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BMW’s battery pack technology reduces replacement costs

When people started buying hybrids and electric vehicles, the issue of battery pack costs was not so apparent. Perhaps it was due to having used batteries in conventional cars which could last a few years and replaced periodically at a relatively low cost. However, the battery pack in an electrified vehicle (hybrid/EV) is different from the typical 12V battery in millions of vehicles. While the small battery in the engine bay provides electricity to start the engine primarily, the battery pack in an electrified vehicle actually powers the vehicle.

Due to the need to store large amounts of electrical energy, the battery packs have to be bigger and use more advanced technologies and materials. Conventional 12V batteries have typically used a lead-acid combination and though improved over the years, their process of generating electricity through chemical reaction has not changed.

*Unlike the conventional 12V battery (left) that has been used for decades in millions of vehicles, battery packs in hybrids and EVs are much larger and cost a great deal more.*

Because battery pack technology is still evolving as storage capacity increases, the cost of the new technology is still high, not to mention the economies of scale are still lower than for conventional lead-acid batteries. This means they cost much more and for the early owners of electrified vehicles, there was the sudden shock of discovering that the cost of replacement was very high.

In Malaysia, depending on the model, the price was RM7,000 upwards. This led to reduced appeal for electrified vehicles and in order to provide peace of mind, the companies selling such vehicles began to offer a separate warranty on the battery pack which was longer than the factory warranty for the vehicle.

The prices have come down a bit and the battery pack for some Honda models sold in Malaysia is around RM5,500. Like those 12V batteries, the battery pack can last a while though there is no specific service life promised. Extreme operating conditions or rare system problems can shorten the life which is why the warranty is useful. But this does have an effect on resale value since the next owner would have to consider the added cost of replacement at some point in time.

BMW battery — *Battery pack in a BMW 530e M Sport (one section exposed to show the cell module inside).*

To address this key concern for electrified vehicle ownership, BMW’s high-voltage battery presents solutions to concerns around repair and maintenance by developing their batteries where single modules are replaceable. In the case of a lithium-ion battery pack (increasingly used) that houses multiple modules, there are multiple cells.

In most cases, if a battery pack starts to have problems or has reached the end of its service life, the whole unit has to be replaced – at considerable cost. However, the high-voltage battery pack used in BMWs does not necessarily require this expensive approach.

In the 530e M Sport, for example, the battery pack gas up to 6 cell modules. Should one of the modules be faulty, it does not mean the whole battery pack needs to be replace. Just that module can be changed and the cost is RM5,000 per cell. Although built to last the lifetime of the vehicle, BMW Group Malaysia still offers a comprehensive warranty coverage of 6 years/100,000 kms for the battery packs in its vehicles which should give peace of mind to owners.

The lightweight battery pack is capable of storing a great deal of energy, giving the 530e M Sport a maximum output of 83 kW which can get it to a maximum speed of 120 km/h in full electric driving. Recharging time is dependent on the type of system used but said to be under 3 hours with the BMW i Wallbox, with a fully charged battery pack giving an all-electric range of up to 40 kms.

BMW Battery technology — *BMW Group’s high-voltage battery technology is available in the plug-in hybrid variants of both BMW and MINI models.*

BMW’s high-voltage battery technology is available in the plug-in hybrid variants of the 5-Series, 7-Series, as well as the all-electric i3s and the MINI Plug-In Hybrid.

Production of High-Voltage Batteries for BMW Hybrid Vehicles underway in Thailand

LOOKING BACK – The Aerodynamic Research Volkswagen which had a Cd of 0.15

For decades, car designers have understood that aerodynamics play a key role in a vehicle’s performance in more ways than one. The better the aerodynamics – usually referencing its coefficient of drag or Cd – the less wind resistance it has. This, in turn, can benefit fuel economy as less power is needed to achieve a desired speed, reduce wind noise and also enhance stability.

