5 Facts About Chrysler Electric Vehicles

In the 1990s, Chrysler was right alongside domestic automakers Ford and GM with electric drive research and development. Chrysler was test marketing an electric minivan, proving out fast-charge technology for electric cars, and as seriously involved in this field as any company. The merger with Daimler (DaimlerChrysler) seriously slowed, if not stopped, full function electric drive development efforts in the Chrysler camp as emphasis was placed elsewhere.

1. Chrysler Was First
While plenty of others are discussed as leaders in the electric drive field, it was Chrysler that introduced the very first modern electric vehicle to market in the U.S. – the Chrysler TEVan in 1992. These were built in extremely limited numbers and aimed at fleets wishing early involvement with electric vehicles. Why fleets? Because of extremely high battery and component costs plus low volume production, the vehicle’s price was in the range of $100,000 each … so nobody else could afford them.

2. EPIC Concept Electric Vehicle
Chrysler developed a smooth-looking electric concept van in 1992 called the Electric Power Inter-Urban Commuter, or EPIC for short. Strange acronyms like that seemed to be almost normal then (as evidenced by the circa-1990s Subaru BRAT – Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter). The EPIC concept was energized by nickel-iron batteries, although that changed to advanced lead-acid batteries in the limited production version of the EPIC that was marketed to fleets five years later.

3. ‘Destiny’ Program’s Four-Door Electric
Modifying existing platforms to accept electric drive was not the exclusive approach at Chrysler, Early on, the automaker strived to create a viable four-door mid-size electric vehicle through its ‘Destiny’ program. The vehicle in development made use of lightweight materials and an AC induction motor. Ultimately, it was determined that this would not prove to be a viable option and other approaches were followed.

4. GEM Neighborhood Electric Vehicle
Chrysler has sold more than 35,000 low-speed GEM neighborhood electric vehicles worldwide since the mid-1990s with more than 200 million zero-emission miles driven by customers. The GEM is suited for certain types of uses and is not a full-function vehicle. As a neighborhood electric vehicle, by law it is governed to a top speed of 25 mph and is allowed on streets with posted limits of 35 mph or less.

5. Renewed Electric Car Efforts
No longer part of DaimlerChrysler, efforts to develop and market electric cars have returned at Chrysler. The most high-profile example of this was the recent debut of three electric drive vehicle concepts – an all-electric Dodge sports car and range-extended electric versions of the Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler Town & Country minivan. The concepts use lithium-ion batteries. While no information is provided about sourcing of these vehicles’ high-tech components, photos have shown the use of UQM Technologies electric drive in the Dodge sports car concept. Chrysler does say that its efforts will move beyond the concept stage and the company will market one of these three vehicles beginning in 2010.

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Offers Economy and Performance, Too

Enthusiasts worry that without combustion engines, cars will not be as much fun to drive. The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept, based on the same versatile platform as the conventional Evora model, was developed to demonstrate that electric and hybrid sports cars can have the feel, driving dynamics, feedback, and even the sounds of a high-performance sports car.

There are reasons for the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept’s unusual name and copper color scheme. The name comes from the 414 PS – ‘PS’ forPferdestärke, horsepower in German – power rating. Copper, a color associated with electrical systems, was chosen for the car’s interior and exterior.

Two electric motors independently drive each rear wheel via a single-speed transmission integrated into a common housing. Each motor provides 204 horsepower (207 PS) and 295 pound-feet of torque to each wheel. Well suited to electric and series hybrid vehicles, varying torque at each driving wheel allows torque vectoring for enhanced performance. Besides enhancing low speed maneuverability and parking ease, torque steering improves high-speed, straight-line travel. With lateral sensors, it offers stability control and steering response normally available only from heavy and expensive rear steer systems that automatically correct both understeer and oversteer.

A 17 kilowatt-hour lithium polymer battery pack is located in the vehicle’s center for battery-only driving range of up to 35 miles. For longer trips, a Lotus Range Extender engine drives a generator to supply the motors and recharge the battery. This 48 horsepower, 1.2 liter three-cylinder engine is optimized specifically for this series hybrid and can be operated on gasoline and alcohol-based fuels, providing a total range of over 300 miles.

