Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Citroën updates C5 with a small turbo and an all-new diesel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/http://green.autoblog.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[SAM begins rebirth as Re-Volt in Poland]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/sam-begins-rebirth-as-re-volt-in-poland/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/sam-begins-rebirth-as-re-volt-in-poland/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/sam-begins-rebirth-as-re-volt-in-poland/#commentsFiled under: ,

SAM Re-Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you harbor a fondness for bizarre-looking three-wheeled electric vehicles and are looking for a good excuse to visit Poland, this may be your lucky day. The re-engineered SAM is now for sale in that Central European Republic and has been dubbed the Re-Volt. Those familiar with the project might remember it was expected to be available through the SAM website a couple months back but, for whatever reason, that site is not yet live.

The price to start turning heads (and possibly create panic) on the streets of Warsaw is now set at 60,200 Polish zlotych ($20,780, about 14,000 Euros). That figure includes, among other things, the 7 kWh Kokam lithium ion battery as well as an on-board charger, electric locks and heat. For a reasonable number of extra zlotychs you can upgrade the audio system to a Blaupunkt, get heated seats, a reverse camera with LCD display and alloy wheels. If you want to try before you buy, you can sign up on their website for up to 2 hours of wheel time. If you do go for a test drive, you can expect to get about 60 miles (100 km) of range and a top speed of 55 mph (90 km/h). The Re-Volt also features a two-stage brake regeneration system that kicks in lightly when the foot is removed from the accelerator and more forcefully when the brake pedal is depressed. If you can't make it to Poland in the near future, you can at least content yourself with an ample gallery of pics below. Enjoy!


Gallery: SAM Re-Volt


[Source: Re-Volt]

SAM begins rebirth as Re-Volt in Poland originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric city carElectricCityCarIATImpact Automotive TechnologiesImpactAutomotiveTechnologiesKokamPolandRe-VoltSAMthree-wheelerWed, 04 Nov 2009 18:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially, Official: Fisker chooses Emil Frey Group for European distribution]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/officially-official-fisker-chooses-emil-frey-group-for-europea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/officially-official-fisker-chooses-emil-frey-group-for-europea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/officially-official-fisker-chooses-emil-frey-group-for-europea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Speculation that Fisker's new big dealership partner in Europe would be the Emil Frey Group has turned out to be correct. The start-up automaker announced today that Emil Frey will be its largest partner to import, market and service the company's plug-in hybrid cars in Europe, starting with the Karma. Emil Frey's operations span six countries - Switzerland, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland - and over 100 stores offering a variety of brands. Fisker already has distribution deals in place with the Nellemann Group in Copenhagen, Denmark and GP Supercars in Merano, Italy.


Gallery: Fisker Karma

fisker_karma006bfisker_karma016image003-fkfisker_karma_1747refisker_karma_1798re-3

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Officially, Official: Fisker chooses Emil Frey Group for European distribution

Officially, Official: Fisker chooses Emil Frey Group for European distribution originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfiskerFisker Automotivefisker europeFisker Karmafisker karma hybridFiskerAutomotiveFiskerEuropeFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaHybridWed, 04 Nov 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker picks large distributor for European Karma sales, nearing UAW deal]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/fisker-picks-large-distributor-for-european-karma-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/fisker-picks-large-distributor-for-european-karma-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/fisker-picks-large-distributor-for-european-karma-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery

Further cementing its worldwide distribution plans, Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker said today that his company has selected "a large distributor" for European sales of its Karma plug-in hybrid and is also investigating a similar deal with "several importers" in China. The unnamed dealer has over 100 dealerships in Europe, Fisker told Reuters, adding that the distributor would be named soon, possibly tomorrow at the Zurich Auto Show. For more on Fisker's dealership strategy, especially in comparison to Tesla's, read this.

Fisker's future plans include making the $87,000 Karma in Finland and selling about 15,000 a year, half in the U.S. and half in other markets. The first Karmas should be delivered by mid-2010. The company recently purchased an unused GM plant in Delaware to build their next model, a $39,000 PHEV. The company also announced that a deal with the UAW regarding that plant should be in place before the end of the year. Thanks to Roy B. for the tip!

