‘Plug-In Car Grant’ of up to £5,000

25 February 2010

From January 2011, motorists will be entitled to a ‘Plug-In Car Grant’ of up to £5,000* when buying an electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell car that meets safety, reliability, performance and warranty standards set by the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles (OLEV) in consultation with industry.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) welcomed the announcement from OLEV that detailed how cars will qualify for the incentives and the grant amount. Also announced were the winners (London, Milton Keynes, North East England) of the Plugged-In Places scheme which saw UK cities and regions bid for investment to further the development of infrastructure required to support ultra-low carbon vehicles.

“This incentive scheme signals a significant commitment by government and industry to promote ultra-low carbon vehicles and is great news for motorists. The UK is determined to be a world-leader in developing ultra-low carbon vehicles, sustaining and creating high-skill jobs, attracting inward investment and producing cutting-edge products,” said SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt.  “Manufacturers develop and produce new technology where demand exists.  This incentive will help encourage international investment in the UK as well as reducing motorists’ CO2 emissions.”

The Plugged-In Places investment will see the installation of over 11,000 charging posts in London, Milton Keynes and North East England.  There will be another opportunity, in June 2010, for additional cities and regions to bid for Plugged-In Places funding.  Already confirmed as intending to bid are the West Midlands, Cornwall, Sheffield, the Lake District, Greater Manchester, and Northern Ireland.

Since its creation in mid-2009, OLEV has worked with industry to promote the manufacture of, and infrastructure for, ultra-low carbon vehicles.  The £230 million Plug-In Car Grant and £30 million Plugged-In Places scheme were initially announced in March 2009 before being formalised in Budget 2009.

* Motorists will be entitled to a 25% discount from the list price of the eligible car, up to the value of £5,000.  Offer of the ‘Plug-In Car Grant’ will be subject to notification of technical requirements to, and state aid approval from, the European Commission.

REVA to launch two new cars

07 Sept 2009

The REVA NXR is a four-seat, three-door hatchback family car suitable for urban driving that can be ordered at the show, with production scheduled to commence at the beginning of 2010. 

The showcar, REVA’s model for 2011, is the REVA NXG; a sporty two-seater with a targa roof that was designed by Dilip Chhabria of the internationally renowned automotive design company DC Design.

Another world-first for REVA at The IAA is the launch of REVive, a technology unique to REVA that addresses ‘range anxiety’ and acts like an invisible reserve fuel tank. The customer just has to telephone or SMS REVA for an instant remote recharge should they run out of charge. Both the REVA NXR and the REVA NXG will feature the REVive telematics technology.

Today, REVA is selling, or being test marketed, in 24 countries worldwide and has the largest deployed fleet of electric cars on the market with over 3,000 EVs on the road and more than 70 million kilometres of user experience. 

The company is building a new ultra low carbon vehicle assembly plant in Bangalore, with a capacity of 30,000 units per annum, to accommodate increased production and is planning to introduce even more measures to ensue that it has the cleanest and greenest production.

Mitsubishi EV i-MiEV

06 June 2009

02 May 2009

Subaru has announced the successful development of a prototype of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle (EV), which will be introduced this summer in Japan. Subaru will provide the Ministry of the Environment, Japan with fifteen units of the Plug-in STELLA Prototype for verification test which will be conducted by five city governments.

The new prototype model improved driving performance by increasing power output from 40kW in the previous model to 47kW and further enhanced its efficiency by lightening the body weight and fine-tuning output management. In addition to the optimization and downsizing of the battery pack design, it changed the instrument panel and interior design. Specifications of a production EV model, which will be introduced this summer, are basically identical to those of this model.

Subaru pursues the perfect integration of a pleasant and reliable driving with environmental considerations in its vehicle development philosophy. Not to mention enhanced improvement of the current power unit line-up, FHI positions EVs as one of viable solutions and key technologies for environmental preservation, and it will further research and develop its EVs.

16 April 2009

Business Secretary Peter Mandelson and Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon today launched the Government's vision to promote ultra low carbon transport over the next five years.

Central to the strategy is an initiative to help put electric cars into the reach of ordinary motorists by providing help worth £2000 - £5000 towards buying the first electric and plug in hybrid cars when they hit the showrooms - which we expect from 2011 onwards.

The Government has recently committed to placing low carbon transport at the centre of its vision for the UK economy. Today's announcement will promote infrastructure and support technology development and encourage manufacture in the UK, whilst incentivising consumers.

