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Hybrid cars
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| Car pool stickers for Hybrid cars |
| 08.18.05 (9:35 am) [edit] |
Lot of talks is going on for the free entry of hybrid cars in car pool lanes. Now it is officially announced by Department of Motor Vehicles. The department is ready to start issuing stickers that will allow hybrid cars in car pool lanes though they may have even one occupant.
According to Department of Motor Vehicles President Bush has already signed the transportation bill, which enables the agency to issue the stickers or permits to low-polluting hybrid vehicles.
Usually vehicles are required to have 2 to 3 occupants to enter car pool lanes. Last year legislation was already passed by California lawmakers, which enabled 75,000 hybrid vehicles with at least 45-mpg mileage, enter car pool lanes. Hybrid cars will also get transponders, which will allow them a free way at tollbooths without paying.
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| Hybrid Cars and Pollution |
| 07.12.05 (9:14 am) [edit] |
Automobile companies are spending so much money in developing economical cars, which could be used as an alternative to gasoline powered cars. Nevertheless, why so if public is happy with the gasoline cars and is quite happy with the current technology. It is not only the economy of the cars these vehicles provide but much more then that. The major advantages of hybrid cars are the lower emissions.
When we talk about emissions, it refers to the gases released due to burning of gasoline, which is released in the environment from the tailpipe. This gas includes hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These cases are commonly known as greenhouse gases. These gases traps heat in the atmosphere, which could have been deflected back to space.
These greenhouse gases increase the air temperature and sub-surface ocean temperatures. This unfortunate increase in the temperature is primarily due to pollution caused by vehicles and industrial emissions of harmful gases.
However, hybrid cars could not be 100% safe for environment but we could take it as intermediary solution for the huge emissions problems we are facing in the recent times.
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| Future Hybrid Vehicles |
| 04.11.05 (10:06 am) [edit] |
Lets look at some of the future [b]hybrid vehicles[/b] and their probable features. Present hybrid cars are doing pretty well and hybrid cars popularity are fueled by rising gas prices.
[b]2006 Nissan Altima Hybrid[/b]:
Nissan does not intend to build any hybrid vehicles. The new 2006 Nissan Altima Hybrid is only being developed to meet the fuel economy and emission standards in states like California. The technology for the hybrid car is being brought from Toyota. Main focus of 2006 Nissan Altima Hybrid will not be higher fuel economy or reduced emission but to match the performance and acceleration of non-hybrid cars.
[b]2007 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Minivan[/b]:
2007 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Minivan is going to be first hybrid minivan for the US market by Toyota. 2.4 liter, four-cylinder engine Toyota Sienna Hybrid vehicle is sure a vehicle minivan fans would wait for. The engine for this minivan will be very similar to Highlander or Lexus Hybrid SUVs. This hybrid vehicle will have an acceleration of 0-60 km/hr in 8 sec and will have a power of 270 hp.
[b]2007 Dodge Durango[/b]:
Durango TTR production was shelved in 2002 due to powertrain system failure to deliver required fuel economy. 2007 Dodge Durango is coming 2006 fall and GM is quiet cautious this time. With good technology and experience, this hybrid vehicle holds a lot of promise. According to company sources, the new version of this hybrid vehicle will reduce the fuel consumption by 25%.
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| Is electrocution from hybrid cars over hyped? Yes :( |
| 01.27.05 (10:13 am) [edit] |
Hybrid cars use high voltage batteries and this is the main cause of concern for emergency workers. They could have a deadly jolt to current as electric system is generally exposed after the crash. The engines for hybrid cars at times are noiseless, so it is difficult to predict if the car is running.
Now the automakers are giving all the information about necessary precautions that could be taken while handling a hybrid cars crash. The engine shut down through key or through rear, where a mechanism is present in most of the hybrid cars through which batteries could be disconnected from the system. Some cars automatically shut down electric units when crash is detected. Heavy insulation of the wires and distinct colors to them are another steps taken for the safety of personal during crash.
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| Ford Mercury Meta One concept: Ford Diesel-Electric Hybrid Car Concept unveiled |
| 12.27.04 (8:07 am) [edit] |
The new entry in the [b]hybrid cars from Ford [/b]is Mercury Meta One Diesel Electric [b]Hybrid Cars [/b]Concept. Mercury Meta one concept showcases the world’s first Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle diesel powertrain. It has best of safety features like Lane Departure Warning and Collision Mitigation by Braking technology that could help to prevent the severity of accidents.
Ford Meta One [b]Hybrid cars [/b]illustrates what a future Mercury crossover vehicle might look like.
