Click HERE to see the exclusive video from WXYZ's coverage of the event.

Not only did Obama's auto task force visit GM, but they also traveled down the street to Chrysler's Warren manufacturing plant. Both GM and Chrysler are begging asking for an additional $17.4 Billion in government loans, needing this money to survive throughout the coming months.

We're happy the Arizona Senator and Presidential hopeful, John McCain, isn't in charge based on his quote on CNBC today:

"I think the best thing that could probably happen to General Motors, in my view, is they go into Chapter 11. They reorganize, they renegotiate ... the union-management contracts and come out of it a stronger, better, leaner more competitive automotive industry."

Thanks, Senator McCain, for staying positive.

Both GM and Chrysler released statements regarding President Obama's auto task force visit which you can read below:

GM Statement:

"We were pleased to host the Task Force so they could experience firsthand the new products and technologies that are an integral part of GM's near- and long-term competitiveness. We look forward to continuing to support the efforts of the Task Force as they move quickly to address their critical tasks. We believe today's visit provided a constructive glimpse of GM people, their passion for their work, and the technology solutions that are behind the pages of our viability plan."

Chrysler Statement:

Chrysler was pleased to meet today with the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry here at our manufacturing plant in Warren, Michigan. Warren Truck Assembly Plant is home to 2,600 Chrysler employees and produces Dodge pickup trucks, including one of the company's best known products, the
Dodge Ram, winner of Car and Drivers' 2009 truck comparison.

We can confirm that on behalf of Chrysler LLC, the meeting was attended by Chairman and CEO Robert Nardelli, Vice Chairman and President Tom LaSorda, Vice Chairman and President Jim Press, and Chief Financial Officer Ron Kolka. In addition to meeting, the group toured the assembly plant and reviewed Chrysler current and future products, including electric and hybrid vehicles.

Beyond this, we are not commenting on the details of our meetings with the Presidential Task Force.

We're fully engaged with the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry, the U.S. Treasury and the White House during this process of ensuring the industry's viability going forward. We look forward to continuing our dialogue.

We'll see in the coming weeks how this visit helps our struggling U.S. automakers. Cross your fingers.

[via WXYZ]

Looking to catch an advantage over the Chevy Volt, which is due to arrive in late 2010, Toyota plans to release a plug-in hybrid sometime earlier in the same year. Toyota's plug-in is likely to be a true hybrid, unlike the Volt which is technically a "range-extended electric vehicle."

Initially, ToMoCo intends to sell 500 plug-in hybrids with 150 coming to the US. Built in Japan, the plug-ins will be storing their energy via lithium-ion batteries, whereas the Prius will keep its nickel-metal hydride. The Volt will be built in good 'ole Detroit.

Andrew Shapiro, an industry smartguy with the Casesa Shapiro group believes Toyota is rushing their plug-in hybrid to get the so-called "psychological advantage" over GM. GM is banking heavily on the success of the Volt to save the company in these trying years.

James Lentz, the president of Toyota Motor Sales USA, states Toyota is not intending to obtain any kind of psychological advantage based on the fact that the initial plug-in hybrids will not be offered to the public, but rather commercial purposes such as utility companies and corporations. Lentz continued by saying that he didn't like Shapiro's face and that they would decide this matter via Rock 'Em Sock 'Em robots. One of these statements is untrue, but we're not sure which one.

[NYT]

By comparison, the Tesla Roadster takes 8 hours or so to recharge its batteries, but it’s also capable of a sub 4-second 0-60 time, a 125 MPH top speed and a range of 200 miles. The Tazzari, which will presumably be far cheaper, is only capable of hitting 56 MPH, has a range of 93 miles and does 0-31 MPH in “less than 5 seconds.”

While it’s not a performance car, the Tazzari Zero actually looks like it has significant merit as a city runabout, having range and performance considerably greater than its main competition, the G-Wiz. Like that car, the Zero looks small enough to park virtually anywhere, and at less than 1,200 pounds, it’s seriously lightweight too. There’s no word on when the Zero will come to market, but when it does it looks like it’ll be available in Italy, England and France, where legislation and local preferences make vehicles like these extremely practical. [Tazzari via Smart Planet]

EDF Energy and Toyota launch UK trials of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

EDF Energy and Toyota have teamed up to road trial the first Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) introduced by a car manufacturer to the UK (1). Trials start today and will continue for more than one year. Toyota’s right-hand drive PHV will make its on-the-road debut as part of EDF Energy’s company fleet and will be tested by employees under every-day driving conditions. The results are expected to play a pivotal role in the development of Toyota’s PHV technology, which represents a further improvement on Toyota's hybrid
technology, one of the world's most environmentally friendly mass-produced vehicle powertrain (2) technologies.

The trial builds on the first European PHV testing programme launched by Toyota and EDF on French roads in September 2007. The UK partnership is designed to evaluate vehicle performance within an urban environment, vehicle infrastructure requirements, and driver behaviours and expectations.

Toyota and EDF Energy are using an innovative charging and invoicing system which is incorporated into the PHV. This system is compatible with a new generation of public charging stations, which aim to make electric power more accessible on public roads and car parks, and will reduce the cost to the customer. EDF Energy has helped to install the first of 40 charging posts in the UK, with plans to help install more in the coming months. A PHV uses Toyota’s hybrid technology with the added benefit that the vehicle’s batteries can be fully recharged using a standard electrical plug or an electrical charging post to extend its driving range in electric mode. For short distances, PHV can be driven as an electric vehicle, resulting in a silent, zero emissions drive. For longer distances, PHV works as a conventional hybrid vehicle.

