Hydrogen & Hybrid Car News / Alternative Fuel Blog

As fuel prices remain stagnant and resources diminish, the popularity of hybrid vehicles is soaring.  Consumers are more aware of the environmental footprint they leave.  As a result, more people are purchasing green goods and services.  From ecologically-friendly household cleaners to electric cars, green technology is the wave of the future.  Automotive manufacturers are scrambling to find the latest ways to provide fuel efficiency to discerning customers.

Is Algae The New Fuel Source?

Will algae be the new substitute for traditional fuel?  Sapphire Energy in California promises to deliver a billion gallons of algal biofuel annually by 2025.  While the technology is still in its primitive stages, Sapphire Energy is ready to supply one million gallons of biofuel each year by 2011. Continental Airlines and Japan Airlines already made test flights using this algal fuel.

The vice president of Sapphire Energy, Dr. Brian Goodall, said to the New York Times, “Fuel from algae is not just a laboratory experiment or something to speculate on for years to come.  We’ve worked tirelessly, and the technology is ready now.”

Sapphire Energy drew backing from the Rockefeller family and Bill Gates.  They claim fuel made from algae delivers a whopping 10 to 100 times more energy per acre than ethanol, which is made from corn.  Algae can be grown on non-arable land and uses up less water than growing corn.  Algae also naturally eats up CO2.  It is comparable to crude oil because unlike ethanol, it works well with the existing pipelines and refineries.

With regard to overall production, Sapphire will make what they can sell, stating, “It will be market dependent – we’ll produce what our customers need.”  Other companies creating algal fuel include Live Fuels, Blue Marble Energy and Solazyme, who just signed a major deal with Chevron.

Toyota Prius Returns Energy To The Grid

At the University of Technology Sydney, engineers have been hard at work.  They recently built a plug-in Toyota Prius that returns energy to the grid to reduce power shortages.  The prototype has an extra battery pack to take or send back power from a household power supply.  The “Switch” prototype also creates ways to store renewable energy produced during off-peak times, such as wind power.

The director of the project, Chris Dunstan, stated to the Sydney Morning Herald, “The vehicle-to-grid technology this car presents could do for the automotive industry and the electric industry what the personal computer did for computing, and what the mobile phone did for telecommunications.”

With most of the major car companies developing electric vehicles, many are concerned where the energy will come from.  Vehicle-to-grid technology minimizes this problem by storing energy in the extra battery during off-peak times.  According to Josh Usher, the Project Research Consultant, “It seems logical to combine our research in electricity grids with our research in electric cars by making vehicles fully grid interactive.”

Hyundai Goes Blue and Green

Hyundai is joining the green movement with a Sonata hybrid hitting the market in the United States and Korea by the end of this year.  To further their hybrids, Hyundai started an electric car program backed by the Korean government.  Hyundai is planning petrol-electric models in the future.

The buzzword for 2009 is change.  Everyone realizes major changes need to be made to improve our environment and economy.  Hybrid and electric cars are the cutting edge way to minimize the environmental footprint left on the world while saving money.  Automakers are scrambling to offer the latest, greatest green vehicles ranging from motorcycles to four-door sedans to work trucks.

Electric Motorcycles Does 150 MPH

Led by a former Tesla Motors engineer, a San Francisco startup company called Mission Motors is developing a sophisticated electric motorcycle.  The Mission One by Mission Motors will reach the speed of 150 mph, making it the fastest production electrical vehicle on the globe today. 

Power for the Mission One comes from an AC induction motor and a lithium ion battery.  Recharging only take 2 hours at 240 volts or 8 hours at 120 volts.  The body work, based on a Ducati 900, was designed by Yves Behar.  The bike will be sold next year for $69,000.

Forrest North, Mission Motors founder and CEO, commented, “As a motorcycle enthusiast and engineer, I knew I could combine my passion for motorcycles with my passion for innovation and create a motorcycle that truly sets a new standard in the perception of electric vehicles.  With Mission One, we’re writing the next chapter in motorcycle design, delivering a new riding experience without sacrificing performance or design in a zero emissions vehicle.”

