Autoblog Green

SEMA 2009: Toyota auctioning Aemulus Prius for charity

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Green Culture, Hybrid, Toyota, Green Daily

Aerius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Five Axis brought two modified Pruis models to SEMA this year, and one of them could be yours. The Aerius (which means "belonging to the air," pictured above) and the Aemulus look similar, but only one is being offered up to charity. The current bid for the Aemulus is $32,500 with 10 days left. Want it sooner? Pony up $50k with Buy It Now and you're ready to roll. The Aemulus is a driveable replica of the Aerius but if you don't like what Five Axis has done, there's nothing stopping you from tuning it even further. Here's hoping that the covered wheels work as advertised (better coefficient of drag!), but we recommend double-checking to make sure that the special leaf tread on the Aerius is safe for everyday driving. Check out the auction here.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Toyota Prius Aerius Concept

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Prius Chat, Charity Folks]

SEMA 2009: Toyota auctioning Aemulus Prius for charity originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ETA says plug-in cars could "speed climate change" unless we get off coal

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Green Daily, UK

Think that plugging in your vehicle will protect the earth? Sure, this was the message that EPRI and the NRDC sent following a 2008 study that found that, if 60 percent of the U.S. fleet of light vehicles converted to plug-ins by 2050, CO₂ emissions would drop by 450 million metric tons annually (the same as taking 82 million cars off the road) while electricity consumption would increase only eight percent.

Not everyone is convinced that plugs are the answer. The Environmental Transport Association in the UK, for example, believes that switching to electric cars could increase the rate of climate change, depending on how the electricity is created. Like the Natural Resources Defense Council report last year that found that PHEVs will add to pollution levels if the grid remains coal-centered, the ETA's statement warns that a shift from gasoline to electrons needs to be accompanied by a change in how we generate our electricity. Looking at how EU rules handles emissions, the ETA found that, if the regulations don't change, "sales of electric cars are likely to result in higher overall CO₂ emissions and oil consumption." The ETA's soundbite for the report: if you're using coal to make electricy, then standard hybrids are better than plug-ins.

In the past, the ETA opposed a cash-for-clunkers-like plan in the UK. Each year, the ETA also organizes a Green Transport Week.

[Source: ETA]

Continue reading ETA says plug-in cars could "speed climate change" unless we get off coal

ETA says plug-in cars could "speed climate change" unless we get off coal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end?

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Porsche, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, First Drive

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's pitch on how great the X6 ActiveHybrid is goes like this: it's the world's most powerful hybrid vehicle, fuel consumption is reduced about 20 percent compared to a similar vehicle without a hybrid drivetrain, and no matter what speed you're going, the incredibly complicated powertrain is performing at the most efficient level possible. All of this power means that the X6 hybrid is no sluggish Toyota Prius, offering frugal but unexciting performance. On the other hand, the size and weight of BMW's luxury hybrid crossover means that, well, the X6 hybrid is no Prius in the mileage department, either.

Let's start by congratulating BMW for bringing its first batch of hybrids to market (the 7 Series ActiveHybrid is launching alongside the X6). In everyday traffic, the hybrid system helps keep fuel consumption down - to a still-lame 18 mpg combined (estimated) - and, since the engine can shut down at stops, the ultra-quiet interior made sitting in Miami traffic during our preview drive almost a pleasure. Nevertheless, there's still a lot of vehicle here that hampers any attempt at real fuel efficiency gains. The X6 ActiveHybrid weighs 5,688 pounds for crying out loud - 400 pounds more than the non-hybrid. This vehicle simply doesn't makes a lot of sense for anyone actually interested in fuel efficiency. Who does it make sense for? Follow us past the break as we try to find out.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end?

First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Fisker in camouflage: Quantum delivers diesel hybrid vehicle to U.S. Army

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:06:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid

On the outside, the Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle (CERV) and the Fisker Karma don't have a lot in common (the CERV is so clandestine we can't even find a picture of it). Underneath, though, both use a powertrain from Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies. This week, Quantum delivered the CERV to the U.S. Army. The CERV uses the Q-Force drivertrain, which is a diesel hybrid set-up, while the Fisker car uses the Q-Drive, a plug-in gasoline system. Quantum has been developing the Q-Force powertrain for six years.

The CERV is meant to be used for "quick-paced special operations-type missions involving reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting," but only six have been built so far. The CERV can produce an insane 5,000 foot-pounds of torque and go up to 80 mph, all while using 25 percent less fuel than a similar, non-hybrid vehicle.

Alongside the military contracts that Quantum receives, Fisker is one of the company's financial backers. Fisker awarded Quantum a $10.2 million contract in August that will be used to evolve the Q-Drive and get it ready for production.

