Honda credits EVs for its hybrids, fuel cell vehicles

When it comes to plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, Honda seems to be taking a pass. Instead, Honda is focused on cheap hybrid cars in the near term, and fuel cell vehicles, such as the Honda Clarity FCX, for the future.

Ironically, Honda is claiming that without its EV program in the nineties, today's hybrids and fuel cells wouldn't have been possible. "Although the limitations of battery performance ultimately led to the end of Honda's EV Plus marketing efforts, the advancement of key components, such as an electric motor, the battery power system, and our engineers knowledge of charging systems, continued to evolve."

Nissan Altima Hybrid getting good reviews

The Nissan Altima Hybrid, which offers the efficiency and fuel economy of a hybrid drivetrain with the performance and excitement customers have come to expect from the Altima line-up, has been named one of the "Top 10 Green Cars" by the editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. In compiling the list, the kbb.com editors considered factors such as comfort, performance, utility and technology, along with fuel economy and price. "The Nissan Altima Hybrid combines impressive fuel economy with much of the same sporty character that has helped establish the Altima's reputation as one of the most fun-to-drive mid-size sedans," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "The advanced technology isn't confined to the engine bay, either, as the Altima Hybrid offers a slew of electronic comforts and digital conveniences like push-button start, navigation with traffic info and a rearview camera."

"The Altima Sedan has been a success with consumers offering high levels of performance, quality, and fuel efficiency," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "For Altima Hybrid, we took all the best qualities from the popular Altima Sedan, added a hybrid powertrain, and not only achieved improved fuel economy but added another successful product to the Nissan line-up."

The 2009 model year Altima Hybrid goes on sale at Nissan dealers in select markets on August 1, 2008 in states that have adopted California emissions regulations: California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The Altima Hybrid, Sedan and Coupe are assembled at Nissan's manufacturing plant in Smyrna, TN. Nissan also produces the Altima Sedan at its plant in Canton, MS.

Hybrid Cars Vs Conventional Cars

Today, the question on everybody’s mind is what is the difference between a hybrid car and a conventional vehicle? There must be some reason why people are debating about whether hybrid cars are worth it and checking their wallets and savings account to see if they can afford the hybrid car. There must be some reason why other people won’t even consider putting out the money for a hybrid car because they feel their conventional car gets them to where they need to go just fine.

Hybrid cars are more expensive than conventional cars. Because hybrid cars have a complex internal design, they can have a pretty hefty price tag. On the other hand, conventional cars, which have gotten more efficient in design as the years have gone on, are quite affordable these days. Because conventional cars have been around for years you can buy a second hand or used conventional car at a good price. Some people even give these types of cars away. However, since a large percentage of the general population has never owned a hybrid, there aren’t many people selling used hybrid cars. Therefore, the average person looking to buy a hybrid would probably have to purchase a new one from a car dealer.

Both a hybrid car and a conventional car can use similar types of batteries. A hybrid and a conventional car can both use lead acid batteries that hold enough energy to power a small motor that’s electric. These batteries are what you would call "gear reduced." That means that they can turn over an engine at approximately 300 rpms. Torque is generated to turn over the engine. And the entire process is what ends up starting the engine in the first place. Even though hybrid car uses a lead-acid battery, its battery that works to recharge the car is constructed differently. This kind of battery is known as a deep cycle battery. And it can be compared to the batteries that are used to power golf carts.

While buying a hybrid car will certainly save money at the pumps if something goes wrong and needs fixed on the hybrid car you can look forward to some pricey repair receipts. The conventional car until there are more hybrids around will be cheaper to buy and fix.
But the final decision is up to you. There are pros and cons involved with both types of cars. But those who like to try out new things might just consider splurging on a hybrid car.

GM Models That Get Over 30 MPG

DETROIT – From nicely equipped entry subcompacts to award-winning midsize sedans and a capable, compact SUV, General Motors offers plenty of choices for consumers who want to wring more miles out of a gallon of gas. Seventeen 2008 GM models – more than any other automaker – achieve EPA fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon or higher. Chevrolet leads the pack with eight models – including the hot-selling Chevrolet Malibu midsize sedan, the 2008 North American Car of the Year – followed by Saturn with five and Pontiac with four. Topping the mpg performers are the recently released Chevrolet Cobalt XFE (Extended Fuel Economy) and Pontiac G5 XFE sedans, equipped with a 2.2L four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission that deliver 36 mpg and 35 mpg, respectively, on the highway. In fact, Cobalt XFE’s highway fuel economy beats a comparably equipped 2009 Toyota Corolla.

“GM has been and continues to be a leader in delivering a broad range of fuel-efficient vehicles to customers,” said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. “In addition to the 17 models for 2008 that achieve 30 mpg or better on the highway, many of our vehicles either win or are strong contenders in their segments.

“Our customers want a break from high fuel prices and so do we: That is why we are demonstrating leadership and fully leveraging our global technology resources to address pressing automotive energy needs with biofuels such as E85 ethanol, hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells.”

Here’s a brand-by-brand look at GM’s 30-mpg-plus highway performers, along with actual EPA estimated highway fuel economy:

Chevrolet: Aveo sedan, Aveo5 (both 32 with automatic transmission, 34 with manual); Cobalt coupe and sedan (30 to 33, depending on engine and transmission selection); Cobalt XFE coupe (36); Malibu 2.4L (30 with four-speed transmission; 32 with six-speed); Malibu Hybrid (32), HHR (30 with 2.2L and automatic or manual transmission) and HHR Panel (30 with 2.2L and automatic or manual transmission).

The Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Hybrid and Cobalt XFE coupe are new models for 2008. The Cobalt XFE uses revised engine calibration, low rolling-resistance tires, a new, 3.74:1 final drive ratio and other technologies to drive a 9-percent highway fuel economy improvement and outdistance comparably equipped competitors such as the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and 2009 Toyota Corolla.

Pontiac: G5 (31 to 33, depending on engine and transmission selection); G5 XFE coupe (35); G6 2.4L sedan (30); Vibe (31 with automatic transmission, 33 with manual transmission).

The G5 XFE is new for 2008; it achieves an EPA estimated 35 mpg highway using the same powertrain and tire efficiencies as the Cobalt XFE.

Saturn: Astra 5-Door XE and XR; Astra 3-Door XR (all 30 with automatic transmission, 32 with manual); Aura XE four-cylinder (30); Aura Green Line Hybrid (32); Vue Green Line Hybrid (32).

Both Astra and Vue are all-new for 2008. Edmunds.com recently named Astra its top-rated coupe under $25,000.

Honda Looking to Cut Hybrid Costs in Half

According to the latest reports from Honda VP Koichi Kondo, Honda hopes the global hybrid due out in 2009 will cut the hybrid-related systems cost in half over the Honda Civic Hybrid.

By reducing the size and weight, while simplifying the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system, Honda will be "building up a framework where hybrids can establish a healthy business."

The Integrated Motor Assist from Honda is akin to the Toyota Synergy Drive from Toyota. It's the powertrain found in their hybrid cars. If they are successful in developing an hybrid motor for half the cost in their newest model, the new system would likely find it's way back into the older model, the Civic Hybrid.

Honda has had three attempts at building hybrids. The first was the two-seater Insight, which never got out of low production numbers, despite being one of the first hybrids on the market. The Honda Accord Hybrid, which emphasized power instead of fuel economy, was popular for a short time. But as other models came on the market, and gas prices started to creep up, the Accord Hybrid fell out of the lime light. Both were retired.

Honda's newest hybrid model, the global hybrid or "Prius Killer," is supposed to slingshot Honda back into the hybrid marketplace. It's supposed to be a five door passenger car with room for five and a size in between a Fit and a Civic. It will reportedly cost under $20,000 (MSRP).

It will be very similar in appearance to a Toyota Prius according to the latest spy shots. I suppose there are only so many ways to build a car that size with a really low drag co-efficient.

diesel and water

100% water driven technology used to power vehicles is more expensive than spending usual diesel. Therefore, the method used for powering your car with water is to make your own low-cost hybrid car that will run on water gas, thereby saving you huge costs on diesel. In other words using a hydrogen powered engine where you run your car on hydrogen when you need it! This is about constructing simple devices that will enable your car to run on water as well as diesel. You need not alter your car make up or get a new car. Almost any car or truck works with this technology. This technology involves putting together home-made devices that use a little electricity out of your car’s battery to separate water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). HHO, also known as Brown’s Gas or Hydroxy, burns beautifully and provides tons of energy. The most remarkable beauty and shocking revelation is that this HHO gas is even more powerful than gasoline. In fact it is 3 times more potent than diesel. By using such cars you effectively save money that would have been spent on fuel for your car. It is estimated that this could save you as much as $897.40 per year. If there are two, three or four drivers in the family, this yearly savings increases dramatically and what if you have a fleet of 50 drivers in your company? Then your yearly savings will multiply to $44,870. If you think that this technology is about running your car on 100% water then you are wrong. There is information available about running your car on 100% water but they are complicated, expensive and completely unpredictable and maybe completely wrong. The beauty of a water powered car, apart from the fact that it helps you in saving the costs of diesel, is that you can actually get IRS refunds for doing so. By using such water powered car you are driving a “green” car and thus helping our National economy by reducing the costs that the government spends on pollution, hospitals and sick days. More of such government incentives should come as ways and means to combat pollution. This will encourage more and more people to embrace this new technology. Most importantly, this will help reduce our national debt for imported oil, not to mention the painful price of economic dependability on oil.

London Motor Show Goes Green

Europeans are far ahead of North Americans in eco-awareness, and it’s most evident at auto shows. This year’s London show, July 23 to August 3, is a perfect example; despite the UK’s traditional abundance of small supercar-makers and its luxury brands, the popular market seems now to be all about green cars—specifically those with low carbon emissions, or electric cars with no emissions at all.

Prius Taxi Tops 341,000-mi Mark Before Requiring Battery Replacement

The owner of Black And White Taxi service in Cairns, Queensland Australia reports that two of his 32 Toyota Prius taxis exceeded the 200,000 mile mark before requiring battery replacement. One of the vehicles accumulated 341,000 on its original battery pack, while the other hit the 218,000 mile mark on its original battery cells. The owner also reports that the most serious consequence of the battery failures was a low-voltage reading.

The revelation should quell concerns about the overall longevity of the Prius battery pack. The fleet owner says that the cars log about 125,000 miles per year as taxis. That represents highly abnormal use for an individual driver, but depending upon how the usage is calculated, a Prius driver could expect to get 15-20 years or more of normal use from the vehicle’s original battery pack.

Prius critics note that Toyota does not have sufficient data to suggest when the multi-thousand dollar batteries for the vehicle would need replacement, giving rise to fears of expensive non-warranty repairs after several years of use. The accelerated usage figures indicate that a single battery pack may successfully serve the vehicle throughout its entire useful life.

The endurance testing only covers mileage and doesn’t exactly duplicate other types of wear (e.g., cold weather, exposure to the elements) that the battery might experience that could diminish its performance or life expectancy. The owner of the taxi fleet has ordered eight more Priuses, to bring his total fleet to 40. Even so, Toyota maintains that the car was never designed for fleet use.