On June 14, the company will race the Mission One in the TTXGP, which is a zero emissions motorcycle grand prix. 

Tesla’s Sexy Green Four-Door Sedan

Recently Tesla Motors offered a sneak peek of the Model S prior to its official unveiling on March 26.  this Model S is a four-door sedan which is planned to be similar to a Cadillac CTS or a BMW 5-Series with the sexy qualities of an Aston Martin Rapide. 

Tesla Motors founder and CEO expects his company will be profiting by the middle of 2009.  Musk anticipates receiving a $350 million loan from the Department of Energy to make production of the Model S possible.  The car is expected to go into production in 2011 and will cost around $50,000.

Ford Offers Green Options For Commercial Customers

Ford commercial customers will have an option to order the 2010 Ford Transit Connect with a battery electric or gas powertrain.  The delivery van will get 100 miles per charge and reach a speed of 70 mph.  The van will be able to quietly carry around 1,800 pounds. 

The truck appeals to consumers who are concerned about environmental sustainability but require a rugged work van.  Derrick Kuzack, Global Product Development VP, said the Transit Connect is the “strong, silent type. The new Transit Connect light commercial vehicle with battery electric power represents the next logical step in our pursuit of even greater fuel economy and sustainability. A growing number of our commercial vehicle fleet clients have expressed interest in electrification as a sustainable mobility solution.”

Non-commercial Ford customers are looking forward to a small battery electric card promised to find its way to dealerships by 2011.

Everyone Wants a Mini

The Mini-E was introduced at the Los Angeles Show with a promise to have 500 on the road by the beginning of 2009.  The fleet was cut to 450 after Mini decided to send 50 to a Berlin energy company.  The rest of the cars are being lease for one year at a whopping fee of $850 per month.  However, release of the 450 Minis is postponed until April because so many people want them.

Despite the hefty cost, over 1,800 people applied to lease the 204-horsepower electric cars.  Mini expects it will take until April to sort through the paperwork and choose 450 applicants.  The Mini-E will only be available in 3 cities.  Its top speed will be 95 mph and the Mini E will go from 0 to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds.  It takes about 8 hours to charge and the lithium ion battery has a range of 150 miles.

Potential Mini E owners must meet a long list of requirements.  Applicants are handled through just 16 deals with 5 in New York, 3 in New Jersey and 8 in Los Angeles.  Jim McDowell, Vice President of Mini USA, stated, “We have to make sure their driving style fits with what we want. If you drive 200 miles a day, that’s a longer daily drive than our range.”

With the new year, everyone is looking to find more affordable transportation.  The cost of gas to our pockets and the environment has definitely made an impact.  From driving around the world in a solar car to turning school buses into hybrids, there are many solutions on the forefront for the year ahead.

Around The World On Solar Power

Is it possible to navigate the world in a solar car?  Louis Palmer proved it is when he became the first person to get around the globe in a solar vehicle. 

Palmer is a 36-year-old Swiss school teacher who drove a total of 32,000 miles through 38 countries.  His journey took 17 months to complete.  Throughout the entire trip, Palmer did not use any petroleum and then engaged in U.N. Climate talks in Poland with the hopes of putting together a treaty to deal with climate change.

The journey was made with a three-wheeled “solar taxi”.  It has a range of 185 miles and can reach a speed of 55 MPH.  According to Palmer, the car “ran like a Swiss watch”.  He stated, “These new technologies are ready.  The car is ecological, economical and absolutely reliable.” 

The three-wheeled vehicle was built by Swiss scientists and seats two.  Palmer invited powerful leaders to accompany him along the way ranging from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.  The car could be mass-produced for about $123,620 and solar panels would add another $6,000 to the price.

Palmer will be going around the world in 80 days next year using 6 alternative fuel vehicles including wind, hydro and geothermal.

