Volvo Cars to go all electric!

Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, has announced that every Volvo it launches from 2019 will have an electric motor, marking the historic end of cars that only have an internal combustion engine (ICE) and placing electrification at the core of its future business.

The announcement represents one of the most significant moves by any car maker to embrace electrification and highlights how over a century after the invention of the internal combustion engine electrification is paving the way for a new chapter in automotive history.

“This is about the customer,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive. “People increasingly demand electrified cars and we want to respond to our customers’ current and future needs. You can now pick and choose whichever electrified Volvo you wish.”

Volvo Cars will introduce a portfolio of electrified cars across its model range, embracing fully electric cars, plug in hybrid cars and mild hybrid cars.

It will launch five fully electric cars between 2019 and 2021, three of which will be Volvo models and two of which will be high performance electrified cars from Polestar, Volvo Cars’ performance car arm. Full details of these models will be announced at a later date.

Please read the whole article here.

SONDORS Electric Car

Photo credit: Sondors

“There are enough creators for useless stuff and very few who actually create what's useful. Henry Ford built the first affordable car and changed the face of transportation. I want to build the first affordable electric vehicle and transform transportation once again.

I first started an electric bicycle company because I wanted to ride in Malibu, feeling free and having fun. I wanted to offer a bicycle that was built with high quality components for under $1,000. Everybody thought it could not be done. I have since shipped SONDORS electric bikes to the delight of more than 17,000 loyal SONDORS owners worldwide.  Now I want to build an electric vehicle for $10,000.

Photo credit: Sondors

The next great American electric vehicle is being built in my garage. Together we will start the electric transportation revolution." 

- Storm Sondors Chief Electric Officer & CEO

Become part of SONDORS Electric Car creation here.

Alternatives to Tesla Model 3

Very informative video about alternatives to Tesla Model 3.

Meet Tesla’s Model 3, Its Long-Awaited Car for the Masses

by Alex Davies

Photo credit: Tesla

THE $35,000 TESLA Model 3 is finally here. It is sleek, quick as hell, and meant for the masses. And it is the most important car the company will ever build.

The Model 3 is the car Tesla Motors has promised since the company’s founding, the car that CEO Elon Musk is convinced will push EVs into the mainstream and the technology to an inflection point. Not to put too fine a point on it, it is the car Musk believes will change the world.

“It’s very important to accelerate the transition to sustainable transport,” Musk said on stage. “This is really important for the future of the world.”

Read the whole article published on Wired here.

Sondors THIN Electric Bike

After major success with one of the most funded Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign when Storm Sondors successfully raised $1,354,784 with 1,996 backer a new electric bike is coming out in form of Indiegogo campaign - Sondors THIN!

Though I would not say it is a thin bike, in comparison with his older FAT brother it is thin. But here in Berlin, thin is much thinner and Sondors THIN e-bake is still considered FAT.

This is how Sondors describes his new campaign on Indiegogo:

Storm Sondors with THIN and FAT e-bikes in background   photo: Sondors

The instant you ride Sondors THIN, you know you've never felt anything like it. With a simple press of the thumb throttle, full electric power propels you on an adventure. This eye-catching beauty reinvents eBike transportation by integrating impeccable components with clean lines and sleek design. And that's just the start. You’ll be dropping jaws and turning heads with THIN’s flawless styling and superior performance.

Sondors THIN comes with 350W for US and 250W elektro motor for EU market, photo:Sondors

Questions and Answers for Sondors THIN e-bike

What size is the frame?

The frame is built to be one size fits most, has been tested up to 250 lbs and we’ve seen people from 5'2" to 6’10” ride it as well.

How much weight will the THIN support?

The frame is built to be one size fits most, has been tested up to 250 lbs and we’ve seen people from 5'2" to 6’10” ride it as well.

What size are the tires?

28" x 1.5"

How many watts is the motor?

350W motor. EU version is 250W motor.

What is the range of the battery?

Electric/Pedal assist range up to 30-50 miles (rider weight and terrain contingent).

