Hybrid vehicles Archives – The Green Optimistic

New Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Goes 1,300km a Year on Its Solar Panel Alone

Ovidiu Sandru — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 13:29:19 +0000

In the old times, there were Priuses. Now, it’s Hyundai. They just launched their Sonata Hybrid and it has a solar roof charging system. In the 2004-2009 Prius, the solar panel on the top was used to power the air conditioner while the car sat in full sunlight. Not Hyundai. They’re going after mileage gains […]

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First Electric Commuter Airplane Expected Within Three Years

Mila Luleva — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 20:24:22 +0000

This is the moment we have all been waiting for. The first electric commuter airplane is almost ready to go, it only needs its certifications. Over the last few years we have witnessed a complete transformation in the way people look at commuting. If before a “train-ride-away”, was the norm, now jumping on a plane, […]

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ORBIS Ring Drive: The wheel has been discovered, again

Matias Prieto — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 04:02:57 +0000

What if I told that an Electric Hybrid Honda Civic has more horse power than a Ford Mustang GT? The Orbis Ring-Wheel technology improves car fuel economy, regenerative braking and battery charging and adds up to 75hp per wheel (direct drive). The last Electric Hybrid Honda Civic (World first electric hybrid all-wheel drive) presented at […]

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2019 Dodge RAM 1500 eTorque – Hybrid or Not?

Arsenij Percov — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 21:10:15 +0000

RAM is usually not the car that is under the focus of eco-friendly news, but they are joining the game of hybridization and electrification. The new 2019 RAM lineup will have a place for “hybrid” version of its 1500 pickup truck – RAM 1500 eTorque. Let’s clear out some misconceptions. It is not a hybrid […]

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Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce Reveal their Flying Taxi

Arsenij Percov — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 20:55:18 +0000

Aston Martin has created something that is not usually associated with this British carmaker: a luxury vertical take-off and landing flying taxi. Its name is Volante Vision Concept and it is a product of a partnership with Cranfield University, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, and Rolls-Royce. Additionally, the aircraft will be autonomous and hybrid-electric. The powertrain will […]

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Kia Niro: A Plug-In Hybrid SUV for the Masses

Arsenij Percov — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 19:55:12 +0000

The 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is a new addition to Kia’s Niro lineup. Niro already has a regular Hybrid version, but this one increases the capacity of the battery and improves the fuel economy. It allows you to drive 26 miles on electricity only and to switch to the regular hybrid mode after that. […]

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Only Hybrid Options From McLaren In 2025?

Arsenij Percov — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 19:50:08 +0000

McLaren plans to go completely hybrid by 2025. We can conclude this from Mike Flewitt’s (McLaren Automotive CEO) interview with Autocar. He shared some information about the future lineup with them. According to it, we can expect a self-driving capability(to some measure) and hybrid powertrains in the next generation of sportscars. We had similar information […]

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Honda’s First Hybrid Scooter to be Launched In September 2018

Arsenij Percov — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 20:51:50 +0000

Honda finally announced the official date when they will begin the sales of the new Honda PCX 123 Hybrid Scooter. It is a very significant date for gas-conscious people. This model is the world’s first mass-produced motorized scooter equipped with a hybrid drivetrain. However, the sales will be limited only to the Asian region, and […]

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100 Boeing-Backed Hybrid-Electric Airplanes to be Launched by JetSuite

Janina Lazo-Cruz — Sat, 26 May 2018 16:30:55 +0000

“Did you know that short-haul flights produce over 40% of aviation emissions? With our aircraft, we believe these will be largely eliminated within twenty years. Our aircraft are ‘hybrid-to-electrics’ that sip fuel only when they have to, will use even less over time as batteries upgrade, and will one day go completely without – so […]

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Growth of Electric and Hybrid Car Sales in Norway Surpassed 50% in 2017

Jose Aguilar — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 19:51:14 +0000

OSLO, Norway — The sales of EV´s and hybrids made up 52% of all new car sales in 2017, up 12% from the previous year, according to the independent Norwegian Road Federation (OFV). Norway`s autonomous vehicle industry has benefitted from a deed in the form of subsidies that effectively promoted such growth. This accomplishment sets Norway ahead globally in replacing hydrogen-fueled […]

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Zunum Aero’s First Hybrid Aircraft Could Fly as Soon as 2022

Guest Contributor — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 06:23:49 +0000

As technology advances, more and more industries begin looking for ways to integrate hybrid or fully electrical motors into their vehicles. While we have seen most carmakers announce many EVs for the next few years, Zunum Aero seems to be the first company that moves towards fully electric flight. Backed by Boeing’s HorizonX and Jet […]

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Lincoln Hybrid Cars Could Hit the Road by 2022

Guest Contributor — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 09:00:00 +0000

It is speculated that the first details regarding Lincoln’s plan to release hybrid versions of its U.S. models may be presented as soon as Oct. 3rd. The theories may prove to be true, as this is the date when Ford’s Chief Executive Officer Jim Hackett is planned to update the investors on the company’s strategy. […]

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Ford Exposes Its First-Ever Range Extended Hybrid Transit Van

