As part of Ford's continuing environmental initiatives, they are showcasing their new land rover's e-terrain technology. Their integrated electric rear axle drive gives them a hybrid, capable of shutting of the engine when the car is stopped. And as long as you don't accelerate too quickly, the gas engine won't turn on until you hit 20 mph. It also has regenerative braking for recharging the lithium-ion battery.
By attaching the electric system to their Integrated Electric Rear Axle, the land rover gets additional low-speed torque input, which is quite useful in low-speed or icy conditions.
Partial Press Release follows:
Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive : provides electric drive alone at low speed, plus improved 4x4 ability in tough conditions
Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive – used in conjunction with the ISG Integrated Starter-Generator system (as described below) - improves both urban emissions and off-road ability.
Land Rover’s unique electric drive is different from the hybrid technology used by some 4x4 rivals. They use electric drive only to the rear axle, significantly reducing off-road capability. Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive enhances off-road performance by augmenting rather than replacing the mechanical drive.
Off-road, the Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive system can provide additional torque, as required. And because electric power can offer maximum torque from standstill, it is most effective from virtually zero mph/kph. This offers better low-speed control and enhanced pull-away in difficult situations – such as on slippery surfaces or when towing.
On-road, the additional low-speed torque input from the Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive offers multiple advantages. It allows electric-powered 'traffic creep' and low-speed acceleration up to 20mph or 32kph, without restarting the engine, benefiting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Whenever required, the ISG system restarts the engine, and the vehicle is then propelled by a combination of electrical and conventional engine power. The combined effect of delaying the restarting of the engine plus the continued assistance of electric drive, significantly reduces fuel consumption.
When quicker acceleration is required, the engine can be restarted immediately, so both the conventional engine and the Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive system supply power from rest. In this case, the electric torque boost provided by the Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive significantly improves acceleration without adversely affecting either fuel consumption or CO2 emissions.
The additional low-speed electric torque boost not only gives extra off-road ability, it also improves efficiency by using stored energy from the additional high-voltage battery system. Completely separate from the normal 12-volt battery system, this is a high capacity lithium-ion battery pack which is charged by regenerative braking energy.
The regenerative braking puts otherwise wasted braking energy back into the high-voltage storage battery system. When slowing the vehicle, pressing the brake pedal causes the driveshafts and propshaft to transfer energy from the wheels to the Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive system, decelerating the vehicle and transferring the 'braking' energy to the storage battery. For harder braking and for emergency stops, the conventional braking system is retained and fully operational, working in conjunction with the regenerative braking function.
ISG Integrated Starter-Generator system improves emissions in traffic
One of the simplest yet most effective CO2 -reducing features highlighted on the Land_e is the ISG Integrated Starter-Generator. The ISG package replaces the conventional alternator and continues to take its drive from the normal ancillary belt. It is a ‘micro-hybrid’ system that allows the engine to be stopped automatically whenever the vehicle stops, as in traffic, and under the control of the ECU it restarts the engine quickly and smoothly when required. The engine does not idle unnecessarily when the vehicle is stationary, to the further benefit of both fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
Together the engine stop-start function of ISG, plus the regenerative braking function, provided by the Integrated Electric Rear Axle Drive offer the potential of a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions. The outstanding multi-terrain ability that is at the core of Land Rover is also enhanced.
Tuesday, 28 February 2006
Monday, 27 February 2006
Hybrid drivers to receive incentives in the UK?
In an attempt to crack down on larger, gas guzzling cars, UK ministers are contemplating an array of incentive programs for hybrids and other low emission cars, while penalizing the gas guzzlers.
Times Online
Although the government currently offer £1000 in grants to drivers of Prius, the minister feels they need more.
Times Online
In an interview with The Times, Malcolm Wicks, the Energy Minister, said: “There is crass irresponsibility in some of the larger monstrosities people drive around suburbia and in London. We have to move against this kind of thing.”
Owners of cars with high emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, face higher taxes. Those who choose hybrid cars and vehicles powered by alternative fuels will benefit from incentives designed to accelerate the shift to “low carbon cars”.
In the short term, the Government is considering raising vehicle excise duty for gas guzzlers. The Treasury is understood to favour proposals from the RAC Foundation for a new top rate of £200 to cover cars that produce more than 250g of CO2 per kilometre.
Although the government currently offer £1000 in grants to drivers of Prius, the minister feels they need more.
Mazda loans ten tribute hybrids to orange county fire authority
Mazda donated 10 tribute hybrids to the Orange County Fire Authority. These are prototypes, and will be in service for only two years. These are non-emergency vehicles and will most likely be used in educational visits.
