Charged with Electric Vehicle News and Views
It's pretty much a road-going Formula One car, and after a factory visit to see how it's made, Jay is the first person outside McLaren to test-drive this extraordinary 903 hp plug-in hybrid.
Jim Cramer of CNBC gave ten reasons why he thinks Tesla Motors' stock has nearly quintupled since the beginning of the year, posting a gain of around 396 percent in less than eight months.
At the Frankfurt Motor Show, PEUGEOT and Total will unveil their technological concept, the 208 HYbrid FE, a full petrol hybrid with exceptional characteristics and without a Plug-in energy source.
The Research and Development teams the two partners rose brilliantly to the challenge proposed by establishing a remarkable level of performance, based on a production PEUGEOT 208 hatchback: 0 to 100km/h / 0 to 62mph in 8.0 seconds and CO2 of just 49g/km over the official NEDC European Drive Cycle (Combined Cycle figure). Numerous innovations are implemented in several areas:
The 208 HYbrid FE project combines ideas which until now acted against each other - Fuel Economy and Fun&Efficient, reason and driving pleasure - giving a preview of the vehicles of tomorrow.
"The 208 HYbrid FE project is essential as it explores solutions for reaching the bar of 2l/100km. It also showcases our R&D work with our historic partner Total. Together, we are developing more economical vehicles, we are winning victories all over the world. Together, we are making good progress." Maxime Picat, Director General, Automobiles Peugeot
"With the 208 HYbrid FE, PEUGEOT and Total are combining their expertise to offer the technical solutions of tomorrow. Energy efficiency is a strategic aspect for our Group as it is at the heart of the expectations of our customers, who wish to enjoy the benefits of efficiency and yet retain driving pleasure. It is also a response to contemporary environmental challenges and the means of preserving fossil fuels, which are precious resources." Philippe Boisseau, member of the Executive Committee, President of Marketing & Services and New Energies department at Total
Since 1995, PEUGEOT and Total have been working extensively together to significantly increase fuel economy, improve CO2 emissions and the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of motor vehicles. For PEUGEOT, this is a long-standing environmental policy. With this commitment, in 2013 the Marque is reducing still further the weighted average emissions of CO2 of its European ranges: by the end of May it was 116.3g/km, compared to 121.5g/km in 2012.
Total's researchers are continually working on developing future motor vehicle fuels and lubricants.
The Group provides PEUGEOT and its networks worldwide with FE (Fuel Economy) lubricants: by reducing friction in the combustion engine, these lubricants have contributed to a 5% reduction in CO2 emissions in the last ten years with PEUGEOT engines. The Total Excellium top-of-the-range fuels also contribute to improving fuel economy.
The objective of the 208 HYbrid FE is to combine real driving pleasure with low CO2 emissions. More precisely, the intention is to halve the CO2 emissions of the PEUGEOT 208, equipped with the 1.0- litre VTi 68 and to provide it with acceleration comparable to a performance hatchback, so quite a challenge!
The challenge is made all the greater for the teams of the 208 HYbrid FE project as the production PEUGEOT 208 is already renowned for its weight-saving design and its latest-generation engines that allow it to offer a high-level driving experience.
To rise to this challenge, Total and PEUGEOT therefore combined their capacity for innovation in all areas capitalising on the virtuous circle initiated by the hatchback.
"The goal of 49g and acceleration from rest in 8.0 seconds is as difficult to achieve as victory on the other side of the world. The small team consisting of the best experts in each of the areas brought all of its creativity and enthusiasm into play, and we did it!" Bruno Famin, Director, PEUGEOT Sport
The 208 HYbrid FE, all part of the Marque's hybrid strategy
The policy goal in terms of CO2 is ambitious. It involves achieving 95g/km on weighted average of the new vehicles sold in Europe in 2020. To rise to this challenge without sacrificing driving pleasure, PEUGEOT is investing in several technologies which are already present on its vehicles and achieving substantial progress: continuous improvement of the efficiency of the internal combustion engines, down-sizing strategy, widespread use of the Stop & Start, electric drive ...
