The turnaround in public opinion in Europe on climate issues was 'extraordinary,' Tarasofsky said, noting the absence of any backlash at proposals for so-called eco-taxes -- on airline travel, for example -- which only a year ago were 'hugely unpopular.'
The site is provided with off-grid electricity by two 100W fuel cell systems, hybridised with batteries, which run a desktop computer in the energy store if the grid supply fails.
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EU leaders agreed last week that the bloc will produce 20 percent of its power through renewable energy, as opposed to its current average of 6 percent.
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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Ford
A favorite of the U.S. Army, Ford and GM for various hydrogen vehicle services (see links below), Quantum announced today that the California South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has given Quantum a $2.1 million contract to "develop and demonstrate plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)" that get 35-40 miles of battery-only driving.
Quantum convert 20 2008 Ford Escape Hybrids (see gallery below) into PHEVs for demonstration. The PHEVs will be powered by lithium ion battery packs and have management systems from Advanced Lithium Power Inc., one of Quantum partners. Details after the break.
Related:
- U.S. Army looks to Quantum for mobile hydrogen refuelling
- Ford E450 Shuttle buses powered by Quantum hydrogen injectors
- GM selects Quantum Fuel Systems to produce H2 storage for Equinox Fuel-Cell Fleet
Quantum Awarded Contract to Develop and Demonstrate Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
IRVINE, Calif., March 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:QTWW) today announced that it was awarded a $2.1 million contract by California's South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) to develop and demonstrate plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Quantum will develop, manufacture, and deploy 20 Ford Escape PHEVs for demonstration in Southern California.
Under this contract, Quantum will utilize its OEM system engineering and vehicle integration methodologies to develop a plug-in hybrid version of the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The PHEV system will be based on integrating a lithium ion battery pack and management system from Advanced Lithium Power Inc. (ALP), a partner of Quantum. ALP's plug-in hybrid battery system will be designed to achieve a target of 35-40 miles of battery-only range. Extensive analysis and testing, including vehicle crash testing as well as fuel mileage and emissions performance, will be completed on the Ford Escape PHEV prior to the field demonstration to ensure the safety, performance, and reliability of the vehicles.
The AQMD has been a leader in developing and demonstrating plug-in hybrid technologies. Plug-in hybrid technologies overall have potential for lower criteria pollutant emissions and zero local emissions during portions of the commute when vehicles are operating on battery only. This can provide substantial benefits to communities, neighborhoods, and schools where these vehicles operate. AQMD's draft 2007 Air Quality Management Plan calls for 100,000 PHEVs by 2014 in the South Coast Air Basin and up to one million PHEVs by 2020. This is one of the measures needed to meet the aggressive air quality goals and deadlines required by U.S. EPA. The AQMD also believes that PHEVs can be an enabling technology for all types of alternative fuels, such as CNG and hydrogen, by reducing the size of the most costly components (e.g., gaseous storage tanks and the fuel cell stack) and relying more heavily on the battery system.
"This contract supports Quantum's strategic initiatives in hybrid electric vehicles and complements our growing product portfolio of advanced vehicle propulsion systems," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. "Quantum is pleased to have been selected by the AQMD to supply plug-in hybrid Ford Escapes for their innovative program that will reduce smog-forming pollutants, reduce global warming emissions, and reduce fossil fuel consumption in Southern California. We believe that these plug-in hybrid vehicles and ALP's advanced lithium ion battery systems represent important technologies which address the critical national issues of energy security and global warming with an enormous potential to penetrate into today's hybrid electric vehicle market."
About Quantum:
Quantum and its subsidiary, Tecstar Automotive Group, are leaders in powertrain engineering, system integration, and manufacturing of packaged fuel systems and accessories for specialty vehicles and applications including fuel cells, hybrids, alternative fuels, hydrogen refueling, new body styles, mid-cycle vehicle product enhancements and high performance engines and drive trains for OEMs and consumers of aftermarket parts and accessories. Quantum also designs and manufactures hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.
