Hybrid Beetle

Autocar reports that VW is planning a "radical design" for the next-generation bug, set to debut at next year's Detroit auto show. The redesign will include a hybrid Beetle with a drivetrain resembling what was seen on the New Compact Coupe concept at this year's Detroit show--a lithium-ion battery pack, 20 kilowatt electric motor with a li-ion battery pack, 177 horsepower, 110 pound-feet of torque, and an average of 45 miles per gallon. The hybrid Beetle may not match those numbers exactly, but chances are it will come close.

The Beetle isn't the only upcoming electric option from VW. Aside from the already-unveiled hybrid Touareg, VW plans to release a hybrid Jetta in 2012 as well as an all-electric Golf in 2013.

Nissan Will Build Condominium for Nissan Leaf

Nissan continues to make electric vehicle partnerships around the world with the launch of the Nissan LEAF looming – and now it has established a new relationship on home turf.

Nissan has joined forces with Daikyo Incorporated, one of the largest condominium builders in the country. The two have signed a memorandum of understanding which will involve the launch of a demonstration project for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in condominium buildings.

Together, they will review and suggest approaches for installing chargers and Nissan will provide electric vehicles and chargers on a test basis to condominium owners for a trial period in an effort to identify any issues and potential solutions.

Nissan and Daikyo have also issued an invitation for condominium association boards in Yokohama City and Kanagawa Prefecture to apply for the programme.

Daikyo now hopes to install charging infrastructure in around 10 per cent of the parking in each of the buildings in its Lion Mansion Series that are scheduled for construction after April this year.
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2012 BMW 5-Series Hybrid

Here are a few spy shots of the upcoming BMW 5-Series Hybrid that bears a striking resemblance to its more conventionally powered sibling. Since the whole world knew what was coming in this new hybrid, BMW’s now-famous swirls act more like thin livery in the shots, rather than the usually intended camouflage.


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Toyota and Mazda Agree to Hybrid System Technology License

This is a really good news, Toyota Motor and Mazda Motor announced a deal under which Japan's top automaker will supply its hybrid technology under licence to Mazda, in the latest link-up within the fast-evolving auto industry.

Japan's No.1 and No.5 carmakers have been discussing the possibility behind the scenes since last spring as the popularity of gasoline-electric cars surged in Japan with the help of generous government subsidies.

Hybrid cars, which improve fuel efficiency by twinning internal combustion engines with electric motors, are seen as crucial for automakers to boost sales in coming years as governments introduce stricter environmental regulations.

Gasoline-electric cars have enjoyed a burst of demand especially in Japan over the last year as the government introduced an exemption on certain taxes on gasoline-electric and other next-generation vehicles for a three-year period.

"Hybrids are spreading fast in Japan, and launching a model in the domestic market has become an urgent task," Mazda Executive Vice President Masaharu Yamaki told a joint news conference in Tokyo.

"That is one of the reasons that we decided to seek this agreement with Toyota," he said.

Mazda aims to begin selling a vehicle that combines Toyota's hybrid system with its own next-generation gasoline engine in Japan by 2013.

The agreement underscores the growing need for smaller carmakers to find partners to fill the technology gap without draining their limited resources. Among others, archrivals Daimler AG and BMW AG are also working together on hybrid development.

Mazda to Launch Midsize Hybrid Using Toyota Hybrid System II

The two automakers have reached a final agreement under which Toyota will supply the Toyota Hybrid System II, comprising a high-capacity battery, an electric motor, a generator and a power control unit. This system, designed for use with an engine of 2 liters or smaller, is ideal for small and midsize hybrids. Among Toyota hybrids, THS II is employed in the current-generation Prius.



The hybrid systems for Mazda will be supplied by Toyota group parts manufacturers at an initial rate of tens of thousands of units a year. Mazda plans to combine the components with a new gasoline engine and create the hybrid version of a mainstay midsize passenger car.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo, Hybrid

Turbocharged and hybrid versions of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata will debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show.

Equipped with a direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, the Hyundai Sonata Turbo will be positioned above Sonatas with the normally aspirated 2.4-liter engine. The 2.0-liter turbo is likely to make in the neighborhood of 240-250 horsepower — a step up from the 198-hp rating on the 2.4-liter engine.

