HYBRID CARS NEWS

EV Charging Stations For The New Generation of Electric Automobiles

2010-12-21T17:29:00.004+07:00

By J. Lloyd Dent

In the beginning, arranging for the charging station installation will be part of the purchasing process of buying your first Electric Vehicle (EV). All approved chargers by the various manufacturers will be compliant with SAE J1772 standards for electric vehicles and electrical connectors.

You won't be able to buy the car unless you are willing to install a charging station your home. Consumers who buy the Nissan Leaf will be required to use their exclusive contractor, AeroVironment, for installation of the home chargers. They may be able to install their own charging equipment if they sign a waiver.

The Chevy Volt will come standard with a 110 volt charger which will allow you to charge directly from your home wall outlet. For Volt customers who prefer to have a 240 V rapid charger installed, SPX service solutions is the exclusive contractor for the installation of their rapid charging station.

There is a big difference in the vehicles range due to the size of their battery packs. Chevrolet considers the Volt to be a hybrid vehicle which can be plugged in. GM describes the car as an extended range EV (electric vehicle) with a smaller battery. The LEAF is strictly electric with a much larger battery pack that is 2-3 times the size of the Volts. The Chevy Volts 16kwh battery will probably only ever use 8 kw of it. The Leaf will contain a 24 KWh battery, but will probably need to use 80-90% in order to increase the battery life. In order to fully charge the LEAF, it will need to be plugged into a 110v outlet for the entire day. It is expected that the cost to install a Level II home charging unit will run about $2,200.

Because the Nissan LEAF and Chevy Volt are expected to be the first cars which will require the installation of a Level 2 home charger until 2012, it is expected that the demand for home charging units will remain low, unless a surprising number of first owners opt to have the rapid chargers professionally installed.

Now there are a number of companies entering the charging station market. AeroVironment was the first company to devote itself to developing and building Level II home charging units. The reason they won the contract from Nissan was probably because they were the first one with a product to offer. Most of the other companies that are developing and building charging stations focused on industrial units for commercial and municipal installations. However that is changing as the first mass market electric vehicles are finally ready to launch.

Below are the current companies that manufacture Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

ECOtality- ETec

Now called ECOtality North America, ECOtality has been producing electric charging stations for quite a while. Industrial equipment such as forklifts have used electric charging technology for some time. They have used their experience to market the Minit-Charger for both residential and commercial charging applications. The EV Project which is managed by ECOtalty is seeking to install thousands of charging stations over the next year in the 5 states where the EV's will first be released. ECOtality also installs stations made by other manufacturers. ECOtality builds both level I and level II chargers but does not make fast DC charging equipment. ECOtality has recently introduced a new line of commercial and home Level II charging stations. It is believed that the new stations-designed by global industrial design firm, frog design-will help update their conservative image.

SPX

SPX has been selected by Chevrolet to be the exclusive service provider for the purchase and installation of the Chevy Volt 240 Volt rapid home charger. SPX will facilitate every aspect of the purchase and installation of the rapid chargers which will charge the Volt in approximately 4 hours. The SPX team will advise homeowners on the requirements to upgrade their electrical service to accommodate the home charging system and will even assist them in taking the necessary steps to qualify for reduced electric utility rates.

AeroVironment

AeroVironment was chosen to be the exclusive home charging installation contractor for the Nissan LEAF. Even though AeroVironment is mostly known for residential installations, they are one of the few companies that sell both Level II and fast charging DC chargers for commercial use. AeroVironment is a well established company that developed unmanned aircraft for the military for many years. The company was responsible for the charger for the Impact, the precursor to the GM EV1 built in the 1990's. They also developed the charging stations for the EV1, so it is only natural that they would manufacture the new versions of charging stations.

Coulomb Technologies

Coulomb technologies is one of the better known EV charging manufacturers. Coulomb is rapidly building out their membership Charge Point network which will allow their members to pull up to any of their stations and begin charging immediately. Currently most of the 300 stations they have installed are Level I, however they have now begun installing Level II chargers as well.

Clipper Creek

A less well known company, Clipper Creek has been selling chargers for decades. The design of their equipment is not as modern and sleek as some of the newer styles. Their chargers are geared more towards fleet installation rather than residential or businesses. Clipper Creek has made it well known that their products can be installed anywhere. They handle the home charging installations for the Tesla Roadster. These charging stations are meant for Level II charging only and come in a variety of configurations to meet their customers' needs.

General Electric

The newest entrant in the EV charging station market is GE. They just introduced their new Watt Station charger. The first release is meant primarily for commercial installations, but there are plans to introduce a residential version later this year. The Watt Station is known for its attractive design. Legendary designer Yves Behar is the genius behind the sleek style of the Watt Station. It is also the first model that incorporates Wi-Fi smart technology.

PEP Stations

A little known company called PEP has begun working with Ford to build rugged robust charging stations that can handle rough usage. These units are architectural in design with a concrete base and stainless steel top. These units are primarily marketed to commercial and municipal installations. This obscure company has no track record, so their quality remains to be seen. The designers used high quality automotive grade components, so they are built to be robust.

Better Place

Better Place is known for battery switching techniques. They have now begun installation of vehicle charging stations in Israel and Denmark. So far they don't have any plans to sell their units for residential use. We mention them here because they may change their strategy to offer residential charging options.

Leviton

Leviton is a huge and well known electrical supply company. They are along established company with a large number of service technicians. Leviton is including a 10 year warranty on their "Evr-green" home and commercial charging stations. The Leviton Evr-Green charging stations can support both Level I and Level II charging and will integrate with Charge Point charging stations. Leviton has also introduced a standard installation method that is the industry's first pre-wired plug in system for their Level II chargers. This system will enable consumers to make their homes "plug in ready" before they purchase any electric car. This prewired system has a starting price of less than $200, not including installation and is meant to lower installation costs and reduce installation times. The prewired kits are required to be installed by an installer certified by Leviton, but once the system has been installed, the Level II charging station can later be easily added by the consumer.

Currently these are the main players in the electric car charging market place. Only time will tell who will emerge as the market leader and what other new players will join the fray. If you have heard of any other players that are making electric car charging stations, please let me know so that I can include them in this list.

For the most up to date information on EV Charging stations, visit the Electric Vehicle Charging station blog at: http://www.ElectricVehicleChargingStations.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Lloyd_Dent

Energy Efficient Cars

2010-11-21T17:24:00.000+07:00

By Matt Secrist

Many people think that the United States is the only economy that is struggling right now, but this is far from being true. There are many other global economies that are also struggling and are looking for ways to save money as well as be more efficient. With this worldwide awakening to efficiency and environmentalism, it makes sense that people are looking into alternative forms of fuel. There are millions of people that live in the world that are looking to conserve. One of the best ways to save money is through the use of cost-efficient fuel, namely LPG. LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas and it is a much cleaner fuel that allows people to get better gas mileage as well as extend the life of their engine. LPG Cars have risen in popularity and are continuing to be put in the spotlight as the population sees the major benefits that come from using this alternative fuel source.

One of the main things that has brought LPG so much attention is its price. LPG is much cheaper than your typical oil, and can be bought for almost half of the price. So why wouldn't you go with a fuel that is half the price as well as more efficient? LPG is made from a mixture of butane and propane which puts less stress on your car and also does much less damage to the environment. Because of how many people that commute to work every single day it would makes sense for the general population to start moving towards a cleaner fuel source so that they can preserve our beautiful world and keep their cities clean.

Another pro to going with an LPG car is that most of the time the cars that run this type of fuel are much smaller than the typical American idea of "Bigger is Better". Americans get so caught up in buying huge trucks, SUV's, and vans that they forget how much these vehicles pollute the air. Smaller cars are great because cities are usually are very congested and there are usually a lot more drivers on the road. This way it can be easier to navigate your way around and find parking when you need to.

There are a lot of benefits that come with LPG, and many countries can benefit from them all around the world. Do your research and look more into LPG cars to see how they can be a benefit to you and your family, no matter where you live.