School Buses Go Green

With a total of around 450,000 school buses throughout America, it makes sense for them to go green.  However, the current plug-in hybrid buses cost a whopping $170,000 or more each.  Though fuel consumption and emissions are greatly reduced, they make a major dent in already strained school budgets.

Despite the high cost of hybrid buses, it is still a major priority because of the environmental impact they make.  With this in mind, Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies is working on a plug-and-play conversion kit to turn any bus into a hybrid.  The cost would be approximately $80,000, less than half the cost of replacing the bus.  The company currently sells kits converting Ford F-150 pickups into 41 MPG hybrids.

Company founder Ali Emadi states, “Our laboratory simulations show that the larger the vehicle converted to hybrid technology, the greater the benefits – in gas costs, greenhouse emissions and sound pollution.” The plan includes a 35kWh battery pack that will go 15 miles on 4 hour charge and boost fuel economy from about 6 MPG to 16 MPG.

Toyota Talks Electric Cars

Toyota will bring a small electric car concept vehicle to the auto show in Detroit.  The car will appear with the newly redesigned Toyota Prius hybrid.  The car is reported to be smaller than the Prius and works completely on electrical energy.

Spokesperson Jana Hartline states about the electric car, “It’s a concept we’re bringing to the show basically to confirm our interest in electric vehicles.”  Toyota is expected to introduce electric cars as soon as 2010, when they will also be introducing the first plug-in Prius hybrids.

Honda’s Electric Ebike

Honda is working on an electric Ebike to get ready to sell on the market by 2010.  With more people than ever getting on motorcycles and scooters, Honda is ready to meet the need with an electric version that will be kinder to the environment.  They are also cheaper than getting a hybrid car.

Takeo Fukui, CEO of Honda, stated, “History shows that motorcycles remain strong in a difficult market environment and have always supported Honda in difficult times.  People showed renewed interest in the value of motorcycles which consume less fuel for commuting purposes as well as for the easy-to-own/easy-to-use efficiency.”

Hybrids and electric vehicles are definitely top choices for the year ahead.

As consumer demand increases for hybrids, the major automobile manufacturers are all clamoring to come up with the latest and greatest models.  People want to save money and be environmentally conscious while still looking good in their cars.  The latest hybrid releases leave old technology in the dust forever.

The Mini Goes Electric

The world famous Mini is going electric.  A completely electric car, the Mini E will only be available for private and corporate customers in the United States.  A total of 500 Mini E electric cars will be built.  The Mini E will only be available for one year.  After the trial, the Mini E will be returned to BMW to measure its overall success. 

The Mini E relies on lithium ion batteries with no internal combustion engines to dive the 204bhp electric motor.  The car takes eight hours to recharge with a range of about 150 miles.  There are no rear seats to accommodate the electric transmission.  The Mini E will be seen at the 2008 Los Angeles motor show.

Bringing Good Karma To Michigan

Fisker Automotive is putting around 200 designers and engineers to work on a luxurious Karma plug-in hybrid.  A new research and development will be opened in Pontiac to get the Karma into production by the end of 2009.  Making the $80,000 Karma will put plenty of Motor City Michigan workers to work.

Fisker Automotive COO Bernhard Koehler states, “The available talent, supplier base and infrastructure in Michigan will help us reach our production goal.  While Fiskar Automotive will continue to be headquartered in Irvine, California, the new facility will allow us the opportunity to collaborate with our Michigan supplier base and have everyone under one roof.”

Chevy Volt Gives GM A Boost

While luxury hybrids are in demand, plenty of everyday people want a hybrid vehicle.  General Motors is stepping out into the modern automotive world with the Chevrolet Volt.  With shares at their lowest since 1951, GM is counting on the Volt to bring them back.  The 100 MPG Volt proves GM’s commitment to being more innovative.  Bob Lutz, vice chairman of product development, says, “We’ve had a gradual cultural revolution here at GM.  The Volt is a very good sign for the company.  It shows a willingness to take risks.”  The Volt should be in showrooms by the end of 2010.

