still dominates the hybrid car market place.

In the same article, JD Powers and Associates predicts that by 2020, over 7 percent of the passenger vehicles sold will be hybrids. Do you know of any other luxury option that will be doing as well?

Federal Tax Credit for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2011 Sonata Hybrid will come with a $1,300 tax credit (if you qualify). Unfortunately, if you're interested, you need to get it now. The tax credit expires at the end of the year. Which means you only have one month to buy the new hybrid which will be available in the beginning of December.

The Hyundai Hybrid received an EPA rating of 36/40 mpg city/highway. That put it below the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which got the full tax credit of $3,400. But then, Ford has already sold the 60,000 hybrid cars that put it over the limit, forcing the tax credits to phase out back in April. Toyota and Honda hybrids ran out of tax credits much sooner than that.

The price has not been released yet on the Sonata Hybrid.

Volt Accused of Not Going All the Way

Is it or is it not? That is the question being asked this past week as news comes the Chevy Volt may not be as electric as it claims to be. Edmunds says GM has lied: "it isn't as electric as GM has been saying for the past three years."

Electric, Hybrid, or Neither?

GM has fired back in a statement: "There is no direct mechanical connection (fixed gear ratio) between the Volt’s extended-range 1.4L engine and the drive wheels. In extended-range driving, the engine generates power that is fed through the drive unit and is balanced by the generator and traction motor. The resulting power flow provides a 10 to 15 percent improvement in highway fuel economy." and "If the traction motor is disabled, the range-extending internal combustion engine cannot drive the vehicle by itself."

Seemingly at the heart of the debate is what the Volt can call itself. GM claims the Volt is an electric car (ignore the gas engine behind the curtain, please). Edmunds (and others like the NY Times) claim the Volt is a hybrid, really a plug-in hybrid.  But that's not really the problem here.

Back Story, the Birth of an E-REV
The story I have had in my head based on all I've read and learned about the Chevy Volt E-REV goes like this. The Volt is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, but a variation within that framework, one I had come to realize deserves a new name to distinguish it from other plug-in hybrid vehicles. The Volt runs on electric power alone for 40 miles (electric power you have stored up overnight by plugging in). After that, the electricity is produced by a small gas engine which supposedly just recharged the battery pack.

Shocking Truth?  Or Just Media Bias?
It's shocking, to me and others, to find that story isn't quite true. According to Edmunds, the gas engine is assisting the electric motors at highway speeds (at or above 70 mph ). Kicking Tires points out "there's a power-split device similar to the type in hybrids from Toyota and Ford. "

It doesn't really matter if the car can only move if the electric motor is also running.  ("The engineers say yes. They say the arrangement produces a slight increase in efficiency, but they emphasize that it's not as if the gas engine takes over from the electric drive. The electric drive is indispensable, at high as well as low speeds, they say." Source: MSNBC") What matters is GM has been clear for years now the gas motor would not be capable of pushing the car.

Truth or How Dare They?
And the real kicker, does this mean the gas engine will kick in at highway speeds even in the first 40 miles? Can you really call a car like that an E-REV? What's exciting about the Volt is the ability (if you only travel less than 40 miles a day), you can own an electric car without the 'range anxiety' an all electric car brings. The Leaf goes for 100 miles, but after that you need to recharge. In other words, you need to find a plug and about 4-8 hours of time. The Volt just needs to pull into a local gas station if you don't have a handy plug.

And that's why most of the questions I've seen about the gas engine are 1) can it be even smaller? and 2) what if you don't go over 40 miles for a year or two?  Doesn't the gas go stale?

That's the way people are thinking about the Volt.

Truly an Electric for 40 miles or not?
But if that's not true, if your commute involves highway driving at 70 mph, and the gas engine is going to turn on anyways... Well, now we have a real problem.  This is what the true furor is about.

Consumers are hoping for an electric car for most days, but a gas car when you need it to go farther. What if they don't use gas for a couple of years? GM has said they have thought of this and it won't be an issue. Now I'm wondering if this is why they were so confident about that.

"The buzz around the internet — and at this event — suggests the world will soon come to an end because the Volt isn't what people thought it would be, that it's somehow a lesser vehicle. I don't see it. Once the engine starts, the point is efficiency." (Source: Joe Wiesenfelder at Kicking Tires)  With all respect to Joe, that's not the point at all of the Volt.  A true plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will be more efficient than an E-REV.

If the gas engine only 'assists' the electric motor after you are in 'extended range', then the furor over the name calling (what's in a name, after all?) will be over in my mind. The gas engine is already on and what difference does it make that the engine is not only recharging the battery pack, but it's also helping move the car a little bit increasing the efficiency.

