Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. (Mitsubishi Electric) and Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today debuted a solar-powered charging station for electric vehicles at the MMNA headquarters in Cypress, California. This charging facility, the first of its kind in Cypress, symbolizes MMNA's commitment to electric vehicle readiness, and will help kick off the preparations as certified Mitsubishi dealers become EV-ready in anticipation of the scheduled launch date of Mitsubishi i for each state. The charging station is powered by 96, 175W photovoltaic modules from Mitsubishi Electric. This charging station will help support CHAdeMO compatible electric vehicles such as the Mitsubishi i, which will arrive in showrooms in November of this year. Mitsubishi i vehicles are now being reserved by prospective owners through a pre-order process available at i.mitsubishicars.com.
Able to charge up to four vehicles at once, the station features three types of chargers with different voltages: standard level 1 voltage (110v) will deliver a 100 percent charge in 22 hours on the new Mitsubishi i; level 2 (220v) which can charge the vehicle in six hours; and level 3 CHAdeMO Quick Charger, which can charge to 80 percent battery capacity in 25 minutes.
The DC Quick Charger used for the Cypress charging station is manufactured by the Eaton Corporation, and is the first-of-its-kind CHAdeMO Quick Charger certified for U.S. sale and public utility. The actual installation of the charging equipment and the supporting electrical infrastructure was handled by Rogers Electric. The twin-arch structure for the charging station was designed by California Green Designs.
The charging station is the first such collaboration between the two similarly named companies, whose headquarters are just a few blocks apart in northern Orange County. Situated near the junction of the 405 and 605 freeways, the hope is that the Cypress charging station, with its Quick Charge capability, can serve as a gateway charging pad for Mitsubishi i users commuting between Los Angeles and Orange counties.
"This project will build awareness of solar power's versatility and efficiency," said Katsuya Takamiya, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA. "As electric vehicles' popularity grows, we expect to see more charging stations at large employers, automobile dealerships, shopping centers and schools, where cars can charge while people work, shop or study."
Mitsubishi Motors North America President Yoichi Yokozawa said "We hope that our dealers, learning institutions, and municipalities will look to this technology with a keen eye towards the future, and bear in mind that the gradual acceptance of the pure-EV transportation will be aided by increasing the number of facilities like this one."
Mitsubishi Electric's solar panels are made with 100 percent lead-free solder, and have one of the higher sunlight-to-energy conversion ratios in the industry, adding to the project's efficiency and sustainability.
Jul 15, 2011
BASF intensifies research and development of innovative products for sustainable electromobility
Batteries are the key technology for the electromobility of the future. Over the next five years, BASF will be investing a three-digit million euro sum in researching, developing and the production of battery materials. Part of the investment is being channeled into the construction of a production plant for advanced cathode materials in Elyria, Ohio. This new facility with an investment volume of more than $50 million is scheduled to supply the market with cathode materials for the production of high-performance lithium-ion batteries from mid-2012.
New materials enable higher-performance battery concepts
In addition to innovative materials for cathodes, BASF has recently also entered the field of electrolyte development. High-quality tailored electrolytes are essential for battery performance. "By entering into the electrolyte business we are expanding our portfolio of innovative solutions for high-performance lithium-ion batteries and as a future system supplier, we will be able to support our customers' competitiveness in the electromobility field," said Dr. Andreas Kreimeyer, member of the Board of Executive Directors and Research Executive Director of BASF SE. As well as developing materials for lithium-ion batteries, which include solutions for anodes and separators, BASF is also researching future battery concepts such as lithium-sulfur or lithium-air.
"With our research activities we are substantially contributing to making electric cars affordable, environment friendly and sustainable. For this we need batteries and further innovative components that provide a greater driving range with less weight and lower costs," explained Kreimeyer.
Lightweight construction and intelligent heat management reduce energy consumption
To compensate for the additional battery weight of about 200 kg and allow for an acceptable driving range, the weight of electric vehicles must be reduced through lightweight construction components. This naturally places new demands on the materials, including completely new properties in terms of temperature stability, electromagnetic screening and fire resistance. Although plastics already contribute greatly to vehicular weight savings when incorporated in the chassis, interior and engine compartment, further multifunctional lightweight construction concepts are needed. For example, BASF is working on fast-curing epoxy, polyurethane and polyamide resins for fiber reinforced composites to be used in the manufacture of lightweight vehicle bodies. These materials can provide further weight savings of up to 100 to 150 kilograms in structural components and chassis.
