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Wireless in-car device charging coming your way

2012-01-09T02:02:00.004-05:00

Delphi Automotive is developing a new system that will allow motorists to charge electronic devices wirelessly in their vehicles.

Showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show, the system sends out power over distance to deliver a charge without exactly positioning the device. The company claims that the system will get rid of the inconvenience, distraction and clutter of multiple charging cords.

“From navigation systems to cell phones to personal computing devices, we are tied to our favourite electronics, but we won’t always have to be tied to charging cords for them to work,” said Christopher Reider, global director of engineering at Delphi Connection Systems. “Instead, our system will use magnetic fields from hidden power source resonators placed in the vehicle interior to automatically power these devices through high-efficiency, hands-free charging.”

The new system makes use of magnetic resonance technology, which is better than traditional inductive charging as it can send power over distances, can charge several devices simultaneously and does not need exact device positioning to deliver the charge.

The system is being planned to be production-ready by model year 2014.

Honda Civic still Canada’s top-selling car

2012-01-08T01:17:00.005-05:00

Honda Civic had a hard time maintaining its stronghold in Canada due to intense competition and lower production caused by the earthquake in Japan and flooding in Thailand that both have affected sales. In spite of these challenges, the Civic has pulled it off, having clinched the top-selling passenger car title in the country for the 14^th straight year.

A total of 55,090 Civics found a new owner last year, about 10,000 higher than the Hyundai Elantra. This figure is approximately 18,000 and 21,000 higher than the Mazda3 and Chevrolet Cruze, respectively.

“First and foremost, we thank the thousands of Canadians who bought Honda Civic models this past year to make the Civic the number one car in Canada for the fourteenth consecutive year.”

Read the original article here.

Chevrolet Volt gets enhancements

2012-01-07T08:42:00.004-05:00

The Chevrolet Volt will get enhancements aimed at protecting the battery from an electrical fire after a severe crash. These modifications will improve the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle’s battery coolant system and structure.

The enhancements are in response to an initial evaluation conducted by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to check post-severe crash battery performance. It was on November 25 when the agency opened the evaluation after a severe-impact laboratory test on a battery that lead to an electrical fire after six days. Such test was performed in order to reproduce a coolant leak that happened in a full-scale car crash test in May, which led to an electrical fire after three weeks.

These modifications will reinforce a current portion of the car’s structure to further safeguard the battery in a severe side collision. These will also add a tamper-resistant bracket to the top of the reservoir of the battery coolant system to help avoid coolant overfill. A sensor will also be added on the battery coolant reservoir to observe coolant levels.

Volt owners will be notified individually when the enhancements are available for their cars. The modifications are also being integrated into the Volt manufacturing process as production recommences this month.

To read the original article, click here.

CODA goes green

2011-12-29T23:50:00.003-05:00

CODA Holdings announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show that production of its self-named flagship sedan has begun for next year.

Inspired by the Chinese mid-class Saibao sedan, the CODA is built by China’s Harbin HF Automobile Industry Group (Hafei), and then sent off to California for final assembly.

CODA is a privately owned, Los Angeles-based company that produces low-speed, short-run electric vehicles (EVs) for government use. Thanks to a private funding worth about $300 million, the company ventured out to produce an affordable, mainstream EV with a greater range than any car currently available on the market.

Consumers can get the car at a starting price of US$39,000, but a California rebate worth $2,500 and federal tax credits amounting to $7,500 would make the price more attractive.

CODA is committed to reduce costs and pass the savings on to consumers, said CEO Phil Murtaugh. The company also hopes to sell 14,000 EVs in the US and aspires of eventual worldwide distribution.

The CODA boasts an electric drivetrain that offers twice as fast charging times than the Nissan LEAF’s, as well as a driving range of up to 240 km on a single full charge. The car is even more powerful with 134hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The CODA also comes with a 36 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which stores 50 percent more energy than the LEAF’s.

For the original article, click here.

Alberta biofuels gets investment from government

2011-12-24T22:24:00.002-05:00

Alberta-based Kyoto Fuels Corporation will get an investment from the federal government worth up to $31.14 million over six years through the ecoENERGY for Biofuels program.

Kyoto Fuels will generate up to 66 million litres of biodiesel every year, converted from animal fat or cooking or vegetable oil. The firm plans to sell the product to diesel producers in the northwestern United States and Western Canada.

Greenhouse gas emissions from biodiesel can be reduced up to 80 percent over regular diesel, said the government.

Canada is spending up to $1.5 billion via the ecoENERGY for Biofuels program over a period of nine years to generate jobs in the clean energy sector and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Current regulations require a 2 percent in heating oil and diesel fuel and 5 percent renewable fuel content.

