Toyota Motor to Install Vehicle Audible System for Prius
While majority of consumers expressing their interest for purchasing hybrid or electric vehicles (EV) for their fuel efficiency as well as their environmentally friendly features, one major issue in using such vehicles are their near silent operating engine, to such a level that a committee has been assigned to assess possible countermeasures back in July of last year. The silent operation does not only concern people with hearing or vision disabilities or such, it is a concern that has been raised by everyone. Based on these findings, Toyota Motor Company has incorporated an audible system for Prius, designed to alert pedestrians as well as others audibly to the presence of a quiet vehicle, such as hybrid cars. Read more
Introduction of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastics in Lexus LFA
Toho Tenax, the core company of the Teijin Group’s fiber business, made an announcement on use of its carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in various component of newly unveiled Lexus LFA, Lexus “F” premium sports car series by Toyota during this year Tokyo Motor Show. The CFRP will be used in total of 65 percent of the Lexus LFA’s cabin resulting in 100 kilogram of weight reduction in cabin weigh in comparison to aluminum made cabin, while maintaining high rigidity required by the manufacturer. Read more
Development of High Energy Lithium-ion Battery module by Panasonic
Panasonic made an announcement on development of a 1.5kWh battery module from 18650-type (18mm in diameter x 65 mm in length) lithium-ion battery cells. These types of batteries are widely used in laptop computers. The newly developed battery can be connected in a series and/or parallel in storing generated energy by home type photovoltaic (PV) system and fuel cells as well as in electric vehicles (EV). The battery module has a volume of around 7L and it weighs 8kg and has a voltage of 25.2V plus a capacity of 58 Ah. Read more
