Motor Authority - blog Tag: Range-Extended Vehicle

Fans of the Chevrolet Volt have followed its development closely, but few even of the faithful expected to see numbers as big as the ones coming out of General Motors today. The tentative EPA methodology works out to a city efficiency rating of 230 mpg.

Talk of mile-per-gallon equivalents can get confusing quickly, but the EPA's rating system relies on a system that's intended to put cars on an equal playing field. Whether it successfully does that, especially in relation to extended-range electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt, is a question that's not yet fully settled, but it's the most independent, authoritative view on the matter to...

Fans of the Chevrolet Volt have followed its development closely, but few even of the faithful expected to see numbers as big as the ones coming out of General Motors today. The tentative EPA methodology works out to a city efficiency rating of 230 mpg. Talk of mile-per-gallon equivalents can get confusing quickly, but the EPA's rating system relies on a system that's intended to put cars on an equal playing field. Whether it successfully does that, especially in relation to extended-range electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt, is a question that's not yet fully settled, but it's the most independent, authoritative view on the matter to date. The methodology used for the testing itself still isn't finalized, but it is far enough along that GM feels comfortable releasing the city efficiency figures. Overall, or composite, fuel efficiency isn't being released, but it's expected to top 100 mpg. "From the data we've seen, many Chevy Volt drivers may be able to be in pure electric mode on a daily basis without having to use any gas," said GM Chief Executive Officer Fritz Henderson. "EPA labels are a yardstick for customers to compare the fuel efficiency of vehicles. So, a vehicle like the Volt that achieves a composite triple-digit fuel economy is a game-changer." The EPA methods being developed use a kilowatt-hours per 100 miles traveled metric to define the electric-only efficiency of plug-in hybrids and extended range EVs like the Volt. The figures released today represent pre-production vehicles in preliminary testing. Full production vehicle testing with a presumably final EPA methodology won't take place until next year, closer to the Volt's late 2010 launch. For a  thorough run-down of the issue and the possible implications of assumptions made about how drivers will use the car's electric-only range, read John Voelcker's post on the Volt's 230 mpg  EPA rating over at Green Car Reports. [GM] Read More

The Chevrolet Volt is still nearly two full years from production, but the Opel-branded version of it is already on display in Geneva. Today General Motors finally pulled the sheet off its European plug-in hybrid, revealing the car in full photographic detail.

The new Ampera is essentially Opel’s version of the Chevrolet Volt and it is set to make its full debut in production trim tomorrow at the Geneva Motor Show. While the Volt will first hit showrooms in the U.S. late next year, the Ampera isn't expected to go on sale until sometime in 2011. The official image joins renderings and previously leaked sketches to give us a preview as... The Chevrolet Volt is still nearly two full years from production, but the Opel-branded version of it is already on display in Geneva. Today General Motors finally pulled the sheet off its European plug-in hybrid, revealing the car in full photographic detail. The new Ampera is essentially Opel’s version of the Chevrolet Volt and it is set to make its full debut in production trim tomorrow at the Geneva Motor Show. While the Volt will first hit showrooms in the U.S. late next year, the Ampera isn't expected to go on sale until sometime in 2011. The official image joins renderings and previously leaked sketches to give us a preview as to what the Ampera will look like, revealing that its basic styling will remain almost the same as the Volt. Subtle differences will be unique bumper designs and alloy wheel patterns. Powering the car will be the new ‘Voltec’ plug-in hybrid system that was showcased recently in the Cadillac Converj Concept at last month’s Detroit Auto Show. Voltec is the latest iteration of GM’s E-Flex plug-in hybrid powertrain and features both a compact internal combustion engine and an electric drive system. For short trips of up to 40 miles, the Ampera will run only on lithium-ion battery power charged via a standard European 230-volt outlet. According to Frank Weber, the vehicle line executive for the Volt and Ampera, charge times will only take about two to three hours. This will ensure that the Ampera is well-suited to the daily driving schedule of most European customers. For example, approximately 80% of German drivers travel less than 30 miles daily. For longer distances, the car will continue to drive on electricity that is generated by the small internal combustion engine, boosting the driving range to more than 500 miles. It's anyone's guess as to how the separation from GM will affect Opel and the Ampera, though with the reveal of the car, it can be expected that their relationship will at least support the production of this high-tech vehicle, despite the distant launch date.2011 Chevrolet Volt Production model2011 Opel Ampera plug-in hybridOpel Ampera unveiling at 2009 Geneva Motor Show Read More

General Motors recently gave us a preview of a new plug-in hybrid vehicle based on the Chevrolet Volt that the company plans to sell in Europe under its Opel division. The car is the new Opel Ampera and it is set to make its world debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show. GM has now released a short video of Frank Weber, the vehicle line executive for the Volt and Ampera, explaining the technology behind the cars’ E-Flex plug-in hybrid system.

This previous official teaser image of the Ampera reveals that the Opel vehicle will be very similar to the Volt plug-in hybrid, with the only glaringly obvious differences between the cars... General Motors recently gave us a preview of a new plug-in hybrid vehicle based on the Chevrolet Volt that the company plans to sell in Europe under its Opel division. The car is the new Opel Ampera and it is set to make its world debut at March’s Geneva Motor Show. GM has now released a short video of Frank Weber, the vehicle line executive for the Volt and Ampera, explaining the technology behind the cars’ E-Flex plug-in hybrid system. This previous official teaser image of the Ampera reveals that the Opel vehicle will be very similar to the Volt plug-in hybrid, with the only glaringly obvious differences between the cars being a new grille and bumper design. Like the Volt, the Ampera will be a four-door hatch with five-seater capacity. Powering the car will be the new ‘Voltec’ plug-in hybrid system that was showcased recently in the Cadillac Converj Concept at this month’s Detroit Auto Show. Voltec is the latest iteration of GM’s E-Flex plug-in hybrid powertrain and features both a compact internal combustion engine and an electric drive system. For short trips up to 40 miles, the Ampera will run only on lithium-ion battery power charged via a standard European 230-volt outlet. For longer distances, the car will continue to drive on electricity that is generated by the small internal combustion engine. The Ampera will be well-suited to the daily driving schedule of most European customers. For example, approximately 80% of German drivers travel less than 30 miles daily. More details, including an expected release date, will be revealed closer to the car’s Geneva reveal this March.2011 Chevrolet Volt Production model2009 Cadillac Converj plug-in hybrid coupe concept2011 Opel Ampera plug-in hybridOpel Ampera concept technology explained Read More