Matt writes articles about LPG Cars in India and for LPG Cars in India.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Secrist

Ford Fusion Version 2010 - The Winner of the Price of Motor Trend Magazine

2010-10-21T17:12:00.007+07:00

By Georgi Ivanov

Ford Fusion and namely the 2010 version, is the winner of the price - Car of the year, of the Motor Trend magazine. The blue oval model managed to survive among the extremely strong competition, where the rivals against the Fusion were 23 other cars, among which was Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, BMW 7 Series D¸ Mercedes-Benz E-Class. But the company of Ford showed its flexibility in these hard times, providing the car users and the car market with one remarkable car and charming car for the great majority of drivers. The editor-in-chief of Motor Trend magazine - Angus MacKenzie was very pleased with the new version of Ford Fusion and the fact that, this car is competitive with car that are best sellers like Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. He also added that it is not surprising the fact that Fusion entered in the list of 10 top sold cars in the United States.

The new Fusion managed to win the price of the magazine because this model has combined all the things desired from a new model of a car - it has a good quality, it has a good price, it is well-equipped, and there is a possibility for the customer to choose from sport of hybrid modification.

The American Ford Fusion has nothing to do with the car with same name that is selling in Europe. The American sedan is manufactured on the platform of Mazda 6 and the basis engine is four-cylinder petrol unit with volume 2.5 liters. The car could be also found with six-cylinder petrol unit engines with volume 3.0 and 3.5 liters. And as we mentioned early this model of Ford Fusion has also a hybrid version that uses engine with volume 2.5 liters but reduced to 152 hp power there is also a version with electro motor with power of 106 hp. The fuel consumption for the hybrid is about 5.7 liters for 100 kilometers.

In the long 60 year story of the price "Car of the year", models from the Ford factory have been winners 11 times. The magazine chooses each year off road car of the year too and this year the price winner was again Ford but this time Ford F-150.

The new model of Ford Fusion is one remarkable car, it has a great appearance and it also provides the drivers with one flawless driving experience. And further more the tempting price has made this car one of the most preferred in the United States of America for the last year. This time the designers and the engineers from Ford has come up with one great suggestion for all drivers who are looking not only for a good looks of the car, but for great performance and a price that is not so unreachable by the casual car user.

To find out more about the best models offered by Ford, take a look at this article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Georgi_Ivanov

Let's Just See About the Honda CR-Z

2010-09-21T16:57:00.008+07:00

By Windy L Reigns

Across the pond in Japan the Honda CR-Z has been on sale for quite some time. Here in the states, not much has been said about this new sporty hybrid. In fact, unless you are an automobile enthusiast you may have never even heard about the CR-Z, but oh wait, you will soon. Honda is shining the limelight on the CR-Z as it did in the past with the Acura NSX and Honda S2000; which both revolutionized the Honda lineup.. Honda is taking a risk with the hopes that the CR-Z will attract the sports car crowd. From first looks the 2011 Honda CR-Z seems like a confused car. Yes it is identified as a hybrid sports car, but it does not get that great of gas mileage nor is it very sporty. So, what gives? Why is Honda devoting time and energy to a vehicle that is middle of the road? The CR-Z has an underwhelming 122 HP and fuel economy figures are 36 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. For comparison; the S2000 produced 200 HP and the Civic Hybrid gets 40 MPG city and 45 MPG highway.

Although small the CR-Z is not very light for a two seater car. It weighs in at 2560 lbs. The CR-Z draws power from the same 1.5 liter engine as the Honda Fit, this combined with an electric only generates 122 HP and a mere 128 lb-ft of torque.. However, what 2011 Honda CR-Z is missing in power it makes up with a stiff chassis and great suspension. The inside of the CR-Z is distinctly Honda.. The futuristic guages are perfectly placed. The ergonomics are great and the space is plentiful enough for two adult passangers. As with any new Honda, you can purchase extra options, but this can swell the price to upwards of $28k. The small 1.5 liter engine features an aluminum block with Hondas famed DOHC V-tech. The compression ratio is 10.4:1. This makes for 111 HP and 106 lb-ft. torque from the engine. The additional power from the electric motor increases horsepower by 11 and adds 22 extra lb-ft. torque very low in the RPM range which helps off the line acceleration. The CR-Z also has Honda's integrated motor assist which is present in all Honda hybrids. The CR-Z also has start/stop technology which in essence turns off the engine any time you are idle. The engine is activated again by simply hitting the accelerator pedal. The continuously variable transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot.

All these fuel saving technologies intermix to give the CR-Z a rating of 36 MPG city and 38 MPG highway.|This smart mixture of energy saving technologies allows the Honda CR-Z to boast an MPG rating of 36 city and 38 highway. The CR-Z also comes with 3 driving modes: sport, normal, economy|Three driving modes are available on the CR-Z: sport, normal and economy to allow the driver to select the most efficient use of fuel. With the push of a button the desired driving mode can be selected. Sport mode adds assertive performance and steering. Fuel efficiency is maximized in the economy mode. The 2011 Honda CR-Z does 0-60 mph in 10.6 seconds, and finishes the quarter mile in 17.6 seconds. Which is not that impressive, however, the corners are where the CR-Z shines. Millions of sports car owners can attest to the fact that power alone does not make for a good track car. With excellent steering and braking ability the Honda CR-Z is a treat to drive. The suspension consists of MacPherson struts with stiff springs. There are also anti-roll bars and torsion beams. The Honda CR-Z does well on the highways and only time will tell if this little $20k sports hybrid will perform on the track. We will know soon enough if there will be an American market for the new Honda CR-Z.

Find Great Deals on Honda Cars Atlanta.

Windy Reigns, Author and Car Aficionado

http://www.hondacarland.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Windy_L_Reigns

Top Electric Scooter Brands To Keep In Mind When Buying An Electric Scooter

2010-08-21T16:46:00.006+07:00

By Alex Tsui

Are you shopping around for an electric scooter? As you browse through the various scooter websites, you will find that there is an endless array of electric scooters of all shapes, colors, sizes, models and brands. So how do you choose? What are the best brands of scooters that will give the best bang for your shopping bucks?

Here are some famous brands in no particular order of importance:

Razor Scooters

Razor is easily one of the most well-known electric scooter brands today. The Razor brand was established in 2000 when the company launched its first kick scooter. Now it has gone on to sell more than 20 million scooters worldwide.

Known for its commitment to the latest technology, high-quality materials and stringent safety standards, Razor has evolved into a household name and leader in the electric scooter industry.

Based in Cerritos, California, Razor offers an impressive line-up of kick scooters, electric scooters, electric ride ons and caster driven scooters in all kinds of attractive modern designs.

Currie Scooters

Another innovative industry leader is Currie Technologies which develops and distributes hybrid and electric-powered bikes and scooters under the Izip and Ezip brands. Currie scooters are known for their patented unique electro-drive propulsion systems that provide efficient performance in all situations.

X-Treme Scooters

X-Treme scooters started in 2001 and has a branch in Southern China which hires quality control engineers to ensure that all their scooters are made to the proper specifications. X-Treme scooters are available in a wide range of designs for different applications and are known for their low price tags.

This is just a small sample of electric scooter brands that you can find in the market today. When choosing a good electric scooter, you have to look beyond just its brand name. You have to consider other criteria such as its weight, battery power, charging time, top speed, range of distance per battery charge, the environment in which you will be using the scooter, and other aspects that might affect its operation in the long term. However, if you start off by choosing a reputable brand, you will have less problems to worry about later.

Do not rush your buying decision. Read through product catalog descriptions carefully and ensure that a particular model has all the features that you are looking for. Once you have a model in mind, compare its price between a few shopping websites. Include the shipping price and other miscellaneous fees as well.

Save money and do your bit for the environment by getting a cheap electric scooter today. You can check out lots of electric scooter reviews and the latest scooter designs by going to http://www.cheapelectricscooter.org/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Tsui

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2010

2010-07-22T15:37:00.001+07:00

Introduction

The Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan brings the quality and reliability of the Camry together with increased fuel efficiency.

The Camry Hybrid is a front-wheel drive four-door sedan that seats five passengers. Available in one well appointed trim it comes standard with Hybrid Synergy Drive, a combination electric motor/gasoline engine fitted with an efficient, continuously variable transmission. The standard warranty for hybrid-related components is 8 years/100,000 miles. A moonroof, navigation system, leather seats and heated front seats are optional. Standard safety features include stability and traction control, seven-airbags, and a tire pressure monitor.

