ABSTRACT: Steve Miller, leader of the Multimedia workshop, will discuss the economic & technology drivers which will enable cars to average 56mpg. Required technologies are BOTH electrical (batteries), and mechanical (new engines, transmissions, and lighter materials). Old Lead-Acid batteries were replaced by NickelMetalHydrid batteries, incorporated into hybrid cars. NMHydride is being replaced by varieties of Lithium Ion batteries in plug-in hybrids.

Battery-powered cars (no IC engine) are being researched and built (at great cost); I believe these will have limited success until/if the invention of new, lower-cost, safe, low societal cost/emissions batteries.

Plug-in hybrids appear to be the longer term winner with lowest cost, and lowest life cycle environmental costs. Demonstrations will follow: Toyota Camry (Hybrid), Toyota Prius (hybrid), and Chevy Volt (plug-in hybrid) .

How is this related to computers? Chevy Volt has ~100 embedded computers. Computers control all auto features/functions, and will become increasingly important.

TALK TIMELINE and AUDIO RECORDING (9.4MB file streaming)

DRIVERS OF FUEL EFFICIENCY

GOVERNMENT MANDATE:

TIME TO PAYBACK:

INCREASING EFFICIENCY OF DRIVETRAINS:

REDUCTION IN FULL-STREAM EMISSIONS


HOW DO AUTO EXECS EXPECT TO MEET CAFE MANDATE? (source)

 

HYBRID CAR OVERVIEW

 

SALES FORECASTS

 

FUNDAMENTALS

CURRENT ELECTRIC CARS

  • why automakers are rolling out electric cars; "automakers... want to be ready if battery technology makes a sudden leap forward" (source)

  • battery comparisons

  • photos (16) & description of battery packs

  • consumer Reports reviews of Ford Fusion, C-MaxHybrid, (March, 2013, pages 52- 57)

  • Consumer Reports summary of electric cars (Smart, Mitsubishi, Tesla, Fiat ) (March, 2013, pages 56, 58)

  • Consumer Reports: hybrid owners are very satisfied

  • Toyota Camry & Prius have many highly visible signs/messages devoted to reducing fuel consumption

  • Nissan Leaf (full EV) cuts sale price

  • hacking Prius (all about the battery, etc); rebuild your own battery

  • transmission tear-down video -YouTube Prius CVT (see 27:34-28:00; 32:10-33:54)

 

TECHNOLOGIES & FUTURES