Alternative Fuel Cars

Cadillac Converj, Ready for production

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:03:00 +0000

Hybrid Coupe from GM, The brand has had some issues of late but this Hybrid Cadillac Converj is a hopeful addition and a marketing trinket to get that brand noticed yet again.

On the top end of the scale the US $70,000 Escalade hybrid is something even Tiger Woods would like. This hybrid unit is selling about 160 units a month and that is not a bad thing..

Style and the name for both of these units is a good marketing outlet for GM.

Toyota and Ford in Top 10 US Engine award

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:40:00 +0000

Toyota and Ford have left their Hybrid mark on the 2010 Wards engine awards.
Based on afford ability these awards show the public what is good for engines for the coming years 2010, 2011.
Congrats Ford and Toyota:

Ward's 10 Best Engines, North America's only award program honoring engine excellence, have been announced for 2010. The list symbolizes the auto industry's swift movement toward downsized engines to attract consumers who now are making fuel efficiency a top priority.

Highlights: Two turbodiesels (one each from BMW AG and Volkswagen AG) and two hybrid-electric vehicles (from Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp.) made this year's list by achieving fuel economy of nearly 40 mpg (5.8 L/100 km) in the VW Jetta SportWagen TDI and up to 55 mpg (4.2 L/100 km) in the Toyota Prius in real-world driving.

This year's winners and the applications tested:

2.0L TFSI Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A4)
3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi S4)
3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (BMW 335d)
2.5L DOHC I-4 Hybrid (Ford Fusion Hybrid)
3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharged DOHC V-6 (Ford Taurus SHO)
2.4L Ecotec DOHC I-4 (Chevrolet Equinox)
4.6L Tau DOHC V-8 (Hyundai Genesis)
2.5L Turbocharged DOHC H-4 (Subaru Legacy 2.5GT)
1.8L DOHC I-4 Hybrid (Toyota Prius)
2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI)

"This year's list embodies how the industry is responding to demands for higher fuel economy and lower emissions without shortchanging performance," Ward's AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter said. "Auto makers are using innovative designs and advanced technology to boost horsepower and torque while downsizing engines and increasing efficiency."

To be eligible for the competition, each engine must be available in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first-quarter 2010, in a vehicle priced no more than $54,000, a price cap indexed to the average cost of a new vehicle.

Alternative fuel-cars.com

Dodge Ram Hybrid 2010

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:16:00 +0000

Dodge Ram Hybrid

For 2010 Dodge has also begun production on a Hybrid model. Executive Vice President in charge of product development Frank Klegon when asked about the new hybrid models states ?The addition of hybrid and diesel powertrains to our all-new Dodge Ram 1500 lineup is sure to attract an array of new customers looking for the ultimate combination of full-size pickup fuel efficiency, performance and capability."

The hybrid and diesel offerings for Dodge Ram are in addition to three gasoline powertrain options:

-- An all-new 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, that delivers a 4 percent increase in fuel economy for 2009 while producing 380 horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque
-- A new for 2008 4.7-liter flex-fuel V-8, that resulted in an increase in fuel economy while producing 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque
-- A 3.7-liter V-6 that generates 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque

Dodge Ram Hybrid, Big and cheap to run. 2010

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:46:00 +0000

What started as a brain storming pool of automotive genius"s from BMW, GM, Chrysler and Daimler is now ready for the 2010 season of Hybrid vehicles. The Dodge Ram 1500.

See more Dodge Ram

Nissan Leaf Electric

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:52:00 +0000

We have been discussing the Lithium ion battery now for some time and the Nissan Leaf will be one of the early birds that may catch the worm. The joint Renault-Nissan venture was unveiled in August 2009 and is based on the Nissan Tiida. This world car is expected to peak in about 2012 with production for Japan and the USA.

The leaf has a realistic top speed of 140KPH (87MPH) with a cruising range of 160 kms.. The laminated lithium ion battery enables a 80% charge in 30 mins and more reliability plus as production ramps hopefully a cheaper and more user friendly system.

The Nissan Leaf is a five seat vehicle. At this point retail in the USA will be between 25-33000 USD.