The HYbrid4 diesel-electric hybridisation, is part of this process. Launched as a world first by PEUGEOT on the 3008 Crossover, it has since been extended to the 508 RXH and the 508 Saloon. Over 28,000 customers of the HYbrid4 technology have discovered an new driving pleasure which combines performance, simplicity of use, silent-driving and reducing environmental impact with CO2 emissions from 88g/km.
With the 2008 HYbrid Air, PEUGEOT is innovating once more in the interests of the environment and of its customers in all of its markets. In fact, this breakthrough technology combines petrol and compressed air to fulfil customer expectations and rise to the challenges facing the motor industry.
On the current generation of B segment vehicles, the HYbrid Air considerably improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions. In fact, on completion of the homologated Drive Cycle tests, the figures are set at just 2.9l/100km (97.4mpg) and 69g/km. This technology is a key step towards the goal of reducing fuel consumption to just 2.0l/100km (141.2mpg).
The 208 HYbrid FE combines innovations which will make it possible to achieve this record figure.
PEUGEOT style, naturally efficient
Fluidity is part of the Marque's stylistic heritage, it is in its DNA. On the 208 HYbrid FE, the aerodynamics experts took the exercise to an extreme. So, the Cd improves by 25%, to a value slightly lower than 0.25 and a real feat on a conventional vehicle where the passenger space and boot are maintained!
To achieve this, the air is parted by the 'floating grille' redesigned for permeability and reduced by 40% to just 5dm². In fact, as the engine has been modified for efficiency, it duly requires less cooling.
On the body sides, any flow disrupting components has been eliminated to help improve the aero performance. The tyres, specially developed by Michelin, are of the Tall&Narrow type, ie: of large diameter and narrow width. They are fitted on 19" alloy wheels on which the carbon aerodynamic flaps fill the space between each spoke.
Cameras provide the rear vision, the image being reproduced on board on the interior mirror reminiscent of sporting disciplines like endurance racing. The rear track also contributes to this efficiency by being narrower by 40mm, further reducing the Cd. Finally, the design of the roof extends in an almost horizontal movement leading into the tailgate spoiler.
The rear aspect, with chamfered edges, has an air deflector in its lower section. It deflects the airflow which passes under the vehicle without hindrance due to the completely flat floor.
Finally, to reduce its environmental footprint as much as possible, the LED lamps of the 208 HYbrid FE have thin vertical fins, inspired by the Onyx Concept supercar. These features minimise the air flow turbulence.
A considerable reduction in weight: 20%
When it was launched, the PEUGEOT 208 hatchback shook up the segment, notably due to its light weight - from only 975kg at the Access level. This performance is remarkable, but in the future vehicles will need to be even lighter while still providing the high levels of comfort and safety.
"Reducing the weight was a primary area of consideration. To achieve the 20% reduction in the weight of the vehicle we carried out a study part by part and equipped the 208 HYbrid FE with the most innovative materials from Hutchinson, CCP Composites and Total's Polymers activity. This process is even more virtuous as it does not sacrifice any of the safety and comfort used in the vehicle while introducing real innovations." Philippe Girard, Scientific Department Representative, Total Composite materials
The 208 HYbrid FE benefits from the latest material innovations developed by the Polymers Division of the Refining-Chemicals department at Total, as well as by its two subsidiaries CCP Composites and Hutchinson.
Taken from the end of the assembly line, the 208 retains its metal structure. Composite components replace bodywork panels and the floor, further reducing the weight of the body shell from 295 to 227kg. The one-piece outer skin (weighing just 20kg), the flat base (8kg), the door panels (c2kg) and the lower front panel are made from carbon fibre. The bonnet (5kg) and the wings (c2.1kg) are constructed from a composite VER/Carbon, a material which is half the weight but with comparable structural properties. It is obtained from a new type of resin which can be used untreated, painted or colour-dyed.
Finally, with the exception of the door windows, the glazing uses polycarbonate to further save 5kg.
The 208 HYbrid FE innovates in its use as this material has up until now be reserved for headlight lenses. It reduces the weight by more than 50% compared to conventional glass.
