American car maker Ford is continuing to make inroads into China by building a second engine plant in the country.

Its joint venture, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA) Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chongqing Municipal Government with the intention of building a new engine plant in Chongqing thanks to a $500million investment.

Work on the plant is expected to begin next year with engine production to follow in 2013. It will create an additional capacity of 400,000 units with CFMA more than doubling its existing engine capacity of 350,000 to 750,000 engines annually.

At the moment, the joint venture has two vehicle assembly plants – one in Chongqing and another in Nanjing. Last year it broke ground for a third vehicle assembly plant that will produce Ford’s global C-segment car, the next generation Focus.

According to Robert Graziano, the chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China, the investment will significantly expand its manufacturing capabilities and offerings in China with the company said to have “big plans” for the country.

A financial incentive programme from the California Air Resources Board will put more than 650 hybrid trucks and buses on the state’s roads.

The majority of the vehicles will be beverage and package delivery trucks that will head to private fleets with more than 300 classed as heavy duty trucks and more than 200 as light duty trucks. Most will appear in the South Coast and Bay Area Quality Management districts although Shasta and Kern County will also be recipients.

Under the Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program, $20,000-$35,000 vouchers are presented to help California fleets offset the purchase price of advanced technology hybrid trucks and buses. The technology is designed to reduce fuel consumption as well as greenhouse gas and smog forming emissions.

The programme first came about in 2007 and is implemented by CALSTART, a non-profit organisation that works with businesses, fleets and governments on efficient transport solutions.

This latest award means that all $19million that was originally dedicated to the voucher programme has now been distributed with an additional $25million approved by the board in June to fund more hybrid vehicles from early 2011 onwards.

Japanese car manufacturer Mitsubishi is set to team up with South Korea based LG Chem to jointly develop an advanced automotive lithium-ion battery system.

According to reports in the Nikkei, LG Chem will supply the batteries for electric vehicles on which Mitsubishi is working with the companies to develop a battery system to add a power control device and a collision safety mechanism to LG’s batteries. They will also produce a prototype vehicle that uses the developed battery system with a pilot project at the Nagoya factory.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation and GS Yuasa Corporation had formed an alliance back in 2007 to manufacture large capacity and high performance lithium-ion batteries for the i-MiEV.

However, LG Chem, which is already well established in the cell phone and notebook computer industries, has had a lot of success in supplying batteries to GM and Ford. A venture with Mitsubishi would mark the first time a Japanese automaker has produced electric cars incorporating lithium-ion batteries made overseas.

Around half of the European Union’s member states expect to surpass one, or more of the legal limits set for air pollutants in 2010, according to a report released by the European Environment Agency (EEA).

The new report reveals that eleven countries within the EU expect to exceed the ceiling level for NOx emissions-some by more than 40 per cent. 

The report reveals that the EU is struggling to control the levels of NOx emissions, a gas which is a key component in ground-level ozone and is blamed for a range of health problems including causing serious lung damage.

Of the four pollutants covered by the NEC Directive status which sets the legal limits, EU Member States have the greatest difficulty meeting the emission limits for nitrogen oxides. Only 16 expect to remain within their respective NO_x ceilings, with much of the blame being pointed at road transport- which contributed around 40 per cent of total EU-27 NO_x emissions in 2008.

Although overall emissions of NOx have decreased since 1990, the reduction has not always been as large as originally anticipated. This is partly because demand for diesel vehicles has grown, which on average produce much higher emissions of nitrogen oxide and sulphur than petrol equivalents. Vehicle emission standards too, especially those for diesel vehicles, have not always delivered the foreseen level of NO_x reductions.

Several Member States, including Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom, expect to exceed their respective NO_x ceilings by small margins (less than 5  per cent). In contrast, France and Spain expect to exceed their ceilings by 261 kilotonnes and 236 kilotonnes respectively — equivalent to surpluses of 32  per cent and 28  per cent.

Other countries, expecting lower surpluses in absolute terms, would exceed their limits by even larger margins, notably Austria (42 per cent), Belgium (43 per cent) and Ireland (47 per cent).

Electric cars hold greater promise for reducing emissions and lowering oil imports in the US than a national mandate for renewable energy, according to research conducted by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

The US government is currently considering plans to impose a national quota for renewable energy in a bid to cut the country’s oil use. But according to the major new study- released today as part of a two-day conference- this would have less effect than encouraging electric car use over gas-fuelled vehicles.

The Baker Institute analysis concludes that "the single most effective way to reduce US oil demand and foreign imports would be an aggressive campaign to launch electric vehicles into the automotive fleet." In fact, mandating that 30 per cent of all vehicles be electric by 2050 would both reduce US oil use by 2.5 million barrels a day and also cut emissions by 7 per cent. Meanwhile, the report found that the proposed national renewable portfolio standard (RPS) would cut them by only 4 per cent over the same time.

Moreover, the researchers found that other measures such as tax on carbon dioxide emissions or a market for credits for lower emissions would be more costly and would fail to impact on overseas oil imports in the short term.

