The 2012 Plug in Toyota Prius

Toyota is one of the largest car manufacturers on the planet and they continue to be thanks to innovations and forward thinking. The Toyota Prius has been a sales explosion due to the great mileage and trendy nature of being green but the car also has lots of features to make it more efficient. The Prius incorporates a number of new technologies such as electric steering rack and drive by wire throttle. The Electric rack and pinion is more efficient than a fluid based system since it eliminates the need for the whole pump system. The drive by wire is an electric system that controls the throttle making millisecond adjustments to reach peak efficiency.

This year Toyota has expanded the Prius line to more than just one car but a family of automobiles that are hybrid or complete electric. The Prius family will consist of the original Prius with 3 different options, the hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and then a complete electric. There are also new versions of the car that are being released as well, a 5 door hatch back bigger than the original and also a sportier 3 door car too.

Toyota has been expanding their empire and even though there have been some serious natural disasters that have slowed down the production they still seem to be holding their own. The production of most of the Japanese based car companies has been somewhat lacking since the tsunami but it is good to see that they are starting to get back to normal production. Normal production means that their lives are getting back to normal and that is what we all want to see. 

Hybrid bus for Munich district

Presumably on the basis of the positive results from the first hybrid bus deployed in the Munich administrative district, the Munich Regional Transport vehicle fleet now also includes a Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid Omnibus. The handover of the vehicle for its intended use took place on 22 September 2011, when Ulrich Piotrowski, the Market Launch Manager for Mercedes-Benz hybrid and electric buses, presented a symbolic key to Jörg Schuchtmann, the Operations Manager of Busservice Watzinger GmbH & Co. KG.


The Citaro is part of a new pilot project in the “Munich District Energy Vision” initiative, aimed at reducing the district’s energy consumption by 60 percent by the year 2050, and meeting the 40-percent demand with renewable forms of energy. Passenger public transport is also one of the modules in the overall emissions balance, so this too is an area for research and incentives. On the basis of favourable past experience, the Munich administrative district has now decided to subsidise more hybrid buses and carry out a long-term test on them. According to Ulrich Piotrowski: “In terms of exhaust emissions and noise reduction, hybrid as an eco-friendly drive technology stands out as the best option at the moment, because of its practical advantages and high level of electrification.”

Deployment on a particularly difficult route

The Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid will be used on one of the operator’s most important routes, number 266, running between the Planegg suburban railway station and the Grosshadern hospital. This route will be an effective showcase for the benefits of the new sustainable technology. “A dense network of bus stops, the central business district nearby and high passenger use provide ideal conditions to test and raise the public profile of the pioneering technology of these vehicles. The hybrid bus will now allow an almost noiseless and emissions-free service in the vicinity of the hospital,” said a delighted Jörg Schuchtmann.

Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid

The Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid is at present the only hybrid bus with capability to complete a distance of up to ten kilometres on electricity only, given ideal topographical conditions. In this case, the familiar rumble of the diesel engine is not heard at all. The bus pulls up silently at the bus stop, and continues in the same fashion for several more stops along the route. The drive system consists of four electric hub motors, which draw their current from one of the world’s largest in-vehicle lithium-ion batteries.

This current is generated from braking manoeuvres, or also where necessary via a generator driven by the diesel engine, which is a comparatively small unit for this vehicle class. Experts refer to this as “serial hybrid drive” technology. Diesel fuel savings, and the associated reduction in CO2 emissions, are around 20 percent.

