Volvo & Saab teaming up to bring 10 plug-in hybrids on the road by 2009
The Volvo ReCharge
Well, for this post we're going to need to rely on our tipster, Stefan N. The link he sent is to a story in Norwegian (I think), a language I can't read. Therefore it's difficult for me to confirm any of what Stefan N. says (and Google Translate doesn't have Norwegian). Still, what I hear the story says is that Volvo and Saab are collaborating on plug-in hybrids. "In brief, Volvo and Saab plan together with Vattenfall (electric supplier) and ETC (battery provider) to have 10 PHEV in traffic by 2009. The project has budget of 10 million US$," he writes. I do see words like "Saab" and 'Volvo" and "plugin-bilprojekt" so it seems accurate. I've asked Stefan for more help, but does anyone else want to flesh out the details?
Gallery: 2007 Volvo ReCharge concept
[Source: Miljorapporten, h/t to Stefan N.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Anne 12:10PM (12/12/2007)
I need your help with my diploma thesis!
Who knows something about hybrid cars?
What is your opinion about it?
http://cmc.psych.uni-goettingen.de/wsg/index.php?sCode=252d302a060a1441
Thank you very much,
Anne
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bjd002004 12:38PM (12/12/2007)
This seems very strange.
First of all Saab is owned by GM and Volvo is owned by Ford. So this would mean a collaboration of sorts. Here in the US, these two companies, along with Chrysler formed USCAR, a collaboration to promote future vehicle technology. Here's their web site:
http://www.uscar.org/guest/index.php
I believe the reason USCAR was established was to pool together R&D funds and pursue government matching grants. Else, why would these competing car companies be working with each other?
I'll bet SAAB and Volvo are doing the same over in Europe. See if the article mentions any gov. funds or grants. It's the only reason I see for collaboration.
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Kent 4:43PM (12/12/2007)
With my limited German, I can flush out they are looking to use lithium batteries "litiumjonbatterier", the project is expected to run from 2008 to 2010 with a product in 2009, the project is expected to cost around 62 million kroner and will be 50 percent financed, and this project has the potential to bring Sweden and other countries to a minimal use of gasoline.
Caution, this is just a guess, should not taken as literal translation!!
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TG 1:30PM (12/12/2007)
Silly place to locate the plug-in charge port, right in the middle of the front impact zone.
The charging plug-in belongs on the side, just forward of the door.
A minor fender-bender should not lead to losing your ability to charge your battery pack. = TG
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Alric 1:34PM (12/12/2007)
However, this is true progress. Of course its made by American companies for an European market. American companies knows they can count on American ignorance.
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MA 3:04PM (12/12/2007)
The article is in Swedish. A poor translation can be found at:
http://www.translation-guide.com/free_online_translators.php?from=Swedish&to=English
There are government subsidies that will pay for part of the work. SAAB and Volvo are to build 10 PHEV each 2008-2010. The cars are to be used in real traffic starting 2009.
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Stefan 3:53PM (12/12/2007)
Here is my translation, probably with lots of faults in it:
Saab and Volvo in large plugin project
Saab and Volvo will begin a large scale project on plugin-cars. In the
project the two car manufacturers will test 10 plugin-cars in traffic during
the next year. "We will be testing larger Volvo models working as PHEV, says
Klas Niste at Volvo Cars.
There are a lot of hush hush around this project. But in the corporations
request for subsidies from the energy department, the goal is clear. The
corporations wants to create a swedish market for plugin-hybrids. Or as they
write themselves "Demonstrate how a simple customer-attractive total
solution for plugin-hybrids could look like".
Included in the project are Vattenfall and battery manufacturer ETC AB in
Nol, Sweden. And what the different corporations are supplying is obvious.
Volvo and Saab will provide ten PHEV cars. Vattenfall will provide technical
solutions for loading the cars in a efficient way. ETC Battery will provide
with their lithium-ion batteries.
The project should run through 2008-2010 and the ten plugin-hybrids will be
in traffic in 2009.
Total budget is 62 million crowns, approx 10 million US$ and the
corporations has been seeking half the budget in subsidies. But to recieve a
50% financing it was demanded that more research and development was
included in the project according to the committee for the vehicle research,
who gave clearence for a third of the total budget in subsidies.
-The next step will be that the four corporations returns with an
application where they assure that they pay for 65 percent of the finances,
then it can proceed to the energydevelopment committee, at the Energy
department, who decides for subsidies surmounting 10 million crowns. I think
a decision will be made in januari-february and if they keep their promise
on 65 percent of the finance they will get an OK, says Gunnar Lindstedt at
Vinnova, secretary in the committee who recommends that the project should
receive 20 million crowns in support.
Both car manufacturers are secret in which models that will be provided with
PHEV functionality. So far the Volvo Cars has only shown the C30 as a PHEV.
But according to Klas Niste at Volvo Cars there will be larger models
included in the project.
But what larger models has Volvo developed with plugin technology?
- No comments, says Klas Niste.
Fact on the Plug-in project
Project description in the application for money from Program counsil for
vehicle research.
"Application is regarding financial support to establish a common
development and demonstration project for plug-in hybrids between SAAB
Automobile, Volvo Car
Corporation, Vattenfall AB and ETC AB. With the collaborations the parts
want to strengthen the possibillities to create a future swedish united,
political and industrial, force for plug-in
hybrids. Plug-in hybrids has a big potential to give a large contribution
for Sweden to reach national and international climate goal and lessen the
dependence on fossil fuel.
Goal.
-To construct and put ten PHEV on the road by year 2009
-To evaluate vehicles and infrastructure under real circumstances
-Demonstrate how a simple customer-attractive total solution for plug-in
hybrids could look like
-Contribute to increased acceptence and insight on the role plug-in hybrids
can have to reach national and international climate goals, increase the
safety for energy supplies
and promote the future of swedish competition in trade and industry.
-Contribute to research and development within the area through
collaborations with for example
SHC. The project is investigating the possibillities for SHC to be able to,
from the data collected in this demonstration project, 1) evaluate batteries
2) analyze driving patterns 3) verify/calibrate simulationprograms for PHEV
and HEV drivelines.
Financing.
...
Written by: Kenneth Samuelsson
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Craig 8:39PM (12/12/2007)
That's a very good spot for the plug to go. Almost every car in Sweden already has a plug in a similar spot to plug in the engine warmer to stop the engine from being damaged whilst starting in minus 40 degree temperatures. All swedish carparks have power outlets at the front of every bay for this purpose. Sweden could roll out plug ins very easily.
The translation at number 6 is right, and Miljörapport means the environment report.
Ha det bra.
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John Smith 9:34PM (12/12/2007)
4. However, this is true progress. Of course its made by American companies for an European market. American companies knows they can count on American ignorance.
Posted at 1:34PM on Dec 12th 2007 by Alric
==========================================
How many years have you and your dinner party guests been laughing at the same jokes about "dumb Americans"?
Either you:
1. Don't think about what you are saying.
or
2. Seriously believe that you are one of the smartest people alive.
Reply