Big, Bad Hybrids

Conquest Vehicles recently introduced at 400-horsepower armored truck that burns ethanol.  Named the KNIGHT XV, the armored truck is safe, luxurious and environmentally-conscious.  Company president William Maizlin comments, “We believe that the combination of the secure exterior appointment and ultra-luxurious interior will appeal to high-profile individuals with discriminate tastes that place security and luxury at the top of their list when it comes to acquiring a bespoke luxury vehicle.”  You can at least be secure and enveloped in the lap of luxury during your possible final hours.

What Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Offer

The 2010 model Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids will be in showrooms next spring.   Both cars have the new Ford Duratec 2.4 liter I-4, which produces 175 horsepower with an enhanced 240 horsepower flex-fuel 3.0 liter V-6.  Both cars provide improved fuel economy and horsepower.  The 3.0 liter has a new air induction system, electronic throttle control (ETC) powertrain and Cam Torque Actuated (CTA) iVCT technology.  This technology uses the camshaft torsional energy instead of pressurized oil to phase camshafts for a smaller displacement oil pump. 

Steve Wilkie, supervisor of Cam Drive/VCT Design, comments, “With this technology, we are taking energy that is in your engine today— energy that was previously wasted—and using it to make an engine more efficient. The cam torque actuated technology is a significant player in the 3.0-liter’s ability to provide customers fuel economy and performance.”

With so many different, exciting hybrids to consider, going green is easier than ever.

As more people hit the road in hybrids, the manufacturers are scrambling to release the latest and greatest models possible.  Saving fuel and the environment is luring an increasing number of buyers.  The major manufacturers are gearing up to take advantage of this growing market.

A Lamborghini Hybrid – Yes, It Is True

For weeks Lamborghini taunted the public with the four-seater it will bring to the Paris Motor Show.  Now Lamborghini is suggesting the Estoque could be a hybrid.  Though just last spring Lamborghini claimed it could not meet the tighter emissions rules, they are now stating it, “is not just a new Lamborghini.  It’s a whole new world.  It is a concept that provides a clear indication of the future.  This applies to the new, elegant self-confidence of the lines themselves, but even more to the concept of the vehicle.”

Referred to by the company as an everyday sports car, enthusiasts will probably be able to get one for a mere $200,000.  Stephan Winkelman, presidents of Lamborghini, stated most of their cars are only used for less than 5,000 kilometers annually so, “This car is something different.  It is for everyday use.”  According to another statement released by Lamborghini the care will be, “a particularly economical, but nevertheless dynamic, variation would be a V8 with a hybrid module or an extremely high-performance TDI.”

Plug-Ins Ready For Production

Vice-chairman of General Motors, Robert Lutz, claims the Chevrolet Volt electric car will be ready for mass production to get on the road by the end of the year 2010.  He made this announcement at the 2007 North American Auto Show.  On their 100^th anniversary on September 16, GM unveiled the production version of the Volt in Detroit as test models were being driven at their Milford Proving Grounds.

Chevy is not alone.  Ford already delivered 2 Escape plug-in hybrid research vehicles to Southern California Edison utility company.  Ultimately Ford will deliver of fleet of 20 Escape hybrids to the utility company.  In June, Ford dispatched an Escape plug-in hybrid flex fuel vehicle to the United States Department of Energy.  This flex fuel Ford can run on E85.  Toyota is also working on a plug-in electric car to place in corporate fleets by 2010.  Nissan will also introduce an electric fleet vehicle by 2010 but has not let anyone know whether it will also be a plug-in.

What Everyone Will Save Using An Electric Plug-In

It is clear why the major auto manufacturers want to get their hybrids ready for the road by 2010.  Mark Duvall, electric transportation program manager at Electric Power Research Institute, states a plug-in electric car costs around 12 cents per kilowatt hour to run, which equals less than a dollar per gallon of gas. 

