Green Car http://greencar.us Hybris cars, fuel efficient vehicles, criticism, reviews and all the truth about saving our environment. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:38:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 New post to follow soon 01/31/2010 http://greencar.us/2010/01/31/new-post-to-follow-soon-01312010/ http://greencar.us/2010/01/31/new-post-to-follow-soon-01312010/#comments Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:38:11 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/?p=207 I apologize for not updating this site for a long time…things just happen in life. But I am back and will start blogging again.

G2

]]> http://greencar.us/2010/01/31/new-post-to-follow-soon-01312010/feed/ 0 Family car-Toyota Sienna http://greencar.us/2007/08/05/family-car-toyota-sienna/ http://greencar.us/2007/08/05/family-car-toyota-sienna/#comments Sun, 05 Aug 2007 16:27:45 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2007/08/05/family-car-toyota-sienna/ I am in Arizona and my in-laws just bought a toyota Sienna. Pretty nice ride, gives about 23-24 mpg on the highway. And as a HOV not bad. With 4 people in the car we get to go on to the Diamond lane. Drawbacks: to many little storage areas.

Pros: You can fit an elephant into it.

Will take it for a test drive later. Need to check out this baby wagon compares to the Honda Odyssey that Mark has.

]]> http://greencar.us/2007/08/05/family-car-toyota-sienna/feed/ 2 Cheap Hydrogen http://greencar.us/2007/06/09/cheap-hydrogen/ http://greencar.us/2007/06/09/cheap-hydrogen/#comments Sat, 09 Jun 2007 18:28:54 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2007/06/09/cheap-hydrogen/ Researchers at Virginia Tech have come now closer to making hydrogen production more cost effective:

Recently, Percival Zhang, assistant professor of biological systems engineering at Virginia Tech in the US, and his collaborators at two other US labs announced that they had found an innovative method to make hydrogen. Their raw material was cellulose, and they used 13 enzymes in a combination never before seen in nature. These enzymes broke down cellulose and water, producing carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Zhang reckons that he can get to a commercial product — for example, one that can be used in an automobile — in five to 10 years. “It is like the airplane of the Wright Brothers,” says Samir Brahmachari, director of the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in Delhi. “It will take a long time to become a commercial product.

So it may take, 10-15 yrs, but the fact remains we are moving in the right direction. Yes there are quite a few obstacles such are storing and safely transporting Hydrogen but according too these guys at Virginian Tech, this can be overcome by the secret ingredient (some form of specially developed cellulose) that is already inside the car, it will generate hydrogen and that would go in to the fuel cell which has oxygen and generate water and energy to run the car.
Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070604/asp/knowhow

]]> http://greencar.us/2007/06/09/cheap-hydrogen/feed/ 1 Honda thinks outsde the box http://greencar.us/2007/01/21/honda-thinks-outsde-the-box/ http://greencar.us/2007/01/21/honda-thinks-outsde-the-box/#comments Sun, 21 Jan 2007 21:12:05 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2007/01/21/honda-thinks-outsde-the-box/ Check out the redesigned Honda Fuel Cell car (FCX) which is on display at the Detroit Auto show. Now thats looks like the futuristic car people were promised. Even though this is just the concept form, the fact that the Honda’s design team took it up another notch and moved away from those boxy designs goes to show that fuel cell cars are not only fuel efficient and enviromentally friendly, but can be sleek and sexy too.

Click here to get more info about the car.

Source: HybridCars.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2007/01/21/honda-thinks-outsde-the-box/feed/ 0 Interesting fact http://greencar.us/2006/12/09/interesting-fact/ http://greencar.us/2006/12/09/interesting-fact/#comments Sat, 09 Dec 2006 14:32:00 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/12/09/interesting-fact/ Owning a hybrid does not mean you can go out and buy an SUV and claim that driving a hybrid justifies the fact that one can also own an SUV. A recent survey found that close to 25% of hybrid owners own an SUV. Now who is the hypocrite….

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/12/09/interesting-fact/feed/ 0 BMW launches hydrogen bi-fuel car http://greencar.us/2006/11/21/bmw-launches-hydrogen-bi-fuel-car/ http://greencar.us/2006/11/21/bmw-launches-hydrogen-bi-fuel-car/#comments Tue, 21 Nov 2006 16:29:59 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/11/21/bmw-launches-hydrogen-bi-fuel-car/ So BMW has gone where no other automaker has gone as yet. Last week in Berlin BMW had people from W.I.R.E.D magazine over to test drive the new BMW Hydrogen 7 bi-fuel car. It can switch between gas and H with the click of a button. Hydrogen cars are not just futuristic concepts that do not make it past the drawing board, BMW have actually taken a few more steps and produced about 100 or so hydrogen 7 cars. Now these guys plan on loaning these vehicles to high profile people such as politicians and celebrities (because you know these people are the leaders and trend makers/breakers and we the hoi poloi just cannot accept anything good, even if it is staring us straight in the face, we need to get approval from the Gods of the silver screen). I would prefer my prototype car be driven by people who commute to work everyday on the autobahn, a car expert, someone who knows the in’s and out’s of a car. I am not an expert, but I would prefer the cars are test driven by Jeremy Clarkson (for those who do not know who this guy is check out Top Gear on BBC)and not by Britney whatshername…!

Some issues with owning a hydrogen car, where in the world are we going to get compressed hydrogen from to runs these machines (not at your local gas station), what kind of mileage are we talking about, emission wise I believe this article states that this car is not a zero emissions car (water vapour and other pollutants like N2O and CO2, no emission levels where available). Lets see what happens next.

Source: http://www.wired.com/news/technology/autotech/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/11/21/bmw-launches-hydrogen-bi-fuel-car/feed/ 0 Hybrid Mileage chasers… http://greencar.us/2006/11/20/hybrid-mileage-chasers/ http://greencar.us/2006/11/20/hybrid-mileage-chasers/#comments Mon, 20 Nov 2006 16:53:47 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/11/20/hybrid-mileage-chasers/ So you own a Prius but have never been able to get to that magic number. Now before many of you non-hybrid user’s start thinking that magic is involved let me warn you, no magic is involved. Every Prius hyrbid driver dreams of getting 50 MPG, but sometimes dreams do not always come true. I found this one article, where this person seemed obsessed with not being able to get 50 MPG. Check it out:

Hybrid owner obsesses over every last bit of mileage

Come on, you get 47/48 even 49 MPG, that is twice the amount over some of the conventional cars. Get a grip of yourself man. The only way this driver was able to achieve his goal was by driving with A/C off, windows up, tire pressure at the right level and shoes off. I think driving without shoes may have been the extraneous factor. Again this is just my bloody opinion. But, you know what I am going to start driving barefoot too next summer, wait and watch out for the “Barefoot Driver’s Guidebook”.

Source: http://www.mercurynews.com/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/11/20/hybrid-mileage-chasers/feed/ 0 Do hybrids pose a greater threat than ordinary cars in a crash? http://greencar.us/2006/11/20/do-hybrids-pose-a-greater-threat-than-ordinary-cars-in-a-crash/ http://greencar.us/2006/11/20/do-hybrids-pose-a-greater-threat-than-ordinary-cars-in-a-crash/#comments Mon, 20 Nov 2006 16:31:56 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/11/20/do-hybrids-pose-a-greater-threat-than-ordinary-cars-in-a-crash/ Recent research tends to point out that hybrids do not pose any greater harm than its conventional gas cousin as long as “all safety procedures as outlined by the drivers safety manual are followed”, in event of a crash. Ok, now who in the hell reads the drivers manual word for word, please raise your hand. What these guys are saying is just to cover to there behinds in event of a law suit.