Concept Car: Kia Ray

The futuristic concept car from Kia - Kia Ray



Kia Motors has unveiled its Ray plug-in Hybrid concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, a blend of innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies that boasts a range of 746 miles.

Designed with lightweight and recycled materials, as well as hexagonal solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel to power extra lighting or climate control systems, the Kia Ray is also a bold collaboration between design and engineering that showcases a futuristic four-seat compact sedan based on the Kia Forte platform.

Kia Ray Pictures Gallery


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Volvo C30 BEV

In addition to a plug-in hybrid version that will launch in 2012, Volvo is planning an all-electric model of its C30 hatchback. The company is currently testing a small number of electric C30s to determine the “viability of an entirely electric car.” The first look at the volted-up Volvo comes at the Detroit auto show.

2010 Hyundai Nuvis Concept

Hyundai HCD-11 Nuvis BlueHybrid concept pictures

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Hybrid Planned

According to 4Wheelsnews, The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is carmaker’s attempt to appeal to younger buyers and hopefully take out the BMW 1-Series. The discontinued but very popular CLK had a C-Class chassis for an E-Class price. But this time, Mercedes will do something very different.

It will have a dedicated E-Class Coupe (and E-Class convertible) and for the first time, it will have a dedicated C-Class Coupe, which is believed to be a 2011 model. The goal is to compete directly with the BMW 1-Series, which has been successful at attracting the younger buyers that have yet to make their first million. Of course, the high-volume and iconic 3-Series is being targeted but clearly, this car is a direct reaction to the 1-Series.

Toyota Planning New Hybrid Car

Toyota, the world’s biggest car manufacturer, and probably the most famous car maker in the green world (best known for their model Prius), is planning to expand its hybrid cars franchise by creating a new model which is smaller and more acceptable to people than the popular Prius. They will present the concept of the model in January on the North American International Auto Show. Toyota officials have refused to talk about the model’s specifications, but insiders came out with information that the new model will go into production in 2011.

Mercedes-Benz Vision S 500

Mercedes-Benz Vision S 500 PRESS RELEASE:

Mercedes-Benz Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID: The luxury class on the road to the three-litre car

Near series-production S‑Class technology vehicle with plug-in hybrid
10 September 2009

Shortly after the successful market launch of the S 400 HYBRID, currently the most fuel-efficient luxury-segment saloon with a petrol engine, Mercedes-Benz will be presenting the first "three-litre car" in the premium class - the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID - at the 63rd IAA in Frankfurt. The technology vehicle will display the future of Mercedes-Benz' modular set of hybrid systems. The Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID can drive for up to 30 kilometres solely on electricity and therefore without producing any local emissions. The efficient drive system combined with the CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode enables the vehicle to achieve a certified consumption of only 3.2 litres of petrol per 100 kilometers. With CO2 emissions of only 74 grams per kilometre in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), the experimental vehicle developed in Sindelfingen demonstrates the long-term viability of future S‑Class generations. The outstanding values are made possible by the combination of a plug-in hybrid with the efficiency-boosting BlueEFFICIENCY measures. At the same time, the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID has all of the strengths that are typical of the S‑Class: top comfort, outstanding safety and masterful performance. The drive system in the concept car consists of three main components: a powerful V6 petrol engine with a next-generation direct injection system, a 44 kW/60 hp hybrid module and a lithium-ion battery with more than 10 kWh of storage capacity that can be recharged at charging stations. The Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.

"The Vision 500 Plug-in HYBRID is a new milestone on our path toward zero-emission mobility," says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "It is a luxurious and safe S‑Class that offers superior driving performance while at the same time consuming less fuel than current compacts. All of this shows that our top models will also be able to combine automotive fascination with responsibility for the environment."

"Although it will take some time before this model can go into series production, our engineers will be working full steam to carry out the necessary integration measures and ensure that all components can meet the tough everyday demands required of a luxury long-distance saloon," says Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "We've already got all the key technology we need for such a dream car, which is why I see it being included in the next generation of the S‑Class. The important thing now is that our development work be accompanied by the establishment of a full-coverage infrastructure that will allow the potential of this innovative drive system to be fully exploited."

