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Sunday, 30 March 2008
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CHEVROLET EQUINOX FUEL CELL: REAL-WORLD UTILITY, OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD PERFORMANCE
The Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicle is a zero-gas, zero-emissions vehicle that makes no compromises, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 12 seconds, 236 lb.-ft. (320 Nm) of instant torque and a top speed of about 100 miles per hour. It seats four, sports 32 cubic feet of cargo volume for everybody’s gear, and has a range of approximately 150 miles per fill-up based on the new 2008 EPA adjusted measurement.
The Equinox Fuel Cell also features full four-wheel ABS for controlled, confident stopping, and, unlike early fuel cell vehicles, starts and operates in sub-freezing temperatures. Aside from its dramatically different propulsion system, the Equinox Fuel Cell looks and drives much like a production Chevy Equinox crossover. The fuel cell system fits within the space of the conventional engine compartment. The nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which stores energy from the regenerative braking system to increase operating efficiency and boost acceleration when needed, sits under the floor in the middle of the vehicle. Three compressed hydrogen storage tanks, made of carbon fiber for strength and pressurized to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi), are located under the rear seats and cargo area. They contain roughly nine pounds (4.2 kg) of hydrogen.
Outside, the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell fascia sports Chevy’s horizontally split grille, along with extra cooling air inlets in the lower front corners. At the rear, the new fascia under the bumper has four thin vertical slits in place of the exhaust pipe; they release the clean water vapor emissions. This patented design lets onlookers know that this is no ordinary internal combustion engine vehicle.
Exterior graphics, including special badging on the liftgate, also call out the Equinox Fuel Cell, finished in either a premium tri-coat Glacier Gold or White. Under the hood, a special trim cover on the fuel cell system also sets the Equinox Fuel Cell apart from its conventional sibling.
The plush interior includes a touch screen display in the center stack for the navigation system and power flow display. Instead of a tachometer, a power indicator is integrated into the instrument panel to show the actual power being delivered to the system in kilowatts (kW). The Equinox Fuel Cell shifter also includes an emblem signifying it’s a hydrogen fuel cell-electric vehicle.
SPECIFICATIONS: CHEVROLET EQUINOX FUEL CELL
General
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Vehicle type:
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5-door, front-wheel-drive crossover SUV
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Chassis:
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Independent McPherson struts front, independent 4-link trailing arm rear, disc brakes front and rear, friction brake blending to maximize energy capture, electric power assist steering
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Seating capacity:
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4
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Dimensions
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Wheelbase (in / mm):
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112.5 / 2858
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Length (in / mm):
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188.8 / 4796
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Width (in / mm):
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71.4 / 1814
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Height (in / mm):
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69.3 / 1760
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Curb weight (lb / kg):
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4431 / 2010
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Cargo volume (cu ft / L):
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32.0 / 906.24
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Fuel storage system
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Type:
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3 carbon fiber fuel tanks, compressed gas
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Service pressure (psi / bar):
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10,000 / 700 or 5,000/350
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Storage capacity (lb / kg):
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9.24 / 4.2
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Fuel cell system
Battery system
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Type:
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Nickel-metal hydride battery pack; regenerative braking
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Power (kW):
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35
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Electric traction system
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Front system:
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3-phase asynchronous electric motor, FWD
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Power (kW):
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73 continuous, 94 maximum
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Torque (lb-ft / Nm):
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236 / 320
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Performance
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Acceleration 0-60 mph / 0-100 km/h (sec):
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12
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Top speed (mph / km/h):
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100 / 160
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Operating range (miles / km):
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150 / 240 based on the new EPA 2008 adjusted measurement
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Payload (lb / kg):
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800 / 362
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Exterior
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Colors:
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White, and premium tri-coat Glacier Gold
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Styling:
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Differentiated front and rear fascia, exhaust outlets, chrome accents, graphics
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Tire size:
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P225/60R17, 17-inch aluminum wheels
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Interior
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Content:
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Premium cloth (leather free) seats and trim, 2-passenger rear bench with center console
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Color & styling:
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Glacier Gold theme with fabric and trim, unique floor mats and shift lever graphics
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Instrument panel:
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kW meter, fuel cell energy display
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Fuel cell propulsion system
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Freeze capacity:
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Freeze capable without grid heater
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Operating temperature (F / C):
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5 to +113 / -15 to +45
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Standard equipment
OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation; electronic control HVAC; driver-side power seat; deep tint windows; heated seats; keyless entry; power door locks/windows; power steering; driver information system; cruise control; AM/FM/XM navigation radio
Safety and security
Expected to meet all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS); driver and passenger front air bags and roof rail side-impact air bags; ABS; traction control; OnStar; navigation system
Product benefits
No petroleum consumption; EPA-certified zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) that emits only water vapor; zero propulsion system (greenhouse gases-GHG) emissions; instant torque
(Source GM)
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Wednesday, 26 March 2008
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Source: Chevrolet
The extended-range electric vehicle is for real and expected to be available in November of 2010. Chevrolet is putting tremendous design and engineering resources in place to make this vehicle a reality. The Concept Chevy Volt, with its revolutionary E-Flex Propulsion System will be different than any previous electric vehicle because it will use a lithium-ion battery with a variety of range-extending onboard power sources, including gas and, in some vehicles, E85 ethanol to recharge the battery while driving. When it comes to plugging in, the Volt will be designed to use a common 110–volt household plug. For someone who drives less than 40 miles a day, Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions. For longer trips, Chevy Volt's range-extending power source kicks in to recharge the lithium-ion battery pack as required.
