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New tech to help build better batteries emerges

October 17, 2011 at 12:34 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Technology

Over in Japan, automakers – working with partners – as well as companies in other industries are researching technologies to improve the performance of storage batteries for use in both vehicles and homes, according to a report.

Toyota is one of these; working together with the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organisation, the automaker has come up with a prototype next-generation storage battery that’s based on a solid core instead of a liquid one. Because it doesn’t have an easily combustible liquid core, the new-gen battery doesn’t require fire-retardant materials, which will allow the use of a simple structure to lower costs.

The battery can easily be processed into sheet form, and is able to store several times the amount of electricity, volume for volume, than the current generation of electric vehicle batteries, its developers say. The extra capacity could thus enable a higher maximum driving distance per charge for compact EVs to around 1,000 km, from the 200 km or so now, the report added.

Toyota and its partners aim to further improve the battery and commercialise it sometime in 2015 to 2020, and adds that the tech can also be used to design compact, home-use storage batteries.

Meanwhile, Mazda – together with Hiroshima University – has come up with a new electrode material that it says can boost battery capacity by roughly 80%. The material, which is based on molecular spheres of carbon measuring several hundred nanometers in diameter, can approximately halve a battery’s weight but maintain the same levels of storage capacity. Mazda says the new electrode material is likely to be commercialised in about five years.

Besides the two automakers, electronics giant NEC says it has developed a lithium-ion battery with an electrode that uses manganese instead of cobalt, which is more expensive. It has also altered the composition of the battery’s electrolyte and improved its durability, making it possible for the unit to be recharged 20,000 times.

This will make for the development of household storage batteries with a 13 year life span, compared with seven to eight years right now – NEC is looking at getting the durability up to 20 years, and have the battery out into the market in five years.

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Honda Insight with 1.5 liter IMA system to debut soon?

October 11, 2011 at 1:22 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

Check out the Honda Insight section on Honda Japan’s website and you’ll be greeted by the teaser image above, which seems to indicate that an Insight with a larger 1.5 litre i-VTEC IMA engine will be available soon. So far, most Honda hybrids including the Honda Insight sold here in Malaysia use the 1.3 litre system, while the 1.5 litre system is reserved for the sporty Honda CR-Z.

A larger more powerful system in the Insight would certainly be welcome for those looking for a little more fun in their green motoring, but do not want to go for the 3-door body of the CR-Z. With the hybrid tax exemptions just recently extended by the Malaysian government, perhaps Honda Malaysia can introduce this 1.5 litre variant of the Honda Insight as well? I’m sure there’s a market!

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Budget 2012: Hybrid car incentives extended till 2013!

October 7, 2011 at 5:31 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Local News, Malaysia Budget 2012

This just in. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also Finance Minister, is reading his Budget 2012 speech at the moment, and he has already touched on something that involves the auto sector, announcing that incentives given to hybrid cars have been extended till 31 December 2013!

Here’s some background: In Budget 2011, the government introduced FULL import duty and excise duty exemption for hybrid and electric cars and motorcycles.

Previously, it was 100% import duty exemption and 50% excise duty exemption, Budget 2011 made it 100% exemption for BOTH import duty and excise duty. The deal, for hybrid cars with 2.0 litre engines and below, was supposed to expire on Dec 31, 2011.

This has led to huge growth in sales for hybrid models such as the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, while Lexus took advantage of this incentive to bring in the CT 200h hatchback at an attractive price. Honda Malaysia and UMW Toyota will be happy with today’s announcement and can plan ahead from now, bringing in more of the hybrids.

The PM has already touched on fuel subsidies, and from what we hear, it’s status quo.

UPDATE: Here’s Honda Malaysia MD & CEO Yoichiro Ueno’s response to the Budget’s hybrid announcement:

As a pioneer in introducing the hybrid car to the Malaysian market, we are pleased with the government’s decision to extend the full exemption of import and excise duty as announced in today’s Budget 2012. We would like to convey our gratitude as this would continue to make hybrid vehicles more accessible for environmentally conscious Malaysians which showed a significant growth compared to last year.

