Posts filed under 'Alternative Fuels'
The Nano is being launched today. March 23, 2009. The car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. Both versions will offer a wide range of body colors, and other accessories so that the car can be customized to an individual’s preferences.
With an expected starting price of about $1,945 for dealers, which doesn’t include a markup and other charges that consumers will pay, the 10.2 foot-long Nano will be one of the world’s cheapest cars.
Its mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the power train at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and maneuverability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars.
The Nano has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminum, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft.
The Nano’s safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements. With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body.
The Nano’s tailpipe emission performance exceeds regulatory requirements. In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manufactured in India today. The high fuel efficiency also ensures that the car has low carbon dioxide emissions, thereby providing the twin benefits of an affordable transportation solution with a low carbon footprint.
Want to check out more environment friendly cars? travelmom1 review the Conch Electric Car:
March 23rd, 2009
The entire Ford Fusion line received a makeover for 2010. Up front, the grille and the hood’s power dome grow larger for the 2010 model year. Everything from the back of the hood to the trunk remains the same, but a pair of honeycomb lenses set the taillights apart from those of earlier Fusions.
Last October, Ford introduced the brand new SmartGauge system and you’ll find it on the Fusion Hybrid. It’s a huge technological leap in driver information, comprised of a large center analog speedometer flanked by two high-resolution LCD screens. The display can be configured to show varying amounts of information. The driver can choose from one of four configurations.
Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption
As a bonus, anyone who purchases a Fusion Hybrid by March 31, 2009 will be eligible for a $3400 federal tax credit. Buyers who wait until April 1, 2009 will be eligible for only a $1700 credit. From October 1, 2009 until March 31, 2010, the credit will be reduced by half again, to $850. Anyone buying a Fusion Hybrid after March 31, 2010 will not be eligible to receive any tax credits unless there is a change in the tax code
Price: $27,995 (base)
Check out a review of the 2008 Ford Fusion by Socialbuzz
March 20th, 2009
The Peapod from Chrysler is first of a new generation of GEM electric vehicles that will be more user-friendly and efficient. These vehicles use no gasoline and emit no pollutants. The Peapod is fully enclosed and designed to be more aerodynamic. It will have a built-in interface in the dash for iPod or iPhone and will interface with the iPhone for hands-free calling. The seats will be made of a mesh material to allow better air circulation and will be made of ecofriendly and recycled materials. GEM hopes to have the Peapod into production in 2009 and will follow it with more new models. For now, future plans include an electric light-duty commercial truck and a large city electric car with more range and performance, both of which GEM hopes to get into production next year along with the Peapod.
Check out more reviews of electric cars like this review of Conch Electric Cars by travelmom1:
March 2nd, 2009
In more fun and environmentally friendly vehicles, check out the Aptera 2e.
The three-wheel vehicle is technically a motorcycle, but it has met the safety requirements of a car. It’s lightweight, roomy, and it boasts more than 100 miles on a single full charge–an equivalent of 300 miles per gallon. The 2e, named for its two passenger configuration and electric powertain, is designed to provide safe, reliable transportation for the average consumer who tends to travel approximately 40 miles per day in their daily commute. The car is scheduled to be available later this year and will cost about $30,000.
Check out reviews of other environmentally friendly vehicles at Expo like this review of the Saab 9X BioHybrid:
February 20th, 2009
Ford Motor Company announced plans to bring an all-electric version of the 2010 Transit Connect to the North American market in addition to its 2.0 liter gasoline-powered model. The electric Transit Connect, a small van, will be offered in “select” U.S. Ford dealerships.
Ford spokeswoman Jennifer Moore said the Ampere was the EU version of the Transit Connect and reiterated that Ford has not announced a battery type or supplier. However, she said the North American version of the all-electric Transit Connect will have a targeted range of approximately 100 miles. The Transit Connect is a smaller alternative to a full-size cargo van and can be outfitted for package delivery or for passenger use.
Ford has not announced pricing on the all-electric Transit Connect. The light commercial vehicle will be Ford’s first all-electric move into the North American market, preceding the small electric passenger sedan in 2011.
