Hybrid News

Filed under: MPG, USA

It’s been a while since we’ve posted about a 60 mpg three-wheel car but when a reader let us know about the EMC³ appearing at the recent Seattle Autoshow (thanks, Troy!), we had to make a little room for it. According to the Eco Motor Company’s website the tricycle began its life as a summer project by David Joner and his two kids. Soon others (grown-ups) joined in the effort and after several years, the EMC³was born.

Although the three-wheeled configuration allows them to classify it as a motorcycle and thus avoid some of the regulatory scrutiny involved with selling cars with four tires, the vehicle is said to have been designed with safety in mind. In addition to the roll bar, side-impact beams and crumple zones, it also comes equipped with two airbags. It’s powered by a one liter 3 cylinder gas engine to get you going and disc brakes to make you stop. Choosing the available automatic transmission ups the price by $1,000 or you can stick with the 5-speed and pay only $13,995. Expected to be available early 2009, the company is taking reservations now.

[Source: Eco Motor Company]

Three wheels + 60 Mpg = EMC³ originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors

The December issue of Road &amp Track should be turning up on magazine racks and in mailboxes momentarily including a segment on new and future cars. Parts of it have already turned up online including this rendering of what they think the Tesla Model S will look like. Unfortunately, the reality of actually laying out, print and shipping paper magazines mean that they the content was generated weeks or months ahead of last week’s announcements at Tesla.

Nonetheless, it’s an interesting take on what the car might look like. The overall proportions are probably about right given what we’ve heard about the car. Some design elements have been carried forward from the Roadster including the general shape of the front air intake, the headlights and the air vents along the rocker panels behind the front wheels. The Model S will have a coupe-like profile for its four-door body, along with a rear hatchback like the Porsche Panamera. We won’t be seeing the real thing until at least next March at Geneva and maybe longer depending on what happens in San Carlos over the next few months.

[Source: Road & Track]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Hybrid, BMW

BMW′s upcoming 7 Series ActiveHybrid (where do they come up with these names, anyway?) will use a 120 volt lithium ion battery pack that will be supplied by Johnson Controls-Saft. That battery will be assembled at the Johnson Controls-Saft production facility in Nersac, France. BMW will place the lithium ion battery in the trunk, while a BMW standard-fare 12 volt Absorbent Glass Mat battery will reside under its hood. This is the same heavy duty battery already used in BMWs with brake energy regeneration. While BMW’s 7 Series shares hybrid technology with the new Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid, that uber-sedan will use a 120 volt battery supplied by Continental that will be placed under the hood where the normal lead-acid battery would go. Mercedes has opted to use a single battery configuration with a step down to supply the usual 12V accesories. These two big machines will go up against each other for hybrid luxury car supremacy sometime next year.

[Source: Johnson Controls]

Continue reading BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid to use batteries from Johnson Controls-Saft

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Biodiesel, Hybrid, Hydrogen, GM, Honda, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Santa Monica Alt Car Expo, Natural Gas

Saturday afternoon at the Santa Monica Alt Car Expo was supposed to feature an all-out technology debate between everyone’s favorite gasoline alternatives. Moderated by Rick Sikes, the fleet superintendent of the City of Santa Monica, the setup was billed as “Top experts representing PHEV, all electric, Hydrids, Natural Gas, Propane, Ethanol, Biodiesel, and Hydrogen will discuss and debate the latest information on these technologies.” Sikes is the perfect person to lead this type of discussion because his City’s fleet uses all sorts of non-gasoline energy to move around. Here’s the starting lineup, the alt-fuels and their proponents:

• Dr. Andy Frank; professor of mechanical and aeronautical engineering, UC Davis, speaking for Plug-in hybrids
• Dave Barthmuss group manager western region, Environment & Energy Communications Team, GM, speaking on “vehicle electrification” and GM’s well-known “gas friendly to gas free” mantra
• Steve Ellis; marketing manager for Alternative Fuel Programs, Honda, talking about hybrids and hydrogen, mostly
• Joe Gershen; VP sales &amp marketing for Tellurian Biodiesel, speaking on, well, you can guess
• Dean Taylor; senior program manager, Southern California Edison talking on and on
• Lesley Brown Garland; president and CEO, Western Propane Gas Association on, surprise, propane

So, we’ve got the hook, the characters and the topic. How did it all shake down? Follow after the jump to find out.

