DALLAS – Nissan, the global leader in electric vehicle (EV) sales, achieved another milestone this month as Dallas residents Todd and Lisa Bolt made Nissan LEAF the first all-electric model to hit 50,000 sales in the U.S. The Bolt family took delivery of their black LEAF SL earlier this month at AutoNation Nissan of Lewisville.
Thanks to enthusiastic owner advocates, robust public charging infrastructure and the launch of a successful free charging promotion, Dallas – and the state of Texas – have become hot growth markets for LEAF. So far in 2014, LEAF sales in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex have grown by about 50 percent over the previous year, with that growth set to accelerate faster thanks in part to the introduction of a new state tax rebate of up to $2,500 on the purchase or lease of a new Nissan LEAF.
“Beyond the simple economics of not buying gas, we’ve been impressed with how well the LEAF drives,” said Todd Bolt, a pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake. “When we show the LEAF off to family and friends, they’re surprised that the car is so quiet and rides so well. The LEAF does everything we need day-to-day, and given the financial savings, I don’t know why we’d buy another gas car.”
Infographic courtesy of Nissan
Electric vehicle ownership has taken hold at Gateway Church, where both Todd and Lisa work, after an executive pastor did the math and decided to buy a Nissan LEAF. Now, more than 20 employees are in the fold, jokingly referring to themselves as the “Blessed LEAFs Club.”
Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston are among 10 launch markets for “No Charge to Charge,” a new promotion that provides two years of no-cost public charging to new LEAF buyers who took delivery of their car after April 1, 2014. The national promotion is modeled after a successful pilot program launched in Dallas and Houston last fall with Houston-based NRG eVgo.
“With ‘No Charge to Charge,’ the new EV tax credit and enthusiastic new owners like the Bolt family, Dallas is poised to climb the ranks of leading LEAF sales markets,” said Toby Perry, director, EV Marketing for Nissan. “Texas is a great indicator that the right mix of customer awareness and strategically placed charging can lead to rapid EV adoption, and we expect to use that model to grow our sales in markets across the U.S.”
With nearly 115,000 global sales since launch, Nissan LEAF is the world’s top-selling electric vehicle. LEAF seats up to five passengers and boasts an estimated driving range on a fully-charged battery of 84 miles and MPGe ratings of 126 city, 101 highway and 114 combined. With a starting price of less than $30,000, LEAF is competitively priced with similar gas-powered cars after applicable tax credits, while providing the benefits of lower running costs and less scheduled maintenance.
LEAF is powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery and an 80kW motor that provides a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience. A Nissan LEAF can be charged to 80 percent of its full capacity in about 30 minutes using its available quick charge port and a quick charger. Charging at home through a 220V outlet is estimated to take approximately five hours with the 6.6 kW onboard charger (approximately eight hours with the S grade’s standard 3.6 kW charger).
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
This article is a repost, credit: Nissan. Video courtesy of Nissan.
MISSISSAUGA, Canada; Hardbakke, Norway – Electrovaya Inc. (TSX:EFL) is pleased to announce that the KF Hisarøy electric cable ferry has now been sailing between Mjånes and Hisarøy in Norway daily for six months, with flawless operation over the wintery seas in Norway. The ferry’s new propulsion power system consists of a complete rechargeable battery system from Electrovaya in cooperation with Solund Verft, HAFS Elektro & Rør AS and Electrovaya´s subsidiary Miljobil Grenland AS in Norway.
Photo courtesy of Electrovaya
The 100 kWh new prototype battery system is based on Electrovaya’s new generation SuperPolymer®2.0 technology. Electrovaya’s SuperPolymer®2.0 battery system provides excellent performance and reliability with an exceptionally small on-board footprint. The battery system is an important step forward for the global maritime industry and a major step towards replacing diesel generators with a greener, toxic–free alternative form of energy. The owner of the vessel is Wergeland AS and Gulen Skyssbåtservice operates the ferry.
