Frankfurt Motor Show - Sustainability Highlights

When I first started writing about the sustainability highlights of the global motor shows in 2015 (which of course wasn't that long ago), things were very different. 'Dieselgate' hadn't happened, and for the majority of manufacturers, introducing a mild-hybrid into one model felt like a sensible 'toe-dip into the water' around future powertrains.  Fast forward to today, and Frankfurt 2017 was always going to be a milestone, with the German automotive industry using it as a showcase of their future strategies.  Rather than outline all of the new models and concepts, I've picked-out a few of the significant updates, with each title providing a link to further information from the manufacturer.

Audi Aicon

Audi have revealed their Audi Aircon design concept, with advanced autonomous controls meaning the inside space is a luxurious place to relax.

Audi Aicon Design Concept

BMW i3s

Announced towards the end of August, the BMW i3S is a sporty take on their highly successful i3 (which has also had some revisions). Coming with a 135kW electric motor, and sports suspension, the i3s should appeal to the more enthusiastic driver. A 2 cylinder petrol engine is available to provide range extension too, as an option.

BMW i3s

BMW i Vision Dynamics (i5)

Still at BMW, their much anticipated EV to sit between the i3 and i8 has been revealed in concept form.  It is likely to be called the i5, with four doors, and an anticipated range of 373 miles.

It's due to be launched in 2021, perhaps giving the chance for Tesla, Jaguar and even Mercedes to build significant market share with their respective models.  I'd also assume that with improved battery densities, they might revise the range upwards before then?

Worth also mentioning that BMW have announced their intention to offer 25 models with an electrification option by 2025, with 12 of them being pure electric.

BMW i Vision Dynamics (i5)

Honda CRV

With the number of SUVs being sold in Europe, and the vast majority being diesels (Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and stablemate Lexus NX300h/RX450h being exceptions), it's great to see the popular Honda CRV getting a Hybrid option.  But perhaps what's more interesting is that the only other option in Europe will be a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine - a very clear sign that they don't see the market for diesels in the very near future.

Honda CRV Hybrid

Honda Urban EV Concept

Honda have stolen a lot of headlines, and perhaps some hearts, with its cute and gorgeous Urban EV Concept.  With a more than a whiff of Mk1 Golf, I expect VW are fuming at such a vehicle being released in Frankfurt!  Although it's just a concept, Honda have confirmed a 2019 production release for something very similar, so I'd be surprised if it isn't a strong seller.

Honda Urban EV Concept

Honda Urban EV Concept

Honda have also committed that every new European model will have an electrification powertrain option.

Finally, Honda also released more information about their Power Manager proposition. Similar to solutions from Nissan, it's some clever hardware and software which will allow a user to optimise the energy consumed, stored and sold through a 'Vehicle to Grid/Home' (V2G/H) solution.

Honda Power Manager

Jaguar IPACE eTROPHY

We've already seen the launch of the iPace, due to hit showrooms next year.  But Jaguar didn't disappoint us - outlining the introduction of a new racing series to run alongside the Formula E races.  Much like the existing Touring Car Championship in the UK, let's hope it delivers a really exciting and engaging showcase for EVs. Jaguar Land Rover will offer an electric option (inc. hybrid) in all its model lineup from 2020, with rumours of a plug-in Range Rover Sport to be released this year

JAGUAR IPACE eTROPHY

Mercedes EQA Concept

By 2022, Mercedes-Benz Cars is planning to have more than ten all-electric vehciles on the market - and their EQA concept shows how they might tackle the compact segment.  It will have twin electric motors (one per axle), and a range up to 400km.

Mercedes EQA Concept

MINI Electric Concept

Not wanting Honda to take all the cuteness points, MINI (part of the BMW Group) have revealed their MINI Electric Concept, planned to be built in Oxford (but powertrain built in Germany)

 

MINI Electric Concept

Smart Vision EQ ForTwo Concept

With traditional car ownership dwindling, and car/ride-sharing models growing in significance, I was surprised not to see more models explicitly designed to support these new business models.  Daimler-owned Smart have done so though, with a neat concept, the Smart Vision EQ ForTwo Concept.