Also, when one is in such an adrenaline rushing scenario, do these guys think that a person will have the time to go into the glove box, retreive the manual, then look up the index and find safety procedures. You have got to be kidding me. Check out what one of Honda’s training instructors has to say with regard to this in an interview.
In an effort to allay these fears, the manufacturers post manuals outlining rescue procedures online, and they have provided safety courses to emergency workers, including hands-on training. The bottom line, according to Honda training instructor Jesus Almeida, is that hybrid vehicles cause no greater concern for passengers or rescuers in the event of a collision than other vehicles. However, laden with similar loads of gasoline, antifreeze, and other potentially dangerous fluids, hybrids don’t pose any less danger, either.

Usually all fire and rescue personnel have undergone vigorous training, however additional training for dealing with incidents where hybrid vehicles are involved should become a mandatory part of they training, if it has not already.

Source: http://autos.msn.com/advice

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/11/20/do-hybrids-pose-a-greater-threat-than-ordinary-cars-in-a-crash/feed/ 0 I am back… http://greencar.us/2006/11/20/i-am-back/ http://greencar.us/2006/11/20/i-am-back/#comments Mon, 20 Nov 2006 16:01:04 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/11/20/i-am-back/ Its been awhile since I last blog, reason being my new job has kept pretty, busy, but i am back.

G2 is in the house.

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/11/20/i-am-back/feed/ 0 More support for the Ethanol Gimmick http://greencar.us/2006/09/18/more-support-for-the-ethanol-gimmick/ http://greencar.us/2006/09/18/more-support-for-the-ethanol-gimmick/#comments Mon, 18 Sep 2006 23:02:03 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/09/18/more-support-for-the-ethanol-gimmick/ So I was not the only one who thought that FFV are just another gimmick put up by the “Big3″. So gas price outside Ann Arbor is priced between $2.13-2.23, this does not mean that its going to stay like that forever. So these guys say oh, buy a FFV, be a patriot, buy American, save the economy. Do people forget we are a Capitalist democracy, when it comes to goods and services, Americans look for the best deals. It has nothing to with a patriotism. If Ford,GM and Chrysler build good fuel efficient cars, people will buy them. But, no these guys want to try and hoodwink the American buyer and call on they patriotism. If this article offends your patriotism, then you may have a problem, because patriotism has nothing to do with what kind of bloody car you own. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary Patriotism is defined as love or devotion to one’s country, yes, I support the USA, but I am not going to become a patriot by buying a car that gives lousy gas mileage. Check out how through a clever combination of marketing and gimmickry that would make P.T. Barnum blush, domestic automakers claim to be “green” while diverting attention away from the real issue: A federal tax loophole is creating an artificial market for ethanol, while stifling the development of new technologies by automakers that would put more fuel-efficient vehicles on the road.Read the article by William O’Keefe “Ethanol is a Gimmick and not an answer to high gas prices”.

Source: Mercury News

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/09/18/more-support-for-the-ethanol-gimmick/feed/ 0 Can too many cooks spoil the broth… http://greencar.us/2006/09/04/can-too-many-cooks-spoil-the-broth/ http://greencar.us/2006/09/04/can-too-many-cooks-spoil-the-broth/#comments Mon, 04 Sep 2006 14:52:49 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/09/04/can-too-many-cooks-spoil-the-broth/ GM has teamed up Chrysler & BMW, and have plans on taking on Toyota and its hybrid technology head on. Now we all know two brains are better than one, lets see what we get out of three. Imagine the amount of resources these guys will be pooling together, instead of competing with each other, these auto giants will be able to produce a hybrid car that can potentially beat the Pruis, albeit it may be a few years before we see a prototype, but imagine having a hybrid that has the power of a GM truck, sleek design of a BMW and looks like the Chrysler Crossfire. To catch Toyota, GM and its partners are adopting common specifications for a hybrid system built around a GM automatic transmission. They will use a single factory to build hybrid systems, a GM plant in Baltimore, achieving economies of scale none could realize on its own. The three-way alliance on gas/electric hybrids is a sign of the times as automakers search for partners as a way to save money globally on purchasing, product development and new technology.

Source: Hybrid Efort: Trio takes on Toyota

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/09/04/can-too-many-cooks-spoil-the-broth/feed/ 0 High gas prices make Hybrids worth it http://greencar.us/2006/09/04/high-gas-prices-make-hybrids-worth-it/ http://greencar.us/2006/09/04/high-gas-prices-make-hybrids-worth-it/#comments Mon, 04 Sep 2006 14:36:25 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/09/04/high-gas-prices-make-hybrids-worth-it/ High gas prices now make it worth owning a hybrid. Previously many auto car analyst did make sense when they said “Do not buy a hybrid if you plan on saving money at the pump”. However, times have changed and the auto research gurus are having a change of heart.
Last week, Edmunds analysts reversed their stand on hybrids, saying that some of them now make good financial sense. Consumer Reports said it also is looking into updating its analysis, factoring in today’s higher gasoline prices and more recent sales incentives.
Three major factors have changed in calculating the cost-advantages of hybrids: Gasoline prices are higher, premiums over sticker price have come down, and the federal tax incentive changed this year from a tax deduction to a tax credit.

Source: http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/15415810.htm

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/09/04/high-gas-prices-make-hybrids-worth-it/feed/ 1 For 100k you can go sporty electric car http://greencar.us/2006/07/26/for-100k-you-can-go-sporty-electric-car/ http://greencar.us/2006/07/26/for-100k-you-can-go-sporty-electric-car/#comments Wed, 26 Jul 2006 22:53:51 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/07/26/for-100k-you-can-go-sporty-electric-car/ If you have a spare 100k hanging around and gathering dust in your bank account, and you want fully powered electric vehicle. Guess what you can buy one from Tesla. The Tesla Roadster has a range of 250 miles, says the company. The EV1, with the best nickel metal hydride batteries, could go about 150 miles under ideal conditions. A full charge of the EV1 could take eight hours. The Tesla’s lithium-ion batteries can be raised from the dead to a full charge in 3 1/2 hours and, unlike the EV1, the Tesla will come with its own portable charging pack so it won’t be range-tethered to its home charging station.

So when are we mere mortals ever going to be able to buy such a car, never. Great idea, just built for billionaires. Now all we need is for someone transfer this technology into the mainstream automobile industry. Big 3, look this one is on the house. Yeah, I know was it GM who tried this earlier in the 90’s.

Source:http://www.latimes.com/news

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/07/26/for-100k-you-can-go-sporty-electric-car/feed/ 0 Update: Are Hybrids worth it now? http://greencar.us/2006/07/15/update-are-hybrids-worth-it-now/ http://greencar.us/2006/07/15/update-are-hybrids-worth-it-now/#comments Sat, 15 Jul 2006 16:40:06 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/07/15/update-are-hybrids-worth-it-now/ The last three weeks have been crazy, especially since I got a job offer and started work three weeks ago, I have been swamped, but now that things are finally getting down to a routine (sort of), I was totally cut off from the rest of the world, gas prices are at $78 a barrel, people are bombing each other, Italy won the Football World Cup (not without controversy), what the hell happened in the last four weeks. So with gas currently retailing anywhere between 2.89-3.05 a gallon in Ypsilanti, MI, is it worth owning a hybrid now. We all know that the initial cost of hybrids are high but these cars give about 20 miles more than conventional vehicles and for every gallon of gas saved on a hybrid, that prevents 18 pounds of CO2 being emitted. But mileage alone isn’t enough to outweigh hybrids’ disadvantages for most drivers, said Philip Reed, consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com, a consumer finance-oriented Web site. Looks like that Smart car option is looking better day by day.
Source: http://news.enquirer.com/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/07/15/update-are-hybrids-worth-it-now/feed/ 0 MINI Ride http://greencar.us/2006/07/15/mini-ride/ http://greencar.us/2006/07/15/mini-ride/#comments Sat, 15 Jul 2006 16:18:30 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/07/15/mini-ride/ Last week I was able to get a ride in a super-charged MINI Cooper, this animal was fully loaded. I just fell in love with that little beast. It had 214-hp engine/ 6 speed MT and costing between 18-20k depending on the type of trim. A bit pricey for such a small car, and I would have expected the fuel economy on this car to be really good but it gives about 25/32 city/hwy MPG.When compared to my Mazda3 AT which gives 28/35 city/hwy MPG. But then this little beast has more hp that my Mazda3, so who am I to say anything. Would I buy a MINI if I could, YES!! Imagine how easy parallel parking is with this car (I failed parallel parking), literally you can park this car anywhere. Now this is a small car with attitude.

