In the last few years, most automakers have shifted from nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries to Li-ion batteries. This shift represents a major endorsement of Li-ion chemistry and its ability to perform consistently in an automotive environment.

According to a recent report from Navigant Research, total worldwide capacity of Li-ion batteries for transportation applications will increase more than ten-fold, from 4,400 megawatt-hours (MWh) in 2013 to nearly 49,000 MWh by 2020.

The immediate future looks to be secure for the Li-ion chemistry, although there are many variants still under development to improve performance and reduce cost. The technology continues to improve, and leading battery cell manufacturers have built new factories utilizing the latest production techniques including greater automation and faster throughput.

“Li-ion technology continues to improve, as increased energy densities translate into smaller and lighter battery packs with more power,” says David Alexander, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “At the same time, leading battery cell manufacturers have built new factories utilizing the latest production techniques, including greater automation and faster throughput. This will lead to a reduction in the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) over the next few years, provided that volumes continue to increase.”

The market for Li-ion batteries will primarily be driven by the growth of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), as they utilize much larger battery packs than plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Today’s BEVs use battery packs ranging from 16 kilowatt-hour to 85 kilowatt-hour, compared to PHEVs that typically use packs ranging from 4 kilowatt-hour to 16 kilowatt-hour.

Additionally, many recently introduced hybrid vehicles, such as the Honda Civic Hybrid, use Li-ion batteries, and the percentage of hybrids using Li-ion technology is expected to grow steadily as automakers update their models.

The report, “Electric Vehicle Batteries”, provides a detailed examination of the growing market for Li-ion batteries, including profiles of all of the leading Li-ion battery manufacturers.

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With the Electric Bike market forecasted to grow globally from 31 million in 2013 to 38 million e-bicycles to be sold in 2020, GAC decided it was a sector in which they should develop a strong interest.

GAC said Powabyke is one of the oldest and most respected brands in the Electric Bike sector where they pioneered the introduction of what are now known as Pedelec’s some 10 years ago.

With a presence in several European countries, Powabyke has plenty of opportunity for growth, especially in North America where it has yet to start retailing its products.

Ian Hobday, a Director of GAC, said that “we were first introduced to the Powabyke brand through our recently acquired GoinGreen business, and we were impressed with what we saw. We believe the Electric Bike market is poised for substantial growth: Efforts to transition rapidly to renewable and clean energy solutions while satisfying growing urban mobility needs are key factors accelerating the sale and use of electric bicycles. The utilization of high-quality, affordable lithium ion batteries and attractive designs are helping open this market to people outside the normal e-bicycle demographic. Electric bicycles have not yet really taken off in America but, according to Pike Research, the market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 20 percent and we believe we can be one of the early players in this dynamic sector. The “fit” with our other EV businesses is good and we expect to add this to our California operations very shortly.”

This buy-in from GAC will provide Powabyke with an easier access to the North American market.

“We’re excited about working with the GAC team, and in particular leveraging their American operations to give us a quick entry into the USA,” said Greg Collier, MD Metroelectric. “This is an untapped market at the moment but working with GAC we think we can be very successful there.”

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Since the launch of highway legal cars such as Chevrolet’s Volt and Nissan’s Leaf in December 2010, plus a modest beginning for Tesla’s Roadster before that, and others following, the 100,000 number is being seen as a significant if not yet paradigm-changing milestone.

“Our current estimate, based on monthly sales figures from automakers, is that the 100,000th highway-capable plug-in vehicle will be sold on May 20,” said Tom Saxton, Plug In America’s chief science officer. “We are calling this the #PIA100K mark, and we are excited to see the continued growth of the market.”

Plug in America now has a PEV unit-sold-in-America counter posted on its Web site, and announced a drawing which consumers can enter online for a free vehicle charger to those who purchase a plug-in vehicle between May 15 and Jun 15.

