Car makers plugged in to power future

CODY STORM COOPER FOR THE TORONTO STAR

The Cadillac Converj coupe concept vehicle utilizes the same electric-drive technology (now called Voltec) as the Chevrolet Volt.

Gerry Malloy

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Detroit–Despite all the doom, gloom and talk of darker days ahead for the struggling auto industry, the North American International Auto Show was positively electric.

Literally.

And if there remained any doubts that electrically driven vehicles are the way of the future – be they hybrid, range-extended, pure battery electric or fuel cell – the Detroit show quashed them.

There were other technologies introduced, of course, more comprehensive connectivity applications prominent among them, but no theme was as pervasive as that of powertrain electrification.

Electric Drive

At this stage, most of the electrically driven vehicles presented remain more conceptual than real.

The all-new Toyota Prius hybrid, which is roomier, more powerful, more fuel efficient and more mainstream in its feature content, will go on sale in late spring.

It will be joined by the Lexus HS250h, that brand's first dedicated hybrid (not developed from another model).

The availability of Ford's Fusion Hybrid and Honda's hybrid Insight, which were at the show but made their debuts previously, is also imminent. But most of the other electrically driven vehicles on display are still a ways down the road.

General Motors confirmed that it is on schedule to bring the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle (technically a series hybrid) to market by the end of 2010.

GM also presented a dramatically styled Cadillac coupe concept called Converj, with a version of the same powertrain, in a demonstration of its intent to broaden the application of the Volt's electric-drive technology – which it now calls Voltec.

No production plans were announced, but offering the Voltec powertrain in a luxury car makes business sense: it would be easier to command the premium price the technology entails.

If imitation is indeed a form of flattery, GM should feel good about its widely copied concept of the Voltec system and its broader E-Flex architecture, which enables the use of different on-board sources for electricity generation. Mercedes-Benz, at a gala pre-show press conference, introduced three variations of an electrically driven compact car concept that mirror GM's E-Flex approach.

The BlueZERO E-CELL is a pure battery-electric vehicle; the Blue-ZERO F-CELL a fuel-cell-powered variant; and the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS a range-extended version, with an internal combustion engine used to power a generator.

All use a common architecture, electric motor, set of power electronics and a lithium-ion battery pack. Mercedes-Benz also plans to manufacture its own battery packs.

The company says it will begin building its first series-production fuel-cell vehicles later this year and will start producing battery-electric vehicles in 2010, both in low volumes.

Chrysler also revealed two new range-extended concept vehicles, in addition to updated versions of the three EVs it showed last fall. The new additions include the Chrysler 200C EV sedan – which may, one hopes, preview the styling of the Sebring successor – and the Jeep Patriot EV, both with range-extended EV powertrains.

The company says it plans to begin production of one EV in 2010 and three more by 2013.

Ford announced that it will introduce a battery-electric commercial van in 2010, a battery-electric small car – co-developed with Magna – in 2011, and next-generation versions of its hybrid vehicles, including a plug-in hybrid, in 2012. However, Ford didn't introduce any concept versions of these vehicles.

Toyota, too, has plans to expand beyond its hybrid focus. The company showed a battery-electric vehicle called the FT-EV concept, based on the iQ mini-car sold in Japan, and confirmed that it will introduce a battery-electric vehicle to market by 2012.

Diesel Proliferation

Although the increased price of diesel fuel relative to gasoline has dulled the attraction of diesels, other attributes continue to make them strong alternatives to conventional gasoline engines.

Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are all offering diesels in some models now that technologies (primarily urea injection in the exhaust) have been developed to meet the strictest North American emissions standards. Several more diesels are now destined for our shores.

Among them, Audi will offer a 2.0-litre TDI diesel in the A3 in 2010 (in the U.S. at least) and Volkswagen is adding a V6 TDI diesel to its Touareg line.

Volkswagen also showed a diesel-powered Concept BlueSport roadster that looks to have serious production potential.

GASOLINE ENGINES

The conventional gasoline engine is far from dead, or even ailing, in spite of the focus on alternatives.

Advances continue to be made that simultaneously reduce fuel consumption and emissions and increase power output.

The most dominant trend across a broad range of manufacturers is the adoption of direct fuel injection, often in concert with reduced engine size and, in some cases (such as Ford's Eco-Boost line), the addition of turbocharging.

Electronic Aids

Beyond powertrain alternatives, electronic systems to aid drivers and passengers in everything from driving to making a Facebook connection from the car, were everywhere.

More than one corporate spokesperson suggested that the primary role of the vehicle is evolving into a communication/entertainment centre that just happens to be a transportation device as well.

Whether it goes that far remains to be seen but the automobile is clearly evolving into something remarkably different than it was even a few years ago.

In spite of the problems facing the auto industry, having glimpsed future technologies, I can't help leaving the show feeling optimistic.

Wheels contributor Gerry Malloy can be reached at mgmalloy@aol.com.

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