The battery electric ferry can save up to approximately 180,750 liters of fuel consumption over its expected lifetime. That has a potential to save about 500 tonnes of emissions; 480 tonnes of CO2, 9 tonnes of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, 2 tonnes of carbon monoxide and 2 tonnes of other type of emissions. The Electrovaya lithium ion battery also eliminates all fuel exhaust including the usual carcinogens from diesel exhaust.
The Cable Ferry is operating approximately 10 round-trips per day between the mainland and the Hisarøy Island, a round trip distance of about 1.6 kilometers. The Cable Ferry is driven by two winches on-board and Electrovaya’s on-board Lithium Ion battery system is recharged on the mainland between the round trips and over-night. KF Hisarøy is built to carry 49 passengers and 6 cars.
Photo courtesy of Electrovaya
According to a study by Zero, “Mapping of the potential for battery operation of ferries in Norway,” 47 of a total of 125 ferry connections are relevant for battery operation now, with 34 relevant for battery operation in the future. The Norwegian maritime market is expected to be a key driver of battery electrification. By avoiding the use of fossil fuels and instead relying on Norway´s hydroelectric power production, there will be a significant reduction of CO2 and NOX emissions into the atmosphere. In addition there will be no noise from the diesel engines and no carcinogens from diesel exhaust. Recent studies by the World Health Organization outlined the large quantity of carcinogenic gases produced by diesel exhausts and elimination of diesel exhaust is of major interest worldwide.
“Solund Verft, Electrovaya, Miljobil and its Norwegian partners are very well suited for additional maritime opportunities” said Hans Wergeland, the owner of KF Hisarøy. “This market is expected to grow to substantially over the coming years, as the demand for environmentally friendly, zero carbon foot-print energy solutions increases. There is growing pressure from the International Maritime Organization and government agencies around the world to move away from fossil-fuel propulsion and hoteling energy solutions.”
“We are delighted to be working with Electrovaya and Miljobil Grenland.” says Svein-Tore Eide, General Manager of Solund Verft AS, the ship building company responsible for the project. “This will be the first battery electric cable and road ferry in Norway and there are also other ferry projects under discussion.” Mr Eide continues “Our customer Wergeland AS also currently operates a diesel driven cable ferry between Duesundøy and Masfjordnes and this ferry is targeted for conversion to electric in the near future.” Mr. Eide says “We selected Electrovaya due to its in-depth understanding of the energy storage system market, its high level of assistance during the design phase and its leading-edge technology.” Mr. Eide concludes “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Electrovaya and Miljobil on future opportunities in Norway and elsewhere.”
“Electrovaya is pleased to participate in the development of this maritime battery.” says Paul Hart, Chief Financial Officer of Electrovaya. “Electrovaya’s break-through energy technology addresses the Global problems of Climate Change, the reduction of Greenhouse and carcinogenic gases and demonstrates Norwegian leadership in replacing diesel-driven motors. This project enables us to investigate the technical challenges of such systems and positions Electrovaya as a leader in this emerging industry.”
About Electrovaya Inc.
Electrovaya Inc. (TSX:EFL) designs and manufactures proprietary Lithium Ion SuperPolymer® batteries, battery systems and energy storage related products for the clean electric transportation, portable energy, utility scale energy storage, smart grid power, consumer and healthcare markets. The Company’s unique & proprietary technology includes a manufacturing process which does not use any toxic chemicals. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, Electrovaya has production facilities in Canada and customers around the globe. To learn more about how Electrovaya is powering mobility and storing energetic electrons, please explore www.electrovaya.com.
About Solund Verft AS
Solund Verft AS is a privately owned shipyard in western Norway just north of Bergen, and builds and repairs ferries, fishing vessels, coastal freighters, well Boats, Barges, boats and various specialized vessels. It has very good local relationships with ship-owners, constructors and yards, and many subcontractors have local ties and address in the county. Its facilities include a dock with a “Syncrolift” ship lift system with a capacity 1000 tons for building and dry-docking boats on land. The Yard is capable of building and servicing boats of up to 75 metres in length at shore. The Yard has also recently built a ship hall for indoor work. To learn more about Solund Verft AS, please see www.solundverft.no.
