Ford Begins Taking Orders for C-MAX Hybrid - America's Most Affordable, Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Utility Vehicle

DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Ford dealers are now taking orders for the Ford C-MAX Hybrid, which will be more affordable than Toyota Prius v while achieving better fuel economy

Class-exclusive technologies include hands-free liftgate, active park assist for easier parallel parking and next-generation SmartGauge® with EcoGuide to help customers increase their fuel economy

C-MAX will launch this fall as part of Ford's power of choice strategy to deliver leading fuel economy across its lineup while tripling electrified vehicle production capacity by 2013

Ford C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi

Ford dealers are starting to place orders for America's most affordable and fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle - the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid - with innovative technologies such as a hands-free liftgate, spaciousness for five passengers and cargo as well as the fun-to-drive character shared with well-handling cars including Ford Focus.

The C-MAX is a compact hybrid utility vehicle and the company's first dedicated line of hybrids. The 2013 C-MAX Hybrid will be available this fall with a base price of $25,995 - approximately $500 lower than the Toyota Prius v's base price.

The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid will follow later this year with better electric-mode fuel economy and overall driving range than the Prius plug-in hybrid.

"C-MAX Hybrid offers better fuel economy, performance, technology and functionality than Prius v - and C-MAX Hybrid customers will pay less at the dealership and at the pump," said Ken Czubay, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. "Ford is delivering the power of choice for leading fuel economy across its lineup - from EcoBoost to electrified vehicles - because customers increasingly want to save money at the pump, even as gas prices rise over time."

The C-MAX Hybrid blends fuel economy with performance, with projected best-in-class horsepower and torque along with Ford's third-generation powersplit technology that allows for higher speed while in electric mode than Toyota Prius v.

C-MAX Hybrid benefits from 20 years of research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology driving it, with many of Ford's almost 500 hybrid vehicle-related patents contained within.

That means that along with SYNC® with MyFord Touch®, drivers get class-exclusive features like hands-free liftgate (offering hands-free cargo access with a simple kicking motion), SmartGauge® with EcoGuide, regenerative braking and an advanced lithium-ion (li-ion) battery pack that is being used for the first time in a Ford hybrid.

C-MAX Hybrid - being built on Ford's global C-segment platform - also benefits from a proven design and nameplate with more than 156,000 units of the gasoline version sold in Europe since its 2010 launch.

Room to move

C-MAX Hybrid is a compact hybrid utility vehicle jam-packed with features and room for five people and cargo.

The vehicle has a high roofline (63.9 inches) offering ample interior space and flexibility. C-MAX Hybrid offers 99.7 cubic feet of passenger space compared with 97 cubic feet in Prius v. The spacious C-MAX Hybrid also provides greater headroom in both front and rear seats than Prius v (41/39.4 inches vs. 39.6/38.6 inches).

For cargo, C-MAX Hybrid has 60/40 split-fold rear seats that easily fold flat with 54.3 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 24.5 cubic feet behind the second row.

Tech-savvy C-MAX Hybrid features the company's innovative hands-free liftgate, allowing for quick and easy access to the cargo area without messing with keys. A gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the liftgate when used in combination with a key fob the user keeps in his or her pocket or purse that tells the car it's OK to engage. The same motion can close the liftgate.

The vehicle also features the newest version of MyFord Touch to help inform, enlighten, engage and empower drivers. MyFord Touch offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control their phone, navigation, entertainment and climate functions through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs.

C-MAX Hybrid also offers the next generation of SmartGauge with EcoGuide. Designed to help drivers get the most from the C-MAX Hybrid, information such as instantaneous fuel economy can be displayed on the left cluster to help drivers more closely monitor how their driving behavior affects the vehicle's efficiency.

The left cluster also shows Brake Coach, a feature that helps drivers optimize their use of the braking system so that driving range can be enhanced through proper braking techniques. In the right cluster, redesigned imagery of green leaves shows overall driving efficiency - as drivers improve their efficient driving, they are rewarded with more leaves.

Quality and ingenuity

The 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is new, but its software and hardware technology have been evolving for nearly two decades.