The aluminum monoblock engine, with its single casting for cylinder head and exhaust manifold, means reduced weight, assembly cost, and package size as well as improved emissions and engine durability. The integrated generator is also used as a motor to start the range extender engine. This hybrid sports car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds

While only having a single speed, the driver experiences a simulated 7-speed paddle, quick-shift gear change with a dual clutch transmission. You hear synthesized engine sounds that change in frequency with virtual gear selection and even feel the jolt of the gear change. The simulated gear change can be switched off for more relaxed driving.

Like most EVs and HEVs, the Evora 414E Hybrid has regenerative braking, although in this case a more sophisticated variation. A driver controls deceleration with simulated engine braking through a virtual downshift in gears. Unlike other regenerative braking systems, the driver can select the appropriate level of regeneration by simulating stepping down one, two, or even three gears. Both the simulated gear change noise and retardation is similar to that of a conventional gearbox.

Not only does the Evora 414E Hybrid drive like a conventional sports car, it also sounds like one with driver selectable sounds that include those of V-6 to V-12 engines. Developed with Harman International, the HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis system produces engine sounds inside through the audio system. It also generates sounds outside the vehicle through speakers mounted at the front and rear, thus serving as an audible warning to pedestrians, especially at slower speeds when it may be difficult to hear a vehicle running on electric motors.

Volkswagen NCC Shares Vision of a Future Compact Hybrid

VW’s NCC (New Compact Coupe) Hybrid makes a statement with its elegant profile accented by an aggressive front end, low and wide stance, and 19-inch wheels. It also casts an eye toward the future with an innovative use of the automaker’s advanced TSI gasoline engine technology combined with electric drive.

The NCC’s 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged and intercooled gas engine provides 150 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque on its own, with the electric motor contributing an additional 27 hp and instant torque. This brings brisk 0-60 acceleration in 8.1 seconds with a top speed of 141 mph.

The sleek coupe is designed to operate exclusively on electric power at times and also add boost to the engine during acceleration. Drag losses are minimized by decoupling the TSI engine from the drivetrain while operating on electric power and also while coasting.

Power is directed through a seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox. Regenerative braking is integrated to allow power to be routed back to the car’s lithium-ion batteries during deceleration and braking. All this brings a combined fuel economy rating of 45 mpg, according to Volkswagen.

Volkswagen’s NCC provides a glimpse of what this automaker has in mind for a future compact hybrid model. While clean diesels are the primary emphasis in VW’s approach to higher efficiency at present, change is afoot as the automaker is working to add more diverse hybrid and electric powered vehicles to its portfolio.

AMP Equinox a Functional and Stylish Electric Vehicle Option

If you want a family-sized battery electric vehicle you don’t want to wait until the Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi i-MiEV are available, there’s a new option. AMP Electric Vehicles is now taking orders for its AMP’d Equinox with first deliveries planned for June 2010. Of course, you have to purchase a Chevrolet Equinox Crossover and deliver it to AMP’s conversion facility in Blue Ash, Ohio. Two weeks later, though, you’ll have a completed conversion that finds your new ride making the leap from gasoline to zero emission electric power.

For several years now, AMP has been converting GM Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice sports cars into electric vehicles. Now that both of these two-seat roadsters are no longer in production, AMP is refocusing its attention on conversions of the highly regarded 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The company still converts 2007-2009 Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice models, plus it also plans conversions of other GM vehicles.

The AMP conversion replaces the rear axle with an integrated electric power unit driving the rear wheels. Power comes from two HVH250 Remy International electric motor/generators mounted back-to-back with each motor driving one rear wheel. Thus, the differential and transmission are no longer needed. The result is very powerful system that is very light, inexpensive, and relatively straightforward.

The off-the-shelf HVH250 motor is used in other high-profile applications including General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW two-mode hybrids. AMP adds its own motor housing and interface components to fit the needs of the specific vehicle being converted to electric power. The HVH250 motors use Remy’s High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) technology that features bar wound stators rather than wire winding, bringing what the company claims is dramatically improved motor performance and cooling effectiveness.

