Once considered a pipe dream for radical environmentalists, the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) has gained respect in the U.S. Recent support is coming from Southern California Edison of Rosemead, CA, and San Francisco-based Pacific Gas & Electric. The California electricity producers have joined the newly-launched Plug-In Hybrid Development Consortium. Consortium officials note that the recent addition of utility members is significant because PHEVs will rely on the electrical grid to charge their on-board batteries. Once charged, these hybrids will drive their first 25 to 50 miles on electricity alone.
PHEVs rely more on battery power than conventional hybrids that have little-to-no all-electrical range. The consortium is made up of automotive manufacturers, suppliers and other organizations working to accelerate the commercial production of PHEVs. The consortium was organized to help reduce the R&D gap between component suppliers and OEMs, and coordinate the development of new solutions. Members of the consortium plan to develop compatible components and cost-effective working designs that would enable a PHEV to achieve a gasoline fuel economy of 100 to 200 miles per gallon.
Besides California electricity suppliers, the consortium has also attracted global members from the auto industry. Members include San Diego-based energy and power developer Maxwell Technologies Inc., as well as a number of Asian battery developers, including Japan's Enax and Daiken and China-based Thunder Sky.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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