Category Archives: Eco Friendly Cars

Why Use Hybrid Cars?
By Naomi West

When it comes to purchasing a car many of us used to only think about how it looked and how fast we could go in it. But that was before gas prices skyrocketed and we were forced to think more about convenience rather then what we really wanted. People who are trying to purchase new cars are not in search of a car that receives good gas mileage.

Many manufacturers are designing their cars around this one feature to make them more appealing for people. One of the most common car that people feel can save them the most money are hybrids. These cars combine the use of two different types of engines in order to produce low measures of pollution.

Thanks to the uniqueness of the engine it is one of the quietest types of cars that you will ever see. They are designed with a fuel tank that is connected to the gasoline engine – but it is smaller and more efficient then in the average vehicle. It is also designed with an electric motor that uses batteries to function.

These hybrids have many features that include being able to travel long distances without using large amounts of fuel. When the car is idling or when it is traveling at low speeds it will switch to battery power. These batteries can be recharged at home.

When stopping the car it uses the electric motor and what is commonly known as regenerative braking. In the standard car they used friction to stop the car – but in a hybrid car kinetic energy will charge up the battery and use the energy to stop it. One of the best features that it has is the ability to shut itself off. When the car is idling it will automatically shut off and save fuel.

The Cash For Clunkers program is used to help people save money and purchase a car they can afford. Some of the most popular types are the Hybrids – which help to save people in gas money.

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2009 Hybrid Vehicle Jargon
By Steve Auger Platinum Quality Author

Confused about the 2009 hybrid jargon? If you are buying a new green car then you may want to become familiar with the terms listed below.

Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)

Honda’s hybrid car terminology is called Integrated Motor Assist. The technology was first introduced on the Honda Insight in 1999. It uses an electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission. The implementation employs a parallel drivetrain.

Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD)

The original Toyota Hybrid System (THS) used in the 1997-2003 Toyota Prius. Now the name has been changed to Hybrid Synergy Drive to accommodate usage outside the Toyota brand. HSD is a refinement of the THS. Toyota describes HSD-equipped vehicles as having E-CVT (Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission).

Two-Mode Hybrid System (TMHS)

Most 2008 hybrids do a good job in stop and go traffic but not highway usage. The Two-Mode system increases fuel efficiency above 40 mpg by use of a re-designed automatic transmission. GM has introduced this technology on the Chevrolet tahoe and GMC Yukon 2008 hybrids with more models to be converted over in 2009. The 2009 Chrysler Aspen hybrid will also include TMHS.

Super-Capacitor Hybrid

This technology, being developed by BMW, is a variation of the gas/electric hybrid. Instead of using a stack of rechargeable batteries for implementing the electrical power storage medium, BMW is using super-capacitors, thus making the car lighter, faster and more fuel efficient. As with the original hybrid concept, energy is recovered by regenerative braking. But instead of charging batteries, super-capacitors are charged instead. The capacitors store less power but unlike rechargeable batteries, all 100% of what is stored can be utilized. A 20% improvement in fuel efficiency has been reported with this technology.

Micro-Hybrid

The micro-hybrid is an initiative similar to the HEV, but without the large battery. The micro-hybrid, also called “stop-start”, causes the engine to stop idling during car slow down and stop conditions. This fuel efficient technology saves an estimated 5% – 15% for city driving and comes with a much lower price tag than full blown hybrids. Stop-start was introduced by Peugeot-Citroën on the Citroën C3 in 2004 and will be installed on most Peugeots and Citroëns in the EU on or around 2010. One big advantage of the micro-hybrid is that it is easier to implement and less expensive than other hybrid technologies. It is now also being combined with other fuel efficient hybrid technologies.

Steve Auger is the author of the blog http://www.blogonsmog.com/

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Incoming search terms:

• eco friendly ideas for cars

Electric cars or BEV’s (Battery Electric Vehicle), have been around for a good number of years now but the recent technical advances and developments combined with the new tax benefits and eco friendly consciousness has helped greatly to increase there popularity.

Electric cars in the simplest form are very straight-forward, they have an on-board rechargeable network of batteries, normally Lithium-ion or Nickel Metal-hydride, they plug into the mains at home or off site and charge to full capacity in around 8 to 10 hours and they feel and operate in a very similar way to a traditional car, though there are a few intial culture shocks such as no engine noise or clutch pedal.

Why buy an electric car and what are the benefits?

There are many  reasons why you should consider buying an electric car today, the most obvious of which is to help the environment. The direct impact on the environment by cars is effect on air quality, greenhouse gases, ozone depletion, water quality, the use of natural resources and the noise pollution. Electric cars help to reduce all of these effects in one way or another.

There are also many financial benefits, the most popular of these include-
No petrol costs – charging costs are estimated to be the equivalent of 300 miles per gallon
Zero road tax
Little or no congestion charge
Reduced road tax costs
Free or discounted parking

Types electric cars available today

Reva G-Wiz
The Reva, designed and built in India is the worlds best selling electric car. It is ideal for city trips and short commutes with a range of up to 50 miles. It can be registered in Europe as a heavy quadricycle (category L7) and may be exported to the USA with a speed limiter for use as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV). Cost £9,000 ($14,000)

Ze-0
The world’s first family electric car, with five seats and five doors. Designed in Europe and built to exacting specifications, the Ze-0 is said to bring all the benefits of electric motoring without compromising on safety, specification or styling. It has a range iof around 50 miles. Cost £14,000 ($21,000)

Tesla Roadster
The Tesla Roadster is an all-electric sports car produced by the electric car firm Tesla Motors. Developed with design help and basic chassis technology from Lotus Cars. It has a range of 244 miles (393 km) an can accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 125mph. Cost £92,000 ($138,000)

Smart EV
The electric version of the Smart car we all know so well now. Expect the full complement of Mercedes-Benz safety features and a top speed of 70 mph courtesy of a powerful Zytek electric motor. Once it’s up to speed (0-30mph in an impressive 6.5 seconds) the ev uses its low weight gain to deliver an exciting and stable drive. Range 70 miles. Cost £17,500 ($26,000)

A Global Overview of Eco friendly cars
by Paul McIndoe

More and more people are turning to the possibilities offered by the developments towards more environmentally-friendly vehicles. Car manufacturers are frantically researching more and better ways to expand upon the relatively small market in order to offer cars that consumers will buy – meaning environmentally-conscious vehicles that do not sacrifice both aesthetics and costs in order to reduce fuel emissions.

This task is not easy. Some eco-friendly cars have resembled moon buggies more than everyday road vehicles and many consumers are left wondering why designers don’t seem to have realised that people want a car that will blend in on the road rather than standing out on it. However, there have been vast improvements on the original eco-friendly cars and now many manufacturers are releasing such environmentally-friendly vehicles based on existing models.

However, apart from the looks and feel of eco-friendly cars, other problems arise with extra costs and a possible lack of refilling opportunities.

The new hybrid cars store energy when the brakes are applied, then use it whenever possible instead of fuel when the vehicle is in motion. Their mileage is high and tests seem to show the battery lasts a long time – but they cost several thousands more than their smog-coughing counterparts. In the long run, they are cost-effective, but for today’s consumer it’s difficult to say whether a long-term scheme will prevail over an immediate purchase.

Biodiesel cars similarly get more mileage than normal diesel cars, but the cost of biodiesel fuel is significantly high compared to petroleum spirit, and marginally higher than normal diesel. The mixture of vegetable oil and diesel as fuel also means that cold weather can be slightly problematic, depending on oil content in the solution.

Ethanol fuel is a grain-based additive created from corn, barley or wheat, the most popular type being E85. E85 is 85% ethanol and 15% petrol, reducing emissions and costs as it is a cheaper option than regular fuel. The great thing about cars manufactured for this fuel is their versatility: flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) mean you can use either E85 or normal petrol, which ensures you won’t need to worry about finding a petrol station that sells the correct fuel. Because of this versatility, many car manufacturers have jumped on the opportunities ethanol vehicles provide and there is a wide selection of cars available.

Finally, natural gas, despite being a fossil fuel, is one that is cleaner-burning than what is usually used for cars. In America, much of the natural gas reserves is collected within US borders, but it is a growing issue that many companies are fighting to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling to supply demand. Natural gas has twice the volume of petrol, meaning it takes up twice as much room in the tank, so it won’t take you as far as its liquid form.

These are the four main players in the eco-friendly car sphere. Each type has pros and cons that measure up against each other and our current polluting vehicles. It’s important to research thoroughly the type of eco-friendly car you might find most suitable before purchasing, as is it essential to bear in mind that, despite a few negative things about each style, the benefit to the environment is well worthwhile.

However, when weighing up new car options, it’s not just its environmental impact that you should consider. Be sure to shop around for the best deal on price, finance repayments, road fund license and car insurance, as well as available fuel options, in order to ensure you choose the best car for your needs.

About the Author

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Click here to read about electric motorcycles as an alternative method of transport

5 Hybrid Cars to Wet Your Eco-Friendly, MPG Obsessed Whistle
By Wei Yang

1. Toyota Prius – It was the first mass produced hybrid on the market and thusly it’s become the defacto standard. It’s certainly reasonably priced, but does its boring looks and appliance-like feel turn off the average American driver (a very emotional group about what they drive) and push it towards one of it’s more contemporary competitors? In the end, a solid and reliable car that’s moving on to it’s 3rd generation in 2010 which should drive sales further. The Japanese are known for their reliability and improvements to batteries and production should drive the cost down and the mileage up. City: 48, Highway: 45, MSRP: $22,000 base pri

2. Honda Clarity FCX: Shortly after Toyota released it’s Prius, Honda moved forward with it’s Insight project, released in 2000 and has been in production until 2006. At that time, Honda moved their fuel cell technology along enough to power Accord and Civics. However, some believe that though gas-electric hybrids are all good and well, the true future of electric cars is with the use of Hydrogen and electrolysis to create a purely electric car with ZERO emissions. Sure, Hydrogen fuel stations are few and far between, but by the picture, you can tell the Clarity FCX is aiming at a higher eschelon individual. Mass produced FCXes could be ready as soon as 2012, but right now you can lease if you live in California (where Hydrogen stations are available). This is the car for the true eco-heads with it’s complete lack of any greenhouse gasses, something not even the Prius can claim.  City/Highway: 68 MPG (equivalent), 280 Mile Range, $600 per month lease.

3. Chevrolet Volt: Marketed as the next big thing in commuter cars, the Volt’s goal is to create a combination plug-in hybrid that should be able to take you to work and back home on a single charge and not needing to use any gas at all. With an expected range of 40 miles, should you go beyond that, there’s a small gasoline generator to power the car until you get to your destination. GM has put a lot of money into marketing the Volt as the next big thing and utilizing it for a push to create special tax credits for cars that get 100MPG+. While the concept cars GM has shown are certainly edgy, a full production version (scheduled for a possible release in 2010), we’ll see what the actual Volt turns out looking like.  City/Highway: 50MPG (no battery), 150MPG (with battery), 100MPG (average equivalent), MRSP: $30,000+.

4. Tesla Roadster: Based on the Lotus Elise, the Tesla is the first electric car “Car Guys” wanted. Promising of a usable range (over 245 miles), awesome acceleration (less than 4 seconds to 60MPH) and a super sexy chassis based on 15+ years of development on the street and race track, the Tesla makes owning a electric car bearable. Though the small roadster isn’t the most practical car here, it’s certainly the one that involves the most user input to drive. It’s the one you’ll want to take to the local track or autocross. It’s the first car to break the stigma associated with driving a “green” car and for that, it’s made our list. Will it top yours?  City/Highway: 105MPG (equivalent), MSRP: $98,000.

5. Fisker Karma: Built by the world renound car designer, Henrik Fisker, designer of the Astin Martin DB9, the Astin Martin V8 Vantage and BMW V8, the Fisker Karma is the car you buy as the President of your eco-friendly business. You’ll need 4-doors to fit your clients in, but you’ll need to not waste gas to protect your image. The Karma is another plug-in hybrid that utilizes solar cells on the roof as well as a tiny gas generator to keep your car going past the 50 mile electric only range (similar to the Volt). However, whereas most other makers design their cars to sell to the average consumer, the Fisker is for a more refined taste. It’s long, sleek body, premium interior and fully featured healm make this car the Mercedes S-Class of hybrid cars (though Mercedes is working on their hybrid S currently). With a Fisker Karma, you’re not only saving the environment, you’re looking like a million bucks doing so.  City/Highway: 150MPG (equivalent), MSRP: $80,000.

Wei Yang is a serial entrepreneur who co-found EasyAutoSales.com to help private sellers and dealerships sell cars online for free. Make the auto sales process a lot easier by selling your car at http://www.easyautosales.com If your in the market to buy a new or used car EasyAutoSales currently has an inventory of 2 million plus cars and growing fast.

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