Toyota's PHV is “the best of both worlds”: it enhances the benefits of hybrid technology, while avoiding the constraints traditionally linked with electric vehicles. Toyota expects the PHV to bring unsurpassed fuel efficiency and therefore record low emissions. Early test results indicate that fuel efficiency is significantly higher than current Prius. For example, for trips up to 25km, PHV consumes roughly 60% less fuel than Toyota's hybrid Prius. One of the research objectives of the UK tests is to confirm such PHV performance. The tests also aim at understanding consumers' acceptance of the new technology, as a
preparation to broader commercialisation in the future. Toyota has already confirmed that it will sell lithium-ion battery-equipped PHVs to fleet customers in Europe and other regions by the end of 2009.

Rt Hon John Hutton MP, UK Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, speaking at a Toyota - EDF Energy event in London to launch PHV in the UK, said: 'I welcome the launch of this trial here in the UK. I am pleased to see industry pulling together to work on diversifying energy use and cutting global carbon emissions. We hope that this trial will provide an invaluable insight into the future development of UK electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. This, combined with the demonstration project announced by the prime minister (3), will lead us one step closer to making our ambition of becoming the number one location for low carbon vehicles a reality.'

‘We are very excited to expand our PHV road testing programme to the UK in collaboration with EDF Energy,’ said Koei Saga, Managing Officer in charge of hybrid system development at Toyota Motor Corporation. ‘Today’s announcement represents a step change towards acceptance of electricity in combination with hybrid technology as a viable and sustainable transport solution’.

Vincent de Rivaz, EDF Energy Chief Executive said: ‘I am delighted that EDF Energy will play a pivotal role with Toyota in trialling this innovative vehicle and technology as part of our ongoing work to make clean electric transport more accessible to everyone. We passionately believe in rising to the challenge of climate change by helping our customers reduce the carbon emissions from their energy use. Incorporating this vehicle into our fleet complements our work in developing electric charging posts for vehicles in the UK and in France. It supports Our Climate Commitments, in which we have committed to cutting our CO2 emissions from our transport by 20% by 2012.’

Aside from the consumer education challenge, one curious conclusion in the study was

"just more than half the population of US households that buy new cars has the potential to recharge a vehicle at home with at least 110-volt service. This is 1.5 to 3 times larger than prior estimates."

Essentially, HEVT has fitted all the systems necessary to turn the F-150 into a parallel plug-in hybrid. Mounted behind the rear differential is an electric motor capable of 200 ft-lb of torque, while a stack of batteries is located in place of the crew-cab seats. A regenerative braking system is also fitted, as is a system enabling the engine to charge the batteries and for the engine to be uncoupled from the driven wheels. HEVT's own electronics and software package, called the Adaptive Control Unit, keeps all these goodies running in harmony, and the interior is equipped with a Prius-style display so drivers can monitor their power usage. The really clever thing is that this technology is somewhat universal, requiring minimal modification to work in other gas-guzzlers.

HEVT claims the technology needed is cheap enough that, when combined with the fuel savings, retrofitted vehicles will actually save money across their lifetimes. We'd like to see a final price, but if this is true it could be a great solution for the countless existing individual and corporate owners of large trucks, enabling them to upgrade to a considerably more fuel-efficient vehicle without actually buying a new one. That's a double-win for spotted owls and wallets alike...if this technology comes to market in any usable form.

San Jose, July 22, 2008 - Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. (HEVT) unveiled the world's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the popular Ford F-150 pickup truck at Plug-In 2008 Conference and Exposition, the first international plug-in conference and expo. Converted with a proprietary adaptive controller and using a scaled-down version of the proprietary drive train HEVT has designed for transit buses, the F-150 has been transformed from a standard combustion engine vehicle getting about 16 MPG to a PHEV getting up to 41 MPG for a typical day's driving.

The HEVT prototype was displayed during today's keynote address by Dr. Andrew S. Grove, former chairman of Intel Corporation. "Trucks, SUVs and vans are the least-efficient vehicles on the road, so retrofitting them should be a high priority if we want to make a meaningful, near-term difference in oil consumption. Rapid commercialization of prototypes like HEVT's is the way to go," Dr. Grove said.

The prototype shows how HEVT's plug-in hybrid drive train technology can retrofit existing PSVs (pickups, SUVs, and vans), to displace gasoline with electricity, cutting operating costs and harmful emissions and boosting performance. This is an important step toward energy security, because it reduces the fuel required to operate trucks and other large vehicles.

"One way to reduce fossil fuel use is to find ways to plug in some of the hundreds of millions of internal combustion engines already on the world's roads," said CalCars founder Felix Kramer. "The pioneering PHEV designs for trucks and buses from Dr. Ali Emadi and his team at HEVT are especially promising."

Engineers at HEVT have developed a sophisticated electronics and software system called the Adaptive Control Unit (ACU) which serves to control the hybrid drive train. While driving, the ACU controls use of the electric motor and gasoline engine to optimize fuel economy and performance. An in-dash display unit monitors performance, indicating the charge remaining in the battery pack and the energy recovered through regenerative -braking.

"HEVT's solutions apply to not just smaller passenger cars and hybrids, but almost any vehicle including larger gas guzzlers," said HEVT founder Ali Emadi. "Our laboratory simulations show that the larger the vehicle, the greater the benefits - in gas costs, particulate and greenhouse emissions, and sound pollution. For this reason we are currently focused on PSVs and will later expand to school buses as well as transit buses."

