New Technologies to Cars
Content
Green Technologies: Electric Cars with Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Two hundred years ago, Swiss engineer François Isaac de Rivaz invented an internal combustion engine that used a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen as fuel. But the car he designed to go with it was a failure. The first electric cars were invented some 25 years later, long before Messrs. Daimler, inventor of the modern gas engine in 1885, and Benz, recipient of patent DRP 37435 for a gas-fueled car in 1886, came along. At the turn of 20th Century electric cars were more popular than gasoline-powered models, for much the same reasons that consumers are taking a second look at electric cars today: they did not emit noxious fumes, were quiet, smoother and easier to drive. So why did the morepolluting gasoline-powered cars take over the market? Several factors came into play.
Clean energy
Today’s internal combustion engines can be readily converted to run on a variety of fuels, including hydrogen. However, hydrogen fuel cells used to power cars with electric motors are two to three times more efficient than gas-fuelled internal combustion engines. Moreover, they have zero-emissions and, because they have few moving parts, are quiet and vibration-free. Hydrogen is one of the most plentiful elements in the universe. It can be extracted from natural gas, coal, crude oil, etc., but water is the only pollution-free source of hydrogen. The hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water can be easily and cleanly split apart by electrolysis, ideally using electricity from clean sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines. The resulting hydrogen can be compressed for storage and use in fuel cells. It was a Welsh physicist, William Grove, who in 1842 invented the first simple hydrogen fuel cell. Grove recombined hydrogen with oxygen – the reverse of the process of electrolysis – to produce electricity with only pure water as a by-product. Francis Bacon, a chemical engineer at Cambridge University in the U.K, whose interest was piqued when he read the papers published by Grove some 100 years earlier, dramatically advanced the technology in the 1950s. Pratt and Whitney licensed Bacon’s fuel cell patents in the 1960s and further developed the technology for use by NASA – the same fuel cell could provide electricity for in-flight power, heat and clean drinking water for the crews aboard space crafts. The Apollo, Gemini and all subsequent NASA missions, including the space shuttle, used fuel cells. Grove’s technology had come of age.A number of companies founded after the oil crisis of the 1970s based their business models on the hydrogen fuel cell as a clean source of renewable energy, using Grove’s paper and Bacon’s patent information as the starting point for their research. Researchers are now working on many types of fuels cells, as shown by the hundreds of international patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for fuel cell-related inventions over the last few years. In the 1990s, a research team at Ballard Power Systems in Canada made a major breakthrough when they discovered a way to increase the power density of hydrogen, upping the average figure from 200 Watts/liter to some 1,500. Using Ballard’s PEM fuel cell technology, a car with a motor of similar size to that of a gasoline car can match it in performance – going from
naught to 100 km/hour in 15 seconds, with top speeds around 150 km/hour. The technology is also viable for residential use – electricity and heating – or as backup power applications.
Fill her up: Compressed hydrogen, please
DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Honda, General Motors, Mazda – all of these big car companies have developed fuel cell concept cars, some of which have been delivered to customers for trial. In 2003, a team from DaimlerChrysler crossed the U.S. in 12 days with the fuel cell NECAR 5, reaching a record speed of 160 Km/hour and proving that fuel cell cars could go the distance. Mazda started leasing fuel cell RX-8s to commercial customers in Japan in early 2006, making it the first manufacturer to put a hydrogen vehicle in customer hands. Refueling currently remains a problem for customers, unless they live in California, which plans to build 150 to 200 hydrogen-fueling stations by 2010. A number of car companies aim to tackle the problem by providing consumers with home hydrogen refueling units. Honda recently unveiled the third generation of a home unit designed in conjunction with U.S. fuel cell company Plug Power Inc. And GM, whose Vice Chairman Bob Lutz believes fuel cells could create a new golden age for the company, plans to release a home model, which would make hydrogen either from electricity or sunlight, in 2011. This year, GM aims to place 100 hydrogen fuel cell Chevrolet Equinox SUVs for trial with consumers.
Cars and Computers: Microsoft Develops New Technologies for the Automobile Industry
REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 8, 2001 — The numbers speak for themselves. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Americans spend more than 500 million "commuter hours" per week in their automobiles. More than 650 million cars are registered worldwide, and more than 55 million new cars are sold annually. Automobiles, the ultimate in mobility, still play a key role in the lives of people around the world -- and theyre here to stay. So are computers. While carburetors and operating systems may seem like strange bedfellows, the bond between high-tech and what began as Henry Fords dream in Detroit is growing stronger and deeper by the day. Technology is at work when you drive a car, when you buy one, when you interact with a dealer and even at the automotive assembly plant. According to Microsoft, the company is committed to helping consumers, dealers, manufacturers and suppliers save money and time at key points throughout the automobile industry.
