The Top 10 Green Cars of 2011

Kelley Blue Book has published a list of the top 10 green cars of 2011. They have been providing expert car reviews and advice for over 80 years.

Here is a list of the top 10 green cars of 2011 (click on the link to go to the manufacturer's site for each vehicle):

Video: 300 MPG Electric Car

This video illustrates the best (and the worst) in contemporary automotive design. As reviewed in this video, high school students developed a car that gets 307 MPG. That is over one hundred MPG better than the X-Prize automotive winner. It proves what can be accomplished with a little innovation. It also demonstrates that you do not need to be an international auto-maker or an X-Prize participant to conceive and create highly efficient automobiles.

Mercedes Getting Serious About Hybrids

Until recently, Mercedes-Benz has not been serious about manufacturing and marketing hybrid cars. In 2010 the company sold just over one thousand hybrid units, representing only 0.6% of the overall hybrid market. To put this in perspective, as of August 2009, the Toyota Prius had already sold 787,200 units.

Mercedes showcased its S-Class plug-in hybrid concept at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. They currently offer the S400 Hybrid sedan and ML450 Hybrid SUV.

Despite these meager hybrid offerings, Mercedes has very ambitious plans for greener cars in the future. Dr. Christian Mohrdieck, Daimler’s director of fuel cell and battery-drive development, told HybridCars.com that Daimler, the maker of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, is making a big investment in hybrids. “In the future, we will have hybrid models in all our car lines,” Mohrdieck said.

Mercedes is planning to make hybrids available in the E-Class, C-Class, R-Class, and M-Class vehicles. Mercedes is also planning to launch diesel-hybrids and plug-in hybrids in America.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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MINI Rocketman Concept Car

The MINI brand has attracted consumers because it is compact, stylish and fuel efficient. The latest model known as the "Rocketman" is the smallest most fuel efficient MINI ever.

The Rocketman concept is one foot shorter than the current MINI coupe line, making it a very compact 11 feet long. It's also about six feet side and four and a half feet tall.

Some of the more interesting features of this car include a glass roof that is fully illuminated and a speedometer on the dash that has a 3D display.

The most astounding feature of this car is the fact that it gets 94 MPG.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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BMW ActiveE at the Geneva Motor Show

BMW showcased the ActiveE concept back at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, BMW put the latest version of its electrified 1-Series on display. BMW has produced 1,000 of these vehicles for field tests.

Powering the BMW ActiveE are liquid-cooled SB LiMotive batteries. They generate 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The ActiveE can go from 0-60 miles (96 km) per hour in about nine seconds and the 1-Series has a range of 160 km.

The ActiveE will make its North American debut at the New York Auto Show in April. It will be available in select markets like Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, New York, Boston and parts of Connecticut, in the Fall of 2011.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Porsche's Electric e-Boxter Sports Car

Porsche is seriously exploring hybrids and fully electric cars, and at the forefront of this effort is the electric e-Boxter. Porsche has built three e-Boxsters as part of their e-mobility program. These cars are intended to provide data to Porsche's engineers.

The e-Boxsters have a range of 100-miles per charge which is the same as the Nissan Leaf. What makes the Porsche interesting is its 240 horsepower and legendary handling.

These cars are designed to help Porsche ascertain what drivers want to see and what electric car drivers need in terms of power, range, and infrastructure.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Ford Focus Electric Car

Ford is producing some leading green vehicles including the Escape Hybrid, and the Fusion Hybrid, but the flagship of Ford's green offerings is their first all electric car known as the Focus Electric. This zero emission vehicle is a fully electric version of their popular small car.

The Focus Electric is an aerodynamic vehicle with low-rolling resistance tires. It is powered by a 100 kW electric motor coupled with a 23-kWh battery. The 100-kilowatt electric motor provides 123 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It has a top speed is 84 mph (136km/h) and can be charged in just three hours from its 240-volt home-installed charging station (half the time of the Nissan Leaf). However, it can take up to 20 hours to charge using a standard 120-volt outlet.

