By Philippe Crowe
A123 Systems’ production capacity is expected to be constrained over the next quarters. The lithium ion battery manufacturer is recovering from the recall of defective battery packs that had a major impact on its finances.
“Our first quarter results were consistent with our revised expectations as reported last week. Revenue for the first quarter was impacted by our campaign to replace prismatic products in the field that may be defective and the temporary shutdown of our facility in Livonia, Mich,” stated David Vieau, CEO of A123 Systems. “Since announcing the field campaign, we believe we have identified and corrected the root cause of the defective cells. We are gradually restarting production in a controlled manner consistent with our commitment to improve our manufacturing processes and quality, and have started shipping replacement products to impacted customers. Our customers have been generally supportive during this process, and we continue to work with them during this challenging period.”
read more
By Philippe Crowe
Catalytic converters are a major component of the emissions system of our cars … at least those that burn fuel. Are you intrigued by how they work? We found a video made by Motor Age After Hours that sheds some interesting light on them.
Motor Age magazine, a publication specialized in information for automotive technicians, partnered with Eastern Catalytic to help understand how catalytic converters work, debunk a few myths about them and why they may fail prematurely.
read more
By Philippe Crowe
Propel Fuels launched the company’s first Clean Mobility Center yesterday in Fullerton, California.
There are more consumers today driving alternative vehicles types, embracing renewable fuels, and seeking cleaner means of transportation. In response to the changing habits of today’s drivers, Propel’s new stations introduce renewable fuels (E85 Flex Fuel, biodiesel blends) alongside the conventional fuels (gasoline, diesel) that drivers use today. With a focus beyond fuel, Propel stations enable drivers to offset carbon from their fuel purchases, improve their vehicle’s fuel economy, find rideshare opportunities, tune bicycles, and recycle on the go.
read more
By Jeff Cobb
Yesterday Ford said its dealers are now accepting orders for its 2013 C-MAX Hybrid intended to go head-to-head against the Prius v with deliveries expected this fall.
Its U.S. base price of $25,995 is to undercut the Toyota rival by about $500, and later this year, Ford says it will start the ordering process for the plug-in C-Max Energi version, as well.
read more
By Larry E. Hall
The Lexus RX 450h is a gas-electric hybrid version of the RX 350 crossover sport-utility vehicle. By any standard, it has been a smash success for Lexus since it first launched as a 2006 model. A significant number of Lexus SUV buyers have opted for the “hybrid upgrade,” making the Lexus RX 450h the most popular hybrid sport utility in 2012.
After leaving the original RX hybrid series dormant in 2009, Toyota came back in the 2010 model year with the 450h, which offered more power and significantly improved fuel economy. The current model may only be three years old, but with competitors rolling out updated or all-new premium crossovers, it’s already high time for the RX to be refreshed. Mechanically, this is the same vehicle as its previous model.
For 2013, Lexus has given the RX 450h and its gasoline sibling a mild face-lift, revisions to the backside and a modest interior makeover. The RX 450h is available in a front-wheel drive (FWD) model with a base price of $45,910, an increase of $675 over the 2012 model, and an all-wheel drive (AWD) version starting at $47,310, up $465.
Under The Hood
read more
By Philippe Crowe
The emissions-free B-Class F-CELL is now rolling in California. Actress Diane Kruger is one of more than 35 environmental enthusiasts and early adopters to drive the fuel cell-powered vehicle.
This electric vehicle with fuel cells from Mercedes-Benz generates electricity on board in a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. With a range of around 245 miles and short refueling times, the B-Class F CELL combines locally emissions-free mobility with suitability for long journeys.
read more
By Philippe Crowe
Audi is presenting, starting today, the Audi e-bike Wörthersee – at Wörthersee in Carinthia, Austria.
Wörthersee is the location of a sizeable Volkswagen-Audi culture show being held every year in the region of this Austrian town. This year marks the show’s 31st year.
read more
By Huw Evans
Mercedes says it is introducing a range of new engines for its latest A-Class in Europe, three gasoline motors and two diesels.
All have been designed to meet stringent Euro 6 emissions requirements, while delivering superior fuel economy compared with their predecessors. In fact, Mercedes says that the 1.8 and 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engines, will achieve 62 miles per gallon and 55 mpg respectively. The 1.8 will be offered with either a six-speed manual gearbox in the A-Class or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 2.2-liter diesel will only be offered with the automatic. In terms of emissions output, both deliver low ratings, 98 grams per CO2/km and 112 grams per CO2/km respectively.
read more
By Philippe Crowe
The government of British Columbia, Canada, announced today a $62 million incentive program to promote the adoption of natural gas vehicles in the province.
The B.C. Ministry of Energy and Mines launched the Greenhouse Gas Reduction regulation that advances the adoption and deployment of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in BC.
read more
By Philippe Crowe
Delta Products Corporation, headquartered in Fremont, Calif,. has been awarded a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), for the development and demonstration of a residential electric vehicle charging system with smart grid communication capabilities.
According to Delta, the smart-charging system will allow utilities to reduce infrastructure costs and manage load during peak hours. The system will also benefit consumers by taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates for electric vehicle charging.
read more