High tech in a proven vehicle design

This sophisticated diesel-electric hybrid design concept has been implemented in the proven articulated version of the most successful city bus family worldwide, the Mercedes-Benz Citaro. From the outside, it is difficult to tell the vehicle apart from a conventional diesel bus, except for the higher roof structure to accommodate the battery. But travelling in the bus is a very different experience: the four electric motors rapidly accelerate the 18-metre-long bus virtually silently, and with no jerks or jolting (because there is no transmission). The motors are fitted close to the wheel hubs on the middle and rear axles, together providing total drive power of 320 kW, supplied where necessary from both the battery and the generator operated by the diesel engine. These electric motors are also used for braking purposes, operating as generators, or like the dynamo device familiar to cyclists, to convert the energy braking into electrical current for the battery. The diesel engine is automatically activated to provide supplementary current whenever additional demand is indicated by the battery. In comparison with a straight diesel bus, the internal combustion engine is only half the size in total, weighing just 450 kg instead of 1000 kg, and with a displacement of only 4.8 litres as compared with 12 litres. Output is approximately one third lower, at 160 kW.

One of the world’s largest in-vehicle lithium-ion batteries

The energy storage device used in the new Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid is a lithium-ion battery that is the first to provide a power rating of this order of magnitude. The battery system delivers a maximum of 240 kW, and it is also relatively light, weighing less than 350 kg. Key advantages over conventional battery systems include a higher energy density, higher storage capacity and low weight. By way of comparison, the hybrid buses on trial in Stuttgart three decades ago had lead batteries on board, weighing as much as 3000 kg.

Lithium-ion batteries first became commercially available in 1991. This technology is now used in almost all situations where there is a high energy demand and low weight: mobile telephones, digital cameras, camcorders, notebooks, etc. They have been used only relatively recently in large vehicles such as passenger cars, trucks and buses. Daimler already has experience with the use of lithium-ion batteries in buses. Over 1000 of the 3000 Orion hybrid buses are now running on lithium-ion batteries produced by the same manufacturer. Orion is a Daimler AG brand in the USA and a world leader in hybrid buses. It also supplies the battery system for the new Mercedes-Benz Citaro G BlueTec Hybrid. The output delivered by this system is equivalent to that of around 9000 large laptop batteries.

Busservice Watzinger GmbH & Co. KG

The Watzinger bus company has a total workforce of 347 employees, making it one of Bavaria’s largest. The company has depots in Munich, Bad Abbach, Siegenburg and Regensburg, and transports a total of approximately 18.7 million passengers each year. Its fleet of 159 state-of-the-art buses cover a total distance of 8.4 million kilometres per year.

Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

REPORT: Mercedes-Benz bids farewell to the ML 450 HYBRID

Latest inside information points to the decision taken by Stuttgart executives to cancel the production of the ML 450 HYBRID by the end of 2011, after a short, three-year lifespan.


The SUV was using a complex, two-mode hybrid unit developed in cooperation with GM, Chrysler and BMW, offering 279 hp for the V6 petrol engine and 45 kW stored in the nickel-metal battery. However, the agreement between the four companies ended in 2009 and, for 2012, the solely remaining vehicles equipped with this hybrid system will be those produced by GM, as BMW recently announced its X6 ActiveHybrid has been axed from next year's model offer. The main reasons for discontinuing the ML 450 HYBRID were the high cost of the two-mode powering system (around 20,000 $), the levels of efficiency and performance which never met the expectations and the rather sluggish sales numbers, given the initial targets were never actually achieved. Moreover, it looks that there won't be any hybrid version in 2012 for the new generation of the M-Class. But that does not mean Mercedes-Benz is not eyeing a future hybrid variant for the ML, which might hopefully be superior to the outgoing model in all categories.

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

World Debut at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt: The BRABUS Technology Project HYBRID

BRABUS combines the best of two worlds, an efficient direct-injection diesel with BRABUS ECO tuning and two electric wheel hub motors, in a world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show IAA. The project vehicle HYBRID was developed by the BRABUS ZERO EMISSION business division, which works on alternative drive technologies, in cooperation with the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. This car is an innovative hybrid version of the Mercedes E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY known for its outstanding fuel economy ex-factory. The project vehicle has been developed to small-series-production maturity.