Hydrogen –fuel-cell-powered Chevrolet Volt
General Motors (GM) unveiled a hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered version of its Chevrolet Volt concept, a family of electric cars that get a portion of their energy from being plugged into the electrical grid. The first version, announced in January, married plug-in electric drive to a gasoline or ethanol generator that can recharge the battery. But swapping out the generator for a fuel cell may be a step backward. That is in part because
producing the hydrogen needed to power the fuel-cell version could increase rather than decrease energy demand, and it may not make sense economically. "The possibility that this vehicle would be built successfully as a commercial vehicle seems to me rather unlikely," says Joseph Romm, who managed energy-efficiency programs at the Department of Energy during the Clinton administration. "If you're going to the trouble of building a plug-in and therefore have an electric drive train and a battery capable of storing a charge, then you could have a cheap gasoline engine along with you, or an expensive fuel cell." Consumers will likely opt for the cheaper version, Romm notes. Still, the Volt is part of a promising trend toward automotive electrification--which could decrease petroleum use and reduce carbon emissions. It is part of GM's response to an anticipated future in which both petroleum and carbon-dioxide emissions will carry a heavy price, driving consumers to buy vehicles that run on alternative, low-carbon power sources. The new Volt, announced in Shanghai, replaces the generator with a fuel cell and cuts the battery pack in half, in part to make room for storing hydrogen. The lithiumion battery pack can be recharged by plugging it in. The fuel cell kicks in immediately when the car is started and provides power at a constant rate at which it is most efficient. If more power is needed, such as for acceleration or high speeds, the battery provides a boost of power, much like what happens in today's gas-electric hybrid vehicles. When less power is needed, such as when the vehicle is stopped or at low speeds, the battery stores energy to be used later. By allowing the fuel cell to run at a constant rate, the batteries improve efficiency, cutting down on hydrogen consumption. The battery further improves efficiency by storing energy generated during braking. Compared with earlier prototypes, the new concept also uses a more advanced fuel-cell design (thinner stainlesssteel parts were substituted for thick composite parts) and the vehicle is lighter, making it possible to have a 300-mile range using half the hydrogen.The car emits no harmful emissions from the tailpipe. But because hydrogen fuel today is primarily made from fossil fuels this means the carbon-dioxide emissions are simply happening someplace else, Romm notes. He says that using renewable energy to charge up the battery in the gas-generator version of the Volt makes more sense than using it to make hydrogen. That's because it's more efficient to charge a battery than to make hydrogen, compress it, and then convert it back into electricity using a fuel cell. Nick Zielinski, the chief engineer at GM responsible for advanced vehicle concepts, says that GM released the fuel-cell version in China because hydrogen has a better chance of taking hold there. In China, energy infrastructure is still being developed, and gasoline and electricity may not be available everywhere. "They could develop a hydrogen infrastructure much sooner than we do here. And a fuel-cell vehicle may make more sense than a plug-in-to-grid option because hydrogen may be much more accessible," Zielinski says. He adds that "hydrogen, when it's generated in a renewable way, produces no emissions. And that's where I think we'd like to get to."With the Volt, the power source can vary according to the proposed market. In the original version revealed in January, likely to attract customers in the United States, the first 40 miles of driving are powered by energy stored in a battery pack that can be recharged by plugging it in. That's enough range for a typical daily commute. For longer trips, a gas- or ethanol-powered generator recharges the battery, allowing for an additional 600 miles of range. In Europe, diesel generators can be used, rather than gasoline generators or fuel cells. Other major automakers are also developing plug-in fuel-cell and battery-powered vehicles. In January, Ford unveiled a
vehicle that runs off stored power in the battery for the first 25 miles before a fuel cell starts recharging the battery, which can add an additional 200 miles of range. As with GM's Volt, the fuel cell could be replaced by a gas or diesel generator. Both the fuel-cell and generator versions of the Volt will face challenges, but it's likely that the fossil-fuel versions will reduce carbon-dioxide emissions more than the fuel-cell versions. The Volt equipped with a gas-powered generator has a large battery pack that will allow most drivers to skip the gas station altogether for daily commuting. And because the generator is very efficient, even for trips longer than 40 miles it may use less gas than ordinary cars. Of course, total carbon emissions will depend on the source of the electricity for charging the battery, but the relatively high efficiency of power plants compared with conventional vehicles will likely lead to lower carbon-dioxide emissions overall. The main challenge with this vehicle is that a big enough lithium-ion battery pack, made to withstand the abuse of automotive applications, hasn't yet been created. Zelinski says that no more major breakthroughs in battery-cell technology are needed. All that's left is to integrate hundreds of these cells to make a big battery pack. That's going to be challenging, but, he says, "it's something that can be handled in a straightforward, solid-engineering way." Your next car might have features you’ve never seen before. We’ll explain them to you. If it’s been a few years since you last bought a new car, it’s likely that new models you’re considering will have some features you haven’t seen before. Technology isn’t just marching on, it’s actually broken into a run.But not to worry; it’s all good news. Some of these features, like higher-quality audio from HD Radio, make for a more pleasurable driving experience. Others, like navigation systems with real-time traffic reporting, make it easier and less stressful to get where you’re going. Still others, like electronic stability control and curtain air bags, can help keep your family much safer on the road. Here’s a look at some of the features you might consider.