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/07/15/mini-ride/feed/ 1 Ford cuts back on hybrid sale http://greencar.us/2006/06/30/ford-cuts-back-on-hybrid-sale/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/30/ford-cuts-back-on-hybrid-sale/#comments Sat, 01 Jul 2006 01:29:16 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/30/ford-cuts-back-on-hybrid-sale/ Earlier this year or was it last year, I forget, Ford said it would sell 250,000 hybrids by 2010, this week Bill Ford said that the Ford Motor company would concentrate on the FFV program. Currently, there are 12 E85 fueling locations in Michigan. Ford and the other Detroit Automakers plan on producing two million FFV by 2010. Seems that these guys have some “corny” plan in mind. To read the full article click here.

Source: http://www.iht.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/30/ford-cuts-back-on-hybrid-sale/feed/ 1 Hybrid Tax credit update http://greencar.us/2006/06/30/hybrid-tax-credit-update/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/30/hybrid-tax-credit-update/#comments Sat, 01 Jul 2006 01:12:21 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/30/hybrid-tax-credit-update/ If you want to get those tax credits for buying a hybrid, you better do it soon, because once any automaker reaches 60,000 hybrids, those tax credit will phase out within 15 months from that date. Toyota’s best-selling Prius and Camry hybrids will be the first to lose their tax-preferred status, which will be cut in half for vehicles delivered after September 30. And Honda is not far behind.

Source: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/30/hybrid-tax-credit-update/feed/ 0 Coming to America: Smart Cars http://greencar.us/2006/06/30/coming-to-america-smart-cars/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/30/coming-to-america-smart-cars/#comments Sat, 01 Jul 2006 01:04:42 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/30/coming-to-america-smart-cars/ Due to resounding sale success in Canada, DaimlerChrysler plan on launching the gasoline version of the Smart Car in the US. This car will target the urbanite’s who consider themselves to be outside the main stream of car owners. DaimlerChrysler Inc. said high gas prices and the unexpected success of its two-seater Smart car in Canada convinced it the brand will sell in the U.S., too. A redesigned, second-generation version of the Smart that will meet U.S. emission rules will go on sale in a new dealer network in the first quarter of 2008, DaimlerChrysler president Dieter Zetsche said Wednesday. Its time big cities in the US started getting people to drive smaller cars. If you are an urbanite/student then this car is the solution to all those parking problem. Con, if you are late for work you cannot use the excuse anymore, that you could not find a parking spot for this car.
Source: http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/30/coming-to-america-smart-cars/feed/ 9 GM to produce plug-in hybrid http://greencar.us/2006/06/24/gm-to-produce-plug-in-hybrid/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/24/gm-to-produce-plug-in-hybrid/#comments Sat, 24 Jun 2006 15:59:06 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/24/gm-to-produce-plug-in-hybrid/ Newsflash from GM (apparently off the record), GM plans on building a plug-in hybrid that can be recharged from any domestic electric outlet. GM plans on unveiling this car at the Detroit Auto Show next year. GM now wants a share of the hybrid market which the Big Three lost out to Toyota. General Motors Corp., losing sales to fuel-efficient cars from Toyota Motor Corp., is developing a hybrid-electric vehicle with a battery that recharges at any outlet.

Now that hybrid car demand is on the rise and the profit margins are attractive, GM wants a piece of the pie.
Source:

http://www.hybridcars.com/

http://www.bloomberg.com/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/24/gm-to-produce-plug-in-hybrid/feed/ 0 Saab’s Fossil Free car http://greencar.us/2006/06/24/saabs-fossil-free-car/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/24/saabs-fossil-free-car/#comments Sat, 24 Jun 2006 15:46:37 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/24/saabs-fossil-free-car/ Looks like GM and its subsidiary Saab are finally onto something. This car is the first of it kind as a hybrid soft-top. Making its world premiere at the Stockholm Motor Show last week, the ground-breaking Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept delivers zero fossil CO2 emissions, enhanced performance, and a range of energy-saving features by combining the use of pure bioethanol fuel and electric power generation for the first time.

Source: http://www.athloneadvertiser.ie 

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/24/saabs-fossil-free-car/feed/ 0 Our Mazda3 update http://greencar.us/2006/06/15/our-mazda3-update/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/15/our-mazda3-update/#comments Thu, 15 Jun 2006 19:47:10 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/15/our-mazda3-update/ Krissy & I have driven 5501 miles on our Mazda3 over the last 6 months and it was time to get its oil changed, wheels rotated, inspection etc. Just what Gary told us it would give fuel wise when we first met him. He is one of the three people who made it possible for us to buy it (the other two prefer to remain anonymous). We fill up at the pump once every two weeks. Thanks to the guys at the SESI Mercury Lincoln Mazda dealership in Ypsilanti everything was done within a hour and it cost us about $31.00. While waiting to get this done I was checking out the new Mazda RX-8 Shinka and the Mazda MX 5 Miata. I just cannot wait to get my hands on one of them. Krissy promised me once I get a job and pay off her student loans, I can get one, sure as if that will happen anytime soon. Click on the link to check them out at http://retailer.channelnet.com/sesimazda/sb.cn

Source: http://www.sesimotors.com/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/15/our-mazda3-update/feed/ 0 Toyota Camry Hybrid 2007 http://greencar.us/2006/06/13/toyota-camry-hybrid-2007-3/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/13/toyota-camry-hybrid-2007-3/#comments Tue, 13 Jun 2006 21:04:51 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/13/toyota-camry-hybrid-2007-3/ At 24K plus the new 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid is not overtly priced. Even though the difference between the conventional model and the hybrid is about $1500, is this car worth spending the extra cash and getting a hybrid which is much heavier and has less boot/trunk space. The Hybrid teams a 4-cyl gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 187 hp. Like Toyota’s other hybrids, it runs on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions and requires no plug-in charging. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that provides near-infinite drive ratios.

For a detailed review on the Camry hybrid go to http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/sedans and judge for yourself if this is the hybrid for you.
Source:

http://www.vehix.com/

http://www.automobilemag.com/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/13/toyota-camry-hybrid-2007-3/feed/ 1 GM, Suzuki to collaborate & develop fuel efficient hybrids http://greencar.us/2006/06/13/gm-suzuki-to-collaborate-develop-fuel-efficient-hybrids/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/13/gm-suzuki-to-collaborate-develop-fuel-efficient-hybrids/#comments Tue, 13 Jun 2006 20:43:31 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/13/gm-suzuki-to-collaborate-develop-fuel-efficient-hybrids/ Japanese car maker Suzuki and US automotive giant General Motors (GM) plan to jointly develop fuel-electric hybrid vehicles for the North American market, the leading Japanese business newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported Monday.