What's in a Name
The E-REV definition separates the Volt from an all electric car. It also separates it from a plug-in hybrid (like the one expected from Toyota in the next year or so). But only if the gas engine doesn't assist at high speeds in the first 40 miles. If it does, then the Volt will need to be relabeled as a plug-in hybrid. Because that's what it would be, whether GM wants it to be called that or not.  Toyota and Ford hybrids already drive at low speeds on all electric power as just hybrids.  The difference maker for the Volt was being able to go any speed up to 40 miles (you're miles will vary).

Sidenote:
BTW (To Mark Phelan at freep) who says "If you don't believe Parks and the independent testers who've driven the car, though, ask the federal government. It has approved the Volt for a $7,500 tax credit that only applies to electric vehicles. Hybrids need not apply." That's not true. The credit is not to 'electric cars' and the Toyota Prius plug-in will probably qualify for the tax credit.

Read More
To read more on the controversy: Money Times, IB Times, US News, Kicking Tires, Earth Techling, GM, freep
Join the Discussion at Clean MPG

End of Government Help Means Lower Prius Sales in Japan

The BBC is reporting the end of government subsidies has led to a drop in Prius sales in Japan. For almost a year and a half, Toyota has sold more Prius each month than in the prior year.

The Prius has also been the most popular car in Japan since the subsidies started. But with the end of the subsidies has come a drop of 14% over last years sales numbers. The Prius was still the number one car in September, however.

The Honda Fit was the second most popular car in Japan according the Japan Automobile Dealers Association (JADA).

"The Prius remains hugely popular, but its sales tumbled due to the end of green car subsidies," said association spokesman Toshiki Miyake.

"Many consumers put off decisions to buy green cars following the end of government incentives."

The Prius will continue to be the most popular car for months to come, as the back log of orders is still being filled.

Toyota Works on Their Own Smart Grid

Toyota is working on their own plug-in smart grid system for homes. With plug-in hybrids coming in the next couple of years, Toyota wants to be ready for the new phase of vehicle development.

One of the biggest limiting factors on electric (or even partially electric cars) is the limited sources for plugging in. Add in how long it takes to recharge a battery pack and you can understand why most people would be reluctant to switch out of their gasoline powered cars.

Nissan, with the new electric Leaf, had installers come and emplace vehicle recharging stations in homes of people who buy the Leaf. Toyota has the same intentions, apparently, but they want to install their systems into new car buyers homes.

The smart grid installation from Toyota "allows people to see on TV screens and mobile handsets how much electricity is being consumed by a household, how much a plug-in vehicle has charged, and how much electricity has been stored in the home. Source: Detroit News"

It also works out when to shut off gadgets that aren't being used and how to maximize when to recharge the battery in your car (rates are cheaper at night).

Would You Buy a Car That Gets 62 MPG?

The Obamam administration is working on the new fuel efficiency guidelines starting in 2017. By then, the fuel economy average is supposed to be 35.5 mpg under the most recent guidelines adopted by the government over the past couple of years.

From 2017-2025, the discussion has continued on how much more can the US force out of the vehicle manufacturers. Administrative leaks have the goal for automakers being set anywhere from 47 to 62 mpg. That's an annual increase of 3 to 6 percent.

Environmentalist and other interested parties are pushing hard for at least 60 mpg by 2025. They argue the higher goals will force innovation and create new jobs in the automotive industry. The automotive industry says the new rules will cost consumers greatly when they go to buy their new cars.

The new proposals are expected in September, 2011, with the final ruling set in July 2012.

What's remarkable about these proposals is how few cars now meet or exceed these limits. The Prius, for instance is rated at 50 mpg. Although it should be pointed out the CAFE rules being revised are different from the ratings you see on the side of your car. The numbers can be wildly different under the two rating systems. Also, the rules require a fleet-wide average, not on individual cars. Plus, the rules are different based on the type of car being built (cars vs trucks, for instance).

Some groups, like the NRDC, are pushing hard for the higher standards:
"The Obama Administration is on the right path in recognizing the need to use the Clean Air Act to improve emission efficiency standards, but it should pursue the best option possible," Natural Resources Defense Council Transportation Program Director Roland Hwang said. "The problem with setting the bar at just a 3 percent improvement per year is that it puts the U.S. auto industry on a path towards mediocrity. A 6 percent improvement, which translates into a 62 miles-per-gallon fuel efficiency standard, will really encourage innovative ideas, create more jobs, and do more to put the country’s auto industry back in a leadership role. But beyond the jobs and economic benefits, a stronger standard will help break our crippling dependence on oil."

