Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[UK to spend £30 million on EV Charging points]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/uk-to-spend-30-million-on-ev-charging-poins/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/uk-to-spend-30-million-on-ev-charging-poins/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/uk-to-spend-30-million-on-ev-charging-poins/#commentsFiled under: , ,



British Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis has announced that the UK will spend £30 million to install plug-in vehicle charging stations. The charge points will be built in at least three and as many as six "electric car cities and regions" across the UK, the forerunners of a national EV recharging grid. The plan is called Plugged-In Places and is accompanied by creation of the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). The OLEV is a new goverment office in charge of coordinating policy and funding for low-carbon projects throughout the country. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Department of Transport]

Continue reading UK to spend £30 million on EV Charging points

UK to spend £30 million on EV Charging points originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british charging gridBritishChargingGriddepartment of transportDepartmentOfTransportolevplugged-in placesPlugged-inPlacesuk charging griduk electric gridUkChargingGridUkElectricGridFri, 20 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Small piece of history: 1936 Mercedes 260D, the first successful diesel passenger car]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/small-piece-of-history-1936-mercedes-260d-the-first-successful/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/small-piece-of-history-1936-mercedes-260d-the-first-successful/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/small-piece-of-history-1936-mercedes-260d-the-first-successful/#commentsFiled under: , ,


1936 Mercedes 260D - Click on image for full high-resolution gallery

Rudolf Diesel filed the patent for his signature engine in 1893. However, its installation in a passenger car didn't occur until 1933, when Citroën installed a diesel engine into a Rosalie bay, although this car was never authorized to run on roads. Not until 1936, when Mercedes showed off the 260D, can we talk about the first successful diesel car on the road. Based on the 200 model, the 260 used a 2.4-liter I-4 engine named OM 138 mated to a Bosch mechanical injection pump. The ensemble allowed the car to produce 45hp of power at 3,200 rpm. Almost 2,000 units were built through 1940. The car initially has a 3-speed gearbox; and was upgraded with electric coil ignitors in 1938.

One of the diesel powerplant's main benefits - then as now - was reduced fuel consumption. The 260D burned 9 l/100 km (26 mpg U.S.) compared to 13 l/ 100 km (18 mpg U.S.) in the gasoline counterpart. Another bonus: at the time, diesel was half the price of gasoline, so the motorists saved a lot of cash at the pump.


Gallery: 1936 Mercedes 260 D


[Source: Mercedes-Benz via Diariomotor]

Small piece of history: 1936 Mercedes 260D, the first successful diesel passenger car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first diesel carfirst diesel passenger carFirstDieselCarFirstDieselPassengerCarhistorysecond diesel carSecondDieselCarFri, 20 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Alfa Romeo introduces LPG-powered MiTo]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/19/alfa-romeo-introduces-lpg-powered-mito/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/19/alfa-romeo-introduces-lpg-powered-mito/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/19/alfa-romeo-introduces-lpg-powered-mito/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola - Click for complete gallery

Alongside the recently-launched MultiAir MiTos, Alfa Romeo has launched a dual-fueled LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) version of the Turbo 1.4-liter engine in the sexy hatchback. This model benefits from tax exemptions in many European countries, since it reduces CO2 emissions down to 131 g/km. The engine retains the standard 120 hp and still makes 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8.8 seconds. The 39-liter LPG reservoir is placed in the spare tire well and, together with the standard gasoline tank, allows the dual-fuel MiTo to run for 1,200 km (745 miles) non-stop. Prices start at €13,900 in Italy, thanks to €4,500 from the state.



