Official: Nissan announces "Power 88" business plan, all-new vehicles every ... - Autoblog (blog)

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) on Jun 27th 2011 at 6:31PM

Carlos Ghosn announces the Nissan Power 88 plan in Yokohama – Click above to watch video after the jump
Carlos Ghosn has announced the Nissan Power 88 midterm business plan, effective immediately, containing goals that will raise a number of eyebrows. Built on four pillars emphasizing "brand and sales power enhancement, growth, sustainable mobility and mobility for all," Power 88 is in effect from now until 2016, at the end of which time Nissan wants eight percent of global market share and eight-percent operating profit (hence the "88"). That would represent a 2.2-percent increase in market share and a 1.9-percent rise in operating profit versus last year's levels.
The strategy for success includes rolling out, "on average, an all-new vehicle every six weeks for six years" to cover 92 percent of global market segments, launching 90 new technologies over those six years and reaching cumulative electric vehicle sales of 1.5 million units between Renault and Nissan.

Sales in BRIC markets are expected to grow significantly, and Nissan plans to build a factory in Brazil to support efforts there. Much more will be made of Infiniti as well, with sales expected to rocket from 150,000 last year to 500,000 in 2016 and a product portfolio of "at least 10 vehicles." That would account for a projected 10 percent of global luxury market sales.

Ghosn has his eye on joining General Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen in the massive sales game, apparently because he sees that as the scale necessary to meet future challenges. Whether or not the automaker can manage such scale remains to be seen. There's a video and a press release with the nitty gritty after the jump.

"NISSAN POWER 88" MIDTERM BUSINESS PLAN ANNOUNCED
Plan emphasizes brand and sales power enhancement, growth, sustainable mobility and mobility for all

YOKOHAMA, June 27, 2011 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced a wide-ranging, six-year business plan that will accelerate the company's growth across new markets and segments. The plan for fiscal years 2011 to 2016, called "Nissan Power 88," is effective immediately.

The name of the plan emphasizes key corporate goals: Nissan will renew its focus on the overall customer experience through actions that elevate its brands' power and sales power. By the end of fiscal 2016, the company will aim to achieve a global market share of 8% and increase its corporate operating profit to a sustainable 8%.

Highlights of Nissan Power 88 reflect Nissan's clear, global vision and strategic direction through fiscal 2016: Nissan's extended new product plan will deliver, on average, an all-new vehicle every six weeks for six years. The company's global portfolio will have 66 vehicles and will cover 92% of all markets and segments.The emphasis on sustainable mobility will continue, encompassing zero-emission vehicles and low-emission technologies that support PURE DRIVE. Cumulative electric vehicle sales for the Renault-Nissan Alliance will reach 1.5 million units."Mobility for all" will expand with dedicated new cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) developed for entry-level segments and emerging markets.Nissan will introduce more than 90 new, advanced technologies, averaging 15 per year."Nissan Power 88 is the roadmap for our company's profitable growth," said Nissan President and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn. "We will accelerate our growth, bringing more innovation and excitement to our products and services as well as cleaner, more affordable cars for everyone around the world, in line with the energy and environmental challenges of the 21st century."
Nissan will increase investments in its brands and retail networks to enhance its customers' entire ownership experience. Nissan currently has 6,000 major points of sales globally; the retail network will expand to 7,500 in the midterm plan period.

Business expansion will focus on growth markets and further developing the company's Infiniti and light commercial businesses.

In 2012, Nissan will have a production capacity of 1.2 million units in China. China has become - and will continue to be - Nissan's largest single global market. Nissan aims for a 10% share of the Chinese market. Nissan will also increase its presence in Brazil, Russia and India, as well as in the next wave of emerging markets.In Brazil, Nissan will build a new plant, with a capacity of 200,000 units as a first step.Nissan NV200's selection as New York City's "Taxi of Tomorrow" illustrates the company's momentum in the LCV field. By 2016, Nissan will be the world's leading light commercial vehicle manufacturer.The Infiniti premium brand will grow from its 2010 sales level of 150,000 vehicles to 10% of global market share among luxury brand segments, a level today that would represent 500,000 vehicles.1 Infiniti will be present in more than 70 markets with a product range of at least 10 vehicles."Nissan Power 88 is a demanding business plan, but our company has a proven track record of achieving challenging objectives," said Mr. Ghosn.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.1 million vehicles in 2010, generating revenue of 8.77 trillion yen ($102.37 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award and 2011 World Car of the Year.

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New Nissan Altima Hybrid coming

Altima Hybrid will be back with a new hybrid drive.

The current hybrid Nissan Altima, built using licensed Toyota hybrid technology, is currently being phased out. While the Altima hybrid is still available, the new production stopped.

The Nissan Altima hybrid, however, must rise again by 2012.

According to Automotive News Nissan is currently redeveloping its new, own real-wheel hybrid drive, currently in the Infiniti M35 hybrid, found in a front wheel hybrid drive for cars like the Altima Hybrid.

If the M35 hybrid, the Altima hybrid will use a single-engine, two links and a four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission. In addition, the Altima hybrid also use a lithium-ion battery which is likely to be built in the United States in the same factory that soon as battery packs for the Nissan Leaf electric car will produce.

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Nissan Leaf's Carwings System Leaking Personal Information? - Automobile Magazine

Jake Holmes on June 20 2011 11:00 AM

Time to don those tin-foil hats, conspiracy theorists: The on-board infotainment software on the Nissan Leaf may “leak” the car’s location information to websites accessed via the car’s RSS reader. Computer security expert Casey Halverson discovered the flaw in his own Leaf and documented it on YouTube.

The Leaf electric car incorporates Nissan’s Carwings connectivity system, which lets owners check in on the status of their Leaf via the Internet or a smartphone. It allows for scheduling charge times, remote verification of charge status, and other features. Inside the cabin, Carwings allows drivers to have the computer “read” an RSS news feed to them in the car. According to Halverson, using the last feature “leaks” the current location of the Nissan Leaf.

Using a custom RSS feed he created, Halverson found that Carwings transmitted the GPS coordinates, speed, navigation destination, and more to external websites when requesting the RSS feed. There is apparently no way to disable the feature, which could potentially be used to track a Nissan Leaf’s location in real time.

Fortunately, by exposing the flaw, Halverson has helped eliminate it. Spokeswoman Katherine Zachary told us that Nissan is aware of the Carwings issue and that it was “corrected right away.” The data transmitted via the RSS reader apparently did not contain any indentifying information and reportedly could not easily be attributed to a specific driver or vehicle.

Sources: Computer World

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Pope Benedict XVI's Hybrid Popemobile in Development - BenzInsider

While Pope Benedict XVI has yet to approach the level of popularity that his predecessor had, he’s already miles ahead of any before him when it comes to gearing up with green tech. Take, for instance, the new hybrid Popemobile that’s currently being developed by Mercedes-Benz.

As stated by sources, what the Pope really had in mind was a fully electric vehicle. However, there are other things to be considered as well—one of the most important of which is the Pope’s own safety. An EV simply may not be enough to take the Pope to safety during an emergency, so they decided on the next best thing: a hybrid that’s powered by both an electric motor running on a lithium-ion battery during the low-speed parade travel and a petrol engine for situations that demand a bit more power.

Mercedes-Benz could not comment on the specifics of this all-new, greener Popemobile because of obvious security reasons. However, some sources say that the car will be based on Merc’s own M-Class line. Also, expect it to feature the standard security set in the current automobile, including bullet-proof plexiglass and armor plating.

The new Popemobile will likely be ready by year’s end, at best. Too bad the Pope can’t use his new set of wheels when he makes his homecoming sometime in late September.

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Falling gas prices: why fuel efficiency should still be your next purchase of the car drive

Year the highest gas prices comes yet?

Gasoline prices fall! In some areas, in the neighborhood of $ 3.00 gas even possible within the next few months. But don't expect this cheaper prices for too long. In fact, could the year highest gasoline prices be reached later this year according to some experts, oil.

Nevertheless, enjoy the pullback in prices at the pump, while it takes, but make certain fuel economy remains an important factor in your next car purchase.

Ironically, although we all want cheaper gasoline prices, cheap gasoline might not be as good as might seem obvious.

Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at OPIS claims $ 3.00 gas prices will probably synonymous with recession. On the other hand, is a robust economy certainly pushing higher gasoline prices. Finally, in the neighborhood of $ 4.00 gasoline might be on the verge of an increasingly common, at least if the u.s. economy is improving.

Long term, most oil analysts, traders and producers believe gasoline prices are likely to trend higher, even nastier price spikes. Later this year, for example, the International Energy Agency believes that as the global economy stabilizes, oil demand and supply will have a "string". Couple that with volatility of the Middle East and conditions continued his very ripe for spikes than $ 4.00.