In overview, electrified vehicle proponents see today’s boundary crossing as a sign of progress while acknowledging resistance, fundamental lack of awareness and accurate understanding, and politicized push back as well.

Plug in America board member Barry Woods blogged in anticipation of the 100,000 unit milestone that he has observed a slow changing of the tide in the face of staunch obstacles plug-in vehicles must yet overcome.

“Misinformation abounds – about the costs, range, battery resiliency, EV carbon emissions, the superiority of other alternative fuels, a “green” political pre-disposition,” wrote Woods of various sources of resistance on May 9. “Unfortunately, too often those with the biggest bullhorn shape the ‘facts.’”

Model S has been named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, Automobile magazine’s Automobile of the Year, and has garnered a number of top honors besides.

But progress is happening in spite of all this.

Based on the current average household size, Plug in America estimates a quarter million people have been exposed to the viability of daily life with all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric cars. He noted that in March in the Portland metro area, Nissan dealers collectively sold more Leafs than any other model, even more than the best-selling Altima.

Woods is directly involved in selling chargers, and he has noticed a shift in attitudes at dealers he visits.

“Where are we today? We have Nissan, Tesla, Chevy, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, FIAT, manufacturing PEV models with their own branding,” said Woods. “Now when I go into auto dealers, they invite me back to speak to their sales staff and discuss charging as an issue and what their customers will need to make better use of the car’s range capabilities.”

Other highlights include:

• Tesla’s Model S is outselling the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 series and the Audi A8
• Chevy Volt drivers alone have logged over 187-million electric miles
• The plug-in vehicle market is approaching 48 percent annual growth with both Battery Electric (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles finding growing interest
• Plug-in vehicle adoption exceeds the adoption of hybrid vehicles over the same timeframe in their market developments
• The domestic EV fleet now offers over 2,000 megawatts of battery storage, which may offer significant opportunities for the future management of our electrical grid and the increasing role of intermittent renewable energy sources
• Manufacturers making EVs now include Nissan, Tesla, GM, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, and Fiat. These plug-in cars have received a wealth of consumer and industry awards

Is It Enough?

The above question is not ours, but was first posed by USA Today noting 100,000 units “is just slightly less than the sales of a single conventional model, the Ford Fusion, over the first four months of the year. And the Fusion was only the sixth most popular model in the U.S.”

Objections persist over range, charging time and costs, writes USA Today – not to mention several other objections noted by Woods above.

A More Bullish Perspective

With seemingly eyes wide open, Woods noted EV proponents were nonetheless correct about the prospects for plug-in technology and the growth on a percentage basis has been markedly more significant than hybrid market growth.

That is true, but when one starts from a base of zero units, and grows to higher levels, percentage points can appear impressive if viewed without context.

Beyond this, Woods said advocates were also correct that American car shoppers would accept choices other than gasoline if given a long haul value.

Nissan’s 2013 Leaf had its best sales month in March, and second-best in April this year. It’s now built in Tennessee and Nissan is investing billions in PEVs.

“A virtuous market – and policy-based cycle has developed to bring down prices and spur R & D,” said Wood. “We appreciate that these vehicles are not just ‘green,’ they are advanced vehicle technology creating better transportation choices and superior driving experiences. They can become the Car of the Year.”

To be sure, the 100,000 milestone is well short of being on track to hit an early goal set by President Obama for 1 million EVs and PHEVs sold in the U.S. by 2015.

At the same time, things are accelerating, and even if the goal is not hit on time, there is a sizable and growing number of PEVs on American roads leading toward a “tipping point” as Plug in America describes it, in favor of larger scale adoption.

The post 100,000 Plug-In Vehicles Sold In America appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Named after the chemical symbol for hydrogen, the H2USA partnership brings together government agencies, gas suppliers, the hydrogen and fuel cell industries and automakers including Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota.

While American automakers and private industry have made significant progress, H2USA will bring experts together to solve key infrastructure challenges, including leveraging low-cost natural gas resources.