Following on from the Dodge Circuit EV sports car shown earlier today, Chrysler has revealed the 200C EV concept, which is designed to showcase the carmaker’s future designs as well as its electric powertrain technology in a premium sedan. It doesn’t end there as the concept also previews a new interior concept multimedia screen for the driver and another smaller screen for the front passenger called a "techno-leaf."

Based on a shortened version of Chrysler's existing rear-wheel-drive platform, the 200C EV is a performance sedan in a package that is also environmentally friendly. Sending drive to the rear wheels is a plug-in ... Following on from the Dodge Circuit EV sports car shown earlier today, Chrysler has revealed the 200C EV concept, which is designed to showcase the carmaker’s future designs as well as its electric powertrain technology in a premium sedan. It doesn’t end there as the concept also previews a new interior concept multimedia screen for the driver and another smaller screen for the front passenger called a "techno-leaf." Based on a shortened version of Chrysler's existing rear-wheel-drive platform, the 200C EV is a performance sedan in a package that is also environmentally friendly. Sending drive to the rear wheels is a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which features a 268hp (200kW) electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries as the primary power source. Once the batteries start getting depleted, a compact internal combustion engine kicks in and is used to charge them. In this way, the vehicle is capable of driving up to 40 miles on battery-only power – using zero fuel and producing zero tailpipe emissions – and can cover more than 400 miles when using the petrol engine as well. The end result is a claimed 0-60mph time of approximately seven seconds and a standing quarter-mile time in the mid-14 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 120mph. While the concept’s powertrain has already been showcased in a number of different vehicles, such as the Jeep Patriot EV, which is also on show in Detroit, the 200C EV concept is also a preview of Chrysler’s new design language. The front fascia is a modern interpretation of the winged Chrysler badge, and its new grille continues to shape and evolve Chrysler's brand identity. The headlamps and taillamps are highly detailed and add to the vehicle’s organic form. New LED detailing is also used throughout. For the interior, designers have looked to nature for inspiration. Leaf green LED lighting and stitching accentuates the organic form once again, and is joined by a palette of natural colors including pearl, graphite and leaf green for the trim. Immediately noticeable upon entry is the large screen located on the instrument panel. Starting the vehicle activates the electronic instrument panel that contains an advanced electronic vehicle information center. This is a preview of the next generation of Chrysler's uconnect infotainment system and a compound touch surface. The compound touch surface is a touch screen that serves as the hub for the vehicle's connectivity system. Using it, the driver is able to move images, select infotainment choices and customize images, backgrounds, mood, volume and lighting by simply touching the screen itself. The first-row passenger has access to a techno-leaf that houses personal climate controls and an infotainment system. A simple touch to the smooth glass surface deploys a personal touch screen computer from the glove box. Users can surf the Internet, scroll through their personal media library, schedule vehicle maintenance or send directions to the driver. The compartment located below the techno-leaf is a charging station for personal mobile devices. Electronic devices can be charged by simply laying the unit on the charging pad. Rear passengers have access to a similar charging compartment under the cantilevered front-console arm rest. Chrysler wasn’t willing to confirm if the 200C was headed for production, as either a hybrid or a conventional sedan, however, its styling is likely to feature on the carmaker’s new ‘Project D’ midsize global sedan that is currently in development.Chrysler 200C EV Concept Read More

Back in September Chrysler showed its commitment to designing and marketing a range of electric and hybrid vehicles with the unveiling of a trio of concept vehicles, one for each of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands. Despite its current financial situation, Chrysler is keen to show its willingness to keep up with rivals, such as General Motors and its Chevrolet Volt plug-in, by unveiling updated designs of its electric vehicles at this month’s Detroit Auto Show.

The first of these is the new Jeep Patriot EV, an plug-in hybrid SUV with a 400-mile total driving range and a 40-mile all-electric range with zero fuel consumption and zero... Back in September Chrysler showed its commitment to designing and marketing a range of electric and hybrid vehicles with the unveiling of a trio of concept vehicles, one for each of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands. Despite its current financial situation, Chrysler is keen to show its willingness to keep up with rivals, such as General Motors and its Chevrolet Volt plug-in, by unveiling updated designs of its electric vehicles at this month’s Detroit Auto Show. The first of these is the new Jeep Patriot EV, an plug-in hybrid SUV with a 400-mile total driving range and a 40-mile all-electric range with zero fuel consumption and zero tailpipe emissions. As a range-extended electric vehicle, the Jeep Patriot EV combines the electric-drive components of an electric vehicle with a small gasoline engine and integrated electric generator to produce additional energy to power the electric-drive system when needed. Power for the five-passenger SUV comes from a V6 petrol engine and a 200hp (150kW) electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries. Performance numbers are impressive for a vehicle of this size, with the 0-60mph taking approximately eight seconds, and the standing quarter mile passing in 16 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 100mph. Chrysler is also expected to reveal a new all-electric four-seat Dodge sports car, which you can read about in our previous story by clicking here.2009 Jeep Patriot EV range-extended vehicle Read More