Although the range of the vehicle remains to be seen, if the car does not provoke range anxiety, it will pose a serious challenge to the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf. The Focus Electric will be available to the public at the end of the 2011 in North America.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Lotus City Car Concept Debuts at the Paris Auto Show

The 2011 Paris Motor Show was a powerful illustration of auto industry efforts to capture the attention of those interested in low emission vehicles. A number of electric and hybrid concepts were presented including the hybrid Lotus City Car Concept.

The concept is powered by Lotus' electric motor and a 1.2 litre, 3 cylinder Lotus Range Extender engine. The system's total output is 162 kW (220 hp). In electric mode, the 240 Nm of torque are available and, at a weight of 1400 kg, the City Car accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h (31 mph) in 4.5 seconds, from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 170 km/h (105 mph). A charge sustaining top speed of 120 km/h, produces only 60 g/km of CO2 emissions.

The car's driving range is 60 kilometers (37 miles), when in EV mode, but when in hybrid mode, the range goes up to 500 kilmeters (311 miles). The gasoline engine is only used to power the electric motor and charge the batteries, and it plays no role in propulsion. The engine is also designed for flex-fuel operation, and is able to run on regular gasoline, ethanol and methanol.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Nissan's Commitment to Sustainability and the New Mobility Electric Concept Car

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is well known for greener vehicles like the Leaf, the first 100% electric, mass-marketed, zero-emission car, but it is also involved with a host of sustainable initiatives including other greener cars. One of those cars was announced on November 1, 2010, this EV concept with zero emissions is known as the New Mobility Concept.

Nissan developed this vehicle for the elderly and single households, as well as the trend of driving short-distances or in smaller groups.

The New Mobility Concept is a golf cart-like EV that is, easy, innovative, safe, and clean. These four keywords outline the New Mobility concept:

• Innovative - Two-seater compact mobility for various needs and occasions
  
• Easy - Size which enables anyone to drive and park easily
  
• Safe - Maneuverability equivalent to motorbikes with greater safety
  
• Clean - No emissions while driving

In addition to the development and production of EVs, Nissan is taking a comprehensive approach to promote sustainable mobility. This includes Nissan's engagement with more than 80 zero-emission partnerships worldwide with countries, cities, organizations and other key stakeholders. Nissan is also behind the deployment of charging infrastructure, second-life use of lithium-ion batteries in EVs and the promotion of recycling parts used in vehicle production.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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The Nissan Esflow Debuts at the Geneva International Auto Show

The mass produced all electric Leaf was a great achievement for Nissan. The company is following up with the Esflow concept car, on display at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show in March. The Esflow is an all-electric sports coupe that looks like a smaller version of the Nissan 370Z.

This EV sports car features a lightweight aluminum body and roll cage, twin rear electric motors and lithium-ion batteries slung low for better weight distribution. The Esflow is capable of zero to 60 mph acceleration times of less than 4 seconds.

The batteries should give the car a range of about 150 miles, which is much better than the Leaf's 73 miles of range.

Nissan and its partner, French carmaker Renault, are leading with their promise to put 1.5 million electric cars on the road by 2016. If the Esflow ever goes into production, it could be one of the most attractive, best forming EVs on the market.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Hyundai's Blue-Will at the Canadian International Auto Show

The Hyundai Blue-Will's Canadian debut occured at Toronto's International AutoShow at the end of February 2011. Hyundai's first plug-in hybrid vehicle comes equipped with some very futuristic driving technologies.

The Blue-Will's technological innovations include the Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode (TOLED). This ultra-thin display technology ripples receptively to the slightest human touch and provides access to a constellation of functions.

A performance monitor known as 'Eco-Coach', provides real-time feedback and encourages more environmentally friendly driving habits.