Ford Mercury Meta One [b]hybrid car [/b]is an advanced research vehicle concept from Ford Motor Company displaying the evolution of automotive design, research and engineering with emerging safety features, personal electronics and the world’s first PZEV diesel hybrid.
"Meta One is a valuable test-bed for advanced technologies allowing us to demonstrate future safety and powertrain technologies that exist only in theory and in laboratories today," said Gerhard Schmidt, Ford Motor Company vice president, Research and Advanced Engineering.
Original article at Ford Site
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| Will there be gasoline after 100 years |
| 12.05.04 (3:44 am) [edit] |
I am not going to live for next 100 years so why to bother. However, lets see if it will be there. With the rate, gas consumption is going on, I doubt there will be any gas left. With the gas eating SUV's and big gas-guzzler cars, the gas could easily vanish from the face of the earth.
If there will be no fresh air to breath after 100 years then why worry about gas. With the monsters (vehicles) eating gases and throwing harmful exhaust thus damaging environment, the pollution level could be easily achieved where the air present for breathing will be poisoned.
But why to worry, I love riding SUV's and I could afford it for next 20 years. What about speed? I am comfortable with my car so why to go for [b]hybrid cars[/b].
If you also think like me then think again about the generation who would follow us. What we will leave for them? Do think and go for [b]Hybrid cars [/b]as I have finally decided after looking at all the pros and cons. Lets give clean air to the generation next. Please :)
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| Buy Hybrid cars and get a $5000 subsidy |
| 12.05.04 (3:19 am) [edit] |
Sorry, only if you are an employee of Hyperion Solutions Corp. The software firm wants its employees to go for [b]hybrid cars[/b] or say drive green vehicles and in return is offering them $5000 subsidy if they buy one.
The company is going to invest a million dollar per year in this program. But the employee has to buy [b]hybrid cars[/b] from only Honda or Toyota which is client of Hyperion.
The company has launched "Companies for Clean Air Consortium" and wants other company to join it and promote the use of [b]hybrid cars[/b] for clean and better future.
Godfrey Sullivan, president and chief executive officer of Hyperion said "One of the most important steps an individual can take to improve the quality of our air is to drive a vehicle that goes further on a gallon or litre of gas. One of the most important steps a company can take is to help them."
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| Mercedes, Porsche planning for hybrid cars in future |
| 11.06.04 (10:47 am) [edit] |
DaimlerChrysler Mercedes-Benz division is planning to build its first [b]hybrid car [/b]in next 5 years. Porsche is also studying the viability to build its first [b]hybrid cars[/b] the hybrid version of Cayenne sport utility vehicle using Toyota powertrain.
DaimlerChrysler is planning to sell its [b]hybrid cars[/b] in US and Japan. In Europe this market is captured by diesel vehicles.
"We will establish the car in markets such as the United States and Japan where hybrids could be advantageous, for instance in cities with frequent stop-and-go traffic and in specific other conditions" Weber said.
DaimlerChrysler is keeping its options open and is also considering on partnering for working on hybrid technology for keeping the cost down.
Hybrid technology would be helping Porsche meet the tough environmental standards in Europe and US. Stricter U.S. emissions regulations will be phased in through 2009. The United States is Porsche’s primary sales market.
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| General Motors planning to build Hybrid cars in China |
| 11.06.04 (10:33 am) [edit] |
GM declared that it is going to help Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. to develop low polluting high mileage [b]hybrid cars[/b] for gasoline electric engine and fuel cells driven cars. It will also help the the largest carmaker of China to build gasoline electric driven buses. General motors has 4 manufacturing units in China.
China is the the world's 3rd largest car maker. GM is trying to expand sales in China the fastest growing automobile market of the world. Volkswagen AG is already doing it and Volkswagen is now largest foreign carmaker in China. It has also planning to build fuel cell cars in China with Shanghai-based Tongji University.
Toyota the another [b]hybrid cars [/b]maker also planning to team with FAW Group to build Prius [b]hybrid car[/b]. GM has invested 1 billion dollors to develop EV1 battery-powered electric cars.
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| GM Daewoo 2006 S3X SUV Hybrid cars |
| 10.20.04 (3:42 pm) [edit] |
GM Daewoo motors showcased its first hybrid sports utility vehicle S3X which would be introduced in the market by 2006. The 2006 S3X will have better fuel efficiency and it would be using same technique as other [b]hybrid cars[/b] i.e shutting the engine off at idle conditions.
GM Daewoo is focussing on larger and heavier vehicles as hybrid system are more efficient in them. The new hybrid cars would be sold in US by 2007. other then hybrid car GM also displayed "Hy-Wire" concept car which would run on hydrogen based fuel cells.
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| 2005 Honda Insight, Most fuel efficient vehicle for 2004-2005 |
| 10.10.04 (3:52 pm) [edit] |
 [b]2005 Honda Insight[/b] is the most fuel efficient car for 2004-2005 seee the article below for latest Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency =http://www.tblog.com/template... vehicle ratings.
[b]2005 Honda Insight[/b] is available in 5 speed manual transmission and continously variable automatic transmission with a gas mileage of 61/66 and 57/56.
For a better fuel economy and high power Insight has Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system 3 cylinder gasoline engine with 1 litre with a light electric motor. The Insight uses idle stop feature which stops the gasoline engine and thus preventing gas and emissions and restarts the engine when foot of driver is away from brakes. In 5 speed models it starts after the 1st gear.
The car also captures energy by the momentum of the car during braking and deceleration and this energy is used by electric motors which recharges the batteries.
Specifications for 2005 Honda Insight:
| 2005 INSIGHT | 5-speed MT | CVT | | GASOLINE ENGINE | | | | Type: Aluminum-Alloy In-Line 3-Cylinder | X | X | | Displacement (cc) | 995 | 995 | | Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net / with IMA) | 67 @ 5700 / 73 @ 5700 | 65 @ 5700 / 73 @ 5700 | | Torque (lb.-ft.@rpm / with IMA) | 66 @ 4800 / 79 @ 1500 | 65 @ 4800 / 89 @ 2000 | | Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.3:1 | | Valve Train : 12-Valve SOHC VTEC | X | X | | Fuel System: Multi-Point Fuel Injection | Lean Burn | X | | Ignition System : Direct System w/ Immobilizer | X | X | | CARB Emission Rating | ULEV | SULEV-2 | | Idle Stop Feature | X | X | | 105,000-Mile Tune-Up Interval | X | X | | . | | ELECTRIC MOTOR / GENERATOR | | Motor Type: Permanent Magnet | X | X | | Power Output | 14 hp @ 3000 rpm | 13 hp @ 2000 rpm | | Motor Width (mm) | 60 | 60 |
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| 2004-2005 car rankings, Hybrid car dominates |
| 10.10.04 (3:10 pm) [edit] |
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency released ratings recently for the cleanest and the most fuel efficient vehicles on 2005. =http://www.tblog.com/template... Hybrid cars has taken top 7 spots of the ratings.
Honda Insight(manual transmission) got best mileage with a gas mileage of 61 mpg and 66 mpg on city and highway roads respectively while Dodge Ram Pickup with gas mileage of 9 mpg got the last ranking for 2004 cars.
The other vehicle mileage in the top rankings was Toyota Prius with a gas mileage of 60 mpg city and 51 mpg highway.
Other vehicles which got best rankings in their class were Mini Cooper, Ford Escape, Honda Odyssey, VW New Beetle, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx.
Full vehicle ratings could be found at EPA's GreenVehicles site.The top 5 rankings for the vehicles are given below.
| Model | Vehicle Specs | Air pollution score | Fuel economy | Green house score | | City mpg | Hwy mpg | | Toyota Prius | 1.5L (4 cyl) Auto-AV 2WD Gasoline 5TYXV01.5MC1 | 10 | 60 | 51 | 10 | | =http://www.tblog.com/template... Honda Civic Hybrid | 1.3L (4 cyl) Auto-AV 2WD Gasoline 5HNXV01.3YCV | 10 | 47 | 48 | 10 | | Honda Civic Hybrid | 1.3L (4 cyl) Auto-AV 2WD Gasoline 5HNXV01.3YCV | 10 | 47 | 48 | 10 | | Honda Civic Hybrid | 1.3L (4 cyl) Man-5 2WD Gasoline 5HNXV01.3YCV | 10 | 45 | 51 | 10 | | Honda Civic Hybrid | 1.3L (4 cyl) Man-5 2WD Gasoline 5HNXV01.3YCV | 10 | 45 | 51 | 10 |
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| Advantages of Hybrid car and Hybrid cars disadvantage |
| 10.06.04 (5:07 pm) [edit] |
[b]Hybrid electric vehicles[/b] are electric cars with a difference. In [b]hybrid cars[/b]the energy comes not only through batteries but also from internal combustion engine which drives generator which generates electricity. The major advantages are:-
[b]Advantages for Hybrid cars[/b]:
1. The vehicle is lighter and roomier then a electric car due to less heavy batteries.
2. Engine smaller and lighter as it has to produce less power and remaining comes from batteries.
3. Engine runs on constant speed as acceleration of vehicle is assisted by batteries and hence saving of fuel.
4. Configured braking which captures kinetic energy which in turn is used for charging batteries.
5. Less damage to environment as less exhoust.
6. Less reliability on Fuel
7. Car friendly laws
8. $$ saving for gas
9. Less trip to gas station and in long queues hence time saving.
[b]Disadvantages for Hybrid car[/b].
1. High cost of vehicle.
2. More Weight due to extra hardware.
3. Reduced storage capacity.
Above points shows that [b]hybrid cars [/b]is worth some extra $$ as benifits are far then enough then disadvantage. So grab one for you as fast as possible and try to leave gas eaters.
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| Hybrid Car battery and a Conventional Car battery. |
| 10.06.04 (5:04 pm) [edit] |
[b]Difference between a hybrid car battery and a conventional car battery[/b]:
The battery in a conventional car has enough energy to start a vehicle. During winter it need higher power to start a car. Now lets take a look at how it works. The conventional car battery is required to produce high energy output for a short period of time. It creates enough torque to turn the car engine at 300 rpm and hence start the engine. It delivers a burst of current for a short period of time.
In winter the battery are required to give as much as 600 amphere of electricity to start the engine as the oil becomes thick and needs extra energy. So the battery is designed as such that it could give this much energy in a short perion of time.
When the engine starts the battery is no longer needed as the car draws all the current from alternator. Alternator also charges the battery to its full so that it could supply the required energy to start the car again.
Now lets see what is all about [b]hybrid car [/b]batteries. Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are used in hybrid cars in place of lead acid batteries. the main function of this battery is that it is lighter in weight and could deliver more energy though small. The size of battery for a [b]hybrid car [/b]is smaller then electric cars as it also gets energy from internal combustion engine. The [b]hybrid cars[/b] batteries are measured in kw-amp-hour where as a convention car battery is measured by cranking amps.
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| What is really a hybrid car? How it works. Some basics about Hybrid cars |
| 09.30.04 (5:22 pm) [edit] |
Let us first see how conventional and electric cars work. The conventional cars uses gasoline powered internal combustion engine which is and the car gets its all the power from this. An electric car gets its power from batteries. The [b]Hybrid cars [/b]is one which can run on electric motors or gasoline powered engines or combination of both which creates higher mileage possibility.
The basic features of [b]hybrid cars[/b] are:-
[b]Smaller engine[/b]:
The smaller engine provides enough power to car to run on free way but when the car needs to run uphill batteries comes to its rescue and the car runs on both batteries and gasoline engine. There is no effect in performance and driver could be unaware of the shift from battery to gasoline or vice versa.
[b]Engine shutoff[/b]:-
When car puts brakes or when the car reaches red light the engine shuts down and car is powered by gasoline without driver knowing it
[b]Efficiency[/b]:-
The efficiency of the hybrid cars is achieved by
# Using lightweight materials for making body of car.
# Recovering energy and storing it in the battery
# Using advanced aerodynamics to reduce drag
# Using low-rolling resistance tires
# Engine shut off at redlight and when car pauses for a while.
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| Luxury Hybrid SUV: 2005 Lexus RX 400h |
| 09.30.04 (4:39 pm) [edit] |
[b]2005 Lexus RX 400h[/b] is world's first luxury gas electric hybrid SUV car. The hybrid car would be powered by V6 Hybrid Synergy Drive system. It will also be rated as Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle which is one of the toughest emission rating in auto Industry.
The other attraction for this hybrid car will be its Vehicle Dynamic Management or VDM. Its functionality is that it would anticipate whenever the vihicle tends to skid or slide and it also helps in controlling the situation by brakes and throttle control.
The 3.3-liter, V6 engine and 400h hybrid powertrain with powerful electric motor improves the fuel efficiency and low and mid acceleration. It could operate on gas or electic motor or combine both to have great fuel efficiency. The fuel consumption for this car is approximately 27.6 mpg. 0-60 km speed could be reached at sub-8 second time.
The [b]2005 Lexus RX 400h Hybrid car[/b] charges batteries by reclaiming energy at the time of braking popularly known as regenerative braking system. When the brakes are applied electri motor acts as generator which in turn captures kinetic energy and convert it to electric energy which is lost in conventional cars in the form of heat through brakes.
