Guru Engineers http://www.guruengineers.com/ Fri, 24 May 2013 01:58:32 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 Saturday, 23 May 2009 07:25 - How Fuel Cell Works with Animation Video http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1817:how-fuel-cell-works-with-animation-video&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2 Think of them as big batteries, but ones that only operate when fuel—in this case, pure hydrogen—is supplied to them. When it is, an electrochemical reaction takes place between the hydrogen and oxygen that directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Various types of fuel cells exist, but the one automakers are primarily focusing on for fuel cell cars is one that relies on a proton-exchange membrane, or PEM. In the generic PEM fuel cell pictured at left, the membrane lies sandwiched between a positively charged electrode (the cathode) and a negatively charged electrode (the anode). In the simple reaction that occurs here rests the hope of engineers, policymakers, and ordinary citizens that someday we'll drive entirely pollution-free cars.

 

]]> Sat, 23 May 2009 07:25:16 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Mitsubishi reportedly doubling iMiEV output to 20,000 a year http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1812:mitsubishi-reportedly-doubling-imiev-output-to-20000-a-year&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2
Click above for high-res image gallery of the IMiEV

Fresh off of successful trips to Monaco and New Zealand, Mitsubishi is getting ready to crank out more copies of the tiny iMiEV. Just how many people will want an electric-powered jellybean? Mitsubishi thinks about 20,000 a year. That's the number of iMiEV vehicles that the company will be able to make each year by fiscal 2011, if unsourced reports in the Japanese newspaper Nikkei are correct. 20,000 is about twice as many as Mitsubishi initially thought they would make each year. 2,000 are on the drawing board for delivery to corporate clients this year. Starting next fall, the lithium-ion battery joint venture between Mitsubishi and GS Yuasa will add another production line at its Shiga prefecture facility and the iMiEV will go on sale in Japan in fiscal 2010.

Gallery: i-MiEV in HD


[Source: Nikkei via Marketwatch, Bloomberg]

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, Green Daily

Mitsubishi reportedly doubling iMiEV output to 20,000 a year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:20 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Spain to offer subsidised loans to boost its green car industry http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1813:spain-to-offer-subsidised-loans-to-boost-its-green-car-industry&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2 The European Union has reportedly granted Spain permission to offer another series of low-interest loans to automakers operating within its borders. The money is to be used to further various automaker's investments into products that meet the EU's environmental standards, which seems like a pretty broad standard to us. These loans are in addition to the €4 billion (£3.7 billion, $5.3 billion U.S.) of monetary assistance the Spanish government offered automakers for the protection of jobs and to minimize plant closures.

There was some speculation that the European Union would put a stop to the practice of offering financial assistance to automakers by individual member countries, but in the end, the desire to support the development of environmentally friendly automobiles won out and both sets of loans were approved.

Last month, new car sales fell by over 38 percent in Spain compared to March of 2008. Although that's still bad, it's an improvement over the February's drop of nearly 50 percent, year-to-year. The improvement has been attributed to the adoption of car scrapping incentives in Spain.

[Source: Autocar]

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, Europe/EU

Spain to offer subsidised loans to boost its green car industry originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:20 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Fiat eco:drive wins digital technology prize in UK http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1814:fiat-ecodrive-wins-digital-technology-prize-in-uk&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2

Fiat has earned some recognition for its new eco:Drive system that debuted last fall at the Paris Motor Show. During the recent MediaGuardian Innovation Awards in London, eco:Drive won the top prize for digital technology. The eco:Drive system allows the driver to plug a USB flash drive into the car so that driving data can be automatically downloaded. The driver can then plug in the flash drive to a computer where software can analyze the data and make suggestions about adjusting driving style to improve efficiency. eco:Drive is included free of charge on most new Fiats.

Gallery: Supermodel Jodie Kidd with Fiat Eco:Drive


[Source: TheAutoChannel]

Filed under: MPG, Fiat

Fiat eco:drive wins digital technology prize in UK originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:20 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - European car scrapping schemes proving successful, Germany to ... http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1793:european-car-scrapping-schemes-proving-successful-germany-to-extend-program&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2

Last month, Germany posted a whopping 40 percent increase in new car sales, an improvement over February's 21.5% gain that is again being attributed to that country's vehicle scrapping program. Similar programs in Italy and France have also reversed the trend of falling sales figures.

The success of the scrapping scheme in Germany has prompted the government to extend the program at least until May, with the goal of establishing funding to let it run through the rest of the year. Similar programs are expected in the United Kingdom.

Legislators in the United States has also picked up on the idea, introducing a bill that would pay buyers of vehicles made in North America up to $5,000 to trade in their older car. President Obama later indicated that his administration was interested in adopting a program to stimulate new car sales. The bill has been met with plenty of opposition, though, and nothing has so far passed through to law.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd | Photo: dave_7]

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, Europe/EU, UK, Germany, USA

European car scrapping schemes proving successful, Germany to extend program originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Institute of Advanced Motorists teaches how to cancel out UK ... http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1794:institute-of-advanced-motorists-teaches-how-to-cancel-out-uk-fuel-duty-rise&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2 Recently, the government in the UK decided to raise its fuel duty by 2.12p per liter. While a gas tax increase is rarely popular, this small rise isn't that difficult to overcome, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists. The idea is that a mild change in driving habits can more than make up for the additional cost of fuel.

You've likely heard many of the IAM's suggestions, such as removing excess weight from the car's trunk and keeping the tires properly inflated, but they are good reminders in any case. Other common sense tidbits include accelerating at a less frenetic pace and obeying the posted speed limits.

Other less common measures can include removing roof racks, reversing into parking spots and driving with less than a full tank of fuel. Of course, it's not always practical to make these kinds of adjustments, but it's always a good idea to keep them in mind.

[Source: Channel 4]

Filed under: MPG, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, UK

Institute of Advanced Motorists teaches how to cancel out UK fuel duty rise originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - New York Preview: Mitsubishi to add "idle neutral ... http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1795:new-york-preview-mitsubishi-to-add-qidle-neutral-logicq-to-outlander&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2
Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Next week in New York, Mitsubishi will reveal a new version of its Outlander crossover. The Outlander GT Prototype includes a new feature dubbed Idle Neutral Logic. According to Mitsubishi, this system shifts the transmission into neutral when the vehicle comes to a stop. While this system falls short of even an automatic stop start system, it is purported to save some fuel when the vehicle is sitting at rest. Going into neutral would reduce the load on the engine when idling but it's still using fuel. The reduction in fuel consumption seems like it would be minimal under most conditions, although Mitsubishi was probably able to implement it only with a software change and no hardware.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype


[Source: Mitsubishi]

Filed under: MPG, Mitsubishi

New York Preview: Mitsubishi to add "idle neutral logic" to Outlander originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - E20 is just fine for fuel pumps, says Minnesota Ag Department http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1796:e20-is-just-fine-for-fuel-pumps-says-minnesota-ag-department&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2 It's clear that the Obama Administration is a strong supporter of increasing the amount of ethanol used in American vehicles. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has come out in favor of upping the standard blend in everyday "gasoline" from E10 to E15 or even E20 over the next few years (Of course, Energy Secretary Steven "corn is not the right crop for biofuels" Chu has other ideas). Whatever the case in the political realm, there's still an engineering question about what gasonline made up of 20 percent ethanol does to an engine over the long term. The Minnesota Center for Automotive Research says: nothing harmful.

The Center, which operates out of Minnesota State University, Mankato, just released a study that found an E20 blend "causes no significant change in performance of automotive fuel systems." This study, the fourth E20 project the Center has conducted, was all about the fuel pumps and sending units. Eight models of fuel pumps were run for 4,000 models on three different fuels (pure gasoline, E10 and E20). Here's the takeaway point:
The study found that the pumps showed significantly less wear when tested with E20 than with gasoline. The study concluded that overall, E20 did not have any greater negative effects than gasoline or E10 on the fuel pumps tested. It also showed there were no substantial differences in the performance of the sending units tested in the three different fuels.
The study was supported by the Renewable Fuels Association, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Read the whole thing in PDF.

[Source: MDA via Domestic Fuel]

Filed under: Ethanol, Legislation and Policy

E20 is just fine for fuel pumps, says Minnesota Ag Department originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Tata Nano beater in Lombardy: The €2,900 LPG Chevrolet Matiz http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1797:tata-nano-beater-in-lombardy-the-2900-lpg-chevrolet-matiz&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2
Click on image for a complete gallery of the Chevrolet Matiz

In Europe, you can get a Chevrolet for less money than some scooters. In fact, the price is lower than even the Tata Nano is expected to get when it's on sale in Europe: Starting with an MRSP of about €10,000, the price can be dropped to €2,900 with various incentives (for those of you in Lombardy, Italy, anyway). Part of these incentives are due to the LPG (Liquiefied Petroleum Gas) conversion kit. The car is a Chevrolet Matiz, soon to be replaced by the local version of the Spark, and this is how the numbers break down: there's a €1,500 discount from Italy's scrapping plan, €2,000 for purchasing a LPG vehicle, €800 direct from Chevrolet, and €3,000 from the Lombardy region to stimulate the purchase of new cars. And, if the Matiz is too small, you can get an Aveo for about €4,400.

Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Matiz


[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Filed under: Chevrolet, Legislation and Policy, Europe/EU

Tata Nano beater in Lombardy: The €2,900 LPG Chevrolet Matiz originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - EU-US summit delegates to ride in Škoda Superb GreenLine http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1798:eu-us-summit-delegates-to-ride-in-koda-superb-greenline&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2
Click above for high-resolution gallery of the Škoda Superb GreenLine

According to Carscoop, the government of the Czech Republic has procured 27 Škoda Superb GreenLine sedans from VW's Czech subsidiary that will be used as official vehicles for the upcoming European-American summit in Prague. This will be President Obama's first official trip to the European country since being elected. Despite the presence of the eco-friendly cars, Obama is likely to have his own transportation arrangements.

According to Škoda PR Manager Radek Spicar, "We are pleased that the Superb GreenLine is to be used as the official vehicle when Barack Obama visits the country. We are aware of his positive attitude to environmental protection and giving environmentally-friendly vehicles political support is very important in terms of increasing the number of such vehicles in general."

The Super GreenLine features a 1.9L turbocharged diesel engine that makes 105 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy registers at 46 U.S. mpg (5.1 l / 100 km) in the combined cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of 136 g/km.

[Source: Carscoop]

Filed under: Diesel, Legislation and Policy, Europe/EU

EU-US summit delegates to ride in Škoda Superb GreenLine originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Lightning Hybrid LH4 makes its Denver debut http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1799:lightning-hybrid-lhlsubg4lsubg-makes-its-denver-debut&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2
Click above for a hi-res gallery

Despite a rushed last-minute assembly, the team from Lightning Hybrids managed to debut their LH4 at the Denver International Auto Show. It's pretty safe to say that this is the first unveiling of a doorless bio-diesel burning hydraulic hybrid sportscar prototype to occur anywhere in America the universe. We, of course, recognize the auspiciousness of this occasion and are prepared to share with you photographs of the one-of-a-kind vehicle taken at the event.

While it might seem unlikely, the company has another model in the works that could be viewed as even more idiosyncratic. Based on the same hydraulic hybrid drive technology and a somewhat similar esthetic, Lightning Hybrids has a model that will make its way on three wheels, appropriately called the LH3. This is actually the vehicle that they will commercialize first as it would have fewer regulatory hoops through which to jump. If you want to keep a closer eye on this Loveland, Colorado-based company, you can check out their website and follow them on Twitter.

Gallery: Lightning Hybrid Denver debut


[Source: Lightning Hybrid]

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc., Hybrid

Lightning Hybrid LH4 makes its Denver debut originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Global Green Products announces plans to build EVs in America http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1800:global-green-products-announces-plans-to-build-evs-in-america&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2

A Utah company called Green Star Products has some very big plans in store for the production of electric vehicles. According to the company, it was a producer of electric cars and trucks over a decade ago that were based on established platforms like the smart fortwo, Geo Metro and Ford Ranger, but left the market in 1998 after California dropped its EV mandates. Apparently, Green Star Products currently specializes in biofuels.

Now, it seems that the company has entered a new venture called Global Green Cars with plans to reenter the EV market along with some unnamed Chinese partners. The goal is to import vehicles from China and install electric motors and the buyer's choice of batteries, with cars starting at $20,000 before any federal rebates. To help make this a reality, Global Green Cars plans to request funds from the Department of Energy.

We're not sure what to say other than good luck. In an attempt to drum up support for the project, GGP has invited anyone interested to test drive one of its electric cars on Monday, April 6th. Click past the break for all the details and an old video from the company's last foray into EVs.

[Source: Green Star Products]

Continue reading Global Green Products announces plans to build EVs in America

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, China, USA

Global Green Products announces plans to build EVs in America originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Ford Fiesta first impression: very, very cool http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1801:ford-fiesta-first-impression-very-very-cool&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2

We'll admit, we're a little bummed we didn't win a chance for the six-month Ford Fiesta visiting rights. Sadly, we're even less enthused about our Fiesta-free 2009 now that we've had a chance to read Autoblog's first impression of this little wonder. This is good news for Ford, which is bringing this popular car (in Europe) to the U.S. next year. Autoblog dug the power, the look and the driveability of the Fiesta. During the hour in New York that our friends had with the car, the city public was intensely interested in the little car (perhaps because it was Simpsons nuclear green, perhaps because it's a sleek little Ford), and constantly asked questions like how much they cost (not sure yet) and what the mpg will be (30+, we epect). But why listen to me get more and more envious? Check out Autoblog for the full details.

