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Date: 2013-03-08
A new study by the Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions at West Virginia University seeks to quantify fugitive methane emissions from natural gas-powered vehicles. The study, which is co-sponsored by Waste Management Inc., will examine such emissions from both compressed natural gas- and liquefied natural gas-powered vehicles. Others study sponsors include PepsiCo, Shell, Volvo Group, Cummins Westport and Westport Innovations. Sponsors are providing access to vehicles and facilities for testing, according to the university.(Source: Waste & recycling News, Mar. 5, 2013) Contact: Waste Management, Eric Woods, VP Fleet, www.wm.com
Tags Waste Management news, WM news, Methane news,
Date: 2013-01-11
"AAA, formerly the American Automobile Association, has warned that filling gas tanks with a blend of 15 percent ethanol could damage cars and void warranties. This follows 12 carmakers announcing that using the new "E15" blend may either void warranties or that warranties may not cover fuel-related claims. "AAA, acting on behalf of its 50 million members, has called for the EPA to temporarily halt sales of the fuel to reevaluate its potential harm. We agree.
"In addition, ethanol, which is manufactured from grain such as corn, produces questionable, if any, fuel economy benefits. Moreover, the government subsidies and mandates that pave the way for its entry into the market appear to benefit corn growers and ethanol manufacturers more than consumers and the environment.
"As with other government intrusions into the free market, the EPA's ethanol love affair distorts supply and demand. If the fuel were beneficial enough on its own, the market would respond. But even in the Midwest, where E15 is more available, sales have not taken off, according to industry observer Dennis Simanaitis, a former Road and Track editor. Gasoline with a 10 percent mixture of ethanol already constitutes 90 percent of the U.S. market, following government approval decades ago. But in June, the EPA approved the sale of the higher percentage mixture, despite cautions from automakers who cited potential damage to vehicles.
"Private sector resistance has not dissuaded the EPA, which also doesn't appear to be acting on behalf of motorists, as is the AAA, a federation of 51 independently operated motor clubs. Ethanol was advanced ostensibly as a more environmentally friendly option to 100 percent gasoline. Even that claim by the government has been challenged.
"In 2006, John A. Baden, chairman of the Foundation for Research on Economics and the Environment, argued that ethanol consumes more resources than it saves. That year, Consumer Reports tests using a Chevrolet Tahoe found that an 85-15 blend of gasoline and ethanol decreased, rather than increased, mileage from 21 mpg highway to 15, and from 9 mpg to 7 in city driving. A later University of Minnesota study found that corn ethanol may be as harmful as gasoline, and an even worse health threat.
"BMW, Chrysler, Nissan Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen say their warranties will not cover fuel-related claims caused by the use of E15. Ford Motor Co., Honda Motor Co., Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Motors Corp., Mazda Motor Corp., Mercedes-Benz and Volvo said E15 may void their warranties. Perhaps most troubling is that AAA says 95 percent of U.S. consumers have not even heard of E15, and only 5 percent of cars on the road can use it without risk of damage. The possibility of E15 use in older cars, more likely to be harmed, is an unnecessary risk, not in the public's interest.
"We agree with the AAA's call for pulling E15 off the market until its consequences are better understood. In the meantime, the EPA also should reassess the entire ethanol fuel issue, which likely would not be viable without government mandates for increasing use of so-called renewable fuels and manufacturing subsidies." (Source: Orange County Register, Jan. 9, 2013)
Tags E15 news, Biofuel news, Biofuel Blend news,
Date: 2012-12-07
European carmakers are winning the battle against emissions according to a new study from the UK Transport and Environment (T&E). The latest T&E report reveals that European car manufacturers are in a better position than most of their Asian counterparts to meet the target for a 95g/km average CO2 emissions by 2020. In the race to hit the 2020 95g target, all European makers (except Daimler, Volvo and BMW) rank in the top 9 while three of the bottom six carmakers are Asian. The T&E 2012 Cars and CO2 Report reveals that the auto industry as a whole cut CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of their new vehicles by 3.3 per cent in 2011. This means that, four years before the compliance date, the 130 g/CO2 target for 2015 is, on average, just 4 per cent away. Fiat, Toyota and Peugeot-Citroen have already met their CO2 targets for 2015 four years ahead of time.
Overall annual progress in reducing CO2 emissions from cars over the past four years was 4 per cent. On the basis of those recent improvements and current positions, the report estimates that Europe's automakers will only need to improve fuel efficiency by an annual rate of 3.8 percent to meet the 95 g/km CO2 target for 2020. (Source: Green Car UK, 6 Dec, 2012)
Tags Transportation Emissions news,
Date: 2012-09-06
Volvo Trucks has successfully field tested specially adapted trucks powered by dimethyl ether (bio-DME), a biofuel derived from pulp mill "black liquor" wastes. The company says bio-DME reduces carbon emissions by 95% compared with diesel. Bio-DME is a second generation biofuel produced from woody biomass or by-products and waste from agricultural production.
The field tests, which are being conducted in collaboration with companies including Swedish oil firm Preem and Chemrec, another Swedish company which is responsible for fuel production.
Chemrec's process takes part of the black liquor, gasifies it -- using a gasifier developed at the Energy Technology Centre in Pitea, Sweden -- and turns it into usable fuel which the company said could be obtained at four Swedish filling stations during the on-going field tests.
According to Chermac managing director Max Jonnson, the project has proven the technology, and the company is now focusing on industrializing the product together with the pulp industry both in Sweden and abroad
(Source: Volvo, Waste Management World, 4 Sept., 2012)
Contact: Volvo, www.volvo.com
Tags Biofuel news, Black Liquor news,
Date: 2012-09-05
Lithium-ion battery and energy storage systems manufacturer EnerDel has secured a second supply order from Volvo to manufacture 24kWh lithium-ion battery-pack that powers Volvo's C30 EV. The battery-pack design has been custom-made to Volvo's specifications.