New Car Gadgets
MP3-player interfaces With the ongoing growth in portable audio systems, manufacturers continue to offer ways to marry their cars’ audio systems with iPods and MP3 players. Many offer ports allowing users to plug in and play their music through the cars audio system, and charge the player at the same time. Some, like Mercedes-Benz, go a step further and offer an iPod docking station mounted in the glove box that not only provides power for the device but also enables the driver to use the car’s steering-wheel-mounted audio controls to operate it. Keyless ignition If you’ve ever had to fumble for keys in the rain while juggling bags of groceries, you’ll appreciate keyless ignition. Available primarily in more upscale models, the best systems include a wireless transmitter in the key fob that unlocks the doors as you approach or touch the handle, even if the fob is in your pocket or purse. Then all you have to do is get in and push a button on the dashboard to start the car.
Navigation systems & traffic information Nav systems, which can guide you with audible and visual turn-by-turn directions to virtually any address in the United States or Canada, have been around for several years. You simply key in a street address or choose from a menu of points of interest, including gas stations or restaurants, and the system does the rest. The latest feature is real-time traffic information, which can alert you of a traffic snarl ahead and even direct you around it. But expect to pay a monthly subscription fee for this on top of the charges for the satellite radio service. HD Radio High-definition (HD) digital radio allows AM and FM broadcasters to send digital signals over the airwaves to provide the listener with CD-quality sound. Unlike satellite radio, there are no subscription fees for HD radio since existing regional radio stations provide the content. The more than 1,500 existing HD stations across the nation can even send up to eight separate signals on their wavelength to provide alternative content to their listeners. And because HD radio operates on a larger broadcast spectrum than satellite radio, there is less data compression when sent over the airwaves. Soon, HD radio will become a means of two-way communication between a vehicle and a broadcaster. For example, a vehicle would send out a signal identifying itself and the automaker could send back service reminders and recall bulletins. Other future applications being explored are digital stock tickers and digital content storage for replay. HD radio is available on some BMW models, and soon to be offered by Jaguar and Hyundai. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) has the potential to save 10,000 lives per year, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This could make ESC the most important safety device since the invention of the safety belt. It works by selectively applying the brakes at different wheels when it senses a skid to help keep the car on course. And as well as it works on cars, the benefits to SUVs--with their increased tendency to roll over--are even greater. The insurance institute estimates that 80% of single-vehicle SUV crash fatalities could be avoided with ESC. It will be required on all new vehicles by 2012 but is available on many new models now. Don’t buy one without it. Bluetooth Bluetooth enables electronic devices to communicate with one another without wires. Available on many new models, Bluetooth turns your cellular telephone into a hands-free unit by using the car’s speakers to hear the caller. It also automatically mutes the radio/CD when a call comes in and enables you to dial through voice recognition. You need a Bluetooth-compatible telephone to use these in car systems, but then all you have to do is say “Mom” if you want to call your mother. Traction control Traction control helps keep two-wheel-drive vehicles moving in slippery conditions. If it detects a drive-wheel slipping, it automatically applies a slight amount of brake pressure to that wheel and, if necessary and cuts back on engine power to stop the slipping.