For the original article, click here.

Nissan Leaf available to all Canadians

2011-12-14T22:21:00.003-05:00

Canadians living within the area of the 27 certified Nissan Leaf dealers throughout the country can now have access to the all-electric Leaf.

Before, reservations were limited only to those who had signed up on Nissan’s website.

The first 40 2011 Nissan Leafs were taken in the first few minutes that registration officially opened. A total of 350 model year 2012 cars were available earlier this fall.

“The feedback we’ve received from Nissan Leaf owners in Canada has been incredible, with many sharing their journey and experience through social media,” said Judy Wheeler, marketing director for Nissan Canada. “As more people live with and share their experience of all-electric mobility, particularly with the Nissan Leaf, more and more Canadians will consider this an exciting option for their next vehicle. Opening reservations to the broader public is an important step in the roll-out of the car in Canada.”

As end-November, more than 110 Leaf vehicles have been shipped to Canadian customers, with over 20,000 units sold worldwide. The Leaf wears a starting price tag of $38,395 and can qualify for provincial rebates of $8,500, $8,000 and $5,000 in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, respectively.

Online reservations can be made at Nissan for customers living within the vicinity of a certified Leaf dealer. To obtain a reservation, Nissan requires a reservation fee worth $99, fully refundable.

Read the original article here.

smart for-us concept to be unveiled at Detroit

2011-12-11T22:54:00.005-05:00

It looks like this is another redefinition and reinvention of small cars from smart.

The smart for-us is the newest in a long lineup of unconventional smart concepts that includes the ForSpeed, the crossblade and the crosstown.

The for-us is unique in the sense that its rear cargo area can accept two smart ebikes. The tailboard of the rear bed opens up, thus allowing easy access to the cargo floor. Another interesting thing is that it can recharge the ebikes, thanks to a 55kW magneto-electric motor.

Compared to the production fortwo, the for-us is longer and wider, yet it retains the roomy for-two cabin. This could be the most versatile go-anywhere car; you can pull out the ebikes once the roads run out!

The for-us concept is set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2012.

For the original article, click here.

Daimler tests inductive charging

2011-12-10T09:28:00.002-05:00

Is it possible to charge an electric vehicle without plugging it in? Well, Daimler AG will just show that as it embarks on a project that will test inductive charging in real-world conditions.

Under this project, a special charging coil will be fitted in a Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-Cell and will be placed over another charging coil in the ground to start the charging process automatically. The car is set for deployment in March in Berlin.

“We are keen to find out how the inductive charging process proves in daily use,” said Herbert Kohler, head of e-drive and future mobility. “We have already demonstrated the essential feasibility of the technology. The experience in day-to-day use will now provide important pointers for the further course of development. A number of technical and financial issues also need to be resolved before we can really assess the marketability of this technology.”

This project is part of a bigger project that includes an energy-efficient house designed to produce more electricity than it uses. The excess electricity will be utilized to recharge the EV. A four-member family will live at the house for 15 months and use several EVs to demonstrate and explore how electric mobility and a new generation of buildings can interact in everyday life. The vehicles will include a Smart ebike, a second-generation Smart Fortwo Electric Drive and the A-Class E-Cell.

To read the original article, click here.

2013 Dart to debut at North American International Auto Show

2011-12-07T23:25:00.003-05:00

The 2013 Dodge Dart compact sedan will make its worldwide debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this coming January.

The all-new Dart will be made available with an option of three engines: a Tigershark MultiArt 2.4-litre, turbocharged MultiAir 1.4-litre, and a “Tigershark” 2.0-litre engine, with three transmissions also available.

Features on this new vehicle include a signature split-crosshair grille, dual exhaust as well as full-width LED taillights adapted from the Dodge Charger.

To be built at Chrysler’s plant in Belvidere, Illinois, the 2013 Dart is the first vehicle of Chrysler Group that is based on Fiat architecture and adapted from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

For the original article, click here.

CAA unveils new smartphone app

2011-12-01T10:32:00.002-05:00

Canadians can now request roadside assistance, plan a trip with TripTik and search for exclusive member savings thanks to a new, all-in-one smartphone application launched by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

This easy-to-use application, launched for the Android, iPhone and Blackberry, can be downloaded for free and is available in French and English. Non-CAA members can also access this app.

Thanks to this innovation, users can easily find exclusive member savings at more than 100,000 partner locations across the US and Canada. Users can also request for CAA Roadside Assistance without the need to place a call, get instant battery quotes, locate auto repair shops approved by the CAA and access automotive and insurance information. CAA members and non-members can also use the application to locate AAA/CAA-approved restaurants, lodging, campgrounds, attractions and events.