The electrical drive components of the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID demonstrate the versatility of Mercedes-Benz' intelligently organised set of hybrid systems, which has a widely scalable range of performance. The hybrid module's design does not differ much from the compact, disc-shaped 15-kW electric motor of the S 400 HYBRID, even though it is three times as powerful. As a result, the hybrid module can be elegantly incorporated into the housing of the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, allowing this model variant as well as the S 400 HYBRID to retain the S‑Class' spacious interior. Future model generations will orient themselves on this system architecture.

Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID: Compact full hybrid system architecture


Whereas the extremely compact lithium-ion battery in the S 400 HYBRID (0.9 kWh) can be housed in the vehicle's engine compartment, the significantly higher-performing lithium-ion unit in the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID (over 10 kWh) requires more installation space. The battery is located behind the rear seats in the boot. The lithium-ion battery's location above the rear axle provides crucial benefits, since it ensures that the vehicle has a balanced weight distribution and that the petrol tank remains adequate for long-distance cruising. In addition, the protected position of the tank ensures it is as safe as possible during crashes.

Additional clutch decouples the hybrid module and combustion engine

In accordance with the modular concept, the powertrain design for the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID is basically the same as that for the S 400 HYBRID. One system-specific attribute is the presence of an additional clutch integrated between the combustion engine and the electric motor. This device decouples the two components in the pure electric drive mode, thereby ensuring the highest level of efficiency in the latter. Moreover, because it is fully integrated into the vehicle's converter housing, the clutch does not take up any additional space.

Electrical outlet as a filling station: Powerful plug-in battery

Another key difference between the S 500 Plug-in HYBRID and conventional hybrids involves the plug-in battery, which can be charged at charging stations, thereby enabling the S 500 Plug-in HYBRID to travel up to 30 kilometres on electric power. The rapid charge cycle takes less than 60 minutes with a charging capactiy of 20 kW. A standard charge cycle at a conventional household socket with 3,3 kW takes about four-and-a-half hours to recharge a completely discharged battery.

The model is also equipped with a compact onboard charger: Housed behind the side boot wall, this unit controls the recharging process and is protected against short circuits, voltage reversal, and voltage surges. The charging system also protects the battery by monitoring voltage, the charging level and charging time. The total weight of the electrical components in the current experimental vehicle is 215 kilograms, whereby the lithium-ion battery weighs approximately 130 kg. That's much less than a conventional NiMH battery with the same capacity, as the weight of such batteries ranges from 180 - 200 kg.

The vehicle's hybrid module also provides additional energy when the car is in motion through regenerative braking - the recovery of energy when braking. Here, the clutch enhances efficiency as well, as it enables complete energy regeneration without engine drag losses.

Range of up to 30 kilometres with all-electric driving

The high-performance battery and the 44 kW/60 hp hybrid module enable the vehicle to drive up to 30 kilometres purely on electricity. That is completely sufficient for many trips within cities, where the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID is quick and very comfortable without producing any local emissions. The petrol engine automatically adds its power to that of the electric motor when travelling at high speeds or driving up steep inclines. Before closing the clutch in such cases, the vehicle electronics synchronises the engine speed with the hybrid module's rotational speed so that the engine is activated extremely smoothly without the driver noticing.

What's more, the hybrid module's sophisticated interplay with the combustion engine enables numerous additional functions that positively impact fuel consumption, emissions and vehicle agility. Like the system employed in the S 400 HYBRID, the hybrid module in the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID also comes with the ECO start/stop function. This feature also enhances safety and driving pleasure because of its boost effect, which has the electric motor providing powerful support to the combustion engine during the high-consumption acceleration phase. This system has already proved its practical viability in a slightly different configuration in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

Extensive electronic safety and control components

The lithium-ion battery not only serves as an energy storage device for the electric motor in the S 500 Plug-in HYBRID; it is also linked via a DC-DC converter to the 12-volt on-board network, which provides power to standard consumers such as the headlamps and various comfort devices. To ensure a consistently high level of electrical efficiency, the voltage transformers are water-cooled via an additional low-temperature circuit.

Special power electronics are required for operating the three-phase AC electric motor in the high-voltage direct current grid, and the inverter for this task is housed in the engine compartment. Because the power electronics system itself is heated by the electric current thus created, it too is integrated into the low-temperature cooling circuit. Mercedes-Benz employs standardised components for the power electronics system as well, enabling them to be efficiently combined with different electric motors and battery types across all model series.

