ElectriClub

I have bought few Fluke Connect modules and they seem to work nicely. They allow me to remotely measure voltage, current and temperature. Handy if I just want quickly to measure and possibly log something in our projects. I have also an FC-module for my logging multimeter (Fluke 289) but it’s currently at our “electrical motor-testing cave” so it did not make it to this group photo

One feature missing is the ability to integrate measurements to my own .Net C# software. So I searched high and low for protocol documentation or programming API for these devices. I didn’t find anything so today I spent few hours to investigate this issue.

Few hours later I’m able to read Fluke V3001 FC voltage module from my own software so success!

Here is how I did it.

As Fluke PC3000 FC adapter seems to present itself to PC as a serial port, I started an serial port sniffer tool and read the communication between PC and original Fluke Connect software.

Here is one capture of where device is discovered and then live view displays data from one voltage module;

<COM7: 20170920141932.813 TX>
id
<COM7: 20170920141932.831 RX>
CR:Ack=0:ID:FLUKE PC3000FC,V01.02.00,0
<COM7: 20170920141932.833 TX>
rfsm 1
<COM7: 20170920141932.844 RX>
CR:Ack=0:RFSM:Radio On MasterRE:M
<COM7: 20170920141939.470 TX>
rfdis
<COM7: 20170920141939.509 RX>
CR:Ack=0:RFDISME:S
<COM7: 20170920141949.062 RX>
ME:D:010000000000
<COM7: 20170920141949.075 TX>
rfebd 01 0
<COM7: 20170920141949.079 RX>
CR:Ack=0:RFEBDME:R:S#=01:DCC=012:PH=19
<COM7: 20170920141949.274 TX>
rfebd 02 0
<COM7: 20170920141949.287 RX>
CR:Ack=2
<COM7: 20170920141952.277 TX>
rfebd 03 0
<COM7: 20170920141952.290 RX>
CR:Ack=2
<COM7: 20170920141955.279 TX>
rfebd 04 0
<COM7: 20170920141955.292 RX>
CR:Ack=2
<COM7: 20170920141958.281 TX>
rfebd 05 0
<COM7: 20170920141958.295 RX>
CR:Ack=2
<COM7: 20170920142001.285 TX>
rfebd 06 0
<COM7: 20170920142001.300 RX>
CR:Ack=2
<COM7: 20170920142004.287 TX>
rfgsid 01
<COM7: 20170920142004.302 RX>
CR:Ack=0:RFGSIDME:R:S#=01:DCC=001:PH=464C554B4520563330303146432C5630322E30312E303000
<COM7: 20170920142004.621 TX>
rfgus 01
<COM7: 20170920142004.644 RX>
CR:Ack=0:RFGUS
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=004:PH=56333030314643
<COM7: 20170920142004.984 TX>
rfsst 01 1479C25900000000
<COM7: 20170920142004.995 RX>
CR:Ack=0:RFSST
<COM7: 20170920142100.617 TX>
rfemd 01 1
<COM7: 20170920142100.654 RX>
CR:Ack=0:RFEMD
... now starts the interesting part, these 
... are actual measurements,
... payload seems to be at "PH"-tag. 
... They continue until rfemd 01 2 command is issued
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=01000042020C0601
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=00000042020C0601
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=00000042020C0601
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=01000042020C0601
<COM7: 20170920142116.922 TX>
rfemd 01 2
<COM7: 20170920142116.930 RX>
CR:Ack=0:RFEMDME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=00000042020C0601

After looking at this, it seems that we need only to issue few commands to get it to register (and wait for a while between commands):

writeToPort("rfsm 1", 2000);
writeToPort("rfdis 1", 3000);
writeToPort("rfebd 01 0", 3000);
writeToPort("rfgsid 01", 2000);
writeToPort("rfgus 01", 2000);
writeToPort("rfemd 01 1", 2000);

Below is writeToPort-function used in above example and also other necessary  functions to get it running.