Traction control can also send power to whichever drive wheel has the most grip. But if neither drive wheel has grip, traction-control won’t help. While ultimately not as good as AWD or 4WD in extreme conditions, traction control may be all you need in light rain or snow, and is especially helpful on rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Backup cameras Cameras that send an image to a dashboard-mounted screen when you shift into reverse are becoming increasingly common. Available on many cars, trucks and SUVs, these cameras add a measure of safety, particularly on larger vehicles with big blind spots. Consumer Reports testing has shown that for short drivers in some of the worst vehicles, a small child can’t be seen when less than 70 feet from the rear bumper. Cameras show what’s immediately behind the car, which also makes them handy for hooking up a trailer. The downside is that the often bundled with navigation systems can add $2,000 or more to the sticker price. Automatic headlights Many models are available with headlights that turn on automatically when the ambient light level drops to a preset level. They’re handy if you sometimes forget to turn on the lights, but some can be slow to come on in tunnels and parking garages, when the sky is overcast, or at dusk. They can also be operated manually. Run-flat tires Tires that can maintain their shape and can be driven on for 50 miles or more with no air in them are becoming increasingly common on some new vehicles. More than just a convenience item, run-flats can add a degree of security by eliminating the need to change a tire in bad weather or dangerous roadside areas. But their stiff sidewalls can make for a harsher ride. And some owners have complained of premature wear and high replacement cost. Tire-pressure monitoring systems Starting with 2008 models, all new cars will be required to have tire-pressure monitorinsystems that alert drivers with a dashboard-mounted light if the air pressure in any of the tires drops below a predetermined level. Some models equipped with run-flat tire and other higher-end cars already come with these systems, which use sensors mounted on the wheel rim to monitor pressure. Curtain air bags Mounted in a vehicle’s headliner above the windows, curtain airbags deploy downward in a crash to protect passengers’ heads in both front and rear seats. They help shield occupants from flying debris, and can keep people from being ejected during a rollover. The better head-protection systems offer a safety-canopy system, which automatically deploys the side-curtain bags if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to rollover. Adaptive cruise control Offered by several automakers, adaptive cruise control takes conventional cruise control
an extra step. In addition to maintaining a set speed on the highway, it automatically maintains a safe distance behind the vehicle in front by varying the speed. It does this by using radar to monitor the presence of vehicles in front and automatically eases off or tips in the throttle to slow or accelerate the car as needed. Vehicle telematics This combination of telecommunications and computing technology is becoming more common in new cars. The widest used system is General Motors OnStar, which will soon be standard on all GM vehicles. Also marketed by Lexus, OnStar allows drivers to speak with an operator at a 24-hour call center in an emergency by simply pushing a button. If the vehicle sends a signal that it’s been involved in an accident, an operator can call to check on you. A built in microphone and the car’s stereo speakers enable the motorist to speak with the operator. Paying subscribers can also get turn-by-turn directions and other services depending on their plan. Other manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz and Acura have their own telematics systems, able to transmit everything from service reminders to route directions. Three wheels better than four? The “alé” features a unique 3-wheeled configuration: 2 in the front, and one in the rear. The front wheels drive and steer the vehicle. This design enables the car to perform at a superb level, particularly in cornering, with the car easily pulling 1.7 g’s in corners during track testing on street tires. The three-wheeled automotive platform also aid in improving fuel efficiency and aerodynamics. Vapor system The car’s key innovation's are the fuel vapor system and it's light weight aerodynamic body. This fuel vapor technology (which is in the patent pending process) allows the engine to run on “fuel vapors” rather than liquid fuel. The majority of gas engines today run 14.7:1 – (14.7 parts air to 1 part gasoline). This proprietary fuel vapor system allows the “alé” to run on a ratio of over 20:1 without compromising performance. According to the textbooks, this ratio is impossible, as a standard engine would not start or run on a air/fuel ratio this low. With a 10 gallon gas tank found on most vehicles, the “alé” can travel from Vancouver BC to San Francisco CA on one tank. Over 15 hours of driving without filling up. Performance: Not only does the “alé” have extreme mileage capabilities, but its performance is outstanding and better than many high-end sports cars. It accelerates from 0-60 in 5 seconds, and will pull over 1.7 g’s in hard corner's on street tires. Brad Zimmerman, head tech for the company stated during testing at the Mission race track, “I drove it hard for 4 solid hours, throwing it into corners, accelerating and braking hard. The car’s performance is spectacular. After all that hard driving, we only went through $10 in gas.” Emissions: The “alé” runs on regular gasoline, and easily achieves the level of “super low” emissions
with a 30% reduction in CO2. Even more impressive is the fact that all the data to date has been gathered without a catalytic converter.