Gallery: Fisker Karma

fisker_karma006bfisker_karma016image003-fkfisker_karma_1747refisker_karma_1798re-3

[Source: Reuters]

Fisker picks large distributor for European Karma sales, nearing UAW deal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefiskerFisker Automotivefisker europeFisker Karmafisker karma hybridFiskerAutomotiveFiskerEuropeFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaHybridTue, 03 Nov 2009 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Spanish Basque Country gets EV recharging network alongside some gas pumps]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/spanish-basque-country-gets-ev-recharging-network-alongside-some/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/spanish-basque-country-gets-ev-recharging-network-alongside-some/http://green.autoblog.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://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/tesla-taxi-would-be-fun-to-ride-in-but-its-just-for-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/tesla-taxi-would-be-fun-to-ride-in-but-its-just-for-show/http://green.autoblog.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[Zero MX bests Quantya, takes 3rd in class in French regional races]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/zero-mx-bests-quantya-everything-else-in-france/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/zero-mx-bests-quantya-everything-else-in-france/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/zero-mx-bests-quantya-everything-else-in-france/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Despite a supplier problem delaying the deliveries of its Zero S and a recent recall of its Zero X and MX, Zero Motorcycles has managed to make good in one of the arenas that counts for a lot with vehicle manufacturers: the race track. The French Motorcycle Federation (FFM) just held its annual motocross event at Gironville, France, and for the first time included rankings for electric machines. It had looked like only riders astride Quantya bikes would be racing but two weeks before flags were dropped, Zero Motorcycles' European importer caught wind of the competition and managed to put together a team featuring Thomas Aubrey aboard a Zero MX. You may recall that the first meet up between the two brands didn't go so well for the Santa Cruz company. This rematch would certainly even the score.

The electrics ran amongst a field of about 40 bikes, mostly 250 and 450cc's, in two qualifiers and two races with the MX easily ranking ahead of the Quantya Tracks in the electric category with Julien Bréant and Adrien Goguet taking 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the first heat, none of the battery-powered machines finished due to a very short period between warm-up and the start that left little time to charge up their packs.

As the day wore on though, results steadily improved and the electrics were moved up to class "D" from "E". In the second heat Aubrey finished in top half of the field in 13th place, but as his position vis-a-vis his electric competitors became more clear, he seemed to become more relaxed and really hit his stride. The first of the final races saw him take 5th place and starting to get the attention of the thousand or so spectators. When the team had arrived, the electric "novelty" was on the receiving end of friendly jokes but as it moved up in the standings, the kidding was put aside.

The last race was the clincher. Thomas got a great start, moving from 13th position to 5th by the first turn on the "Prairie" style course. Moments later, there were only two raucous gassers ahead and when the checkered flag finally dropped, it was Aubrey on the Zero MX that felt the flush of victory. The result brought his ranking for the day up to 3rd in D class but more than that, it opened a lot of eyes to what may lie ahead. Next year's motocross racing could become very interesting as other makers, such as KTM, start to field electric entries of their own. We're looking forward to it.

[Source: Motorbiker.org / FFM via Plugbike]

Zero MX bests Quantya, takes 3rd in class in French regional races originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fédération Française de MotocyclismeFédérationFrançaiseDeMotocyclismeFrench Motorcycle Federation FFMFrenchMotorcycleFederationFfmGironvilleThomas AubreyThomasAubreyZero MotorcyclesZero MXZeroMotorcyclesZeroMxFri, 23 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris business district will test self-driving NEVs in busy square]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/paris-business-district-will-test-self-driving-nevs-in-busy-squa/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/paris-business-district-will-test-self-driving-nevs-in-busy-squa/http://green.autoblog.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[REPORT: Honda considering electric car launch in major markets, CEO says]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/report-honda-considering-electric-car-launch-in-major-markets/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/report-honda-considering-electric-car-launch-in-major-markets/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/report-honda-considering-electric-car-launch-in-major-markets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Honda EV-N Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hybrids and fuel cells. That's where Honda seems to have put the vast majority of its engineering resources over the last decade or so, first with the two-seat Insight - the first hybrid sold here in the States, beating the much more successful Toyota Prius to market by a few months - and later the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle. According to company CEO Takanobu Ito, though, a new wind may be blowing into a town near you, and it's electric.

While the Japanese automaker sees hydrogen as the real solution to our dependence on petroleum, the fact that it's taking so long for a real hydrogen infrastructure to be built up around the world means that Honda is considering launching a fully electric automobile in major markets in Europe, Japan and the United States. Whether or not it will look anything like the EV-N concept from the Tokyo Motor Show remains to be seen... but we're hoping.