The Insight remains a popular model among the hybrid customers as to date we have sold 3,800 units. These exemptions are certainly timely, as hybrid vehicles gain favor among customers, Honda Malaysia is looking into expanding its hybrid vehicle line-up in Malaysia by year end.

And here is UMW Toyota Motor MD Ismet Suki’s response to the announcement of the extension of the hybrid exemption:

We are delighted with the announcement by the Prime Minister. This shows that the government is committed to make hybrid vehicles affordable for more Malaysians. It would be exciting to see more hybrid vehicles on our roads and more people would be aware about the effectiveness of hybrid technology as a proven alternative to lowering fuel consumption and environment friendly.

The government is moving towards the right direction in promoting a “greener living” by reducing the CO2 emission with more hybrid vehicles on our roads. UMW Toyota Motor strongly supports this government initiative and will continue to promote hybrid vehicles.

We at UMW Toyota Motor would like to congratulate the Prime Minister on the successful budget announcement that is favourable to private companies and will definitely ease the burden of more Malaysians.

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Volkswagen e-up! Concept: production car due in 2013

September 29, 2011 at 3:38 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Volkswagen

This is another Volkswagen up!-based concept car called the e-up!, and although we’re just looking at it in concept form now, it’s been decided that a production version of the e-up! will be launched in 2013. This Frankfurt 2011 concept is a near-production study, which has some design differentiation for one to identify it compared to the regular internal combustion engine powered up!

The most distinctive design feature would be the arc-shaped layout of the LED daytime running lights integrated in the front bumper. The gap between the hood and the bumper which normally has a cooling grille in the up! is covered by a chrome trim strip since the narrow air intake slots above and below the licence plate suffice to cool the electric ddrive.

The e-up!’s electric motor makes a peak power of 60 kW and a sustained power of 40kW, and typical of electric motors, has a high torque of 210Nm from zero revs. The electric motor can take the e-up! to a top speed of 135km/h.

The car’s battery capacity of 18kWh enables a maximum distance of about 150km depending on driving style, which should be enough for city driving. The batteries themselves are located in the underbody of the e-up!. Meanwhile, all key drive and ancillary components are housed in front in the engine compartment.

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Gordon Murray Design TEEWAVE AR.1 electric sports car – a showcase of Toray technologies

September 28, 2011 at 11:30 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

Gordon Murray Design and Toray Industries has unveiled a prototype electric sports car called the TEEWAVE AR.1. The vehicle is the result of a commission from the Japanese industrial company for GMD to design, tool and build a fully-functioning prototype vehicle utilising many of Toray’s advanced automotive materials, and took just nine months from concept discussion to running vehicle.

The two-seater EV sports car is powered by a permanent magnet synchronised motor offering 47 Kw and 180 Nm – with juice provided by a 16 Kwh lithium-ion battery – mated to a single-speed transmission, housed in a mid-rear configuration. The powertrain utilises base components used in a commercial electric vehicle currently available, but feature unique electrical architecture and control units developed for it by GMD.

Performance figures include a charging time of six hours and operating range of 186 km as well as a top speed of 147 kph and a 0-100 kph time of 11.4 seconds. The car features a remarkably low weight of just 850 kg (with the battery accounting for 240 kg), and while the numbers above don’t sound blisteringly fast, GMD says that with the torque at hand there’s lively acceleration from a standing start.

Attention has been given to the low weight, low centre of gravity and suspension geometry, resulting in an excellent ride and handling balance, the company adds.

Still, the car is more a showcase for a host of Toray technologies, led by the liberal use of carbon fibre throughout – aside from the aluminium sub-frame, CF features for the monocoque chassis, crash structures and body. The Toray carbon fibre component system used on the AR.1 has a process time of less than 10 minutes, and the carbon monocoque, one of the key technologies of the TEEWAVE, can be applied to all types of vehicle other than the AR.1.