The AMP'd Equinox has a top speed of 90 mph and achieves 0 to 60 mph acceleration in about eight seconds. Because of the motor’s high efficiency, AMP says the electrified Equinox can travel up to 150 miles on a single charge of its 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate batteries – about 50 miles more than the Nissan Leaf. Plus, individual cells can be replaced on an as-needed basis without replacing the entire battery pack. AMP expects the battery packs to retain 80 percent of their capacity up to 100,000 miles.

The cost of the conversion with government incentives is $25,000 plus the price of a new Chevy Equinox. Thus, depending on amenities ordered, the total price of this highly functional electric crossover should come in about $50,000.

Kia Ray EcoDynamics Plug-In Hybrid Based on Forte Platform

To say that Kia has come along as a brand would be an understatement. This marque, known for its inexpensive entry point in the market, offers a corporate tagline that reads ‘The Power to Surprise.’ Well, no kidding. Its mainstream offerings like the Sorrento and Sportage crossovers, Borrego SUV, and Optima sedan – not to mention the stylishly fluid Forte Koup and trendy Soul – show there’s a play here to capture a larger part of the market. Should we be surprised, then, that there’s also a serious effort to play in the big leagues of advanced technology vehicles?

The Kia Ray concept is but one bit of insight into the automaker’s future plans. The fifth vehicle in the past year to emerge from the California-based Kia Design Center America (KDCA), the Ray is part of Kia’s ‘EcoDynamics’ sub-brand that aims to embrace more fuel efficient and low emission technologies in future vehicles. Other EcoDynamics examples include the Kia Borrego FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle), Forte LPI Hybrid, cee’d Hybrid, and twin-turbo diesel Kia Sorento Hybrid.

Based on the Kia Forte platform, the Ray plug-in hybrid is a futuristically-styled, four-door compact sedan featuring flush surfaces, an integrated underbody pan, and an array of automated design elements that react to real-time conditions to decrease wind resistance. Among these are a sliding deck-lid that extends from the rear at higher speeds and front driving lamps that slide back to create openings for air intake. Various eco features are integrated including lightweight and materials and a glass roof panel with hexagonal solar cells.

This front-drive PHEV is designed to be powered by a 1.4-liter, 153 hp gasoline direct injected engine and a 78 kW electric motor energized by lithium-ion batteries. Power is directed through a continuously variable transmission, with the vehicle driven exclusively by the electric motor for up to 50 miles, by the gas engine, or by both powerplants for an overall driving range of over 740 miles.

Audi e-gas Project Combines Hydrogen and CO2

One of the disadvantages of renewable energy sources like wind and solar is the difficulty in managing their fluctuating electrical output to coincide with power demand. Audi's e-gas project has a solution. Excess electrical power would be used to produce hydrogen by electrolysis and e-gas –synthetic methane – by the methanation of hydrogen.

This would provide hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles, e-gas for natural gas vehicles, and electricity for electric models. It would also allow storage of excess electrical capacity, when converted to e-gas, in the largest available energy-storage system: the natural gas network.

Audi is building an e-gas plant consisting of two main elements, an electrolyzer and a methanation unit The electrolyzer running on green electricity uses polymer electrolyte membranes to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Since there are still few fuel cell vehicles, initially the hydrogen will be used by the methanation unit. Here, hydrogen is combined with carbon dioxide to create e-gas. Methanation uses CO2 rather than discharging it into the atmosphere. Although e-gas is really synthetic natural gas or methane, Audi calls it e-gas.

After three years of research, Audi is now entering the practical phase. In January 2011, a lab facility with an output of 25 kilowatts was set up for testing purposes. In mid-2011, Audi and several partners will invest several tens of millions of euros to begin construction of an e-gas facility in Werlte, Germany. The Audi e-gas project can easily be replicated in any country with an existing natural-gas network.

Starting in 2013, Audi will begin series production of the Audi A3 TCNG with an engine using Audi's TFSI technology that can operate on e-gas, CNG, or conventional gasoline when neither alternative fuel is available.