Of course, new technologies, alternative fuels, etc. could offer some relief, some, but such exemption is probably years away, minimal.

Regardless, it is upside potential for petrol prices very real and very volatile.

So, if $ 4.00 gas has hurt consumers, as numerous studies have suggested, $ 4.00 + petrol in mind as you head to the dealer for a new or used car. The chances are that you will fill that new ride with alotta $ 4.00 gasoline in the coming years.

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Study – New car technologies is not enough to address greenhouse gas emissions

Many more public transport needed to achieve greenhouse gas cuts by 2050

If the world seriously objectives greenhouse gases gas emission and climate for the year 2050, technologies such as plug-in cars and alternative fuels is probably not enough. Instead, less light vehicle travel is essential to meet these objectives according to a new study by the University of California, Berkeley.

The personal mobility revolution is on.

In developed countries, where the emissions are now higher, for example, the study finds that a universal fleet of electric cars powered by carbon-free electricity, or 300 mpg cellulosic ethanol powered cars, or 1000 mpg ICE vehicles would be needed. Unfortunately, none of these possibilities, or a combination thereof, provide a "realistic, affordable or resilient pathway" forward.

So, while the light transportation needs to significantly more fuel efficient, better public transport and plans to reduce the average miles traveled must be part of the formula.

Ultimately, it seems clear that the future of personal transport will have to think far beyond the current box on wheels.

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On the future of the electric car

Corrections added

The moment I realized that the driving of the new Chevrolet Volt is basically a new experience was not when I first turned it on and went around the block. Yes, it was whisper quiet, powered by its 16 kilowatt, 400-pound battery, but it still felt like a "normal" car. And it wasn't when I rode the 100 or so miles from Manhattan to Southampton, NY, either. Although the batteries range only about 40 miles is, did the car even after the battery was empty; it switched to the petrol engine, in a seamless transition so I hardly noticed it. It wasn't even when I arrived in Southampton that night and a special cable connected to an electrical outlet in the garage, for charging the battery overnight.

Joe Nocera

No, what made the experience truly different — and the potential to change the way we think about gas consumption what got me thinking about the Volt — was what happened afterwards.

You know the story of the Volt, right? If the entry of General Motors in the race to a viable electric car to build — a race in which the all-electric Nissan leaf, a series of Fords in various stages of development and an electric sedan that Tesla soon with the sale will begin — perhaps the most hyped American car since Lee Iacocca rolled out the Chrysler minivan. Four years ago, and by the legendary car Executive Bob Lutz advocated started, the Volt project managed to survive the G.M. descent into bankruptcy, and emerge as the company seems great, hope, a symbol of what u.s. automakers could achieve. At least, it is claimed.

Cars such as the journal and the original Tesla — Roadster that cost more than $ 100,000 — "pure" electric vehicles powered solely by their batteries. Classic hybrids like the Toyota Prius use a battery as a kind of add-on, to promote the gas mileage of an internal combustion engine. The Volt is designed differently, however. As long as the battery JUICE, the car behaves like an electric vehicle. When the battery dies, the combustion engine, and is an old-fashioned car gas-consuming. Once you charge the battery, electricity again.

The experience of driving meshed with the way we think about the use of a car. There is no need to plan ahead, for example, to verify that the car will not run out of battery life before we can recharge it. And the gas engine eliminates the dreaded "range anxiety" that prevents most people embrace an electric vehicle. Indeed, G.M. like to call the Volt an "extended range vehicle." Motor Trend car enthusiasts, the Bible, was so impressed that the Volt are 2011 car of the year honor.

The Volt went on sale in December last year. But since Chevrolet so cautious in rolling — dealers in only seven States have gotten cars so far, with less than 2,500 sold — it can sometimes seem as if the world most invisible car of publicity. (A larger rollout is scheduled for next year.) That's why I asked G.M. as I could about the Memorial Day holiday test drive. I wanted to see for myself what all the fuss was about.

For four days, I drove it around the city, used it to pick up the groceries, took it for a visit to friends. Sometimes, when I ran out of a store, someone would stand next to ' my ' Volt, ask me questions about it. Although I am not a car expert, I was pleasantly surprised by the power cars, pick up and treatment. "People think it's going to be a dorkmobile," said Mr. Lutz, who retired last year. "But it's fun to drive."

Here's what really got me, though: on the dashboard, next to the profile that measures of the longevity of the battery, the Volt has a different profile that vehicle miles per gallon. During the two-hour drive to Southampton, I used two gallons of gas, a quarter of the tank. So, as I drove into the driveway, reading of 50 miles per gallon.

The next day, after the nightly cargo I use not gas. After about 30 mile ride in the morning, I charged it for a few hours while I puttered around the House. (It takes 10 hours to fully recharge, unless you have a special 240-volt charging unit buy.) That gave the battery 10 miles, more than enough to get me where I had to go that night on battery power alone. Before I knew it, had my miles per gallon tankful of gas that hit 80. By the next day it had topped 100. I quickly found myself obsessed with increasing my miles per gallon — and avoid having to buy more gas. When I came home from a business, I would, even for a few hours, just to grab a few more miles of range load. I was actually in control of how much gas I consumed, and it was a powerful feeling. By the time I gave the car back to General Motors, I had 300 miles driven, without another drop of gas than the original two gallons. I'm not what you would call a Sierra Club kind of guy, but I must tell you: I was kind of proud of myself.

When I started to describe Mr Lutz the psychological impact that the Volt had had on me, he laughed. "Yes," he said, "it's like playing a video game that constantly gives you back your score."

Correction: June 27, 2011

An earlier version of this article contains an incorrect reference to car batteries. The Chevrolet Volt is a 16-kilowatt-hour — not kilowatt — battery and the Nissan leaf has a 24-kilowatt hour — not kilowatt — battery pack.

Correction: June 27, 2011

An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to with the technology that has won the race in automotive innovation a century ago; It was the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine, not a combustible engine.

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Quick Spin: 2011 Think City - Autoblog (blog)

by Jeff Glucker (RSS feed) on Jun 27th 2011 at 11:57AM

Bankruptcy Brings This EV's Range To Zero

2011 Think City - Click above for high-res image gallery
We're all passionate about saving the world, but the amount of enthusiasm we each have is different for everybody. What's your passion level? Let's turn the question into a sliding scale; on one end sits, say, BP, while on the other end, we find Ed Begley Jr. It's a big scale. If you find yourself edging close to the Begley side of the spectrum, you're no doubt paying attention to the fresh crop of all-electric cars on the market.

Electric automaker Think hopes you've been paying attention.

At least, it did up until last week when the company filed for bankruptcy a second time. Clearly, attempting to bring a relatively affordable electric vehicle to the masses is difficult without federal funding (Tesla Motors) or the bank account of a major automotive manufacturer (Nissan Leaf). Think has been down this road before, and it's possible that a group of investors could arrive to save the day. But for the company to be successful, the cost of its car, called the City, would need to come down and marketing dollars would need to go up, both of which are easier said than done. Is Think's machine even worth saving?

The 2011 Think City is a 100-percent electric hatchback wearing recyclable body panels and interior trim pieces. It's designed to attract urban eco-warriors, but does it have a broader appeal? We borrowed the key to one and spent a few hours scooting around the Orange County, California coast to find out.

If Paula Deen were in charge of the Think City's exterior design, her recipe would call for a heap of Smart, a dash of Mini Cooper headlights, one squashed Suzuki SX4 and, of course, a load of butter. That last bit would explain the matte yellow color seen on our test vehicle. Despite our car's sunny exterior, Think only offers the City EV in three colors; Bright Red, Sky Blue and Classic Black. That's fine by us, because our tester would look better if it weren't wearing We-Don't-Know-The-Sex-Of-Our-Baby Yellow.

Think has gone the ultra-compact route with the City EV, and this makes sense seeing that this tiny two-seater is designed to battle for parking spaces in urban environments.

Staring at the outside of the City, we had expected the inside would be reminiscent of a cramped Manhattan studio apartment. Since your author is taller than the average bear, we're very happy to report that the interior of the Think is closer to Central Park. Both seats make our backs happy, and all of the climate and audio controls sit close at hand. There's also a cloth roof that slides back at the push of a button, infinitely increasing our already ample head room.

That tall roof combines with a short wheelbase for an interesting combination of front and rear visibility. The front windshield is cut at a tight angle, which puts the top right in our line of vision. The bottom, however, extends far out, and provides a great view of the road directly in front of the City. Out back, the lightweight rear hatch runs all the way down to the bumper. This makes rearward vision amazing, while the forward view is merely adequate.

