GM and DaimlerChrysler Join Forces to Develop Two-Mode Full Hybrid Propulsion System
DaimlerChrysler AG (DCX) and General Motors Corporation (GM) today announced a cooperative effort that will advance the state of hybrid technology to benefit their customers, and the environment.
The companies plan to work together to develop a two-mode full hybrid propulsion architecture for applications in GM, Chrysler Group and Mercedes Car Group vehicles. Variants planned include rear- and front-wheel-drive versions for cars, trucks and other vehicles. This technology is expected to improve acceleration performance while also improving vehicle fuel economy and range significantly.
GM and DaimlerChrysler Corporation have signed a non-binding "memorandum of understanding" and intend to enter into a definitive agreement in early 2005. Both companies have been working independently on their own hybrid propulsion systems for their range of passenger vehicles.
GM previously announced its first application of a two-mode full hybrid would be launched in late 2007 in two of GM's most popular full-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Combining the hybrid development efforts of DaimlerChrysler and GM will position both companies for leadership in this technology. The wide-ranging program will allow opportunities for both additional partners, and could become a hybrid source for other auto manufacturers.
The development of a common hybrid propulsion architecture is the basis of the cooperation, while retaining the distinctiveness in feel and performance for the GM, Mercedes Car Group and Chrysler Group brands. The two-mode full hybrid drive system will be mated to different engines and the respective vehicle programs will have unique performance dynamics and calibration. Each company will integrate the two-mode full hybrid into its own vehicles.
Today's typical single-mode systems rely on much larger electric motors than are needed in the patent-protected two-mode system. The two-mode system innovations provide performance and fuel economy improvements at highway speeds and better trailer towing ability. Packaging is more efficient than today's single mode designs as the system's compact and powerful electric motors are designed to fit within the approximate space of a conventional automatic transmission.
"The two-mode design is the optimal merging of full hybrid and state-of-the-art automatic transmission technologies," said Tom Stephens, group vice president of GM Powertrain. "Together we will jointly develop what is essentially an electrically variable transmission with two hybrid drive modes. This system will reduce fuel consumption at highway speeds much more effectively than available single mode systems and achieve at least a 25 percent improvement in composite fuel economy in full-size truck applications. In the near term, GM will also continue to expand its offerings of six-speed transmissions and engines equipped with advanced technologies such as variable valve timing and Displacement on Demand."
This technology seems close to the one used on the Toyota Prius, concept already sold to Nissan and Ford.
A current European best-seller driven by the power of the future will be lining up to take part in the third CaFCP Road Rally: the new Volkswagen Touran HyMotion. Its high-torque electric motor draws its power from a fuel cell. Car drivers in the US Federal state of California will be able to test the most recent generation of this absolutely emission-free van for themselves for the very first time. The CaFCP Road Rally has been initiated to allow them to experience the status quo of fuel cell technology and therefore give them a taste of the future.
The Touran HyMotion prototype is one of the most modern fuel cell passenger cars participating in this year's CaFCP Road Rally. The standard version, driven by petrol and diesel engines which are as agile as they are economical, is by far the most successful van available in Germany. In the Touran HyMotion, an 80 kW electric motor provides vehement propulsion. Its current is supplied by a chemical reactor, the fuel cell.
Whilst the ambient air supplies the necessary oxygen, the hydrogen is transported in gaseous form at 350 bar in a special tank fitted in the Touran. This currently has a capacity of 1.9 kg hydrogen. When converted, this quantity corresponds to the energy contained in 7.5 litres of petrol. In combination with the electric motor's high efficiency, this quantity of hydrogen provides the vehicle with a range of approximately 160 kilometres.
The motor, which is virtually noise and vibration-free, accelerates the Touran HyMotion to 100 km/h in 14 seconds from a standing start, reaching a top speed of 140 km/h. To enable a dynamic response to maximum power requirements, the Touran HyMotion is fitted with a nickel-metal hybrid battery with an energy content of around 1.9 kWh. It is "charged" via the fuel cell or brake energy.