The 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid has been redesigned.

You'll never get accused of recklessness for buying a Toyota Camry. In the Toyota Prius, the hybrid system was a bold move into unknown technology. The first half of the Camry Hybrid drivetrain is a 147 horsepower version of the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The battery pack consists of 34 nickel metal hydride modules, each of which contains six 1.2-volt cells. Run it all through a continuously variable transmission, and it adds up to 192 horsepower, versus the standard Camry's 158 hp. Toyota employs the full regimen of safety features for the Camry Hybrid, from the standard Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which orchestrates antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, and steering boost—to the Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat design found in the Prius.

Toyota set the price for the Camry Hybrid at $25,200. The first set of Camry Hybrids was all produced in Japan. In 2007, Toyota began producing approximately 4,000 Camry Hybrids per month in its Georgetown, KY, plant, where it currently turns out Camrys at the rate of 30,000 per month.

Toyota plans to sell 60,000 Camry Hybrids, or 15 percent of all Camry sales. Naysayers believe gas-electric hybrids will reach the limit of their market potential when the East Coast and West Coast fringe have bought their Priuses. The Camry Hybrid will test that premise like never before.

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection

Exterior

On the outside, the redesigned 2007 Camry trades a conservative image for what Toyota calls "a more stylish, athletic, modern image." That means a pinch of Lexus styling added to the same old Camry: a sleeker shape, two-inch longer wheelbase, fancier instrument panel, and other features like a tilting-telescoping steering wheel. The hybrid gets dressed up a bit more with a matte-chrome grille, blue-tinted headlight reflectors, LED tail lamps, and the hybrid badges.

Toyota earned its reputation for quality by its attention to detail. Expect the same with the engineering and layout of the 2007 Camry. For example, they reduced internal friction and enhanced the Camry engine block's rigidity to improve fuel economy and reduce noise and vibration. In the hybrid version, they added wheel spats and underbelly pans to improve the aerodynamics (down to an impressive 0.27 drag of coefficient.) They also managed to retain the 60/40 rear-seat folding split, which is lost in Honda hybrids to make room for the extra hybrid components.

Interior

The Camry Hybrid is loaded with cool standard features including a tire-pressure monitoring system (very helpful for optimizing fuel economy), halogen headlamps, Bluetooth connectivity, a 440-watt premium audio system (MP3 and WMA compatible, with auxiliary input for iPod), smart keyless entry, push-button starting, and dual climate control. The list of options includes a moonroof, voice-activated navigation system, leather-trimmed interior, and heated seats. The in-dash multi-function trip computer display is standard on the hybrid.

Honda Insight 2010

2010-06-19T14:16:00.000+07:00

For three decades, Honda has played a leading role in meeting environmental challenges. The Civic Hybrid is living proof that environmentalism and style can go hand in hand.

Power at the Pump

The benefits of the refined gasoline-electric powertrain on the Civic Hybrid are never more evident than when you watch those little numbers adding up at the pump. And with an EPA-estimated city/highway rating of 40 city/45 hwy mpg [1], you'll spend a lot less time at the gas station.

Help Clear the Air

The air also benefits with the Advanced Technology Partial-Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV)[2] rating, which is the most stringent emission standard achieved by a gasoline-powered vehicle in the U.S.

The goal of the 2010 Honda Insight is to make the best use of the most cost-effective hybrid technology. For the new Insight’s design, Honda uses a shape that’s coming to define hybrid and electric vehicles: a five-door hatchback with a smooth front and a high, abrupt tail.

The differences between the 2010 Honda Insight and the 2010 Toyota Prius, can be easily summarized: The Insight is thousands of dollars cheaper, gets comparable fuel economy, has a crisper look and provides a more agile and enjoyable ride. But the Insight is noticeably smaller, especially for passengers in the backseat. The Insight is smaller than the Prius by 2.5 inches in both length and height, and also has a 6-inch shorter wheelbase. While the Prius is classed as a mid-sized car based on its interior volume, the Insight is a compact. The dashboard of the Insight looks like a blending of the Honda Civic and Honda Fit.

Insight EX models add alloy wheels, cruise control, 6-speaker audio system with USB audio interface, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, Honda Vehicle Stability Assist and an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition.

Driver Controls and Feedback, For Max MPG

The dashboard EcoGuide accumulates data on driving patterns, so hypermiling drivers can analyze their history to improve driving strategies. Overall, Honda claims the Insight’s IMA system is 19 percent smaller and 28 percent lighter than the previous generation used in the current Honda Civic Hybrid.

The Honda Insight is rated at 40 miles per gallon on the city cycle, and 43 mpg on the highway, for a combined mileage of 41 miles per gallon.

2010 Honda Insight - Key Features

The 60/40 split rear fold-down seat back lets you create the right balance of people and cargo.
In addition to displaying exterior temperature, average fuel consumption, and current MPG, the Multi-Information Display also provides feedback on your braking and acceleration to help you drive more efficiently.
With eight gigabytes of memory and voice recognition, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition provides directions using a series of 24 global positioning satellites. Bluetooth-enabled cell phones can do hands-free dialing with up to 50 contacts per phone stored within the system.
The EX model’s USB Audio Interface can read flash drives loaded with MP3 or WMA files. You can also plug in your compatible iPod to this port, which not only charges the device but also allows it to be controlled using the interface dial on the head unit or steering wheel.
Standard safety features on all Insights include dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side curtain airbag system; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD); driver- and front-passenger active head restraints and a front body designed to mitigate pedestrian injuries.
Accessories for the 2010 Insight include: Fog Lights; Body Side Molding; Door Visors; Splash Guards; Front and Rear Underbody Spoiler; Wheel Locks; Auto Day/Night Mirror; Cargo Cover; Cargo Tray; Floor Mats; Leather Steering-Wheel Cover.

2010 Honda Insight – Technology

Under the Insight’s hood is a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 98 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque—obviously tiny for what Honda claims is a five-passenger subcompact. It’s mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provides infinite ratios to keep the engine operating within its most efficient range. On the upscale EX model, Honda offers paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel that give the driver the experience of a seven-speed gearbox. A CVT doesn’t actually have gears, so the system uses electronics to direct the transmission to up- or downshift in specific ways when a driver hits the paddle.

The hybrid heart of the system is the fifth generation of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. The lightweight, ultra-thin electric motor between the engine and transmission puts out 10 kilowatts (13 horsepower). It is powered by a flat nickel metal hydride battery pack that sits under the rear deck, just behind the gas tank under the rear seat. The battery holds 0.58 kilowatt hours of energy—just slightly less than half the 1.3 kilowatt-hours of the current Toyota Prius pack. The Insight battery is recharged with both spare engine power and regenerative braking, and its accelerator connects to an electronic sensor rather than a cable, also known as “drive-by-wire."

Energy for the motor is stored in the usual nickel metal hydride battery pack. Just as Ford has done with the new Fusion hybrid, Honda has updated the Insight's battery, making it smaller and lighter. It contains 7 modules with a dozen D-size cells each. The power output of the modules is 30 percent greater than the Civic and the pack has a total capacity of 580 Wh. That's somewhat less than the 869 Wh of the Civic but it's in keeping with the cost-reduced nature of the Insight. The power electronics, motor ECU and an air cooling system are all integrated with the battery pack. The entire assembly sits below the cargo floor between the rear wheels.

Building On the Insight Tradition

The 2010 Honda Insight is a major improvement from the legacy model. In Sept. 2006, Honda stopped making the old Honda Insight, a teardrop-shaped two-seater that was loved by many happy owners, but also perceived as impractical by mainstream consumers. Despite the old model’s real-world fuel economy of nearly 70 miles per gallon, the company sold fewer than 2,000 Insights in 2005, and fewer than 1,000 units through Sept. 2006 before the company pulled the plug.

The five-door 2010 Insight breathes new life into Honda’s hybrid efforts. It’s the first of several vehicles that Honda will build on a dedicated hybrid platform—the next will be the sporty two-seater CR-Z. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan.

Hybrid: Toyota vs Honda

2010-05-18T15:47:00.000+07:00

It took 10 years for Toyota to sell its first 1 million hybrids globally. The Nikkei reported last month that Toyota plans to double its global production of hybrids vehicles from the 2009 level by 2011. Toyota expects US car sales to rise 10 percent this year to about 11.4 million vehicles.

