GM Upgrades the Belt Alternator Hybrid System From Mild to Not So Mild

GM will be upgrading the Belt Alternator System (BAS), their mild hybrid system, it currently uses in the Saturn Aura and Chevy Malibu. The system allows for start-stop technology and regenerative braking, but the new system will add something more. Now, when the car is moving at low speeds, the upgraded BAS system will allow the electric motor to power the car with using any gas. It will also let the gas engine shut off earlier when decelerating.

They will call it BAS-Plus.

The upgrade depends on new lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery packs provided by Hitachi Ltd. The new battery pack can provide 120 volts, compared to the 30 volts in their current mild hybrids powered by nickel metal hydride batteries.

GM hopes the BAS system will provide a more economical choice for drivers than the full hybrid systems from other car makers, or even their own dual-mode hybrid powertrain you can find in the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and Yukon Hybrid.

GM expects a 12%-15% improvement over their current BAS system in fuel efficiency.

The new BAS system is being debuted in the Saab 9-X bioHybrid concept vehicle in Geneva.

Press Release follows:

GENEVA - As another key element in its overall global strategy to improve fuel economy and reduce oil consumption and CO2 emissions, General Motors Chairman Rick Wagoner announced today that GM will introduce a second-generation version of the GM Hybrid System with a new, more powerful lithium-ion battery.

Hitachi Vehicle Energy Ltd., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Hitachi Ltd., will supply an advanced lithium-ion battery, which will help make the next-generation GM Hybrid System nearly three times more powerful than the system it replaces. Overall fuel economy improvements for cars and trucks using the system are expected to be up to 20 percent, depending on engine and vehicle application.

"This new system is another important step in our broad-based strategy to reduce vehicle fuel consumption and emissions," Wagoner said at the 78th International Geneva Motor Show.

The next-generation GM Hybrid System will build upon the successful belt-alternator-starter hybrid technology currently available in the Saturn Vue, Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Malibu. By building on this proven technology, Wagoner said, GM will be able to make the GM Hybrid System more cost-effective and expand its application in GM's global vehicle portfolio.

"In order to have a real impact in reducing oil consumption, oil imports, and CO2 emissions, advanced technologies must be affordable enough to drive high-volume applications," he said. "We plan to roll out this next-generation hybrid technology globally, across our brands and regions, starting in 2010 in North America, and we expect that volumes will eventually exceed 100,000 units annually."

The next-generation GM Hybrid System will complement GM's widely acclaimed Two-Mode Hybrid system as part of the company's advanced powertrain portfolio. The Two-Mode Hybrid system debuted in 2007 in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and will be offered this year in the Cadillac Escalade full-size SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups. The first front-wheel-drive application of the Two-Mode Hybrid system will debut in the 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line.

The increased power from the lithium-ion battery will allow the next-generation GM Hybrid System to be used in a wide range of global powertrains, including naturally aspirated engines, new high-efficiency turbocharged engines, bio-fuel engines and diesels.

This technology is showcased in the Saab 9-X BioPower Hybrid concept car, which debuted today at the Geneva Motor Show. The Saab concept is capable of 117 g CO2/km, or projected fuel consumption of just 4.9 l/100 km (48 mpg) when running on gasoline over the combined cycle.

The next-generation GM Hybrid System helps optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by:

* Turning the engine off at idle
* Offering brief electric-only propulsion
* Using a more powerful electric motor to enhance engine efficiency
* Extending fuel cutoff during deceleration
* Extending regenerative braking to recapture more energy
* Performing intelligent hybrid battery charging

For additional energy savings, an advanced six-speed automatic transmission also may be used, depending on the vehicle application.

The current GM Hybrid System was introduced in 2006 on the Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, which remains the lowest-priced hybrid SUV in the U.S., starting at a $25,995 MSRP. Shanghai GM announced in January that the Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid sedan will be the first application for the current GM Hybrid System in Asia-Pacific.

By the end of 2008, GM will offer eight hybrid models in North America and nine worldwide. GM will introduce 16 new hybrid vehicles over the next four years.

Colorado Close to Opening HOV Lanes to Hybrids

2,000 lucky hybrid car owners will gain solo driver access in Colorado to the HOV lanes on Interstate 25, U.S. 36 and South Santa Fe Drive in metro Denver and Colorado 82 between Aspen and Glenwood Springs beginning in May.

