Spinning China, GM, fuel economy & America into a fiber of carbon
The original, carbon-fiber molded Chevy Volt concept
Where’s the incentive to simply lighten the load?
For years I’ve pumped the potential of carbon fiber. Sadly, carbon fiber seems more mythical than mainstream EV penetration. Fortunately, I think that’s primed to change. Unfortunately, probably not in America. At least not directly.
But in China — where GM’s Buick rules — it’s a whole different game of innovation. One technology doesn’t rule. Even amongst Chinese communists scientific objectivity makes sense. More compelling, GM’s partnership with Chinese-based Teijin Limited offers real and unique advantages for both GM and China. Read more…
Categories: Fuel Economy Tags: carbon fiber, Fuel economy
Audi’s small, light EVs both interesting and nonsensical
The future of urban drag-racing?
But another step towards greater carbon fiber use
At first glance Audi’s new urban concept vehicles, set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show, are real attention grabbers, whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em.
Are they modern day go-carts, or cool urban sports coupes that hark back to the days of drive-ins and poodle skirts — and souped up racers?
Either way you look at them, these new carbon-fiber wrapped plug-in electric cars beg a number of questions. Read more…
Categories: Plug-in Vehicles, electric cars Tags: carbon fiber, electric cars
VW’s 261 mpg XL1 plug-in hybrid: What about today?
When will such a hybrid be cost-effective?
Coolest concept you’ll never drive?
What’s not to like about the VW XL1 plug-in hybrid debuting in Qatar? 21 miles of EV range. Carbon fiber. A plug-in hybrid architecture that achieves 261 mpg. This is the kind of car that can save the world, right? Well, except that gasoline prices might have to hit $20 a gallon to achieve cost-effectiveness.
Nonetheless, I’m happy to see VW working on such concepts, but isn’t there more that can be done today? Read more…
Categories: Fuel Economy, Hybrid Cars, MIsc., Plug-in Vehicles, VW XL1 plug-in hybrid, lithium batteries, plug-in hybrid cars Tags: carbon fiber, VW XL1 plug-in hybrid
Carbon fiber key to BMW plug-ins
Carbon fiber strengthens BMW's future
Rebuilding the car from the ground up
When the 2013 BMW Megacity plug-in vehicle goes on sale it won’t just be new to the market place, it’ll be an entirely brand new car, designed completely from scratch – except for the lithium-ion cells in the battery pack – from the ground up.
And, while such an approach means it will take longer for BMW to return a profit on its investment, it could be the key differentiator between BMW plug-in success and the rest of the auto industry. Just as interesting, the Megacity’s ground breaking approach will be driven by carbon fiber. Read more…
Categories: BMW Megacity electric car, MIsc., Plug-in Vehicles, electric cars Tags: BMW Megacity electric car, carbon fiber
Lighting up with Motive’s hemp car design
Not just your average cannabis.
Weed is good
Still trying to get over my X-Prize disappointment, so let’s burn one down and explore other options for the auto industry. For instance, Motive is showing off its latest design for its Kestrel EV, also known as the ‘cannabis car’ for its utilization of hemp-fiber composites.
To be honest, I would have expected more mundane styling cues, but Motive has unveiled a nice little compact electric car with this design. Read more…
Categories: Energy Independence, Fuel Economy, MIsc., Motive Kestral electric car, Plug-in Vehicles, electric cars Tags: carbon fiber, electric cars, motive kestral
Carbon fiber, safety and fuel efficiency
A key to fuel economy?
The strength of carbon fiber
These days any conversation regarding fuel economy, oil dependence, etc. ultimately seems to always resolve to batteries. Yet, the research on batteries seems to indicate that if the battery is the future of the auto industry, the world has many decades before that future fully unfolds.
Consequently, is it not fair to ask whether there is too much focus on the battery, particularly in the short term? For instance, could something like carbon-fiber also be a game changer? Read more…
Categories: BMW Megacity electric car, Energy Independence, Fuel Economy, Hybrid Cars, MIsc., Plug-in Vehicles, Tax Incentives, auto-drive software, electric cars, lithium batteries, plug-in hybrid cars, safety Tags: BMW Megacity electric car, carbon fiber, Fuel economy
Lightening the load to better fuel economy
The growing importance of carbon fiber?
How light is light?
When it comes to better fuel economy, too often the entire conversation focuses upon batteries. While batteries are critical, lighter materials, such as carbon fiber, might also play a very significant role.
Categories: Fuel Economy, MIsc. Tags: carbon fiber, Fuel economy
Carbon-fiber Megacity EV intrigues
The Megacity electric car
Nice carbon fiber
Electric cars have a long way to go before becoming mainstream. One of the biggest problems is battery size. However, if cars could be made lighter, smaller battery packs become possible, and that’s what makes BMW’s Megacity electric car very interesting.
Categories: BMW Megacity electric car, Plug-in Vehicles, electric cars Tags: bmw, BMW Megacity electric car, carbon fiber, electric cars
