Hybrid

[Devinda_Z]

No machan not of the Cygnus , but there are Hybrid varients of the new KLUGER and the new HARRIER

[Silver]

above photo shows first generation prius ,bit smaller than 2nd and third generation May be this is the vehicle you seen

There was a similar colored Prius running about in Moratuwa. G-Reg, if I remember correctly...

[Gummybr]

There was a similar colored Prius running about in Moratuwa. G-Reg, if I remember correctly...

Did any of you guys read todays Island front page??? Interesting read... But then again was watching Topgear the latest edition and they had some good stuff to say about it.

[ash]

Interesting article. Good thing that the Govt. considering duty concessions on Hybrid cars. DN Editorial

Petrol cars are not going to disappear overnight, so the Government should encourage the purchase of smaller-engined, petrol cars. Duty concessions could be granted for sub 1,000 CC cars and for smaller diesels such as 1.3 litre diesel cars.

Are we in for a state with roads filled with 800CC Maruties and Mopeds. Last time they wanted to discourage the use of cars with high capacity engines by slapping more import taxes on them.

Edited June 28, 2008 by ash

[Devinda_Z]

Looks like Toyota is taking its hybrids onto the next level with the introduction of Solar Panels to its next generation of Prius cars!

The power generated via these panels is said to be sued to power the Air Conditioning unit, according to the Reuters and Nikkei report

Kyocera Corp are said to have been contracted to build the solar panels for the car by Toyota

[Devinda_Z]

HYUNDAI HYBRID ELANTRA set to launch in 2009!

Hyundai's world first Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) hybrid will go on sale in Korea twelve months from now with operating costs San-Diego-Symphony-Finances poised to be lowest of any hybrid currently available, despite being largely based on the existing Elantra model. It will also be the first to use Lithium-Polymer batteries to power its electric motor. The novel internal combustion powerplant is a Liquefied Petroleum Injected (LPI) 1.6 litre four cylinder assisted by a 15kW electric motor driving through a continuously variable transmission.

Hyundai Motor Company plans to start retail sales of its first LPG-electric hybrid Elantra in July 2009 and promises to be the cheapest of all currently available hybrid vehicles. The Elantra LPI HEV leverages Hyundai's vast knowledge of LPG-fuelled vehicles to develop a hybrid that will be very economical to operate. It promises to be as much as 40 percent cheaper to operate than other competitor models in the marketplace and 50 percent less than a conventional Elantra model powered by a petrol only engine, according to Hyundai. Those calculations are based on Korean domestic retail price of 1,907.08 KRW per litre of petrol and LPG price of 1,828.65 KRW per kilogram as of the first week of June 2008.

The Elantra LPI HEV will have a premium cost compared to a conventional Elantra due to the extra hardware (Li-Poly battery, DC motor and electrical control system). However, with the resulting fuel savings, Elantra LPI HEV buyers can expect to recover the extra cost of the vehicle in about two years according to Hyundai.

In addition, the Elantra LPI HEV emits just 103g/km of CO2 and 90 percent fewer emissions than an equivalent standard petrol powered Elantra to qualify as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).

The Elantra LPI HEV will be the first car in the world to use lithium polymer rechargeable batteries Rechargeable battery , which will be supplied by LG Chem, the world's fourth-largest rechargeable battery producer. Li-poly batteries have significant advantages over lithium-ion batteries including higher energy density, lower manufacturing costs, being more robust to physical damage and they can also take more charge-discharge cycles before storage capacity begins to degrade.

Hyundai developed its very first hybrid electric vehicle in 1995 when it unveiled the Future Green Vehicle at the Seoul Motor Show. In 1999, it showed an Elantra HEV and in 2000, an Accent HEV, both of which featured hard-type parallel electric drive systems and integrated Starter Generator technology. However, these research development vehicles did not go into mass production.