VOLT GALLERY - Click on thumbnails for larger picture
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Thursday, 27 March 2008
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The Dodge Zeo Concept
When thinking of the most outrageous and advanced concept cars, Dodge is not usually the first brand to pop into mind. In fact Dodge has been given an image in American pop culture as a car ‘grandpa’ would drive around in, or ‘Al Bundy’ for that matter. The Dodge Viper has obviously been a force in the modern muscle car industry, yet when it comes to groundbreaking futuristic ideas, the foreign markets, mainly in Japan and Europe, have been primarily leading the way.
It is time for a new era of all-American muscle cars, and when it comes to American muscle, Dodge has always been at the forefront. Yet recently in the automobile industry to truly be considered “next generation,” a car must not be entirely dependent on petroleum in order to run. Therefore Dodge has developed a concept that they hope will one day take the world by storm. The 2008 Dodge ZEO concept will be powered with an “all-electric, lithium ion battery power-plant.” This battery will only have to be recharged every 250 miles. [1] The ability to go 0-60 in under six seconds will have adrenaline junkies feeling “greener” every day. This all-electric EV is in complete contrast to the Viper due to its zero emissions and zero dependence on fossil fuels. The Viper on the other hand is an extreme gas guzzler. Only time will tell if the ZEO is the Viper’s true predecessor as the unofficial leader of muscle cars in the United States. If it is, the human race will benefit in the long run. -Anthony J. Ochs
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Read more...
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Tuesday, 25 March 2008
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iMiEV Sport
  
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Sunday, 13 April 2008
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by: Nissan North America
Nissan’s “Denki Cube” Electric Vehicle Concept Brings Distinctive Spirit Into Play in New York Auto Show Debut
New York City is about to get a lesson in what happens when geography meets geometry – specifically, when the world, which is round, meets the Nissan Cube, which is essentially square. The occasion is the world debut of the Nissan Denki (Japanese for “electric”) Cube Concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.
The lithium-ion battery-powered Denki Cube electric vehicle concept, which will be on public display at the Nissan exhibit at Jacob Javits Convention Center from March 21 through March 30, was created to draw attention to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.’s (NML) global environmental efforts. It also serves as a preview of Nissan’s future small car strategy for the North American market, which includes plans to sell a redesigned gasoline-powered, next-generation Cube at Nissan dealers in the United States and Canada beginning in 2009.
“The Denki Cube Concept is a fun way to expose American buyers to one of Nissan’s most popular home market cars at a time when fuel economy and packaging efficiency are on a lot of people’s minds,” said Al Castignetti, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. “Like the production Cube on which it is based, the Denki Cube Concept is boxy yet charming, fashionable and functional, and completely tuned in to today’s needs for enjoyable efficiency.”
About the Denki Cube Concept
In creating the Denki Cube Concept, the designers started with a well-defined canvas, the current-generation Nissan Cube. The iconic Cube has always been the antithesis of traditional automotive style – square, minimalist, asymmetrical and humble – yet also warm, relaxing, practical and undeniably charming. To this solid foundation, the Denki Cube adds a new EV powertrain and unique exterior and interior treatments.