This article is a repost (4-2-14), credit: Electrovaya.
Daimler to acquire from Evonik a 50.1-percent interest in Li-Tec and a 10-percent stake in Deutsche ACCUmotive
This will make Daimler the sole owner of both companies
Daimler AG and Evonik Industries AG are restructuring their activities in the field of electric mobility in Kamenz and Kirchheim/Teck, and are thus reflecting the changed market conditions. Daimler will acquire all of the shares held by Evonik in Li-Tec Battery GmbH (50.1 percent) and in Deutsche ACCUmotive GmbH & Co. KG (10 percent). This will make Daimler the sole owner of the two companies. The parties have agreed not to divulge the details of the agreement.
In recent years, Daimler and Evonik have together developed the industrial series production of lithium-ion battery cells for electric vehicles in Kamenz. In line with its systematic focus on specialty chemicals, Evonik had been seeking new perspectives for its lithium-ion business.
“The agreement creates important opportunities for Germany as an industrial location in an international environment of intense competition for realizing electric mobility as the drive system of the future. In this way, Evonik and Daimler have found a good solution” stated Thomas Hermann, Head of Corporate Development at Evonik Industries.
Harald Kröger, Head of Development at Mercedes-Benz Cars Electrics/Electronics, explained: “Along the value chain for drive-system batteries with lithium-ion technology, we now have the two most important components: the production of battery cells and the related development and production of highly complex drive-system batteries as a combination of cells and battery electronics. In this way, we secure not only expertise in electric mobility, but also the sites in Kamenz and Kirchheim/Teck.”
Smart Electric arrives on the streets of China (11-21-13) Photo courtesy of Daimler
Li-Tec Battery GmbH is based in Kamenz near Dresden. With approximately 380 employees, it develops, produces and distributes large lithium-ion battery cells. They are used in the current model of the smart fortwo electric drive. The electric version of the urban two-seater micro car was the market leader amongst all newly registered electric cars in Germany in 2013 with a market share of about 30 percent.
Deutsche ACCUmotive was established in April 2009 as a joint venture to secure the pioneering role of Daimler AG in the field of electric mobility. The company made Daimler one of the few automobile manufacturers to develop batteries for automotive applications and also to produce them in Germany starting in 2012. Deutsche ACCUmotive had approximately 230 employees as of December 31, 2013. The company’s headquarters and its research and development department are near Stuttgart in Kirchheim unter Teck/Nabern. Deutschen ACCUmotive’s production plant has been in Kamenz since 2010; a second production building went into operation there in July 2013.
2014 B-Class Electric Drive. Photo courtesy of Daimler
September 10, 2013 – MONTVALE, NJ
The all-new 2014 model year Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive makes its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. The Electric Drive shows off a dynamic design, high-quality interior and a high-torque electric motor for completely emission-free driving. This makes for a lively drive with an estimated range of more than 100 miles (200 km). In addition, the B-Class Electric Drive is digitally networked. Thanks to its connectivity, it can be conveniently checked and configured via the internet. As a true Mercedes it also sets high standards in terms of comfort, quality and safety. The B-Class Electric Drive will have its global launch in the USA in mid-2014 and be the first luxury battery electric car from Mercedes-Benz in the market.
The 2014 B-Class Electric Drive surprises with a particularly dynamic driving experience, delivering decidedly brisk acceleration while gliding along the road in near perfect silence. The driver and passengers in this new electric Mercedes will enjoy the familiar comfort of a well designed, high-quality interior offering generous space. The B-Class Electric Drive offers driving pleasure with zero local emissions – in short, electric driving at the premium level.
