Featured Threads Archive
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Toyota partners with Luminar for LIDAR
This company's new LIDAR technology sounds pretty cool. I'd be interested in seeing more about this.
Toyota's Self-Driving Cars Get New Lasers to See the World
Posted via the PriusChat mobile app. -
It's Electric: Toyota to Bring First Hybrid Powertrain Production to U.S.
It's Electric: Toyota to Bring First Hybrid Powertrain Production to U.S. | Toyota USA Newsroom
What's interesting in here - beyond the production being brought here, which is interesting itself - is that they're talking about the 2.5 liter powertrain in the context of the Highlander Hybrid - that means a significant downsizing for when it moves to TNGA, presumably.
The current Highlander Hybrid uses the 2GR-FXS and P313 transaxle to make 306 hp, whereas the Camry Hybrid uses the A25A-FXS and P710 transaxle - I have to think that that's the powertrain - to make 208 hp. Maybe there's some headroom in the P710 for more power with a bigger battery? Alternately, AWD trims will have the rear motor, and a bigger battery could mean more system power through that motor, too. -
Report: the phase-out of gas and adoption of electric vehicles!
Bloomberg recently released reports that nearly 80 percent of the global auto market is pushing toward phase-out of petroleum cars and adoption of electric vehicles.
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Their article suggests that EV sales will overtake internal combustion engines in just over 20 years - sooner than some governments & companies expected!
When do you think EV sales will overtake the internal combustion engine - do these estimates seem possible?
Source: Bloomberg -
National Drive Electric Week was bigger, broader, better than ever this year
National Drive Electric Week was bigger, broader, better than ever this year
Glad to see that plug-in cars are making their presence a little bit more known to the general public. Can't wait to see what the coming years will do as people see more plug-in hybrids and more EV... -
BMW Develops Pad to Wirelessly Charge Electric Cars
Just another gimmick or game changing?
BMW Develops Pad to Wirelessly Charge Electric Cars | News & Opinion | PCMag.com -
Autotrader: Prius Prime Long Term
2018 Toyota Prius Prime: Long-Term Introduction - Autotrader
2018 Toyota Prius Prime: MPG and Techies - Autotrader
2018 Toyota Prius Prime: Using Very Little Gasoline - Autotrader
2018 Toyota Prius Prime: Airport Charging - Autotrader
2018 Toyota Prius Prime: Style and Design - Autotrader
2018 Toyota Prius Prime: More Impressions - Autotrader... -
Electric motor efficiency introduction
Source: Check out the details inside an electric car motor
. . .
While the improvements in the automobile internal combustion engine are well documented, the state of the electric motor is less well known -- at least among those of us who focus on the auto industry. At Automotive News, we've rarely written about the internal workings of the electric motor and the engineering challenges it poses as it moves into high volume production and use. That seems likely to change.
. . .
That will soon change, says John Tintinalli, director of the global product group for ground vehicles at SAE International. He said SAE is developing a standard way to measure efficiency of electric motors, as well as torque and horsepower.
The Chevrolet Volt has two electric motors -- one is 96 percent efficient, while the other is 94 percent efficient. Nitz says electric motor efficiency at GM is... -
Camry Hybrid LE metrics
Source: 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE Matches Toyota Prius' 52 MPG Fuel Economy | Torque News
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In the case of the new 2018 Camry Hybrid, the LE uses a lithium-ion battery instead of the nickel metal hydride batteries the SE and XLE Hybrid trims use. It also has steel wheels and slightly different dimensions and a lower weight than the other two trims.
I have long suspected steel vs alloy wheels have a measurable impact on the City driving protocol results because the polar moment of inertia effect. I would love to see the results of an alloy wheel version of the new, Camry hybrid.
Bob Wilson -
Rotary returns
Source: Mazda Bringing New Rotary Concept to Tokyo | TheDetroitBureau.com
Earlier this year, several senior Mazda sources revealed that the Wankel will make its return under the hood of the Japanese automaker’s first battery-electric vehicle. If that has you scratching your head, the explanation is simple: the rotary will serve as a range-extender for the EV Mazda is expected to launch sometime in 2019.
It’s the same approach that BMW is using for a range-extender for its little city car, the i3 REx, albeit with a rotary, rather than conventional piston engine. Once the batteries are drained, the Wankel will fire up to keep the car rolling until the driver can stop for a recharge.
The range-extender approach is somewhat different from a plug-in hybrid in several ways. First, the vehicle is expected to run solely in electric mode unless and until the batteries are drained.... -
Hybrid / EV / Plugin Insurance Costs
The mods will decide of course, but this might be sticky-worthy, since it could save some owners a ton of cash. We'll see if this has any legs.