BASF also offers solutions for improving heat management in electric cars. "When the temperatures rise in summer, the car's air conditioner consumes additional energy reducing the vehicles driving range," explained Kreimeyer. When incorporated in interiors and automotive coatings, pigments that reflect the heat-generating infrared rays of sunlight prevent the temperature from getting too high inside the car. And while the combustion engine provides exhaust heat in winter, an electric vehicle consumes electricity to heat the interior. To keep energy consumption low under these conditions, it is necessary to insulate electrical vehicles against the cold with high performance foams. This also increases the car's driving range.
Sustainable electromobility – a broader concept than just the electric car
Innovations from chemical research and the right energy mix will be key factors in helping electromobility to make its breakthrough – while remaining sustainable. "We take a holistic view of this topic. Electromobility will only significantly contribute to environmental and climate protection when the electricity from the batteries has been generated high efficiently and with less CO2. Therefore we are investing in research to find ways of generating electricity from renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar energy. We are also developing innovative storage technologies because in our latitudes these forms of energy are not available 24/7," said Kreimeyer.
Policy makers are also called upon to create the appropriate general conditions to ensure that electromobility remains competitive in the global market. This will include government sponsored research and development programs to ensure that Germany retains its technological lead and can take further strides forward in electromobility. The creation of added value and jobs in Germany is another positive outcome.
"If industry together with politics, science and society as a whole all pull in the same direction, electromobility will be successful and become an affordable and sustainable alternative to the classical internal combustion technology," added Kreimeyer.
New materials enable higher-performance battery concepts
In addition to innovative materials for cathodes, BASF has recently also entered the field of electrolyte development. High-quality tailored electrolytes are essential for battery performance. "By entering into the electrolyte business we are expanding our portfolio of innovative solutions for high-performance lithium-ion batteries and as a future system supplier, we will be able to support our customers' competitiveness in the electromobility field," said Dr. Andreas Kreimeyer, member of the Board of Executive Directors and Research Executive Director of BASF SE. As well as developing materials for lithium-ion batteries, which include solutions for anodes and separators, BASF is also researching future battery concepts such as lithium-sulfur or lithium-air.
"With our research activities we are substantially contributing to making electric cars affordable, environment friendly and sustainable. For this we need batteries and further innovative components that provide a greater driving range with less weight and lower costs," explained Kreimeyer.
Lightweight construction and intelligent heat management reduce energy consumption
To compensate for the additional battery weight of about 200 kg and allow for an acceptable driving range, the weight of electric vehicles must be reduced through lightweight construction components. This naturally places new demands on the materials, including completely new properties in terms of temperature stability, electromagnetic screening and fire resistance. Although plastics already contribute greatly to vehicular weight savings when incorporated in the chassis, interior and engine compartment, further multifunctional lightweight construction concepts are needed. For example, BASF is working on fast-curing epoxy, polyurethane and polyamide resins for fiber reinforced composites to be used in the manufacture of lightweight vehicle bodies. These materials can provide further weight savings of up to 100 to 150 kilograms in structural components and chassis.
BASF also offers solutions for improving heat management in electric cars. "When the temperatures rise in summer, the car's air conditioner consumes additional energy reducing the vehicles driving range," explained Kreimeyer. When incorporated in interiors and automotive coatings, pigments that reflect the heat-generating infrared rays of sunlight prevent the temperature from getting too high inside the car. And while the combustion engine provides exhaust heat in winter, an electric vehicle consumes electricity to heat the interior. To keep energy consumption low under these conditions, it is necessary to insulate electrical vehicles against the cold with high performance foams. This also increases the car's driving range.
Sustainable electromobility – a broader concept than just the electric car
Innovations from chemical research and the right energy mix will be key factors in helping electromobility to make its breakthrough – while remaining sustainable. "We take a holistic view of this topic. Electromobility will only significantly contribute to environmental and climate protection when the electricity from the batteries has been generated high efficiently and with less CO2. Therefore we are investing in research to find ways of generating electricity from renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar energy. We are also developing innovative storage technologies because in our latitudes these forms of energy are not available 24/7," said Kreimeyer.