[b]Specifications for 2005 Lexus RX 400h hybrid car[/b]
`` Powertrain: Engine - 3.3 liter V6
`` Electric motor(s) - Permanent magnet
`` Estimated total horsepower - 270
`` Expected EPA emissions rating - Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)
`` Transmission - Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
`` Length: 186.6 in.
`` Width: 72.6 in.
`` Height: 66.1 in.
`` Wheelbase: 106.9 in.
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| 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid |
| 09.30.04 (4:00 pm) [edit] |
The [b]2005 Honda civic hybrid [/b]has one of the best hybrid technology. The main features of this car is:-
`` It charges batteries by reclaiming energy at the time of braking.
`` It can run only on battery when the car is stopped
`` When extra power is needed it get the engine gets extra power from batteries.
One of the major attraction for this car is Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) powertrain which is a very advanced technology and car goes upto 650 miles in one tank fill. The look and feel of this car is very similar to a gasoline driven car.
The lightweight, high-output electric motor with light weight efficient gasoline engine makes this car a perfect buy in the time of soaring gas prices. Let us see the benifits of buying a hybrid car then a gasoline driven car:
1. $1,500 tax deduction (some states)
2. Driving alone in commuter lanes
3. Less time spent in gas lines
4. $$ saved on gas.
5. Driving smooth and silent car
[b]2005 Honda Civic Hybrid[/b] specifications and price
`` 1.3-liter, 8-valve, 4-cylinder gasoline engine
`` VTEC®-Controlled Cylinder-Idling system
`` Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS)
`` Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
`` Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
`` Dual-point sequential ignition (i-DSI)
`` Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack
`` Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
`` Blue-lit instrument panel with electronic IMA™ display
MSRP:
$19,650.00 (Manual Transmission)
$20,650.00 (Automatic Transmission)
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| Ford launched its Hydrogen-Powered Shuttle Bus |
| 09.30.04 (2:29 pm) [edit] |
Ford recently announced the release of Ford H2ICE E-450 shuttle bus Ford's new hydrogen powered vehicles with advanced technology.The Internal combustion engine is similar to gasoline powered internal combustion engine but would be modified to run on hydrogen fuel. It will have Triton 6.8-liter V-10 engine which would run on hydrogen fuel and would have Ford E-450 chassis.
The bus would have a capacity of 12 passengers with luggage which will include the driver. The bus would have 26 gallon equivalent of hydrogen fuel tank and could go upta 150 miles.
Ford has his new car on sale, its one of the hybrid version Ford Escape. Ford is also working on fuel cells. With collaboration from Ballard Power Systems Ford is making a 30 car fleet of Focus fuel cell vehicles. Ford is also working on clead diesal cars and direct injection system in Europe. The fuel cell vehicles will be placed in germany, Vancouver, Orlando, Michigan and Sacramento.
Though Hydrogen fuel cells has advanced much in recent time but still more advanced technology is required which would increase its durability and affordability.
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| California gives hybrid cars free rein in high-occupancy commuter lanes |
| 09.30.04 (2:02 pm) [edit] |
[b]Hybrid cars[/b] recieved a big plus when Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a legislation which would allow some gas-electric cars into high-occupancy commuter lanes with just one person in car.
According to law passed the [b]hybrid cars [/b]such as Honda civic hybrid, Honda insight and Toyota prius into 1,100 miles highway lane which is reserved only for the cars with 2 or more people when there is rush hour.The Governor decision would help in opening California car pool lanes to the fuel efficient and the cleanest cars which will in turn help in reducing the pollution, reduce dependense on imported fuel and also save $$.
Ford motor company is not happy with Schwarzenegger's step and has urged to reject the measure. By the way Ford’s hybrid SUV has not qualified for the carpool lanes as it has about 36 mpg mileage.
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| Toyota is going to make Prius hybrid cars in China |
| 09.28.04 (1:27 pm) [edit] |
Toyota Motor Corp one of the largest japan car maker is going to make eco friendly [b]Hybrid car[/b] Toyota Prius with joint venture with China FAW Group Corp by end of 2005. This would be first overseas production of hybrid engine Toyota Prius car.
It is difficult to transfer tecnology so fast so Toyota would be assembling auto parts imported from japan and giving technical aid to FAW Group Corp. Toyota is not having large presence in chimease market and with this strategy it would expand its market share of eco-friendly vehicles in China.
Toyota is planning to increase its annual sales of the Prius model by 300,000 units worldwide in 2005. The sales target is equal to about 7 times the 43,000 Prius hybrid cars sold worldwide last year.
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