AutoblogGreenhttp://www.autobloggreen.comAutoblogGreenhttp://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/feedlogo.gifAutoblogGreenhttp://www.autobloggreen.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.autobloggreen.com/category/podcasts/rss.xmlAutoblogGreenWhat a car feels and sounds like: GM refining Volt driving experiencehttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/what-a-car-feels-and-sounds-like-gm-refining-volt-driving-exper/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/what-a-car-feels-and-sounds-like-gm-refining-volt-driving-exper/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/what-a-car-feels-and-sounds-like-gm-refining-volt-driving-exper/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res gallery

We don't have to tell you how important the Chevy Volt is to General Motors. The plug-in electric car's success or failure is likely to be seen as a crucial indicator of GM's post-bankruptcy prospects in the eyes of many followers. This being the case, it's not surprising that automaker is practically throwing everything it's got at the project. According to Chief Engineer Andrew Farah, the Volt team is currently working on getting the sound and feel of the driving experience just right. Speaking to Automotive News, Farah said:
The engine, not being directly connected to the foot, is one of the things we continue to tune. We don't want it to be discomforting to people. There is an expectation of what happens when you put your accelerator to the floor in the way the car sounds and feels. We've got the feel. We've got the feel of a sports car. The sound part and the way the engine plays into that perception is one of the areas we have to work on.
Clearly, creating an electric car with mass-market appeal isn't as simple as bolting an electric motor and a bunch of batteries into an existing chassis. People have come to expect certain things to happen as an automobile is driven, and GM needs to find the right compromise between zero-emissions technology and time-honored driving dynamics. Further complicating the issue is the tremendous weight of the car's T-shaped battery pack. Farah explains:
Here's the thing to remember: When you put the battery in, it actually lowers the center of gravity of the car. There are a thousand reasons why heavy is bad, but a few why it is good. And so we are getting those advantages of the good heavy, and the disadvantages we are managing.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

What a car feels and sounds like: GM refining Volt driving experience originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltvoltJeremy KorzeniewskiMon, 06 Jul 2009 16:27:00 ESTColumnist: hybrid growth in the near-term will benefit ... lead-acid battery makers?http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/columnist-hybrid-growth-in-the-near-term-will-benefit-lead/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/columnist-hybrid-growth-in-the-near-term-will-benefit-lead/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/columnist-hybrid-growth-in-the-near-term-will-benefit-lead/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Even though demand for hybrid vehicles is expected to grow like mushrooms after a summer rain in the coming years, there's a big problem looming, says John Peterson, a writer for investment site Seeking Alpha. Peterson has crunched some numbers and done some reading and discovered that the ingredients for a potential hybrid production slowdown are coming together. Those ingredients include: lack of advanced battery production capacity, increasing demand but no increase in supply of some rare earth metals needed to make NiMH batteries, and a slight undercounting of hybrid vehicle demand. In short, not everyone who wants a hybrid will be able to get one, and this could benefit, get this, lead acid battery makers.

With massive amounts of li-ion packs still far away, Peterson, who discloses that he's invested in lead-acid battery makers, concludes that, "the bulk of the unit growth in the HEV markets will go to lead-acid battery manufacturers who will not need to make larger numbers of batteries, but will need to make higher quality batteries that are better suited to the performance requirements of micro hybrids." This "should lead to rapid and sustained revenue growth for all lead-acid battery producers," he writes. Once these higher-quality advanced lead acid batteries exist, it'll be a no-brainer for the conservative automakers to opt for the known over the unknown. For the long-term, other chemistries will certainly win out, but for the next few years, don't count out the old standbys.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Seeking Alpha]

Columnist: hybrid growth in the near-term will benefit ... lead-acid battery makers? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hybridhybrid carsHybridCarshybridslead acidlead acid batteryLeadAcidLeadAcidBatteryli-ionli-ion batteryLi-ionBatterylithium ionLithiumIonnimhSebastian BlancoMon, 06 Jul 2009 14:54:00 ESTHyundai gets 1,000 retail orders for its Avante LPI hybrid in South Koreahttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/hyundai-gets-1-000-retail-orders-for-its-avante-lpi-hybrid-in-s/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/hyundai-gets-1-000-retail-orders-for-its-avante-lpi-hybrid-in-s/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/06/hyundai-gets-1-000-retail-orders-for-its-avante-lpi-hybrid-in-s/#commentsFiled under: ,


Hyundai Avante LPI Hybrid - Click for high-res image gallery

Hyundai only launched retail sales of its first hybrid a couple of weeks ago, but the South Korean automaker has already received 1,000 orders in its home market. Hyundai's hybrid system has been installed in the Avante (which is sold elsewhere as the Elantra). The Avante is the first retail hybrid available with an engine running on liquefied petroleum gas.

