Archive for August, 2009
Today Ford held a live chat with Sherif Marakby, Ford Global Hybrid Chief Engineer regarding their intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications and control system. In addition to discussing this new system, Marakby answered questions about Ford’s plans for hybrids and plug-in electrics. To read the full chat transcript, go to TheFordStory.com. To learn more about this technology, click HERE.
Intelligent Vehicle-to-Grid Communications and Control System
Here are the questions I posted and Marakby’s/Ford’s responses:
Mike Gray: On August 11th, GM announced that their Chevrolet Volt is projected to achieve 230 mpg…does Ford have any mpg projections (or equivalent rating measures) for their upcoming plug-in electrics and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles?
Sherif Marakby: The current EPA Fuel economy tools do not well represent Plugin or Battery Electric fuel economy. Our Plugin hybrid technology will achieve great reduction in fuel consumption, and we expect a substantial improvement over current gasoline and full hybird fuel economy.Mike Gray: With an increase in electrics and plug-in electric vehicles in the next few years, how will utilities provide tax dollars for road improvements and upkeep? Will there be a “Road Tax” on electricity?
Ford Motor Company: Mike, that’s more of a policy question. Sherif’s expertise is in engineering. Overall, we’ll be working with utilities and the government for a comprehensive solution for the industry.Mike Gray: Aftermarket companies have been converting Prius’s for years into plug-in hybrids. Why is it taking so long for the automakers to mass produce one?
Sherif Marakby: We want to ensure we complete the validation of the batteries and systems with full durability, safety, and performance attributes. We are excited about introducing this technology, but want to make sure we provide no compromise solutions to our customers.
In addition, as Bill Ford likes to say, “the hardware is no problem. We need to ensure we’ve got the solution for the infrastructure and power supply before we can move forward.” It’s about partnerships and collectively moving the industry ahead.Mike Gray: I guess my underlining question in regards to “Road Tax”…is the intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications and control system a first step to help the utilities determine if you have your car plugged in verses your blender?
Sherif Marakby: The Intelligent V2G control system will definitely enable the utility to recognize and react to the loads in the home. We believe there is great potential using this system to level the load on the grid.
As you can tell from my questioning, I was specifically trying to figure out how hybrids and electric vehicles will end up paying for their share of highway maintenance. I am sure as more and more hybrids and electric vehicles are placed on the road, federal and state governments will address this issue. An intelligent communications system between the vehicle and the electric grid may be the next first step.
What do you think? How will hybrids and electrics be taxed like the “road tax” on gasoline?
Do you have a AAA Card? Do you have an iPhone? Get the AAA Roadside App for FREE!
Posted by: | CommentsIf you need roadside assistance you no longer need to wait on hold. AAA, America’s leader in Emergency Roadside Service with 51 million members, has a new way for you to contact them for roadside service using the AAA Roadside iPhone App. If you need assistance, the application, among many other things, uses the iPhone’s built in location functions to send your location information to AAA, stores your AAA membership info, and sends a confirmation acknowledging your request. In addition, you can use the app to find AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
To learn more about the AAA Roadside application, click on the link below.
AAA Roadside iPhone Application
I just put the app on my iPhone and updated my profile (AAA Member Number and Vehicle Info). It took just a few minutes. Do this now when you are at home and not stuck in your car!
Over 10% of U.S. Population will be Traveling by Car this Labor Day: Is Your Car Ready?
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to AAA, approximately 32.9 million Americans will hit the road in their automobiles this Labor Day weekend (September 3rd – 7th) – this equates to about 1 in 10 Americans or 10% of the population (the U.S. population is approximately 307 million).
If you are getting in your car this Labor Day, you have about a week to get your car ready for the journey. What should you do?
1. Find out where your car is at in regards to servicing and perform the necessary maintenance as needed.
2. Check and readjust (if needed) your tire pressure. Always check tires when they are cold (before you drive anywhere). The correct tire pressure is on the tire placard, usually on the driver’s side door or door jamb. Do not rely solely on your tire pressure monitoring system (if equipped, cars manufactured after September 1st, 2007 are required to have this system). While you are fiddling around with the tire pressure gauge and valve stem, take a gander at the tread. You don’t want to be hydroplaning the next time it rains. Check your spare tire too! Put a quality tire gauge
3. Inspect your belts and hoses. One of the most common roadside failures is a broken belt or a burst hose.
4. Complete a light inspection. Replace any burned out bulbs. Check the bulbs all the way around and inside your car.
5. Assemble a roadside safety kit or purchase one online. Here’s a good one – AAA 73 Piece Adventurer Road Assistance Kit
6. Clean your battery and have it load tested. Many auto parts stores and service centers will complete a load test on your car battery for free. Here is a link to a video on how to clean your battery yourself.