Gallery: Ford Fiesta in NYC


[Source: Autoblog]

Filed under: Ford, Green Daily, First Drive

Ford Fiesta first impression: very, very cool originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Ireland goes electric with Renault-Nissan Alliance http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1802:ireland-goes-electric-with-renault-nissan-alliance&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2

Ireland has decided to go the plug-in route for its future transportation needs courtesy of the Renault Nissan Alliance. The Irish government, the Franco-Japanese automakers and electric utility ESB have signed an agreement that is expected to see battery-powered vehicles running around the Emerald Isle within two years. ESB has already set its own target to make all of its electricity generation carbon neutral and will be working with the government and automakers on building out a public charging infrastructure. Renault and Nissan are planning to launch production and leasing of electric cars in 2010 and rapidly increase volumes over the next several years.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Ireland goes electric with Renault-Nissan Alliance

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, Renault, Europe/EU

Ireland goes electric with Renault-Nissan Alliance originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Honda challenges UK Insight test drivers to get top MPG number http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1803:honda-challenges-uk-insight-test-drivers-to-get-top-mpg-number&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2

Honda is just now launching the new Insight in Europe, and the marketing team for the UK-based dealerships has come up with a rather inventive new campaign to encourage test drives. Dealerships will record the fuel mileage (as displayed on the Insight's internal trip computer) that drivers manage to achieve on test drives and the figure will be recorded until the end of April. Once the program is complete, those individuals who scored the highest fuel efficiency will get a voucher worth £100 at Biome Lifestyle, a European distributor of ethical goods.

We'll have to wait till Thursday, April 30th, to see how it all plays out, but our initial snap judgment is that this is a good idea. Getting people inside the dealership in the first place is sometimes the hardest challenge, and if even a few people end up loving the car and either buying it or telling their friends about it, it'll pay off. Plus, what better way to highlight the fuel efficiency of the hybrid?

[Source: Channel 4]

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Honda, Green Daily, UK

Honda challenges UK Insight test drivers to get top MPG number originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Tesla's "Sweet home Chicago" not so sweet http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1804:teslas-qsweet-home-chicagoq-not-so-sweet&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2

Tesla Motors had previously announced the address for their store in "The Windy City" in March (1053 W. Grand Ave.) and if you can see the picture above, you're looking at the building they will be calling "Sweet home Chicago." Sure doesn't scream "premium-brand electric automobiles", does it. Well, not yet anyway. While they probably don't have the budget to knock it down and build it better (recycling is greener anyway), we've already seen their ability to take a building and give a proper look. We expect that there are workers on site as we speak sprucing up the 10,000 sq.ft space, hustling to get it ready for it opening later this Spring.

While the neighborhood isn't super trendy, the location is just minutes from the downtown core and accessible from the Kennedy Expressway. Curiously enough, they will find themselves just down the street from a location of Dreisilker Electric Motors. We'll let you know when their Chicago home starts looking as sweet as their other locations, shown in the galleries below.

Gallery: AutoblogGreen visits Tesla Store LA


Gallery: Tesla Motors Menlo Park Store


[Source: Google Maps / Tesla Motors Club]

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, USA

Tesla's "Sweet home Chicago" not so sweet originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - In down economy, searches for big vehicles go up http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1805:in-down-economy-searches-for-big-vehicles-go-up&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2
Click above for a high res gallery of the Tahoe hybrid

Even though auto sales overall were down in March (and February and January and ...), AutoTrader found that American car buyers (and window shoppers) still favor larger, less efficient vehicles. Last month, most of the top 20 used vehicles viewed on the AutoTrader site were big rides. Large trucks and SUVs took 11 of the 20 spots and muscle and sports cars took another three. For new vehicles, the majority were large sedans or trucks. Thanks, $2 gas.

In the fuel-efficient category, the VW Jetta saw a minor uptick (0.79 percent) in AutoTrader visitor interest in March 2009 compared to a year earlier. With pretty much every other vehicle dropping (the Honda Accord went down over 60 percent), the increase was enough to put the Jetta into 20th place. More details after the jump.

It should go without saying that the pageviews of one particular auto sales site don't define the whole market, but these results do hint that the market is not saturated with ABG regulars. AutoTrader.com President and CEO Chip Perry said that the results can tell us a little something about what's going on out there. "Americans have traditionally gone for larger and more powerful vehicles," he said, "and without gas prices spiking to $4 a gallon or above like they did last summer, there's little indication that this trend will change anytime soon."

[Source: AutoTrader]

Continue reading In down economy, searches for big vehicles go up

Filed under: Etc., Green Daily

In down economy, searches for big vehicles go up originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Delphi to supply mild hybrid hardware to SAIC in China http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1806:delphi-to-supply-mild-hybrid-hardware-to-saic-in-china&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2 Tier 1 auto parts supplier Delphi, which emerged as an offshoot of General Motors over a decade ago, has announced that it will supply hybrid powertrain components to Chinese automaker Shanghai Auto, better known as SAIC. This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, considering that SAIC is GM's official partner for the Chinese market and Delphi is already the supplier that The General uses for its mild hybrid powertrain.

More interesting is the tie-up with A123 Systems, makers of high-tech lithium ion batteries and one of the companies that was vying for the Chevy Volt's battery contract. Delphi and A123 are said to be working on air-cooled lithium ion battery packs for use in automotive applications for the Chinese market.

SAIC will develop the software that controls the hybrid components and will integrate the technology into its line of vehicles. Hopefully, these new energy storage systems will make their way outside China and into the United States.

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Delphi to supply mild hybrid hardware to SAIC in China

Filed under: Hybrid, China

Delphi to supply mild hybrid hardware to SAIC in China originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - Honda changes course and switches from diesel back to hybrid http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1807:honda-changes-course-and-switches-from-diesel-back-to-hybrid&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2

A few years back after getting the hybrid ball rolling with the original Insight and then Civic, Honda added a hybrid version of the Accord. Like the Insight, it was not a strong seller and, after a few years, it was discontinued and Honda decided to switch its focus for larger vehicles to clean diesel. The plan was to keep hybrids in smaller cars and while using oil burners in larger cars, SUVs and vans. Honda had planned to start its U.S. diesel push with a 2.2-liter four in the TSX this year. However, after diesel prices spiked last year and the overall market collapsed in the fall, that program was canceled.

Honda CEO Takeo Fukui has now revealed that plans for larger diesel engines have also been canceled as a result of the cost of trying to meet new U.S. and Japanese emissions regulations. Honda had hoped that its in-house developed NOx catalytic convertor would allow it to avoid using urea injection. Instead, Fukui said the company will develop a hybrid system suitable for larger vehicles. No timetable has been revealed for introduction.

Fukui also said that Honda would not drop the price of the Insight in response to Toyota's price cuts on the Prius in Japan.

[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Honda

Honda changes course and switches from diesel back to hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:55:19 +0100 Sunday, 05 April 2009 16:55 - EcoBoost coming to a Ford dealer near you very soon http://www.guruengineers.com//index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1808:ecoboost-coming-to-a-ford-dealer-near-you-very-soon&catid=246:eco-cars&directory=2

Last year at the Detroit Auto Show, Ford announced its intention to introduce a lineup of EcoBoost engines as a cost effective means of getting a significant improvement in fuel efficiency. The first of those EcoBoost engines is a turbocharged and direct injected version of the 3.5L V6 used in many of Ford's larger cars. Those engines will launch into production in just a few weeks and should start appearing in first in the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS well before summer solstice arrives. Later this summer, it will also provide power to the new Taurus SHO and Lincoln MKT. While we're not yet allowed discuss what it's like to drive cars and trucks powered by EcoBoost you can draw your conclusions from the torque graph that compares it against the output of the 4.6-liter Cadillac V8 in the STS.

While 3.5-liter EcoBoost has impressive power production, it also substantially reduces the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to competitive V8 engines. Relative to the 4.2-4.8-liter V8s used in other luxury sedans, the V6 is near the top in terms of power and torque while CO2 emissions are only 218 g/km. The V8s range from 227 g/k for the Lexus GS450 to 272 g/k for the Infiniti M45. Learn more about EcoBoost after the jump.

Note: The Ford provided table above erroneously lists the Lexus GS450 which should be the GS460 with a 4.6-liter V8.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

Continue reading EcoBoost coming to a Ford dealer near you very soon

Filed under: MPG, Ford

EcoBoost coming to a Ford dealer near you very soon originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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