A new programme, UKH2Mobility, has been launched to ensure the UK is well positioned for the commercial roll-out of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.

The Toyota NS4 is an advanced plug-in hybrid concept vehicle that the company has revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The NS4's advanced powertrain will be a hybrid plug-in system featuring reductions in component size and weight with improved overall fuel economy, better acceleration and longer all-electric range, while maintaining a short charge time.

Toyota says that the NS4 concept signals a new styling direction for the company aimed at making an emotional connection with consumers.

Traditional vehicle development cycles average four years, but this is rapidly changing with the introduction of more technological innovations. Vehicles have become another communication hub in the consumers' lifestyle, and are the third-fastest growing technological device, behind smartphones and tablets. Toyota has formed special alliances with technology leaders such as Microsoft, Intel and Salesforce to explore the creation of seamless vehicle interfaces with emerging technologies. Toyota claims that these alliances will ensure the company is at the forefront of this emerging sector of the automotive market.

The NS4 concept's human-machine interface (HMI) is centred around a multi-touch screen with the look and feel of a smartphone. The simple, intuitive operation conveys information quickly while minimising distractions and maximising driver awareness. The multimedia and vehicle-controls enhancement will also direct air conditioning, audio, battery-charge and navigation functions. The HMI system is even capable of "learning" driver preferences to anticipate driver responses in specific environments and situations.

The NS4 features Toyota's latest safety system developments, including next generation pre-collision system (PCS), adaptive driving beam (ADB) headlights, and blind spot monitor (BSM). PCS features lane departure and pedestrian collision avoidance technologies designed to predict collisions under certain circumstances and help avoid them. The system uses millimeter-wave radar and stereo cameras mounted on the front of the vehicle to detect and react to lane departure, pedestrians, and other vehicles. In the event of a potential collision, the system seeks to avoid other vehicles, road-side obstructions, and pedestrians by applying the brakes andmanipulating steering.

Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights help to prevent vision-impairing glare to oncoming drivers and pedestrians. Using a camera mounted behind the front grille and partial shielding inside the headlights, this feature allows drivers to maintain near-high beam illumination to improve nighttime visibility.

Using sub-millimeter wave radar, the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) detects a vehicle in the adjacent lane and visually alerts the driver using visual indicators placed in the upper dash.

The pop-up bonnet structure automatically raises the rear of the bonnet to increase the space underneath, helping to reduce pedestrian head injuries caused by a collision with the front of the vehicle. This innovation is the result of testing and verification using both conventional crash-test dummies and Toyota's Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) finite element model.

Four new glass technologies are integrated into the windscreen, front and rear windows to improve driver visibility, fuel economy and electric driving mode mileage efficiency:

▪ Rain-resistant 'hydrophobic' coating - Fluorine coated glass causes rain drops to form intosemispherical shapes for improved visibility and rain drop elimination.

▪ 'Anti-fog' coating - High performance resin material with anti-fogging characteristics and increased durability.

▪ High ultraviolet (UV) absorbing inner-layer - Removes 99 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays

▪ Anti-solar film with radio-wave transparency - Reduces the internal vehicle temperature and improves electronic device functionality 

Inner and outer rear view mirrors have been replaced with cameras that provide the driver with a panoramic view to the rear. The rear-view camera displays images on a dashboard-mounted screen, and provides the driver with a much wider field of vision when compared to a traditional rear view mirror.

The electric smart for-us pick-up mobility concept has had its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The electric drive of the smart for-us is based on the drive concept of the smart fortwo electric drive, which will be launched from the spring of 2012.

The 55 kW magneto-electric motor and 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery provides the smart for-us with 130 Newton metres of torque and a top speed of over 75 mph.

Like car2go, the global car sharing initiative from smart for more flexibility in city traffic, the smart for-us is a mobility concept. It has plenty of room for two people and space for two smart ebikes behind them. 

Thanks to the docking station on the cargo area of the smart for-us their batteries are always charged and they enable smart for-us drivers to also reach destinations that are out of bounds for cars – for example traffic-calmed zones in the city.

Read our comparison between the electric smart fortwo ED and the smart fortwo CDI

The two-seat electric Volkswagen E-Bugster concept has been revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

An electric motor provides 85 kWh of power, which can propel it from 0 to 60 mph in 10.9 seconds, and it offers a range of at least 110 miles from the 28.3 kWh lithium-ion batteries.

If the E-Bugster needs a top-up, a fast-charging function allows complete recharging in just 35 minutes.

The quick charging is possible thanks to a new Combined Charging System that was developed in co-operation with Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, Ford and General Motors/Opel. This allows charging via single-phase AC sources (for example a 120-Volt US or 230-Volt European domestic outlet) or via ultra-fast DC sources at specific charging stations. To succeed, this will require the development of a uniform industry standard for sockets and plugs and also for the charge controller, so that all charging types can be handled.