This funding is included in a £250 million scheme to deliver a green motoring transformation, part of the wider Government support to help consumers and businesses make the transition to low carbon.

MIla EV: A new vehicle concept

G-Wiz announces lithium-ion electric car

The new G-Wiz now offers an increased range, faster acceleration, shorter charging time, less energy consumption, improved cold weather performance, maintenance-free battery operation and a longer operating life.

‘With the REVAi and REVA L-ion, G-Wiz now offer a choice of performance options to suit commuter needs and preferences.  The first test drive vehicles and customer deliveries will commencing May 2009.

Think will supply electric vehicles to the most ‘EV Friendly’ cities in Europe – including London

Initial distribution of the TH!NK city electric vehicle in 2009 will be targeted to the most `EV friendly’ cities in Europe.  On the news of Think’s commitment to bring the TH!NK city to London, UK Secretary of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon responded by stating “I am pleased that Think sees London as one of the most attractive markets in Europe to roll out their electric vehicles.  We want to see more electric and other low emission cars on roads in the UK, as we move towards a low carbon future”.

The Norwegian capital city of Oslo ranks highest when it comes to EV incentives, largely driven by significant purchase tax benefits, no annual road tax, the permission for EVs to use bus and taxi lanes, access to free inner-city parking and the exemption from all road toll fees.

London also features prominently amongst the top five cities possessing a variety of initiatives including no road tax costs, exemption from the London congestion charge and free parking in many parts of the city, particularly the West End.  Moreover, the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and Secretary of State Hoon, recently announced a series of funding initiatives to accelerate the development and demonstration of low carbon transport solutions in the UK. 

Announcing Think’s EU roll-out plan, Think CEO Richard Canny commented “Due to high demand for our vehicles and our finite production capacity in 2009 we want to make sure that we concentrate our sales on the European cities that have the most potential - not just in terms of sales volumes, but the cities where our customers will receive the maximum benefit.  And since EVs are a unique solution for congested urban environments, we will take a city-by-city approach rather than a pan-European or country-by-country approach.”

The Think EV Friendly Index takes into account purchase incentives for electric vehicles, their usage and practical support measures undertaken by cities and local energy utilities to encourage EV adoption rates and the associated environmental benefit of the TH!NK city will have in displacing fossil-fuelled cars.

The latest generation TH!NK city is already on sale in Norway.  Commenting on the exact number of vehicles available in 2009, Canny explained that Think is working quickly to move toward reaching full production capacity of 10,000 units per year at its Aurskog, Norway assembly plant, but added that sales volumes in the first half of 2009 will likely be limited by some capacity constraints.

Daimler and RWE embarking on the age of electro-mobility

Driving pleasure without emissions: The Mini E

The MINI E's electric drive train produces a peak torque of 220 Newton meters, delivering seamless acceleration to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 95 mph. Featuring a suspension system tuned to match its weight distribution, the MINI E sports the brand's hallmark agility and outstanding handling.

By introducing the MINI E, the BMW Group is underscoring the resolve with which it works towards reducing energy consumption and emissions in road traffic. The BMW Group is drawing on its unique technological expertise in the field of drive systems to develop a vehicle concept enabling zero emissions without renouncing the joy of driving. Putting some 500 cars on the road under real daily traffic conditions will make it possible to gain widely applicable hands-on experience. Evaluating these findings will generate valuable know-how, which will be factored into the engineering of mass-produced vehicles.

The BMW Group aims to start series production of all-electric vehicles over the medium term as part of its Number ONE strategy. The development of innovative concepts for mobility in big-city conurbations within the scope of "project i" has a similar thrust, as its objective also includes making use of an all-electric power train.

eRUF Concept Model A 2008

"Emotion without Emission"

Venturi Volage Electric Car Concept

This new Venturi incorporates innovations which have enabled radical changes in terms of the vehicle’s architecture, style, dynamic behaviour and, more generally, the design of a modern vehicle. All these changes constitute several world premières which, with the presentation of the Venturi Volage, reinforce Venturi’s capability for constant innovation, as well as its position as the most advanced company in the field of electric vehicles.

