Ford’s Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid has been one of the top-selling PHEVs since its February 2013 debut (it sold 9,750 units in 2015, second only to the Volt). Now Ford has released some details of the 2017 Fusion (also available in hybrid and legacy gas versions), which is scheduled to arrive at dealerships this summer…. Read more »
Search Results Found For: "US Hybrid"
New hybrid Chevrolet Malibu uses tech from the Volt
The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu will be offered in a hybrid version that uses an adaptation of GM’s Voltec plug-in hybrid system. This will be the third generation of Malibu Hybrids, but the previous two had only a “mild hybrid” system that assists the gas engine. The new ‘bu is a “strong hybrid,” and can drive… Read more »
Toyota tests silicon carbide power semiconductors in a hybrid Camry and fuel cell bus
Power semiconductors are key components of the power control units (PCUs) used in all types of vehicles with electric powertrains – EVs, hybrids and fuel cell vehicles. Current power semiconductors are leaky, accounting for around 20 percent of a vehicle’s electrical losses, so raising their efficiency could be a rewarding area of study. Toyota has… Read more »
Volvo Electric Hybrid bus begins operation on Hamburg’s Innovation Route
The city of Hamburg, Germany has a plan to electrify its public transport system: starting in 2020 it will acquire only emission-free buses. The city’s public transit company, the Hamburger Hochbahn, has opened a special bus route, Innovation Route 109, on which it will run comparative tests of modern drive technologies under everyday conditions. The… Read more »
Plug-in hybrid kit maker Echo Automotive goes out of business
The commercial fleet market promises great opportunities for startups, but also great dangers. A number of companies are trying to electrify this segment, and several have already fallen by the wayside. The latest to run out of juice is Echo Automotive, which was profiled in our April issue. The Arizona-based company has been forced to… Read more »
Transport for London tests wireless charging with diesel hybrid buses
Transport for London plans to test wireless inductive charging technology with four diesel hybrid buses. The Alexander Dennis Enviro400H E400 double-deckers will operate on route 69 between Canning Town and Walthamstow bus stations, and will be fitted with special technology enabling on-board batteries to receive a charge at bus stands at either end of the… Read more »
Volvo’s new Electric Hybrid transit bus reduces energy consumption by 60%
Volvo will officially launch its 7900 Electric Hybrid transit bus, a plug-in version of the company’s proven 7900 Hybrid, at the International IAA Commercial Vehicles show in September. The 7900, which is available in both rigid-bodied and articulated versions, offers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions up to 75% lower than a legacy diesel bus. Total… Read more »
Airbus to produce electric aircraft, envisions hybrid regional airliner
The sky’s the limit for electrified transportation. European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has a vision of a hybrid 80-90-seat regional airliner that would have high-density energy storage in the wings, and a kerosene or biofuel generator to quickly recharge the batteries on the ground or in flight. An electric-powered turboprop airliner could be operated at a… Read more »
Volvo’s plug-in hybrid buses save fuel, delight drivers
Field tests in Sweden have shown that Volvo’s plug-in hybrid buses reduce fuel consumption by 81% and total energy consumption (diesel plus electricity) by 61% compared to a comparable Euro 5 diesel bus. The silent, smooth ride is an added benefit. “Our performance results are even slightly better than we had anticipated. The plug-in hybrid… Read more »
Balqon to introduce plug-in hybrid drive system for heavy-duty trucks and buses
Balqon Corporation (OTCBB: BLQN) has entered into a joint development agreement with Polar Power Inc. to develop series plug-in hybrid systems for its line of heavy-duty electric trucks and buses. The companies will develop a 40 kw on-board DC hybrid generator to charge batteries during the daily drive cycle to increase the range of the… Read more »