Following in the tradition of the tzero (2002) and the Venturi (2005), a new electric sports car is being introduced the LiX-75 at the New York Auto Show on Apr. 14.
The LiX-75 will reportedly get 200 mph and get 100 miles for each plug-in. Its acceleration is phenomenal at zero to 60 miles per hour in three seconds. It will take 4-6 hours to recharge the battery.
The LiX will use lithium ion batteries (hence the name). Lithium ion batteries (the same as can be found in laptops, writ large) stores more energy and degrades slower than nickel metal hybride batteries.
The LiX-75 is built on the Mullen GT frame, refitted with an electric engine.
Meet LiX-75: The 200-mph Electric Car - Tech Trends - NewsFactor Network
Oh, you want to know the price tag for such extravagance? That will be 125 Grand, please.
Friday, 14 April 2006
Thursday, 13 April 2006
Virginia opts to keep hybrids in the HOV
Despite some of the recent news stories of the backlash (1, 2, 3, 4, and a recent lampoon by South Park - Smug Drivers) suffered by hybrid drivers, specifically due to their eligibility to drive in the HOV lanes in California, Virginia has opted to allow hybrid drivers to stay in the HOV lanes for another year.
Hybrid drivers who opt in before July 1 must apply for a Clean Special Fuel Vehicle license in order to take advantage of the extension. After that, a distinctly different license plate will be issued and drivers with these plates will not be allowed into the HOV lane with only one passenger during restricted hours.
The annual fee for the special license plate is being raised from $10 to $25. But so is the fine for HOV violators. First time offenders will incur a $125 fine, second offenders should expect that to double.
22% of cars in an October traffic study by the Virginia Department of Transportation were found to be hybrids. The findings about hybrids in the HOV lane in Virginia caused quite a stir in Virginia.
Fredericksburg.com - Hybrid drivers get to stay in HOV lanes
Hybrid drivers who opt in before July 1 must apply for a Clean Special Fuel Vehicle license in order to take advantage of the extension. After that, a distinctly different license plate will be issued and drivers with these plates will not be allowed into the HOV lane with only one passenger during restricted hours.
The annual fee for the special license plate is being raised from $10 to $25. But so is the fine for HOV violators. First time offenders will incur a $125 fine, second offenders should expect that to double.
22% of cars in an October traffic study by the Virginia Department of Transportation were found to be hybrids. The findings about hybrids in the HOV lane in Virginia caused quite a stir in Virginia.
Fredericksburg.com - Hybrid drivers get to stay in HOV lanes
Nissan Chief Executive Ghosn not surprised by slowdown in hybrid market
Ghosn, Chief Executive of Nissan says "I have some kind of satisfaction in being a little bit right on this one" when asked about the recent slowdown in the hybrid market.
Ford has recently offered 0% financing or $1000 in a move to induce sales of the Ford Escape hybrid SUV. Sales of hybrids have also been slowing for other auto makers, although the term slowdown is relative when it comes to hybrids, which increased sales by 7.5% over last years hybrid sales in March.
Ghosn has been cautious in his approach to hybrids. He previously stated "Hybrid is a serious technology and it may be a very competitive technology. But until a consumer decides what he wants, we are cautious." And:
"I hate selling cars at a loss," saying hybrids were not a profitable proposition.
Because of that cautios approach to hybrids, Nissan is only now coming out with a hybrid, the Nissan Altima, and that is only possible with Toyota technology. Nissan is developing its own hybrid technology. In the meantime, however, Nissan is planning on buying 100,000 units of the Hybrid Synergy Drive from Toyota over the next five years. Nissan expects the Altima hybrid to sell for a loss, but is willing to do so in order to avoid fines on fuel economy standards.
Nissan CEO says unsurprised about hybrid-vehicle market issues - MarketWatch
Ford has recently offered 0% financing or $1000 in a move to induce sales of the Ford Escape hybrid SUV. Sales of hybrids have also been slowing for other auto makers, although the term slowdown is relative when it comes to hybrids, which increased sales by 7.5% over last years hybrid sales in March.
Ghosn has been cautious in his approach to hybrids. He previously stated "Hybrid is a serious technology and it may be a very competitive technology. But until a consumer decides what he wants, we are cautious." And:
"I hate selling cars at a loss," saying hybrids were not a profitable proposition.