These guys plan on developing and launching another “fuel-efficient” hybrid SUV by 2009.
Source: http://autos.monstersandcritics.com/news

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/13/gm-suzuki-to-collaborate-develop-fuel-efficient-hybrids/feed/ 0 HondaJet http://greencar.us/2006/06/10/hondajet/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/10/hondajet/#comments Sat, 10 Jun 2006 19:57:07 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/10/hondajet/ For aviation enthusiasts like me who will probably never own it this is what you have to look forward too. Honda is bringing the very light jet HondaJet to this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. After making only a brief appearance for its unveiling at Airventure 2005, the HondaJet will stick around for the entire event this year, and be featured in the new Honda Pavilion.

Source: http://www.greencarcongress.com/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/10/hondajet/feed/ 1 Retro-fitted Toyota Prius runs on CNG http://greencar.us/2006/06/10/retro-fitted-toyota-prius-runs-on-cng/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/10/retro-fitted-toyota-prius-runs-on-cng/#comments Sat, 10 Jun 2006 19:47:42 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/10/retro-fitted-toyota-prius-runs-on-cng/ Talk about lowering the carbon dioxide levels down in a hybrid. This retrofitted Toyota Prius emits 20% less CO2 (80 g/km). IFP (Institut Français du Pétrole) is presenting a CNG-electric hybrid prototype vehicle based on the Toyota Prius at this Challenge Bibendum, running in Paris from 8-12 June 2006. IFP co-developed the CNG Prius with Gaz de France (GDF).

Source: http://www.greencarcongress.com/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/10/retro-fitted-toyota-prius-runs-on-cng/feed/ 0 Hybrid SUV’s http://greencar.us/2006/06/10/hybrid-suvs/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/10/hybrid-suvs/#comments Sat, 10 Jun 2006 19:39:31 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/10/hybrid-suvs/ The next step in hybrid SUV development is to create a clean burning diesel-electric hybrid. The University of Wisconsin has entered “Moovada” in essence a Chevy Equinox which has been modified and has been entered in the Challenge X. The way current gas prices have been and since the trend is only going to rise further, maybe we should consider smaller fuel efficient cars instead of hybrid SUV’s. So this diesel hybrid Equinox can give 35 mpg instead of the usual 15-20 mpg but the fact remains that until and unless we do not have a diesel engine that produce less pollutants, gas hybrid sedans will continue to dominate the hybrid market.

Source: http://www.tgdaily.com/2006/06/09/hybrid_diesel_suv/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/10/hybrid-suvs/feed/ 0 Clean Diesel Cars http://greencar.us/2006/06/08/clean-diesel-cars/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/08/clean-diesel-cars/#comments Thu, 08 Jun 2006 19:34:52 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/08/clean-diesel-cars/ Mitsubishi and Honda plan on developing and producing clean burning diesel cars for the Japanese and US markets by 2009. Currently the only diesel car that is going to be launched later this year in all 50 US states is the Mercedes E320 BLUETEC.

Source: http://www.greencarcongress.com/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/08/clean-diesel-cars/feed/ 1 Volvo to preview multi-fuel prototype http://greencar.us/2006/06/08/volvo-to-preview-multi-fuel-prototype/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/08/volvo-to-preview-multi-fuel-prototype/#comments Thu, 08 Jun 2006 19:18:02 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/08/volvo-to-preview-multi-fuel-prototype/ Volvo will preview a prototype five-fuel Multi-Fuel vehicle at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2006, which takes place in Paris, June 8-12. The company is also previewing a new generation Collision Warning System.

More soon.

Source: www.greencarcongress.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/08/volvo-to-preview-multi-fuel-prototype/feed/ 0 Honda Civic GX runs on Compressed Natural Gas http://greencar.us/2006/06/08/honda-civic-gx-runs-on-compressed-natural-gas/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/08/honda-civic-gx-runs-on-compressed-natural-gas/#comments Thu, 08 Jun 2006 19:06:39 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/08/honda-civic-gx-runs-on-compressed-natural-gas/ This Fall in the State of the Governator, California residents will be able to buy the Honda Civic GX which runs on compressed natural gas (CNG). Recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the cleanest internal-combustion vehicle on Earth, the Civic GX is perfect for getting around town and running everyday errands. In fact, the California Air Resources Board gave the GX an AT-PZEV emissions rating, which means it’s still the “Cleanest on Earth.” On a full tank of CNG, the Civic GX can travel upto to 200 miles (28/39 city/hwy mpg). You can tank up at home overnight using the Phill system which can be set up to the gas line at your house (the same gas line used for gas stoves and gas operated heating units). Downside it may take 12 hours to fill up. At gas stations that vend highly pressurized CNG, it will take minutes to fill up the 8 gallon tank In my opinion at 24k this car is everything one needs to save money, its clean and affordable both at the pump and in the long run.
Source:

Honda

http://www.myphill.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/08/honda-civic-gx-runs-on-compressed-natural-gas/feed/ 0 Prius Problem http://greencar.us/2006/06/06/prius-problem/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/06/prius-problem/#comments Tue, 06 Jun 2006 05:54:04 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/06/prius-problem/ My hybrid dream car would be a vehicle that does not stick out like a sore thumb by closely resembling a box. Even if I where able to buy a Toyota Prius, one problem I see when driving that car is that the way the rear end of the Prius has been designed. I believe that the blind spots may be a bit larger, even though I have never sat in one (note: I have inspected many very closely). Now I could be absolutely wrong and totally cross-eyed, so please correct if I am wrong, but from my prespective this could need some serious adjusting for the driver when a driver is looking out the rear of the Prius. Hope the designers at Toyota rectify this problem in they next top of the line hybrid that will ultimately replace the Prius one day. Cheers…,

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/06/prius-problem/feed/ 5 More Hybrids on the Horizon http://greencar.us/2006/06/06/more-hybrids-on-the-horizon/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/06/more-hybrids-on-the-horizon/#comments Tue, 06 Jun 2006 05:35:59 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/06/more-hybrids-on-the-horizon/ By the time Krissy & I will be able to buy a hybrid, there may be close 30 more models out on the road. Ford, GM, Chrysler, Saab, Mazda, Volkswagon, Audi are just some of automakers who plan on developing and producing more hybrids, now will these hybrids actually make difference when it boils down to fuel efficiency versus cost, that is something to be seen. Not all of these way not be success stories, but atleast we get some variety from which to choose from at the end of the day. I got this information from The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers website. This is a trade association which includes the BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Toyota & Volkswagon.

Hybrids

Audi Q7 Hybrid
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Dodge Durango Hybrid
Ford Edge Hybrid
Ford Five Hundred Hybrid
Ford Fusion Hybrid
GMC Yukon Hybrid
Lexus LS600hL
Lincoln MKX Hybrid
Mazda Tribune Hybrid
Mercury Milan Hybrid
Mercury Montego Hybrid
Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
Saturn Vue Hybrid
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid*

Hybrid Electric Ethanol

Ford Escape Hybrid E-85

Diesels/Bio-diesels

Audi A8 TDI*
BMW (several models considered for U.S. market)
Chrysler Group (several models considered for North American market)
Mercedes-Benz ML CDI
Saab 9-5
Volkswagen Touareg V10

Source: http://www.discoveralternatives.org/Alternative_Fuel

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/06/more-hybrids-on-the-horizon/feed/ 0 Trinity: Plug-in Super-Efficient Hybrid http://greencar.us/2006/06/03/trinity-plug-in-super-efficient-hybrid/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/03/trinity-plug-in-super-efficient-hybrid/#comments Sat, 03 Jun 2006 19:22:27 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/03/trinity-plug-in-super-efficient-hybrid/ Trinity,” a highly fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid vehicle, was unveiled by engineering students at the University of California, Davis. The vehicle is the team’s entry in the national Challenge X competition, sponsored by General Motors Corp. and the U.S. Department of Energy. Field trials for the competition will take place in Phoenix next month.

