Hybrid News

Filed under: MPG, On Two Wheels, Green Daily, Asia

Conspiracy theorists will need to take a back seat for this story, as Petron, the largest oil refining and marketing company in the Philippines, recently held a “race” called the Sprint 4T Endurance and Economy Run of 2009. This was the first year the event took place, and it was designed to pit two-wheelers with four-stroke engines against each other to finish a course within a prescribed time limit. Best of all, the winners were determined not just by what order they finished in but by how little fuel they used in the process. That’s an idea we can truly get behind, right?

Any machine with an engine displacing at least 100ccs was eligible to compete, and the entrants were divided into classes based on their displacement. We′re happy to report that a Vespa E͌, complete with its relatively small 150cc four-stroke powerplant, managed to finish in the top five, and its fuel consumption was significantly better than any machine that beat its time. Nice work!

[Sources: Vespinoy and Motorcycle Philippines]

Motorcycles and scooters compete for fuel-efficiency bragging rights in Philippines originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hydrogen, Chevrolet, GM

The so-called Hydrogen Economy may still be a very long way into the future, but General Motors cannot be blamed for not doing its part to develop working hydrogen-powered vehicles that are ready for our nation’s roadways. For evidence, please see the 500,000 miles that GM’s fleet of Hydrogen Equinox fuel cell vehicles have traveled since The General first unleashed its latest hydrogen vehicle into the real world as part of its Project Driveway program. According to Chevrolet, a total of 3,400 individuals have driven its fuel cell Equinox SUVs, including a few of us here at AutoblogGreen. Each one of these drivers has offered his or her opinions to GM’s listening ear, resulting in a very refined vehicle and driving experience. Best of all, even if hydrogen vehicles are still very much future-tech, the same principles driving overall vehicle efficiency for this program are migrating down to real-world vehicles like the 2-Mode hybrid SUVs and the upcoming Chevy Volt.

[Source: GM Fastlane Blog]

GM updates us on Project Driveway originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels

The first electric motorcycle to become street legal in all of Sweden was constructed earlier this year and it is sweet! Built by Eva Håkansson and her father, Sven, the Electrocat was originally incarnated as a gas-sucking 1990 Cagiva Freccia C12R but now lives on a strict electron-only diet. As she informs us on her webpage dedicated to the bike, the106 lbs of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries that the ‘cat packs beneath its sleek bodywork holds enough energy (4.8 kWh) to carry biker and rider about 50 miles. Top speed is currently 60 Mph.

As nice as the Electrocat is, Eva, who describes herself as “a hardcore “EV geek″ with a green heart and passion for power and speed,” has more than one electric motorcycle in her life. She is also part of KillaCycle racing team and we expect we’ll be hearing more about her endeavors in the near future.

[Source: Eva Håkansson via Zoomilife]

The Swedish electric motorcycle conversion you′ve ever seen originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: Natural Gas, European Union

The world now has its first ecolabelled fuel. Great… what’s it mean? First of all, the certification itself comes from the Nordic Ecolabel, “the official Nordic environmental award [that] is given to products and services that fulfill stringent environmental criteria.” All right. What’s the award signify? “Reduction of emissions that negatively affect global warming and climate change, an absolute threshold value to the amount of CO₂ that may be released to the atmosphere during the entire lifecycle of the fuel, restrictions on the total energy used at the production stage, traceability of crops and certified sustainable farming and defined limitations on health effects of these fuels.”

So, this means that an independent organization has looked at methane fuel from the Swedish company FordonsGas Sverige AB (aren’t Nordic languages fun?) and has decided that it’s relatively green. That’s a good thing. The gas itself is half biogas and half from fossils and will be available in Swedish pumping stations in no time flat. Not sure what the swan is all about.

[Source: FordonsGas Sverige AB]

Continue reading FordonsGas Sverige creates Svanen, a fuel good enough to be ecolabeled

FordonsGas Sverige creates Svanen, a fuel good enough to be ecolabeled originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Hydrogen, Chevrolet, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, First Drive, Daimler

The hydrogen economy seems to be very far away into the future, if it ever comes to fruition at all. If hydrogen is going to make a significant impact as a major source of fuel, an infrastructure for getting the hydrogen to consumers will be a necessity, as will the solutions to complex problems such as where to extract the hydrogen from and how to store it in large quantities. Perhaps you can tell that we believe all of this will take time, but there is still a large contingent of hydrogen proponents that believe the hydrogen economy will indeed come to pass, and some cite examples of current hydrogen-powered cars as proof. How do these cars drive? We recently got the chance to get some seat time in a few of the hydrogen cars that are currently being tested by major automakers, including the Daimler F-Cell, Hyundai FCEV, the latest Toyota FCHV and the GM HydroGeѐ fuel cell Equinox. Read on after the break for our first impressions.