The Avante uses a 15 kW electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission along with an integrated starter-generator to provide stop-start functionality. Hyundai has no plans to sell this or the Kia Forte hybrid outside of Korea in their current forms. However, Hyundai will launch a hybrid version of the new Sonata with a 30 kW motor later in 2010 in North America. The redesigned Sonata will debut in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Sonata will use a lithium polymer battery, the first such application in a hybrid.

[Source: Canadian Driver]

Hyundai gets 1,000 retail orders for its Avante LPI hybrid in South Korea originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hyundaihyundai avantehyundai avante elantra lpihyundai avante hybridhyundai avante lpi hybridHyundaiAvanteHyundaiAvanteElantraLpiHyundaiAvanteHybridHyundaiAvanteLpiHybridliquified natural gasliquified petroleum gasliquified-petroleum-gasLiquifiedNaturalGasliquifiedpetroleumgasSam AbuelsamidMon, 06 Jul 2009 11:01:00 ESTREPORT: Toyota will launch series production PHEV Prius in 2012http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/05/toyota-will-launch-series-production-phev-prius-in-2012/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/05/toyota-will-launch-series-production-phev-prius-in-2012/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/05/toyota-will-launch-series-production-phev-prius-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Toyota Prius PHEV prototype - click above for high-res image gallery

According to Japan's Nikkei news agency, Toyota has decided to start series production of a plug-in version of the Prius hybrid in 2012. At launch, the automaker plans to build about 20,000-30,000 units a year of the plug-in hybrid. The report indicates that the model will be priced comparably to the Mitsubishi i-MiEV at about $48,000. That's a pretty steep price and quite a bit higher than the $40,000 pricetag expected to be applied to the Chevrolet Volt when it arrives late next year, and it also puts the PHEV Prius at about twice the price of a conventional model.

The PHEV Prius will likely be the first product to use lithium ion batteries produced by Panasonic EV Energy Co. The battery is expected to provide about 12-18 miles of range, although it's not clear how much of that will be possible without running the engine. We'll probably have a better idea of that next year after the 500 or so prototypes go into test fleets starting late this year.


Gallery: EDTA 2008: Toyota Plug-in Prius


[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Toyota will launch series production PHEV Prius in 2012 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>breakingplug inplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridpluginpluginstoyotatoyota priustoyota prius hybridtoyota prius phevToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHybridToyotaPriusPhevSam AbuelsamidSun, 05 Jul 2009 11:24:00 ESTFormer IBM engineer wins award, funding for hybrid retrofit kithttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/05/former-ibm-engineer-wins-award-funding-for-hybrid-retrofit-kit/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/05/former-ibm-engineer-wins-award-funding-for-hybrid-retrofit-kit/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/05/former-ibm-engineer-wins-award-funding-for-hybrid-retrofit-kit/#commentsFiled under: ,



Dr. Charles Perry, a former electrical engineer at IBM, believes his hybrid retrofit kit can transform nearly any vehicle into a fuel-saver at a cost of between $3,000 and $5,000. The idea is at least sound enough to have taken the top prize at the green energy competition from the Tennessee Technology Development Corp., which came with a $50,000 grant along with a matching investment and a hopeful deal to put the invention into commercial production within three years from Palmer Labs LLC.

Perry's patent-pending hybrid retrofit kit features one hub-mounted electric motor with 10-15 horsepower powering each wheel. The needed electrons to power the system would come from an appropriately-sized battery mounted securely in the trunk. According to the inventor, this system could potentially double fuel mileage in urban settings. Work is currently underway on a functional prototype that's being developed with assistance from the Tennessee Technological University.