Audi is also contributing to the construction of offshore North Sea wind turbines. During the project’s first phase, four large powerplants at an offshore wind park in the North Sea are being financed by Audi and a regional power supply company. Rated at 3.6 megawatts each, these four turbines can supply some 53 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.

Natural Gas Vehicle Activities Signal NGV Choices Ahead

Honda, still the only automaker to offer a factory-built, compressed natural gas (CNG) passenger vehicle in the U.S., plans to promote its 2012 Civic Natural Gas model more aggressively. Besides changing its model designation from the previous ‘Honda Civic GX’ to highlight its use of CNG, American Honda has selected environmental consulting firm Gladstein, Neandross & Associates to help market it in 19 states in the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic plus the District of Columbia. The Honda Civic Natural Gas is currently available in 33 states and will be offered in five additional states by the end of the 2011.

Newly redesigned for 2012, the CNG-version uses the same 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine as the Civic sedan and coupe, but with unique fuel injectors and intake exhaust valves for operating on natural gas. Stronger connecting rods and special pistons are used to handle the higher 12.7:1 (versus the gasoline variant’s10.6:1) compression ratio. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. Civic Natural Gas models are produced at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana.

The Civic Natural Gas has an estimated fuel economy rating of 27 city/38 highway mpg on a gasoline-gallon equivalency basis. Compared to the 2011 model, city fuel economy is improved by 12.5 percent and highway fuel economy is up by 5.5 percent. Better fuel economy is achieved partly through aerodynamic features like flat underbody construction and strakes in front of the tires. The 3600 psi, aluminum-lined composite CNG fuel tank located between the rear wheels carries the equivalent of 7.8 gallons of gasoline.

The Civic Natural Gas engine is the cleanest internal-combustion vehicle certified by the EPA. California rates it as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), which is achieved by meeting SULEV standards and maintaining emissions durability for at least 150,000 miles or 15 years. Purchase incentives currently pending under legislation HR 1380 (the NAT GAS Act) would make the Civic Natural Gas more affordable than its as-yet unannounced base price, which is expected to be in the $26,000 range.

Ford says half of all its vehicles will be capable of running on alternative fuels, especially natural gas, by 2012. Of course these are commercial vehicles like Transit Connect and E-Series vans, E-Series stripped chassis and cutaways, E-Series wagons, F-Series Super Duty trucks, F-350 through F-750 Super Duty chassis cabs, and F53/F59 stripped chassis. Ford does not build natural gas vehicles, but rather has developed and tested a CNG/LPG Gaseous Engine Prep Package to be installed by third party upfitters that handle the CNG/LPG tank and hardware installations.

General Motors, which began selling vehicles with natural gas engines to U.S. fleet buyers last year, has entered into an agreement with Westport Innovations to bolster its place in the natural gas vehicle field. Both GM and Westport will bring their extensive expertise in developing CNG engine control, emissions, and performance strategies.

Westport will open a new Technical Center in Michigan to develop technologies for CNG vehicles aimed at business, government fleets, and personal use. This includes applying hybridization, smaller-displacement with turbocharging, direct injection, and other fuel-saving technologies now used in gasoline and diesel engines.

Chrysler Group plans to start selling CNG vehicles by 2017. Chrysler, partly own by Fiat SpA, is in an ideal position to develop and market NGVs. Fiat is a CNG market leader in Europe with 80 percent of the market for methane gas-powered cars and 55 percent of the light truck market. For example, Chrysler is looking at the possibility of adding CNG powered engines to its Ram truck line.

Electric Commercial Trucks are Growing in Popularity

Large electric delivery trucks were quite popular in the early days of the automobile. Indeed, Walker built them well into the 1930s. Today, several manufacturers are embarking on building medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks in the U.S. Besides the advantages of early electric trucks like quiet operation and durability, there are additional reasons that truck builders see a market for electric delivery trucks. These include high fuel prices, concerns about climate change, and the advent of new battery technologies that give electric trucks the range they lacked in the past.

