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Honda Jazz Hybrid to use 1.3 liter IMA system

September 27, 2010 at 9:08 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

Honda have released some new images of the new Honda Jazz Hybrid, set to debut at the Paris Motorshow very soon. As expected, the IMA hybrid motor and control system are the same 1.3 litre system shared with the Insight, and not the more powerful system in the CR-Z.

Honda claims a combined fuel consumption figure of just 4.4 litre per 100km. As the hybrid system works on a simpler motor assist concept as compared to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, the Jazz Hybrid like the rest of its H-badged hybrid cousins will not be able to run on full EV mode on demand, instead it can only switch to an electric motor only mode under certain medium to low speed conditions.

Thanks to the chassis construction of the Jazz, the battery pack and power control unit have managed to be hidden in the area under the boot floor, keeping the normal above floor boot area of 300 litres. This also allows the Jazz’s flat-folding “magic seats” to fold the same way as the non-hybrid versions.

Look after the jump for the new images released by Honda. Our man Danny Tan will be on the scenes from the Paris Motorshow to bring you live coverage from the floor!
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Japanese consortium working on self-powered car components?

September 27, 2010 at 11:49 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Technology

A consortium of Japanese companies made up 21 Japanese big hitters that include Toyota and Honda are working on technologies that will do away with auxiliary cables, wires to power sensors and switches.

They plan to develop components that do not need an external power source but instead, uses energy such as vibration, heat or light to be converted into electricity. It has been compared to the mechanism found in a mechanical watch that winds itself up trough the movement of a person’s arm, thereby doing away with batteries altogether.

The technology will save on the need for cables that send power to the long list of sensors available in modern cars today. If the technology is employed, it could save weight and help improve fuel efficiency. Not to mention add to the car’s coolness factor.

“The consortium is still studying the issue from various angles and exchanging information among its members. As such, nothing has been decided yet regarding joint development or commercialization,” said Toyota Motor Corp. spokesmen Paul Nolasco.

Not the first to toy with the idea, Pirelli already uses similar technology in its “Cyber Tyre”. It uses a vibration-powered computer chip, which provides information such as air pressure and road conditions to the car.

Other technologies include ones being researched by GM and BMW, which involve turning engine or exhaust heat to electricity to power vehicle electronics. It is called energy harvesting and has been around for some time. The only thing stopping companies from using it, is its high cost and the added size of the tech.

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Kia POP EV – more pictures revealed ahead of Paris debut

September 26, 2010 at 11:20 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Kia

Kia has released more pictures of the Kia POP electric vehicle that will be officially revealed at the Paris Motor Show which is just around the corner. As mentioned in a previous report, the city car concept features a 2+1-seating layout. The car measures three metres long, which is similar to Gordon Murray’s T.25 design. Design of the car was accomplished by letting the designers do what they do best.

“A concept car like the POP could only have come from us, designers very rarely have the opportunity to start from a clean sheet of paper and it’s great to be in a position to operate with such freedom,” said Gregory Guillaume, Kia‘s Chief Designer in Europe.

You can check out all the images in high-res glory after the jump.
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Infiniti releases teaser picture of new EV – due in 2013

September 26, 2010 at 11:15 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Infiniti, International News

Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti has just released an official teaser sketch of its very own electric vehicle. According to Infiniti Senior VP, Andy Palmer, the EV is expected to have its market launch sometime in 2013. This was revealed at a special ceremony during the opening of the Infiniti Centre in London. At the moment not much is known about the EV, apart from the obvious power source and the fact that it will be able to seat five passengers.

As you can expect, the picture doesn’t even reveal if it is a sedan, hatchback or even a coupe. All they have said was that “the Infiniti EV will be a stylish, compact, high performance, five-seat luxury car with zero emissions technology”. No word on when we will get more info on this new EV, but sources speculate Paris as a good location for more beans to be spilled.

A high-res picture is available after the jump.
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Turbocharged Proton Exora to debut next year, facelift version of an existing model to be launched this year

September 23, 2010 at 5:48 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Local News, Lotus, Malaysian Makes, Proton

It has been widely reported previously that Proton will be introducing a turbocharged engine sometime next year and the Exora would be the first vehicle to run the engine. Proton has reiterated it’s intentions yet again. The company has confirmed to Bernama that it will debut the force-inducted engine with the Exora MPV next year.

Speaking to reporters after the company’s annual general meeting, group managing director Datuk Syed Zainal said, “The engine will support Proton’s future products in relation to extending enhanced performance, emissions and quality standards.’ He also added that the performance of the engine would be equivalent to a 2.0 litre engine.

He did not reveal further details about the engine, but we can expect it to be based on the 1.6 Campro, with or without CPS. Syed Zainal also mentioned that Proton will launch a facelift version of an existing model before end of the year. This could well be the Saga facelift, as we have recently spotted a taped-up version near Bukit Jelutong. As reported previously, the new Proton Waja will be introduced this year as well. Based on the Mitsubishi Lancer, the new model would carry a slightly higher price tag as it will be offered with better performance and features.

He also spoke about Proton’s involvement in the hybrid and electric vehicles arena. “Proton has started on the development of the hybrid and electric vehicles which are currently being subjected to performance evaluation, testing and safety assessment,” were his exact words. The company has already showcased the Saga EV in Indonesia and we have also seen the Exora Hybrid demonstrator vehicle.

Proton also expects to better it’s export figures compared to the last fiscal year as interest in China, Thailand and Indonesia is growing. The company’s chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh also went on to confirm that Proton has no intention to off-load Lotus at the moment. “We have no intention to dispose of Lotus at this point in time. By having Lotus within the group we will have better benefit,” he assured.

