Steam Whistle brewing, arguably Canada’s greenest brewery adds to their environmental commitment with a custom-built, earth-friendly vintage ride. RETRO ELECTRO, a 1958 Chevy Apache Pickup 1/2 ton short box with side step, retrofitted with a high-efficiency AC motor capable of generating 465 foot-pounds of torque, is on par with the power of any gas-guzzling muscle car; yet emissions-free as it is Bullfrogpowered® with 100 per cent BC wind power. This will be no coddled show car for the brewery, but a beer-hauling workhorse and daily ride for Steam Whistle’s resident manager, Mike Kiraly, the brains behind the Retro Electro project.

Although the electric motor means this wind-powered hot rod will cruise in silence, it’s sure to make a whole lot of noise with car enthusiasts, beer drinkers and supporters of the environment.

When Steam Whistle Brewing launched their iconic green-bottled Pilsner into BC in early 2009 and hired long-time Vancouver resident Mike Kiraly to head up sales, the brewery shipped him the pride of their vintage fleet, a 1957 Chevy pickup. And while Kiraly, himself a vintage car enthusiast, was proud of the brewery’s reputation for green manufacturing, he understood that older engines were blowing a lot of black smoke. “What if we could take a sexy vintage ride, save it from the metal scrap heap and outfit it with a zero tailpipe emissions engine. Old-school style combined with a modern conscience.” And so Retro Electro was born.

After joining VEVA (Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association) and educating himself on electric vehicle technology available to BC residents, Kiraly was able to convince Steam Whistle Brewing to invest in the idea. Kiraly’s first order was to find a vehicle to host his electric motor build out. From a note left on his windshield, Kiraly found the 1958 Chevy Apache pickup and had it barged over from Keats Island just across from Gibson’s on the sunshine coast. Next Kiraly assembled an all-star crew to help pioneer this
dream: Vern Bethel – a lower-mainland maestro of classic car restoration; Joe Mizsak – a gifted mechanic and rare car restorer who helped University of British Columbia’s Alternative Fuels Lab build the first natural-gas powered vehicle in BC; Lloyd Wagner known for kick-ass custom hot-rods was enlisted for bodywork and paint; and Trevor Stoker, the lead engineer at Azure Dynamics supplier of Retro Electro’s motor and controller, shared his astounding knowledge of electronics and vehicle engineering. Getting this custom electric hotrod running called for the talent of Greg Murray of Electric Autosports, known for his expertise in EV conversions. Alongside Greg was Robert Shaw, an early member of VEVA, and an Electrical Engineer who has helped with safety features of Retro Electro including the precharge circuit and isolating contactors. Randy Holmquist from Vancouver Island’s Canadian Electric Vehicles supplied battery management hardware. Colin Bayne from IWE Rear Ends Only helped build a limited slip differential with low gearing. Stefanie Goodrick of Sign Me Up Designs provided the final touch by exquisitely hand lettering Retro Electro, old school style.

Powering Retro Electro was the next concern. Since 2007, Steam Whistle Brewing has been greening its electricity requirements with 100% green power from Bullfrog Power, so an invitation to join the Retro Electro project was extended to this green energy provider. In BC, Bullfrog Power sources 100 per cent wind power from BC’s Bear Mountain Wind Park. Twenty-four lithium batteries offer a 150km driving range and an 8-hour recharge period with 220V/30A service. The Retro Electro launch is well timed with the City of Vancouver bylaw legislating Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in new housing and condo developments. “There is a wave of support for electric vehicles and I feel pretty lucky that I work for a company that cares about this stuff,” beams Mike Kiraly.

Click here to view the embedded video.