Innovative suspension and wheels
The 208 HYbrid FE rests on innovative pseudo MacPherson suspension with a 'glass fibre resin' composite transverse located blade. It replaces several components: suspension springs, lower wishbones and anti-roll bar. The front blade also has varying flexibility along its length. Designed and produced by Hutchinson, using these two blades saves 20kg.
Due to their dimensions, the 145/65 R19 wheels themselves reduce the rolling resistance by 20%. They also require less effort on the steering wheel to direct them, making steering assistance superfluous: saving in space under the bonnet, fuel consumption and extra weight. The wheels are fitted onto low friction bearings assisted by special Total grease.
The wheel rims house large brake discs 380mm in diameter and 9.6mm thick. They are rigged with two-piston callipers, 44.5mm at the front and 31.8mm at the rear.
On braking, the reduced effort on the pedal and the intervention of the electric motor mean that the supplementary braking assistance can be eliminated.
A passenger compartment for five occupants
The 208 HYbrid FE needed to retain the interior features of the production hatchback model. The result proves it: a very economical vehicle that can comfortably accommodate five people and their luggage. Only the air conditioning is eliminated due to its impact on fuel consumption.
The composite door trim pads are developed by Total's Polymers Division using Polypropylene reinforced with natural fibres. Its excellent structure, rigidity and impact absorption properties are accompanied by a reduction in weight of up to 15% and mean a reduction in the carbon footprint of these components. The centre console and vent trims are of VER resin (CCP Composites) left untreated to offer an appearance not previously seen before. In fact, their slightly amber honey colour reveals the natural fibres through transparency.
The weight reduction techniques have also been applied to the petrol engine and the gearbox.
An efficient and high-performance power train
The 208 HYbrid FE is driven by a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, which combines development of the latest generation of 3-cylinder engine with a battery and an electric motor taken from PEUGEOT Sport's Endurance programme. Special engine management and special software control the entire drive train. Overall, the efficiency of the powertrain increases by an impressive 10%.
"The challenge of this project consisted of combining engine optimisations (reciprocating gears, cylinder head, etc.) and optimising the flow of energy between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. All of the solutions can potentially be carried over to production." Julien Lidsky, Manager, 208 HYbrid FE Powertrain, PEUGEOT Sport
1.2-litre VTi-FE petrol engine of high efficiency
The 3-cylinder engine has undergone several modifications: optimisation of the engine operational
cycle, reduction of friction losses, thermomanagement... All of these advances lead to fuel economy
improvements by 10% yet with power maintained at 68bhp (50kW).
The Miller Cycle is accentuated and the compression ratio modified from 11:1 to 16:1 to increase the engine's thermodynamic efficiency. This can lead to self-ignition of the mixture (or knock), which is potentially destructive. To prevent this, several actions were taken.
So, the rate of unburned elements in the combustion chamber is reduced by valves of increased diameter, redesigned exhaust pipes, a redesigned manifold, and an adapted valve lift pattern. Furthermore, the heat exchanges are optimised in the cylinder block due to coolant passages arranged between the cylinders. The coolant now passes through the cylinder head along its entire length to recover the heat around each source: combustion chambers, between injectors and spark plugs.
The engine adopts direct injection which, by means of very precise phasing with the closing of the cylinder, maximises the benefit of each molecule of fuel. The variable setting at the inlet and at the exhaust extends the range of optimum efficiency to the entire engine speed range, both at full load and partial load.
However, not all of these various developments favour power at high engine speed. So, the capacity is modified to 1,233cm3 by increasing the bore and the stroke (75mm x 93mm) to maintain the declared 68bhp (50kW). On the other hand, this progress benefits the maximum torque produced which increases by 25%.
All of the moving components are specific to the 208 HYbrid FE. The nitrated steel crankshaft, the titanium con rods and the aluminium-copper alloy pistons are cut from solid. So, their weight is reduced in spite of the increase in capacity; the con rods and Gudgeon pins being halved.
