Toyota Will Begin Leasing 500 Plug-ins Across the Globe

Toyota announced they will be leasing out 500 plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) to various agencies across the globe at the end of 2009.  150 vehicles will be sent to Europe (100 in France), 150 in the US and 200 in Japan.  The vehicles will be leased to fleet customers and governments in an effort to promote plug-in and electric technology.  Toyota will gain insight by checking in with the drivers.

According to the release:

A plug-in hybrid vehicle operates as an electric vehicle when used for short distances and can operate as a conventional hybrid vehicle when used for medium to long-distance trips.  This means it can be used regardless of remaining battery power or availability of battery-charging infrastructure in place.  Furthermore, plug-in hybrid vehicles are expected to achieve higher fuel efficiency than conventional hybrid vehicles, limit consumption of fossil fuels, reduce CO2 emissions and atmospheric pollution, and, by charging with off-peak electricity, promise a more economical vehicle powering solution.

 ...a plug-in hybrid vehicle—based on the third-generation "Prius"— equipped with a lithium-ion battery that can be charged via external power sources such as household electricity.  This will be the first time a lithium-ion battery is to be employed in a Toyota vehicle for propulsion.  

Toyota has not been exactly excited about plug-in vehicles so far, believing they have a limited market.  And reported fuel efficiency figures from test fleets have been disappointing so far.  But it would certainly go against the grain for Toyota not to continue their research into hybrid technology. 

The exciting part in all of this is the use of lithium-ion battery packs, which can store more energy than the nickel metal hydride battery packs you find now in the Prius.  Also, it will be interesting to note which tack Toyota continues to take with the plug-in Prius.  Will they simply expand on their hybrid technology and allow for a mixture of electric and gas driving, allowing for more electric propulsion.  Or will they opt for the GM method (Extended Range Electric Vehicle or E-REV) of all electric driving for as long as you can, before falling back to a more traditional gas or hybrid propulsion. 


I would guess that Toyota will expand on the hybrid method of driving, since they believe it is more efficient then the E-REV method.



Also, how big will the battery pack be?  The tax credit set up the federal government for plug-in hybrids depends on how big the battery pack is.

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Hybrid Car Sales, May 2009

Hybrid car sales fell again in May but at a drop of 29.9%, hybrids did outpace the general car sales.  24,725 hybrid cars were sold in May 2009, down from 35,285.  The biggest winners were new hybrids, like the Fusion, Milan, and Insight Hybrids.  Prius sales are still down, most likely in anticipation of the next generation Prius due out in June.  Next month should resolve the questions we have about Toyota Prius in the US.

Sales volume this year have been very similar to sales volume for 2006.  That's worrisome, given how many more models there are now in 2009 compared to 2006 (10 models in 2006 vs. 18 in 2009).  But as many analysts have pointed out, this was the best sales month since August 2008, pointing to at least a bottoming out.  Also, many of the new models are not expected to be high volume, given their luxury status.

Ford hybrid car sales were up 64% over last year and GM increased hybrid car sales by 30.9%.  Honda was up by 3.5% (7.5% if you adjust for selling days).  But these numbers are a little bit deceiving since hybrid cars that were being sold in May 2008 were down.   Overall sales for the brand were up because of new models, which have no comparator from last time around.

Cumulative hybrid car sales were down by 38.9% from this time last year.  Lower gas prices, but mostly the economy, have kept new car buyers away from the relatively expensive hybrid vehicles being offered.  Another big factor has been the anticipation of the next generation Prius, as well as the promised new plug-in models for 2010.

Monthly Sales		May 2008		May 2009		% Change
Make	Model	N	%	N	%
Chrysler	Aspen/Durango	0	0.0	0	0	0
Ford	Escape/Mariner	2,378	6.7	1,827	7.4	-23.2
Ford	Fusion/Milan	0	0.0	2,079	8.4	0.0
GM	Escalade	0	0.0	207	0.8	0.0
GM	Silverado/Sierra	0	0.0	130	0.5	0.0
GM	Tahoe/Yukon	589	1.7	434	1.8	-26.3
Honda	Accord	16	0.0	0	0.0	-100.0
Honda	Civic	4,676	13.3	2,077	8.4	-55.6
Honda	Insight	0	0.0	2,780	11.2	0.0
Nissan	Altima	1,607	4.6	345	1.4	-78.5
Toyota	Camry	5,999	17.0	2,941	11.9	-51.0
Toyota	GS 450h	98	0.3	43	0.2	-56.1
Toyota	Highlander	2,644	7.5	1,351	5.5	-48.9
Toyota	LS600hL	112	0.3	27	0.1	-75.9
Toyota	Prius	15,011	42.5	10,091	40.8	-32.8
Toyota	RX 400h	2,155	6.1	393	1.6	-81.8
Total		35,285		24,725		-29.9
Cumulative Sales		Cumulative 2008		Cumulative 2009		% Change
Make	Model	N	%	N	%
Chrysler	Aspen/Durango	0	0	0	0.0	0.0
Ford	Escape/Mariner	9,510	6.0	6,486	6.7	-31.8
Ford	Fusion/Milan	0	0.0	3,695	3.8	0.0
GM	Escalade	0	0.0	685	0.7	0.0
GM	Silverado/Sierra	0	0.0	347	0.4	0.0
GM	Tahoe/Yukon	589	0.4	2,319	2.4	293.7
Honda	Accord	184	0.1	1	0.0	-99.5
Honda	Civic	16,322	10.3	10,745	11.1	-34.2
Honda	Insight	0	0.0	5,445	5.6	0.0
Nissan	Altima	4,242	2.7	2,508	2.6	-40.9
Toyota	Camry	27,478	17.4	10,914	11.3	-60.3
Toyota	GS 450h	386	0.2	181	0.2	-53.1
Toyota	Highlander	11,542	7.3	5,261	5.4	-54.4
Toyota	LS600hL	564	0.4	126	0.1	-77.7
Toyota	Prius	79,677	50.4	42,753	44.2	-46.3
Toyota	RX 400h	7,708	4.9	5,271	5.4	-31.6
Total		158,202		96,737		-38.9

Nissan Altima Hybrid sales seem to be suffering, so we'll have to wait and see what happens in the next couple of years as Nissan brings out their own hybrid technology.  (The Altima Hybrid is built using the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive).  Lexus hybrid car sales are also suffering immensely.  Again, lower gas prices and the economy are probably the culprits here.

Related:
Hybrid Car Sales, April 2009
Hybrid Car Sales, May 2008

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Volvo Diesel Plug-in Hybrid Due in 2012

Volvo is looking to get into the plug-in hybrid game, with a model V70 expected in 2012.  Along with partner Vattenfall, a Swedish energy supplier, Volvo could have three demonstration vehicles by this summer.

The powertrain is a hybrid diesel-electric.  A 11.3 kWh (8 kWh to power the car), which is expected to power the vehicle for 30 miles, at which point the diesel engine would take over.  The battery can be recharged in five hours from a standard wall socket.

There is an associated video from Volvo.  Even if Volvo meets the 2012 deadline, it's unclear when Volvo would be go worldwide.

Volvo Cars aims to be market leader in plug-in hybrid technology

Volvo Cars continues to focus heavily on advanced green technology and is now taking yet another major step forward in keeping with the company's over-riding vision - DRIVe Towards Zero. A unique joint project together with Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall is prompting the production of battery-powered Volvos featuring plug-in hybrid technology as early as 2012.

"There is no doubt that the environmental issue is at the very top of Volvo Cars' product development agenda right now," says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. "Carbon dioxide emissions from our cars will be drastically reduced by the plan we are now implementing and our aggressive electrification strategy will put us in a leading position when it comes to environmentally optimised passenger transport."

Plug-in electrical hybrids in production by 2012

There are many benefits to plug-in electrical hybrids: carbon dioxide emissions are far lower and with an electric motor offering higher power, the car's performance is also far better. Being able to offer a truly attractive car that does not compromise on the other important properties that the customer wants is an absolute precondition for the market to shift towards more environmentally sustainable alternatives that really do make a difference.

"In fact, I would go so far as to say that the plug-in electrical hybrid we will launch in 2012 will be a true dream car. With the innovative solution we will offer, the car owner will be able to drive a thoroughly enjoyable car packed with Volvo's renowned high safety and genuine driving pleasure", says Stephen Odell.

Stephen Odell says that Volvo Cars' industrial cooperation with Vattenfall opens up entirely new potential for developing future green technologies in a far more efficient way. Working in partnership is something that the company regards as essential in order to generate sustainable development.

"DRIVe Towards Zero is our vision and with Vattenfall's expertise and partnership, we are making giant strides towards our targets. With our updated environmental map for the future, we are reinforcing our leading position in the environmental sphere within the premium segment," concludes Stephen Odell.

The following section presents Volvo Cars' environmental alternative and its map for the future.

DRIVe

At present, Volvo Cars has seven car models that can be specified in DRIVe configuration. The DRIVe badge is attached to those cars in the model range that have extremely low carbon dioxide emissions. Among their many features, these cars have been specially designed for low air resistance and their drivelines are optimised for low fuel consumption. The most fuel-efficient variants are the C30, S40 and V50 1.6D DRIVe, with fuel consumption of 3.9 litres/100 km (104 grams CO2/km).

FlexiFuel

Volvo Cars' FlexiFuel models are powered by E85 (85 percent renewable bioethanol and 15 percent petrol). Bioethanol is an entirely renewable fuel and can be made from a variety of sources such as sugar-cane, wheat and wood by-products. Both Volvo's smaller models (the C30, S40 and V50) and the larger cars (the V70 and S80) are available in FlexiFuel variants. There is a choice of three engine power outputs: the 1.8F producing 125 hp, the 2.0F which produces 145 hp and the turbocharged version, the 231 hp 2.5FT.

Bi-Fuel: V70 2.5FT in gas configuration

Biogas is one of the vehicle fuels with the lowest climate impact. On Volvo Cars' home market, where there is a satisfactory infrastructure for gas supply, the best-selling V70 model will be available in a gas-powered version in 2009. An outside conversion specialist contracted by Volvo Cars will fit the gas tank. The car's range on gas is about 300 km. To back this up there is the 2.5FT 231 hp FlexiFuel engine so the car's total range on biofuel is more than 900 km.

The car can be run on petrol, bioethanol, natural gas, biogas and hytane*.

* Methane gas with 10 percent hydrogen gas mixed in the fuel.

Start/Stop

The Volvo Cars model range also includes engines that switch themselves off when the car comes to a standstill. These so-called micro-hybrids cut fuel consumption by 4-5 percent. This system is even more effective in congested city traffic with frequent stops and starts. Start/Stop is being initially introduced on the C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe and will undergo constant development, and will over time be implemented in additional drivelines.

In 2011, Volvo Cars expects to introduce yet another highly advanced, entirely in-house developed system with even greater savings potential.

GTDi technology

In 2009, Volvo Cars will launch the development of an entirely new generation of high-efficiency petrol engines. These engines will be far more economical and will cut fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 20-30 percent.

GTDi technology makes it possible to reduce engine size while retaining current performance levels.

Plug-in electrical hybrids


Volvo Cars will put plug-in electrical hybrids on the market as early as 2012. With this technology, there is a battery pack that is used to drive an entirely emission-free electric motor. The battery is recharged via a regular wall socket and in addition, braking energy while on the move is stored and reused. This power system will be supplemented by one of Volvo's high-efficiency diesel engines. This diesel engine is designed to run on renewable synthetic diesel and will meet forthcoming extremely stringent exhaust regulations.

The car's range will be class-leading and what is more, tailpipe exhaust emissions will be virtually non-existent while the car is powered by electricity. If the battery pack is recharged with electricity produced from renewable sources, then carbon dioxide emissions from the lifecycle perspective will also be very low. In the NEDC standardised driving cycle, carbon dioxide emissions from Volvo's plug-in electrical hybrid will be lower than 50 grams/km. The plug-in electrical hybrid will thus qualify into what is known as the super-credit tax incentive band. In several European countries, a variety of incentive programmes such as tax relief will be introduced over the next few years. Cars that emit less than 50 grams of CO2/km will probably be granted the most favourable status.



Battery-powered cars

For short distances in city traffic, dedicated battery-powered cars may well be the next step. Volvo Cars is therefore researching into this area. There are still many challenges that have to be solved with battery cars and the company is working hard to find alternative ways of reducing battery cost, increasing their performance and ensuring that Volvo's high safety requirements are met at all times. At present, there are no battery-powered cars in Volvo's product plans, but the possibility of introducing new green technology is under constant review.

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As GM Heads Into Bankruptcy, What About the Volt?

Despite bankruptcy, GM has declared the Chevy Volt will still arrive in 2010.

GM also reaffirmed its commitment to improve the fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet, meet or exceed new federal fuel economy and emissions regulations, and push ahead with advanced propulsion technology. GM will launch the Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle in 2010, expects to have 14 hybrid models in production by 2012, and will have 65 percent of vehicles alternative-fuel capable by 2014.