[Source: Quantum]

Continue reading A Fisker in camouflage: Quantum delivers diesel hybrid vehicle to U.S. Army

A Fisker in camouflage: Quantum delivers diesel hybrid vehicle to U.S. Army originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Cadillac, Chevrolet

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

Electric vehicles are for people who would rather drive slow, boring commuter cars that don't consume fossil fuels and therefore don't spew pollutants from their tailpipes. Gas-powered cars - and especially those wearing time-honored badges like SS, R/T or GT - are for those that prefer fire-breathing, tire-screeching performance and care much more about nitrous oxide than nitrogen oxide. We all agree on these points, right? Not so fast, says Bob Lutz.

When asked whether or not Chevy could shock the performance crowd with an SS version of the upcoming Volt, Lutz said, "I would not discount that possibility." That's as close as you're going to get to an admission of intent this early in the game. Lutz goes on to suggest that the Voltec powertrain will allow for plenty of on-demand power. "[I]f we want to sacrifice a little bit of fuel efficiency in the interest of performance and still get over 200 miles per gallon, we can do that any time."

Following the same logical train of thought, we could certainly see a V-Series of the Cadillac Converj. If you're interested in hearing the news straight from ~~the horse's~~ Lutz's mouth, click past the break for a video.

[Source: Fox Car Report via GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility"

Lutz: High-performance Chevy Volt SS a "possibility" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ener1 has half-dozen electric vehicle, PHEV announcements up its sleeve

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid

EnerDel Th!nk City - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ener1 has a long-standing partnership with Think and, earlier this year, announced it would work with Nissan on plug-in vehicles. During a conference call to discuss third quarter earnings, Charles Gassenheimer, Ener1's chairman and chief executive officer, said that U.S. automakers are "finally" starting to get into the plug-in spirit. Hinting that big things are in store for his company, Gassenheimer said, "I think the next five or six announcements we're going to make are all on the PHEV, EV side." This isn't a total surprise - this is a company that builds plug-in vehicle batteries, after all - but to know that a half-dozen deals (or parts of deals) are in the works is exciting. Gassenheimer added:

On the HEV side we are still seeing some demand but what's more interesting is that what we're seeing is that on the customer traction side most auto manufacturers are jumping straight to PHEV, EV and really jumping over HEV. And so we're pretty excited about that. And, of course, we'll continue to update you on the programs we've been working on, many of which we already have actually packed working in vehicles today.

[Source: SeekingAlpha]

Ener1 has half-dozen electric vehicle, PHEV announcements up its sleeve originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Azure Dynamics gets FedEx order for 51 hybrid vans

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid

Things are looking up for Azure Dynamics these days. After inking a deal to help Ford with the development and production of the Transit Connect BEV next year, the company has a new order for its hybrid delivery vans. FedEx has signed up to take on another 51 of the vans based on Ford's E450 cutaway chassis. Once the new vans are delivered by the end of this year, FedEx will have 325 hybrid and electric vans in its fleet and its Bronx, New York facility will be the first all-hybrid depot in the U.S. The Bronx depot will have 100 hybrid delivery trucks in service. FedEx already has 25 Azure trucks in its fleet and the new additions join another 92 trucks that were retrofitted with hybrid systems earlier this year. Since introducing its first hybrid in 2004, Fedex has accumulated four million miles on them.

[Source: Fedex]

Continue reading Azure Dynamics gets FedEx order for 51 hybrid vans

Azure Dynamics gets FedEx order for 51 hybrid vans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to launch third hybrid model within the next 12 months

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:53:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, BMW

BMW ActiveHybrid X6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our leader Sebastian was down in Miami on Friday for international media launch of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and we'll have his review shortly. During the event, AutoCar's Greg Kable spoke with BMW project leader Peter Tünnermann about the company's hybrid plans. The X6 and the new ActiveHybrid 7 are just the first two hybrid models from Munich. BMW will apparently focus on the mild hybrid system for its higher volume cars because it's easier to implement with minimal modification. The two-mode strong hybrid will go into vehicles like the X-series SUVs.

Tünnermann also revealed that a third hybrid model will be added to the lineup within the next twelve months. He didn't reveal which vehicle it would be or which system it would use. The most likely candidate would be the new 5-series which is expected to debut in the first part of 2010, perhaps at Detroit or Geneva. If it is the 5, then it will be equipped with the mild hybrid used in the 7.

