coppertalk

By Bob Weed, CDA Vice President OEM

The recent announcement that Ford Motor Company has begun production of the 2012 Focus Electric has generated renewed buzz about electric vehicles.  The automaker anticipates that the Focus will be the first all-electric vehicle with seating for five to achieve a 100 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel efficiency rating.  Clearly, the electric revolution is here to stay.  As Vice President OEM for the Copper Development Association, I know that vehicle electrification is good for many of the companies involved in the copper industry.  When a car is electrified, it uses two to three times as much copper as a gasoline-powered vehicle.  Copper is also a key element in charging systems.  So, the copper industry benefits, but there’s a lot of evidence that the advantages of electrification extend far beyond our industry. Read more…

By Bob Weed, CDA Vice President OEM

As reported recently in a Detroit News column, a Ford Motor Company study indicates that while 61 percent of consumers are interested in buying a hybrid or electric vehicle, only 4 percent actually do, and that nearly half of consumers don’t know the difference between a plug-in hybrid and an electric vehicle.   Add to that the initial cost and range anxiety (concerns about running out of power while on the road), and automakers and suppliers have their work cut out for them in fostering the widespread adoption of electrified vehicles. Read more…

By Bob Weed, CDA Vice President OEM

During my tenure at the Copper Development Association, it’s been fascinating to watch the evolution of electric vehicle technology.  In May, I blogged about the use of copper in electric vehicles and the key actions that cities can take to support the growing use of EVs and plug-in hybrids.  The latest news on the subject comes from the Motor City, about the partnership between Detroit-based energy company DTE Energy and General Motors to provide EV drivers with more and more charging locations, including four plug-in stations in the parking structures at Detroit’s Metro Airport. Read more…

MEET THE INNOVATORS

Fans of science fiction are accustomed to seeing intelligent vehicles making life’s everyday tasks easier and more efficient.  But at Ricardo, a global, multi-industry engineering provider of technology, product innovation and strategic consulting, intelligent vehicles are all in a day’s work.  According to Chris Domin, Ricardo’s Chief Engineer for Connected Vehicle and Autonomous Systems, coming up with innovative solutions to customers’ problems is what his company does best.  “I have a dual role,” he said.  “I’m a hands-on technologist working with engineers on the day-to-day work of various programs.  The other focus is on business development. I talk to prospective clients and offer solutions, whether it’s a service or a product.  I get to be part of continually moving the company toward the leading edge of innovation.” Read more…

MAKING A GOOD THING BETTER

Vehicle electrification has gotten a lot of attention in the last few years, particularly for major OEMs.  But one of the little-known areas of growth in this area is in the ability of relatively small companies to do big things.  Two such companies are ALT-e and Enginer.  While focusing on very different areas of aftermarket conversion, both companies offer innovative solutions for lowering gasoline consumption and emissions without purchasing a new vehicle. Read more…

By Bob Weed, Copper Development Association, Vice President OEM

Are you ready for an electric vehicle (EV)? According to Ford Motor Co., you are – especially if you live in one of the top 25 cities that are stepping up their EV preparations and infrastructure. But what you might not know is this: Nobody would be ready for EVs without copper – a key resource for both the electric car and the infrastructure that helps make them run. Read more…