improve battery performance / performance car batteries

Scientists are coming up with new software that would help speed up the process of development of future electric cars.

Lack of charging stations and limited battery life have so far prevented compact electric vehicles from going mainstream.

The lithium-ion batteries used by most automakers are simply too heavy, too expensive and go flat too quickly.

New materials should improve the performance, service life and safety of the energy storage device, yet the development of these kinds of materials is time-consuming and costly.

But now researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM in Kaiserslautern are developing software to simulate lithium-ion batteries, which should in turn speed up this process and make it more efficient.

The new software is dubbed BEST , short for Battery and Electrochemistry Simulation Tool.

The researchers have managed to simulate on macroscopic and microscopic level the entire battery cell as well as the transport and reaction processes of the lithium ions themselves.


"We can show the microscopic structure of the electrodes. Every individual pore measuring 10 micrometers can be seen - something none of today's off-the-shelf programs can do. The position and shape of the electrodes can also be varied," said Zausch.

By resolving the structure of the electrodes in three dimensions, parameters such as lithium ion concentrations and current density can be calculated.

For these computations a specialize "Finite Volume" code is used that was developed and implemented at the ITWM.

The distribution of the current flow provides an indication of heat production in the battery. Therefore, the software can pinpoint possible hotspots that may overheat and can lead to ignition of the battery. Aging effects can also be assessed using BEST.

Italy in manufacturing electric cars

Car manufacturers are now caught up in the scramble for the development of fuel efficient vehicles with the ideal of an electric car that overcomes the obstacles it has faced to date. A beacon of hope on the horizon is the new electric vehicle from the Italian car design Tazzari Group dubbed the "Zero" which will make its debut at the Bologna International Motor Show in December 2009. The estimated launch price should be less than €20,000 per unit.

Distribution in the United States is anticipated to begin early in 2010 through the exclusive agency of Verdek-EV. The Tazzari brand will focus their energy on the manufacture of small electric vehicles and is located in the same region of Italy as Ferrari and Lamborghini.

The Tazzari Zero is a NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle) that operates on lithium-ion batteries with an outstanding range of 88 miles between recharging for less than $2. The use of lithium-ion batteries is the ideal power source for a NEV; the batteries have an estimated life of 50,000 miles and can be recharged in as little as 50 minutes (at 80% of the full charge) with optional Super-fast battery charger.
In addition to battery electric vehicles or BEVs and other alternate-fueled vehicles, the Neighborhood Electric Vehicles are considered to vital to the 40% of the world driving population that travels less than 40 miles per day. The Tazzari Zero NEVs is poised to fill this critical niche of for local transportation demands.

The Tazzari ZERO is a unique micro-car for more reasons than excellent mileage per charge; the sporty, aluminum-bodied car delivers zero emissions and will be electronically limited to a maximum speed of 25-45 mph (depending on State regulations) although it has the capability to reach a top speed of 56 mph.

In keeping with the Italian car tradition of making driving an adventure, the focus on protecting the environment did not detract from the number of creature features to make time in the vehicle a safe and pleasurable experience; performance disc brakes at each corner, a removable sunroof, heating and air conditioning, stereo radio with MP3 and CD player, 15" custom colored wheels, fog lamps, with a leather steering wheel and seats. Surprisingly the Tazzari Zero micro-car has a payload of 430 pounds and a luggage capacity of nearly six cu. ft.

It makes sense that this vehicle is being created in the historic region where some of the best known names in exotic and luxury cars. The Emilia Romagna based Tazzari manufacturer is committed to the production of an innovative, stylish and upscale micro-car for the environmentally concerned urban enthusiast.

The company has a reputation as one an Italian producer in pursuit of excellence. With a history of 45 years of growth, plus investment and diversification, today the quest to bring the very best of technology and manufacturing to electric cars to make the "Made in Italy" register on these vehicles as respected as on conventional fuel cars. Today this dynamic company is headed by Erik and Rafael Tazzari who present the Zero as an electric city car with unrivalled urban mobility concept that uses a superb Italian blend of technology and design as its answer to the issue of sustainability.

To the joy of millions of drivers, the Tazzari Zero brings the ownership of an electric car to the level of desire and passion. This breakthrough will allow driver to have an environmentally responsible car, that's a kick to drive as well.

