article thumbnail

XL1 dive and drive: Volkswagen aggressively optimizes for efficiency in its sleek diesel plug-in hybrid

Green Car Congress

In the L1, the 1-liter car that was shown in 2002 and 2009, the driver and passenger sat behind each other for optimal aerodynamics; in the XL1, the two occupants sit slightly offset, side by side, almost as in a conventional vehicle. Click to enlarge. Components of the XL1 plug-in power unit. Components of the XL1 plug-in power unit.

Plug-in 324
article thumbnail

Profile: Li-ion Battery and Pack Supplier Valence Technology

Green Car Congress

a provider of lithium-ion batteries, modules and packs. Valence differentiates its lithium-ion products through its cathode (positive terminal in discharge) material, a lithium iron magnesium phosphate (LiFe 1-x Mg x PO 4 ). The USCAR/DOE long term goal is 5,000 cycles. We would aim to halve that, ” Donaghy said.

Li-ion 150
article thumbnail

Five Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles joining London hydrogen project

Green Car Congress

Kit Malthouse, London Deputy Mayor for Business and Enterprise and Chairman of the London Hydrogen Partnership. The Lithium-ion batteries are mounted low in the center of the car for optimum weight distribution and to provide a low center of gravity. BOP components. Click to enlarge. London Hydrogen Partnership and LHNE.

London 344
article thumbnail

GM Says Chevrolet Volt Won't 'Pay the Rent' | Autopia from Wired.com

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

One wonders if the recent headway at MIT in building lithium ion cells using ?virus? If you build a car as a "kit car" with no real factory, then yes, it will never be an economic success. I had surmised this in my 2002 car design thesis [link] even before anyone was talking about plug in series hybrids.

Volt 41