Through the program, industry and government partners will identify actions to encourage early adopters of fuel cell electric vehicles, conduct coordinated technical and market analysis, and evaluate alternative fueling infrastructure that can enable cost reductions and economies of scale.

“Fuel cell technologies are an important part of an all-of-the-above approach to diversify America’s transportation sector, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and increase our competitiveness in the global market,” said assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, David Danielson in the Energy Department’s press release. “By bringing together key stakeholders from across the U.S. fuel cell and hydrogen industry, the H2USA partnership will help advance affordable fuel cell electric vehicles that save consumers money and give drivers more options.”

Hyundai is currently making a fuel-cell-powered version of the Tucson with the goal of selling 1,000 units by 2015, when it will launch the next-generation Tucson and target annual output of about 10,000 units.

“Hyundai’s Tucson Fuel Cell program is an integral part of our plan to develop low-carbon, fuel-efficient vehicles that minimize fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions,” said Gil Castillo, senior group manager, alternative vehicle strategy, Hyundai Motor America. “Our partnership with the Energy Department and H2USA is another way Hyundai is striving to meet the critical social needs for both mobility and environmental preservation.”

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The announcement came during a special event held to demonstrate the innovation of racing technology in Thailand, attended by the Pol.Maj.Gen Lattasanya Piansomparn, Advisor to the Minister of Energy, Mr. Chiruit Israngkun Na Ayuthaya, Director-Domestic MICE, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, and Alejandro Agag, CEO of Championship promoter Formula E Holdings (FEH).

More than 200 guests attended the reception, also held in honour of His Majesty the King’s 86^th birthday, hosted on the eighth floor of the ZEN Shopping Mall by leading Thai DJ and model Nattaseat Poonsupmanee.

Taking centre stage at the ceremony was the fully-electric Formula E car making its first ever appearance in Asia.

Earlier this year, FEH presented the FIA with a preliminary list of eight cities – London, Rome, Los Angeles, Miami, Beijing, Putrajaya, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro – all selected to host races for the inaugural season.

A total of 10 races are scheduled for 2014 with Bangkok adding its name to the list of candidate cities for the remaining two slots.

Since launching in August 2012, FEH has received formal letters of interest from 23 cities across five continents with the final calendar being presented to the FIA for its approval at the September 2013 World Motor Sport Council.

“We are delighted to be here in Bangkok today and are very thankful to the Thai authorities for their enthusiastic welcome,” said Alejandro Agag. “We have been very impressed with Thailand’s commitment to cleaner energy and sustainable motoring, as well as their rising motorsport programme, and a Formula E race through this amazing city would provide a great spectacle together with a considerable boost to tourism.”

Mr. Chiruit Israngkun Na Ayuthaya said that “the FIA Formula E Championship in Bangkok city will help economic growth (GDP) and generate tourism revenue for the country, especially MICE industry and motor sports economic activities.”

Formula E is a new FIA championship that brings electric vehicle racing to the people, as city centres around the world play host to an electric energy World Championship designed to promote interest and investment in electric vehicles and sustainable motoring.

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This year’s Pikes Peak hill climb race will be held on June 30.

With the upgraded all-new MiEV Evolution II, MMC said it has set its sights on an outright victory in this legendary American race.

The new racecar will be powered by four 100 kilowatt electric motors, one for each wheel, for a total maximum power output of 400 kilowatt.

These four motors will be powered by a 50 kilowatt-hour battery made by LEJ.

Held annually in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is an annual automobile and motorcycle hill climb to the 14,110-foot summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado, with entrants covering an elevation difference of almost 4,720 feet.

First run in 1916, the hill climb celebrates its 91st running this year making it the second oldest U.S. motorsport event after the Indianapolis 500. Also known as “The Race to the Clouds,” atmospheric pressure, temperature, weather and other conditions vary significantly between the start and finish, requiring optimum vehicle tuning for maximum performance.

