Hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid Technology Kits released
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February 24, 2006 Hymotion has unveiled a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) kit for a range of existing hybrid vehicles. Hymotion currently has systems available for Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid with systems under development for Lexus RX400h, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles are more fossil-fuel-efficient than existing hybrids as they can be recharged by plugging into a regular household electrical outlet and can hence travel for a greater percentage of each journey on solely electrical power. The Hymotion PHEV kit includes up to seven times more battery capacity enabling the vehicles to be used as electric zero-emission cars for short journeys. According to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), half the cars in the U.S. are driven just 25 miles a day or less so a plug-in vehicle with even a 20-mile range could reduce petroleum fuel consumption by about 60 percent. Though the Hymotion PHEV kit will initially cost US$9500 and will be sold only to Government and fleet owners, a target price of US$5000 is expected by the time the kit becomes available to the public 12 months from now. The advantages of PHEV include better fuel economy, fewer visits to gas station, lower fuel costs, less pollution and longer range in all-electric mode - the solution for spiking gas prices, CO2 emissions and dependence on imported oil. Read More
Peugeot debuts new 207, 207 Rcup sports concept car, and 307 CC Hybride diesel Hdi concept
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February 16, 2006 At the 76th Geneva International Motor Show, the new Peugeot 207 will make its world premiere, and to emphasise the importance of 207, a stylish and sporty RCup concept model will be shown that is likely to be the design blueprint for a future Peugeot Sport competition programme. The 207 Rcup is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre 16v petrol engine producing 280bhp at 8,500rpm, with a 6-speed sequential gearbox and 18 inch alloy wheels. Also to be shown in Geneva is the 307 CC Hybride HDi diesel technology demonstrator, like the 307 HDi hatchback unveiled by PSA Peugeot Citroen in January. Read More
PSA Peugeot Citroen unveils Peugeot 307 and the Citroen C4 Hybride HDi cars offering 3.4 l/100 km (83 mpg)
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February 3, 2006 PSA Peugeot Citroen has unveiled two demonstrator vehicles featuring a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain: the Peugeot 307 and the Citroen C4 Hybride HDi. Average diesel consumption for these two cars is 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres (83 mpg) with 90 grams of CO2 emitted per kilometre - a record for compact cars. This is some 25% better than a similar vehicle equipped with a petrol hybrid system, or as much as a litre per 100 kilometres (20 mpg) in combined urban and motorway driving. PSA Peugeot Citroen’s Hybrid HDi technology comprises a 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine, a particulate filter system (DPFS), the latest generation Stop & Start system, an electric motor, inverter, high-voltage battery pack and dedicated control electronics. The cars are also equipped with an electronically managed manual gearbox. Read More
Start-up plans 330 MPG hybrid for under US$20,000
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January 19, 2006 Accelerated Composites is a Carlsbad-based startup that aims to disrupt the car design status quo by developing a low cost, 330 MPG hybrid car to be manufactured in Southern California and sell for under US$20,000. The company’s two-seat passenger car is constructed from lightweight composite materials and is extremely light, which according to the company, will enable the diesel/electric hybrid to post 330 MPG fuel efficiency in normal city and highway driving and demonstrate acceleration and handling similar to that of a Honda Insight. Dubbed the Aptera, the vehicle achieves these remarkable numbers through the use of cutting-edge materials, manufacturing methods, the lowest drag coefficient of any production car and a maverick design mantra. Read More
Mitsubishi unveils hybrid MIEV 4WD sport compact concept
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January 10, 2006 Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) used the NAIAS to unveil the Concept-CT yesterday, a groundbreaking concept for a hybrid-powered small car that may influence future development of Mitsubishi models. The key to the Concept-CT's roomy packaging, performance potential and fuel efficiency is the Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, which employs an electric motor in each of the vehicle's four wheels. The ultra-compact four-door hatchback combines practicality, fun-to-drive performance and low fuel consumption. Read More