HEVT will begin with a small pilot program of Ford F-150 pickup truck conversions available to organizations and individuals on a custom basis. The pilot program will help HEVT's continued development and optimization, pushing conversion costs down and lowering lifetime cost of ownership for converted vehicles.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: Blah. We guess GM needs to do this to meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy Requirements and to give consumers an easy way to be "green." But really, is building a simple, lightweight car that gets decent economy really that hard? Heck, stick a two-mode hybrid in it if you have to, just don't try to tell us that SUVs can be economical. Someday, consumers are going to wake up to all this hypocrisy, GM better hope they're ready for the backlash.
[via Motor Authority]

West Richland, WA (July 18, 2008) Shrouded in mystery and secrecy, SSC (www.shelbysupercars.com) has announced plans to unveil the next historical milestone, codenamed - the Ultimate Aero EV (Electric Vehicle), the first 100% Green Supercar to achieve speeds never before seen. Engineering details are yet undisclosed while development continues at an uninterrupted pace. Despite months of speculation, SSC expects to roll out its first prototype in February 2009. "I think we can do it faster, leaner and cleaner than any other manufacturer," says Jerod Shelby, SSC Founder. Unlike other manufacturers' models slated for delivery in the next decade, Shelby's latest brainchild expects to be delivered as early as fourth quarter 2009. Other automakers have sacrificed aesthetics and performance in exchange for hybrid power plants, but the Ultimate Aero EV will deliver a pollution-free, engineering marvel with an exotic Supercar exterior. The drive train under development will feature a revolutionary power source allowing for extended time between charging intervals with the possibility of several years between charging. Powered by a 500 horsepower electric motor, the Ultimate Aero EV will have true supercar performance. All 500 horses will be put to use via SSC's 6-speed manual transmission and triple disc carbon/carbon Tilton clutch. Additionally, SSC is exploring the potential of a twin 500 horsepower electric power plant producing 1,000 horsepower in a 2 or 4 wheel drive configuration. Having already broken the record for the "Fastest Production Car" SSC will soon break the engineering challenge of our time. Says Jay Leno of SSC's first accomplishment, "The coolest thing about this car is they said they were going to do something and then they did it." While other manufacturers scramble to capture the Green hysteria of late, SSC will leap over the barrier with a fraction of the Big Three's budget. To that end, the company recently contracted with Investor Relations Group, Sheffield International Finance Corporation initiating the Company's first acceptance of outside capital since its inception. In a press release dated July 11, 2008, the American automaker announced that much of the private capital will be dedicated to achieve the historical milestone. The invitation-based offering includes an A-list of invitees including celebrities and notable financiers from around the world. Consistent with its company philosophy of being the benchmark, SSC plans next to break the record for the fastest electric car in the world. Stay tuned...

What makes this vehicle ideal for the wealthy? It's comparatively expensive, has decent power, and it's a lot less common than the average Ferrari. More importantly, it helps the rich feel better about themselves. Says one moneyed onlooker:

"We're in a wealthy area," Patrick added, "so, while gas prices aren't as much of an issue, you can still feel like you're fulfilling your green responsibility and reducing your carbon footprint with a car like this."

Grove believes the auto industry has reached what he calls a "strategic inflection point," the point at which a business has to either change or die. And he wants change in the direction of electrics; Grove has set up a course teaching about hybrids, plug-ins, and electrics in an attempt to move the discussion toward alternative energy sources. And then there's the fun part.

Mr. Grove is also a proponent of retrofitting current vehicles with the lowest fuel economy — trucks, vans and SUVs — with hybrid powerplants. Envisioning half a million Yukon owners reaching for their toolboxes, GM spokesman Greg Martin said, "We strongly discourage consumers from retrofitting vehicles." Unless they're out of warranty, in which case knock yourself out; the service department is hurting right now too.

All we hope is if Grove next ends up pushing for an Intel chip inside, he goes with an Apple OS to run it. Those Microsoft systems don't seem to be running well enough for even the back seat.[Detroit News; Photo Credit images.vnu.net]

Well, Volkswagen will work with the German government in experimenting with a fleet of 20 Twin Drive Golfs in 2010. Though evidently the Twin Drive just isn't green enough as is, so to further reduce emissions, the electrical energy required to charge the batteries of the experimental fleet will be generated from green resources such as windmills and hydro-electric dams. Of course, there are no plans for US export, or for any production at all at this point. But even though we're more easily excited about speed than with being green, we would totally rock one of these as a daily driver.
[carscoop, MotorAuthority]

The moral of the story? Don't disrupt the evolution of hybrids. Sure, everyone wants a plug-in hybrid, and they are definitely on their way. But there's no need to try to disrupt the evolutionary process; it can be dangerous — just ask Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park. [CRN via DailyTech]

That said, we commend the Washington Conference on Plug-Ins for bringing together the top automotive, utility and technology companies to discuss the challenges facing plug-in hybrid vehicles. There's a real need for some kind of governmental help on making them a reality. However, we'd disagree with Fields in his assessment of what form that help should take. What we really need is not the development of domestic production, but the development of domestic R&D. The auto industry needs monies centralized in a Manhattan Project-like plan to develop real battery technology for the entire industry. But the chances of that happening can be summed up in the words of Jalopnik Understatement award-winner Tom Kuhn, president of the Edison Electric Institute, who said "people in this country are mad." [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

V2Green is developing a type of two-way communication technology that links the hybrid with a power plant to better manage vehicle charging. Basically it will give the power plant control over how much juice your hybrid should be getting. So if you need a quick recharge during a "peak hour," good freaking luck, the power company is going to strike that down real quick.