POWER TRANSMISSION & ACTIVE SUSPENSION

With 4 drive wheels with active suspension, the Venturi Volage has no equivalent. “Michelin Active Wheel” technology in fact incorporates 2 electric motors per wheel (1 for suspension and 1 for drive), ie. a total of 8 electric motors piloted in real time by spearhead electronics. Like the mechanism of a watch, all the components, motors, gear reduction units and suspensions, are miniaturized and built into the wheels.

The active electric shock absorber system allows for total adaptation to the type of road surface and driving. Combining Michelin’s experience in the area of surface liaison with that of Venturi for the chassis, the Venturi Volage represents in its road holding, drivability and silent functioning, the summum of today’s automotive technology.

THE CAR OF THE DIGITAL ERA

Playing down the mechanical aspect in favor of electronics, close to the concept of a robot, this car belongs to a new era, the digital era. Thanks to a dashboard touch screen, the driver can configure the vehicle entirely as he wishes. This total control marks significant progress in terms of management, particularly of the energy stored in the car’s batteries: the driver can, for example, decide to give preference in certain cases to range rather than power, comfort rather than speed, an important factor for an electric car.

A CHASSIS UNIQUE WORLDWIDE

The only part that the Venturi Volage shares with the Venturi Fétish is its carbon fiber bodywork. Developed by the Venturi Design Office, this body is still a unique concept worldwide, as it is the only one to have been specifically designed to be that of an electric car and thus carry batteries within its very structure. Thanks to this innovative design, both the Fétish and the Volage benefit from an unequalled level of safety, for both the cars’ passengers and also the batteries they carry.

The ideal distribution of the Venturi Volage’s masses - 45% at the front, 55% at the rear – and its perfectly mastered weight of 1,075 kilos enable it to attain 100 km/hr (62 mph) in less than 5 seconds.

PRODUCTION MODELS

A real demonstration of spearhead technology, the car presented in its world première is entirely operational and prefigures the production of a limited series of this model, scheduled as from 2012. Like the Venturi Fétish assembled in our workshops in Monaco, the Venturi Volage will be assembled by hand, in the form of very limited production. The technological repercussions of these two cars positioned at the very top end of the market are to be found on other vehicles bearing the Venturi brand, enabling as many people as possible to benefit from the firm’s advances in the field of sustainable mobility.

All Electric Renault Z.E. Concept

The energy consumption of auxiliary functions such as lighting, heating, climate control, etc. is an electric vehicle's range, so special attention has been paid to optimise energy management. Z.E. Concept also incorporates several interactive information features which are fun to use.

Z.E. Concept is powered by a 70kW electric motor with torque of 226Nm, with lithium-ion batteries.

Energy saving management at the heart of Z.E. Concept's design

Z.E. Concept is based on Kangoo be bop and its compact dimensions (length: 3.95m, height: 1.85m) favour manoeuvrability in and about town. The design of this electric vehicle ensures that it is fun to ride in, but at the same time minimises energy consumption, without forgetting modern comfort-related refinements.

The use of heat-reflective paint and insulating bodywork featuring large surface areas contributes to the reduction of temperature fluctuations.  Traditionally this prompts the use of climate control or heating systems which are big consumers of energy. Insulation is further optimised by the use of acid green-tinted glass for the glazed areas.

The bodywork functions along the same lines as a Thermos flask. It comprises two insulating panels with a sandwich of air.  This air, which is still the most effective insulator known today, limits variations in temperature between the exterior and the interior of the car.

Solar panels, positioned on the roof, power a temperature regulation system. Cooling the inside of a vehicle uses a great deal of energy, but this system permits a pleasant temperature to be maintained in the cabin, even at standstill or when parking, and avoids having to switch on the climate control when starting the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the layout of the heating and climate control functions has been thought through to produce a particularly efficient balance between performance and energy consumption. For example, the impression of heat is especially felt on the face and hands. Accordingly, if the cabin temperature is 15°C but warmth can be channelled as close as possible to key zones (a heated steering wheel, for example), the driver will feel comfortable while using less electrical energy.

The conventional drag-producing exterior mirrors have been replaced by streamlined, low-energy cameras which are also powered by the roof-mounted solar panels to enhance all-round visibility, especially when manoeuvring. The low-drag full-disc aluminium alloy wheels also improve aerodynamic performance.

The headlamps use efficient, high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are not only long lasting but also low consumers of energy.

Optimising energy management is consequently a key aspect of the research that has gone into the technology employed for this concept car.