The company's first order from Volvo for its C30 EV was secured in September 2009.EnerDel will begin executing the current order this month. Final delivery is slated for 2013. (Source: EnerDel, CBTR, 28 Aug., 2012) Contact: EnerDel, Charles Gassenheimer, CEO, (317) 585-3456, [email protected], www.enerdel.com
Tags EnerDel news, Volvo EV news, Li-Ion Battery news,
Date: 2012-08-17
Energy Curtailment Specialists (ECS), the longest tenured demand response provider in North America, reports that Volvo Remanufacturing Middletown has made ECS their official demand response provider. By enrolling in ECS' PowerPay! Demand Response Program, Volvo has committed to reducing their electrical usage during times of grid instability. Through its Green Roots Initiative, ECS will donate trees to one of America's national forests on behalf of Volvo for enrolling in one of their programs.
ECS PowerPay! participants are paid for agreeing to voluntarily reduce electric consumption for a short period of time during critical periods of demand. Participants are typically asked to decrease their electricity usage only when the electric grid is strained and in need of help to avoid brownouts or blackouts.
(Source: Energy Curtailment Specialists, Aug. 15, 2012) Contact: Energy Curtailment Specialists, (877) 711-5453, www.ecsgrid.com
Tags Energy Curtailment Specialist news, Demand Response news,
Date: 2012-08-08
Korean battery maker LG Chem plans to enhance its bottom line by forming a business alliance with French auto giant Renault Group. foreign automaker. The two companies are considering an business alliance to produce lithium-ion batteries in France. Once an agreement is reached, LG Chem will start building a factory in France in 2013 at the earliest, and will produce current generation lithium-ion batteries from 2015 and advanced lithium-ion batteries from 2017.
Currently, General Motors accounts for 50 percent of LG's battery sales, followed by Renault with 20 percent, Hyundai-Kia with 20 percent and others including Volvo of Sweden, 10 percent, according to LG Chem officials. A spokesman declined to give more details about the ongoing negotiations. (Source: LG Chem, 2 Aug., 2012) Contact: Terry Lee, Public Relations, LG Chem, +82 (2) 3773-6951, [email protected], www.lgchem.com; Renault, www.renault.com
Tags LG Chem news, Lithium-ion Battery news, Renault news,
Date: 2012-04-17
Volvo reports that it has cut its European fleet-wide emissions from its gas- and diesel-powered vehicles by 13 percent during the past few years and is looking to reduce emissions even further starting next year.
For the 2013 model year, the Swedish automaker will debut a five-cylinder 2.0-liter, 136-horsepower turbodiesel engine – called the D3 – for its S60, V60, XC60, V70 and S80 models. All but the automatic-transmission XC60 crossover will have start-stop functionality. Additionally, Volvo will also introduce a 115-horsepower diesel engine – the D2 – that will have the same emissions with both an automatic and manual transmissions, which Volvo says is a first.
Volvo is looking to use a combination of diesel technology and electric-drive powertrains to meet progressively more stringent European greenhouse-gas emissions. The company said in 2010 that, for the eight years ending in 2014, it will have sunk more than $2 billion in research and development specifically towards boosting fuel economy and reducing emissions. (Source: Volvo. 14 April, 2012)
Date: 2012-04-10
Hybrid electric and all-electric drive systems and drive system components developer Enova Systems Inc has delivered 4 incremental 120kW drive systems to Optare Plc for integration into their Solo Electric Bus. Optare designs, manufactures and sells single deck and double deck buses and mini coaches. Its buses operate in the UK, Continental Europe, and North America.
Additionally, and announced on March 23, 2012, commuters and bus passengers across England will see more eco-friendly buses on the roads, congestion reduced and services upgraded, thanks to a new GBP 101 million package of improvements approved by Local Transport Minister Norman Baker. Five bus manufacturers will benefit from orders for their eco-friendly hybrid, electric and gas buses. They comprise: Volvo, Wrightbus, Optare, MAN and Alexander Dennis Limited, all of which are based in, or partly in, the UK.
Based on the award-winning Solo low-floor bus, of which over 4,000 are in service worldwide, the Solo EV produces zero tailpipe emissions. The model is based on a standard 27-seat 8.8 meter Solo, but the technology can be used on other models in the Optare range with higher passenger capacities.
Optare recently announced a refinancing agreement with Ashok Leyland which increased its holding in Optare to 75.1% allowing Optare to become fully integrated in Ashok's ambitious global bus strategy which seeks to maintain and improve on its top fifth place amongst the world's bus makers. Ashok Leyland is the flagship of the Hinduja Group and a leading Indian commercial vehicle manufacturing company based in Chennai, selling approximately 94,000 vehicles and about 17,000 engines annually and is the second largest commercial vehicle company in India in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segment, with a market share of about 25.7% in 2010/2011. Ashok is a market leader in the Indian bus market selling over 23,000 buses annually. The sales turnover of Ashok in 2010-11 was US $ 2.5 billion. Ashok has seven plants in India, one in the Czech Republic and one in the Middle East with a current global capacity of over 150,000 buses and trucks. (Source: Enova, April, 9, 2012) Contact: Enova Systems, Jarrett Fenton, CFO & Investor Relations, (310) 527-2800, [email protected], www.enovasystems.com; Optare, Jim Sumner, CEO, +44(0) 845 838 9901, www.optare.com
Tags Enova Systems news, Optare news, Electric Bus news,
Date: 2012-03-27
Construction Equipment and Volvo Buses have joined the Volvo Group's cooperation with the World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) Climate Savers program, pledging to reduce CO2 emissions by 30 million tons from construction equipment, buses and trucks through 2014. Shandong Lingong Construction Material Co, which is a Volvo joint venture, also became the first Chinese company to become part of this global carbon emission reduction campaign.
Volvo CEO Olaf Persson said the partnership demonstrates the company is serious about continuously raising carbon emission reduction targets and the vision for carbon-neutral future transportation. "The Volvo Group became the world's first auto manufacturer to join WWF Climate Savers in November with a commitment to reduce the lifetime carbon emissions of its trucks sold between 2009 and 2014 by 13 million tons compared with 2008 models," said Jim Gradoville, WWF China country representative. Thanks to improved fuel efficiency, the goal has now been increased to 30 million tons and will include the company's buses and construction equipment. Thirty million tons is the same amount of carbon dioxide emitted by Sweden in its entirety in seven months. Started in 2000 by WWF, the Climate Savers program provides a platform to enable companies to join forces in committing to more ambitious reductions in their greenhouse gas emissions while growing their businesses responsibly.
