Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Asia Pacific

Multiple Advantages over Gasoline Vehicles Push Hybrid Electric Vehicles into Top Gear

General Motors’ electrical vehicle (EV1) project, coupled with opportunities to reduce automobile pollution and curb depletion of fossil fuels, has sparked interest in electric vehicles and is likely to spur their mainstream commercialization. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which combine an internal combustion engine, electric motor, and battery, are at the forefront of the EV revolution. This vital combination reduces fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions, providing a 90 percent reduction in smog pollution. HEVs also provide better mileage, smoother acceleration at lower speeds, and superior driving experience when compared to conventional vehicles. These premium offerings come with equally high price tags, and a regular or full hybrid may cost 30 to 40 percent more than conventional vehicles. However, significant maintenance and fuel savings make these vehicles more economical in the long run. In fact, a conventional gasoline car consumes 1 liter of fuel to run 15 kilometers, whereas new generation HEVs can run 36 kilometers on the same amount of fuel. Regenerative braking is another key feature of HEVs. This technique involves capturing the energy lost during braking and returning it to the battery, thereby eliminating the need for frequent charging.

This Frost & Sullivan research comprehensively covers various electric vehicle technologies such as battery-powered, hybrid, and fuel cell. Technological trends, drivers, challenges, and recent developments assist in creating effective marketing and production strategies. Participants can identify potential collaborators, stay ahead of the competition, and stay abreast of critical developments in their industry.

Asia - The Hotbed for Innovation in Electric Vehicle Technology

The developments of electric and hybrid vehicles stem from the innovative efforts undertaken in the Asian auto industry. In fact, sales of hybrid vehicles in the Asia Pacific may soar from the present 100,000 to 375,000 in 2007. Asia, not the traditional innovation hubs of United States and Europe, has pioneered the EV revolution to become the trend setter in the automotive market, notes the analyst. Energy storage and vehicular control developments are also under way, making Asia a booming EV research domain. Japan leads the EV revolution in Asia and the Japanese Government's 2010 sales target of 2 million units is a distinct possibility considering HEVs mass appeal and increasing popularity.

Battery Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicles - A Challenging Future in Store

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) operate on electric motors or battery packs, completely eliminating the need for gasoline. Though this provides significant fuel savings, the durability of battery packs may be a major concern. The batteries require constant recharging and add to vehicle weight. BEVs seem destined to a niche existence as intra-city shuttle buses, golf cars, or other specialized automobiles, explains the analyst. Interesting developments in lithium ion battery technology and efforts to increase battery capacity and decrease battery size and charging time may be imperative to widen the scope of BEVs, adds the analyst.

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) that use hydrogen to improve fuel economy and reduce pollution are also creating a buzz in the EV development efforts. However, a more economical and feasible means to extract, transport, and store hydrogen is crucial for future commercial success.

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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND METHODOLOGY

Executive Summary

A Study Capsule

Study Highlights and Findings

Methodology and Scope

Scope

Methodology

Legend
2 A BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE INDUSTRY

The Need for Electric Vehicles

A Preface
Pollution: Why Our Planet Needs Electric Vehicles?

Battery and Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Battery Electric Vehicles

Hybrid Electric Vehicles - A Primer

Series Hybrids

Parallel Hybrids
Series/Parallel Hybrids
Brave New World: Fuel Cells in Automobiles

Fuel Cells

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
The Skeptic's View of FCEVs

Status Quo and Outlook for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

So Which One Is Best?

Development Cycle in the Region

Japanese Bullishness on FCVs

Steps and Strategies for Regulators

Regulatory Environment in the Asia Pacific

Introduction

Japan

China

India

Other Countries
3 THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF THE INDUSTRY: EV TECHNOLOGY STATUS

Technology Drivers Restraints and Challenges

Technology Challenges

Technology Drivers

Technology Restraints

Battery and Hybrid Technology

Overview

Lead-Acid Batteries

Nickel-Based Batteries

VRLA Batteries

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Hybrid Technology

Fuel Cell Technology

Fuel Cell Technology Overview
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs)
Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFCs)
Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFCs)

Other EV Energy Source Technologies

Electrochemical Supercapacitors

Flywheels

Solar Cells

4 MARKET OVERVIEW AND OUTLOOK

Market Overview

Market Engineering Analysis

Competitive Force Analysis

Market Drivers Restraints and Challenges

Market Challenges

Market Drivers

Market Restraints

Market Revenues

Revenue and Shipment Forecasts

Trends by Region and Vehicle Type

5 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN LABORATORIES AND UNIVERSITIES

Energy Storage and Charging Technology

Carbon Nanotubes and Inductive Polymers for Supercapacitor Applications - China

A Noncontact Charge System for Electric Vehicles of the Next Generation - Japan

Motors and Vehicular Control Technology

A Two-Phase Switched Reluctance Motor for Electric Vehicle Applications - Taiwan

Independent Wheel Torque Control in an Electric Vehicle - Japan
An Advanced Electric Vehicle Motor Drive - Hong Kong; PRC

Intelligent Controller Design for Electric Vehicles - India

Modular Propulsion System for Light-Vehicle Applications - Taiwan

All-Wheel Drive EVs with Fuzzy Logic Controllers - Iran

Vehicle Parts and Prototype Design

Light Frames for EVs of the Future - Japan

Electric Car Aims to Set World Record of 400 KPH - Japan

First Fuel Cell Vehicle - India

A New Parallel-Type Hybrid Electric-Vehicle - Taiwan

Alloy Thixoforming for Suspension Parts of Electric Vehicles - Korea

6 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN COMPANIES

Energy Storage Technology

36 V Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Battery for Hybrid Electric Vehicles - Japan

Manganese-Based Lithium Ion Battery for Hybrid Vehicle Applications - Japan

Thermally Stable Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Secondary Battery - Japan

Vehicle Prototype and Parts Design
Toyota's Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle - Japan

Development of Toyota Mild Hybrid System with 42 V Power Supply - Japan

Development of a Capacitor Hybrid Electric Truck - Japan

Transaxle for Mini-Van Hybrid Vehicles - Japan

7 EV INDUSTRY ACTIVITY

An Overview
The EV Industry Heats Up as Japan Sets the Bar...
...But Other Countries Are Slow to Follow

Industry Activity in Japan
Daihatsu to Test New Hybrids; Toyota to Launch Hybrid SUV in Korea

Toyota and Honda to Explore Australian HEV Market More

Toyota to Delay FCHV Delivery
Japan's Tayca to Mass Produce Material For Hybrid-Vehicle Batteries

Takara to Ramp Up Electric Car Production
Isuzu to Use GM’s Hybrid System for Its Elf Series Trucks

Mitsubishi Heavy and Tokyo Gas Develop Membrane for Hydrogen Extraction for FCVs

Matsushita to Employ Hybrid Model Trucks

Honda and Fuel Cells

Nissan X-Trail FCV Successfully Tested

Toyota to License Hybrid Technology to Ford

Suppliers to Look Out For

Industry Activity in China and South Korea

Toyota to Lend Engine Technology to China
Hyundai Developing Hybrid Vehicles; But Mazda Reveals No Such Plans

ZAP to Pursue Expansion in China

SAIC Develops EV

Industry Activity in the Rest of Asia Pacific

Reva Electric Car Company Plans to Expand

Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid to be Launched in New Zealand

Malaysia Takes Steps Toward Becoming a World Leader in EV Technology

Indonesia Not Very Keen on Developing Concept Electric Car

FCV Activity

8 ELECTRIC VEHICLE PRODUCT LAUNCHES AND PATENT APPLICATIONS IN THE REGION

EV-Related Product Launches

Japan

Rest of Asia Pacific

Patents Filed

Patents
Patents (continued)

9 FROST & SULLIVAN 2004 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

Frost & Sullivan Technology Leadership Award

Award Description

Award Recipient

Frost & Sullivan Product Leadership Award

Award Description

Award Recipient

Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Technology Award

Award Description

Award Recipient

10 DECISION SUPPORT TABLES

Total Car Production
Total Car Production (units) by Region 1996 - 2004

Total Car Sales
Total Car Sales Worldwide (units) by Region 1996 - 2004

11 RESEARCH CONTACTS

R&D Contacts in Universities and Laboratories

Contacts

R&D Contacts in Companies

Contacts