Ford's diesel-electric hybrid Reflex Concept features solar panelling
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January 8, 2006 Concept cars are designed to showcase technological capability and to test market opinion. As such, the Ford Reflex concept car shown to the media for the first time today scores maximum points on both counts. The subcompact-sized Reflex is a technological showcase with its advanced diesel-electric hybrid engine, a liberal sprinkling of solar panels and advanced safety features as inflatable safety belts. More importantly, the advanced diesel-electric hybrid engine and new-generation lithium-ion batteries help deliver up to 65 miles per gallon, offering guilt free performance. Read More
Citroen to reveal diesel hybrid C4
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January 7, 2006 Citroen will reveal its C4 Diesel Electric hybrid on the 31 January 2006, previewing a production car that the French car maker has committed to have on sale by 2010 in response to a call this week by French President Jacques Chirac for car makers to have such cars on sale at affordable prices within ten years. Citroen believes that the Diesel Electric hybrid is a much more effective method to reduce fuel consumption and emissions than petrol engined hybrids, pointing out that existing pure diesel powered cars such as the Citroen C4 HDi, already offer better fuel consumption and lower emissions than many petrol hybrids without the performance and cost penalties. A Diesel Electric hybrid, believes Citroen, is the only way to make a significant advance over the existing benefits of diesel powered vehicles. Read More
Yamaha unveils hybrid electric motorcycle and limousine scooter
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October 28, 2005 UPDATED IMAGES Yamaha revealed a hybrid motorcycle concept at the Tokyo Show which is quite unlike any form of two wheeler seen to date. The motorcycle, to be known as the Gen-Ryu, uses the high output lightweight compact YZF-R6 600cc motor and an electric motor to deliver the type of performance normally associated with a much larger capacity engine, and is packaged as a futuristic cruiser with advanced aerodynamics and some form of noise cancelling in the cockpit area to enable voice activation of the navigation system, mobile telephone, intercom communications with the pillion and other similarly equipped riders plus a dazzling array of advanced technologies such as headlights which turn to the inside of the corner and rear cameras playing through LCD screens in the dashboard. The Gen-Ryu will be joined on the Yamaha stand by the previously reported and equally radical stretching and shrinking DEINONYCHUS and the limousine-styled Maxam scooter. With massive overhangs, plush white leather upholstery and long, feet-first styling, the Maxam is the most distinctive two wheeler we’ve ever seen. Read More
Toyota's welcoming Fine-X Fuel Cell Hybrid
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October 25, 2005 Toyota's 39th Tokyo Motor Show was probably the busiest of any manufacturer as the world's number two manufacturer of transport solutions fielded seven concept vehicles at its home motor show event. Apart from the i-swing personal mobility solution (covered in detail here), the most unconventional of the concept cars on show was the Fine-X, a new fuel cell hybrid vehicle. Toyota is touting the Fine-X as a glimpse of the automobile's future, providing the environmental performance of a fuel cell hybrid system and featuring an ease of movement through four-wheel independent drive control and a large, steering angle mechanism. The vehicle aims for a sense of "hospitality" through variable lighting intensity in the interior and through power "Welcome Seats" that move in and out of the car as the gull-wing doors open widely to assist getting in and out of the vehicle. Read More
Porsche Plans Cayenne with Hybrid Engine
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September 16, 2005 Porsche plans to launch a fourth version of the Cayenne Sports Utility Vehicle by the end of the decade. This vehicle will be powered by hybrid drive (gasoline engine and electric motor) being developed together with Volkswagen Group. This environmentally-friendly drive concept in the Cayenne will be based on a Full Hybrid Drive System, meaning that the vehicle will be powered by both a gasoline combustion engine and an electric motor able to operate both independently of one another and together in a joint process. A second clutch between the two drive units will allow the electric motor to operate fully independently whenever appropriate. The vehicle's power electronics, focusing on the position of the throttle, will determine the level of electrical energy to be supplied by the storage battery fitted at the rear of the vehicle to the electric motor in order to generate the drive power needed. Once the second clutch is closed, both the combustion engine and the electric motor are able to convey their power to the transmission. As soon as the electrical energy available has been consumed, the electric motor is automatically deactivated and the vehicle is driven entirely by the combustion engine. Read More