The Climate Savers' commitments are based on absolute emission reduction targets and ambitious timetables. Progress towards these targets is monitored and verified by independent third-party experts, he said.
The Chinese government has set a nationwide target to reduce its carbon intensity -- the carbon emissions for each unit of economic growth -- by 17 percent between 2011 and 2015. Subsequently, Chinese enterprises, especially the country's top 1,000 energy consumers, are also subject to carbon intensity reduction targets.
That means the absolute amount of carbon emissions can still grow as carbon intensity drops because China is still experiencing a high economic growth rate. (Source: ChinaDaily, March 26, 2012)
Date: 2012-03-20
Advanced nanophosphate lithium iron phosphate batteries and systems developer and manufacturer A123 Systems reports that its Shanghai-based joint venture company, Advanced Traction Battery Systems (ATBS) has been selected to develop battery packs for a new plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) sedan from Geely, one of the fastest-growing automakers in China and the parent company of Volvo Car Corp. Under the terms of the development agreement, A123 will supply 20Ah prismatic cells to ATBS for the production of complete lithium ion battery packs for Geely's new PHEV, which is expected to launch in China in 2014.
Geely is a global automaker with more than 30 different models in its portfolio. In 2011, it produced more than 430,000 vehicles, and there are currently more than 2.2 million Geely vehicles on the road worldwide.
(Source: A123, March 17, 2012)
Contact: A123 Systems, Jason Forcier, VP, Automotive Solutions Group, (617) 778-5700, www.a123systems.com; Geely, www.geely.com/english/1-1.html
Tags A123 Systems news, Geely news,
Date: 2012-02-28
A smart system for charging EVs known as ELVIIS may leave the EV industry all shook up - and for the better. The ELVIIS cross-industry research project would not only enable EVs to be recharged from any available outlet, but also use mobile and smart grid technology to establish the best energy deal for the consumer.
Short for Electric Vehicle Intelligent Infra Structure, ELVIIS is a research consortium including Volvo Car Corporation and Ericsson that aims to overcome the practical shortcomings of EVs that may stand in the way of mass market uptake, looking beyond the car itself to the spheres of mobile and smart grid technology. As part of the ELVIIS project, a Volvo C30 Electric has been fitted out with a 7-inch color touchscreen from which the company's "smooth charging" concept can be controlled. Having plugged in, the driver uses the touchscreen (or separate phone or tablet) to choose between various presets for charge duration or total energy drawn. It's at the stage the mobile technology kicks in to optimize the process, invisibly from the driver's point of view.
First, the charge point is identified using GPS technology. The car will then communicate with the electricity grid based on user settings to establish the best energy price. The grid coordinates between connected cars (as well as other energy uses) to optimize the work it has to do. This should mean that drivers needing a brief but urgent charge will be prioritized over those parking up for a some time - similar to broader strategies being employed in smart grids that seek to even out the peaks and troughs in energy consumption over the course of the day. This increases grid efficiency, and increases the usefulness and viability of renewable energy sources that aren't guaranteed to contribute at all times.
The system will be fitted to a total of five Volvo C30 Electric cars and tested over the course of a year. Energy company Goteborg Energi and IT researchers the Viktoria Institute are the remaining partners in the ELVIIS project.
(Source: GizMaG, February 27, 2012)
Date: 2012-02-21
UK-based transport group Stagecoach is to invest around £60m in nearly 400 'greener' vehicles for its bus and coach fleet. The first of the new vehicles will be delivered from May and include a new coach model for its megabus budget service. All but 24 of them will be built by Falkirk, Guildford and Scarborough-based Alexander Dennis and its Plaxton coach building subsidiary. The rest of the fleet - 95 double-deckers, 87 single-deckers, 141 midi-buses, 11 mini-buses, 37 coaches and 19 hybrid vehicles, which produce 30 per cent less carbon emissions than standard buses - will be supplied by Optare, Volvo, Wrightbus and Van Hool.
Stagecoach carries around 2.5 million passengers on its 8.000 buses every day in a network stretching across the UK. Its major bus operations are in Manchester, London, Liverpool, Newcastle, Hull, Oxford, Sheffield and Cambridge. Stagecoach already uses 30 hybrid buses in Manchester, with a further 20 ordered for the city, which will go into operation next month.(Source: Stagecoach, February 20, 2012)
Contact: Stagecoach Group, Sir Brian Souter, CEO, +4401738 442111, www.stagecoachgroup.com
Tags Stagecoach news, Alexander Dennis news, Hybrid Bus news,
Date: 2012-02-20
Volvo Construction Equipment and Volvo Buses have joined the Volvo Group's cooperation with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Climate Savers The cooperation is based on the Volvo Group's commitment to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by 30 million tons from construction equipment, buses and trucks manufactured through 2014. Volvo's joint-venture company, SDLG, which manufactures construction equipment in China, will also become the first-ever Chinese company to be a member of Climate Savers.
WWF's Climate Savers program involves multinational companies in the battle to reduce CO2 emissions. These companies pledge to reduce their CO2 emissions pursuant to an agreement between the WWF and the company. The results will be reviewed by independent technical experts. The agreed target must be more ambitious than the company would have set on its own, and must also signify that the company is leading its sector in the reduction of GHG emissions.
In autumn 2010, the Volvo Group became the world's first automotive manufacturer to join Climate Savers, in an agreement whereby the Group's truck brands committed to reduce the total amount of CO2 emitted during the lifetime of trucks manufactured and sold from 2009 to 2014, by 13 million tons, compared to trucks manufactured in 2008. This will be accomplished by launching the latest technology in fuel efficiency.
In the next step, starting January 1, 2012, Volvo Construction Equipment and Volvo Buses will be included in the agreement. Thanks to improved fuel efficiency, the total amount of CO2 emitted by trucks, construction equipment and buses manufactured within the Volvo Group through 2014, will be reduced by more than 30 million tons, compared to vehicles manufactured in 2008. 30 million tons is the equivalent of the total carbon dioxide emitted by Sweden in a seven month period.
