http://gm-volt.com/forum Chevy Volt Forum en Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:06:01 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.gm-volt.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://gm-volt.com/forum http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3662&goto=newpost Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:08:47 GMT DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler has disbanded a team of engineers dedicated to rushing a range of electric vehicles to showrooms and dropped ambitious... DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler has disbanded a team of engineers dedicated to rushing a range of electric vehicles to showrooms and dropped ambitious sales targets for battery-powered cars set as it was sliding toward bankruptcy and seeking government aid.
The move by Fiat SpA marks a major reversal for Chrysler, which had used its electric car program as part of the case for a $12.5 billion federal aid package.
As late as August, Chrysler took $70 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a test fleet of 220 hybrid pickup trucks and minivans, vehicles now scrapped in the sweeping turnaround plan for Chrysler announced this week by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.
Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa said on Friday that an in-house team of electric car development engineers had been disbanded in favor of a more traditional organization.

http://www.reuters.com/article/wtUSI...dChannel=11604 ]]> Electric Car Competitors Texas http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3662 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3661&goto=newpost Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:31:11 GMT First Solar buys 117 MW project from solar startup Ausra: _Link_ (http://www.reuters.com/article/mergersNews/idUSN046821420091105) Given that water... First Solar buys 117 MW project from solar startup Ausra:

Link

Given that water is now a recognized strategic commodity, it makes sense that thin film is used for energy creation, and concentrated solar thermal steam generation is used only when steam is essential to the given process, as steam is used in countless agricultural and industrial applications. ]]> Environmental Issues Jason M. Hendler http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3661 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3660&goto=newpost Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:14:06 GMT True believers swamp Fisker opening _Link_ (http://www.autonews.com/article/20091106/ANA05/911069996/1137) Can you imagine what the roll-out of the... True believers swamp Fisker opening

Link

Can you imagine what the roll-out of the Chevy Volt will be like? ]]> Electric Car Competitors Jason M. Hendler http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3660 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3659&goto=newpost Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:04:15 GMT Zero Motorcycles Announces Consumer Financing: _Link_ (http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/1037942_zero-motorcycles-announces-consumer-financing) Zero Motorcycles Announces Consumer Financing:

Link ]]> Electric Car Competitors Jason M. Hendler http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3659 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3657&goto=newpost Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:54:57 GMT From the Seattle Times:

"STEWART Brand, author of "The Whole Earth Catalog," visited Seattle last week, promoting his latest environmental manifesto and surprising more than a few members of the audience with his ideas about tackling our energy and climate crises.

In sum, while judging that solar and wind power are part of the mix of renewable energy sources required to sustain world living standards, Brand flatly asserts that we must rapidly deploy nuclear power plants to meet both environmental end energy goals."

Every now and then I run across a fine piece of raw meat to throw in Texas' cage, lol.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...st06alben.html ]]> Environmental Issues misslexi http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3657 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3656&goto=newpost Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:32:02 GMT Der Spiegel reports that Lutz is going to head up Opel: Spiegel Online(link)... Der Spiegel reports that Lutz is going to head up Opel:

Spiegel Online(link)

At least, I think that's what it says. My command of German isn't what it once was. ]]> News dagwood55 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3656 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3655&goto=newpost Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:07:23 GMT I conduct a real-world fuel economy survey (http://www.truedelta.com/fuel_economy.php), and will want to adapt it for electric and range-extended... I conduct a real-world fuel economy survey, and will want to adapt it for electric and range-extended vehicles.

The problem is that I've been assuming that people will not know how much electricity they put into their cars, just like they have no idea how much goes into their refrigerator.

But is this actually not the case? Do any of the home chargers include a meter? ]]> Charging Infrastructure mkaresh http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3655 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3654&goto=newpost Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:14:47 GMT A HHSE is a cross between using a lower efficiency but more functional serial hybrid drivetrain for city driving and using a mechanical drivetrain to... A HHSE is a cross between using a lower efficiency but more functional serial hybrid drivetrain for city driving and using a mechanical drivetrain to achieve efficient highway driving.

By using this type of system the drivetrain gains all of the advantages of a serial system including the elimination of a complicated mechanical transmission and associated losses while retaining the very efficient mechanical connection of the ICE and motors for highway driving.

Both the electric drive motors and the ICE are mechanically engaged during charge sustaining mode to cut out the losses from the generator conversion cycle.

Only a simple electronically controlled clutch is needed to engage and disengage the mechanical connection. Only when the vehicle has achieved a speed that falls within the operating range of the ICE and final gearing does the electronic clutch initiate the connection.

A computer control system balances the use of the generator, ICE, drive motors, mechanical transmission and the electronic clutch to achieve the best drive efficiency throughout all speed and load conditions. ]]> Electric Car Competitors Texas http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3654 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3653&goto=newpost Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:32:15 GMT “This will be the center of our lithium battery production for all of our assembly plants and for other carmakers,” Ghosn said. “It’s a major... “This will be the center of our lithium battery production for all of our assembly plants and for other carmakers,” Ghosn said. “It’s a major investment.”

"...Discussions are under way with AESC, a battery joint venture between Nissan and NEC Corp., over licences provisionally valued at 100 million euros to produce its batteries at Flins, he said. Ghosn also heads the Yokohama, Japan-based carmaker, which is 44 percent-owned by Renault. "


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...d=a2RNJSLQeZaE ]]> Lithium-ion and Advanced Automotive Batteries Texas http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3653 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3652&goto=newpost Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:32:06 GMT Max Keiser on Russia Today.

