Hybrids

  • 2010 chevrolet volt 014

    Even as General Motors is caught in a desperate bid to secure loans in Washington, the Detroit based manufacturer is keen to continue development of a range of plug-in hybrid vehicles, focusing primarily on the Volt. Bob Lutz recently spent some time in the latest development vehicle and felt like sharing his thoughts and perceptions with the public. The plug-in technology used in the Volt will not be restricted to the small car segment, or even the Chevrolet brand, as GM is keen to capitalize on its investment in the technology by implementing it in a number of vehicles that span its brand...

  • mindset e motion hybrid 004
    Mindset E-Motion hybrid car takes another step toward production

    There seems to be no end to the number of ecological concept cars being developed across the globe. Tough governmental standards and popular demand for clean cars are driving innovation in ever-greener directions, and the Swiss designer behind the Mindset E-Motion is tapping into that movement with...

  • Mini-E
    'Project i' to spawn more vehicles beyond Mini-E

    Built in six months from start to finish, the Mini-E project is a remarkable example of just what can be done when bright minds are given the leeway and resources to create a modern EV from an existing platform. But at its root, the Mini-E still only a conversion of a combustion-engine vehicle, not...

  • Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid
    Fisker picks GM Ecotec engine for Karma plug-in hybrid

    The Fisker plug-in hybrid saloon has officially been revealed. Click here for all the details and images. Fisker announced today that it will be using General Motors' engines in its upcoming Karma plug-in hybrid vehicle, which will have a 50-mile electric-only range before the internal combustion...

  • Tesla Roadster
    Tesla Motors applies for $400 million government aid

    Fledgling electric car company Tesla Motors has encountered financing problems recently, prompting the firm to apply for a $400 million aid package from the Department of Energy. The DOE has already approved a $25 billion loan package designed to help American manufacturers create more efficient...

  • Nissan Denki cube concept car
    Renault-Nissan announces Oregon to host EV pilot program

    Nissan's electric vehicle (EV) involvement in Project Better Place programs in Denmark and Israel, plus test fleets in its home market of Japan will be joined by a new agreement with the state of Oregon and the Portland General Electric Utility according to an announcement made by Carlos Ghosn, CEO...

  • 2010 Ford Fusion

    Ford took the covers of its updated Fusion range at this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show, introducing a new Sport version and a range-topping Hybrid model. The carmaker has announced pricing for the full range, starting with the entry-level Fusion S at $19,270. Undercutting top sellers like the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima, the Fusion S model comes with a 2.5L four-cylinder and six-speed manual. Standard features include air-conditioning, power windows, locks and mirrors, a capless refueling system and 16in alloy wheels. Next up is the Fusion SE at $20,545, which gets...

  • Honda Eco Assist Ecological Drive Assist System
    Honda previews ‘Eco Assist’ driver aid for next-gen Insight Hybrid

    Honda has revealed its new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology, which will appear in the next-generation Insight Hybrid vehicle next year. The new technology is called Eco Assist and it combines a number features that helps drivers adjust their driving habits to be the...

  • Hyundai Blue Drive Sonata Hybrid
    Hyundai launches Blue Drive initiative with unveiling of Sonata Hybrid study

    Hyundai has used today’s Los Angeles Auto Show to announce the expansion of its ‘i-blue’ environment conservation initiative, revealing that the eco-friendly brand will be expanded to include new petrol-electric hybrid models as well as future hydrogen fuel cell technology. The...

  • 2008 Honda FC Sport design study
    Honda FC Sport Design Study Foresees Future Hydrogen Sports Car

    Honda has revealed today at the Los Angeles Auto Show a new concept vehicle powered by an advanced hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain. Showing that alternative energy doesn’t have to be boring, the new concept vehicle has been developed as a sporty three-seater and showcases the flexibility of...

  • 2010 Mercury Milan
    2010 Mercury Milan and Milan Hybrid revealed

    Debuting alongside the new Ford Fusion at this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show will be its Blue Oval corporate cousin, the new 2010 Mercury Milan and the Milan Hybrid. Featuring new styling inside and out, plus a range of updated engines, the latest 2010 Milan is set to arrive in showrooms in...

  • 2010 Ford Fusion
    2010 Ford Fusion Sport and Fusion Hybrid on show in L.A.

    The mid-size sedan market gets a lot of talk in the U.S. because it is a high-volume, high-visibility segment. Conspicuously absent from the segment has been any type of Ford hybrid, until now. Gearing up to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the new 2010...