The agreement between Volvo and WWF applies for AB Volvo and the Volvo Group's brands Volvo Construction Equipment, Volvo Buses, Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, ( http://www.macktrucks.com/ )Renault Trucks ( http://www.renault-trucks.com/ ), UD Trucks ( http://www.udtrucks.com/ ) and SDLG. SDLG manufactures construction equipment in China, and will be the first Chinese company ever to join Climate Savers. (Source: WWF) Contact: Amanda Carufel, WWF, (202) 294-6408, [email protected], www.worldwildlife.org.
Tags WWF Climate Savers news, Volvo news,
Date: 2012-02-07
Volvo reports that it has to date sold a total of 100 buses powered by hybrid technology in the Nordic countries. Volvo's latest order is for 25 hybrid buses for Goteborgs Sparvagar (Gothenburg Tramways), which operates public transport services on behalf of Vasttrafik. Delivering up to 37 percent lower fuel consumption and with a much lower environmental impact than conventional diesels, Volvo hybrid buses have achieved significant market success around the world. Now, the company's home town of Gothenburg has ordered 25 hybrid buses which are scheduled to enter service later this year.
The 25 Volvo 7700 hybrid buses are powered by a small diesel engine and an electric motor. Fuel consumption is radically reduced by the use of regenerative braking to recover the energy generated when the vehicle's brakes are applied. The diesel engine is shut off at bus stops, enabling the bus to operate silently and emission-free on electricity. However, emissions from diesel operation are also low since the bus is fueled by biodiesel. (Source: Volvo, February 6, 2012) Contact: Volvo, www.volvo.com
Tags Volvo news, Hybrid Bus news,
Date: 2012-01-06
Volvo Car Corp. is unveiling its XC60 plug-in hybrid concept vehicle this month during the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This gasoline/electric hybrid delivers 350 hp in a luxury platform, the company says. "This world-class gasoline plug-in hybrid technology, featuring a state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine from our upcoming Volvo Environmental Architecture engine family, will reach our American showrooms in a couple of years," says Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby. "Hybrid" mode - the vehicle's default setting - puts the gasoline engine and electric motor to work in concert, yielding fuel economy that exceeds 100 mpg. In "Pure" mode, the XC60 is powered solely by its electric motor, with an operational range of up to 35 miles. With "Power" mode, the 280 hp gasoline engine is combined with the 70 hp electric motor to maximize performance (e.g., acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds). (Source; Volvo, January 4, 2012) Contact: Volvo , Maria Bohlin, Press Officer, +46 (31) 596-525, [email protected], www.volvocars.com
Tags Volvo news,
Date: 2012-01-03
Eltek Valere will provide on-board chargers for Volvo's hybrid EV program. Under the agreement, Eltek will supply complete water-cooled on-board chargers, with volume production starting in 2012. The Eltek EV Powercharger 3000 provides an output power in excess of 3 kW with 96% power conversion efficiency, which minimizes heat generation and battery charge time, and thereby lowers charging costs. The Powercharger 3000's compact design will fit into any free space in an EV or PHEV, and is designed for maximal utilization of a 16 A wall socket. (Source: Eltek) Contact: Eltek, Colin Howe, CEO, (469) 330-9100, www.eltek.com; Maria Bohlin, Press Officer, Volvo Car Corporation, +46 (31) 596-525, [email protected], www.volvocars.com
Tags Eltek news, Volvo news,
Date: 2011-12-15
The Volvo V60 diesel hybrid is a showcase of frugality as well as environmental consciousness as the high fuel economy of a diesel engine along with the low emissions of an electric motor have made the V60 plug-in hybrid a car that could be representative of what the future of automotive technology holds for us. While petrol hybrid cars are not new in the automotive world, a diesel PHEV is.
The Volvo V60 station wagon will feature the same 2.4 LiterD5 five pot inline turbo diesel engine that is found across Volvo's car range, but with an electric motor to supplant it. The diesel engine produces 215 Bhp and 440 Nm while the electric motor adds 70 Bhp and 200 Nm. Together, the diesel and electric motor produce 295 Bhp of peak power and a torque number of 640 Nm. The Volvo V60 features an all wheel drive mode and a regeneration system to charge the 11.2 KWh Lithium ion batteries.
The Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid will have a limited production run of 1,000 units for 2012 and production will be expanded to 4,000 units in 2013. (Source: Volvo, December, 13, 2011)
Tags Volvo news,
Date: 2011-12-13
LG Chem has filed a lawsuit against SK Innovation claiming it copied LG's key proprietary battery separator technology for EVs. The company said it took legal action after discovering that SK is testing its battery for EVs, which uses LG Chem's Safety Reinforced Separator (SRS) technology.
The SRS technology, developed and patented by LG Chem in 2005, is said to make the semi-permeable membrane mechanically and thermally superior compared to other separators by coating it with ceramic material. It ultimately increases the safety of the lithium ion battery built for electric cars, according to its company officials. Global car manufacturers such as General Motors, Volvo, Renault-Samsung and Hyundai-Kia have therefore chosen LG Chem as their battery supplier, LG Chem said.
Claiming that SK is in the process of producing secondary batteries using the SRS technology, LG Chem has ordered the firm to dispose the related items and provide 100 billion won ($87,154) in damages, according to the suit.(Source: LG Chem, December, 12, 2011) Contact: LG Chem, Terry Lee, Public Relations, +82 (2) 3773-6951, [email protected], www.lgchem.com; SK Innovation, + 82 2 2121 5114, www.skenergy.com
Tags LG Chem news, SK Innovation news,
Date: 2011-11-14
Volvo, which now owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co, reports that it is prepared begin Chinese field trials on its C30 EV. The Swedish carmaker signed a memorandum of understanding on Nov 8, 2011 with Shanghai International Autocity Development Co Ltd to lease its electric C30 for demonstration operations in Jiading district on the western outskirts of Shanghai. Shanghai is the third locale outside Sweden after Paris and Los Angeles where the automaker is testing its electric C30.