Duvall says, “ Obviously, prospects for having a plug-in electric vehicle on the road, in high volumes, are better than they have ever been.  Back in 2001, we conducted a study and projected 2010 as the year that the plug-in electric car would be able to be commercialized, so the current schedule is indeed meeting our expectations. The current gas-electric hybrids have been an important step, because they really have allowed for the most efficient use of gasoline to date, because they’ve minimized a lot of the waste of fuel that occurred during starting, stopping and idling. But a plug-in vehicle, if you’re the average driver, gives you a chance to completely eliminate the use of gasoline.  That would be a tremendous boon to the individual consumer, and would obviously be a boon to the environment, and would benefit the nation geopolitically, given our current dependence on foreign oil.”

Classic 2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrid

Do you remember the hot Chevy Malibu of yesterday?  This classic Chevy gets a whole new look and feel as a hybrid.  The power train of the 2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrid is fairly simple with a  2.4-liter 4-cylinder Ecotec engine and motor/generator that works like an alternator to deliver electric power for the ignition, radio and lights.  The improved mileage for the 2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrid is 26 MPG city and 34 MPG highway, whereas the Malibu LS is 22/30.  The performance of the hybrid model is not compromised with an engine generating 164 horsepower with 159 pound feet of torque.  The electric motor offers another 110 pound feet of torque for additional acceleration.  Chevy also covers key components for 100,000 miles or 8 years.

Honda Hybrid Motorcycles

Honda is working on a gas-electric motorcycle with a hybrid drive train.  Their goal is to have the bike in showrooms by the year 2011.  While other companies such as Brammo and Zero Motorcycles offer electric bikes, Honda is the first major manufacturer to go for it.  Honda wants to use lithium-ion batteries to offer a range of around 60 miles.  Yamaha also indicated they have plans of working on a gas-electric motorcycle.

As gas prices continue to go through the roof, the popularity of hybrid vehicles soars.  More companies are scrambling to add new, innovative hybrid vehicles to their collections.  Consumers wants to save money and the environment.  Car companies want to profit so they are finally delivering a variety of hybrids to satisfy this growing market.

The First Gas-Electric SUV Limo

California, a place known for its innovative approach to emissions, is the birthplace of what is believed to be the first gas-electric SUV limo.  LimeLight Coachworks is a limo company that stretches Escalades, Hummers and others.  In the interest of saving gas and cash, LimeLite chopped a Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid in half then added 13 feet of steel with amenities such as cocktail bars and flat screen televisions.  According to Mike Williams of LimoLite, the hybrid gets 80 percent better fuel economy than the regular SUV limos. Zbest Limos paid a lofty $99,000 for the Tahoe before it was even completed.

Chevrolet Volt Plug-In Hybrid

GM will celebrate their centenary on September 16, 2008.  In accordance with this celebration the sleek Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid is being introduced.  The Volt runs for 40 miles on just battery power or uses the onboard 1.4 gas engine for an additional charge.  It will go on sale in 2010 in the US and 2012 in Europe.  Volt will be able to hook into mains to top up the battery.  GM figures users can charge the Volt overnight then drive for the next day on the electric power only.  The Volt will be featured at the Paris motor show on October 2, 2008.

Chrysler Gets Into The Hybrid Market

Chrysler is getting into the hybrid market according to their vice Chairman and President Jim Press.  He states dealers have seen the advanced prototypes of their plug-in hybrid vehicles.  There is no time established for releasing plug-in hybrid cars but Envi showrooms are anticipated to open within three or so years.  The first vehicles coming out of Envi showrooms are likely to have a range of 40 miles on electric alone.  Press indicated the Envi powertrain would be suitable for an off-road vehicle to appeal to those dedicated Jeep drivers.

Honda Promoting Affordable Hybrids

Honda is introducing the Insight, the cheapest hybrid in the world with five seats and a price of $19,000.  The formal introduction of the Insight will take place at next month’s Paris Motor Show.  The Insight is a resurrected name.  The first hybrid brought to America was a two-seater introduced by Honda and named Insight.  Honda CEO Takeo Fukui states, “The original Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology in the U.S. and remains a symbol of Honda’s commitment to innovative technology and fuel efficiency.  This new Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within reach of customers who want great fuel economy and great value.”