Two hundred years ago, Swiss engineer François Isaac de Rivaz invented an internal combustion engine that used a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen as fuel. But the car he designed to go with it was a failure. The first electric cars were invented some 25 years later, long before Messrs. Daimler, inventor of the modern gas engine in 1885, and Benz, recipient of patent DRP 37435 for a gas-fueled car in 1886, came along. At the turn of 20th Century electric cars were more popular than gasoline-powered models, for much the same reasons that consumers are taking a second look at electric cars today: they did not emit noxious fumes, were quiet, smoother and easier to drive. So why did the morepolluting gasoline-powered cars take over the market? Several factors came into play.
Clean energy
Today’s internal combustion engines can be readily converted to run on a variety of fuels, including hydrogen. However, hydrogen fuel cells used to power cars with electric motors are two to three times more efficient than gas-fuelled internal combustion engines. Moreover, they have zero-emissions and, because they have few moving parts, are quiet and vibration-free. Hydrogen is one of the most plentiful elements in the universe. It can be extracted from natural gas, coal, crude oil, etc., but water is the only pollution-free source of hydrogen. The hydrogen and oxygen atoms in water can be easily and cleanly split apart by electrolysis, ideally using electricity from clean sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines. The resulting hydrogen can be compressed for storage and use in fuel cells. It was a Welsh physicist, William Grove, who in 1842 invented the first simple hydrogen fuel cell. Grove recombined hydrogen with oxygen – the reverse of the process of electrolysis – to produce electricity with only pure water as a by-product. Francis Bacon, a chemical engineer at Cambridge University in the U.K, whose interest was piqued when he read the papers published by Grove some 100 years earlier, dramatically advanced the technology in the 1950s. Pratt and Whitney licensed Bacon’s fuel cell patents in the 1960s and further developed the technology for use by NASA – the same fuel cell could provide electricity for in-flight power, heat and clean drinking water for the crews aboard space crafts. The Apollo, Gemini and all subsequent NASA missions, including the space shuttle, used fuel cells. Grove’s technology had come of age.A number of companies founded after the oil crisis of the 1970s based their business models on the hydrogen fuel cell as a clean source of renewable energy, using Grove’s paper and Bacon’s patent information as the starting point for their research. Researchers are now working on many types of fuels cells, as shown by the hundreds of international patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for fuel cell-related inventions over the last few years. In the 1990s, a research team at Ballard Power Systems in Canada made a major breakthrough when they discovered a way to increase the power density of hydrogen, upping the average figure from 200 Watts/liter to some 1,500. Using Ballard’s PEM fuel cell technology, a car with a motor of similar size to that of a gasoline car can match it in performance – going from
naught to 100 km/hour in 15 seconds, with top speeds around 150 km/hour. The technology is also viable for residential use – electricity and heating – or as backup power applications.
Fill her up: Compressed hydrogen, please
DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Honda, General Motors, Mazda – all of these big car companies have developed fuel cell concept cars, some of which have been delivered to customers for trial. In 2003, a team from DaimlerChrysler crossed the U.S. in 12 days with the fuel cell NECAR 5, reaching a record speed of 160 Km/hour and proving that fuel cell cars could go the distance. Mazda started leasing fuel cell RX-8s to commercial customers in Japan in early 2006, making it the first manufacturer to put a hydrogen vehicle in customer hands. Refueling currently remains a problem for customers, unless they live in California, which plans to build 150 to 200 hydrogen-fueling stations by 2010. A number of car companies aim to tackle the problem by providing consumers with home hydrogen refueling units. Honda recently unveiled the third generation of a home unit designed in conjunction with U.S. fuel cell company Plug Power Inc. And GM, whose Vice Chairman Bob Lutz believes fuel cells could create a new golden age for the company, plans to release a home model, which would make hydrogen either from electricity or sunlight, in 2011. This year, GM aims to place 100 hydrogen fuel cell Chevrolet Equinox SUVs for trial with consumers.
Cars and Computers: Microsoft Develops New Technologies for the Automobile Industry
REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 8, 2001 — The numbers speak for themselves. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Americans spend more than 500 million "commuter hours" per week in their automobiles. More than 650 million cars are registered worldwide, and more than 55 million new cars are sold annually. Automobiles, the ultimate in mobility, still play a key role in the lives of people around the world -- and theyre here to stay. So are computers. While carburetors and operating systems may seem like strange bedfellows, the bond between high-tech and what began as Henry Fords dream in Detroit is growing stronger and deeper by the day. Technology is at work when you drive a car, when you buy one, when you interact with a dealer and even at the automotive assembly plant. According to Microsoft, the company is committed to helping consumers, dealers, manufacturers and suppliers save money and time at key points throughout the automobile industry.
