Fuji Heavy Develops Electric Car Based on K-car 'Stella'

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd announced that it had developed "Plug-in Stella Concept," an electric vehicle (EV) based on its "Stella" K-car.

The Plug-in Stella Concept employs the EV system used in the "R1e," which is under feasibility test as an industrial electric vehicle. The company is considering commercializing an electric vehicle based on the Plug-in Stella Concept.

Fuji Heavy Industries will reportedly provide five units of the Plug-in Stella Concept for use at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit. Four of the five will be used to transport government officials and other participants at the summit, and one of them will be provided for test rides at the Environmental Showcase.

In addition, the company plans to provide one unit to the Japan Post Group for use in mail collection and delivery, etc, in the vicinity of the Toyako area during the summit.

Plug-in Stella Concept: The light bulb drawn on the body is designed based on an "energy-saving fluorescent tube," not an "incandescent bulb." The graphic is a collage of scenic pictures of Toyako.

Fuji Heavy Develops Electric Car Based on K-car 'Stella'

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd announced that it had developed "Plug-in Stella Concept," an electric vehicle (EV) based on its "Stella" K-car.

The Plug-in Stella Concept employs the EV system used in the "R1e," which is under feasibility test as an industrial electric vehicle. The company is considering commercializing an electric vehicle based on the Plug-in Stella Concept.

Fuji Heavy Industries will reportedly provide five units of the Plug-in Stella Concept for use at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit. Four of the five will be used to transport government officials and other participants at the summit, and one of them will be provided for test rides at the Environmental Showcase.

In addition, the company plans to provide one unit to the Japan Post Group for use in mail collection and delivery, etc, in the vicinity of the Toyako area during the summit.

Plug-in Stella Concept: The light bulb drawn on the body is designed based on an "energy-saving fluorescent tube," not an "incandescent bulb." The graphic is a collage of scenic pictures of Toyako.

Party-A-CarGo slaps a kegorator on the back of your truck

So you've got an SUV or a truck that's impossible to sell due to the insanely high gas prices. What're you to do? I say you should just accept that you won't be getting rid of that vehicle for a while and adapt. Why not turn it into a portable party machine?
The Party-A-CarGo is a kegorator and sound system that attaches to the tow hitch of your truck, giving you the ability to stop in traffic and pour yourself a frosty beer. You'll be the king of tailgate parties before sports games or concerts, and you can even just back the truck up to your backyard to make it party central. Sure, the $3,000 it costs could be put towards gas or, even better, a new hybrid, neither of those things will help you meet girls.

PartyaCarGo, via Boing Boing Gadgets

Party-A-CarGo slaps a kegorator on the back of your truck

So you've got an SUV or a truck that's impossible to sell due to the insanely high gas prices. What're you to do? I say you should just accept that you won't be getting rid of that vehicle for a while and adapt. Why not turn it into a portable party machine?
The Party-A-CarGo is a kegorator and sound system that attaches to the tow hitch of your truck, giving you the ability to stop in traffic and pour yourself a frosty beer. You'll be the king of tailgate parties before sports games or concerts, and you can even just back the truck up to your backyard to make it party central. Sure, the $3,000 it costs could be put towards gas or, even better, a new hybrid, neither of those things will help you meet girls.

PartyaCarGo, via Boing Boing Gadgets

VIDEO: Porsche Engine Test Rig Simulates Nürburgring Nordschleife

Porsche has created a engine dyno test rig which simulates driving the Nürburgring Nordschleife without a car. By swinging the engine around, the test rig simulates the g-forces involved with a “stroll” around the Ring. As a result, engineers can evaluate all engines systems as well as the new dry-sump oil system, which utilizes a variable-flow pressure pump, under the rigorous driving conditions of the Ring without actually going to the Ring. The big advantages of such a setup include the associated cost and time savings with track time and logistic requirements - not to mention dependence on favorable weather conditions.

In a trip to Porsche's technical center at Weissach during the introduction of the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera. the folks at InsideLine.com were good enough to capture the rig in action. Check out the the G-meter and the Nürburgring Nordschleife map locator at the bottom of the screen.

VIDEO: Porsche Engine Test Rig Simulates Nürburgring Nordschleife

Porsche has created a engine dyno test rig which simulates driving the Nürburgring Nordschleife without a car. By swinging the engine around, the test rig simulates the g-forces involved with a “stroll” around the Ring. As a result, engineers can evaluate all engines systems as well as the new dry-sump oil system, which utilizes a variable-flow pressure pump, under the rigorous driving conditions of the Ring without actually going to the Ring. The big advantages of such a setup include the associated cost and time savings with track time and logistic requirements - not to mention dependence on favorable weather conditions.

In a trip to Porsche's technical center at Weissach during the introduction of the 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera. the folks at InsideLine.com were good enough to capture the rig in action. Check out the the G-meter and the Nürburgring Nordschleife map locator at the bottom of the screen.