[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Honda considering electric car launch in major markets, CEO says originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric carselectric hondaElectricCarElectricCarsElectricHondahondahonda evHonda EV-NHondaEvHondaEv-nTue, 20 Oct 2009 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Tiny island of Tershcelling gets fully electric ambulance from Th!nk]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/tiny-island-of-tershcelling-gets-fully-electric-ambulance-from-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/tiny-island-of-tershcelling-gets-fully-electric-ambulance-from-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/tiny-island-of-tershcelling-gets-fully-electric-ambulance-from-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,



With the current limitations (no pun intended) of battery-electric vehicles like the Th!nk City, one of the last places we'd expect to see one operating is as an ambulance. After all, when life is on the line, top speed and range suddenly become of paramount concern. On the other hand, our health is affected by the emissions of cars and trucks, so any way to reduce fuel consumption and pollution is a positive thing.

In the case of the Dutch Island of Terschelling, the Th!nk City should prove plenty capable of ambulance duty since there's only 4,700 residents on the entire island. With just 12 miles of paved roads on the island, the Th!nk City's 112-mile range shouldn't pose too much of a problem, and its top speed of about 65 miles per hour is likely sufficient.

[Source: Th!nk]

Continue reading Tiny island of Tershcelling gets fully electric ambulance from Th!nk

Tiny island of Tershcelling gets fully electric ambulance from Th!nk originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulanceelectric ambulanceElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric-carElectricAmbulanceElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleterschellingterschelling ambulanceterschelling islandTerschellingAmbulanceTerschellingIslandthinkthink ambulancethink cityThinkAmbulanceThinkCitythnkthnk cityThnkCitySun, 18 Oct 2009 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Opel planning a new minicar for Europe, looking for development partner]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/opel-planning-a-new-minicar-for-europe-looking-for-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/opel-planning-a-new-minicar-for-europe-looking-for-development/http://green.autoblog.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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carCityCarmagna opelMagnaOpelminicaropelopel mini caropel minicarOpelMiniCarsuperminiFri, 16 Oct 2009 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Skoda considering electric car based on VW Up!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/report-skoda-considering-electric-car-based-on-vw-up/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/report-skoda-considering-electric-car-based-on-vw-up/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/report-skoda-considering-electric-car-based-on-vw-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen E-Up! Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen Czech-based subsidiary Škoda is reportedly considering adding an electric vehicle to its range of automobiles. As you would expect, Skoda's electric car would be based on the upcoming Volkswagen Up!, which is itself slated to get an electric drivetrain by 2013 that promises to offer a range of 80 miles per charge of its lithium ion battery pack.

Volkswagen's so-called "Beetle of the 21st Century" is expected to launch sometime next year, but any Škoda-badged versions of the tiny car would reportedly be put on hold for at least two years after VW or Audi models had debuted. That would mean an electric Up! from Škoda wouldn't hit the market until 2015 or so, which is still quite a ways off.

In any case, we won't be getting any Škodas here in the United States, though VW is rumored to be working on a slightly larger version of the E-Up! for the American market.



[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Skoda considering electric car based on VW Up! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-upelectric skodaElectricSkodaskodaskoda e-upskoda upSkodaE-upSkodaUpvolkswagenvolkswagen e-upvolkswagen upVolkswagenE-upVolkswagenUpFri, 16 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Peugeot BB1 spotted in its natural habitat...France [w/VIDEO]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/peugeot-bb1-spotted-in-its-natural-habitat-france-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/peugeot-bb1-spotted-in-its-natural-habitat-france-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/peugeot-bb1-spotted-in-its-natural-habitat-france-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Peugeot BB1 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

After enduring some amount of scorn and ridicule at the recently held Frankfurt Motor Show, the bizarre (and we're being kind) BB1 concept from Peugeot hasn't quietly disappeared graciously from the scene never to be heard from again. Indeed, the geometrically-challenged electric has instead sought out the company of those who might actually enjoy its Pushmi-pullyu-ness and who may invite it to pull up a chair and have a baguette or something. Yes, we're talking France. (Relaxe, c'est une blague. J'aime beaucoup les Français. Vraiment!) The St-Honoré market in Paris to be exact.

We understand it may be hard to believe the 2.5 meter (8.2 foot) long city car would dare show its fascia in public again after the critical drubbing its quizzical styling received, but you don't have to take our word for it. The apparently emotionally-resilient auto was captured ferrying several fiscally-compensated actors about the City of Light in a reality-augmented video that we believe is meant to demonstrate the functionality of its trick interior as well as its, um, one-of-a-kind exterior. Does this mean it will someday go into production? We're willing to bet big bucks on "no." Hit the jump for all the BB1 action your stomach can handle.



