Midtronics Introduces Industry's First Battery Analyzer for Hybrid Vehicles

WILLOWBROOK, Ill., May 5 Midtronics announced today the release of their new HYB-1000 Hybrid Battery System Analyzer, setting the standard for the future of Hybrid battery pack system analysis.

The HYB will allow more shops to get into the Hybrid service business or

improve customer service where Hybrid service opportunities already exist.
"Our new HYB Hybrid Battery System Analyzer represents a major step for Midtronics in the electric and hybrid vehicle diagnostic arena," said Mike Troy, executive vice president and general manager, Transportation Division at Midtronics. "While the future service needs and opportunities are still unclear for the growing electric and Hybrid vehicle markets, we are working closely with the industry to develop solutions as the needs arise."

The HYB Hybrid Battery System Analyzer offers technicians a safe, one-person test, and the opportunity to perform a battery pack diagnostic routine while driving the vehicle. The HYB communicates to the vehicle on-board diagnostic system using a wireless convergence module, which allows it to read the battery cell, block and pack parameters, while under the stress of an accelerated Hybrid drive test. This process allows the HYB to assess the battery pack state of health in terms of conductance, which is related to Hybrid battery performance.

If the pack is getting weak or weak cells or modules are found, the vehicle owner will need to get the pack serviced or replaced to avoid continued deterioration and potential vehicle performance issues.

In addition to the drive test, the HYB can also read and reset standard and hybrid-specific diagnostic trouble codes, which allows technicians to perform simple functions quickly without having to monopolize their other complete diagnostic systems.

Beaudry RV Company Introduces Affordable Solar Panels for RV Enthusiasts

April 29, 2010 -- Solar panels have been popping up on RVs for years now. As environmental awareness increases, more RV sales are geared towards a younger generation interested in travel and interested in preserving the environment.

In the past, the cost of solar panels has deterred many from investing in them, as the long-term financial savings has been minimal. Now, A researcher at UQAM, has come up with new technology that

addresses these problems - for the first time in 20 years, according to Professor Benoît Marsan, there is an effective, low-cost solar cell, reports Ben Coxworth in his article 'Breakthrough in low-cost efficient solar cells.' The problem with the original solar panel was the cost of materials to make. It wasn’t new technology driving up prices; it was the inclusion of platinum that provided most of the cost, not to mention the issue of passage of light, making the panels not as efficient as they could be.

To remedy the situation, platinum was replaced with cobalt sulphide, greatly reducing costs and creating a more efficient and stable panel. For the electrolyte, UQAM created a new liquid/gel that is transparent and non-corrosive, increasing the cell’s output and stability, according to Coxworth.

While the new technology isn’t available yet, the options are looking good. RV sales could benefit from having more environmentally friendly options for their customers. “Every time we look towards the future, it keeps looking brighter,” says Scott Beaudry of Beaudry RV Company (http://www.beaudryrv.com).

Beaudry RV Company is a leader in RV sales and has been in business since 1972. Beaudry RV Company is the largest RV dealer in the Southwest.

Boston: Ford Transit Connect Taxi 'fits the bill'; Becomes First City To Approve Versatile New Cab

BOSTON, April 30 The city of Boston says Ford Transit Connect Taxi "fits the bill" as a taxicab, becoming the nation's

first municipality to green-light the new taxis

Boston paves the way for its taxi owners and operators to put the purpose-built Transit Connect Taxi on its streets later this year

Transit Connect Taxi was designed for passenger comfort, driver convenience and efficiency; the gas-powered version is expected to deliver an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy over many traditional taxis

Saying the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Taxi "fits the bill," the city of Boston this week became the first municipality in America to approve the versatile cab for taxi use, paving the way for taxi owners to purchase the new vehicle for their fleets.

"We're very impressed with the Transit Connect," said Mark Cohen, director, Licensing Division, Boston Police Department. "It's the closest thing to a purpose-built vehicle for taxi use that I've seen in 25 years."
Boston, the 10th largest metropolitan area in the United States, regulates which types of vehicles can be used as taxicabs in its city streets. To be approved for taxi use, a vehicle must meet basic size requirements for headroom, legroom and cargo space.

"The size, shape and configuration of the Transit Connect make it comfortable for both driver and passengers," said Cohen. "When the Ford Crown Victoria goes out of production next year the taxi industry here in Boston and throughout the country is going to be looking for alternatives. I think the Transit Connect Taxi fits the bill."

The roomy, flexible interior of the Transit Connect – 2010 North American Truck of the Year – is perfectly suited for taxi service. Its open architecture provides excellent interior headroom and passenger visibility and, with 6.5 inches of ground clearance, passengers step easily through the sliding doors.
With its standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine and automatic transmission, the conventionally powered Transit Connect is expected to deliver an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy versus many of today's traditional taxis.