2011 Lexus CT 200h

The Lexus CT 200h is a full hybrid luxury vehicle through and through. Introduced at the Geneva Auto Show, the hybrid Lexus provides full luxury in a compact vehicle hybrid.

The 1.8 litre motor is paired with an electric generator to provide power in four different drive modes. Each mode allows the driver to choose how he wants the hybrid to respond. Sport, eco, ev, and normal. To maximize fuel efficiency, the outer design was selected to minimize drag and optimize airflow.

Press Release follows:
The new CT 200h represents the synthesis of five key Lexus attributes which offer customers an unprecedented experience in premium compact motoring: Lexus Hybrid Drive and the extremely rigorous set of development standards known as the Lexus MUSTs; a unique driving character; the dynamic yet elegant styling inherent in the latest realization of Lexus’ L-finesse design philosophy; Lexus’ outstanding manufacturing quality and attention to detail; and the renowned customer service which lies at the heart of the Lexus ownership experience.

Lexus Hybrid Drive Powertrain
The CT 200h’s Lexus Hybrid Drive features a unique energy management system. Through the application of brand-specific engineering solutions and software tuning, Lexus engineers have focused on enhancing both the environmental and driving performance of the full hybrid series/parallel system, as well as its low NVH levels.

With a total system output of 134 hp (100 kW), the CT 200h will accelerate seamlessly from 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds. Conversely, the CT 200h boasts remarkably low fuel consumption – a combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg.

Lexus Hybrid Drive generates significantly less NOx and zero particulate emissions compared to an equivalent diesel engined vehicle. Moreover, when operating in a switchable EV mode, it generates zero NOx and particulate emissions, driving for up to one mile at speeds of up to 28 mph.

Further enhancing the Lexus Hybrid Drive system’s outstanding environmental credentials, the CT 200h incorporates numerous additional energy saving and environmentally-conscientious measures. These include LED lighting, an energy-efficient audio system amplifier and bamboo charcoal speakers, and the use of bio-sourced materials.

Dynamic Package
With a highly-focused driver’s environment, the new Lexus CT 200h has been developed to combine superior handling and a dynamic driving experience with the ride comfort expected of any Lexus.

Key to the new premium compact full hybrid’s sporting driving experience is its highly focused driver’s cockpit. It features a low driver’s seat with enhanced lateral and lumbar support, a sporting, wide grip steering wheel and a driver-focused instrument binnacle housing large, high-visibility, triple dials.

The CT 200h benefits from a highly modified existing platform incorporating numerous, exclusively developed body, chassis and powertrain control system engineering applications designed to offer customers a choice of two distinct driving moods – Dynamic, or Relaxing - in conjunction with the full hybrid’s EV, ECO, NORMAL and SPORT, ‘on-demand’ drive modes.

Particular attention has been paid to promoting superior handling stability through the high structural rigidity of the bodyshell, a low center of gravity and the minimizing of the yaw inertia moment through the use of an aluminum hood, tailgate and bumper reinforcements.

Introduced for the first time on a Lexus in this segment, a unique lateral performance damper system has been designed to help absorb and minimize body vibrations, giving a linear steering feel and further enhanced ride comfort.

The Lexus CT 200h features a bespoke suspension design which combines a proven, MacPherson strut front system with a new, fully-independent double wishbone architecture to the rear, offering superior levels of ride comfort, handling and package efficiency.

Design
The Lexus CT 200h introduces a powerful new evolution of Lexus’ unique L finesse design philosophy to the heart of the premium compact segment.

Marrying refined elegance to sporting dynamism, the CT 200h has a highly distinctive, sharp-edged, resolute appearance, generating a unique aura which immediately sets it apart from segment rivals. With a powerful new Lexus frontal design, sweeping lines which mimic the natural flow of wind over and around the bodywork and a purposeful, wide track stance, the new full hybrid is the perfect expression of compact precision and power.

The CT 200h’s efficient and elegant cabin combines superior ergonomics, advanced Human/Machine Interface technologies and spacious passenger accommodation with hand-crafted feel, premium quality materials to create an outstandingly refined driving environment.

Its efficient package enables front and rear seat passenger accommodation that is spacious and a 14.3 cu. ft. luggage capacity is comparable to any vehicle its size.

Safety
The new premium compact full hybrid is equipped with a comprehensive range of active, passive and pedestrian impact safety features in the entry luxury segment.

The CT 200h offers an optional pre-emptive, Pre-Collision Safety system incorporating Adaptive Cruise Control. Eight airbags including driver and front passenger knee airbags and Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are fitted as standard, and an upgraded Electronically Controlled Braking-Regeneration system (ECB-R) incorporates Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and a hybrid version of the brake override system, Smart Stop Technology.