Press release follows:
IRVINE, Calif. – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today donated 10 clean-burning, fuel efficient prototype Tribute Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) at a ceremony at OCFA’s headquarters in Irvine, Calif. The Tribute HEVs will be in service for two years. The vehicles are prototypes of a gasoline-electric hybrid version of Mazda’s Tribute compact SUV and are the first of 30 total Tribute Hybrid SUVs that Mazda will loan to fire agencies across Southern California.
These Tribute HEVs, clad in the familiar OCFA red and white, will be driven by OCFA staff in various assignments throughout Orange County. They will mainly be used for non-emergency functions, such as travel to fire safety inspections, educational programs, and fire station maintenance activities.
“We wanted to give something back to the community with these Tribute Hybrid SUVs,” said Jim O’Sullivan, MNAO’s president and CEO. “ Southern California firefighters are among the best in the country, and we’re proud to have them in our backyard. The lives and property of our employees and dealers were saved a few years ago by these brave men and women, and it is a privilege for us to be able to partially repay their courageous efforts with the two-year loan of these Tribute HEVs.”
Other fire departments in Los Angeles, Corona, San Bernardino, San Diego and Riverside will also receive the environmentally responsible Tribute HEV prototypes, courtesy of Mazda.
Patrick McIntosh, OCFA Assistant Fire Chief, along with several firefighters, was on-hand to receive their Tribute Hybrids.
“We are so grateful to Mazda for their generous loan of these four-wheel-drive Tribute HEV prototypes,” said McIntosh. “What makes this such a significant gesture by Mazda is that these are clean, fuel-efficient SUVs, which means we can evaluate the reduction in our operating costs while contributing to a healthier environment.”
Putting Tribute HEV prototypes into the hands of the Southland fire agencies also helps Mazda.
“Although we don’t sell a Tribute HEV now, the varied driving conditions these vehicles will be put through, as well as the input on on-road performance we will receive from the fire agencies, will be valuable in the development of our first production HEV,” O’Sullivan added.
Mazda’s Tribute HEV is 99.4 percent cleaner, on average, than a conventional vehicle, yet still delivers the performance required by SUV owners. With a combined output of 155 horsepower, this Tribute HEV provides plenty of power yet meets strict Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEVII) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards in California – the strictest emission regulations a gasoline-fueled vehicle can meet.
Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.
The Orange County Fire Authority is a joint powers authority that serves as the all-risk emergency response agency for 1.3 million Orange County residents in 22 cities and the unincorporated areas of the county.
Press release follows:
IRVINE, Calif. – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today donated 10 clean-burning, fuel efficient prototype Tribute Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) at a ceremony at OCFA’s headquarters in Irvine, Calif. The Tribute HEVs will be in service for two years. The vehicles are prototypes of a gasoline-electric hybrid version of Mazda’s Tribute compact SUV and are the first of 30 total Tribute Hybrid SUVs that Mazda will loan to fire agencies across Southern California.
These Tribute HEVs, clad in the familiar OCFA red and white, will be driven by OCFA staff in various assignments throughout Orange County. They will mainly be used for non-emergency functions, such as travel to fire safety inspections, educational programs, and fire station maintenance activities.
“We wanted to give something back to the community with these Tribute Hybrid SUVs,” said Jim O’Sullivan, MNAO’s president and CEO. “ Southern California firefighters are among the best in the country, and we’re proud to have them in our backyard. The lives and property of our employees and dealers were saved a few years ago by these brave men and women, and it is a privilege for us to be able to partially repay their courageous efforts with the two-year loan of these Tribute HEVs.”
Other fire departments in Los Angeles, Corona, San Bernardino, San Diego and Riverside will also receive the environmentally responsible Tribute HEV prototypes, courtesy of Mazda.
Patrick McIntosh, OCFA Assistant Fire Chief, along with several firefighters, was on-hand to receive their Tribute Hybrids.
“We are so grateful to Mazda for their generous loan of these four-wheel-drive Tribute HEV prototypes,” said McIntosh. “What makes this such a significant gesture by Mazda is that these are clean, fuel-efficient SUVs, which means we can evaluate the reduction in our operating costs while contributing to a healthier environment.”
Putting Tribute HEV prototypes into the hands of the Southland fire agencies also helps Mazda.
“Although we don’t sell a Tribute HEV now, the varied driving conditions these vehicles will be put through, as well as the input on on-road performance we will receive from the fire agencies, will be valuable in the development of our first production HEV,” O’Sullivan added.