The friction losses are a challenge as they represent approximately 1/5th of the power consumed by an engine. On the 208 HYbrid FE, they are reduced by approximately 40% notably by the crankshaft, the pistons and the Gudgeon pin, the piston rings and the camshaft followers. These components are given a diamond-like Carbon coating and are geometrically optimised.
The weight of the cylinder head, also cut from a solid block, is halved due to the reduced thicknesses permitted by its design and the characteristics of the aluminium used. The coolant circuit and the inlet line are made by rapid prototyping of resins charged with glass fibres or carbon. To do this, the laser beam of a 3D printer fuses successive layers of aluminium powder. This produces a functional component quickly and more cheaply in the context of individual specialised manufacture.
Produced using the same process, the piston base jets serve here both to cool them on use under load and to heat the oil as quickly as possible on starting.
This virtuous circle affects all of the areas explored by this technological demonstrator. So, the size of the radiator is reduced, benefiting the aerodynamic properties. The alternator, the starter and the reverse gear are eliminated, reducing the weight, mechanical losses, but also in its overall dimensions.
Piloted transmission
The base of the production piloted manual gearbox is retained for its high efficiency and its integrated actuators. The casings cut from a solid block houses a cascade of gears to connect the electric engine to the differential crown wheel. To reduce friction losses, the teeth of the gears are given a tungsten carbide chrome coating.
The greasing is redesigned to reduce the volume of lubricant necessary and prevent splashing over the gears, which also consumes energy. Now, the lubricant is moved to the highest point by the final drive crown wheel before circulating through gravity over the entire mechanism. The prototype gearbox oil is developed by Total Lubricants based on bio-sourced oils, of 75W grade with a very high viscosity index (higher than 250). This produces a 3% reduction in consumption, and becomes a preview of the lubricants of the future.
Taken directly from a competition environment, a fluid grease of low density also reduces the quantity deemed necessary. Its longevity is assured by operation at a lower temperature due to a reduction in friction and finally, the hub bearings adopt a special fluid grease, which adheres but limits friction losses.
Fuel and lubricant
The 208 HYbrid FE passes the CO2 emissions cycle with a benchmark Super 95 fuel. The performance additives of the Excellium type, developed by Total Additives and Special Fuels, would alone reduce the CO2 emissions of this engine by more than one additional gramme per kilometre.
"The 208 HYbrid FE offers a convergence of innovations from the laboratories of Total. Today, the group's researchers are developing biofuels, energy saving lubricants (Fuel-Eco lubricants) and special additives all contributing to improving fuel economy. In France, close to 250 researchers are working on developing the products of tomorrow." Philippe Montantême, Senior Vice President Marketing and Research Strategy, Marketing & Services department at Total
A special engine oil of extremely low viscosity has been developed by Total Lubricants using ultrafluid based oils and by the addition of friction reducing agents containing molybdenum. Of grade 0W12, this oil develops its properties very rapidly with a shorter temperature rise time. Optimised as regards friction, it retains, both when hot and when cold, an advantage compared to the best products on the market. Thus improving fuel economy, here again a few more grammes are saved!
A hybridisation taken from endurance experience
The project has benefited from the expertise of PEUGEOT Sport with its experience acquired in endurance competition. So, the electric motor and the battery are those developed for the PEUGEOT 908 HYbrid4 endurance race car.
"The hybridisation developed for the 908 HYbrid4 is state-of-the-art in this domain. The work consisted of integrating it within the power train of the 208 to recover as much energy as possible on braking and using its full potential on acceleration." Pierre Lebrene, Manager, 208 HYbrid FE Energy Recovery System, PEUGEOT Sport
A special architecture The electric machine combines power and lightness as, at only 7kg, it develops 30kW as a motor and 100kW as a brake generator. In both modes, its torque reaches a maximum of 30Nm. Proportional to the speed of the vehicle, its maximum speed is 40,000rpm. This electric motor provides the reverse gear function, by inverting the direction of rotation, and the starter function. It also provides access to ZEV driving, purely electric.
The Lithium-ion battery, which has a capacity of two usable MJ or 0.56kWh, consists of 0.56 cells of 90V each. They are arranged in groups, which permits the ability to isolate one if deemed necessary.