[Source: Popular Science]

Former IBM engineer wins award, funding for hybrid retrofit kit originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>charles perryCharlesPerrydr charles perryDrCharlesPerryhybrid retrofithybrid retrofit kitHybridRetrofitHybridRetrofitKitpalmer labsPalmerLabsJeremy KorzeniewskiSun, 05 Jul 2009 08:39:00 ESTHybrid sales up despite another down month overall, Prius leads chargehttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/04/hybrid-sale-up-despite-another-down-month-overall/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/04/hybrid-sale-up-despite-another-down-month-overall/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/04/hybrid-sale-up-despite-another-down-month-overall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

Initial strong sales of the 2010 Honda Insight slowed last month, but new models of the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion helped give hybrids car sales in June 2009 a nine percent increase over last June. In the U.S., dealers sold 26,205 new hybrids in June, 49.6 of which (12,998 units) were Priuses. Compared to May, hybird sales were up two percent, according to data released by the automakers and complied by Green Car Advisor. This was the sixth month where hybrid increased in sales volumes. Potential reasons for the increase include the new models as well as rising gas prices (and the expectation thereof) and some uncommon hybrid sales incentives. Overall, sales were down for everyone but Subaru and Volvo compared to June 2008.

Gallery: Ford Fusion hybrid


[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Hybrid sales up despite another down month overall, Prius leads charge originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>car salesCarSaleshybridhybrid carshybrid salesHybridCarshybridsHybridSalesSebastian BlancoSat, 04 Jul 2009 11:02:00 ESTHenrik Fisker distances his company from Tesla, GMhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/henrik-fisker-distances-his-company-from-tesla-gm/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/henrik-fisker-distances-his-company-from-tesla-gm/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/henrik-fisker-distances-his-company-from-tesla-gm/#commentsFiled under: ,


Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Considering the two fledgling automaker's past history, it's not terribly surprising that Henrik Fisker would want to distance his company from Tesla Motors. Recall that Fisker had originally been tasked with penning the design for the Tesla S electric sedan but later unveiled the Karma after being dismissed by the Silicon Valley automaker. There was a lawsuit, which was ruled in Fisker's favor by an arbitration court.

Speaking at a meeting of the Western Automotive Journalists Association, Fisker said, "The full-electric car [like the Tesla Roadster] is a niche market. Plug-in hybrids have a much bigger market." Of course, not everyone agrees that PHEVs are the way to go. Fisker goes on to say that his company's latest business plan will lead to profits at just 5,000 annual sales, though the goal remains 15,000 sales per year.

What about the Chevy Volt, which uses a similar range-extended electric architecture as the Fisker Karma? Somewhat disparagingly, Fisker suggests that GM's future EV won't really be competition for the Fisker, saying only, "It's a Chevy." He's got a point, though, as the Volt is likely to cost about half what Fisker plans to ask for the Karma and surely won't fit into the same luxury category as Fisker's green machine.

Gallery: Fisker Karma


[Source: Hybrid Cars]

Henrik Fisker distances his company from Tesla, GM originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>fiskerfisker automotivefisker karmafisker teslaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerKarmaFiskerTeslahenrik fiskerHenrikFiskerJeremy KorzeniewskiFri, 03 Jul 2009 19:47:00 ESTREPORT: Japan could require hybrids to emit soundhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/report-japan-could-require-hybrids-to-emit-sound/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/report-japan-could-require-hybrids-to-emit-sound/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/report-japan-could-require-hybrids-to-emit-sound/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that hybrid cars have taken the top sales spots in Japan for the last few months, that country's Transport Ministry is reportedly launching an investigation to determine if it's wise to require hybrid automobiles to emit an artificial sound when operating with the internal combustion switched off. The thinking is that hybrids may be more dangerous to the blind due to their quiet operation under electric power.

According to an unnamed official, the government's 13-member panel - consisting of a diverse group of scholars, vision-impaired groups, consumers, police and automobile industry officials - "decided to consider introducing a sound-making function" on all hybrids at its first meeting on Thursday, July 2. The panel hasn't yet decided what sound hybrids should make. We'll cast our unofficial vote in the direction of cowbells.

The issue is well-known in America, where the government has launched Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Acts in each of the last two years to study the supposed problem. Naturally, there is some opposition to artificial noise generators on hybrids. "On the other hand, we should pay attention to residents (along roads) as hybrids are excellent in reducing noise," added the Transport Ministry official.


Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight


[Source: AFP via Google]

REPORT: Japan could require hybrids to emit sound originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hybridhybrid carhybrid carshybrid noisehybrid noise issuehybrid soundHybridCarHybridCarsHybridNoiseHybridNoiseIssuehybridsHybridSoundquiet hybridquiet hybridsQuietHybridQuietHybridssilent carSilentCarJeremy KorzeniewskiFri, 03 Jul 2009 17:50:00 ESTVIDEO: Lightning Hybrids' LH4 hits the roadhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/video-lightning-hybrids-lh4-hits-the-road/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/video-lightning-hybrids-lh4-hits-the-road/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/video-lightning-hybrids-lh4-hits-the-road/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Lightning Hybrids LH4 - Click above to watch the video after the break

Back in early April at the Denver International Auto Show, Lightning Hybrids' showed off its new biodiesel-powered hydraulic-hybrid LH4, the design of which was inspired by the classic 1963 Split-Window Corvette. Although the team had to scramble to get the prototype together in time for its unveiling, things have now settled down a bit and Lightning has managed to get the vehicle in running condition. Assuming everything goes to plan, the car - supposedly capable of hitting sixty mph in around six seconds and managing 100 miles per gallon - will be entered in the Auto X Prize competition.

Lightning Hybrids also plans to produce a three-wheeled vehicle using similar technology, appropriately called the LH3, as well as hydraulic-hybrid retrofit kits for everything from midsize sedans to fullsize pickups. Before any of that can happen, though, the group is seeking an investment of $5 million - surely not an easy task in this weakened economy. Click past the break for a short video of the Lightning LH4's maiden voyage.

[Source: Lightning Hybrids via Wired]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lightning Hybrids' LH4 hits the road

VIDEO: Lightning Hybrids' LH4 hits the road originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>auto x prizeauto x-prizeAutoX-prizeAutoXPrizehydraulic hybridHydraulicHybridlightninglightning hybridlightning hybridslightning hybrids lh4LightningHybridLightningHybridsLightningHybridsLh4Jeremy KorzeniewskiFri, 03 Jul 2009 15:42:00 ESTEDITORIAL: Attention <i>Wall Street Journal</i> - Ford does <b>not</b> use Toyota's hybrid system!http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/once-more-with-feeling-ford-does-not-use-the-toyota-hybrid-syst/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/once-more-with-feeling-ford-does-not-use-the-toyota-hybrid-syst/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/03/once-more-with-feeling-ford-does-not-use-the-toyota-hybrid-syst/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

in an op-ed piece published in the Wall Street Journal, Alan Reynolds of the Cato Institute starts by making a few decent points about fuel taxation and fuel economy rules. Unfortunately, he undermines himself with some blatant errors and misinformation. In discussing how Detroit automakers will deal with new fuel efficiency requirements, he makes the all-too-common mistake of referring to Ford's hybrid system as licensed from Toyota ("Similarly, Ford has the Toyota-licensed hybrid Fusion and will soon produce the European Ford Fiesta in Mexico").

The reality is that Ford independently developed its own hybrid system at the same time Toyota was doing its own. The basic architecture of both systems is the same and both are based on the concepts developed and patented by TRW engineers in the late 1960s. When Ford introduced the Escape Hybrid, Toyota went after the Blue Oval for infringing on its patents. Ford had patents of its own on the technology that Toyota was using. Eventually, the two companies reached a cross-licensing agreement that gives both companies the right to build their own systems. Such cross-licensing agreements are common in these kinds of cases, but Ford did not use the Toyota hybrid system. The only other company that uses Toyota's system is Nissan for its Altima hybrid, and they actually buy hardware from Toyota. We continue deconstructing Reynolds' arguments after the jump


Gallery: Review: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid


[Source: Wall Street Journal]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading EDITORIAL: Attention Wall Street Journal - Ford does not use Toyota's hybrid system!