Two new hybrid drive concepts from Mercedes Benz
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September 14, 2005 At the International Motor Show (IAA) 2005 in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz yesterday unveiled the “DIRECT HYBRID” and the “BLUETEC HYBRID,” two groundbreaking concept cars. Using the new S-Class as an example, the company is exhibiting unique designs for yet again markedly improving fuel consumption and emissions in the near future — while preserving high dynamic ride comfort. The focus is on combining optimised petrol and diesel engines with a hybrid system and with ultra-modern exhaust gas purification. Read More
Unprecedented Hybrid Drive Global Alliance: Cooperation between BMW, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors
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September 13, 2005 That’s not thunder you can hear in the distance, it’s just a few global automotive giants getting together in a spirit of cooperation that might have some far-reaching consequences beyond the far-reaching consequences being announced here. In a remarkable move, the BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors Corporation have signed a “memorandum of understanding” governing the formation of an alliance of equals for the joint development of automotive hybrid drive systems. The three global automakers are cooperating in order to pool their expertise to accelerate the development of efficient hybrid drive systems. The objective is to jointly develop a two-mode hybrid drive system that reduces fuel consumption while not compromising vehicle capability. While the base two-mode hybrid design will be common, each company will individually integrate the hybrid system into the design and manufacturing of vehicles in accordance with their brand specific requirements. BMW is effectively joining the GM-DaimlerChrysler alliance announced last December (story details two-mode hybrid with diagrams).
New Honda Hybrid System with 3-Stage i-VTEC + IMA
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July 15, 2005 Honda will introduce a new Honda Hybrid System in the 2006 Civic Hybrid that features a 3-stage i-VTEC engine that employs Honda’s “intelligent” VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system to provide three stages of valve timing (low-rpm, high-rpm and cylinder idle mode), combined with a significantly more compact and efficient Honda IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. The new Honda Hybrid System will be introduced in the all-new Civic Hybrid, to be launched Q3, and will offer significantly improved performance and fuel economy over the current system. The new Honda Hybrid System employs intelligent engine functions and a more efficient IMA system to achieve an approximate 20 percent increase in system output over the current system and performance similar to a 1.8-liter engine while improving fuel economy by about 5 percent, reducing the system size by 5 percent and significantly improving emissions performance. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter now also with diesel-electric hybrid drive
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April 4, 2005 Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of the development environment- and resource-friendly propulsion systems and has explored natural gas, LPG, electric propulsion and fuel cell technologies in recent times. This pioneering position will be further enhanced this year when it becomes the first manufacturer to offer a plug-in hybrid-drive version of its Sprinter commercial van. Plug-in means that the vehicle is equipped with a power socket which enables the batteries to be recharged even when the engine is not running, for example overnight. A hybrid-drive Sprinter with no recharging socket is also planned. Read More
Lexus Hybrid Luxury Sports Sedan announced
