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Featured Threads Archive
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Electric motor efficiency introduction
Source: Check out the details inside an electric car motor
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While the improvements in the automobile internal combustion engine are well documented, the state of the electric motor is less well known -- at least among those of us who focus on the auto industry. At Automotive News, we've rarely written about the internal workings of the electric motor and the engineering challenges it poses as it moves into high volume production and use. That seems likely to change.
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That will soon change, says John Tintinalli, director of the global product group for ground vehicles at SAE International. He said SAE is developing a standard way to measure efficiency of electric motors, as well as torque and horsepower.
The Chevrolet Volt has two electric motors -- one is 96 percent efficient, while the other is 94 percent efficient. Nitz says electric motor efficiency at GM is...bwilson4web Sep 22, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 2,106 Likes: 3 Replies: 10 -
Camry Hybrid LE metrics
Source: 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE Matches Toyota Prius' 52 MPG Fuel Economy | Torque News
In the case of the new 2018 Camry Hybrid, the LE uses a lithium-ion battery instead of the nickel metal hydride batteries the SE and XLE Hybrid trims use. It also has steel wheels and slightly different dimensions and a lower weight than the other two trims.
I have long suspected steel vs alloy wheels have a measurable impact on the City driving protocol results because the polar moment of inertia effect. I would love to see the results of an alloy wheel version of the new, Camry hybrid.
Bob Wilsonbwilson4web Sep 22, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 1,216 Likes: 1 Replies: 6 -
Rotary returns
Source: Mazda Bringing New Rotary Concept to Tokyo | TheDetroitBureau.com
Earlier this year, several senior Mazda sources revealed that the Wankel will make its return under the hood of the Japanese automaker’s first battery-electric vehicle. If that has you scratching your head, the explanation is simple: the rotary will serve as a range-extender for the EV Mazda is expected to launch sometime in 2019.
It’s the same approach that BMW is using for a range-extender for its little city car, the i3 REx, albeit with a rotary, rather than conventional piston engine. Once the batteries are drained, the Wankel will fire up to keep the car rolling until the driver can stop for a recharge.
The range-extender approach is somewhat different from a plug-in hybrid in several ways. First, the vehicle is expected to run solely in electric mode unless and until the batteries are drained....bwilson4web Sep 20, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 2,124 Likes: 3 Replies: 24 -
Hybrid / EV / Plugin Insurance Costs
The mods will decide of course, but this might be sticky-worthy, since it could save some owners a ton of cash. We'll see if this has any legs.
Automotive Insurance is one of those costs of ownership elements we all need. Don't know why it didn't dawn on me decades before, but it might be advantageous to know what kind of deals are available for all of us. Maybe even nationwide as rates vary so much - but now that membership is in the 6 figures? Over the decades, Danny has worked some nice deals for extended... -
What the ?
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ERV (Electric Recreational Vehicle)
I've long thought this could make a lot of sense. Lots of high powered plugs at most camp grounds. But a little more range would be good. And ditch the solar panels on the side. Not worth the additional prime bump.
Electric motorhomes are coming: a new RV powered by solar panels and 91 kWh battery pack | Electrek -
When 10 MPG wins a contest
Source: http://m.fleetowner.com/ideaxchange/fleets-still-improving-mpg-study-shows#
We asked fleets about their use of 85 different technologies and practices that improve fuel economy. Based on their adoption of some of these technologies — each fleet selects its own combination of technologies and no fleet can use all 85 — they saw a 1% increase in fuel economy in 2016 compared to 2015.
Combined these fleets reached an average fuel economy of 7.11 mpg compared to the average U.S. fleet. Keep in mind that 7.11 is an average fuel economy number; 2017 model trucks operated by those fleets achieved 7.8 to 9.2 mpg and some even approached 10 mpg.
What reaching 7.11 MPG means in dollars and cents is a combined savings of nearly $500,000,000 or $3,874 per year per truck with fuel at $2.34 a gallon.