For the original article, click here.

Latest recall affects Chevrolet Volt

2011-11-28T09:03:00.006-05:00

Chevrolet Volt might be affected by the latest recall issued by Transport Canada.

Certain units were accidentally programmed with inaccurate theft protection calibration files and daytime running lamp (DRL) during assembly.

This flaw could enable motorists to turn off the DRL while driving, and could also allow non-dealership staff to program a replacement ignition key.

Dealers will need to reprogram the body control module.

The recall will affect a total of 39 2012 Chevrolet Volt.

Click here to read the original article.

New plant to produce 'green' gasoline

2011-11-24T23:16:00.003-05:00

Sundrop Fuels has acquired a land located near Alexandria, Louisiana, where it would build its first production facility that will produce the world’s first renewable, ready-to-use “green” gasoline from sustainable forest waste and hydrogen from clean-burning natural gas.

According to the Colorado-based company, the new plant will be able to produce 50 million gallons a year.

The plant, which will cost between US$450 and $500 million, will be partly funded via the sale of tax-exempt Private Activity Bonds. These do not involve any financial obligation from local or state authorities.

The state of Louisiana has also offered the company with performance-based incentives for the plant, which will likely provide 150 jobs and have a substantial economic effect in the area.

As a “drop-in” bio fuel, it can directly replace petroleum fuels. It is also designed to cost less than or as much as petroleum-based transportation fuels.

Sundrop Fuels will convert cellulosic feedstock into synthetic gas using a gasification process. The synthetic gas will then be converted into bio-based “green gasoline” that can be distributed via existing fuel distribution infrastructure.

To view the original article, click here.

Electric Mitsubishi hits Canada

2011-11-23T21:29:00.004-05:00

Canadians will soon have access to the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which will be available for sale at dealerships in the coming few weeks.

Presently, there are about 43 i-MiEVs in test fleets throughout Canada, which help to determine information on charging systems, batteries and how the vehicle will integrate with the electric grid.

The i-MiEV is a four passenger subcompact hatchback with a top speed of 130kph and a range of up to 155km. The base model will start at $32,998, while the Premium Package will command a starting price of $35,998.

British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec have announced subsidies towards the purchase of EVs at $5,000, $7,769 and $8,231, respectively. B.C. will also offer a rebate worth up to $500 on the purchase of an Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment (EVSE) system, while Quebec will offer a 50 percent subsidy towards the purchase and installation of a home charger to up to $1,000.

Click here for the original article.

Take the stress out of car crash with a new iPhone app

2011-11-20T21:42:00.004-05:00

Motorists can now take some of the stress out of a car collision thanks to a new iPhone application that provides them with all the necessary information, tools and tips they need in case of a crash.

Unveiled by CARSTAR Automotive Canada, the Unhappen My Accident application can be downloaded from CARSTAR or from the Apple iTunes App store. This free application stores essential crash and driver information like emergency contact, vehicle and insurance details.

There is also a button that displays the steps to be taken after a crash, such as taking pictures of the damage, recording crash details and finding the nearest CARSTAR location for necessary repairs. The iPhone app also offers 24/7 access to an experienced operator who can answer any questions and guide motorists through the process.

“In our experience at CARSTAR, we know that even the most seasoned drivers can become flustered in an accident situation,” said Lisa Mercanti-Ladd, AVP of marketing and client services.

“But the Unhappen My Accident app can be particularly useful to parents of young drivers. It can help mitigate many of the accident pitfalls young drivers commonly face, usually as a result of panic and inexperience, and potentially minimize the cost and aggravation for the driver, their family and insurance company,” she added.

For every application download, CARSTAR will donate a dollar to a total of up to $10,000 to Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Click here for the original article.

Honda Civic Natural Gas named Green Car of the Year

2011-11-20T06:13:00.003-05:00

The 2012 Green Car of the Year, awarded by Green Car Journal, goes to......Honda Civic Natural Gas!

The fifth generation of the model, the 2012 Civic Natural Gas is the only assembly-line produced natural gas passenger car for sale in the US. This brand new model is also the cleanest running internal combustion car certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

It was in 1998 when the model was first introduced for fleets. Currently, it is available in selected markets in the US.

The Green Car Journal 2012 Green Car of the Year award was conferred at the recently concluded Los Angeles Auto Show.

For the original article, click here.