The technology will reportedly save money on charging vehicles, but at the cost of convenience, perhaps. Not necessarily a good thing in an unfamiliar area for many consumers. Stay tuned for our follow-up report, set to go live in early 2013. [Autopia]

This reminds us of Ford's plans to allow electric and hybrid cars to store energy for the benefit of the individual. They envision the electric storage capacity to allow owners to purchase electricity during off-peak hours when it's cheaper, and then rely on the car for power when it's expensive.

The University of Delaware researchers claim that the average car is only used for 1 hour in every 24. They estimate that the average electric or hybrid vehicle, available for two thirds of the time, could provide an electricity company with $4,000 a year worth a service, some of which would presumably be paid back to the car's owner, further incentivizing the purchase of electric cars. [Via the New Scientist]
Photo credit: Gavin Robinson

Press Release:

To the point: The Volkswagen space up! blue

Volkswagen is presenting the space up! blue concept car at the Los Angeles Auto Show (November 14 to 25) as a world exclusive - a compact, self-confident zero emissions van in the style of the legendary Volkswagen Samba Bus. On board: the world's first high temperature fuel cell and an array of twelve lithium-ion batteries. When the electric motor (45 kW / 61 PS) of the space up! blue is driven exclusively by battery, a range of 65 miles is possible - enough to handle nearly all distances in downtown areas. In the scenario of tomorrow's world, the four-seat Volkswagen is advancing to become the ideal vehicle for anyone who wants to drive - completely emissions-free - to work, recreation, school or university or just shopping.

Energy is "refueled" either via an electrical outlet or by the Volkswagen high-temperature fuel cell. In the latter case, the car's range is extended an additional 155 miles. This makes it possible to drive up to 220 miles on a single "energy charge". Aside from this, the microvan utilizes another energy source: the sun. And indeed with a large solar panel on the roof. It supplies up to 150 Watt of energy that is also fed into the battery.

With its new high temperature fuel cell (HT-FC) Volkswagen is introducing a system that represents a turning point in research on fuel cells for mass production. That is because, the HTFC offers crucial advantages compared to all other fuel cell systems: considerably lower weight, significantly greater everyday utility, substantially lower price, and therefore clearly the better chances of becoming a reality someday as a mass produced technology. The high temperature fuel cell was developed at a dedicated research center founded by Volkswagen in Germany.

With its concept car being shown in Los Angeles, Europe's most successful car producer is introducing the third variant of its "New Small Family" within just two months. Like the city specialist, the up!, already introduced at the IAA in Frankfurt, and the space up! presented in Tokyo, the space up! blue is a small space wonder too. Over a length of just 144.9 inches, a height of 61.8 inches and a width of 64.2 inches, it offers the space of a considerably larger vehicle. The clever space concept of the space up! blue - which is 1,090 kilograms "light" despite the fuel cell and batteries - is largely due to the layout of the powertrain. Its emissions-free electric motor operates - as did the engines of the Beetle and the Bulli (Microbus) at one time - in the rear. Also housed in the rear, under the rear seat to be exact, are the lithium-ion batteries. The high temperature fuel cell, on the other hand, is located at the front of the car.

Press release:

DRIVE THE FUTURE WITH FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, A NEW GREEN AMERICAN PREMIUM CAR COMPANY

IRVINE, Calif. Sept.5, 2007: Quantum Technologies and Fisker Coachbuild, LLC announce the launch of a joint venture in Fisker Automotive, Inc. - a green American premium car company. Fisker Automotive will offer a range of environmentally friendly premium cars - with the first production car to make its Worldwide North American debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. Initial production is anticipated to be 15,000 vehicles annually with pricing to start under $100,000.

Design and technology development are already underway for the first production car. All models will feature cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology penned as Quantum Drive, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. This all-new plug-in Quantum Drive chassis layout will allow Fisker to design innovative luxury cars with uncompromised proportions.

The Fisker name has attracted and attained worldwide brand recognition, thanks to years of first-class automotive designs. Over his 18 years in the car design business, Henrik Fisker has left his thumbprint on some of the most highly regarded automobiles.

His creations range from the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 & V8 Vantage to his most recent creations - the Tramonto and Latigo CS, designed under the Fisker Coachbuild nameplate. Fisker Automotive will retain the orange and blue logo originated at Fisker
Coachbuild.

"The troubled environment is captivating the attention of the world. Developing a premium luxury green car which also delivers attractive design can make a difference. We are extremely excited to join our automotive design expertise with the plug-in hybrid technology of Quantum in Quantum Drive. This breakthrough chassis development will allow us to deliver a design with dramatic proportions - one which will carry the Fisker badge," expressed Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Automotive, Inc.
"We want people to drive beautiful fast cars that make environmental sense - cars that are eco-chic and will have less of an impact on global warming."

Quantum Technologies has a long history of advancing technology. Benefits in developing an entirely new, from-the-ground-up design for a plug-in hybrid vehicle include optimized fuel efficiency and performance, unchanged gas station infrastructure, home based battery recharging with any 110-volt outlet at a fraction of the cost. A cleaner and a quieter car for local travel...all with the most advanced comforts that are anticipated with a luxury car.