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March 24, 2005 Lexus has unveiled another luxury hybrid vehicle. The 2007 Lexus GS 450h is the world's first hybrid luxury sedan and the first full hybrid vehicle with a front engine and rear wheel drive. With the world's first gas/electric hybrid-powered luxury SUV, the RX 400h, going on-sale next month, the announcment of the GS 450h indicates an acceleration of Toyota's hybrid program, with availability slated for just over 12 months from now - the second quarter of 2006. A completely new Lexus Hybrid powertrain was created to power the new 450h. The system combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a high-output, permanent magnet electric motor—all driving the rear wheels. Combined power output will be well in excess of 300 horsepower, with zero-to-60 acceleration in less than six seconds. Read More
Lexus Introduces RX 400h, the World's First Luxury Hybrid SUV
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February 1, 2005 Lexus today announced the launch of the all-new 2006 RX 400h, the world's first gas/electric hybrid-powered luxury vehicle, which will go on sale in April 2005. Based on the best-selling RX 330, the RX 400h delivers greater performance, improved fuel efficiency and significantly reduced emissions while sacrificing … nothing. Read More
Aprilia Magnet: Hybrid three-wheeler with supercar performance
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January 22, 2005 Take a Formula One driving position, three wheels, a high-power 550cc v-twin engine designed for motocross, put an additional electric motor into each wheel, and an ingenious tilt system. Finnish student Heikki Naulapaa designed this vehicle as the main project in his design degree at the Royal College of the Arts in London. It landed him a dream job in the design department at Aprilia and maybe, just maybe, the adventurous company might build this excitement machine. With specs like that and a low aerodynamic profile, the hybrid would match any 1000cc superbike in performance and blow a Ferrari into the weeds. Read More
DaimlerChrysler and GM Join Forces to Develop Two-Mode Full Hybrid Propulsion System
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December 16, 2004 DaimlerChrysler and General Motors have announced a cooperative effort to advance the state of hybrid technology. The companies plan to work together to develop a two-mode full hybrid propulsion architecture for applications in GM, Chrysler and Mercedes Car Group vehicles. The full hybrid with two driving modes optimises power and torque for the given driving conditions. The first mode provides tremendous fuel-saving capability in the low-speed and stop-start driving conditions typical of urban commuting, with a combination of full electric propulsion and supplemental combustion engine power. The second mode is used at highway speeds to optimise fuel mileage, while providing full engine power when conditions demand it, such as trailer towing or climbing steep grades. All the driver feels is the satisfaction of low fuel consumption and an ample reserve of power and performance. Read More
US Marines RST-V Hybrid Tactical Vehicle
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The US Marine Corps' first 4x4 hybrid-electric tactical vehicle - the Shadow RST-V - has been tested by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and may soon challenge the Humvee as the dominant vehicle for military use. The Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Vehicle (RST-V) is a high mobility, electric drive technology demonstrator that incorporates a lightweight diesel engine coupled to a permanent-magnetic generator which drives four in-hub permanent-magnet electric wheel motors. The RST-V is ideally suited as a reconnaissance vehicle, as its lithium-ion battery pack enables silent movement for upwards of 20 miles with extremely low thermal and acoustic signatures. Read More
Toyota unveils dual mode hybrid fuel transport
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A futuristic, eco-friendly transit system will be prototyped by Toyota as part of the on-site transportation for the 2005 World Expo in Aichi, Japan. The new system aims to show nature's wisdom and examples of a new global society in action. The ' Toyota Z-Capsule' is a dual mode train/bus fuel cell hybrid that offers an amazing step forward in the evolution of motor vehicles. Read More
English company shows V10 hybrid sports car
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An entirely new spin on the hybrid automobile has been developed by Connaught Motor Company (UK) - a V10-electric hybrid engined, Type-D sports coupe capable of 140mph, 0-60mph in 6.2s, and a stunning 42mpg while still complying with ultra-low emissions targets set for 2010. Connaught plays down the Type-D's hybrid drive, wishing to distance its sports coupŽ "from existing hybrid cars with their utilitarian aura and earnest greenness." So for 'hybrid', read Connaught's alternative description: HigherBred. They think of the electric motor as a torque-assist system, a means to an end rather than an end in itself. Read More
New hydraulic hybrid technology developed by EPA and Ford.
