Electric powered vehicles have long faced challenges in battery cell packaging and the difficulties of maximizing range optimizing weight and placement.

In the past, nickel-metal hydride cells failed to store enough energy to propel an EV any more than 100 miles and required a lengthy recharge after the battery depletes. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) does improve the volume-to-energy capacity ratio but automakers must still store battery cells that weigh 1,000 pounds.

Now, technology giant IBM has developed a new battery cell that promises to deliver a solution. Called the lithium-air (Li-air) battery, this new cell has the theoretical density of more than 1,000 greater than Li-ion. What’s more, IBM found the Li-air cells capable of being one-fifth the size and to possess a lifespan that is 5 times as long.

However, IBM withholds the technology for now because they discovered that frequent recharging cycles still compromise the life of the battery. Engineers are currently testing an alternative electrolyte to see whether they could attain improved results. A full-scale prototype is targeted to be ready by 2013.

[Source: New Scientist]

On June 26, an electric Nissan Leaf will compete in the 89th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb driven by Nissan off-road truck racing champion Chad Hord. The Leaf will compete in the Production Class for electric vehicles in factory shape. Other than a roll cage, racing seats and safety harnesses the car will be entirely stock.

The Nissan Leaf is powered by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high response 80kW AC synchronous motor producing 107-hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.

“This is another innovative way to showcase the fun-to-drive nature of the Nissan Leaf and highlight that 100 percent electric vehicles perform very well in demanding situations like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” said Ron Stukenberg, senior manager, Marketing Communications, Motorsports. “The instant torque available from the electric motor makes the LEAF a fun car to drive and the abundance of corners on the hill climb will give Chad a chance to take advantage of that torque.”

Nissan is very excited to enter the Leaf in the competition and hopes to show the general public the potential of this fully electric vehicle.

“Nissan is committed to taking an innovative approach to showcasing the Nissan Leaf and Pikes Peak is an excellent venue to do just that,” explained Stukenberg . “Nissan Leaf owners are fully embracing this new world of zero-emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the motorsports world, and we’re proud to be one of the first on the grid.”

Ford Motor Company Chairman Bill Ford (great-grandson of Henry Ford) revealed to Fortune magazine that his namesake automaker will apparently launch a global line of electric vehicles, with 25 percent of Ford’s lineup available with some degree of electrification by 2020.

Ford cited the electric Focus and both plug-in and fully electric versions of the C-Max as the start of a shift towards electric vehicles as a viable alternative to gasoline powered passenger cars, but the surprising nugget of information within the article was Ford’s calls for government involvement in the propagation of electric vehicles.

“I think it’s a matter of national security to have a competitive American battery industry,” said Ford. “Washington should increase R&D spending here unless they want to cede the development of batteries to other nations.” Ford cited China as the most imminent threat, as they have made significant strides in lithium-ion battery technology, and Ford fears that America will fall behind in one of the most important emerging industries.

Furthermore, Ford also laid out a vision for future cars that is heavily reliant on smart-phones, WiFi and GPS technology, which would enable cars to talk to one another and share information on traffic jams and other pertinent data, all in the name of eco-friendliness.

[Source: The Globe and Mail]

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its E300 Bluetec Hybrid is on the way and will hit showrooms in Europe by the end of 2012. While it hasn’t been confirmed for a U.S. launch, execs also haven’t ruled it out.

The first capable diesel hybrid from Stuttgart available for public use debuted at this past March’s Geneva Auto Show. It combines the latest generation 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel with a 20-hp electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack to deliver a sedate 204-hp. Torque, however, is significant at 428 lb-ft at some very low revs. The fuel economy advantages are impressive with an estimated 57.4 mpg average on the European test cycle. The EPA rating is a less impressive, but no less significant 45-mpg.

What hasn’t been confirmed is the cost, but you can bet it won’t be cheap, with both diesel and hybrid technology certain to tack on significant premiums to this already un-cheap luxury sedan.

[Source: Autoblog]

The upcoming Toyota Prius V, a pseudo-minivan version of Toyota’s wildly popular Prius hybrid, may be delayed for up to a year because of battery shortages resulting from the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Toyota initially planned to launch the vehicle in April, but the resulting supply chain issues have thrown their plans into turmoil. Toyota claimed that the battery shortage was an issue even before the earthquake, but the resulting disruption means that production levels will not reach normal levels for a number of months.