Based on simulated trials, these guys claim that “Trinity” which is a 2006 Chevy Equinox SUV which has been donated by GM, has been converted into a plug-in hybrid which can run off electricity stored in the batteries onboard (re-chargeable at home using domestic electricity) and it also uses gas or ethanol and can give 200 miles to the gallon.

Source:

http://www.technologynewsdaily.com/

http://www.hybridcars.com/news/news.php?news_id=1250

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/03/trinity-plug-in-super-efficient-hybrid/feed/ 0 Hybrid Cars for the Rich and not so Famous http://greencar.us/2006/06/03/hybrid-cars-for-the-rich-and-not-so-famous/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/03/hybrid-cars-for-the-rich-and-not-so-famous/#comments Sat, 03 Jun 2006 18:59:46 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/03/hybrid-cars-for-the-rich-and-not-so-famous/ A couple of people have banded together to design a car that is enviromentally friendly, gives good gas mileage and looks a bit like a Ferrari or Porsche. So these guys want to produce a car for Mr. Green MoneyBags who does not want to be seen driving a Prius or locally available hybrids which are currently on the market. Tesla Motors, a San Carlos start-up that is building a high-performance electric sports car, has raised $40 million in a third round of venture capital from a group of investors including VantagePoint Venture Partners and Elon Musk, co-founder of PayPal.

I cannot wait to see what the prototype looks like when it is unveiled. Looks like high gas prices have even got the rich and not so famous people rethinking when it comes to buying a fancy new speed demon. Good for them!

Source: http://www.siliconvalley.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/03/hybrid-cars-for-the-rich-and-not-so-famous/feed/ 0 Prototype car runs 100 miles on 4 ounces of water http://greencar.us/2006/06/02/prototype-car-runs-100-miles-on-4-ounces-of-water/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/02/prototype-car-runs-100-miles-on-4-ounces-of-water/#comments Fri, 02 Jun 2006 06:01:34 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/02/prototype-car-runs-100-miles-on-4-ounces-of-water/ When I read this article, I could not believe it, a prototype than can actually run on a combination of gas and water or only water. Denny Klein has converted his 1994 Ford Escort to run either as a water-gas hybrid, or on water alone. He claims that this prototype actually ran 100 miles on 4 ounces of water.

It would be hilarious if in 10-20 yrs down the road car owners will be filling up at a Dasani or Evian water pump.

Source: http://www.mobilemag.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/02/prototype-car-runs-100-miles-on-4-ounces-of-water/feed/ 0 Best & Worst Cars for city driving of 2006 http://greencar.us/2006/06/02/best-worst-cars-for-city-driving-of-2006/ http://greencar.us/2006/06/02/best-worst-cars-for-city-driving-of-2006/#comments Fri, 02 Jun 2006 05:47:46 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/06/02/best-worst-cars-for-city-driving-of-2006/ Here is a list of the best and worst cars of 2006 by ForbesAuto.com.

Best cars for city driving:

  1. Honda Insigth
  2. Toyota Prius
  3. BMW 3 Series Coupe,
  4. Mini Cooper
  5. Scion xB
  6. Honda Civic Hybrid
  7. Volvo V50
  8. Audi A3
  9. Saab 9-2X
  10. Mercedes-Benz C-class.

Worst cars of 2006 according to Forbes Auto when it comes to city driving are (drum roll please)

  1. Hummer H1 Alpha
  2. Maybach Type 62
  3. Lincoln Navigator L
  4. Rolls-Royce Phantom
  5. Hummer H2
  6. Chevrolet Suburban
  7. Cadillac Escalade ESV
  8. Lincoln Town Car Signature L
  9. Infiniti QX56
  10. Bentley Arnage RL

The criteria used in selecting the best and worst car when it comes to city driving are actually quite simple. Forbes Auto asked some specific question which any rational car owner/buyer ask when he/she goes out to buy a car. For example: How well will the vehicle fit on the streets? How easy will it be to park? How is the visibility from the driver’s seat? How well does it handle and maneuver, and how comfortable is it?

Now if I owned a RR or a Maybach, these are issues my chauffeur has to worry about. Oddly enough no US vehicles make the Top Ten list for best car when it comes to city driving. However, you cannot miss them in the list of worst cars when it comes to city driving 7/10 (Bigger does not always mean better).
Source: http://www.forbesautos.com/advice/toptens

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/06/02/best-worst-cars-for-city-driving-of-2006/feed/ 0 Prius recalled due to faulty steering wheel component http://greencar.us/2006/05/31/prius-recalled-due-to-faulty-steering-wheel-component/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/31/prius-recalled-due-to-faulty-steering-wheel-component/#comments Wed, 31 May 2006 19:29:37 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/31/prius-recalled-due-to-faulty-steering-wheel-component/ Toyota Motor said Tuesday that it planned to begin a global voluntary recall of nearly 320,000 of its hot-selling Prius gasoline-electric hybrid sedans to repair a potentially faulty steering system component.

Apparently this recall is not specific to the Prius, Toyota is recalling 9 more models. Several faulty parts in the steering wheel system may cause drivers to lose control. At this precise moment no one has had an accident due to these faulty parts.
Source:

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/31/prius-recalled-due-to-faulty-steering-wheel-component/feed/ 0 Loremo 157 MPG update http://greencar.us/2006/05/26/loremo-157-mpg-update/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/26/loremo-157-mpg-update/#comments Fri, 26 May 2006 19:41:51 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/26/loremo-157-mpg-update/ Loremo AG says that it will start production of the 157 mpg diesel engine car in 2009. These guys already have a prototype, now on show in Kuala Lumpur. By the looks of it Malaysia may be one of the first places to actually see this car on its roads when it does roll out. Malaysia’s Kosmo Motor Company has taken a 26% stake in Loremo AG, the developers of the Loremo LS, a 1.5 l/100km (157 mpg US) diesel passenger car.

Issue with this car, well it weighs in at just about a 1000 lbs, hence interior space may be a an issue for the average American. The two-cylinder model may have some problems when it comes to accelerating, especially when one is merging on to a highway 0-60 mph (120 kmph) in about 20 seconds, in my opinion this questions the safety factor concerning highway driving. So will we see this car ever, I think Asia will this first, then Europe, North America I think not. But again I may be wrong and by 2009 we may have no other choice but to go on to a strict low carb diet just to get our fat behinds into such a nifty car.

Source:

http://www.loremo.com

http://www.greencarcongress.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/26/loremo-157-mpg-update/feed/ 0 GM’s Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid http://greencar.us/2006/05/25/gms-saturn-vue-green-line-hybrid/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/25/gms-saturn-vue-green-line-hybrid/#comments Thu, 25 May 2006 05:41:30 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/25/gms-saturn-vue-green-line-hybrid/ Look what we have here, a hybrid SUV from GM. Saturn’s VUE Greenline Hybrid, costing around 23k, with an EPA estimate of 27/32 city/hwy mpg, I say the only good thing about this SUV is the fact that it only cost 23k. My Mazda3 (which is not a hybrid) gives me the same mileage and it cost even cheaper. In addition there are other cars out there such as the Toyota RAV4 which give about 24/30 mpg. GM needs to start seeing the bigger picture when it comes to hybrids especially hybrid SUV’s. Here is a hint, “Smaller hybrids give better mileage”, I know this a new concept, but its time to stop living large. Now if the guys at GM really wanted to show other automakers like Toyota who is the boss, these guys should have made this SUV a true hybrid by making it run on E85 too. Next time folks!!!
Source: www.greencarcongress.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/25/gms-saturn-vue-green-line-hybrid/feed/ 0 Plug-It-In http://greencar.us/2006/05/25/plug-it-in/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/25/plug-it-in/#comments Thu, 25 May 2006 05:13:36 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/25/plug-it-in/ Plug-in hybrids may soon become a reality: Last week in Washington, DC — even as top executives from Ford, Chrysler, and GM asked lawmakers to subsidize the installation of more ethanol pumps at filling stations — makers of new battery systems were letting U.S. senators test-drive prototype cars that get over 100 miles per gallon, but don’t require any new infrastructure.
A retro-fitted Toyota Prius apparently can give 100 mpg (if driven properly). Plug-in hybrids at the moment are considered to be great for short trips and city driving (15-20 miles). One hurdle I see is that automakers have to overcome is battery size.