Quantum has product commercialization alliances with General Motors, AM General, and Sumitomo. Quantum's customer base includes General Motors, Toyota, Opel, Hyundai, Suzuki, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, AeroVironment, and the U.S. Army.
More information can be found about Quantum's products and services at www.qtww.com.
About AQMD:
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. This area of 12,000 square miles is home to more than 16.5 million people. It is the second most populous urban area in the United States. AQMD is responsible for controlling emissions from stationary sources of air pollution and has transportation-related programs aimed primarily at reducing the number of cars on the road and promoting the use of cleaner fuels and vehicles.
Forward Looking Statements
Except for historical information, the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in the foregoing press release are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company's expectations regarding expected future revenues and operating results; future opportunities for Quantum; the Company's ability to fulfill orders in the future; the design of ALP's lithium ion battery systems; and other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, among other factors, prevailing market conditions; the Company's ability to design and market automotive products; the Company's ability to meet customer specifications and qualification requirements; availability of component parts and raw materials that meet the Company's requirements; and the Company's ability to source alternative materials and suppliers. Reference should also be made to the risk factors set forth from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including but not limited to those contained in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2006. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any of its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes show that the indicated results or events will not be realized.
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Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid
OK, doubters, get your comments ready. South Africa's Cape Times is reporting on an hybrid battery "breakthrough". This is hybrid as in a battery that can charge and discharge simultaneously, not hybrid as in vehicles (the article can be read here).The new battery was developed over seven years by Jan Human (nice name) of Somerset West. He claims the battery is scalable and the hybrid principle could be used in batteries that power everything from cell phones to vehicles to industrial sites. Human claims to have "found a new 'pathway' in the battery which allows it to charge and discharge at the same time," according to the Cape Times. "When a conventional battery is discharging, say to power a light, it cannot store energy at the same time. It's impossible. My battery does that. You can use wind and solar to charge my battery at the same time it is discharging," Human told the paper.
Gerhard Ebersohn, an electrical engineer at the University of Pretoria, told the paper that Human's idea was "definitely a new concept". Human and Ebersohn are in communication so Ebersohn can validate the claims. I leave it to our vocal readers to tell us all why this is nothing but hype.
[Source: Melanie Gosling / Cape Times via EV World]
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Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Ethanol, Hydrogen, MPG, Solar, Natural Gas
The all-time highest mpg (equivalent) rating achieved at a Shell eco-marathon is 10,705 miles per gallon. That record was set in 2003 at the European Shell Eco-marathon. The Shell Eco-marathon returns to the United States next month and will see students try to squeeze every last centimeter out of the fuel with ultra-aerodynamic, lightweight body coffins. The event kicks off April 14 at the California Speedway in Fontana, California and will feature student teams from across the Americas. The UC Berkeley team is seen above and in the gallery.
The vehicles in the competition have three or four wheels and can use conventional fuels or alternative fuels/sources of energy (liquid petroleum gas, biofuels, compressed natural gas, hydrogen or solar) and are vying for a $10,000 grand prize (given to the winning school). Whoever goes the farthest on the least amount of fuel wins. More after the jump.
Related:
- European Shell Eco-Marathon contestant hits 6785 mpg
- Hypermiling update: Shell Eco-Marathon coming back to the U.S. next year
Shell Eco-marathon[TM] Americas Inspires Top Young Engineers from 24 Schools in the U.S. and Canada
Eco-Friendly Challenge to Take Place April 13-14 at the California Speedway in Fontana , California
Houston - After more than 20 successful years in Europe and the United Kingdom , the world-renowned Shell Eco-marathon[TM] is coming to the United States . The Shell Eco-marathon[TM] Americas will showcase a line-up of futuristic, eco-friendly vehicles competing to travel the farthest distance on the least amount of fuel. The student project, which invites student teams from across the Americas to design and build the most energy-efficient vehicle, will conclude with a two-day mileage challenge, April 13 -14, 2007, at the California Speedway in Fontana , California. Last year, a student team from Europe achieved the equivalent of 6,792 miles to the gallon.