Smart Vision EQ ForTwo Concept

Samsung SDI

Finally, Samsung revealed some battery innovation, with a modular system, allowing additional modules to be added to deliver additional range. They've also introduced a reduced height form-factor, inevitably of interest to car manufacturers wanting to maximise internal space. 

Samsung SDI

Beijing Motor Show 2016 - Sustainability Highlights

This year's Beijing Motor Show introduces further advances in sustainability - a market segment which is no doubt going to continue to become mainstream as air pollution in China's capital continues to cause concern (see here for realtime figures).

Here are the sustainability highlights by manufacturer (only some of which will be household names outside China).

Audi Connected Mobility Concept

Tackling urban mobility is a huge challenge, and Audi has developed a new concept, which attempts to address one aspect - the 'last mile', especially where congestion (or lack of parking) is a problem.

Audi's Connected Mobility Concept

Hidden within the rear bumper of a Q3 SUV is a longboard, which is electrically powered, and charged by the car.  The car's sat-nav integrates with appointment calendar, and can determine if it's quicker to park the car locally and take the longboard to the final destination.

Audi's longboard in action

BAIC ARCFOX-7

BAIC Motor have introduced a new concept car, the ARCFOX-7.  A 4WD system delivers a maximum speed of 260kph, and 0-100kph acceleration in less than 3 seconds.

BAIC ARCFOX-7

Citroën (Dongfeng) E-Elysée

Due in 2017 in China, an all-electric version of the C-Elysee.  A Lithium-ion battery promises a 250km range, and can be charged in as little as 30 minutes.


Citroen E-Elysee

CH Auto Qiantu K50

Chinese manufacturer Qiantu Motor (majority owned by C H Auto) have revealed their near-production K50 electric sports car (and Roadster version too).  An electric motor for each axle will generate 408hp, and there should be a 300km range.  It's got solar panels on the roof.  

Qiantu K50

A new factory will be able to produce 50,000 clean-energy vehicles, expanding to 500,000 eventually.

Volkswagen T-Prime Concept GTE

VW are on a mission to put their 'diesel-gate' challenges behind them, and there's no better way than continue their path towards electrification.  A new hybrid Touareg replacement is inevitable, and the T-Prime Concept GTE gives us a good indication of their plans.

Volkswagen T-Prime Concept GTE

Volkswagen claim the car will have an electric-only range of 31 miles... and 87mpg using the NEDC cycle.  A 14.1 kWh battery is mated to a 2.0 litre petrol engine, with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and 4 wheel drive.

Detroit Motor Show 2016 - Sustainability Highlights

Following last week's CES in Las Vegas, where several auto manufacturers shared their new technology, the 'Motor City', Detroit, has started its NAIAS motor show, where a more traditional showcase attracts many more manufacturers.  Below are the highlights which have relevance to sustainability.  

Audi h-tron quattro concept

Hydrogen-fueled powertrains aren't yet commonplace, but as that might change in the future (i.e. when/if hydrogen refueling infrastructure is rolled-out), manufacturers are continuing to develop the technology.  At Detroit, Audi have revealed their h-tron quattro concept.

Audi h-tron quattro concept

Personally, it's the most attractive form factor for future mobility - combining four wheel drive, ample space inside, and of course an emission-free experience.  This particular concept also suggests a 4 minute refueling can offer a 370 mile range - comparable to people's current petrol-pump expectations.

The fuel-cell provides an output of 110kW and has over 60% efficiency.  There is also a 100kW lithium-ion battery, to support short bursts of acceleration.  Power is sent to the wheels via two electric motors - 90kW at the front and 140kW at the rear. Additional efficiencies are made by having a heat-pump to support the air conditioning, and a solar roof.


Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Concept

Keen to find 'good environmental stories', VW recently revealed their Budd-E concept at CES2016.  For Detroit though, they have shown their Tiguan GTE Active Concept:

VW Tiguan GTE Concept

It's actually a 'ruggedised' version of the Tiguan GTE Concept unveiled at Frankfurt:

VW Tiguan GTE Concept (Frankfurt Sept 2015)

Power comes from a 148bhp 1.4litre turbo-charged petrol engine, with electric motors and the front (54bhp) and rear (114bhp).  A 12.4kWh battery is charged either via a socket, or by the engine.  There's a claimed 20 mile all-electric range, with a total range of 580 miles.
Volvo S90

Following the huge success of the XC90 which has received much acclaim, Volvo have now revealed their 'elegant and sophisticated' S90.