"Our goal here is to deliver the advancement that Quantum Technologies has made in the area of plug-in hybrid technology. By combining our efforts with the renowned design talent of Henrik Fisker, we can produce a car that makes a difference to the environment - without sacrificing the luxury that accompanies the finest automobiles," stated Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies.

Fisker Automotive is a privately owned car company, operated by executive management teams of Fisker Coachbuild, LLC and Quantum Technologies with Henrik Fisker as the CEO of Fisker Automotive. Fisker Coachbuild, LLC will be the exclusive design house for Fisker Automotive through the entire range of product development.

Plug-in hybrids are the "killer app" of alternative automotive energy says Google. That's a fancy way of saying they've got some Googlebux, and they're not afraid to use them. The company's funding a new program called RechargeIT, a Google.org initiative aiming to reduce CO2 emissions and petroleum use, but also to feed power back to the electrical grid. That's correct — the once pie-in-the-sky concept of vehicle-to-grid (VTG) tech is getting a major supporter with the R&D pockets to get something mainstream to happen. How can you stop these people? Poor Yahoo! – Mike Spinelli

Recharge a Car, Recharge the Grid, Recharge the Planet [Google.org]

Related:
Electric Cars Could Sell Excess Power to Grid, Professors Say [internal]

The term "plug-in hybrid" will one day hang beneath "1/3 less calories" and "dolphin-free tuna" in the advertising and public relations halls of fame. For now, we'd imagine all hybrid-building carmakers will either add the capability to their hybrids, or say they're looking into it. That's not to diminish the latest plug-in announcement, this time from everyone's favorite German-American hybrid. DaimlerChrysler says its first plug-in hybrid will be in the form of a Dodge Sprinter van. It'll test market viability among a control group of fleet buyers. The project will mark the first fleet test of a diesel hybrid plug-in system, though the company's also testing a gasoline-combustion variety. What's more, some of the test vehicles will use lithium-ion batteries instead of nickel-metal hydride batteries. However the test goes, it's obvious plug-ins will likely excel in the stop-and-go world of local delivery, the likely domain of the Sprinter PHEV. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release

DaimlerChrysler Expands Concept Plug-in Hybrid Program

Next-generation plug-in hybrid concept will be built on the all-new 2007 Dodge Sprinter platform

· DaimlerChrysler is the only automaker to test plug-in hybrid technology in the United States with customers
· Lithium-ion battery research will accelerate future hybrid development
· Dodge Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) can drive up to 20 miles on electric-only power
· Industry first: PHEV combined with diesel for maximum fuel efficiency

In a display of commitment to the development of hybrid powertrain architecture and advanced batteries, DaimlerChrysler is expanding its concept plug-in hybrid program to include the all-new 2007 Dodge Sprinter.

Up to 20 Dodge Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) will be placed in the United States between now and the first quarter of 2008 as part of a test-fleet program. Four of the vehicles, built on the previous-generation Dodge Sprinter, already are in operation with customers. DaimlerChrysler is the only auto manufacturer currently evaluating a variety of plug-in hybrid powertrain (diesel and gas) configurations in real-world, customer-operation service within the United States.

Battery development is one of the keys to the success of hybrid and fuel-cell transportation. Lithium-ion holds the greatest promise for battery technology. A number of the Dodge Sprinter PHEVs will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries that are about half the weight and have much greater storage capacities when compared with nickel-metal hydride batteries. The vehicles will yield technical information through real-world driving conditions about lifetime, performance and cost of batteries.

"For plug-in hybrid technology to move forward, a dramatic leap in battery technology is necessary," said Mark Chernoby, Vice President - Advance Vehicle Engineering, Chrysler Group. "The energy storage systems in the Dodge Sprinter PHEV concept fleet will provide valuable field experience on the possibilities with lithium-ion battery technology."

Plug-in technology lends itself to commercial applications where the vehicle returns to base after each shift to be plugged into the power grid. In short stop-and-go routes, the vehicle will use very little fuel.

The Dodge Sprinter PHEV has the ability to drive up to 20 miles on electric-only power. It accomplishes this with a switch on the dashboard giving the operator the ability to manually switch between modes as needed, or automatically by the vehicle control system. Two different combustion engines are being offered in the Dodge Sprinter PHEV: diesel or gasoline. The diesel version will yield the highest fuel economy benefit and is the first fleet test of a diesel plug-in hybrid system.

Plug-in hybrid technology is part of DaimlerChrysler's advanced propulsion technology umbrella that also includes exceptionally efficient gasoline engines, advanced diesel technology, ethanol flex-fuel and zero-emission fuel cell vehicles.