Policy makers are also called upon to create the appropriate general conditions to ensure that electromobility remains competitive in the global market. This will include government sponsored research and development programs to ensure that Germany retains its technological lead and can take further strides forward in electromobility. The creation of added value and jobs in Germany is another positive outcome.
"If industry together with politics, science and society as a whole all pull in the same direction, electromobility will be successful and become an affordable and sustainable alternative to the classical internal combustion technology," added Kreimeyer.
Jul 14, 2011
Mercedes-Benz USA Announces Smart Team
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today announced appointments within a dedicated team that will be responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of smart products in the United States. MBUSA took over responsibility for sales of the two-seater coupes and cabriolets from the Penske organization on July 1, 2011.
Heading up the smart team as general manager will be Tracey Matura. Matura is responsible for the brand's distribution, sales and marketing activities, reporting to Michael Slagter, vice president of sales for MBUSA. She has worked for MBUSA for 16 years, predominantly in the legal and retail areas, most recently as general manager of strategic retail development where she was responsible for the MBUSA dealer network. She was ranked one of the "100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry" by Automotive News this year.
Matura and her team will be part of a new subsidiary of MBUSA called Daimler Vehicle Innovations USA LLC. Positions reporting directly to Matura include:
-Julia Knittel as manager, smart marketing and brand management. Knittel, who has worked for MBUSA since 2002 in such areas as learning & performance and consumer events & sports marketing, was also communications manager for the smart brand when MBUSA originally introduced the brand to the U.S. in 2004. In her new post, Knittel will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication platforms for smart products and the brand in the U.S. including traditional marketing, experiential marketing, partnerships, social and digital media.
-Sean Lyons as manager, smart sales and aftersales. Lyons comes to smart from Lexus where he held management positions for 11 years in regional sales operations, preowned and marketing, and most recently, vehicle field sales. As part of the smart team, Lyons will be responsible for managing sales and aftersales activities including overseeing a team of six field operations managers.
-Deirdre O'Grady as smart dealer network lead. O'Grady brings to her new position nine years of retail experience at Infiniti, in such positions as regional distribution manager, market manager, and dealer parts & service manager. She also worked in sales operations, market representation, marketing and consumer affairs. On the smart team, O'Grady will be responsible for the strategic development and support of the smart franchise network which currently consists of 75 dealerships across the United States.
The distinctive smart product line consists of four models in the U.S.: the gasoline-powered smart fortwo in coupe (in "pure" or "passion" configuration) and cabriolet bodystyles as well as an all-electric version of the smart fortwo coupe. Over 47,000 smarts have been sold in the U.S. to date.
Heading up the smart team as general manager will be Tracey Matura. Matura is responsible for the brand's distribution, sales and marketing activities, reporting to Michael Slagter, vice president of sales for MBUSA. She has worked for MBUSA for 16 years, predominantly in the legal and retail areas, most recently as general manager of strategic retail development where she was responsible for the MBUSA dealer network. She was ranked one of the "100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry" by Automotive News this year.
Matura and her team will be part of a new subsidiary of MBUSA called Daimler Vehicle Innovations USA LLC. Positions reporting directly to Matura include:
-Julia Knittel as manager, smart marketing and brand management. Knittel, who has worked for MBUSA since 2002 in such areas as learning & performance and consumer events & sports marketing, was also communications manager for the smart brand when MBUSA originally introduced the brand to the U.S. in 2004. In her new post, Knittel will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication platforms for smart products and the brand in the U.S. including traditional marketing, experiential marketing, partnerships, social and digital media.
-Sean Lyons as manager, smart sales and aftersales. Lyons comes to smart from Lexus where he held management positions for 11 years in regional sales operations, preowned and marketing, and most recently, vehicle field sales. As part of the smart team, Lyons will be responsible for managing sales and aftersales activities including overseeing a team of six field operations managers.
-Deirdre O'Grady as smart dealer network lead. O'Grady brings to her new position nine years of retail experience at Infiniti, in such positions as regional distribution manager, market manager, and dealer parts & service manager. She also worked in sales operations, market representation, marketing and consumer affairs. On the smart team, O'Grady will be responsible for the strategic development and support of the smart franchise network which currently consists of 75 dealerships across the United States.