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. has joined with Enova Systems to build an all-electric chassis that could be used for the MT-45 walk-in vans used by FedEx and UPS, among other applications. The electric vans would use Enova's 90 and 120 kW electric drive systems, have maximum payloads of 10,000 pounds, and be available to fleet customers as early as 2010. Production could be at Freightliner plants in Gaffney, South Carolina and Enova’s facility in Torrance, California.

Navistar will be building an all-electric urban truck in Elkhart, Indiana, great news for the economically depressed city that’s home to many RV and motorhome manufacturers. To speed up development, Navistar has entered into a joint venture with Modec, a company that already builds electric trucks in Coventry, England used by FedEx, UPS, and Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain. The joint venture has received $39 million from the U.S. Stimulus Plan and plans to produce and sell electric Class 2 and 3 commercial vehicles in North, Central, and South America with first deliveries expected in 2010.

Smith Electric Vehicles is already building its Newton electric delivery truck in a hanger at the Kansas City International Airport, albeit in low volume. Smith has yet to make a decision on a larger permanent factory, although several locations are vying for the facility. The Newton, which at 16,000 pounds is the largest commercially available battery electric-powered truck, has been delivered to PG&E, Coca-Cola, Staples, Frito-Lay, AT&T, and Kansas City Power & Light. The truck is powered by Valence lithium-ion batteries and a 120 kW motor that provides a range of over 100 miles on a single charge.

Ford plans to launch its Transit Connect battery electric vehicle in mid-2010. Essentially the Smith Ampere built in the U.K., it uses a lithium-ion/iron phosphate battery pack and a 50 kW electric motor that replaces the Transit Connect’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, providing a range of about 100 miles and a top speed of 70 mph.

Balqon Corp., which builds off-highway yard tractors and drayage vehicles in Harbor City, California, is now offering its Mule M150 for short-haul on-highway routes in inner cities, port facilities, and airports. The Mule M150 is equipped with Balqon’s heavy-duty electric drive system that integrates a 300 horsepower traction motor and lithium-ion batteries. The Mule M150 can carry a maximum load of 7 tons and is able to travel at a speed of up to 55 mph.

Several other smaller companies are either planning to manufacture, or are already manufacturing and marketing, electric delivery trucks. Electric Vehicles International, a California company that has built electric vehicles in Mexico for some 20 years, is offering its electric Class 3-6 eviLightTruck commercial trucks, which will be built in Stockton, California. Electrorides’s ZeroTruck is an Isuzu N Series Class 4 truck converted to electric power by Boshart Engineering in Ontario, California. Boshart has already been involved in building the Phoenix SUT electric pickup, an electrified Ssangyong pickup sourced from Korea. Boulder Electric Vehicle plans to build electric vans and trucks in Boulder, Colorado, with electric Delivery Truck and Cargo Van/Work Utility Vehicle models expected to be available in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

A Million EVs by 2015? Don’t Bet Your Life (Economy) on It

President Obama, in his 2011 State of the Union address, set a goal of one million electric vehicles on the road by 2015. The aim is to build U.S. leadership in technologies that reduce dependence on oil, enhance environmental stewardship, and promote transportation sustainability, while creating high quality jobs and economic growth. The million EVs would include plug-in hybrids, extended range electric vehicles, and all-electric vehicles.

To reach this goal, President Obama has proposed a new three-part plan to further support EV manufacturing and enhance adoption. This includes revised tax incentives plus greater research and development, investments, and programs to encourage communities to invest in infrastructure for EVs.

The current $7,500 tax credit would be made more attractive by offering it at point-of-sale rather than requiring a wait until the end of the year. Investments in R&D for electric drive, batteries, and energy storage technologies would be increased. Communities investing in infrastructure through competitive grants and the removal of regulatory barriers would be rewarded

An Environmental Protection Agency report, ‘One Million Electric Vehicles by 2015,’ concludes that this goal is within reach in terms of production capacity. However, initial cost, unfamiliarity with the technology, and infrastructure limitations – very real potential barriers to achieving a large-scale market for EVs – are not considered.