Gallery: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

[Source: AutoCar]

BMW to launch third hybrid model within the next 12 months originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: eVARO plug-in hybrid three-wheeler debuts, returns

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, SEMA Show, Green Daily

eVaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

If the eVaro from Future Vehicles Technologies pictured above looks familiar, then perhaps you've been following the development of the Alé. A reddish orange Alé, developed by FVT when it still stood for FuelVapor Technologies, was on display at SEMA in 2006. The more things change...

Making its "debut" at SEMA this year, the eVaro was decked out as a golden squid. Then, as now, the car is one of the contenders for the Progressive Automotive X Prize on display at SEMA this year. Over the years, FVT has increased the car's estimated MPG rating from 92 mpg using a pure gasoline engine to 275 mpg (at certain speeds) by shifting the focus from performance to efficiency. FVT added a plug-in hybrid powertrain to the car, which can now go up to 90 miles on battery power alone. The eVaro is still plenty fast, with a 0-60 time under 5 seconds. Even with all of these great numbers, we're still not sure there is a market for 10,000 of these a year, something the Automotive X-Prize is looking for. Nonetheless, we've got to hand it to FVT for their stick-to-itiveness and name-changing ability. Why did they choose eVARO? Because it means "electric vehicle with advanced regenerative braking onboard," of course.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2009: eVARO plug-in hybrid three-wheeler debuts, returns originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STUDY: Hybrids more likely to be involved in crashes with pedestrians, bicycles

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:34:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green Daily

A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finds that hybrid vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents with pedestrians and bicyclists under certain scenarios. According to state-level accident data, 77 of 8,387 hybrid vehicles (that's .9 percent) were involved in crashes with pedestrians and 48 (.6 percent) were found to have been in accidents with bicyclists.

By way of comparison, 3,578 of 559,703 non-hybrid vehicles (.6 percent) were involved in pedestrian accidents and 1,862 (.3 percent) were involved with bicyclists. Tellingly, the NHTSA's data shows that hybrid vehicles are twice as likely than non-hybirds to be involved in pedestrian or bicyclist accidents at low speeds when the internal combustion engine is not running.

These statistics are not a complete representation of all accidents nationwide, and the NHTSA is quick to point out that additional research is necessary before any final conclusions can be made. Still, this is valuable data that "should serve as a guide when designing future HEV pedestrian and bicyclist crash prevention programs."

[Source: NHTSA - PDF via Consumer Reports]

STUDY: Hybrids more likely to be involved in crashes with pedestrians, bicycles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker: Leonardo DiCaprio's Prius inspired the Karma

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:53:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Toyota, Green Daily, Fisker

Ever wonder what it is that sparks the mind of an entrepreneur? After all, lots of people have big imaginations and great ideas, but only a relatively small number of them actually follow through, create a company and design a product. Of course, we can add Henrik Fisker to that list of entrepreneurs, and we're definitely looking forward to seeing what else springs from his fertile mind.

So, back to the original question. In the case of Henrik Fisker, the inspiration for the Karma extended-range electric car came from none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. Actually, the actor's Prius hybrid, to be specific. Says Fisker:

A couple of years ago it started, by people who were maybe a little ahead of their time. You saw some movie starts like Leonardo DiCaprio buying a Prius... He could have bought any car in the world, and I remember seeing that on television and thinking to myself, you know, when you've got a guy who could buy any Ferrari or Rolls Royce and he's buying a Prius, you know something is changing dramatically.

Interesting little tidbit, no?

[Source: Reuters | Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images]

Fisker: Leonardo DiCaprio's Prius inspired the Karma originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zytek gets powertrain innovation prize for its racing hybrid/KERS

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:43:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Racing

Corsa Motorsports Ginetta-Zytek 09HS - click above for high-res image gallery

Zytek Engineering of the UK has been involved in the development of hybrid drive systems since at least the mid-1990s and motorsports has been part of the effort much of that time. This week, Zytek was honored for its efforts at the Professional Motorsport World Expo. Zytek developed the hybrid system that was raced by Panoz Motorsports twice in 1999 and, more recently, it developed the KERS-hybrid system used in the McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 Formula One car this year as well as the system used by Corsa Motorsports in its American Le Mans Series LMP1 car.

Zytek and Mercedes High Performance Engines began collaborating on the F1 system in 2007 and, in July, Lewis Hamilton scored the first victory for a hybrid system in a major international race series. Here in North America, the under-funded Corsa team scored a third place finish in the first race it ran with the hybrid system fully enabled. Limited testing meant Corsa didn't have the opportunity to fully develop its system and had mixed results through the second half of the season. Nonetheless, the system is showing promise. Hopefully, in 2010 and beyond, it will see expanded use in ALMS if not Formula 1.