The researchers also foresee natural gas -reinforced by recent discoveries of vast reserves of shale gas – playing "a very important role in the U.S. energy mix for decades to come."

Under a business-as-usual approach, the United States won’t have to import any natural gas for decades, the report finds. And the growth of the natural gas market would help the US cut emissions by lowering the demand for coal.

Volvo is taking part in an experiment to see if a typical family can cut their carbon footprint by more than 85 per cent-simply by switching to more sustainable housing, energy  and transport solutions.

A partnership between the Swedish car maker, house builder A-hus and energy supplier Vattenfall has lead to the creation of a new project called ‘One Tonne Life’ for which an ordinary Swedish family will be recruited to show to live in an energy-efficient A-hus house and drive the electric C30 for six-months.

The project aims to show how households can cut their CO₂ consumption from today’s global average rate of seven tonnes per person per year, to a more sustainable one tonne per person per year – the figure experts believe will minimise the human impact on long-term climate change.

Experts from Chelmer University will track their energy usage  of the experiment’s family to see how the new technology changes their habits and improves energy efficiency.

The house will feature state-of-the-art insulation and ventilation systems, plus solar power for hot water, heating and electric appliances. Meanwhile, energy supplier Vattenfall will contribute new technology to measure the family’s electricity consumption in real time.

The family’s Volvo C30 DRIVe Electric will, meanwhile, offer the same safety, comfort and interior space as a conventional petrol or diesel car, but emit no CO₂ at all as it is charged using renewable electricity. Powered by a lithium-ion battery that is recharged via a regular wall socket, a full charge takes about eight hours and gives a range of up to 90 miles.

Participation in the ‘One Tonne Life’ project, according to the carmaker, gives Volvo Cars the opportunity to study how the electric car fits in with a modern family’s lifestyle.

Paul Gustavsson, manager of electrification strategy at Volvo Cars, said: "We will draw immense benefit from the project in our on-going development of electric cars. We will get clear information about what we need to deliver so that buyers feel that a battery-powered car is attractive and cost-effective to drive and own."

The house is currently being constructed in Hasselby Villastad in the western parts of Stockholm and the hunt has begun for a family to move in from early 2011.

For more information about the challenge, visit the website at: www.onetonnelife.com.

Tuesday 28 September 2010. The Green Piece Column.

After months of anticipation, the biennial Paris Motor Show finally kicks off next week (October 2) in the Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles.

So what can green car enthusiasts expect from one of the most prestigious automotive shows in the world? We take a look at eight of the hottest new arrivals.

Citroen Lacoste

A brand new concept car designed by Citroen and Lacoste is understandably making its debut on French soil. The vehicle is a super-mini SUV deemed to be “very economical” with a 1.2litre petrol engine that emits less than 100g/km of carbon dioxide (CO2).

It is around 3.45m long making it around half a metre shorter than the Nissan Juke and it has been inspired by the 1970s Citroen Mehari and the 2007 Citroen C-Cactus.

Infiniti M35h Hybrid

Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti has turned up the style once again with the M35h Hybrid (see article). It includes an original parallel one motor/two clutch hybrid system with a 270Nm electric motor. The M35h Hybrid can race from 0-100km/h in less than 5.9seconds, boasts a top speed of 155mph and yet produces fuel economy at 32.2mpg with CO2 emissions of less than 170g/km.

Kia POP Electric Vehicle

Drawing style inspirations from the Kia Ray electric concept that made its debut at the New York Motor Show, the Kia POP (see article) is a new electric city concept car with space for three. It is three metres long making it half a metre shorter than Kia’s current shortest car, the Picanto. Not too much is known about its performance capabilities at this stage but its styling is certainly impressive and includes a panoramic glass roof that reveals a purple with chrome trim interior; LED lights; and the possibility of gull-wing doors.

Nissan Townpod

Even though its LEAF electric car is due to debut later this year, Nissan isn’t resting on its laurels as is clear from its plans to introduce the Nissan Townpod (see article). Information about the vehicle so far is sketchy with Nissan merely sending out a teaser showing its headlight and suggesting it “heralds a new era of flexible, stylish vehicles that will bring electric mobility to the masses” and that it’s “more than just a van”. Well they have us interested anyway…

Opel/Vauxhall GTC

Seen as a showcase of the “passionate side” of Opel/Vauxhall, the GTC Concept has been designed artistically with sweeping lines and is a three-door sporty hatch with a powerful 213kW/290hp 2.0litre turbo engine. So what does all this have to do with being green?

Well, we are assured that the GTC Concept also boasts a number of environmentally responsible features including start/stop technology.

Renault DeZir

You have to appreciate Renault’s devotion to electric cars with more concepts waiting in the wings than any other major car manufacturer. Not only does it have the Twizy, the Kangoo ZE, the Fluence and the Zoe but it now has the Renault DeZir (see article) an electric city concept car that features a 148hp mid-mounted electric motor; can travel from 0-60mph in just five seconds; and has a top speed of 112mph. The car will be a two-seat coupe featuring scissor doors and will have a range of around 99 miles.