Dr. Joachim Schmidt, member of the Mercedes-Benz Cars Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing: “The B-Class Electric Drive meets the wishes of many customers for emission-free driving without foregoing the hallmark attributes of a Mercedes-Benz, namely: safety, comfort and, of course, not to forget exhilarating driving pleasure.”
Powerful and lively drive system
The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive is based on the conventionally powered B-Class, which has become a bestseller in many countries since its market debut in 2011. As a particularly versatile vehicle concept, the B-Class also allows environmentally friendly driving at the Mercedes level – with its innovative electric drive. In the USA, the vehicle will only be introduced with battery electric drive.
Quiet and locally emission-free drive power is provided by an electric motor with more than 174 hp (130 kW). Typically for an electric drive, the maximum torque of 250 lb.-ft. is available right from the first tap on the accelerator pedal – this roughly corresponds to the torque delivery of a modern gasoline engine with a displacement of 3.0 liters. This results in decidedly powerful acceleration from a standing start. For the standard sprint from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h), the electric-powered B-Class requires less than eight seconds. This guarantees superior driving performance and highly dynamic, exhilarating driving pleasure in any situation.
The powerful lithium-ion battery is accommodated in the “Energy Space” in the vehicle’s underfloor – both space-saving and safe. Thanks to this intelligent packaging, the five-seater retains the familiar, generous interior and luggage space of the B-Class.
2014 B-Class Electric Drive. Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Emission-free even over longer distances
The maximum speed is electronically limited to 100 mph (160 km/h) – in the interests of operating range. The range is more than 100 miles (200 kilometers), according to the respective driving cycle. This means that in addition to emission-free urban driving and short-range trips, longer journeys can also be undertaken without any problems, such as the distances covered on a daily basis by commuters. The battery of the B-Class Electric Drive can be recharged at any standard domestic power outlet. In the USA, the charging time for a range of about 60 miles (100 kilometers) is less than 2 hours at 240 V/40 A.
While the car is on the move, the electric drive itself contributes to a favorable energy balance by converting kinetic energy into electric current on the overrun and during braking, and feeds this energy into the battery (recuperation).
Dynamic Mercedes-Benz design
Refined sportiness together with visual appeal – the new B-Class Electric Drive is another example of the self-assured and dynamic Mercedes design, with powerful, tense lines and finely styled details. The front and rear sets the tone for the vehicle’s width, with a wide, prominent front grille, headlamps extending into the vehicle sides, a wide rear window, two-piece tail lamps and a large tailgate with a low loading sill. The side sill panels and striking bumpers with bar-shaped LED daytime running lamps exude dynamic. The charging socket is inconspicuously installed behind the charging flap.
Sporty interior with premium details
The interior underscores the high comfort standards of Mercedes-Benz. Highquality materials and finely structured surfaces, premium details, and precise finishing, emphasize the fact that electric driving is defined at a very high level according to the philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The three large, round air vents in the center with their distinctively designed cross-form nozzles are sporty features that contribute to the emotional design language of the interior. Above the air vents is the display screen for the telematics system which appears to be free-floating – a modern, eye-catching feature of the cockpit.
When it comes to information and communication systems, the B-Class Electric Drive offers convenience and outstanding functionality that is signature luxury typical of Mercedes-Benz. Standard onboard features include the Audio 20 with a 14.7 cm color screen, a twin tuner, an MP3-capable CD player and a USB connection. Navigation is provided by the Becker® MAP PILOT. The multimedia system COMAND Online with internet access, navigation and voice control is available as an optional extra.
Functions specific to electric vehicles have been added to the instrumentation of the B-Class Electric Drive. A power display in the dial instrument has been added on the right. Its needle rises in a clockwise direction from the green to the red area when power is being consumed, and drops below the zero line when the vehicle is feeding recuperative energy back into the battery.