Janina Lazo-Cruz — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 20:37:04 +0000

Aiming for a lower NOx and particulates emission of delivery vans in London’s central cities, Ford will be releasing in 2019 its first ever range-extender hybrid transit van. In its electric mode, zero emission is achieved, while with its petrol range-extender mode has 25% lesser NOx emission than that of a diesel. Prior its mass […]

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Scotland to Get Rid of Non-hybrid Cars by 2032

Janina Lazo-Cruz — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 18:34:24 +0000

Hybrid cars are known to reduce emissions by at least 25%, which is more than the most energy-efficient petrol and gasoline cars. Eight years prior to UK government’s complete ban non-hybrid petrol and gasoline cars, Scotland has formally stated its “bold new ambition on ultra-low emission vehicles, including electric cars and vans, with a target […]

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The New Kia Niro Might Be The Next Big Thing Among Hybrids

Ece Polat — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 20:11:56 +0000

When the new Kia Niro came out, it was known for its stylish and comfortable design, but most importantly, appreciated as an SUV with an EPA rating of 51 miles/gallon. It is not as quick as the Tesla P100D, but it costs five times less meaning that more people can afford a six speed DSG transmission […]

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Techrules Ren Shows Off Innovative Use of Turbines in a Hybrid EV

Nicholas Say — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 16:09:46 +0000

I useally compare cars like the Ren to the Batmobile, but I dunno if Batman could handle a 1200hp, diesel fed, jet-turbine EV. Techrules has returned to Geneva this year with a “production” version of their Hybred EV supercar that debuted in concept form last year. The Ren delivers some amazing performance with really […]

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Japan Prius Drivers Rewarded for Using EV Mode

Ovidiu Sandru — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 21:43:28 +0000

Toyota is looking to reward Prius drivers in Japan with points for maximizing the use of full electric mode. The “game” is available to all new Prius plug-in users (aka Prius Prime for the rest of the world). Toyota has struck a deal with five important Japanese electricity providers to do this, and the points […]

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How Toyota Changed Its Mind About Battery Powered Vehicles

Ovidiu Sandru — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 13:11:07 +0000

Toyota, one of the biggest carmakers in the world, has been recently badmouthing lithium battery technology and the companies using it – namely Tesla. They even built an entire media campaign around an alternative to the alternative: hydrogen fuel cells, the distribution infrastructure and storage devices. All those electric car companies were about to fall […]

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Karma Revero – Fit With Solar Panels and a Gasoline Engine

Ovidiu Sandru — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 06:08:05 +0000

Karma Revero – that’s the name of the new Fisker-based Karma Automotive product. It is based on the Fisker Karma and, as the manufacturer says, will feature solar panels that are able to actually power the car. If you remember, a couple of years ago, Fisker Automotive has been acquired by Chinese company Wanxiang Group, and aims […]

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Top 6 Hottest Electric Cars at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show

Ovidiu Sandru — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 20:51:23 +0000

The 2016 Geneva Motor Show promised a lot, and almost delivered. Here are a few sparks that caught my eye while being there on the first day when regular visitors were allowed. For some reason, green tech blogs with over 2.1 million pageviews a year are not considered “press” by the distinguished organizers of the Geneva […]

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Veemo, Electric Velomobile that Makes You Pedal

Mila Luleva — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 18:28:37 +0000

Veemo is a smart, pedal-electric powered alternative to both electric bicycles and electric cars. If you choose to go electric the market offers you quite a number of options. Unfortunately with each there is that little “but” that always pops up. For example, electric cars are just a little bit over the budget of the […]

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Prettier 2016 Toyota Prius Comes Back in Super Bowl Ad

Guest Contributor — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 05:33:30 +0000

Toyota Motors Corporation in Chicago, officially announced their return to Super Bowl ads, featuring their 2016 version of the Prius. It was noted, that the Hybrid car laid low with the ads for a quite awhile, but just made their successful comeback, recently. Their previous ads for Prius, was in 2005. The ads was shoot […]

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2017 Ford Fusion Energi Showcases Huge Updates

Samantha Joe — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 18:50:03 +0000

Ford looks to make a statement with Energi. Originally introduced three years ago, the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi hybrid underwent a major refresh. It’s still a plug-in model, but it has undergone both aesthetic and technologic changes. Both the interior and exterior were updated, as well as a slew of high-tech features added. Ford called it […]

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Hybrid Aircraft Could Turn Into Reality, Thanks to NASA

Samantha Joe — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 17:39:57 +0000

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) might be best known for its space endeavors, but it does a lot of work inside our atmosphere, too. Researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center are working on the creation of a hybrid aircraft. Much like a hybrid road vehicle, it would be powered by both fossil […]

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Urus SUV Could Be Lamborghini’s First Plug-In Hybrid

Samantha Joe — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 13:15:37 +0000

A new Lamborghini hybrid vehicle could be on the horizon. The business case has not been signed off on just yet, but the Lamborghini Urus SUV could be the first plug-in hybrid for the automaker. Originally offered as a non-hybrid twin-turbo V8 model, future iterations could involve hybrid technology. A Lamborghini hybrid vehicle would be the […]

