Green Cars are Great!

Jan 27 2012

New Lincoln MKZ of will get hybrid version

By Greg | Posted in Lincoln | Tagged Ford Fusion, Hybrid Car, Lincoln, Lincoln MKZ| Comments (0)

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ which took the spotlight during the recent motor show in Detroit will be rolling out with two engine options and that includes a hybrid setup.

Ford makes sure that the Lincoln MKZ will not only look different from its current Ford Fusion in terms of style but will also have something different under its hood. The new MKZ will be rolling out this Fall and an insider has confirmed that the designs of the production models are already done before the concept vehicle was ready.

It might be a bit difficult to imagine what the production version will look like but there will be for sure side mirrors, door handles, and a space for an extra passengers (the concept MKZ had only space for four).

The details about the hybrid powerplant has not been released yet but it is scheduled to be unwrapped during the auto show in New York where the production model MKZ will go on display.

The Lincoln MKZ might also get the 4-cylinder EcoBoost that is also being used by the current Ford Fusion. The car can be calibrated to improve the electronic throttle, suspension, and noise control.

The Ford Fusion will be marketed with three gas engine options, plug-in hybrid, and a hybrid while the Lincoln MKZ will only get one gasoline powerplant and a hybrid. A plug-in is possible if there will be a demand for it.

The Lincoln MKZ will also have an 8-speed automatic gearbox, adjustable suspension, and a bunch of automobile technologies.

The first hybrid of the brand rolled out in 2010 and already helped in boosting sales. The current hybrid version of the MKZ has a 2.5L 4-cylinder gas engine paired with electric motor and has a combined fuel mileage of 39 mpg. This number is almost twice the mileage of the conventional MKZ 6 cylinder engine that returns 21 mpg.

By Greg | Posted in Lincoln | Tagged Ford Fusion, Hybrid Car, Lincoln, Lincoln MKZ| Comments (0)

Oct 25 2011

Mercedes-Benz F125! Concept may give way to S Class electric

By Greg | Posted in Electric Cars, Mercedes-Benz | Tagged Electric Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz F125| Comments (0)

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the concept vehicle called F125! last month in Frankfurt and it might just be the answer to the questions of the luxury vehicle segment on what ride they can get that gives out some power but then greener, just like how every regulation in different countries ask for.

The F125! actually checks a lot of boxes in the wish list of car manufacturers for the future. It has high quality materials, driving that is computer assisted, high tech telematics, and the fuel cell hydrogen drivetrain.

The F125! might sound like a big science project but according to the research and development team of Mercedes-Benz, it holds the key to the future of the S-Class line of the brand. The car, according to the team, was built keeping in mind what the car in 2025 will look like.

The future S Class puts it way above the regulatory standards of today. By 2025, the fuel mileage of a vehicle must average 54.5 miles per gallon while in EU the CO2 emission must average only 130 grams per kilometer by 2015. These limits puts manufacturers of big internal combustion engined vehicles like the S Class against the wall, that is why Daimler decides to go with an electric drive.

Going electric does not solve the dilemma on the S-Class since the market for this car demands power, and cruising range. And Mercedes-Benz is thinking of 1,000 kilometers with zero emission which will meet tough regulations by 2025. To address the range and power issue, the only answer is to go with fuel cells to run the 4 electric motors of the F125!.

Daimler though is giving the F125! the feel when you start your ride today, so instead of using the standard design, the concept vehicle makes use of a system which is still on research stage. The technologies involve are next generation systems but is still under development.

By Greg | Posted in Electric Cars, Mercedes-Benz | Tagged Electric Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz F125| Comments (0)

Aug 17 2011

Audi confirms A6 Hybrid to reach US market

By Eco Boy | Posted in Hybrid Cars | Tagged Audi A6, Audi A6 hybrid, Audi hybrid models, green cars, Hybrid Cars| Comments (0)

During the unveiling of the Audi A6 back in November last year, the car manufactured based in Ingolstadt did not confirm the availability of the A6 hybrid in North America. Recent reports though say that reliable sources from Audi confirms that the A6 hybrid will make it to the United States by next year with a tag price above $55,000.

Experts are speculating that the Audi A6 Hybrid that will reach the US soil will have the similar specs as the one that Audi will roll out in Europe next year.

The European version will make use of a parallel hybrid setup which makes use of a 2.0L TFSI petrol engine that generates 211 horsepower and 258.15 lb-ft of torque with a 45 horsepower, 155.63 lb-ft torque electric motor.

Combining the capabilities of the electric motor with the gasoline dependent engine, they have a combined output of around 245 horsepower and roughly 354 lb-ft of torque. The power will be transferred to the front wheels via an 8-speed modified tiptronic gearbox.

The electric motor will be dependent on a system of lithium ion battery that will weigh around 36.7 kilograms. The battery pack will be placed under the luggage compartment. The luggage compartment has a good space for around 375 liters but is less that the regular model’s 530 liters.