All Photos Copyright (C)2008 Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: Daimler F-Cell, Hyundai FCEV, Toyota FCHV and GM HydroGen4

First Drive: Daimler F-Cell, Hyundai FCEV, Toyota FCHV and GM HydroGen4 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, First Drive

Click above for high-res gallery of Tesla Roadster ҝ.5

Last January we landed an exclusive first drive of the Tesla Roadster. We were impressed, but well aware that the particular two-gear model we drove that wet afternoon wasn’t identical to the version set to land in customers’ hands later in the year. Last week, we were invited back to briefly test drive a genuine production model with the latest transmission and software updates (aka “powertrain 1.5″). Check out our round-two impressions after the jump.

Continue reading Driven: 2009 Tesla Roadster v1.5

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Original post by John Neff

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Lightweight, European Union, Paris Motor Show

Away from the glamor cars spinning on their turntables with posing models are a few vehicles that most of the North American press has not had time to investigate. The Simpli-City and Next-ère made by Eco & Mobility are two such vehicles. Both are lightweight electric cars that, together with the Heuliez Friendly we already showed you, are being promoted with the help of recent French presidential candidate Ségolène Royal, who represents the Poitou-Charentes region where they all originate.

The two cars are both made with recyclable materials including hemp fiber and share many components which are mostly sourced close to the area where they were produced. The Simpli-City (on the left) seats three to four people while the Next-ère is built for two. They are said to have a range between 80 and 150 Km (50 to 90 miles) depending on the type of battery used. Top speed is 55 Mph which is as fast as we think anyone in their right mind would want to go in these. The pair are meant to be sold under the brand Electrique Llinarès Véhicule (ELV) and have a target price of €5,000 ($6,834). We are pretty sure we won′t be seeing either on our shores any time soon.

[Source: R&eacutegion Poitou-Charentes / Eco & Mobility]

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Lightweight, European Union, Paris Motor Show

Away from the glamor cars spinning on their turntables with posing models are a few vehicles that most of the North American press has not had time to investigate. The Simpli-City and Next-ère made by Eco &amp Mobility are two such vehicles. Both are lightweight electric cars that, together with the Heuliez Friendly we already showed you, are being promoted with the help of recent French presidential candidate Ségolène Royal, who represents the Poitou-Charentes region where they all originate.

The two cars are both made with recyclable materials including hemp fiber and share many components which are mostly sourced close to the area where they were produced. The Simpli-City (on the left) seats three to four people while the Next-ère is built for two. They are said to have a range between 80 and 150 Km (50 to 90 miles) depending on the type of battery used. Top speed is 55 Mph which is as fast as we think anyone in their right mind would want to go in these. The pair are meant to be sold under the brand Electrique Llinarès Véhicule (ELV) and have a target price of €5,000 ($6,834). We are pretty sure we won’t be seeing either on our shores any time soon. Bonus video after the jump featuring Mme Royal, the Simpli-City, Next-ère and the Friendly in Paris.

[Source: Région Poitou-Charentes / Eco &amp Mobility]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Eco & Mobility present the Simpli-City and Next-ère

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels

Not long ago, we got some very brief seat-time on an early version of the Quantya electric dirtbike. We had a great time on it, but we never managed to bring it inside our apartment or on our roof. Thankfully, somebody else did, and they documented it all for your viewing pleasure. Our friend Wes Siler over at Jalopnik was the lucky tester and he had plenty to say about the all-electric machine. Like most people, the first thing that Wes seemed to notice was the lack of sound from the two-wheeler, which is not something you′d normally associate with a dirtbike. That’s what led to the indoor antics, we’d imagine.

The latest Quantya Strada is street-legal and is capable of traveling at up to 50 miles per hour. Range? About 25 miles with the standard battery back. All for a cost of $10,700 for the road-going model, a bit less if you’re only interested in riding off the beaten path. Now, let’s see about getting ourselves some seat-time on the new model.

[Source: Jalopnik]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Green Culture, Transportation Alternatives, On Two Wheels, Green Daily

Last month, New York City closed down a few streets to automobile traffic in an attempt to get people out of their cars and into the fresh air (well, the New York air, anyway). The Summer Streets campaign seems to have been a success (based on the website, anyway) and now a similar event will take place next weekend at NYC’s South Street Seaport.

The Bicycle for a Day event will happen Saturday, September 20 and will try to get people to “observe a greener, carbon-emission-free lifestyle by traveling by bike, foot, or skates.” Sound like fun? Well, there will also be all sorts of entertainment and prizes to be had and the whole thing is hosted by actor Matthew Modine (Weeds, Full Metal Jacket). If all goes well, then Bike for a Day could turn into an annual event. I’m sure the bike couriers in Manhattan are all very impressed.