[Source: Diario del Motor]

Alfa Romeo introduces LPG-powered MiTo originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa rome mitoAlfaRomeMitodual fuelDualFuelgplItalyliquiefied petroleum gasLiquiefiedPetroleumGaslpgmitoThu, 19 Nov 2009 18:06:00 EST<![CDATA[SEAT starts installing solar panels on Martorell factory roof]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/seat-starts-installing-solar-panels-on-martorell-factory-roof/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/seat-starts-installing-solar-panels-on-martorell-factory-roof/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/seat-starts-installing-solar-panels-on-martorell-factory-roof/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As we announced, SEAT is trying to maximize the possibilities of the sunny Mediterranean climate for its factory in Martorell, near Barcelona, Spain. SEAT's plan is ambitious, and could allow the plant to be able to function almost off the grid. The factory will use 320,000 m2 of solar panels on the roof, the equivalent of 10 MW of electric power. Annually, the plant could generate 13 million kWh. That's enough to power 3,000 homes and will save up to 6,200 metric tons of CO2. The first project will start working next year, and will be Spain's second largest photovoltaic installation. Now let's see if solar power can be used for the Brisa and Duna models

[Source: SEAT]

SEAT starts installing solar panels on Martorell factory roof originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>martorellphotovoltaicphotovoltaic plantPhotovoltaicPlantsolar factorysolar panelssolar panels roofSolarFactorySolarPanelsSolarPanelsRoofFri, 13 Nov 2009 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Thrifty Dutch Hyundai onwers can win up to €10,000 in free gas]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/thrifty-dutch-hyundai-onwers-can-win-up-to-10-000-in-free-gas/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/thrifty-dutch-hyundai-onwers-can-win-up-to-10-000-in-free-gas/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/13/thrifty-dutch-hyundai-onwers-can-win-up-to-10-000-in-free-gas/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Thrifty Dutch Hyundai owners have been given a chance to enter a contest where the prize is the equivalent of five years' worth of gas, estimated at €10,000. The package goes to whoever is the most frugal at the wheel. Anyone registering for the contest at Dutch Hyundai dealers is also entered to win a €500 fuel card. The fuel challenge will be conducted in December and there's more information at the official site. A local Dutch auto publication is also offering another €500 card. Because nothing says conserve your fuel like giving drivers three independent chances to win free gas.

[Source: AutoNL]

Thrifty Dutch Hyundai onwers can win up to €10,000 in free gas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contesthypermilinghyundai blueHyundaiBluenetherlandsthrifty driverThriftyDriverFri, 13 Nov 2009 09:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford launches eco-driving campaign in Portugal]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/ford-launches-eco-driving-campaign-in-portugal/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/ford-launches-eco-driving-campaign-in-portugal/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/ford-launches-eco-driving-campaign-in-portugal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Lusitánia, the Portuguese importer of The Blue Oval's vehicles, is currently promoting the Projecto Eco-Condução Portugal. The project includes a contest and a campaign to promote a small set of eco-driving tips.

The contest takes 20 motorists, selected from 150 finalists, who are being tested as they drive their cars to see who uses the least amount of fuel. The eco-driving campaing focus on 6 common green driving tips: anticipate traffic, drive using low rpm, don't rev up and then quickly slowing down, keep the car properly tuned and analsye your driving to try and identify ways to burn less fuel. Ford partners for this campaing are the ACAP, BP, IMTT-Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes Terrestres, Instituto Superior Técnico and CarChip.

[Source: Ford of Portugal]

Ford launches eco-driving campaign in Portugal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford lusitaniaford of portugalFordLusitaniaFordOfPortugalportugalprojecto eco-conducaoProjectoEco-conducaoThu, 12 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[MP3 in its sights: Peugeot shows off Concept HYbrid3 Evolution]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/peugeot-shows-off-concept-hybrid3-evolution/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/peugeot-shows-off-concept-hybrid3-evolution/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/peugeot-shows-off-concept-hybrid3-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Peugeot Concept HYbrid3 Evolution hybrid scooter - Click for complete high-resolution gallery

Peugeot is no stranger to scooters and already has a 3-wheeled scooter to aim at the Piaggio MP3. Since the MP3 has a hybrid version and Peugeot is exploring hybrids in its automobiles, it's not too surprising that Peugeot has revealed the Concept HYbrid3 Evolution. The powertrain uses a 300cc engine good for 41 hp, according to Diario del Motor. This is double what the MP3 produces and uses two electric motors powering the front wheels to account for eight of those hp. The scooter starts in electric mode and turns on the combustion engine when the speed gets over 10 kmh. When running, the front wheels are activated in case of traction problems. Consumption is low, just 2 l/100 km (118 mpg U.S.), and the HYbrid3 puts out 50 g/km of CO2. The frugal scooter still hits a maximum speed of 150 km/h (90 mph) and runs from 0 to 50 km/h (0 to 31 mph) in under 5 seconds. Unfortunately, Peugeot didn't mention when the scooter anything about a sales date for the HYbrid3.


Gallery: Peugeot Concept HYbrid3 Evolution


[Source: Peugeot via Diario del Motor]

MP3 in its sights: Peugeot shows off Concept HYbrid3 Evolution originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-wheeled scooter3-wheeledScooterhybrid scooterhybrid3HybridScooterPeugeot Concept HYbrid3 Evolutionpeugeot scooterPeugeotConceptHybrid3EvolutionPeugeotScooterscooterThu, 12 Nov 2009 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Citroën C-Zero ready to be tested [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/citroen-c-zero-ready-to-be-tested-w-video/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/citroen-c-zero-ready-to-be-tested-w-video/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/citroen-c-zero-ready-to-be-tested-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Citroen C-Zero - click above for high res image gallery

British and French motorists will be able to try the Citroën C-Zero before it goes on sale. Citroën has launched a website for interested drivers to ask for a test drive of the badge-engineered Mitsubishi-based car and to get all kinds of information about the model. As announced yesterday, the C-Zero is based on the Mitsubishi iMiEV and uses a standard European 220V plug to fill the batteries in about 6 hours. The website also offers up a nice video which you can watch right after the jump. It's in French, but the message is pretty obvious.

[Source: Citroën via Le Blog Auto]

Continue reading Citroën C-Zero ready to be tested [w/VIDEO]

Citroën C-Zero ready to be tested [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-zerocitroen c-zeroCitroenC-zeroimievionmievmitsubishi mievMitsubishiMievpeugeot ionPeugeotIonpsaWed, 11 Nov 2009 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 10th Birthday, Diesel Particulate Filters]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/happy-10th-birthday-dpf/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/happy-10th-birthday-dpf/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/happy-10th-birthday-dpf/#commentsFiled under: ,



For 10 years, diesels lovers have had a reason to celebrate their engines a little bit more than before: filters that reduce pollution. Called Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), the devices were first introduced by Peugeot at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 1999. The lucky vehicle was a Peugeot 607. As you might know, DPFs come in two versions. Some of them, like the ones used by PSA, need a special additive, called Eolys. Others, like the ones used at Toyota, store the pollutants in a chamber and burns them when necessary. Peugeot has sold 2.1 million cars with PDFs, 233,000 of them in Germany.

[Source: Auto News]

Happy 10th Birthday, Diesel Particulate Filters originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarydiesel particulate filtersDieselParticulateFiltersdpffapfiltre anti particulesFiltreAntiParticulesWed, 11 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault-Nissan-Bajaj's Ultra-Low-Cost car project still alive]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/renault-nissan-bajajs-ultra-low-cost-car-project-still-alive/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/renault-nissan-bajajs-ultra-low-cost-car-project-still-alive/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/renault-nissan-bajajs-ultra-low-cost-car-project-still-alive/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's been a while since we've heard an update on the car coming from the joint venture of Renault-Nissan and Indian manufacturer Bajaj, a competitor to the Tata Nano. Carlos Ghosn, Renault-Nissan's CEO, fills us in with a statement that the ULC (Ultra Low Car) project is alive and well. What news do we learn? First, the 2011 release date has been pushed back to 2012. Second, the car is going to cost $3,000 (compared to the Nano's base price of around $2,000) and will still be available in a version that gets 70 mpg. According to Ghosn, the car will be designed, developed and produced by Bajaj, while Renault-Nissan will provide sales and marketing. We surmise that an export model, with either Nissan or Renault (or maybe Dacia) badges, is more than a possibility.