Gallery: Corsa Motorsports Ginetta-Zytek 09HS

[Source: Professional Motorsport World Expo]

Zytek gets powertrain innovation prize for its racing hybrid/KERS originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Elon Musk says Fisker is "very far" from overcoming EV hurdles

Sebastian Blanco — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Tesla Motors, Green Daily, Fisker

In some ways, the all-electric Tesla Roadster and the plug-in hybrid Fisker Karma don't compete. The difference in powertrains, which will filter down to the two compaies' lower-cost models, the Tesla Model S and Fisker's Project Nina vehicle, means that slightly different consumers are going to be interested in these cars. In other ways, though, Fisker and Tesla go head-to-head for the luxury green car market, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk isn't afraid to fan the competition flames a bit.

According to Delaware Online, Musk recently told a Delaware audience (really, Delaware?) that, while he hopes Fisker succeeds, he has "some reservations about the feasibility of Fisker's approach." Why? Because "Fisker is very far from overcoming those [engineering obstacles to build an electric car]." Subtle.

This isnt' the first time there's been contention between the two. In courtrooms last year, Fisker and Tesla fought a battle over insider information that ended with "complete vindication" for Fisker. We'll see if this latest dis causes any further comment from Fisker - a company not known for taking it lying down.

[Source: Delaware Online via earth2tech]

REPORT: Elon Musk says Fisker is "very far" from overcoming EV hurdles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Fisker dealership opens in LA, 120 pre-orders already taken

Sebastian Blanco — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:46:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Green Daily, Fisker

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Take an old Lexus dealership in Santa Monica, repurpose the showroom to display a Fisker Karma, invite a bunch of plug-in hybrid-loving locals over a grand opening and - boom - you've got yourself a fun night. This is what happened recently in Los Angeles, with about 200 people attending the invite-only grand opening of the Santa Monica Fisker dealership, the first. The car was popular with attendees, some of whom put down deposits once they saw the PHEV in person for the first time.

Dealer Mike Sullivan told Automotive News he already has 120 reservations, including many from impatient celebrities, for the Karma. "There's not a guy here who wants to be second in line. Two-thirds of the people waiting, you would recognize on the cover of a magazine. Yet, we all know it has to be a slow roll-out. It's a startup. There are always issues," he told AN.

Still, Sulllivan said he's confident he can sell up to 15 Karma and Karma S models a month once production starts next year. At least 32 Fisker dealerships are scheduled to open. If each is able to garner the same number of pre-orders as Sullivan's Santa Monica store and sells 15 cars a month - a huge if - that would account for 9,600 Karmas sold in the first year, well over the 7,500 that Fisker plans to sell in the U.S. (global sales are a hoped-for 15,000). Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Automotive News (subs req'd)]

First Fisker dealership opens in LA, 120 pre-orders already taken originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM: Volt won't become a brand name

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Chevrolet Volt isn't scheduled to hit the market for another whole year, but there's so much anticipation for the vehicle that some are already asking if The General will try to make a brand out of the Volt name. The answer, according to Brent Dewar, Chevy's chief of global operations, is no:

Our thought is to take the Volt technology to other products... The Volt was the original vehicle that we started, but I wouldn't see that as a brand marketing direction for us.

While other models in GM's lineup are likely to get their own versions of the Voltec powertrain, those vehicles won't fall under the Volt brand name. Toyota, on the other hand, says it is considering extending the instantly recognizable Prius moniker to a whole family of hybrid vehicles that may include a smaller coupe and a larger MPV.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

GM: Volt won't become a brand name originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: GM puts the Volt through its paces to test durability

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet

Chevy Volt durability testing - Click above to watch the video after the break

These days, we hardly give any thought at all to driving our precious cars and trucks over rough, potholed pavement. Sure, it's uncomfortable and we avoid the nastiest stretches when possible, but the worst thing that we expect might happen is a blown tire or bent wheel. In the grand scheme of things, not that big a deal.

Electric cars, though, are different animals entirely. Back when the automobile was in its infancy and the internal combustion engine first staked its claim as the powerplant of choice, it was sometimes possible to practically ruin a car when traveling over harsh terrain. That just won't do in today's modern society. For proof that electric vehicles need just as much care as other cars, look no further than Lyle Dennis from GM-Volt.com, who's own Mini E broke down after hitting a nasty pothole.

So, what is General Motors doing to ensure that the Volt doesn't rattle its delicate electrical bits to pieces over the course of its life? Glad you asked. Click past the break for a video showing the rigorous durability testing that GM is currently inflicting on its fleet of pre-production Volts.