void writeToPort(string t, int delay=1000)
{
 serialPort1.WriteLine(t);
 System.Threading.Thread.Sleep(delay);
}

private void serialPort1_DataReceived(object sender, System.IO.Ports.SerialDataReceivedEventArgs e)
{
 string reply = serialPort1.ReadExisting();
 if (reply.Contains("ME"))
 {
  string value = parseReply(reply);
  if (value != "")
    lblValue.BeginInvoke(new MethodInvoker(() => lblValue.Text = value.ToString()));
 }

}

string parseReply(string input)
{
 string val = "";

 // ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=00000042020C0601

 if (input.Contains("="))
 {
  string[] linesA = input.Split(':');

  foreach (string lineA in linesA)
  {
   string[] lines = lineA.Split('=');
   if (lines[0].Contains("PH"))
   {
     // payload ?
     try
     {
        string pl = lines[1];
        pl = pl.Replace("ME", "");
        pl = pl.Replace("\r", "");
        string lvalue = pl.Substring(0, 4);
        string msb = lvalue.Substring(2, 1) + lvalue.Substring(3, 1);
        string lsb = lvalue.Substring(0, 1) + lvalue.Substring(1, 1);
        string plusOrMinus = pl.Substring(6, 1);
        string mvOrNot = pl.Substring(pl.Length-1, 1);
        int num = int.Parse(msb + lsb, System.Globalization.NumberStyles.AllowHexSpecifier);
        if (plusOrMinus == "8" || plusOrMinus=="C")
          num = num * -1;

        if (mvOrNot=="1")
        {
          double dval = Convert.ToDouble(num) / 10.0;
          return dval.ToString();
        }
        return num.ToString();
      }
      catch (Exception ex)
      {
          return "";
      }
     }
    }
   }
   return val;
}

As you can see, pretty rudimentary and not at all complete but it get’s it done, I’m able to read Fluke Connect module output to my own software

I still need to see what kind of coding there is at the position of decimal point for example and see better positive/negative value handling – preferably understand what each byte or bit means.

For now, this simple program gets me where I want, just rudimentary readings from wireless Fluke Connect module to my own C# software. If I ever fully decode what full payload message means, I can write an new blog-post.

For now, I have found out that the first 4 characters contain  measurement value  in hex. This is the same value that is displayed in the screen of module.

I have logged few data-points to help decode this:

# mV positive 546.0 (?)
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=54150042020C0601

# mV negative
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=531500C2020C0601

#Volts negative -0.758
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=F6020086020C0600

# Volts positive 0.758
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=F6020006020C0600

# Volts positive 7.53
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=F2020004020C8600

# Volts negative -7.53
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=F1020084020C8600

# Just a bit over -30V, red lightning led ON
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=B90B0084020C8620

# Just a bit under -30V, red lightning led OFF
ME:R:S#=01:DCC=010:PH=B40B0084020C8600

These have all come from Fluke Connect DC voltage module V3001 FC. I will eventually also log what 3000FC Multimeter and 3000TC temperature modules will output. But for now, this should get things going…

If you have any information or suggestions, please feel free to contact me.

Until next post, have fun!

Prius PHV GR Sport

Toyota announced today that the design of the Prius Prime will add some excitement when the company introduces a high-performance version of the plug-in hybrid in Japan. While Toyota has not yet confirmed plans to launch GR option packages in the US market, the Prius Prime is the only model in the new performance GR sub-brand that is currently sold in the US. In Japan, the more stylish version of the plug-in hybrid, which offers 25 miles of all-electric range, will be called the Prius PHV GR Sport.

The company tapped GAZOO Racing, Toyota’s in-house racing division to oversee the planning and production of sports cars. Toyota will introduce the new GR Series for the Japan-market Prius and other models before the end of this year.

read more

Renault and Nissan have laid out a joint vision for electric and autonomous cars with a target date of 2022.

The post Renault-Nissan Alliance Lays Out Its Plan For 2022 And Beyond appeared first on Gas 2.

В този блог: Електрически автобус на Proterra измина над 1,700км с едно зареждане.

Американският производител на електрически автобуси Proterra усъвършенства своя 12-метров Catalyst E2 модел, който сега се нарича "Catalyst E2 max", с масивен батериен пакет от 660кВтч и го изкара на пистата в Navistar Proving Grounds в Ню Карлайл, Индиана, за да го тества.