Volvo plans a limited production run of 250 C30 EVs that will be leased to fleet customers such as government authorities and companies in Europe, the US and China. The electric C30 is powered by a 24 kWh lithium battery pack that offers a range of up to 150 kilometers on a single charge. It accelerates from zero to 100 km in 10.5 seconds and is able to reach maximum speed of 130 km/h.
Volvo's Chief Executive Stefan Jacoby said EVs will account for less than 5 percent of global auto sales in 2020, but he noted the company still has to invest ahead to ensure a leading position in future competition.
Freeman Shen, senior vice-president of Volvo Cars and chairman of Volvo's China operations, said the company does not exclude the possibility of Chinese produced EVs.
After it was sold to Geely last year, Volvo announced plans to build two plants in China, one in Chengdu in the southwest and another in northeastern city Daqing, but is still awaiting government approval. The Chengdu plant is now scheduled to start production in 2013.
Volvo's sales in China in the first 10 months surged more than 50 percent over the same period last year. Global sales increased over 22 percent. (Source: China Daily, November, 14, 2011)Contact: Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, www.geely.com/english/1-1.html; Maria Bohlin, Press Officer, Volvo Car Corporation, +46 (31) 596-525, [email protected], www.volvocars.com
Tags Volvo news, Zhejiang Geely Holding news,
Date: 2011-10-20
When it comes to reducing CO2 emissions, Volvo is in the lead among European automakers, as shown in the sixth annual analysis conducted by the European Federation for Transport and Environment . Volvo, Europe's eight largest automaker, cut their CO2 emissions by an average of 2 to 6 percent in 2010. The Volvo Car Corporation is the exception that stands out, with a CO2 reduction of no less than 9 percent. This is the result of a concerted environmental focus under the "DRIVe towards zero" banner. Volvo's CO2 strategy also includes EVs and Hybrids.
All told, carbon dioxide emissions from new cars sold in the EU dropped by 3.7 percent in 2010, and today the average figure for new cars sold in Europe is 140 grams per kilometre. (Source: The Auto Channel, October, 19, 2011)
Contact; Volvo, www.volvo.vom
More Energy Overviews Volvo news,
Date: 2011-10-17
Today, Volvo announced that the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be launched on European the market in 2012, and elsewhere before the year is out. The V60 Plug-In Hybrid will be more expensive than the regular V60 but its running costs are estimated to be cut by roughly two-thirds. Developed in partnership with Swedish utility company Vattenfall, the new Volvo V60 PHEV promises mileage of 124 mpg on the slightly more generous European combined cycle when equipped with a diesel engine.
This diesel engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter five-cylinder unit rated at 215 horsepower while the car's electric motor is rated 70 horsepower and is powered by a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The electric only driving range is roughly 31 miles after which the turbodiesel engine kicks in and the vehicle acts like a regular hybrid.
The turbodiesel engine drives the front axle and the electric motor drives the rear, making the Volvo V60 an all-wheel drive vehicle. (Source: Volvo, October, 17, 2011)
Contact; Volvo, www.volvo.com
More Energy Overviews Volvo news,
Date: 2011-09-20
After deserting the EV sector five years ago, Siemens is now looking for acquisitions to help develop their Automotive Electronics Unit, and is set to re-enter the EV market. According to a Siemens Board member, the company is interested in developing EV charging stations. Siemens recently entered into a partnership with Volvo Car Corporation, which is now owned by China's Zhejiang Geely, to bring out advanced EV technologies. (Source: Siemens, Sept. 19) Contact: Siemens, www.siemens.com
Date: 2011-09-09
Volvo Buses is developing plug-in hybrid buses that can drive long distances on electricity alone. The idea is to put battery charging stations on the end stations of the bus lines. The hybrid buses can charge in a short span of time while extending its running time.
Volvo will test drive three hybrid buses in Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city beginning in the fall of 2012.
The plug-in hybrid buses will reduce diesel consumption and cut carbon dioxide emissions over 75 percent, the company says. The technology is backed by the European Union. A market release date has not been set. (Source: Volvo, September, 2011) Contact: Volvo, www.volvo.com
More Energy Overviews Volvo news, Electric Bus news,
Date: 2011-09-01
Siemens and Volvo have teamed up to develop technology for EVs, Siemens said on Wednesday. Their partnership involves "extensive strategic cooperation" in electrical drive technology, power electronics, and charging technology, a statement said.
The Volvo C30 EV will serve as a test platform and early models will be on test tracks by the end of the year, it added.
By late 2012, Volvo is to deliver a test series of 200 vehicles to Siemens for testing under 'real-life conditions'. Financial details were not provided. (Source: Volvo, August, 31, 2011)
Contact:Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO, Volvo Cars ,+ 46 31 59 65 25, www.volvo.com
More Energy Overviews Siemens news, Volvo news,
Date: 2011-07-18
Volvo has released fresh details today of its plans to develop a new fleet of so-called 'Range Extenders' - PHEVs that travel short distances using electricity before using an internal combustion engine to increase their range. The company said that it had secured financial backing from the Swedish Energy Agency and the EU for the project, and is working on a series of three prototype designs. Test cars are scheduled to hit the roads from early next year.
The company revealed that each of the three test vehicles will feature three-cylinder petrol engines that run on conventional petrol or ethanol installed alongside an electric drivetrain that provides power to the front wheels. The vehicles will also use regenerative braking hybrid technology that will allow the driver to provide additional charging to the battery when braking. Two of the designs are based on Volvo's C30 Electric car, the first boasting a 40-litre fuel tank and 60-horsepower combustion engine connected to a 40kW generator that in turn drives a 111-horsepower electric motor.
According to Volvo, the car will boast a 110km range using the car's battery pack that can be increased by up to 1,000km using the internal combustion engine. The second design uses an alternative approach whereby a turbocharged 190-horsepower engine drives the rear wheels, alongside a 111-horsepower electric motor. The company said that the car will be able to travel 75km using the battery pack before switching to the combustion engine.
The final concept vehicle is based on the Volvo V60 and features an 111-horsepower electric motor and 190-horsepower combustion engine, both installed under the bonnet at the front of the car.