About Steam Whistle
Steam Whistle, an independent brewery housed in Toronto’s historic John St. Roundhouse, has a passionate focus on making just one beer of exceptional quality that Canadians can be proud of. They brew their refreshing Pilsner with traditional brewing methods and only four, natural (GMO-free) ingredients. Steam Whistle Pilsner is packaged in signature green glass bottles, cans and draught and is shipped fresh across Ontario, Alberta and BC to Beer and Liquor Stores as well as licensed bars & restaurants.
Steam Whistle has a reputation as a green manufacturer, the only Canadian previously named by bloggers in the list of North America’s greenest breweries, recognized in 2009 at the Green Toronto Awards for its energy conservation and use of alternative energy forms, and in 2010 as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for its culture of environmental awareness and exceptional earth-friendly initiatives.

Pricing Comparable to Standard Sedans

The Tesla Model S is a four-door luxury sedan that is expected to retail at around $50,000. That puts it right in the mid-range for luxury sedans, even before customers can take advantage of the tax break that goes along with purchasing an electric car. The Model S is still in the later phases of testing, but Tesla plans to release 20,000 models by next year. With a design that has been compared to high end sedans from Jaguar and BMW, the Model S is the furthest thing possible from the compact electric cars that have been released by Chevrolet and Nissan.

Electric Sedan Offers Three Battery Lengths

Customers can choose from three different batteries for their Model S. The low end offers 160 miles per charge. Mid range is a 220 mile option, with the high end at 300 miles per charge. The automaker has not released a pricing scale that reflects the different mileage options yet. The $50,000 price tag is for the 160 mile battery and other standard package features. All of the batteries are capable of being recharged in as little as 4 hours using the charging cable that is included with the purchase of the vehicle. A 45 minute quick charge option can be used when you need a quick top off of energy.

High Tech Interior

The dashboard of the Model S looks straight out of a science fiction movie. A comfortable 17″ touch screen control panel allows you to control the stereo, the GPS navigation system, and the temperature controls. Every Model S comes equipped with satellite radio and 3G wireless internet as a standard feature. The touch screen is fully internet capable. To underscore the environmentally friendly message of this electric car, the seats are upholstered in chrome-free Italian leather and the carpeting is made entirely from 100% recycled materials. The Tesla offers ample room, with seating for five adults and two extra rear-facing seats in the back.

Zero Emissions with Zero Sacrifice

Although you will be driving one of the greenest cars on the market, you will feel like you are driving any standard luxury sedan. The sedan can go from 0 to 60 mph in just under 6 seconds, and tops out at speeds of 120 mph. Drivers will have to become accustomed to the unique single speed transmission, but it shouldn’t take very long in this comfortable green machine. The money you save on gasoline will also make it easy to enjoy the luxury of the Tesla Model S.

Jessica Bosari writes for Car Insurance Quotes Comparison, a site that seeks to educate consumers about cars and help them compare car insurance.

These are the first of 350 vehicles to be shipped this week.

“Today is a historic milestone for Chevrolet,” said Tony DiSalle, Volt marketing director. “We have redefined automotive transportation with the Volt, and soon the first customers will be able to experience gas-free commuting with the freedom to take an extended trip whenever or wherever they want.”

The heart of the Volt is its Voltec electric propulsion system, which combines battery-only electric driving with an efficient, gas-powered engine giving the Volt up to 379 total miles of driving before having to recharge the battery or fill up the small gas tank. The Volt is the only mass produced U.S.-built electric vehicle.

Earlier this year, Chevrolet shipped 15 pre-production Volts to technology enthusiasts and electric vehicle advocates whom were the first consumers to experience the Volt every day under real-world conditions during a 90-day vehicle and charging evaluation program.

MotorTrend, Automobile and Green Car Journal each recently selected the Volt as their Car of the Year.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers “gas-friendly” solutions, such as Chevrolet Cruze Eco with an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon highway, and the Chevrolet Volt offering 35 miles of electric driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

A total of 12 vehicles (7 on press days) will be displayed at its stand in Hall 3, including:

* The recently introduced ASX (RVR in Japan) compact crossover equipped with MMC’s all-new “low impact” 4N13 diesel engine,

* The Lancer Sportback (Galant Fortis Sportback in Japan) now featuring the same 150 ps 1.8 DiD engine,

* The new Outlander 2.2 DiD mid-size crossover, whose 177 ps unit is a further derivative (4N14) of this same family of innovative diesel powerplants.