A 1.6-litre Gamma engine is paired with a 100kw electric motor, it generates 152 horsepower. The internal combustion and electric motors are used interchangeably depending on the driving situation. The car can drive between 20 and 40 miles on its lithium polymer battery alone.

To help with fuel economy, the Blue-Will features low-friction tires, a full-length undercover and low weight carbon-fiber reinforced bioplastics.

Even the little touches are green, the Blue-Will's sunroof contains invisible solar cells that charge the cabin's cooling fan.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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8 Greener Cars at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show

The 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) was held in Detroit, the former auto-making capital of the world. Detroit is trying to recapture some of its lost glory by showcasing a number of greener vehicles. The 2011 Detroit auto show ran from January 10 through January 23. In addition to hundreds of thousands of attendees, there were over 5,500 media representatives at the show. Here are some of the green highlights.

Toyota Prius: Toyota has long been a leader in hybrid cars and the company is increasing its offering of greener cars. Toyota has expanded its line of dependable, reasonably priced Prius hybrids including a plug-in version, a larger wagon and a sleek little sports car known as the Prius C concept. The Prius gets approximately 50 MPG.

Lexus CT 200h Hybrid: This car has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a powerful electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. According to Lexus, this sporty hybrid offers a dynamic driving experience and combined fuel efficiency of 42 MPG+. The car can operate on battery-only power for short periods and speeds up to 28mph.

Chevrolet Volt: The Volt was the 2010 car of the year, it can travel up to 50 miles on a single charge. It also has an efficient internal combustion engine that eliminates range anxiety.

Chevrolet Sonic subcompact: The Sonic will be available as a 2012 model in two different body configurations: a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatch. It comes with the efficient Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine rated at an estimated 138 horsepower (103 kW). The Sonic is expected to get around 40 MPG on the highway and in the low to mid 30s in the city.

Ford Focus Electric: The all-electric version of the popular Ford Focus has a 100 mile range. The plug-in electric vehicle has higher speed charging, highly customizable displays, and liquid cooled/heated batteries. This five door hatchback will be launched in 19 markets in late 2011.

VW Golf blue-e-motion: The Volkeswagen Golf blue-e-motion promises a range of 93 miles; the car can get from 0 to 62 mph in 11.8 seconds. The car will be available to the public in 2013.

Mercedes A-Class E-CELL: The five-seater with battery-powered electric drive meets all the requirements for a family car. Mercedes claims it is "an outstandingly assured and dynamic performer on the road, taking just 5.5 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 km/h." This car has an impressive 125 mile range from one charge and is available now in limited numbers.

Mercedes SLS AMG E-CELL: This new supercar features four electric motors, and offers an extraordinary 526 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque. It is capable of reaching zero to 62 mph in just four seconds flat. This car employs four regenerative braking options and will be available in 2013.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Video: Top 5 Green Cars of NAIAS 2011

Here are some of the best eco-friendly cars from the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). From practical subcompacts to extraordinary performance luxury cars, here is a visual review of some of the best green cars on display at the 2011Detroit auto show.

Video: Toyota Prius C Concept

One of the most interesting green cars showcased at the 2011 North American International Auto Show (N.A.I.A.S) in Detroit was the Toyota Prius C concept. The Prius was first introduced in 1997 and as of 2011 it has become a brand that will include the C concept, a plug in electric hybrid and a larger family car.

Toyota is Planning to Retain its Lead Over its Rivals with a New Fleet of Electric Vehicles

Toyota Motor Corp. has been a leader in hybrid cars ever since the first Prius rolled off assembly lines in 1997. Worldwide Toyota has sold more than 3 million hybrid cars, but competition is growing from cars like Nissan's all-electric Leaf, GM's Volt, Mitsubishi's i-MiEV, Subaru's Plug-in Stella, and Ford's electric Focus. In total there are 13 different car brands now offering 30 different hybrid models.

Despite all the new entrants in the hybrid market Toyota still sells about half of all hybrid vehicles on the road. According to a Consumer Reports survey, Toyota also holds a big lead as the most environmental car maker.