In 2004, the company delivered 50 Getz petrol-electric hybrid vehicles (B-segment vehicles badged as Hyundai Getz in the Korean domestic market) to Korean government agencies as part of a fleet demonstration project. These were mild-type hybrid systems using 12kW motors and nickel metal hydride batteries. The hybrid technology development program continued to expand and in 2005, the Hyundai Automotive Group delivered 350 more units to the demonstration fleet, 730 more units in 2006 and 1,682 more units in 2007, including Accent HEVs.

Current plants call for expanding the hybrid vehicle line-up to include mid-sized sedans in 2010.

Initial sales of the Elantra LPI HEV are to be restricted to the Korean domestic market. Hyundai is investigating export opportunities in markets with an excellent LPG distribution infrastructure, such as China and Australia.

As the Elantra LPI HEV remains under development, more detailed technical specifications will be released closer to the July 2009 launch date.

Source : Gizmag.com as cited in Business Week

[Mani]

The white is the second gen Prius and the blueish green is the first gen. First gen did have an issue with the batteries but was corrected on the second gen. Even with the second gen the batteries will require replacing after about 5 years [+- on how the car is used]. This car will do well in SL as these were heavily tested on extreme climates. Depending on the price and how many miles/Kms one is driven, it'll take years to make up the difference in gas savings. Servicing them will be a challenge as well since the electrical system will require special training to work on.

Toyota will bring a plug-in hybrid in 2010 to US. That may be a better vehicle for SL given that most people don't drive more than 100 miles in a day. By 2015 you should be able to see almost every model from Toyota in a hybrid form.

[Devinda_Z]

Spotted a Blue 2ng Gen PRIUS on the roads in colombo last evening bearing a CP KK plate..

also did anyone else notice a new generation Lexus RX 400h HYBRID advertised over the weekend?!

[Ruslan]

The white is the second gen Prius and the blueish green is the first gen. First gen did have an issue with the batteries but was corrected on the second gen. Even with the second gen the batteries will require replacing after about 5 years [+- on how the car is used]. This car will do well in SL as these were heavily tested on extreme climates. Depending on the price and how many miles/Kms one is driven, it'll take years to make up the difference in gas savings. Servicing them will be a challenge as well since the electrical system will require special training to work on.

Toyota will bring a plug-in hybrid in 2010 to US. That may be a better vehicle for SL given that most people don't drive more than 100 miles in a day. By 2015 you should be able to see almost every model from Toyota in a hybrid form.

AFAIK they launched Camry V6 Hybrid in US as well.

Edited November 13, 2008 by Ruslan

[Devinda_Z]

BYD Adds Plug-In as China Gets Edge on Toyota, GM

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/data?pid=avi...id=iYGrca0c9kdE

Dec. 15 (Bloomberg) -- BYD Co., the Chinese automaker backed by Warren Buffett, started selling the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid, gaining an edge on Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors Corp. in electric-powered vehicles.

The F3 DM can run for 100 kilometers (62 miles) using only batteries, Shenzhen-based BYD said in a statement today. Toyota plans to begin testing plug-ins, which can be recharged from household powerpoints, late next year, it said in August. GM aims to start selling the Volt plug-in in late 2010.

BYD surged the most in two months in Hong Kong trading after saying the new model and government tax breaks for small cars would help it almost double vehicle sales next year. China is encouraging automakers to develop alternative-energy vehicles to curb oil imports and to help local companies challenge GM and Toyota, the world’s biggest hybrid-car maker, overseas.

“BYD is making progress in the right direction,” said Yale Zhang, director at CSM Asia. “Still, a lack of fast recharging facilities and other infrastructure is handicapping BYD’s efforts.”

The automaker expects to boost total sales to 350,000 cars next year from an expected 180,000 this year, founder and Chairman Wang Chuanfu told reporters in Shenzhen today.

“The development of electric-powered vehicles is the best way for the Chinese auto industry to surpass other leading countries,” Wang said at an unveiling ceremony. BYD currently sells gasoline models such as the F3, F6 and F8. It plans to add at least five new models next year.

The company, also China’s biggest maker of rechargeable batteries, rose 16 percent to HK$13.32 at the close in Hong Kong. It has fallen 1.9 percent this year compared with a 46 percent plunge for the benchmark Hang Seng Index.