Jaguar C-X75 Extended Range Electric Vehicle

Jaguar C-X75

Jaguar has introduced the C-X75 plug-in concept. The Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) from Jaguar has two gas micro-turbine from Bladon Jets along with two switched reluctance generators from SR Drives. The generators move the car along, while the gas turbines are there to recharge the battery that powers the generators.

Along with the above, four traction motors located on each wheel provide a total drive power of 580 kW/780 bhp. Jaguar thought it might be necessary to provide torque-vectored, all-wheel drive traction and grip when the vehicle produces 1,180 lb-ft of torque.

Twin Turbine Power Train

Full electric range is 68 miles (110 km), but will travel up to 560 miles once the gas turbines kick in (thus the 'extended range'). Acceleration is 0-62 in 3.4 seconds, 50-90 mph in 2.3 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph. Emissions are very low, at 28 g/CO2 per km on the EU test cycle.

The car’s interior is equally impressive, with the driver and passenger seated ahead of a sealed airbox that houses the micro gas-turbines. The seats are fixed to the bulkhead as in a single-seater racing car, and air to feed the turbines passes smoothly around them via channels in the structure of the body. With the seats anchored in place, the steering wheel, controls, main binnacle and pedal box all adjust towards the driver.

Dramatic theatre lighting is activated as the driver approaches the car; phosphor blue electro-luminescent wire lights illuminate the perimeter of the cabin and the turbines. When the car is started, additional blue LED lighting gently floods the door and bulkhead speaker cavities, highlighting the car’s lightweight construction. Bespoke interior materials include cream and grey leathers, polished and vapour-blasted aluminium and a soft-feel textured neoprene.

A new interface for the driver has also been created for the C-X75 using high-resolution TFT screens. Building on Jaguar’s 10-year expertise in touchscreen technology, the Jaguar Co-Pilot display in the centre console supports the driver in extracting the full potential of the C-X75 by seamlessly managing information.

The C-X75 – At a glance

• DESIGN – A celebration of 75 years of beautiful, fast Jaguars which points the way to a new design language
• PERFORMANCE – 0-100km/h (62mph) in 3.4 seconds, top speed of 330km/h (205mph) and 80-145km/h (50-90mph) in just 2.3 seconds
• PROPULSION SYSTEM – A Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (RE-EV) using a unique combination of electric motors and micro gas-turbines to increase its range to 900km (560 miles)
• EMISSIONS – A zero tailpipe emissions range of 110km (68 miles) while running solely on battery power
• SUSTAINABILITY – By capitalising on its plug-in charge capability the C-X75 will produce just 28 grams of CO2 per kilometre on the EU test cycle
• CONSTRUCTION – Jaguar’s advanced lightweight aluminium construction techniques provide great weight-saving and economy benefits. Additionally, up to 50 percent of the metal content is recycled
• ACTIVE AERODYNAMICS – Drag coefficient of 0.32Cd and active downforce created through the use of an underbody Venturi
• THEATRE – A dramatic entrance to the car is created by striking electro-luminescent wire lighting which alters to enhance the driving experience
• UNIQUE USER INTERFACE – The touchscreen Jaguar Co-Pilot interface manages the information workload by predicting the needs of the driver
• BESPOKE MATERIALS – Interior seamlessly blends traditional, hand-tailored leathers with textured neoprene panels and two different aluminium finishes

Volvo Wants to Charge Up Your Car in a Different Way

Image from MotorTrend

Volvo, and nine other corporations, are looking to put the battery pack you might find in a plug-in vehicle (either electric or plug-in hybrid electric into a different place.

By using composite materials, they are examining the possibility of putting the battery into the body of the car.  The fun image they have at MotorTrend shows how much of the body would be taken up.

The composite material consists of carbon fiber and polymer resin.  The material is capable of storing great amounts of electric energy (enough to allow the car to travel up to 81 miles of all electric power (the Leaf goes 100 miles, while the upcoming Volt gets 40 miles of all electric range.  It's also supposed to recharge faster than a conventional battery.

Another advantage is by turning the battery pack into the body of the car, you can distribute the weight.  And the composite material is lighter than conventional building materials, reducing weight by as much as 15 percent.

The questions I'm left with is what if you're in an accident?  I can't imagine the body panels would be cheap to replace.  Also, what about scratches, dings, or outright dents?  Will that impact the cars ability to recharge or retain its charge?

The other partners in this project include the Imperial College London, Advanced Composites Group, Bundesanstalt Fur Material forschung undprufung, Chalmers, ETC Battery, Fuel Cells Sweden, INASCO Hella, Nanocyl, and Swerea SICOMP. The European Union jump-started the endeavor with 35 million Swedish krona ($5.2 million).