To help retain that lead, Toyota's President Akio Toyoda unveiled the company's strategy on March 9, 2011. Toyoda reaffirmed the traditional objectives of the company founded by his grandfather to develop safe, reliable cars and clean technologies. Toyoda's objectives also include increased sales in the smaller margin but fast-growing emerging markets.

An important part of Toyota's strategy include the launch of 10 new environmentally friendly hybrids by 2015 including new Prius hybrids like a plug-in version, a larger wagon and a sleek little sports car known as the Prius C concept, all of which were unveiled at the Detroit auto show on March 8, 2011.

By the end of 2012, Toyota plans to introduce six new hybrid models, two of which will be in the Lexus luxury brand, and four as Toyota models.The two new Lexus hybrids will join four Lexus hybrids already on the market. The four Toyota hybrid models are the Sienna, Yaris, Corolla and Rav4. The Rav4 will also be available as an all-electric vehicle, it will be designed and built in partnership with California-based Tesla Motors. The electric version of the Rav4 will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, 2011.

Toyota's new generation of vehicles are intended to retain the company's global leadership in greener cars.

Click here for more information on Toyota's Hybrid Vehicles.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Best Green Automotive Innovations of 2010

The electric and hybrid vehicle market has seen tremendous growth in 2010. According to SBI Energy, over 30 percent of the hybrids being offered in the US have 2010 as their first model year. Here are some of the best green automotive innovations of 2010.

Roads that Charge Electric Cars

A system that charges cars as they drive, also solves the problem of range anxiety. Electric cars are much better for the environment than the combustion engine, but toxic, heavy, and expensive batteries are a major weakness.

Some innovative applications of old ideas are being reborn to power twenty first century vehicles. Streetcars used to derive their power from overhead cables, the next generation of electric vehicle may be powered by the road they drive on.

The world's first commercially available wireless induction charging system was launched in London in 2010. The company is planning to electrify parts of England’s M25 motorway by using magnetic induction. Magnetic induction is a principle that was first discovered in the 1800s. The HaloIPT system will charge electric vehicles via Inductive Power Transfer (IPT). Consumers can purchase a 2 piece system including a power source with charging pad and a pickup pad with controller switch. In this system EVs simply need to be parked or driven over a charging pad and the battery begins charging automatically.

Toyota’s Eco-plastic

Toyota’s Eco-plastic is a simple technology that eliminates the need for petroleum in the manufacturing of plastics. Toyota's eco-plastics are made from the oils derived from non-food-grade plants. When compared with a car finished with petroleum-based plastics, the eco-plastic cut CO2 emissions by 20%. The use of plant-derived plastics (without downgrading the quality and durability) has the potential to have a massive environmental impact, both in the near term and in the future. Toyota's eco-plastics can be found in Toyota Prius and Lexus HS 250h.

GM's HFC Replacement

In July, GM announced what is known as an HFO, a climate-friendly refrigerant to replace HFCs, the super greenhouse gas currently used in auto air conditioning. This technological breakthrough represents a major step forward in the war against climate change because it can replace a significant source of climate change causing emissions.

Mass Production of Greener Cars

Mass production is benefiting the growth of electric and hybrid vehicles. In 2010, GM introduced the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan has launched the Leaf. The fact that these cars are being mass produced may enable them to benefit from economies of scale which reduces the cost of production and makes them competitive with combustion engine powered cars.

New Automotive Business Models

New partnerships and new business models are making it possible for greener cars to penetrate the combustion engine dominated automotive marketplace. These new business models are powering new startups and new partnerships that are enhancing the competitive positioning of greener vehicles.


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Nissan's Greener Vehicles
Jaguar XJ: A Greener Luxury Car
E-Range: World's First Fully Electric 4x4
The FIAT 500 is Coming to America
The Winners of the UK's What Car? Green Awards 2010