The distinctive smart product line consists of four models in the U.S.: the gasoline-powered smart fortwo in coupe (in "pure" or "passion" configuration) and cabriolet bodystyles as well as an all-electric version of the smart fortwo coupe. Over 47,000 smarts have been sold in the U.S. to date.
AeroVironment Achieves UL Certification for Full Line of Electric Vehicle Charging Systems
AeroVironment today announced that with the recent certification of its EV fast charging system, it now has received certification and listing from the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for six groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) charging systems, a significant milestone for the expanding EV industry. UL is one of the most widely recognized independent product safety certification organizations in the world.
"UL certification is a critical milestone that can take companies months or even years to secure"
All six charging systems -- including AeroVironment's fast charging system, which can provide a full EV recharge in less than 30 minutes – have passed hundreds of trials as part of UL's stringent testing program. AeroVironment is the first company to provide a full lineup of chargers listed with UL, expanding the possibilities for both home and public charging in a multitude of locations so that drivers can refuel their EVs with confidence, no matter where they are. UL certification of an entire suite of charging solutions is a major landmark for the industry and is a critical step before putting charging products of all types into consumers' hands.
AeroVironment's UL-listed product offering includes smart grid-enabled home charging stations; commercial AC charging stations; high-power DC fast charging stations that can fully charge a vehicle in minutes; and a standard 120 Volt AC charging cord that can be used with every EV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Public and commercial charging stations offer point-of-sale payment options and smart-grid connectivity.
"UL certification is a critical milestone that can take companies months or even years to secure," said Mike Bissonette, senior vice president and general manager of AeroVironment's Efficient Energy Systems business segment. "Today, we're the first and only company in the industry to have developed such a broad line of UL-certified EV charging products for deployment to customers across the nation. As a result, AeroVironment charging systems will be available in many more locations. This is important because drivers want a safe, convenient and reliable way to refuel their vehicle, wherever and whenever it's needed."
In addition to these core products, AeroVironment offers hardware and software systems that round out the line – an EV infrastructure "ecosystem" that takes a 360-degree approach to meeting the EV driver's every need. Additional systems include EVBoost™, a roadside assistance charging system for repair and tow service companies, and Web and mobile phone applications that link drivers remotely to their charging network for route planning and wireless payment.
AeroVironment is the provider of charging solutions – including hardware, consulting services, installation, and back-end support – to BMW, NRG Energy, Nissan, the State of Hawaii and the State of Oregon, where the company will be deploying fast chargers to transform the Interstate-5 into North America's premier "Green Highway." Thousands of AeroVironment's charging systems have been deployed in 25 states and hundreds of communities across the United States.
AeroVironment's UL-listed product suite includes:
Home AC charging station (EVSE-RS)
Home AC charging station with smart grid capability (EVSE-RS+)
Commercial AC charging station – with smart grid capability (EVSE-CS)
Public DC fast charging station – with smart grid capability (EV50-PS)
Fleet DC fast charging station – with smart grid capability (EV50-FS)
120VAC cord standard charging cord - can be used with all EVs and PHEVs (EVSE-CT)
"UL certification is a critical milestone that can take companies months or even years to secure"
All six charging systems -- including AeroVironment's fast charging system, which can provide a full EV recharge in less than 30 minutes – have passed hundreds of trials as part of UL's stringent testing program. AeroVironment is the first company to provide a full lineup of chargers listed with UL, expanding the possibilities for both home and public charging in a multitude of locations so that drivers can refuel their EVs with confidence, no matter where they are. UL certification of an entire suite of charging solutions is a major landmark for the industry and is a critical step before putting charging products of all types into consumers' hands.
AeroVironment's UL-listed product offering includes smart grid-enabled home charging stations; commercial AC charging stations; high-power DC fast charging stations that can fully charge a vehicle in minutes; and a standard 120 Volt AC charging cord that can be used with every EV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Public and commercial charging stations offer point-of-sale payment options and smart-grid connectivity.