Because of that cautios approach to hybrids, Nissan is only now coming out with a hybrid, the Nissan Altima, and that is only possible with Toyota technology. Nissan is developing its own hybrid technology. In the meantime, however, Nissan is planning on buying 100,000 units of the Hybrid Synergy Drive from Toyota over the next five years. Nissan expects the Altima hybrid to sell for a loss, but is willing to do so in order to avoid fines on fuel economy standards.
Nissan CEO says unsurprised about hybrid-vehicle market issues - MarketWatch
"I didn't say I don't believe in it. It's just too early to tell" Ghosn said, referring to the chance that hybrids could gain steam once prices come down and the demand for good fuel economy grows.
2008 Lexus LS 600h L
Toyota unveiled the new Lexus LS 600h L at the New York Auto Show. The Lexus LS 600h L has a full hybrid drivetrain unlike its counterpart the LS 460. Lexus newest luxury sedan has a 5-liter direct injection V8 engine coupled with a pair of high power electric motors. Its two-stage electronic continuously variable transmission delivers up 430 hp.
Although the mileage has not been revealed, yet, it is expected to rate as a Super Ultra Low Emisssions Vehicle (SULEV) when it goes on sale in April, 2007.
The long wheelbase version (the 'L') will be offered in North America.
The luxury features are off the charts for new flagship. The Lexus LS 600h hybrid will be built at the Tahara assembly plant, where each car will be hand sanded twice during the painting process. LEDs will be used for low-beam forward lighting.
An air suspension system equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) will be standard. Other luxury features include an XM real-time traffic system, an XM satellite radio as a factory-installed option, a rear seat DVD enertainment system, and a 19-speaker 450-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system. A voice-activated hard disk drive (HDD) navigation with Bluetooth technology and an advanced parallel park assist function will also be available.
Lexus is also making standard its proprietary next-generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system which integrates variable gear-ratio electronic steering, electronic vehicle stability control and electronic brake assist.
The LS 600h L has been designed for cabin quietness. The inherent noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) is being lowered to half of what can be found in conventional cars. Extensive engineering of accesory motors and switches needed to be done to gain this quiet luxury.
The eye-popping feature is the new Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS). With three cameras, the new Lexus will automatically help drivers steer and brake in dangerous situations.
Two forward mounted cameras are sensitive enough to detect large cars and smaller nonmettalic objects, such as humans ahead. A third camera is mounted on the steering column which monitors the driver using millimeter-wave radar. If the driver is not paying attention when an object is detected in front, an alarm sounds. If no change is made, the car will start applying the brakes for you. It will also cinch up the passenger restraints and the variable steering ratio is also automatically quickened to improve the vehicle's response to evasive maneuvers.
The Lexus Hybrid Drive name is also being rolled out. It will be used globally for all Lexus hybrid models.
Although the mileage has not been revealed, yet, it is expected to rate as a Super Ultra Low Emisssions Vehicle (SULEV) when it goes on sale in April, 2007.
The long wheelbase version (the 'L') will be offered in North America.
The luxury features are off the charts for new flagship. The Lexus LS 600h hybrid will be built at the Tahara assembly plant, where each car will be hand sanded twice during the painting process. LEDs will be used for low-beam forward lighting.
An air suspension system equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) will be standard. Other luxury features include an XM real-time traffic system, an XM satellite radio as a factory-installed option, a rear seat DVD enertainment system, and a 19-speaker 450-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system. A voice-activated hard disk drive (HDD) navigation with Bluetooth technology and an advanced parallel park assist function will also be available.
Lexus is also making standard its proprietary next-generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system which integrates variable gear-ratio electronic steering, electronic vehicle stability control and electronic brake assist.
The LS 600h L has been designed for cabin quietness. The inherent noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) is being lowered to half of what can be found in conventional cars. Extensive engineering of accesory motors and switches needed to be done to gain this quiet luxury.
The eye-popping feature is the new Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS). With three cameras, the new Lexus will automatically help drivers steer and brake in dangerous situations.
Two forward mounted cameras are sensitive enough to detect large cars and smaller nonmettalic objects, such as humans ahead. A third camera is mounted on the steering column which monitors the driver using millimeter-wave radar. If the driver is not paying attention when an object is detected in front, an alarm sounds. If no change is made, the car will start applying the brakes for you. It will also cinch up the passenger restraints and the variable steering ratio is also automatically quickened to improve the vehicle's response to evasive maneuvers.