Continue reading AltCar 2008: Let’s get ready to alt-energy rummmble! (yawn)

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, USA

The Senate has approved a sweeping energy bill that includes a provision for a rather substantial tax credit for plug-in hybrids. Of course, the bill still needs to make it through the House, so there’s no reason for PHEV proponents to get too excited just yet. The tax credits have a range of $2,500 to $7,500 and the actual dollar amount depends on the available capacity of the vehicle’s battery. We are still waiting for all the details, as these things tend to be hugely complicated, but early indications are that the Volt from GM would be the only vehicle currently announced that would qualify for the maximum credit. Toyota voiced some dissent regarding that point, and we don’t yet know if any changes were made. Of course, if Chrysler is able to get some of its new concepts into production, it may also qualify.

Current hybrid tax credits expire for a manufacturer after it has sold 60,000 vehicles. The new legislation allows for 250,000 qualifying PHEVs to be sold before it expires, but we are not yet clear on whether it would be phased out on a manufactuer-by-manufacturer basis or just end alltogether. Expect these issues to be made clearer in the near future.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req’d]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chevrolet, GM, Toyota, Legislation and Policy

Now is the time that automakers can get in touch with the Feds and let them know what they have in store for the U.S. market. General Motors has taken the unusual approach of being extremely transparent with the development of its Volt, which is either an extended-range electric-vehicle or a PHEV, depending on your point of view. As far as current, though not yet concrete, legislation is concerned, the Volt would be the only vehicle produced by a major manufacturer with enough battery capacity to qualify for certain tax credits that the government is considering applying towards future automotive purchases. Not so fast, says Toyota. The Japanese company has yet to reveal any real plans to launch a production PHEV intended for regular retail consumption, but they have been testing the waters with trials for a good long time. According to Toyota, any regulations that stipulated a battery with at least 6kW/hr - which currently would include only the Volt - would be too restrictive. So, Toyota… what′cha got up your sleeve? In any case, this legislation is still very much in its infancy, and we’d be shocked if it didn’t see many revisions before going into law.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req’d]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Vegetable Oil, Green Daily, Asia

Police in Manila, the capitol city of the Philippines, have taken up a cool new effort in order to save some green, though they will be spreading some green in the process. It seems that the Police force will be converting its cruisers to run on a mixture of waste vegetable oil (WVO) and diesel fuel. The oil in question will be donated by McDonalds. Other local area restaurants are also considering making similar donations. So far, just one vehicle has had the conversion done, though more are likely to closely follow. If the program in Manila proves successful, other nearby cities are likely to follow suit.

If the government authorities begin using veggie oil, how far could commercial use be behind? Along with the electric Jeepneys which are now proliferating through city centers in the area, the Philippines may just have a green-transportation revolution on their hands.

[Source: Breitbart.com]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Green Culture, Geneva Motor Show

The Detroit News, the home town paper of the American automakers, has noticed that the Geneva Motor Show has a lot of green concepts but very few green cars coming to market soon. Large SUVs are still flooding the market, the Detroit News writes, as politicians and public only see green technology demonstrations. Are we being fooled by the pretty green dangling keys?

To defend the automakers a little, the concepts shown are not so many years out like the diesel hybrid cited in the Detroit News article. While diesel hybrids will be expensive, they are not impossible to make today. Also, if a car sparks real excitement at an auto show, it’s often fast-tracked into production. So, yes Detroit News, there is a little green washing but also a lot of good ideas that are coming to the market very soon.

[Source: Detroit News]

 

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Lascelles Linton

Filed under: Diesel, Jeep

When Jeep cancelled the diesel engine option for the Liberty, there was great wailing and gnashing of teeth, at least from the scribes here at AutoblogGreen. The diesel engine option was actually a bit of a surprise hit for Chrysler, and there is still a market of offroaders clamoring for the engine. We’ve now heard a rumor that, to help meet this pent-up demand, Jeep is considering offering an engine package to convert Jeep TJ’s, YJ’s and CJ’s from gasoline to diesel using the same 2.8 CRD engine that was available in the Liberty. The kit is said to be complete and include everything needed to perform the swap.

While this is indeed good to hear, we still wish that Jeep would go the extra step to certify this engine for new vehicle sales again and offer it as a factory option for the Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited and Liberty.

[Source: 4wdandsportutility via JeepNewsNow]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, UK

Click on the image to enlarge

When Piaggio is mentioned on these pages, it’s usually in reference to one of their scooters, but they also offer a range of utilitarian four-wheeled vehicles. The newest addition to their range is an electric delivery vehicle which features a refrigeration unit that is also electrically powered, making for a completely emissions free vehicle. The Porter Electric features two sets of batteries, both of which are charged at the same time from either a standard outlet or quick-charged through a three-phase power supply. The emissions-free status qualifies the vehicle as exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty charges along with Congestion Charging in London.

Along with their new Porter Electric, Piaggio will be introducing a new small truck to the UK market called the Truk. Featuring a small 500cc diesel engine, the Truk is expected to be priced rather attractively and have very low emissions and high fuel mileage.