Over the years, various shapes have been conceived with the aim of lowering the Cd number as much as possible. The vehicles have looked strange in some examples but usually had typical features such as a sleek bodywork and sharp nose to ‘pierce’ through the air.

Few have been more radical than the Aerodynamic Research Volkswagen (ARVW) of 1980, a single-seat arrow that remains the most aerodynamic vehicle ever built with a VW badge. Sparked by the oil crises of the 1970s, the ARVW was meant to demonstrate how aerodynamics and lightweight vehicle construction could generate massive speeds from everyday power.

The first challenge was squeezing a driver, powertrain and four wheels into a body that could have the smallest profile possible. At just 84 cm tall and 110 cm wide, the ARVW’s shape was optimised for aerodynamic smoothness. Its wheels were hidden wheels and a smooth underbody allowed air to pass under the vehicle without turbulence. There were even moveable fins that helped keep it stable at high speeds.

The ARVW was built from an aluminium frame under a fibreglass-and-carbon body. Power came from a 2.4-litre turbocharged, inline-six engine which produced 177 bhp. Set right behind the driver, it powered the rear wheels via a chain drive. By using an onboard water tank that injected water into the turbocharger’s intake, the engine needed few cooling vents. The main cooling vent was positioned in the nose to let air flow smoothly over its radiator and exit on top of the vehicle.

The ARVW’s Cd was 0.15, a number that remains far sleeker than any production vehicle. In October 1980, a small team of Volkswagen engineers and a skilled driver went to the Nardo test track in Italy to demonstrate what the ARVW was capable of. In the first hour, the ARVW hit 355 km/h., eventually reaching 362 km/h, setting two world speed records in the process.

Volkswagen XL1 — *Volkswagen built 200 units of the XL1 for sale between 2013 and 2016.*

The shape of the ARVW would later be referred to in the radical XL1. And as low drag coefficients provide sizable benefits to an electric vehicle’s range, advanced aerodynamics will play an essential role in Volkswagen’s the upcoming ID. electric vehicle family.

Volkswagen’s electric vehicles will use a 1-speed gearbox!

Free RM500 fuel card for those who buy a Proton for E-Hailing purposes

E-hailing services are becoming more popular for Malaysians seeking a source of supplementary income. In a move to promote the use of Proton vehicles within the growing industry, the carmaker has an offer to incentivise car-buyers.

Those who purchase a new Proton Persona, Iriz, Exora, Saga or Proton X70 from authorized PROTON sales outlets will be rewarded with a PETRONAS gift card for fuel worth RM500 or, if they prefer, a price rebate of the same value. In order to qualify, a customer would need to submit a copy of a valid PSV E- Hailing license as proof and register the vehicle under their own name.

In addition to the gift card, additional rebates are being offered on selected models, ranging from RM300 to RM1,500.

The promotion will run until December 31, 2020 and is also open to individuals purchasing a car to be used for E-Hailing by a different driver. In this instance, a Letter of Consent stating the purpose of the purchase would be required along with the full name and IC number of the E- Hailing driver(s) and a copy of their PSV E-Hailing license.

The programme is also designed to ease the decision-making process for those new to the industry as well as current drivers who are looking to replace their current cars.

Proton Saga — *The Saga is a populr model in the E-hailing industry.*

“We want to make it easier for the latter group to purchase a Proton to be used for E-hailing. Therefore, if the buyer is the wife and the driver is her husband, we just need valid documentation for verification to approve the purchase,” said Fazli Hisham Shukor, Head of Corporate Sales at Proton Edar.

Proton assures customers of warranty validity during MCO period

Royal Malaysian Navy gets UAVs from America

Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly becoming vital tools for armed forces and law enforcement agencies. While there are those which have offensive capabilities, many are used for observation purposes to give authorities a real-time view of the situation in a certain area.

For instance, during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period in Malaysia, the police and army have been using drones – which are also UAVs- not only to detect people not following #stayathome regulations but also to broadcast the regulations in housing areas.