I'm curious as to what they mean by 'launch' at this point. How many will be available, and who will be able to buy it? Will it just be available for 'fleets' or will anyone be able to buy one. Will they only be built in (very) limited numbers?

There's been a lot of pressure over the past few months on GM to cut the Volt out given it's possibility for failure. So far, GM has kept it on track. It's a PR thing, a green thing, a fuel efficient thing, and even a government mandated thing... which are all good reasons. But mostly, the Volt, like the Prius, will not make a difference to the bottom line for five to ten years from when it launches, so kudos to GM for continuing the project and keeping a long term goal in mind.

Obama says he will not run GM even as he does?
So, which is it?

Speaking at the White House, where he was flanked by Cabinet secretaries and top economic advisers, he added, "What I am not doing, what I have no interest in doing, is running GM." (source: AP on Yahoo)

But at the same time:

Looking ahead, he said, GM will be prodded at every juncture by the administration's top officials.

Umm... Which will it be? Will you be directing them or not?

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Ford Should Teach Others How to Drive Hybrids

Someone from Ford should contact the government agencies that purchase their hybrids and talk to them about how to drive their new hybrid vehicles. I know they know how to get the most out of their hybrid vehicles. Now they need to make sure the people who are most likely to influence future purchases know how to, too.

Fallsnewspress.com - City saving gas with its first hybrid vehicle

Bye said he can drive on electric power nearly the entire way from the Municipal Building on Second Street to the Electric Department on Bailey Road, a little more than a mile.

"I can go down Oakwood, turn on Front Street, get my speed up, back off the pedal a little bit and let it drop into electric and just feather it and keep it there almost all the way to work," Bye said.

"But if you got to pass somebody or you got to go up a little bit of a grade and you're pulling a little bit, then it goes back up into gas." The car will run on electric power until reaching approximately 23 mph when the four-cylinder gasoline engine kicks in, Carr said.

It's no wonder the guy in this story is getting just 22 mpg.  Driving on all electric may seem like a good idea, but that just guarantees you've drained the battery pack.  That means you're going to have to drive with all gas on the way home, killing your fuel economy. 

Hypermiling is a skill you can learn.  Driving a hybrid can be just like driving gas only cars.  But if you really want to get more out of it, there are simple techniques you can use to enhance your fuel sipping power.

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Sales of the Prius in Japan Soar Above the Rest

According to a dealership in Japan, nationwide orders of the Prius have topped 110,000 (Source: The Associated Press: Toyota Prius sales boom in Japan despite slowdown). That's well above the pre-orders announced by Toyota just a few weeks ago (80,000), and the sales rate of the Honda Insight.

Toyota has set their sales goal in Japan at 10,000 a month, which would make it the top selling car in Japan. Of course, if they really do have over 100,000 orders already, it's going to take them a year just to catch up to the orders they've already taken.

Hybrids in Japan have received a boost from the government, since they are being sold with a tax exemption (Source: LA Times). Add in the cash-back rebate for cars older than 13 when traded in for greener cars, and you get the rush on a hybrid promising 90 mpg in city driving (according to Japanese numbers... in the US, the Prius is rated at 50 mpg).

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Safety Recall, the Tesla Way

Tesla has issued a safety recall on the rear, inner hub flange bolts for their Roadster, which is certainly disappointing for a vehicle that costs over $100,000 to purchase. And if you were one of the 345 owners affected by the recall and had to bring your roadster back in to have the bolt tightened correctly, that would be a typical situation for any car owner. But after paying all that money, I'm betting you wouldn't be happy about it.

But Tesla has decided to turn this situation around and create some good press and good feelings instead. Instead of having the owners bring the car back to them, they are going to the owners. A house-call, if you will.  So instead of bad feelings all around, I'm betting the owners are thinking, "Hey, bad things happen.  It's what you do when it happens that matters."

Tesla is making sure to let everyone know the issues is not related to 'their' powertrain, but it is a manufacturing issue.  Lotus, which builds the Roadster, is also having their Elise and Exige recalled for a similar issue.

The technician sent by Tesla will come to the owners home or office and if necessary, will take the vehicle back to the the repair facility.  Service will be performed at no charge and will include a complimentary, full-vehicle inspection and software upgrade.

“We plan to do everything we can to address this matter swiftly and keep customers satisfied,” said Greg Zanghi, Tesla’s Director of Service and Parts Operations.

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