The vehicle will be able to travel 50km using electricity before switching to the combustion engine, giving the car a range of over 1,000km.(Source: Volvo, July, 12, 2011)
Contact:Volvo, www.volvo.com
More Energy Overviews Volvo news, PHEV news,
Date: 2011-07-01
Researchers at Imperial College London are working on lightweight auto body components that also store electricity. The car frames would be made of plastic composites reinforced with carbon fiber. The resin that binds the carbon fibers is doped with lithium ions - allowing the vehicle's frame to store electricity. One of the biggest obstacles to increasing a hybrid car's range is the size and weight of the battery. More powerful batteries can power a car for a longer distance, but they also weigh more, and this saps more energy, counteracting the power increase. This research, which also involves automaker Volvo, takes energy storage out of the battery and directly into the car. The capacitor car parts do not add much energy, at least not right now, but they can be used to smooth the demands on a battery. Researchers want to test a prototype EV with an energy-storing trunk floor, whose extra energy storage could reduce the battery's weight by 15%. Ultimately, if capacitor car technology reaches the efficiency of current lithium-ion batteries, only a carbon-fiber roof, hood and doors, will be needed, and they could store enough electricity to power the car for 80 miles.
Imperial College has been working on the idea as part of a €3.4 mln, 3 year EU-funded project which includes researchers from a number of European partners, including automotive firm Volvo. The prototype material is a composite of carbon fibers and a polymer resin which can store and discharge large amounts of energy much faster than conventional batteries. Unlike these there is little degradation in the material over time because there is no chemical process involved, and this also aids more rapid recharging. It is lightweight and strong enough to make car body parts, and could be plugged into the household power supply for recharging. Researchers say the next stage is to further develop the composite in order to store more energy.
This may be achieved by growing carbon nanotubes on the surface of the carbon fibers which will increase the surface area, thus improving its storage capacity. They also hope to find alternative options for recharge such as recycling energy created during braking while the car is on the move. Their first test in-situ will be to exchange the metal floor in the car boot, or wheel well, for the composite, and Volvo is investigating the possibility of rolling this out in prototype cars for testing purposes. The addition of the composite combined with a reduced need for heavy batteries could see the vehicle's overall weight drop by up to 15%, consequently increasing the range of future hybrids. The most effective method for manufacturing the composite material at an industrial level is also being investigated. (Source: Imperial College London, June, 2011)
Contact: Dr Emile Greenhalgh, from the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London, +44 (0)20 7594 5070, [email protected]
Date: 2011-06-01
Torotrak, the global innovator in gear-less traction drive technology for vehicle CO2 reduction, confirms that its continuously variable transmission (CVT) technology forms part of the Volvo's evaluation of flywheel technology as announced by them on 26 May 2011.
Volvo's project, partially-funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, will bring together Torotrak's variable drive technology and Flybrid Systems (UK) flywheel technology, working with SKF of Sweden and Volvo Powertrain. In addition to the mechanical hybrid projects that Torotrak is already working on as announced on 25 May 2011, this will provide another opportunity to demonstrate the contribution that mechanical hybrids can make to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, considerably more cost effectively than electrical hybrid solutions.
Torotrak's compact CVT, part of its portfolio of traction drive technologies, has emerged as an effective transmission solution in flywheel-based mechanical hybrid systems. Compared to conventional electric hybrid systems, mechanical flywheel hybrids reduce the number of inefficient conversions during the recovery and re-use of braking energy. Instead of converting kinetic energy into electricity to be stored in an expensive battery pack, energy is stored in a high-speed flywheel with power transfer controlled by a compact CVT.
Mechanical hybrids can also be used to boost the low-end torque of downsized engines and can provide immediate torque for vehicles with stop-start strategies. (Source: Torotrak, May, 26, 2011)
Contact: Dick Elsy , CEO, Torotrak, +44 (0)1772 900900, www.torotrak.com
More Energy Overviews SKF news, Torotrak news, Volvo news, Flywheel news,
Date: 2011-05-02
Volvo subsidiary Volvo Bus and Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation (SAIC) have established a JV to develop Electric Bus and other new energy transportation systems. SAIC and Volvo will hold 60% and 40% of the joint venture's equity respectively. Volvo will invest RMB 40 million, while SAIC will invest RMB 60 million. This joint venture will be named Shanghai Green Bus Drive System Co. and be headquartered in Shanghai. the company will focus on assembling new energy transmission systems, vehicle integration, sample vehicle manufacturing, and new energy transmission system testing.
Volvo launched its first demonstration heavy-duty hybrid vehicle in March, 2006. In 2008, the company displayed its coaches and trucks which adopted the company's fourth generation hybrid power solutions that could save fuel by 30%. (Source: Volvo, April, 28, 2011)
Contact: Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation (SAIC), +021-22011688
More Energy Overviews Volvo news, SAIC news,
Date: 2011-03-30
As part of the Volvo Group's focus on hybrid vehicles, Volvo Trucks has begun selling heavy hybrid trucks under the Volvo FE Hybrid marquee in selected European markets. The hybrid trucks permit fuel savings of up to 30 percent and will be used primarily in distribution and refuse operations in an urban environment.
Volvo's hybrid technology has been developed to maximize recycling of energy generated from braking. No extra charging from external sources is required. Depending on the driving cycle, the Volvo FE Hybrid can cut fuel and carbon dioxide emissions by between 15 and 20 per cent. The trucks will initially be produced in a limited series of about 100 vehicles, starting in June. These trucks will be delivered during the period 2011 to 2013. (Source: Volvo, March 29, 2011)
Contact: Volvo, www.volvotrucks.com
Date: 2011-01-21
Driving in a convoy, or "Platooning", can cut motorway carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20 per cent, according to researchers taking part in the EU-funded SARTRE project. Platooning, or "slip-streaming" in racing jargon, sees a lead vehicle driving a line of equally spaced vehicles driving at the same speed in a convoy, has been successfully demonstrated at the Volvo Proving Ground in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Tom Robinson, SARTRE Project Coordinator, of Ricardo UK LTD, commented: "This is a major milestone for this important European research programme.