PSA Peugeot Citroën Present Initial Results of Brazilian Biodiesel Tests
Backed by ten years' experience in biodiesel fuels, PSA Peugeot Citroën launched a partnership in 2003 with LADETEL, a Brazilian clean technologies laboratory specialized in biofuels. The partnership is assessing the technical and environmental performance (torque, power, fuel consumption, emission levels) of B30 biodiesel (soy ethyl ester), with the goal of promoting the development of a 100% Brazilian, 100% renewable energy source.
PSA Peugeot Citroën and LADETEL can presented now the findings of an experiment conducted for more than one year on a Peugeot 206 with a 1.9-liter diesel engine and a Citroën Xsara Picasso with a 2.0-liter HDI engine. Both vehicles were driven more than 100,000 kilometers on B30 biodiesel, a soy-based fuel that uses alcohol derived from sugar cane. The fuel is called B30 because it is a mixture of 30% biodiesel and 70% Brazilian Metropolitano diesel fuel.
Two different kinds of tests were carried out-endurance runs, with results measured every 20,000 kilometers, and roller test bed trials-covering such aspects as vehicle performance (torque and power), durability, fuel consumption and emission levels.
An initial assessment of Brazilian B30's environmental performance shows a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide (field-to-wheel), carbon moNOxide, particulates and exhaust fumes, without sacrificing vehicle performance.
PSA Peugeot Citroën launches its Sustainable Development Internet
PSA Peugeot Citroën has launched a new Internet site which outlines its approach to sustainable development. The site illustrates the Group's commitment to maintaining both its long term development and its responsibilities for economic, social and environmental affairs.
The new site applies the principle of the "Global Reporting Initiative", an international standard for giving account of sustainable development set by the United Nations Environment Programme. It is both a reference tool for rating agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations and institutional opinion leaders as well as a source of information for a wider public, in particular customers, staff, shareholders and suppliers.
Hydrogen consumption increase from German refinery
Due to the constantly increasing environmental regulations in Europe and the United States the use of hydrogen in hydrogenation processes for the desulphurization and for the improvement of the fuel quality will become more and more important.
Air Liquide will supply the Gelsenkirchen refinery, located in the northern Ruhr region, Germany, with up to 100 million cubic meters of hydrogen annually or more than twice the current volume.
The hydrogen, along with oxygen and nitrogen, is delivered efficiently and reliably to key customers in the Ruhr industrial basin via a 240 kilometer pipeline system.
Toyota and Shell launch trial of D-CAT and Gas to Liquids Technology to reduce car emissions
Toyota and Shell Gas & Power launch today a trial of Shell Gas to Liquids (GTL) Fuel in a fleet of ten Toyota Avensis cars equipped with D-CAT emission reduction technology.
Shell GTL is a clean, colourless and synthetic fuel, derived from gas. It is the most cost effective of alternative fuels, and its unique properties - excellent combustion characteristics and virtually free of sulphur - deliver significant emission benefits. Toyota Diesel Clean Advanced Technology (D-CAT) is a technology simultaneously and continuously reducing both Particulate and NOx in diesel exhaust gas.
The Driving Tomorrow's Clean Technology trial will demonstrate that low-emission GTL can be used in today's diesel car engines, without any conversion or investment. In addition, when utilised in advanced clean diesel vehicles, such as the commercially available Toyota D-CAT Avensis - emissions are improved without sacrificing performance.
During the trial, the GTL fuelled cars will be driven by the British Red Cross, Shelter, Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital Trust and the Energy Saving Trust in the London area. Over the next three months, these organisations will use the cars in fund-raising events and to provide help to those who are homeless or ill and may need hospital care.
American Honda released the first information of its 2005 Accord V6 Hybrid, a gas-electric hybrid version of Honda's best-selling car, scheduled to go on-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide later this year. Utilizing a next-generation hybrid powertrain, the Accord V6 Hybrid will deliver power and performance above the current 240-horsepower Accord V6 with the fuel economy of a compact-class, four-cylinder Civic sedan.
Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology further enhances the efficiency of the Accord Hybrid by deactivating three of the engine's six cylinders during cruising and deceleration with no impact to vehicle performance or passenger comfort.
Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system utilizes a high-output electric motor/generator to provide for more efficient engine operation by capturing electrical energy during braking or deceleration and using that energy to help power the vehicle. In addition, the system features the ability to shut off the engine during vehicle stops for further efficiency gains.