Check out reviews of other Ford vehicles like this peek at the 2009 Ford Flex:
February 10th, 2009
According to Gas2.org, Shelby SuperCars (SSC), the company behind the world’s fastest production car, has announced plans to launch an electric supercar that is four times as powerful as the Tesla Roadster later this year. According to SSC, this car should be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph.
The car will boast a range of 150-200 miles on a single charge. Moreover, SSC’s Green division has trademarked an on-board charging system called “Charge on the Run,” which enables a 10 minute full battery recharge on a 220V service.
Shelby expects to roll out its first full-scale, pre-production Ultimate Aero EV in the second quarter of 2009, with full commercial availability anticipated as early as the fourth quarter of 2009.
Check out the Saab 9X BioHybrid at NY Auto show:
January 30th, 2009
The Department of Energy has released a list of the most fuel efficient cars of 2009. With gas prices slowly raising again and the economy in a state of uncertainty, every penny saved is a good thing.
The Toyota Prius received the highest rating with 48 MPG City and 45 MPG Highway. The Honda Civic Hybrid came in second with 40 MPG City and 45 MPG Highway. On the opposite end of the spectrum the Lamborghini Murcielago received the lowest rating with 8 MPG City and 13 MPG Highway.
If you think those stats sound great, Discovery.com reports that “A British Volkswagen concept car gets 235 miles to the gallon. But that one won’t be available for a couple more years.”
If you can’t afford to wait a few years, check out this review of the Toyota Prius by cepbush106:
January 28th, 2009
According to Wired Magazine the future is almost here
Aptera Motors has rolled out the first pre-production model of the 2e, an all-electric three-wheeled two-seater that gets the equivalent of 200 mpg and goes 100 miles on a charge. The car’s ultralight weight of just 1,700 pounds contributes to its efficiency. Aptera says there’s enough room inside to haul around 15 bags of groceries, two sets of golf clubs or a surfboard. The interior includes a stereo, roll-down windows and solar-assisted climate control. The first models will be classed as motorcycles and available only in California, but Aptera hopes to sell it nationwide. Once the car hits mass-market, it should be relatively affordable ranging from $25,000 to $45,000 EVs on the road.
Check out reviews of other electric cars, like this review of the Conch Electric Car by travelmom1:
January 23rd, 2009
The Honda FC Sport Concept recently premiered at the LA Auto Show. It is is a design concept that shows what a hydrogen fuel cell supercar could look like sometime in the future.
“The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology — already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan — and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultralow center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero emissions,” said the press materials. “People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future.”
Although this is merely a concept car for Honda to gauge the excitement for this type of car and to create a buzz and will not be released to the public at the moment, you can still check out current Honda reviews at Expo like this review of the Honda Civic Sedan by Acesdrumming92:
-Froso
November 20th, 2008
Another Green Car being developed is the compressed air car. It is another attempt to reduce our need for the dependency of fossil fuels. The Air Car can be solely powered by air, or combined with a mix of gas, diesel or ethanol, much like the hybrids vehicles on our roads today. As long as the car stays under 35 mph, it will run completely off of the compressed air. When the air car gets above that speed, it will need to use gas or diesel to power the compressed air. All the same, it will get much better millage than a conventional car. If you’re driving inside a city, you may never even reach the 35 mph threshold, virtually running gas free.
“Motor Development International (MDI) (www.mdi.lu) is the 15 year-old French-based company headed by Guy Negre, inventor of the Air Car. A former aeronautics and Formula One racecar engineer, Mr. Negre has been working diligently with his son, Cyril, an engineer with Bugatti, and about thirty other engineers to bring the Compressed Air technology to market (CAT). To date, the company holds many patents in over 120 countries for their innovative Air Car s vehicles.
“Zero Pollution Motors is the first entity that will manufacture and sell the Air Car in the US. ZPM is run by Shiva Vencat, the exclusive representative for MDI in the United States. Find more information on Motor Development International at www.mdi.lu“
November 3rd, 2008
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