[Source: AFP via Le Blog Auto]

Renault-Nissan-Bajaj's Ultra-Low-Cost car project still alive originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bajajlow costlow cost carLowCostLowCostCarulcultra low costultra lowcost carUltraLowCostUltraLowcostCarWed, 11 Nov 2009 08:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Sartre uses road trains to save fuel on the highway]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/project-sartre-uses-road-trains-to-save-fuel-on-the-highway/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/project-sartre-uses-road-trains-to-save-fuel-on-the-highway/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/10/project-sartre-uses-road-trains-to-save-fuel-on-the-highway/#commentsFiled under: ,



Do you get bored when driving along the interstate? Ever wish you could just pull out your laptop and check Facebook on a long straightaway? If a EU-funded project called Sartre ever becomes a reality, you could. Sartre is a sort of drafting software that would use wireless controls to group up to 8 cars together into a train that would follow a truck or bus driven by a professional driver. The software uses GPS-based technology to control the distance between cars and keeps them moving at a constant speed, always guided by the lead vehicle. Road trains would be great for long-distance commuters who don't want to pay attention to the road and would also help with by saving fuel, since they are estimated to reduce fuel costs up to 20 percent since the truck would do most of the job of pushing air out of the way. Science fiction? We'll find out soon when a test on public roads in Spain takes place.

[Source: BBC]

Project Sartre uses road trains to save fuel on the highway originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guided drivingGuidedDrivingproject sartreProjectSartreroad trainsRoadTrainssartreTue, 10 Nov 2009 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Citroën updates C5 with a small turbo and an all-new diesel]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Citroën's entry in the medium-large car segment is the C5. This sedan, which competes against offerings such as the VW Passat, gets updated with a couple of Euro V-compliant powertrains that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. First, the C5 gets the 1.6-liter THP turbo gasoline engine, which was co-developed with BMW and can be found in other PSA offerings as well as the Mini. This 163 hp unit replaces the 2-liter 143 hp unit and burns 7.1 l/100 km (33 mpg U.S.). The new diesel features a particulate filter and is a 2-liter 163 hp unit that manages to burn just 5.6 l/100 km (42 mpg U.S.) when mated to a manual gearbox and 6.9 l/100 km (34 mpg U.S.) when mated to an automatic.

[Source: Motor Pasión]

Citroën updates C5 with a small turbo and an all-new diesel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c5citroen c5CitroenC5clean dieselCleanDieseldpfeuro vEuroVfappsaThu, 05 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo introduces new hybrid truck for refuse and delivery]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/volvo-introduces-new-hybrid-truck-for-refuse-and-delivery/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/volvo-introduces-new-hybrid-truck-for-refuse-and-delivery/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/04/volvo-introduces-new-hybrid-truck-for-refuse-and-delivery/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Volvo FE Hybrid Truck - Click for gallery

In many cities, garbage trucks can wake up entire neighborhoods with the sound of diesel engines. When the new Volvo FE truck goes on sale (expected to take place in 2012), waste management companies will be able to opt for a truck that produces no noise, at low least some of the time. The FE truck is a parallel hybrid, like the Toyota Prius, and can operate using just the electric motor and lithium-ion batteries at low speeds; the diesel engine starts up when more power is needed or the battery is flat. The spec sheet is impressive: there's a 7-liter 300 hp engine mated to a 3-phase 120 kW motor, fed by 600V lithium ion batteries. Volvo states that this set-up manages to reduce fuel consumption by 30 percent and, in start-stop driving, drops noise levels a few dB for sleeping neighbors.