Rechargeable Batteries

The F3 DM’s batteries can be fully recharged from a power point in as little as seven hours and 50 percent powered via a quick charge at a specialist station in 10 minutes, BYD said. The car also has a gasoline engine as a back-up power source.

The car costs from 149,800 yuan ($22,000), said Xia Zhibing, BYD’s sales head. That compares with Toyota’s Prius, which costs from 259,800 yuan. The high price of hybrids and the lack of charging stations have damped demand in China. The Prius, the bestselling hybrid in China, racked up 748 sales nationwide in the first ten months of the year.

Still, GM started selling a Buick LacCrosse Eco-Hybrid in July and Nissan Motor Co., Japan’s third-largest automaker, intends to begin offering electric cars in China by 2012.

China Support

The Chinese government plans to support domestic automakers’ research into alternative-energy vehicles in a bid to have 60,000 on the roads of 10 cities by 2012. BYD has signed a deal for “financial cooperation” with Export-Import Bank of China, it said without elaboration.

The government may subsidize hybrid cars to cut costs for consumers, Wang said. The State Council is also set to consider a plan to scrap a sales tax on vehicles with engines of less than 1.6 liters, he added.

“It would be a very big push for car sales,” if the sales tax plan is approved, Wang said. The government has also altered fuel taxes and is mulling ways to encourage people to buy cars on credit to help revive vehicle sales, which have fallen for three out of the last four months.

BYD will initially target the F3 DM at government agencies and corporate customers, Wang said. The Shenzhen local government and China Construction Bank today signed deals to buy a total of 50 cars.

Regulatory Steps

U.S. sales of the F3 DM will likely start in 2011, Wang said. They may begin earlier if the company can complete the necessary regulatory steps more quickly than expected, he added.

Buffett’s MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. in September bought 9.9 percent of BYD for HK$1.8 billion ($232 million). The stake sale may help the automaker boost its profile overseas and also reassure potential customers, Wang said.

“Buffett’s investment helps us enhance our brand image,” he added. “It’s a long-term investment and it will help our growth in the long run.”

BYD is working with MidAmerican to develop batteries that store power generated from wind and power sources, Wang said. The products may be commercialized in one to two years, he said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Tian Ying in Beijing on [email protected]

[harshansenadhir]

last weekend I saw a 1st gen prius is being "converted" at a place around Piliyandala. Sorry guys couldn't take any photos as that was the first visit to the particular workshop. According to the owner of the workshop, the battery pack is gone and it costs 600k to bring a new pack down. Instead they've put a 121 engine with transmission and apparently this is the 3rd car which they've converted. Electronics are also will be converted accordingly and already the car got an ignition key which is not present in the original car.

[Devinda_Z]

last weekend I saw a 1st gen prius is being "converted" at a place around Piliyandala. Sorry guys couldn't take any photos as that was the first visit to the particular workshop. According to the owner of the workshop, the battery pack is gone and it costs 600k to bring a new pack down. Instead they've put a 121 engine with transmission and apparently this is the 3rd car which they've converted. Electronics are also will be converted accordingly and already the car got an ignition key which is not present in the original car.

hmmm those 1st Gen cars are a little over a decade old now aren't they?

its a little bitter sweet this...

10yrs for a car on our roads isnt much given our usage period are much higher than other countires

but its heartening to hear that one isn't gonna be up sh*t creek with no paddle if the engine gives out thanx to the possibility of an engine swap

is it a very complicated conversion? - i'm unfamiliar with the set up on the 1st gen prius , but judging by the 2nd gen i'd think it might be a little tricky with all those electronics

[harshansenadhir]

hmmm those 1st Gen cars are a little over a decade old now aren't they?

its a little bitter sweet this...