The Audi A6 Hybrid can blast from 0 to 100 kilometecrs per hours in just 7.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 238 km/h. The combined fuel economy with this setup will be 6.4 liters/100 kilometers. The hybrid A6 can go on pure electric power for about 100 kilometers.

By Eco Boy | Posted in Hybrid Cars | Tagged Audi A6, Audi A6 hybrid, Audi hybrid models, green cars, Hybrid Cars| Comments (0)

Mar 06 2011

Problems with the 2011 Think City car

By Eco Boy | Posted in Electric Cars | Tagged car news, Think City, Think EV| Comments (0)

It may look cute and all but early on, the 2011 Think City automobile is facing two major safety issues. The first one deals with the improper installation of seat belts. The other one tackles the defroster system. These issues were raised by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Because of such issues in safety regulations, the car company Think North America has recalled all of the 16 2011 Think City units that has been sold in order to address the improper installation of the seat belts by Think’s Elkhart, a final-assembly plant based in Indiana. According to the NHTSA, the seatbelt on the driver’s side do not have a tensioner that is a requirement in order to support the mandatory Child Restraint System. NHTSA added that due to the improper installation of the seat belts, there is an increased risk of injury.

The company’s dealers are willing to do a free inspection and replacement of the seat belts. However, Think North America has yet to coordinate with NHTSA for the scheduled owner notifications so the owners have yet to be notified, otherwise, you can reach Think North America at 855-698-4465.

As for the defroster system problem, the NHTSA has said that the car’s fluid heater system is functioning poorly and might have a hard time cleaning the windshield during cold weather, which then adds to more risks in injury and accidents. Likewise, the company’s dealers will address the problem and replace the existing defroster system in your 2011 Think City unit.

By Eco Boy | Posted in Electric Cars | Tagged car news, Think City, Think EV| Comments (0)

Oct 03 2010

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Arrives in Australia for Victorian Government’s Trial for Electric Vehicles

By Eco Boy | Posted in Electric Cars | Tagged car news, Electric Cars, Electric Vehicles, i-Miev, Mitsubishi i-Miev, Mitsubishi news| Comments (1)

2010-mitsubishi-i-miev-electric-vehicle Premier John Brumby stood at Port Melbourne with Australian Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas and President Masahiko Takahashi of Mitsubishi Australia to welcome the arrival of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the first commercial vehicle that is fully electric. Twenty units of Mitsubishi i-MiEV rolled onto the Webb Dock East.

Brumby said in a statement that these i-MiEV units will play a part in the Victorian Government’s trial for electric vehicle. He mentioned that the government is fully committed in their initiative to make the state a greener and cleaner environment; therefore, the $5 million electric vehicle test trial is the government’s way of ensuring that the state is electric vehicle-friendly.

Brumby also mentioned that the Victorian Government is working hand-in-hand with the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) in looking for at least 180 families who are willing to take part in the test trial. These families will get to test drive the electric vehicles for almost three months. This is a good way to see how the plug-in charging, electricity network, and the test drives will fit into the daily lives of the test applicants and how successful the electric vehicles are in adapting to day-to-day situations. The test trial will also include light commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and two-wheelers. Brumby said that the test trial is part of the Victorian Government’s $38 billion Transport Plan and that this will enable the government to see how they can make the these electric vehicles more useful on the road and for the people.

By Eco Boy | Posted in Electric Cars | Tagged car news, Electric Cars, Electric Vehicles, i-Miev, Mitsubishi i-Miev, Mitsubishi news| Comments (1)

Apr 29 2010

Compact and lightweight Hydrogen Technology Developed by Israeli Researchers

By Greg | Posted in Hydrogen | Tagged Hydrogen, Hydrogen Cars| Comments (0)

A few days ago, Germany committed to $2 billion worth of construction of about 1,000 hydrogen refueling stations. A few months ago, London decided to build hydrogen refilling stations as well just in time for the 2012 Olympics. The problem is that outside California’s active hydrogen highway, there seems to be very little happening in terms of hydrogen infrastructure and the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the US.

In Israel, smallness is the theme. Israel researchers announce that they have come up with a way to store hydrogen without eating up too much space. Now, there’s no more need for super-insulated, bulky tanks which claim to be able to keep coffee warm for up to 28 days. The team of Israeli researchers found a way to keep hydrogen in glass filaments which are only slightly thicker than the human hair.

By Greg | Posted in Hydrogen | Tagged Hydrogen, Hydrogen Cars| Comments (0)

Mar 11 2010

Interior of 2011 Mazda2 Revealed

By Greg | Posted in Mazda | Tagged Mazda, Mazda2| Comments (0)

When the Mazda2 subcompact was showcased during the auto show in Los Angeles back in 2009, spectators noticed that they cannot enter the car were locked and the windows were heavily tinted so journalists could not peep inside. Back then, the insides of the 2011 Mazda2 was not ready.