"As a leading provider of fuels today, we believe it's important to encourage education and awareness about sustainable mobility," said David Sexton, president of Shell Oil Products U.S. "We've made it a priority to support today's top young scientists and technicians as they develop creative ideas that could help solve real energy problems and influence the transportation of tomorrow."
Teams are comprised of about eight students working together to build proto-type vehicles with three or four wheels using conventional fuels or alternative fuels or energy sources such as liquid petroleum gas, biofuels, compressed natural gas, hydrogen or solar. A grand prize of $10,000 will be awarded to the educational institution or university whose student-driven vehicle completes the farthest distance with the least amount of fuel. There are also first, second and third prizes awarded in three vehicle categories. Thirty teams from across the U.S. and Canada are registered to participate in the Americas event.
Throughout the entire process, the Shell Eco-marathon[TM] offers students - who are interested in the world of technology, energy and transport - a unique opportunity to work hands-on to identify possible solutions for meeting future energy needs.
"Shell has one of the broadest fuel portfolios, and vast experience in developing innovative and new fuels to meet society needs," added Sexton. "Educating our young people about sustainable mobility is critical to achieving energy security for the future. Shell is proud to provide students with an educational platform to explore and experiment with technology and fuels, and to develop creative and inventive mobility solutions through the Shell Eco-marathon[TM] project."
From vehicle design to financing, student participants gain hands-on experience managing their project and applying skills in science, technology, mathematics, business and design. Along the way, they demonstrate hard work, creativity and ingenuity, while addressing one of the most pressing issues in today's society: sustainable mobility.
Currently, the 2007 European Shell Eco-marathon[TM] is set to be the biggest ever, with more than 250 teams from educational institutions in 20 different countries. The key challenge for each team is not only to create the most fuel-efficient vehicle, but also to beat the European Shell Eco-marathon[TM] fuel-efficiency records. For combustion engine entries, the record was set in 2004 by the team from Lycée La Joliverie, France, who reached 3,410 kilometers (2,118 miles) on just one liter of fuel. For proto-type vehicles using fuel cells, the record is even more impressive with a hydrogen-powered vehicle built by Swiss team ETH Zurich in 2005 achieving a projected 3,836 kilometers (2,383 miles) on the equivalent of a single liter of fuel. The 2007 European Shell Eco-marathon[TM] event will be held at the Nogaro Racing Circuit in the South of France on May 11-13, 2007.
The Shell Eco-marathon[TM] is just one example of the initiatives Shell is pursuing in the area of innovation and technology related to sustainable mobility. Shell has invested more than $1 billion in alternative energies over the past five years, making it one of the world's leading companies in the sector. In addition to the thousands of scientists that Shell employs around the world, Shell has appointed a Chief Technology Officer, seven Chief Scientists and established a high-level forum to ensure that Shell continues to innovate at the forefront of the industry. Shell is also proud to be working in partnership with vehicle manufacturers, governments, academic institutions and non-governmental organizations to develop innovative ideas and attainable solutions to meet the growing demands of energy for transportation.
More information, including a complete list of student teams, is available at http://www.shell.com/us/ecomarathon.
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Transportation Alternatives, Natural Gas
Car sales in China have been growing at an enormous rate for the past decade, contributing to the ever worsening pollution problems in cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The Chinese economy is still a hybrid, with a wild "free" market that still has a strong "guiding" hand from the Government. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has released new draft rules that are intended to push car-makers toward producing less polluting cars. Apparently, car-makers will need to get approval from NDRC to begin production of new cars, and they will be looking for a certain level of alternative energy sophistication before granting that production license, particularly if they are to be sold in more congested areas. Less sophisticated systems will only be allowed to be built in limited runs and only for sale in certain areas.