10yrs for a car on our roads isnt much given our usage period are much higher than other countires

but its heartening to hear that one isn't gonna be up sh*t creek with no paddle if the engine gives out thanx to the possibility of an engine swap

is it a very complicated conversion? - i'm unfamiliar with the set up on the 1st gen prius , but judging by the 2nd gen i'd think it might be a little tricky with all those electronics

over a decade is I doubt, but definitely they're over 6~7 years and with the notorious short life span of the battery pack, owners might've compelled to do this. However the conversion is not very complicated. Although engine mountings have to be made specifically for the 121 engine. I saw the hybrid unit which was pulled out of the car, and it's as same as an engine and gearbox assembly from the outer appearance. Only diff is the thick wires comes out of the "gear box" However i'm too lay to judge the complexity and the quantum of work involve in the conversion of electronics. But according to the person, it's just a one day job to convert the electronics.

[Devinda_Z]

over a decade is I doubt, but definitely they're over 6~7 years and with the notorious short life span of the battery pack, owners might've compelled to do this. However the conversion is not very complicated. Although engine mountings have to be made specifically for the 121 engine. I saw the hybrid unit which was pulled out of the car, and it's as same as an engine and gearbox assembly from the outer appearance. Only diff is the thick wires comes out of the "gear box" However i'm too lay to judge the complexity and the quantum of work involve in the conversion of electronics. But according to the person, it's just a one day job to convert the electronics.

so it isnt some new fangled CVT box in the old prius then??

its good to hear that our very capable basses have things under control

[Devinda_Z]

VW Debuts The 2010 Supercharged Gas Hybrid Touareg! Is THIS The Future Of The SUV?

Agent009 submitted on 2/2/2009 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 4:20:13 PM

In parallel to pure gasoline and diesel versions, Volkswagen will be bringing the next version of the Touareg to market as a hybrid version too.

Average fuel consumption: less than 9.0 liters fuel per 100 kilometers. CO2 emissions: less than 210 g/km. For the first time, there is now a near-production prototype that offers initial glimpses of the full hybrid technology that will be implemented on the future Touareg. This experimental platform has its conceptual basis in the current generation of the SUV. The car's powertrain already embodies many aspects of the future Touareg Hybrid. It will be powered by a new V6 TSI – a highly advanced gasoline direct injection engine boosted by a mechanically-driven supercharger – in tandem with an electric motor. It will have a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen will be implementing a parallel hybrid drive on the future Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid. This version of the SUV will have a high-performance, full-time all-wheel drive too.

V6 TSI stands for maximum power with minimum consumption

The V6 TSI on the Touareg prototype is fun to drive and delivers 245 kW / 333 PS at 5,500 rpm. From its 2,995 cm3 displacement, it generates a maximum torque of 440 Newton-meters starting from 3,000 rpm. These characteristics match those of the Touareg with an eight cylinder engine, yet with the V6 TSI it is significantly more fuel efficient. This represents the principle of intelligent downsizing (less displacement plus gasoline direct injection plus inlet boosting) already established by Volkswagen on the globally successful TSI four cylinder engines, and it is now being applied to six-cylinder engines. The results are convincing. The substantial torque delivery that came from using a supercharger becomes even more fascinating with the addition of the E-motor, especially at low speeds. If required, an exceptional amount of torque is available from a standstill – a bonus that comes from a system that is designed for efficiency. To increase further this efficiency, the V6 TSI makes use of a switchable engine water pump. This remains off during the warm-up phase, ensuring rapid achievement of fuel efficient operation.. The pump is integrated into the vehicle's overall heat management system.

V6 TSI plus E-motor drives fuel consumption below 9.0 liters

The E-motor integrated between the V6 TSI and the 8-speed automatic transmission adds power of 38 kW / 52 PS and up to 300 Newton-meters torque. In so-called boosting – where requests for maximum power and torque (by kickdown or gearshift selector in "S" position) are supported by the engagement of both V6 TSI and electric drive systems – the powertrain briefly supplies a power of 275 kW / 374 PS and the maximum available torque increases to 550 Newton-meters. In this case, the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid prototype accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds.