Owners of hybrid cars may be able to apply for the sticker starting May 1. A lottery will be held to award the stickers. There is a pool of 17,000 hybrid owners in Colorado who could apply.

The Colorado Transportation Committee warned drivers they have the right to exclude hybrids or toll paying single occupant vehicles from the HOV lanes if they become congested.

CDOT hopes the rules will be finalized by the end of April.

Source: Traffic breaks for hybrid cars aren't too far down the road - The Denver Post

Saab 9-XbioHybrid at the Geneva Auto Show

Saab is looking to integrate their line-up more fully into GM, and part of that is using the GM hybrid systems. To demonstrate it, Saab is bringing the 9-XbioHybrid, a two-door mild hybrid coupe.

GM estimates the new Saab concept could get 48 mpg or 105g of CO2 per km (36 mpg on E-85). Part of the high fuel economy ratings comes from its small size. The 9-XbioHybrid is about the same as a Volvo C30 hatchback.

The Saab concept comes with 1.4-liter engine with a six-speed manual transmission. The mild hybrid system includes start-stop technology and regenerative braking to help recharge the lithium-ion battery pack.

The concept may even make it to production as the Saab 9-1 early next year, but probably not as shown.

One cute part is the solar panels on top, but that's not likely to be followed up on. A lot of 'green' concept cars lately have had solar panels on top to recharge plug-in devices or NAV systems.

"This latest concept draws on the design cues of the Saab Aero X," said Lutz. If GM builds the car, it would be called the 9-1, Lutz said.

Mark Adams, vice president of design for GM Europe, said the concept shows what Saab wants to make its premium compact car look like.

The 9-X comes has a split two-piece tailgate and looks like a hatchback. The cargo deck features an electrically-powered slide-out floor, which is activated when the bottom half of the split tailgate drops down to the floor. The rear spoiler extends at speeds above 43 mph (70 kph), giving the concept a better drag at high speeds.

The interior features a new system to control mobile phones and MP3 players designed by Sony Ericcson. The system is wireless for streaming data for display and use. The interior displays are clear and simplified for the driver.

Oil Over $100 a Barrel Means High Gas Prices in the US

Gas prices in Alaska have already hit $4.95 a gallon. And with oil topping $100 a barrel, some experts are predicting gas prices could reach $4 a gallon in some regions by spring.

Source:Dealers brace for $4 gas - Automotive News

"With the price of oil over $100 a barrel, we should expect self-serve gasoline to reach $3.50 per gallon by spring," Geoff Sundstrom, spokesman for travel and auto group AAA, of Heathrow, Fla., told Automotive News. " Some regions could reach $4, especially for the West Coast."

Not good news for the automotive industry, which is already being hurt by the mortgage crisis. But, it should be good news for hybrid car and other fuel efficient car sales.

The relationship between gas prices and hybrid car sales is as obvious as it is clear.

India Cuts Import Duty on Hybrid Cars

The excise rate for hybrid cars has been cut from 24 percent to 14 percent in India, giving Honda, Toyota and Mahindra & Mahindra access to the Indian car market. With cars in India going for as low as $2,500, hybrid cars needed some sort of tax savings to compete in the tough market.

The tax cut goes into effect on April 1, 2008. It's not expected to have a huge affect in the immediate future, but more of a long term one as the government wants to encourage more fuel efficient options for emissions control.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) will introduce hybrid versions of Scorpio and Bolero by June. Honda will be importing the Civic Hybrid, while Toyota is expected to import the Prius.

"Excise duty cut would encourage manufacturers to bring in environment-friendly cars with advanced technology," said Honda Siel India president and CEO M Takedagawa.

Source: News & Features - Hybrid cars get government nod - Business Standard Motoring

Will Daimler Win the Race to Lithium-Ion Batteries?

Daimler said they would be the first to mass-produce a hybrid car that uses a lithium-ion battery pack (follow link for previous report on this mild hybrid). They have obtained 25 patents for the new technology. But in the end, this will be a mild hybrid, incapable of being powered solely by the electric motor.