To ensure that this strategic unit is cooled correctly, Total has developed a special oil for circulating in the dedicated radiator.
Weighing 25kg, it is installed, with the 20-litre petrol tank, on a subframe which is bolted underneath the vehicle directly below the rear bench seat. Here, sporting experience is demonstrated with improved weight distribution. For the inverter and the ECU, these are installed under the bonnet in the space left free by the braking assistance. The hybridisation has no effect on the interior packaging, so the inside the vehicle the passenger space is maintained.
The principle of operation
During deceleration phases, whether by releasing the accelerator pedal or through braking, the
vehicle is slowed down primarily by the electric motor. The hydraulic braking only comes into
operation at the end of braking phase to maximise the recovery of the energy available. Over one
homologation cycle, this recovery is 25%. Then, on acceleration, this energy is returned and assists
the petrol engine according to various parameters: acceleration dictated by the driver and the gear
selected.
The 208 HYbrid FE, Fun&Efficient and Fuel Efficiency
The PEUGEOT and Total teams, who have been working for months on creating this technological
demonstrator, can be justifiably proud.
Up until now, there have been low consumption vehicles and high performance vehicles. For the first time, these two qualities are combined in the same vehicle.
The emissions of CO2 are just 49g/km. The different areas divide up the reduction of 50g/km as follows:
The performance aspect, which improves from 14 to 8 seconds over the 0 to 100km/h / 0-62mph exercise is also contributed to by:
The 208 HYbrid FE proves itself beyond the figures. Due to the virtuous circle in which the two partners became involved, the driver enjoys new experiences at the wheel of this technological demonstrator: acceleration worthy of a GTi with mixed fuel economy of 2.1 1/100km (112mpg). Without any loss of comfort or ease of use, the driver will rediscover a direct link with the road due to the elimination of the powered, energy-consuming assistance.
"At the beginning of the project, the objective seemed very ambitious, of a very high level. It was! The two partners, PEUGEOT and Total, achieved it by combining their technological expertise. PEUGEOT Sport has contributed its expertise to the project and has identified new areas of development. Production and competition are progressing together." Christophe Mary, Technical Manager of the 208 HYbrid FE project, PEUGEOT Sport
The 208 HYbrid FE proves that the emotional aspect will always have its place in a PEUGEOT vehicle, even in an increasingly restrictive energy and environmental context. PEUGEOT and Total are the major players in a modern vision of the motor vehicle.
A standard Tesla Model S equipped with the 85 kWh battery pack has an official EPA rated range of 265 Miles (424 km) and 310 Miles (500 km) NEDC rating.
On Wednesday August 21st four students from the Technical University Eindhoven Sponsored by Athlon Car Lease achieved 388 miles (624 km) in real world driving conditions.
They're calling it a world record "real long distance driving" for the Tesla Models S because they drove with 2 people on normal roads with normal speeds.
First European Superchargers from Tesla Motors on Vimeo.
Tesla Motors today unveiled its European Supercharger network, energizing stations across Norway that enable Model S owners to conveniently travel for free between cities along well-traveled highways throughout the country.
With locations in Lyngdal, Aurland, Dombås, Gol, Cinderella and Lillehammer, Norway’s most vital and commonly used roads and highways are covered by Tesla Superchargers. Model S customers can drive routes such as the E6 from Trondheim to Oslo, the E18 from Oslo to Kristiansand, the E39 from Kristiansand to Stavanger, and Highway7 from Oslo to Gol for free and with minimal stops. Approximately 90 percent of the Norwegian population lives within 320 km of a Supercharger station, and about 60 percent of the country’s total land mass is within the same distance of a station.
Tesla Superchargers represent the most advanced charging technology in the world, capable of charging Model S 20x faster than most common charging stations. Superchargers provide half a charge in about 20 minutes, delivering up to 120 kW DC (Direct Current) power directly to the Model S battery using special cables that bypass the onboard charging equipment. And because Superchargers are located where customers want to stop, near amenities like roadside diners, cafes and shopping centers, road trippers can stop for a quick meal while their Model S charges for free.