The hybrid system of the Touareg was not designed to deliver sports car performance. Its purpose is to deliver very low emissions and fuel consumption values. It may therefore come as a surprise to learn that this exceptional performance is accompanied by an average fuel consumption of less than 9.0 liters per 100 kilometers. CO2 emissions are less than 210 g/km. The Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid will attain the limits of the Euro-5 and American ULEV2 emissions standards.

More than 25 percent better fuel economy

Compared to a conventional SUV of the same size, the hybrid concept yields fuel savings of more than 25 percent in city driving. Development engineers calculate an average savings of 17 percent in combined city, highway and freeway driving. Essentially, there are four parameters with which the Volkswagen prototype achieves this improved fuel economy.

Start-stop system: an integrated start-stop system significantly reduces fuel consumption, especially in urban driving.

Regenerative braking: during braking, the E-motor operates as a generator and recovers energy, which is then stored in the high voltage battery (NiMH batteries). This means that the E-motor recovers a proportion of the energy that would otherwise be rejected in the form of heat through the braking system. It comes into effect progressively during the initial travel of the brake pedal.

The E-motor: The vehicle can operate on the electric motor alone at speeds of up to 50 km/h, which reduces fuel consumption in city driving. In this case the V6 TSI is turned off, and it is disconnected from the transmission by a disengagement clutch. In this condition the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid operates with zero emissions. Electric current flows from the battery to the E-motor via the power electronics which incorporates a pulse controlled inverter. On the later production version, there are also plans for a special E-switch that the driver can activate for pure electric driving.

Coasting: as soon as the driver removes his or her foot from the gas pedal, a clutch disengages the V6 TSI from the transmission. This is even possible at higher speeds – in the later production version up to about 160 km/h – and therefore in freeway driving as well. This eliminates mechanical drag losses, which in turn makes the Touareg coast significantly better. The driver can convert this directly into improved fuel economy by adopting an anticipatory driving style.

Intelligent energy mix

With regard to powertrain types – and their associated energy flows – besides electric driving and coasting there are two other operating modes: classic driving with internal combustion engine and the boosting that is typical of hybrid vehicles.

When driving with just the internal combustion engine, there are two possible modes of operation. In the first case, the Touareg is driven like a conventional vehicle with the E-motor performing the function of a conventional 12 V alternator, which it replaces, to supply sufficient energy for the vehicle's electrical system and maintain battery charge (in this case a high voltage battery). In the second case, the engine supplies the energy needed to propel the vehicle plus the energy needed to charge the high voltage battery via the E-motor, but at a higher rate, replacing energy taken from battery when in conditions when the E-motor has been operating as an electric motor. This so-called load point shifting makes it possible to operate the engine at a more favorable level of efficiency in the engine load/speed map. The job of hybrid control is now to regulate this alternation of electric driving phases and active charge phases to achieve minimal fuel consumption.

Boosting: when the driver consciously activates a request for maximum power (kickdown or gearshift lever in "S" position), the E-motor supports the V6 TSI beyond the engine's full-load curve. The powers and torques of these two motors are then transferred to the front and rear axles by the 8-speed automatic transmission. As previously mentioned, this briefly makes available a total combined power of up to 275 kW / 374 PS and a maximum torque of 550 Newton-meters.

In addition, since it can be controlled extremely quickly the E-motor is also used – in the framework of so-called transient compensation – to make positive and negative torque interventions. For example, when the driver makes a positive load request the E-motor briefly boosts the V6 TSI until it has reached its steady-state target value. This allows the Touareg Hybrid to keep accelerating. Negative torque interventions largely replace classic interventions via the internal combustion engine that are not optimal for efficiency, but are needed for occupant comfort during gear shifting or sudden charge changes.

The specific mode that is activated is shown by an energy flow indicator in the display of the RNS 510 radio-navigation system installed in the prototype vehicle.

Basic technical layout of the hybrid drive

Volkswagen has chosen a parallel hybrid drive for use in the Touareg. In contrast to other possible hybrid systems, both off-road properties and unlimited continuous climbing capabilities are assured. With a maximum trailer load of up to 3.5 metric tons, the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid can also be recommended as an ideal towing vehicle. Furthermore, the parallel hybrid approach offers a higher level of efficiency than alterne hybrid concepts in cross-country and freeway driving.