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Ford’s Hybrids May Soon Drive Themselves

Samantha Joe — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 08:45:57 +0000

Perhaps sooner than you think, your car will be driving itself. Hot on the heels of last week’s announcement that Ford would fund electric vehicle product expansion via a multi-billion dollar investment, the carmaker revealed its ambitions regarding driverless cars. Ford autonomous hybrid vehicles are definitely in the future. At Ford’s Research & Innovation Center, situated […]

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Volvo’s New S90 Plug-In Hybrid to Add Autonomous Features

Samantha Joe — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 22:27:59 +0000

Autonomous or semi-autonomous features are becoming quite common in the market. You may already own a vehicle with these. The features are actions or sensors in your vehicle that assist you when driving, such as adaptive cruise control or lane departure warning systems. The newest Volvo plug-in hybrid, the S90, is going to include some of this […]

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Meet Audi’s New R18 Hybrid For The 2016 Season

Michelle Lutz — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 20:53:22 +0000

On November 28th of this year, Audi revealed the newest vehicle to hit the sports market. The R18 will be operational and ready to race in 2016. The company is hoping to change the world of racing on the front and they just may with this turbo-diesel-hybrid. The R18 will be competing in the Le […]

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Quiet Hybrid Vehicles Getting to be Heard

Michelle Lutz — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 14:34:12 +0000

It happens to be very well known that electric vehicles are silent when they are operated at a very low speed. And for the most part this is a fancy feature, but for some, this can be extremely dangerous. Those that are hearing impaired run the risk of not hearing the vehicles when performing simple […]

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The New Toyota Prius to Have Smaller NiMH Batteries

Michelle Lutz — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 14:32:44 +0000

The NiMH battery is rechargeable, similar to a nickel-cadmium battery except with double to triple the capacity and energy density approaching a lithium-ion battery. Toyota’s new Prius (2) will have a much improved NiMH battery thanks to recent innovations by the company. Toyota was able to improve the regeneration performance by simply adjusting the composition ratios […]

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Porsche Working On Line Of Green Vehicles

Michelle Lutz — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 07:44:29 +0000

The Porsche 911 has provided drivers a balance between practicality and performance since 1963. The future of automobiles is moving at a very rapid pace and automobile makers are working very hard to introduce hybrid and electric vehicles to their lines. Vehicles that the consumer are interested in, providing more options to choose from. Porsche […]

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2016 Toyota Prius Gets Simple Makeover

Michelle Lutz — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 07:29:40 +0000

15 years ago, the world was introduced to the first mass-produced hybrid, the Toyota Prius. The look was undeniable, and until now, nothing about that look has changed. You could always spot the Prius driving down the road, with the very simple, blocky look. The look was not necessarily the draw to the Prius, with […]

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Kia Will Flood The Green Car Market By 2020

Michelle Lutz — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 20:47:25 +0000

Kia’s Hwaseong, South Korea manufacturing plant is synonymous with the Optima, Spectra, Forte, the Sportage, and more. There will be a new name entering the Kia family, and it will go on sale the second half of 2016. The Niro is the newest hybrid crossover vehicle to hit the market. Kia has plans to introduce […]

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Top 7 CPO Hybrid Cars Available Under $20,000 – Today!

Michelle Lutz — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 21:42:56 +0000

The term Certified Pre-owned Vehicle (CPO) means more to people than someone popped open the hood, peeked at the engine, kicked the tires, or changed the oil. A CPO means that the vehicle is being backed by the original manufacturers warranty. It has been determined that it can be certified after an inspection on the vehicle. […]

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Next Generation Prius Lighter Thanks to High Tensile Steel Fibers

Michelle Lutz — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 07:35:13 +0000

Toyota Prius is about to get a makeover. With the company employing the use of high-tensile steel in portions of the vehicle, the Prius is about to become a little lighter, a little stronger, and a lot more safe for people on the road. Toyota is using high-tensile steel to fortify the areas of the […]

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Top 5 Most Awaited Electric SUVs and CUVs of 2015

Guest Contributor — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 13:24:48 +0000

Since the demand for cleaner, greener energy has been increasing over the past few decades, vehicle manufacturers need to keep up with the trend. Vehicle manufacturers are now producing electric SUVs and CUVs that meet the demands in comfort, style, and energy efficiency. Here are some of the most innovative and awaited electric SUVs and CUVs that […]

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Quant F – Flow Cell Sports Car on Display at Geneva Motor Show

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 16:58:46 +0000

This year at the Geneva Motor Show, an exciting new technological wonder was on display: a sports car that runs off “flow cell” technology. The Quant F, as it’s called, from carmaker Nunzio La Vecchia, gets 746 kW (1,000 hp) of energy and can travel 500 m (805 km). The sports car was actually around […]

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Is Fisker Karma Back on Track? $30 Million Lease Deal in California Points to “Yes”

Benji Jerew — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 19:07:41 +0000

Fisker Automotive just didn’t have an easy time of it, between company restructuring, battery problems, and a series of unfortunate events, the premium plug-in hybrid automaker managed to deliver less than 3,000 units before it went bankrupt. Wanxiang Group, a Chinese autoparts giant, bought the company, with plans to restart production of the flagship vehicle, […]

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Tesla P85D vs BMW i8 Drag Race – See Who Wins!