Concerning the European-spec i-MiEV, MMC plans to successively roll it out from December of this year in 14 countries*1 including France, the United Kingdom, Germany and further expand the European rollout from fiscal year 2011.

The price*2 of the European-spec i-MiEV will differ by country but will be set to around €33,000 – €35,000 (or equivalent) so that the final cost to the customer after government incentives (where applicable) remains under €30,000 (or equivalent) in a majority of the countries it is to be sold in.

*1 Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
*2 The price includes car and batteries

Compared with the Japanese market version, the European-spec i-MiEV includes specific features such as:

* new design to the front and rear bumpers to meet EU regulations,

* re-arranged center stack in the instrument panel,

* improved interior comfort.

Furthermore, safety – both active & passive – has been improved with the addition of Active Stability Control (ASC), as well as side and curtain airbags, all standard equipment.

To celebrate 40 years of electric development at Mitsubishi Motors, a further display in Hall 8 will present the 1989 Mitsubishi Minicab EV for the first time in Europe, as part of “The Incredible Collection” heritage show.

For more information on the i-MiEV, please access www.new-imiev.com.

BMW has released the sketches of its new electric car, the BMW Megacity. The BMW Megacity vehicle will be sold in the market around 2013. This EV will be a class apart as it will offer performance, comfort, style and luxury never seen in an electric car before.

Currently, the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt (other than its pricing) is getting the spotlight on the green car category and 3 years from now, there will be no doubt that the German rival will create a position for itself. But according to sources, BMW is planning on creating a new brand for its electric vehicles.

The Megacity will come with 100KW electric moter producing around 150 bhp which will be powered by a 35kWh lithium ion battery. On the aspects of engine and power, the BMW Megacity is proving to be impressive. With specs like these, the consumers will be willing to buy EVs instead of a fuel burning vehicle.

“In the future, leadership in the premium segment will belong to whichever manufacturer builds its products in the most efficient and resource-friendly way – and offers its customers the most advanced and exciting solutions for eco-friendly personal mobility. The BMW Group will continue this pioneering role in the future too.” says Martin Arlt, head of Project i.

This rear wheel drive vehicle is estimated to have a top speed of 95 mph (153 kmph) with a range of 100 miles (161 Km). On the same project BMW plans to develop 2 other vehicles which will come later in the decade.

Press release available at bmwblog.com

That means fleet buyers, unlike individual consumers, don’t have to wait to see when — or whether — a fueling infrastructure appears. Also, fleet managers are under pressure to cut their carbon footprint and fuel costs.

Fleets offer a sharp contrast to the retail market, where automakers selling green vehicles must overcome serious obstacles, such as enormous fueling infrastructure needs and ingrained consumer habits.

In a second story, Automotive News Contributor David Sedgwick reports that Tony Brown, Ford Motor Co.’s purchasing chief, is splitting duties of his top two lieutenants so as to provide “a single point of contact” for suppliers.

Birgit Behrendt has been appointed executive director of Ford’s global programs and Americas purchasing. Burt Jordan has been named executive director of global vehicle and powertrain purchasing. Both report directly to Brown; their assignments took effect July 1.

Brown, 54, said the reorganization will simplify his purchasing operation, which should be a plus for suppliers. “It will be easier for suppliers to communicate with us because it will be clearer who is responsible for what,” Brown told Automotive News. Suppliers, he said, “will have a single point of contact.”

ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE NEWS
Based in Detroit and owned by Crain Communications Inc, Automotive News has been the place for all the news that is happening among automotive retailers, suppliers and manufacturers since 1925. In addition to the 100% paid weekly print issue that is received by 65,000 subscribers, autonews.com is a vibrant Web site with more than three million page views monthly. It contains the day’s breaking news and features two daily newscasts and webinars. Daily and weekly e-mails and breaking news alerts keep the industry’s top executives up-to-date.