Thomas Weber, chief development officer at Mercedes Group, said the electronics were developed by Continental and Johnson Controls-Saft had built the lithium-ion cell.

The key breakthrough for longevity involved keeping the battery between 15 and 35 degrees Celcius. Chrysler will use the air-conditioning system in the car.

The new battery pack will go into the S 400 BlueHybrid which will be available in 2009. Daimler is reporting it will get 7.9L/100 km or 190 g/km. It will still be capable of the maximum output is 220 kW/299 hp, and the corresponding maximum torque is 375 Nm. The S 400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

But Daimler also notes that more could be done. For instance, the BlueTec diesel could be mated to a hybrid module, as in the S 300 BlueTec Hybrid.

Press Release follows:

STUTTGART, Germany, Feb. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Daimler AG has achieved a crucial breakthrough in battery technology. The Stuttgart-based automaker is the world's first manufacturer to have succeeded in adapting lithium-ion technology to the demanding requirements of automotive applications. Until now, the technology has been used primarily in consumer electronics. The new battery will be used in the series-production S 400 BlueHYBRID beginning next year. This important technology was possible thanks to 25 patents held by Daimler.

Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler AG Board of Management and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, says: "What we have here is a groundbreaking key technology that is going to be a decisive factor for the future success of the automotive industry. That is a tribute to our intensive research efforts, which we have been conducting in this area since 1992."

The engineers' success is above all a result of the Daimler-developed integration of the lithium-ion battery into the vehicle's climate control system. This ensures that the battery always works at optimal system temperatures of between 15 and 35 degrees C, which in turn makes it possible for the battery to provide long service life and maximum performance.

The main advantages offered by the newly developed lithium-ion battery are its very compact dimensions and its far superior performance compared to conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries. The weight/power ratio of the entire battery is 1,900 watts per liter (W/L). What's more, the battery stands out by virtue of its high ampere-hour efficiency, long service life, and great reliability, even at very low temperatures. Its high level of safety is the equal of that provided by today's auto batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are ideally suited for use in hybrid vehicles to help reducing fuel consumption and thus also CO2 emissions. At the same time, the Daimler engineers are investigating to what degree this technology can be applied to other vehicle concepts, such as electric and fuel cell-powered cars.

S 400 BlueHYBRID -- the world's most economical luxury sedan

The S 400 BlueHYBRID consumes only 7.9 liters of gasoline per 100 km in the NEDC. This results in very low CO2 emissions of only 190 grams per kilometer, a very low value for this vehicle class and power class, making the S 400 BlueHYBRID the world's most economical luxury sedan -- unrivaled by any gasoline, diesel, or hybrid drive system offered by any competitor.

And S 400 BlueHYBRID drivers will still enjoy impressive performance: combined with the hybrid module, the maximum output is 220 kW/299 hp, and the corresponding maximum torque is 375 Nm. The S 400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Even more potential is offered by the combination of clean BlueTec diesel technology with a hybrid module, a duo that is featured in the S 300 BlueTec HYBRID, for example.

Why do Taxi Drivers Love Hybrid Cars? Let Me Count the Dollars

As more and more cities and towns turn to hybrid vehicles as solutions for their emissions issues, it's time once again to review why the drivers of the hybrid taxis love them so much.

According to one story, it all comes down to money. Not only are the gas savings terrific, but so are the maintenance costs.

"I used to have a Grand Marquis. My Camry Hybrid gets double the mileage. I'm saving $25 to $30 a day in fuel costs."

The brake pads used to be changed every three months or 40,000 km (The story is from Canada). Now, he only has to change it every 300,000 km because the regenerative braking system takes up a lot of the wear and tear the pads used to have. Each replacement costs $300.

Since the hybrid does not have an alternator (usually replaced once a year for $300), that cost is eliminated.

Oil changes occur every 8,000 km, not every 5,000 km.

The end result: "The Grand Marquis cost me $300 a month in repairs and maintenance. The Camry Hybrid is less than $100. And that's in addition to the gas savings."

The cost savings for the taxi driver is obvious. The PR advantage for the owner is also obvious, but the initial outlay on the vehicle is not an easy pill to swallow. That's why it was so important for Bloomberg to get the financial institutions to step up and help with low interest loans when he decided to change the rules for limo drivers in NYC.