  • Shangai-Volkswagen Passat Lingyu

    Volkswagen’s partnership with Shangai Auto to build cars and develop new technology together will be showing off the fruits of its labor at this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show, with the unveiling of a hydrogen fuel cell powered Passat Lingyu sedan. The Passat Lingyu has been built by the joint-venture in China since last year and the new fuel cell model will be used to promote alternative energy mobility, with a view to mass production sometime in 2010. The fuel cell found in the Passat Lingyu has been developed jointly by Shanghai-VW, Tongji University, and Chinese technology firm...

  • 2009 Toyota CNG Camry Hybrid concept
    Toyota unveils CNG Camry Hybrid concept ahead of L.A. Auto Show

    Toyota has revealed its compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid concept ahead of the car’s debut at this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Rising fuel costs have made CNG a much more attractive option for consumers, and Toyota is hoping to add the cheaper fuel to its "portfolio of...

  • 2008 Dodge sports car EV
    Video: Dodge EV sports car prototype takes on the Challenger SRT8

    Chrysler demonstrated that it won’t be left behind in the technology stakes with the unveiling of three near-production prototype electric vehicles earlier this year, one of which was a high-performance sports car. The carmaker has now given a preview of the capabilities of its future...

  • Toyota Prius production
    Toyota contemplates delay of Prius production in Mississippi

    Just a few months ago Toyota was struggling to keep up with demand for its Prius hybrid in North America due to skyrocketing fuel prices. Waiting lists at some dealerships were stretching as long as eight months. But now Toyota may be rethinking its plan to supply more of the hybrids with U.S...

  • 2008 nyias nissan denki ev motorauthority 001
    Nissan electric car will require batteries to be leased

    Previously we reported on Nissan's electric car, which it plans to release in several markets in 2010 followed by global roll out in 2012. But the expensive nature of the battery technology means that Nissan will be selling its electric cars without batteries - requiring the consumer to lease the...

  • Kia Borrego FCEV
    Kia to present Borrego FCEV in L.A.

    Kia will use next week’s Los Angeles Auto Show to debut a concept version of its Borrego SUV powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. Called the Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the concept represents an important milestone for the South Korean manufacturer and is a sign that Kia is one of...

  • 2010 chevrolet volt 005

    Plug-in hybrid cars, like the Chevrolet Volt or the upcoming Toyota Prius plug-in, are viewed by many as the way of the future. Offering the possibility of exclusively electric transport to the bulk of drivers, but with the possibility for the extended range afforded by a reserve of combustible fuel, the plug-in hybrid powertrain has many advocates. But skeptics point to the strain such vehicles could place on the power grid. An expert for the Electric Power Research Institute, Eladio Knipping, said at this week's Automotive News Green Car Conference, "Yes, the grid can handle it," referring...

  • Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid
    Valmet confirmed to build Fisker Karma in Finland next year

    The Fisker plug-in hybrid saloon has officially been revealed at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Click here for all the details and images. Fisker Automotive has confirmed today that Finnish independent vehicle manufacturer Valmet will build the upcoming Karma plug-in hybrid saloon, having first...

  • 2010 Toyota Prius microsite
    Toyota launches microsite for 2010 Prius

    The 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid has officially been revealed at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Click here for all the details and images. Toyota has launched a new microsite for its 2010 Prius hybrid, along with the requisite debut countdown clock for the exact second when the car will finally be...

  • 2010 Ford Fusion Sport
    Ford Fusion Hybrid to be the first-ever hybrid pace car in NASCAR Sprint Cup

    At the end of October, Ford revealed a preview of the 2010 Ford Fusion, and with it came details on the next-generation hybrid system that would be available in the car. With relatively high electric-only cruising speeds and a huge 700mi (1,100km) range, the Fusion Hybrid is set to be a very...

  • Fisker Karma Sedan
    Fisker Automotive building new engineering center in Michigan

    The Fisker plug-in hybrid saloon has officially been revealed at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Click here for all the details and images. While the rest of the automotive industry retracts, 'right-sizes' and closes facilities, Fisker Automotive is in the process of expanding. Today the company...

  • toyota hybrid x concept 002
    More details on Toyota's coupe addition to new Prius family

    It's been known for some time that Toyota is toying with the idea of a nearly-full-line Prius sub-brand. Expected to feature a wagon-like, or possible truck-like model and a coupe in addition to the next-gen Prius sedan, the range would offer a focal point for Toyota's serious fuel-efficiency...

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