Under Electric Power Range - up to 20 miles (rider weight and terrain contingent).

What are the battery specifications?

36V 8.7 Ah Panasonic single-cell battery.

Is the frame aluminum or steel?

Ultra-light 100% aluminum frame.

How much does the THIN weigh?

*The frame itself weighs 4.2 lbs, the battery 5 lbs and the entire bikes weighs 38 lbs.

Can the THIN be customized to have thicker tires?

No.

Is the THIN totally different from the previous Sondors?

The Sondors THIN offers a lighter frame and narrower tires compared to the original Sondors eBike.

What is the benefits of a nylon belt?

Low maintenance and lubrication-free benefits.

Will there be a DEMO day?

Our demo day was in San Francisco on January 19th. No future demo days are planned at this time.

Will the original LCD work with the THIN?

No. You will need to pre-order a new Sondors LCD Display. We will have them available to pre-order soon.

How fast is this bike?

Up to 20 MPH (rider weight and terrain contingent).

What is the gear ratio of the drive systems?

Single gear.

Does this bike have quick release on the tires? 

The front tire has quick release.

When will I receive my Sondors eBIke?

Please refer to the Perk Timeline graphic above.

Can I get a refund?

Please read Indiegogo's policy here.

Who is responsible for any additional taxes, duties or VAT?

The backer is responsible.

How much is shipping?

USA is $194 and International is $247.

Do all perks require shipping be paid?

Yes.

When do I have to pay the balance for the reserve now / pay later perk?

You will get an email towards the end of the campaign with details. We're currently working with PayPal to offer pay now, finance and installments option.

What are the dimensions of the bike?

Length is 74" 1/4"; Height (at handlebars) is 44" 1/2" and (at saddle fully extended) 41"; Width (at handlebars) is 25" 1/2"

Will I be able to buy replacement parts?

Yes via the official Sondors parts store here.

Check out the whole Indiegogo Sondors THIN campaign here.

Rimac Concept_One production version to be unveiled in Geneva

Rimac Automobili will unveil the production version of the world’s first all-electric hypercar, the Concept_One, at the Geneva Motor Show 2016.

The Concept_One was born  of the idea that an electric powertrain can make a sportscar not only faster but also more adjustable, agile and fun. Rimac Automobili was founded to push the limits of technology and electric powertrains - the Concept_One combines all the know-how, technology and experience that the company has created since its founding.

The Concept_One is powered by four extremely powerful permanent magnet electric motors, one for each wheel, located in the centre of both axles. The architecture is radically different compared to traditional combustion engines so a completely new vehicle platform had to be developed to use all the advantages that such a layout brings. In order to reduce weight and make it possible to package such a powerful powertrain system into the chassis, all powertrain systems were developed alongside within the same team to enable a high degree of integration between the components. The result is a perfect weight distribution and extremely low centre of gravity. 

Distributing a total of 800 kW / 1088 HP and 1600 Nm of torque, the Rimac All Wheel Torque Vectoring (R-AWTV) system precisely calculates the optimum torque for each wheel. R-AWTVuses inputs from several precise sensors strategically positioned around the chassis and suspension to calculate the optimal torque distribution between the wheels through complex mathematical models and control algorithms. The system provides unseen flexibility and grip by controlling each motor individually one hundred times per second.  This enables the Concept_One to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 2,6 seconds and, to 200 km/h in6,2 and to 300 km/h in mind-blowing 14,2 seconds.

The R-AWTV functions as a traction control, stability control and “electric ABS” system that also commands the 4-wheel regenerative braking of up to 400 kW that works together with thecarbon-ceramic braking system.
To match the character, innovation excellence and sleek design of the Concept_One, a trulybespoke infotainment system was developed and manufactured in-house. All vehicle dynamics and powertrain functions such as the Rimac All Wheel Torque Vectoring System are controlled through physical buttons, machined from billet aluminium while secondary functions are controlled through the central touch-screen. 