"UL certification is a critical milestone that can take companies months or even years to secure," said Mike Bissonette, senior vice president and general manager of AeroVironment's Efficient Energy Systems business segment. "Today, we're the first and only company in the industry to have developed such a broad line of UL-certified EV charging products for deployment to customers across the nation. As a result, AeroVironment charging systems will be available in many more locations. This is important because drivers want a safe, convenient and reliable way to refuel their vehicle, wherever and whenever it's needed."
In addition to these core products, AeroVironment offers hardware and software systems that round out the line – an EV infrastructure "ecosystem" that takes a 360-degree approach to meeting the EV driver's every need. Additional systems include EVBoost™, a roadside assistance charging system for repair and tow service companies, and Web and mobile phone applications that link drivers remotely to their charging network for route planning and wireless payment.
AeroVironment is the provider of charging solutions – including hardware, consulting services, installation, and back-end support – to BMW, NRG Energy, Nissan, the State of Hawaii and the State of Oregon, where the company will be deploying fast chargers to transform the Interstate-5 into North America's premier "Green Highway." Thousands of AeroVironment's charging systems have been deployed in 25 states and hundreds of communities across the United States.
AeroVironment's UL-listed product suite includes:
Home AC charging station (EVSE-RS)
Home AC charging station with smart grid capability (EVSE-RS+)
Commercial AC charging station – with smart grid capability (EVSE-CS)
Public DC fast charging station – with smart grid capability (EV50-PS)
Fleet DC fast charging station – with smart grid capability (EV50-FS)
120VAC cord standard charging cord - can be used with all EVs and PHEVs (EVSE-CT)
DOE Offers Conditional Commitment for a $105 Million Loan Guarantee for First-of-its-Kind Cellulosic Bio-Refinery in Iowa
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the offer of a conditional commitment for a $105 million loan guarantee to support the development of the nation's first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant. Project LIBERTY, sponsored by POET, LLC, will produce up to 25 million gallons of ethanol per year and will be located in Emmetsburg, Iowa. POET estimates the project will generate approximately 200 jobs during construction and 40 permanent jobs at the plant. POET estimates the project will also bring approximately $14 million in new revenue to area farmers.
"This project will help decrease our dependence on oil, create jobs and aid our transition to clean, renewable energy that is produced here at home," said Secretary Chu. "The innovations used in this project are another example of how we are seizing the opportunity to create new economic opportunities to win the clean energy future."
"Projects like the one we are announcing today show that our investments in next generation biofuels are paying off," said Secretary Vilsack. "Project LIBERTY will produce up to 25 million gallons of ethanol per year, create over 200 jobs, and generate millions of dollars in revenue for the local economy. This project is an important step in the Obama Administration's effort to break our nation's unsustainable dependence on foreign oil and move toward a clean energy economy."
"POET has given this initiative the very apt name Project Liberty, and it is appropriate that this announcement comes so close to Independence Day," said Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), a senior member and former Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. "This is all about decreasing American's dependence on oil from unstable and often hostile foreign sources. And this pioneering facility will kick-start a major domestic industry producing advanced biofuels from plentiful feedstocks like crop residues, native grasses and woody materials, creating thousands of jobs in rural America. I thank Secretary Chu and the Department for their commitment to accelerating America's transition from dependence on imported oil to greater reliance on to clean, domestically produced biofuels."
Unlike many conventional corn ethanol plants, Project LIBERTY will use corncobs, leaves and husks - sources provided by local farmers - that do not compete with feed grains. The project's innovative process uses enzymatic hydrolysis to convert waste into ethanol and will produce enough biogas to power both Project LIBERTY and POET's adjacent grain-based ethanol plant. Project LIBERTY will displace over 13.5 million gallons of gasoline annually and fulfill more than 25 percent of the projected 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard Requirement for biomass-based cellulosic ethanol. POET plans to replicate their unique process at 27 of their other corn ethanol facilities, which would have a projected combined annual capacity of one billion gallons per year of cellulosic ethanol. The company estimates that 85 percent of Project LIBERTY will be sourced with U.S. content.
The Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office administers three separate programs: the Title XVII Section 1703 and Section 1705 loan guarantee programs, and the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program. The loan guarantee programs support the deployment of commercial technologies along with innovative technologies that avoid, reduce, or sequester greenhouse gas emissions, while ATVM supports the development of advanced vehicle technologies. Under all three programs, DOE has issued loans, loan guarantees or offered conditional commitments for loan guarantees totaling over $38 billion to support 41 clean energy projects across the U.S. DOE has issued conditional commitments or loan guarantees to support numerous projects, including several of the world's largest solar generation facilities, three geothermal projects, the world's largest wind farm, and the nation's first new nuclear power plant in three decades. For more information, please visit the Loan Programs Office.
"This project will help decrease our dependence on oil, create jobs and aid our transition to clean, renewable energy that is produced here at home," said Secretary Chu. "The innovations used in this project are another example of how we are seizing the opportunity to create new economic opportunities to win the clean energy future."
"Projects like the one we are announcing today show that our investments in next generation biofuels are paying off," said Secretary Vilsack. "Project LIBERTY will produce up to 25 million gallons of ethanol per year, create over 200 jobs, and generate millions of dollars in revenue for the local economy. This project is an important step in the Obama Administration's effort to break our nation's unsustainable dependence on foreign oil and move toward a clean energy economy."
"POET has given this initiative the very apt name Project Liberty, and it is appropriate that this announcement comes so close to Independence Day," said Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), a senior member and former Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. "This is all about decreasing American's dependence on oil from unstable and often hostile foreign sources. And this pioneering facility will kick-start a major domestic industry producing advanced biofuels from plentiful feedstocks like crop residues, native grasses and woody materials, creating thousands of jobs in rural America. I thank Secretary Chu and the Department for their commitment to accelerating America's transition from dependence on imported oil to greater reliance on to clean, domestically produced biofuels."
Unlike many conventional corn ethanol plants, Project LIBERTY will use corncobs, leaves and husks - sources provided by local farmers - that do not compete with feed grains. The project's innovative process uses enzymatic hydrolysis to convert waste into ethanol and will produce enough biogas to power both Project LIBERTY and POET's adjacent grain-based ethanol plant. Project LIBERTY will displace over 13.5 million gallons of gasoline annually and fulfill more than 25 percent of the projected 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard Requirement for biomass-based cellulosic ethanol. POET plans to replicate their unique process at 27 of their other corn ethanol facilities, which would have a projected combined annual capacity of one billion gallons per year of cellulosic ethanol. The company estimates that 85 percent of Project LIBERTY will be sourced with U.S. content.
The Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office administers three separate programs: the Title XVII Section 1703 and Section 1705 loan guarantee programs, and the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program. The loan guarantee programs support the deployment of commercial technologies along with innovative technologies that avoid, reduce, or sequester greenhouse gas emissions, while ATVM supports the development of advanced vehicle technologies. Under all three programs, DOE has issued loans, loan guarantees or offered conditional commitments for loan guarantees totaling over $38 billion to support 41 clean energy projects across the U.S. DOE has issued conditional commitments or loan guarantees to support numerous projects, including several of the world's largest solar generation facilities, three geothermal projects, the world's largest wind farm, and the nation's first new nuclear power plant in three decades. For more information, please visit the Loan Programs Office.
Dow and Ube Form Joint Venture to Manufacture Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW) and Ube Industries, Ltd. (Ube) today announced an agreement to form a joint venture to manufacture and market formulated electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in energy storage applications. The 50-50 joint venture, named Advanced Electrolyte Technologies LLC, is expected to be finalized later this year, pending regulatory approval.
The joint venture is another important step in Dow's commitment to develop innovative material science technologies to solve some of society's most pressing challenges through chemistry, including the world's growing need for clean energy solutions. The joint venture also complements the growth strategy of Dow's Energy Materials business by adding formulated electrolytes to an integrated product portfolio that addresses the rapidly expanding energy storage industry.
"The growing demand for alternative energy production and energy storage systems places technologies such as advanced batteries for electric/hybrid vehicles and power generation at the very center of the global mega-trends," said Heinz Haller, Dow executive vice president and chief commercial officer, "Partnering with an electrolyte industry leader like Ube gives Dow the ability to provide cell manufacturers with a robust offering of material technology that meets demanding battery performance requirements."
The new joint venture will also allow Ube to strengthen its global supply network and improve cost competitiveness for its electrolyte technology outside of Japan. This will enable Ube to take advantage of other rapidly growing geographical segments with its world class formulated electrolyte technologies.