British Steam Car plans for 170 MPH at Bonneville

The British Steam Car, a potential Land Speed Record breaker vehicle is being geared up for a trip across the Atlantic. It will head for the Bonneville Salt Flats and a potential tryst with racing history in late August. The car burns liquid petroleum gas at 750° F to pressurize that 360-hp Curtis turbine. This 25-ft.-long Steam Car can turn 10.5 gallons of water a minute into boiling-hot feat, with velocities in excess of 150 mph. The absolute land speed record of 763 mph, tops the 88-year-old international steam record of 127.66 mph­. The target speed for later this summer: 170-mph. When the trials are run, it will be the first time the Steam Car will run as a complete unit. So far, all the car's systems have been exercised individually on a test bed. The entire unit will run together for the first time in the third week of August, when the supersonic engineering team will test the time-bending machine prior to an attempt at the record the following week.

The biggest problem thus far, has been the 12 micro boilers that have to make super heated steam, very quickly. Getting the maximum amount of energy from the burners into the water without allowing it to escape has been a difficult challenge.

Unlike a steam locomotive, which uses a steam-powered injector system, the British Steam Car uses compressed-air-powered hydraulics to inject distilled water and pre-prime itself. The water is pumped into the start of 1.86 miles of tubing to develop three megawatts of heat to convert water into 750 F steam. This super-heated "dry" steam is then directed down the car via heavily lagged pipes and two enormous industrial steam valves, which act as throttles, and then into the two-stage turbine. "That's where we turn pressure into velocity," says Candy. The steam is injected into the turbine at over two times the speed of sound; under the assault, the turbine revolves at up to 13,000 rpm. The turbine drives the rear wheels via a conventional crown wheel and pinion. The vehicle turns 10.5 gallons of water a minute into super-heated steam at 40 times atmospheric pressure.

Source

British Steam Car plans for 170 MPH at Bonneville

The British Steam Car, a potential Land Speed Record breaker vehicle is being geared up for a trip across the Atlantic. It will head for the Bonneville Salt Flats and a potential tryst with racing history in late August. The car burns liquid petroleum gas at 750° F to pressurize that 360-hp Curtis turbine. This 25-ft.-long Steam Car can turn 10.5 gallons of water a minute into boiling-hot feat, with velocities in excess of 150 mph. The absolute land speed record of 763 mph, tops the 88-year-old international steam record of 127.66 mph­. The target speed for later this summer: 170-mph. When the trials are run, it will be the first time the Steam Car will run as a complete unit. So far, all the car's systems have been exercised individually on a test bed. The entire unit will run together for the first time in the third week of August, when the supersonic engineering team will test the time-bending machine prior to an attempt at the record the following week.

The biggest problem thus far, has been the 12 micro boilers that have to make super heated steam, very quickly. Getting the maximum amount of energy from the burners into the water without allowing it to escape has been a difficult challenge.

Unlike a steam locomotive, which uses a steam-powered injector system, the British Steam Car uses compressed-air-powered hydraulics to inject distilled water and pre-prime itself. The water is pumped into the start of 1.86 miles of tubing to develop three megawatts of heat to convert water into 750 F steam. This super-heated "dry" steam is then directed down the car via heavily lagged pipes and two enormous industrial steam valves, which act as throttles, and then into the two-stage turbine. "That's where we turn pressure into velocity," says Candy. The steam is injected into the turbine at over two times the speed of sound; under the assault, the turbine revolves at up to 13,000 rpm. The turbine drives the rear wheels via a conventional crown wheel and pinion. The vehicle turns 10.5 gallons of water a minute into super-heated steam at 40 times atmospheric pressure.

Source

MINI John Cooper Works Viral Video

What appears to be the first video in a series, two friends plan an incredible stunt on a construction site: One of them films, the other men sneaks up to a huge compaction crane.He places a self made catapult next to the crane. The weight rushes down and the force hurls the guy high up into the sky.NOT EXTREME ENOUGH?MINI John Cooper Works

Source: BMW

MINI John Cooper Works Viral Video

What appears to be the first video in a series, two friends plan an incredible stunt on a construction site: One of them films, the other men sneaks up to a huge compaction crane.He places a self made catapult next to the crane. The weight rushes down and the force hurls the guy high up into the sky.NOT EXTREME ENOUGH?MINI John Cooper Works

Source: BMW

Icare - The bike with an alien touch

The Icare is the perfect picture of a high-end futuristic bike. With it’s unconventional looks, breathtaking design and an engine (Honda 6 cylinder flat engine and 1800 cm3) that is beyond the ordinary ones, the Icare shall surely keep you captivated. The bike looks more like an alien vehicle, from a different corner of the galaxy. The powerful body would make you feel more secure when riding along the notorious highways. This could very well be the superlative of a motorcycle.