The system shows an abundance of information through beautifully optimised graphics and gives insights into the Concept_One’s nervous system. Browsing through the menus on the central display, the driver can change the settings of the Rimac All Wheel Torque Vectoring system, brake force distribution, torque distribution, as well as various other functions. By changing the settings, the driver alternates  the nature of the car depending on his preferences, from a calm and neutral setting to a track-oriented setup or the extreme drift mode that helps experienced drivers to have fun on a closed track.

From basic energy consumption information via  regenerative braking and Rimac All Wheel Torque Vectoring settings to telemetry data - the Rimac Infotainment system gathers information from over 500 different sensors and projects them in beautiful graphics on the central display in real time. The data is stored in  the internal memory and sent to the Cloud via high-speed 4G Internet link. The telemetry data can be analysed during or after a lap on the racetrack, via the touch-screen, a PC or smartphone.

Handmade technology of the future
In the five years of development, the Concept_One went through numerous iterations and development phases to fulfil the highest criteria of performance and quality.

In the words of the founder and CEO of Rimac Automobili, Mate Rimac: “My goal was to not to create an electric version of existing supercars. I wanted to create technology to make the supercar considerably better in every regard – faster, more fun and more efficient. I wanted to make the supercar of the 21st century. The Concept_One showcases performances which were not considered possible for electric cars a few years ago. To reach that level of performance, we first had to develop the technology and then the car. The Concept_One has gone through four iterations from a concept to the production car. In every iteration, we have redesigned almost all systems from scratch in order to achieve the level of performance and quality that we have set for ourselves in the beginning. I am also extremely proud of our vertical integration – the Concept_One is a true Rimac Automobili product – down to the smallest details.”

Rimac Automobili’s Head of Design, Adriano Mudri: “It is quite unique that a whole car can be designed, developed and manufactured under one roof. Rimac Automobili’s extreme broadness of know-how and skill sets  opens an array of possibilities for chasing perfection on every level.”

The Concept_One continues the journey that the supercars with conventional drive have started.
Similar to today’s supercar classics, which marked an important part in automotive history, the Concept_One also began its life on a piece of paper. Starting from the first sketch to the hand-written mathematical theory of the Rimac All Wheel Torque Vectoring system down to the basic functions and the software code which brought it to life. Just like body panels of historical supercar legends were made by precise hits of a skilled hands to form sheet metal into beautiful shapes, an almost artistic manual process creates the Concept_One’s numerous components. From laying carbon-fibre, machining light alloy parts, tailoring the wiring loom, to the artistically woven interior while carefully finishing each unique part, the Concept_One represents the harmony of skills developed throughout the years of car making.

“The Concept_One represents the perfect symbiosis of modern technology developed here in our company and traditional automotive craftsmanship for which we have the utmost respect. We stay true to the roots of motorsport and old skills of car makers and engineers who created the automotive world which made a profound influence on us when we were children. Every single part of the Concept_One has been through a hand-finishing process and is carefully assembled at our facilities. We invest tremendous effort into developing the feeling which this car gives to the driver. Not only in terms of driving characteristic but also the feeling and the sound from the driver's perspective. For example, all controls in the interior are beautifully crafted mechanisms similar to the world’s best watches, with hundreds of individual components, carved from solid blocks of metal. There are no plastic parts; everything the driver touches is carbon, aluminium or Alcantara. We wanted to achieve that solid feeling of classic supercars. The goal was to achieve a true connection between the driver and the machine – and that is only possible with passion, attention to details and craftsmanship. The Concept_One is a truly hand-made car." said Mate Rimac.

In-house production
The ambitious goal Rimac Automobili set themselves is to produce as much as possible in-house. Painstaking attention to every detail requires high quality, which can best be maintained and controlled if the engineering and manufacturing teams are under the same roof.

Thousands of metal, electric and carbon fibre parts have to be manufactured, assembled and tested for each Concept_One. Even the tools, jigs and moulds are designed and produced by Rimac Automobili. Most of the parts start their lives as aluminium blocks or raw bare carbon fabrics which don't leave the Rimac facilities in Sveta Nedelja before they are assembled into cars.