Just one question though, I want to know how many U.S. Senators who are “test driving” the hybrid plug-in prototype own a “green car”?
Source:http://www.technologyreview.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/25/plug-it-in/feed/ 0 Will battery-powered Taxi’s work? http://greencar.us/2006/05/23/will-battery-powered-taxis-work/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/23/will-battery-powered-taxis-work/#comments Tue, 23 May 2006 18:28:12 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/23/will-battery-powered-taxis-work/ NYC already has 6 Ford Escape Hybrid cabs on the streets. Now Hybrid Technologies plans to build a battery-powered car, in this case, convert a PT Cruiser to run only on a 320V lithium-ion battery, weighing in at over 600 pounds and has a recharge cycle life of around 1500 charges. The downside for cabbies is that it can only go for a 150 miles befores it needs to be recharged. According to the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, each New York taxi averages nearly 100,000 miles of driving annually.

Now taxi drivers in NYC maybe running close to 200 mile per shift, so in essence this may not be the best idea for cabbies who are trying to earn a decent wage, but the fact remains that atleast these electric only cabs will cut down the levels of tail-pipe emissions to zero. In my opinion I am in favour of hybrid taxis, I have nothing against electric only powered cars, but until researchers do not come up with a car battery that can hold a charge longer, one will need to have back-up power source. Another problem faced by cab companies is that the start up cost of investing in hybrid cars as taxi’s is extremely high and no one can blame them. If a cab company did invest in hybrid taxis, then these guys will bump up the cost for renting them out to the drivers, forcing the drivers to work more shifts so on and so forth, its a vicious cycle folks.

Source: www.greencarcongress.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/23/will-battery-powered-taxis-work/feed/ 1 Maranello 4 http://greencar.us/2006/05/22/maranello-4/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/22/maranello-4/#comments Mon, 22 May 2006 04:14:45 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/22/maranello-4/ If Krissy and I were living in London, this is something we would definitely have considered buying. The Maranello 4 is a two-seater electric car which comes from the land of Ferrari, Fiat & Lamborghini. With a top speed of 30 mph, it can go up to 45 miles on a single charge (gelled lead-acid batteries). It cost just under 10,000 quid (USD 18,700 approx.). London being a very congested city, this car will be a boon for people who live and work in the city. Added bonus of owning such a small car and the fact that it runs purely on electricity, parking is easy and free in many areas of the city.
Source:

http://www.sbsbsb.com/

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/05/new_allelectric.html

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/22/maranello-4/feed/ 0 Car that runs on water http://greencar.us/2006/05/21/car-that-runs-on-water/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/21/car-that-runs-on-water/#comments Mon, 22 May 2006 03:47:45 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/21/car-that-runs-on-water/ A UK company set up by Russian scientists called OM Energy claim to be on the brink of inventing a car that would use a combination of hydrogen (extracted from water) and gasoline to create a “Super-Fuel”, thus dispensing with the need to be wholly dependent on gasoline. The breakthrough is the electro hydrogen generator which extracts hydrogen from water by spinning it at high speed. The hydrogen is then mixed with the petrol supply to create an environmentally friendly ’super fuel’ which ’stretches’ the unleaded fuel, enabling the car to go further on less. The generator is spun using the engine’s recycled exhaust gases.

I know this concept will probably take 10-15 yrs before it actually goes into production, but hey this may be the solution to the danger associated with having to store large amounts of hydrogen. Cleaner cars, that run on hydrogen and ultra low levels of gas usage, fascinating.
Source: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/21/car-that-runs-on-water/feed/ 0 BMW, DaimlerChrysler & GM to unveil two-mode hybrid http://greencar.us/2006/05/19/bmw-daimlerchrysler-gm-to-unveil-two-mode-hybrid/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/19/bmw-daimlerchrysler-gm-to-unveil-two-mode-hybrid/#comments Fri, 19 May 2006 19:38:45 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/19/bmw-daimlerchrysler-gm-to-unveil-two-mode-hybrid/ Last week BMW, DaimlerChrysler & GM unveiled plans of their two-mode hybrid system at a conference in Vienna. This consortium aka Global Hybrid Corp. plans on introducing this hybrid system in its SUV’s and trucks, starting with the 2008 Chevy Tahoe. Hopefully these guys plan on introducing this new two-mode hybrid system in sedans and compact cars, ohh I forgot GM has to sell its huge trucks and SUV’s. How silly of me to think like that!!

So what is this two-mode hybrid system?

While the two-mode system takes a new approach to hybrid drive technology, there are some similarities. Like all hybrids, the two-mode combines the power of a gasoline engine with that of electric motors; it captures energy from braking that would otherwise be lost; and it shuts off the engine at a stop. Like most of today’s hybrids, batteries alone can power the vehicle at low speeds. But the new technology is different in some crucial respects. It has the potential to operate much more efficiently at highway speeds, with a greater boost from the electric motors. The components are lighter and more compact and can be readily adapted to different types of vehicles. It is particularly well suited to large trucks and SUVs — the biggest gas hogs in Americans’ garages — where it will have the greatest impact on overall fuel consumption.

Source: http://www.sfgate.com/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/19/bmw-daimlerchrysler-gm-to-unveil-two-mode-hybrid/feed/ 0 Toyota Camry Hybrid 2007 http://greencar.us/2006/05/19/toyota-camry-hybrid-2007-2/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/19/toyota-camry-hybrid-2007-2/#comments Fri, 19 May 2006 19:21:12 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/19/toyota-camry-hybrid-2007-2/ The Toyota Camry Hybrid is out on the roads folks. Price approximately at $25,000 (approx.). Now this car for people like me, falls in the hybrid luxury vehicle class. The Camry hybrid has got a EPA fuel rating of 40 MPG, 43/37 city/hwy mpg as per Toyota specs released. In any case with a 17 gallon fuel tank, one would only have to fill up after about 684 miles (approx.). For an in depth review on the Camry Hybrid check it out at HybridCars.

I did a quick comparison between the Prius and the Camry Hybrid using the Gas mileage calculator on the Hybrid cars website to check tail-pipe emissions. Over the course of 13000miles/year the Camry will emit about 6,321 lbs of CO2 (1877 lbs more than a Prius).

Source: www.hybridcars.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/19/toyota-camry-hybrid-2007-2/feed/ 0 Honda to make better and cheaper hybrids http://greencar.us/2006/05/17/honda-to-make-better-and-cheaper-hybrids/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/17/honda-to-make-better-and-cheaper-hybrids/#comments Wed, 17 May 2006 16:41:13 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/17/honda-to-make-better-and-cheaper-hybrids/ Honda’s President & CEO Takeo Fukui has announced that by 2010 Honda will introduce low-cost hybrid and clean diesel vehicles in North America, hence reducing CO2 emissions. Honda confirmed that it is now developing a new dedicated hybrid vehicle “suitable for family use” in major automobile markets in the world. With this new dedicated hybrid vehicle, Honda believes it will offer a major cost reduction, enabling the company to offer the vehicle in 2009 at a price level lower than the Civic Hybrid.

Hopefully by doing this Krissy and I will be able to afford a hybrid by then. Fingers-crossed that by 2010 gas price is not $10 a gallon. Then we will have to resort to our alternative plan, bicycles.

