article thumbnail

Mercedes-AMG Brings Entry-Trim SL 43 to America

The Truth About Cars

& Said to provide quick throttle response across the rpm range, the turbo is operated via the car’s 48-volt electrical system, a piece of kit which also feeds the belt-driven starter-generator. inch central touchscreen which may be electrically adjusted from 12 to 32 degrees during times when the California sun is being annoying.

article thumbnail

Bidirectional Charging Management (BCM) research project gets green light; tying in renewables

Green Car Congress

For several years, intelligent charging management to meet the needs of both the customer and the power grid has been undergoing practical trials in everyday conditions in California with a fleet of 300+ electric vehicles.

Renewable 287
article thumbnail

Ford, Volkswagen, and GM Explore EV-Powered Houses

Cars That Think

America’s largest panel producer, Sunrun of California has teamed up with Ford to offer solar roof panels integrated into the transfer switch setup in sync with Ford’s “Intelligent Backup Power” installation. And that’s much cheaper than a new $1,300 kit. Even so, world events are putting wind in the sails for backup power.

GM 87
article thumbnail

The World’s Most Popular EVs Aren’t Cars, Trucks, or Motorcycles

Cars That Think

California, through its powerful Air Resources Board, recently allocated $10 million in rebates for e-bike buyers, a smaller-scale version of state or federal tax breaks for EV car buyers. A do-it-yourselfer can find entire, 800- to 1,000-watt hub motor kits for around $200, where mid-drive power can cost three to five times as much.

article thumbnail

Daimler Trucks NA SuperTruck achieves 115% freight efficiency improvement over 2009 baseline; 50.2% engine BTE

Green Car Congress

Friction-reducing measures include a variable speed water pump, a clutched air compressor, low-viscosity oil and an improved cylinder kit. Upon federal adoption of the Phase 2 standards, ARB staff plans to present a proposed California Phase 2 program to the Board, most likely in late 2016 or 2017. Aerodynamics.

2009 150
article thumbnail

Road Test: 2021 Lexus NX 300h F Sport Black Line Special Edition

Clean Fleet Report

In 1,020 miles on a California road trip, using the all-speed dynamic cruise control as much as possible, Clean Fleet Report achieved an average of 34.1 Wind noise was low with a respectable 0.34 Access to the cargo area, with tie downs, lights, a first aid kit and under-floor compartments, is through a power lift gate.

Lexus 85
article thumbnail

VW introducing 1.8L EA888 Gen 3 engine in 2014 Jetta, Passat and Beetle; driving impressions

Green Car Congress

Helena, California, Hubertus Lemke, Head of Technical Project Management for Volkswagen AG, described the advances in the new third-generation engines. SE with six-speed automatic over a short course featuring winding roads and some hill climbing. In a presentation at Volkswagen of America’s 2014 line drive in St. MQB and MLB.

2014 331