The Lexus Hybrid Drive name is also being rolled out. It will be used globally for all Lexus hybrid models.
Tax deduction on hybrid cars for 2005
Did you buy a hybrid in 2005? You are eligible for a tax deduction of up to $2000 on your taxes.
If you are the original owner of a qualifying hybrid vehicle that was put into use in 2005, you are elegible to claim a one-time tax dedution on your federal income tax return.
Qualifying hybrid vehicles include:
2005-2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
2006 Lexus RX 400h
2001-2006 Toyota Prius
2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2000-2005 Honda Insight
2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid
2005 Honda Accord Hybrid
This deduction is taken as an adjustment to income. You do need to use Form 10400, but you don't have to itemize deductions to claim it. Include your deduction on the dotted line to the left of line 36 and identify it as "Clean-Fuel."
For more information, see IRS Publication 535, Business Expenses. Note that despite the name, individual owners are eligible for the deduction.
If you are the original owner of a qualifying hybrid vehicle that was put into use in 2005, you are elegible to claim a one-time tax dedution on your federal income tax return.
Qualifying hybrid vehicles include:
This deduction is taken as an adjustment to income. You do need to use Form 10400, but you don't have to itemize deductions to claim it. Include your deduction on the dotted line to the left of line 36 and identify it as "Clean-Fuel."
For more information, see IRS Publication 535, Business Expenses. Note that despite the name, individual owners are eligible for the deduction.
The 2007 Saturn Aura Green
The 2007 Saturn Aura is being unveiled at the New York Auto Show. The Aura Green Line will be available later in 2007. I've been reluctant to mention the Aura for the same reason I'm reluctant to mention the 'hybrid' trucks that are available. The Saturn Aura Green, as with the Saturn Vue Green are mild hybrids.
Mild hybrids have start-stop features with regenerative braking. The Saturn hybrid system has a belt alternator system which allows for the start-stop features. Full hybrids allow the driver to drive at low speeds on the electric engine alone. Mild hybrids are no different from gas-only engines when the car is in constant motion, but they do give an added bonus in fuel economy, especially in congested areas.
The Aura Green hybrid will have a 2.4L Ecotec-based engine with a hybrid powertrain similar to the Saturn Vue Green.
Source: Green Car Congress
Mild hybrids have start-stop features with regenerative braking. The Saturn hybrid system has a belt alternator system which allows for the start-stop features. Full hybrids allow the driver to drive at low speeds on the electric engine alone. Mild hybrids are no different from gas-only engines when the car is in constant motion, but they do give an added bonus in fuel economy, especially in congested areas.
The Aura Green hybrid will have a 2.4L Ecotec-based engine with a hybrid powertrain similar to the Saturn Vue Green.
Source: Green Car Congress
BMW will be making mild hybrids
BMW will be making some changes to their 2007 cars. With brake regeneration, start-stop features, bigger batteries and turbochargers, BMW is hoping to get more performance with better economy. Unfortunately, most of these changes will be made in Europe, not North America.
BMW will be equipping their cars with a stop-start feature (in Europe). So, when the engine comes to a stop, the gas (or diesel) engine will turn itself off, but when the driver releases the brake, the engine will re-start. They are avoiding this feature in North America, however, since the air conditioner is tied to the gas engine.
In order to implement this stop-start feature, they need a specially modified starter and a heavy duty battery. They are also implementing a brake regeneration system to recharge the battery.
They are using their Valvetronic system, which varies the duration and lift of the intake valves to maximize fuel economy in their 2007 Mini Cooper. They are also going to start using a turbocharger, rather than a supercharger across their fleet. These changes will give the Mini Cooper a 10 percent fuel economy gain.
From Automotive News.
BMW will be equipping their cars with a stop-start feature (in Europe). So, when the engine comes to a stop, the gas (or diesel) engine will turn itself off, but when the driver releases the brake, the engine will re-start. They are avoiding this feature in North America, however, since the air conditioner is tied to the gas engine.
In order to implement this stop-start feature, they need a specially modified starter and a heavy duty battery. They are also implementing a brake regeneration system to recharge the battery.
They are using their Valvetronic system, which varies the duration and lift of the intake valves to maximize fuel economy in their 2007 Mini Cooper. They are also going to start using a turbocharger, rather than a supercharger across their fleet. These changes will give the Mini Cooper a 10 percent fuel economy gain.
From Automotive News.
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