(Picture left: Toyota FT-CH) Toyota currently makes the Camry Hybrid in the United States, at its Georgetown, Ky. plant. Honda, the second largest global hybrid producer, made less than 150,000 hybrids in 2009.

Toyota currently sells more than 10 hybrids, including dedicated models such as the Prius and Lexus HS 250h—as well as the Toyota Sai, a sister model to the HS 250h only sold in Japan. Toyota plans to boost production of these existing vehicles in addition to launching new hybrid minivans, subcompacts and luxury cars, according to the report.

No details are available yet on the Toyota hybrid minivan.

Toyota introduced its first-generation Prius hybrid in 1998 to the Japanese market. Honda's HEV features the company's innovative Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system that was detailed in Green Car Journal's Fall 2004 issue.

Toyota uses its sophisticated Hybrid Synergy Drive system to power todays Prius, a follow-on to the first-generation Toyota Hybrid System. Both automakers are now offering their second generation hybrid vehicles. Both the Toyota and Honda hybrids are parallel configurations, with wheels driven by both their internal combustion engine and electric motor. The Honda IMA systems electric motor/generator supplies additional power to the gasoline engine when needed for acceleration or when driving demands are greater, such as when climbing grades, thus the designation motor assist. The Honda gasoline engine always provides propulsion.

Things are reversed with Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive, which finds the Prius starting out on battery electric power. The gasoline engine seamlessly starts up to provide additional power during acceleration, at higher speeds, or when driving up grades. Hondas hybrids cannot do this.

The Prius uses a four-cylinder, 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine. The four-stroke Atkinson cycle, invented by James Atkinson in 1882, is different than the Otto cycle engine were used to driving in very distinct ways. Restricting throttle opening results in large pumping losses and greatly reduced efficiency. Effectively, the use of the Atkinson cycle allows the Prius engine to operate quite efficiently at relatively low power levels while still having sufficient power for climbing hills at freeway speeds.

The Prius uses the same basic 1.5 liter engine as the Toyota Echo, where the engine is rated at 108 horsepower at 6000 rpm. Variable intake valve timing (VVT-I) reduces cylinder pressure to eliminate knocking, important because the engine has a 13:1 compression ratio. The aluminum, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16-valve engine produces 76 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 82 lbs-ft of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine earns an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating, is a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), and has an EPA rating of 60 mpg city/51 mpg highway, for a combined estimated 55 mpg fuel economy rating.

The permanent magnet, AC (alternating current) synchronous motor produces 67 horsepower (50 kW) at 1200-1540 rpm. A built-in transformer converts some of the hybrid batterys power into 12 volts DC to operate vehicle accessories. In the latest generation Prius, the high voltage converter system increases battery voltage from 202 volts to 500 volts for driving the electric motor. This Power Split Device allows the engine to operate in its most efficient load and speed range most of the time. The planetary gear system connects the engine, generator, and motor together, allowing operation in a parallel hybrid mode with the electric motor and gasoline alone or together powering the car. It can also operate like a series hybrid when the gasoline engine operates independently of the vehicle speed to charge the battery or provide power to the wheels.

This advanced hybrid vehicle shares virtually nothing with other Toyota models. Hybrid Synergy Drive is quite scalable, so expect to see it used in other Toyota and Lexus models. Other Toyota hybrid models will be sure to follow.

Accident Involving Prius

2010-04-14T13:56:00.003+07:00

The California Highway Patrol officer who responded to an emergency call about a runaway Toyota Prius described the driver as visibly shaking and said he "appeared to be in shock" once the car came to a stop, according to the police report released Wednesday.

The Prius' driver, Jim Sikes, called 911 on March 8 after he said his accelerator became stuck as he tried to pass a slower vehicle. In the police report, responding Officer Todd Neibert said he "could smell the heated brakes which indicated they had been used extensively" and said he saw the brake lights periodically illuminate as he came upon the car.

Prius Accessories:

Prius Chassis Stiffener Kit (Fits 2004 to 2009)

Prius Rear Bumper Protector (2004-2009) Toyota OEM

Prius Electric Only Mode Option for (Prius 2004-2009)

Eventually, Neibert used the patrol car's public address system to instruct Sikes to apply the brakes and the emergency brake at the same time. "The driver ... was visibly shaking and breathing deeply," the report said. Upon searching the car, Neibert found "a large amount of brake dust and brake pad material in and around the wheels," the report said.

David Justo of Toyota Motor Sales headquarters, described in the memo as Toyota's residential hybrid expert, said that if the gas pedal of the car was stuck to the floor, and the driver applied the brake, the engine would shut down.

The memo said before Sikes' vehicle could be tested, technicians had to replace rotors, brakes and pads, as the pads and rotors were worn down.
Early evidence points to driver error as the reason a 2005 Prius sped into a stone wall on March 9, according to federal investigators.
The statement suggests the driver may have been stepping on the accelerator, instead of the brake, as she told police.

Investigators from Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration inspected the wrecked 2005 Prius on Wednesday and extracted data from the car's event data recorder.

No other cars were involved in the accident. Police said the driver, whose name has not been released pending the investigation, has a clean driving record.

A team of six inspectors from Toyota and two from NHTSA spent several hours taking photos, measurements and downloading the black box data from the car, which has been at the Harrison Police Department since the accident.

The 2005 Prius was part of Toyota's November recall to address the risk of pedal entrapment in the floor mat.

Summarized from CNN

Toyota Complain: Doubting the Prius?

2010-03-08T13:29:00.000+07:00

NHTSA said that it has received nine new complaints alleging fatal crashes caused by sudden acceleration in Toyota cars since Jan. 27. As of Feb. 3, when NHTSA launched its investigation into problems with the hybrid vehicle, the agency had 124 complaints on file. "The agency is quickly gathering more data on all of these additional complaints to help guide our examination of sudden acceleration, the Prius braking system, as well as other safety issues."

Cindy Knight, a Toyota spokeswoman said the company is responding "more aggressively and more quickly" to customer complaints.

"We are taking steps to implement more stringent quality controls, investigate customer complaints more aggressively, keep open lines of communication with safety agencies and respond more quickly to safety issues we identify."

Since November, Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles, including 8,000 Tacoma trucks and over 400,000 of the popular Prius hybrids, for problems ranging from brakes and acceleration issues to faulty manufacturing in other areas.

The Toyota Prius is a car that, right from its 1997 launch, came veiled in a frosty penumbra of disbelief, of incredulity. Yeah. Toyota said one thing. Now there is a Prius recall, something to do with brakes that don't brake. Not simply because Prius sounds like pious. First, make people hate it.

(Taken from the CNN)

Prius and It’s Cruise Control

2010-02-08T13:17:00.000+07:00

The Toyota Prius sometimes accelerates while in cruise control, rocketing past the set speed and sending drivers on wild rides, according to some owners and auto safety experts.

The computer guru blamed the problem not on floor mats or a sticky accelerator pedal, as Toyota has maintained, but on bad software. An exasperated Wozniak expressed frustration with his efforts to contact Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Clarence Ditlow, the executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, a Washington-based group focused on car safety, said his group has received about 10 cruise-control complaints from Prius owners -- roughly 5 percent of the overall complaints his organization has received about the hybrid.

The Prius is among the 8.5 million Toyota vehicles recalled in recent months for problems related to gas pedals and brakes. Just this week, Toyota recalled hundreds of thousands of 2010 Priuses for problems associated with its brake system.

CNN spoke with several owners of previous Prius models who say they were experiencing the same problem: When they resumed cruise control, the car took off as if it had a mind of its own and resisted when they slammed on the brakes. A spokeswoman for NHTSA refused comment for this story, saying the government agency is looking at the Prius braking system but not potential cruise-control problems.

Feds and Toyota too close?

Towns asked in a February 3 letter to Toyota CEO Yoshimi Inaba.

Grover Walton repeatedly slammed on the brakes of his 2008 Toyota Prius on a road trip to visit his granddaughters in South Carolina last October. The car lurched back and forth, and gained speed.

The incident began, he said, when he hit the "resume" button on his cruise control, thinking he'd speed back up to around 63 mph. The car got up to 75 mph.