Citroën C3 is First Car Equipped with a starter-generator 12v
At the next Paris Motor Show, the Citroën brand will present the "Citroën C3 Stop & Start", the first car to be equipped with a starter-generator 12 volts, system that cuts the engine when the car is stopped and idling (at red lights, for deliveries, in traffic jams, etc.), then instantly restarts it at the touch of the accelerator. The innovation developed by Valeo will be supported by another technology already commercially available on the C3, the SensoDrive electronically controlled manual gearbox. It will be presented on a model powered by a gasoline engine.
The "Stop & Start" system is expected to reduce fuel consumption by around 10% for urban driving and by 6% in the standard combined cycle. Trials conducted in a large urban environment have demonstrated that in typical customer use, cars are standing still 30% of the time. This means that, in addition to improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions, customers and the urban environment will also benefit from the fact that the cars are completely quiet during the many periods when they are not moving.
Stop & Start systems will be gradually offered on other Citroën and Peugeot models.
Renault and Nuvera strengthen ties for joint fuel cell research venture
Renault and Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc., an international developer of multi-fuel reforming and fuel cell technology, today signed an agreement to strengthen their partnership and continue their collaborative efforts in fuel cell research and development. The deal gives Renault an equity stake in Nuvera, sets out the terms of a new research contract, and licenses Renault to use technology developed by Nuvera.
In addition, Renault and Nuvera agreed to terms on a new four-year R&D contract whereby Nuvera grants Renault a license to use its technology for automobiles and light-duty vehicles.
This contract extends a prior deal signed in 2002 for developing a hydrocarbon reformer adapted for automobile use. The on-board reformer converts gasoline to hydrogen, which is used to power the fuel cell that drives the vehicle. The initial contract is due to terminate later this year when Nuvera supplies Renault with a prototype of the unit.
BMW is working on an hybrid version of the X5 model. An electric motor integrated between the internal combustion engine and the gearbox supports the conventional drive during acceleration. The research vehicle was launched in 2003. Torque is increasing to 1000 Nm in the lower range and consumption is reduced by up to 15 percent in the driving cycle.
Looking into the future, Professor Burkard Göschel can imagine a compact "active gear" that integrates the electric motor and the power electronics in a single assembly within the gearbox. This will significantly reduce the additional weight and the construction space required for the system. High-power capacitors are stowed in the door sill.
However, BMW thinks that all concepts geared towards intelligent electrification remain no more than an auxiliary solution for the internal combustion engine: "BMW has significantly reduced consumption and emissions in diesel engines during recent years, while simultaneously increasing performance and torque. Valvetronic, the fully variable valve control system, has allowed BMW to achieve comparable improvements in the petrol engine. In future, the introduction of spray-guided direct injection and the implementation of lean combustion will bring consumption in the petrol engine closer to values attained by modern diesel units".
Over the long term, hydrogen is still reckoned to be the fuel with the greatest potential for safeguarding mobility in the future. BMW specialists are working on the hydrogen combustion engine, where an overall efficiency of up to 50 percent is conceivable in the long run.
Opel Fuel Cell Marathon, tough Endurance Run For Fuel Cell
By staging a unique marathon drive across Europe, General Motors (GM) and Opel are getting ready to test the durability and day-to-day reliability of their fuel cell propelled vehicles. The long-distance journey for the hydrogen-powered prototype, "HydroGen3" (based on the Opel Zafira) will cover a distance of around 10,000 km and will pass through 14 countries. The ordeal will be divided into 20 stages covering an average of 500 km a day, starting on May 3, 2004, in Hammerfest (Norway), Europe's most northerly town. The "Opel Fuel Cell Marathon - powered by GM" will finish on June 11 in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of the European continent.
The vehicle is propelled by a 60 kW/82 hp electric motor, with a fuel cell generating the necessary electrical energy from liquid hydrogen stored in the on-board tank. Dur-ing its unusual journey, the HydroGen3 with its pioneering fuel cell propulsion concept will stop over in 14 cities, where interested spectators will be able to experience the marathon runner at first hand. The people in these European cities will also have the opportunity to visit a travelling exhibition to learn all there is to know about fuel cell propulsion and the use of hydrogen as a fuel. In addition, experts from GM's fuel cell development center will give lectures on the current status of fuel cell and hydrogen technology at local universities.