All-electric power, zero emissions

Z.E. Concept is equipped with a 70kW (95hp) electric motor which delivers torque of 226Nm, making it particularly flexible, responsive and comfortable to use. Batteries are lithium-ion type.

Z.E. Concept provides a preview of the Renault electric vehicle which will be easy to use, practical and efficient.

The central thrust behind the development of Nuvu is not its motive power but its layout and use of space. Nuvu has been created for a city of the future, one that’s even more crowded than today.

That’s why it’s compact on the outside yet roomy on the inside. Built on a unique platform, it’s just 3 metres long and sits on a wheelbase of 1980 mm but is 1700 mm wide and 1550 mm tall to create a large and airy cabin.

The energy tree is shaped like a thin trunk. As it reaches daylight it branches out under the glass roof providing occupants with protection from bright sunlight… just like a real tree. And providing a visual reminder of Nuvu’s green credentials, covering the branches are dozens of small solar panels shaped like leaves.

The panels absorb energy from the sun which is then fed back down the energy tree and used to help recharge the battery and provide an extra power boost for the electric motor. As well as being genuinely green energy, it is estimated that the power generated via the solar panels will save the equivalent of one full overnight charge from mains electricity each month.

Driver controls are as simple as possible. All the major functions – steering, braking, transmission and throttle – are ‘By-Wire’ while the steering is controlled by an aircraft-style steering yoke: with just one turn from lock to lock, the steering is very direct for agility and manoeuvrability in the city. Nuvu’s turning circle is just 3.7 metres. Thanks to its wide track and the use of 16 inch 165/55 tyres mounted on lightweight, almost transparent, wheels, ride comfort, stability and agility is of the highest order.

There are two pedals – for stop and go – stalks for minor controls and a digital instrument panel with dials for speed, distance covered and battery range. The instrument panel itself is formed of layers – rather like an onion – and like the energy tree is another example of design inspired by nature. “We call it bio-mimicry,” says Bancon.

Nuvu is more than a styling concept of a future EV. It is a fully working mobile test bed for much of the technology that will be used in Nissan’s production EV to be launched in 2010. For this reason elements of its technical specification are being kept secret for the time being.

The electric motor used in Nuvu is mounted at the rear of the vehicle and drives the back wheels, though neither its exact specification nor the power and torque figures are being released at this stage. A driving range of 125 kms and top speed of 120 km/h are being made public, however.

Similarly although it can be revealed that the batteries used are of the latest laminated lithium-ion type and have a capacity of 140 Wh/kg (watt-hours per kilogram), the total capacity of the batteries and number of modules are not being disclosed at this stage.

The electric motor, powered by llithium-ion batteries charged from exisiting power outlets can will allow the car to travel 31 miles without releasing any emission, before the diesel engine will take over.

Volkswagen is developing the Twin Drive system with eight German partners and is planning a trial fleet of 20 Golfs with the hybrid system in 2010 to test the real world capabilities and viability of the next-generation system.

The aim of the project, which is being carried out jointly by Volvo Car Corporation, Saab Automobile, Vattenfall and ETC, is to develop and demonstrate the next-generation hybrid cars. A fleet of 10 plug-in hybrids will be produced that can be recharged directly from the mains wall socket.

Volvo has long experience of cooperation with a variety of society’s actors and with this project the company aims to participate in and shape decisions and initiatives that are taken both within and outside the car industry.

“We want to be involved in setting up the rules for the future and to help build up broad-based competence in Sweden in this vital area,” says Fredrik Arp.

Over a five-year period, Volvo will invest just over 11 billion SEK in development aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Volvo already offers its customers one of the industry’s widest ranges of Flexifuel engines. In parallel the company is continuing to enhance the efficiency of its petrol- and diesel-powered cars. 2008 will see the launch of car models that release less than 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Volvo is also focusing intensively on hybrid technology. In the medium term the company will introduce hybrid variants where an electric motor supports the combustion engine. In the longer term, plug-in hybrids will be introduced. One example of this was presented in autumn 2007 with the Volvo C30 ReCharge Concept. Used in the most effective way, this concept car cuts emissions of carbon dioxide by about 65 percent compared with the hybrid cars available on the market today. And if the electricity comes from CO₂-sustainable sources such as hydropower and windpower, this figure improves still further.

“Within the next decade, electric vehicles are going to be needed if we are to meet forthcoming CO₂ legislation,” says Fredrik Arp.