The IT system was created for the driver experience. Here is a portion of the press release for the Nissan Leaf

Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data center, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.

The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF's remaining power - or "reachable area" - in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.

Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions - even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.
More on the Nissan leaf

Australian Hoden Cruze set for LPG

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:26:00 +0000

GM Holden Australia medium car the Cruze will make its debut in 2010 with the LPG option. Ideally Australia with its vast reserves of LPG could find this to be the alternative fuel for cars . GM in Australia are playing this card as the Japanese are relying on hybrid vehicles with lithium ion batteries to give them the edge in what is beginning to be a competitive market.

Here is part of a recent report:
According to the Australian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (ALPGA), the Chevrolet Cruze is set to debut in Europe in LPG form and the locally produced Holden version will follow suit. The ALPGA says the LPG Cruze will "complement the LPG Holden Commodore and an LPG HSV currently under testing".

ALPGA says GM will go to market in Italy with the gas-fuelled variant of the Cruze, prior to Christmas this year. The association says it expects Holden to pick up the fuel delivery system for the local version, which is due to go into production at the Elizabeth plant next year.

Toyota small Hybrid

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:23:00 +0000

Its a competitive market, The small hybrid lead by Honda with the CR-z and fit in Japan has unofficially got Toyota thinking about a planned new hybrid for 2011. According to some reports the Yaris will be the focus for the new hybrid that will interrupt the heavy focus on hybrids by Honda.

This Sub compact model will hopefully be in the vicinity of $16000. Hopefully according to Japans asahi newspaper they will be built in Japan and France for the local and European markets

Ford Australia E boost package 2011

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:02:00 +0000

Ford Australia with the help of the Rudd Labour government in Australia have now set the agenda to build a E gas 2.0 litre engine for the Ford Falcon due 2011. Ford Australia is hoping this to be the saviour of jobs in the car sector that is very much relied upon in Victoria especially around the Geelong area.
A recent ABC press release stated:

"The Rudd and Brumby Labor governments have announced a partnership with Ford Australia on a major $230 million green engine initiative.

Industry minister, Senator Kim Carr said the Rudd Government has contributed $42 million from its Green Car Innovation Fund to what is an important milestone in Ford Australia’s evolution.

“The funding will run over three years, starting this financial year, and will support the application of a four-cylinder, turbo-charged EcoBoost engine to fit the Falcon.

“The Commonwealth contribution will be matched by substantial new investment from Ford.

“This is a significant win for Ford Australia because the Australian-built Falcon will be the first rear-wheel drive vehicle in the world to receive the EcoBoost engine. The new, greener Falcon will emit significantly less carbon dioxide than current six-cylinder cars. "

Golden Arches and Plug In Hybrid Cars

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:24:00 +0000

North Carolina McDonalds will become the first to offer a Electric Hybrid car refilling station to US Alternative fuel Cars car owners and fast food consumers.
The North Carolina restaurant is taking this clever step to show the public just how green they could be. This is just a part of the overall plan, as a new building will be developed using green concepts and the latest tech ideas. The independent owner Mr. Ric Richards was reported in a recent article to say:

“Our customers will have a dedicated place to park and recharge their vehicles,” said Richards. “McDonald's is enabling a better environment for future generations by supporting zero-emissions transportation infrastructure.” The new "green" McDonald's in Cary was opened on July 14.

Mercury Milan Hybrid 2010

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:57:00 +0000

Its new, its normal and it does most things well. How odd dont you think that a vehicle thats hybrid is just a normal vehicle that normal people can drive. Well this is one.
It is reported to be nice to drive, its quiet, has a nice lengthy range for touring, great for family as it has a roomy spacious feel and real space and it has a great economy with the latest hybrid technology. Sound Normal.

Buyer dont get excited its not followed by a huge Hollywood style launch with a fashion parade and a circus but just a good marketable hybrid vehicle that will do what you want a hybrid to do based on current developments in technology.
Looking forward to its release but dont expect every movie and rock star to own.
This is for the mums and dads.