For more reasons than can be listed here, the Tazzari Zero represents a radical shift in the way electric cars are viewed. With the keyword as sustainability, here is a reasonable priced car that conquers the major objections that have plagued its predecessors.

The evolution of technology and the creative design team at Tazzari have conceived ZERO to be a truly ecological alternative to current mobility. The Tazzari Zero is the meeting point of two perspectives: sport performance and protection for the environment that is a genuine innovation that allows drivers to make a clean break from the past without compromising performance or an exorbitant price tag.

The Tazzari Group was equally concerned with using technological choices that favor the environment, as with the objective of creating a vehicle that remained true to the Italian passion for sporty performance. At its heart, the Tazzari Zero is an Italian thoroughbred. The company was founded by Giorgio Tazzari in 1963. The company has evolved become one of the most respected Italian manufacturing firms for machine work, advanced engineering, aluminum casting, subcontracting and assembly in the service sector. With the introduction of the Tazzari Zero in December 2009 and its distribution starting a few months later, motorists who travel short distances on a daily basis will no longer have to sacrifice personal satisfaction with the vehicle they choose to drive in order to reduce carbon emissions. The best of both worlds in personal transportation has definitely arrived, thanks to the Tazzari Zero.

volvo active at all speeds

After decades of residential speeding campaigns, one car manufacturer has finally pulled out all the stops.

Volvo has developed a pedestrian detection system that automatically brakes a car to a halt whenever someone steps out in front of it.
Designed to save lives on urban streets, the 'support function' kicks in at speeds of up to 22mph, although the technology 'is active at all speeds'.

It works by using radar and camera technology to watch out for other vehicles and pedestrians ahead of the car.
Should a collision be imminent, an audible warning is made to alert the driver, and if there is no response the car is immediately brought to an emergency stop.

The system doesn't work at night or in poor weather, and Volvo is quick to point out that 'it is always the driver that is responsible for driving safely'.
Fourteen per cent of all those killed in car accidents in Europe are pedestrians; this figure stands at 11 per cent in the U.S.
The Swedish car manufacturer estimates that its detection system would reduce the number of pedestrians killed by more than 20 per cent, while the number of those seriously injured would fall by almost 30 per cent.
In a further 30 per cent of incidents, a collision would be entirely avoided, Volvo said.
The system is an optional extra in the Volvo XC60, S60 and V60.
The collision warning system is also programmed to react if the vehicle in front is at a standstill or is moving in the same direction.

hydrogen cars,alternative fuel,future cars, cars intractive.

his is designer Bruno Delussu's rendition of the Bugatti Stratos Concept car.

"The overall shape of the Stratos was inspired by the streamlined design of the highly-prized Bugatti Type 57, produced from 1934 – 1940, while the front end contains design references to the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Mille Miglia. Rounding out the mix is a touch of the “futuristic optimism” of industrial designer Raymond Loewy’s (1893 – 1986) gorgeous Art Deco steam locomotives," JamesList reports.

"The overall shape of the Stratos was inspired by the streamlined design of the highly-prized Bugatti Type 57, produced from 1934 – 1940, while the front end contains design references to the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Mille Miglia. Rounding out the mix is a touch of the “futuristic optimism” of industrial designer Raymond Loewy’s (1893 – 1986) gorgeous Art Deco steam locomotives," JamesList reports. Read more from JamesList here." alt="This is designer Bruno Delussu's rendition of the Bugatti Stratos Concept car.


"The overall shape of the Stratos was inspired by the streamlined design of the highly-prized Bugatti Type 57, produced from 1934 – 1940, while the front end contains design references to the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Mille Miglia. Rounding out the mix is a touch of the “futuristic optimism” of industrial designer Raymond Loewy’s (1893 – 1986) gorgeous Art Deco steam locomotives," JamesList reports. Read more from JamesList here." style="display: block;" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/07/09/gal_car.jpg">For a Honda that's a little less futuristic, check out the Honda FC Sport concept car - the FC stands for 'fuel cell.' This car is promoted as the "hydrogen sports car of the future."