Related:
BREAKING: GM to Produce Plug-in Hybrid Vue; Googling a Hybrid: Search Giant's Charity to Develop Plug-in Hybrid [internal]

You ever stop and think how funny Republicans are? Their favorite president is an actor, their favorite scientist is a fiction writer and Rush Limbaugh is a big, fat, dope-addicted, impotent idiot. I mean hypocrite. Anyhow, turns out that Bush and his gang have been (gasp) pressuring federal scientists to "downplay" the threat of global warming. Well informed folks everywhere have known about this muzzling of science for a while, but now the Congress is actually fact finding. Aside from 43% of the scientists surveyed reporting that Administration goons had edited their work so as to change the meaning of their findings, check out this nugget from Rep. Waxman;

"We know that the White House possesses documents that contain evidence of an attempt by senior administration officials to mislead the public by injecting doubt into the science of global warming and minimize the potential danger"

What does this mean for us pistonheads? More skin cancer, less frogs and a few more years before diesels, plug-ins and hydrogen-celled rides are all readily available. We're just pissed because the aforementioned cars should have been so 2005. – Jonny Lieberman

Bush administration in hot seat over warming [msnbc.com]

Related:
Who Fills the Pee Tank? Success of Mercedes' US Diesels Depends on Urea Maintenance [Internal]

Ford's showing off its HySeries fuel-cell hybrid in the nation's capital today, hoping to carve out a new direction in the ongoing battle of the research hybrids. As we mentioned yesterday, the Edge HySeries uses a hydrogen fuel-cell to top off the EV-car's batteries, which can also be charged via plug-in. Ford says the powertrain delivers a combined city/highway gasoline equivalent fuel economy rating of 41 mpg if the full range is used, and 85 mpg at a range of 50 miles per day (the first 25 are drawn from fully charged batteries). The generator can also be paired with an internal-combustion engine, like gasoline or diesel, in place of the fuel cell. Your tax dollars at work. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

FORD UNVEILS WORLD'S FIRST DRIVABLE FUEL CELL HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE WITH PLUG-IN CAPABILITY

* The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive is the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability.
* Ford's flexible powertrain architecture enables the use of new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop without redesigning the vehicle and its control systems.
* The HySeries Drive technology is able to operate using a fuel cell, small gasoline or diesel engine connected to an electric generator to make electricity.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 23, 2007 - Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today unveiled the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric plug-in that combines an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator with lithium-ion batteries to deliver more than 41 mpg with zero emissions. The vehicle is built on a flexible powertrain architecture that will enable Ford to use new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop without redesigning the vehicle.

"This vehicle offers Ford the ultimate in flexibility in researching advanced propulsion technology," said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president of research and advanced engineering for Ford Motor Company. "We could take the fuel cell power system out and replace it with a down-sized diesel, gasoline engine or any other powertrain connected to a small electric generator to make electricity like the fuel cell does now."

The new HySeries Drive powertrain featured in a Ford Edge uses a real-world version of the powerplant envisioned in the Ford Airstream concept unveiled earlier this month at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The HySeries Drive powertrain delivers a combined city/highway gasoline equivalent fuel economy rating of 41 mpg. For those who drive less than 50 miles each day, the average jumps to more than 80 mpg.

"We wanted to take what was in a 'gee whiz' vehicle like the Airstream and connect it with something people are driving on the road today, something that wasn't just a futuristic concept vehicle," Schmidt said.

The plug-in hybrid is powered by a 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack at all times. The vehicle drives the first 25 miles each day on stored electricity alone, after which the fuel cell begins operating to keep the battery pack charged. This provides another 200 miles of range for a total of 225 miles with zero emissions. Individual experiences will vary widely and can stretch out the time between fill-ups to more than 400 miles: drivers with modest daily needs would need to refuel only rarely, drivers who travel less than 50 miles each day will see fuel economy well over 80 mpg, while those with long daily commutes will see somewhat lower numbers as the fuel cell must run a larger fraction of the time.

The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive can travel at speeds of up to 85 mph. An on-board charger (110/220 VAC) can refresh the battery pack when a standard home outlet is available, making the concept a true plug-in hybrid.

When the battery pack is depleted to approximately 40 percent, the hydrogen fuel cell - supplied by Ford partner Ballard - automatically turns on and begins generating electricity to recharge the batteries. Like a conventional automobile, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive will go until it runs out of fuel - in this case via a 350-bar hydrogen tank that supplies 4.5 kg of useable hydrogen.

The HySeries Drive name is derived from the powertrain's structure: a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered series hybrid drivetrain. This highly innovative approach reduces the size, weight, cost and complexity of a conventional fuel cell system by more than 50 percent. It also promises to more than double the lifetime of the fuel cell stack.

This flexible powertrain architecture enables the use of new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop and become available without the need to redesign the vehicle and its control systems.

Certainly, many significant technical hurdles need to be overcome before a vehicle such as the Edge with HySeries Drive can become a reality. Fuel cell vehicles remain expensive, costing millions of dollars each. And the single biggest hurdle to plug-ins remains the cost of lithium-ion batteries. Much work also needs to be done to make fuel cells more durable and to create a hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen Part of a Broader Effort At Ford

Research into hydrogen, including the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive, is part of Ford's overall effort to address the challenges of climate change and energy independence. Ford is moving ahead with a range of technology solutions simultaneously, including vehicles such as the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, ethanol, clean diesel and refinements to gasoline fueled engines and advanced transmissions. Some of the technology, such as that seen in Ford's lineup of hybrid vehicles, represents near-term approaches. Other technology, including hydrogen fell cells, must be viewed as a long-term option.

Ford began working on hydrogen technology in the early 1990s. Ford's first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, released in 2001, was based on a lightweight aluminum sedan body, which also was used in the development of the company's first hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.

The company currently has a fleet of 30 hydrogen-powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real-world testing of fuel cell technology. The fleet has accumulated more than 300,000 miles since its inception. With this fleet on the road, a great deal of information that can be integrated into future fuel cell vehicle propulsion systems is being generated in different local environmental conditions.