Source

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Smart releases offcial pictures of their escooter concept

September 23, 2010 at 12:04 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Bikes, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, smart

Smart has just released official pictures of their escooter concept. Looks wise, it sports LED lights, solar cells and a green/white paint scheme. The scooter uses a 48-volt lithium ion battery pack, which gives it an approximate range of 100 kilometres over a single charge. When juice does run out, a normal household socket could be used to recharge the batteries.

In terms of performance you can expect the scooter to reach a top speed of 45km/h, as it is driven by a disc shaped wheel hub motor in the rear wheel with an output of 4kW/5.3hp. Apart from the powertrain, Smart say that the chassis structure is based on the tridion safety cell of the Smart Fortwo”, with the use of swappable plastic body panels.

Other features available with the Smart escooter are anti lock brakes, Blind Spot Assist and an airbag that is tucked under the handle bar paneling. Just like the Mini E Scooter, the Smart escooter also has a compartment for an iPhone. It replaces the normal instrument panel and gives you speed, range, battery status and it can also act as a navigation system. An image gallery is available after the jump.
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Citroen Survolt concept takes on the Agni Z2 electric bike!

September 23, 2010 at 12:04 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Bikes, Citroën, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Videos

The battle of the electrics has commenced! The all-electric Citroen Survolt concept recently went head to head with the fully electric Agni Z2 motorbike, at UK’s Thruxton Race Circuit. Behind the wheel of the Citroen Survolt was none other than Le Mans racer Vanina Ickx and piloting the electric bike was British superbike racer Jenny Tinmouth.

The Survolt concept as we know, is capable of accelerating to 100km/h in under 5 seconds, going on to reach a top speed of 260km/h thanks to it’s 220kW/300hp twin electric motors. It’s 31kW lithium ion batteries allow the Survolt to offer up to 200 kilometers in terms of driving range.

The Agni Z2 is no slouch either, even if it only produces about 50kW/65hp from its electric motor, it gets to the 100km/h mark in just 3.5 seconds! The two-wheeler’s top speed is figured at 209km/h.

Catch the video of the two ladies of motorsport in action, as they take their electric monsters round the track. But don’t expect to hear the screams of roaring engines, just the whine of electric motors. Look for a picture gallery and a video after the jump.

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Mini E Scooter concept – official pictures revealed!

September 23, 2010 at 11:25 am By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Bikes, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

BMW MINI have just released official pictures of the MINI electric concept scooter set for a Paris debut. The BMW-owned company is said to be showcasing the fully electric scooter in three trims. This will be made up of one that resembles the MINI E electric car, another sporting the classic British racing green and the final representing UK’s Mod subculture.

Up until now the only information we’ve got about the powertrain is that it will employ a lithium ion battery. Other features include headlights and mirror design that is inspired by the Mini Cooper. There will also be a compartment for you to slot your Smartphone, that can be used as a sat nav device.

Look for pictures after the jump.
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340hp Peugeot Concept EX1 to make debut in Paris

September 22, 2010 at 12:45 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Peugeot

Peugeot has unveiled a new concept car called the EX1, which will have a full reveal at the Paris Motor Show later this month. They probably wouldn’t admit it, but it looks like inspiration for this concept was drawn from the recent Batman films. Instead, the French automaker have stuck to the story that they were creating an “extreme dream car” with “exciting possibilities for electric power”.

Demonstrating this, the EX1 uses two electric motors connected mounted on each axle that collectively generate 340HP and 240Nm of constant torque. This makes it an all wheel drive vehicle. Peugeot went on to say that the EX1 is “capable of lightning acceleration” which “exceeds 1G of gravitational force.”

The electric four-wheeled tric uses the company’s new design language first seen on the SR1 concept car and the new 508. Optimal weight distribution was key as the size of the passenger compartment was reduced.

The concept which measures 1.77m wide and 0.90m high also employs a monocouque body structure manufactured from a carbon/honeycomb composite, for rigidity. The front uses a drop link double wishbone suspension while the rear comprises of a single swinging arm linked to centrally-mounted shock absorber.

Look after the jump for a picture gallery.
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Chevrolet to kick-start 201hp electric Cruze demo fleet

September 21, 2010 at 1:13 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Cars, Chevrolet, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

Chevrolet wants a piece of the EV action, as they have recently announced their plans of building a demonstration fleet of electrified Chevrolet Cruzes towards the end of October. Powering the Cruze EV will be a 150kw/201hp electric motor with a 31-kWh battery that is mounted under the body. This accelerates the EV to 100km/h in a not-too-bad 8.2 seconds, going on to reach a top speed of 165km/h.

The car will have a range of 160 kilometers and it can be recharged using a standard 220-volt socket in 8 to 10 hours. There will also be an option of a “quick charge” system, but this is one of those things that are in the development phase. Testing and development will begin in Seoul, South Korea before moving on to other markets. Demo vehicles will use Daewoo Lacetti and Chevrolet Cruze bodies, which will collect data on things like real world driving and the public’s acceptance on electric vehicles.

General Motors’ Cruze EV project is a joint-venture with GM Daewoo, LG Chem and LG Electronics. LG Chem will supply the batteries while LG Electronics are responsible for the electric motors and inverters. GM has previously worked with LG Chem before in the development of the Chevrolet Volt in 2008. Hopefully this project will be more successful than the Volt hybrid project that suffered changes, increasing the car’s fuel consumption.

“Although there is much more work to be done, our ability to develop this vehicle in less than a year offers a peek at the very promising plans we have for our customers in Korea and around the world,” said Mike Arcamone, GM Daewoo President and CEO.

A set of hi-res pictures are available after the jump.
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