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A new hybrid technology known as hydraulic launch assist system (HLA) promises dramatic improvements in fuel efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Initially developed by the Environment Protection Authority in the US, initial tests on the proof-of-concept chassis has since led to remarkable progress with the release of a Ford F-550 commercial demonstration vehicle earlier this year. The HLA has a regenerative braking system that can reportedly improve fuel efficiency by 25 to 40 percent. It works by recovering some of the energy wasted as heat by the vehicle's brakes when slowing. This energy is harnessed and used to propel the vehicle the next time it needs to accelerate. The hydraulic system offers great advantages for vehicles operating in stop and go conditions because the system can capture a large proportion of the energy lost to the automobile when the brakes are applied. Read More
Honda announces fuel cell, hybrid and electric scooters
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Honda Motor Company has announced its intentions to hotly contest the sustainable future of two wheel transport by showing several new prototype model developments surrounding fuel cell, electric and hybrid (petrol/electric) scooters. Building on its success with fuel cell automobile technology, the most significant announcement was a scooter powered by its light, compact fuel cell system, the Honda FC Stack. Read More
American Honda Releases Images of Honda Accord Hybrid
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American Honda has released the first images of its 2005 Accord V6 Hybrid, a petrol-electric hybrid car scheduled to go on-sale at Honda's US dealerships later this year. Utilising a next-generation hybrid powertrain, the Accord V6 Hybrid will deliver power and performance above the current 240-horsepower (177kW) Accord V6 with the fuel economy of a compact-class, four-cylinder Civic sedan. It's another sure indicator that the hybrid vehicle is becoming mainstream, at least at the top of the market. Read More
Toyota's Hybrid Supercar Concept
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In releasing details of its third futuristic concept car of the last fortnight, Toyota once again displayed its vision of the future when it showed a hybrid-powered supercar in conjunction with famous Italian design studio Giugaro. The hybrid supercar is one of the keys to promoting an environmentally-friendly automotive future, asserts Fabrizio Giugiaro. Read More
Toyota Prius hybrid petrol and electric vehicle
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Toyota's 2004 Prius petrol and electric hybrid is the first second-generation hybrid car and one which is expected to challenge Honda's Insight for the title of the world's most fuel-efficient car.The Prius uses a 50kW electric motor that is more than 50 percent more powerful than the previous model, and with similar performance to many current petrol-engined small cars. The 2004 Prius is the first Toyota vehicle equipped with its next generation drive-train, named "Hybrid Synergy Drive" which offers greater power and fuel economy with extremely low emissions. The Hybrid Synergy Drive integrates all aspects of Prius' hybrid system, from the proper mix of the electric motor and gas engine for optimum performance and efficiency, to the regeneration of electricity via Prius unique braking system. Regenerative braking is a feature of hybrid vehicles that allows the motor to act as a generator when braking. Read More
Honda's hybrid petrol-electric Insight
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The world's most fuel-efficient Production car AFTER two years on the market the Honda Insight remains one of the most technologically advanced cars on Australian roads. Read More
Suzuki's Twin Hybrid achieves 100 mpg
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Suzuki has launched a hybrid powered petrol/electric vehicle for sale on the Japanese market that travels an impressive 34 kilometres for every litre of fuel used - that's around 100mpg! The Suzuki Twin also features an automatic idling stop system shuts the engine down whenever the car stops at traffic lights or when stationary in heavy traffic, minimizing CO' emissions and fuel consumption. Read More
Military Diesel Hybrid Truck Features a Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power
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General Motors and the U.S. Army used the NAIAS to show an interesting diesel hybrid military vehicle equipped with a fuel cell auxiliary power unit (APU) that could become the model for the Army's new fleet of 30,000 light tactical vehicles by the end of the decade. Read More
Trilobis 65 hybrid yacht offers a home under the sea
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Lying somewhere between a luxury houseboat and the Beatles' Yellow Submarine, the Trilobis 65 is a semi-submerged dwelling environment designed for habitation by six people at sea. Read More
Benelli Car-Bike Hybrid offers best of both worlds
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The Benelli Adiva is one of the most interesting new concepts in personal transportation for many years - a two-wheeled cabriolet scooter offering more collision and weather protection than any other available two wheeler, yet all the parking, accessibility and agility advantages of a small motorcycle. In European cities, where parking and road space is limited, this type of car-scooter hybrid is beginning to get a lot of attention as commuters are exploring new, more convenient types of personal transport. Read More
Hybrid vehicle combines best of electric and conventional power
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Honda's DN-X Concept car hit the world stage at the New York Motor Show in April, with a sportscar body and four doors. That's not the radical bit though - the 400bhp power-train feeds all four wheels and consists of a 3.5 litre V6 and an advanced Electric Motor Assist system... Read More