Hydrogen –fuel-cell-powered Chevrolet Volt
General Motors (GM) unveiled a hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered version of its Chevrolet Volt concept, a family of electric cars that get a portion of their energy from being plugged into the electrical grid. The first version, announced in January, married plug-in electric drive to a gasoline or ethanol generator that can recharge the battery. But swapping out the generator for a fuel cell may be a step backward. That is in part because
producing the hydrogen needed to power the fuel-cell version could increase rather than decrease energy demand, and it may not make sense economically. "The possibility that this vehicle would be built successfully as a commercial vehicle seems to me rather unlikely," says Joseph Romm, who managed energy-efficiency programs at the Department of Energy during the Clinton administration. "If you're going to the trouble of building a plug-in and therefore have an electric drive train and a battery capable of storing a charge, then you could have a cheap gasoline engine along with you, or an expensive fuel cell." Consumers will likely opt for the cheaper version, Romm notes. Still, the Volt is part of a promising trend toward automotive electrification--which could decrease petroleum use and reduce carbon emissions. It is part of GM's response to an anticipated future in which both petroleum and carbon-dioxide emissions will carry a heavy price, driving consumers to buy vehicles that run on alternative, low-carbon power sources. The new Volt, announced in Shanghai, replaces the generator with a fuel cell and cuts the battery pack in half, in part to make room for storing hydrogen. The lithiumion battery pack can be recharged by plugging it in. The fuel cell kicks in immediately when the car is started and provides power at a constant rate at which it is most efficient. If more power is needed, such as for acceleration or high speeds, the battery provides a boost of power, much like what happens in today's gas-electric hybrid vehicles. When less power is needed, such as when the vehicle is stopped or at low speeds, the battery stores energy to be used later. By allowing the fuel cell to run at a constant rate, the batteries improve efficiency, cutting down on hydrogen consumption. The battery further improves efficiency by storing energy generated during braking. Compared with earlier prototypes, the new concept also uses a more advanced fuel-cell design (thinner stainlesssteel parts were substituted for thick composite parts) and the vehicle is lighter, making it possible to have a 300-mile range using half the hydrogen.The car emits no harmful emissions from the tailpipe. But because hydrogen fuel today is primarily made from fossil fuels this means the carbon-dioxide emissions are simply happening someplace else, Romm notes. He says that using renewable energy to charge up the battery in the gas-generator version of the Volt makes more sense than using it to make hydrogen. That's because it's more efficient to charge a battery than to make hydrogen, compress it, and then convert it back into electricity using a fuel cell. Nick Zielinski, the chief engineer at GM responsible for advanced vehicle concepts, says that GM released the fuel-cell version in China because hydrogen has a better chance of taking hold there. In China, energy infrastructure is still being developed, and gasoline and electricity may not be available everywhere. "They could develop a hydrogen infrastructure much sooner than we do here. And a fuel-cell vehicle may make more sense than a plug-in-to-grid option because hydrogen may be much more accessible," Zielinski says. He adds that "hydrogen, when it's generated in a renewable way, produces no emissions. And that's where I think we'd like to get to."With the Volt, the power source can vary according to the proposed market. In the original version revealed in January, likely to attract customers in the United States, the first 40 miles of driving are powered by energy stored in a battery pack that can be recharged by plugging it in. That's enough range for a typical daily commute. For longer trips, a gas- or ethanol-powered generator recharges the battery, allowing for an additional 600 miles of range. In Europe, diesel generators can be used, rather than gasoline generators or fuel cells. Other major automakers are also developing plug-in fuel-cell and battery-powered vehicles. In January, Ford unveiled a
vehicle that runs off stored power in the battery for the first 25 miles before a fuel cell starts recharging the battery, which can add an additional 200 miles of range. As with GM's Volt, the fuel cell could be replaced by a gas or diesel generator. Both the fuel-cell and generator versions of the Volt will face challenges, but it's likely that the fossil-fuel versions will reduce carbon-dioxide emissions more than the fuel-cell versions. The Volt equipped with a gas-powered generator has a large battery pack that will allow most drivers to skip the gas station altogether for daily commuting. And because the generator is very efficient, even for trips longer than 40 miles it may use less gas than ordinary cars. Of course, total carbon emissions will depend on the source of the electricity for charging the battery, but the relatively high efficiency of power plants compared with conventional vehicles will likely lead to lower carbon-dioxide emissions overall. The main challenge with this vehicle is that a big enough lithium-ion battery pack, made to withstand the abuse of automotive applications, hasn't yet been created. Zelinski says that no more major breakthroughs in battery-cell technology are needed. All that's left is to integrate hundreds of these cells to make a big battery pack. That's going to be challenging, but, he says, "it's something that can be handled in a straightforward, solid-engineering way." Your next car might have features you’ve never seen before. We’ll explain them to you. If it’s been a few years since you last bought a new car, it’s likely that new models you’re considering will have some features you haven’t seen before. Technology isn’t just marching on, it’s actually broken into a run.But not to worry; it’s all good news. Some of these features, like higher-quality audio from HD Radio, make for a more pleasurable driving experience. Others, like navigation systems with real-time traffic reporting, make it easier and less stressful to get where you’re going. Still others, like electronic stability control and curtain air bags, can help keep your family much safer on the road. Here’s a look at some of the features you might consider.