GM and the Hybrid pick up truck

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:11:00 +0000

Most people think of small cars and big gas mileage when it comes to hybrid vehicles. But, what about those with a need for more space, utility, and brawniness? Enter the hybrid pickup truck.

Hybrid pickup trucks are unique because they have exceptional fuel economy, but drive and are fueled the same way as a normal pickup truck. While they are usually more expensive than their non-hybrid counterparts, from a cost-benefit analysis, experts say that it’s really not much of a premium.

Still a powerful punch, not only do the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrid pickups have fuel economy that’s 50% better in the city, they offer over 300 horsepower and 1,500 pounds payload – as well as 6,100 pounds of towing, so you don’t have to compromise on a full-size truck. In fact, these hybrid pickup trucks have the same mileage as many popular 4-cylinder mid-size cars. Experts say the versatile pickup truck is here to stay, as the pickup truck still represents the second largest segment of the auto market.
Hybrid pick up trucks the word from GM

Mitsubishi Miev electric.

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:26:00 +0000

It is hoped that 2009 may be the turning point for electric cars and Mitsubishi.
Mitsubishi has now been winding down especially in markets like Australia. The launch in 2009 for the Mitsubishi Miev all electric vehicle may see some markets re open over the next few years.
The Miev is reliant on lithium ion battery technology and as development is streamlined pricing of this technology will reduce hopefully creating a much more consumer priced environment for sales.
Although small this vehicle will find its way ideally into urban and semi urban sales. In countries like Australia it is feared government red tape may slow the development and sales launches into these markets. But for Japanese and some Asian markets hopefully Mitsubishi will be on a winner.

Vegetable fueled vehicles. huh?

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:11:00 +0000

Its common in some parts, of the world Germany to name one, but the average diesel driver would not think that vegetable oil will run their vehicle.
What are the fores and against.?

Firstly, dont put vegie oil into your car unless you have had good advice and check manufacturer warranties

Secondly, the oil would have to be pure

Thirdly, Vegetable oil fuel may be at this point of time very expensive.

So why use vegetable oil.
Well it is simply a alternative fuel with differing result in regards to what remains in the air one combusted.

Here is the fore taken from vegetable oil cars.
The diesel engine was originally designed by Rudolf Diesel to run on vegetable oil, and later came to be run on mineral fuels due to the lower cost of production. He thought that this engine could assist farmers to be more self sustaining, and not have to rely on outside inputs for their mechanisation. Today most farm vehicles have a diesel motor, which many farmers could be operating from resources grown on their own farm!

Today's diesel vehicles are not designed to operate on straight vegetable oil without modification to the vehicle. Many people modify the oil into a thinner fuel called fatty acid methyl esters otherwise known as Biodiesel, which requires a chemical reaction in a processing plant and the use of about 20% Methanol which is produced from fossil fuels.

Unlike Biodiesel, Vegetable Oil Fuel doesn't require any fossil fuels or chemicals for its production and is essentially a waste product of the food industry. Vegetable Oil as fuel doesn't attract a fuel excise in Australia, making it a much cheaper option for those considering the backyard production of Biodiesel which will work out to be at least 60 cents per litre more expensive due to the fuel excise and the costs of chemical inputs.

Personally I would like to know more before the big switch although recently saw a documentary of travelling in Africa where fuel was scarce and vegetable oil was used in a Nissan Patrol.

Detroit motor show 2009

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:12:00 +0000

General Motors announced that Chevrolet Volt will use battery packs manufactured in the United States. The plant will be located in Michigan and will be the first lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing facility operated by a major US automaker. Facility preparation will begin in early 2009, with output starting in 2010.

Solar Power car to the Extreme...

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:05:00 +0000

The Helios...Different heh.!
Kim Gu-Han of Universitat Dulsburg-Essen, Germany, wants to build a solar-powered car that can charge itself entirely from the sun. The problem is the limited space for photovoltaic panels on a car’s roof. The Helios overcomes that limitation by acting like a frill-neck lizard. When stationary, the off-road vehicle can unfurl a large set of photovoltaic cells to produce enough energy to run the car, with excess energy for home power. The Helios won Best Use of Technology category at the Interior Motives Design Awards 2008.