The BRABUS development engineers have adapted two supplemental wheel hub motors from English manufacturer Protean ELECTRIC to the rear axle of the E-Class sedan.

These alternative drives, which in Eco mode each produce 50 kW of continuous power and 80 kW in Sport mode, are designed to fit in the BRABUS Monoblock Q 19-inch wheels.

With a combined peak power output of 160 kW and a total peak torque of 1,600 Nm (1,180 lb-ft) the two electric motors supplement the existing 2.2-liter common-rail turbodiesel engine, which was equipped with a BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D3 (V) performance kit. This tuning kit consists of an auxiliary control unit that features engine mapping developed on state-of-the-art engine test benches for optimizing fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

The objective of this measure was less the power increase by 30 hp (29 bhp / 22 kW) to 200 hp (197 bhp / 147 kW) produced by the plug-and-play module. Much more important is the increase in peak torque from standard 400 to 450 Nm (295 to 332 lb-ft). It gives the vehicle even more pulling power, regardless of whether the vehicle is in hybrid or conventional operating mode, and results in better fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

The two wheel hub motors turn the four-door car into the even more fuel efficient and ecofriendly BRABUS HYBRID. The various operating modes can be preselected from the cockpit.

During all-electric operation the car is powered by an 18.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack housed in a custom-made well in the underbody. It gives the BRABUS HYBRID in all-electric Eco mode a maximum operating range of 120 kilometers (75 miles) without any CO2 emissions. Even in Sport mode the car has an all-electric range of 80 kilometers (50 miles), which easily meets the requirements of the majority of motorists who on average drive less than 60 kilometers (37 miles) a day.

During all-electric operation the batteries are charged by energy recuperation. While coasting or braking the system reaches a maximum recuperation power of 140 kW. For charging at home with ecofriendly eco electricity the use of the car charger from German energy provider RWE is recommended. It can recharge the battery pack with a current of 380 volts and a charging capacity of 50 kW in 30 minutes. On the road the batteries can be recharged with the on-board charger on any standard 220 V AC outlet or on a 380 V three-phase power supply.

In hybrid mode, the 200 hp (197 bhp) / 147 kW of the diesel engine and the maximum 160 kW of the electric drive in Sport mode work together in highly efficient fashion. Acceleration time for 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) improves from standard 8.7 to 7.4 seconds.

Despite of the added weight of 255 kilograms (562 lbs.) compared to a stock E 220 CDI, the BRABUS HYBRID also shines in the area of pulling power thanks to its supplemental electric drive: the intermediate sprint from 60 to 120 km/h (37 to 74 mph) now only takes 5.6 seconds.

At the same time the combination with the electric motors eases the load on the combustion engine, significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions further. Naturally drivers have the option to operate solely in diesel mode. In this case the batteries can also be recharged by the wheel hub motors which also function as alternators.

The work of the BRABUS development team was not limited to the integration of the two electric motors for all-electric or hybrid operation alone.

The higher vehicle weight and the altered weight distribution resulting from the installation of the wheel hub motors and the batteries in the rear necessitated the development of a new suspension. A height-adjustable comfortable sports suspension with variable damper rates was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN.

The tires are supplied by technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA. They are mounted front and back in size 245/35 ZR 19 on BRABUS Monoblock Q alloy wheels with five double spokes.

The brakes are a BRABUS custom development as well. Special brake discs gripped by two calipers per wheel are attached to the rear of the wheel hub motors on the rear axle. All standard driver assist systems such as ABS and Brake Assist are retained.

The BRABUS front fascia, manufactured like all body components in OEM quality from high-grade Pur-R-Rim plastics, is designed to replace the production bumper in its entirety. Its sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle and also lends the sedan an even more striking nose. An innovative lighting concept with economical LED daytime running lights furthermore optimizes active safety.

BRABUS front aluminum sport fenders emphasize the sporty appearance of the concept car. BRABUS side skirts give the sedan a longer, sleeker appearance. Integrated LED entrance lights ensure safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark. A blue-backlit BRABUS logo is integrated into each sill and activated together with the entrance lights.

BRABUS aluminum pedals and footrest add sporty highlights to the interior. A newly developed instrument cluster provides information about the state of charge of the battery pack. A control panel in the cockpit gives drivers the option to select all-electric mode, hybrid operation or diesel engine only.


BRABUS Technology Project HYBRID

Technical Data


Body

Four-door sedan based on the Mercedes-Benz W 212 series E-Class (E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY).

Steel unibody with mounts for lithium-ion batteries in the trunk. BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement kit with front fascia, air vents in the front fenders, side skirts, rear spoiler lip and rear diffuser.


Dimensions

Length: 4.868 mm (191.6 in)
Width: 1.841 mm (72.4 in)
Height: 1.464 mm (57.6 in)
Curb weight: 1,990 kg (4,387 lbs.)


Electric Drive

Two electronically controlled Protean ELECTRIC wheel hub motors on the rear axle and 18.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Charging by external or on-board charger.

Peak power in Sport mode: 2 x 80 kW = 160 kW system power
Continuous power in Eco mode: 2 x 50 kW = 100 kW system power
Maximum recuperation power: 2 x 70 kW = 140 kW total recuperation power
Peak torque: 2 x 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) = 1,600 Nm (1,180 lb-ft) system torque
Maximum rpm: 2,000

CO2 emissions: 0 g/km

Power supply: Lithium-ion (LiCoMn) battery pack
Nominal voltage: 355 V
Capacity: 18.6 kWh

External charger: BRABUS RWE car charger, 380 V three-phase current
Charging capacity: 50 kW (limited)
Charging time: 0.5 hours (limited)

Internal charger: Brusa one-phase on-board charger, 220 V AC or 380 V three-phase current
Charging capacity: 3.3 kW (limited)
Charging time: 5.6 hours


Engine

2.2-liter common-rail turbodiesel engine; based on Mercedes E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY; with BRABUS PowerXtra D3 (V) performance kit.

4-cylinder 4-valve alloy engine with one turbocharger
Displacement: 2,134 cm³ (130.2 cu. in.)
Compression ratio: 16.2 : 1
Rated power output: 200 hp (197 bhp) / 147 kW at 3,000 – 4,200 rpm
Peak torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) from 1,400 rpm
CO2 emissions in diesel operation: 130 - 139 g/km (208 – 224 g/mile)
Fuel type: diesel
Motor oil: ARAL


Power Transfer

Rear-wheel drive with ESP and supplemental electric drive by two electric wheel hub motors on the rear axle

Six-speed manual gearbox for the diesel engine


Suspension

Independent front and rear suspension with height-adjustable BRABUS coilover sport suspension.

Front axle:
Three-link suspension, anti-dive geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, and coil springs.

Rear axle:
Multi-link suspension, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, and coil springs.

Wheels:
BRABUS Monoblock Q 8.5J x 19 H2 alloy wheels with Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance brake system.
Front: 8.5J x 19 H2 with 245/35 ZR 19
Rear: 8.5J x 19 H2 with 245/35 ZR 19


Brake System

Dual-circuit brake system with BRABUS high-performance brake system assisted by the wheel hub motors on the rear axle.


Performance

0 - 100 km/h (62 mph): 7.4 sec.
60 - 120 km/h (37 – 74 mph): 5.6 sec.

Top speed Eco mode: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Top speed Sport mode: 220 km/h (137 mph)


Energy Consumption and Operating Range

Electric Mode:

Energy consumption of the
electric motors based on NEDC
incl. recuperation: 0.19 kWh/km (0.30 kWh/mile)

Operating range based on NEDC: 80 km (50 miles)
Operating range at a constant 100 km/h (62 mph): 120 km (75 miles)

Price

Prototype not for sale






















* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH *

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.