New Car Gadgets
MP3-player interfaces With the ongoing growth in portable audio systems, manufacturers continue to offer ways to marry their cars’ audio systems with iPods and MP3 players. Many offer ports allowing users to plug in and play their music through the cars audio system, and charge the player at the same time. Some, like Mercedes-Benz, go a step further and offer an iPod docking station mounted in the glove box that not only provides power for the device but also enables the driver to use the car’s steering-wheel-mounted audio controls to operate it. Keyless ignition If you’ve ever had to fumble for keys in the rain while juggling bags of groceries, you’ll appreciate keyless ignition. Available primarily in more upscale models, the best systems include a wireless transmitter in the key fob that unlocks the doors as you approach or touch the handle, even if the fob is in your pocket or purse. Then all you have to do is get in and push a button on the dashboard to start the car.
Navigation systems & traffic information Nav systems, which can guide you with audible and visual turn-by-turn directions to virtually any address in the United States or Canada, have been around for several years. You simply key in a street address or choose from a menu of points of interest, including gas stations or restaurants, and the system does the rest. The latest feature is real-time traffic information, which can alert you of a traffic snarl ahead and even direct you around it. But expect to pay a monthly subscription fee for this on top of the charges for the satellite radio service. HD Radio High-definition (HD) digital radio allows AM and FM broadcasters to send digital signals over the airwaves to provide the listener with CD-quality sound. Unlike satellite radio, there are no subscription fees for HD radio since existing regional radio stations provide the content. The more than 1,500 existing HD stations across the nation can even send up to eight separate signals on their wavelength to provide alternative content to their listeners. And because HD radio operates on a larger broadcast spectrum than satellite radio, there is less data compression when sent over the airwaves. Soon, HD radio will become a means of two-way communication between a vehicle and a broadcaster. For example, a vehicle would send out a signal identifying itself and the automaker could send back service reminders and recall bulletins. Other future applications being explored are digital stock tickers and digital content storage for replay. HD radio is available on some BMW models, and soon to be offered by Jaguar and Hyundai. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) has the potential to save 10,000 lives per year, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This could make ESC the most important safety device since the invention of the safety belt. It works by selectively applying the brakes at different wheels when it senses a skid to help keep the car on course. And as well as it works on cars, the benefits to SUVs--with their increased tendency to roll over--are even greater. The insurance institute estimates that 80% of single-vehicle SUV crash fatalities could be avoided with ESC. It will be required on all new vehicles by 2012 but is available on many new models now. Don’t buy one without it. Bluetooth Bluetooth enables electronic devices to communicate with one another without wires. Available on many new models, Bluetooth turns your cellular telephone into a hands-free unit by using the car’s speakers to hear the caller. It also automatically mutes the radio/CD when a call comes in and enables you to dial through voice recognition. You need a Bluetooth-compatible telephone to use these in car systems, but then all you have to do is say “Mom” if you want to call your mother. Traction control Traction control helps keep two-wheel-drive vehicles moving in slippery conditions. If it detects a drive-wheel slipping, it automatically applies a slight amount of brake pressure to that wheel and, if necessary and cuts back on engine power to stop the slipping.