Platooning offers the prospect of improved road safety, better road space utilization, improved driver comfort on long journeys and reduced fuel consumption and hence CO2 emissions."
(Source: Energy Savings Trust, January 20,2011)
Contact: Tom Robinson, SARTRE Project Coordinator, +44 1223 223200, www.sartre-project.eu
Date: 2011-01-18
Wanxiang Electric Vehicle Co., a division of the Chinese conglomerate Wanxiang Group Corp., and Ener1 Inc. joint venture agreement to manufacture approximately 40,000 lithium-ion battery cells and packs for use in Chinese vehicles. The JV could be extended to include exports to the U.S., but Ener1 may have concerns about protecting its U.S. battery production.
Ener1, which has a 40% stake in the deal, was spun off from U.S. auto supplier Delphi about three years ago, has been a relatively small player in the battery sector. But the company, with factories in Indiana and South Korea, received a $118.5 million boost last year from a federal grant. Ener1 has small-scale production of batteries for electric cars under development by start-up Think and Sweden's Volvo Cars, owned by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
(Source: Ener1, Wall Street Journal, January 17,2011)
Contact: Charles Gassenheimer,
CEO, Ener1 Inc., (317) 585-3456, [email protected], www.ener1.com
More Energy Overviews Wanxiang news, Ener1 news, Lithium-ion Battery news,
Date: 2011-01-12
Lithium-ion energy storage systems manufacturer Ener1, Inc. achieved another significant advance in its growing relationship with Volvo Cars. During the North American International Auto Show in Detroit when Volvo unveiled a crash-tested C30 Electric with Ener1's EnerDel battery.
This is the first time that a crash-tested electric car has been displayed in public, and the results reflect a successful two-year development program between Volvo and Ener1 in both Europe and the U.S. A test fleet of Volvo C30 EVs will hit the road in the U.S. in 2011, following recent announcements of fleets in Europe and Asia.
To ensure the battery is safely located outside of the crumple zones, Ener1 developed a "split battery" specifically for Volvo with half the battery located in the central tunnel between the seats and the other half under the rear seats. The battery features Ener1's battery management system which is integrated with the electronics and vehicle control systems. In the event of a collision, the crash sensor in the car cuts power in 50 milliseconds by the same signal that deploys the airbag.
The battery management system also optimizes capacity, prolongs cell life, monitors and reports the state of health and charge, controls safe and efficient pack re-charging, and the cooling system for safe operating temperatures. It has multiple levels of redundancy built into its control protocols for extra safe operation.
(Source: Ener1, Volvo, January 11,20110
Contact: Charles Gassenheimer,
CEO, Ener1 Inc., (317) 585-3456, [email protected], www.ener1.com
More Energy Overviews Ener1 news, EnerDel news, Volvo news,
Date: 2011-01-05
Lithium-ion energy storage systems specialist Ener1, Inc. has sold $25 million in senior unsecured notes, together with shares of common stock and warrants, to investors led by funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
Along with funds from an earlier DOE, ARRA grant, Ener1 will use the proceeds from the sale for production capacity expansion in the U.S. and working capital to support existing projects with customers in the grid energy storage and transportation sectors.
In addition to its growing relationships with auto makers THINK and Volvo, Ener1 has made substantial progress with U.S. and international customers in the heavy-duty transportation market, a key company focus for 2011 and beyond.
(Source: Ener1, January 3,2011)
Contact: Charles Gassenheimer,
Chairman and CEO, Ener1, Inc. , (317) 585-3456, [email protected], www.ener1.com
More Energy Overviews Ener1 news, Energy Storage news, Lithium-ion news,
Date: 2010-11-17
The Volvo Group is joining the World Wide Fund for Nature's (WWF) Climate Savers Program. Volvo Group's truck companies will undertake to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2014 by 13 million tons.
The Climate Savers Program is mobilizing multinational companies to cut their CO2 emissions and the participating companies will reduce their emissions in accordance with an agreement between the WWF, the company, and independent technical experts. The agreed goal must be more ambitious than what the company has planned before, and also means that the company will lead its own industry in reduction of greenhouse gases.
The agreement between The Volvo Group and WWF will apply for the Volvo Group's truck companies Mack Trucks, Volvo Trucks, Renault Trucks, and UD Trucks. It states that:
More Energy Overviews Volvo news,
Date: 2010-11-15
LG Chem, which operates the world's largest lithium-ion polymer battery production facility for EV applications, and has signed supply contracts with major automotive companies, including General Motors and Ford.
LG will invest 1 trillion won ($886.5 million) in its Ochang (Korea) facility by 2013, and $300 million in its Holland, Michigan plant, as part of its planed ten-fold overall production capacity to 80 million cells annually; 60 million in Korea and 20 million in Michigan.
"The reason we were able to sign deals with companies like GM, Ford, Volvo, and Renault, is we copy nobody's technology, but lead the market with our own," said Kim Myung-hwan, senior vice president of LG Chem's Battery Research & Development. "Other companies and ventures may come up with wonderful products in their labs, but when it comes to mass production, it will be a whole different story as things will require a much higher output and [level of] safety," he added.
Kim also said that with over 10 years of experience in EV batteries, LG holds the world's leading technologies, the best materials, the safest products and sees no competitors on the horizon. LG currently holds eight deals with leading automakers around the world.
The company's EV battery business is currently aiming for 1 trillion won in sales by 2013 and 3 trillion won by 2015.