For military purposes, the drones are certainly much larger and more capable than those from DJI (the most popular commercial brand in the world) and are equipped with sensors and other high-tech equipment to enable detailed observation and patrolling.

UAVs help defend territorial integrity
Recently, the Royal Malaysian Navy took receipt of the first batch of 6 Scan Eagle UAVs from the USA via the US Embassy in Malaysia. According to a statement from the embassy, ‘the USA and Malaysia have shared a productive, mutually beneficial security cooperation partnership. We continue to do so now during these challenging times and we look forward to working together in the future.’

The UAVs will enhance the Royal Malaysian Navy’s ability to defend the country’s territorial integrity, providing valuable reconnaissance capability in areas like the South China Sea and Straits of Melaka. Navy personnel will receive training to operate the UAVs.

Some details about the Scan Eagle
Certainly very much larger than a DJI Mavic drone, the Scan Eagle UAV is built by Insitu Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Boeing aircraft company. The UAV is based on Insitu’s SeaScan miniature robotic aircraft developed for the commercial fishing industry. Military forces of at least 8 countries use the Scan Eagle for day/night intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and there are also numerous civilian and commercial operators around the world.

With a fuselage length of 1.55 – 1.71 metres and a wingspan of 3.11 metres, the 18-kg Scan Eagle is said to be able to reach an altitude of 5,950 metres and fly around for 24+ hours. Using petrol or JP5/JP8 fuel, the Scan Eagle can fly at speeds of up to about 110 km/h. It can carry all sorts of equipment, depending on the mission, and cameras available include electro-optic and infra-red types.

It is launched autonomously by a catapult launcher and the route it follows can be pre-programmed or managed by an operator. A patented SkyHook recovery system is used for retrieval which catches the UAV’s wingtip with a rope that hangs from a 15-metre high boom.

Shell Malaysia’s initiative helps small food businesses during Ramadan period

Shell Malaysia continues to find ways to help local communities in the areas where they operate. Its latest initiative, #RamadanWithShell, creates opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to sell their delicacies at Shell stations.

This nationwide initiative aims to support local and small-time food vendors by providing them an avenue to market their goods during this difficult time and to bring Ramadan local delicacies to customers at stations.

950 stations participating nationwide
Until May 23, 2020, customers will be able to purchase a variety of Ramadan local delights such as Nasi Campur, Nasi Beriani, Asam Laksa, various selections of local Kuih, Murtabak, Bubur Lambuk, drinks and many other local delicacies at 950 Shell stations nationwide for takeaway. Apart from these pre-packed Ramadan delicacies, customers are also able to make it a combo along with Shell SELECT and deli2go favourite snacks and beverages at promotional prices, starting from as low as RM6.

Siti Zubaidah, Shell Station retailer in Pontian, Johor, invited Azizah, a local vendor to sell her kuih at the station. “When I was informed about the #RamadanWithShell campaign, Azizah’s offering came to mind. Her spread of local kuih is delicious and I was extremely excited to provide her a platform to sell her Ramadan delicacies,” said Zubaidah.

“With the Movement Control Order which can make it difficult for small businesses like mine to thrive, this initiative by Shell is a welcome help as I am able to continue selling my kuih here at the Shell Station,” said Azizah, a single mother with 5 kids. “I am extremely thankful to Puan Zubaidah and Shell for inviting me to sell my selections of local kuih during this Ramadan month.”

Part-time vendor Mazlan and his 14-year-old son Mohd Alif Mazlan has been able to sell many bottles of sugarcane juice at a Shell station too. “In the beginning, we were rather worried for this year’s Ramadan. Every year, we would sell air tebu at the local Ramadan bazaar, and things looked bleak this year without the yearly Ramadan bazaar. Thankfully, with the Shell initiative, we are able to sell about 30-40 bottles a day at Shell Station Inderapura in Kuantan, Pahang. Thanks to Shell for helping us through this difficult time and providing us the avenue to promote our product.”

