Tuesday 5 October 2010. The Green Piece Column.
The Paris Motor Show has been a spectacular showcase of incredible green car concepts as we looked at last week (see article). However, even the cars on display at this event may soon be outdated thanks to a host of new innovations that could shape the way we drive in the future.
In the last few weeks alone, numerous green car innovation companies have unveiled new technologies that could help boost the performance of green vehicles while driving down emissions and fuel consumption. Here we take a closer look at some of the latest developments:
Smart-Grid Compatible Electric Vehicle Charger
From General Electric, the GE WattStation electric vehicle charger is designed to help accelerate the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles by decreasing vehicle charging times.
The WattStation decreases average charging times from 12-18 hours down to just four-eight hours compared to standard level one, assuming a full-cycle charge for a 24kWh battery. It will be globally available from 2011 at a price between $1,000 and $1,500 a unit with GE also providing a network of certified electricians in the US to assist with installation.
Solar Energy Storage Battery Swap System
Debuting at the Paris Motor Show, AllCell Technologies revealed a solar energy storage system designed to support light electric vehicle charging and battery swapping.
The idea is that the energy storage system stores solar energy in an array of 12 swappable high energy lithium-ion battery modules with electric scooter and electric vehicle drivers then able to swap their depleted AllCell battery modules in favour of a fully charged battery, or charge the vehicle directly through power plugs that are located on the front panel. Known as the Matra Solar Flow-R it also uses new and recycled battery modules helping to extend the life of the battery packs and improve economics for the consumer.
Automatic wireless charging for electric vehicles
Imagine parking your electric vehicle over a “hotspot” in your garage or a parking space and then have it be charged automatically without needing any wires. That’s the idea behind Delphi Automotive and WiTricity’s new wireless energy transfer technology provider (see article).
The technology is based on sharply resonant strong coupling and can see power transferred efficiently even when the distances between the power source and the capture device are several times the size of the devices themselves. The charging system can already transfer more than 3,300Watts meaning it can fully charge an electric vehicle at the same rate as most residential plug-in chargers.
Plug-in hybrid pick-up concept
Introduced at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover, the DualX drivetrain is the result of an extensive study into plug-in hybrid technology.
It comprises a 70kW electric motor combined with a turbocharged 1.2litre spark-ignited combustion engine that serves as both a range and performance extender. It enables a top speed of 81mph as well as a total operating range of more than 186miles with an electric range of 55miles. The engine and the motor act autonomously, with the e-motor driving the rear axle while the four-cylinder combustion drives the front wheels either alternately or simultaneously. Drivers can then choose between eco-mode for electric operation in the inner-city; 4range for low fuel consumption; and 4dynamic for maximum acceleration and driving pleasure.
The premier at the IAA show was said to be the completion of phase one of the project with two more phases to follow.
Triple header of new technologies
Honeywell Turbo Technologies has been ultra busy at the Paris Motor Show where it took the opportunity to introduce three new technologies.
The first is a ball-bearing technology attached to the Mercedes Benz S350 BlueTec. It reduces friction losses, which in turn enables improvements in fuel economy, emissions and overall performance. Ball-bearing technology was originally developed for racing back in 1986 but then applied to commercial turbo engines in 1994.
Also debuting was a two-stage parallel turbocharger attached to a Range Rover LR-TDV8. It sees two turbochargers combined in a parallel architecture and results in best-in-class vehicle transient dynamics while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. According to Range Rover, its new 4.4litre V8 diesel engine shows vast improvements on the 3.6l turbo diesel model with a 19 per cent improvement in fuel economy and a 14 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.
Finally, Honeywell also introduced a petrol turbo engine at the event which manages to help improve combined fuel economy in a Mercedes model by 22 per cent.
Our verdict – Exciting times for the motoring industry
Anyone who stays tuned to our news section knows all about the emphasis on hybrid and electric cars at the Paris Motor Show. However, what these latest green innovations suggest is that we’re only scratching the surface of what can be achieved.
With larger investments being made into producing more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, the motoring industry appears on track to meet emission targets while ensuring that the likes of you and I can make the green switch without losing the comforts to which we have grown accustomed.
Faye Sunderland.