Speaking of that rear view, cargo space is surprisingly voluminous given the City's size. The 165.4-inch-long Volkswagen Golf TDI gives you 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, or 46 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. A 146.6-inch Mini Cooper with its rear seats folded gives up 24 cubic feet of cargo space, and a 139.6-inch Fiat 500 provides just 30.1. The Think City EV is just 123.7 inches long, yet provides 29 cubic feet of cargo space – more than enough for groceries, golf clubs and your growing sense of self satisfaction.

Mounted ahead of the cabin space is an electric motor that provides 34kW of power under normal load. If necessary, it can jump to 37kW, which is about 50 horsepower. Paired with a one-speed gearbox, operating the Think City is as basic as it gets. Key in, twist, hear nothing, pop the shift lever into D and away you go, a greener person. And you're able to "go" thanks to the 66 pound-feet of torque available.

Wait... 66 pound-feet of torque?

That sentence almost seems like a joke, or perhaps we accidentally read the power rating for a hopped-up lawn tractor. We can assure you it's not a joke, and we never thought it felt like one either. Rather than stick to torching Toyota Prii from stoplight to stoplight, we pointed the Think towards Southern California's 405 freeway. The manufacturer lists a top speed of 70 miles per hour, yet we found that you can squeeze a bit more out of the speedo. With our foot planted and the motor buzzing like Johnny Five at CES, we were able to push the fun up to 81 mph. That's plenty should you need to take your City to another city, as long as it's close.

Reining our speed back in, we returned to the streets and were greeted with something we expected: reduced range. Think states that the City is capable of running for 100 miles on a single charge. We didn't push the electric coupe to zero percent capacity, but we did run it down to about 20 percent. When we picked it up, we saw 80 percent on the meter, which means we used about 60 percent of battery. We turned the odometer for 45 miles over the course of that 60 percent.

For the duration of those 45 miles, we found the steering to be surprisingly heavy. Also surprising was the fact that the wheel was actually rather communicative. The road and the City are good at talking to each other. We also were able to aggressively sample the brakes, which is par for the course in me-first California driving. We only needed to slow 2,290 pounds, so the stoppers work efficiently and smoothly. The City EV is equipped with four-wheel ABS and regenerative capability for both its front discs and rear drums, should you encounter California driving at its most exciting.

While Southern California may not be the ideal place to drive the $36,495 Think City, it is no longer one of the states that offers an incentive to purchase one (California did have a $5,000 spiff, but that program has since run out of cash). Louisiana, Illinois, Georgia and Colorado offer $3,000, $4,000, $5,000 and $6,000 incentives, respectively, however. Should you reside in Indiana, you may have hit the Think jackpot – in addition to the $7,500 federal credit, you could receive a rebate worth around $9,000 back from your state – provided you have operate a commercial or government fleet and you operate said fleet within 100 miles of Indianapolis or Elkhart.

In addition to state and federal incentives, Think comes bearing its own rebates, as well. Does your address say California, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine or New Mexico? If so, you can chop another $4,000 off of that $36,495 MSRP, which may finally get it below that of the competitively priced and ultimately more capable and polished Nissan Leaf.

The 2011 Think City is not cheap, but can quickly become affordable with governments and the company itself throwing money back at you. Some of you may be interested at this point, right? Problem is, Think's bankruptcy issues have put a stop to City production. Ener1, the battery supplier and prior Think investor, has stepped in to try and recover $35 million in unpaid loans. Not exactly the position you want to be in when trying to sell cars, regardless of how they're powered.

The Think situation is a shame really, because some consumers are ready to push deeper into the Begley side of the spectrum. If you're close, the City will certainly make you think about it making the all-electric leap. At least... it would've.

[Images: Copyright 2011 Jeff Glucker / AOL]

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Nissan LEAF cars leak speed, position, destination to RSS feeds - The H

The Nissan LEAF - with RSS oversharing
Source: Nissan A developer has found that the in-car electronics on the Nissan LEAF all-electric car leaks telemetry information to RSS feeds. The in-car electronics, CARWINGS, allows drivers to access their own selected RSS feeds which are then read to them.

But when Casey Halverson added his own feeds to the system, he found that his Apache server logs held more than just a request for the RSS data. The GET request for the RSS feed also included his latitude, longtitude, speed, direction, and destination latitude and longtitude.

"All of these lovely values are being provided to any third party RSS provider you configure" writes Halverson; there are no warnings that this information is being sent and it is not possible to disable it. The information is only provided when the RSS feed is requested, so it cannot be used as a vehicle tracker but it does offer real-time snapshots. The IP address shown for the request appears to belong to Hitachi Automotive Systems in Japan, which may indicate that the RSS request is being proxied by a Nissan data center; whether this will make the problem easier to fix is unclear.

Halverson has created a demonstration RSS feed for LEAF drivers which will read back the details that are being leaked. He has also created a "less evil" RSS feed which will give weather information for the car's current location. The issue is a good demonstration of the next generation of privacy problems.

(djwm)

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Fisker Karma's preparing with arrival Home Charger partnership

After a series of delays, the high-performance, $ 96,850 Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid is expected to eventually reach its first North American customer in July and August. These drivers will be plugging in to wall units installed by a team with roots dating back to the General Motors EV1 battery car.

Fisker's new partner, EV Connect, based in Culver City, California, is only two years old, but Jordan Ramer, Tennessee, the company chief executive, said that some team members helped install charging infrastructure for the EV1, while others worked for Edison EV, a subsidiary of the major utility owner Edison International, which was founded in 1996.

The 240-volt Fisker charging station, which exclusively by EV Connect will be installed.

The California Energy Commission recently granted EV Connect grants for a pilot program to install the free points at crucial Los Angeles metro rail stations and, with other providers, to upgrade from older Chargers in the State. Many of those units, Mr. Ramer said, "are part of the same infrastructure installed some of us in the 1990s."

In an exclusive agreement install EV Connect 240-volt stations built by the Lear Corporation, which also chargers for the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt delivers. The unit itself, however, were in-house designed by Fisker.

"We wanted to look and feel of the design of the charger to the car," said Josh Batie, Fisker's manager of customer service, in a telephone interview. He added that, beginning next month, Fisker's customers will be offered a $ 2,295 package that the charger $ 800 and $ 1,495 installation would include. More difficult installations will cost more, he said.

Charging units are scheduled to begin shipping around the same time as the cars. "Dealers are literally come together now," said Roger Ormisher, a spokesperson for Fisker, when reached by telephone Wednesday. "They get their AV installed, and the E.V. Chargers come."

EV Connect will handle the so-called turnkey home network and the corporate network charging experience for Fisker in North America, including consumer at the time of vehicle purchase, logon, perform site assessments, municipal obtain authorisations, the units, installing and maintaining them under warranty. According to Mr. Ramer, Tennessee, the company has a network of 100 certified electricians around the United States in support of Fisker customers and dealers.

In a separate announcement Fisker said Wednesday that the 40 electromechanical technicians in July and August for her Project Nina venture in Wilmington, del., and 80 new production employees of October this year until February 2012 would hire. The Nina Fisker auto is what describes as a medium-sized premium sedan, also a plug-in hybrid Karma as the larger, and is expected to appear on the market in 2013. Mr Ormisher said the company also ramped rent on its headquarters in Anaheim, California

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Nissan Altima Hybrid is dead. Be replaced by the Ellure hybrid?

A more Elluring than the Altima Hybrid?

The Nissan Altima Hybrid is dead. Of course, because the Altima Hybrid was developed using leased Toyota hybrid technology, that's not really surprising, especially since Nissan now developed his own proprietary hybrid drive currently reflected in the Infiniti M35 hybrid.

In addition, the possibility of a replacement hybrid Altima showed already at the LA Auto Show.

While the details regarding the hybrid Ellure in LA were scarce, it is a match, at least in terms of size, replacing the altimeter hybrid. Even better, the hybrid Ellure is unique, an attribute that has worked well for the Toyota Prius.

So far, Nissan has confirmed that the death of the Altima Hybrid, but no details on possible replacement, including the Ellure has not supplied. Still, it seems a perfect fit.

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Prius battles: Ford C-Max Hybrid Is up to the task?

Ford's Prius-fighter will be the task?

Ford hopes to triple by 2013 her hybrid sales to 100,000 units per year with the upcoming C-Max hybrid leading the way.

"This is our Prius fighter," Ford Marketing Chief Jim Farley has said recently.

But the figures are correct?

Today, Ford's marquee hybrid Fusion hybrid, a great hybrid car and a worthy competitor to the Toyota Camry hybrid. In fact, on paper the Fusion the superior hybrid EPA, at least on paper. According to the EPA's fuel economy ratings reached the Fusion hybrid, 41/36 mpg city/highway, while the Camry hybrid is only appreciated 31/35 mpg.