7. Replace your wiper blades…it’s time if they are cracked or skipping across your windshield.
8. Find a reputable technician if you don’t know how to open the hood and don’t have a desire to learn. Look for shops that display its employees’ Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications. You have three different types of repair facilities to research: dealerships, chains, and independents. Use websites from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, AAA, and Motorist Assurance Program to find quality repair facilities.
9. Plan your route using your GPS or an online map program like MapQuest, Google Maps, or Rand McNally. Or find your old fashioned printed map in your glove box (just make sure it is up to date).
Rand McNally
10. Book hotels online using discount coupons or club (AAA discounts) codes.
That’s it! Enjoy your trip and be safe. And if you want to learn more about basic car care, go to www.AutoUpkeep.com.
Inspecting Serpentine Belts – New Belt Technology Warrants New Inspection Techniques
Posted by: | CommentsHow do you determine if your serpentine belt needs replacing. Looking for cracks in neoprene serpentine belts was a tried and true method to determine replacement. Neoprene serpentine belts commonly last 50,000 to 60,000 miles. However today, there is a new belt technology: Ethylene Propylene Diene M-class rubber (EPDM). EPDM belts can last 100,000 miles (see Gates Corporation Tech Tip: Neoprene vs. EPDM Construction). EPDM belts require more investigation to determine wear.
Neoprene vs. EPDM Belt Wear - Courtesy of Gates Corporation
So how do you determine belt wear? According to Gates Corporation (see Gates Corporation Tech Tip: Belt Inspection Changes) you need to consider everything from vehicle mileage, to belt and tensioner performance, to system component operation. Problems that can be caused by belt slippage include: decreased efficiency in engine cooling, poor power steering operation, decreased alternator charging capability, increased heat in component bearings, accelerated pulley wear, decreased belt life, and inefficient air conditioning operation…not to mention the possibility of a check engine light illuminating. Gates Corporation recommends checking EPDM belt wear at 50,000 miles using a precision diameter tool. For more details on how to inspect EPDM belts, go to GatesPrograms.com/beltwear.
In addition to inspecting the belt, pulley alignment and proper tension must be checked. According to Gates, the following must occur for a belt to work correctly:
1. Pulleys in good operating order—free and clear of dirt, grease and grime or wear.
2. Proper alignment—any misalignment must be repaired before installation of the new belt.
3. Proper tension—if the belt does not have proper tension, it will begin to slip, causing heat which will result in premature failure and noise. See the Gates Corporation Tech Tip: Pulley Alignment Tension
Did you know that the average belt tensioner will adjust belt tension over 1 billion times for every 100,000 miles a vehicle is driven? To learn more about the role of the belt tensioner and how to inspect it, check out the Gates Tech Tip: Belt Tensioner’s Crucial Role.
Proper and periodic belt inspection will prevent acute (getting stranded on the side of the road) belt failure.
When was the last time your serpentine belt, belt alignment, and tensioner were inspected?
Back to School: AAA’s Guide for New Drivers
Posted by: | CommentsWith school starting, the roads will be filled with new drivers. New drivers are empowered. Empowered through freedom and responsibility. But what’s the big deal anyway? The big deal is that “motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).
AAA, the nation’s leading automotive club with more than 50 million members, published the teen guide “Becoming the New Driver in Your Family“.
This AAA guide helps teens realize the responsibilities and consequences of driving. It also explains how to choose a safe vehicle, what drivers should know about being car literate, and lists common behaviors of teen drivers.
In the area of being car literate, AAA suggests that teen drivers should be able to: use a tire gauge to check tire pressure; check fluid levels; change a tire; and use jumper cables. If you need help with any of these tasks along with other must-know car knowledge, check out the book Auto Upkeep.
So you are on the road. Remember that with this new privilege you have great responsibilities. To access the AAA teen guide and others, go to AAAPublicAffairs.com.
Is the Future “Plugged-In”?
Posted by: | CommentsThe plug-in vehicle movement is in high gear. This week in Long Beach, CA the Plug-In 2009 Convention is attracting attention.
Workshops include:
Making Your Community Plug-In Ready – The Automaker Perspective; Community and City Infrastructure Planning; Electrical Codes and Regulations for EV Charging Equipment; Design of Charging Infrastructure for Fleet and Public Installations; Fast Charging Technology; Cost Estimation for Residential, Commercial and Public Charging Installations; Installation of Residential Charging Equipment; EV and PHEV Consumer Behavior and Charging Habits; Battery Manufacturing and Cost; just to name a few. By looking at these titles, it sure seems we are getting serious about Plug-In Electric Vehicles and Plug-In Hybrids.
Plug-In 2009
City Mileage: Honda Civic Hybrid 40 MPG…Toyota Prius 48 MPG…Chevrolet Volt 230 MPG!
Posted by: | CommentsToday General Motors announced that the Chevrolet Volt is expected to achieve 230 MPG in the city.
The Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle is expected to achieve city fuel economy of at least 230 miles per gallon, based on development testing using a draft EPA federal fuel economy methodology for labeling for plug-in electric vehicles.