Icare - The bike with an alien touch

The Icare is the perfect picture of a high-end futuristic bike. With it’s unconventional looks, breathtaking design and an engine (Honda 6 cylinder flat engine and 1800 cm3) that is beyond the ordinary ones, the Icare shall surely keep you captivated. The bike looks more like an alien vehicle, from a different corner of the galaxy. The powerful body would make you feel more secure when riding along the notorious highways. This could very well be the superlative of a motorcycle.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - First Ride

We get a preview spin in Hyundai’s upcoming rear-drive sports car

We love surprises. So we were pretty delighted when, while attending the press launch for the Genesis sedan, Hyundai Motor America VP and product planning guru John Krafcik pulled up in a blue Genesis coupe and invited a few journos to hop on in. Four of us took him up on the offer, filling the attractive little car to the gills—and then some, since the rear is only intended to hold two folks.

The car we rode in was a base V-6–powered model, so there were no Brembo brakes or 19-inch wheels or firmed-up suspension, all of which will characterize the top-spec SE trim level when the car is released early next year. Even stuffed full of well-fed scribes, the car felt quick—310 horsepower can do that for you, and Hyundai predicts 0–60 gallops of under six seconds—and the exhaust note has just the right mix of aggression and refinement. The ride was relatively supple, considering we were riding on the bumpstops, and the car garnered a lot of attention as we cruised the streets of Santa Barbara. (Even from the ladies, who were, uh, amused to find five dudes in one tiny little sports coupe.)

The coupe’s long doors and easily actuated front seats made clambering in back a snap, and there’s a release lever right in the center of the seatback to make getting out easy, too. Once stuffed in our place behind the driver, we were pleasantly surprised to find the accommodations roomier than expected, with plenty of legroom behind Krafcik. Still, at 5 feet 8 inches, this writer’s head just cleared the rear glass, which made going over bumps an exercise in cranial preservation.

The car appears smaller in person that it looks in photographs, and preliminary weight figures have a V-6 model coming in at 3550 pounds and the 223-hp turbocharged four-cylinder version at 3440 pounds. Expect the four-banger to start around $24–$25K and a six-cylinder model to command $28K or so, prices that look awful attractive next to, say, the V-6-only Infiniti G37, which starts at $35,665. (For further reference, the Ford Mustang coupe ranges from $20,445 for a V-6 to $27,035 for a V-8.)

From our ride, the Genesis coupe looks very promising, and we can’t wait to get some real impressions as soon as we can.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - First Ride

We get a preview spin in Hyundai’s upcoming rear-drive sports car

We love surprises. So we were pretty delighted when, while attending the press launch for the Genesis sedan, Hyundai Motor America VP and product planning guru John Krafcik pulled up in a blue Genesis coupe and invited a few journos to hop on in. Four of us took him up on the offer, filling the attractive little car to the gills—and then some, since the rear is only intended to hold two folks.

The car we rode in was a base V-6–powered model, so there were no Brembo brakes or 19-inch wheels or firmed-up suspension, all of which will characterize the top-spec SE trim level when the car is released early next year. Even stuffed full of well-fed scribes, the car felt quick—310 horsepower can do that for you, and Hyundai predicts 0–60 gallops of under six seconds—and the exhaust note has just the right mix of aggression and refinement. The ride was relatively supple, considering we were riding on the bumpstops, and the car garnered a lot of attention as we cruised the streets of Santa Barbara. (Even from the ladies, who were, uh, amused to find five dudes in one tiny little sports coupe.)

The coupe’s long doors and easily actuated front seats made clambering in back a snap, and there’s a release lever right in the center of the seatback to make getting out easy, too. Once stuffed in our place behind the driver, we were pleasantly surprised to find the accommodations roomier than expected, with plenty of legroom behind Krafcik. Still, at 5 feet 8 inches, this writer’s head just cleared the rear glass, which made going over bumps an exercise in cranial preservation.

The car appears smaller in person that it looks in photographs, and preliminary weight figures have a V-6 model coming in at 3550 pounds and the 223-hp turbocharged four-cylinder version at 3440 pounds. Expect the four-banger to start around $24–$25K and a six-cylinder model to command $28K or so, prices that look awful attractive next to, say, the V-6-only Infiniti G37, which starts at $35,665. (For further reference, the Ford Mustang coupe ranges from $20,445 for a V-6 to $27,035 for a V-8.)

From our ride, the Genesis coupe looks very promising, and we can’t wait to get some real impressions as soon as we can.

Topia Prototypes 150kg One-seater Electric Vehicle

The "HUVO" electric vehicle weighing 150kg:The resin parts were manufactured by RP systems.

HUVO's body frame

Topia Corp, a company engaged in designing and prototyping automobiles, prototyped a single-seater electric vehicle "HUVO," which weighs only about 150kg (330 lb).