This increase in fuel efficiency is also, of course, at higher costs. In addition, according to real world testing by Consumer Reports, there is really little difference in real-world fuel consumption between these two hybrid cars. Also, according to the EPA's "drivers Like You" estimates of the hybrid Camry actually out-performs the Fusion hybrid in fuel efficiency.

So, is the Fusion hybrid is more than a Camry hybrid really worth? Probably not based purely on fuel economy numbers, but in terms of styling and other facilities, it can still be a better case for many consumers.

However, how will the C-Max compare with the Prius?

Both will 5-passenger cars, although the C-Max better with the larger Prius V, instead of the conventional Prius compare maybe. While fuel consumption is not yet established, suggest rumors that the new Fusion hybrid up to 48 mpg will achieve it. Since the C-Max is expected to share this updated hybrid powertrain that would still leave prices the C-Max, a bit shy of the 51 mpg the EPA the Prius. In addition, this 48 mpg number of real-world fuel consumption, or tweaked EPA fuel economy?

Still, not the numbers that really caught my attention. Instead, the sale of numbers: 100,000 total hybrid sales in 2013. Based on current sales of Ford, who would be the C-Max less than 70,000 units per year, far less than the Prius. Consequently, in 2013, the Prius will only continue to far outsell Ford's hybrids. Add in Toyota hybrid sales worldwide, and there is still no comparison.

Why?

Price. It seems that the C-Max will be more expensive than the Prius, especially if more like the Prius V format. On the other hand, if the C-Max cheaper than the Prius were, perhaps giving the King of hybrids a run for the money, even if slightly less efficient fuel. That would mean that the C-Max could move only 100,000 + units per year.

Then again, there is always the chance Ford is under-promising and preparing to deliver. Wouldn't that be a nice surprise?

Anyway, if the Fusion hybrid, I'm sure the C-Max will be a fine hybrid offering, but I'm not quite sure it will be a real Prius contender just yet, at least not on the basis of the information available.

Category: buying hybrids, Ford C-Max hybrid, fuel consumption, hybrid cars, Misc., Toyota Prius, Toyota Prius V, ford fusion hybrid Tags: Ford Focus C-Max hybrid, ford fusion hybrid, fuel economy, hybrid cars, Toyota Camry hybrid, Toyota Prius

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NRC new engines and hybrids most promising for the next 15 years

EcoBoost is the first step towards hybrid pickup trucks?

In the next 15 years conventional spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine continues to dominate the American auto industry, according to the National Council for Resource (NRC). Fortunately, a "significant" number of new technologies, such as the reduction of friction, downsizing, improved thermal management, Turbo, etc., can be combined to reduce fuel consumption by nearly 30 percent, without reducing the security, performance or utility.

Also diesel and hybrid technologies provide further improvements, but more upfront cost.

According to the NRC, achieving a 30 percent increase in fuel economy over the next 15 years using conventional engines, adding an average of $ 2,200 to the cost of a new vehicle. Furthermore, such technologies offer opportunities for incremental improvement, making such improvements more financially feasible for car manufacturers according to the NRC.

In the same period, new diesel engines can reduce fuel consumption by 37 percent, at a cost of $ 5,900 per vehicle, while hybrid cars a 43 percent improvement for $ 6,000.

Additionally, it is important to note that these are averages. Of course, the additional cost of the hybrid technology, for example, are less for smaller vehicles and more for larger vehicles.

There are also numerous hybrid species. Consequently, mild hybrid technologies to add to some vehicles might make more sense than full hybrid technologies, particularly in the short term, as some profit is better than no profit.

The NRC also notes that plug-in hybrids will also be sold in this time, but additional costs will they become less feasible than conventional hybrids. Also, electric cars will also be sold, but battery technologies is not expected to improve enough over the next 15 years, according to the NRC, for battery-electric systems very viable.

In short, it seems like the NRC study to suggest that there is not a one size fits all type of solution for the car industry. At the end of the day, steady, incremental improvements in fuel efficiency should focus the mid-term of the auto industry and policy makers, at least until battery technologies are significantly improved. So, maybe technologies such as Ecoboost and mild hybrids are the first steps towards full hybrid and plug-in pick-up trucks. And, since the last 15 years or more before perhaps plug-in trucks viable technologies such as, for example, Ecoboost are just that much more important in the meantime.

I think you will not only be a marathon runner over night.

Perhaps most importantly, the car industry should be judged more by what they are today with regard to better fuel economy do, not what they could do tomorrow.

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Why isn't the hybrid Toyota Yaris Fit for the USA?

Another hybrid un-Fit for America

Fuel Consumption? Americans are actually starting to worry. Certainly, such efficiency-powered feelings can diminish a bit as gas prices fall, but the importance of fuel consumption for always much more important for the new car consumer.

Seems like the perfect time to launch the smallest, cheapest and most efficient fuel hybrids ever, right?

Apparently not.

If the hybrid of Honda Fit is Toyota Yaris hybrid never to the USA according to Motor Trend. Europe will instead, the focus of the Yaris hybrid.

I don't get it. If priced right, I think the hybrid Yaris would an incredible hit. Therefore, it seems Toyota not agree or that is exactly why the Toyota Yaris is not put to the States.

Maybe it's just me, but I smell a little satisfaction at Toyota Hybrid, and I dont like it. Sure, Toyota sells significantly more hybrid cars than any other car manufacturer – more than the rest of the industry combined – as Toyota is entitled to a bit of complacency, especially since their interim hybrid plans are still more aggressive than any other car manufacturers.

Nevertheless, such as Kleenex tissues, so at Toyota hybrids had to. Given the fact that Toyota's image number of hits in the last few years has taken, nothing would help restore their image more than the hybrid space take to the next level. Unfortunately, I can only assume that the economy just didn't make sense, despite Toyota's cash hordes.

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Who Killed the Electric Car?

WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR - DVD Movie

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The Electric Car: Development and Future of Battery, Hybrid and Fuel-Cell Cars (IEE Power & Energy Series, 38)

This book covers the development of electric cars -- from their early days to new hybrid models in production -- together with the very latest technological issues faced by automotive engineers working on electric cars, as well as the key business factors vital for the successful transfer of electric cars into the mass market. Considerable work has gone into electric car and battery development in the last ten years with the prospect of substantial improvements in range and performance in battery cars as well as in hybrids and those using fuel cells. This book comprehensively covers this important subject and will be of particular interest to engineers and managers working in the automotive and transport industries.

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Propulsion Systems for Hybrid Vehicles - ISBN 9780863413360
Local Energy: Distributed generation of heat and power - ISBN 9780863417399

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Build Your Own Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles have many advantages over their gas-powered counterparts. They are ecologically sound, much cheaper to operate and require almost no routine maintenance. But they can also cost twice as much just to drive off the showroom floor. Ambitious do-it-yourselvers, however, can enjoy the clean-running convenience of an electric car for half the price of the most affordable Chevrolet or Toyota. This money-saving guide explains step by step how to build an inexpensive EV from a kit or from an existing internal combustion engine chassis. It begins with a look at the history of electric vehicles, from vintage tyrn-of-the-century Baker Electric automobiles to current international advances in EV technology, and a look ahead at the future of EV development. Then, Bob Brant embarks on a chapter-by-chapter building-block description of each EV component: motor, drive train, controllers, power supplies, chargers and chassis. Final chapters pull it all together with clear instructions for assembling an electric car from scratch or kit, with advice on where to find low-cost EV supplies and systems.

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Modern Electric, Hybrid Electric, and Fuel Cell Vehicles: Fundamentals, Theory, and Design (Power Electronics and Applications Series)

Air quality is deteriorating, the globe is warming, and petroleum resources are decreasing. The most promising solutions for the future involve the development of effective and efficient drive train technologies. This comprehensive volume meets this challenge and opportunity by integrating the wealth of disparate information found in scattered papers and research.

Modern Electric, Hybrid Electric, and Fuel Cell Vehicles focuses on the fundamentals, theory, and design of conventional cars with internal combustion engines (ICE), electric vehicles (EV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and fuel cell vehicles (FCV). It presents vehicle performance, configuration, control strategy, design methodology, modeling, and simulation for different conventional and modern vehicles based on the mathematical equations.

Modern Electric, Hybrid Electric, and Fuel Cell Vehicles is the most complete book available on these radical automobiles. Written in an easy-to-understand style with nearly 300 illustrations, the authors emphasize the overall drive train system as well as specific components and describe the design methodology step by step, with design examples and simulation results.

This in-depth source and reference in modern automotive systems is ideal for engineers, practitioners, graduate and senior undergraduate students, researchers, managers who are working in the automotive industry, and government agencies.

