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.
Jul 14, 2011
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."
Feb 19, 2011
Toyota at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show Acceleration of Toyota's Full Hybrid Roll-out with Yaris HSD concept and Prius
Reinforcing its conviction that full hybrid technology is the key to sustainable mobility in the future, Toyota's 2011 Geneva Motor Show stand will be dedicated to the company's range of sophisticated Hybrid Synergy Drive® technologies. These include full Hybrid Vehicles (HV), Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHV), Electric Vehicles (EV), and Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles (FCHV) on display.
Making its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Yaris HSD concept anticipates Toyota's intention to bring full hybrid technology to the B segment, the biggest volume segment in Europe. This represents the next step in Toyota's full hybrid roll-out strategy in Europe. Incorporating several hybrid-specific styling cues, the Yaris HSD concept introduces a new, forward-looking design execution.
The Prius+, also debuting at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, is a further expansion of the Prius family. The Prius+ is the first car to offer European customers the versatility of 7 seats combined with a full hybrid powertrain. As its name suggests, the Prius+ provides a significant increase in space and passenger accommodation, while sacrificing none of the traditional attributes found in the Prius DNA, such as the lowest fuel consumption of any 7-seat MPV on the market.
Making its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Yaris HSD concept anticipates Toyota's intention to bring full hybrid technology to the B segment, the biggest volume segment in Europe. This represents the next step in Toyota's full hybrid roll-out strategy in Europe. Incorporating several hybrid-specific styling cues, the Yaris HSD concept introduces a new, forward-looking design execution.
The Prius+, also debuting at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, is a further expansion of the Prius family. The Prius+ is the first car to offer European customers the versatility of 7 seats combined with a full hybrid powertrain. As its name suggests, the Prius+ provides a significant increase in space and passenger accommodation, while sacrificing none of the traditional attributes found in the Prius DNA, such as the lowest fuel consumption of any 7-seat MPV on the market.
Innovative Delphi Sound Generators Help Warn Pedestrians of Oncoming Hybrid and Electrical Vehicles
Delphi warning sound generators help vehicle manufacturers address pending legislative requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Delphi secures EV sounder business with leading vehicle maker for 2012 European introduction.
PARIS - With two new vehicle sound generators, Delphi Automotive can help global vehicle manufacturers warn pedestrians of approaching hybrid and electric vehicles. Designed to comply with legislation expected to mandate minimal sound for both hybrid and electric vehicles, these environmentally friendly sounders are not only robust, but compact, light weight and low cost. The single-box solutions are lead-free, waterproof and temperature resistant.
"Industry analysts predict hybrid and electric vehicle warning sounds, already covered by guidelines in Japan, will be required in North America and Europe in the near future," said Beth Schwarting, general director, Electronic Controls product business unit at Delphi. "Our goal is to help customers address market-driven challenges with environmentally friendly and affordable technologies."
Making EVs safer for pedestrians
Using expertise gained from decades of vehicle alarm system experience, Delphi has developed two environmentally friendly sound generators – called sounders – that enable pedestrians to detect nearby hybrid and electric vehicles which, without the sound generator, are nearly silent.
Delphi's integrated sound generators are designed to enable pedestrians to detect near-silent hybrid and electric vehicles Download high resolution version of image.
The first, Delphi's electronic sounder system, is approximately three times lighter than a conventional multi-box system and uses 90 percent less power, making it the most environmentally friendly solution available. Its single-box configuration helps to reduce design, test and manufacturing cost, and its size and weight simplify packaging. The system provides a frequency range of 500Hz to 10 KHz and can reproduce melodies that represent the identity of individual vehicle manufacturers.
For applications requiring higher quality sound, Delphi has developed a high-fidelity sounder system that uses a cone speaker activated by a light-weight magnet and extends base range to 150Hz. The magnet-based system weighs 66 percent less than a conventional speaker system.
Both Delphi systems are robust enough to be mounted in the harsh environment under the vehicle's hood and incorporate a 32-bit microprocessor with flash memory, a link to the vehicle's data bus and an audio class-D amplifier.