The powertrain itself primarily consists of the V6 TSI, the 8-speed automatic transmission that is also ideally suited for hybrid and tow vehicle use and the hybrid module integrated between the internal combustion engine and the automatic transmission. The latter weighs 55 kilograms. The compact module houses – in one unit – the disengagement clutch located after the V6 engine and the E-motor.

The interplay of components is "directed" by a hybrid manager. This multi-functional unit is integrated in the engine controller and communicates via the CAN bus lines with units such as the automatic transmission, high voltage battery and so-called power electronics that controls the electric motor. The latter also manages the energy flow between the electric motor and battery. Using the DC/DC converter, the power electronics also ensures that the car's 12V electrical system is supplied via the E-motor or the high voltage battery. Depending on the charge state of the battery (capacity: 6 Ah), vehicle speed and other vehicle-specific parameters, the hybrid manager automatically selects the ideal operating mode based on lightning fast analysis of all signals.

Nickel metal hydride battery in detail

The nickel metal-hydride battery used in the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid reflects what is currently the best and most practical electric storage system for automobiles. Functional safety, robustness and cost are all factors that favor the high-performance NiMH battery.

The battery is located in a space saving area. On the prototype the cargo floor has been raised by 50 millimeters. The battery weighs 67 kilograms, consists of a total of 240 individual cells and therefore generates a voltage of 288 Volt. An additional duct integrated in the Touareg's interior ventilation system and two separate fans are used to keep the battery within an optimal temperature range. A battery manager continually monitors battery charge by coordinating data with the hybrid manager integrated in the engine controller.

Special power cables connect the battery to the power electronics – located to the left of the engine in the front of the vehicle – to supply the E-motor with energy or – in the reverse case – to charge the battery by E-motor while it acts as a generator when braking (regenerative braking) or by the V6 TSI (via load point shift). In the event of a crash, the high voltage battery is protected by what is known as a "Protect Box". The battery system, which includes the Protect Box, battery and ventilation components, weighs 79 kilograms.

Partial compensation for added weight of hybrid system

To compensate for a portion of the weight of the hybrid components (about 175 kilograms), the prototype exhibits numerous modifications compared to the production vehicle. One example is the full-time 4XMotion all-wheel drive. In today's Touareg, the drive is transferred to the front and rear axles via a transfer box which contains a lockable central differential and a two-speed range gearbox. On the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid this is replaced by a lighter Torsen differential similar to the one Audi uses on the Q7. All the traditional capabilities of the Touareg are fully preserved, such as its optimal properties as a towing vehicle.

Other changes compared to the production Touareg

Various components have been redeveloped to retain all the traditional convenience and safety-related functions of the standard Touareg in the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid. For example, the prototype has electro-hydraulic power steering, which does not have to rely on a servo pump driven by the internal combustion engine. In addition, a high voltage air conditioning compressor guarantees comfortable interior temperatures on the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid, even when the V6 engine is switched off. Instead of an alternator, the DC/DC converter integrated in the power electronics ensures a constant supply of power to the vehicle electrical system.

The 8-speed automatic transmission was also specifically tuned for hybrid use. Among other things, it received a special torque converter with larger lock-up system, an auxiliary electric oil pump (to maintain a supply of oil when the V6 TSI is switched off), a transmission heater to reach optimal operating temperature faster, and a modified transmission controller.