[Source: China Daily via ChinaCarTimes]
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
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Filed under: Ethanol, Green Culture, Legislation and Policy
Sen. John Thune, the Republican who ousted Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle in 2004, says it's time for all gas pumps to offer E20 blends.Right now, E10 is the standard; that is, a blend of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline. Thune wants a jump to 20 percent ethanol mix to "grow the industry." He sent a letter to the EPA requesting the agency to certify a 20 percent blend for use in conventional engines. The EPA will study the request. It's already studying a proposal from Minnesota to offer 20 percent blends throughout the state by 2012.
Ethanol is also available in an E85 blend, but that formula is compatible in only a few vehicles. E85 accounts for about one percent of all ethanol sales.
The EPA is charged with proving that E20 doesn't harm engines or air quality. I also hope the agency conducts thorough tests on fuel economy as well. I certainly don't want to pay for more expensive fuel that isn't as potent.
[Source: Ben Shouse / Sioux Falls Argus Leader]
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Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet
The Saturn Aura Green Line with the mild hybrid system that will be in the Malibu
Cobasys has announced that they are expanding their supply of hybrid vehicle batteries to General Motors to include the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid. The Malibu will have the same mild hybrid system that's already available in the Saturn Vue Green Line and will be in the Aura Green Line this spring. Cobasys will be supplying a 36V NiMH battery pack that will work in combination with the belt-driven alternator starter on the 2.4L four cylinder engine. The Cobasys press release is after the jump and the Malibu will be on dealer lots this fall.
[Source: Cobasys]
COBASYS CONFIRMS PRODUCTION CONTRACT FOR 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID SEDAN
Battery System Supplier Awarded Fourth Hybrid Program by General Motors
Orion, MI, March 13, 2007. --Cobasys, a leading supplier of advanced integrated energy storage solutions, today confirmed that they have been chosen to provide their NiMHax(R) Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery system for General Motors' redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Sedan unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Chevrolet Malibu arrives in showrooms in fall, 2007 and will feature the same hybrid system that powers the Saturn Vue Green Line SUV and 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line mid-size sedan. The Malibu hybrid combines sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor / generator mated to their 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder engine and the Cobasys NiMHax(R)battery system, leading to substantial fuel economy gains.
Both Saturn Green Line vehicles and the Malibu hybrid system provide: an electric power assist during acceleration; increased fuel economy through engine shut-off at idle; fuel cut-off during deceleration; and the capability to capture electrical energy through regenerative braking.
Cobasys' complete "plug-and-play" NiMHax 36-Volt system, which includes its high power advanced NiMH battery modules and electronics in a small, lightweight package, was designed specifically for GM's hybrid applications. The NiMHax 36 Volt systems will be manufactured at the Cobasys facility in Springboro, Ohio.
"Cobasys is pleased to have been awarded a fourth hybrid program from General Motors as they continue to develop their portfolio of hybrid offerings," stated Gary Absher, Vice President of Product Development. "At Cobasys, we have positioned ourselves to be technology leaders by creating the right advanced chemistry battery system solutions for hybrid vehicles."
As General Motors continues to expand into the industry's most diverse portfolio of hybrid technologies, Cobasys has surfaced as the key player in supplying their environmentally- friendly energy storage systems for GM's hybrid programs, including:
- The 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line SUV containing the Cobasys NiMHax(R) Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery system while was available to consumers in summer, 2006.
- The recently announce 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line mid-size sedan which will also feature the Cobasys "plug-and-play" NiMHax system.
- General Motors awarded an advanced battery contract to Cobasys and its partner A123Systems to design and test lithium-ion batteries for both plug-in and extended range electric vehicles. The advanced batteries are planned for the Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid SUV and GM's E-Flex electric vehicle system.
- Now, Cobasys is confirming it will be supplying the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Sedan with the same 36V NiMH battery system offered on the Saturn hybrids.
Cobasys designs, manufactures and integrates advanced battery system solutions featuring Nickel Metal Hydride for transportation markets, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), Electric Vehicles (EV) and 36/42 Volt applications and to stationary markets, including Back-Up power supply systems for Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), Telecom and Distributed Generation markets.
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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
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Hybrid battery claimed to be able to charge and discharge at the same time.
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