The car wouldn't shift into neutral. The car came to a stop on the shoulder of the road. Many automakers have had cruise-control problems over the years, including Ford, which last October added 4.5 million older model vehicles to a recall over a faulty cruise control switch that could overheat.

It's not surprising to him to hear of Prius owners complaining about possible cruise-control problems. Hybrid vehicles are among the most complex. The cars have separate electric and gasoline engines and a regenerative braking system that uses energy from the car's wheels to help charge its battery.

Finding the root cause of the problem, Friedman said, gets tricky. "If you test them independently, they all work perfectly well."

Owners: It's not the floor mat

Barbara Walton never uses the cruise control any more, and she stays in the right lane just in case she needs to pull over quickly.

The dealership that fixed the car blamed the problem on floor mats. "Initially, we thought Toyota would be pretty receptive," her husband said. The problem has not resurfaced.

(Taken from CNN: By Christina Zdanowicz and Wayne Drash)

A Dead Prius Battery Used to Equal $3500 - Up Until Now

2010-01-17T16:42:00.001+07:00

By Mike Lynch

If you have a dead Prius battery, you know exactly what I am talking about. Chances are, you have taken to your local shop and you have been told that it is going to cost you upwards of $3500 for a new battery. And of course, this probably does not include labor!

In the past, Prius owners would have to simply pay the thousands of dollars to replace the dead Prius battery. There was no alternative! You either buy the battery or you get rid of your car. Now a majority of the Prius batteries that are failing are model years 2001 through 2003. Can you take a quick guess as to why these batteries are so expensive?

It is simply supply and demand - that is it!

As these model year cars get older, more of the batteries are starting to fail. This gives the manufacturers the ability to charge this kind of money to replace a dead Prius battery. There is some good news however. Prius owners are no longer forced to buying a new battery. The technology exists that will allow you to rebuild your battery!

Is that not good news!

It works like this -

1. Diagnose the problem. This is the process of determining what exactly is wrong with your battery.

2. Purchase the parts needed. This is where you identify the parts that you are actually going to need to rebuild the battery (this is actually REALLY easy!)

3. Remove you old battery from your car.

4. Rebuild the battery. For this, you are going to want some instructions on how to exactly do this both safely and properly.

5. Re-install your rebuilt battery.

You see, inside your dead Prius battery are what we call cells. These are essentially individual power sources (think of them of just little batteries). As your Prius gets older, these cells begin to fail. And as you can imagine, the main battery will too fail as the cells start going bad.

What can be done is simply "swapping out" those bad cells with good cells. That is it! Not only are you saving thousands of dollars on a dead Prius battery, but you are also keeping another battery out of the garbage dump!

DO NOT buy a new battery! A dead Prius battery is something that YOU can repair yourself! To learn just how you can do this, visit http://www.ReplacementPriusBattery.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Lynch

A Replacement Prius Battery - The Most Expensive Replacement Battery You Will Ever Buy!

2009-12-17T15:38:00.003+07:00

By Mike Lynch

If you are reading this, chances are you are thinking that you need a replacement Prius battery. That can spell bad news for you and your Prius. Do you know how much these Prius batteries cost? Let's say that if you can find a USED replacement Prius battery for under $3000, then you are lucky! I am pretty sure that this is not what you want to read, I'm sorry.

First, how do you know whether or not you need a new battery? Here are some of the signs to look for when diagnosing the problem -

Slowed Acceleration

Of course you know your Prius better than anyone else. Have you noticed if the car has a slower acceleration rate? Basically you can floor the gas petal, but the car feels more like a golf cart than a car. This could be a sign that the battery is starting to go. Remember, a majority of the power comes from the battery.

The battery Does Not Hold a Charge

This is a symptom shared by just about all batteries. As a battery gets older, it has a more difficult time holding a charge. Just think of a laptop or a car battery. These batteries do last for a while, but eventually they need to be replaced. It is no different with your Prius. The charge will no longer hold as well as it did in the past. At this point, it is time to start looking for a replacement Prius battery.

Poor Fuel Economy

This is the other tall-tell sign that your battery is starting to go. Has your fuel economy started decrease? This is a major symptom because your Prius is now burning more fuel than it would when the battery is functioning properly. The basic concept of a hybrid car is that the gasoline gets the car running and then the electricity maintains the speed, etc. This is how you get such great fuel economy. If that fuel economy starts to go, it usually means the battery is not doing its part.

So what do you think? Is it time for a replacement Prius battery? I want to let you in a little secret. The Prius batteries are typically only under warranty for about 96 months - or eight years. Coincidentally, the lifespan of the Toyota Prius battery is only about seven or eight years.

How convenient, right?

If I told you that there was an alternative to getting a replacement Prius battery, would you be interested? You many not have to spend the thousands of dollars for a new battery, rather you can just rebuild the one you have! This of course is something that your Toyota dealer is not going to tell you.

They want you to buy the replacement Prius battery. If you want to save thousands of dollars on your replacement Prius battery, you must visit http://ReplacementPriusBattery.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Lynch

Tokyo Motor Show rolls out hot wheels

2009-11-24T07:11:00.001+07:00

By Yoko Wakatsuki, CNN

Tokyo, Japan (CNN) -- Take a glimpse of the near future. Electric vehicles and other types of eco-friendly cars are taking center stage at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, which runs through November 4.

Following the commercial success of Toyota's hybrid car Prius, Japanese car makers introduced their latest line up of eco-friendly cars. Electric vehicles are believed to be the next wave of automobile powered by alternative energy sources.

The governments of many developed economies have introduced scrap incentives for eco-friendly car purchases to kick-start moribund economies, accelerating the sales of alternative energy cars such as Prius.

The biannual automobile showcase took a hit from the global recession, counting only 109 auto and auto parts makers' participation, less than half of that in the last show in 2007.

The Tokyo Motor show is one of the world's five biggest motor shows, but only three non-Japanese car makers -- Lotus and Caterham of the U.K. and Alpina of Germany -- participated this year, compared with 26 firms in 2007. Car makers are shifting focus to emerging markets, such as those of China and India.

Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive officer of Nissan, introduced the company's first electric vehicle, ''Leaf,'' for the mass market. It will be sold starting in late 2010 in Japan, U.S. and Europe.

'The race for zero emission has begun," he said. "The world is eager to address the concerns about global CO2 emissions and we are proposing solutions to meet the environmental challenges.''

Organizers are expecting one million visitors to attend the show.

Prius Tops Japan's Car Sale Chart

2009-10-07T08:37:00.001+07:00

Taken from BBC

Toyota's Prius has become the first hybrid car to outsell all other vehicles in Japan, figures show.

It sold 22,292 Prius vehicles in June, from 6,231 in the same month a year earlier and from 10,915 in May said the Japan Automobile Dealers Association.

A new model had helped bolster sales, analysts said.

In May the Prius had already become the top-selling car - a category that excludes popular mini-vehicles with engines of up to 660cc.

Honda's Fit was the second most popular vehicle in the June, with sales of 13,016 vehicles. The firm's Insight, a hybrid marketed as a cheaper alternative to the Prius, was ranked fourth.

Tax breaks

Hybrid cars are powered by both by petrol and electricity.

High oil prices and growing concern about emissions blamed for global warming has encouraged Japanese carmakers to lead the global development of hybrids.

The sale of fuel-efficient vehicles has also been helped by the government making them tax free.

The car industry hopes that hybrid cars will re-energise the flagging market, which has suffered in the global economic downturn.

An Introduction to 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2009-09-06T15:35:00.001+07:00

By Eshwarya Patel

While everyone is well aware of consequences of global warming, hybrid cars have been proved to be a great step in keeping the environment safe. Toyota, with the advent of 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid, boasts of its elegant and stylish look and great comfort as available in other regular Toyota models.

This new model is a 5 passenger, 4 door family car. Right now, only one trim of this model, 4-Door Sedan, is available in the market. It consists of 2.4 liter, 147 hp, I4 standard hybrid engine that offers a maximum of 34-mpg speed on highway and 33-mpg in the city.