The experience we will gain from the day-to-day driving of the car will be an important supplement to our existing test results." And when it comes to testing, the fuel cell prototype has certainly been put through the mill: So far, the HydroGen3 vehicles have undergone a total of 132 different testing procedures all over the world and under all conceivable climatic conditions.
The outcome of the 10,000 kilometer drive across Europe is not predictable. It will throw up fresh challenges like the enormous variety of road conditions. Other impon-derables are the temperature differences of over 40° C, the steep mountain passes in the Alps, and violent downpours around the Mediterranean.
For more information : www.gmeurope.com/marathon
20th edition of Shell Eco-Marathon - 3410 km with 1 liter of petrol by the Lycée de la Joliverie
The 20th edition of the Shell Eco-Marathon ran this weekend on the Nogaro's circuit (France). More than 200 competitors were present, coming from 12 different countries. Once more, the Lycée de la Joliverie, from Nantes (France), the Ferrari of the challenge, won the competition. But the two following competitors, l'INSA - Université Paul Sabatier of Toulouse and IUT Génie Mécanique et Productique of Nancy Brabois were always close. At the end, an equivalent of 3410 km were reached with one liter of petrol.
For the first time, fuel cell vehicles could be classified thanks to a conversion based on the fuel Net Heating value (NCV). Two of the three vehicles presented already exceeded the 1900 km, a very promising result for the next edition.
Lastly, Auto-innovations had the privilege to be member of the Innovation jury. Winners are:
IUT Génie Mécanique et Productique Nancy Brabois (France) for the enhancement of the frontal surface of its prototype,
University of Liège (Belqium) for the development work of its fuel cell,
Haute Ecole Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale (Switzerland) for its optimized management of starting, the power engine and the transmission.
A special price awarded ESTACA of Levallois Perret (France) for its spark plug integrated in the cylinder head.
Nissan leases X-TRAIL FCV equipped with CO2 air-conditioning system
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. leases the X-TRAIL FCV fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) with an air-conditioning system jointly developed by Nissan and Calsonic Kansei Corp. that uses carbon dioxide as the refrigerant.
The CO2 system is used for cooling and heating the passenger compartment. Heating is accomplished by switching to the refrigerant channel so that the CO2 can be compressed and supplied to the passenger compartment heat exchanger from which it radiates heat. In other automotive air-conditioning systems, a hot engine coolant that has been heated by the engine heat is circulated through the heater core to warm the passenger compartment. Until now, fuel cell vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) have had the drawback of not providing very effective cabin heating because they lack a heat source as they do not have an internal combustion engine.
The CO2 air-conditioning system uses the same process as ordinary automotive air-conditioners to cool a vehicle. The refrigerant - in this case CO2 -- is evaporated by a passenger car compartment heat exchanger to absorb heat and cool the vehicle's cabin.
Moreover, the power loss that ordinarily occurs in a small car when the air conditioner is operated while driving can be reduced with this air-conditioning system through suitable control of the compressor torque. Further development work is now under way with the aim of using this CO2 air-conditioning system on vehicles powered by a gasoline engine.
Toyota and Ford conclude licensing agreements for hybrid system and emissions purification patents
TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) and FORD MOTOR COMPANY (Ford) have announced the conclusion of licensing agreements for hybrid system and emissions purification patents.
Under the agreements, TMC hybrid system control technology patents were licensed for use in Ford's own hybrid system, which is under development.
Ford's own hybrid system will feature more than 100 unique patents and, this year, Ford will introduce an hybrid-electric version of its popular Escape sport-utility vehicle. It will be the world's first full hybrid SUV when it is introduced later this summer.
At the same time, Ford and TMC concluded an agreement that covers licensing a variety of each company's emissions purification technology patents for lean-burn engines. TMC patents licensed to Ford and Ford group companies involve TMC's NOx storage reduction three-way catalytic converter system applicable to lean-burn engines, such as direct-injection gasoline engines or diesel engines. Ford patents licensed to TMC and TMC group companies involve NOx control and Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) technology.