Proterra and LG Chem have jointly developed a new battery cell with higher energy density for use in heavy duty vehicles like electric buses and trucks.

The post Proterra And LG Chem Announce New Battery Cell With Higher Energy Density appeared first on Gas 2.

Porsche says its four door dual motor electric car will be on sale in 2019 and be priced at around $85,000. Will it appeal to potential Tesla buyers or will it carve out a new market niche of its own?

The post Porsche Mission E Priced To Take On Tesla Model S appeared first on Gas 2.

В този блог: Субсидии за по-чисти автомобили и подпомагане на семейства с ниски доходи са сред предложенията в правителствения бюджет на Франция за 2018 г.

Френското правителство планира въвеждането на субсидии и намаляването на данъци като една от първите стъпки към постепенното премахване на замърсяващите въздуха превозни средства и повишаването на енергоспестяващата изолация в жилищните сгради, каза министърът на околната среда.

В този блог: След Leaf най-накрая дойде време и за електрическият микробус на Nissan, e-NV200 да получи леко освежаване.

Благодарение на chrissy, дилър на Nissan и активен потребител в немския форум Going Electric научаваме, че електрическият ван на Nissan най-накрая ще получи дълго чаканата по-голяма батерия през пролетта на 2018.

The Alt Car Expo in southern California is an annual event that helps EV customers learn about the advantages of electric cars.

The post Alt Car Expo Introduces SoCal Residents To EV Culture appeared first on Gas 2.

The electric car revolution will change the economic landscape in many ways, some obvious, some not.

The post Charting The Changes Electric Car Adoption Will Bring appeared first on Gas 2.

В този блог: Алиансът Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi обяви плановете си за електрически превозни средства до 2022г.

Доста от големите автопроизводители споделиха плановете си за производство на електромобили през следващите няколко години, но Алиансът Renault, Nissan & Mitsubishi не беше сред тях.

Cruise Automation says it now has the first production ready self driving car. Tesla fans may dispute that claim.

The post Cruise Claims First Production Ready Self Driving Car Title appeared first on Gas 2.

В този блог: Elon Musk загатва за потенциална мини версия на Tesla Semi в Twitter.

По-рано тази година Tesla представи своя списък с планирани за производство през следващите три години превозни средства, сред които бяха Мини бус и електрически пикап.

The KillaCycle – still the world’s quickest electric motorcycle with 0-60 mph in less than 1 second – has now found a new home at the Forney Museum of Transportation in Denver, Colorado. It will be on display for at least two years. After 18 years at the track, touring three countries, and setting countless world records, the KillaCycle is now in its retirement home, the Forney Transportation Museum in Denver, Colorado. It set many overall electric vehicle records, including: First electric vehicle over 150 mph in the 1/4 mile. First electric vehicle to cover the 1/4 mile in under 8 seconds (7. 82 seconds.)

KillaCycle set numerous electric motorcycle 1/4 mile drag racing elapsed time records. It was the first electric motorcycle in the 10’s, 9’s, 8’s and 7’s in the 1/4 mile. Its top 1/4 mile speed was 174 mph and its lowest 1/4 mile elapsed time was 7.62 seconds.

The KillaCycle appeared on many TV shows including PBS Nova, NBC Today Show, Mythbusters, plus many appearances on the Discovery Channel, and the Speed Channel.

It still holds the overall electric vehicle record for zero to 60 MPH of 0.96 seconds. Other EV’s have come close, but none have managed to break that particular record, yet.

Welding the support brackets that holds the KillaCycle on to the display pedestal.

We built the display pedestal from plywood and wooden studs. A coat of satin, water-based paint makes it look totally professional. The holes at the bottom makes it possible to move the entire display with a forklift or pallet jack.

Time to leave (before the rain hits…)!

A display worthy a champion! The KillaCycle was given the prime location in the Forney Museum’s motorcycle hall.

360 degree photo of the display is found here:
https://www.facebook.com/EvaHakanssonRacing/posts/1769144616711803

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is poised to invest a billion dollars in ride hailing service Lyft. Several years ago, it was an early investor in Uber. What's going on?

The post Google and Alphabet Poised To Invest $1 Billion In Lyft appeared first on Gas 2.

A team in Germany took an Opel Ampera e -- the European cousin of the Chevy Bolt -- out for a drive and went 755 kilometers before running out of battery charge. How did they do that?

The post How To Make A Chevy Bolt Travel 755 Km On A Single Charge — Put Opel Ampera-E Badges On It! appeared first on Gas 2.

Tesla has filed a new patent application for a battery swapping system. Is there a connection between it and the upcoming Tesla Semi?

The post Battery Swapping Is Back On The Agenda At Tesla appeared first on Gas 2.

Tesla Model 3

The first deliveries of the Tesla Model 3 occurred in late July 2017, when 30 employees received the keys to company’s new small electric car. Yet, for the nearly half-million reservation-holders who are eager to take ownership of their own Model 3, there will be months of waiting. The most flexible buyers—those who placed early reservations and who are willing to compromise on desired features—could wait only a couple months. On the other hand, if you aren’t at the top of the waiting list and if insist on buying a specific model such as the 220-mile $35,000 variant (or if dual-motor all-wheel-drive is a must), you might not get your Model 3 until late 2018.

read more

Audi has two autonomous electric car concepts at the Frankfurt auto show -- Elaine, an update of the e-tron sportback last seen in Shanghai, and the Aicon, a full Level 5 self driving luxury machine for those who have it and want to flaunt it.

The post Audi Brings Level 4 And Level 5 Autonomous Concepts To Frankfurt appeared first on Gas 2.

Daimler will begin selling its Fuso eCanter electric delivery van by the end of 2018 and is partnering with StoreDot to develop its 5 minute charging technology.

The post Mercedes Unveils eCanter Electric Truck, Partners With StoreDot On Fast Charging Batteries appeared first on Gas 2.

В този блог: Предварителни резервации за Mercedes EQC и Jaguar I-Pace стартираха в Норвегия.

Подходът на Tesla с предлагането на опция за предварителна резервация на нов модел електромобил години преди производството му се оказа добър, и сега други големи автопроизводители започват да се възползват от него - макар и засега само в Норвегия.

В този блог: Израелска стартъп компания твърди, че е разработила батерия за електромобили, която се зарежда за 5 мин.

Битката за това кой ще изкара първи на пазара революционна батерия за електромобили продължава да се разраства и все повече компании започват да представят възможни решения.

“This is not some vision of the distant future; a production version of this car will be here in Europe in 2019,” said Honda president and CEO Takahiro Hachigo at the Frankfurt motor show this week.

A TV crew from auto mobil, a show on the VOX channel, wanted to know exactly what the Opel Ampera-e electric range champion was capable of and whether it could drive from the most easterly to the most westerly city in Germany on a single charge. From Görlitz to Aachen - a distance of 750 kilometers.

With an official range of 520 kilometers measured in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) Opel’s electric car boasts a considerably larger range than its current closest segment rivals. And the Opel Ampera-e also impresses when tested approximated to the speed profile defined in the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) driving cycle (shortened test procedure): Based on this development test, the engineers estimate a combined WLTP range of 380 kilometers.

Naturally, the range in everyday use varies and depends on personal driving behavior and on external factors. And this is exactly where VOX auto mobil head of testing Albert Königshausen and presenter Alexander Bloch come into play. The duo set off from Görlitz in a standard Opel Ampera-e at the end of August. Their route took them along country roads towards Aachen.

The two journalists took turns at the wheel and patiently reeled off kilometer after kilometer at speeds mainly between 40 and 50 km/h for no less than 25 hours and 30 minutes, making full use of the brake energy regeneration of the Ampera-e, thus charging the battery under deceleration (recuperation). And then the ‘external factors’ had their say. Diversions extended the route by 20 kilometers and this was exactly the distance that the duo failed to reach the Aachen town sign by. When the 60 kWh lithium-ion battery was finally flat, the distance on the odometer was exactly 754.9 kilometers. On a single charge!

Ampera-e combines practicality with efficiency and temperament

Apart from dazzling with its exceptional range, the 4.16 meter long Ampera-e also offers plenty of space for up to five passengers plus trunk space of 381 liters (1,274 liters when the seats are folded down). This is made possible by the space-saving underbody integration of the large capacity batteries. ‘Das Elektroauto’ also offers Opel-typical outstanding digital connectivity: The Ampera-e comes with latest generation IntelliLink infotainment, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Opel OnStar.

Elsewhere, the Opel Ampera-e also shines with its electrifying temperament based on the electric motor with its output that is equivalent to 150 kW/204 hp (PS) and instant torque of 360 Nm. This enables it to accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds – times rivalling those of sports cars. Mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, which is especially important for overtaking maneuvers, is completed in just 4.5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 150 km/h for the benefit of the overall range.

В този блог: Нов рекорд за пробег с едно зареждане на Opel Ampera-E регистрираха германски журналисти.

По-рано тази година известният в цял свят със своите електромобилни клипове Бьорн Ниланд от Норвегия направи продължителен тест на Opel Ampera-e, като успя да измине 623 км с едно зареждане на батерията...

Jaguar is putting together a support series for Formula E that will feature I-PACE electric SUVs modified by Jaguar Racing.

The post Formula E Weekends Will Soon Feature Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY Racing appeared first on Gas 2.

The iconic VW minibus will become the electric ID Buzz starting is 2022.

The post Electric Volkswagen ID Buzz Due In 2022 appeared first on Gas 2.

В този блог: Samsung SDI представи няколко нови продукта свързани с електромобилите на изложението във Франкфурт тази седмица.

В началото на годината Samsung представи своите собствени "2170" батерийни клетки, с които компанията заяви намерения да се конкурира с Tesla/Panasonic.

В този блог: Преди Model 3 вълната, Tesla пуска по-малка градска DC зарядна станция.

Мощността на устройството е до 72 кВт, около 2 пъти по-малко от настоящия максимум за Supercharger станциите...

At this week’s Frankfurt auto show, automakers will be vying to show that Tesla won’t overtake them by introducing a passel of battery-electric vehicles themselves. Here’s a look from Clean Fleet Report of one of those new electrified cars that you could be driving by the end of this decade.

Frankfurt Debut for Crossover That Joins Hatchback & Minivan Electrics

Volkswagen has made it clear that its future is electric, showing a concept version of a bread-and-butter hatchback and a reincarnation of the iconic microbus. The third installation, possibly the most critical for its future business, debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week—the Volkseagen I.D. Crozz, a fastback crossover.

Volkswagen’s EV onslaught in the U.S. will lead with this

The Tiguan-sized model was actually the second iteration of the electric crossover, which will be on the market alongside the hatchback in 2020. Given the hot segment that is compact SUVs, this EV cannot be launched quickly enough.

The concept shown in Frankfurt (an updated version of one shown at the Shanghai Motor Show in April) had Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. A front-drive electric motor produces 101 horsepower and the rear-wheel motor delivers 201 horsepower.

While the battery pack size has not been disclosed, it is located beneath the floor of the SUV. A 311-mile range is promised with fast-charging capabilities.

Loads of Tech

Not surprising for 2017, the I.D. Crozz showed up with loads of advanced technology. While the LED headlights were probably close to production, the Lidar equipment on the roof may or may not show up in 2020. The Frankfurt model also claimed to respond to voice commands—“waking up,” opening and closing doors, as well as recognizing gestures.

The I.D. Crozz interior is ready for autonomous driving

The concept has rear-view cameras instead of mirrors and a retractable steering wheel that anticipates full autonomous driving. A 10.2-inch central screen commands the main console.

In Frankfurt, VW officials said the I.D. Croszz was expeccted to be the first of the new electric VWs to hit U.S. shores.

Related Stories You Might Enjoy:

News: Volkswagen Microbus Returns as an Electric

First Drive: 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf

The post News: Volkswagen Introduces I.D. Crozz to EV Lineup appeared first on Clean Fleet Report.

 този блог: Honda представи нова концепция за малък градски електромобил на автомобилното изложение във Франкфурт.