On the road to plug-in hybrids: Diesel-hybrid concepts

An important milestone on the road to plug-in hybrids is the recently unveiled Vision E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID diesel hybrid. Like the S 400 HYBRID and the Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID, it is based on the Mercedes-Benz modular hybrid concept. This near-series vehicle study combines a new 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine with the 15 kW/20 hp hybrid module that is also used in the S 400 HYBRID, but which here also enables pure electric driving. This drive system configuration enables the Vision E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID to travel 100 km on only 4.5 litres of fuel (preliminary value). This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 119 grams per kilometre with an output of 165 kW/224 hp and superior torque of 580 - 600 newtonmetres (combined in both cases), more or less the same performance as today's six-cylinder diesel engines. Exhaust gas treatment is handled by the combination of an oxidizing catalytic converter, a diesel particulate filter and BlueTEC mit AdBlue® injection. The Vision E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID thus also has the potential to meet the world's most stringent emission standards.

Vision S 500 Plug-in HYBRID - Technical data

Combustion engine (petrol)
No. of cylinders/arrangement: V6, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement: 3.5 l

Hybrid module
Type: Permanently excited synchronous machine
Rated output: approx. 44 kW/60 PS
Rated torque: 250 Nm

Performance and fuel consumption
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: 5.5 s*
Top speed: 250 km/h
Fuel consumption: 3.2 l/100 km (combined)*
CO2 emissions: 74 g/km (combined):

*preliminary values

Hyundai i10 Electric

This is Hyundai's all-new i10 Electric first look, Hyundai i10 Electric will be making its world premiere at this month's Frankfurt Motor Show. The zero emission electric mini is not a concept but a production ready vehicle that is scheduled to go on sale in South Korea in the second half of 2010. Based on the five-door i10 hatchback, the EV is motivated by a 49kW / 65HP electric motor and a 16kWh lithium-ion polymer battery that has been co-developed with Korea's LG.

Hyundai promises a driving range of around 100 miles or 160 kilometers and a top speed of over 80 mph or 130 km/h for its all-electric mini car.

The i10 Electric accommodates dual recharging cycles: a 220V household current which the company says is slower but potentially beneficial if the recharging is performed during off-peak hours when utility rates are lower plus a 415V industrial-strength current which promises to charge the battery much faster.

More specifically, Hyundai said that under the 415V quick cycle, the battery can be replenished to 85 percent of its capacity within 15 minutes while under the normal cycle with a 220V household power source, a full 100 percent charge will take around five hours.


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Ssangyong C200 Eco Concept

Ssangyong will be showing an almost production-ready example of its new C200 crossover utility car at the Seoul Motor Show in South Korea, opening on April 2.

The company says that the C200 unveiled at the show will closely resemble the production C200 scheduled to be launched later this year. SsangYong will also show a new diesel hybrid version of the Kyron.

SsangYong's diesel hybrid technology applies an e-motor to an advanced direct injection diesel engine, with a high-voltage battery supplying electric power to the e-motor. The Torque Split Device (TSD), independently developed by SsangYong, is also applied to combine or cut off the power of the e-motor, thereby enabling hybrid driving.

The C200 concept was first unveiled at the Paris show last October and is the first new model in the broadening of the SsangYong range. The C200 is a modern, contemporary urban passenger car with styling by Giugiaro's ItalDesign in Italy. It is similar in size to a Toyota RAV4, a Honda CRV and a Nissan Qashqai and with a 2,640mm wheelbase, is slightly longer than a VW Tiguan.

The C200 differs from current SsangYong models in that it uses monocoque construction to ensure a passenger car look, feel and comfort. The platform is adaptable, and the chassis can be used for front wheel drive and four wheel drive passenger cars.

The drivetrain is completely new. An advanced 2.0 litre diesel engine has been designed for lower noise levels and reduced vibration. The engine produces 175 hp and complies with Euro V exhaust emissions requirements as well as producing lower CO2 levels. Manual and automatic transmissions are likely to be available, with the show car having a six-speed auto.

Extensive use of aluminium suspension components reduces weight and together with a low centre of gravity, ensures a comfortable and compliant ride with the kind of sharp and agile handling demanded by European drivers.