Think about that. $3,874 per truck per year. That’s a significant savings for those...bwilson4web Sep 17, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 835 Likes: 1 Replies: 2 -
Is Tesla revisiting Battery Swaps?
Tesla just got a patent on battery swap technology. That could provide a quick "fill-up" for a self-driving car.
Tesla Secures Patent For Battery Swap Technology | CleanTechnicaProdigyplace Sep 16, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 3,992 Likes: 0 Replies: 51 -
Samsung Modular Battery for EV's
I think this has potential. I like it even more if the end user can adjust how many battery packs they want on any given trip. Could make shorter range trips much more efficient.
Samsung's New Car Battery Works Like 'Books on a Shelf' | News & Opinion | PCMag.com -
bwilson4web Sep 14, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 717 Likes: 1 Replies: 0
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Honda Clarity Plug-in
Source: 2018 Honda Clarity: Honda's new plug-in gets 47 miles of pure electric range
Honda ... 2018 Clarity Plug-in Hybrid. It can go 47 miles on a single charge. When it arrives in dealerships later this year, the Clarity will boast an EPA fuel economy of 110 combined mpg-e, with a gas-only city rating of 44 and 40 highway with a combined 42 mpg. . . .
"We think the combination of a class-leading 47 miles of all-electric driving range rating and a large five-passenger package will give us an advantage in the plug-in hybrid game," said Ray Mikiciuk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co.
The Clarity will withstand a road trip.... -
New high-power hybrid option in all Toyota hybrids
At first I thought that C-HR Hy-Power CONCEPT is only a design change that will be shown on Frankfurt motor show, but apparently there is also some form of tune up to the 1.8 hybrid system:
New high-power hybrid powertrainTOYOTA C-HR Hy-Power CONCEPT
The concept has been designed around the use of a new hybrid powertrain that offers more power and performance than the 122 DIN hp system featured in the current production Toyota C-HR. This reflects a significant and strategic future development of Toyota’s world-leading technology that will higher performance hybrid options being made available in all its core models. More details regarding this expansion of hybrid will be revealed early in 2018.
Apparently all models will get a tuned up version of hybrid system, will they do...GasperG Sep 12, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 4,122 Likes: 0 Replies: 29 -
North American battery conference in Michigan
Sorry, for the late notice. I found it in my inbox just now.
Source: The Battery Show : Conference Agenda 2017
The $700 one-day pass is a little rich but there are 'free' exhibition hall passes.
GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilsonbwilson4web Sep 11, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 799 Likes: 1 Replies: 1 -
Green Drive Get-Together
Hey everyone! There is a gathering this weekend in Madison, WI for National Drive Electric Week. A lot of us are staying at the Clarion next to the Alliant energy center, but there will be free charging for vehicles, and if everyone registers a room under the group name "Green Drive Reunion", you'll get a cheaper rate. ($119.00 v.s. $179.00). The hotel also has a social hour with free beer, wine, and snacks.
We are planning on meeting Friday evening at the Clarion where everyone can mingle for a bit and catch up, and forming a hybrid/EV convoy to Quaker Steak.
There will also be different events going on in Madison for NDEW this weekend that we plan to go to.
If you're interested, feel free to call the hotel and reserve, (608-284-1234) or if you want to come but not stay at the same hotel, that's fine too. The more the merrier! I'm expecting 10-15 people so far. Hoping to keep growing!That_Prius_Car Sep 11, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 728 Likes: 0 Replies: 0 -
0W-16 Oil coming
Come to find out 0W-16 has been around for a while, mainly in Japan, but its use in the Camry and Camry hybrid is the first I've heard of it. : The engine is a 2.5-liter inline four that has variable valve timing, runs on the Atkinson cycle, and has a near-diesel 14.0:1 compression ratio. It also uses a new super lightweight 0w16 grade oil that further reduces internal friction and losses.
Here's an interesting Q&A with a couple of Japanese "oil guys" about this spec: The Skinny on OW-16 Oil - National Oil & Lube News
So we tested a Honda Fit on a dynamometer. The 0W-16 showed an improvement in fuel economy by 2 percent when compared to 0W-20.