Say Hello To Tata Motors

Tata Motors, an Indian auto maker, makes the cheapest car in the world.  They decided to build an electric version of their Indica hatchback car.  Ravi Kant, managing director of Tata Motors, says, “This is one of the technologies we’re looking at, as you know that electric cars are almost zero emissions.”  The car will be introduced in Norway and possibly next year in India.  Affordable cars are becoming increasingly popular in India and this fuel-efficient model is likely to do quite well.

The Luxe Lexus RX450h

The new luxe Lexus RX450h is getting a facelift including a new suspension, chassis and updated body architecture.  Another Lexus, with a code name SAI, will be launched in 2009 in the US and then Europe.  The five-door hatchback will have a 2.5 litre engine, which makes it much more powerful than the Prius 1.5 litre engine.

Toyota Planning A Takeover

While Toyota is not formally planning any type of takeover, they are on the way to dominating the hybrid car market.  Their 2009 Avensis will be gas-electric by 2012 with a lithium ion battery pack.  By 2012, optional hybrid drivetrains will be available for the Auris and RAV4.  All Toyota models will be available in hybrid form by 2020, proving hybrids are the wave of the future.

As the Toyota Prius soars in value, auto manufacturers are working on after market kits to convert any car into a plug-in electric car.  Drivers are expected to get double the gas mileage of a Toyota Prius with these new conversion kits.

Plug It In

While auto manufacturers are still a couple of years away from perfecting and launching plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery companies are gearing up to sell after market kits within the next couple of months.  Both hybrids and regular cars will be converted to plug-in cars with the kits.

The Hymotion L5 is the formal name of the hybrid conversion kit due out this fall.  The cost for the kits will be $9,995 plus a destination fee of $400.  Buyers get a three year warranty and installation of the kit at an authorized dealer.  The conversion kit turns a Toyota Prius into a plug-in hybrid and works on model years 2004 to 2008.  A range extending, lithium ion battery will be added to the existing Prius drivetrain.  While a Prius typically gets 46 miles per gallon, the added battery power will increase this to more than 100 miles per gallon.

Poulsen Hybrid is working on a $7,000 conversion kit with a lithium ion battery to double the car’s mileage.  The kit will convert any conventional car to a plug-in hybrid.  Small electric motors are mounted onto the rear wheels and they take about 3 to 4 hours to install. 

Due out in 2009, the VS Composites Electrocharger will cost about $4,000.  An alternator is replaced by an electric generator on conventional cars, including those with a turbocharger or a supercharger.  Any mechanic will be able to install the Electrocharger.  Michael Van Steenberg of VS states, “The connectors are color coded and unique for each connection.  Our plan is to work with licensed installers who have been educated on all aspects of the system.  Since installation takes about 3 hours, most professional service shops would charge about $180 to $225 for the install.”

In a couple of years, everyone can be driving a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle with a conversion kit – if they have a few thousand dollars to invest in one.

Supply Versus Demand

When supply is low and demand is high, it means economic success for the manufacturers.   While SUVs collect dust despite endless incentives being offered by dealers, the Toyota Prius is actually appreciating in value.  Cars are famous for depreciating as soon as they are driven off the lot but the Toyota Prius is an exception.  The average cost of a 2008 Toyota Prius sold last month was $26,672.  Toyota was unable to meet demand for the vehicles and started selling used 2008 models for about $1,300 over retail.  Used 2007 models are fetching $26,396, which equals a depreciation of less than $300.  Tom Libby of JD Power & Associates states, “I look at the data and it’s very rare – I’ve almost never seen this – to see the transaction price of a new vehicle rise after it has been sold.  It speaks to the huge imbalance between supply and demand of the Prius.”

Imagine purchasing a car and selling it for the same price or more than you paid for it?  Clearly a Toyota Prius is a solid investment.