C-MAX Hybrid is powered through the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor. When powered by gasoline, the C-MAX Hybrid uses the all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine - a powerful and fuel-efficient engine and among the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains Ford has ever offered.

The electric motor of the C-MAX Hybrid is powered by an advanced li-ion battery system designed to maximize use of common, high-quality components, such as control board hardware that has proven field performance in Ford's critically acclaimed hybrid vehicles.

C-MAX Hybrid also offers Ford's next-generation powersplit architecture that allows the electric motor and gasoline-powered engine to work together or separately to maximize efficiency. The engine also can operate independently of vehicle speed, charging the batteries or providing power to the wheels as needed. The motor alone can provide sufficient power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions and work with the engine at higher speeds.

In the C-MAX Hybrid, the li-ion battery pack is recharged when the gasoline engine is in operation. Further, the regenerative braking system can recapture more than 95 percent of the braking energy that would otherwise be lost, and is able to use that power to help charge the battery. C-MAX Hybrid requires no plug-in charging.

Made in U.S.A.

C-MAX Hybrid is being produced at Ford's Wayne, Mich.-based Michigan Assembly Plant alongside Focus, Focus Electric and Focus ST. More information about MAP can be found online here.

It is one of five electrified vehicles Ford plans to produce in North America in 2012. In addition to C-MAX Energi, the other vehicles include Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. More information about Ford's electrified vehicle lineup can also be found online here.

Customers interested in C-MAX Hybrid build and pricing options should visit here. A video featuring C-MAX can be viewed online by clicking here.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com .

SOURCE Ford Motor Company

http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2013_CMAXHybrid.pdf

http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2013_CMAXEnergi.pdf

http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2013_CMAX_Specs.pdf

http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2013_CMAXHybrid_Hero.pdf

http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2013_CMAXEnergi_Hero.pdf

Midtronics Develops New GRX-5100 Hybrid/EV Battery Service Tool

A new diagnostic and service tool for electric vehicle battery packs, appears to be especially targeted at Chevy Volt safety.  The device is said to safely "de-power" battery packs, such as after an accident, and has been in field testing at General Motors.

WILLOWBROOK, Ill., May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Midtronics, Inc. today announced the completion of initial field testing for the GRX-5100 Hybrid/EV Battery Station, the first high-voltage Hybrid/EV vehicle battery service and de-power tool for various hybrid and electric vehicles. The GRX-5100 safely de-powers high-voltage batteries and also enables service for the battery system at the module level, reducing manufacturer warranty costs and repair time and expense for customers.

Midtronics GRX-5100

Currently completing field testing at General Motors, the GRX-5100 was developed to perform full battery pack service, including balancing, charging in no-start situations, and full de-powering. The de-power capability enables packs in vehicles that have been involved in severe collisions to be de-powered to a safe level for storage, recycling or shipment. Beyond service providers, the GRX-5100 is also targeted for reclamation yards where it can be used to perform critical safety checks and de-powering with the battery pack either in or out of the vehicle.

"We have been working in tandem with various vehicle manufacturers to develop this new solution to improve the serviceability of electric and hybrid vehicle battery systems, whether that be routine repair or complete de-power after a severe collision," said Midtronics Chief Technology Officer Kevin Bertness. "Field testing in cooperation with General Motors has been very successful and we plan to begin full-scale production and shipping of the GRX-5100 before the end of 2012."

The GRX-5100 features a versatile electrical harness between vehicle batteries and communication systems via unique adapters for each vehicle model. Simple menu prompts guide verification that the battery and communication systems are properly connected and balancing or de-powering operations can safely begin. The station also utilizes USB-based memory, which will support system updates for future vehicle battery systems without a hardware upgrade.

"The ability of the GRX-5100 to be updated to communicate with future vehicle battery systems ensures that our dealers and other OEMS will be able to perform service, de-power and balance functions as new makes/models are introduced," said Pablo Valencia, GM senior manager of global battery lifecycle management.

The GRX-5100 is the latest in Midtronics innovative products for the hybrid/electric vehicle market. Previous product releases have included the HYB-1000 Hybrid Battery System Analyzer, designed for the aftermarket; and the GRX-5000 EV Battery Module Diagnostic Station; which performs both battery module balancing and diagnostics and was initially created in support of the Nissan LEAF program.

