Hybrid vehicles are hitting the road as more manufacturers realize how many people want to go green. Hybrid owners are already looking for new models and SUV drivers are considering the fuel economy of electric versions. In response the manufacturers continue to unveil environmentally-conscious vehicles and the competition is on.
The Electrification Coalition
Much like any other good cause, there is an Electrification Coalition to show why electric cars are the wise choice. Reasons such as less dependence on foreign oil and reduced emissions show why electric cars should be the wave of the future. The formal challenges and policy proposals are outlined in their Electrification Roadmap. The short term goal of the coalition is to see one in four cars be electric by 2020.
Fred Smith, the CEO of FedEx and a member of the Electrification Coalition, stated in announcement, “Up to now, electrification seemed like a pipe dream. But we are offering a realistic, practical, achievable plan to build a transportation system that will enhance our national security, propel economic growth and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”
General Motors Renames Chevy Volt Signature Color
Recently General Motors received over 13,000 suggestions after asking the public to create a color name for the Chevrolet Volt. Everyone was eager to come up with a suitable name for the signature color of this environmentally-friendly car.
General Motors chose three finalists based on creativity, originality and the ability to capture the spirit and innovation of the Chevy Volt. The three finalists chosen from thousands of ideas are: environMINT (Matthew Valbuena of California) , EV-ergreen (Devin McQuarrie of California) and Viridian Joule (Dave Thomas of South Florida).
GM is letting everyone get the final vote on the Chevy blog page with a winner chosen in December. The winner will get an opportunity to drive the lean, green Chevy Volt at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Fall Into A Nissan Leaf
Recently the electric Nissan Leaf quietly appeared at Dodger Stadium. The Nissan Leaf is their green solution ready to hit the car market at about the same time as the Chevy Volt. The four-door, five-passenger Nissan Leaf provides a spacious environment with electric technology.
Carlos Ghosn, Nissan CEO, said, “People are looking to us for a solution. If we bring an electric car to market at the same price as a conventional car and we can prove battery lease and energy costs are cheaper than gasoline, I think we’ll have a hit.”
The plan is Nissan owns the battery of the electric car you own. Battery leasing is a joint venture with NEC to keep the car cost reasonable and continue to update technology advances as they happen for the benefit of the driver. Ghosn stated, “You don’t worry about the battery. We worry about the battery.” The cost of leasing is expected to be affordable.
Top Hybrid Cars for 2010
Both the 2010 Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion received high rankings from Consumer Reports. For eight years, the Toyota Prius has enjoyed the title of a top pick green car from Consumer Reports. The 2010 Toyota Prius is fuel-efficient with 32 miles per gallon in the city and 55 miles on the highway.
On the other hand, the Ford Fusion gets 25 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway. However, Consumer Reports noted the major advantages of the Ford Fusion were superior comfort and good handling. The Ford Fusion 2010 was just named car of the year by Motor Trend Magazine. According to the critics, both the Toyota Prius and the Ford Fusion are solid green choices for 2010.