The VW ‘One Litre’ Eco Car Is Coming Back

VW plans to relaunch their ‘one litre’ eco car, which is capable of getting 282 miles per gallon.   VW intends to build the limited edition vehicle in 2010.  The car has two seats with the passenger sitting behind the driver.  With a lightweight body, there will be no power steering or power brakes.  Air conditioning is optional.  The safety kit includes a driver’s airbag, ABS/ESP, LED headlights and taillights and a sequential transmission like a motor bike.

Will Audi Go Green?

While Audi does not intend on launching its own eco sub brand, they are currently working on adding green technology to their vehicles.  In autumn, 2008, Audi is launching the Q7 V12 TDI to reduce Nox emission by about 80 percent.  By 2009, Audi will introduce stop-start systems in the A4 and A6. 

Hybrid Runs 50 Miles Per Charge, 100 Miles Per Gallon

Is there a hybrid that runs 50 miles each charge, 100 miles per gallon and gets sun power?  Tony Markel’s plug-in 2006 Toyota Prius hybrid does.  A lithium-ion battery that delivers six times the power of the nickel-metal hydride pack put in by Toyota.  Add a solar panel on the roof generating 5 miles of juice and this car is the wave of the future.

Or that’s the way Markel, a senior engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, would like it.  For a year, he and his colleagues have been experimenting with this car to create more durable, affordable lithium-ion batteries.  According to Markel, “Those are the barriers – battery cost and battery life.  That’s the main thing holding technology back.”  The lab was originally known as the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory and started working with Detroit on hybrids during 1994. 

Four years ago the lab started experimenting with lithium-ion batteries.  Their greatest challenge is to develop a battery that will last as long as the car.  Since the average life span of a car is around 15 years, there is much research to be done.

Markel states, “The vehicle is a research platform.”  Since most Americans drive 40 miles or less daily, the 50 mile charge is adequate and Markel says filling up the tank is “a pretty rare event”. 

The Volkswagen One-Litre Car

A limited edition fuel miser will be built by Volkswagen in 2010.  First presented in 2002, the one litre car is capable of 1 litre per 100 km, which equals 282 mpg.  This small car shaped like a gray cigar is finally going into production so it can reach the market in 2010. 

Originally, the car had a single-cylinder engine but will now have a two-cylinder unit with more power, refinement and torque.  The mild hybrid kit will be fitted including full electric operation and intermittent zero emissions. 

Lotus Engineering and Caparo Luxury Hybrid Limo Based On Jaguar Architecture

Using hybrid technology for limos and taxis will put more low-carbon vehicles on the road.  Lotus Engineering won the contract to develop two such vehicles as part of green projects initiated by the government Technology Strategy Board.  Loutis will develop a Limo-Green and zero-emission London Taxi. 

To develop a ‘large luxury hybrid executive saloon’, Lotus is teaming up with Caparo Vehicle Technologies.  The Limo-Green will be based on Jaguar architecture with lightweight aluminum underpinnings like the Jaguar XJ and a small battery pack, advanced drive motor and compact auxiliary power unit to sustain high speed cruising with low emission.  Lotus’ goal is less than 120 g/km emissions

Lotus will work on the London Taxi program with LTI, the current black cab builder.  Zero emission fuel cell hybrid taxis are the goal, with cabs going in service by 2012.  By 2014, the efficient cabs will be released in other major cities.  The focus is integrating the fuel cell engine with the hydrogen storage system and electric drive train.

JD Power and Associates Study Reveals Hybrids Are Sexy

A recent study conducted by JD Power and Associates revealed people are willing to spend more for an environmentally friendly ride, even if it means an average of $5,000 more than the cost of a conventional car.  Of the 19,000 people polled, 78 percent said they would “definitely” or “probably” buy a hybrid car the next time around.  Even if the premium was $5,000, 46 percent of the people still wanted to purchase a hybrid. 

According to Mike Marshall, the director of automotive emerging technology, “You’ll usually see a  huge drop-off at $1,500.  But the drop-off was nowhere near what I thought it would be in this case.”   Seems that most people think Hybrids are sexy these days rather than going for gas-guzzling SUVs.