EDITORIAL: Attention Wall Street Journal - Ford does not use Toyota's hybrid system! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>alan reynoldsAlanReynoldscafecorporate average fuel economyCorporateAverageFuelEconomyeditorialfeaturedfuel taxfuel taxesFuelTaxFuelTaxesgas taxgas taxesGasTaxGasTaxeshybridhybrid patenthybrid patentsHybridPatentHybridPatentshybridssmall carSmallCarwall street journalWallStreetJournalSam AbuelsamidFri, 03 Jul 2009 08:02:00 ESTREPORT: Toyota hopes to boost profits by licensing hybrid technologyhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/report-toyota-hopes-to-boost-profits-by-licensing-hybrid-techno/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/report-toyota-hopes-to-boost-profits-by-licensing-hybrid-techno/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/report-toyota-hopes-to-boost-profits-by-licensing-hybrid-techno/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the last ten years or so, Toyota has amassed a wide-ranging assortment of more than 2,000 patents related to its proprietary Hybrid Synergy Drive. That's an impressive figure to be sure, and it's also a possible source of income as more and more automakers follow Toyota's lead by introducing hybrid vehicles of their own.

Because Toyota has the hybrid patent market on straight lockdown, it's likely that rival automakers will be forced to license certain parts of the Japanese automaker's design, which could potentially help boost Toyota's bottom line. Says Gouichiro Kuriyama, a manager in Toyota's product planning division:
Our system is the best technology for hybrids to get the best carbon dioxide emissions and best fuel economy. [Rivals] will not be able to compete.
Indeed, both Ford and Nissan have licensed Toyota hybrid technology in the past. Both of those automakers, though, already have or are planning new hybrid systems and fully electric vehicles of their own design. Furthermore, alternatives like the Voltec powertrain from General Motors take a different path to arrive at the same gasoline-saving goal as Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive and European automakers like Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are counting on diesel technologies to reduce fuel consumption.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius


[Source: Wall Street Journal]

REPORT: Toyota hopes to boost profits by licensing hybrid technology originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hybridhybrid carshybrid synergy driveHybridCarshybridsHybridSynergyDrivetoyota hybridtoyota hybrid patenttoyota hybrid patentstoyota hybridstoyota priustoyota prius patenttoyota prius patentsToyotaHybridToyotaHybridPatentToyotaHybridPatentsToyotaHybridsToyotaPriusToyotaPriusPatentToyotaPriusPatentsJeremy KorzeniewskiThu, 02 Jul 2009 18:53:00 ESTYamaha files patents for hybrid motorcycle based on Gen-Ryu, LUXAIR concepts http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/yamaha-files-patents-for-hybrid-motorcycle-based-on-gen-ryu-lux/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/yamaha-files-patents-for-hybrid-motorcycle-based-on-gen-ryu-lux/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/yamaha-files-patents-for-hybrid-motorcycle-based-on-gen-ryu-lux/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2005 Yamaha Gen-Ryu patent filing - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yamaha is reportedly developing a hybrid motorcycle based on the Gen-Ryu concept that first debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show way back in 2005 and the LUXAIR followup two years later. That first concept machine mated up the 600cc inline-four engine from Yamaha's R6 sportbike to an electric motor and generator that sent power to the rear wheel. Although its unlikely that exact powertrain would ever hit the showroom floor, Gizmag reports that we should expect to see a production version of the concept in Tokyo later this year.

The Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has filed a series of patents on its new hybrid technology, the most innovative part of which is a planetary gearbox that can adjust the power flow from the gas-powered engine, electric motor and generator. According to Yamaha, this arrangement allows for all of the assorted hybrid bits to fit within the narrow confines of a two-wheeled motorcycle chassis. Click here for a nice explanation of how the technology will function and click here for more information from the official patent filing.

Gallery: Yamaha Hybrid Motorcycle patent


[Source: US Patent Office via Gizmag]

Yamaha files patents for hybrid motorcycle based on Gen-Ryu, LUXAIR concepts originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hybrid motorcyclehybrid motorcycle patenthybrid motorcycleshybrid yamahaHybridMotorcycleHybridMotorcyclePatentHybridMotorcyclesHybridYamahatokyo 2009tokyo motor showTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowyamahayamaha gen-ryuyamaha hybrid bikeyamaha hybrid motorcycleYamahaGen-ryuYamahaHybridBikeYamahaHybridMotorcycleJeremy KorzeniewskiThu, 02 Jul 2009 17:14:00 ESTHitachi to multiply lithium battery production by a factor of 70!http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/hitachi-to-multiply-lithium-battery-production-by-a-factor-of-70/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/hitachi-to-multiply-lithium-battery-production-by-a-factor-of-70/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/02/hitachi-to-multiply-lithium-battery-production-by-a-factor-of-70/#commentsFiled under:


By fall 2010, Hitachi plans increase its production capacity for lithium ion batteries by 600 percent in the first phase of a major expansion. Hitachi will be supplying the batteries for General Motor's second-generation mild hybrid system that debuts late next year for 2011 model year vehicles. GM has placed an order for enough cells to support 100,000 hybrid vehicles a year. Beyond that, Hitachi is planning to ramp up to build cells for 700,000 hybrids a year by 2015, a 70-fold increase from current levels. The expansion and new production will occur at Hitachi Vehicle Energy Ltd's Tokai factory in Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan. So far most of Hitachi's lithium ion production has been for commercial vehicle applications and the GM batteries will be the first light duty hybrid.

[Source: Reuters]

Hitachi to multiply lithium battery production by a factor of 70! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hitachihitachi lithium ionHitachiLithiumIonlithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batterylithium ion productionlithium-ionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatteryLithiumIonProductionSam AbuelsamidThu, 02 Jul 2009 15:44:00 ESTTwo-mode hybrid buses debut in the UKhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/two-mode-hybrid-buses-debut-in-the-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/two-mode-hybrid-buses-debut-in-the-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/two-mode-hybrid-buses-debut-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: ,



Hybrid transit buses using the GM-Allison Two-mode hybrid system are becoming fairly common in North America with several thousand now on the road. In the UK however, the two-mode buses are brand new, with the first four recently going into service in London. The two-mode hybrid transmissions are installed in Optare Tempo bus chassis that are being used as part of a hybrid test program in the British capitol. Several different hybrid systems are being evaluated by Transport for London.

The two-mode hybrid is the basis of the system being used by General Motors in its full-size SUV and pickup trucks. The only difference (other than size) is that the light duty versions have a clutch system that provides up to four fixed gear ratios and direct mechanical drive for better highway efficiency. Since the buses typically operate at lower speeds, this isn't needed. The buses use a 340 hp diesel engine and a nickel metal hydride battery pack.

Gallery: London two-mode hybrid buses


[Source: Allison]

Continue reading Two-mode hybrid buses debut in the UK

Two-mode hybrid buses debut in the UK originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>gm-allisongm-allison-two-mode-hybridlondon hybrid busLondonHybridBustwo-modetwo-mode hybridtwo-mode hybridstwo-mode-hybridtwo-modehybridtwo-modehybridsSam AbuelsamidWed, 01 Jul 2009 18:04:00 ESTDean Kamen working on hybrid scooter with Stirling enginehttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/dean-kamen-working-on-hybrid-scooter-with-stirling-engine/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/dean-kamen-working-on-hybrid-scooter-with-stirling-engine/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/dean-kamen-working-on-hybrid-scooter-with-stirling-engine/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Dean Kamen's Stirling-powered hybrid scooter patents - Click above for image gallery

We've known about Dean Kamen's work on the Stirling engine for hybrid vehicle use since the inventor introduced the DEKA Revolt late last year. According to some recently-filed patent applications, though, it would seem that Kamen has lots more up his sleeve for the good 'ol Stirling engine, including a possible hybrid scooter.

According to Gizmag, Kamen is thought to be using a prototype scooter featuring the Stirling hybrid powertrain at his personal residence on an island a mile off the coast of Connecticut. From the patent drawings, we can see a that the Stirling engine is mounted at the rear of the bike while a rechargeable battery pack for the electric motor sits under the scooter's floor.

According to the report, Kamen has invested some $50 million into the development of the Stirling engine, though it's unclear whether there are any possible production plans for this particular hybrid scooter.

Gallery: Stirling-powered hybrid scooter patents


[Source: Gizmag]