(Source; LG Chem) Contact: LG Chem)
Contact: Martin Klein, Engineering Director, (248) 307-1800, www.compactpower.com
More Energy Overviews Battery Technology news, LG Chem news,
Date: 2010-10-27
In Sweden, Volvo has received its first order for 11 buses that operate on both diesel and biogas from Vargardabuss for entry into service in July 2011. The 8500 intercity bus model operates with methane/diesel technology developed through a demonstration project with the Swedish Energy Agency. The diesel engine functions as usual, but only a small amount of common diesel or bio-diesel continuously injected into the cylinders to serve as a type of ignition for the methane gas, which is the primary fuel. (Source: Volvo, October 26, 2010) Contact: Per-Martin Johansson, Volvo, + 46 31 322 52 00, [email protected], www.volvo.com
More Energy Overviews Volvo news, Biogas news,
Date: 2010-10-04
South Korea's LG Chem Ltd. has been chosen by Renault SA to supply lithium-ion car batteries for its electric vehicle project. The company has already teamed up with Hyundai Motor Co, General Motors], Ford Motor and Volvo, as indicated in earlier editions of this publication. LG Chem anticipates signing deals with two or three additional companies by the end of 2010. (Source: Joong Ang Daily, October 1, 2010) Contact: Jennifer Kim, Manager, Investor Relations, LG Chem, +82 (2) 3773-7227, www.lgchem.com
More Energy Overviews Lithium-ion Battery news, LG Chem news, Renault news,
Date: 2010-09-29
Volvo has joined a consortium of European interests led by Imperial College in London, to develop a prototype carbon fiber and polymer resin material which can store and discharge electrical energy and which is also strong and lightweight enough to be used for car parts. Ultimately, they expect the material could be used in hybrid gasoline/electric vehicles to make them lighter, more compact and energy efficient. The three-year project is funded by €3.5 million ($4.7 million US) from the European Union.
"Our role is to contribute expertise on how this technology can be integrated in the future and to input ideas about the advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost and user-friendliness," says Per-Ivar Sellergren, Development Engineer at the Volvo Cars Materials Centre. Additional partners include Swerea SICOMP, INASCO Hella, Chalmers, Advanced Composites Group, Nanocyl, Bundesanstalt fur Materialforschung und-prufung, ETC Battery and Fuel Cells Sweden. (Source: Reinforced Plastics, September 28, 2010)
Contact: Emile GreenHalgh, Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College, +44 (0)20 7594 5070, [email protected], www3.imperial.ac.uk.
More Energy Overviews Battery Technology news, Volvo news,
Date: 2010-09-10
As part of a joint agreement with Volvo, Preem, and Total, Chemrec has launched production of its renewable motor fuel from forest residues, BioDME, at its pilot plant located at the Smurfit Kappa paper mill in Pitea, Sweden. The syngas generation for the plant is based on Chemrec's black liquor gasification technology, while the BioDME synthesis and upgrading technology is provided by Haldor Topsoe A/S. Volvo is testing the use of the fuel in five trucks in Sweden. Previous details were provided in our October 1, 2009 edition. (Source: Chemrec, September 9, 2010) Contact Rick LeBlanc, CEO, Chemrec, (847) 580 4267, [email protected], www.chemrec.com
More Energy Overviews Chemrec news,
Date: 2010-09-07
Ener1 Inc, the parent company of lithium-ion battery maker EnerDel Inc. has raised another $65 million to help finance operations and ramp up its manufacturing in the Indianapolis area, through the sale of $55 million of senior unsecured notes, along with shares of common stock and warrants, to investment funds led by Goldman Sachs Asset Management LP. The company also sold $10 million in senior convertible notes to strategic partner Itochu Corp.
EnerDel is preparing to supply lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles produced by Volvo in Europe and Think in Indiana, as reported in our June 18, 2010 edition, and is looking to strike deals with other global automakers. (Source: Indianapolis Star, September 6, 2010)
Contact: Charles Gassenheimer, CEO, Ener1 Inc., (317) 585-3456, [email protected], www.enerdel.com.
More Energy Overviews EnerDel news, lithium-ion Battery news, Itochu Corp. news,
Date: 2010-07-19
Volvo has called for governments to enact regulations that will help consumers better understand the total emissions produced by new cars. Volvo UK's Managing Director Peter Rask says that it's not just about CO2, arguing that other harmful chemicals, like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, need to be better explained so that consumers can make informed decisions. He believes that while carbon dioxide will affect the environment over the long term, NOx and particulate emissions affect lives immediately, and are responsible for 50,000 UK deaths annually. UK cars already come with carbon labels. Rask would like to see another label affixed to all new cars so that all the relevant details are provided at a glance. (Source: BBC, July 15, 2010) Contact: Maria Bohlin, Press Officer, Volvo Car Corporation, +46 (31) 596-525, [email protected], www.volvocars.com.
More Energy Overviews particulate emissions news,
Date: 2010-07-14
Westport Innovations Inc. has signed an agreement with Volvo Powertrain, a subsidiary of Volvo AB, defining Westport's responsibility to develop biogas- and natural gas-fueled engine products for Volvo.
While specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the current natural gas engine development program is expected to result in an engine that will meet future emission requirements and be commercialized according to a mutually agreed timeline. Westport will also be working directly with the Volvo AB brands to help identify market development opportunities and assist in the infrastructure build-out of biogas and natural gas where needed. (Source: Westport Innovations, July 13, 2010)
Contact: Darren Seed, Director, Investor Relations, Westport Innovations, (604) 718-2046, [email protected], www.westport.com.
More Energy Overviews Westport Innovations news, Biogas news,
Date: 2010-06-14
Volvo will send its first electric cars, the C30 Electric, to Goteborg Energi, a Swedish utility. The C30 Electric's interior is virtually identical to the ICE C30, but it is powered 24 kWh lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged in about eight hours. The demonstration vehicles sent to Goteborg Energi are specially equipped with instruments to build Volvo's knowledge of driver behavior and the C30 Electric's performance. (Source: Favstocks, June 11, 2010) Contact: Maria Bohlin, Press Officer, Volvo Car Corporation, +46 (31) 596-525, [email protected], www.volvocars.com
Date: 2010-06-02
Volvo is ready to begin production of hybrid buses for the European market. The Volvo 7700 Hybrid and the double-decker Volvo B5L Hybrid will cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 35%. "This is a major step for the Volvo Group and for the bus industry," says Hakan Karlsson, President of Volvo Buses. "There is now a hybrid bus in the market, which will significantly reduce fuel consumption, strongly reduce emissions and is also commercially viable." (Source: Business Wire, May 28, 2010) Contact: Jean-Marc Landry, Vice President Sales, Nova Bus, [email protected], (514) 975-9087, www.novabus.com.