As soon as the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, kinetic energy is transformed into electricity and stored in the battery, and applying the brakes increases the intensity of regeneration.

The E-Bugster is the same length as a standard Beetle but 30 mm wider, while the new roof lowers the height by around 90 mm.

The E-Bugster takes some inspiration from the Ragster concept that made its debut at the 2005 Detroit Show, and which itself inspired the current Beetle.

The E-Bugster is only a concept at this stage, but the petrol-powered production Beetle is available to order now, with first deliveries due in April.

The order books are now open for the Vauxhall Ampera Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV), and details of its UK specifications and pricing have been announced.

The first Amperas will arrive in showrooms on 1 May 2012. The car will be offered in three trim levels, with the entry model available to order from May.

Starting at £29,995 (inclusive of the £5,000 government plug-in car grant) the entry model Ampera comes with standard features such as DAB radio, 7-inch touch-screen control monitor, cruise control and alloy wheels.

The Positiv model sits in the middle of the Ampera range at £32,250 (inclusive of the £5,000 government plug-in car grant), which adds a standard leather interior with heated front seats, front/rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

Topping the line-up will be the Electron, which comes as standard with a state-of-the-art infotainment unit comprising:

▪ Colour touch screen

▪ Satellite navigation system

▪ Bespoke Bose Energy Efficient Series sound system

▪ DVD video player

▪ 30GB hard-disc drive storage

▪ Voice-controlled navigation, telephone and music systems 

The Electron costs £33,995 (inclusive of the £5,000 government plug-in car grant) and, like the Positiv, can be ordered immediately.

Vauxhall is keen to offer a high level of customer service and support to its owners. Backed by Vauxhall’s unique Lifetime Warranty and an 8-year 100,000 mile battery warranty, the majority of Ampera owners will have a specialist dealer within a one-hour drive of their home, as 23 specialist retailers have been confirmed in the UK.

Vauxhall says that Ampera dealers will be committed to a new level of personalised care. This new Ampera customer experience gives owners the benefit of two Ampera specialists – in both sales and aftersales – at each Ampera retailer, providing expert advice and attention on all aspects of the car. Ampera retailers will also offer a free collection and delivery service for all scheduled service, warranty and repair work.

There is also a service known as ‘MyAmpera’, which offers owners the telephone number and email address of their own personal Ampera agent, based at Vauxhall’s head office.

Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty provides first-owners of the Ampera with comprehensive cover for the car, less battery, during the lifetime of the vehicle, or 100,000 miles, whichever arrives first.

Vauxhall Ampera Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) review

General Motors has announced enhancements to the vehicle structure and battery coolant system in theChevrolet Volt and Vauxhall Ampera following post-crash fires.

The changes are designed to offer additional protection for the battery from the possibility of an electrical fire occurring days or weeks after a severe crash.

The enhancements come in response to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Preliminary Evaluation in the US to examine post-severe crash battery performance.

NHTSA opened a Preliminary Evaluation on 25 November 2011 following a severe-impact lab test on a battery pack that resulted in an electrical fire six days later. The test was conducted to reproduce a coolant leak that occurred in a full-scale vehicle crash test last May that resulted in an electrical fire three weeks later.

GM will conduct a Customer Satisfaction Programme to further protect the Volt battery from the possibility of an electrical fire occurring days or weeks after a severe side crash. Modifications will:

▪ Strengthen an existing portion of the Volt’s vehicle safety structure to further protect the battery pack in a severe side collision

▪ Add a sensor in the reservoir of the battery coolant system to monitor coolant levels

▪ Add a tamper-resistant bracket to the top of the battery coolant reservoir to help prevent potential coolant overfill. 

GM conducted four successful crash tests between December 9 and 21 of Volts with the structural enhancement. The enhancement performed as intended. There was no intrusion into the battery pack and no coolant leakage in any of the tests.

“These enhancements and modifications will address the concerns raised by the severe crash tests,” said GM. “There are no changes to the Volt battery pack or cell chemistry as a result of these actions. We have tested the Volt’s battery system for more than 285,000 hours, or 25 years, of operation. We’re as confident as ever that the cell design is among the safest on the market.”

Volt customers will be individually notified when the modifications are available for their vehicle. The enhancements are being incorporated into the Volt manufacturing process as production resumes this month.

The modifications and enhancements will be applied to all Volts, including vehicles sold in Europe. The European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP) has awarded the Chevrolet Volt the top five-star safety rating.

GM is keen to stress that during the first 11 months of 2011 Volt owners accumulated nearly 20 million miles without an incident similar to the results in the NHTSA tests.