Автомобилното изложение във Франкфурт вече е в разгара си и електрически концепции има накъдето и да се обърнеш. Mercedes, VW и BMW вече представиха част от своите бъдещи електрически модели, а към тях се присъедини и Honda с концепция за малък градски електромобил.

A battery pack is installed into the Chevrolet Bolt at GM’s Orion Assembly Plant.

General Motors yesterday confirmed to PluginCars.com that approximately 100 Chevrolet Bolt electric cars were equipped with faulty battery cells that left drivers stranded after experiencing a complete loss of propulsion while driving. In some cases, the loss of propulsion was nearly instantaneous—with the car quickly stopping and the driver not being able to drive forward or reverse out of harm’s way. Other drivers had up to about five minutes to maneuver to safety.

read more

The Volkswagen I.D. Crozz electric crossover concept is on display at the 2017 Frankfurt auto show. It is expected to go on sale in 2020.

The post Updated Volkswagen I.D. Crozz On Display At Frankfurt Auto Show appeared first on Gas 2.

Honda is late to the electric car party. Like most of its fellow Japanese car companies, it has been chasing the fuel cell chimera while Tesla was busy turning the automotive industry upside down with innovative electric cars. Now Honda is playing catch up. At the Frankfurt auto show this week, it is presenting two […]

The post Honda Urban EV Concept And Smart Power Sharing System At Frankfurt Auto Show appeared first on Gas 2.

В този блог: Летящ влак, който да се движи с 4,000км/ч разработва китайската NASA.

Предложението е част от огромен проект за глобална инфраструктура на стойност 3 трилиона долара, известен като One Belt, One Road.

Volkswagen is stepping up its shift to electric cars and plans to invest more than 20 billion euros ($24 billion) in zero-emission vehicles by 2030 to challenge pioneer Tesla in creating a mass market.

The world’s largest automaker by sales said on Monday it would roll out 80 new electric cars across its multi-brand group by 2025, up from a previous goal of 30, and wanted to offer an electric version of each of its 300 group models by 2030.

The German company had previously said it would spend more than 10 billion euros by 2025 on a move to electric vehicles.

“A company like Volkswagen must lead, not follow,” Chief Executive Matthias Mueller told reporters on the eve of the Frankfurt auto show as he unveiled the group’s “roadmap E”.

“We are setting the scene for the final breakthrough for e-mobility.”

VW’s electric car offensive mirrors pre-Frankfurt show announcements by German rivals.

Daimler said on Monday its Mercedes-Benz luxury brand planned to offer electric motors for all models by 2022, though cautioned the shift to lower-margin electric cars required extra cost savings.

BMW, which launched the i3 electric car in 2013, said on Thursday it was readying its factories to mass produce electric vehicles by 2020 and pledged to have 12 purely battery-powered models on offer by 2025.

The Volkswagen Group will fully electrify its entire model portfolio by 2030. That means: By then at the latest, there will be at least one electric variant of each of the Group’s around 300 models. For all brands and in all markets. “That’s not a non-binding declaration of intent, but a commitment we’ll be measured by as of this day,” stresses Müller.

The company will provide more than €20 billion for direct investment in industrializing electromobility by 2030. The money will be spent on vehicles based on two completely newly developed electric platforms, as well as on the plants and workforce qualification. It will also go toward the charging infrastructure.

“We also won’t let the issue of batteries be taken out of our hands,” emphasizes Müller. He adds that the company will need a battery capacity of more than 150 GWh a year by 2025 solely to fit its own e-fleet with lithium-ion batteries.

To cater for that enormous demand, the Volkswagen Group has initiated an invitation to tender for long-term strategic partnerships for China, Europe and the United States. “We’re talking here about one of the largest procurement projects in our industry’s history, one with a global order volume of more than €50 billion over its term,” states Müller. That was solely for the Group’s high-volume vehicles based on the all-electric architecture.

News of a €10 Billion battery Gigafactory surfaced last year with Salzgitter in the German state of Lower Saxony being a likely location.

VW invested in solid-state battery startup QuantumScape in late 2014 and have publicly stated they expect the technology can deliver 700 km range. VW is also targeting a 66 percent cost reduction by using a single battery module design for all of its electrified vehicles.