Honda 2013 Fit EV hits market next year

2011-11-19T09:43:00.007-05:00

Honda’s all-new 2013 Fit EV, which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will be offered for lease in selected markets in Oregon and California next year, announced the Japanese carmaker. It will then reach six east coast markets in early 2013.

The Fit EV will begin at US$36,625 with a monthly lease price of about $399. While the carmaker will watch market acceptance, it expects that early volume will stand at about 1,100 cars over the following three years.

“The Fit EV is the next critical step in Honda’s portfolio approach to alternative-fuelled vehicles,” said John Mendel, executive vice-president of sales at American Honda Motor Company. “There is no other automaker on the planet whose spirit is more deeply invested in the effort to realize a cleaner, more energy-efficient and ultimately more sustainable transportation future than Honda.”

The electric vehicle offers a driving range of around 198 km on one charge. It is powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kW coaxial electric motor. Thanks to a three-mode electric drive system derived from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid, motorists can choose from Sport, Normal and Econ.

For the original article, click here.

General Motors to debut 2013 Chevrolet Spark at Los Angeles Auto Show

2011-11-15T23:16:00.004-05:00

General Motor is very excited to debut the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Spark at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday.

The mini car is slightly different from the one that is already marketed abroad; its tail is stretched longer, the headlights sport a unique shape, and the nose was modified.

Available in nine body colors, the Spark boasts customizable interior – an obvious sign that it will target young audience.

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark is powered by a 1.2L 4-cylinder engine rated at 81 lb-ft of torque and 85 HP.

Standard features on the Spark, which will hit stores in mid 2012, include five-speed manual gearbox, 10 airbags, power windows and 15” wheels.

Click here to read the original article.

What’s with Honda’s mystery electric sports car?

2011-11-14T23:06:00.002-05:00

The all-new electric sports car unveiled by Honda has made car enthusiasts throughout the world scratch their heads.

Honda’s “Small Sports EV Concept” is an open-top two seater car that offers a view on what next-generation plug-in performance vehicle could look like.

Honda executives, however, have provided few details about the new car. This prompted speculations as to where it may fit in the future line-up of the Japanese carmaker.

Some says the concept will replace the S2000, while others suggest it is a new interpretation of the NSX. Others claim it is a rival to the Porsche Boxster, while some indicates that it could rival BMW’s forthcoming i8 hybrid supercar.

The carmaker has said little about the car, just saying that it is “fun to drive while achieving excellent environmental performance”.

The concept’s styling features some cues from the Civic Type R and the CR-Z hybrid hatch, which will be released domestically in the next few weeks. They include an aggressive front-end design with oversized intakes, broad tail-light assembly and sleek, slim headlights.

Click here to read the original article.

Charging station recharges Nissan LEAF in less than 30 minutes

2011-11-13T08:08:00.003-05:00

Electric vehicles will become more accessible thanks to an all-new, affordable quick-charge station that will be launched by Nissan North America (NNA), in cooperation with Sumitomo Corporation.

The DC fast charger will set you back a reasonable $9,900, which is one-third of the purchase price of comparable products now offered in the market.

You can choose from an outdoor or indoor version, which both utilize a 480V electric current. Both versions will take less than 30 minutes to recharge the Nissan LEAF’s batteries to up to 80 percent.

The quick-charge station will first be offered in the US.

Thousands of these chargers are expected to be installed throughout the country, said Brian Carolin, vice president for sales and marketing at NNA. This will allow EVs like the Nissan LEAF to go farther distances.

For the original article, click here.

Honda to reveal three EVs at Tokyo Motor Show

2011-11-11T08:42:00.002-05:00

EV enthusiasts should look forward to the Tokyo Motor Show, as Honda will be using this event to showcase its three concepts that will catapult the public into a future where electric cars rule.

The carmaker is set to reveal the AC-X plug-in-hybrid, which combines fuel-efficiency and performance and is ideal for both short trips around the town and long-distance driving. Depending on the mood, motorists can choose from two modes, allowing them to take a relaxed or aggressive approach.

The Micro Commuter Concept is an urban vehicle that comes with a detachable battery, which can be utilized as a source of energy for everyday activities.

The Small Sports EV Concept, on the other hand, will reportedly provide an idea of what future products from Honda will look like.

In addition to these three concepts, the carmaker will also reveal some other two-, three- and four-wheeled cars that represent Honda’s future as a supplier of eco-friendly transport solutions throughout the world.

To read the original article, click here.

Honda electric Fit kicks off demonstration testing

2011-11-09T04:32:00.005-05:00

Honda has started demonstration testing of its electric Fit in China, in association with the city government of Guangzhou.