30% discount for Shell SELECT items
Aside from the local delicacies offered at Shell stations nationwide, 100 Shell stations are collaborating with Foodpanda to deliver selected Ramadan combos to customers’ doorsteps. During the promotion period, Shell SELECT customers who order through Foodpanda with the promo code ‘SHELLRAMADAN’ will enjoy 30% off for all Shell SELECT items in Pandamart, with a minimum purchase of RM15. (*Terms and Conditions apply)

“At Shell, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Now more so than ever, with the uncertainties and unpredictability brought about by COVID-19, we need to hold steadfast to the values that define us as an organization and enables us to contribute back to Malaysians,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, MD of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.

“Our latest initiative allows us to help our fellow Malaysians carry on conducting their businesses. We believe in doing things that matter and, at the same time, we try to make a difference in the lives of those we serve,” he added.

War Against COVID-19: Shell contributes to frontliners, the nation’s heroes

Update on fuel prices – May 9 to May 15, 2020

Lamborghini debuts Huracan EVO RWD Spyder using Augmented Reality

With concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and many governments banning gatherings as well as calling for social distancing, launching a new car model in the usual public manner is no longer appropriate. Some companies have taken to using the internet to debut their new models and Lamborghini has revealed its new Huracan EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder virtually as well.

Only for Apple devices
Using Augmented Reality (AR) for the first time on its official website, the company is bringing its latest V10 super sportscar directly to customers and fans worldwide. However, access seems confined only to those with an iPhone or iPad (iOS 11 and A9 processor or later).

2020 Huracan EVO RWD Spyder — *AR lets you bring the Huracan into your home.*

With AR, simply tapping ‘See in AR’ brings views of the new open-top rear-wheel drive model to people’s driveways, gardens or even sitting rooms. The virtual experience enables the viewer to rotate and expand the size of the vehicle, up to a 1:1 scale, allowing close looks at both its exterior and interior details. Images of what is viewed can also be captured with a high level of photorealism.

“At a time of major business challenges, Lamborghini is innovating once again and exploring new methods of communication. New technologies have accelerated fast during this time of global emergency, and Lamborghini is pioneering exciting new possibilities. Lamborghini can now be in everyone’s home, thanks to Apple’s AR technology, which is available on hundreds of millions of AR-enabled devices around the world,” said Stefano Domenicali, Chairman & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.

0 – 100 in 3.5 seconds
The new Huracan EVO variant provides drivers with open-air driving pleasures, lightweight engineering, rear-wheel drive and a specially tuned Performance Traction Control System (P-TCS). The V10 powerplant delivers the same 610 bhp/560 Nm as the coupe version, giving a claimed 0-100 km/h time of just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 324 km/h.

The aluminium and thermoplastic resin body sits on a lightweight hybrid chassis of aluminium and carbonfibre, with a dry weight of 1,509 kgs and a weight-to-power ratio of 2.47 kg/bhp. Front/rear weight distribution of 40:60, with double wishbone suspension and overlapped quadrilaterals and passive shock absorbers provide optimized driver feedback.

Ventilated and cross-drilled steel brakes are fitted to 19-inch rims with specially-developed Pirelli P Zero tyres. Customers can also order their car with optional 20-inch rims and carbon ceramic brakes.

Similar aerodynamic qualities as coupe
Its design optimizes the integration and function of the extremely light soft top. Refined in the wind tunnel, the exterior lines ensure drag reduction and downforce matches that of the coupe without requiring additional aerodynamic features.

The specially tuned P-TCS traction control system is designed to consistently deliver torque and assuring traction in all conditions, even as the Spyder is ‘realigning’ after sharp cornering or drifting. Electronic intrusion, disliked by purist drivers, is minimized as the Huracan is specially engineered as an instinctive driver’s car with unfiltered physical feedback and maximum engagement.