Cold-start improvement of the Honda FCX Fuel Cell Stack
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it conducted public testing of its FCX equipped with Honda's Fuel Cell Stack in Hokkaido, proving the vehicle's cold-start and driving performance capabilities.
Driving was conducted on a test track in Takasu as well as on public roads in Furano, Hokkaido. As a part of the test, the FCX successfully started up after being parked outside overnight. Temperatures fell to as low as -11ºC(+12ºF), but the FCX, equipped with Honda's original Fuel Cell Stack, started up promptly as usual. Honda will continue conducting cold weather testing in its effort to make widespread use of fuel cell vehicles a reality.
The Honda FC Stack is the world's first fuel stack to feature a stamped metal separator structure and newly developed electrolyte membranes. Conventional fuel cell stacks have a complex structure in which carbon separators are fastened together with bolts. The Honda FC Stack, however, has a simplified structure composed of stamped metal separators, with rubber seals that are attached in a unique molding process and enclosed by panels. This reduces the number of components by almost 50% (compared to the FCX-V3) and more than doubles the output density (output/volume, output/weight), resulting in world-leading high performance.
Further, use of newly developed aromatic electrolyte membranes greatly improves durability and allows for power generation at temperatures ranging from -20ºC(-4ºF) to +95ºC(+203 ºF)- a difficult achievement for stacks that employ conventional fluorine electrolyte membranes. The driving range of the FCX with a Honda FC Stack also has increased by 40 km (LA4 mode Honda in-house calculations), from 355 km to 395 km, while fuel economy has improved by over 10%, compared with an FCX equipped with a Ballard fuel cell stack.
A record number of teams will take part in the next Shell Eco-marathon in France this year as the popularity of this international event continues to grow. Organisers have selected 217 teams to take part in the Shell Eco-marathon that will be held at Nogaro Motor Circuit from 15-16 May. Last year's event drew 191 entries and involved 5,000 participants from 14 countries.
The teams, which this year come from 17 countries across Europe and beyond, compete to design, build and race the most fuel-efficient vehicle. They power their vehicles using traditional fuels such as petrol and diesel, or cleaner alternatives including LPG, hydrogen, solar and biomass.
Last year's winners, the Micro-Joule team from the Joliverie College in Nantes, France, travelled an astonishing 3,103 kilometres on one litre of Shell petrol. The current record was set in 2002 by a team from Paul Sabatier University/INSA Toulouse whose vehicle travelled 3,494km on a litre of fuel.
This year's competition marks the second year of the UrbanConcept category in which teams develop vehicles similar to a normal automobile for on-road use. Like the more futuristic vehicles in the prototype group, the UrbanConept vehicles also take up the challenge of energy optimisation, while remaining subject to the same constraints as traditional cars.
Christian Balmes, Chairman of Shell in France, said the competition went beyond performance and the spirit of competition. He said: "Through the Shell Eco-marathon, we encourage research into improved energy efficiency in the transport sector, we support changes in behaviour to save energy and we promote teamwork. This is an investment focused firmly on the future and on sustainable mobility."
Valeo supports research project for first European medium sized micro-hybrid diesel-electric commercial vehicle
Valeo is to collaborate with the UK Department for Transport, Ford Motor Company, Ricardo Consulting Engineers and the Gates Corporation on a €1.2 million government-funded research project. The "Hytrans" project aims to develop the first medium-sized commercial vehicle in Europe equipped with a micro-hybrid diesel-electric powertrain using Valeo's innovative belt-driven combined starter-alternator reversible system.
A major aim of the project is to implement a competitive micro-hybrid powertrain technology to achieve reduced fuel consumption of between 15 to 25 percent over typical door-to-door urban delivery cycles leading to comparably lower CO2 emission levels.
Engineering resources committed to the project by Valeo will reflect the company's proven expertise in hybrid powertrain technology with particular emphasis on the integration of a belt-driven starter-alternator reversible system with design features, such as the "Start-Stop" and regenerative braking functions, that will both make significant contribution to the environmental aims of the project.
In order to meet low cost and time-to-market objectives, the Hytrans research project is based on a standard production Ford Transit that will become the practical demonstrator for forthcoming micro-hybrid mass-market powertrain technologies in the medium commercial vehicle sector.