Mazda’s Tribute HEV is 99.4 percent cleaner, on average, than a conventional vehicle, yet still delivers the performance required by SUV owners. With a combined output of 155 horsepower, this Tribute HEV provides plenty of power yet meets strict Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEVII) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards in California – the strictest emission regulations a gasoline-fueled vehicle can meet.
Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.
The Orange County Fire Authority is a joint powers authority that serves as the all-risk emergency response agency for 1.3 million Orange County residents in 22 cities and the unincorporated areas of the county.
New York Hybrid drivers get access to HOV lane
New York hybrid drivers to get a waiver on HOV lane access on March 1 according to the NY Times. I wonder if they'll start regretting it after a few years, as the Virginia HOV access to hybrids program is now under fire for overcrowding.
Hybrid Cars to Get High-Occupancy Waiver - The New York Times
Hybrid Cars to Get High-Occupancy Waiver - The New York Times
Hybrid Cars to Get High-Occupancy Waiver By DANNY HAKIM Published: February 25, 2006 Certain hybrid-power cars will be allowed to use H.O.V. lanes on the Long Island Expressway starting on March 1, regardless of how few people are in the car.
Saturday, 25 February 2006
Hypermilers and hypermiling
Hypermiling is the term applied to greatly exceeding the EPA rating for a vehicle. It's most often applied to hybrid vehicle drivers who apply certain techniques. For instance, there are some hybrid drivers who can, by the technique of "pulse and glide", can get over 100 mpg in their Toyota Prius.
When hypermiling, their are several special techniques that can be applied, but you should always start out with the basics. I've already covered most of the ways you can save money on gas, no matter what kind of car you drive. These methods include regular maintenance on your car, including oil changes and checking the tire pressure. You should also avoid jackrabbit starts and try to use cruise control or overdrive when you can. You should also keep your speed down and your windows closed.
The special technique applied to hybrid cars with the biggest gain is called the pulse and glide. According to Wikipedia, the pulse and glide "method is a trick that can be used with hybrids to minimize ICE waste. The idea is to optimize acceleration in order to reach the optimal threshold of the hybrid engine. At this point, some vehicles (when the accelerator is minimally pressed) will glide in electric only mode."
First accelerate up to 40 (or so). Avoid using energy from the battery, but don't accelerate too quickly either. Once there, you can start the glide. Gliding is the point where you are not taking any energy from the engine at all (hence the name). In order to glide properly, you need the right readout (i.e. Prius energy screen). If you can put yourself into that halfway point where there are no arrows point anywhere on the energy screen, you've successfully put yourself into glide. You will need to ease back on the accelerator, and then push it back down slightly to get into this mode.
A warning to anyone trying the pulse and glide, however. This technique should not be used in high traffic or high speed areas. Not only is it dangerous, but it will be infuriating to your fellow drivers. So don't do it. Also, if you (or your passengers) are in a rush, this may be frustrating. Keep in mind that courtesy to your passenger(s) and fellow drivers should be a given.
Another special technique is to use the auto-stop as much as possible. Don't try to edge up at stop lights, for instance. You can turn the gas engine back (in light or mild hybrids) on for no gain (0 mpg). You might also try to "glide" down hills, by putting your car into neutral for instance.
If you'd like to know more about hypermiling, you can find information at wikipedia. Hypermilers are usually part of hybrid driving clubs and forums.
When hypermiling, their are several special techniques that can be applied, but you should always start out with the basics. I've already covered most of the ways you can save money on gas, no matter what kind of car you drive. These methods include regular maintenance on your car, including oil changes and checking the tire pressure. You should also avoid jackrabbit starts and try to use cruise control or overdrive when you can. You should also keep your speed down and your windows closed.
The special technique applied to hybrid cars with the biggest gain is called the pulse and glide. According to Wikipedia, the pulse and glide "method is a trick that can be used with hybrids to minimize ICE waste. The idea is to optimize acceleration in order to reach the optimal threshold of the hybrid engine. At this point, some vehicles (when the accelerator is minimally pressed) will glide in electric only mode."
First accelerate up to 40 (or so). Avoid using energy from the battery, but don't accelerate too quickly either. Once there, you can start the glide. Gliding is the point where you are not taking any energy from the engine at all (hence the name). In order to glide properly, you need the right readout (i.e. Prius energy screen). If you can put yourself into that halfway point where there are no arrows point anywhere on the energy screen, you've successfully put yourself into glide. You will need to ease back on the accelerator, and then push it back down slightly to get into this mode.