"Delphi's sound generators are specifically designed to warn pedestrians of oncoming hybrid and electric vehicles moving at low speed," said Deidrich von Behr, managing director Electronic Controls Europe. "Not only do these "green" systems enhance safety by helping to make pedestrians aware of approaching vehicles, they become more valuable when integrated with other vehicle systems."
Increasing value through system integration
An expert system integrator, Delphi can increase the value of its sound generators by connecting them with other systems through the vehicle's data bus. Instead of implementing several alert systems, OEMs can benefit from one flexible system that offers multiple features. For instance, using unique sounds, the system can remind a driver that the battery needs to be charged, confirm that a charging sequence is in progress and notify the driver when the charge is complete.
"Every car has a personality, and we want our customers to be able to choose the system that best represents their brand," said Schwarting. "With these two systems and the value of integration, we believe we have developed flexible products that will meet our customers' specific needs."
Committed to the future
Delphi is committed to offering hybrid and electric vehicle manufacturers high-performance, high-value products. From high-voltage connection systems and an innovative contactless charging system to affordable power electronics, Delphi's innovative designs help increase performance, lower cost and resolve packaging challenges.
Delphi's first Vehicle Sound Generator will be introduced by a leading European OEM in mid 2012.
Delphi secures EV sounder business with leading vehicle maker for 2012 European introduction.
PARIS - With two new vehicle sound generators, Delphi Automotive can help global vehicle manufacturers warn pedestrians of approaching hybrid and electric vehicles. Designed to comply with legislation expected to mandate minimal sound for both hybrid and electric vehicles, these environmentally friendly sounders are not only robust, but compact, light weight and low cost. The single-box solutions are lead-free, waterproof and temperature resistant.
"Industry analysts predict hybrid and electric vehicle warning sounds, already covered by guidelines in Japan, will be required in North America and Europe in the near future," said Beth Schwarting, general director, Electronic Controls product business unit at Delphi. "Our goal is to help customers address market-driven challenges with environmentally friendly and affordable technologies."
Making EVs safer for pedestrians
Using expertise gained from decades of vehicle alarm system experience, Delphi has developed two environmentally friendly sound generators – called sounders – that enable pedestrians to detect nearby hybrid and electric vehicles which, without the sound generator, are nearly silent.
Delphi's integrated sound generators are designed to enable pedestrians to detect near-silent hybrid and electric vehicles Download high resolution version of image.
The first, Delphi's electronic sounder system, is approximately three times lighter than a conventional multi-box system and uses 90 percent less power, making it the most environmentally friendly solution available. Its single-box configuration helps to reduce design, test and manufacturing cost, and its size and weight simplify packaging. The system provides a frequency range of 500Hz to 10 KHz and can reproduce melodies that represent the identity of individual vehicle manufacturers.
For applications requiring higher quality sound, Delphi has developed a high-fidelity sounder system that uses a cone speaker activated by a light-weight magnet and extends base range to 150Hz. The magnet-based system weighs 66 percent less than a conventional speaker system.
Both Delphi systems are robust enough to be mounted in the harsh environment under the vehicle's hood and incorporate a 32-bit microprocessor with flash memory, a link to the vehicle's data bus and an audio class-D amplifier.
"Delphi's sound generators are specifically designed to warn pedestrians of oncoming hybrid and electric vehicles moving at low speed," said Deidrich von Behr, managing director Electronic Controls Europe. "Not only do these "green" systems enhance safety by helping to make pedestrians aware of approaching vehicles, they become more valuable when integrated with other vehicle systems."
Increasing value through system integration
An expert system integrator, Delphi can increase the value of its sound generators by connecting them with other systems through the vehicle's data bus. Instead of implementing several alert systems, OEMs can benefit from one flexible system that offers multiple features. For instance, using unique sounds, the system can remind a driver that the battery needs to be charged, confirm that a charging sequence is in progress and notify the driver when the charge is complete.