Hybrids for the Rich

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:00:00 +0000

Squwillionaire Warren Buffet seems to have plans for the world domination of his chinese hybrid vehicle the BYD. Warren is hoping for a stake of about 10% in the company that makes elctric vehicle. These plug in hybrids have a range fro 100-140 kms and he hopes that this will launch in the USA and Europe. At what cost to the Buff?..only $232 Mill USD.
The question remains what will the chinese company BYD do with the cash injection? The answer is to launch into Europe and the USA in a big way by 2010.

Only one problem is that these vehicles at this point sadly lack behind the others in saftey and development and the thought of a sucessfull launch anywhere at this point seems to be off with the pixies. Good luck Warren

Australian Govt. Bail out for Greener cars.!

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:16:00 +0000

AN auto industry bailout plan worth $6bn has been welcomed as the possible saviour of thousands of jobs as well as good news for car buyers.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced a $3.4 billion lifeline for the industry today, doubling federal assistance to more than $6 billion over the next decade and a half.

Under the plan, A New Car Plan for a Greener Future, the Government has more than doubled the $500 million Green Car Innovation Fund recommended in the federal inquiry into the industry led by former Victorian premier Steve Bracks.

The reduction of the automotive tariff to 5 per cent will go ahead as planned in 2010.

Good news for jobs

The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union said the plan provided crucial investment for the industry and would save tens of thousands of jobs, the Herald Sun reports.

Read more....

T0p 10 Fuel efficient Hybrids 2009 models

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:16:00 +0000

Top 10 Fuel Economy List for 2009 Vehicles

Toyota Prius - 48/45
Honda Civic Hybrid - 40/45
Nissan Altima Hybrid - 35/33
Ford Escape Hybrid FWD; Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD; Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD - 34/31
Smart ForTwo convertible; Smart ForTwo coupe - 33/41
Toyota Camry Hybrid - 33/34
Volkswagen Jetta (manual, diesel); Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen (manual, diesel) - 30/41
Volkswagen Jetta (automatic, diesel); Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen (automatic, diesel) - 29/40
Toyota Yaris (manual) - 29/36
Toyota Yaris (automatic) - 29/35

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:22:00 +0000

The 2008 Paris motor show has cemeted Hyundai as a serious contender for the manufacturer of the greenest kind with the unvieling of two green vehicle. One being the Hyundai i20 blue sedan and the othe the Santa Fe Blue Hybrid 4x4.

Prius One Million Sales a year by 2010

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:48:00 +0000

With total sales of more than one million, Prius is the world's best-selling hybrid car.

Since Prius was launched in Australia in October 2001, local sales have risen every year - including an increase of 10 per cent so far this year.

Prius is powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, which combines an efficient four-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor and a battery pack.

Prius can travel for short distances on electric power only. The petrol engine shuts down automatically when the car is stationary or coasting, which saves fuel and cuts emissions.

Prius never has to be plugged in. The hybrid battery is automatically recharged while driving, and Prius also recovers energy from regenerative braking.

Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said motorists were increasingly attracted to the benefits of hybrid technology.

"Prius has struck a resounding chord with buyers in a climate of volatile fuel prices and increasing environmental accountability," Mr Buttner said.

"Prius owners driving average distances can typically drive for a fortnight before needing to re-fill with petrol - without sacrificing drivability or useability.

"This significantly reduces fuel costs and vehicle emissions compared with a petrol-only car of the same size and performance."

Prius uses just 4.4 litres of regular unleaded fuel to travel 100km* - the best fuel economy of any five-seat car sold in Australia.

It also emits less carbon dioxide than any other vehicle on the market at 106 grams/km.

Toyota Australia recently announced it will build a hybrid Camry at its Altona manufacturing plant in Melbourne from 2010.

Mr Buttner said Toyota will ultimately offer hybrid versions of all its production cars.

"Our global goal is to reach one million hybrid sales per year as soon as possible during the 2010s," he said.