Full connectivity
Its modern technology ensures that the B-Class Electric Drive is not only sustainable (locally emission-free) and agile (because of its high torque and acceleration), but also fully networked. Remote check-up and remote configuration of the vehicle is conveniently possible via the Vehicle Homepage. The driver can easily access his vehicle through the internet, using a PC or smartphone. In this way, it is possible to check the current charge status of the lithium-ion battery or to verify the vehicle’s current range on a map. The planned route can also be displayed, immediately showing whether and where the vehicle can be recharged along the way. The range of services for connectivity is rounded off with a pre-entry climate control option offering individually timed pre-heating or cooling. This advance air conditioning makes the B-Class Electric Drive the unrivalled benchmark in its segment.
Big on safety
Mercedes-Benz applies its familiar, high safety standards to the B-Class Electric Drive. Thanks to the innovative “Energy Space”, the battery is safely accommodated under the floor for crash protection. In addition, Mercedes-Benz already equips this innovative electric car with the radar-based accident warning system COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist as standard. This assistance system gives the driver a visual and acoustic warning of recognized obstacles, prepares him for braking action and Daimler Communications, assists him with the braking process as the situation requires. In this way it significantly reduces the danger of a rear-end collision. Additionally, more modern driver assistance systems are available – among them Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Park Assist.
Electric driving made by Mercedes-Benz
Locally emission-free electric vehicles such as the new B-Class Electric Drive are a major part of the Mercedes-Benz strategy for sustainable mobility. The Stuttgart-based premium manufacturer is reasserting its claim to leadership in this sector with electric cars which are fully suitable for everyday use. These include the B-Class F-CELL, and the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive (TBD for USA). The smart fortwo electric drive which launched last year in Europe received a positive response from customers. Since the middle of last year, much more than 1,000 vehicles have been produced and delivered. The all-new smart fortwo electric drive is available in U.S. stores since May 2013. The new B-Class Electric Drive will be available in the USA starting in 2014 and then the European launch will follow.
Preliminary Technical Data
Output
more than 174 hp (130 kW)
Torque
250 lb.-ft.
Range
100+ miles [US City], 200 km [NEFZ]
Charging time for a range of 60 miles [US City] (100 km [NEDC])
USA: 2 hours 40 A/240 V (ECE: 1.5 hours 400V)
Acceleration 0-60 mph
7.9 s
Top speed
100 mph (160 km/h), electronically limited
Quick Reference Guide: 2014 B-Class Electric Drive:
Customer Availability:
B-Class Electric Drive – mid-2014
Performance:
2014 B-Class Electric Drive (174 hp/130 kW, 250 lb.-ft., 100+ mile range [city])
Nissan is in the final development phase of its second mass production zero emission vehicle, the e-NV200 compact van, scheduled for launch in 2014
e-NV200 has received positive comments from large commercial fleets for its quiet, comfortable driving with no tailpipe emissions and low noise, CO2 reduction, and generous carrying capacity
Nissan is exploring further innovative ways of harnessing its world-leading EV technology in the commercial vehicle market with the e-NT400, which is in development phase, the European Cabstar-based light truck (known as the Nissan Atlas in Japan)
Nissan e-NV200 Zero Emission Van Image courtesy of Nissan
IRVINE, Calif. — Nissan is in the final development phase of its second mass production zero emission vehicle, the e-NV200 compact van. Electric vehicles are ideal for urban delivery applications, and this vehicle is envisaged for use as a delivery van that offers a breakthrough type of mobility for entrepreneurs, featuring efficiency and green consciousness.
The company has been working with several large commercial fleets in global markets since 2011 to understand how the e-NV200 test car performs under real operating conditions. So far the e-NV200 has received positive comments for its quiet, comfortable driving with no emissions and low noise, CO2 reduction, and generous carrying capacity.
Feedback will help Nissan adapt future battery-powered light commercial vehicles to better fulfill exacting customer requirements.
The 100% electric compact van, e-NV200, is scheduled for launch in 2014. As Nissan’s second global electric vehicle, it follows Nissan LEAF, the world’s first affordable 100% EV for the mass market.