According to EPA, there is substantial consumer interest in EVs, as demonstrated by the larger-than-anticipated pre-orders for the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt. Whether this interest translates into sales beyond the initial ‘early adopters’ who embrace new and innovative products will depend on initial consumer experience with these early vehicles, and on how experiences are communicated to, and perceived by, the rest of the car buying public. Important unresolved issues include resale value, range, and availability of convenient charging facilities.

In related action, President Obama's proposed federal budget cuts all funding for clean diesel and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle research. The $80 million in funding would probably be shifted to EV-related incentives and R&D.

ANALYSIS

The projection of a million EVs by 2015 is based on the ability to build electric cars rather the more difficult job of selling them. What’s eye-opening is that the basis for projected production numbers is information sourced from EV manufacturers and media reports, and media typically get this information from the manufacturers. It is not from any real market analysis showing how many EVs people will actually buy.

While projected Volt and Leaf numbers are likely achievable, estimated sales of 231,000 electric cars from a company that few people have heard about, and has yet to sell its first unit, raises questions. And will 57,000 buyers really opt for a tiny city car – also from a relatively unknown manufacturer – at $34,000 a copy, or even $26,500 after the tax incentive? How about another projected 55,000 unit sales of an electric model that is not yet on sale? All three of these optimistic scenarios, representing more than a third of a million units, are included in the Administration’s projections.

By proposing to cut funding for clean diesel and fuel cells to zero in favor of EVs, President Obama is essentially saying we don't need oil any more now that we have electric cars. By this, the government in reality is picking market winners and losers based on very limited experience.

Cutting fuel cell funding might be prudent in today's austere environment, but cutting diesel funding is not. While electric trucks and buses may be suitable for shorter routes and intracity duty, diesels will probably always be required for long haul trucks and intercity buses. Also, there would be no funding programs for retrofitting buses and trucks with clean diesel technology that is producing results today. And consider: About 50% of the cars sold in Europe and 70% in France are diesels, Do they know something we don't?

Honda Fit EV Concept Shares Direction of Coming Model

Honda is one of those automakers that has always done more than its share to address environmental compatibility. When ‘environmental positioning’ was a popular more-talk-than action strategy in the auto industry a few decades back, it was often Honda stepping up to do something real – like introducing near-zero emission gasoline vehicles, offering an assembly-line produced natural gas sedan, and of course being the first to the U.S. market with a gasoline-electric hybrid. This hasn’t changed, although you wouldn’t necessarily know it because of all the noise out there in eco-land.

Recently, Honda unveiled its vision for the Honda Electric Mobility Network that included the Fit EV Concept, an all-electric hatchback that provides a strong indication of what to expect in the upcoming all-electric Fit EV model. Destined for the U.S. and Japan in 2012, the Fit EV will be powered by lithium-ion batteries and an efficient coaxial electric motor derived from Honda’s FCX fuel cell vehicle program.

The Fit EV will be designed to deliver a top speed of 90 mph and an estimated 100 mile driving range. That range can be optimized by driver input using a three-mode electric drive system adapted from the Honda CR-Z hybrid that allows choosing Econ, Normal, and Sport modes. Honda says that running in Econ mode can increase driving range up to 17 percent compared to driving in Normal mode. Selecting the Sport mode brings a significant acceleration boost that’s said to provide performance similar to that of a 2.0-liter engine.

Other measures are built in to help make the most of on-board power. For example, a display advises when to shut down air conditioning and other accessories to maximize battery life. When the time does come to charge, Honda says a fully depleted Fit EV can be ready-to-go in less than 12 hours when charged from a conventional 120 volt outlet and less than six hours using a 240 volt charger. To make charging convenient, the Fit EV will come standard with a Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System that includes a charging station locator function.

Electronics looms large in the Fit EV. It will come with smartphone and computer connectivity for remotely viewing state-of-charge, initiating a charge, and pre-conditioning the interior by activating air conditioning while plugged in. A pocket-sized Honda interactive remote will also provides connectivity without requiring a cellphone signal or internet connection.