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Electric cars 2010 Round Up

Electric cars 2010- It's that time of year when everyone looks back on the old and looks forward to the new one. We thought We would take part.  So here it is-the electriccarsite round-up of what happened (what was hot and what's not) in the world of electric cars in 2010.

January
Profilers tried out ' who actually buy electric cars ' to work?  Meanwhile, the humble town of Norwich still ahead of the game and log on to the UK's first electric car cities.  The flak UK Government also received from the European automobile manufacturer of associations who claimed was not doing enough to help the industry support.

March
The Geneva Motor show 2010 brought us that it's usually a mix of innovative, the beautiful, the ugly and the downright strange in the world of cars. Nissan unveil plans to build the Nissan leaf in the United Kingdom from 2013 onwards in Sunderland.  The pre-election budget hints of assistance in support of the automotive industry develop electric cars.  The debate rages on about electric cars and how ' green ' they really are when you consider how the electricity that powers them is generated.

April
Electric car filling stations take another step toward realization with the process of an automated battery swap station in Tokyo.

May
How did you get an electric car cost if you live in a flat, especially when urban locations to the short distances and low speed driving electric cars are ideal for? WWF calls for more publicly available on street charging points for life in the city.  The electric car debate makes Radio Scotland.

July
General Electric reveal another charging point the GE-Watt station.  Elecktromotiv go big in the North-East with an initial order for some 1300 Elecktrobay charging points.  The Government annouce a UK electric car Grant-fancy £ 5,000 for the cost of a new electric car?

August
HSBC survey shows that 1 in 5 motorists in the United Kingdom would consider buying an electric car.  With around 30million vehicles on the roads is that many potential customers!  Mitsibushi reduce the price of the i-MiEV, so it is exactly the same as the Nissan leaf.

October
HSBC report predicts that low CO2 emission vehicles (electric and hybrid) a bigger market than renewable energy by 2020.  The Manchester Museum of science and industry opened an electric car exhibition exploring the EV revolution.

November
The Nissan leaf is well launched in the United Kingdom.  Reporters across the country get to try it out.

December
The Government announces the first nine cars eligible for the grant is £ 5000.  New areas in the United Kingdom: Greater Manchester, East of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, £ 20 million to install electric vehicle charging points will share.

So that's what already happened.  Without a doubt electric cars, pardon the pun, serious momentum WINS. They were probably the most interesting thing to happen in the car industry in 2010.  The next question is what brings 2011.  Well, this is much more speculative, but the team here put our collective fingers on the wind (and had a peak at what others have said).  To read what we came up with have a look at electric car predictions for 2011.

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Source London scheme launched

Electric car charging network , POD point yesterday announced the launch of the London charge point network source.  Thursday 26 May drivers can register to join source London.  Membership of the network can they charge on each source London public charging point.  At the time of writing, there are 150 charging points within the network and learn more about London.

Source of London is the capitals "Connected in places" project.  This will be the largest integrated load network in London (for the moment).  Instead of requiring electric vehicle owners who entrust charging points in different municipalities throughout the city to individual arrangements, charging source London with include a city wide network that requires only a membership card and an annual membership fee.

POD point are a major manufacturer involved source London network with some 18 new POD points already installed and awaiting activation.

POD point is currently the only EV charging infrastructure provider that points has sold to each active AC power places charging scheme.  They work with:

London-London's AC power places project source
Source East-East of England's connected sites project.
A North-east-northeast of affiliated sites project.
Milton Keynes-Milton Keynes connected places project.

There are currently 260 Street POD points installed in the United Kingdom.  The point of the POD charging network can have different benefits such as billing capacity, user management, reporting, maintenance and live availability.  If the potential to solve technical problems remotely.

View the original article here

Increase Car Fuel Efficiency With Water As An Alternative Fuel

The hike in oil prices are making it impossible for the average earners to afford a personal car. It's not an easy task to commute from one place to another in a fixed frame of time without the luxury of a personal car. Also, personal vehicle marks your social standing amongst kith and kin.

Several alternative fuel vehicles have been introduced and launched to serve the purpose of fuel efficiency and inexpensive driving in the market. But none have completely proven successful and efficient. Even gasoline has been a huge problem due to the emission of excessive heat and smog in the environment, which makes air hazardous for breathing.

Some of the alternative fuels for cars that have however reduced certain strenuous factors of pollution, cost, and fuel efficiency are Ethanol, Methanol, Propane, Soil fuel, Bio Diesel, electric fuel, natural gas (CNG/LNG), solar fuel, Hydrogen gas, P-series, and CNG cylinders. Recent studies and experiments have shown that a water-powered car is more fuel-efficient and adds to the performance of the car.

Water as alternative fuels for automobiles is the latest craze in the automobile industry. So, you can maximize your car mileage by using automobile water, which is not going to release air pollutants and actually releases oxygen into the atmosphere. Automobile water reduces the cacophonous noise created by engine and provides easy gearshifts as well.

The advantages that have crowned water, as the best alternative fuels for automobiles are many and not easy to sum up but seven most incredible benefits are:

o Gas mileage increases by up to 35%. This includes both city and highway driving conditions. It is estimated that this could save close to $900 each year for every car you have.

o Because of the effect water has on the combustion cycle on your engine. You'll experience a soother, quieter and much gentler ride and smoother gear changes.

o Greatly improve engine power and performance. Using water as an alternative enhances your engine power.

o Eliminates harmful muffler emission that contribute to air pollution. Your car actually puts oxygen back into the environment.

o Minimize the operating temperature of the engine and waste heat into the environment.

o Remove carbon deposits and prevent future carbon build up.

o Enjoy a longer life expectancy of your engine, especially the pistons, rings and valves.

Water has been used to generate energy and power since long time and the automobile engine works on the same principal. And in case of water run car only on quart of water is required. Such a small volume of water with the help of electricity generated by the car extracts HHO, or Brown Gas (Hydroxide), which is pollutant free and has capacity to fuel car for a month.

Generally, vehicles operating on gas cylinders or oil/diesel emit excessive poisonous gasses and choke the environment. And on the other hand the end product of cars on water is life-giving oxygen and there are no other harmful effects. Car engine powered with water tends to increase the car mileage by 80-85%.

Branden Evans is a doctor in private practice in North Atlanta. In addition to his career in the healthcare industry he has always had a great interest in alternative energy sources and car technology. Increase your gas mileage, decrease emissions and stop paying high gas prices by converting your car engine. Click the blue text to instantly order the do-it-yourself manual about converting your car to use water for fuel [http://www.better-gas-mpg.info]

Ford Cancels Minivan Plans in Favor of More Hybrids

The car, called the C-Max, Ford's first hybrid-only model in North America, in the same way that the Toyota Prius, a hybrid is offered.

In addition, Ford said that the intention to triple its production capacity for hybrid and electric cars in North America so that the more than 100,000 of them annually in 2013 could build. The increase will add 220 jobs in Michigan, said Ford.

James d. Farley Jr., Ford's group vice president for global marketing, sales and service, said that the automaker was planning for a future in which fuel efficiency remained a high priority for the consumer.

"Customers have really changed in the last 120 days," Mr. Farley told reporters on a transmission company North of Detroit. "People are so focused on fuel economy."

Ford officials said the C-Max hatchback presented a stronger business case than the gasoline-powered, seven-passenger Grand C-Max that the intention to import from Europe. Ford C-Max hatchbacks and minivans in Europe, in petrol and diesel varieties, now sells and said demand for the five-passenger version there was this year doubled.

The C-Max now scheduled to go on sale in the United States will be built in suburban Detroit, next to the similarly sized Focus compact car, which is now available with a traditional engine and a battery-powered car to start later this year will be sold.

Instead of fighting for a share of the small but somewhat resurgent minivan market, Ford is using the C-Max to take aim at Prius and the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid built by General Motors.

Aaron Bragman, an analyst with the research firm IHS Automotive, said automakers more emphasis on hybrids were forced by more stringent federal mileage, known as Corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE.

"These engines must be ubiquitous in order to meet the new CAFE regulations become," said Mr. Bragman.

Ford declined to provide detailed specifications about the C-Max, but Mr Bragman said he expected the plug-in version, called the Energi, conveniently compare with the Volt, which G.M. late last year. The C-Max Energi will operate in a similar way as the Volt by allowing users to connect to a power outlet or high-voltage charging station. It will run first solely on battery power before you petrol.

Mr. Farley said the C-Max Energi would be "fully competitive" with the volts and 500 miles on a full charge and tank of gas would travel. The Volt has a combined range of about 379 miles, including 35 km on battery alone, according to the Environmental Protection Agency label.

Mr. Farley wouldn't give a range only-battery for the C-Max, that space for three passengers in the back seat. The Volt will fit only two passengers because the battery sticks out where the middle seat would be.

Mr Bragman said that was probably the Ford C-Max for significantly less than the Volt sell because the use of a lot of common parts. The Volt is a sticker price of about $ 41,000, before a federal tax credit of $ 7,500.

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How Alternative Energy Works - Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Energy has been the topic of many discussions in recent years. What has sparked this fierce and sometimes violent debate is the fact that our Earth is running out of it. Fossil fuels are greatly depleted as wars are being fought for the control of these resources.

The natural solution to the shortage problem we're facing is to find some other source of alternative energy. But, where can we find them? And if we do, how do we harness it sufficiently enough to save power in the long run? The answer to the questions is simple - let's turn to the Earth4energy.

The main source of power for all living things on Earth is the sun. The light emitting from that flaming ball of hydrogen hanging in the vast reaches of space is used in plants as part of their photosynthesis. We humans, in turn, consume these plants and have the energy transferred to us.

But, we could use the energy contained in sunlight more directly in the form of solar power. In certain parts of India and the United States are vast collections of mirrors that reflect sunlight into a receiver that contains water. The concentrated heat produced boils the water and the vapor moves along several pipes and spins a turbine that causes it to generate electricity. However, the cost of erecting these huge structures is dear and they're only feasible in certain regions. So far, civilian solar powered homes are not that effective in saving power and reducing electricity bills.

Wind power is also a popular option for those who don't receive scorching sunlight all-year around. In the Netherlands, the government has built windmills, placed strategically on the nation's wind-swept plains. The principle of the windmill is the same as solar cells, except that they use the wind to turn the turbines. This form of alternative energy is apparently efficient enough to power a whole country.

Geothermal energy is another way we can turn to the Earth4energy. We can actually harness the heat and power that is trapped between the Earth's crusts and use it in our power stations. The potential of this alternative energy is vast, since this is the type of might that causes earthquakes and volcanic explosions.

The possibilities of alternative energy are still largely unexplored. What we need is proper funding and brilliant minds who can find cost-efficient ways to build windmills and solar cells. Fossil fuels are almost gone, people. We need alternative energy, like solar power and wind power to save power and reduce electricity bills.

To Find more information hydrogen fuel cells [http://www.runcarsonwaterreview.com] please visit.

Alternate Fuel For Cars - Is Infra Red Power the Answer

There are currently a number of different fuels being proposed as alternatives to fossil based fuel petrol and diesel. These include - electricity, hybrids, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, hydrogen, solar power and others.  Could a new prototype energy source be the final solution?

Infra Red

Infra Red or IR energy is the conservation of energy from the sun and background radiation on earth into electricity via infra red collection antennae which could possibly be used to power an electric car. 

Like Solar power IR power is extracted from light energy that is emitted from the sun and from any object heated from the sun.  It is beyond the visible spectrum but can be seen by special heat source cameras.  Unlike visible light it is in a very narrow band and needs antennae to those used to capture radio or television waves to extract the power from around us.

Until recently this was very difficult as the antennae needed to be one hundredth of a millimetre in length and you need a lot of them.  However one university in Idaho has managed to develop a working prototype which is a metre square array of billions of antennae which can extract the energy from the invisible light spectrum around us.

Advantages

IR energy is abundant and free, has no pollutants, no need to refuel and would be free to run.  It can work equally as well on damp drizzly days as on summer days as Infra red energy penetrates cloud cover.  It can also work at night, because as the earth cools it emits even greater levels of IR energy.  Thus it could take away the disadvantages of many other alternative car energy sources which need constant recharging or like solar only works on a hot summer's day.  Also, it has one other environmental plus - it is totally recyclable - as the conversion of the energy into electricity produces additional IR heat sources which can be recycled from other cars or houses using power.

Disadvantages

There are very few as it is free, environmentally friendly etc. but at this point the technology needs to improve the conversion rates to make it viable.  The antennae arrays need to be able to convert low levels of IR energy otherwise it will never be practical.  

So are Infra Red electrically powered cars the answer to conserving fossil fuels and the environment? Possibly, it is the most promising but is 5 to 10 years in the future.  However that is the same time span the car companies are talking about hydrogen fuel cells.

Hugh McDubhgaill is the publisher of http://www.leaseBamIreland.com - the online resource for car leasing and contract hire in Ireland.

Click the following link for leasing and contract hire articles, guides, resources and recommended reading http://leasebamireland.blogs.ie/

Is an Electric Car a Zero Emission Vehicle?

With ever-increasing fuel costs and worries over climate change, the humankind is facing a difficult question: how are we going to move from place to place? Sooner or later the oil will be gone, and then what? Electric car is touted as the future of motoring by many scientists and marketing experts. The latter want us to believe that electric car is a zero emission vehicle. At least that's what all the advertising messages say.

It is, in fact, very far from truth. Although no CO2 comes out of an electric car, you cannot call it 0-emission. Your electric car is as green as the electricity that powers it. Unfortunately, production of electricity pollutes the environment in a pretty similar way to a petrol car.

In USA 51% of electricity consumed comes from coal plants (36% in the UK). The remainder is somewhat split between natural gas, oil, hydro-plants and nuclear stations. Only 2 to 3% of all world's electricity is generated from green sources such as wind or sun. Well, nuclear stations are close to being green but many people don't want to live near one and, really, you cannot blame them.

So on average, considering CO2 contribution of the electricity plants, your so called 0-emission vehicle will account for around 130g CO2 per mile. That is almost as much as a small petrol car. There we are - we need to generate more green electricity in order to make an electric car a good idea.

Are there any Zero Emission Vehicle Available?

Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to create a perfect zero emission vehicle. Let's see what other means of alternative propulsion are there. Compressed air - we need energy to compress the air. Hydrogen. Again, energy is consumed to generate free hydrogen and more energy to compress and store it. To do that, we either use fossil fuel or electricity that also comes from fossil fuels.

The only truly autonomous vehicle that doesn't even come close to consuming fossil fuels (and only if we disregard the expensive and carbon-intensive production process) is a solar car. Indeed by using a solar battery, we draw energy from the sun. Even considering the current political and social situation, the sun is free to everyone. However, a solar vehicle can only accommodate one person and it is neither safe nor fast. The weight should be kept to minimum because modern solar batteries cannot produce enough energy to power a full-size car.

Before that next big scientific breakthrough that will give us the perfect free energy, the future of green motoring is likely to be dominated by hybrid cars. Imagine: both gasoline and electric engines on board plus a solar battery on the roof - the ideal package to meet the CO2 emission guidelines.

Is electric car a hype or a good idea? Find out more by reading pros and cons of Electric Cars. Would you like to drive one?

5 Hybrid Cars to Wet Your Eco-Friendly, MPG Obsessed Whistle

1. Toyota Prius - It was the first mass produced hybrid on the market and thusly it's become the defacto standard. It's certainly reasonably priced, but does its boring looks and appliance-like feel turn off the average American driver (a very emotional group about what they drive) and push it towards one of it's more contemporary competitors? In the end, a solid and reliable car that's moving on to it's 3rd generation in 2010 which should drive sales further. The Japanese are known for their reliability and improvements to batteries and production should drive the cost down and the mileage up. City: 48, Highway: 45, MSRP: $22,000 base pri

2. Honda Clarity FCX: Shortly after Toyota released it's Prius, Honda moved forward with it's Insight project, released in 2000 and has been in production until 2006. At that time, Honda moved their fuel cell technology along enough to power Accord and Civics. However, some believe that though gas-electric hybrids are all good and well, the true future of electric cars is with the use of Hydrogen and electrolysis to create a purely electric car with ZERO emissions. Sure, Hydrogen fuel stations are few and far between, but by the picture, you can tell the Clarity FCX is aiming at a higher eschelon individual. Mass produced FCXes could be ready as soon as 2012, but right now you can lease if you live in California (where Hydrogen stations are available). This is the car for the true eco-heads with it's complete lack of any greenhouse gasses, something not even the Prius can claim.  City/Highway: 68 MPG (equivalent), 280 Mile Range, $600 per month lease.

3. Chevrolet Volt: Marketed as the next big thing in commuter cars, the Volt's goal is to create a combination plug-in hybrid that should be able to take you to work and back home on a single charge and not needing to use any gas at all. With an expected range of 40 miles, should you go beyond that, there's a small gasoline generator to power the car until you get to your destination. GM has put a lot of money into marketing the Volt as the next big thing and utilizing it for a push to create special tax credits for cars that get 100MPG+. While the concept cars GM has shown are certainly edgy, a full production version (scheduled for a possible release in 2010), we'll see what the actual Volt turns out looking like.  City/Highway: 50MPG (no battery), 150MPG (with battery), 100MPG (average equivalent), MRSP: $30,000+.

4. Tesla Roadster: Based on the Lotus Elise, the Tesla is the first electric car "Car Guys" wanted. Promising of a usable range (over 245 miles), awesome acceleration (less than 4 seconds to 60MPH) and a super sexy chassis based on 15+ years of development on the street and race track, the Tesla makes owning a electric car bearable. Though the small roadster isn't the most practical car here, it's certainly the one that involves the most user input to drive. It's the one you'll want to take to the local track or autocross. It's the first car to break the stigma associated with driving a "green" car and for that, it's made our list. Will it top yours?  City/Highway: 105MPG (equivalent), MSRP: $98,000.

5. Fisker Karma: Built by the world renound car designer, Henrik Fisker, designer of the Astin Martin DB9, the Astin Martin V8 Vantage and BMW V8, the Fisker Karma is the car you buy as the President of your eco-friendly business. You'll need 4-doors to fit your clients in, but you'll need to not waste gas to protect your image. The Karma is another plug-in hybrid that utilizes solar cells on the roof as well as a tiny gas generator to keep your car going past the 50 mile electric only range (similar to the Volt). However, whereas most other makers design their cars to sell to the average consumer, the Fisker is for a more refined taste. It's long, sleek body, premium interior and fully featured healm make this car the Mercedes S-Class of hybrid cars (though Mercedes is working on their hybrid S currently). With a Fisker Karma, you're not only saving the environment, you're looking like a million bucks doing so.  City/Highway: 150MPG (equivalent), MSRP: $80,000.

Wei Yang is a serial entrepreneur who co-found EasyAutoSales.com to help private sellers and dealerships sell cars online for free. Make the auto sales process a lot easier by selling your car at http://www.easyautosales.com If your in the market to buy a new or used car EasyAutoSales currently has an inventory of 2 million plus cars and growing fast.

Hydrogen Vehicles

Hydrogen cars are becoming more and more popular as car manufacturers are heeding the call to become more energy efficient. Last week there were a few posts regarding various initiatives, namely Norway's HyNor and California's Hydrogen Highway Network, which looked at how these two places were working on ways to bring the technologies of hydrogen to their locations. Today, I thought we would end the month by looking at various hydrogen vehicles that are currently manufactured.

Audi A2H2

Audi's combines sports car features with hydrogen storage tanks and an electric motor. The vehicle can operate up to 109 miles per hour, and can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under just 10 seconds. The car uses regenerative braking, which means it is able to recharge the battery pack using kinetic energy.

BMW Hydrogen 7

This luxury car is different than other hydrogen vehicles in that it is not powered by fuel cells. It instead incorporates a 12 cylinder internal combustion engine. Like the Audi mentioned above, this BMW can also go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under just 10 seconds. Rather than compressed hydrogen, this car uses liquid hydrogen. It beats the Audi in speed, as its maximum speed tops out at 143 miles per hour.

Chrysler ecoVoyager

There is definitely a reason why "eco" is included in the name of this hydrogen vehicle from Chrysler. Using fuel cells, plus the motor's "Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology," this car can go up to 300 miles before having to refuel. Like the Audi above, the ecoVoyager is able to recharge itself using kinetic energy. Surpassing the two previously mentioned hydrogen vehicles, this Chrysler hits 60 miles per hour in less than 8 seconds.

Ford F-250 Super Chief Tri-Flex Fuel Truck

Though not the only hydrogen vehicle manufactured and sold by Ford, it is worth adding this one to today's post simply for the fact that it is a truck. In a world dominated by hydrogen cars, this truck utilizes a tri-flex fueling system, allowing the owner to use traditional gasoline, E85 ethanol, or hydrogen. The driver can travel a total of 500 miles when using all three options during the trip.

GM HydroGen3 Minivan

GM has quite a few hydrogen vehicles on the market already. This minivan is used by FedEx in an attempt to test it out by driving them daily. FedEx delivery is done throughout each day, so this is an ideal scenario to really see how the vehicle can operates under these conditions. In comparison to the above vehicles, the HydroGen3 is definitely not a "speed racer" with its 16 second rate of going from 0 to 60 miles per hour.

Suzuki Ionis

Another minivan, the Suzuki Ionis features the technology of hydrogen fuel cells. Due to the fact that the smaller fuel cells are located beneath the cabin floor, the interior of the vehicle allows for more space. It offers LED lighting, as well as a rounded design, making for a very futuristic look.

David Tanguay is dedicated to providing research, reviews & helpful information to consumers and businesses. For more information related to Green Energy and Fuel Cells please visit http://greenenergyonline.org

Electric Car Designs - What Is Missing?

There are yearly contests for engineering students, as well as high school students that can enter their electric car designs that promote the development of this automotive technology. Despite the fact the electric auto has been manufactured, and forgotten there is a continuous push for more optimal designs that can utilize battery or solar power to move a vehicle.

El Car Designs Do Not Differ that much from Conventional

Electric cars look like conventional cars aesthetically, both when it comes to exterior and interior. The same great and pretty designs are available, and friends and family will hardly be able to tell the difference. However, some new and simmering are emerging even today that promise better efficiency because unlike conventional cars which essentially only stress their aesthetics, electric vehicles also focus on the insides.

A question many people ask is; what exactly makes electric car designs different from other designs of conventional cars? Well, most electric automobiles bypass the use of gasoline and an engine completely although some have a secondary engine and storage tank in case the battery dies. Rather than using gasoline as a primary source of power, electric car design call for the usage of electricity like the name implies. A huge battery, made from materials like lithium ion - which is similar to performance batteries found in electronics like notebook computers - powers an efficient electric motor. New designs allow electric vehicles to travel up to fifty miles or more on a single charge.

Neat Usefulness

While conventional cars can easily travel 250 miles on a tank of gas, electric cars don't yet have the ability to go even close to hundred miles on a single charge. Keep in mind though that electricity is still much cheaper than gasoline. Nuclear power, hydroelectricity, and other sources of power, can power an electric vehicle indirectly by empowering the lines that the vehicle is charged from at a cost as low as about one cent per mile. The most fuel efficient conventional automobiles still cost around 7.5 cents per mile. It's unlikely that conventional engines will become significant more efficient, which is why research and development has occurred with regard to alternatives such as fuel made of hydrogen and other chemicals as well as electricity

Electric car designs should not be confused with design of hybrid cars. Hybrid cars utilize technologies from both conventional and electric cars to achieve slightly better fuel efficiency while lowering emissions, but they will probably never be as efficient as electric cars. Several families own two or more vehicles, so they would still have a long range car for vacations and business trips. For a car that's cheap and efficient for everyday transportation, an electric vehicle is the perfect solution.

Terry Bolton is an internet publisher of automotive stuff. Read his useful and popular articles about how to find cheap used cars [http://www.cheap-used-cars.w-eland.com/index.htm] and car parts [http://www.cheap-used-cars.w-eland.com/car_parts.htm]

After disaster hit Japan intensified, electric cars

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WITH deep-tread tires and ample ground clearance, a rugged 4-wheel-drive Hummer or Jeep might seem the best choice for navigating through the wrecked cities of northeastern Japan. The areas pummeled by the earthquake and tsunami in March would surely be inhospitable for an electric vehicle.

Yet in the days and weeks after the horrific one-two punch of natural disasters, wispy battery-electric cars — engineered for lightness and equipped with tires designed for minimal rolling resistance — proved their mettle.

These welterweight sedans, including models from Nissan, Mitsubishi and turned out to be the vehicles that got through — not because of any special ability to claw their way about mountains of debris, but because they were able to "saw palmetto" at common electrical outlets.

With oil refineries out of commission and clogged the sr47 State Road slowing deliveries, finding gasoline had become a challenge. Shortages were so acute that Japan's Self-Defense Forces had to truck in gasoline; donations or diesel fuel were accepted from China.

Yet in Sendai, about 250 miles northeast of Tokyo, and other cities ravaged by the earthquake, electricity returned within days. Taking stock of the situation, the president of Mitsubishi Motors, Osamu Masuko, offered dozens of his company's egg-shaped i-MiEV (pronounced "eye-meeve") electric cars to affected cities.

Despite their image as light-duty runabouts best suited for trips to a nearby shopping mall, the electric vehicles were immediately put to use. They were pressed into service ferrying supplies to refugee centers, schools and hospitals, and taking doctors, city workers and volunteers on their rounds.

While the i-MiEVs could not help out with tasks like hauling building materials or towing stranded vehicles, the assistance from Mitsubishi was much appreciated. In all, 89 i-MiEVs went to the recovery effort, including 34 to 33 to Miyagi Prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture to Iwate Prefecture and 18.

"There was almost no gas at the time, so I was extremely thankful when I heard about the offer," said Tetsuo Ishii, a division chief in the environmental department in Sendai, which also got four Nissan Leaf electric cars. "If we hadn't received the cars, it would have been very difficult to do what we needed to."

Mr. Ishii and other officials in Sendai assigned the cars strategically. Two were used to bring food and supplies to the 23 remaining refugee centers in the city, while two others served doctors. Education officials have been using another two vehicles to inspect schools for structural damage. Others helped deliver supplies to kindergartens around the city or were loaned to volunteer groups.

Once the most pressing needs are met, the city may use the cars to help in the cleanup of damaged homes, as fuel shortages still limit the availability of trucks. For now, though, the cars are driven an average of 30 to 45 miles each day, about half the distance that they can be driven on a full charge.

"One charge is perfect for us, because it allows us to drive around during the day with no trouble," Mr. Ishii said. "We're not that big of a city."

Most of the cars, he said, returned each night to city hall, where they were recharged at 200-volt outlets. Fast-charging stations, which replenish batteries to 80 percent of capacity within 30 minutes, are used where available. Standard 100-volt outlets can also be used, but the recharge then takes more than 12 hours.

Slightly about five feet high and less than five feet wide, the i-MiEV is cozy, to say the least, and at just 2.400 pounds it is relatively light. Its battery, the size of a tatami mat and weighing about 400 pounds, is under the floor, which helps give the car a lower center of gravity.

The cars ' unexpected sturdiness and utility has pleased Mr. Masuko, who, like other automobile executives, has been battling skeptics who see electric vehicles as expensive and impractical.

"I am most impressed when I hear the words, ' I felt electric vehicles were unreliable at first, but now, the vehicles are being integrated into daily life, '" he wrote in an e-mail. "I am so glad I heard that our electric vehicles are contributing to the recovery of the affected areas. "

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Vehicle to Grid - How Electric Vehicles Interact With a Smart Power Electricity Network

What is Vehicle to Grid

Also called Vehicle 2 Grid or V2G, Vehicle to Grid is the process of connecting your electric car into the transmission electricity network. If you have an electric vehicle then you will definitely want to consider setting up V2G through a simple metering system and contract with your local electricity supplier.

What do I need to consider before deciding to connect my vehicle to the grid?


Firstly you have to have an electric car which can be charged by a standard electricity outlet.
The second thing you will want to do is determine some basic driving habits - i.e. if you drive almost your entire vehicle range to work and back every day, then there is unlikely to be much energy left over to swap between your battery and the grid, which makes setting up V2G a little redundant
Having decided that V2G connectivity is possible and feasible, you will need to look at the right products on the market to help you achieve this. I.e. which inverter should be used and which electricity trading contract will suit your needs the best?
If you decide suddenly that V2G is not good for you, how can you get out of an otherwise more expensive contract?

Once these basic items have been checked off the list, it is time to call up your utility and start the process of applying for V2G. You can then purchase a suitable inverter which allows you to feed back into the grid (this will be similar if not identical to the type of inverters used on solar PV grid connected power supplies). Of course you will have to decide what sized inverter to go for.

For example, a 5kW inverter may cost $1000 and a 2kW inverter may cost $600. Therefore you have to be sure that you can recover the $400 over being able to sell a higher rate of electricity in peak times. Some simple maths will help you work out the optimal solution, but just be aware of the various pay offs for each option.

Why is Vehicle to Grid (V2G) Good?

Vehicle to Grid applications have a number of benefits for all sorts of businesses and stakeholders. Vehicle to Grid (V2G):


Empowers the home consumer to make sensible choices about when they use their electricity through smart metering
saves the consumer money in the long run through effective electricity management
is green! Every time you supply the grid with electricity during the yearly peak energy demand, you are reducing the need to upgrade the electricity network with more transmission lines and generators
You are helping to bring electric vehicles (EV's) onto the market
You are reducing your carbon footprint! This is a big ones these days
The electricity company can save money and reduce their unit electricity prices, or reduce the need to increase them
reduce the amount of electricity transmission line needed. I.e. the car transports the electricity to where it is needed.


Cuts down on the amount of fuel stations required
Reduces our addiction to foreign oil through the accelerated introduction of electric vehicles and ability to replace fossil fuel generation with renewable energy generation.
Allows more sustainable energy and renewable energy to be introduced onto the electricity grid, as electric vehicle batteries can now act as a buffer to intermittent generation.

The last point is an important one. Traditional transmission networks are struggling to cope with large percentages of intermittent renewable and sustainable energy generation, as electricity generation from these sources is largely dependent on the elements. Therefore to have the ability to store electricity somewhere is important. In many countries power utilities are approaching this by pumping water up a hill and regenerating during peak times (~60% efficiency) or storing hydrogen formed by electrolysis underground ready for re generation (~40% efficiency). Storing electricity in batteries is a much higher efficiency (60% - 90%) however is a little costly.

Japan uses large battery sheds to store small amounts of energy, however vehicle to grid systems also work very well as storage mechanisms and are likely to play this role in the future as more electric vehicles hit the market. How soon we will see such networks will largely rely on the countries commitment to renewable and sustainable energy sources, as well as the abundance of wind, sun and wave energy. Although many companies claim to have a green lining, short term economics of such projects still remains the number one driver for the introduction of such technology.

The advantage to the end consumer who is running a vehicle to grid system is the savings in electricity for essentially hiring out the storage space in their electric car battery. So as we can see, it is a win win for many as it not only reduces the stress on our electricity transmission and generation networks, allows more sustainable energy to be placed on the system with lower carbon emissions, but also saves the end user money whilst making electric vehicles more affordable. It also weans us off our foreign oil addiction through the cost effective introduction of electric vehicles, a topical issue as we approach peak oil status around the world.

For more information you may want to consult your electricity network to find out about their smart metering tariffs. You will also want to look into the purchase of an electric vehicle, or an electric vehicle conversion in able to make use of the vehicle-2-grid (V2G) technology. I guess we can all look forward to a cleaner, greener, cheaper carbon restrained future, and V2G is going to help us get there in a big way!

More information on Vehicle to Grid (V2G) at http://www.v2g.com.au.

http://www.sustainableenergy.com.au has plenty of information on solar PV, solar thermal, wind energy, geothermal generation, biomass and biofuel energy, peak oil, electric vehicles and other renewable and sustainable energy alternatives.

I look forward to seeing sustainable energy, electric vehicles and effective energy management bring us into the next era. Richard Watson http://www.richardwatson.me

A Car That Can Run on Water

Can you really run a car on water? Some say that's a flat-out scam, others say it's quite possible. With the high price of gas these days, this would be a true wonder car. But before you go adding water to your fuel tank, you need to learn the facts behind the technology.

The secret to adding water to a car for use as fuel, is to use a "kit" or "system." Water and gas can't mix, so these two items must be added to the engine separately. A special "kit" allows water to be converted to HHO, or "Brown's Gas," with the help of baking soda, potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. HHO was called Brown's Gas after Dr. Brown, who discovered this process in the 1960s.

Brown's Gas and gasoline mix together from two separate paths. HHO helps the gasoline to burn more efficiently by increasing octane and horse power. The source of electricity? Your car's battery, or a rechargeable solar battery powered by a solar panel (thin and aerodynamic), attached to the roof of your car.

Genepax, a Japanese company, has used water technology to successfully power a car. Using water fuel cells, Genepax created a car with an internal mechanism that breaks water down into hydrogen and oxygen, through a chemical reaction. However, detractors say, not so fast.

They say that every time there's an energy crisis, such alternative fuel vehicles make their appearance. And then they silently disappear, not to be heard from again. Some feel that's because there is a conspiracy to keep these cars off the market. Others say no such conspiracy exists -- the car simply didn't deliver on its promises.

The problem with many of these "alternative fuel" cars is that they simply exchange one source of fuel for another. That may be fine if the other fuel source is readily available and doesn't cost you an arm and a leg to buy. But often that's not the case. It may be a copyrighted or exclusive fuel source that could be even more expensive than the real thing. Or, if not more expensive, it could cause more of an energy drain on the economy to produce than gas itself. Can you spell "ethanol"?

Understandably, Genepax won't reveal the exact secret behind the technology for its water fuel car, but it did say that its "fuel cell stack" had a rated output of 120W and a fuel cell system with a rated output of 330W. Their car, if it manages to get into mass production, would retail for about U.S. $4,600.00. No, I didn't leave out a zero after the 4 -- that's actually what they said! We'll see how true to reality that price is, if indeed the vehicle makes it onto the market.

And a U.S company, Hydrogen Technologies Applications, say they too have combustion engines that run completely on their patented "Aquygen," or HHO. Steve Lusko, Project Manager, said that the company has already talked to a few auto companies about using the technology in their new vehicles.

Download our free 1 hour video tutorial to on how to install a water fuel cell into your car at
www.fuel-saving-tips.info