Tag Archives: electric car
Chevrolet Rolling Out the Volt by End of 2011
Today Chevrolet has confirmed that the Volt will be available nationwide by end of 2011. Read full press release blow.
Chevrolet Volt Rollout Speeds Up: Available Nationwide By End of 2011
2011-01-27 – DETROIT – Chevrolet is stepping up the national rollout of the Volt to match customer interest.
“We’re accelerating our launch plan to have Volts in all participating Chevrolet dealerships in every single state in the union by the end of this year,” said Rick Scheidt, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “This is the right thing to do for our customers and our dealers who are seeing increased traffic onto their showroom floors.”
Chevrolet Volts have been delivered to customers in the Washington D.C. area, as well as California, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Texas. Customer deliveries in Michigan begin this spring.
Customers nationwide will be able to order Volts with participating dealers beginning in the second quarter. Deliveries will begin in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii in the third quarter.
During the fourth quarter, Chevrolet expects to deliver Volts in all 50 states.
The decision to accelerate the national rollout was influenced by Chevrolet dealers like Criswell Chevrolet in Gaithersburg, Md., which has seen a surge of consumers interested in the Volt.
“The Volt is clearly bringing new customers to Chevrolet,” said Harry E. Criswell III, president and owner of Criswell Chevrolet “We are seeing 10 to 15 customers a week who are seriously considering buying a Volt. Many of them own competitive brands and now have a Chevy on their shopping list because of the Volt.”
Some of that consumer interest has been fueled by prestigious industry awards and recognitions for the Volt, including:
2011 North American Car of the Year
Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year
Green Car Journal 2011 Green Car of the Year
Car and Driver 10 Best for 2011
Ward’s AutoWorld 10 Best Engines for 2011
AUTOMOBILE Magazine 2011 Automobile of the Year
2010 Breakthrough Technology, by Popular Mechanics
“Such recognition provides customers with credible, expert endorsement of new models, which is important for vehicles like the Volt that feature significant new technologies,” said Scheidt. “Based on the awards the Volt has received, and the number of consumers expressing interest in the technology, we believe the Volt is the right car at the right time.”
The Volt is an electric vehicle that offers a total driving range of up to 379 miles, based on EPA estimates. For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank.
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About Chevrolet
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly to gas-free” solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
Volvo Set to Unveil V60 Plug-in at Geneva
Today Volvo has announced it will unveil the PHEV V60 in Geneva in March before releasing it for sale in 2012. With a full charge the PHEV V60 will offer 50km (31 miles) on electricity alone which is about the same as the Chevy Volt. This is possible by the 70hp electric motor mounted in the rear and driving the wheels out back courtesy of a 12kWh Li-ion battery pack. In the front the PHEV V60 is outfitted with a 215hp, 2.4 liter, five-cylinder turbodiesel.
Look below for a full press release.
The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid
- another world-first from Volvo Car Corporation
At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Volvo Cars will be unveiling the V60 Plug-in Hybrid – a virtually production-ready car with carbon dioxide emissions below 50 g/km, which translates into fuel consumption at 1.9 l/100 km.
In 2012 Volvo Cars will be the first manufacturer on the market with this new breed of hybrid – which is the result of close cooperation with the Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall.
The V60 Plug-in Hybrid features the very best properties from three different car types in one, single attractive sports wagon. This includes a possibility for the driver to drive up to 50 kilometres on pure electricity.
“This second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a superbly carbon dioxide-lean car packed with driving pleasure,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.
D5 engine and Electric Rear Axle Drive
The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be driven by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbodiesel, which produces 215 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 Nm. The rear axle features ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) in the form of an electric motor producing 70 horsepower, which receives its power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The car features a six-speed automatic transmission.
“In order to get true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to offer them the opportunity to drive with low carbon dioxide emissions without taking away the adrenaline rush that promotes genuine driving pleasure. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has all the traditional properties of a genuine sports wagon. What we’ve done is to spice it up with spearhead technology,” says Stefan Jacoby.
The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be revealed at a press conference in Geneva on March 1st 2011.
Volkswagen’s 313MPG XL1 Concept Plug-in Diesel Hybrid
Volkswagen has just announced the 313MPG XL1 Concept Plug-in Diesel Hybrid. Although we are sure there is some questionable math what gives the XL1 the 313MPG fuel efficiency, driving could become much more efficient. While producing only 24g of CO2 per kilometer traveled, Volkswagen focused on making this concept car as light and aerodynamic as possible. With only a 795kg curb weight, the XL1 is constructed using carbon fiber, magnesium, ceramics, and aluminum.
Check below for the full press release.
Volkswagen unveils the XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle in Qatar
The new Volkswagen XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle (SEV) has been unveiled at the Qatar Motor Show. Pioneering construction techniques, an advanced plug-in hybrid drivetrain and innovative packaging all play a part in allowing the XL1 to return 313 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 24 g/km of CO2 to set a new benchmark for vehicle efficiency.
Powering the XL1 is a compact 800 cc TDI two-cylinder common rail diesel engine developing 48 PS. It’s linked to an electric motor producing 27 PS, resulting in a total of 75 PS – a modest output yet more than enough when the low kerb weight (795 kg) of the vehicle is taken into account.
The TDI engine is linked to an electric motor and a seven-speed DSG gearbox with an automatic clutch mounted between each unit. The electric motor can either work independently of the TDI engine or in tandem when accelerating. In pure electric mode the XL1 can travel up to 35 km before the diesel engine cuts in. Accelerating from rest to 62 mph can be achieved in 11.9 seconds; the electronically limited top speed is 99 mph.
In both its styling and packaging the XL1 draws on lessons learned from the 1-Litre car (2002) and the L1 concept (2009). The XL1 has evolved to feature staggered seating with the driver and passenger placed next to each other in a body structure made from advanced new materials providing immense strength yet weighing just 230 kg.
To make such weight savings possible, and yet viable for series production, Volkswagen developed and patented a new system for the manufacture of the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) parts on the car called the Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process.
In total the XL1 weighs 795 kg. In addition to the body structure, the weight is accounted for by the drivetrain (227 kg), the running gear (153 kg), the interior including a pair of bucket seats (80 kg) and the electrical system (105 kg). In total just 23.2 per cent of the car (184 kg) is made out of either steel or iron.
Further savings are made through the extensive use of lightweight materials including magnesium (wheels), ceramics (brake discs) and aluminium (dampers, steering system, brake calipers).
The styling of the XL1 is borne out of functional requirements – easy access to the interior is granted via a pair of elegant scissor doors that hinge on the A-pillar while the profile of the car has been honed in the wind tunnel, the result being a remarkable coefficient of drag figure of 0.186. The XL1′s overall length (3,970 mm) and width (1,682 mm) are similar to those of a Volkswagen Polo yet its height (1,184 mm) is more akin to that of a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder.
Although the XL1 is still very much a concept, its unveiling marks the next step towards the birth of a new class of Super Efficient Vehicles, while the advent of a process such as RTM is a significant milestone.
Silver Tesla Model S Alpha Video (Yes it is that quiet)
Tesla just released a video of their Model S Alpha. Although not the first video of the car running, it gives us the best taste so far of that the car has to offer. And yes, it is that quiet. Scroll down for the video.
Model S Alpha Hits the Road from Tesla Motors on Vimeo.
2011 Detroit Auto Show Highlights Part 1: The Big 3 on a Rebound
It may not be the usual showcase of mind-blowing concept cars, but there is no doubt that Motor City delivered a buzzworthy event at the 2011 North American International Auto Show which was opened to the media recently.
America’s most prestigious auto show was back in business for its 23rd installment following the improved state of the US Auto Industry and the many promising plans that the automakers have in store. All in all, it was an interesting display of ever-unique concept cars, some high-end cars, and most notably, a larger representation of more affordable and more energy-efficient vehicles.
Although the show featured cars from all over the world, most eyes were on the home team. The Big Three from Detroit kept up with their recovery strategies and kept impressive yet relatively low profile presentations in this biggest and most awaited car show in the US. This is a noticeable change from the past shows, which featured over-the-top, futuristic show displays, audacious spectacles, and events spilling through the streets of Detroit.
But it should be remembered that not so long ago, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler were plagued with burdens of debt and loss of their long-standing leadership positions. This year, however, Ford has reported a 19% increase in sales, GM’s shares are climbing in value after they went back to trading publicly, and Chrysler is introducing a new line-up with much improved cars and trucks. There might be a long way to go before they can fully recover and regain their previous standings, but it will be a crime not to say that the Big Three is on a rebound, and its Asian rivals must not take it lightly.
For this year’s show, Ford came out with the concept car Vertrek (which in Afrikaan means departure), and unveiled new hybrid and electric cars. What’s more, The Ford Explorer won the Truck of the Year Award, and many analysts are predicting that Ford will win the Big Three race of getting back on its feet. They are planning to hire people for 2011 and 2012, which is another sign pointing towards recovery. Ford Chairman Bill Ford Jr. has also announced Ford’s claim to be a global standard-bearer for green cars. It’s a sensible cause, but Ford is not alone in this claim.
Chrysler, although still behind Ford and GM, also aims to be seen as the “greenest” carmaker. They presented a completely revamped line-up, including the Chevy Volt, which took home the North American Car of the Year Award. This prestigious award is given to the most outstanding new vehicles for the year as judged by a panel of veteran automotive journalists from the US and Canada. This win is not a surprise to many, as the Chevy Volt has won several other awards like the Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year, Green Car Journal Car of the Year, and accolades from Popular Science, Car and Driver and Ward’s AutoWorld. The Volt is also the first electric car to win such award, which GM sees as being representative of their resurrection from bankruptcy and readiness to get back into the competition.
So it seems that for the Big Three, this year’s show is all about business. Sure, some of the viewing public might be a bit let down by having less of the jaw-dropping sports cars and concept cars and other spectacular surprises, but this year will be remembered more as a significant turning point in the recovery of the US automotive market through changing products and setting new trends.
Following the government’s tougher standards for better fuel economy, the Big 3’s direction is to produce smaller, more affordable and more fuel-efficient vehicles. The idea is that in the few years to come, we might just see American showrooms more like their European counterparts. The groundwork has been set, and Ford plans to launch the small Lincoln, whose engineering platform is patterned after the Focus, during next year’s show. Chrysler, meanwhile, will introduce a “micro-van”, joining the lone Mazda 5 in this smaller van category.
But here’s the question: is America ready for this trend? Only time will tell if these automakers’ predictions will hold true. But for this year, Detroit has shown that the Big Three is back and that is enough cause for celebration.
The North American International Auto Show runs from January 10 – 23, 2011 at COBO Center, Detroit, Michigan.
(In Part 2, we shall switch the focus to the Big Three’s competition. Watch for more about what the other old-players and fast-rising newbies from Asia and Europe have to offer for this year’s show. And for all your car parts needs, don’t forget to check http://www.autopartsway.com/carparts.cfm .
2002 Toyota Prius Mileage Tested – Almost Same as New
Afraid that your electric or hybrid car will die within a few years because of the battery holding power? Not to worry. Consumer Reports re-tested a 2002 Prius with 206,000 miles on it and it delivered 46.3mpg, as opposed to 48.6mpg in the original test with a new car. Although the number is lower, it is not lower by much, especially considering that the car now has 206,000 miles. Remember to use auto site for all your Prius Parts 
needs.
Tesla Roadster Wireless Charge with eCoupled at CES
The future is definitely going to be wireless and this is true not only for cell phones but for charging every device you can imagine, including cars. The company behind this wireless charging is eCoupled.
We may all have seen those pads, where you attach a cover to your Blackberry or iPhone and charge the device by simply putting it on a mat. This is all thanks to eCoupled and the same technology that was used today at CES to charge a Tesla Roadster.
An electromagnetic channel is created in order to charge these electric devices. eCoupled is an intelligent power source in that it uses an intelligent control system and can adapt to specific needs of each device it powers by communicating with that device. Therefore eCoupled can determine not only the power needs and power cycle that a device needs, but also the safety and efficiency required.
eCoupled is universal, safe, green and efficient.
Just imagine, in the near future you will simply be able to pull your car into the garage and it will start charging automatically. Better yet, it will charge wirelessly when you are having lunch, or simply parking on the street.