Gallery: 2010 Volvo FE Hybrid truck


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo introduces new hybrid truck for refuse and delivery

Volvo introduces new hybrid truck for refuse and delivery originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diesel hybridDieselHybridhybrid truckHybridTruckrefuse truckRefuseTrucktruckvolvo truckVolvoTruckWed, 04 Nov 2009 08:54:00 EST<![CDATA[UK expands fuel economy label to include used cars]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/uk-expands-fuel-economy-label-to-include-used-cars/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/uk-expands-fuel-economy-label-to-include-used-cars/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/uk-expands-fuel-economy-label-to-include-used-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The UK's Minister for Transport, Sadiq Khan, has announced a new color-coded label that would help identify the most fuel-efficient cars right in the showroom. This label will also include information about the car's CO2 emissions, estimated fuel costs over 12,000 miles and MPG. This label was created by the British Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) and, although it's not mandatory yet, 94 percent of British car dealers have signed up to display it on new and new-ish cars. That's right, these labels are designed not only for new cars, but for used vehicles as well, with information available for cars dating back to 2001 (check the mock-up here). Dealers can register to use the system either individually at www.vca.gov.uk or through their manufacturer. Read full press release after the jump.

[Source: DfT]

Continue reading UK expands fuel economy label to include used cars

UK expands fuel economy label to include used cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>color labelColorLabelfuel labelFuelLabelSadiq KhanSadiqKhanused car fuel economy labelUsedCarFuelEconomyLabelTue, 03 Nov 2009 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Spanish Basque Country gets EV recharging network alongside some gas pumps]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/spanish-basque-country-gets-ev-recharging-network-alongside-some/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/spanish-basque-country-gets-ev-recharging-network-alongside-some/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/spanish-basque-country-gets-ev-recharging-network-alongside-some/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Basque Government in Spain has announced an agreement with Repsol to install recharging points for EVs at gasoline refueling stations. These EV stations would be safely separated from gasoline pumps but will be installed near already existing infrastructure. The plan was announced by Repsol's CEO Antoni Brufau, the Basque Prime Minister Patxi López and the Director of the Basque Institute of Energy, Bernabé Unda. Repsol is Spain's largest gasoline distributor and the world's 15th largest oil company. The Basque country is also the site of one of Mercedes' van manufacturing facility in the city of Vitoria. The Basque government also announced that Mercedes was set to build all-electric vans in this factory.

[Source: EITB]

Spanish Basque Country gets EV recharging network alongside some gas pumps originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basque countryBasqueCountryeuskadiev charging networksEvChargingNetworkspublic ev chargingpublic promotedPublicEvChargingPublicPromotedrepsolspainTue, 03 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Taxi would be fun to ride in, but it's just for show]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/01/tesla-taxi-would-be-fun-to-ride-in-but-its-just-for-show/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/01/tesla-taxi-would-be-fun-to-ride-in-but-its-just-for-show/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/01/tesla-taxi-would-be-fun-to-ride-in-but-its-just-for-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Some people love their profession so much they decorate their cars to show the world how they earn their beans. Such is the case of the owner of a New York taxi company who lives near Monaco and operates mostly hybrid taxis in the Big Apple. Apparently, he has a few beans to show off. The car in question has been painted in the iconic yellow and black taxi cab colors and was exhibited at the French Côte d'Azur where it caused a bit of a sensation. It won't be used to ferry customers around, but that option might still be coming some day to Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Tesla Taxi would be fun to ride in, but it's just for show originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cote dazurCoteDazurny taxiNyTaxitaxitaxi paintTaxiPaintteslatesla roadsterTeslaRoadsterSun, 01 Nov 2009 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris business district will test self-driving NEVs in busy square]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/22/paris-business-district-will-test-self-driving-nevs-in-busy-squa/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/22/paris-business-district-will-test-self-driving-nevs-in-busy-squa/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/22/paris-business-district-will-test-self-driving-nevs-in-busy-squa/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you think that crossing la Défense square on foot is tiring, you'll be glad to know that you might soon be able to do it while sleeping. How, you ask? Because Paris' largest business district is going to test self-guiding NEVs on the square soon. Hervé Bonnat, Director of the Etablissement Public de Gestion de la Défense (EPGD), the public group that manages la Défense, has announced a test involving several Cycab models, self-guiding NEVs developed by the Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et Automatique (INRIA, National Institute for Automatics and Computer Research). The Cycab navigates with GPS and uses lasers to stop before hitting obstacles. It seats two and speeds up to whopping 30 km/h (20 mph). Don't scoff. That's plenty to cross the square, which is 1.5 km (0.9 miles) across. Not much time for a nap, though.