The vehicle was exhibited at the booth of Marubeni Information Systems Co Ltd in the 19th Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo (DMS), which is an IT solution exhibition for manufacturers and runs from June 25-27, 2008, at Tokyo Big Sight.

The HUVO was developed by using Topia's proprietary design and production technologies, the company said.

If a vehicle of the same size as HUVO is made with existing technologies, it would weigh about 300kg, said Hideki Sasaki, president & CEO of Topia.

The body frame is made of high-tensile steel plate, the doors on both sides and the back panel are made of aluminum alloy, the roof is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), the windshield is made of polycarbonate, and the interior parts and the wheel covers are made of ABS resin.

For pressed parts such as the body frame and the doors, Topia not only designed and manufactured the press molds but also pressed and welded the parts in house. Using the press simulation and 3D measurement, the company enabled to form high-tensile steel plates into parts with high precision.

After the press molding, those parts are trimmed by 3D laser processing, and the body-in-white is manufactured by MIG welding, spot welding and self pierce riveting.

ABS resin parts were manufactured by Stratasys Inc's RP system. Topia has reportedly introduced two units of this RP system (including a 3D printer), and selectively used them according to the part size and the required precision. Topia also decided to introduce "FDM 900mc," Stratasys' large RP system released in April 2008, and will be the first FDM 900mc user in Japan, the company said.

Topia Prototypes 150kg One-seater Electric Vehicle

The "HUVO" electric vehicle weighing 150kg:The resin parts were manufactured by RP systems.

HUVO's body frame

Topia Corp, a company engaged in designing and prototyping automobiles, prototyped a single-seater electric vehicle "HUVO," which weighs only about 150kg (330 lb).

The vehicle was exhibited at the booth of Marubeni Information Systems Co Ltd in the 19th Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo (DMS), which is an IT solution exhibition for manufacturers and runs from June 25-27, 2008, at Tokyo Big Sight.

The HUVO was developed by using Topia's proprietary design and production technologies, the company said.

If a vehicle of the same size as HUVO is made with existing technologies, it would weigh about 300kg, said Hideki Sasaki, president & CEO of Topia.

The body frame is made of high-tensile steel plate, the doors on both sides and the back panel are made of aluminum alloy, the roof is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), the windshield is made of polycarbonate, and the interior parts and the wheel covers are made of ABS resin.

For pressed parts such as the body frame and the doors, Topia not only designed and manufactured the press molds but also pressed and welded the parts in house. Using the press simulation and 3D measurement, the company enabled to form high-tensile steel plates into parts with high precision.

After the press molding, those parts are trimmed by 3D laser processing, and the body-in-white is manufactured by MIG welding, spot welding and self pierce riveting.

ABS resin parts were manufactured by Stratasys Inc's RP system. Topia has reportedly introduced two units of this RP system (including a 3D printer), and selectively used them according to the part size and the required precision. Topia also decided to introduce "FDM 900mc," Stratasys' large RP system released in April 2008, and will be the first FDM 900mc user in Japan, the company said.

Ozone, the crazy cylinder-shaped car powered by a fuel cell

Let’s take a step back from conventional automobile design for a minute and take a look at Ozone. This rolling cylinder created by Istanbul designer Özkan Koral is a design concept for a Peugeot hydrogen-powered car, where each of the huge wheels is independently powered by electric motors.

It’s controlled by a joystick, and entire front of the car opens up when the door rotates underneath. See the gallery below for a view of the car completely closed with its semi-transparent windows covered up. It reminds us of those canisters you use to pass money to drive-through bank tellers.

Not to be a spoilsport, but I’d hate to change the gigantic tires on this thing. Also, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles sound like a great idea until you start calculating their cost, as well as the monumental task of setting up a reliable network of refueling stations across the planet. Even so, this innovative design could be adapted to plug in, too.

Özkan Koral, via Gearfuse

Ozone, the crazy cylinder-shaped car powered by a fuel cell

Let’s take a step back from conventional automobile design for a minute and take a look at Ozone. This rolling cylinder created by Istanbul designer Özkan Koral is a design concept for a Peugeot hydrogen-powered car, where each of the huge wheels is independently powered by electric motors.

It’s controlled by a joystick, and entire front of the car opens up when the door rotates underneath. See the gallery below for a view of the car completely closed with its semi-transparent windows covered up. It reminds us of those canisters you use to pass money to drive-through bank tellers.

Not to be a spoilsport, but I’d hate to change the gigantic tires on this thing. Also, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles sound like a great idea until you start calculating their cost, as well as the monumental task of setting up a reliable network of refueling stations across the planet. Even so, this innovative design could be adapted to plug in, too.

Özkan Koral, via Gearfuse

Why Audi Is Going to Beat Mercedes

Buried in Audi of America's 2007 sales report is a lofty -- if vague -- goal: to become "the most successful premium brand by 2015." But what's interesting is the company's not talking sales (though it expects them to double in that time). It's talking image and prestige. It wants to outsnob Mercedes.