The Maryland legislation includes two important consumer incentives:

1) Access for plug-in electric vehicles to high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of the number of passengers. This legislation will take effect October 1, 2010 and last for three years.

2) A $2,000 excise motor vehicle tax credit for the purchase of a plug-in electric vehicle. Consumer’s will be able to take advantage of this incentive at the point of sale and can combine the $2,000 with an existing $7,500 federal tax credit. The tax credit applies to vehicles titled in Maryland between October 1, 2010 through July 1, 2013.

“This important tax credit not only helps promote the use of cleaner, more energy efficient vehicles throughout our State to help our environment, but it’s an important economic development tool as well,” said Governor O’Malley. “We’ve set a bold goal of creating 100,000 new green jobs over the next several years, and investments like this new electric vehicle tax credit helps us build towards that green infrastructure that GM and others are leading the way on in Maryland.”

“Consumer incentives such as access to HOV lanes and tax credits make a real difference in the market place and can drive consumers to adopt new technologies,” said Tom Stephens, Vice Chairman, GM Global Product Operations. “GM commends Governor O’Malley and the state of Maryland for recognizing the important role these new vehicle technologies and the Chevrolet Volt will play in addressing the energy and climate priorities of the state and our country.”

The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended range capability that can be a family’s primary car. The Volt is designed to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted, an engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range if there is no access to an electrical outlet to recharge the battery, providing peace of mind to the consumer.

The Washington D.C. metro market is one of three key markets – along with California and Michigan – where Chevrolet will begin selling the Volt. Each market has progressive local and state government leaders and utility partners. Volt production begins later this year.

About General Motors: General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, tracing its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 217,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, FAW, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan LEAF electric vehicle, which becomes available for purchase or lease at Nissan dealers in select markets in December and nationwide in 2011. Nissan will begin taking consumer reservations for the Nissan LEAF April 20.

Including the $7,500 federal tax credit for which the Nissan LEAF will be fully eligible, the consumer’s after-tax net value of the vehicle will be $25,280. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price *(MSRP) for the 2011 all-electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF is $32,780, which includes three years of roadside assistance. Additionally, there is an array of state and local incentives that may further defray the costs and increase the benefits of owning and charging a Nissan LEAF – such as a $5,000 statewide tax rebate in California; a $5,000 tax credit in Georgia; a $1,500 tax credit in Oregon; and carpool-lane access in some states, including California.

As a result of aggressive pricing and the availability of the $7,500 federal tax credit whose benefit is immediately included, Nissan will be able to offer a monthly lease payment beginning at $349, not including state or local incentives, which could further reduce the net cost of the Nissan LEAF.

“Imagine the possibility of never needing to go to a gas station again. Or of paying less than $3 for 100 miles behind the wheel. Or of creating zero emissions while driving,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. “Nissan leads the industry by offering the first affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the mass market. Nissan LEAF truly is in a class by itself.”

The vehicle at the SV trim level is well-equipped with a variety of standard features, including an advanced navigation system and Internet/smart phone connectivity to the vehicle, enabling pre-heat/pre-cool and charging control. Nissan LEAF is equipped with energy-efficient LED headlights and makes extensive use of recycled and recyclable materials, such as seat fabric, instrument panel materials, and front- and rear-bumper fascias. Other standard amenities include Bluetooth connectivity; Intelligent-key with push button start; Sirius/XM satellite radio capabilities and roadside assistance. Safety features include vehicle dynamic control (stability control), traction control and six airbags. The SL trim level, available for an additional $940 (MSRP), adds features including rearview monitor, solar panel spoiler, fog lights, and automatic headlights.

Reservations and Purchase
In order to ensure a one-stop-shop customer experience, Nissan is carefully managing the purchase process from the first step, when consumers sign up on NissanUSA.com, until the customer takes the Nissan LEAF home and plugs it into a personal charging dock.

* Nissan begins accepting reservations on April 20 first from people who have signed up on NissanUSA.com, and, after a brief introductory period, to all interested consumers.