It comes with all standard security features like anti-lockout, anti-theft, child safety door locks, power door locks, and selective locking etc. For braking and traction control, this models offers 294-mm front and 279-mm solid rear disc brakes. Breaks are electronic and offers break force distribution to provide good breaking mechanism. For entertainment, in consists of In-Glass Antenna, Radio with 6 speakers, and CD/MP3 player with Auxiliary Input Jack.

AC ducts are available at front and rear ends for heating and air-conditioning. The car can be put at automatic climate control mechanism. This model can be purchased in metallic color for a few extra dollars. Headlights are halogen and with projector beam. As far as Instrumentation is concerned, it offers cruise control, engine start stop button facility, digital clock, tachometer, tire pressure monitor, external temperature monitor, and warning lights etc.

Overall, this car gives you as comfort as any other expensive Toyota model will. This environment friendly model is designed to offer maximum comfort and style to be an ideal car for a family.

If you are interested to know more about latest or old Toyota Models and get a detailed analysis of them, you can refer to Toyota Cars For Sale - The Free Online Toyota Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eshwarya_Patel

Toyota, Mazda to form tie-up on hybrid

2009-08-23T15:14:00.001+07:00

Toyota is in final discussions on providing its smaller rival Mazda with its key hybrid technology through a business tie-up, a respected business daily reported Thursday.

Under the plan, Toyota Motor Corp. would supply the key components of its hybrid cars for Mazda Motor Corp., allowing Mazda to enter the green car market as early as 2013, with an initial sales target of 100,000 units, the Nikkei business newspaper said.

Mazda had approached Toyota for a dal, and Toyota is nearing a final decision to accept it, the Nikkei said, adding that an official announcement was expected soon.

Both Toyota and Mazda said they had no immediate comment. Mazda spokeswoman Yukari Hara said officials were currently verifying the report.

The deal would allow Toyota to ct costs of hybrid components through mass production, while earning profits from Mazda, the Nikkei said.

Green cars are gaining in popularity in Japan thanks in part to tax breaks from the government.

The Associated Press

Car That Runs on Water - The 4 Most Frequent Questions

2009-08-13T14:47:00.000+07:00

By Peter C. Jones

Fantastic Savings

One of the biggest advantages of opting for a car that runs on water is the fantastic savings that you will be making. This technology is one of the best ways to save money.

Better Performance

Further, your car will also perform better over longer periods of time. There are many individuals who insists that the engine becomes quieter and the car performs better as one uses this technology

A brief overview of how this technology works

The electrolysis of the water begins after the installation of the kit, which is connected to the battery and the electrical system for power generation. The power is used to converts water into HHO gas. The gas combines with gasoline to enhance combustion and improve efficiency.

The 4 Most Frequent Questions on Car that Runs on Water:

1- Is there any safety risk involved?

As long as you follow the instruction manual properly and fulfill the requirements, there is absolutely no security risk

2- Does this pollute?

If your car uses water converted into gas, your gasoline will burn better and will pollute less. HHO gas improves performance by reducing pollution.

3- How tough is the installation process?

You need not know a lot about cars and need not even be good at installing things. This is because this guide is a step by step model. Just follow the instructions and you can install the water conversion kit in a jiffy. All you need is some material that you can purchase from a hardware store.

4- Does the kit have a harmful effect on the engine?

Better fuel combustion means better performance and lesser wear and tear. Your engine does not become dirtier or is not negatively affected. A clean engine lasts much longer than a dirty one. Rather, its performance only improves. All this contributes to a lot more savings on your gas bill.

Click here to check the easy step by step tutorial that showed Peter exactly how to assemble a conversion kit for a car that runs on water He doubled his fuel economy and enhanced the performance of his vehicle in a very easy way!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_C._Jones

The Lexus GS 450h, LS 600h, LS 600h L, and LS 460.

2009-07-31T08:19:00.003+07:00

Lexus is the luxury division of Japanese automobile manufacturers Toyota. Lexus has been making luxury cars and have since 2005 added two lines of cars that offer hybrid variants along with the petrol engines. The Lexus GS 450h is the hybrid version of the Lexus GS. The car is packed with devices and ensures a very comfortable and smooth ride.

The electric motor along with the petrol engine means the car delivers wonderful performance with very low emissions. Just like all luxury cars, the engine is full-sized and powerful. A 3.5L petrol engine along with an electric motor powers the GS 450h. The Lexus LS is a luxury four-door saloon that is really spacious and comfortable. The Lexus LS hybrid again presents a petrol and electric power combination, which makes it a great powerful car with very low emissions. The Lexus LS was one of the first hybrid cars developed by Lexus.

It's at speeds greater than thirty miles per hour the petrol engine kicks in and gives the Lexus LS the power required to move this huge luxury car. Like all luxury cars, the drive and ride of the Lexus LS is outstanding. Both the Lexus GS and the LS are offered in pure petrol engines or in hybrid variants. The hybrid versions save on fuel use and decrease emissions.

The petrol engines on these cars are somewhat thirsty. This is logical as these are big, heavy luxury cars. The third hybrid car offered by Lexus is the Lexus RX. This luxury car only exists as a hybrid. The Lexus RX was the first hybrid car manufactured by Lexus. The third generation Lexus RX is a fantastic luxury car, which delivers an exceptional performance.

The hybrid engine combination makes the Lexus RX a very fuel-efficient car, and for this reason, most of the companies favor this car for their executives. The Lexus RX offers a comfortable and luxurious passage. Furthermore, that is what clients expect from a top quality executive car. Lexus has used a unique design in powering its hybrid cars.

There is the petrol engine that is assisted along with an electric motor under the hood. A second electric motor is fitted at the back, and this provides extra power to the car. The batteries for the electric motors are placed in a lower compartment of the car. These electric motors decrease the power requirements of the petrol engine without compromising on their performance.

The hybrids are not gas-guzzlers, as one would expect in such big luxury cars. However the cars are heavy, with fabulous interiors and passenger comfort. Lexus is frequently trying to improve on its hybrid cars and will be adding more hybrid cars to its lineup of luxury cars.

Trendy, classy and voguish with a mesh of eco-friendly attributes that is what the Lexus LS Luxury High Performance Saloon is. It is a luxury car with no finest luxury qualities omitted. This car comes in three models: LS 600h, LS 600h L and LS 460. LS 600h is the main car of the lot and delivers significantly low carbon dioxide emanations; in fact, just about 219 gram for every kilometer. LS 460 renders acceleration from zero to 62 mph in an even shorter time, that is, 5.7 seconds.

Lexus LS is a hybrid drive. As a matter of fact, it is the world's most powerful hybrid car. It holds a five-liter petrol engine joined with an electric motor.
The car works on electronic power alone at low speeds and readily shifts into the V8 engine as speed increases. LS 460 come with the world's first 8-speed automatic transmission. This increases fuel efficiency. The interior of the car is just as remarkable. The centre console displays the touch-screen control panel. The intelligent parking assist option directs the driver park in a rendered space.
The car's capable system reckons the amount of space and parking angle and then controls the steering to park at same time the driver controls the car's speed and brakes. The car has a brilliant sound system, which is very well suited to the car's acoustic properties. You can also use touch screen or voice control options to make use of the intuitive navigation control of the car.

Lexus LS even comes with safety arrangements to minimize the chance of accidents. It offers highly developed obstacle detection, driver monitoring system, lane-keeping assist and all around air bag protection. Hybrid cars have emerged to be a well-liked and alternate option to usual vehicles. Hybrid cars are recognized for their environment friendly operation and least expenditure of natural resources i.e. gasoline.

There is a great variety of hybrid cars presented in the UK market. Luxury sedans of Lexus, branded under Lexus LS 600h sell like hot items due to their tremendous driving record and less releases.

Test-driving a Lexus LS 600h requires some smart approach from your side.
You can look into the braking power and transmission system of the car. Try applying sudden brakes in a succession and changing gears rapidly to understand the dynamics of the car. LS 600h cars have a firm, but comfortable steering wheel that is very easy to navigate. Also, the automatic transmission shows that you will have minimum disturbance in driving the vehicle.