While the report doesn't offer any particulars, you can suss out a strategy from Audi's most recent press releases. First, there are the überpretentious accessories. For instance, if you want a high-end stereo in your car, BMW gives you Harman-Kardon, while Audi gives you a Bang & Olufsen system with motorized tweeters that rise up out of the dash.

Then there is supply and purity. The new BMW M3 convertible will soon be as common in south Florida as sixteen-dollar martinis, but Audi's building only three hundred RS4 Cabriolets for the U. S. You get your hands on one of those and you're Somebody. The R8, meanwhile, is a full-fledged mid-engine supercar with no BMW or Mercedes equivalent. And while BMW and Mercedes both build certain models in the U. S., all Audis are screwed together in the Fatherland by real live Germans.

Even Audi's new signature styling theme -- icy-white LED running lights below the headlights -- gives the front end of its cars a distinct get-the-hell-out-of-my-way attitude that clearly declares Audi's intentions. Is all of this enough to beat BMW and Mercedes -- not to mention Porsche -- at their own game? Ask again in seven years.

Why Audi Is Going to Beat Mercedes

Buried in Audi of America's 2007 sales report is a lofty -- if vague -- goal: to become "the most successful premium brand by 2015." But what's interesting is the company's not talking sales (though it expects them to double in that time). It's talking image and prestige. It wants to outsnob Mercedes.

While the report doesn't offer any particulars, you can suss out a strategy from Audi's most recent press releases. First, there are the überpretentious accessories. For instance, if you want a high-end stereo in your car, BMW gives you Harman-Kardon, while Audi gives you a Bang & Olufsen system with motorized tweeters that rise up out of the dash.

Then there is supply and purity. The new BMW M3 convertible will soon be as common in south Florida as sixteen-dollar martinis, but Audi's building only three hundred RS4 Cabriolets for the U. S. You get your hands on one of those and you're Somebody. The R8, meanwhile, is a full-fledged mid-engine supercar with no BMW or Mercedes equivalent. And while BMW and Mercedes both build certain models in the U. S., all Audis are screwed together in the Fatherland by real live Germans.

Even Audi's new signature styling theme -- icy-white LED running lights below the headlights -- gives the front end of its cars a distinct get-the-hell-out-of-my-way attitude that clearly declares Audi's intentions. Is all of this enough to beat BMW and Mercedes -- not to mention Porsche -- at their own game? Ask again in seven years.

Is Fuel-cell Car Really Ultimate Solution?

Attended the line-off ceremony for Honda's "FCX Clarity" fuel-cell vehicle June 16. At the ceremony, saw part of the company's fuel cell stack manufacturing process, which is usually kept secret, as well as its automotive assembly process.

One of the FCX Clarity's features is its very compact fuel cell stack, which is installed in its floor tunnel. Housing no engine in its front area, the FCX Clarity realized a low, smooth body, which is an unprecedented design for fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs). It definitely looked different from existing FCVs, most of which mount fuel cells under the floor.

To realize a design that is difficult for engine cars, Honda Motor Co Ltd developed both platform and chassis exclusively for the FCX Clarity, although it only plans very limited global sales of about 200 units over the next three years.

Commenting on this point, Honda's enginner engaged in the development said, "To highlight the attraction of FCVs, we needed to embody and show a design and a package that only FCVs can realize. Our proposal was approved by the upper management and resulted in this design."

I was given a chance to steer the car by myself at this event. Amid the low noise from the blower that was sending air to the fuel cells and the increasing road noise, I felt a sense of driving with powerful acceleration, as if something was pushing my back. It gave me an enjoyment of driving that was completely different from engine cars.

The key feature of FCVs is their low impact on the environment as they use hydrogen as fuel and only emits water during the drive. Due to this environmental property, they are often called the "ultimate eco cars." However, we have insisted for some time that we believe electric vehicles (EVs) are more promising than FCVs.

In fact, FCV technology is advancing. The fuel cell stack that Honda incorporated in the FCX Clarity this time achieved a 50% higher capacitance density and a 67% improved mass output density compared with the previous FCX. Also, it realized low-temperature startability, which has been regarded as a challenge that FCVs must overcome, at -30°.

Another challenge that FCVs are facing is a manufacturing cost, but I felt it can be reduced considerably if the company further enhances processes of press-forming stainless separators and layering cells into stacks, which have already been partly automated.

Regardless of these advantages, however, we still consider EVs are more promising because of the fact that FCVs primarily use hydrogen, rather than fuel cells, as fuel.

As hydrogen is rare in nature, we must generate it by using other energy resources such as fossil fuel. The cheapest measure at present is to derive it from natural gas, but nearly 40% of the energy is lost during the manufacturing and transport phases. In addition, as a vapor energy, hydrogen requires large tanks for transport, and supply infrastructure has not yet been established. Any of these issues cannot be solved immediately.