A warning to anyone trying the pulse and glide, however. This technique should not be used in high traffic or high speed areas. Not only is it dangerous, but it will be infuriating to your fellow drivers. So don't do it. Also, if you (or your passengers) are in a rush, this may be frustrating. Keep in mind that courtesy to your passenger(s) and fellow drivers should be a given.
Another special technique is to use the auto-stop as much as possible. Don't try to edge up at stop lights, for instance. You can turn the gas engine back (in light or mild hybrids) on for no gain (0 mpg). You might also try to "glide" down hills, by putting your car into neutral for instance.
If you'd like to know more about hypermiling, you can find information at wikipedia. Hypermilers are usually part of hybrid driving clubs and forums.
Friday, 24 February 2006
HyMotion has a PHEV battery for your Prius
While If you are worried about getting that extra mileage on battery alone, this may be a good idea for you. Turn your hybrid into a plug-in with one big battery that hooks into a socket. The only problem I see is the price. At $5000, what they hope the price is going to be when it goes on sale to the public next year, that's a steep addition to any budget. Add in the extra cost of buying a hybrid in the first place and most consumers will probably balk at the upgrade.
HyMotion's PHEV battery lets you plug in your hybrid - Engadget
HyMotion's PHEV battery lets you plug in your hybrid - Engadget
But HyMotion is here to help with their new PHEV Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle), which adds an extra battery to you hybrid that can be charged from a regular wall outlet.
The Cleveland Division of Police won a brand-new 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
* The Cleveland Division of Police won a brand-new 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid for participating in the Ford “Hybrid Patrol”, a nationwide tour where BP and police departments nationwide joined Ford to boost drivers’ fuel-economy awareness.
* Throughout the 10-city tour Ford Hybrid Patrol distributed over $65,000 worth of BP gas cards to consumers around the country.
CLEVELAND, Ohio, Feb. 24, 2006 – The Cleveland Division of Police (CPD) today received the keys to their new 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid as part of an award from the Ford Motor Company for helping boost consumers’ fuel-economy awareness. The Ford Hybrid Patrol tour worked with hundreds of officers in blue across the country to boost their knowledge on becoming green with hybrid technology.
Last fall, 11 police departments from around the country participated in the Ford Hybrid Patrol, an educational tour on hybrid technology and fuel-saving techniques. Each participating department was entered into a drawing to win a new Mercury Mariner Hybrid. At the conclusion of the Ford Hybrid Patrol national tour, the CPD was randomly selected as the winner of the new premium compact hybrid SUV from Ford.
“We're very honored that Ford Motor Company selected the Cleveland Division of Police as one of its cities to showcase the Ford Hybrid Patrol,” says Cleveland Police Chief Michael McGrath. “Our officers were really excited to participate in this innovative program. We will use the Mercury Mariner Hybrid as part of our accident investigation unit and we look forward to adding more hybrid vehicles to our fleet.”
When the Ford Hybrid Patrol arrived at each city officers were enrolled in fuel-economy clinics and participated in driving challenges to discover the most “fuel-efficient” officer in Ford’s hybrids. Of the 38 police representatives that participated in the fuel economy challenge, officers’ fuel economy averaged 45.38 miles per gallon. The officer earning the best fuel economy from each city was then entered into a random drawing to win a 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid for their police department.
Taking the Ford Hybrid Patrol to the streets, police officers – with help from Ford hybrid engineers – went patrolling to give drivers citations for good driving behavior. In Ford hybrids outfitted for patrol, officers surprised thousands of local drivers “caught in the act” of demonstrating good gas-saving practices. Drivers were "“ticketed” with $25 gas cards provided by BP and additional fuel-saving tips for efficient driving practices. Over the three-month national tour Ford and BP distributed over $65,000 worth of free gas to consumers.
“The Ford Hybrid Patrol was a great program that demonstrated our commitment to hybrid technology and the benefits our consumers can experience with these vehicles,” says Nancy Gioia, director of Ford’s Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs. “With the success of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, we aren't letting up on our promise deliver more fuel-saving alternatives for our customers.”
The Ford Hybrid Patrol tour was supported by BP and also rolled into Chicago, IL; the Boston suburb of Somerville, MA; Boston, MA; Alexandria, VA; East Point, GA; Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles suburb, Glendale, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; and Miramar, FL.
“BP and Ford are working collaboratively on the development of more efficient engines and motor fuels,” says Polly Flinn, president of BP’s U.S. convenience retail operations. “Working together on the tour, we focused on fuel conservation which fits our shared vision of sustainable mobility solutions for our customers.”