Source: www.greencarcongress.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/17/honda-to-make-better-and-cheaper-hybrids/feed/ 0 Consumer Reports announces Top Picks for 2006 http://greencar.us/2006/05/17/consumer-reports-announces-top-picks-for-2006/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/17/consumer-reports-announces-top-picks-for-2006/#comments Wed, 17 May 2006 16:27:40 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/17/consumer-reports-announces-top-picks-for-2006/ In the Hybrid SUV category the Toyota Highlander comes up on top according to Consumer Reports latest announcement. With the inception of the Highlander, Consumer Reports now has two hybrids in its Top Picks, the other being the Toyota Prius. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid beat the other SUV’s in its category based on the fact that it accelerates quicker and has moderately better fuel economy in its class.

Source: www.consumerreports.org

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/17/consumer-reports-announces-top-picks-for-2006/feed/ 0 Fact or Science Fiction http://greencar.us/2006/05/17/fact-or-science-fiction/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/17/fact-or-science-fiction/#comments Wed, 17 May 2006 04:31:58 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/17/fact-or-science-fiction/ A car that give 8,000 (eight thousand) MPG. A British inventor unveils the world’s most fuel-efficient vehicle, a three-wheel “TeamGreen” car capable of doing 8,000 miles to the gallon.

Source: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/17/fact-or-science-fiction/feed/ 0 Ford Looks into PHEV’s http://greencar.us/2006/05/15/ford-looks-into-phevs/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/15/ford-looks-into-phevs/#comments Mon, 15 May 2006 18:54:03 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/15/ford-looks-into-phevs/ Probably in a couple of years down the road people will be able to buy a Ford PHEV. The California Cars Initiative and University of California at Davis Professor Andy Frank today welcomed Ford Motor Co CEO Bill Ford, Jr.’s acknowledgment that the company is exploring plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology.

These are the same guys who made the first plug-in hybrid version of the Toyota Prius in 2004. They plan on converting a hybrid Ford Escape into a PHEV. By doing this, one can recharge your PHEV from a conventional 120 volt power socket at home. But the fact that Bill Ford had to be cornered when ansked if Ford was ever going to make a PHEV simply shows that the auto industry is not too keen on change. As consumers it is up to us to encourage, in fact demand that more innovative ideas such as this actually make it from the drawing board to the production line.
Source: www.hybridcars.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/15/ford-looks-into-phevs/feed/ 0 More Corn for Michigan http://greencar.us/2006/05/13/more-corn-for-michigan/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/13/more-corn-for-michigan/#comments Sat, 13 May 2006 18:50:15 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/13/more-corn-for-michigan/ GM is pushing for more ethanol based gas stations in Michigan. There are currently 5 gas pumps in the entire state that supply E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline blend) based gas for FFV. Now GM is going to “encourage” that all its employees driving FFV’s gas up at these pumps. There are plans to introduce 20 more gas pumps which will serve E85 in Michigan, predominately in the Wayne County & Detroit area. General Motors Corp.’s drive to put ethanol-based fuel in the tanks of more U.S. cars and trucks may transform Detroit’s neighborhood gas stations and its drivers into pioneers in the use of the gasoline alternative.

Source: www.bloomberg.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/13/more-corn-for-michigan/feed/ 0 Cow Dung Power: Talk about a renewable resource http://greencar.us/2006/05/12/cow-dung-power-talk-about-a-renewable-resource/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/12/cow-dung-power-talk-about-a-renewable-resource/#comments Sat, 13 May 2006 01:03:44 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/12/cow-dung-power-talk-about-a-renewable-resource/ Now this a new concept coming all the way from India. A little background on cow dung aka cow pies, its the manure gotten from the cow which is shaped as pie, three stripes (finger imprints lengthwise, note: not the same as adidas) on the top of them. These are then layed out to dry and bake in the Indian summer. If you are ever traveling around rural India you will find cow pies slapped on walls along the road and sidewalks. This is the poor man’s fuel. People in rural areas in India have been using dried cow dung as a fuel for ages. Its generally used in clay ovens as a cooking medium. Now cow manure gives offf methane which can be used to power pretty much anything. There is a car that runs on cow pies. It’s fast, the fuel is cheap and the vehicle smells nothing like the dairy that produces the gas in its tank.

The Viking 32 is one such methane driven concept car being entered at the Tour de Sol at the Saratoga Automobile Museum Auto Show in Saratoga Spa State Park. “Fledge”, a one person hybrid designed and developed by seven Delhi College of Engineering students, which gives 60 miles on a single charge is another entrant at the show from India.

Cow pie or methane powered vehicles will definitely work in countries such as India, because due to the rapid economic growth of the country, India’s fuel resources cannot keep up witht the demand. Currently only the affluent in India can own a car, and they make up a very small demographic. For even these people to own a hybrid vehicle such as the Prius (USD24,000 converts to over Indian Rupees 1million). So I wish those students from India and all the other entrants all the best in the contest and hopefully someday we will see greener cars in Indian cities. Hint: Combine the cheap hybrid with a methane powered engine.
Source: Racing for a better way to power cars

 
 
]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/12/cow-dung-power-talk-about-a-renewable-resource/feed/ 0 Prius: International Engine of the year 2006 http://greencar.us/2006/05/11/prius-international-engine-of-the-year/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/11/prius-international-engine-of-the-year/#comments Thu, 11 May 2006 14:58:24 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/11/prius-international-engine-of-the-year/ For the third year in succession, the 1.5-liter gasoline engine of the Prius Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain has won both the International Engine of the Year Award in the 1.4– 1.8-liter category and the “Best Fuel Economy” category. The awards were made at the Engine Expo in Stuttgart, Germany.

Apart from this, BMW snapped up five awards in various engine performance and size categories. Other entrants such as VW won three, while Honda and Subaru got one each.

Source:

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/05/prius

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/11/prius-international-engine-of-the-year/feed/ 0 Toyota Yaris: Will it go Hybrid http://greencar.us/2006/05/11/toyota-yaris-will-it-go-hybrid/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/11/toyota-yaris-will-it-go-hybrid/#comments Thu, 11 May 2006 14:46:46 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/11/toyota-yaris-will-it-go-hybrid/ The question all possible hybrid car buyers who are looking for a hybrid cheaper than the current ones on the market (Prius, Honda, Ford, etc) which cost 24k and above, is when will Toyota produce a hybrid Yaris. Honda already plans on producing the Fit as a hybrid. The Yaris is a subcompact car and if hybrid technology is intergrated into this vehicle, the Yaris hybrid would come as a blessing to city drivers. At about 17k ($3000 more approx. for the hybrid model) more people will be able to afford a hybrid. With gas prices hovering around $2.77-3.00 a gallon and with no signs of coming down this could very well change the mindset of the average American car owner. I know people are resistant to any form of change but for goodness sake if it comes down to paying your bills and buying groceries versus filling up your gas tank every other day just to get to work, would you not rather own a car that uses less gas and is environmentally friendly. I mean do we really need to have huge gas guzzling vehicles just to get our fat behinds to the store.I was in the parking lot of a “grocery store” yesterday and the only spot I found was between two huge pickup trucks. I mean do we really need to have huge gas guzzling vehicles just to get our fat behinds to the store. The other reason is that you cannot see anything when you are backing out of the parking space. The only consolation was that in front of us was a Ford Escape Hybrid. Yes, the down side is that subcompacts are small, but then at the end of the day you do not end up giving ALL your hard earned salary to fat rich oil executives who get $400 million retirement packages.