"Every car has a personality, and we want our customers to be able to choose the system that best represents their brand," said Schwarting. "With these two systems and the value of integration, we believe we have developed flexible products that will meet our customers' specific needs."
Committed to the future
Delphi is committed to offering hybrid and electric vehicle manufacturers high-performance, high-value products. From high-voltage connection systems and an innovative contactless charging system to affordable power electronics, Delphi's innovative designs help increase performance, lower cost and resolve packaging challenges.
Delphi's first Vehicle Sound Generator will be introduced by a leading European OEM in mid 2012.
Nov 28, 2010
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Signs Cooperation Agreement to Promote Electric Vehicles with the Singapore Government
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and its distributor in Singapore Cycle & Carriage Automotive PTE Limited (CCA) today announced the signing of a Cooperation Agreement to collaborate on activities to popularize electric vehicles (EV) with the Singapore government.
The Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore, including Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA), as part of a multi government agency EV task force will set up an EV charging infrastructure network and evaluate the cost benefits of EVs for future adoption. Within these activities, MMC, via CCA, will supply 25 i-MiEVs from 2011 and cooperate in the taskforce's test bedding efforts.
Mr. Leo Yip, Chairman, Singapore Economic Development Board said, "We are delighted to welcome Mitsubishi Motors on board as the first major EV supplier for Singapore's EV test bed programme. This test bed programme is an excellent example of how Singapore presents itself as a Living Laboratory for auto-manufacturers, charging equipment suppliers and EV component players to explore R&D and capability development activities in Singapore. We see opportunities in areas such as battery management systems, power electronics and electric drive systems. Companies can leverage Singapore's electronics cluster and engineering talent to build new capabilities here."
Mr. Osamu Masuko, President of Mitsubishi Motors said, "MMC is proud to be the part of EV test-bed in Singapore. We believe that Singapore is an ideal market for EV. Working together with the Singapore government and Cycle & Carriage Automotive, we would like to evaluate the performance of i-MiEV under the condition in Singapore and also promote the appeal of EV toSingapore citizen."
MMC is currently selling the i-MiEV in Japan, Hong Kong, and Australia. In addition, MMC has engaged in initiatives to popularize EVs with various governments all over the world, including the governments of the Principality of Monaco, Iceland, Denmark, among others.
The Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore, including Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA), as part of a multi government agency EV task force will set up an EV charging infrastructure network and evaluate the cost benefits of EVs for future adoption. Within these activities, MMC, via CCA, will supply 25 i-MiEVs from 2011 and cooperate in the taskforce's test bedding efforts.
Mr. Leo Yip, Chairman, Singapore Economic Development Board said, "We are delighted to welcome Mitsubishi Motors on board as the first major EV supplier for Singapore's EV test bed programme. This test bed programme is an excellent example of how Singapore presents itself as a Living Laboratory for auto-manufacturers, charging equipment suppliers and EV component players to explore R&D and capability development activities in Singapore. We see opportunities in areas such as battery management systems, power electronics and electric drive systems. Companies can leverage Singapore's electronics cluster and engineering talent to build new capabilities here."
Mr. Osamu Masuko, President of Mitsubishi Motors said, "MMC is proud to be the part of EV test-bed in Singapore. We believe that Singapore is an ideal market for EV. Working together with the Singapore government and Cycle & Carriage Automotive, we would like to evaluate the performance of i-MiEV under the condition in Singapore and also promote the appeal of EV toSingapore citizen."
MMC is currently selling the i-MiEV in Japan, Hong Kong, and Australia. In addition, MMC has engaged in initiatives to popularize EVs with various governments all over the world, including the governments of the Principality of Monaco, Iceland, Denmark, among others.
GM Inaugurates Flexi-Engine Plant in Talegaon, India
General Motors today inaugurated its new flexi-engine facility in Talegaon, GM's first powertrain plant that enables petroleum and diesel engines to be manufactured simultaneously.