The extensive coverage provided by Tesla’s Supercharger network allowed three Model S to depart for Oslo this morning from locations in the north, west and south of Norway and travel the following major routes with ease: Trondheim-Dombås-Lillehammer-Oslo; Bergen-Aurland-Gol-Oslo; and Stavanger-Lyngdal- Cinderella-Oslo. During their 500 km journeys, each car charged at two of the new Tesla Supercharger locations, where they were met by enthusiastic customers and local officials.
Nissan reported a massive 335% increase in sales of its hatchback electric car LEAF in U.S since the launch of the 2013 model in Mar 2013. LEAF has been Nissan's bestselling car in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco. Alongside, the company also witnessed burgeoning demand for electric vehicles outside the traditional West Coast market, i.e., in "New Wave" markets across the country.
Nissan expects incremental demand for electric vehicles in diverse markets and LEAF is expected to dominate the market share. With more than 75,000 LEAF electric cars on the road, Nissan emerged as the global leader in zero emission vehicles.
Nissan has witnessed 8.5% year-on-year growth in sales so far this year. The increase was driven by record-breaking U.S. monthly sales in 4 out of 7 months. The biggest contribution came from year-over-year increase in the sales of Nissan LEAF and a surge in the sales of the redesigned Pathfinder SUV.
Apart from the U.S., Nissan is also doing well in other parts of America. The company witnessed 7.5% sales growth in Mexico in the first seven months of 2013. Moreover, it plans to open new manufacturing facilities in Aguascalientes, Mexico and Resende, Brazil.
Toyota Motor Corp. is discounting its all-electric RAV4 through low-cost lease and loan offers to boost demand for the slow-selling compact crossover that’s powered by a Tesla Motors Inc. battery pack and motor.
Toyota, the world’s biggest maker of hybrid autos, this month is promoting the option of a $299-a-month, three-year lease for the $49,800 light truck, or a 60-month, no-interest loan, said Carly Schaffner, a company spokeswoman. The offers run through Sept. 3 and are available only in the Los Angeles and San Francisco regions, the vehicle’s main markets.
Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and General Motors Co. similarly have turned to discounted leases to buoy their rechargeable models. Toyota last year said it would sell 2,600 RAV4 EVs by the end of 2014. Through July, just 709 have been sold since sales began last September.
“The use of our incentives is tactical, reinforcing our value and focus on keeping our products competitive in the market,” Schaffner said. “We’re still evaluating the market demand for EVs.”
The battery-powered RAV4 arose in 2010 as a result of Toyota President Akio Toyoda’s desire to work with Palo Alto, Calif.-based Tesla. Along with the vehicle project, Toyota made a $50 million investment in Tesla. Tesla shares have surged about fivefold this year, boosting the value of Toyota’s 2.4 percent stake in the company to about $476 million.
Toyota, with the biggest market share in California, is under pressure to sell the most rechargeable vehicles in the state to meet strict emissions rules. Along with the electric RAV4 that goes about 100 miles per charge, Toyota sells a plug-in version of its Prius hybrid to meet state rules and will add a hydrogen-powered electric sedan in 2015.
Total fast-charging stations for EVs are set to reach 199,000 locations globally in 2020, up from just 1,800 in 2012. The number of these stations, meanwhile, is anticipated to rise more than threefold in 2013 to 5,900 and then nearly triple to 15,200 in 2014. Overall growth will continue at a rapid pace through 2020.
Hard charging
"The length of time it takes to recharge an EV continues to be one of the major stumbling blocks inhibiting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles," said Alastair Hayfield, associate research director at IHS Automotive. "Compared to the time it takes to refuel an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, the recharge time for EVs is incredibly slow-at about four hours to charge a 24 kilowatt-hour (kWh)-capacity battery using a 6.6 kW on-board charger. If EV auto manufacturers could overcome this obstacle, it could lead to a high rate of adoption from environmentally minded consumers as well as those seeking to cut gasoline expenses. That's where fast charging comes in."
Hooked up to a fast-charging system, which offers a high-voltage DC charge instead of a slower AC charge, a vehicle can be fully charged in as little as 20 minutes. This could be a major step toward EVs becoming generally equivalent to ICE vehicles when it comes to refueling.