Volvo S90

It will feature a plug-in hybrid 'T8' powertrain, delivering 410bhp 44g/km of CO2.  With an incredibly strong heritage in safety, as one would expect, Volvo are looking seriously at autonomous driving capabilities.  The S90 includes 'Pilot-Assist', a semi-autonomous feature which allows hands-free driving on motorways at speeds up to 80mph.

FordPass

Away from the technology of autonomy, powertrains and entertainment, one of the most interesting developments was from Ford, who introduced the FordPass.

The platform provides a portal to provide its user with a total mobility experience, from reserving parking spaces to participating in car sharing.  In fact, they are "aiming to do the same thing for car owners that iTunes did for music fans".  Encouragingly, Ford are also looking at ride-sharing and multi-modal transportation, all potentially great news for sustainability.

FordPass App

Here's a video which explains the concept in a little more detail:

Frankfurt Motor Show - Highlights

Here's a selection of the highlights from the Frankfurt Motor Show, where manufacturers have made significant incremental, or in some cases revolutionary, improvements to the sustainability of the automobile.  Although it's hard to avoid the launch the (hideous) Bentley Bentayga, the Rolls-Royce Dawn, the Jaguar F-Pace, and the Ferrari 488 Spider, it's the news below which is setting the future direction of the industry.

Artega Scalo

The Scalo offers 402bhp from two electric motors powering the rear wheels. 0-60mph comes in 3.6 seconds. A 37kW battery supports a range of up to 250 miles.

Artega Scalo

Audi Q6 e-tron

Audi has released a concept all-electric SUV, sized somewhere between the Q5 and Q7. Its figures suggest innovation in aerodynamics contribute to a claimed range of 310 miles.

Audi Q6 e-tron concept

BMW

BMW is the 'traditional' manufacturer which I predict will be the first to have an alternative powertrain available in all of its model series first.  And a pre-show announcement has helped them achieve this...

BMW 225xe Active Tourer

The Active Tourer 225xe mates a 134bhp front-mounted 1.5L petrol engine, with a rear-axle mounted 88bhp electric motor.  25 miles of electric-only range should be possible, courtesy of the 7.7kWh lithium ion battery.

BMW 225xe Active Hybrid

BMW 225xe Active Hybrid

BMW 330e

Also delivering a 25 mile all-electric range, the 330e has a different powertrain - a 2L petrol engine, alongside a 65kW electric motor.  A top speed of 140mph (75mph in electric only), as low as 44 CO2 g/km.

BMW 330e

The powertrain within the BMW 330e

BMW 740e

To complete the trio and with 25 miles of all-electric range again, the 740e will be available in standard and long wheel based version (the latter also available as an xDrive 4WD option). Claimed figures are 134mpg and 49g CO2/km.

BMW 740e

Mercedes Concept IAA

Mercedes has introduced a new design language and world-beating aerodynamics in its IAA Concept (Intelligent Autonomous Vehicle')

Mercedes Concept IAA

Mercedes Concept IAA, with a Cd of 0.19

Its coefficient drag coefficient (Cd), is a mere 0.19, helped with automatic changes to the car's exterior above 80km/h.  And this isn't just about a rear spoiler which raises at speed... The changes are:

• Eight segments extend at the rear, increasing its length by up to 390 millimetres
• Front flaps in the front bumper extend by 25 mm to the front and 20 mm to the rear, improving the air flow around the front end and the front wheel arches
• The Active Rims alter their cupping from 55 mm to zero
• The louvre in the front bumper moves 60 mm to the rear, improving the underbody air flow

With a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, CO2 emissions can be as low as 28g CO2/km.


Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf has been a global success, in fact is the world's best-selling EV. And now Nissan have announced improvements, which include a 30kWh battery, increasing the motorway range to 250km, for only a 21kg increase in weight.