Toray materials and products used in the AR.1 are carbon fibre for the monocoque chassis, crash structures, body, interior and seats, PLA/PET floor mats and luggage mats, paint film on the steering wheel cover, ‘Ultra Suede’ trim on seats and door cards and PLA/Nylon alloy optional floor mats.

There’s also TPO laminated soft touch material with Toray PLA foam and pressure sensitive adhesive on instrument panel, sills and door top trim as well as the company’s Picasus film on the instrument screen and 3GT/PET polyester knit on the A-pillar trim panels.

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Mitsubishi begins i-MiEV joint testing with PTT in Thailand

September 22, 2011 at 2:28 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Mitsubishi

It’s a step further towards going the EV route in Thailand for Mitsubishi – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced that its Thai subsidiary Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh) has begun joint testing of the i-MiEV with PTT Public Company Limited, which is the largest energy company in the country.

Mitsubishi Thailand has started specific testing with two power companies, these being Metropolitan Electricity Authority and PEA ENCOM, as part of its efforts towards researching consumer acceptability, marketability, as well as charging infrastructure in the kingdom.

PTT plans to install a quick charger at the PTT Research and Technology Institute by the end of this year, so both PTT and MMTh will actively cooperate in the research and the development of EV charging infrastructure.

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Proton hands over eight EVs to government for fleet testing trials – five Exora REEV and three Saga EVs to be deployed

September 14, 2011 at 8:36 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Local News, Proton

Proton today handed eight electric vehicles to the government for running trials with various ministries, as the national automaker works its way towards mass-production of these in 2013. The vehicles are three Saga EV and five Exora REEV (Range Extender Electric Vehicle) models.

The vehicles were presented by Proton chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Putrajaya. Present at the handover ceremony was former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, who is Proton’s adviser.

The initiative is also part of the Fleet Test Vehicle Programme, which is a joint effort by Proton, the Ministry of International trade and Industry (MITI) and the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA), which aims to assess the potential of green technology as well as the infrastructure of hybrid and electric vehicles in Malaysia.

The five Exora REEVs are set to be used by the Prime Minister’s office, MITI, KeTTHA, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and well as the Ministry of Finance (MOF), while the three Saga EVs will see service with MITI, KeTTHA and the MOT.

Proton will provide charging stations for the EVs at the Prime Minister’s Office and also on the premises of the other four ministries involved in the programme, as well as home chargers for the households of the designated drivers of the vehicles.

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Frankfurt: Land Rover reveals the DC100 and DC100 Sport Defender concepts

September 14, 2011 at 12:51 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Land Rover, Technology


UPDATE: Live photos have been added to the gallery.

Land Rover has unveiled two Defender concepts at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first is the DC100 concept which was revealed prior to the motor event and second is the roof-less DC100 Sport concept which was just announced moments ago. According to the famous 4×4 maker, these two concepts will help set the pathway for the future design of the iconic Defender and they both showcase various off-road capabilities.

Both concepts sit on the same lightweight, mixed-alloy platform and feature 2.0 litre gasoline and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities. They both run on a permanent four-wheel drive configuration along with an 8-speed transmission.

Other features include an Intelligent Stop/Start system, three-abreast ‘social seating’, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Leisure key which is a waterproof and lightweight alternative to the control fob, built-in induction charging stations as well as the ‘Always-on’ connectivity and telematics feature which allow for car-to-smartphone, car-to-car and car-to-base communication.

As for the 4×4 functions, both concepts have the Terrain-i scanning device which alerts the driver about obstacles while off-roading and it can even suggest alternative routes. There is also something called Wade Aid which uses sonar technology to assess water depth and it can also advise the driver on the optimum speed. Another interesting feature is the spiked tyre system which can be activated by the driver.

There is also Driveline Disconnect which physically disjoints the rear axle to save fuel when the all-wheel drive system is not required and there is also an updated Land Rover Terrain Response system. So what’s the difference between the two concepts? Well the DC100 pretty much showcases the future of Land Rover capability and versatility while the DC100 Sport is an “active expression of freedom and leisure.” Land Rover also took the opportunity to reiterate that the new Defender will be launched in 2015.

Continue reading to view an image gallery.
[Read more...]