This machine will equip Ford's latest 2.0-litre common rail 92kW diesel engine installed in the Transit demonstrator vehicle together with a package of electrical energy management devices including a battery management and disconnect unit and a Valeo DC/DC converter, supported by an optimized network architecture to guarantee energy dependability.
See the document the starter-generator for more information.
Honda will introduce this year a V6 powered gas-electric hybrid Accord using Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system in combination with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology for V6 performance with fuel economy equivalent to a four-cylinder Civic. The mid-size Accord Hybrid brings hybrid power to Honda's best-selling model, delivering an even higher level of performance than the already powerful 240-horsepower Accord V6 Sedan.
The Accord Hybrid is the first V6 application of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology and the first hybrid vehicle to employ Variable Cylinder Management technology. Developed by Honda, VCM allows for the deactivation of three of the engine's six cylinders under certain conditions - such as highway cruising - to deliver even greater fuel efficiency with no sacrifice in performance. VCM will also be applied to another new model being introduced later this year.
See our document Honda Civic IMA.
The world first hybrid Lexus RX400h 4-wheel drive SUV at the 2004 Geneva Motorshow
Its completely new hybrid system is based on the Hybrid Synergy Drive concept already used on the Toyota Prius. On the RX400h, It employs front and rear electric motors and a 3.3 litre, V6 petrol engine, which combine to produce a maximum power output of approximately 200 kW (270 hp) via continually variable automatic transmission and electric 4-wheel drive.
This gives the RX400h a comparable top speed to that of the existing RX300, but overall performance superiority (0-100kph/62mph) in less than 8 seconds. Furthermore, the RX400h boasts the lowest Premium SUV CO2 emissions in the world.
The RX400h will already be on the market during the first quarter of 2005.
The Shell Eco-marathon under the patronage of the European Commission
The 2004 Shell Eco-marathon is being sponsored by Loyola de Palacio, the European Union Vice-President for Transport and Energy Commission, thus reinforcing the event's European dimension.
This prestigious sponsorship will offer the opportunity to shine an even brighter spotlight on the values that this event hopes to foster, both with participants and with the general public, as well as to promote technological innovations for energy savings and environmental protection.
As of today, teams from 12 of the 15 current members of the European Union have entered: Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. With the expansion of the EU on 1 May 2004, 14 out of the 25 member countries will be represented, since teams from the Czech Republic and Slovakia will be present at the Nogaro motor circuit.
Christian Balmes, Chairman of the Shell Group Companies in France, said: "Through the Shell Eco-marathon, we encourage research into improved energy efficiency in the transport sector, we support changes in behaviour to save energy and we promote teamwork. This is an investment focused firmly on the future and on sustainable mobility."
In 2004, which team will set the record for best energy efficiency ? See you on 15-16 May 2004 at the Nogaro Motor Circuit - France.
Lexus Introduces RX 400h, World's First Luxury Hybrid SUV
Lexus introduced what will be the world's first luxury gas-electric hybrid SUV today at a press conference at the North American International Auto Show. The RX 400h will be powered by a V6 Hybrid Synergy Drive system that combines sub-eight second zero-to-sixty acceleration with fuel-efficiency equivalent to the current average for a four-cylinder compact sedan. The RX 400h will also be rated Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), one of the most stringent emissions rating in the industry.
The 400h hybrid powertrain combines a powerful electric motor with the highly efficient 3.3-liter V6 engine found in the RX 330. The system is a "full hybrid," meaning that the RX 400h is capable of operating in separate gas or electric modes, as well as a mode that combines power from both.
The RX 400h will develop a peak system output of approximately 200 kW (270 hp) and deliver combined fuel economy significantly better than the current average compact sedan rating of 27.6 MPG (8,5 l/100 km). The RX 400h features an optional rear-drive electric motor. The RX 400h uses a regenerative braking system to recharge the batteries and further boost system efficiency.