Having the fleet outside the confines of Ford Motor Company also has allowed the team to gain valuable feedback on servicing vehicles in the field. As a hydrogen infrastructure is developed and implemented for the fleet at each location, lessons learned are being generated to ensure that the customer and hydrogen fueling interface is seamless and customer friendly.

Related:
Spy Photos: Ford Edge HySeries Hybrid [internal]

According to the US Department of Ex—Oil Company Executives Energy in a new report yet to be published, the tangle of Christmas-tree lights known as the power grid can handle an upsurge in plug-in hybrids lickety split. The report, via The Car Connection, points out that by employing off-peak energy production via existing capacity, the grid could support 84 percent of the US's 220 million vehicles for their daily commute if such vehicles were plug-in hybrids — though Eastern and Midwest states have enough surplus capacity to power 100 percent plug-in hybrids in those areas. The bad news is that emissions from coal-fired powerplants would increase in the near term, though the report suggests increased demand would spur the building of more, cleaner-coal plants. We're starting to really feel for those poor grandma-molesting Enron utility traders, gone before the party even started. – Mike Spinelli

[via The Car Connection]

Related:
BREAKING: GM to Produce Plug-in Hybrid Vue [internal]

"We still have a lot of basic research to do."

"By encouraging consumer support for a promising new technology, our government is supporting innovation and investing in our nation's future...we'd like to see those tax incentives continue."

Toyota seeks support for hybrid tax incentives [Detroit News]

Related:
BREAKING: GM to Produce Plug-in Hybrid Vue; LA Auto Show: Wagoner Drops Bomb; GM To Abandom Steam Power!! [internal]

The General made good on the press leak indicating it'd build a hybrid with an extension cord. The electro-geek community — from the halls of Petaluma to the shores of MIT — are probably already figuring out their hacks, while the enviro-nerds of same will likely open the fists they once raised in GM's direction. The plug-in hybrid Vue Green Line will use a version of the company's two-mode hybrid-drive system (developed with DaimlerChrysler and BMW), featuring Lithium Ion battery technology, two interior permanent magnet motors and GM's 3.6L V6 gasoline engine with direct injection. No word on release date or price, but damned if GM didn't just win the PR coup of the month. (Note: 2008 Saturn Vue, pictured)– Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

GM Announces Intention to Produce Plug-in Hybrid SUV

Saturn Vue Green Line Will Use Modified 2-mode Hybrid System, Lithium Ion Battery

LOS ANGELES - General Motors Corp. intends to produce a Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid that has the potential to achieve double the fuel efficiency of any current SUV, the automaker announced at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

This hybrid SUV will use a modified version of GM's 2-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology, a Lithium Ion battery pack when ready, highly efficient electronics and powerful electric motors to achieve significant increases in fuel economy.

"GM has begun work on a Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid production vehicle," said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. "The technological hurdles are real, but we believe they are also surmountable. I can't give you a production date for our plug-in hybrid today. But I can tell you that this is a top priority program for GM, given the huge potential it offers for fuel-economy improvement."

A plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle differs from non-plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles by offering extended electric-only propulsion, additional battery capacity and the ability to be recharged from an external electrical outlet.

The Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid is expected to offer electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles. At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine and electric power or engine power only will propel the vehicle.

In addition to plug-in capabilities and the modified 2-mode hybrid system, the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV's powertrain will feature Lithium Ion battery technology, two interior permanent magnet motors and GM's 3.6L V-6 gasoline engine with direct injection.

When ready for production, the Lithium Ion energy storage system will be replenished when the battery charge is depleted to a specified level by utilizing the 2-mode hybrid system's electric motors and regenerative braking systems. When the vehicle is parked, the battery can be recharged using a common household exterior 110-volt plug-in outlet.

The 2-mode hybrid system will be altered for use with plug-in technology. It maintains two driving modes - one for city driving, the other for highway driving - and four fixed mechanical gears to maximize efficiency while maintaining performance. In addition, special controls will be utilized to enable higher speeds during electric-only propulsion and maintain electric-only propulsion for longer periods of time.

The Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, featuring the modified 2-mode hybrid system with plug-in capabilities, is part of GM's ambitious effort to offer consumers a broad choice of hybrid systems at various levels of affordability:

* This year, the GM Hybrid system, an affordable belt-alternator starter hybrid technology, debuted in the Vue Green Line front-wheel-drive SUV.

* In 2007, the GM Hybrid system will expand to the Saturn Aura Green Line and Chevrolet Malibu front-wheel-drive midsize sedans.

* In 2007, the 2-mode hybrid system will debut in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs. Rear-wheel and four-wheel drive will be offered.

* In 2008, the 2-mode hybrid system will expand to the Cadillac Escalade full-size SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra crew cab full-size pickups. The Escalade will offer all-wheel drive, while the Silverado and Sierra will offer rear-wheel and four-wheel drive.

* In 2008, the first front-wheel-drive application of the 2-mode hybrid system, will debut - without plug-in technology - in the Vue Green Line. The Vue Green Line will offer customers a choice of the GM Hybrid system or the 2-mode hybrid system.

* In 2009, an electric all-wheel-drive, 2-mode hybrid system will be introduced in the Vue Green Line.

"GM plans to introduce a new hybrid system annually for the next several years, each offering different levels of affordability, fuel savings and performance," said Tom Stephens, GM group vice president, GM Powertrain. "This strategy will allow more consumers to benefit from our hybrid technologies, while providing the opportunity to reduce our country's petroleum consumption."