* Consumers will be required to pay a $99 reservation fee, which is fully refundable.

* Reserving a Nissan LEAF ensures consumers a place in line when Nissan begins taking firm orders in August, as well as access to special, upcoming Nissan LEAF events.

* Rollout to select markets begins in December, with nationwide availability in 2011.

Charging Equipment
In tandem with the purchase process, Nissan will offer personal charging docks, which operate on a 220-volt supply, as well as their installation. Nissan is providing these home-charging stations, which will be built and installed by AeroVironment, as part of a one-stop-shop process that includes a home assessment.

* The average cost for the charging dock plus installation will be $2,200.

* Charging dock and installation are eligible for a 50 percent federal tax credit up to $2,000.

* Using current national electricity averages, Nissan LEAF will cost less than $3 to “fill up.”

* Nissan LEAF also will be the sole vehicle available as part of The EV Project, which is led by EV infrastructure provider eTec, a division of ECOtality, and will provide free home-charging stations and installation for up to 4,700 Nissan LEAF owners in those markets.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.NissanUsa.com.

MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.

SEAT is delivering a powerful statement with a compact sports coupé that carries stunning design and great driving fun into the age of electric mobility. The SEAT IBE concept car uses the zero-emissions drive of the future in a sporty and dynamic concept for urban mobility, while the clean, athletic styling of the IBE concept offers an exciting perspective on the ongoing development of the next generation of SEAT design. Powerful proportions and a precise, clear design language define the continued evolution of the Spanish brand’s design DNA.

Short, low and wide, an extremely low front end and broad shoulders – at first glance, the SEAT IBE displays the proportions of a classic sports car. Yet, it interprets this style genre in an innovative and unique manner – in a compact vehicle optimised for youthful living in urban areas.

“With the IBE, we are demonstrating that, for SEAT, electric mobility will always be combined with excellent design and outstanding driving fun,” says James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. “The IBE is in the best SEAT tradition of always offering the boldest and most youthful cars in its class. On top of that, our first electric concept car represents the continuation of our strategy for the future; after the huge success of the highly efficient ECOMOTIVE models, we are now working intensively on electric mobility; and that includes plug-in hybrid drive, as well as an all-electric vehicle.”

The design

The IBE concept car delivers an enticing perspective on the ongoing development of SEAT design. The pure forms, the precise lines and the exact surfaces depict a consistent and unique design language that clearly sustains the SEAT identity in all its modernity. “The IBE is like a concentrated gene pool for our next generation of vehicles. It will have a clear impact on all our models.” says SEAT Chief Designer Luc Donckerwolke. “And it also represents a promise for the future of the automobile – even with electric drive, design will still be exciting and driving will still be fun; at least, in a SEAT.”

The SEAT IBE is 3.78 metres long – making it more than 25 centimetres shorter than an Ibiza – but its unusual breadth of 1.80 metres and overall height of only 122 centimetres lend it classic sports car proportions. Another classically sporty feature of the two-door layout is its extremely low bonnet and its long roof line. The short front overhang and muscular rear end with almost no overhang work together with the 19-inch wheels to underscore the car’s powerful and compact look.

The front end is characterised by full-LED headlamps that are as sophisticated in their design as they are distinctive. They bear the characteristic V typical of SEAT’s so-called “arrow design”. The entire front end takes a powerful V form that then carries on through the bonnet. The two air intakes in the lower bumper section are ample for the relatively low cooling requirements of the electric drive. The SEAT logo is located on a trapezoidal functional surface. The alternative drive enables an extremely high degree of consistency in the design – because the compact electric motor and its power electronics require less packaging space, it was possible to stretch the V-shaped bonnet a lot flatter across the front end than would have been possible with an internal combustion engine.