About Midtronics

Midtronics is a worldwide leader and provider of vehicle battery testing and management products and services. Founded in 1984, Midtronics remains singularly focused on battery management innovation. The company continues advancing the standard in its industry, supplying customers with custom battery management solutions that meet evolving needs, including those related to hybrid, electric and other new vehicle systems. Visit www.midtronics.com for more information.

SOURCE Midtronics

Vehicle Electrification Certificate being developed by the SAE

The SAE is a professional society and standards association for automotive engineers.  As such it appears the Association is working on a Certificate in Vehicle Electrification.  This, I suppose, will become a primary requirement for anybody seeking a career in electric vehicle design.

Vehicle Electrification Certification Development Volunteers

SAE International is developing the world’s first Vehicle Electrification Certification program. We currently seek engineering professionals with a background in EV or HEV to review the Body of Knowledge, Review Exam Questions or participate as a Pilot Test group. You will be able to access all of the information from your office or personal computer. If you have over 4 years of experience in Vehicle Electrification and you are interested in participating, please contact certifcation@sae.org

Schneider Electric Cuts Charging Time with New EVlink™ DC Quick Charger for Electric Vehicles

http://www.torquenews.com/1075/schneider-electric-unveils-electric-car-dc-fast-charger-upgradeability-beyond-chademo

PALATINE, Ill. – May 7, 2012 – Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, today announced U.S. availability of its new EVlink™ DC Quick Charger for electric vehicles (EVs). As part of Schneider Electric’s comprehensive line of EV charging stations, the new EVlink DC Quick Charger further expands Schneider Electric’s reach to EV drivers and stakeholders in settings such as public parking, shopping malls, gas stations and rest stops, fleet applications, car sharing programs and rental companies.

“By adding DC quick chargers to our portfolio, we’re now offering customers one of the widest product ranges in the industry backed by Schneider Electric’s leadership position in comprehensive energy management solutions,“ said Mike Calise, Director, Electric Vehicles, Power Business, Schneider Electric. “We are committed to offering EV charging solutions to help our customers manage their energy more efficiently while keeping safety and usability top of mind."

As states such as California promote the use of EVs, with Governor Brown recently signing an executive order laying the foundation for 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on California’s roadways by 2025, there is more need for DC quick chargers. “We know more DC quick chargers will improve ‘effective range’ of electric vehicles helping to solve range limitations and encourage wider spread adoption,” said Calise. “With easy access to fast and reliable chargers, people will be more comfortable buying and driving EVs.”

Schneider Electric uniquely offers a comprehensive range of energy management solutions to meet EV charging station owners’ needs – from EV charging station infrastructure, upstream distribution equipment, energy data collection to building management systems and smart grid applications.

Schneider Electric’s EVlink DC Quick Charger provides a simple, efficient and safe way to quickly charge electric vehicles. Features include:

• Quick charge: Takes less than 30 minutes to charge a typical battery to 80 percent, allowing users to get back on the road in a matter of minutes.
• Simple and reliable: Easy-to-use charger is built with proven and trusted industry leading Schneider Electric components such as the enclosure and drives.
• Authentication: Offers options for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) authentication or credit card payment system.
• Installation and maintenance services: Schneider Electric offers advanced services to support pre-install and installed-base services allowing for optimum installation, management, and maintenance of the charger.
• Standards compliance: Meets UL ratings to ensure proper safety for the user and the vehicle. The EVlink DC Quick Charger is currently CHAdeMO-compliant and will incorporate the SAE J1772™ combo-coupler when the standard is finalized and released.

Schneider Electric’s EVlink DC Quick Charger is currently available for purchase through Schneider Electric's authorized channel partners. For more information on Schneider Electric’s products and solutions, please visit: www.schneider-electric.com/us.

Schneider Electric is exhibiting at the Electric Vehicle Symposium, EVS26, taking place May 6-9, 2012 in Los Angeles, CA. Come see Schneider Electric’s electric vehicle charging solutions at booth 953.