The Volt, which is scheduled to start production in late 2010 as a 2011 model, is expected to travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a single battery charge and be able to extend its overall range to more than 300 miles with its flex fuel-powered engine-generator. See the full press release HERE.
For more information about the Chevrolet Volt, go to http://media.gm.com/volt/
How the Chevrolet Volt Works
If you are looking for a fuel efficient vehicle, check out the US Government run site – FuelEconomy.gov
What do you think? Will the Chevrolet Volt help turn around GM?
From the Car Lot to the Laptop…GM and eBay Motors Join Forces for Online Sales
Posted by: | CommentsStarting tomorrow, August 11th, GM and eBay Motors will launch GM.eBay.com to connect California Dealers with potential buyers. In a press release today, GM stated:
“In a move to help simplify the car-shopping process, eBay Motors and General Motors Company today announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind promotion that enables consumers to ‘click and buy’ new cars, crossovers and trucks online from participating California Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Pontiac dealers at outstanding values. The new car shopping website – gm.ebay.com – will be available to consumers from August 11 through September 8, 2009.
Consumers will be able to browse hundreds of California dealer online showrooms, ask questions, negotiate prices, and arrange financing and payment to purchase a new 2008, 2009 or select 2010 car, crossover or truck online. With more than 225 GM dealers in California participating, shoppers can at any given time expect to see a wide selection of up to 20,000 new GM vehicles at very competitive prices. Vehicles will be offered through eBay Motors’ traditional formats such as “Buy It Now” (where shoppers agree to pay the advertised price) and eBay’s innovative “Best Offer” option (where buyers indicate the price they are willing to pay and can negotiate online with the dealer for the vehicle).” Read the full press release HERE.
GM.eBay.com
The internet is the “go-to” portal for more and more purchases. In the beginning, it was THE place to buy books. More recently it has become THE place to buy big screen TVs and expensive electronics. Now it may become THE place to purchase new cars.
What do you think? Will the eBay-GM collaboration work?
On Thursday President Obama signed into law H. R. 3435 supplementing $2 billion to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Program. The CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) program, or Cash for Clunkers as it has been called, has been extremely successful.
Below is President Obama’s statement:
“I want to thank the United States Senate for acting in a bipartisan way to use Recovery Act funds to extend the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program. Now, more American consumers will have the chance to purchase newer, more fuel efficient cars and the American economy will continue to get a much-needed boost. ‘Cash for Clunkers’ has been a proven success: the initial transactions are generating a more than 50% increase in fuel economy; they are generating $700 to $1000 in annual savings for consumers in reduced gas costs alone; and they are getting the oldest, dirtiest and most air polluting trucks and SUVs off the road for good. Businesses across the country – from small auto dealerships and suppliers to large auto manufacturers – are putting people back to work as a result of this program. I want to thank Leader Reid and the members of the Senate who moved quickly to extend a program that benefits our recovery and our auto industry while reducing our economy’s dependence on oil.”
So what vehicles are selling? According this CNN report (with data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the top ten selling cars in the “Cash for Clunkers” program are:
1. Ford Focus
2. Toyota Corolla
3. Honda Civic
4. Toyota Prius
5. Toyota Camry
6. Ford Escape
7. Hyundai Elantra
8. Dodge Caliber
9. Honda Fit
10. Chevy Cobalt
But apparently there are discrepancies on how the vehicles are reported.
In this CNN report (analysis from Edmunds.com), the top selling vehicles are:
1. Ford Escape
2. Ford Focus
3. Jeep Patriot
4. Dodge Caliber
5. Ford F-150
6. Honda Civic
7. Chevrolet Silverado
8. Chevrolet Cobalt
9. Toyota Corolla
10. Ford Fusion
The explanation…
“Edmunds.com uses traditional sales measurements, tallying sales by make and model. The government uses a more arcane measurement method that subdivides models according to engine and transmission types, counting them as separate models.” See the full report at CNN.com
The first billion dollars appropriated didn’t last long. If you were thinking about trading in your clunker, you had better do it soon! Go to CARS.gov for complete program details.
Nissan Going Electric with the Leaf
Posted by: | CommentsNissan’s first zero emissions vehicle is called the “Leaf”. It is not a hybrid, it is 100% electric. With a claimed 100 mile range this will surely complete against the upcoming Chevy Volt. There are differences though. The Volt actually has an on-board internal combustion engine to recharge the batteries after its all-electric range of 40 miles. The Leaf (which seats 5) is 100% electric. After electric range, the Leaf is dead without a recharge. According to Nissan, you will be able to have multiple charging options – at home, at work, and along the way. The Leaf will be available in select states with a charging infrastructure (Arizona, California, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oregon, and Washington) first…in 2010.
For more information, visit Nissan’s site dedicated to the Leaf.
Nissan Leaf - 100% Electric
What do you think? Will the Leaf be a competitor in the electric car market?