Ovidiu Sandru — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 07:30:21 +0000

In a video that will surely make history, a Tesla Model S P85D is drag racing BMW’s darling, the i8. In other words, you can see where passion has been put in and what a purebred electric car means. BMW i8, while great-looking, is still a pimped-up Prius, after all. Gas powered BMW lovers, watch […]

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New Backup Electric Motor for Light Aircraft Designed for More Power and Safety

Mila Luleva — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 10:18:20 +0000

A new and small electric engine, designed to provide additional power to single-engine aircrafts, might be the key to greater safety. It is no wonder that Solar Impulse airplane is so popular- it is the first aircraft that is be able to go around the globe only powered by solar. But another aspect of that still […]

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2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – It’s About Time, I Say!

Benji Jerew — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 16:35:38 +0000

It seems kind of surprising to me that I can finally say this, but Toyota has finally released the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. It’s about time, I say, and for a number of good reasons. With the Toyota RAV4 and hybrid vehicle technology, Toyota practically invented two segments […]

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BMW i8 Wins 2015 World Green Car Award at NYIAS 2015

Benji Jerew — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 18:52:45 +0000

It sounds like a repeat of last year’s Auto Show news, really only two digits’ difference, because the winner of the 2015 World Green Car Award is the BMW i8. Last year, at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, the BMW i3 took the award, so there’s your two digits. This year, it may […]

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Fuel Cell Cars to Price Competitively with Clean-Diesel, says Toyota

Benji Jerew — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 19:13:50 +0000

Fuel cell cars are nothing new, and their price is certainly nothing to sniff at, which makes some people wonder who will adopt the technology. Of course, paying around $60,000 for a modestly-equipped midsize sedan, because it runs on a hydrogen fuel cell, would attract a certain number of buyers. That’s why the Tesla Model […]

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DIY Hybrid Battery Repair Using Baking Soda

Benji Jerew — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 19:17:49 +0000

We’ve been talking about how expensive hybrid batteries are, and this can be a major problem for owners of hybrid vehicles, especially as they age and performance and fuel economy begin to suffer. Worse still is if you happen to buy a hybrid car with no warranty and get the dreaded “Christmas Tree” dash (Look […]

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BYD Tang 542: Cheapest Hybrid SUV Priced Just $35,000

Guest Contributor — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 11:28:15 +0000

BYD is taking high-performance hybrid SUVs to the next level by entering the cheap car market with the heavy Tang 542. The car has the comfort one expects from a high end SUV along with 505 horsepower, four wheel drive, and a quite boast-worthy mileage of 2 liters per 100 km. What the naysayers always said about electric and […]

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VIA Motors’ Electric Pick-up Truck Enters Production

Guest Contributor — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 06:19:42 +0000

You know that the world is about to change when a plug in hybrid pick-up truck enters production. Yet this reality has come to fruition, the truck itself being produced by VIA Motors, and apparently already 40 of them completed. Their marketing team has come to the conclusion that interest in the electric car is […]

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Hybrid-Electric Airplane Built by Boeing

Mila Luleva — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 09:24:54 +0000

Many would argue that hybrid-electric vehicles nowadays are the wisest choice. Clean and smooth, yet minus the fear that the battery will run out half way between charging stations. If this is the case with cars, it is only logical that same goes for planes, right? Well, this is what the guys from Boeing thought when […]

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2015 Volvo XC90 T8 – World’s Best High-MPG Performance SUV

Benji Jerew — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 01:15:36 +0000

The 2015 Volvo XC90 T8 is a one-of-a-kind sport utility vehicle (SUV), with space for up to seven passengers and sports car performance, and fuel economy rivalling even compact cars! Usually, here at The Green Optimistic, we look with disdain on sport utility vehicles, especially when people get excited that the latest version gets an […]

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Hold Your Horses, Ferrari Releases Hybrid Supercar this Holiday Season

Ari Luis — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 01:04:47 +0000

As it is, the LaFerrari was already a beast of a car at 963 horsepower. But the folks at Ferrari had other ideas, they put it into the XX Program and came up with this beast of a brother, the LaFerrari FXX K, that they will unleash during the Finali Mondiali at the Yas Marina […]

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BMW To Implement Plug-In Hybrid Tech Across the Board

Benji Jerew — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 15:13:46 +0000

Globally, there are just over one billion vehicles on the roads, and they all share one common thing. Whether conventional, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or extended-range electric, they all have an internal combustion engine. Of course, I left out battery electric vehicles, which make up less than 1% of all vehicles on the planet. Clearly, the […]

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Bio-Electric Hybrid Aircraft Needs Support on Kickstarter

Mila Luleva — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 11:06:55 +0000

Let’s all combine forces to help the world’s first ever hybrid eco-friendly aircraft become a reality. A team of UK engineers hope to raise enough money through crowdfunding, in order to develop their near-silent, non-polluting, bio-electric triplane. The Bio-Electric-Hybrid-Aircraft (BEHA) is a creation of a team from the engineering university at Cranfield, UK, and […]

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Toyota Mirai is “The Future” of Toyota, Literally!