About Cleveland Division of Police
Founded in 1866, the Cleveland Division of Police has been innovative in law enforcement having been cited for a number of “fascinating firsts” including introducing the first police call box and the first closed circuit camera, which was used in banks to photograph unsuspecting criminals.
About BP
BP markets more than 15 billion gallons of gasoline every year to U.S. consumers through 14,000 retail outlets and supplies more than four billion gallons of fuel annually to fleets, industrial users, auto and truck manufacturers, railroads and utilities.
BP is the single, global brand and formed by the combination of the former British Petroleum, Amoco Corporation, Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) and Burmah Castrol. BP is a global producer, manufacturer and marketer of oil, gas, chemicals and renewable energy sources. For more information, please visit www.AmocoUltimate.com or www.BP.com.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and 108 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
* Throughout the 10-city tour Ford Hybrid Patrol distributed over $65,000 worth of BP gas cards to consumers around the country.
CLEVELAND, Ohio, Feb. 24, 2006 – The Cleveland Division of Police (CPD) today received the keys to their new 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid as part of an award from the Ford Motor Company for helping boost consumers’ fuel-economy awareness. The Ford Hybrid Patrol tour worked with hundreds of officers in blue across the country to boost their knowledge on becoming green with hybrid technology.
Last fall, 11 police departments from around the country participated in the Ford Hybrid Patrol, an educational tour on hybrid technology and fuel-saving techniques. Each participating department was entered into a drawing to win a new Mercury Mariner Hybrid. At the conclusion of the Ford Hybrid Patrol national tour, the CPD was randomly selected as the winner of the new premium compact hybrid SUV from Ford.
“We're very honored that Ford Motor Company selected the Cleveland Division of Police as one of its cities to showcase the Ford Hybrid Patrol,” says Cleveland Police Chief Michael McGrath. “Our officers were really excited to participate in this innovative program. We will use the Mercury Mariner Hybrid as part of our accident investigation unit and we look forward to adding more hybrid vehicles to our fleet.”
When the Ford Hybrid Patrol arrived at each city officers were enrolled in fuel-economy clinics and participated in driving challenges to discover the most “fuel-efficient” officer in Ford’s hybrids. Of the 38 police representatives that participated in the fuel economy challenge, officers’ fuel economy averaged 45.38 miles per gallon. The officer earning the best fuel economy from each city was then entered into a random drawing to win a 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid for their police department.
Taking the Ford Hybrid Patrol to the streets, police officers – with help from Ford hybrid engineers – went patrolling to give drivers citations for good driving behavior. In Ford hybrids outfitted for patrol, officers surprised thousands of local drivers “caught in the act” of demonstrating good gas-saving practices. Drivers were "“ticketed” with $25 gas cards provided by BP and additional fuel-saving tips for efficient driving practices. Over the three-month national tour Ford and BP distributed over $65,000 worth of free gas to consumers.
“The Ford Hybrid Patrol was a great program that demonstrated our commitment to hybrid technology and the benefits our consumers can experience with these vehicles,” says Nancy Gioia, director of Ford’s Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs. “With the success of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, we aren't letting up on our promise deliver more fuel-saving alternatives for our customers.”
The Ford Hybrid Patrol tour was supported by BP and also rolled into Chicago, IL; the Boston suburb of Somerville, MA; Boston, MA; Alexandria, VA; East Point, GA; Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles suburb, Glendale, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; and Miramar, FL.
“BP and Ford are working collaboratively on the development of more efficient engines and motor fuels,” says Polly Flinn, president of BP’s U.S. convenience retail operations. “Working together on the tour, we focused on fuel conservation which fits our shared vision of sustainable mobility solutions for our customers.”
About Cleveland Division of Police
Founded in 1866, the Cleveland Division of Police has been innovative in law enforcement having been cited for a number of “fascinating firsts” including introducing the first police call box and the first closed circuit camera, which was used in banks to photograph unsuspecting criminals.
About BP
BP markets more than 15 billion gallons of gasoline every year to U.S. consumers through 14,000 retail outlets and supplies more than four billion gallons of fuel annually to fleets, industrial users, auto and truck manufacturers, railroads and utilities.
BP is the single, global brand and formed by the combination of the former British Petroleum, Amoco Corporation, Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) and Burmah Castrol. BP is a global producer, manufacturer and marketer of oil, gas, chemicals and renewable energy sources. For more information, please visit www.AmocoUltimate.com or www.BP.com.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and 108 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
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