Earth, Wind & Power Blogazine

Johnson Controls to Supply Batteries for Ford's PHEV

Johnson Controls-Saft will supply the complete battery system for Ford Motor Company’s first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) beginning in 2012.

“The battery is the critical piece of electrifying vehicles,” says Nancy Gioia, Ford director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs. “Johnson Controls-Saft is one of the leaders focused on creating lithium-ion batteries for an affordable new generation of vehicles.”

The lithium-ion battery system that Johnson Controls-Saft is designing and manufacturing for Ford include cells, mechanical, electrical, electronic and thermal components.

“As U.S. vehicle manufacturers commercialize their hybrid programs, the industry will be best served with a qualified and robust domestic supply base,” said Alex Molinaroli, president of Johnson controls Power Solutions. “Developing and manufacturing these components here also represents a significant opportunity to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources.”

(Source: Ford Motor Company)  Click here to read full release.

Ford Motor Company's Electric Future

Ford Motor Company announced at the 2009 NAIAS its plan to bring pure battery electric vehicles and next-generation hybrids and plug-in hybrids to the market.

The company has already produced a prototype based on the Focus platform. Ford said they will offer a full-battery operated van to commercial fleets by next year. By 2011 Ford will have a small electric passenger car ready for American drivers.

The automaker will produce four different electric vehicles within the next four year, each expected to ready up to 100 miles on a single battery charge.

(Source: Ford)

GM to Manufacture 2010 Chevy Volt Battery Packs

This week during press conferences held at the North American International Auto Show, General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announce that the 2010 Chevrolet Volt will use battery packs manufactured by GM in the U.S.

The Volt is an extended-range electric vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving.

The GM facility will be the first first lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing plant operated by a major automaker in the United States.  It consists of lithium-ion cells that are grouped into modules, along with other key battery components. GM has been testing battery packs for the Volt, powered by cells from LG Chem. Compact Power INC., of Troy, Mich. Output is set to start in 2010.

(Source: General Motors)

Automakers Introduce New EcoDriving Program

Automakers have recently announced a new EcoDriving program, a comprehensive nationwide effort to help save you money at the gas pump, reduce fuel use and cut carbon emissions. It’s a way to save you money and help the environment at absolutely no cost, all it takes is a few changes to your driving habits.

 

For example, stop tailgating, know the proper way to accelerate and brake, use synchronized traffic lights to your advantage, drive at the optimum highway speed, and understand when to use air conditioning can all help reduce fuel consumption.

 

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the group of automakers responsible for launching the program, has also offered maintenance tips as part of the EcoDriving program. Some of the maintenance practices include, knowing which motor oil to use, understanding the importance of tire pressure and understanding aerodynamics.

 

EcoDriving produces the highest mileage from every single vehicle, regardless of size, make and age. If half of all drivers nationwide practice moderate levels of EcoDriving annual carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by about 100 million tons, equivalent of heating and powering 8.5 million households. Now that is a tremendous impact!

Learn more about EcoDriving at www.EcoDrivingUSA.com.

2009 Honda Insight to Debut at NAIAS

Honda will bring a new star to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) with the debut of its latest innovation, the 2009 Insight Hybrid, in Detroit this January. The five-passenger, five-door Insight is expected to be the most affordable hybrid on the market. Set to go on sale in the spring of 2009, the Insight is expected to have annual global sales of 200,000 units per year.

 

The Insight will feature a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhanced technology called the Ecological Drive Assist System or Eco Assist. Just another example of how being more environmentally conscious can be more affordable.

Information on the Honda Insight Hybrid can be found at www.honda.com.

Visit NAIAS to find out more about Honda’s Detroit debut.