MMC entered the Pikes Peak competition for the first time last year with the i-MiEV Evolution all-electric prototype, finishing second in the Electric Vehicle division.

Participation in the event brought a wealth of data in areas such as vehicle speed and acceleration, lithium-ion drive battery consumption, electric motor temperature and other key information that will play an important role in future MMC electric vehicle development.

Driving the pair of all-new MiEV Evolution II racing prototypes will be two-time Dakar Rally champion and MMC vehicle development/test driver Hiroshi Masuoka and six-time PPIHC motorcycle champion Greg Tracy.

Hiroshi Masuoka scored a second-place finish in last year’s PPIHC in the Electric Vehicle division piloting the i-MiEV Evolution racing prototype.

In addition to competing in the event with two electric vehicles, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is also announcing its role as the Presenting Sponsor of the 91^st running of PPIHC.

An all-New MiEV Evolution II for 2013

Like last year’s i-MiEV Evolution, the MiEV Evolution II combines parts used in production vehicles with a high-capacity battery and high-output motors specially-designed by MMC’s suppliers.

Based on experience gained from last year’s race, MMC has added a high-tech Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system to the innovative four-motor (two-front/two-rear) drivetrain for increased handling and control in the MiEV Evolution II.

MMC said that together with a specially-designed body that provides reduced weight and improved aerodynamics, the MiEV Evolution II represents a significantly improved all-electric racing prototype.

MMC provided a few design highlights of the 2013 MiEV Evolution II:

• Improved lower center of gravity due to redesigned lithium-ion battery placement
• Improved power output/performance from four-motor (two front/two rear) 4WD drivetrain with MMC’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system
• Active Yaw Control (AYC) to optimally control yaw for improved high-speed cornering
• Active Stability Control (ASC) for improved vehicle dynamics and control by automatically managing brake force to one or more wheels as well as motor output
• Redesigned Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

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Evolve USA Charging Corporation will be solely responsible for new sales, service and the development of electric vehicle charging Systems for both residential and commercial applications.

Evolve will also be responsible for administration of the recently agreed upon Asset Purchase Agreement of the Chicago Grant Agreement.

The company said that initially, upon court approval Evolve will begin operations with a network of owned and operated units that consist of 142 Level II chargers and 26 Level III DC fast chargers within the Chicago market.

Evolve will also focus on expanding its number of units with additional acquisitions and the development of new locations.

JNS expects that Evolve’s business model will allow Evolve USA Charging Corporation to own, operate and maintain a network of EV Charging Stations throughout the Chicagoland area by entering into shared revenue agreements with the owners of desired properties.

Evolve is proceeding with securing exclusive locations strategically placed within Chicago and the surrounding suburbs and in conjunction with targeted areas for our initial launch of our Electric Vehicle Charging Station infrastructure.

“The company believes that EV Charging Stations offer an excellent opportunity for revenue growth as more and more consumers seek alternatives to oil dependency and environmentally friendly options,” stated Brian Howe, Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Howe also stated, “With more and more automobile manufacturers developing electric vehicles and the cost of such vehicles coming down the need for charging stations will only increase. JNS based upon its years of experience in the electrical industry is poised and ready to seize this opportunity.”

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The car was handed over to the organization Tuesday May 14 at Cité Nissan in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

The fully electric, zero-emission, five-passenger car will be used to ensure vulnerable families have food, hygiene products, shelter and assistance in restoring order to their lives after fires and major disasters in the Greater Montreal area.

“Sun Youth would like to extend its most heartfelt thanks to the Nissan Canada Foundation for its generous contribution over the years. They are truly dedicated to making a meaningful impact in our society, and is a relentless driver for positive and lasting change,” said Tommy Kulczyk, assistant to the executive director and director of Sun Youth’s Emergency Services. “This Nissan LEAF donation represents a great leap forward in Sun Youth’s effort to promote and encourage environmentally conscientious behaviour, sending a clear message to our community. We must not only include, protect, and nurture those who are vulnerable and marginalized, but also be considerate for that which we will always share, our environment.”

