|
Environmental technology takes many forms when it comes to automobiles. It can range from seats made out of 100 percent recycled material, to new hybrids that can work with gas and diesel engines, to plug-in hybrids that promise the potential for 40 miles or more of electric driving.
GMC Sierra Hybrid General Motors Corp. and A123Systems, Inc., of Watertown, Mass., will co-develop cells with A123Systems' nanophosphate battery chemistry for a long-lasting, safe and powerful battery for use in GM's electric drive E-Flex system. The agreement is expected to expedite the development of the batteries for both electric plug-in vehicles and fuel cell variants of the E-Flex architecture. The E-Flex electric vehicle architecture was first shown in the Chevy Volt concept car early in 2007. For average commuters driving 40 miles, the Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions and could nearly eliminate going to the gas station altogether. “Breakthrough battery technology will drive future automotive propulsion, and the company that aligns with the best strategic partners will win. That's what is so important about this deal,” said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman of Global Product Development, in a news release announcing the agreement. Toyota has provided Toyota plug-in hybrid (PHEV) prototypes to the Advanced Power and Energy Program at the University of California, Irvine and the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, as part of its ongoing sustainable mobility development program with the two UC campuses. The prototype PHEV system is designed to operate in a similar manner to the current Prius, switching from pure-electric mode, to gas-engine mode, to a combined gas-electric mode. The big advantage is that the PHEV's prototype battery pack is capable of storing significantly higher levels of electricity, supplied by “plugging into the grid” for periodic recharging sessions. With significantly more electric power in reserve, the vehicle will be capable of operating in pure-electric mode for longer periods of time and at much higher speeds than the current Prius. This will result in substantial gains in fuel economy and a major reduction in total tailpipe emissions of smog-forming gases, over current conventional hybrid systems. Ford and Southern California Edison are also exploring ways to make plug-in hybrid vehicles more accessible to consumers, reduce petroleum-related emissions and improve the cost-effectiveness of the nation' electricity grid. This is the nation's first collaboration to examine the future of PHEVs as part of a complete vehicle, home and grid energy system.
GMC Yukon Hybrid GM, BMW and DaimlerChrysler have co-developed the 2-Mode full hybrid system that will leverage automatic transmission technology and electronic controls in an integrated, powerful and compact system that can be used with both gas and diesel engines. GM's 2-Mode full hybrid system in transit buses has been established as the starting point for the GM-BMW-DaimlerChrysler collaboration. The design integrates proven automatic transmission technology with a patented hybrid-electric drive system to deliver the world's first 2-Mode full hybrid in an SUV. The 2-Mode is patented hybrid technology with two modes optimized for city and highway driving. In the first mode, at low speed and light loads, the vehicle can operate in three ways: electric power only, engine power only or in any combination of engine and electric power. When operating with electric power only, it provides all the fuel savings benefits of a full hybrid system. Leaving the engine shut off for extended periods of time and moving under electric power at low speed is key to reducing fuel consumption in heavy stop-and-go traffic. The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds. In addition to electric assist, the second mode provides full 8-cylinder engine power when conditions demand it, such as when passing, pulling a trailer or climbing a steep grade. The second mode integrates sophisticated electronic controls, such as Active Fuel Management, cam phasing and late-intake valve closure, allowing even more efficient engine operation. |
Because the architecture can be scaled to fit multiple vehicles and adapted to gasoline or diesel engines, the 2-Mode full hybrid can be applied globally. In Europe, for example, where diesel engines are common in passenger vehicles, it can provide a significant reduction in fuel consumption, which would help automakers meet the region's ever-stringent carbon dioxide emissions standard. As consumers become more realistic about the fuel efficiency capabilities of hybrid vehicles, the percentage of new-vehicle shoppers who are considering a hybrid has declined, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Alternative Powertrain Study. That could explain the ongoing drive by manufacturers to develop new alternative fuels and energy sources for automobiles.
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Now in its second year, the Alternative Powertrain Study examines the reasons why consumers consider or avoid alternative powertrain vehicles. The study finds that 50 percent of new-vehicle shoppers are considering a hybrid - down from 57 percent in the 2006 study. While a general decline can be observed across all age groups, in particular younger vehicle shoppers, those 16 to 25 years old appear less interested in the powertrain technology, with 60 percent considering a hybrid in 2007, down from 73 percent in 2006. The average additional price that hybrid consumers are willing to pay for this powertrain is $2,396, with the expectation of receiving an improvement of 18.5 miles per gallon over a traditional vehicle of similar size. Competition in the segment will intensify in the coming years. There will be as many as 65 hybrid models, more than half of them trucks, in the market by 2010, with projected sales of nearly 775,000, J.D. Power said.
Saturn Vue Hybrid The study also finds that consumer consideration for purchasing clean diesel vehicles, which were newly introduced to the market in 2007, is at 23 percent. In 2006, only 12 percent of shoppers considered purchasing diesel vehicles. On average, considerers of this powertrain are willing to pay an additional $1,491 for the clean diesel option and expect an average additional fuel economy of 15 mpg. Not all that is green in the automotive world has to do with fuel economy. Sometimes you can proclaim your green credentials just by sitting down. The 2008 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid are believed to be the first U.S. automotive applications of 100 percent recycled fabric seating surfaces. The new fabric, supplied by Interface Fabrics, Inc., is produced from 100 percent post-industrial materials - defined as anything intended for retail use that never makes it to the consumer. This can be anything from plastic intended for pop bottles to un-dyed polyester fibers. This plastic and polyester is processed, spun into yarn, dyed and woven into seat fabric. Interface Fabrics estimates that Ford's use of post-industrial recycled materials, rather than using virgin fibers, could conserve an estimated 600,000 gallons of water, 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents and more than 7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. Find out more information on these and other innovations at the Denver International Auto Show, Wednesday through Sunday, March 26-30, at the Colorado Convention Center. Manufacturer representatives will be on hand to answer any questions you might have. It is the perfect opportunity to compare the green features from the different car lines in order to find the right vehicle for you and your family. |
Greening the world one hybrid at a time