“The Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder doubles the driving fun, delivering raw driving pleasure with the opportunity to celebrate life outside. The driver is perfectly in touch with Lamborghini’s engineering heritage, experiencing the feedback and engagement from the set-up of a rear-wheel drive car where, while enjoying the sense of freedom and spirit of life that only open-top driving provides,” said Stefano Domenicali, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini.

The first customers will take delivery of the new Huracan EVO RWD Spyder, priced in the UK from £151,100 (about RM810,700). For those who may take some time to save up to buy the car, you can still ‘enjoy’ it via the AR feature at the Lamborghini website. Other models will also have AR presentations in future.

Lamborghini and LEGO Technic form a new partnership

War on COVID-19: Honda modifies Odyssey to protect crew when transporting COVID-19 patients

The war against the COVID-19 coronavirus is a global one as 196 out of 197 countries have cases. Besides government efforts, individuals, various types of organisations and companies are also contributing in various ways. Where the auto industry is concerned, R&D capabilities and mass production facilities have been used to make much-needed Personal Protection Equipment.

Some carmakers have also looked at how they can make their vehicles safer for healthcare workers to travel in. Unlike making conventional ambulances which would usually transport patients without infections, the ones used to transport people potentially infected with COVID-19 must be designed to protect the healthcare workers and also the driver and other crew.

In America, Honda has made modifications and installed additional items in 10 units of the Odyssey MPV for use by the City of Detroit. To protect the health of the driver from the potential for droplet infection during transportation, the MPVs have been fitted with a plastic barrier installed behind the front seating area. Modifications have been made to the ventilation system to maintain an air pressure differential between the front and rear seating areas.

Honda Odyssey COVID-19 transporter — *Installing the clear polycarbonate barrier to isolate the rear compartment from the front*

The MPVs were configured by a team of volunteers at Honda’s R&D centre in the state of Ohio. Senior engineers and fabrication experts quickly conceived and designed a method to modify the Odyssey at the company’s vehicle development centre where it was originally developed. They took less than two weeks from initial concept to completion.

All material fabrication and installation, and adjustments to the software for the Odyssey’s ventilation system, was done entirely in-house. The software controlling the ventilation system was tuned to assure the air pressure to create an environment inside the cabin like the negative pressure rooms in medical and research facilities.

Specifically, the software has been tuned to run the blower motor powering the fans in the front seating area faster than the fans for the rear seating area. The resulting air pressure differential creates a more negative pressure chamber in the rear seating area, with rear compartment air exhausted out the vents in the rear of the vehicle. This would greatly reduce the potential for droplet infection migration during transportation.

War on COVID-19: Mercedes-Benz converts bus specially for transporting patients

Lotus offers classic heritage editions of the Elise

Lotus Cars has launched four new limited-edition versions of the Elise, each with a distinctive colour palette which pays tribute to the company’s pioneering and highly successful racing history. The exterior colour combinations are black and gold; red, white and gold; blue, red and silver; and blue and white.

The famous black and gold references the livery of the Lotus Type 72D which Emerson Fittipaldi raced to five victories over the course of the 1972 Formula 1 season. Red, white and gold echoes the Type 49B that Graham Hill raced in 1968, while the blue, red and silver is inspired by the Lotus Type 81 of 1980 driven by Nigel Mansell, Elio de Angelis and Mario Andretti.

The fourth new Elise, finished in blue and white, is in tribute to the Lotus Type 18 design from 1960. Exactly 60 years ago, it was the first Lotus car to achieve a Formula 1 pole position and victory, thanks to the late Sir Stirling Moss, at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Officially called the Elise Classic Heritage Editions, all four offer an enhanced exterior and interior spec over the Elise Sport 220 on which they’re based. They are on sale now across selected international markets, with only 100 units available globally.