As fuel prices soar with no end in sight and environmental issues get more serious every day, hybrids are gaining more attention.  By using both fuel power and electric power, hybrids are a sound alternative both ecologically and fiscally.  For those naysayers who still believed hybrids are boring, Cadillac and Motorsports have something to show off.

Cadillac’s Hybrid Escalade

From rappers to housewives, everyone wants to get behind the wheel of a big, bad Cadillac Escalade.  The vehicle continues to increase its sales in the United States and is a best-selling in several countries including Russia and China.  Because of its vast appeal, Cadillac decided to design the new Escalade Hybrid to appeal to discerning green buyers.

Product manager for Escalade, Dave Schiavone, explains, “The person who buys this car wants an Escalade.  They want the size, the presence, the bling, the sheer pleasure of owning an Escalade, but now they can do it guilt-free.  When I see one, I love to cruise up and see who’s in it.  It can be a surburban Mom, a rapper, a footballer, a contractor.  The average age for the stretched Escalade is 46.”

The new Escalade Hybrid uses a two mode hybrid system like the GMC Yukon for moms driving a huge group of soccer players and outdoor enthusiasts towing boats and trailers.  With several actual modes, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid offers impressive technology with fuel efficiency.   According to Schiavone, “People want to point a gun at SUVs, but we at GM have put hybrids on the vehicles that use the most fuel.”   The model even keeps its running board and power tailgate so Cadillac lovers have all their favorite features in a greener, more efficient model.

The Gumpert Apollo Supercar

Now that everyone knows a luxury green SUV exists, is there really a hybrid race car to rival industry giants such as Audi, BMW and Porsche?

The creators of the Gumpert Apollo supercar believe in the performance of their green model, racing in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring endurance race.  The speedy hybrid produces an impressive 800 horsepower and will compete against gas-powered cars at the race.  A German boutique automaker, Gumpert is looking to have more gas-electric drive trains on the race track.  As of next year, the Formula 1 teams are required to use kinetic energy recovery systems.  Already the Indy Racing League runs completely on ethanol.  Dirk Muller will be driving the Apollo in the race and says, “Motorsports cannot ignore the necessity to save energy.  I see a chance that our sport will go back to the forefront of technical development, making cars outside the race track more efficient.”

Algae Into Oil

Can algae really be made into oil?  San Diego company Sapphire Energy is already doing it with a plan of producing 10,000 barrels daily within the five years.  According to Sapphire Energy’s CEO, Jason Pyle, oil made from algae is identical to light sweet crude oil.  Its chemical composition makes it compatible with the current petroleum infrastructure, making it a viable oil replacement.

Algal oil emits an equal amount of carbon dioxide as conventional fuel products.  However, emissions are offset by the photosynthetic process used to make algal crude oil.  Pyle states, “At the very worst, it’s carbon neutral…a benchmark for an entire new industry.”  Experts are waiting for the results of a production-to-combustion analysis of emission before reaching a final conclusion.

More Of The Green Scene In California

Besides Sapphire Energy in San Diego, California is making other strides on the green scene.  Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, is considering building a network of charging stations and automated battery-exchange stations and is talking to Project Better Place about developing it.  The Mayor is also discussing the infrastructure with other companies who would work with Project Better Place to make it happen.   Paul Scott, Plug In America’s co-founder, commented, “It would be terrific if it happened.  People will know what those of us who have been driving these cars for 5 or 10 years know already – this technology works.”

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles County, the Ford Escape Hybrid is the green vehicle of choice in yellow for lifeguards along the 72 mile length of Southern Cali beach.  The current fleet of 10 vehicles will eventually include 45 Ford Escape Hybrids.  The exciting Baywatch edition features a light bar, graphics and plenty of rescue gear.  Hal Dewsnap, the California regional sales manager for Ford, comments, “To put it in a California summer context, it releases fewer smog-forming emissions into the atmosphere during a three-hour drive than grilling one hamburger in your back yard.”