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Lexus GS 450h gets an early reveal ahead of Frankfurt

September 13, 2011 at 7:42 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Lexus, Videos


UPDATE: Live photos have been added to the gallery.

The new Lexus GS was recently revealed in August and it looks better than ever. You can consider it as a larger IS, which is a good formula to grow from at least in the design department. Following the reveal of the D-segment contender, Lexus has just unveiled the hybrid version called the Lexus GS 450h ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show which should be starting anytime soon.

The new 450h uses the company’s second generation Hybrid Drive System which is made up by a 3.5 litre V6 Atkinson cycle gasoline engine with D-4S direct injection and a two-motor hybrid system.

This front engined rear-wheel drive system is able to collectively output 338hp, allowing it to sprint to 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds. At the same time, fuel consumption has improved by about 30%. The reduction in fuel consumption is contributed by enhanced cooling of the hybrid system’s Power Control Unit (PCU) as well as improved regenerative braking.

The full hybrid drivetrain which allows all-electric motoring also features a high-performance nickel-metal hydride battery pack, a power spilt device which helps allocate and combine power when required and so on. The GS 450h now sits on a stiffer platform with lightweight components.

It also has an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and the latest generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) to help make certain that traction is always available.

Other goodies include Electric Power Steering (EPS), 10 airbags and front seats with Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL). In the options list, there is a pre-collision system, Night Vision, Heads Up Display (HUD), Blind Spot Monitor as well as Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

In terms of design, the 450h is differentiated from its non-hybrid sibling with a three-lamp headlight system, larger 17-inch wheels and the customary blue-tinted logos. On the inside, along from the usual luxurious treatment, it has an analog clock with LED indicators, a new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow that focuses airflow only to the front area where passengers are seated, a bamboo-finished steering wheel and more. All of these features are also available in the standard GS.

Continue reading to check out an image gallery and a promo video of the Lexus GS 450h.
[Read more...]

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New generation Toyota Camry Hybrid launched in Japan!

September 5, 2011 at 10:58 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Toyota

The new Toyota Camry has been launched in Japan today. You don’t have to look too closely to realize this is yet another ‘look’ for the Camry, different from the one in the US market, but similar to the the one teased by Toyota Ukraine, yet not identical. This is the Toyota Camry Hybrid based on the Toyota Ukraine “Aurion” design.

Interestingly, Toyota has picked the Aurion design for the Japanese market, while for the last generation, the Japanese market shared a design with the US market. Also, the Camry is solely with a hybrid power train in Japan – no other inline-4 or V6 options available.

This is in line with what other Japanese sedan manufacturers have been doing in their domestic market, for example, Honda Japan discontinued the regular Civic before its lifespan expired and continued selling only the Civic Hybrid.

The new Camry Hybrid’s Toyota Hybrid System II uses the 2AR-FXE 2.5 litre Atkinson cycle four cylinder internal combustion engine, which can produce 160 PS and 213Nm of torque on its own. This is coupled with an electric motor that can produce 143 PS and 270Nm of torque. Combined output via the torque split device is 205 PS, which is a nice number for a D-segment sedan.

There are some interesting aerodynamic features that Toyota have added to the body of the Camry Hybrid, such as the “vortex generators” shown above integrated into the wing mirror mounts, designed to help with cruising aerodynamics.

Airflow improving “aero-corners” are strategically placed in front of the front wheels and behind the rear wheels.  The new two-piece front grille design uses a smaller upper grille and a larger lower grille that improve cooling efficiency by enhancing aerodynamic flow via reduced resistance.

The Camry includes a new Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) feature that prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting up on a hill, a new Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control (S-VSC) system that adjusts power, the electric power steering and braking to retain driver control of the car, and brake lights that specially signal emergency braking to reduce the risk of a collision from the rear.

Anyway, we probably won’t see this launched here in Malaysia as the large 2.5 litre engine does not qualify for Malaysia’s hybrid tax exemptions. Look after the jump for an image gallery of the JDM Camry Hybrid.
[Read more...]

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