Benji Jerew — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 23:39:08 +0000

The culmination of decades of research and development, Toyota’s first mass-production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the Toyota Mirai, will start deliveries next month in Japan. Far from being a hydrogen fuel cell conversion vehicle, the Toyota Mirai was built from the ground up as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Twin 70 MPa hydrogen fuel tanks […]

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First Commercial-Scale Solar Hydrogen Fuel Generator Opens in UK

Benji Jerew — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:03:06 +0000

Hydrogen fuel can indeed be produced via electrolysis, which requires connection to some kind of power source, be it a coal-fired power plant or an array of solar panels, and this raises a question… “Renewable energy, such as wind power and solar power, are typically intermittent, so how can they be used as a reliable […]

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Makes Its Own Hydrogen Fuel – Mercedes-Benz Vision G-Code Concept

Benji Jerew — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 21:35:26 +0000

Unveiled at the opening of the Beijing Product Engineering Centre, the Mercedes-Benz Vision G-Code Concept looks like most any futuristic vehicle, except that, even paint-deep, this isn’t any ordinary hydrogen fuel vehicle. You’ll note, for starters, that it would be entirely incorrect to call the Mercedes-Benz Vision G-Code a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Like hydrogen […]

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2016 Nissan GTR Hybrid Supercar Promises to Kick @ss

Ari Luis — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 03:50:32 +0000

If you get a kick from driving the Nissan GTR hybrid, at least virtually on Need For Speed, the latest incarnation of this iconic super car from Japan is gonna whoop some serious @ss. Again the guys from Nissan plan to revolutionize the Grand Touring world with the 2016 Nissan GTR hybrid, codenamed R36. Although […]

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Plug-In Car Sales Breach 600,000 Units

Ari Luis — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 04:33:25 +0000

Barely four years after their debut, the sales of plug-in cars zoomed 20% in the last four months, reaching at least 600,000 worldwide, according to Hybrid Cars. This number excludes commercial vehicles (except small vans), electric motorcycles and buses. Though just a drop in the bucket compared to the 68.69 billion cars sold worldwide for […]

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Peugeot Hybrid 208 2L gets over 110 mpg

Benji Jerew — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:16:05 +0000

Given that transportation is the most widespread source of carbon dioxide emissions, albeit not the greatest source, it is encouraging to see cars breaking miles-per-gallon barriers, such as the Peugeot Hybrid 208 2L, rated at 117 mpg. The quest for 100 mpg has been long and fraught with disappointment. The problem, for the most part, […]

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California Sold 100,000 Plug-In Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in just Four Years

Benji Jerew — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:13:30 +0000

To date, the United States is home to some 7.5 million hybrid vehicles, and California leads the way. According to research compiling data from a number of sources, such as CARB (California Air Resources Board) and hybridcars.com, some 40% of those plug-in vehicles are in the State of California. In fact, over the last four […]

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London Introduces Hybrid Buses That Charge Wirelessly at Bus Stops

Mila Luleva — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 08:19:55 +0000

In their efforts to bring down carbon emissions, London’s city officials are looking into launching new hybrid buses, which can be charged wirelessly at bus stops. The official trial will begin next year with four buses operating between the specially equipped Canning Town and Walthamstow bus stations. The hybrid buses are Alexander Dennis Enviro400H E400 […]

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Chevy Volt Naysayers Can Shut Up Now

Benji Jerew — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 16:40:45 +0000

When the Chevy Volt Concept debuted at the Detroit Auto Show, back in 2007, along with its interesting hybrid powertrain, it generated a lot of flak, ranging from the absurd to the political (read: absurd). What’s really interesting is that most attacks on Chevy Volt have nothing to do with the car itself. True, there […]

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Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell Vehicle Gets “Up To” 80 MPGe

Benji Jerew — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 18:43:36 +0000

Instead of calling it the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell, they’re calling it the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell, which is pretty much the same thing, except for those nasty gasoline emissions. According to the United States Hyundai website, the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell was to be sold in early 2014, and only in Southern California. Of […]

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The Electric Vehicle of the Future Could be Powered by Supercapacitors

Benji Jerew — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 16:00:43 +0000

Energy can be stored in a number of ways, from pumped hydro to supercapacitors, but you’d be unlikely to engineer pumped-hydro energy storage into an electric vehicle or smartphone. On the other hand, there are plenty of small-scale energy storage systems for electric vehicles, smartphones, and laptops. Currently, lithium-ion battery technology delivers the best balance […]

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CARB Asks, “Why buy electric vehicles?” – Survey Results

Benji Jerew — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 21:37:10 +0000

We all know what’s so great about electric vehicles, because they’re so clean and fun to drive, right? As the undisputed home of the electrified vehicle, including plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery (BEV) electric vehicles, California seems like it would be the best place to ask why people buy them. CARB (California Air Resources Board) […]

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Fourth-Generation Toyota Prius Delayed Until December 2015

Benji Jerew — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 17:22:53 +0000

Toyota Prius started the hybrid vehicle revolution alongside Honda Insight nearly twenty years ago, continuously improving power and fuel economy. The fourth-generation Toyota Prius, slated for Spring 2015 production, has been delayed six months, until December 2015, with the Prius Plug-In coming a year later. While Toyota itself hasn’t clarified the exact reasons, it’s most-likely […]

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Chevy Volt Owners Want More, Will General Motors Deliver?