Another thing to search for in a test drive is the fuel economy. These cars are installed with highly sophisticated fuel trackers that enable you in obtaining information about the total amount of fuel utilized and remaining. As you will be driving a hybrid vehicle, it would be a superb idea to switch quickly to electric mode. After all, hybrid cars are meant to be driven on electric driver-motors in most cases. You can examine the power of these batteries by taking a longer test drive and fully utilizing the electric system to find more about the vehicle. You can test the speed, acceleration, brakes, and transmission system while on the electric mode.

You should not panic or return the car quickly. Test drives are meant to be the actual litmus test before buying a vehicle.

Easy, "How To" Hydrogen Car - No Need to Wait Anymore

2009-07-13T14:42:00.001+07:00

By Sam Geo

Gas prices are rising. Your wallet is strained. You are stretching your dollars to the limits. And here is how you can save on your gas fuel bill. Read on...

Hydrogen Car CONVERSION

Yes, it is time to convert your gas guzzler to a hydrogen car so that you can reduce your fuel bill drastically. Though it will take some time before the auto majors launch their hydrogen beauties significantly on the streets, you need not wait in frustration and spend a ton of money on expensive gas. With a 'hydrogen fuel boost kits' you can now enjoy a smoother, cheaper ride and that too for years to come. Interested already?

Some more information on how-tos and hydrogen cars

If you are not a DIY buff, let us start with buying the hydrogen fuel boost kit. You can buy it online or from local stores. Then you can get started on your car conversion project straightaway and with a little work you will be would be able to convert your car into a car of the future - a hydrogen assisted car. The work and time spent on this car conversion project is worth it because you will enjoy the bliss of a smooth ride and cheap fuel bills. So go get it now!

You need not be a great mechanic

Is a how to hydrogen fuel saver kit for you? Yes, if you can comprehend and follow the simple how-to manuals and if you have a little spare time then you too can do it. These boost kit assembling processes are quite easy and chances of facing complex problems are nil. Several car owners have converted their cars with hydrogen fuel boost kits and they are happy with the result. If you browse the internet for proof, you will see glowing testimonials and excellent product reviews. Some of the owners even claim that they are experiencing a gas efficiency of 200% - just imagine!

Hydrogen Fuel Boost Kit - Buy Today and Learn How-To of Hydrogen Car!

There are several kits that really work and save your hard-earned money. Once you get to know how it works and the amount of money you save on your fuel bills you will just be amazed! Additionally, you gain in terms of mileage when you switch to HHO technology. So start a new journey with HHO and save the planet as you drive.

Sam Geo is a fellow hydrogen hybrid cars enthusiast sharing his new found research with the world. Check out http://www.hydrohybridcars.net now! If you've ever wondered about saving incredible amounts of money on gas, improving your car's performance and helping the environment all at the same time then you must see http://www.hydrohybridcars.net now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Geo

2009 Hybrid Vehicles - The Ones With the Best Mileage

2009-06-13T14:24:00.001+07:00

By Patricia S. Brown

It goes without saying that hybrid vehicles are the private transportation of the future. The reasons include the fact that we have a finite supply of crude oil, the rising cost of gas over which we have very little control, our dependence on unfriendly nations for our oil supply, and the negative effects of gasoline exhaust on the environment.

Saving, be it the environment or on gas, is the primary reason most people buy these types of vehicles. To this end, it is anticipated that 2009 will be a big year for makers of hybrids because consumers are trying to reduce their consumption in the current economic downturn. It is during times like these that high gas mileage trumps size and becomes a major deciding factor when buying personal transportation.

King of the Road
The king of high mileage per gallon of gas is none other than the Toyota Prius. One of the first alternative-fuel vehicles to appear on the US auto market, the Prius offers 45 city and 48 highway miles to the gallon. The 2009 model has a bigger engine; therefore, provides more horsepower and has been designed with a very light frame aimed at pushing the gas mileage as close to 50 as is possible by improving the length of time it can run gas-free.

Close Runner-Up
The Honda Civic hybrid is second and it offers 40 city and 45 highway miles per gallon. It costs a bit more than the Prius, but has a sleeker look. The 2009 model has better battery packs and its regenerative braking system is capable of eliminating almost all emission from the vehicle. It is, also, the best choice for consumers who consider safety a priority when choosing a vehicle.

Third in Line
The third most fuel efficient hybrid vehicle is the Smart For Two. The smart car burst onto the market in Europe and is slowly becoming popular in the U.S. It offers 33 city and 41 highway miles per gallon. The major drawback to the Smart For Two is its size. It is very small, light, and has comparatively low horsepower compared to the other hybrids. However, it can be considered cute, affordable, and is perfect for city dwellers who don't want to spend too much money on a car. The 2009 model comes with a transmission that can be changed between manual and automatic.

Another Good Choice
The BMW Mini Cooper is another great choice of hybrid because of its high gas mileage. It offers 28 city and 37 highway miles to the gallon. The 2009 model comes in automatic and manual. It is built with BMW's pure quality, has an updated suspension thus providing a smoother ride, and has enough horsepower to hold its own on any U.S. highway.

Hybrid vehicles can be more expensive than all-gas vehicles; however, in the long run they will save the consumer and have a positive impact on the environment. Furthermore, nothing says "I'm hip and aware!" as being behind the wheel of a 2009 fuel efficient hybrid vehicle.

P. Brown is a former English teacher with seven years experience. She loves traveling, volunteering and reading.

She is now a travel agent who spends most of her time building her full service online travel agency http://www.coolrunningstravelja.com

Please visit her website when you're planning to travel. We offer everything you'll ever need at excellent prices. You can also contact me at coolrunningstravel@yahoo.com. Thanks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_S._Brown

Diesel vs. hybrid

2009-05-13T14:07:00.003+07:00

Focusing on automotive technology, the green trend AOL Autos identified at the recent 2009 Detroit Auto Show seems to be pushing buyers into two camps: diesel or hybrid.

Today, the celebrities of the green movement are diesel- and hybrid-powered vehicles.
The defining characteristic of the diesel engine is its compression ignition cycle; this means that the engine uses ultra-high compression ratios in the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel-air charge (gasoline-burning internal combustion engines use spark plugs to fire up).

The defining characteristic of a hybrid is that these vehicles use a combination of electric motors and internal combustion engines (working in tandem) to propel the vehicle.

Clean diesel technology

With the advent of high-pressure direct fuel injection and special exhaust emissions systems, modern automotive diesel engines bare little resemblance to their stinky, smoke-belching forefathers.

And unlike the truly dreadful diesel engines perpetrated on trusting American drivers by Oldsmobile from 1978-85, today's diesels are reliable.

Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Chrysler are adding clean diesel engines to their light trucks in 2010, but there are several cars and crossovers available this year that prove that diesel engines are viable for today's American driver.

Past award winners have been hybrids, but the Jetta's clean exhaust and exceptional real-world fuel economy (30 mpg city, 41 highway) won over the judges.

Powerful torque is a characteristic of diesel engines. Even though the Jetta's turbo diesel displaces only 2.0-liters (about 128 cubic inches), with 236 lb-ft of torque, the Jetta accelerates as if it's powered by a large gasoline V-6 engine.

Torque is the overriding trait that defines the diesel driving experience. The Q7, just like the smaller Jetta TDI, demonstrated another diesel hallmark: efficiency (mpg) at highway speeds.

The downside of diesel

Unfortunately, diesel engines are more costly to produce than most gasoline engines, so there is a higher up-front cost when you buy or lease. Worldwide demand for diesel fuel is also up, putting further upward pressure on pricing compared to gasoline (Europe ships diesel to the U.S. at bargain prices).

Taxes add to the price differential between gasoline and diesel, and Larson estimates the difference is another six cents to diesel's cost-per-gallon disadvantage. Unfortunately, diesel fuel's higher cost typically erases most cost saving from its better fuel economy.

Say hi to more hybrids

Recently, automakers have rolled out hybrids in great supply. Honda introduced their 2010 Insight hybrid. BMW also has new production hybrids, including a new mild-hybrid powertrain for their full-size 7-Series.

Obviously, hybrids are hot. Why? Because there are several different categories of hybrid powertrains, we'll generalize the group's benefit: hybrids use battery-powered electric motors to reduce the energy required from their vehicle's internal combustion engine. This saves fuel.

Most hybrids can operate on only electric power for short distances at city-driving speeds. For example, the 2010 Prius is rated at 50 mpg city, 48 mpg highway. Likewise, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV racks up 34 mpg city, but only 31 mpg on the highway.