It is a hydrogen-powered, three-seated sports car with a driver-centered cockpit and fuel cell powerplant. This race car has a lower center of gravity than almost any modern, piston-engined sports car, Motorology reports. Not to mention, it's a lot more environmentally friendly." alt="
For a Honda that's a little less futuristic, check out the Honda FC Sport concept car - the FC stands for 'fuel cell.' This car is promoted as the "hydrogen sports car of the future."


It is a hydrogen-powered, three-seated sports car with a driver-centered cockpit and fuel cell powerplant. This race car has a lower center of gravity than almost any modern, piston-engined sports car, Motorology reports. Not to mention, it's a lot more environmentally friendly." style="display: block;" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/09/gal_car_11.jpg">Remember the El Camino? This Kia Soul'ster's got a bit of that same look - modernized, of course - with its camino bed. This concept car also has a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission with 120 horsepower.



The company says the following about the car, "defying categorization and providing utility and practicality, the Soul'ster exhibits distinctive design cues and satisfies multiple consumer needs. Jalopnik calls it an "ultimately useless concept car based on the well designed and totally functional four-door segment bending Kia Soul."" alt="
Remember the El Camino? This Kia Soul'ster's got a bit of that same look - modernized, of course - with its camino bed. This concept car also has a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission with 120 horsepower.



The company says the following about the car, "defying categorization and providing utility and practicality, the Soul'ster exhibits distinctive design cues and satisfies multiple consumer needs. Jalopnik calls it an "ultimately useless concept car based on the well designed and totally functional four-door segment bending Kia Soul."" style="display: block;" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/09/gal_car_1.jpg">The Chrysler EV Concept is an extended-range electric automobile with trend-setting innovations designed for maximum driver convenience.

The car has a radio with audio tagging so the driver can buy music with a simple click, a navigation system that recommends fuel-efficient routes and stored seating positions and temperatures, the Washington Post reports.

Nervous parents can employ the "teen setting," which limits speed and warns owner of erratic driving or if the car is out of a specified range. There is also a navigation system that links to city-street cameras, allowing drivers to see traffic situations in intersections in real time." alt="
The Chrysler EV Concept is an extended-range electric automobile with trend-setting innovations designed for maximum driver convenience.

The car has a radio with audio tagging so the driver can buy music with a simple click, a navigation system that recommends fuel-efficient routes and stored seating positions and temperatures, the Washington Post reports.

Nervous parents can employ the "teen setting," which limits speed and warns owner of erratic driving or if the car is out of a specified range. There is also a navigation system that links to city-street cameras, allowing drivers to see traffic situations in intersections in real time." style="display: block;" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/08/gal_car_1.jpg">

future cars , cars run in alternative fuel & great airodynamics,fastest cars.

In the Volkswagen Bio Runner, the rider has controls attached to his/her hands and feet that manipulate the wheels via synthetic muscle-based suspension. The vehicle has dual-turbine engines that run at an ultra-efficient 500,000 rpm and operate on bio-synthetic jet fuel. The vehicle feeds video to the driver when visibility is limited and contains telemetry analysis software, which in the case of emergency, takes over piloting to avoid danger unseen by the driver.

Johnson Controls re3 Concept vehicle - re3 stands for re-think, re-new, respond - offers a plug-in, lithium-ion battery; hybrid drive train and a display system that lets the driver personalize it with drag and drop icons. The company claims that its goal is to help consumers "succeed in creating 'smart' environments" with cars that "bring value today - reducing weight, optimizing cost and providing sustainable solutions.

"The overall shape of the Stratos was inspired by the streamlined design of the highly-prized Bugatti Type 57, produced from 1934 – 1940, while the front end contains design references to the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Mille Miglia. Rounding out the mix is a touch of the “futuristic optimism” of industrial designer Raymond Loewy’s (1893 – 1986) gorgeous Art Deco steam locomotives," JamesList reports. Read more from JamesList here. " height=372 alt="This is designer Bruno Delussu's rendition of the Bugatti Stratos Concept car. "The overall shape of the Stratos was inspired by the streamlined design of the highly-prized Bugatti Type 57, produced from 1934 – 1940, while the front end contains design references to the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Mille Miglia. Rounding out the mix is a touch of the “futuristic optimism” of industrial designer Raymond Loewy’s (1893 – 1986) gorgeous Art Deco steam locomotives," JamesList reports. Read more from JamesList here. "