Based on these factors, Toyota Motor Corp and Nissan Motor Co Ltd, for example, appear to be on the verge of shifting their development focus to plug-in hybrids and EVs (See related article). Nevertheless, Honda is focusing on FCVs, without developing EVs (at least officially).

During a Q&A session, Honda's President Takeo Fukui cited "the EV's inability to secure a sufficient cruising distance" as the reason why the company persists in the FCV development.

"Under the current circumstances, the FCV is the only solution to achieve zero CO2 emissions while ensuring convenience comparable to existing automobiles," Fukui said.

In fact, it is true that the cruising range of EVs is insufficient, despite the improved performance of the Li-ion secondary batteries they use. The practical cruising distance is roughly 100km at most, I suppose.

However, there is another perspective that we can overcome such issues not only by upgrading cell performance but also through the overall social system. Considering most drivers do not often drive more than 100km at a time, it might be sufficient if they usually charge EVs at home using midnight power and at scattered high-speed charging stations for occasional long-distance drives.

Honda itself does not deny the possibility of Evs. "We can create an EV based on the elemental technologies that we applied to the FCX Clarity if a cell with innovative performance emerges," Fukui said. As both FCVs and EVs use motors for driving, I believe they share the sense of acceleration that I found to be different from that of engine cars.
Source: tech-on

Is Fuel-cell Car Really Ultimate Solution?

Attended the line-off ceremony for Honda's "FCX Clarity" fuel-cell vehicle June 16. At the ceremony, saw part of the company's fuel cell stack manufacturing process, which is usually kept secret, as well as its automotive assembly process.

One of the FCX Clarity's features is its very compact fuel cell stack, which is installed in its floor tunnel. Housing no engine in its front area, the FCX Clarity realized a low, smooth body, which is an unprecedented design for fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs). It definitely looked different from existing FCVs, most of which mount fuel cells under the floor.

To realize a design that is difficult for engine cars, Honda Motor Co Ltd developed both platform and chassis exclusively for the FCX Clarity, although it only plans very limited global sales of about 200 units over the next three years.

Commenting on this point, Honda's enginner engaged in the development said, "To highlight the attraction of FCVs, we needed to embody and show a design and a package that only FCVs can realize. Our proposal was approved by the upper management and resulted in this design."

I was given a chance to steer the car by myself at this event. Amid the low noise from the blower that was sending air to the fuel cells and the increasing road noise, I felt a sense of driving with powerful acceleration, as if something was pushing my back. It gave me an enjoyment of driving that was completely different from engine cars.

The key feature of FCVs is their low impact on the environment as they use hydrogen as fuel and only emits water during the drive. Due to this environmental property, they are often called the "ultimate eco cars." However, we have insisted for some time that we believe electric vehicles (EVs) are more promising than FCVs.

In fact, FCV technology is advancing. The fuel cell stack that Honda incorporated in the FCX Clarity this time achieved a 50% higher capacitance density and a 67% improved mass output density compared with the previous FCX. Also, it realized low-temperature startability, which has been regarded as a challenge that FCVs must overcome, at -30°.

Another challenge that FCVs are facing is a manufacturing cost, but I felt it can be reduced considerably if the company further enhances processes of press-forming stainless separators and layering cells into stacks, which have already been partly automated.

Regardless of these advantages, however, we still consider EVs are more promising because of the fact that FCVs primarily use hydrogen, rather than fuel cells, as fuel.

As hydrogen is rare in nature, we must generate it by using other energy resources such as fossil fuel. The cheapest measure at present is to derive it from natural gas, but nearly 40% of the energy is lost during the manufacturing and transport phases. In addition, as a vapor energy, hydrogen requires large tanks for transport, and supply infrastructure has not yet been established. Any of these issues cannot be solved immediately.

Based on these factors, Toyota Motor Corp and Nissan Motor Co Ltd, for example, appear to be on the verge of shifting their development focus to plug-in hybrids and EVs (See related article). Nevertheless, Honda is focusing on FCVs, without developing EVs (at least officially).

During a Q&A session, Honda's President Takeo Fukui cited "the EV's inability to secure a sufficient cruising distance" as the reason why the company persists in the FCV development.

"Under the current circumstances, the FCV is the only solution to achieve zero CO2 emissions while ensuring convenience comparable to existing automobiles," Fukui said.

In fact, it is true that the cruising range of EVs is insufficient, despite the improved performance of the Li-ion secondary batteries they use. The practical cruising distance is roughly 100km at most, I suppose.

However, there is another perspective that we can overcome such issues not only by upgrading cell performance but also through the overall social system. Considering most drivers do not often drive more than 100km at a time, it might be sufficient if they usually charge EVs at home using midnight power and at scattered high-speed charging stations for occasional long-distance drives.