The EVs are set to be driven in a real-world transportation setting in Guangzhou to prove the practical convenience of electric vehicles. The demonstration testing also aims to determine the technological issues that have to be dealt with to realize the widespread use of EVs in the future. The results of the Electric vehicle range verification and other essential information will serve as basis for proposals on charging infrastructure.

The demonstration FIT EV is powered by a lithium-ion battery, which recharges in not more than six hours with a 220V power supply and with a range of over 150km.

For the original article, click here.

Smart wraps up plugged-in tour

2011-11-08T10:14:00.002-05:00

Smart Canada has just concluded its National Smart Plugged-in Tour with the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive. It is also giving motorists a chance to take home a 2013 model of the electric vehicle.

The tour kicked off in Victoria, B.C. on June 17 and wrapped up in Sherbrooke, Quebec, after heading to the east coast and returning to Quebec to drop by at each Smart Center throughout Canada.

Thanks to the tour, Canadians had the chance to test-drive the EV. Over 2,000 test-drives were taken over 8,000 km.

Interested in Facebook updates from Smart Canada? Visit the networking site until December 31 and get a chance to own a 2013 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Cabriolet.

The Fortwo Electric Drive, which utilizes a lithium-ion battery, will hit stores in 2012.

Click here to read the original article.

Nissan teams up with Nova Scotia on EVs

2011-11-06T09:00:00.002-05:00

Zero-emission cars will soon be introduced in the province of Nova Scotia, thanks to an agreement signed by the province, Nova Scotia Power and Nissan Canada.

The three partners inked the memorandum of understanding based upon a mutual agreement that electric vehicles (EVs) are among the best solutions to lessen carbon dioxide emissions from cars, said the carmaker.

“This announcement adds the province of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power to a growing list of like-minded partners equally as committed as Nissan to promote and encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicles as a way to combat climate change. As a manufacturer, we provide innovative vehicles that Canadians love and want to drive, but our partners play an important role in helping build the infrastructure support for electric vehicles that will make a roll-out of the Nissan Leaf and other electric vehicles in Nova Scotia possible.”

--Allen Childs, head of Nissan Canada

Under the agreement, Nissan will sell 10 Leafs to Nova Scotia Power for its ShareReady Electric Vehicle scheme. The program aims to gather information to better understand the effects of the use of EVs in Nova Scotia province.

Click here to read to original article.

Best New Small Car awards go to...Accent, Elantra

2011-10-29T10:05:00.004-05:00

Hyundai has another two awards to be proud of; the Accent and the Elantra have won Canadian Car of the Year awards in the Best New Small Car Under $21,000 and Best New Small Car Over $21,000 categories, respectively.

Members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), which conferred the awards, have spent a week test-driving 2012 car models to determine the winners.

To qualify for the awards, a car must be all-new or largely redesigned. AJAC members drove the cars in a back-to-back testing, all on the same day and on the same tracks.

The winners in respective categories will be evaluated, with the overall Utility Vehicle of the Year and Canadian Car of the Year winners to be named at the Canadian International Auto Show in February next year.

Here are the other winners in their respective categories:

Best New Family Car Under $30,000: Kia Optima

Best New Family Car Over $30,000: Kia Optima Hybrid

Best New Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 4Matic Sedan

Best New Sports/Performance Car Under $50,000: Hyundai Veloster

Best New Sports/Performance Car Over $50,000: BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Best New Prestige Car Over $75,000: Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 BlueTEC 4Matic

Best New SUV/CUV Under $35,000: Dodge Journey

Best New SUV/CUV $35,000-$60,000: Volkswagen Touareg TDI

Best New SUV/CUV Over $60,000: BMW X3

Click here for the original article.

Large-scale EV car sharing fleet launched in Amsterdam

2011-10-27T09:31:00.004-05:00

Starting on November 24, 300 units of Smart Fortwo Electric Drive cars will be offered in Amsterdam for on-demand mobility, without motorists needing to drop them off at a fixed rental station. This is made possible thanks to the launch of Daimler’s Car2go program, one of the first large-scale, all-electric vehicle car-sharing fleets in the world.

According to Daimler, vehicle recharging will not be compulsory after every rental, as the range of Smart is eight to 10 times higher than a rental’s normal operating distance. Amsterdam also now has over 250 charging stations within the city.

This launch will pave the way for a new pricing structure for Car2go for Amsterdam, as well as for current and future locations across Europe.

Amsterdam, which only uses energy from renewable sources, is the first European city with an all-electric fleet and the fifth city with a Car2go service worldwide.

Car2go programs are also available in Vancouver, Canada, in Austin, Texas, and in German cities of Hamburg and Ulm.

For the original article, click here.