Ultracapacitors could assist GM’s eAssist hybrid auto system

We read with interest General Motors’ recent announcement that it is introducing a fuel-saving technology it calls “eAssist” as standard equipment on some of its auto platforms, beginning with the 2012 model year. The system uses an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack to assist the gasoline engine with acceleration, and it incorporates [...]

Ultracapacitors support fuel-saving stop-start system

Responding to the European Union’s CO2 emission reduction legislation and US CAFE fuel economy targets, major automakers around the world are aggressively implementing “stop-start” idle elimination systems across their main product lines.  In fact, Industry sources forecast that within five years stop-start will be standard on 20 million internal combustion engine cars per year. However, [...]

New Emissions Standards Will Help Ultracapacitor Adoption

Ultracapacitors can be recharged through regenerative braking and provide the power needed for acceleration and starting the vehicle—making the battery last longer. By decreasing the size of the battery, and at the same time increasing its life, ultracapacitors reduce system cost for all types of hybrid vehicles.

Secretary of Energy Endorses Ultracapacitors at Auto Show

At the Washington D.C. Auto Show last week, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu spoke about the Obama administration’s commitment to advancing fuel-efficient vehicles.