The side profile of the IBE emphasises its powerful stature – its broad shoulders, its sculpted flanks with a distinctive cut-in behind the front wheel, and the large wheels featuring an aerodynamically optimised five-spoke design all serve to underscore the dynamic look. The tires, on the other hand, with their 175 format, are far from extreme – with their low rolling resistance, they contribute to the high efficiency of the electric concept car. The roofline stretches rearwards, with the side glass surfaces kept low.

The rear end picks up the characteristic form of the front and reinterprets it. The rear light clusters featuring LED light guide technology once again display the “arrow” thematic with a hint of a diffuser beneath the rear bumper area reflecting the visual of the front air intakes. The entire vehicle is completely free from ornamentation – good design needs no decor. Every single line has its function in structuring the volumes and surfaces of the car; every muscle emerging from the form emphasises the sporty design. The reduction of forms, their consistent application and the precision in every detail are fixed elements of the SEAT design philosophy – and will be even more evident in future.

The concept

With its manageable dimensions, its agility and dynamics, the SEAT IBE is the perfect fit for city streets. Tightly cut as a 2+2-seater, it is conceived for youthful lifestyles. It has plenty of space for a couple, while also offering capacity for four. The long roofline ensures good interior headroom, while still retaining space for luggage or leisure equipment.

“SEAT has set itself the challenge to develop new concepts for new mobility demands in large cities,” says Frank Bekemeier, who is Executive Vice President for Research and Development at SEAT. “The IBE is a zero-emissions vehicle, which is becoming increasingly important in many areas, and is optimised for future information systems. With its compact dimensions, its great manoeuvrability and high degree of usability, it is the perfect fit for the multi-faceted demands of a young target group.”

The SEAT IBE is an all-electric vehicle that generates zero local emissions. The drive motor is located together with the power electronics beneath the extremely flat bonnet, with the lithium-ion battery positioned in the car’s very short rear. With a maximum output of 75 kW (102 hp) and 200 Nm of torque, the power unit delivers exactly the kind of dynamic driving fun suggested by the exterior styling. The city dash from 0 to 50 km/h takes only 3.4 seconds; within 6.3 seconds, the IBE has reached 80 km/h, and after only 9.4 seconds it arrives at 100 km/h. This impressive performance is a function not only of the powerful off-the-line characteristics of the electric motor, but also the low weight of the SEAT IBE, which tips the scales at only 1,000 kilograms.

The continuous power rating it limited to 50 kW (68 hp), with the top speed pegged at 160 km/h – which is more than enough to cut an impressive figure even on urban motorways. Battery capacity is 18 kWh, which is plenty to cover all the daily mobility requirements of city life. It goes without saying that the SEAT IBE is equipped with the latest safety and communication systems and, in particular, is prepared for car-to-x communication. Within the information network of the future, the SEAT IBE exchanges data concerning status or safety alerts directly with other vehicles or the traffic infrastructure.

The expertise

SEAT is a vehicle manufacturer with a particularly high degree of expertise in environmentally friendly technologies. Recent years have seen fuel consumption systematically reduced across the individual model ranges, with SEAT ECOMOTIVE emerging to enjoying enormous success on the market as a brand for exceptionally high-efficiency vehicles. The pinnacle is the Ibiza ECOMOTIVE, which, despite its powerful 59 kW (80 hp) output consumes only 3.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and emits only 98 grams of CO2 per kilometre. SEAT continues to expand the ECOMOTIVE range, with the Leon, Altea, Altea XL and Alhambra also set to receive exceptionally low-consumption TDI variants.

The next step in the SEAT strategy is the Leon Twin Drive ECOMOTIVE. Its drive is derived from a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Yet it is far more than a conventional hybrid; it is a plug-in vehicle. Its lithium-ion battery can be charged at a regular electrical socket and has a range fully-charged of around 50 kilometres. For longer trips, the internal combustion engine takes over. The first series production version of the Leon Twin Drive ECOMOTIVE is planned for 2014.

The development target is the all-electric vehicle, with the SEAT IBE concept car serving as a taster. At the same time, the IBE marks the start of a targeted project for the promotion and development of electric mobility in Spain. The Cenit VERDE initiative brings together the capabilities of 16 leading technology companies and 16 leading universities and research establishments.