The Denki Cube Concept’s exterior features fresh front and rear styling treatments, including a new “electric themed” front grille design with an AC power charging port, a radical “lightning” headlight design and new bumpers and turn signal lamps. In the rear, the signature Cube asymmetrical rear quarter area (with wraparound glass on one side) has been enhanced by a new bumper with hidden taillights. The roof sheet metal has been replaced with a full fixed glass panel that enhances the interior’s sense of wide-open space. The Denki Cube Concept exterior also features new door mirrors and unique 16-inch wheel covers. The finishing touch is provided by a special white pearl paint and graphics.
Inside, the Denki Cube Concept reflects the designers’ intention of creating a relaxing, moving social hub, like a favorite room in an owner’s house. Though the production Cube offers three rows of seating, the Denki Cube Concept offers only two rows and the wheelbase has been stretched 9.4 inches in order to better accommodate the lithium-ion battery cells. The newly designed front and second row seats are joined by a revised instrument panel with an IP-mounted shift button, a special steering wheel design and new door panel and cargo area trim.
The biggest transformation from production Cube to Denki Cube Concept is one that isn’t visible – the replacement of the standard 1.3-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and laminated lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats. The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility, versus conventional cylindrical batteries.
Nissan’s compact lithium-ion battery technology, one of the company’s traditional strengths, provides batteries with twice as much energy compared with a conventional cylindrical battery of the same type and safer operation due to the use of chemically stable spine-structured manganese for the electrode material. In order to better leverage Nissan’s lithium-ion battery capabilities, a new company, Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC), was jointly established with NEC Corp. and NEC Tokin Corp. – with the goal of dramatically enhancing future battery performance and reducing battery costs.
“Nissan first had an electric vehicle in the road in 1947 and has been field-testing lithium-ion batteries for more than ten years,” said Castignetti. “Our ongoing goal is to dramatically enhance future battery performance while reducing battery costs.”
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Wednesday, 26 March 2008
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Source: GM/Saturn
Saturn Flextreme Concept
· Provides up to 34 miles of all-electric range
· Utilizes GM’s E-Flex technology (with integrated 1.3 L turbo diesel engine)
· E-Flex System uses an electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery
· Innovative FlexDoor and FlexLoad systems provide unique utility
· All windows and a large part of the roof, are made of lightweight polycarbonate
GM and Saturn have a strong commitment to the development of vehicles that reduce vehicle emissions and lower the automobile’s dependency on petroleum.
The Saturn Flextreme shows that two characteristics of the brand’s new products will continue in the future: striking, European-inspired designs and efficient, clean technology.
The Flextreme highlights the continually evolving elements of Saturn’s design language: more sculptured surfacing molding, clear style elements such as narrow, boomerang-shaped lights and sloping feature line in the side graphics.
Saturn’s commitment to innovation and clean transportation is further illustrated by the two high-tech electric Segway Personal Transporters ingeniously packaged below the Flextreme’s cargo floor. With a twist of the handlebar-mounted release, the handlebar retracts and rotates downward for easy loading into the rear compartment. Once docked, the batteries of these modified Segways can be charged along with the Flextreme’s batteries.
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Tuesday, 25 March 2008
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Subaru R1e
 
 
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Saturday, 29 March 2008
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Toyota Fuel-Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV)
Specifications
Vehicle
· Length – 15.5 ft
· Width – 6.0 ft
· Height – 5.5 ft
· Weight 4,101 lbs
· Seating Capacity – 5
Fuel
· Type – Hydrogen
· Storage System – High-pressure hydrogen tanks
· Max. storage pressure – 70 MPa
Fuel Cell
· Name – Toyota FC Stack
· Type – Polymer electrolyte
· Output – 90 kw
Battery
· Type – Nickel-metal hydride
Motor
· Type – Permanent magnet
· Max. output – 121 hp
· Max. torque – 192 lb-ft
Performance
· Max. Cruising range – 186 Miles*
· Max. speed – 96 mph
*In the Japanese 10-15 test cycle
Steady Technical progress has been made by Toyota in tackling technical issues such as:
· Driving range of 350+ miles on a single fill
· On-board hydrogen storage-tanks are designed for maximum safety
· Capable of start-up at extremely low temperatures of -30ºC/-22ºF
(Source Toyota)
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