Supporting Resources:

• For more info on the EVlink DC Quick Charger: http://products.schneider-electric.us/products-services/products/electric-vehicle-charging-stations/fast-charging-electric-vehicle-charging-station/
• For more information about EVlink charging solutions: http://www.schneider-electric.us/sites/us/en/solutions/energy-efficiency/electric-vehicles/electric-vehicles.page
• Learn about and locate a Schneider Electric EcoXpert EV certified installer: www.schneider-electric.us/go/ecoxpert
• Watch a video of the EVlink charging solutions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6WJjL2_Hbc
• Follow Schneider Electric at: http://twitter.com/schneiderna

About Schneider Electric

As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructures, Industries & Machine Manufacturers, Non-residential Buildings, Data Centers & Networks and Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the company’s 130,000 plus employees achieved sales of about 31 billion US dollars (22.4 billion euros) in 2011, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.

www.schneider‑electric.com/us

PROTOCOL FOR DETERMINING ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE TOP SPEED

IRVINE, CA – Consumers wanting to compare top speed capabilities among various electric motorcycles will soon find help from a new test procedure developed by the Motorcycle Industry Council. The Top Speed Test Procedure for Electric Motorcycles, just created by the MIC’s Electric Vehicle Subcommittee, establishes standards for determining an electric motorcycle’s maximum velocity.

“Manufacturers have used a variety of means for calculating top speed, presenting a challenge for shoppers interested in what an electric bike can really do,” said Tim Buche, president and CEO of the MIC. “Some methods used right now may not give an accurate measurement, even under similar test conditions. The more that electric motorcycle makers adopt this protocol, the more it can help buyers who are taking a good look at this emerging segment.”

The MIC anticipates that manufacturers will immediately and voluntarily begin using the new protocol. The MIC subcommittee also expects to have this new test procedure adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

The MIC’s Top Speed Test Procedure is based on the European Union test procedure, and sets standards for the many variables involved in determining top speed, such as vehicle equipment, battery charge-discharge cycle, test roadway conditions, rider weight, attire and riding position, and atmospheric conditions such as wind speed, temperature and atmospheric pressure.

The MIC’s Electric Vehicle Subcommittee includes more than 15 representatives of on-highway electric motorcycle makers who are currently in various stages of developing electric motorcycles, as well as other industry participants.

“As more and more electric motorcycles appear on the market, having standards we can all agree on is vital to manufacturers and to our customers,” said Abe Askenazi, chair of the Electric Vehicle Subcommittee and chief technology officer at Zero Motorcycles. “The new top speed test procedure is just one of the many standards the subcommittee has already published or is working on.”

Besides the test procedure, the subcommittee is addressing a broad scope of issues related to electric vehicles, including public information and education. On Capitol Hill and in state capitals, the MIC’s government relations staff monitors and advocates lawmaking that promotes electric vehicle use and ensures that two- and three-wheeled vehicles are included in such legislation.

The entire text of the MIC’s new Top Speed Test Procedure for Electric Motorcycles is available here.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

Mic Top Speed Test Procedure for Electric Motorcycles 040412

ABB creates EV charging breakthrough with launch of Terra SC

• New Smart Connect DC fast charger available at breakthrough price of 9,988 euros
• Smart power solution eliminates need for costly grid connection upgrade
• Experience convenient charging: park your EV and charge in 30-120 minutes
• Easy to install at any location due to ultra-thin design; floor and wall-mount options
• Connectivity features include PIN code access and special software services for fleets
• Terra SC makes smart fast charging accessible for a much wider audience, providing a strong boost to the development of electric mobility in general

Zurich, Switzerland, March 27, 2012 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group,

today launched the Terra Smart Connect (SC), a breakthrough product that will significantly improve

the business case for installing electric-vehicle (EV) fast chargers throughout Europe. The Terra SC 

will be available for delivery in Europe in the second quarter, starting at the breakthrough price of 

9,988 euros for small volume orders. 

The Terra SC is a cost-effective direct-current (DC) charger specifically designed for convenient fast

charging in commercial and office areas. It fully charges an electric car in 30-120 minutes, while the 

driver attends a business meeting, goes to the movies or enjoys a meal. The Terra SC is also 

perfectly suited for people who want to keep driving but don’t necessarily need a full charge: it can 

charge the battery of currently available EVs from 30% to 80% in less than half an hour. 