The CEO makes it clear that the campaign has ambitious objectives: “We want to make Volkswagen the world’s number 1 when it comes to electromobility by 2025.” One-in-four of all new vehicles from the Group might then be powered solely by electricity. “Depending on how the market develops, we’re talking here about up to three million e-cars a year.”

“Nothing can stop the transformation in our industry. And we’ll lead that transformation,” emphasizes Müller. His mission is to shape the system change in drive technology, boldly, uncompromisingly, yet responsibly. As the CEO notes: “Our goal is to redefine mobility. To make it sustainable, clean and better for our customers worldwide. That’s what drives us. That drives me personally. And it’s what 600,000 employees at the Volkswagen Group and our brands are working to accomplish.”

At this week’s Frankfurt auto show, automakers will be vying to show that Tesla won’t overtake them by introducing a passel of battery-electric vehicles themselves. Here’s a look from Clean Fleet Report of one of those new electrified cars that you could be driving by the end of this decade.

Autonomous Technology, Electrification Push A8 to the Top

Audi has thrown down the gauntlet for high-end luxury cars, and put BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla on notice: The 2019 Audi A8 has leapfrogged in every area with the recently refreshed BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class flagship sedans as well as the challenger, the Tesla Model S. Starting with the all-new 2019 Audi A8, every single model will soon feature a 48-volt hybrid system.

Inside the tech-heavy 2019 Audi A8

The hardware starts with a belt-driven alternator-starter as the core of the 48-volt hybrid unit. The system allows the A8 to coast with the engine turned off, saving fuel. Audi says the system restarts “smoothly,” unlike some stop-start systems currently employed. The mild hybrid system can also recover some energy during braking, while the motor adds 16 horsepower (12 kilowatts) on top of the engine’s output, with the final power figure a combination of both propulsion sources. As for fuel economy, Audi estimates the mild hybrid system will reduce fuel consumption by 0.2 gallons for every 62 miles driven in real world driving conditions.

When the new 2019 A8 arrives in the U.S. next spring, it will be powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 gasoline engine delivering 354 horsepower and a healthy 369 pounds-feet torque. An eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission will deliver that power to all four wheels, as all 2019 A8s will come with permanent Quattro all-wheel drive. Optional will be four-wheel steering.

Fancy Tech

On the technological front, the new A8 will be the first production car to come to the U.S. fully ready for Level 3 (on the 0-5 scale for autonomy laid out by the Society of Automotive Engineers). Called “Traffic Jam Pilot,” the system can take control of the vehicle on highways with a physical barrier separating oncoming traffic, at speeds up to 37 mph. It’ll take care of steering, accelerating and braking, and will give the driver plenty of warning when it’s his or her turn to take the steering wheel once again. It will also be capable of parking itself, whether in a parking space or a garage. Audi will roll out activation of the A8’s autonomous driving features when U.S. federal or state laws allow.

To smooth the ride, an electromechanical suspension, with juice supplied by the 48-volt system, uses cameras that monitor the road ahead and can command the suspension to soften up over bumps. Electric motors actuate the air suspension to soften or firm up at a millisecond’s notice. It can also raise the car up if there’s a side collision to help mitigate any chance of injury by deflecting the blow to the strongest parts of the chassis.

Traffic Jam Pilot takes autonomy up a level

Styling

As you would expect, the 2019 Audi A8 is fully redesigned, with nearly 90 percent of the front end covered by a new, massive hexagonal grille—it’s the automobile equivalent of a Kenworth 18-wheeler in the rearview mirror. Narrow headlights lifted from the Prologue concept cars have laser beams (not U.S. approved) within the LED Matrix lights. Out back, the taillights are joined together with a long strip of both chrome and more taillight.

No surprise to anyone, the 2019 Audi A8’s cabin is leather-wrapped and wood-trimmed. The interior adopts a reductive design with a strictly horizontal orientation. It dispenses with the familiar rotary pushbutton and touchpad of the predecessor model in favor of an instrument panel which is largely free of buttons and switches. At its center is a 10.1-inch touchscreen display which, when off, blends almost invisibly into the high-gloss black surround thanks to its black-panel look. The A8 also includes a footrest for backseat passengers with massage function. That’s coupled with heated and cooled seats as well.