In addition to further reinforcing Nissan’s zero-emissions leadership, the launch of the e-NV200 represents significant innovation in the commercial vehicle market. The model offers all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of its base vehicle, the multipurpose commercial van NV200. It delivers advanced performance that can only be achieved through the powertrain of the Nissan LEAF.
The e-NV200 provides exceptionally smooth acceleration and quietness, driving characteristics that are unique to EVs, while emitting no CO2 emissions at the point of use. e-NV200 displays great potential for businesses, with its advanced telematics system and power-supply function in the cargo compartment. Also, the model’s enviable running cost – a priority for most companies – will be highly attractive when competing in the commercial vehicle marketplace.
“The e-NV200 will offer all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of a traditional diesel or gas-powered compact van, but with zero CO2 or other pollutant emissions at the point of use. What’s more, it will provide an outstanding driving experience that is unique to EVs. e-NV200 represents a bold and innovative addition to our commercial vehicle range, which is already one of the broadest of any manufacturer,” said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan e-NT400 Image courtesy of Nissan
When e-NV200 production begins it will become Nissan’s second zero-emission vehicle, but the company is already investigating further innovative ways of harnessing its world-leading EV technology in the commercial vehicle market with the e-NT400, which is a light truck based on the European NT400Cabstar, known as NT400 Atlas in Japan.
The e-NT400, still in its development phase but with plans for production under study, uses Nissan LEAF running gear to create a zero-emission 100% electric vehicle.
Like e-NV200, e-NT400 would be able to enter city areas denied to conventional vehicles powered by diesel or petrol engines, while its near-silent running means it could operate around the clock as it creates no noise or emission nuisance.
Low running costs would make e-NT400 a breakthrough business proposition, while the high output, high capacity lithium-ion battery powering the 80kW electric motor gives smooth, vibration-free acceleration for a completely unprecedented driving experience.
Nissan e-NT400 ATLAS Concept Photo courtesy of Nissan
With a cruising range of 87 miles (140 kilometers) in NEDC mode, and the availability of fully integrated Quick Charging potential – allowing the battery to be charged to 80 per cent capacity in just 60 minutes – the e-NT400 has the potential to make a serious contribution to lowering CO2 emission in cities. At the same time, it will increase productivity and lower running costs for operators.
Hideto Murakami, Nissan corporate vice president responsible for the Global LCV Business Unit, said: “As well as e-NV200, Nissan is developing a number of vehicles that adapt a diverse range of EV technologies. We want to explore the potential of EV technology in the light commercial market to diversify the value that Nissan’s commercial vehicles provide to businesses.”
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
This article is a repost, credit: Nissan, http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/.
Ford’s first zero-emission family car will star at the Low Carbon Vehicle Event 2013 which opens this week at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.
Visitors to LCV2013 – the UK’s premier low carbon vehicle technology event for vehicle manufacturers, automotive suppliers and research institutes – will be the first to drive in the UK the production Focus Electric, which is now on sale. They will also be able to sample Ford’s class-leading low-emissions petrol and diesel vehicles and gain an overview of future technologies being developed at Ford’s UK technical centres for the next generation of engines.
Transport Minister Norman Baker will meet senior Ford technical staff from the company’s Dunton Technical Centre, including product development chief Graham Hoare, who will give Ford’s view on the future of the internal combustion engine and hybrid power units.
Graham will tell LCV2013 attendees that the most significant overall reductions in carbon emissions will come from traditional power units such as Ford’s sophisticated turbo-powered, direct-injection EcoBoost engines.
“The internal combustion engine has not reached the end of the road. EcoBoost represents the current ‘state of the art’ in petrol technology and future improvements will deliver further efficiencies and CO2 reductions. In the medium term the internal combustion engine will remain the high-volume propulsion solution, supplemented increasingly by electrification and mild hybridisation,” said Graham, who is head of Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre, in Essex.
Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost power unit, International Engine of the Year this year and in 2012, will be on display in a road-registered Formula Ford-inspired track car, which last year ‘set alight’ the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife by averaging 105mph to return a seven-minute, 22sec lap time – faster than many high-priced supercars.
Photo courtesy of Ford
Ford models available to drive at LCV2013 include:
Ford Focus Electric
B-MAX, Fiesta and Focus equipped with 1.0 EcoBoost 125PS engine
Fiesta ECOnetic with 1.6 TDCi 95PS engine
Focus ECOnetic with 1.6 TDCi 105PS engines offering 88g and 99g CO2 emissions
Transit Custom with 159g 2.2 TDCi engine
Senior technicians from Dunton Technical Centre and the Dagenham Diesel Centre in Essex will staff the Ford stand at LCV2013, many of them leaders in their fields of research, and will be on hand to offer insights into Ford’s future technologies and strategies.
The Ford Focus Electric features an advanced electric motor and lithium-ion battery powertrain that produces 142PS, achieves a top speed of 85mph and is capable of a driving range of over 100 miles.
This article is a repost, credit: Ford, http://corporate.ford.com/.
ASU engineering professor and materials scientist Karl Sieradzki has been experimenting for more than two decades with the highly intricate process of dealloying materials. A research paper he recently co-authored with postdoctoral research assistant Qing Chen details how the process can be used to produce nanostructures that could enable advances in battery technology and other energy sources. Photo courtesy of Arizona State University
New types of nanostructures have shown promise for applications in electrochemically powered energy devices and systems, including advanced battery technologies.
One process for making these nanostructures is dealloying, in which one or more elemental components of an alloy are selectively leached out of materials.
Arizona State University researchers Karl Sieradzki and Qing Chen have been experimenting with dealloying lithium-tin alloys, and seeing the potential for the nanostructures they are producing to spark advances in lithium-ion batteries, as well as in expanding the range of methods for creating new nanoporous materials using the dealloying process.
Their research results are detailed in a paper they co-authored that was recently published on the website of the prominent science and engineering journal Nature Materials (Advance online publication). Read the article abstract.
Sieradzki is a materials scientist and professor in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, one of ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Chen earned his doctoral degree in materials science at ASU last spring and is now a postdoctoral research assistant.
Nanoporous materials made by dealloying are comprised of nanometer-scale zigzag holes and metal. These structures have found application in catalysis (used to increase the rate of chemical reactions), as well as actuation (used to mechanically move or control various mechanisms or systems) and supercapacitors (which provide a large amount of high electrical capacity in small devices). They could also improve the performance of electrochemical sensing technology and provide more resilient radiation damage-resistant materials.
The nanostructures that Sieradzki and Chen have produced by dealloying lithium-tin alloys allow for more efficient transport and storage of the electric charge associated with lithium, while the small size prevents fracture of the tin reservoir that serves as a storage medium for lithium.
Lithium-ion batteries are one of the leading types of rechargeable batteries. They are widely used in consumer products, particularly portable electronics, and are being increasingly used in electric vehicles and aerospace technologies.
Sieradzki and Chen say that with more research and development, the porous nanostructures produced by dealloying lithium alloys could provide a lithium-ion battery with improved energy-storage capacity and a faster charge and discharge – enabling it to work more rapidly.
One major advantage is that the porous nanostructures providing this electrochemical power boost can evolve spontaneously during tunable dealloying processing conditions. This, Sieradzki explains, opens up possibilities for developing new nanomaterials that could have a multitude of technological applications.
“There are a lot of metals that scientists and engineers have not been able to make nanoporous,” he says. “But it turns out that with lithium you can lithiate and de-lithiate a lot of materials, and do it easily at room temperature. So this could really broaden the spectrum for what’s possible in making new nanoporous materials by dealloying.”
This article is a repost (press release 8-29-13), credit: Arizona State University, http://www.asu.edu/.