As well as their unique colour schemes – instantly recognisable by motorsport fans worldwide – each car comes with an exclusive numbered ‘build plaque’ on the dashboard referencing the limited production run. The final numbers of each variant will be dictated by customer demand.

Each car has as standard a number of features which were previously on the options list. These include DAB digital radio with four speakers, air-conditioning, cruise control, ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels with racing livery finish, two-piece disc brakes and black carpet with floor mats.

The Elise interior colour pack is also now integrated as standard. Elements include the upper door trim and central seat insert finished to match the exterior, with detailing on the door, gear selector surround and dashboard picking out key colours. The only one that’s different is the blue and white car, which has red alcantara seat centres.

Optional extras include a fibreglass hardtop roof, lightweight lithium-ion battery and titanium lightweight exhaust.

All four cars cost exactly the same in the UK at £46,250 (about RM247,000), about 16% more than a standard Elise Sport 220. However, the added features, said to be worth £11,735 (about RM62,500) certainly makes it very good value for money – not to mention the exclusivity.

Lotus Evija production to start soon as new factory is completed

Finance Ministry says banks agree not to charge any extra interest on H-P loans

Following the uproar when it was announced by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Association of Banks Malaysia that the 6-month moratorium offered on loans, including Hire-Purchase loans, would incur interest for the 6 months, the Finance Ministry has today said that there will be no interest charged.

The announcement on the Finance Ministry’s website

Prior to this, the financial institutions had said that borrowers will have the option of settling the 5 months deferred instalments in October in one lump sum and not pay any interest, or interest for each month would be added for those who did not settle in full. This meant that the amount for the remaining instalments would be increased and the repayment term would extend a further 6 months (incorporating the deferred months). This applied to both conventional and Shariah H-P loans.

The charging on additional interest was seen as being unfair, more so at a time when many people are facing financial challenges in view of the impact of the pandemic on businesses. Allowing a 6-month deferment in paying instalments was a welcome move as it would allow them some time to recover and try to stabilize their situation, but to charge them additional interest was only adding extra financial burden.

After a discussion between the Finance Ministry and the banks, it was agreed that no interest will be charged or compounded, and therefore the amount owing would not change. In other words, whatever instalment amount has been paid will be maintained and the only difference will be that the repayment term will continue for 6 months after the original month it was supposed to end.

Sales — *The amount you agreed for your H-P loan plus the interest at the time of purchase will be all you have to repay, with no additional interest being charged.*

Borrowers have the option of accepting the 6-month deferment or they can opt out. In either case, they need to inform their banks of their decision.

Piston.my

English

BMW’s battery pack technology reduces replacement costs

LOOKING BACK – The Aerodynamic Research Volkswagen which had a Cd of 0.15

Free RM500 fuel card for those who buy a Proton for E-Hailing purposes

Royal Malaysian Navy gets UAVs from America

Shell Malaysia’s initiative helps small food businesses during Ramadan period

Update on fuel prices – May 9 to May 15, 2020

Lamborghini debuts Huracan EVO RWD Spyder using Augmented Reality

War on COVID-19: Honda modifies Odyssey to protect crew when transporting COVID-19 patients

Lotus offers classic heritage editions of the Elise

Finance Ministry says banks agree not to charge any extra interest on H-P loans

Proton e.MAS 7 Receives Overwhelming Response with 2,500 Bookings

Bugatti Mistral Sets New Record as the World’s Fastest Roadster

Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors Sign MOU on Collaborative Considerations

Nissan and Honda sign MOU to Consider Business Integration

TM and Perodua Forge Partnership to Drive EV Development and Digital Innovation

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the Fastest Corvette Ever

Local Man Files False Report to Claim Insurance for Stolen Luxury Car

Volkswagen Strikes Landmark Agreement with Unions, Plans 35,000 Job Cuts in Germany

BYD Expands Aftersales Network in Malaysia, Strengthens Commitment to EV Owners

Review: The Leapmotor C10 – Perfect For You?

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