Traction control can also send power to whichever drive wheel has the most grip. But if neither drive wheel has grip, traction-control won’t help. While ultimately not as good as AWD or 4WD in extreme conditions, traction control may be all you need in light rain or snow, and is especially helpful on rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Backup cameras Cameras that send an image to a dashboard-mounted screen when you shift into reverse are becoming increasingly common. Available on many cars, trucks and SUVs, these cameras add a measure of safety, particularly on larger vehicles with big blind spots. Consumer Reports testing has shown that for short drivers in some of the worst vehicles, a small child can’t be seen when less than 70 feet from the rear bumper. Cameras show what’s immediately behind the car, which also makes them handy for hooking up a trailer. The downside is that the often bundled with navigation systems can add $2,000 or more to the sticker price. Automatic headlights Many models are available with headlights that turn on automatically when the ambient light level drops to a preset level. They’re handy if you sometimes forget to turn on the lights, but some can be slow to come on in tunnels and parking garages, when the sky is overcast, or at dusk. They can also be operated manually. Run-flat tires Tires that can maintain their shape and can be driven on for 50 miles or more with no air in them are becoming increasingly common on some new vehicles. More than just a convenience item, run-flats can add a degree of security by eliminating the need to change a tire in bad weather or dangerous roadside areas. But their stiff sidewalls can make for a harsher ride. And some owners have complained of premature wear and high replacement cost. Tire-pressure monitoring systems Starting with 2008 models, all new cars will be required to have tire-pressure monitorinsystems that alert drivers with a dashboard-mounted light if the air pressure in any of the tires drops below a predetermined level. Some models equipped with run-flat tire and other higher-end cars already come with these systems, which use sensors mounted on the wheel rim to monitor pressure. Curtain air bags Mounted in a vehicle’s headliner above the windows, curtain airbags deploy downward in a crash to protect passengers’ heads in both front and rear seats. They help shield occupants from flying debris, and can keep people from being ejected during a rollover. The better head-protection systems offer a safety-canopy system, which automatically deploys the side-curtain bags if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to rollover. Adaptive cruise control Offered by several automakers, adaptive cruise control takes conventional cruise control
an extra step. In addition to maintaining a set speed on the highway, it automatically maintains a safe distance behind the vehicle in front by varying the speed. It does this by using radar to monitor the presence of vehicles in front and automatically eases off or tips in the throttle to slow or accelerate the car as needed. Vehicle telematics This combination of telecommunications and computing technology is becoming more common in new cars. The widest used system is General Motors OnStar, which will soon be standard on all GM vehicles. Also marketed by Lexus, OnStar allows drivers to speak with an operator at a 24-hour call center in an emergency by simply pushing a button. If the vehicle sends a signal that it’s been involved in an accident, an operator can call to check on you. A built in microphone and the car’s stereo speakers enable the motorist to speak with the operator. Paying subscribers can also get turn-by-turn directions and other services depending on their plan. Other manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz and Acura have their own telematics systems, able to transmit everything from service reminders to route directions. Three wheels better than four? The “alé” features a unique 3-wheeled configuration: 2 in the front, and one in the rear. The front wheels drive and steer the vehicle. This design enables the car to perform at a superb level, particularly in cornering, with the car easily pulling 1.7 g’s in corners during track testing on street tires. The three-wheeled automotive platform also aid in improving fuel efficiency and aerodynamics. Vapor system The car’s key innovation's are the fuel vapor system and it's light weight aerodynamic body. This fuel vapor technology (which is in the patent pending process) allows the engine to run on “fuel vapors” rather than liquid fuel. The majority of gas engines today run 14.7:1 – (14.7 parts air to 1 part gasoline). This proprietary fuel vapor system allows the “alé” to run on a ratio of over 20:1 without compromising performance. According to the textbooks, this ratio is impossible, as a standard engine would not start or run on a air/fuel ratio this low. With a 10 gallon gas tank found on most vehicles, the “alé” can travel from Vancouver BC to San Francisco CA on one tank. Over 15 hours of driving without filling up. Performance: Not only does the “alé” have extreme mileage capabilities, but its performance is outstanding and better than many high-end sports cars. It accelerates from 0-60 in 5 seconds, and will pull over 1.7 g’s in hard corner's on street tires. Brad Zimmerman, head tech for the company stated during testing at the Mission race track, “I drove it hard for 4 solid hours, throwing it into corners, accelerating and braking hard. The car’s performance is spectacular. After all that hard driving, we only went through $10 in gas.” Emissions: The “alé” runs on regular gasoline, and easily achieves the level of “super low” emissions
with a 30% reduction in CO2. Even more impressive is the fact that all the data to date has been gathered without a catalytic converter.