Saab ePower

Having announced a joint venture with American Axle Manufacturing to develop electric and hybrid powertrains, Saab has now confirmed the introduction of its first electric concept vehicle since it was sold by General Motors. The Saab ePower (see article) is an electric family estate car with a range of 124miles and a top speed of 93mph.

Toyota FT-CH

The Toyota FT-CH (Future Toyota Compact Hybrid) appears to have been around for a while having made its first appearance at the North American International Motor Show back in January (see article), but the Paris Motor Show will actually mark its European debut. It is 22 inches shorter than the Prius with superior fuel economy and it is expected to be marketed at a cheaper price.

While these are the most exciting green concept cars that will be on display in Paris there will be a host of green production cars at the event too including the Range Rover Evoque with hybrid technology, the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Electric and the Honda Jazz Hybrid.

When an event with the stature and reputation of the Paris Motor Show is to be dominated by hybrid and electric cars it clearly shows the direction in which the motoring industry is headed – and that its future is green.

Faye Sunderland

Earlier this month we told you about Mercedes-Benz introducing fuel frugal engines for the CL and S-Class (see article) – and now we have learned of even more new introductions.

The new engine line-up will include the first four-cylinder engine in the history of the S-Class as well as a S250 BlueEFFICIENCY diesel.

The latter achieves fuel consumption of 41mpg with CO2 emissions at 149g/km. It has peak power output of 150kW with maximum torque of 500Nm and the ability to race from 0-100km/h in 8.2seconds while achieving a top speed of 149mph. 

Also arriving is an S350 BlueTEC with a V6 that develops an output of 190kW from a displacement of 2,987cc. The torque has increased by 15 per cent from 540 to 620Nm yet the fuel consumption has been reduced by 11 per cent with CO2 emissions at 177g/km – down from 199g/km. It can race from 0-100km/h in 7.1seconds with a top speed of 155mph.

In addition, two BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines have been added with fuel savings up to four per cent depending on the drive cycle.

Furthermore, an S350 BlueEFFICIENCY 3.5litre V6 engine offers the same displacement as the previous model but with increased output at 225kW and increased torque at 370Nm. Its fuel consumption falls 24 per cent to 31mpg with CO2 emissions cut from 234 to 177g/km. The S350 BlueEFFICIENCY can also accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h.

Finally, the S500 BlueEFFICIENCY is a V8 bi-turbo that generates 320kW with 15 per cent less displacement and around 12 per cent more output that its predecessor – torque also leaps by 32 per cent to 700Nm. Even with this considerable increase in power however, fuel consumption is reduced considerably to 25mpg with CO2 emissions at 219g/km. It can also sprint from 0-100km/h in five seconds with a top speed of 250km/h.

Both the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles have received a significant revision ahead of a 2011 re-launch. The crossover sport utility vehicle will feature a new, more powerful 3.5litre V6, which replaces the 3.3litre V6, but will also improve fuel economy.

The 2011 Highlander Hybrid has an estimated fuel economy of 28mpg city and 28mpg highway – up from 27mpg city and 25mpg highway. The hybrid system will pair the petrol V6 engine with a high torque electric drive motor generator for total system output of 280 net hp with a second rear-mounted motor providing automatic on-demand four-wheel drive traction.

The new Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Uniquely, the Highlander Hybrid generates its rear-wheel power with a separate electric motor for torque on demand. This means that the 4WD-I system does not need power transfer gearing or a driveshaft from the front.

The conventional engine Highlander meanwhile will be available in Base, SE and Limited grades in both two-wheel and full-time four-wheel drive. The 2.7litre engine offers an estimated 25mpg highway rating and produces 187hp of peak torque.

In addition, the vehicle comes with Toyota’s star safety system as standard. This integrates vehicle stability control with electric power steering, traction control, an anti-lock brake system, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution.

One of the biggest, figuratively and literally, debuts at the IAA 2010 in Hanover was the arrival of a 12-tonne LF45 parallel hybrid truck from DAF Trucks.

The vehicle, which will enter production at the end of this year, was developed in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology, Leyland Trucks Ltd and Eaton, and is the result of an extensive two-year field test looking at daily use with customers both in the UK and on the continent.

The DAF LF45 Hybrid.

It is fitted with a 4.5litre PACCAR FR diesel engine which complies with ultra-low EEV emission requirements without a soot filter. It produces a maximum power of 118kW/160hp with an electric motor installed between the clutch and the gearbox that is able to provide drive as well as functioning as a generator. Energy released during braking is stored for re-use through regenerative braking and depending on the degree of charge of the lithium-ion batteries a central computer will determine when the diesel engine needs to provide drive and when the electric motor is used.  The vehicle is also fitted with a start-stop system.

The DAF LF Hybrid also comes with a current transformer which is used to convert alternating current that is supplied by the generator into direct current for the batteries.

Initially, DAF will supply the vehicle in the UK, Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands and depending on its success it may be introduced to other markets.