The B2B platform for full-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Events News

Despite the current crisis in the automotive sector, the Geneva auto show offered only a glimpse into a zero-emissions future, with less than 20 models of full-electric and plug-in hybrids showcased. In this first part, cars21.com tells you which plug-in hybrids were on display (+photos).

Although the official visitors’ guide featured a long article about the electric future of the automobile, the 79th Geneva Motor Show, open to the public from 5-15 March, burst with gas-guzzling SUVs and conventional powertrains, giving no indication of if the auto industry is heading in the direction of electrified cars in the near future. Although many now agree that electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in electric hybrids (PHEVs) are the way to go, only a few models were on display, with most of them only in the concept phase and one year away from commercialisation. 

cars21.com used the press days to talk to manufacturers and suppliers involved in the development and marketing of PHEVs. All exhibitors confirmed that interest in the latest plug-in electric hybrid models as well as expectations for a fast market uptake were high.

PHEVs in Geneva

Opel - Ampera: The troubled German carmaker presented its extended-range electric vehicle as a world premiere to the public in Geneva. Opel claims that the Ampera will be the first emission-free, electrically driven automomobile in Europe suitable for everyday driving. From late 2011 on, when the car is set to hit the roads, the five-door, four-seat Ampera will be sold with the new Voltec electric propulsion system. Its wheels are turned electrically at all times and speeds. For journeys up to 60 km it runs on electricity stored in the 16kWh lithium-ion battery manufactured by General Motors at the first US lithium-ion production facility. More than 220 cells are arranged in the T-shaped pack. When the battery’s energy is depleted, a gasoline/E85-fueled engine-generator extends the Ampera’s range to more than 500 km while simultaneously sustaining the charge of the battery. It can be plugged into any household 230V outlet for charging. (see cars21.com photo gallery + official press folder Opel)

Fisker - Karma: Labeled as the “world’s first luxury plug-in hybrid sedan”, the Karma was designed by Fisker Automotive - a result of a collaboration between Californian Fisker Coachbuild and Quantum Technologies. The sports car, using a 200 kW lithium-ion battery pack and a turbocharged 2.0 Liter Ecotec Direct Injection engine, was first presented in 2008. Deliveries of the $78,780 (exluding VAT) model will start through a network of 40 retailers across Europe beginning early 2010. Also displayed in Geneva: the Karma S - a four-seat hardtop convertible open-air version sharing the same aluminimum spaceframe architecture with the basic Karma model - that is scheduled for 2011 without any pricing set yet. (see earlier article + cars21.com photo gallery + Fisker press folder)

Chrysler - 200C EV Concept: The range-extended electric vehicle with a 644 km range drives 64 km in an all-electric range before using the small 200 kW gasoline engine and an integrated electric generator to produce additional electricity. The four-passenger sedan uses regenerative braking to recharge the lithium-ion battery. Together with the Dodge Circuit EV, to be presented in Part II of our Geneva feature, Chrysler wants to position itself with a growing portfolio of all-electric and electric hybrid vehicles. At least one of the two will be produced for the North American markets in 2010, and for Europe after 2010.

Toyota - Plug-in Hybrid: After the worldwide success of the conventional hybrid model Prius, the Japanese carmakers is presenting a PHEV model equipped with a nickel hydride battery to be fully charged in 1.5 hours with 200V and up to 4 hours with 100V. The five-seat model can achieve an EV top speed of 100 km/h. The first 150 units will be available in Europe this year, followed by another 350 in 2010. However, so far they will only be used for testing purposes.

ETH - Hyb-α: The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich displayed a parallel hybrid concept car designed by five mechanical engineering students. The Hyb-α competed and won in a specialised formula race in Torino, Italy. The vehicle’s main innovation is the powertrain where the 90 kW electric motor is used as the primary motor and the internal combustion engine is only used as an additional energy source. The parallel concept works as a serial hybrid. Per battery pack, of which 10 are installed in the car, 100 lithium-manganese cells are used. The ETH is now continuing research on electric vehicles. Dario Wyss, one of the inventors, confirmed that PHEVs will definitely be the next major issue in R&D for electric vehicles.