VW, Toshiba Planning A Smart EV Car

Last week, Toshiba and Volkswagen unveiled a partnership for developing next-gen electric car batteries.Mostly known for laptop computers here in the States, Toshiba is the General Electric of Japan. They build everything fromconsumer electronics to nuclear power plant components.Fine by me, I just don’t want my EV to catch on fire! Or my laptop for that matter. But as of late, Toshiba is foraying in to greener pastures. And so is VW with it’s new BlueMotion Technologiesline.The VDub partnership comes on the heels of Toshiba entering the solar power plant market. Toshiba isn’t producing the solar panels themselves, at least for the time being. They will be using their competitor’s solar panels along with components they produce for large-scale power plants.Alongside the nuclear power plants, Toshiba also provides components for hydroelectric plants and for power transmission systems. They are even pursuing carbon-capture technology.So it is of no surprise that Toshiba has been eying the hybrid and electric car market. They have already been developing a super-charged ion battery (SCiB) for both laptop computers and electric bikes. Once again, I kinda hope these don’t catch on fire!“One of our big target markets is the automobile market,” Craig Hershberg, Toshiba’s director of environmental affairs, told Green Wombat. “We’re currently talking to one of the big automakers in the U.S.” But they wouldn’t say whom.In fact, they recently announced plans to spend $331 million on building a SCiB factory.“Toshiba aims to make SCiB a mainstay of its industrial systems and automotive products businesses worldwide,” the company said in a statement. Enter Volkswagen!I have a feeling the VW Up! will be the first model to see this pairing.Because of its iconic styling, the concept car is being touted as the next new “Beetle,” not to be confused with the actual New Beetle. VW’s foray into alternative-fuel vehicles is nothing new. They have even launched a new brand just for it: VW’s BlueMotion Technologies.But they have yet to really tap the electric vehicle market. At the very least, they are EV-curious. That is apparent by kick off their hybrid electric Touareg. But it seems the VW Up! Concept would benefit most from the Toshiba-VW pairing.Currently, there are two models of the Up! Concept: the Up!, a small three-door, and the Space Up!, a mini-van. One key feature that has gotten a lot of attention is its Apple iPhone like interface, something VW hopes to add to all its models.For those real VW enthusiasts, the engine isn’t in the front, baby.IT KEEPS GOING…AND GOINGSo what does the SCiB mean for EVs?Well, the souped-up battery can charge to 90-percent capacity in ten minutes. According to Toshiba, that is depending on its use. Notably, laptop versions of the battery can be discharged 6,000 times versus the 500 times for a conventional battery. It can also operate down to -30 celcius (-22F). That is pretty good for an Electric Vehicle type application. But, DIY Electric Car made this point about the battery:Say for instance, we fitted a new Tesla Roadster with SCiB batteries. Could we actually perform a 5 minute charge? The Roadster’s efficiency is reported as 133 Wh/km (4.7 mi/kWh). This means that fully refueling from a 300 mile drive would require around 63kWh of electricity. Multiply by .9 to get a 90% recharge (as Toshiba states is the 5 minute charge) and you have 56.7kWh. Multiply that by 12 to get the amount of kW required for a 5 minute charge. That’s 680kW. Regardless of what you may know about electricity, that’s a whole lot of it.To actually feed the car 680kW, we need to select a usable voltage. The best that’s commercially available right now would be 480v or actually 220v if it’s household current. For the sake of argument let’s choose 480v. The size of the wire to transfer the energy is dependent on how many amps are going to flow through it. Amps are just watts divided by volts, so when we apply this we get 1416 amps. Technicalities aside, the wire would have to be something like 0/8AWG or about 2 inches in diameter to feed the current to the vehicle. Is this any more or less safe than filling a car with gas yourself?The Chairman of the Board of Management at Volkswagen AG, Prof. Dr Martin Winterkorn, says “this will be a major step forward towards the development of series production electric vehicles for our customers.”He went on to say that Volkswagen’s objective is “to be the first manufacturer to provide an emissions-free, affordable and safe large-scale production electric vehicle.” Though some specialists believe a mass-produced EV is still 10 plus years away.Though some kind of model should nonetheless be available by 2012, when increasingly strict carbon emissions limits set by the European Union are due to take effect.

New Chinese electric bus

While we have a pretty impressive electric bus here in America, an announcement that a Chinese joint venture will begin building buses with a 300 km (186 miles) range certainly got our attention. The FAW Bus and Coach Company has teamed up with battery maker Tongkun New Energy Technologies Co., Ltd and plan to have their people-carriers on the roads around two different cities in Jilin province by June. They already have 70 on the order book and if they can deliver the range performance promised, we expect they'll sell more. The 24 passenger bus can not only go far on its lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries but it can also re-charge them in as little as 20 minutes. With a useful life of 2,000 cycles, they could last 300,000 miles. Not bad for a bus with a 500,000 yuan ($73,145) price tag and low running costs. Hopefully the new design will also be a little easier on the eyes than the current baby bus built by FAW, pictured above. [Source: Xinhua]

Tags: electric bus, ElectricBus, FAW Bus and Coach Company, FawBusAndCoachCompany, Jilin, LiFePO4,lithium iron phosphate LiFePO4, LithiumIronPhosphateLifepo4, Ltd, Tongkun New Energy Technologies Co.,TongkunNewEnergyTechnologiesCo.

Chery Auto unveils electric car

China's Chery Automobile said on Thursday it has rolled out its first self-developed electric car, becoming the second home-grown car maker to tap potential demand for clean energy cars. The model, known as S18, is capable of going as far as 150 kilometers on electricity when fully charged, with a maximum speed of 120 kilometres per hour, Chery said in a statement. Chery uses iron-phosphate-based lithium-ion batteries for S18, which can be fully charged in 4 to 6 hours and 80 percent charged in half an hour, it said. The company did not say when it would start mass production of the model or whether it had secured firm orders. BYD Auto, subsidiary of rechargeable battery maker BYD Co, launched its plug-in hybrid car F3DM in China late last year. Henry Li, general manager of BYD Auto's export trade division, told Reuters in October that the firm has signed up 10 distributors for the plug-in hybrid car in Europe ahead of its targeted entry into that market in 2010. BYD, in which a unit of U.S. billionaire investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N) has committed to pay $230 million for a 10 percent stake, is scheduled to launch its first all-electric car, the E6, in China in the second half of 2009, Li added. Beijing unveiled a plan earlier this month to subsidise the purchase of clean-energy vehicles for public transport fleets in 13 cities to help its automobile industry develop green technology. The trial scheme will promote the use of electric, hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles by public transport operators, taxi firms and postal and sanitary services.

Rinspeed iChange EV

Swiss automaker Rinspeed will debut at the 2009 Geneva auto show an electric concept car that changes shape to conform to the number of passengers on board. The iChange is a lightweight, 4,280mm (approximately 14 feet) EV sports car with a teardrop-like silhouette designed to maximize fuel efficiency for the single passenger. But with the push of a button, the sloped rear of the car pops up to accommodate two additional passengers, if needed. The concept sports car forgoes doors, opting for a very ADA-unfriendly clamshell roof. Rinspeed is obviously assuming that in the future, women will no longer wear skirts. Proving that efficient doesn't have to be boring, the iChange is equipped with three lithium ion batteries, producing a total of 150kW of power that propels the car from 0 to 100 kmh in 4.2 seconds and achieves a maximum speed of 220 kmh (about 136 mph). The car charges in 3 hours and has a maximum range of approximately 90 km. The dual design poses an answer to the problem: most car trips are short, single-passenger commutes to work or the store, but consumers still want a car that can accommodate the occasional multiple-person or long drive. Rinspeed explains that "as a result of the increased weight and no longer optimal aerodynamics, the energy consumption increases--but only for the time passengers are actually on board," but they don't say by how much. Without that data, it seems like a radial exercise to achieve more or less what the Tesla Roadster already does as a two-seater, and what the start-up's Model S sedan will probably do as a four-seater. The Tesla Roadster uses a custom microprocessor-controlled lithium ion battery with 6,831 individual cells that produces 248 HP (185 kW) to achieve a straightline performance of 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds with a range of about 220 miles. The much-anticipated Tesla Model S sedan--set to debut in March--reportedly will have a range of approximately 160 miles. Much of the efficiency seems to be in the details rather than in the design. Large solar panels on the car top and sides provide an environmentally friendly mode for charging the batteries and maintain an ambient temperature inside the car on hot days. The iChange's lightweight Harman/Kardon infotainment system is designed for minimal parasitic drain on the battery and can calculate the most fuel-efficient route.

Subaru Electric Car G4e

Subaru G4e is a concept car based on the R1e (2 seat, 40kwh battery, 104kph, 80km range) proof of concept. However, the G4e has all the makings of a real car, rather than just a concept, with a 200km range on a single charge.Using a fast charge circuit, 80% of the battery can be charged within 15 minutes so it is very convenient to drive long distances and charge up, maybe after a stop at a shopping mall, at work or back at home – if there is the high capacity charging circuit available. A full charge on a home circuit (110v) will take 8 hours. The battery itself is a next generation vanadium based battery rather than lithium and gives the G4e double the range compared to a lithium battery.The motor is a 65kW permanent magnet synchronous motor. It is a 4-door hatchback and can carry 5 people, with a triangular shape that gives it a low 0.276 drag factor. It is also slightly larger than a Toyota Yaris so theSubaru G4e should be a very useful and popular vehicle.

Michelin-Valeo partnership to boost plug-in hybrid cars

French giants Michelin and Valeo have formed a partnership to develop and produce both plug-in hybrid cars and all-electric cars.The announcement comes on the back of Michelin introducing its revolutionary active wheel technology, (see previous post) which sees dual electric motors inside wheels that propel the car and control the suspension. They will be used in electric cars produced by Heuliez from 2010 onwards.Michelin believes that fuel cell-powered or battery cars that use Active Wheel technology will not require a clutch, gearbox, transmission shift, anti-roll bar or a universal joint. The Active Wheel technology is a standard wheel with one electric motor spinning the wheel while the other works as an active suspension system.According to Valeo CEO Thierry Morin, his company will assemble a powertrain system that the car will be built around. The companies are said to be seeking a car manufacturer to join a consortium and they may team up with either a French of German automaker.Valeo, a specialist in electrical systems, will concentrate on producing engine and battery cooling systems, as well as lighting, energy management and climate control. It has already made in-roads into the green car market as it supplied the drivetrain for more than 10,000 electric vehicles created by PSA Peugeot Citroen and Renault.

Chrysler Creates New Company Solely for Electric Vehicles

Chrysler has been working quietly on an all electric vehicle for a while now and it seems as though they have every intention of following through with the concept. The reasoning behind this comes after the news that they have created a separate company to help market the new EV and hopefully give Chrysler some footing to get back on its feet.The new company is called Peapod Mobility and their first vehicle set to go into production is called the Peapod. The Peapod is a small neighborhood vehicle that can seat up to 4 adults andcruise around at a top speed of 25 miles per hour. It is available in 8 different colors and is currently priced at $12,500.
Peapod Mobility is also working on a 2-seater vehicle that will share the same 25mph top speed, along with a van and a small 2-seat utility vehicle that features a bed and toolboxes. There are also rumors of a city electric vehicle that will be able to reach speeds around 50 mph and can be used by daily commuters.Expect to see the Peapod around your neighborhood within the year.

Ford's first all-electric vehicle in the US will be a commercial van that gets a range of 100 miles per charge with a top speed of 70 mph. The van, called the Ford Transit Connect, should be available in the US in 2010, although the price has not yet been announced.

The electric van will precede Ford's small electric passenger sedan, which will hit US dealerships in 2011, followed by a plug-in hybrid in 2012.

The Transit Connect is based on a gasoline-powered model that has proven successful in Europe and that Ford is also preparing to release in the US shortly. The van will be converted to battery power by Smith Electric Vehicles, which already offers a similar battery-powered Ford Transit model to customers in some European markets.

Ford is aiming the vehicle at commercial industries as an alternative to a full-size cargo van for package delivery. The van, which can carry about 1800 pounds, would be ideal for fleets that cover regular routes and return to a central location for recharging overnight.

The electric van will be built in Turkey and imported to the US.

BG’s C100 Electric Vehicle ready for Production

The trend towards smaller, energy-efficient electric vehicles has created a market that is quickly being filled by young startups. Enter BG Automotive Group, which has recently announced that their mass-produced electric vehicle the C100 has just been approved by the Department of Transportation! Perfect for commuting and daily urban driving, the sprightly vehicle gets an impressive 60-120 miles per charge and will be available for less than $20,000.
The C100 is a compact four-door, four-passenger neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV). Designed for daily commuters and short trips around town, the vehicle has a maximum speed of 35-45 miles per hour and is expected to cost from $15 to $18 thousand dollars. Charging couldn’t be easier - simply plug the vehicle into any regular wall outlet. A full set of safety features includes dual airbags and a sturdy steel body round out the package. The company is currently moving full-speed ahead with its plans to produce the vehicle and is considering the possibility of manufacturing it within the United States, with the hope of producing 100,000 vehicles by 2010.

Lotus Electric car in 2009

Envied worldwide for producing feather-lite supercars just itching to be made into electric torque monsters (even Tesla has borrowed heavily from the Lotus parts bin), Lotus has indicated it wants to enter the world of exotic electric cars wants itself - perhaps even as soon as late 2009.

Ever since the late Colin Chapman began building his own sportscars under the Lotus brand (way back in 1952!) the company has followed a simple philosophy for its go-fast racers: add lightness. “Adding lightness” meant that Chapman’s cars were incredibly efficient - using less fuel and fewer tires than the competition.

Proterra Electric Bus

Colorado-based Proterra has its protype vehicle on a California road trip to show technology it hopes will change the commuting world.

Government officials, business leaders and techies in San Jose, California got a first look this afternoon at a prototype passenger bus showcasing new all-electric technologies.

Colorado company Proterra built the bus to showcase its drive, energy storage and vehicle control systems—breakthroughs which it ultimately hopes to license to other vehicle manufacturers.

But in the meantime, Proterra is making buses itself. And because of the investment the company has made in futuristic carbon fiber design, its new BE35 model is turning heads.

"We get a lot of comments," Proterra CEO and President Jeff Granato told the Cleantech Group. "I think transit agencies like that, because they're trying to drive more people to public transit."

The Proterra BE35, which is fully electric—unlike other hybrid-electric passenger buses available—showcases what the company calls a first-of-its-kind fast charge system enabled by the company's use of nanotechnology-based lithium batteries from Altairnano of Reno, Nevada. Altairnano has claimed to deliver full charges in ten minutes in the past.

The fast 10 minute charge is a central aspect of our vehicle and our marketing. We have a fast charge station that we would deploy in fixed route programs, where the vehicles are coming back to the same point once an hour or once every few hours. Transit is a perfect application for this type of technology, as they already have scheduled layovers.

Other advances showcased by Proterra include all-electric components managed by vehicle management systems to minimize energy usage throughout the vehicle, regenerative braking that recaptures over 90 percent of the vehicle's kinetic energy available during braking, and a new battery management system intended to optimize energy efficiency and system life.

The bus is powered by electric motors from UQM Technologies, a popular choice among other makes of next-generation vehicles. The company, like Proterra, also hails from Colorado.

The company has priced its bus 30 percent higher than conventional diesel or hybrid alternatives, but CEO Granato maintained Proterra's BE35 still offers compelling economics for purchasers.

Assuming diesel at three dollars a gallon, we net a savings of $310,000 over the life of a single bus, just on fuel costs. When you include other operational savings, for instance, because the parts in an electric vehicle don't wear out as often, that number goes up.

Added crash-worthiness of the vehicle's carbon fiber construction, and ease of carbon fiber repair versus steel also contributes to 70 percent lower body repair costs, said Granato.

While in San Jose to officially unveil the new bus, Proterra wouldn't say how many units the city might buy, but it claimed to be soon closing several North American orders in the second quarter of the year. But the end-game, according to Granato, is licensing to OEMs, including two in other countries they are in discussions with.

"Our intention is to be partnering with existing manufacturers once we get up into quantity. Because we realize that the capacity for manufacturing trucks and buses already exists. Our focus is on the technology to help take those existing vehicles to the next level with our technology."

Those companies include New Flyer, Gillig, Orion and others, all of which have been building buses for ten years or more, Proterra recognized.

After its launch today in San Jose, Proterra is to make stops in selected California cities including Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Francisco. In each city, Proterra plans to meet with energy, environmental, and municipal stakeholders and introduce its BE35 as a way to meet the state's aggressive emission reduction standards.

Proterra has been funded to date by government grants and private investors. The company is now raising a series A round.

Heuliez Friendly EV

Introduced last fall during the Paris Motor Show, the Heuliez Friendly is a French electric car with promising and realistic intentions. Heuliez is known for making short series of cars (such as the Opel Tigra TwinTop) and the retractable tops of Peugeots, so it's not a total newcomer to the auto market.  The battery pack will offer an expected range of 100 km (60 miles) but two additional packages will be offered as options, so autonomy can be extended to 250 km (160 miles). It's also interesting to know that the Friendly is not an NEV, as it can reach highway speeds of 120 km/h (75mph). It can seat 3+1 like the Toyota iQ and Heuliez will offer three body styles and probably a van version. The best part, however, was getting confirmation that the car will go on sale April next year, with prices starting at €10,000. It shouldn't cost a fortune to maintain, although batteries are expected to last just four years or about 2,000 charge/recharge cycles.

2009 Cadillac Converj EV

Cadillac Converj Concept General Motors unveiled a further glimpse at the potential of electric propulsion, this time in the form of luxury transportaCadillac Converj Concept General Motors unveiled a further glimpse at the potential of electric propulsion, this time in the form of luxury transportation. The Cadillac Converj was developed as a well-appointed grand touring coupe with a bold design and a host of interactive technology.

The four-passenger Cadillac Converj concept is intended to show how GM's revolutionary electric propulsion technology - called Voltec - can power a luxury coupe with a typically Cadillac "no compromises" design. The technology enables up to 40 miles of gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles.

Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman of Global Product Development, said the Cadillac Converj concept has production substance. "It's a logical extension of our plan to reinvent the automobile," he said. "It clearly shows what a Cadillac electric vehicle could look like, and clearly indicates that global luxury customers can have a car that has both strong design and electric propulsion with a total range of hundreds of anxiety-free miles."

Cadillac's extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) concept has a new body style that is an evolution of the brand's traditional Art and Science design theme. An aggressive, forward-leaning arc profile is the foundation for the sporting stance. And more than a Cadillac in form, Converj is also intended to be a Cadillac in substance, with the premium materials, technology and driving dynamics that are hallmarks of the brand
The Converj concept is the latest rolling showcase for GM's extended-range electric propulsion system, which the company is now calling Voltec. The Converj features the same 16-kWh, T-shaped battery, electric drive unit, and four-cylinder engine-generator as the Volt. Thus, like the volt, the Converj will go 40 miles on emissions-free electric power. It then switches to the four cylinder engine to provide power to the motor and charge the lithium-ion battery.

Although the Converj is based on the Volt, the design, from GM's U.K. advanced design studio under the direction of Simon Cox, is pure Cadillac. Unlike the Volt sedan, it sports a coupe body style with seats for four passengers in a 2+2 layout. A small trunk is accessed through an even smaller opening. The overall shape resembles the CTS coupe concept that debuted at last year's show with a bit of the Cien show car mixed in. The design emphasizes aerodynamics, with minimal grille openings, a fully covered underbody, and slim cameras in place of rearview mirrors. The smallest Cadillac ever made, the Converj is some 10 inches shorter than the CTS coupe. The Converj is about the same length as the Volt but it's wider, due to the Cadillac's larger wheels and tires (21-inches up front and 22 inches at the rear).tion. The Cadillac Converj was developed as a well-appointed grandtouring coupe with a bold design and a host of interactive technology.The Cadillac Converj’s Voltec electric propulsion system is made up of a 16-kWh, T-shaped battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car.A thermally managed battery pack contains more than 220 lithium-ion cells that provide the primary power to drive the Converj electrically up to 40 miles without using fuel or producing tailpipe emissions. The battery is integrated into the Converj’s chassis and stores electricity from the grid when the vehicle is plugged in. It takes less than three hours to recharge the battery at 240V, or about eight hours from a 120V outlet.When the battery’s energy is low, the Converj seamlessly switches to extended-range mode. During this secondary level of operation, electricity needed to power the vehicle is created on-board by a flex-fuel-powered engine that operates much like a home generator to create electricity. The engine-generator ensures a constant supply of power for hundreds of miles until the car is refueled or plugged in to recharge the battery. This extended-range mode eliminates the range anxiety that comes with driving pure electric vehicles that offer no backup power when the battery charge is low.Whether in electric or extended-range mode, the Converj is propelled all the time by an electric drive unit. It converts electrical energy from the battery or the engine-generator into mechanical energy to drive the front wheels. It also delivers 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, for a quick launch, and 120 kW of power. The top speed is 100 mph.There is no compromise in vehicle performance in either mode of operation. To enhance the ride feel, the Converj also features GM’s Magnetic Ride Control; and for even greater efficiency, energy during braking is captured and stored in the battery.
The four-passenger Cadillac Converj concept is intended to show how GM's revolutionary electric propulsion technology - called Voltec - can power a luxury coupe with a typically Cadillac "no compromises" design. The technology enables up to 40 miles of gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles.

Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman of Global Product Development, said the Cadillac Converj concept has production substance. "It's a logical extension of our plan to reinvent the automobile," he said. "It clearly shows what a Cadillac electric vehicle could look like, and clearly indicates that global luxury customers can have a car that has both strong design and electric propulsion with a total range of hundreds of anxiety-free miles."

Cadillac's extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) concept has a new body style that is an evolution of the brand's traditional Art and Science design theme. An aggressive, forward-leaning arc profile is the foundation for the sporting stance. And more than a Cadillac in form, Converj is also intended to be a Cadillac in substance, with the premium materials, technology and driving dynamics that are hallmarks of the brand
The Converj concept is the latest rolling showcase for GM's extended-range electric propulsion system, which the company is now calling Voltec. The Converj features the same 16-kWh, T-shaped battery, electric drive unit, and four-cylinder engine-generator as the Volt. Thus, like the volt, the Converj will go 40 miles on emissions-free electric power. It then switches to the four cylinder engine to provide power to the motor and charge the lithium-ion battery.

Although the Converj is based on the Volt, the design, from GM's U.K. advanced design studio under the direction of Simon Cox, is pure Cadillac. Unlike the Volt sedan, it sports a coupe body style with seats for four passengers in a 2+2 layout. A small trunk is accessed through an even smaller opening. The overall shape resembles the CTS coupe concept that debuted at last year's show with a bit of the Cien show car mixed in. The design emphasizes aerodynamics, with minimal grille openings, a fully covered underbody, and slim cameras in place of rearview mirrors. The smallest Cadillac ever made, the Converj is some 10 inches shorter than the CTS coupe. The Converj is about the same length as the Volt but it's wider, due to the Cadillac's larger wheels and tires (21-inches up front and 22 inches at the rear).Pure Cadillac designThere's no mistaking the Converj for anything but a Cadillac, according to Lutz. "An aggressive, forward-leaning profile hints at a new, progressive theme and proportion in Cadillac's design evolution," he says. "The new proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2."The overall shape is reinforced by a prominent, sweeping body line with large, 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) wheels pushed to the edges of the body. The Cadillac Converj exterior is painted a dark silver tri-coat that GM designers dubbed "Reaction."An all-glass roof incorporates solar panels that help offset power drain from the vehicle's accessories. Additionally, several aerodynamic and design efficiencies were incorporated to enhance the driving range, including:A full under-vehicle cover (belly pan)Minimal grille openings that reduce drag at the front of the vehicleLow-profile rearview cameras replace conventional outside mirrors to reduce dragWheels are shaped to push air outward for smoother body side airflowThe Cadillac Converj also incorporates vertical headlamp and taillamp elements, with light pipe technology."Vertical lamps are Cadillac signatures and the Cadillac Converj builds on the brand's light pipe technology with bolder light emitting diode (LED) and high-intensity discharge elements front and rear," said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. "There is also a unique daylight light 'spear' at the top of the headlamps."Luxury meets technology insideThe Cadillac Converj's interior has advanced features and luxurious appointments blending efficiency and environmental consciousness. The 2+2 configuration is trimmed in contrasting Winter White synthetic suede - including the top of the instrument panel - and Midnight Black leather, with polished aluminum and wood grain accents. Renewable materials are used throughout such as wool-blend carpeting, a headliner made from silk, suede made from post-industrial content and more.A technologically advanced driver center increases efficiency and reduces the draw on the battery. Features include:New, organic light-emitting diode technology used on reconfigurable instrument clusterTouch-screen navigation, climate, center-stack controls and audio systemsAdjustable, overhead white ambient lightingUnique "power on" sequence featuring blue-lit console graphicsScreen displays for features including regenerative braking, battery charge level and power outputNo inside rearview or outside mirrors; cameras provide surrounding images on a screen placed high on the instrument panel for a full, panoramic viewPush-button ignition and power-folding front seats

Loremo Electric Prototypes Near Completion

What's green and white and gets 120 mpg? The answer is the new Loremo, an upcoming compact ultra-efficient green vehicle, from the identically-named start up.

Some are critical of the Loremo's looks, but its streamlined design allows it to deliver unmatched aerodynamic performance and enables it to get extremely high fuel economy. The car is painted a stock cool white color, with a lime green also available.

Since 2000, Loremo has been hard at working cooking up the car, but it still has yet to produce an electric vehicle. However, according to Loremo all three of its powertrains should be finished this year, allowing the first prototypes to soon be produced. With Loremo saying that its liquid-fuel engine technology is mature enough, this means only the chassis, interior and shell work will remain.

The Loremo will be available in three variants, all of which the company says are progressing well. The first is a base Loremo, which will get 120 MPG on a 700 ccm diesel engine featuring turbo charging, inter-cooling and exhaust gas recycling. The gas mileage target was cut slightly from the original mark of 157 mpg, but it should still be sufficient to win the Auto X Prize.

The second model is the Loremo GT, which not only brings sportier performance with a 850 ccm engine, but also will allow the car to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) or pressurized natural gas (PNG).The final model is the Loremo EV, Loremo's take on an ultra-efficient electric vehicle. This variant is perhaps the closest to production as test runs have been started and it has been certified of road-worthiness. Public tests of the Loremo EV should begin in March.

Things are looking good for Loremo possibly meeting its target launch date of 2009, or a just-slightly-delayed launch in early 2010. The vehicle is still expected to save you some green as well, debuting at the wallet-friendly price of 15,000 euros ($22,500) for the basic model, or 20,000 euros ($30,000) for the GT.Via AutoBlogGreen

BYD shows off its F6DM dual-mode plug-in

This year at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, BYD, Build Your Dreams, ab auto company from China debuted the F6DM; a dual-mode electric vehicle. Showing off a champagne, four-door DM car, BYD fused electricity and gasoline powered engines. The F6DM is one of the first vehicles that BYD is using with the dual-mode concept. The dual-mode concept is the power for a vehicle to operate with a battery and engine. Having a car that is powered with a DM engine allows the driver to use electricity in short distances and gasoline for long ranges. Wang Chuanfu, chairman of BYD Holding., Ltd, and BYD Automobile said the car can automatically convert to a hybrid when the battery is depleted and the car can be refueled at any gas station. According to Chuanfu this is a better solution than an all electric car for drivers because when the vehicle runs out of electricity it will be able to run on gasoline. Since the F6DM is a cross between a hybrid and an electric automobile, it can become a mainstream vehicle. Although the car is not available for purchase it is estimated to retail between $30,000 to $40,000 and won’t be available in the U.S. until 2010.