Benji Jerew — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 16:14:33 +0000

The Chevy Volt, in the right hands, is a pretty impressive hybrid vehicle, but could future versions deliver even more? One of my Tweeps runs a Chevy Volt, and I love seeing his fuel economy numbers, near 10,000 miles per tank of gas, nearly 95% of his miles in EV mode, generally a great guy, […]

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Chevy Volt Owners Rack Up Half a Billion Pure Electric Miles

Benji Jerew — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 15:27:23 +0000

The Chevy Volt could be one of the best stepping-stone models between hybrid and electric vehicles (EV), and the miles prove it. While hybrid electric vehicles offer the best fuel economy in a non-plug-in vehicle, they do have the limitation that they cannot run in pure electric mode for more than a couple miles. To […]

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Toyota Hybrid Battery Packs Repurposed to Power Yellowstone National Park

Benji Jerew — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 01:56:11 +0000

All rechargeable batteries degrade in performance over time, even the NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) hybrid battery pack in the Toyota Camry Hybrid Still, that doesn’t mean they’re destined for the landfill. While the NiMH hybrid battery pack may not be up to the task of powering a hybrid electric vehicle, such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid, […]

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Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Reduces Hybrid Vehicle System Size

Benji Jerew — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 15:18:12 +0000

Toyota is the undisputed leader in the hybrid vehicle market, accounting for some 75% of all hybrid vehicles sold on the planet, and is constantly improving its technology. One example of this, reflected in the Toyota Prius alone, is the improvement in fuel economy over the years. Toyota hybrid vehicles have exhibited steady improvement in […]

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How “The Hybrid Shop” Reduces Hybrid Battery Waste

Benji Jerew — Tue, 20 May 2014 18:46:42 +0000

When considering a hybrid vehicle, perhaps one of the first things you think about is fuel economy. Then there’s the hybrid battery, which will eventually fail, and do you have any idea how much that costs? The thing about hybrid battery packs isn’t “if” they’ll fail, but “when” they’ll fail. For the most part, dealerships […]

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Tesla Motors Needs a Competitor, Will Fisker Automotive Step Up?

Benji Jerew — Mon, 19 May 2014 17:04:11 +0000

Tesla Motors, for now, is the undisputed leader in electric vehicle technology, but could the resurrected Fisker Automotive be a good competitor? No, I’m not talking about Fisker Automotive’s stalled lineup of extended-range electric vehicles (EREV), such as the Fisker Karma (a $100,000 Chevy Volt?). The truth is, you just don’t bring a hybrid vehicle […]

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Volvo Polestar Focuses on Turbodiesel Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Benji Jerew — Wed, 14 May 2014 14:49:31 +0000

With the release of the Volvo V60 PHEV, new ground was broken in the automobile market, becoming the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and that was just the beginning. It should come as no surprise that, with stricter emissions and fuel economy regulations, engines are getting smaller. Smaller engines, of course, have better […]

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Is This The End of The Line for Toyota RAV4 EV?

Benji Jerew — Tue, 13 May 2014 17:33:48 +0000

Toyota’s stance on electric vehicles seems to be clear, so the end of the Toyota RAV4 EV doesn’t really come as a shock. Instead, Toyota is focusing on its hybrid electric vehicle and hydrogen fuel cell technology, clearly seen even in its marketing. True, hybrids are a great interim step, but I don’t think they’ll […]

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Toyota Dealer’s Solar Power Backed Up By Toyota Prius Batteries

Benji Jerew — Mon, 12 May 2014 16:07:38 +0000

When it comes to hybrid electric vehicles, Toyota Prius has set the standard, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. Building on the success of the Toyota Prius, almost all of Toyota’s lineup is available in a hybrid electric version, including some in the Lexus premium lineup, but Toyota Prius is still the world’s best-selling hybrid. […]

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Lexus Hybrids Muddying Electric Vehicle Waters

Benji Jerew — Tue, 06 May 2014 16:31:31 +0000

Look anywhere, at politicians, journalists, ignorantes, even in some of the comments here on The Green Optimistic, and you’ll find electric vehicle opponents. One place I wouldn’t expect have expected to see an opponent, however, comes from a recent ad campaign touting Lexus’ and, by extension, Toyota’s hybrid electric vehicles. Toyota Synergy Drive and Lexus […]

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Profiling Electric Vehicle and Hybrid Electric Vehicle Drivers

Benji Jerew — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:40:12 +0000

Statistically-speaking, what separates the buyer of an electric vehicle from the buyer of a hybrid electric vehicle? A number of things, as a matter of fact. In previous studies, we learned, for example, that Tesla Model S enthusiasts are more likely to be interested in SpaceX, digital technology, and automobiles, while Toyota Prius drivers are […]

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Plug-In Hybrid Audi TT Offroad Concept at Auto China 2014

Benji Jerew — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 16:24:41 +0000

It’s still only a concept car, but is the Audi TT Offroad Concept plug-in hybrid just smoke and mirrors? Imagine an Audi TT, jacked up to give it better ground clearance, and then adding an all-wheel drive two-motor plug-in hybrid powertrain. That’s what Audi is showing off at the 13th Beijing International Automobile Exhibition, Auto […]

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Fisker Automotive Coming Back, Where or When is Anyone’s Guess

Benji Jerew — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 16:37:19 +0000

After the financial collapse of Fisker Automotive, taxpayers and government officials were decidedly upset. Even when Fisker Automotive’s financial assets were put up for auction, including $192 million in loans, people weren’t happy, mostly because an American company couldn’t manage to sway the courts and the loan handlers. Chinese auto parts giant Wanxiang won the […]

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FEV Introduces New Two-Speed Plug-In Hybrid Transmission

Benji Jerew — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 18:18:20 +0000

As automakers pursue higher fuel efficiency, one method, such as in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, is to reduce powertrain power output and weight. At the same time, however, drivers have a hard time adapting to less-powerful powertrains, so plug-in hybrid automakers are trying to squeeze every last bit of power out of smaller and lighter […]

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Want the Audi A6 E-Tron PHEV? Move to China!

Benji Jerew — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 00:05:47 +0000

Ahead of the 13th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, Audi has let loose a few details of the upcoming Audi A6 E-tron, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The Audi A6 E-tron PHEV is a luxury mid-size sedan, sized between the A4 and A8, which was shown as a concept a couple years ago, and there’s […]

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Audi A3 E-Tron 100% Green Electric Vehicle Charging with LichtBlick Energy

Benji Jerew — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 14:10:31 +0000

Opponents to electrified vehicles, such as the Audi A3 E-Tron plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, may object to their supposed environmental benefits, citing that they simply push emissions up the line to the power supplier. For the most part, however, it all depends on where you charge. If the majority of power on your part of […]

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Toyota Prius / Harley Davidson Abomination Found on eBay

Benji Jerew — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 14:57:23 +0000

There are Toyota Prius drivers who thumb their noses at Hummer H3 drivers, and there are Ford F750 Drivers who thumb their noses at Nissan Leaf drivers, but I don’t think it’s ever turned as violent as this… Imagine a perfectly-running Toyota Prius hybrid electric vehicle, and then throw all caution and common sense to […]

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Ricardo HyBoost, “The Future of Hybrids?”

Benji Jerew — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 16:15:35 +0000

Do we really need a “new kind of hybrid?” Perhaps we do, since most people complain about two things in current hybrid vehicle technology. First, hybrid vehicles are typically less-powerful, leading to a reduction in the all-important fun-to-drive quotient. Second, hybrid vehicles are usually thousands of dollars more than their conventional counterparts. True, you’ll save […]

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Wanxiang Group Reinventing Fisker Automotive

Benji Jerew — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 18:35:58 +0000

Fisker Automotive doesn’t exactly have a long history, being founded just seven years ago, but it surely has been a rough history. Multiple problems beset the company and, in spite of promising extended-range electric vehicle technology, Fisker Automotive eventually ceased all production and declared bankruptcy. Wanxiang America, part of Chinese automobile parts giant Wanxiang Group, […]

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Another Dismal Sales Year, Honda Insight to be Axed

Benji Jerew — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 10:19:05 +0000

In the Unites States, at least, the Honda Insight just hasn’t been that popular, in spite of the fact it actually had a head-start ahead of its main rival, Toyota Prius. Toyota Prius started production in 1997, in Japan, but wasn’t introduced in the United States until a couple of years later. Honda Insight was […]

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Wanxiang America to Restart Fisker Karma Production ASAP

Benji Jerew — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 14:38:30 +0000

Chinese auto parts company Wanxiang wants to restart production of the Fisker Karma, but will anyone buy it with all the baggage it’s carrying? We’ll recall that it’s been over a year since the Fisker Karma stopped production, and pretty much everything was put on hold by the bankrupt Fisker Automotive. Thanks to a series […]

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BMW X5 eDrive – 62 MPG Plug-In Hybrid SUV

Benji Jerew — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 18:49:21 +0000

BMW has been toying with us, showing off various plug-in hybrid electric vehicles at the auto shows, but could the BMW X5 eDrive be the first to make it off the production lines? The BMW X5 eDrive was revealed at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The plug-in hybrid SUV borrows heavily from the BMW i3 […]

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2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE, Why Limited Edition?

Benji Jerew — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 13:19:09 +0000

The Toyota Camry SE is the Sport Edition of the Camry, stripped coming in at just under $24,000. For 2014, it will also be available with a hybrid powertrain, at around $27,500. Unfortunately, there will only be 5,000 produced of the 2014.5 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE, hence the “Limited Edition” moniker. The Toyota Camry is […]

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Toyota TE-S800 Roadster is a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle, But…

Benji Jerew — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 12:21:15 +0000

What do Toyota hybrid vehicle engineers do in their spare time? Do they even have spare time? There are a couple times a year that I really wish I’d taken that BMW Powertrains job, but even if I had, I’m sure my lack of appropriate credentials would have kept me out of the prototyping department. […]

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Can New Nissan Engine Make for Better Fuel Economy?