Dean Kamen working on hybrid scooter with Stirling engine originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>dean kamenDeanKamenhybrid scooterhybrid scooter patenthybrid scootersHybridScooterHybridScooterPatentHybridScootersstirling enginestirling hybridStirlingEngineStirlingHybridJeremy KorzeniewskiWed, 01 Jul 2009 17:16:00 ESTToyota will continue focusing on "clean halo" hybrids, not EVs or dieselshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/toyota-will-continue-focusing-on-clean-halo-hybrids-not-evs-o/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/toyota-will-continue-focusing-on-clean-halo-hybrids-not-evs-o/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/toyota-will-continue-focusing-on-clean-halo-hybrids-not-evs-o/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Toyota FT-EV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's not terribly surprising that Toyota - the automaker often credited for creating the first modern mainstream hybrid automobile - would seek to continue establishing its marketplace dominance in hybrid automobiles. The Prius alone has sold well over a million units since its inception in 1997 and is undoubtedly the vehicle that defines the eco-friendly automobile market. With that in mind, don't expect the Japanese automaker to make any wholesale changes to its plans for world hybrid domination in favor of electric cars or diesels. Toyota spokesman Curt McAllister said:
One of the obstacles of the diesel is the aged perception that the diesel is smoky and stinky. It's hard to change the mind-set of consumers. Hybrid technology has such a clean halo to it.
In a separate interview, incoming President Akio Toyoda added:
Electric cars' battery life is limited, and that has not been solved. We would like to utilize our hybrid technology because we have accumulated quite a bit of knowledge about battery usage for hybrid cars. Depending on how electric cars are used or how they are found to be valuable, for the time being Toyota would like to focus on hybrid technology.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota FT-EV Concept


[Sources: AutoWeek, GM-Volt.com]

Toyota will continue focusing on "clean halo" hybrids, not EVs or diesels originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>akio toyodaAkioToyodatoyotatoyota dieseltoyota electrictoyota evtoyota hybridToyotaDieselToyotaElectricToyotaEvToyotaHybridJeremy KorzeniewskiWed, 01 Jul 2009 11:54:00 ESTFord could electrify 10-25 percent of its fleet by 2020http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/ford-could-electrify-10-25-percent-of-its-fleet-by-2020/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/ford-could-electrify-10-25-percent-of-its-fleet-by-2020/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/01/ford-could-electrify-10-25-percent-of-its-fleet-by-2020/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ford Escape PHEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

With Ford taking on a $5.9 billion loan from the DOE and President Obama in favor of a million plug-in vehicles by 2015, how might the money help Ford put plugs on upcoming vehicles. Ford was quite clear that the DOE money will be used to improve the fuel efficiency of 13 models and get them on roads soon, but the medium-term plans do call for more outlets. Speaking to Reuters recently, Ford's director of hybrid vehicle programs, Nancy Gioia, predicted that "from 10 to 25 percent" of Ford's vehicles will be electrified in some way by 2020. The first step is to convince drivers that plugging in makes sense. For this, Ford is working with utilities around the U.S. to gather data on driver behavior with plug-ins, especially with the Escape plug-in hybrid. As Ford CEO Alan Mulally said last week, "We cannot do it alone."

Gallery: Washington 2009: Ford Escape PHEV


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Reuters]

Ford could electrify 10-25 percent of its fleet by 2020 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>doedoe loansDoeLoansfordford electric vehicleford electric vehiclesford plug inford plug in hybridford plug-inFordElectricVehicleFordElectricVehiclesFordPlug-inFordPlugInFordPlugInHybridnancy gioiaNancyGioiaSebastian BlancoWed, 01 Jul 2009 10:18:00 ESTColumnist: electric vehicle hype needs to be temperedhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/columnist-electric-vehicle-hype-needs-to-be-tempered/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/columnist-electric-vehicle-hype-needs-to-be-tempered/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/columnist-electric-vehicle-hype-needs-to-be-tempered/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Coda sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is the Detroit News becoming a home for anti-electric vehicle advocates? Last week, the News published a mostly confusing article by Manny Lopez that criticized the DOE loan that Tesla received. Another column, this one by Neil Winton, is titled, "Electric cars attract hype, but reality is less exciting" and gives Winton's European perspective on the EV market. Winton makes more coherent points than Lopez, but he still comes down pretty hard on EVs, citing range issues and price as the two big hurdles. This is certainly something we've heard before, and Winton isn't convinced by EV supporters who say things will work out just fine if governments give the cars one more push (tax break, R&D funding, etc.). As a warning, Winton points to the Wankel rotary engine and its rise and fall in the 1960s.

Winton relied on a market forecast by CSM Worldwide for some of his predictions. CSM found that " enthusiasm for electrification has lost all contact with reality," according to Winton. CSM's numbers predict that, globally, there will be just 132,000 plug-in vehicles (pure EVs and hybrids) from major automakers in 2015. Previously, CSM has declared that microcars won't play a big (pardon the pun) role in the U.S. market.