Car is started by electric motor

The E-motor now takes over the role of engine starter motor. This job is especially challenging, since restarting of the V6 TSI must be executed with a high degree of smoothness and precision to maintain comfortable transitions between the various modes of propulsion. As soon as the engine is to be restarted, the transmission's lock-up torque converter is put in the "Slip" position and the E-motor's speed is increased to a setpoint value prescribed by the transmission controller. Only then does the engine controller receive an enable to actuate the disengagement clutch. The E-motor "drags up" the V6 TSI by subsequent engagement of the clutch and, as soon as the cylinders fill, the engine is started by enabling of injection and ignition. The E-motor's torque is increased by the amount of the momentary torque transferred by the disengagement clutch during the drag operation and – after the internal combustion engine has started – it is reduced again in response to the increase in engine torque. When positive engagement occurs at the disengagement clutch, the lock-up torque converter is engaged again. All of this sounds complicated, and it is complicated, but the system operates in such a way that the driver and occupants are completely unaware of its contribution to smooth progress. And that is just how things should be.

Passat BlueMotion: Here a common rail TDI (81 kW/110 PS) provides for 4.9 liter fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of just 128 g/km. The Passat BlueMotion (starting at 26,750 €) has a Start-Stop system and conforms to limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard. Its range of over 1,400 kilometers on one tank of fuel is a minor sensation – travelers starting out in Berlin will not be looking for a gas station until shortly before Rome. Naturally, the Passat BlueMotion will also be available as a wagon (starting at € 27,900).

Passat BlueTDI: Its 105-kW diesel is ahead of its times; that is because Volkswagen is introducing the first TDI to conform to limits of the Euro-6 emissions standard that does not take effect until 2014. Aboard the Passat BlueTDI (starting at € 29,225), a SCR catalytic converter reduces nitrogen oxides to less than 80 mg/km. Fuel economy of the sedan shifted by a 6-speed gearbox: 5.2 liter/100-km (CO2 emissions: 137 g/km). Further options: the "BlueTDI" will also be available as a wagon (starting at € 30,375), and it will be available with a 6-speed DSG.

Passat TSI EcoFuel: The Passat TSI EcoFuel is ushering in a new era of cars powered by natural gas. Until now, one of the drawbacks of cars powered by natural gas is that their performance can be rather unexciting. Thanks to its 110 kW strong high-tech engine, the Passat TSI EcoFuel combines a maximum speed of 210 km/h with excellent fuel economy and finally puts an end to these limitations. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in just 9.7 seconds. Despite its great agility, the world's first turbocharged and supercharged direct-injection engine configured for natural gas operation is satisfied with just 4.4 kilograms of natural gas, which is about € 4.25 per 100 kilometers. With a 7-speed DSG, the Passat breaks the magic CO2 limit of 120 g/km in this class (6-speed transmission: 4.5 kg/100-km and 123 g/km CO2). If the natural gas on board should run low before the next fill-up station, the engine controller switches over to gasoline mode. The car has a total range of more than 900 kilometers. The Passat TSI EcoFuel will be offered at a starting price of € 29,975; on the Wagon it is € 31,125.

Source : http://www.autospies.com/news/VW-Debuts-Th...-The-SUV-40539/

[Devinda_Z]

Have Hybrids Opened The Door For Yet Another Energy Resource Shortage?

In the rush to build the next generation of hybrid

or electric cars, a sobering fact confronts both automakers and governments seeking to lower their reliance on foreign oil: almost half of the world's lithium, the mineral needed to power the

vehicles, is found here in Bolivia - a country that may not be willing to surrender it so easily.

Japanese and European companies are busily trying to strike deals to tap the resource, but a nationalist sentiment is building quickly in the government of President Evo Morales, an ardent critic of the United States who has already nationalized Bolivia's oil and natural gas industries.

For now, the government talks of closely controlling the lithium itself and keeping foreigners at bay. Adding to the pressure, indigenous groups here in the remote salt desert where the mineral lies are pushing for a share in the eventual bounty.

Source : http://www.autospies.com/news/Have-Hybrids...Shortage-40873/

[Sonal]

Can anyone tell me where can i buy a second hand toyota prius..(2004 up) ASAP..

Thanks..

[Devinda_Z]

Saw a beige Prius on K plates running on park st today - nice to see more on the road

and keeping with the green things feel free to click ahead and take a look at Winding Road's "Greenformance Awards" on page 125

http://magazine.windingroad.com/issue/51/

Edited October 23, 2009 by Devinda_Z