"We are very excited to form Advanced Electrolyte Technologies with Dow," said Shinobu Watanabe, Ube managing executive officer.
"Combining Dow's material science strength and global footprint with Ube's expertise in electrolyte technology will deliver significant growth opportunities for both companies."
The joint venture's first manufacturing facility is expected to be built at Dow's Michigan Operations' site in Midland for startup in 2012.
The joint venture is another important step in Dow's commitment to develop innovative material science technologies to solve some of society's most pressing challenges through chemistry, including the world's growing need for clean energy solutions. The joint venture also complements the growth strategy of Dow's Energy Materials business by adding formulated electrolytes to an integrated product portfolio that addresses the rapidly expanding energy storage industry.
"The growing demand for alternative energy production and energy storage systems places technologies such as advanced batteries for electric/hybrid vehicles and power generation at the very center of the global mega-trends," said Heinz Haller, Dow executive vice president and chief commercial officer, "Partnering with an electrolyte industry leader like Ube gives Dow the ability to provide cell manufacturers with a robust offering of material technology that meets demanding battery performance requirements."
The new joint venture will also allow Ube to strengthen its global supply network and improve cost competitiveness for its electrolyte technology outside of Japan. This will enable Ube to take advantage of other rapidly growing geographical segments with its world class formulated electrolyte technologies.
"We are very excited to form Advanced Electrolyte Technologies with Dow," said Shinobu Watanabe, Ube managing executive officer.
"Combining Dow's material science strength and global footprint with Ube's expertise in electrolyte technology will deliver significant growth opportunities for both companies."
The joint venture's first manufacturing facility is expected to be built at Dow's Michigan Operations' site in Midland for startup in 2012.
Coulomb Technologies Introduces ChargePoint Android App For Electric Vehicle Owners
Coulomb Technologies today introduced its latest ChargePoint® smart phone app, for Android smart phones. Now available for free in the Android Market for the US, the ChargePoint App joins Coulomb's mobile app product family, which includes apps for the Blackberry and iPhone. Coulomb's ChargePoint apps continue to be the industry's first and only mobile apps that give electric vehicle (EV) drivers real-time charging station status, reservations, location information and navigation.
"We are seeing more than 20 thousand vehicle charging sessions a month on the ChargePoint Network and, on average, drivers remain plugged in for an average of eight hours a session"
"We are seeing more than 20 thousand vehicle charging sessions a month on the ChargePoint Network and, on average, drivers remain plugged in for an average of eight hours a session," said Richard Lowenthal, founder and CTO at Coulomb. "The ChargePoint app provides essential information and control for EV drivers needing to charge. Since EV charging stations are typically busy for hours, EV drivers need an app that tells them which stations are currently available to them. I have driven EVs for more than a decade and know firsthand what it means to arrive at stations that are already use or broken. That doesn't happen on ChargePoint."
The ChargePoint mobile apps provide an easy way to access the world's largest EV charging network with features to locate stations near any specified address, get turn-by-turn directions, and even start and stop a charging session directly from a smart phone. Additionally, these apps allow drivers to utilize the ChargePoint Network's new reservation feature. Drivers can now locate reservable stations, and then make, view, and cancel a reservation timeslot directly from a smart phone.
ChargePoint app features include the ability to:
Find charging stations near you or near any specified address
Get turn-by-turn directions to charging stations
See the real-time availability of charging stations: Available or In Use
Start and Stop charging sessions directly from the ChargePoint app
Get directions from your current location to where your vehicle is charging
Get status on your current or most recent charging session: energy used, greenhouse gas savings, time
Receive real-time notifications of your current charging session
View station details including: charging station configuration (voltage/current/connector), price to charge, and total cost after completing a charging session
Search and filter for stations by: available, in use, paid, free
Reservations: Locate reservable stations, and then make, view, and cancel reservations directly from the ChargePoint app
View your ChargePass account info.
Ability to view your Home Charger and its status.