[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Paris business district will test self-driving NEVs in busy square originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>franceINRIAla defenseLaDefenseparisself-guidingThu, 22 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Opel planning a new minicar for Europe, looking for development partner]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/16/opel-planning-a-new-minicar-for-europe-looking-for-development/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/16/opel-planning-a-new-minicar-for-europe-looking-for-development/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/16/opel-planning-a-new-minicar-for-europe-looking-for-development/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



According to Alain Visser, Opel's head of sales and marketing, Opel needs a minicar to compete. However, developing a new minicar is a huge expense, and even though Opel has set aside €250 million for this car, the company would like a partner. It's not unusual: Ford and Fiat share the Fiat Panda/Fiat 500/Ford Ka platform; Toyota and PSA share the Toyota Aygo/Citroën C1/Peugeot 107 structure. Opel has already a similar model, the Agila (shown above), which is jointly made with the Suzuki Splash but it's a little big for the minicar segment. As for possible powertrain hints, Magna/Opel has confirmed that it would have an electric powertrain available as soon as in 2012.

[Source: Automotive news (subs. req'd)]

Opel planning a new minicar for Europe, looking for development partner originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The French pro-EV association, Bientôt Electrique (which means "electric soon") is offering a kit, guaranteed for two-years, that converts a regular Toyota Prius into a plug-in hybrid. The kit can be obtained without a battery for €1,499. If you want to add to the Prius' standard battery, a 2 kW battery + kit is offered for €2,550 and the 4 kW battery + kit is €3,550. Bientôt Electrique will install it for €349. The battery is installed in the trunk and the two power levels allow the car to go either 15 or 32 km (9 or 20 miles), respectively, in all-electric mode. According to the Bientôt Electrique site, two daily recharges allow a driver to run 120 km (75 miles) with average consumption of 2.5 l/100 km (94 mpg). Since the batteries are expected to last 2000 cycles or about 120,000 km (85,000 miles), these packs can save up to 6 metric tons of CO2 over their lifetimes.

[Source: Bientôt Electrique via Le Blog Auto]

Bientôt Electrique Association offers plug-in kit for the Prius originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conversionfranceplug inplug-in conversionplug-in hybridPlug-inConversionPlug-inHybridPlugInpriusprius conversionPriusConversiontoyota priusToyotaPriusThu, 15 Oct 2009 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda FCX clarity arrives in Europe, but only for the media]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/15/honda-fcx-clarity-arrives-in-europe-but-only-for-the-media/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/15/honda-fcx-clarity-arrives-in-europe-but-only-for-the-media/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/15/honda-fcx-clarity-arrives-in-europe-but-only-for-the-media/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Honda FCX Clarity - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has brought the Honda FCX Clarity to the Old Continent. Unfortunately, interested drivers won't be able to lease the hydrogen-powered car, since the Clarity is here just for members of the press. Only two vehicles have been brought ashore, and both are registered in Germany.

One of the first publications to glimpse the car is Autoplus, in important car magazine in France. Autoplus highly praised the Clarity, saying it was as an upscale, family-oriented large sedan with great assembly quality. The magazine said that "perceived quality" is one of the Clarity's most important selling points. Also, the 460-km (300-mile) range is considered excellent, although there are barely any hydrogen filling stations in Europe, except in Norway. Considering that the car isn't available here, anyway, it's not a big problem right now.

Gallery: 2009 Honda FCX Clarity First drive


[Source: Autoplus]

Honda FCX clarity arrives in Europe, but only for the media originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoplusclarityeurope hondaeuropean hondaeuropean honda fcxEuropeanHondaEuropeanHondaFcxEuropeHondafcxhonda clarityhonda fcxhonda fcx clarityHondaClarityHondaFcxHondaFcxClarityThu, 15 Oct 2009 11:02:00 EST