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept, a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, will be unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Green-Car-Guide was one of the first to drive the Volvo V60 Plug-in diesel Hybrid; however the XC60 Concept is a petrol rather than a diesel hybrid, and is therefore aimed at the North American rather than European markets. However both cars share many technological features, such as the three driving modes: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

▪ In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. The range according to the NEDC European certification driving cycle is 28 miles.

▪ Hybrid mode is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The petrol engine and electric motor work together. According to the NEDC European certification driving cycle, CO₂ emissions are 53 g/km (2.3 l/100 km) - which translates into fuel economy of over 100 mpg. The car has a total operating range of up to 600 miles (960 km).

▪ In Power mode, the technology is optimised to create maximum possible power. The petrol engine with 280 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb. ft.) is combined with the electric motor with 70 hp and 200 Nm (148 lb. ft.). The electric motor's instant torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds).

The front wheels of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept are powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from the forthcoming VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engine family. This engine produces 280 horsepower and maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb. ft.). Power delivery to the wheels comes via a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

The concept car carries a "T8" badge, which emphasises the combined 350 horsepower of the high-performance four-cylinder engine and the electric motor. This moves the car into territory previously occupied solely by eight-cylinder engines.

VEA is a modular range of diesel and petrol engines. The petrol versions come with direct injection, minimised internal losses and balance shafts for maximised comfort.

The modular format is based on a standard of 500cc (30 cubic inches) per cylinder for optimum thermodynamics. It could also be used to develop three-cylinder engines. VEA offers several advantages:

▪ The number of unique parts is reduced. This promotes manufacturing efficiency, quality assurance and efficiency of new development projects.

▪ The new powertrains are considerably lighter than present engines with similar performance.

▪ Fuel economy is improved by up to 35 percent compared to engines with similar performance.

▪ Modularity and compact transverse design are also ideal for future electrification developments.

The engine in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept has no conventional starter motor or alternator. Instead, there is an Integrated Starter motor and Generator (ISG) connected to the crankshaft, which is located between the engine and the transmission. The ISG is capable of delivering an extra 34 kW (45 hp) during acceleration. It also charges the battery during braking.

The rear axle of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is driven by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. It is supplied with power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.

The electric four-wheel drive in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is activated by pressing the AWD (All Wheel Drive) button. Instead of the mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central control unit distributes power between the petrol-driven front wheels and the electrically driven rear axle.

The electric four-wheel drive system has been designed to provide better traction when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for instance, in snow or mud.

The driver can choose to save battery power for later in order to drive on pure electricity later in, for example, an urban green zone or in the heart of a city. When Save is activated, the generator charges and tops up the battery pack if necessary. The aim is to ensure sufficient battery power for about 12 miles (20 km) of driving on electricity.

The battery pack is recharged from a regular power outlet, at home or at a parking place. Recharging time varies with the current. If 220V is available, a full charge with 12A takes just 3.5 hours. With 110V/12A a full charge takes 7.5 hours.

It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment. This also means that more battery power is available to propel the car.

The Volvo Sensus infotainment system in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept keeps the driver constantly updated about various items, for example:

▪ Best route to the destination depending on whether the driver prioritises low energy consumption, the fastest route or the shortest distance.

▪ Low Emission Zones where sufficient capacity is needed for running on pure electricity.

▪ Charging stations with access to renewable electricity.

▪ Locations along the route with access to quick-charging facilities.

The driver can also connect to the car via a mobile phone application. This offers access to a wide range of data, such as the battery's charge level, remaining range, and the location and capacity of the nearest recharging station. Via the app, it is possible to verify if the charger cable is hooked up and it is also possible to pre-programme the car's interior climate.

Read about the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

The new Conti.eContact is a new tyre designed for electric vehicles.

Developed in co-operation with Europe’s leading car manufacturers, Conti.eContact introduces new tyre dimensions with a larger outer diameter, such as 195/55R20 instead of a traditional 205/55R16. This concept results in substantially reduced rolling resistance. A more flexible sidewall of the tyre helps result in less energy loss when deflecting or rebounding.

Continental’s tyre engineers had to start with a new approach to the Conti.eContact whilst still ensuring that the tyre excelled at wet braking. Wide circumferential grooves, optimised tread depth, a flat contour and smooth off-shoulder design result in an extremely efficient and durable tyre for the electric vehicle market.

Unique sidewall lettering will also feature on the tyre. The logo ‘BLUECO’ is aimed at denoting a series of innovative tyre technologies especially designed for the needs of electric vehicles.

The Conti.eContact will initially be a niche product in the UK, but a growing charge infrastructure for electric vehicles and government incentives are likely to aid uptake and a move away from traditional petrol and diesel engines. The Conti.eContact will be available in sizes 125/80R13 and 145/40R13 from this year.