[Source: NYC & Company]

Continue reading Actor Matthew Modine brings Bike for a Day event to NYC

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: Diesel, Ford, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Volkswagen, Renault, Citroen, Opel, European Union, Germany

It’s back to school season and, since buses aren′t available everywhere, for some people it’s time to drive the kids to their classes. With all those important soccer football matches games, swimming lessons and family escapes on long weekends, you need a vehicle with enough seats for your children and a place to keep all their gear. Minivans tend to be heavier than sedan counterparts, not only because of size, but because they have the latest security additions available. But can you keep your mileage high while driving such vehicles and reduce your emissions? For European minivans, the keys include keeping the vehicles compact, developing them from compact cars and using diesel powertrains. Follow us past the jump for a look at what the European market has to offer.

[Source: Auto News]

Continue reading Fuel-sipping diesel European minivans -is one right for you?

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Original post by Xavier Navarro

Filed under: Diesel, Ford, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Volkswagen, Renault, Citroen, Opel, European Union, Germany

It’s back to school season and, since buses aren’t available everywhere, for some people it’s time to drive the kids to their classes. With all those important soccer football matches games, swimming lessons and family escapes on long weekends, you need a vehicle with enough seats for your children and a place to keep all their gear. Minivans tend to be heavier than sedan counterparts, not only because of size, but because they have the latest security additions available. But can you keep your mileage high while driving such vehicles and reduce your emissions? For European minivans, the keys include keeping the vehicles compact, developing them from compact cars and using diesel powertrains. Follow us past the jump for a look at what the European market has to offer.

[Source: Auto News]

Continue reading Fuel-sipping diesel European minivans - is one right for you?

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Original post by Xavier Navarro

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, In The AutoblogGreen Garage, Green Daily

Click the 2009 Escape Hybrid for a high-res gallery

The very first production hybrid from a Detroit automaker has been with us since 2004 and going into the 2009 model year it has finally completed its second generation transformation. In 2007, Ford redesigned the all the visible elements of the Escape but largely carried over mechanical components. We drove the updated 2009 model a couple of months ago over a brief route and now we′ve had a chance to spend a full week with the revamped hybrid.

In June of last year we drove the then new 2008 Escape hybrid and came away reasonably impressed. The styling of the newest Escape had less of the soft-roader look of the original in favor of a “tougher, chunkier appearance” more in keeping with its truck siblings. The only visual distinction between the ‘08 and ‘09 models is a deeper, wider front air-dam and small spats in front of the rear wheels. These improve the air flow around the bottom of the vehicle, cutting highway fuel consumption by about 0.67 mpg at 70 mph. The really key differences in the ‘09 model aren′t apparent to visual inspection and you can read how those panned out after the jump.

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited FWD

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, MINI, In The AutoblogGreen Garage

Click the MINI Cooper D for a high res gallery

For reasons such as imported oil dependency and environmental concerns, there are some people who think personal cars are evil and must be eliminated from our roads immediately. This sentiment is patently unrealistic, and there’s no shortage of people, this writer included, who to enjoy cars while using less fuel and emitting fewer greenhouse gases. I′m not ashamed to say that driving quickly is fun and feels good, but that doesn’t mean I like to waste fuel or dump pollutants into the air. That’s why I love driving cars like the Tesla Roadster. Having fun driving doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have an insanely fast car like the Tesla or an Audi R8. Small, lightweight cars like the Mazda MX-5 or or the Honda Fit don’t have gobs of power, but they’re fun to drive because they handle well and go around corners quickly.

The latest resident of the AutoblogGreen Garage is one of the most entertaining and fuel efficient cars I’ve driven in a long time. Unfortunately, it’s also a car that Americans cannot buy. The 1.6L diesel-powered MINI Cooper D is not available in North America, but fuel system supplier Bosch has added one to its promotional fleet and recently loaned it to us. The aptly-named MINI is indeed a small car and the gas-engined versions offered in the US have been flying off lots at a record pace in recent months. Through the first six months of 2008, MINI sales in the U.S. are up 34 percent compared to last year. Follow the jump to see how the MINI Cooper D rates compared to the regular Cooper.

All Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 MINI Cooper D [w/VIDEO]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Biodiesel, Etc., Green Daily

Back in October, an L-29 military aircraft named BioJet I powered by nothing but 𐈴 biodiesel made a successful flight over Reno, Nevada. That short jaunt has now set the stage for something bigger: the first round-the-world flight powered by biodiesel. The pilot behind this undertaking is Doug Rodante, and he’s assembled a team called Green-Flight International to help him use the cheaper and more environmentally-friendly biofuel in his quest. The team is currently working on an FAA fuel test, according to this article from WFTV. The next step should be a cross-country flight in May before heading off around the globe sometime next year.

[Source: WFTV]

 

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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 Sebastian Blanco