Source: www.hybridcars.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/11/toyota-yaris-will-it-go-hybrid/feed/ 4 Hybrid BMW X3 SUV http://greencar.us/2006/05/09/hybrid-bmw-x3-suv/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/09/hybrid-bmw-x3-suv/#comments Tue, 09 May 2006 18:06:59 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/09/hybrid-bmw-x3-suv/ BMW unveiled the X3 EfficientDynamics, a hybrid concept of BMW’s popular compact SUV. The hybrid model goes 0-60 mph in approximately 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph – both better than the stock X3 with a concurrent 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

More soon…

Source: www.greencar.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/09/hybrid-bmw-x3-suv/feed/ 0 Hybrid Car Race at Dartmouth http://greencar.us/2006/05/06/hybrid-car-race-at-dartmouth/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/06/hybrid-car-race-at-dartmouth/#comments Sat, 06 May 2006 17:48:44 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/06/hybrid-car-race-at-dartmouth/ A team of students at the Thayer School of Engineering hosted Formula Hybrid, the first collegiate car race to use only hybrid and electric vehicles, at the New Hampshire International Speedway on Thursday.

Even though Dartmouth and McGill University (Krissy and my alma mater) were the only two teams to compete, events like these promote hybrid technology. I cannot wait to see the various hybrid Formula 1 models built by undergrads next year, when more teams compete at Dartmouth. If timed right I may even go up to Dartmouth to cover it next year.
Source: http://www.thedartmouth.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/06/hybrid-car-race-at-dartmouth/feed/ 0 X1: Formula 1 type EV http://greencar.us/2006/05/06/x1-formula-1-type-ev/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/06/x1-formula-1-type-ev/#comments Sat, 06 May 2006 17:34:51 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/06/x1-formula-1-type-ev/ The X1 looks every bit the Formula 1 car you would find at any Grand Prix venue. The main differences, its has seats for two passengers, runs solely on lithium-ions battery cells, range 100 miles and takes 4.5 hours to recharge and it only cost $100,000. Ian Wright, a 50-year-old entrepreneur from New Zealand, thinks his electric car, the X1, can soon be made into a small-production roadster that car fanatics and weekend warriors will happily take home for about $100,000 – a quarter ton of batteries included. He has even launched a startup, called Wrightspeed, to custom-make and sell the car.

Ferrari,Porsche, Bugatti look out for the competition, the future is here. Albeit the common race car enthusiast will never be able to own one of these, atleast the weekend warriors with these toys can now contribute to saving our fragile environment and help control CO2 emissions.

Source: www.cnn.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/06/x1-formula-1-type-ev/feed/ 0 Hybrid looks to be redone http://greencar.us/2006/05/05/hybrid-looks-to-be-redone/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/05/hybrid-looks-to-be-redone/#comments Fri, 05 May 2006 18:21:16 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/05/hybrid-looks-to-be-redone/ Driving on the road one can easily spot a Toyota Prius, but since other automakers including Toyota have come out with different hybrid models, its pretty difficult differentiating between a similar hybrid from its conventional counterpart. I keep looking for that little energy sign on the back of the cars. So in an effort to bump up other hybrid model sales, Toyota plans on making these hybrid asthetically different from there gas counterparts. So, when consumers go to buy a hybrid, such as the Highlander for example, they want the rest of the world to know they are driving a hybrid. All I can think of at this moment is a green metallic sign in the shape of a leaf on centre of the tire hub caps. Anybody else got some ideas. Click here to find out the what the designers at Toyota plan on doing.


Source: Autoblog

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/05/hybrid-looks-to-be-redone/feed/ 1 Extreme Hybrid Cars = 250 mpg http://greencar.us/2006/05/05/extreme-hybrid-cars-250-mpg/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/05/extreme-hybrid-cars-250-mpg/#comments Fri, 05 May 2006 17:56:12 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/05/extreme-hybrid-cars-250-mpg/ Extreme hybrid cars are set to change the whole auto industry, I mean an extreme PHV that could get between 150-250 mpg. Now before anyone goes and says where can we get one of these cars, hold your horses, AFS Trinity Power Corp. has just file a patent application for the extreme hybrid drive-train, check out the preliminary specs & pics of the prototype at AFS Trinity Power Corp. AFS Trinity Power Corp. of Seattle has filed a patent application for the Extreme Hybrid car. The company says the automobile will run more than 250 miles on a single gallon of gasoline or ethanol.

Source:

http://www.afstrinity.com/

http://autos.monstersandcritics.com/news

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/05/extreme-hybrid-cars-250-mpg/feed/ 1 Honda Fit Hybrid http://greencar.us/2006/05/04/honda-fit-hybrid/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/04/honda-fit-hybrid/#comments Thu, 04 May 2006 20:22:46 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/04/honda-fit-hybrid/ Currently there is speculation that Honda is planning on producing a hybrid Fit subcompact model which will come with a 1.0 litre engine, with 60 mpg. Honda plans on launching the hybrid Fit in mid 2007. The conventional engine model is priced at about 13K, so the the hybrid model will probably cost about 20K (approx.). Something to keep in mind, if and when I plan of getting a second car. For more details read the exclusive insider scoop at HybridCars.com.

Source:

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/04/honda-fit-hybrid/feed/ 0 New gimmick by GM http://greencar.us/2006/05/03/new-gimmick-by-gm/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/03/new-gimmick-by-gm/#comments Wed, 03 May 2006 19:03:24 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/03/new-gimmick-by-gm/ GM is offering $1,000 fuel card when a customer buys any new 2006 or 07 Chevy or GMC FFV in the Chicago-Rockford (there are only two Ethanol gas stations here) and Minneapolis-St. Paul markets between 2 May and 31 July 2006. But here comes the best part, based on fuel price of $ 2.91 per gallon of gasoline and $2.41 per gallon of E85 (current estimates from the DOE), the $1,000 card would provide about 5,400 miles of driving on E85 in a Tahoe, and about 5,800 miles of driving on gasoline. (The Tahoe is rated at 13 mpg on E85, 17 mpg on gasoline.) Some of these monsters come with 31 gallon tanks (such as the Yukon XL) and with gas currently retailing anywhere between 2.75 – 2.99, that could cost about $85 (@ 2.75) everytime you topped it off with regular gas. That free fuel card could vanish in about 11 refills, with E85 2 additional refills at the best, then what.
Who are these guys at GM trying to hoodwink? So the clones at GM think that if people do not go for the $1K rebate idea, then just by changing the wording such as rebate into fuel card, customers will fall for it. DO NOT FALL FOR THIS MARKETING STUNT FOLKS. A $1000 worth of free gas on one of these gas guzzling giants will end up costing you more over the years, probably to the point where you have spent more money on gas than on the car payments. Kudos to the marketing strategist who came up with this brilliant idea (for those people at GM who did not get it, I am being sarcastic).
Source: www.greencarcongress.com

]]> http://greencar.us/2006/05/03/new-gimmick-by-gm/feed/ 2 Hybrid Safety Ratings http://greencar.us/2006/05/03/hybrid-safety-ratings/ http://greencar.us/2006/05/03/hybrid-safety-ratings/#comments Wed, 03 May 2006 18:11:55 +0000 g2 http://greencar.us/2006/05/03/hybrid-safety-ratings/ We all know about the fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions of hybrid vehicles. But something every car owner has at the top of the list is vehicle safety ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit, scientific organization that is dedicated to highway safety. They have given the 2004-06 Toyota Prius models an overall good for frontal and side impact for those vehicles that have both front and side (also rear side bags) headbags. However those cars which did not have the side headbags (which comes optional, priced at $650) those models got poor ratings. Our 2006 Mazda3 got a good for frontal safety and poor for side safety. Vehicles are rated as G=Good A=Acceptable M=Marginal P=Poor. Check out the safety ratings of your vehicle here.

Source: http://www.iihs.org

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