The new battery is a lithium-ion model, which is more compact, and available on the seven-seater Prius V, which will not be coming to North America. Toyota is said to be capable of producing 1,000 cars equipped with this battery, compared to 2,000 per month with the standard nickel-metal hydride unit. But Toyota is hoping to sell 2,000 examples of the Prius V in North America each month, a figure that will have to be adjusted in light of the current situation.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Car companies pay close attention to the Middle-East market, but it’s usually in relation to high-priced exotics and luxury cars.

So it comes as a big surprise to hear that Volkwagen might be launching a concept car at the upcoming Qatar Motor Show that will consume only 1-liter of fuel to travel 100 km. That is equivalent to 235 mpg. Will the Shiekhs be interested and impressed? Time will tell.

In the past, VW has shown concept vehicles with such a fuel-sipping consumption, the latest of which – called the L1 concept, was shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Reports suggest that the new version will be powered by a diesel-electric hybrid system, which thanks to new lithium-ion batteries will give this vehicle its magical fuel consumption figure.

All will hopefully be revealed very soon. The Qatar Motor Show will be held Between January 26 – 29.

[Source: AutoBild]

Toyota will launch a Prius minivan next year, powered by advanced lithium-ion battery technology. News comes from Japan’s Nieeki business daily via Reuters and is the latest report indicating the direction of Toyota’s plan to expand the Prius name into a whole lineup of vehicles.

The Prius van (or more likely an MPV similar to a Matrix or Mazda5) would be priced competitively to the current Prius and would offer improved fuel economy thanks to the new battery technology. The new model would include three rows with seating for 5 to 7 people.

The plan to produce of a hybrid van or hybrid MPV comes as no surprise as we reported last week that Chevrolet will also debut a version of the upcoming Chevy Orlando using the Chevy Volt’s Voltec powertrain. The Volt MPV is expected to debut in concept form later this month at the Beijing Auto Show.

Toyota is also planning to bring to market a smaller Prius model, based on the FT-CH Concept which first debuted at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

[Source: Reuters]

BMW introduced its 1-Series Coupe-based Active E electric vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Powered by newly developed lithium-ion batteries, the Active E has a claimed power output of 170 hp with 184.4 ft-lb. of torque.

As per BMW tradition, the Active E is rear-wheel drive, testing an early version of the electric powertrain system which will eventually be used in BMW’s upcoming Megacity Vehicle (MCV).

The Active E will also use BMW’s ConnectedDrive system, using newly developed features including the ability to check the car’s battery level via cell phone, and using mobile devices as a remote control for heating and air conditioning.

BMW will produce  a trial fleet of the Active E in 2011, providing further real-world data following the MINI-E trial currently underway.

Gallery: BMW Concept Active E

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Volvo will present a battery-powered  electric C30 at the Detroit Auto Show in January, with plans to build a test fleet of 50 vehicles for real-world testing in 2011.

The model being shown in Detroit will be further along the development process than the prototype previously presented in September at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

“The first prototype helped us identify the main technological challenges, such as battery packaging and safety issues. We have addressed these challenges without compromising the C30′s cool and fun-to-drive personality. I am very happy with the result. The electric C30 in Detroit is a much more complete product,” says Lennart Stegland, Director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles.

Volvo will begin building the test fleet in 2010 before handing the keys over to selected users for a two-year trial.

Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the electric C30 can reach a top speed of /81 mph and a range of 94 miles. Volvo says the electric C30 can go from 0 to 60 in 11 seconds.

The battery can be charged through a regular household power outlet with eight hours needed for a full charge.

Gallery: Electric Volvo C30

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

BMW will introduce a new electric concept model based on the 1 Series Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show.

The BMW Concept ActiveE will follow the MINI E as the second stage of BMW’s electric vehicle development program. BMW has begun development of a trial fleet of cars based on the ActiveE as part of a large-scale field test.

The ActiveE is powered by an electric motor BMW claims can produce 170 hp and a maximum torque of 184 ft-lb. BMW also claims a 0-60 time of approximately 8.5 seconds. The entire drive system is fully integrated into the ActiveE’s rear axle, taking up about the same space as a conventional vehicle’s differential.

Powering the motor is a litihium-ion battery pack specially developed by BMW and SB LiMotive for the ActiveE. BMW says the battery supports a range of 100 miles in everyday use, with a charge time of 4.5 hours using a North American 32A circuit.

The electric motor can also serve as a generator when the accelerator isn’t being pressed. The car’s kinetic energy is converted into electric power and stored in the battery pack. BMW estimates this process can increase the ActiveE’s range by up to 20%.

We’ll have more on the BMW Concept ActiveE when it is officially unveiled at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

Gallery: BMW Concept ActiveE

Officially release after the jump:

Continue Reading…