With its expertise in research, development and production, SEAT has taken over the industrial leadership of this project. Support by the Spanish Ministry for Science and Innovation (CDTI), the company will explore, develop and establish the fundamental requirements for electric mobility. The objective is to explore technologies for the production of electric vehicles in Spain and for the establishment of the associated infrastructure.

“This project is very important for Spain, for its technological development, its future perspectives and its industrial network,” says Frank Bekemeier, SEAT Executive Vice President for Research and Development. “The initiative is one of the most ambitious challenges faced by this country. With the SEAT IBE concept car, we are providing this process with very clear impetus.”

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A, Inc., today unveiled the FT-CH dedicated hybrid concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The FT-CH is a concept that would address Toyota’s stated strategy to offer a wider variety of conventional hybrid choices to its customers, as it begins to introduce plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and battery electrics (BEVs) in model year 2012, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCHVs) in 2015 in global markets.

“Within the next 10 to 20 years, we will not only reach peak oil we will enter a period where demand for all liquid fuels will exceed supply,” said Jim Lentz, TMS president. “A century after the invention of the automobile, we must re-invent it with powertrains that significantly reduce or eliminate the use of conventional petroleum fuels. One of many alternatives is through what is commonly called the electrification of the automobile. By far, the single most successful example of this has been the gas-electric hybrid.”

The CH stands for compact hybrid as in compact class and it’s a concept that can best be defined by comparing it with the mid-size class Prius. The FT-CH captures the spirit and functionality of a car that thrives in the inner-city environment; sized right to be nimble, responsive and maneuverable.

“It’s a package Toyota dealers and customers have been asking for,” added Lentz.

The FT-CH was styled at Toyota’s European Design and Development (ED²) center in Nice, France. Compared to Prius, it is 22 inches shorter in overall length, yet loses less than an inch in overall width. In spite of its compact external dimensions, FT-CH was designed for maximum passenger comfort and interior roominess, with an imaginative sense of style.

ED² designers looked to capture the vivid, high-energy appeal of what has come to be called the 8-bit generation. Popularized in the early 80’s, 8-bit microprocessor technology dominated the budding home video game industry. Today, 8-bit is considered a specific retro-style that is embraced by such things as 8-bit genre music and 8-bit inspired art.

The direct reference to the 8-bit generation is meant to be fun and innovative, colorful and stylish, with strong appeal to young buyers. Lighter in weight and even more fuel efficient than Prius, the concept specifically targets a lower price point than Prius, thus appealing to a younger, less-affluent buyer demographic.

Pointing to how Prius has become a universal icon for hybrid technology, Lentz confirmed that TMS is developing a Prius family “marketing strategy” for North America that will take full advantage of the Prius brand equity.

“The strategy is still taking shape and obviously it will require additional models to qualify as a family,” said Lentz. “Among others, the FT-CH is a concept that we are considering.”

In the early 2010s, Toyota plans to sell a million hybrids per year globally, a majority of those in North America. To accomplish this, Toyota will launch eight all new hybrid models over the next few years. These will not include next generation versions of current hybrids; instead, they will be all new dedicated hybrid vehicles, or all new hybrid versions of existing gas engine models.

The heart of hybrid technology is its battery. Since the early 90’s, during the early stages of first-generation Prius development, Toyota has been committed to in-house R&D of advanced nickel-metal hydride batteries. Through three generations
of Prius and a total of seven full-hybrid models, it has systematically reduced size, weight and cost while improving energy density, quality and reliability.

Toyota’s joint venture partnership with Panasonic has been a key element of its success in the advancement of hybrid technology. Later this year, Panasonic EV Energy (PEVE) will have three separate, fully operational production facilities with a combined capacity of more than one million units per year.

Moving the promise of electrification one step further, Toyota recently kicked off its global demonstration program involving approximately 600 Prius plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Beginning early this year, 150 PHVs will begin to arrive in the U.S. where they will be placed in regional clusters with select partners for market/consumer analysis and technical demonstration.