Nissan Leaf with 30kWh battery

Peugeot FRACTAL Concept

Peugeot have launched a new concept car, the FRACTAL, an electric urban coupe.  Its main focus is on sound, supporting their i Cockpit® sight and touch sensory experience.

Peugeot FRACTAL concept

"The 30kW/h lithium-ion battery powers the electric motors on the front and rear axles to provide a total output of 150kW/204hp and combined-cycle autonomy of up to 450km"


Porsche Mission E Concept

• 600bhp+
• 331 mile range
• 3.5 seconds to 60mph
• 800V charging capacity
• Tesla have some competition!

Porsche Mission E

Porsche Mission E

Smart ForTwo and ForFour

"Both vehicles will be fitted with an electric motor produced by Renault’s Cléon plant in France, the same one used in the Renault ZOE. The battery of the new smart electric drive will be produced by the Daimler subsidiary, “Deutsche ACCUmotive,” in Kamenz, Germany."

Thunder Power

A new entrant to the sector, from Taiwan, Thunder Power have introduced a concept car looking to take Tesla on with some impressive stats:

• 430bhp
• 373 mile range
• Top speed of 155mph, with a 0-62mph sprint in less than 5 seconds

Thunder Power Concept

It's set for a 2017 release in Europe, so it will be interesting to see how much of an impact it will make, as more established brands enter this segment.

Toyota Prius

Back in 1997, Toyota released the Prius... and started a revolution.  Well, it's time for an update, and although you can see some familiarity with the previous versions, it's fair to say the latest incarnation takes more than a little inspiration from the hydrogen-powered Mirai.

Toyota Prius through the generations

The 2016 Toyota Prius

The petrol engine now boasts a thermal efficiency of 40%, whilst the new nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery is more compact with its durability and charging performance being significantly improved.  It's claimed that there's a 10% improvement in efficiency overall.

Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Concept

Alongside Volkswagen's refreshed Tiguan series, they have introduced a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid GTE concept.

Volkswagen Tiguan GTE

A 1.4L TSI turbocharged petrol engine is combined with an electric motor to power the front wheels, generating 215hp.  CO2 emissions are expected to be 42g/km.  The 13kWh lithium ion battery can also be topped-up by solar panels on the roof, with optimum sun conditions extending the car's range up to 621 miles.


Summary

With a combination of existing models being upgraded, and some new concepts released, the Frankfurt Motor Show has clearly demonstrated we're accelerating towards more sustainable motoring.  And if you're in the UK, and would like to see what's available on the forecourts today, please check out my UK Sustainable Car Directory.

Shanghai Motor Show - Highlights

The Shanghai Motor Show has become increasingly important for western car manufacturers, as they seek to export into China's fast-growing market. Below is a summary of the hybrid cars which are hitting the headlines.  And as a reminder, for UK readers, have a look at my list of hybrid and pure-electric cars available now, with CO2 ≤ 75g/km.

Audi prologue Allroad

A concept car, the third car in the Prologue series from Audi is the four wheel drive, five-door Allroad.

A four litre, V8, twin turbo-charged petrol engine is mated to an electric motor, giving performance of 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, 724 bhp, yet 117mpg.  A 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery in the rear provides 33 miles of pure-electric range, with 'Audi Wireless Charging' (AWC), meaning induction charging would be possible.

Audi Prologue Allroad Concept

Audi Q7 e-Tron quattro - Petrol-electric hybrid

At the Geneva Motor Show, earlier this year, Audi introduced the Audi Q7 e-Tron, with a diesel engine.  In Shanghai, and for Asian markets only, they've now mated the electric motor with a (just less than) 2 litre turbocharged engine.  Combined, they give performance of 362bhp, and 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds.  The all-electric range is 32.9 miles, courtesy of 168 fluid-cooled lithium-ion cells, at 17.3kWh capacity.

Audi Q7 e-Tron (petrol-electric)

Audi A6 L e-Tron

Audi A6 L e-Tron

Audi continue to introduce hybrid powertrains into a variety of their models, this time it's the stretched A6, the 'L' version, which will be produced in China.  We see the 2.0 litre TFSI petrol engine mated to a 14.1 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery (104 cells).  The all-electric range is 31.1 miles.