Despite its breakthrough price, the Terra SC comes standard with outdoor stainless steel housing, a 

full-color 8 inch intuitive touch-screen user interface and all the smart connectivity features that ABB’s 

Terra chargers are known for. It is quick and easy to install at almost any location due to its ultra-thin 

design and simple floor and wall-mount connections, which create maximum space efficiency. On top 

of that, the Terra SC - unlike some other DC fast chargers – uses the widely available 3-phase 32A 

input, which eliminates the need for a costly grid connection upgrade. 

“The launch of the Terra SC demonstrates our commitment to deliver the optimal charging solution for 

every possible location in the network – both in terms of functionality and affordability. With its 

breakthrough price, low commissioning costs, easy installation and smart design features, the Terra 

SC creates a much more compelling case for installing EV fast chargers at many more locations 

throughout Europe – providing a strong boost to the development of electric mobility,” said Hans 

Streng, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ABB’s Product Group EV Charging 

Infrastructure.

Full range of connectivity features

The Terra SC is a web-connected charger that comes with a full range of connectivity features, 

including remote assistance, management and servicing and smart software upgradeability. Its key 

optional features include RFiD and PIN code authorization, a billing interface for parking operators 

and a web-based statistics module with data per user to support energy usage reporting. ABB’s 

connectivity suite supports all existing and future connection standards within the same network. 

The Terra SC perfectly complements ABB’s existing portfolio of fast-charging solutions. ABB’s 

highway fast chargers - the Terra 51 and multi-port Terra Base Station 100.2 - are mainly used along 

highway locations to offer a 15-30 minute “charge and go” service. The Terra SC is a more costeffective solution for locations where people can easily spend a couple of hours and don’t necessarily require a 15-30 minute fast charge.

Convenient charging with the Terra SC is therefore perfectly suited for company car parks, fleet 

operators, (off street) parking operators, rental companies, car dealerships, EV infrastructure service 

providers, roadside meeting places and shopping malls. ABB will release a standard version with a 20 

kW DC charger and a dedicated company fleet version, which also features two integrated alterating

current (AC) connections for 8-hour charging, allowing three cars to be charged simultaneously.

The growing number of electric vehicles is driving a global market opportunity for charging solutions 

including sophisticated monitoring systems and software to support the electric grid. ABB estimates 

that the market for charging infrastructure solutions will be worth $1 billion by 2017. Since launching 

Europe’s first commercially operated fast-charging station in the Netherlands in May 2010, ABB has 

delivered and installed many DC charging stations and networks throughout the region. In January, 

ABB won a tender offer to build a network of 200 fast chargers throughout Estonia, creating the 

world’s first DC charging infrastructure with full nationwide coverage. 

ABB invites everyone to come and see the Terra SC for the first time at Intertraffic Amsterdam (March 

27-30, Stands : 09.C602, EL.31 & 02.102, Amsterdam RAI) and eCarTec Paris (April 3-5, Hall 5.1, 

Stand 502, Porte de Versailles, Paris). For more information about the Terra SC and its key optional 

features, please check the product leaflet at: http://www.abb.com/evcharging

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry 

customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of 

companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.

Iran oil ban to break EU faster than Euro? Oil prices going to $160 per barrel?

Part of the reason to stop using oil is the geopolitical finagling in that the oil consuming countries generally do not produce oil.  This has made for tensions between oil consumers and oil producers.

The sanctions against Iran are a symptom of those tensions.

The sanctions against Iran is causing current high oil prices, and could send the prices even higher.

To be immune to oil shocks like this, the oil consuming countries should be working hard to reduce oil consumption.  That would be the wise thing to do.  But we have nincompoop so-called Conservatives who are opposing this wise course of action, and instead insisting that we keep ourselves dependent on oil.

It's turmoil in the Arab world that's now threatening a bigger blow to the global economy, than the crisis in the Eurozone. The IMF Chief Christine Lagarde has warned that escalation of the situation with Iran, for example, could drive oil prices above 160 dollars a barrell. Let's now talk to RT's Peter Oliver.