Sun Youth’s Disaster Assistance program has been on the scene of fires and major disasters in the Greater Montreal area since the 1970’s and with support from the Nissan Canada Foundation since 1996. Today’s donation has fortified one of the pillars of Sun Youth’s contribution to the Greater Montreal area and will help ensure this program can continue with the same capacity and reach.

This is the first time that the Nissan Canada Foundation has donated a Nissan LEAF to a charitable organization and is Sun Youth’s first electric car.

“In celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Nissan Canada Foundation and nearly twenty years supporting Sun Youth, we’re proud to make this contribution and to know that this Nissan LEAF will be used to help those in need,” said Christian Meunier, President, Nissan Canada Inc. “When disasters strike, organizations like Sun Youth provide the hope and comfort that can make all the difference in the world – we’re just happy to help them make a difference.”

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“Through the ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative, our government is investing in innovative clean energy technologies that create jobs, generate new economic opportunities and protect the environment,” said the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. “This program demonstrates our tangible support for energy projects that drive energy innovation.”

Temperature control in electric-vehicle battery systems remains a major challenge in maximizing battery life and reliability.

Dana said it will use this grant to seek a solution for the industry that improves the viability of electric vehicles.

The first project aims to advance the development of aluminum heat exchangers, which are used to thermally manage electric-vehicle battery systems.  The grant focuses on improving fluxless aluminum brazing materials and process technology for manufacturing to increase process speeds, enhance cleanliness during production, and reduce overall cost.

“Dana is excited to work with NRCan on this important issue as we aim to increase the life and operating reliability of batteries, which will lead to greater market adoption of electric vehicles,” said Dwayne Matthews, president of the Dana Power Technologies Group.  “We will be using these grants to build on our foundational knowledge of electric-vehicle thermal systems to help achieve higher levels of efficiency.”

Battery function and durability can be significantly compromised in cold climate conditions, such as those encountered during Canadian winters.

Thus, the second project aims to address these challenges and improve battery system performance in low temperatures by developing and integrating thick-film electric surface heaters directly into the battery cooling heat exchanger.

For this project, Dana will collaborate with Datec Coatings, of Mississauga, Ontario.

Dana stated the work for these projects will be completed at Dana’s technology center in Oakville, Ontario.

Both projects are part of NRCan’s ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative (ecoEII) and are expected to last approximately three years.

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Ford plug-in customers can now purchase a Ford-approved 240-volt charger and schedule a turnkey professional installation with a telephone call to AeroVironment.

AeroVironment also said that soon customers will also have a Web-based option for ordering their home charging package or purchasing their charging station.

The company’s 240-volt home charging package allows Ford’s plug-in hybrid models, C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi, to recharge in 2.5 hours, giving drivers another 21 miles of all-electric driving.

The Focus Electric will be ready for 76 miles of all-electric driving in less than 4 hours.

By comparison, charging the Focus Electric from a standard 120-volt wall outlet can require 18 to 20 hours for a full recharge.

AeroVironment said it brings extensive experience in plug-in electric vehicle charging solutions to Ford, with more than 11,000 charging stations deployed across North America. In addition to charging hardware, the company also offers the convenience of turnkey, professional installation performed by its nationwide network of certified installers and supported by a three-year onsite parts and labor warranty.

Many customers will have the opportunity to schedule a charging station installation in a single visit, without the need for a preliminary site consultation, depending on local regulations and the layout of their property.

“AeroVironment looks forward to delivering a complete home charging solution to Ford plug-in customers so they can enjoy the benefits and convenience of faster charging and cleaner driving,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager of its Efficient Energy Systems business segment. “Turning home garages into electric vehicle refueling stations with a single telephone call is one of several ways we work with transportation leaders like Ford to make it easy for drivers to enjoy the benefits of plug-in electric vehicles.”

Aerovironment can be reached at 1 (888) 219-6747.

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