Preliminary Specifications
- Powertrain: Engine - 3.3 liter V6 and electric motor(s) - Permanent magnet
- Estimated total power : 200 kW (270 hp)
- Expected EPA emissions rating - Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)
- Transmission - Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
- Length / Width / Height: 186.6 / 72.6 / 66.1 in. / 4740 / 1844 / 1680 mm
A current European best-seller driven by the power of the future will be lining up to take part in the third CaFCP Road Rally: the new Volkswagen Touran HyMotion. Its high-torque electric motor draws its power from a fuel cell. Car drivers in the US Federal state of California will be able to test the most recent generation of this absolutely emission-free van for themselves for the very first time. The CaFCP Road Rally has been initiated to allow them to experience the status quo of fuel cell technology and therefore give them a taste of the future.
PSA Peugeot Citroën has launched a new Internet site which outlines its approach to sustainable development. The site illustrates the Group's commitment to maintaining both its long term development and its responsibilities for economic, social and environmental affairs.
Toyota and Shell Gas & Power launch today a trial of Shell Gas to Liquids (GTL) Fuel in a fleet of ten Toyota Avensis cars equipped with D-CAT emission reduction technology.
American Honda released the first information of its 2005 Accord V6 Hybrid, a gas-electric hybrid version of Honda's best-selling car, scheduled to go on-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide later this year. Utilizing a next-generation hybrid powertrain, the Accord V6 Hybrid will deliver power and performance above the current 240-horsepower Accord V6 with the fuel economy of a compact-class, four-cylinder Civic sedan.
Renault and Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc., an international developer of multi-fuel reforming and fuel cell technology, today signed an agreement to strengthen their partnership and continue their collaborative efforts in fuel cell research and development. The deal gives Renault an equity stake in Nuvera, sets out the terms of a new research contract, and licenses Renault to use technology developed by Nuvera.
BMW is working on an hybrid version of the X5 model. An electric motor integrated between the internal combustion engine and the gearbox supports the conventional drive during acceleration. The research vehicle was launched in 2003. Torque is increasing to 1000 Nm in the lower range and consumption is reduced by up to 15 percent in the driving cycle.
By staging a unique marathon drive across Europe, General Motors (GM) and Opel are getting ready to test the durability and day-to-day reliability of their fuel cell propelled vehicles. The long-distance journey for the hydrogen-powered prototype, "HydroGen3" (based on the Opel Zafira) will cover a distance of around 10,000 km and will pass through 14 countries. The ordeal will be divided into 20 stages covering an average of 500 km a day, starting on May 3, 2004, in Hammerfest (Norway), Europe's most northerly town. The "Opel Fuel Cell Marathon - powered by GM" will finish on June 11 in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of the European continent.
The 20th edition of the Shell Eco-Marathon ran this weekend on the Nogaro's circuit (France). More than 200 competitors were present, coming from 12 different countries. Once more, the Lycée de la Joliverie, from Nantes (France), the Ferrari of the challenge, won the competition. But the two following competitors, l'INSA - Université Paul Sabatier of Toulouse and IUT Génie Mécanique et Productique of Nancy Brabois were always close. At the end, an equivalent of 3410 km were reached with one liter of petrol.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it conducted public testing of its FCX equipped with Honda's Fuel Cell Stack in Hokkaido, proving the vehicle's cold-start and driving performance capabilities.
A record number of teams will take part in the next Shell Eco-marathon in France this year as the popularity of this international event continues to grow. Organisers have selected 217 teams to take part in the Shell Eco-marathon that will be held at Nogaro Motor Circuit from 15-16 May. Last year's event drew 191 entries and involved 5,000 participants from 14 countries.
Its completely new hybrid system is based on the Hybrid Synergy Drive concept already used on the Toyota Prius. On the RX400h, It employs front and rear electric motors and a 3.3 litre, V6 petrol engine, which combine to produce a maximum power output of approximately 200 kW (270 hp) via continually variable automatic transmission and electric 4-wheel drive.
This gives the RX400h a comparable top speed to that of the existing RX300, but overall performance superiority (0-100kph/62mph) in less than 8 seconds. Furthermore, the RX400h boasts the lowest Premium SUV CO2 emissions in the world.
The 2004 Shell Eco-marathon is being sponsored by Loyola de Palacio, the European Union Vice-President for Transport and Energy Commission, thus reinforcing the event's European dimension.