Recently the Japanese car manufacturer revealed the interiors of the Mazda2 through photos released to the members of the press.

The Mazda2 has an open and straightforward interior. Mazda responds to the demand of its core market which goes for better handling over flashy gimmicks and gadgets.

The designers of the Mazda2 want to convey a roomy and open interiors so they had to exert some effort to decrease the effects of the pillars that support the windshield.

The dominance of a piano black theme inside gives the Mazda2 a classy feel. The shapes of the different elements were also toned down to convey simplicity. The sides of the gauges were curved forward to give an illusion of bigger space. A little silver is use for contrast.

By Greg | Posted in Mazda | Tagged Mazda, Mazda2| Comments (0)

Jan 30 2010

East Penn Manufacturing granted $32.5 Million to push for breakthrough UltraBattery in the United States

By Greg | Posted in Lithium-Ion Batteries | Tagged East Penn Manufacturing, Hybrid, Hybrid Cars, Lithium-Ion Batteries, UltraBattery| Comments (0)

A federal grant amounting to $32.5 million was awarded to East Penn Manufacturing, a small firm in Pennsylvania. This funding will be used for the developing and pushing for the Australian UltraBattery which is a technology that can be used for hybrid vehicles.

The grant was a chunk from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which has an allotted fund of $2.4 billion.

The UltraBattery is a project of CSIRO or Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization based in Australia. The battery is capable of delivering more power with lower resistance compared to the latest known technology. This is achieved by forming a single unit using a super capacitor together with a battery made of lead acid.

The company was able to simplify the process of generating and storing power by combining the lead acid fuel cell and the super capacitor which traditionally has been implemented as separate units.

East Penn sees a big market in using this UltraBattery for powering hybrid vehicles which makes use of electric motors or which may utilize regenerative braking. The lifespan of the UltraBattery is also better than NIMH batteries used by some hybrid technologies.

The UltraBattery is expected to reduce costs, improve cycle life, and be more environment friendly since they are easier to recycle compared to Lithium Ion and NIMH batteries.

East Penn was licensed by Furukawa Battery Company to market UltraBattery in North America. The Japanese firm on the other hand got its permission from the Australian CSIRO.

By Greg | Posted in Lithium-Ion Batteries | Tagged East Penn Manufacturing, Hybrid, Hybrid Cars, Lithium-Ion Batteries, UltraBattery| Comments (0)

Sep 27 2009

United States Patent problems blocking entry of Toyota Hybrids

By Greg | Posted in Hybrid Cars, Toyota | Tagged Hybrid, Hybrid Cars, Paice LLC, Toyota| Comments (0)

The sales figures of Toyota hybrid vehicles in Japan and the rest of the globe are close to amazing as they lead the pack in the hybrid segment. What rolls out of their factories attracts consumers including the recently launched HS 250h under the Lexus badge. There is something blocking Toyota from really to fully bloom in the hybrid market, patent issues in the United states prevents them from importing some hybrid models.

It is up to the U.S. court to decide on a case filed by Paice LLC with the International Trade Commission in Washington, D.C. Paice claims that they own several patents to engines for hybrid vehicles. The complaint serves as a hurdle for importing Toyota models into the U.S. market. Vehicles like the Prius, Camry Hybrid, Highlander hybrid, and some hybrid units of Lexus might be banned if the court favors Paice.

In 2005, Paice edge on the legal battle that Toyota used Paice’s invention in making the drive trains for the RX400h of Lexus, Highlander, and Prius. The next trial in October will explore the infringement claims for the production of the Camry hybrid.

By Greg | Posted in Hybrid Cars, Toyota | Tagged Hybrid, Hybrid Cars, Paice LLC, Toyota| Comments (0)

Jul 10 2009

Scuderi Engineers fire up the prototype of the split-cycle engine

By Greg | Posted in Hybrid Cars, Scuderi | Tagged Scuderi, Split-Cycle Engine| Comments (0)

About three years ago, the auto industry first heard of the split-type engine being developed by the Scuderi Group. It was a concept tahat aims to significantly improve the efficiency of the powertrains beneath the hoods of your everyday car.

The concept revolves around utilizing parallel cylinders to divide the four strokes of the engine cycle which can lead to reducing pumping losses.

Last week the engineering team of Scuderi went beyond computer simulation of the split-type engine and was able to fire up for the first time the prototype of the engine. Further testing is being conducted by the laboratory engineers to tune the engine to its optimal and efficient levels. The data of the study is shared to other experts in the industry under a non-disclosure deal.

The prototype which is a 1L naturally aspirated engine running on gasoline is said to have 80% fewer emission than the combustion engines we know today. The Scuderi Group is planning to fully develop the engine for hybrid use and turbo charged settings where fuel efficiency will be achieved at its highest.