The lows of hybrids

Unlike diesel-powered vehicles, the highest-mileage hybrids tend to be a bit lackadaisical in regards to acceleration. Some also exhibit odd driving behaviors.
Hybrids also use electrically-driven power steering. Compared to otherwise comparable non-hybrid models, hybrids cost anywhere from $1750-$15,000 more.

What engine technology will drive us in 2014?

Diesel engines and hybrid powertrains will continue to offer high-mileage solutions for those willing to pay the required premium. Many manufacturers, such as Volkswagen, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz see potential for diesel-powered vehicles. Until the cost of diesel fuel drops to be closer to gasoline, company representatives told AOL that they are content to focus on hybrids and maximizing the efficiency of their traditional engines.

What about a normal engine?

This may come as a surprise, but traditional internal combustion engines represent a solid green choice based on their improving fuel economy and comparatively low cost.
According to Volkswagen's Group Powertrain Engineer Wolfgang Hatz, internal combustion engines will continue to improve. Hatz estimates that the fuel economy of gasoline engines will improve 15-perent in the coming years. Both Ford Motor Company and General Motors are already introducing gasoline engines with a new type of fuel injection that enhances fuel economy. Their engines utilize direct injection that helps boost mpg up to 20 percent.

Evidence points to a technology battle that's broader than diesel versus hybrid. Doing the math, this means that 80-percent of cars and light-duty trucks will remain powered by traditional gasoline engines in 2014.

At most, diesel and hybrid technologies help focus the driving public's attention on efficiency, and that's a good thing regardless of which engine technology is under the hood of your next vehicle.

Right now you can go out and buy a diesel-, hybrid- or traditional internal combustion-powered vehicle.

Used Hybrid Cars

2009-03-16T10:20:00.002+07:00

By Gregory Jean

When deciding to purchase any used hybrid cars, there are many benefits to be considered. Firstly, despite the fact that they may be slightly more expensive than other second hand cars, you will still save money on fuel with the cost per mile advantage. Depending on the age of the hybrid car, there should be a warrantee that entitles the owner to free replacements of some of the more expensive hybrid parts. Even when a hybrid car has passed 250,000 miles, it will still run perfectly.

Check into a possible tax rebate of up to $5,000 in the US if you decide to own a used hybrid car, as the government supports the hybrid vehicle because they do benefit the environment. A Used or new hybrid car has no more mechanical problems than a regular car and they have a fantastic power source, that doesn't need to be plugged into an electric source. The hybrid car creates it's own energy through a process of regenerative breaking, which is when charge is created through the movement of the wheels.

There are so many advantages to buying a used hybrid car with the first one being, it's cheaper than buying one brand new and it will still work just as good when it's looked after well, just as long as a regular car. When you buy a used hybrid car, you can also be proud to know that you are helping the environment and putting less fuel emissions towards pollution already out there today.

http://www.hybridridez.com

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Toyota's third-generation Prius

2009-02-15T07:40:00.003+07:00

Toyota's third-generation Prius, due at dealerships this spring, will have an optional solar panel on its roof. The panel will power a ventilation system that can cool the car without help from the engine, Toyota says.

But it's a long way from the 2010 Prius to a solar-powered car, experts told CNN. Most agree that there just isn't enough space on a production car to get full power from solar panels.

"Being able to power a car entirely with solar is a pretty far-reaching goal," said Tony Markel, a senior engineer at the federal government's National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden, Colorado.

In the new Prius, the solar panel will provide energy for a ventilation fan that will help cool the parked car on sunny, hot days. The question is, how much gasoline can solar power offset? According to recent articles in Japan's Nikkei newspaper, Toyota has bigger plans for harnessing power from the sun. Nikkei reports that Toyota hopes to develop a vehicle powered entirely by solar panels. Motorists don't have to wait for a 2010 Prius to drive a solar-enhanced car, however. Greg Johanson, president of Solar Electric Vehicles in Westlake Village, California, said his company makes a roof-mounted panel for a standard Prius that enables the car to travel up to 15 additional miles a day.

The system delivers about 165 watts of power per hour to an added battery, which helps powers the electric motor, Johanson said.

"Solar panels really need a lot of area," he said.

Leonhardt thinks Toyota's new Prius is a good first step toward using renewable energy. Johanson of Solar Electric Vehicles said he'd like to see Toyota bring the weight of a Prius down from 3,000 pounds to 2,000. He also hopes for a small gasoline engine and a larger electric motor. In the meantime, Solar Electric Vehicles sells its version of a plug-in Prius, with a solar panel installed, for $25,000, Bautista said.

Toyota is the largest automaker to incorporate solar power into a mass-produced car. But its solar panel is not the first for a car company. The Eclectic model costs $30,000, looks like a souped-up golf cart and uses roof-mounted solar panels to help power an electric engine.

The Development History of the Hybrid Car

2009-01-14T08:26:00.000+07:00

By Wendy Gorman

Are modern hybrid cars reinventing the wheel? Well not quite, but hybrid car developers may be going full circle. Hybrid cars are currently all the rage and this is for many reasons including economy, climate change, fuel shortages and many more forms of challenge to the motorist. The latest hybrid cars are seen as a modern response to these challenges. The truth however is that the automobile manufacturing industry has been here before. So while contemplating the purchase of a new super modern hybrid, why not pause a little and reflect on the history behind today's so called new designs?

It is not generally realized that designs for hybrid cars actually predate designs for gasoline driven cars. As early as 1665 a certain Ferdinand Verbeist is known to have been working on the concept of a self-moving wagon. This appears to have been a very basic design, based on a simple four-wheeled wagon of the day to which some form of power source was to be added. The motive power was to be steam! It is known that he was still working on his design in the late 1670's but unfortunately no record exists to show whether he actually got it to work.

It was nearly 100 years later when Nicholas Cugnot produced a somewhat more sophisticated steam carriage that actually worked. Capable of speeds up to some six miles per hour, this vehicle proved the concept, but suffered from both not being able to create enough steam to go any faster and also not being able to carry enough fuel to go any great distance. Nonetheless, surely Nicholas can claim to have produced the first working hybrid car.

Over the next 70 years a number of designers tried various ways to overcome the known drawbacks of what came to be known as the horseless carriage and in 1839 Robert Anderson announced the electric powered car. Robert, who designed and built his car in Scotland, seemed to have made the breakthrough everyone was looking for.

Although highly acclaimed at the time, there were as always some snags to be overcome in order to increase performance and to create what today we would call a more user-friendly product. This electric car was a highly applauded innovation of its time. The main drawback with this design was the difficulty in maintaining the charge in the car's automotive batteries. The solution to this development problem proved elusive to many pioneers of the fledgling automobile industry.

By the late 19th century, automobile engineers were experimenting with combined fuel sources less dependent on battery recharging technology. It was in 1898 that Porsche introduced the Lohner Electric Chaise. This was powered by a combination of electric and fuel combustion technology and on battery power alone could cover distances of up to 40 miles. The ultimate aim of realistic distances was getting closer.

Throughout the major part of the 20th century the ideas behind the hybrid car lay somewhat dormant, as availability of cheap gasoline and the advance of conventional technology for powering cars, trucks etc was fully exploited in a great transport revolution. The first decade of the 21st century however brought changes in outlook based on rising cost of oil and gasoline, together with a growing environmental awareness of such things as global warming. Development engineers combined both a gas and a battery powered engine to power what would become today's hybrid car. This was kick started by Honda who introduced the lightweight two-door Honda Insight to the American automobile marketplace. A vigorous and continuing series of developments by other manufacturers have created the range of hybrid models we know today. In the same way that complex development of the gasoline driven car does not stop people understanding the 'simple concept' of conventional cars, the apparently complex ideas underpinning the latest hybrid cars, should not stop the automobile purchaser from seeing the hybrid car as being just as simple to understand. The hybrid car started out as a simple, self powered, four wheeled wagon and it is still that today - About 350 years after it was first conceived!

Wendy Gorman is an accomplished author and niche website developer. She is committed to exploring the question "what is a hybrid car?" and also to explain how to buy a hybrid car. Visit her sites now to better understand the hybrid car marketplace and its future.

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