[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Peugeot BB1 spotted in its natural habitat...France [w/VIDEO]

Peugeot BB1 spotted in its natural habitat...France [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbbb1bb1 conceptbb1 peugeotBb1ConceptBb1Peugeotbizarre carBizarreCarelectric carelectric city carElectricCarElectricCityCarFranceParispeugeotPeugeot BB1Peugeot BB1 conceptPeugeotBb1PeugeotBb1ConceptThu, 15 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Bientôt Electrique Association offers plug-in kit for the Prius]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/bientot-electrique-association-offers-plug-in-kit-for-the-prius/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/bientot-electrique-association-offers-plug-in-kit-for-the-prius/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/bientot-electrique-association-offers-plug-in-kit-for-the-prius/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/honda-fcx-clarity-arrives-in-europe-but-only-for-the-media/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/honda-fcx-clarity-arrives-in-europe-but-only-for-the-media/http://green.autoblog.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<![CDATA[Spaniards love the Piaggio MP3 hybrid scooter]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/spaniards-love-the-piaggio-mp3-hybrid-scooter/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/spaniards-love-the-piaggio-mp3-hybrid-scooter/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/spaniards-love-the-piaggio-mp3-hybrid-scooter/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Plug-in Hybrid Piaggio MP3 scooter - Click above for high-res image gallery

Spanish newspaper El Mundo has tested the Piaggio MP3 hybrid scooter and came away impressed with the results. The MP3 mates a 15 hp 125cc gas-powered engine with an 3.5 hp electric motor and lithium ion battery pack that allows for all EV-riding up to 20 km (12 miles). The MP3 plug-in hybrid recharges completely in 3 hours, and gets to 85 percent full in just two. With batteries charged and a full tank of liquid fuel, the MP3 hybrid has a range of 500 km (300 miles). Fuel consumption is a high 1.7 l/100 km (140 mpg) while CO2 emissions are way down low at 40 g/km. The company's original 125cc model emits a comparatively high 90 g/km. What's higher? The price. Even with tax exemptions, prices in Spain start at €9,300, just over double the €4,600 cost of the regular model.


Gallery: Piaggio MP3 hybrid scooter


[Source: El Mundo]

Spaniards love the Piaggio MP3 hybrid scooter originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybrid scooterHybridScootermp3mp3 plug inmp3 spainMp3PlugInMp3Spainpiaggiopiaggio mp3piaggio mp3 hybridPiaggioMp3PiaggioMp3Hybridplug in mp3plug in scooterPlugInMp3PlugInScooterWed, 14 Oct 2009 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen MK VI Golf BlueMotion now on sale, 99 g/km of CO<sub>2</sub>]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/volkswagen-mk-vi-golf-bluemotion-now-on-sale-99-g-km-of-co/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/volkswagen-mk-vi-golf-bluemotion-now-on-sale-99-g-km-of-co/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/volkswagen-mk-vi-golf-bluemotion-now-on-sale-99-g-km-of-co/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 VW Golf BlueMotion - click above for high-res image gallery

After announcing the BlueMotion version of the new MK VI Golf last month, Volkswagen has now put the new high efficiency model on sale. BlueMotion is VW's branding for its ultra-low CO2 editions of the various cars in its lineup. In the case of the new Golf, that means it dips into the double digits on the EU driving cycle with a rating of just 99 g/km. On the same cycle, the new Golf covers 61.9 mpg (U.S.) of ultra low sulfur diesel.

The BlueMotion Golf achieves these lofty numbers by starting with propulsion from the new 1.6-liter common rail four cylinder TDI. The 104 hp diesel gets lots of help from a wide ratio five-speed manual gearbox, automatic start-stop and brake energy regeneration. The latter two essentially provide the same functionality as the now-discontinued mild hybrid system from General Motors. The body has also been lowered on the low rolling resistance tires which are mounted on lighter, low drag rims to reduce the aerodynamic resistance. Unfortunately, only European buyers can get the Golf BlueMotion.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen BlueMotion Polo, Passat, Golf


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen MK VI Golf BlueMotion now on sale, 99 g/km of CO2

Volkswagen MK VI Golf BlueMotion now on sale, 99 g/km of CO2 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>volkswagenvolkswagen golf blue...volkswagen golf bluemotionVolkswagenGolfVolkswagenGolfBlue...VolkswagenGolfBluemotionWed, 14 Oct 2009 16:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Electric Bicycle World Tour to last three years, well under way]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/electric-bicycle-world-tour-to-last-three-years-well-under-way/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/electric-bicycle-world-tour-to-last-three-years-well-under-way/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/electric-bicycle-world-tour-to-last-three-years-well-under-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



While some think driving around the world in 80 days is a good way to promote the environmentally-friendly possibilities of electric transport, others prefer to take the slow road. In this case, three years worth of slow road. This past May, Guin Valls set out from Beijing, China on a journey powered by sunshine and sweat that won't end until he arrives in London during the Olympic Games in 2012. Aboard a specially-built electric bicycle laden with gear and pulling a small trailer, the Spaniard is using his life-long love of travel to "demonstrate and promote the use of alternative transport options that have less negative impact on our planet."

As the "Electric Bicycle World Tour" travels through more than 40 countries on 5 continents, Guin is talking to people about their lives and environmental concerns, taking pictures and video as well as recording sounds. The multimedia experience is being uploaded to his burgeoning website and you can follow along as he meets and (hopefully) surmounts the challenges that present themselves. Although he is traveling solo, there are a number of people behind the scenes helping him out and, if you'd like, you can too. He is seeking supporters who can help with everything from translations to donations. Hit the jump for a bit of video explaining his trip as well as some bonus footage of bicycling in Beijing.

[Source: Electric Bicycle World Tour]

Continue reading Electric Bicycle World Tour to last three years, well under way

Electric Bicycle World Tour to last three years, well under way originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>around the world in 3 yearsAroundTheWorldIn3Yearselectric bicycleElectric Bicycle World TourElectricBicycleElectricBicycleWorldTourenvironmental awarenessEnvironmentalAwarenessGuin VallsGuinVallsWed, 14 Oct 2009 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Emission Race plans to go around the world in 80 days]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/zero-emission-race-plans-to-go-around-the-world-in-80-days/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/zero-emission-race-plans-to-go-around-the-world-in-80-days/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/zero-emission-race-plans-to-go-around-the-world-in-80-days/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It's been less than a year since Louis Palmer ended his 17-month circumnavigation of the planet in his solar-powered "taxi" and it seems the experience has inspired him to organize something bigger and better. The Swiss teacher is putting together a zero emissions race around the world that will, not unlike the fictional Phileas Fogg, attempt to make the trip in eighty days. While that is 470 days faster than Palmer's original journey, the competitive version will be taking a more direct 30,000 kilometer (18,641 mile) route.

So far eight teams have signed on and the campaign should boast vehicles as diverse as the ErockIT, the Tesla Roadster and the Loremo. According to the website of the participating Racing Green Endurance team, the entire extravaganza will be filmed and made into a documentary. The race will start from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in June 2010 and, as well as vying for quickest finish time, competitors will be judged on various criteria including reliability, safety and affordability. Applications are still being accepted so if you have an appropriate vehicle and can feed your local grid with the renewable energy necessary to offset that used by your entry, why not give it a shot? Not only is it a great opportunity to demonstrate to the world what is low-pollution possible, for some it could provide a planet-sized promotional platform for their green transportation product. Check out the vehicle eligibility requirements and let us know in the comments who you think should sign up. Thanks to Matthijs for the tip!


[Source: The Zero Emissions Race]

Zero Emission Race plans to go around the world in 80 days originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>around the world in 80 daysAroundTheWorldIn80Dayselectric vehicle racingElectricVehicleRacingLouis PalmerLouisPalmerThe Zero Emission RaceTheZeroEmissionRaceMon, 12 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Medic! Spanish bifuel ambulances curb emissions, disappoint drivers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/medic-spanish-bifuel-ambulances-curb-emissions-disappoint-driv/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/medic-spanish-bifuel-ambulances-curb-emissions-disappoint-driv/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/medic-spanish-bifuel-ambulances-curb-emissions-disappoint-driv/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A Spanish ambulance company in the city of Zaragoza, Ambuibérica, is trying out bifuel vehicles to transport patients. The 10 Mercedes-sourced vehicles use bifuel powertrains that can burn both natural gas and gasoline. Turns out, the drivers aren't too happy with these models: they criticize the van's short, 250-km range (about 140 miles), lack of natural gas availability in town and lower speed compared to the diesel counterparts. While the city of Zaragoza itself has some natural gas fueling stations, the rest of the Aragon region doesn't have any, so the company isn't exactly eager to expand the bifuel experience to rural parts of Aragon. The picture above shows a diesel ambulance in the city of Tarragona.

[Source: El Periódico de Aragón]

Medic! Spanish bifuel ambulances curb emissions, disappoint drivers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulancearagonbifuelemergency vehicleEmergencyVehiclespainzaragozaSat, 10 Oct 2009 12:03:00 EST