"We are seeing more than 20 thousand vehicle charging sessions a month on the ChargePoint Network and, on average, drivers remain plugged in for an average of eight hours a session"
"We are seeing more than 20 thousand vehicle charging sessions a month on the ChargePoint Network and, on average, drivers remain plugged in for an average of eight hours a session," said Richard Lowenthal, founder and CTO at Coulomb. "The ChargePoint app provides essential information and control for EV drivers needing to charge. Since EV charging stations are typically busy for hours, EV drivers need an app that tells them which stations are currently available to them. I have driven EVs for more than a decade and know firsthand what it means to arrive at stations that are already use or broken. That doesn't happen on ChargePoint."
The ChargePoint mobile apps provide an easy way to access the world's largest EV charging network with features to locate stations near any specified address, get turn-by-turn directions, and even start and stop a charging session directly from a smart phone. Additionally, these apps allow drivers to utilize the ChargePoint Network's new reservation feature. Drivers can now locate reservable stations, and then make, view, and cancel a reservation timeslot directly from a smart phone.
ChargePoint app features include the ability to:
Find charging stations near you or near any specified address
Get turn-by-turn directions to charging stations
See the real-time availability of charging stations: Available or In Use
Start and Stop charging sessions directly from the ChargePoint app
Get directions from your current location to where your vehicle is charging
Get status on your current or most recent charging session: energy used, greenhouse gas savings, time
Receive real-time notifications of your current charging session
View station details including: charging station configuration (voltage/current/connector), price to charge, and total cost after completing a charging session
Search and filter for stations by: available, in use, paid, free
Reservations: Locate reservable stations, and then make, view, and cancel reservations directly from the ChargePoint app
View your ChargePass account info.
Ability to view your Home Charger and its status.
Jul 13, 2011
Audi A1 e-tron wins Silvretta Electric Car Rally
Audi is this year's overall winner of the second Silvretta Electric Car Rally in Austria's Montafon region. The 2011 victory of the A1 e-tron follows the R8 e-tron's win last year. The second Audi in the rally, a Q5 HFC with a fuel cell finished in sixth place. A total of 32 electric vehicles were evaluated.
After three days, 307 kilometers and a total altitude difference of 11,541 meters, the A1 e-tron bearing the number 206 was named the winner of the second Silvretta Electric Car Rally Montafon. The event took place from July 7-9 as part of the 14th Silvretta Classic. The name Silvretta refers to a group of mountains in the eastern Alps of Austria. The Audi A1 e-tron won against 31 competitors in a rally, that was held on highly taxing mountain roads with inclines up to 15 percent, presenting a special challenge to electric vehicles. The Audi Q5 HFC, which was also entered by Audi, achieved sixth place. This was the best final result of all cars with a fuel cell.
The A1 e-tron contains technology that Audi's development engineers are using to study the mobility requirements for such a future-oriented concept. The technological basis includes an electric motor with a maximum output of 75 kW that is powered by a lithium-ion battery. The battery features a 12 kWh capacity and can be completely charged in 30 minutes (quick charge), or in less than three hours (standard charge). It offers a range of 50 kilometers. To prevent drivers from being stranded by an empty battery, the A1 e-tron also comes equipped with a combustion engine, which can charge the battery as needed. The one-disc rotary engine (254 cc) is located under the trunk floor; it provides 15 kW of output intended solely to charge the battery, rather than to directly power the wheels.
The A1 e-tron is designed with a local emission-free electric drive system, which is ideally suited for driving in a city.
During the rally the A1 e-tron was driven by Franciscus van Meel, Head of Electromobility Strategy at AUDI AG. Long-time Audi employee Gerhard Gruber took on the important role of co-driver. "Sending an electric car into the Alps is one of the toughest challenges you can present it with. The fact that the A1 e-tron proved so impressive here is especially gratifying to me and it proves we're on the right track with our electric mobility approach of combining an electric motor with a combustion engine . Many thanks to our dedicated team for making our second overall victory in a row possible," said van Meel after crossing the finish line.
Van Meel then went on to describe the rally itself: "On the first day we drove cautiously and despite a distance of just over 100 kilometers we finished with a lot of electricity left in the battery. On the second day we were better prepared and we were able to win the day; on day three we came in second, and in the end that was enough to win the overall victory. The car ran flawlessly. We're now looking forward to the 2012 rally. We already have a few ideas about the kind of concepts we'll enter with, of course."
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