Incentives for Plug-in Hybrids and Electric Cars | PluginCars.com
Automotive Insurance is one of those costs of ownership elements we all need. Don't know why it didn't dawn on me decades before, but it might be advantageous to know what kind of deals are available for all of us. Maybe even nationwide as rates vary so much - but now that membership is in the 6 figures? Over the decades, Danny has worked some nice deals for extended... -
What the ?
ATTS
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ERV (Electric Recreational Vehicle)
I've long thought this could make a lot of sense. Lots of high powered plugs at most camp grounds. But a little more range would be good. And ditch the solar panels on the side. Not worth the additional prime bump.
Electric motorhomes are coming: a new RV powered by solar panels and 91 kWh battery pack | Electrek -
When 10 MPG wins a contest
Source: http://m.fleetowner.com/ideaxchange/fleets-still-improving-mpg-study-shows#
We asked fleets about their use of 85 different technologies and practices that improve fuel economy. Based on their adoption of some of these technologies — each fleet selects its own combination of technologies and no fleet can use all 85 — they saw a 1% increase in fuel economy in 2016 compared to 2015.
Combined these fleets reached an average fuel economy of 7.11 mpg compared to the average U.S. fleet. Keep in mind that 7.11 is an average fuel economy number; 2017 model trucks operated by those fleets achieved 7.8 to 9.2 mpg and some even approached 10 mpg.
What reaching 7.11 MPG means in dollars and cents is a combined savings of nearly $500,000,000 or $3,874 per year per truck with fuel at $2.34 a gallon.
Think about that. $3,874 per truck per year. That’s a significant savings for those... -
Is Tesla revisiting Battery Swaps?
Tesla just got a patent on battery swap technology. That could provide a quick "fill-up" for a self-driving car.
Tesla Secures Patent For Battery Swap Technology | CleanTechnica -
Samsung Modular Battery for EV's
I think this has potential. I like it even more if the end user can adjust how many battery packs they want on any given trip. Could make shorter range trips much more efficient.
Samsung's New Car Battery Works Like 'Books on a Shelf' | News & Opinion | PCMag.com -
Honda Clarity Plug-in
Source: 2018 Honda Clarity: Honda's new plug-in gets 47 miles of pure electric range
Honda ... 2018 Clarity Plug-in Hybrid. It can go 47 miles on a single charge. When it arrives in dealerships later this year, the Clarity will boast an EPA fuel economy of 110 combined mpg-e, with a gas-only city rating of 44 and 40 highway with a combined 42 mpg. . . .
"We think the combination of a class-leading 47 miles of all-electric driving range rating and a large five-passenger package will give us an advantage in the plug-in hybrid game," said Ray Mikiciuk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales at American Honda Motor Co.
The Clarity will withstand a road trip.... -
New high-power hybrid option in all Toyota hybrids
At first I thought that C-HR Hy-Power CONCEPT is only a design change that will be shown on Frankfurt motor show, but apparently there is also some form of tune up to the 1.8 hybrid system:
New high-power hybrid powertrainTOYOTA C-HR Hy-Power CONCEPT
The concept has been designed around the use of a new hybrid powertrain that offers more power and performance than the 122 DIN hp system featured in the current production Toyota C-HR. This reflects a significant and strategic future development of Toyota’s world-leading technology that will higher performance hybrid options being made available in all its core models. More details regarding this expansion of hybrid will be revealed early in 2018.
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Apparently all models will get a tuned up version of hybrid system, will they do... -
North American battery conference in Michigan
Sorry, for the late notice. I found it in my inbox just now.
Source: The Battery Show : Conference Agenda 2017
The $700 one-day pass is a little rich but there are 'free' exhibition hall passes.
GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson -
Green Drive Get-Together
Hey everyone! There is a gathering this weekend in Madison, WI for National Drive Electric Week. A lot of us are staying at the Clarion next to the Alliant energy center, but there will be free charging for vehicles, and if everyone registers a room under the group name "Green Drive Reunion", you'll get a cheaper rate. ($119.00 v.s. $179.00). The hotel also has a social hour with free beer, wine, and snacks.
We are planning on meeting Friday evening at the Clarion where everyone can mingle for a bit and catch up, and forming a hybrid/EV convoy to Quaker Steak.
There will also be different events going on in Madison for NDEW this weekend that we plan to go to.
If you're interested, feel free to call the hotel and reserve, (608-284-1234) or if you want to come but not stay at the same hotel, that's fine too. The more the merrier! I'm expecting 10-15 people so far. Hoping to keep growing!
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