NOLN: What are some of the concerns about 0W-16 oils?
Miyamoto: [Some may be worried that] lowering viscosity might cause increased wear or a pressure issue.
Takahashi: Those were concerns with having such a low viscosity oil, but with more than 15 years...fotomoto Sep 11, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 5,721 Likes: 1 Replies: 21 -
Ford Transit plug-in hybrid
Source: Ford Transit Custom PHEV Being Tested By Fleets In London
The Ford Transit Custom PHEV uses an advanced pure series hybrid system offering 50 kilometers (31 miles) of battery-only range. A 1.0-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine is coupled with an electric motor for a total range of 500 km (310 miles).Perfect replacement for our BMW i3-REx ... same architecture. Just the thing to make into an RV.
Bob Wilsonbwilson4web Sep 9, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 1,478 Likes: 3 Replies: 5 -
Wisconsin yet again moving to add a special tax for Prius hybrids and plug ins
I'm quoting from bluesight and metrompg but in any event the republican Wisconsin legislators are once again making legislation to penalize hybrids, vehicles with start stop and plug ins.
The law started as a $150 up charge for BEVs only and every day gets changed to add more vehicles, last I saw it was reduced to $100 but is moving to become the "Prius tax" again.
An old version of the bill is here
2017 Assembly Bill 478
My sentiments are stated well below so I'm quoting but please write your letter to the editor on this issue...
This may seem counterintuitive, but "traditional" hybrid owners should raise a holy stink that they are being lumped in with plug-ins and EVs. While this appears to play in to the hands of folks that like to divide and conquer, like the WI governor and majority legislators, the only way to implement this punitive tax is to require the larger pool of traditionals to be lumped in with the...Rmay635703 Sep 8, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 13,547 Likes: 5 Replies: 134 -
Heartland Comment in Detroit News
Source: Middle class bearing Tesla subsidy
When the sale of its 200,000th vehicle occurs later this year, Tesla buyers will no longer be able to claim a $7,500-per-vehicle federal tax credit for purchasing one. But fear not! California’s climate-crazy legislature is coming to the rescue.
Gov. Jerry Brown and state legislators plan to pass a $3 billion electric vehicle (EVs) subsidy to replace the soon-to-end federal rebate. Under California’s generous program, electric vehicle buyers could soon receive up to $40,000 to buy’s Tesla’s most expensive models.
Despite the federal government having provided a $465 million low-interest loan for Tesla to develop a cheap electric vehicle in 2009 and the billions of dollars in tax credits given to buyers, Tesla has continued to turn out $110,000 luxury cars designed for and marketed to millionaires. Those buyers...bwilson4web Sep 8, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 778 Likes: 0 Replies: 0 -
Uber ending diesels in London
Source: Uber to stop using diesel cars in London by end 2019 | Reuters
LONDON (Reuters) - Uber [UBER.UL] will cease using diesel cars in London by the end of 2019 and the vast majority of rides will be in electric or hybrid vehicles by then, the taxi app said on Friday.
At the moment the company says around half of all the journey miles completed in the British capital are undertaken with greener vehicles on the firm’s standard low-cost UberX service, which lets customers book journeys on their smartphone.
Several carmakers have announced plans in recent months to electrify a large proportion of their new cars, with Volvo [GEELY.UL] becoming the first major carmaker to set a date for phasing out vehicles powered solely by the internal combustion engine.
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Perhaps Toyota might reconsider some of their product mixes in the UK....bwilson4web Sep 8, 2017 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 912 Likes: 2 Replies: 1 -
Hurricane Harvey losses
From what I've read, Hurricane Harvey has damaged over 500,000 automobiles. I am one of the few that lost my 2012 Prius Gen 4. It was my first Prius and only had it for a year. I bought it in August 2016 with around 25,000 miles on it and it flooded August 2017 with around 43,000 miles on it. It was practically brand new. Here are a few images. My car had at the most maybe 1.5 feet of water in it. Oh, and my parents lost their Prius also. Who else lost their Prius?
Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
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