Nissan Bevel Van

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 11:54:00 +0000

Nissan recently showed ( at the Detroit Motor Show ) the‘Bevel’ concept Hybrid commercial and passenger van..To categorise the Nissan Bevel includes ‘a combination minivan and SUV.’ The Bevel has a unique interior, made up of three zones: one for comfort (including the driver’s seat), one for information / technology, and one for utility purposes.

Unlike earlier vans the Nissan Bevel looks similar to a highly modified van of the eighties but with state of the art features

The push is on in the US

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:08:00 +0000

Right now in the United States, there is a huge push for people to use alternative fuels as opposed to gasoline. There are many reasons for this push. Generally, it’s because alternative fuels are kinder to the environment and can help to combat the ever-growing problem of global warming.

The price of driving a car is rising at an alarming rate. It has become very expensive to drive a car, so people are looking out for ways to save money on their fuel. Scientists are developing alternative fuels that can help not only the environment, but also the consumer’s checkbook. The new alternative fuels offer advantages in so many ways that people are really starting to take a look at these as an option over paying astronomical gasoline prices.

When consumers use alternative fuels both to gas up their car as well as heat and cool their homes, they are helping the environment as well as helping themselves. The toxins that are released into the air when we burn gasoline and other fuels have shown to contribute to global warming and before we know it, winter will be as warm as summer.

In the simplest form, an alternative fuel is one that is not produced by using crude oil. They are simply fuels that replace conventional gasoline as a means of powering vehicles. Alternative fuels have desirable energy efficiency and pollution reduction features. The 1990 Clean Air Act encourages development and sale of alternative fuels.

There are many different kinds of alternative fuels – the most prominent one as well as the one that has been around the longest is ethanol. Ethanol is made from corn which is a great help to our farmers as well as to consumers and the environment. Ethanol is sometimes called grain alcohol. It can also be made from organic materials including agricultural crops and waste, plant material left from logging, and trash including paper.
The alcohol found in alcoholic beverages is ethanol. However, the ethanol used for motor fuel is denatured, which means poison has been added so people can't drink it. Some people believe that producing ethanol takes more energy than it gives back and for the most part, this is true. However, technologies have evolved in such a way that it is possible to increase the efficiency of producing ethanol.
The growing trend toward alternative fuels will probably grow as we become more and more conscious of how we are damaging our environment through our habits and products we use. New alternative fuels are being developed all the time and having a choice will certainly be a nice alternative itself.

Major Freight Company Go's Green.

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 02:09:00 +0000

Major Australian freight company TNT have just taken delivery of at least 10 Hino Hybrid trucks.
Managing Director Mr Roger Corcoran revealed that "the new hybrid fleet will reduce CO2 emmissions an average 1600kg per year".

This is part of the companys policy now to be only utilising energy efficient vehicle throughout their fleet.
When calculating the enviromental advantage TNT also look carefully at the savings considering the evalation in a two month period calculated over 45000 kms.
Considering the price of fuel now worldwide, finally the number crunchers in these large orginisations see the advantage financially for some alternative fuel sources.

Lithium-ion Batteries

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:17:00 +0000

As a alternative new technology will soon be coming on line in the form of a lithium-ion batteries soon to be mass produced by Nissan with the help of NEC. Mass production will ultimatley reduce cost and hopfully add to the availability to average motorist. Toyota Prius in 2009 should be the first mass production using these batteries.

Alternative fuel cars Australia

Fuel at the point of no return.

colin4272@gmail.com (colin4272) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 03:58:00 +0000

Oil prices are now where discussion is raging" will fuel prices ever return to levels we felt comfortable with"?
well the answer is no. Manufactures must now scramble for the technology to fill the market whilst finding the technology to replace oil.
Hybrid and ethanol may be short term but eventually cost efficent fuel cells will ultimatley be the answer in our lifetimes.
The warning bells were ringing in 1972 If we adopted a futuristic approach then maybe we would'nt be sitting here today sitting on our hands and scratching our heads.However for gas producing countries LPG could be a stop gap right now however scepticism is a live making it odds on the price of LPG will skyrocket.

Alternative fuel cars