"IHS believes fast charging is a necessary step to promote higher adoption of EVs, but there will need to also be better consumer education regarding behavioral changes that may need to happen when owning an electric vehicle-such as charging overnight or at work," Hayfield said.
Japanese standard charges ahead
One fast-charging standard designed for electric vehicles is dubbed CHAdeMO, a primarily Japanese-backed technology. The major proponents of the technology are Japanese automotive OEMs-including Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi; and Japanese industrial giants-including Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., Tokyo Electric Power Co. and more.
CHAdeMO, roughly translated as "charge for moving," began deployment in 2009 in order to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in Japan, where EVs have found positive reception. Today there are as many as 2,445 CHAdeMO fast chargers in operation and more than 57,000 CHAdeMO-compatible EVs around the world. This accounts for as much as 80 percent of all electric vehicles on the road, especially given the high concentration of EVs coming from Japan in the form of the Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEv, Hondo Fit EV and more.
One size charges all
A competing solution to CHAdeMO, aptly named the combined charging system (CCS), offers electric vehicle owners the option of having a single charging inlet that can be used for all available charging methods. That includes 1-phase charging at an AC power source, high-speed AC charging with a 3-phase current connector at home or at public charging stations, DC charging at conventional household installation and DC fast charging at power-charging stations globally.
CCS, which was submitted for international standardization in January of 2011, has garnered the support of Audi, BMW, Daimler, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Porsche and Volkswagen. Already BMW, GM and Volkswagen have announced they will introduce fast-charging EVs based on the CCS standard sometime this year.
Tesla vies to electrify the market
Tesla Motors, the California company most notable for the all-electric Tesla Model S, is driving a third method for fast charging. Tesla is developing its own proprietary network of fast chargers in the U.S. Dubbed "Superchargers," the chargers operate at a higher power rating than current CHAdeMO or CCS chargers, and also have a proprietary plug interface, which means that only Tesla vehicles can use them.
"In addition to the proprietary technology, the charging stations are free to use for Tesla owners, and there are plans to power all stations using photovoltaics," Hayfield said. "These Superchargers represent a powerful proposition for Tesla-drivers can charge faster, have U.S.-wide coverage by 2015 and will charge for free for life. This triple threat will aim to lock drivers into the Tesla experience, and also will give Tesla a perceived advantage over other original equipment manufacturers competing in the same market.
Future charge
Looking ahead to the future of EVs, it's clear that DC charging is becoming the favored means for supporting rapid, range-extension electric vehicles. But it is less clear as to whether CHAdeMO or CCS will win the battle for the consumer.
Japan will continue to utilize CHAdeMO, while Germany is set on using CCS; other nations likely will also utilize CCS as well, since it supports slow-charging. But no matter which solution is used, DC-based fast charging is critical to promoting consumer approval and interest in EVs.
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Volkswagen has confirmed that it will lift the veil off of an all-electric version of the pint-sized up! at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
Likely dubbed e-up!, the small EV will be offered as both a three-door and a five-door hatchback. Apart from discreet badges on the front fenders and on the trunk lid, it will look exactly the same as its gasoline-powered counterpart, enabling it to appeal to buyers that want a low-key EV.
Tipping the scale at almost 400 pounds, the up!'s electric drivetrain will consist of an electric motor mounted in the engine bay and a lithium-ion battery pack stored under the rear bench seat. The motor will send the equivalent of 82 horsepower to the front wheels, propelling the e-up! from zero to 62 mph in a little under 13 second and on to a top speed of 80 mph.
The lithium-ion battery pack will be rechargeable in about six hours when plugged in to a regular household outlet, or in 40 minutes when using a quick charger. It will give the city a car a maximum driving range of 80 miles.
Volkswagen has hinted that the e-up! will carry a base price of roughly €19,000 (about $25,000). Buyers will lease the battery pack from Volkswagen for €60 (around $80) a month.
After greeting the show-going public in Frankfurt, the e-up! will hit showrooms across Europe before the end of the year.