Benji Jerew — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 15:50:02 +0000

A lot of racing technology trickles down to mainstream vehicles, including everything from tires to aerodynamics and even seatbelts and fuel economy tweaks. A new Nissan engine, developed for the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race, could change everything we know about conventional vehicles and fuel economy. The Nissan ZEOD (Zero Emissions On Demand) […]

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The Three Fears I Had to Overcome Before Buying My Prius

Ovidiu Sandru — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 20:03:47 +0000

So I bought a Prius – a 2004 one, which is the first wave of the second iteration Toyota took to the market. And while I entered the flock of those “morons who think they’re saving the planet” (Jeremy Clarkson) I wanted to find out how much of a “moron” can a human being become after […]

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2014 Green Car Technology of the Year Award – Cadillac ELR Regen-On-Demand

Benji Jerew — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 20:37:51 +0000

Can a green car be both green and fun? Cadillac may have the answer in its Regen-On-Demand system, giving drivers fingertip control of the regenerative braking system. The Cadillac ELR is an extended-range electric vehicle, built on architecture similar to its cousin, the Chevy Volt. Beyond that, it is a very different animal. Sporty and […]

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Toyota Prius Proves Its Worth In Power Outage

Benji Jerew — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 15:30:39 +0000

When the power goes out in the winter, most people break out cards, candles, flashlights, and extra blankets. How many people think to fire up the Toyota Prius? For the last couple of months, in North America, the winter has been particularly brutal, with associated snowfall, ice, and power outages. Further north you go, […]

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2014 Honda Accord Hybrid “One of Everything, Please”

Benji Jerew — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 14:21:08 +0000

The new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is a beautiful example of a hybrid electric vehicle that doesn’t seem to look the part. What I’m trying to say is, the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid looks like itself, a Honda Accord with some extra lettering on the back, “hybrid” specifically. Some may be familiar with the fish-out-of-water […]

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Ford C-Max Energi, Now With Solar Power!

Benji Jerew — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 15:26:23 +0000

The Ford C-Max Energi is already one of the most-fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) that’s available on the market today. Adding solar power to the package makes it even more efficient! Like most PHEVs, the Ford C-Max Energi uses a combination of a small gasoline-powered internal combustion engine and electric motors. The electric motors, […]

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2014 Green Car Technology Award Nominee – Porsche PHEV Powertrain

Benji Jerew — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 18:56:00 +0000

The days are winding down until Green Car Journal’s announcement of the winner of the 2014 Green Car Technology of the Year Award, which will take place January 22nd, on the second day of the 2014 Washington Auto Show. We have been covering the ten nominees, all aimed at making greens cars the way of […]

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2014 Green Car Technology Award Nominee – Honda Accord PHEV Powertrain

Benji Jerew — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 14:05:45 +0000

On the 22nd of January, 2014, at the 2014 Washington Auto Show, Green Car Journal will announce the winner of the 2014 Green Car Technology of the Year Award. Until then, we’ve been offering insight into these technologies, ten nominees, to be exact, and what they could mean for the future of automobile transportation. So […]

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Will There be a 141MPG 2014 Renault Plug-In Hybrid?

Benji Jerew — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 14:51:12 +0000

It won’t be a pure electric vehicle, but a rumored Renault plug-in hybrid electric vehicle could set automakers on edge in 2014. Renault / Nissan is already a global leader in electric vehicle technology which, if combined properly with an internal combustion engine and transmission setup, should make for some impressive plug-in hybrid vehicles. Interestingly, […]

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Emissions Regulations Will Make Jeep Hybrids Absolutely Necessary

Benji Jerew — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 14:06:18 +0000

Thinking about Jeep hybrids, or the lack thereof, one reason we might see them soon is because of strengthening emissions regulations. So far, CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) regulations have enabled Jeep to continue to hold off making a Jeep hybrid. Currently, the only zero-emissions Chrysler vehicle being made is the Fiat 500e, in limited […]

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General Motors’ Future Chevy Volt Taking a Shot at the Tesla Model E?

Benji Jerew — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:00:45 +0000

As an electric vehicle, the Chevy Volt’s thirty-seven-mile range isn’t all that impressive, but could future developments in lithium-ion battery technology change our impressions? Really, the Chevy Volt, billed as an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), is just a series plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). You can drive a Chevy Volt up to 37 miles, or […]

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Porsche Hybrid to Enter Le Mans in 2014

Benji Jerew — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 22:15:44 +0000

It seems that practically every automaker is finally getting on board with green technology, including those in the racing circuits. The 2014 Le Mans endurance race will be no different, which will welcome a Porsche Hybrid into the races. From the 1970s through the 1990s, Porsche had so dominated the world-famous endurance race, The 24 […]

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