The state-of-the-art facility represents investment of $230 million. It has an initial annual production capacity of 160,000 engines and is designed to accommodate future expansion. The new engine plant will begin by producing engines for small passenger cars manufactured by GM in India.
"This marks the beginning of GM's next chapter in India." GM India President and Managing Director Karl Slym said. "The opening of our new facility will enable our company to become more competitive and keep up with the growing demand for our vehicles. GM India's sales have grown significantly since we began rolling out our mini-cars, the Chevrolet Spark and Beat, at our Talegaon plant about two years back."
Slym added, "We appreciate the support of the Maharashtra government and our employees across the country. Their backing has enabled us to build a world-class engine facility in record time of less than two years."
On Aug. 28, 2008, GM signed an agreement with the Government of Maharashtra for the construction of a new engine plant adjacent to its vehicle manufacturing facility. Construction started in December 2008, with pilot production commencing in March 2010. The engine plant complements GM's modern vehicle manufacturing facilities in Talegaon and Halol, Gujarat, as well as the GM Technical Centre – India in Bangalore, which is carrying out a range of engineering, design and R&D activities.
General Motors India has completed 14 years of operation. It offers a growing range of products under the Chevrolet brand, which was introduced in India in 2003 and has become one of the fastest-growing automotive nameplates in the country. In addition to the Spark and Beat, GM India also produces the Captiva, Optra, Cruze, Aveo, Aveo U-VA, and Tavera for sale nationwide.
GM is the fifth-largest automobile manufacturer in India. In the first 10 months of 2010, GM India sold a record 93,960 vehicles, which represents a 73 percent increase over the same period last year. It has 209 sales points and 205 service outlets in 178 cities across India, and has embarked upon an ambitious rural marketing initiative to further boost sales. In February 2010, GM and its Chinese partner SAIC opened a joint venture in India for cooperation in vehicle manufacturing and sales.
The state-of-the-art facility represents investment of $230 million. It has an initial annual production capacity of 160,000 engines and is designed to accommodate future expansion. The new engine plant will begin by producing engines for small passenger cars manufactured by GM in India.
"This marks the beginning of GM's next chapter in India." GM India President and Managing Director Karl Slym said. "The opening of our new facility will enable our company to become more competitive and keep up with the growing demand for our vehicles. GM India's sales have grown significantly since we began rolling out our mini-cars, the Chevrolet Spark and Beat, at our Talegaon plant about two years back."
Slym added, "We appreciate the support of the Maharashtra government and our employees across the country. Their backing has enabled us to build a world-class engine facility in record time of less than two years."
On Aug. 28, 2008, GM signed an agreement with the Government of Maharashtra for the construction of a new engine plant adjacent to its vehicle manufacturing facility. Construction started in December 2008, with pilot production commencing in March 2010. The engine plant complements GM's modern vehicle manufacturing facilities in Talegaon and Halol, Gujarat, as well as the GM Technical Centre – India in Bangalore, which is carrying out a range of engineering, design and R&D activities.
General Motors India has completed 14 years of operation. It offers a growing range of products under the Chevrolet brand, which was introduced in India in 2003 and has become one of the fastest-growing automotive nameplates in the country. In addition to the Spark and Beat, GM India also produces the Captiva, Optra, Cruze, Aveo, Aveo U-VA, and Tavera for sale nationwide.
GM is the fifth-largest automobile manufacturer in India. In the first 10 months of 2010, GM India sold a record 93,960 vehicles, which represents a 73 percent increase over the same period last year. It has 209 sales points and 205 service outlets in 178 cities across India, and has embarked upon an ambitious rural marketing initiative to further boost sales. In February 2010, GM and its Chinese partner SAIC opened a joint venture in India for cooperation in vehicle manufacturing and sales.