Gallery: Coda EV live


Coda sedan photos Copyright (C)2009 Mike Levine

[Source: Detroit News]

Columnist: electric vehicle hype needs to be tempered originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>electric vehicleelectric vehicle hypeelectric vehiclesElectricVehicleElectricVehicleHypeElectricVehiclesev hypeEvHypehypeSebastian BlancoTue, 30 Jun 2009 19:54:00 ESTMcLaren looking for hybrid powertrain engineerhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/mclaren-looking-for-hybrid-powertrain-engineer/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/mclaren-looking-for-hybrid-powertrain-engineer/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/mclaren-looking-for-hybrid-powertrain-engineer/#commentsFiled under: ,


McLaren F1 LM - Click above for high-res image gallery

McLaren has put up a job posting for a Senior Engineer for Powertrain Hybrid Technology on its official website, which may offer a few clues as to where the automaker may be heading in the near future for its road cars. The listing rather obviously indicates that the automaker is hard at work on hybrid powertrans, though it's not clear what kind of technology the British sportscar company is investigating.

One possibility is that McLaren will attempt to adapt the KERS system from its Formula 1 race cars for street use. It's widely agreed that McLaren's KERS implementation is the best in F1 and both BMW and Ferrari are also thought to be working on KERS for future road cars.

Within the next few years, McLaren is expected to introduce a couple of new supercars, including a replacement for the current SLR, codenamed P11, and a successor to the famed F1 supercar from the mid '90s that's currently known as the P12.

Gallery: McLaren F1 LM


[Source: McLaren via World Car Fans]

McLaren looking for hybrid powertrain engineer originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>hybrid supercarHybridSupercarkersmclarenmclaren f1mclaren hybridmclaren kersmclaren p11mclaren p12MclarenF1MclarenHybridMclarenKersMclarenP11MclarenP12Jeremy KorzeniewskiTue, 30 Jun 2009 17:05:00 ESTToyota stung by possible Prius HID headlight defecthttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/toyota-stung-by-possible-prius-hid-headlight-defect/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/toyota-stung-by-possible-prius-hid-headlight-defect/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/30/toyota-stung-by-possible-prius-hid-headlight-defect/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

We'd wager that the last thing Toyota wants in the midst of the super-important launch of its new third-generation Prius is a negative stigma attached to the previous model. Unfortunately, that's exactly what the Japanese automaker may have on its hands right now as a number of owners of 2005-2008 Toyota Prius hybrids with the "high-intensity discharge" (HID) headlight option are banding together on online forums, message boards and in possible class action lawsuits against the automaker in relation to failing headlamps.

According to Advertising Age, these HID headlight bulbs and their associated electronics can sometimes cost well over $1,000 to replace after they've gone faulty, and Toyota is unwilling to pick up the tab. At least one lawsuit was filed last month by Girard Gibbs in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on behalf of a Putnam County, N.Y., Prius owner. The suit contends that the problem is a "dangerous but undisclosed safety defect" and alleges that "Toyota is concealing the problems from owners" despite having been "long been aware of Prius' HID headlight problem." It's possible that the suit will get class-action status.

The NHTSA has reportedly filed a preliminary investigation into the issue and contacted Toyota on May 13 regarding the 338 complaints it has received so far from Prius owners regarding the HID headlamps. Spokesmen from Toyota have said the automaker is cooperating with the NHTSA in its investigation, which may or may not end up calling for an official recall.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Prius


[Source: Advertising Age]

Toyota stung by possible Prius HID headlight defect originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>2005 toyota prius2005ToyotaPrius2006 toyota prius2006ToyotaPrius2007 toyota prius2007ToyotaPrius2008 toyota prius2008ToyotaPrius2009 toyota prius2009ToyotaPriusfeaturedhid headlightshid lamphid lightsHidHeadlightsHidLampHidLightsprius class actionprius hidprius hid lightprius nhtsaPriusClassActionPriusHidPriusHidLightPriusNhtsatoyota priustoyota prius head lamptoyota prius head lighttoyota prius headlamptoyota prius headlighttoyota prius lawsuitToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHeadlampToyotaPriusHeadlightToyotaPriusLawsuitJeremy KorzeniewskiTue, 30 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST