Bangalore, September 29, 2009. General Motors India and Reva Electric Car Company (REVA) have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop electric vehicles for the Indian market. This unique partnership will bring together two companies, established in their own field to develop car platforms, electric vehicle technology and advanced control systems. Through this partnership, REVA will also leverage GM’s large distribution network in India to market and sell REVA’s next generation vehicles.

The agreement was announced jointly by Karl Slym, president and managing director, General Motors India and Chetan Maini, deputy chairman and chief technology officer, REVA.

Karl Slym, President and Managing Director, GM India said, “We are pleased to join hands with REVA to bring affordable small car platform based electric vehicles to the market in line with government objectives to reduce fossil fuel dependence. GM’s ability to develop platforms and REVA’s capability in developing electric drive-trains and control systems will result in, the consumer having a wider choice of EVs. We are going to be working closely with the Central and State Governments in India to develop infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and providing specific financial benefits to consumers, who make the choice to adopt an environment-friendly mode of personal transport. The sales and service of REVA cars through GM dealerships will further strengthen the partnership between the two companies.”

Speaking on the occasion, Chetan Maini, Deputy Chairman and CTO, Reva Electric Car Company said, “This unique collaboration symbolizes a global trendsetter for partnerships that will result in far reaching changes in the industry. Each of the partners will use its strengths, with the aim of making India a global hub for the development and manufacture of electric vehicles and related technologies. I am extremely happy that we have found a partner in GM India that shares our passion for reducing carbon emissions. Further the distribution of REVA cars through GM dealerships will increase the geographical footprint of REVA and enable customers to have an easier access to points of sales and service across the country.”

Development of small electric vehicles is a growth area around the global automotive industry and we are excited that this cooperation with REVA in India will accelerate GM’s progress to meet the emerging needs in many parts of the world ” , said Nick Reilly , President of GM International Operations. GM is pursuing several energy alternatives and advanced technology options to meet the varied needs of customers around the world. GM believes that electrically driven vehicles, based on battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology, offer the best long-term solution for providing sustainable personal transportation, he added.

The two companies have begun feasibility studies of GM’s vehicle platforms sometime back to host the electric technology and they will announce more details about the vehicles soon.

About General Motors India

General Motors India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors Company, USA, has completed over 12 years of operation in India. GM India started its journey in 1996 and now offers products under the Chevrolet brand, which was introduced in India in 2003.  Chevrolet had already emerged as one of the fastest growing automotive nameplates in India. GM India produces the Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet SR-V, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Tavera for sale in India and operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Halol, Gujarat and in Talegaon, Maharashtra.

About REVA Electric Car Company Pvt. Ltd

Reva Electric Car Company, a Bangalore-based company with over 14 years of experience in electric vehicle (EV) research and development. It is the first company worldwide to successfully commercialize electric cars and was acclaimed by Business World India in 2006 as one of India’s “Cool Companies” and technology innovators. Today, REVA is selling or test marketing its products in 24 countries across Europe and Asia, as well as Latin and Central America.  It has the largest deployed fleet of electric cars on the market with over 3,000 EVs on the road and more than 70 million kilometers of user experience. In recognition of its technology leadership, REVA was the recipient of the Frost & Sullivan 2008 Automotive Power train Company of the Year award.

General Motors India and REVA Form Partnership to Transform Electric Car Market is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. on 7-26-09 previewed its electric vehicle (EV) platform on a Tiida-based prototype to demonstrate the superior driving pleasure of a pure zero-emission vehicle. It also showcased a sophisticated EV-IT system developed to support electric driving 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Newly developed EV platform

The dedicated EV platform is comprised of a highly rigid body, high-performance motor, compact lithium-ion battery with high power output and energy capacity, delivering outstanding driving performance and safety, while offering a quiet and peaceful driving experience – a unique feature of a fully-electric drivetrain.

The in-house developed electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm for high response and powerful acceleration. Nissan’s unique motor control also contributes to the vehicle’s seamless acceleration.

The 24kWh laminated compact lithium-ion battery pack is placed under the vehicle floor for more efficient packaging, without compromising cabin or cargo space. The battery layout also allows smooth underfloor air-flow which helps reduce drag. Additionally, the regenerative brake system employed to recharge the battery during deceleration and braking extends the driving range to more than 160km under a full charge (based on US LA4 mode, a typical urban driving cycle consist of a cold start phase, followed by a transient phase with many speed peaks which start from rest.)

High durability is achieved by employing an additional frame for the battery pack to significantly improve the rigidity of the platform. The combination of a high rigidity platform and electric powertrain minimizes vibration and external sounds to produce a quiet and pleasing drive.

EV-IT support function

Nissan has developed an sophisticated IT system for its zero-emission EVs, connecting the vehicle’s on-board transmitting unit to a global data center to support EV driving 24 hours 7 days a week. The global data center is a globally common platform to provide identical telematics services via mobile network by connecting internet and vehicle IT system.

Usability and convenience for EV driving is achieved via the following:

Maximum range display

• With a simple touch of a button, the navigation map shows the driving radius within range under the current state of charge.
• The system can calculate if the vehicle is within range of a pre-set destination.

Update on charging stations

• The navigation system points out the latest information on available charging stations within the current driving range.
• Detailed information for each charging station will also be displayed.

Timer function

• The timer function enables the air-conditioner or battery charging to begin at a specified time. The air-conditioner can be pre-set while the vehicle is plugged-in to cool the cabin to a desirable temperature before driving begins, without taxing the vehicle’s battery. Meanwhile, the battery charging can be set to start at a specified time at night to benefit from more favorable electricity rates.

EV remote control and monitoring function

• The driver can monitor the state-of-charge of the EV via an online website and a cellular phone. For example, when the battery is fully charged, a message alert is sent to the cellular phone. Additional remote control functions range from switching the charging system ON/OFF or setting the air-conditioner timer.

To be a leader in zero-emission mobility, Nissan is progressing its development for electric vehicles and the key components. The all-electric vehicle slated for launch in 2010 will have a unique design and body. Nissan plans to unveil the design of the production EV at its new Global Headquarters Opening in Yokohama on August 2nd. A Nissan Zero-emission Website (www.nissan-zeroemission.com) will also go live on Aug. 2nd.

Nissan has been addressing a wide range of actions under “Blue Citizenship” which represents the company’s desire to protect the blue planet and to be a corporate citizen that can live symbiotically with people and society. These efforts range from such global issues as the environmental protection to contribution to communities, promoting diversity and making personal mobility available to as many people as possible. Nissan continues promoting the development of zero-emission vehicles based on the “Blue Citizenship” spirit by introducing effective technologies, products and services into the market.

Nissan All-Electric Car Goes to Market in U.S. and Japan in 2010 on New Vehicle Platform is a post from: CleanCarTalk

The Mercedes-Benz SLS is not for everyone, but it never fails to turn heads. Add the AMG badge and you know it’s built for performance. Now MB is giving it full electric drive. Powerful and locally emission-free.

Key performance data at a glance:

• Max. output: 392 kW
• Torque: 880 Nm
• 0-100 km/h: Approx. 4 s
• Rated capacity: 40 Ah (at 400 V)
• Energy content: 3x 16 kWh = 48 kWh

From Mercedes-Benz press release:

… forwards (sic) thrust is provided by four electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm. The four electric motors are positioned near the wheels, substantially reducing the unsprung masses compared to wheel-hub motors. One transmission per axle transmits the power. This intelligent all-wheel-drive system allows dynamically optimised power transmission without any losses by means of Torque Vectoring – in other words the specifically targeted acceleration of individual wheels. In its first pilot phase, the SLS AMG with electric drive incorporates a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery of modular design with an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah. The 400-volt battery is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whilst the car is being driven.

… the swing-wing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds – putting it on the same high level as the SLS AMG with a 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW/571 hp.

The electrically powered SLS AMG sees Mercedes-Benz and AMGcontinuing to pursue their aim of minimising the amount of time it takes to bring about the electrification of the car. Their strategic involvement in Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Evonik Industries AG, will provide the battery technology required in future. Daimler has the leading role in this joint venture for the development and production of batteries and battery systems for automotive applications.

A few other highlights:

Wide-opening swing-wing doors for easy entry even in garages …

At the design stage great attention was paid to the widest possible opening angle – it is a full 70 degrees.

… another important criterion for dignified access and egress, two gas-pressure struts positioned next to the door hinges require only very little pressure when opening and closing the doors – even at very low ambient temperatures.

The swing-wing doors require less opening space than conventional coupé doors, and can be fully opened in a normal garage.

By the way, I like MB’s description of this electric car as “locally emission-free.” A very responsible marketing and PR step. The other manufacturers should do the same.

All graphics courtesy Daimler.com.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with Electric Drive – 0 to 62 mph in 4 Seconds is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Choices are good. For consumers, the more choices and competition the better. It is the foundation that keeps the economy healthy, while fostering better and improved products for consumers at the same time. It is the engine that propels hybrid, electric and clean diesel car technology development to the next level, with tangible benefits for all to enjoy.

However in the current state of development of the low/no emission and high miles-per-gallon (mpg) automobile industry, more technology and choices can cause adverse effects and reaction. The industry is still in development, but companies are announcing products way too early in their development cycle. Too many choices together with new, unfamiliar technologies can lead to greater confusion.

So car manufacturers should approach customers with a smarter and better marketing. More noise and louder noise won’t do the trick, but education and clear value proposition will make a difference. Otherwise, facing a barrage of marketing pitches with no clear standards and benefits, consumers will just ignore your messages.

What are your views on the many technologies to come out in the next 2-3 years for hybrid, electric and clean diesel cars? Are you having a tough time understand new offerings from car manufacturers? Would you pay a premium for these hi-tech cars when gas prices stay below $4? Share your comments with us.

New Hybrid and Electric Car Choices Can Fail the Car Industry is a post from: CleanCarTalk

According to a Mitsubishi Motors press release, February 12, 2009,

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the Prototype i MiEV concept model its global debut at the 79^th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 3 through March 15 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 5).With feasibility testing now underway in Europe, the possibility for Mitsubishi Motors’ i MiEV electric car to be launched in Europe draws tantalizingly close.

Sketch of Mitsubishi Prototype i MiEV concept car.

While no final decision has been made yet as to whether or when the car will be launched, Mitsubishi will continue to gauge reactions through a further exercise: the Prototype i MiEV show car.

To be unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show next to the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept, this latest iteration introduces left-hand-drive to the equation and conceptualizes — amongst other items — the wide(er) tracks and long(er) overhangs of a potential European specification i MiEV.

As a reminder, i MiEV represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Motors’ green technologies. Currently involved in testing and promotional activities in Japan, New Zealand, the United States and Europe, the car will be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009.

MiEV stands for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle. It  looks like Mitsubishi is on its way to bring out to market one of the first electric vehicles. Enjoy the videos below.

Mitsubishi i MiEV Electric Car Videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G19sYVEULgQ

Mitsubishi Motors Prototype i MiEV Concept at 2009 Geneva Show is a post from: CleanCarTalk

According to the AFP, Tesla scrubbed its plan to build a facility in Silicon Valley to build its upcoming electric car called Tesla Model S in favor of a brownfield site. Brownfield sites are essentially already existing factories or plants no longer in use.

The “Model S” car is a five-passenger sedan run by a lithium-ion battery pack that is expected to power the car for about 240 miles (385 kilometers) per charge. The car has an estimated price of 60,000 dollars.

Since its 100-million-dollars venture capital deal could not materialize in this economic condition, Tesla is now competing with other car makers for low-interest loan money the US Department of Energy has available to fund development of “brownfield” sites.

By making this change in its manufacturing facility plan for building the Model S sedans, Tesla can ensure that it does not risk its position in receiving the loan.

Tesla to Go for “Brownfield” Instead for Tesla Model S Sedan is a post from: CleanCarTalk

Here’s something cool going on in electric vehicle (EV) education in Seattle. According to the West Seattle Herald, South Seattle Community College, in partnership with the Seattle Electric Vehicle Association (SEVA), is offering a number of non-credit electric vehicle classes, including a six-day Electric Vehicle Conversion workshop.

To be taught by a group of experienced instructors who have converted over two dozen vehicles, the six-day workshop guides students through the complete process of converting a vehicle from a gasoline engine to electric power. By the end of the workshop, the group will have completed one running electric car conversion capable of highway speeds, with a 30-60 mile range on one charge. According to South Seattle Community College‘s website, this class will run between Monday 3/30/09 to Saturday 4/4/09 and will cost $899, which may be a little steep but I think it’s worth it for the experience. If you’ll be in the area during this time, this is one fun thing to do for sure.

Here is a sample of other classes, all in evenings and spread over February and March 2009.

• An overview on current best practices in electric vehicle technology, tooling used in conversions, etc.
• A couple of sessions on introduction on electric vehicles, which will discuss advantages and disadvantages of different forms of EVs, including neighborhood vehicles, freeway-capable vehicles, electric racing, electric boats, electric assisted bicycles and scooters.
• A couple of sessions on electric vehicle batteries, with topics covering suitable batteries for EVs, cost comparisons, kWhr rating calculation, how to extend battery life, charging and recycling.
• A session on EV safety systems, concentrating on the DC system, its components and why they’re important.

More details about SEVA sponsored classes and workshop visit the SEVA education page.

Considering anyone can sign up for these classes and workshops, I think both SEVA and South Seattle Community College are doing a great public service.

Gas to Electric Vehicle Conversion in Six Days at South Seattle Community College is a post from: CleanCarTalk

What do hybrid cars and electric cars have in common beside rubber tires, steering wheels and small, cute looks? Their energy storage systems, or batteries, of course.

However you look at it, hybrid and electric cars cannot succeed without advanced batteries or electric energy storage systems. It’s the single most important element that allows them to achieve higher miles per gallon (mpg) than conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) powered cars.

Recently there’s no shortage of buzz in hybrid and electric cars due to high and fluctuating gas prices and the general state of the automobile industry. When an international auto show rolls around (like the recent Detroit and Los Angeles international auto shows), the buzz is especially loud as companies are positioning themselves for a better buzz then the next guy. It seems every car manufacturer has a concept car in development that requires advanced battery technology.

But where are they getting their batteries from? It’s not quite clear at best. Big players already in the game include BYD Motors, Panasonic Corp (which supplies the Prius’ hybrid batteries) and Sanyo Electric Co Ltd. They are wisely positioning themselves in top positions in this rapidly developing industry and will most likely come out ahead as the industry matures. In the mean time, Intel is weighing its options. The company has been urged by a former chairman to manufacture advanced technology batteries for hybrid electric cars. Intel already has investments in battery-related companies, but it would be a fundamental step if the chip maker shifted into the electric car business. But Intel executives have indicated they won’t commit to anything at this time, meaning it’s unlikely.

Advanced batteries technology development and manufacturing are all risky bets. According to Ford executive chairman William C. Ford Jr., “There are no guarantees that consumers — for all their stated concerns about global warming, dependence on foreign oil and unpredictable gas prices — will buy enough of them.” He explained, “They may balk, for example, at the limits on how far they can drive on a single charge.”

Some help may come from commitment from President-elect Barack Obama. He has said he is committed to promoting cleaner cars, and may propose incentives to encourage consumers and businesses to buy them. What we need is batteries with more storage capacity, quicker charging time, lower cost, higher reliability and durability. For now, the advanced car batteries industry is wide open.

What’s your opinion on the current state of advanced batteries for hybrid and electric cars? Who may come out ahead of the competition and why? What about Lithium-Ion? How much longer do we have to wait? Share your views and opinions.

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Advanced Car Batteries Industry Still Wide Open? is a post from: CleanCarTalk

I ran into a really sad sight on my recent trip to the local Costco Warehouse. It forced me to think a little bit more than usual. It’s not the first time I noticed this. I’ve seen it many times before. But it wasn’t until yesterday that it dawned on me with a huge mega-watt light bulb. I wonder who else noticed it. Maybe everyone is immune to it.

What am I talking about? I’m talking about those electric car charging stations sitting idling and unused at Costco locations. Here’s what Costco wrote about these charging stations back in its December 2006 Costco Connection issue:

“Costco offers 90 charging stations at 64 locations. Most of the stations are in California, with a handful in Arizona, New York and Georgia…The process couldn’t be simpler. Members park in reserved spaces, attach special paddles and head into the warehouse. By the time their shopping is done, their car should be, too.”

The article had this photo showing a Toyota RAV-4 EV parking right next to it, although I don’t think it’s charging. As far as I know all those charging stations are still where they’re originally installed. The one near my home in Carmel Mountain Ranch has 2 charging stations and 2 spaces. The sad fact is there’s no one using them.

Well back to the present, November 2008. I couldn’t help but whip out my iPhone to take a few snapshots. What a sad scene, I must admit. One can look at this from different angles, including:

1. It’s such a big waste of space. Many cars can utilize this space every day. Oh wait, people are parking in those spaces. In fact there’s an SUV parking right there!
2. Actually it’s not a bad storage area. Or a temporary shopping cart roundup area. Or a place to recycle cardboard boxes.
3. There must not be enough electric car drivers who need a recharge while shopping, else there would be some serious complaints logged.

I guess we’re still not ready for clean electric or plug-in cars yet. These charging stations are still way ahead of their times.

What a Sad Sight: Electric Car Charging Station at my Local Costco Warehouse. is a post from: CleanCarTalk