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: GM puts the Volt through its paces to test durability

VIDEO: GM puts the Volt through its paces to test durability originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce Ghost could go hybrid sooner rather than later

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:17:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Rolls Royce

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rolls-Royce unveiled the production version of its new "smaller" car, the Ghost, at the Frankfurt Motor Show and it goes into production next year. AutoCar is now reporting that the Rolls engineers are working on a hybrid version of the Ghost using BMW's mild hybrid system. The mild hybrid is getting its first application in a BMW right about now in the new ActiveHybrid 7. The Ghost shares most of its platform with the new 7-series, so installing the electric assist should be a no-brainer. The main difference is that the BMW pairs the electric motor and battery with the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 while the Roller would retain its 6.2-liter V12. AutoCar estimates the Ghost hybrid would boost mileage by up to 15 percent, which might be a stretch but in a car of this type every little bit helps. The 20 kW motor is sandwiched between the engine and transmission and can't drive the car purely on electricity. It does provide start-stop capability and reduces parasitic losses by using regenerative braking to supply some of the electrical needs of the car.

[Source: AutoCar]

Rolls-Royce Ghost could go hybrid sooner rather than later originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota's long hybrid patent fight with Paice continues in court

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota, Green Daily

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's legal battle to over making and selling the Hybrid Synergy Drive has a long history. Toyota has fought with both Solomon Technologies and Paice LLC over the gasoline-electric technology. In 2008, Toyota was ordered to pay Paice LLC $4.3 million for patent infringement, based on a cost of $25 per infringing car (defined at the second-gen Prius, the Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Lexus RX400H). But that didn't end the problem. Instead, this past September, Paice issued a new suit trying to get U.S. Customs to stop all of Toyota's hybrids at the border.

Paice believes that Toyota is using Paice technology in its hybrids and a court agreed in the $4.3 million settlement. Paice - Power Assisted Internal Combustion Engine - was started in 1992 by Russian immigrant Alex Severinsky. In 1994, Severinsky was awarded a patent for a microprocessor that coordinated power flows in both an ICE and an electric motor. Severinsky's patent expires in 2012 and Paice wants Toyota's imports halted until then. But, a semi-related legal decision involving eBay issued in May of 2006 may impact the Toyota situation because Paice, which does not make any hybrid cars, does not meet the new four-factor test that decision created. The lawsuit trying to get the vehicles stopped at the border is simply a new chip Paice is trying to gain in the ongoing fight. Learn more at Law.com.

[Source: Law.com]

Toyota's long hybrid patent fight with Paice continues in court originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Plug-in vehicles will get special license plate in Ontario next year

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:09:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, North America

Want to emblazon your ride with Ontario's new "environmentally friendly vehicles" license plate? There are two hurdles you'll have to jump. First, wait until next year when the plate actually becomes available on July 1. Second, you'll need to get a car with a plug. According to the Toronto Star, the new green vehicle plates are for plug-in hybrids and battery-powered cars only.

Like the Clean Access stickers that were so popular in California, the special plates will allow the cars to drive in high occupancy vehicle highway lanes through 2015 no matter how many people are in the car. Drivers will also get to pull up to recharging facilities at GO Transit and some government-operated parking lots, and will be allowed to park in special spots at some Wal-Marts and at the University of Toronto. The provincial government is offering the benefits as a way to reach Ontario's Electric Vehicle initiative goal of getting EVs to make up five percent of the fleet mix in Ontario by 2020.

[Source: Toronto Star]

Plug-in vehicles will get special license plate in Ontario next year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BusinessWeek: Prius one of the 50 Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hybrid, Toyota

Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. While some cars seem to be almost universally loved for their gorgeous lines and undeniable sense of style - the Lamborghini Miura and Shelby Daytona Coupe certainly come to mind - others, such as the new Honda Crosstour and even the latest Nissan GT-R - not to mention nearly everything currently wearing the Acura badge - sport more debatable duds.

And what of the car that's most commonly associated with the green movement? Of course, that would be the Toyota Prius, and we know that some happen to find the car rather attractive... whether that's for its slip-through-the-wind styling or the high fuel mileage - made possible in part by that styling - that its owners happily enjoy. According to BusinessWeek, though, the second-gen Prius is one of the 50 Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years. Not a distinction any owner wants their car to carry.

Take heart, Prius owners. There are a number of questionable vehicles on the list. For instance, the classically boxy Volvo 240 isn't ugly at all... it's purposeful and practical. Neither are the Lamborghini LM002, 2002 BMW 7 Series, Tata Nano or Toyota iQ deserving of inclusion on this unflattering list. Lastly, does anyone really think the DeLorean is that unattractive? Unabashedly '80s? Sure. Ugly? Nah.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Prius

[Source: BusinessWeek]

BusinessWeek: Prius one of the 50 Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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