Honda itself does not deny the possibility of Evs. "We can create an EV based on the elemental technologies that we applied to the FCX Clarity if a cell with innovative performance emerges," Fukui said. As both FCVs and EVs use motors for driving, I believe they share the sense of acceleration that I found to be different from that of engine cars.
Source: tech-on

Mazda's plans for a greener future

2008 Mazda has announced a goal to cut the fuel consumption of its vehicles by an average of 30% by 2015. The company is exploring a combination of fuel-cutting initiatives, including the development of lighter-weight technologies aimed at reducing vehicle weight by 100 kilograms from 2011, carbon neutralTerraPass-Founder-Tom-Arnold bioplastics, an Idle Stop system and an advanced version of the emissions. Three Layer Wet Paint. System fist introduced in 2005. Integral to the plan is the renewal of its entire powertrain lineup by 2015, with tests of its hydrogen hybrid system continuing ahead of plans for release in Japan in the coming fiscal year, as well as plans for a new gasoline rotary engine and new diesel engines.

The bioplastic research is being developed in conjunction with Hiroshima University, with the aim of producing polypropylene from non-food-based cellulosic biomass.By using inedible vegetation, like plant waste and wood shavings, it is hoped the bioplastic will be carbon neutral, and avoid consuming food resources. The polypropylene must have sufficient strength, heat resistance and durability to be used in bumpers and instrument panels. Mazda currently uses bioplastics in its Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid – the new polypropylene is scheduled to make an appearance in its models in 2013.

The Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid was cleared to begin testing on Japanese public roads this June, and will be available for commercial lease in Japan in the coming fiscal year. The model offers 40% more power and an extended hydrogen driving range of 200 kilometers. Mazda is currently developing an all-new Hydrogen RE vehicle with the dynamic performance equivalent of a 3.0-liter gasoline engine and a hydrogen range of 400 kilometers.

In 2009, an E85 compatible flex-fuel engine will be introduced to the Northern European and North American powertrain line. From 2011, gasoline engines will include next generation Direct Injection Spark Ignition and other systems that increase power and fuel economy by up to 20%. Diesel engines manufactured in 2011 will meet the strictest exhaust gas regulations, and will feature next generation direct injection technology, turbocharging systems, and NOx reduction technology, which improve fuel economy by 20%. Future models of Mazda’s gasoline rotary engine will also incorporate Direct Injection Spark Ignition and high-speed combustion technology, with the first upgrades appearing after 2010.

The Three Layer Wet Paint System, introduced in 2005, succeeded in reducing VOC emissions by 45% and CO2 emissions by 15%. Mazda is launching an improved version in 2009, which will reduce VOC emissions by a further 57% without increasing CO2 emissions. The water-based paint technology produces 25% less CO2 emissions than standard water-based paint.

Mazda’s Smart Idle Stop System is the only system that restarts the engine from idle by injecting fuel into the cylinder and igniting it to force the piston down. The method offers an improvement of up to 8% in fuel economy, and is scheduled to be incorporated into cars from 2009.

In 2005, Mazda was the first auto manufacturer to introduce a Three Layer Wet Paint System which reduces VOC emissions by 45 percent and CO2 emissions by 15 percent. Mazda now plans to introduce a more advanced version of this unique Paint System in 2009 as it finalizes the development of an innovative water-based paint technology that reduces VOC emissions by a further 57 percent without increasing CO2 emissions. Producing around 25 percent fewer CO2 emissions than common water-based paint, this new technology is intended to make Mazda’s paint shops the cleanest in the world.

Mazda's plans for a greener future

2008 Mazda has announced a goal to cut the fuel consumption of its vehicles by an average of 30% by 2015. The company is exploring a combination of fuel-cutting initiatives, including the development of lighter-weight technologies aimed at reducing vehicle weight by 100 kilograms from 2011, carbon neutralTerraPass-Founder-Tom-Arnold bioplastics, an Idle Stop system and an advanced version of the emissions. Three Layer Wet Paint. System fist introduced in 2005. Integral to the plan is the renewal of its entire powertrain lineup by 2015, with tests of its hydrogen hybrid system continuing ahead of plans for release in Japan in the coming fiscal year, as well as plans for a new gasoline rotary engine and new diesel engines.

The bioplastic research is being developed in conjunction with Hiroshima University, with the aim of producing polypropylene from non-food-based cellulosic biomass.By using inedible vegetation, like plant waste and wood shavings, it is hoped the bioplastic will be carbon neutral, and avoid consuming food resources. The polypropylene must have sufficient strength, heat resistance and durability to be used in bumpers and instrument panels. Mazda currently uses bioplastics in its Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid – the new polypropylene is scheduled to make an appearance in its models in 2013.

The Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid was cleared to begin testing on Japanese public roads this June, and will be available for commercial lease in Japan in the coming fiscal year. The model offers 40% more power and an extended hydrogen driving range of 200 kilometers. Mazda is currently developing an all-new Hydrogen RE vehicle with the dynamic performance equivalent of a 3.0-liter gasoline engine and a hydrogen range of 400 kilometers.

In 2009, an E85 compatible flex-fuel engine will be introduced to the Northern European and North American powertrain line. From 2011, gasoline engines will include next generation Direct Injection Spark Ignition and other systems that increase power and fuel economy by up to 20%. Diesel engines manufactured in 2011 will meet the strictest exhaust gas regulations, and will feature next generation direct injection technology, turbocharging systems, and NOx reduction technology, which improve fuel economy by 20%. Future models of Mazda’s gasoline rotary engine will also incorporate Direct Injection Spark Ignition and high-speed combustion technology, with the first upgrades appearing after 2010.

The Three Layer Wet Paint System, introduced in 2005, succeeded in reducing VOC emissions by 45% and CO2 emissions by 15%. Mazda is launching an improved version in 2009, which will reduce VOC emissions by a further 57% without increasing CO2 emissions. The water-based paint technology produces 25% less CO2 emissions than standard water-based paint.

Mazda’s Smart Idle Stop System is the only system that restarts the engine from idle by injecting fuel into the cylinder and igniting it to force the piston down. The method offers an improvement of up to 8% in fuel economy, and is scheduled to be incorporated into cars from 2009.

In 2005, Mazda was the first auto manufacturer to introduce a Three Layer Wet Paint System which reduces VOC emissions by 45 percent and CO2 emissions by 15 percent. Mazda now plans to introduce a more advanced version of this unique Paint System in 2009 as it finalizes the development of an innovative water-based paint technology that reduces VOC emissions by a further 57 percent without increasing CO2 emissions. Producing around 25 percent fewer CO2 emissions than common water-based paint, this new technology is intended to make Mazda’s paint shops the cleanest in the world.

Smart Car to go electric in 2010

Ever since we first laid eyes on the aptly-named Smart Car, we were in love. But why was the $14,000 Smart fortwo from Mercedes maker Daimler equipped with just a 1-liter 71HP internal combustion engine? With gas pushing $5 a gallon, that didn’t seem so smart. Now Daimler’s CEO Dieter Zetsche says the car will ship with an electric motor in 2010.

The company hasn’t decided whether it will manufacture the electric motors itself, but is reportedly talking with those forward-thinking Israelis from Project Better Place, who are thinking about renting batteries for their Renault electric cars, supported by a network of exchange stations for swapping out the spent batteries for freshly charged ones.

Now it’s time for other tiny car makers such as Toyota with its iQ to drop electric motors inside their upcoming minicars to compete against the larger Chevy Volt, all helping us all to abandon old-fashioned fossil fuels once and for all. When it comes to electric cars, we’ve seen the future, and it’s making us sing the body electric.

Via Ecomodder

Smart Car to go electric in 2010

Ever since we first laid eyes on the aptly-named Smart Car, we were in love. But why was the $14,000 Smart fortwo from Mercedes maker Daimler equipped with just a 1-liter 71HP internal combustion engine? With gas pushing $5 a gallon, that didn’t seem so smart. Now Daimler’s CEO Dieter Zetsche says the car will ship with an electric motor in 2010.

The company hasn’t decided whether it will manufacture the electric motors itself, but is reportedly talking with those forward-thinking Israelis from Project Better Place, who are thinking about renting batteries for their Renault electric cars, supported by a network of exchange stations for swapping out the spent batteries for freshly charged ones.

Now it’s time for other tiny car makers such as Toyota with its iQ to drop electric motors inside their upcoming minicars to compete against the larger Chevy Volt, all helping us all to abandon old-fashioned fossil fuels once and for all. When it comes to electric cars, we’ve seen the future, and it’s making us sing the body electric.

Via Ecomodder

Antro Solo 150 mpg hybrid unites the Flintstones and Jetsons

The Antro Solo gas-electric hybrid is an interesting blend of space age chic and primitive technologies. It's got an array of solar panels along the top of the vehicle to power it's electric motor, and yet both passengers in the three-seater also have a pair of pedals in front of them, which they can use to help give the motor a boost — or keep the car gas efficient on a gray day. The interior cabin is curious, as well, as it sits both passengers on either side of the driver, with the driver taking the center seat.

Quirky or not, the Antro Solo performs: it's light, carbon fiber chassis keeps it's weight down at 600 pounds, and it can zip along at over 80 mph while getting a whopping 150 mpg. That means you could drive from New York City to Los Angeles on a little less than 19 gallons of gas. It stores its solar energy in batteries to keep the car juiced, though, so it'll probably serve you better on short runs. If you import one from its native Budapest, Hungary, that is. The vehicle is a prototype right now, but its developers expect it to hit the road in 2012 for the not-so-hybrid price of $18,000.