GM is committed to a comprehensive and cost-effective, three-tiered advanced propulsion technology strategy focused on producing commercially viable and sustainable products. These include alternative fuel vehicles, ongoing improvements to conventional internal combustion engines and transmissions, the electrification of the automobile through a broad portfolio of hybrid models on high-volume car and truck platforms, and commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 318,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit , GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall.

Related:
GM Planning Plug-In Hybrid? [internal]

A few months ago, CNN reported General Motors was working on a plug-in hybrid vehicle. At the time, that news tidbit (possibly a PR leak), was lost beneath the anti-GM tide swelled by the film "Who Killed the Electric Car," and thus couldn't shield the company from media-flush environmentalists' jerked knees. But now, it's the General who could wind up laughing all the way to the green room. News reports indicate GM is planning to unveil a prototype hybrid-EV that employs a internal-combustion engine as a generator to extend the range of its rechargeable batteries. Sure, It sounds like a typical hybrid, but most believe the prototype will have plug-in capability — which could allow for net mileage in the triple digits. Such a release would give GM a PR win against Toyota, which is planning a plug-in of its own, according to reports. Not much else is known about the system, but it'll likely be a headliner at the Detroit auto show in January. It might even get its own ad campaign, possibly featuring a chastened Ed Bagley Jr. dumping a cooler of wheatgrass juice over the head of Rick Wagoner. Or something. – Mike Spinelli

GM to unveil electric car prototype [Los Angeles Times]

Related:
GM Planning Plug-In Hybrid? [internal]

One of our geezeeky friends sent us this Flickr-posted mileage documentation from a Toyota Prius converted to plug-in operation. Looks like someone's kids won't be getting their Mobil Upromise points this month.

The plug-in hybrid electric conversion was done by Energy CS for PG&E. The finger is pointing out that on the last trip (about 40 miles) the vehicle was getting an average 76.1 MPG!

Earlier this year, the UK's AutoExpress reported Toyota was targeting 94 mpg for the next-gen Prius, due in 2008. Is a factory plug-in imminent?

Related:
How to Void Your Toyota Warranty, 101: Hacking the Prius [internal]

If it's an intentional leak, it's a brilliant PR strategy. In the wake of the documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car," which accuses GM and Big Oil of colluding to keep electric vehicles from the market, CNN reports the General may be looking at building plug-in hybrids. A plug-in system would allow a full hybrid's batteries to be charged by the engine or, while parked, by the power grid, which would offer greater operating range in electric-only mode. The source for the story is "someone familiar with the company's plans," which may or may not signal a strategic leak. Making a commitment to plug-ins would let GM to an end-run around criticism about being late to the hybrid game, by appearing proactive on addressing a noted deficiency in rival Toyota's system. Are they that clever?

GM Eyes "Plug-In" Hybrid [CNN]

Related:
More on Plug-in Hybrids [internal]

If you're quiet, you can almost hear the corks popping from bottles of organic champagne throughout the Bay Area. According to CNET, a statement on Toyota's Web site indicates the company may be reversing its strategy not to build their hybrid cars with a plug-in option, stating the company will "advance its research and development of plug-in hybrid vehicles." Sure, it's more wiggle room than Charo had on "The Love Boat," but plug-in fans, who say charging the battery by an outside source can double hybrid cars' mileage, will likely take the statement as a kind of vindication.

Toyota to work on plug-ins, double its hybrid lineup [CNET]

Related:
How to Void Your Toyota Warranty, 101: Hacking the Prius; Hybrid Partnership Shows Pics of Plug-in Prototype [internal]

Automotive powertrain technology provider Ricardo and kinetic energy storage company (that's flywheel batteries to you, Johnny) AFS Trinity revealed pictures of a plug-in hybrid-car prototype — the AFS Trinity Concept Car — that will house a hybrid-drive system the companies are developing in a joint venture. Dubbed the Extreme Hybrid (XH), the drivetrain could one day wring 250 mpg from a five-passenger sedan, according to AFS, using lithium batteries that can be recharged by the power grid and specialized software to manage the various functions. Prius hackers and activists (hacktivists?) have long argued hybrids' real benefit to consumers is hamstrung by an inability to recharge the cars' batteries from a wall outlet, which could quadruple the range of a typical hybrid according to AFS, and have created plug-in versions of the Prius that get higher mileage but top out at 33 mph. The companies plan to license the system to automakers, though despite a test of plug-in delivery trucks by Daimler-Chrysler, it's not clear whether they'll bite. [UPDATE: Rear shot with 50% less Oldsmobile Aurora after the jump.]

AFS Trinity Power

How to Void Your Toyota Warranty, 101: Hacking the Prius [internal]

We can't help but be in the CalCars guys' corner on their quest to give the Toyota Prius hybrid full-electric capability. After all, as someone once said (Mark Twain? Henry Ford?) "tinkering is the best revenge over those who'd just as soon spit in your eye as say hello." (Hmm, that doesn't sound quite right). CalCars is a non-profit group of "entrepreneurs, engineers, environmentalists and consumers" who take on projects that promote its interest in national security, jobs and global warming. At an upcoming MAKE magazine event, CalCars engineers plan to hack a new Prius to make it plug-in capable, installing a battery pack and tweaking hardware and software so it can go all-electric. We won't tell if you don't. Oh, wait...

CalCars.org to modify Toyota Prius to "plug-in" hybrid at Maker Faire [MAKE]

Related:
Steve Lapp s Photovoltaic Prius Project [internal]