Battery pack 
Electric vehicle batteries are usually challenged by capacity requirements. While it is challenging to develop a battery system that holds sufficient energy for an acceptable range, Rimac Automobili has faced an additional challenge: delivering one megawatt of power.

The Concept_One’s battery pack is designed to deliver 1000 kW or 1MW of power during acceleration and to absorb 400 kW during braking. A unique liquid thermal management and low-resistance conducting system had to be developed in order to master this challenge. The result is a highly advanced high-performance battery pack that is designed for demanding track- use, high power delivery and safety.
Each of the 8450 battery cells is individually controlled through the in-house developed Rimac Battery Management System, which  ensures optimal conditions for a long battery life and long-term performance.

Rimac All Wheel Torque Vectoring 
Conceived in a road car, perfected on the most demanding road in the world – the hill climb toPikes Peak.

Rimac All Wheel Torque Vectoring system is designed and developed by Rimac Automobili and is currently the only system in the world with this principle available on a production car. The advantages of the R-AWTV over conventional drivetrains was most noticeable on the most demanding hill-climb race in the world – Pikes Peak Hill Climb in Colorado. Nobuhiro Monster Tajima drove the Tajima Rimac e-Runner, a race car developed by Rimac Automobili, on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2015 and finished in front of all combustion engine powered cars. The invaluable experience gathered during the Pikes Peak project has been implemented in the development of the Concept_One’s R-AWTV system. The result is a refined, yet powerful system that works in the background to enhance the natural potential of the vehicle.
Compared with a conventional powertrain with four-wheel drive where the torque on each wheel is controlled either by braking through a hydraulic braking system or cutting the power of the engine and thus the power on all four wheels, the Concept_One does not have to make any compromises.

R-AWTV can reduce or raise the torque on any wheel at any given moment, depending on the situation and driver input, without any limitations.
R-AWTV also increases safety as it can react faster and use the potential of each tire better than traditional stability systems. A dynamic “electric ABS” is moreover  included in the R-AWTV system.
The Concept_One’s regenerative braking system can slow the car down with up to 400 kW of regenerative braking energy or up to 0,6g of deceleration, without activating the carbon-ceramic brakes. R-AWTV can distribute the brake force smoother, faster and with greater precision than conventional ABS systems thus ensuring the maximum vehicle stability in cases of braking on surfaces at  different grip levels. Still, the driver can also chose to disable regenerative braking and use friction brakes only. The throttle-off regenerative braking function can be adjusted separately.
Depending on the wishes and driving skills of the driver, the R-AWTV can change the character of the car. The driver can choose between four driving modes: comfort, control, track and drift mode, or set-up a custom setting with customised power distribution, regenerative braking settings, etc. The R-AWTV can also be completely turned off.

The driver can choose the driving modes via knobs on the central console. Depending on the chosen mode the car will act differently on the limit of grip. It can tend to understeer, be neutral, or for the more experienced drivers, have a tendency to oversteer and thus enable more aggressive driving style through corners.

Rimac Automobili’s test driver Miroslav Zrnčević explains the endless possibilities that the Concept_One has to offer: "Thanks to its unique architecture and features, the Concept_One can use the maximum potential of the tires. Depending on the driver’s preferences and R-AWTV setup, it offers multiple cars in one. The Concept_One represents the pinnacle of technology and design that we can give as a company. Every unit carries its romantic story. Concept_One is a different driving experience. A car that gives a new dimension of driving experience.”

Four motors, four gearboxes 
Despite having full torque from zero RPM, electric motors still need a transmission to meet maximum efficiency and performance. Most electric vehicles use a single-speed transmission that forces their designers to compromise between acceleration and top-speed.