" ... General Motors cut ten thousand jobs across Europe at its Opel unit in favor of Christmas bonuses."
-Max keiser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jpb1e32KRY

_-= ]]> News Guy Incognito http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3652 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3651&goto=newpost Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:21:51 GMT NISSAN RELEASES CONCEPT SKETCH OF LIGHT COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE _Link_... NISSAN RELEASES CONCEPT SKETCH OF LIGHT COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Link ]]> Electric Car Competitors Jason M. Hendler http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3651 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3650&goto=newpost Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:32:47 GMT Betting on a Metal-Air Battery Breakthrough _Link_ (http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/23877/page1/) Betting on a Metal-Air Battery Breakthrough

Link ]]> Lithium-ion and Advanced Automotive Batteries Jason M. Hendler http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3650 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3649&goto=newpost Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:44:31 GMT Chrysler not burning cash, sees savings: Fiat CEO _Link_ (http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Autos/idUSTRE5A34GX20091104) Chrysler not burning cash, sees savings: Fiat CEO

Link ]]> Electric Car Competitors Jason M. Hendler http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3649 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3648&goto=newpost Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:28:34 GMT I found this on Business Week's website. Pretty cool I gotta say.

It's amazing how the biggest American corporations are making it possible for America to move forward.

Wal Mart, Pharmaceutical companies, Microsoft, GM, Sun Systems, IBM, Google, Apple, Dell, and many more are mentioned. I wish the oil companies would do something besides just buy foreign oil, refine it and sell it to Americans at an insane profit, but other than that, it looks like we're all on the same page. We have the challenges, they have the money and the brain power to make it happen.

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09...rica/index.htm ]]> General omnimoeish http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3648 http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3647&goto=newpost Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:41:35 GMT (developing this transmission is what delayed the Roadster's release for somewhere between 6-months and a year.)

BorgWarner's eGearDrive(TM) Transmission Named 2010 Automotive News PACE Award Finalist

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BorgWarner's
eGearDrive(TM) transmission has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2010
Automotive News PACE Awards, recognized around the world as the industry
symbol of innovation. First commercialized on the Tesla Roadster, the
technology has been developed for the emerging vehicle electrification market
and will also drive the all-electric CODA sedan, scheduled for introduction in
California in 2010. Production-ready designs of BorgWarner's eGearDrive(TM)
transmission will enable several other manufacturers to launch a variety of
electric vehicles beginning in 2010 and 2011. Designed for fast-to-market
implementation, annual volumes are expected to increase rapidly over the next
few years.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091104/DE04645 )

"BorgWarner is proving that key technologies enable drivers to enjoy superior
performance while being good stewards for the environment," said John
Sanderson, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems.
"We're pleased to be among this year's distinguished PACE finalists once
again."

With the BorgWarner eGearDrive(TM) single-speed gearbox, the all-electric
Tesla Roadster travels from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, can reach a top speed of
125 mph, and achieves a driving range of nearly 250 miles on a single battery
charge - shifting consumers' perceptions of electric vehicle performance and
opening new opportunities for automakers.

BorgWarner's eGearDrive(TM) transmission incorporates patented and proprietary
technology as well as over 100 years of powertrain know-how. Through its high
efficiency gear train and compact, low-weight design, the BorgWarner
eGearDrive(TM) transmission contributes to extended battery-powered driving
range which in turn reduces the required amount of battery capacity needed.
The transmission also achieves higher torque capacity with 98% efficiency,
while providing smooth, quiet operation. Approximately 99% of the materials
used in the eGearDrive(TM) transmission are recyclable.

In addition to providing primary drive for front-wheel drive and rear-wheel
drive electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, BorgWarner
eGearDrive(TM) systems enable launch assist, energy recovery, and AWD
performance for the secondary-driven axle on any type of vehicle. Also
available are an optional electronically actuated park lock system and various
electronic driveline disconnect systems.

About the PACE Awards
Presented by Automotive News with Ernst & Young and the Transportation
Research Center Inc., the PACE Awards honor superior innovation, technological
advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers. PACE stands
for Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence. This year marks
the 16th annual award competition.

BorgWarner's eGearDrive transmission technology was named a finalist in the
Product category, which recognizes innovations in new products, services or
their development, that have significant market impact and act as "game
changers" in the automotive industry.

Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges and will be announced
in Detroit on April 12, 2010. Since 2005, BorgWarner has received five PACE
Awards and three PACE Innovation Partnership Awards.

BorgWarner Drivetrain Systems produces highly engineered drivetrain
technologies for the global vehicle industry. Key product segments include:
dual clutch modules; wet friction clutch components and systems; mechatronic
transmission control modules; electro-hydraulic solenoid valves; mechanical
clutch assemblies; all-wheel drive couplings, transfer cases and
software/controls; and electric vehicle transmissions. These systems improve
fuel economy and performance while enhancing vehicle stability. BorgWarner
Drivetrain Systems is a trusted supplier to virtually every major light
vehicle and automatic transmission producer in the world today.

Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a product leader
in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain
applications worldwide. The FORTUNE 500 company operates manufacturing and
technical facilities in 60 locations in 18 countries. Customers include
VW/Audi, Ford, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler,
Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA, and MAN. The Internet address for
BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com.

Statements contained in this news release may contain forward-looking
statements as contemplated by the 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act that are based on management's current expectations, estimates and
projections. Words such as "outlook", "expects," "anticipates," "intends,"
"plans," "believes," "estimates," variations of such words and similar
expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of
which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control, that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed, projected or
implied in or by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties
include: fluctuations in domestic or foreign vehicle production, the continued
use of outside suppliers, fluctuations in demand for vehicles containing our
products, changes in general economic conditions, and other risks detailed in
our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Risk
Factors, identified in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. We
do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

SOURCE BorgWarner Inc.

Erika Nielsen of BorgWarner Inc., +1-248-754-0422

© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved

http://www.reuters.com/article/press...09+PRN20091104 ]]> Electric Car Competitors prowler http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3647