The Prius PHV introduces Toyota’s first generation lithium-ion drive battery. When fully charged, the vehicle is targeted to achieve a maximum electric-only range of about 13 miles and capable of achieving highway speeds of more than 60 mph in electric-only mode. For longer distances, the Prius PHV reverts to “hybrid mode” and operates like a regular Prius. This ability to utilize all-electric power for short trips or hybrid power for longer drives alleviates the issue of limited cruising range encountered with pure-electric vehicles.

All program vehicles will be equipped with data retrieval/communication devices which will monitor activities such as: how often the vehicle is charged and when, whether the batteries are depleted or being topped-off during charging, trip duration and all-electric driving range, combined mpg and so on.

As it becomes available, data from the program vehicles will be posted to a dedicated Web site. This in use, readily available data will help consumers understand how the vehicles are being used and how they’re performing.

Toyota believes this demonstration program is a necessary next step in societal preparation in that it allows Toyota the unique opportunity to inform, educate and prepare customers for the electrification of the automobile in general and the introduction of plug-in hybrid technology.

Toyota is moving quickly with the development of PHV technology well beyond this demonstration program. Advanced battery R&D programs with nickel-metal, lithium-ion and “beyond lithium” are underway for a wide variety of applications in conventional hybrids, PHVs, BEVs and FCHVs.

In the early 1990s, Toyota began R&D on building a practical and affordable hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. FCHV technical advancements have moved at a rapid pace. Engineers have made great strides in cost reduction targets in both materials and manufacturing and Toyota is committed to bringing hydrogen fuel cells to global markets in 2015.

Toyota’s latest model, the Toyota FCHV-advanced began its own national demonstration program late last year. Over the course of the three year program, more than 100 vehicles will be placed in an effort to demonstrate the technology’s performance, reliability and practicality in everyday use.

Recently field tested in southern California by two national laboratories at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy, the FCHV-advanced confirmed an estimated single-tank fuel range of 431 miles. In combined city and highway driving from Santa Monica to San Diego the FCHV-adv logged an estimated 68 miles per kilogram of hydrogen, the rough equivalent of 68 miles per gallon. That range is equivalent to a Highlander hybrid at more than double the MPG with zero emissions other than water vapor.

In 1997, Toyota introduced the RAV4 EV battery electric vehicle in California. 1,484 of these 100 mile range large-battery electric vehicles were either sold or leased over the course of the program. Nearly half are still on the road.

Shortly thereafter, Toyota started a modest demonstration program with a small- battery electric urban commuter vehicle, called the e-com. This concept addressed the idea of the “on-demand” city station car similar to the Zip-car business model that is becoming popular in large urban areas. Although shorter in range, the e-com program addressed a specific mobility niche at a much more affordable price than the RAV4 EV.

The RAV4 EV and e-com programs were short lived due to lack of commitment from the market; the consumer and the consumer’s environmental mind set were not ready to commit to battery electric vehicles at that time. Recent increased awareness of environmental issues and the benefits of advanced technology vehicles have reinvigorated an interest in the electric vehicle market. As a result, Toyota will bring a small, urban commuter lithium-ion BEV to market in model year 2012.

Battery technology has progressed significantly in the time since the RAV4 EV and e-com programs. But major challenges still remain. The cost of lithium-ion batteries needs to be reduced significantly, or a more affordable alternative developed.

Like hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, battery electrics will require the creation of infrastructure for recharging on the go. This issue of range is also a challenge to overcome. Even at 100 miles, BEVs as a primary mode of transportation do not yet offer what most consumers see as true mobility.

Toyota believes these are hurdles that will be cleared. For the last decade its focus has been to concentrate on a comprehensive advanced technology strategy including BEVs, PHVs, and FCHVs. Common to all three is the move to electrification, the full commitment to advanced battery technology and how lessons learned from conventional hybrid R&D have given Toyota a leg-up on all three.