BMW X5 xDrive40e

Seen in the metal for the first time at Shanghai, BMW's first mainstream plug-in hybrid, the X5 xDrive40e was showcased.  More details in my recent New York Auto Show post.

BMW X5 xDrive40e

Citroën Aircross concept

Citroën Aircross concept

Citroen have released the Aircross concept, a petrol-electric hybrid.  A  218bhp 1.6 litre engine is mated to a rear-mounted 95bhp electric motor.  0-62mph is made in 4.5 seconds, and there's an all-electric range of 31 miles.


Peugeot 308 R Hybrid Concept

Aiming to appeal to a slightly different segment that most hybrids, Peugeot's 308 R HYbrid concept mates a 16 litre turbocharged petrol engine with a pair of electric motors to give 4WD driving, a 0-62mph time of 4.0 seconds, and 500hp.

Peugeot 308 R Hybrid

Geneva Motor Show - highlights

Last week, at the Geneva International Motor Show, as well as the exotica like the Ferrari 488 GTB and McLaren 675LT being unveiled, there were plenty of announcements which continue to keep the world of sustainable mobility very, very exciting.  Below is a brief summary of the key news, in alphabetical order by manufacturer.

Aston Martin DBX

Catching everyone by surprise, Aston Martin unveiled a 4WD all-electric concept car, the DBX

Aston Martin DBX

Electric motors inboard-of-wheel, powered by lithium sulphur cells, alongside KERS, mean in a decarbonised grid of the future, guilt-free motoring seating four in luxury would be possible.

Audi Q7 e-tron

Audi Q7 e-tron

Back to the here and now, and Audi are launching their 7 seat diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, the Q7 e-tron.  The key stats are compelling:

• CO2 emissions of just 50g/km
• Official consumption figure of 166.2mpg
• Range of 876 miles, and all-electric range of 34 miles

It has 168 individual lithium-ion battery cells, which combine to give 17.3kWh.  It's even got a heat-pump built in, so heat from the electric drive components can efficiently be used to heat the cabin when required.

Audi R8 e-tron

Still at the concept stage, but with 10 production-level cars having being built, an R8 e-tron takes on the R8's new styling, but has two electric motors powering the rear wheels.  

Audi R8 e-tron

It features a 48.6kWh lithium-ion battery, which should deliver a 0-62mph sprint in 4.2 seconds.  A range up to 133.6 miles will be very optimistic for any enthusiasm in driving style, which I'd expect is pretty hard to resist...

Koenigsegg Regera

Sat firmly in the rarified world of exotica, a production run of 80 Koenigsegg Regera will provide the lucky few with a remarkable feat of engineering:

Koenigsegg Regera

This plug-in monster has the patent-pending  Koenigsegg Direct Drive Transmission (KDD), which is different to normal hybrid configurations.  The KDD allows for direct transmission to the wheels from a 5.0 litre V8, without the need for gears, with three electric motors providing additional direct power, as required (one to each rear wheel, and another to the crankshaft).

Another neat feature is BDM (Battery Drain Mode).  This calculates how best to optimise the use of the electric power, based on the car's proximity to destination and driving style, such that the battery is just about drained upon arrival - minimising fuel consumed.

Quant F and QUANTiNO

It's not everyday that swiss-engineering is applied to cars... and to one that's powered by ionic liquids, but that's exactly what we have with the Quant F and QUANTiNO concepts.  They are powered by a nanoFlowcell® battery.

Quant F

The Quant F has a range of up to 800km, can accelerate to 100km/h in 2.8 seconds, and has a top speed of over 300km/h.

QUANTiNO

The all-wheel drive QUANTiNO can travel up to 200km/h and has a fully-electric range of 1000km.

VW Sport Coupe Concept GTE

VW's Sport Coupe Concept GTE is a petrol-electric hybrid, with a 3.0 litre V6 alongside a a 54bhp electric motor powering the front wheels, and an additional 114bhp motor for the rear wheels - 374bhp in total. 

The all-electric range is 31 miles, and 746 using the petrol-electric combination.  Emissions and consumption are claimed to be 46g/km and 141.3mpg.