Rimac Automobili is all about innovation and pushing the limits – not about compromises. We wanted to achieve lightning-fast acceleration, and a top speed worthy of a true supercar. In order to meet those targets, we had to come up with a unique solution.
Each of the four Concept_One’s motors is coupled to a proprietary gearbox system. While the front motors feature single-speed gearboxes, the rear motors carry something truly unique – atwo-speed double-clutch gearbox on each side. A proprietary carbon fibre double clutch system with Formula 1 clutch-disks enables either extremely fast or smooth and comfortable shifts that are supported by synchronising motor speed for interruption-free shifting. While the dual-speed transmission unlocks new performance levels at any speed, the Concept_One can be driven in one gear all the time as it has enough torque to outperform almost any sportscar even if driven in one gear only.

Limited production 
The Concept_One will be produced in the total of eight units.

Rimac Automobili’s collaborate philosophy is to share ideas and technologies with other manufacturers in various industries to accelerate the shift to a more efficient and better transportation system. As a showcase of its main business, Rimac Automobili will, in addition, display its technologies and abilities that are available to other companies. A special edition of the Greyp G12S bike, made by Rimac’s sister company Greyp Bikes, will also be shown in Geneva.

Technical data
Performance 
Maximum power: 1088 KS (800 kW)
Maximum torque: 1600 Nm from 0 to 6500 rpm
Top speed: 355 km/h
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 2,6 seconds; 0-200 km/h 6,2 seconds, 0-300 km/h 14,2 km/h
Braking distance: 31.5m (100-0 km/h)
Lateral g-force: 1.4 g
Charging: 22 kW on-board charger, DC-Combo fast charger (up to 120kW)
Power to weight: 588 HP/T
 
Dimensions 
Weight: 1850 kg
Length: 4187 mm
Width: 1842 mm
Height: 1070 mm
Front tires: Pirelli P Zero 245/35 R20,
Rear tires: Pirelli P Zero 295/30R 20
Weight distribution: 42% front, 58% rear
 
Battery package 
Voltage: 650V nominal
Capacity: 82 kWh
Rimac Automobili Battery and Thermal Management Systems
 
Chassis 
Cro-Mo space-frame with aluminium and carbon fibre semi-stressed members
Front and rear suspension: Double wishbones, fully adjustable, pushrod operated
Hydraulically adjustable ride height
 
Powertrain
Front: Rimac Automobili D-PM-OC-500 – high speed dual permanent magnet oil cooled motors, 500 kW peak, 12.000 RPM, up to 97% efficiency.
2 single speed gearboxes
Rear: Rimac Automobili D-PM-OC-600 – high speed dual permanent magnet oil cooled motors, 600 kW peak, 12.000 RPM, up to 97% efficiency. Two double clutch two-speed gearboxes.
Rotor and stator oil cooling
Milled aluminium housings
 
Steering system
Electro-hydraulic servo system
 
Brakes 
Front brakes: Ventilated ceramic discs Ø 390 mm, 36 mm wide. 6-piston callipers, power-assisted.
Rear brakes: Ventilated ceramic discs Ø 380 mm, 34 mm wide. 4-piston callipers, power-assisted.
Up to 400 kW of regen-braking (adjustable)
 
Safety Systems 
ABS
Torque Vectoring with stability function
Safety disconnect systems in case of a crash
Multiple ECU architecture for monitoring of safety-relevant electronic systems

Source: http://www.rimac-automobili.com/

 

10 Most Fuel Efficient Hybrids of 2016

1. LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID

MPG 41 City / 39 Hwy

The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid features the upscale style and interior of the standard MKZ with a fuel efficient hybrid motor under the hood. Powering the MKZ Hybrid is a 2.0 liter four-cylinder hybrid engine that produces 188 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque, mated to a CVT transmission. The EPA estimated gas mileage of the MKZ is listed as 41 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. The suspension is tuned for luxury, masking any road imperfections with the well crafted shock absorbers, making the MKZ’s ride comfortable and smooth. Standard features include multi-level heated seats, digital keypad power locks, voice controlled navigation, Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control, and satellite radio.

To see the full list of most efficent hybrids in 2016 click here.

Source: http://www.carophile.com/