Nov 1, 2010
CANADA POST BECOMES FIRST CUSTOMER FOR AZURE DYNAMICS AND FORD OF CANADA'S TRANSIT CONNECT ELECTRIC VAN
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) ("Azure" or the "Company"), the fast growing hybrid electric and electric power train innovator for the commercial truck market, and Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, announced today that they will deliver one of the first Transit Connect Electric commercial vans to Canada Post under the LEAD customer program. Canada Post will receive one of the exclusive Ford Transit Connect Electric delivery vehicles by the end of this year and has committed to the purchase of nine more by end of 2011.
"Canada Post is the first Canadian company to sign on to this exclusive and innovative vehicle program aimed at providing environmental solutions to the commercial delivery market," said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO. "The transformative technology of the Transit Connect Electric reduces gasoline fuel costs to zero, produces no tailpipe emissions and is virtually silent as it travels through urban and suburban delivery routes. The progressive attitude of companies like Canada Post will contribute to making an important environmental impact."
The new van's electric drive performance attributes are well suited to fleets like Canada Post that have duty cycles characterized by predictable routes with frequent stop and go driving and high idle time.
"As one of the largest communications and logistics companies in Canada, we're proud to be among the first to implement a fully electric delivery vehicle on our roads," says Doug Jones, Senior Vice President, Operations at Canada Post. "We expect that this new vehicle will bring us one step further along our path to reduce both our overall fuel emissions and our carbon footprint on the environment."
The Transit Connect Electric integrates Azure's Force Drive™ electric powertrain into Ford's dedicated global commercial van platform that received the 2010 North American Truck of the Year award. Its unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, cargo capacity, maneuverability, accessibility and low operating costs are characteristics that make the Transit Connect an ideal choice for electrification.
"At Ford, we are dedicated to delivering quality, safe and fuel efficient vehicles to Canadian businesses – and the Ford Transit Connect delivers on all fronts," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "The Ford Transit Connect Electric represents a win-win for both the environment and for Canada Post – it allows them to operate a more environmentally-friendly vehicle while helping to reduce their CO2 emissions as well as their need for gasoline."
The Ford Transit Connect Electric utilizes an advanced lithium-ion battery from Johnson Controls-Saft to achieve a range of up to 130 km (80 miles) on a single charge and is rechargeable using either a 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlet. Commercial vans generally return to a central location at the end of each driving cycle making for easy overnight recharging.
"Canada Post is the first Canadian company to sign on to this exclusive and innovative vehicle program aimed at providing environmental solutions to the commercial delivery market," said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO. "The transformative technology of the Transit Connect Electric reduces gasoline fuel costs to zero, produces no tailpipe emissions and is virtually silent as it travels through urban and suburban delivery routes. The progressive attitude of companies like Canada Post will contribute to making an important environmental impact."
The new van's electric drive performance attributes are well suited to fleets like Canada Post that have duty cycles characterized by predictable routes with frequent stop and go driving and high idle time.
"As one of the largest communications and logistics companies in Canada, we're proud to be among the first to implement a fully electric delivery vehicle on our roads," says Doug Jones, Senior Vice President, Operations at Canada Post. "We expect that this new vehicle will bring us one step further along our path to reduce both our overall fuel emissions and our carbon footprint on the environment."
The Transit Connect Electric integrates Azure's Force Drive™ electric powertrain into Ford's dedicated global commercial van platform that received the 2010 North American Truck of the Year award. Its unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, cargo capacity, maneuverability, accessibility and low operating costs are characteristics that make the Transit Connect an ideal choice for electrification.
"At Ford, we are dedicated to delivering quality, safe and fuel efficient vehicles to Canadian businesses – and the Ford Transit Connect delivers on all fronts," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "The Ford Transit Connect Electric represents a win-win for both the environment and for Canada Post – it allows them to operate a more environmentally-friendly vehicle while helping to reduce their CO2 emissions as well as their need for gasoline."
The Ford Transit Connect Electric utilizes an advanced lithium-ion battery from Johnson Controls-Saft to achieve a range of up to 130 km (80 miles) on a single charge and is rechargeable using either a 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlet. Commercial vans generally return to a central location at the end of each driving cycle making for easy overnight recharging.
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