Both press releases are posted after the break for your reading enjoyment.

Press Releases:

PIAGGIO PROVIDES COOL GREEN SOLUTION TO URBAN FOOD DELIVERIES

Piaggio and Cold Logic have joined forces to provide a carbon free refrigerated solution to urban food deliveries. The Porter Electric combined with the expertise of Cold Logic offers the perfect solution to getting about town and delivering fresh food to the customer’s requirements.

The Porter Electric is ideal for this use with very low running costs and outstanding versatility. The long-life Lead-Gel batteries used in the Porter Electric are maintenance-free and produce zero emissions, which means that the vehicle is conveniently exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty as well as Congestion Charging. Opting for the Porter Electric could result in a huge saving for businesses that operate vehicles in large towns, or a city such as London.

The vehicle range is approximately 80 miles between charges, which is just right for making those essential deliveries. Charging the Porter Electric Chiller could not be easier as two options are available: the 8 hour standard recharge through a 13 amp socket or the 2 hour fast charge using a 3-phase supply.

The Porter Electric Chiller is supplied in left-hand drive which ensures safety for the driver of the vehicle on busy roads as they will not have to step out into the traffic. The vehicle is remarkably compact and has impressive manoeuvrability meaning that deliveries to the narrowest of locations are not compromised. The Porter Electric Chiller has twin side loading doors and full height opening rear tailgate therefore giving loading and unloading access from all sides of the vehicle.

Cold Logic complete the package with the help of Hubbard Products Ltd who supply the refrigeration unit and GRP Group who carry out the conversion of the Porter Electric.

Hubbard Products Ltd is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of refrigeration units. The small, light units are also designed and manufactured by Hubbard Products and they have earned a strong reputation. The refrigeration unit itself is powered by its own battery supply but is conveniently charged at the same time as the Porter Electric Chiller. The unit will easily maintain the load area between zero and 5 degrees throughout an average working day.

GRP Group carry out the refrigeration conversion of the Porter Electric Chiller. They have a wealth of experience and are the number one choice for completing the conversion as the UK market leader.

The end result is a green, low maintenance vehicle with an impressive, high quality conversion perfect for making deliveries in busy, urban areas.

PIAGGIO TO PREVIEW NEW TRUK AT CV SHOW

In addition to the new Porter Electric Chiller, Piaggio Commercial Vehicles are delighted to be able to give visitors to the CV Show a prime opportunity to view the latest member of their UK line up, the new Piaggio Truk.

The Piaggio Truk, due to be launched later this year, follows a similar concept to the existing Porter range. However with its extremely economical 500cc diesel engine, lower kerb weight and increased payload it will fulfil the increasing demands of today’s short haul urban user. But the potential benefits of the Truk don’t end there with improved fuel economy and a proposed retail price below the existing Porter range, Piaggio’s new addition will provide running costs to appeal to even the most frugal of today’s operators.

To find out more about the new exciting additions to the Piaggio range, why not visit Piaggio Commercial Vehicles at stand 12-220 between 15th and 17th April.

[Source: Piaggio]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: MPG, Saab

Upcoming fuel economy regulations in the U.S. and carbon dioxide emissions limits in Europe appear set to take a bite out of the next generation Saab 9-3. The current 9-3 is derived from GM’s Epsilon platform and the new 9-3 was due to come off the Epsilon II that underpins the new Opel Insignia, but a change may be in the works. GM has reportedly canceled the Epsilon II-based 9-3 in favor of a model built off the Global Compact Car platform that will be the basis of the next Astra/Cobalt and, of course, the Volt. If the new plan, proceeds that would give Saab two cars off the new chassis with the smaller 9-1 being the other. New structural construction technology in the new architecture will apparently help maximize interior space in the smaller car.

[Source: Autocar]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Hybrid, Lexus, Detroit Auto Show

While it’s no surprise to hear that Lexus will be showing off a more luxurious version of the Prius hybrid sedan, Inside Line is reporting that the upcoming model will be priced over $30,000 and possibly have an older brother in the form of a dedicated hybrid crossover utility vehicle. Based on Toyota’s midsize sedan architecture, the crossover vehicle would be similar in size to the hybrid RX that Lexus already sells in pretty good numbers. We have no information on whether Lexus plans to offer both hybrid utility vehicles at the same time.

According to IL’s sources, the un-named Lexus Prius model will appear sometime in calender year 2010, which should be about a year after the third-generation Prius arrives. The hybrid CUV would follow a year later in 2011. Again, rumor has it that the Lexus hybrids could be the first application of lithium ion batteries in a Toyota-built hybrid vehicle.

[Source: Inside Line]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski