Green cars

LAMPO2 is an even more energy efficient successor to the LAMPO demonstration vehicle presented in 2009. Weight, aerodynamics and the efficiency of individual components of the BRUSA drive train have been further optimized in order to reach a world-class energy consumption of less than 100Wh/km-ton under real conditions. LAMPO2 is equipped with 4 different charging modes: standard… Read more

Green and performance luxury needn’t be mutually exclusive concepts. That’s a core belief at Audi. Today, that philosophy paid off with the all-new A3 TDI earning the prestigious title of 2010 Green Car of the Year®.The announcement came this morning during the Los Angeles Auto Show as Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com… Read more

* Volvo Cars is presenting the next-generation battery electric Volvo C30 with a range of 150 kilometres at the Detroit Motor Show * Volvo Cars will build a test fleet of 50 electric Volvo C30s which will be used in real-life traffic from 2011Volvo Cars will unveil the next-generation battery electric powered Volvo C30 at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2010. The C30 on display… Read more

The Honda Personal-Neo Urban Transport (P-NUT) design study model demonstrates a futuristic concept for an ultra-compact and sophisticated city coupe, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.Conceived around a small "footprint" for maximum convenience in tight urban settings, the packaging concept integrates a center driving position… Read more

Excitement is building as the first 25 full production all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV’s arrive at Bristol’s Royal Portbury Docks. Final preparation has already begun before the cars hit the road on December 12th 2009 as part of a West Midlands based government trial.The i-MiEV’s left Japan by boat six weeks ago and their arrival has been eagerly awaited, especially by the end… Read more

Starting January 2010, the new Opel Corsa ecoFLEX is more respectful of the environment and fun to drive than ever. It is powered by a sophisticated, 70 kW/95 hp 1.3 CDTI diesel engine boosted by a turbo with a variable geometry. It is packed with 28 percent more power than the previous generation Corsa ecoFLEX even though fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are slashed by some 10… Read more

Ford is introducing a new high series addition to its Mondeo line-up powered by ECOnetic technologies – the Mondeo Titanium 2.0 115PS TDCi with 139g/km CO 2 emissions.Targeting company car users increasingly conscious of company car tax costs while not compromising vehicle specification, the model is offered in five-door hatchback or estate form. Both deliver CO 2 emissions of… Read more

70 % of Europeans are expected to live in urban areas by 2015. And recent Toyota studies in urban commuting patterns in France and the UK reveal that over 80 % of car journeys are less than 25 km in length. In France, 55 % of journeys are less than 10 km, whilst in the UK that figure rises to approximately 80 %. In this context, the potential of electricity for providing short-… Read more

At the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, Suzuki will exhibit its latest concepts for the future including a Swift with Plug-in Hybrid system and an SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV). Swift Plug-in Hybrid is ideal for drivers who travel low mileages of around 20km every day and is designed to be driven primarily on electric power. It is fitted with a compact 660cc engine and equipped with a… Read more

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, will present various show cars at the upcoming 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, including 'Leaf', an electric vehicle (EV) which is slated for global launch and volume production in late 2010, 'Land Glider', an EV concept car, and 'Qazana', which is an entirely new type of compact sport crossover, which made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009. Nissan will also… Read more

Japan's Panasonic Corp said on Thursday it has developed a technology that binds together standard lithium-ion battery cells used in laptop PCs to power electric vehicles, taking aim at growing demand for green cars.The new technology will likely enable Panasonic to make electric car batteries at half the cost of lithium-ion batteries that are developed solely for electric cars, since it can use… Read more

The latest version of Honda’s sporty hybrid concept will be revealed at October’s Tokyo Motor Show. The CR-Z Concept 2009 is the most recent prototype of a compact, agile coupe using Honda’s IMA technology. When the production version goes on sale in the UK next summer 2010, it will be the world’s first sports hybrid car, and the first ever petrol-electric vehicle to… Read more

Volvo is introducing a series-produced plug-in hybrid as early as 2012. Pure electric power from the battery will cover the daily transport needs of 75 percent of European drivers. For longer distances, an efficient diesel hybrid engine automatically takes over. The combined range is about 1200 kilometres. Carbon dioxide emissions will average out at 49 grams per kilometre, with… Read more

Mazda’s idea for the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show is “The Mazda SKY concept – Providing driving pleasure and environmental and safety features for all buyers!” Under the headings of “Today,” “Tomorrow” and “The Future,” Mazda will display superior technologies designed to improve the average fuel economy of Mazda vehicles sold globally by 30 percent before 2015 compared to 2008 levels. This is… Read more

The latest addition to the iconic smart fortwo range is certain to live up to its namesake – the edition highstyle. Finished in trendy chocolate brown metallic and boasting a sumptuous, well-equipped interior, the edition highstyle takes the smart’s distinctive look to a whole new level.Available solely as a coupé and building on the range-topping passion specification, only 215… Read more

Renault Zoe ZE Concept is evidence that an all-electric zero-emission vehicle can also boast smart, appealing looks. Zoe ZE Concept features technology aimed at extending its range and enhancing the travelling comfort of all occupants. Renault Zoe ZE Concept is a compact, versatile daily driver which represents a new way of experiencing mobility.AN ECONOMICAL AND ECOLOGICAL… Read more

Renault Twizy ZE Concept is an innovative response to the challenge of urban mobility. With its four wheel chassis, Renault Twizy ZE Concept offers the driver and passenger – seated one behind the other – an all-electric means of transport which produces no CO2 emissions.Renault Twizy ZE Concept is compact, nimble and practical – everything you need in city traffic. The… Read more

At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford of Europe is showing the first of a fleet of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) prototypes based on the Ford Focus, and specially developed to participate in the UK Government’s “Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicles” demonstration initiative next year. The research curriculum aims to test the technology’s suitability for possible future utilization in… Read more

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its i10 Electric, a zero-emissions urban commuter vehicle which will see limited series production begin in 2010 starting with the Korean market. With its low weight and advanced battery, the i10 Electric is capable of a driving range of 160km on a single charge, which is sufficient for most daily commuting needs. To arrive at… Read more

Renault Fluence ZE Concept is a statement of Renault's intention to produce a range of zero emission vehicles that meet the needs of all types of customer. Renault Fluence ZE Concept is a genuine family car which demonstrates that attractive styling, comfort and space can go hand in hand with respect for the environment. · Renault Fluence ZE Concept is an all-… Read more