When the 2019 Audi A8 hits European streets this fall, the base price will be $103,000 and change.

U.S. pricing will be announced at a later date.      

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The post News: 2019 Audi A8 Rolls into Frankfurt With 48-Volt Hybrid System appeared first on Clean Fleet Report.

At this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, automakers will be vying to show that Tesla won’t overtake them by introducing a passel of battery-electric vehicles themselves. Here’s a look from Clean Fleet Report of one of those new electrified cars that you could be driving by the end of this decade.

Electric Mini to Hit Market in 2019

For the most part, modern electric vehicles (EVs) fit into two categories: small econobox commuters and $100,000+ super cars.

A promise of an affordable performance EV

Unfortunately, for those of us who don’t enjoy blending in our our morning commute, or didn’t find 100 grand under our pillow after losing a tooth, we have yet to see a small, affordable, but sporty EV.

Ahead of the biennial Frankfurt Motor Show, Mini unveiled its new EV concept. It will be officially showcased during the show. While this is not Mini’s first EV (that was the Mini-E, a limited edition produced in 2009) it is designed to complement the new Countryman plug-in hybrid.

Design First

As no powertrain specs have yet been released, the Mini EV tease is really a design showcase more than anything else; that being said, the design is something worth showing off.

A full electric Mini returns

As if the engineers in Germany have finally turned aesthetic appeal into a science, Mini describes its new EV design as, “Cutting-edge, pure and dynamic (in an efficient way).” What we really like about its design are the new LED headlights (which look much less “buggy” than the current Mini Cooper headlights), the funky asymmetrical wheels, and the LED taillights, which are each designed to be half a Union Jack.

Just like every other anticipated EV, if the Mini is going to be competitive it will have to offer an all-electric range of at least 200 miles (if not more), and maintain the classic “bulldog” sportiness that has carried the brand for so many years.

The latter could be much harder than it sounds, but according to Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design, Adrian van Hooydonk, “The Mini Electric Concept is a quintessential Mini–compact, agile, simply the ideal companion for everyday driving. At the same time, it conveys a whole new take on the concept of sportiness.” Given that the Mini EV’s powertrain will be built in the same line as the BMW i3, it can be expected to produce similar spunky performance.

As with powertrain numbers, we have yet to be given an official price for the Mini EV. Its pricing will likely not be dictated by competitor pricing, as the Mini EV will not have any direct competitors; that being said, look for pricing to be somewhere around the magical $35,000 mark with lease deals below the BMW i3’s $289/month ones.

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The post News: Mini EV Teased Ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show appeared first on Clean Fleet Report.

В този блог: Volkswagen актуализира плановете си за електрически автомобили с цялостна ревизия на инвестиционната си стратегия.

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Nation Drive Electric Week 2017 is here. What events do you plan to attend?

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В този блог: Забрана в Китай може да сложи края на двигателите с вътрешно горене в световен мащаб.

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В този блог: Казино Финикс на Кулата с две eCars AC зареждачки за международни клиенти.

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China is making plans for the end of fossil fuel vehicles. Manufacturers in the US are making plans to sell more gargantuan pickup trucks. Cognitive dissonance, anyone?

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В този блог: Tesla Model S е достатъчно мощен и пипнат, но австрийците от Magna показват своя версия.

Magna Steyr е голям завод, в който много автопроизводители поръчват производство на свои модели. Екипът очевидно има огромен опит в правенето на коли и за разнообразие показва своя преработка на Tesla Model S...

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В този блог: Две eCars зареждачки в Сандански за Деня на Съединението.

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13 Electric school buses from Motiv Power will be placed in service in the Sacramento area this school year. 4 more are already in service in the state and 2 more are scheduled to begin operating in Los Angeles soon.

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В този блог: Проучване сочи, че батериите на Tesla могат потенциално да надживеят собственика си.

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Nissan’s second-generation Leaf represents a welcome step forward for the Japanese firm’s pioneering electric vehicle, though not quite as big a leap as it might appear.

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В този блог: Шотландия иска да забрани дизеловите и бензинови двигатели в страната до 2032г.

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