Articles about Hybrid

Jim Lentz, President of Toyota’s U.S. sales operations, has officially declared the Tundra Hybrid dead. While we had determined that the Tundra Hybrid was due out in 2009 as a 2010 model, Lentz stated that “different models require different types of fuel saving technology…there may be a few [models] where hybrid technology doesn’t make sense“. Lentz then went on to say that diesel engine offerings in the larger vehicles (Tundra and Sequoia) will be both clean and very efficient. So Toyota’s stated goal of offering a hybrid version of each of their vehicles by 2012 is officially off the table. Some environmental groups are dismayed that Toyota has backed off their plan - Toyota has long been a leader in the field of hybrid drive trains and environmentally friendly vehicles. As far as we’re concerned, it’s very disappointing to learn that Toyota will simply follow other automakers with their plans to develop light diesel truck engines ins

The first automobile was built in 1932 and was fast and durable (Vettraino, 2007). The Model T was the first commercially built car that had wide appeal for Americans. The car was so versatile that people used it for commercial purposes, for personal use and even modified these cars for their farm power. The automobile industry was launched with Henry Ford’s manufacturing processes. Around 1946 Ford adopted the scientific methodical control processes that helped to speed up production, increase efficiency and reduce mistakes (Hindo & Herbst, 2006). Through this method Ford was a major contributor to World War Two’s success. They were able to crank out military machinery in both an efficient and cost effective method that was almost unseen by any of the European counterparts. Ford’s track record remained strong until the Pinto came production and it was viewed by the public as though Ford made a conscious choice of profits over safety (Bonamici, 2005). At this time Ford held the b

BYD is a Chinese automaker. Here in Detroit, they are displaying the slogan “building your dreams” as opposed to “bring your own drivetrain”. I suppose it probably stands for something else in Chinese. Anyway I stopped by the booth and spoke to their export manager Mr. Paul Lin. Paul explained that the car uses a lithium iron phosphate battery (hence why the call it an ‘iron’ battery). This is similar to A123’s technology but Paul advises is different. He was quick to point out that BYD is also a battery-making company, largest in the world. They also make electronic controls, so all things can be done in house. The F6DM cut-out shown above has a 20 kWh lithium-ion pack capable of 60 miles of range and 120 kW of peak power. After 60 miles the car goes into an HEV mode, where the gas engine acts in parallel with the electric motor, as opposed to only recharging the battery as is the plan for the Volt. Paul notes that there are already work

GM has announced it is making progress on the Saturn VUE plug-in 2-mode hybrid, and that they expect production in calenday year 2010. The vehicle is expected to have 10 mile all-electric driving range and will use a lithium-ion battery pack. I had a chance to speak with Bob Reuter who is the chief engineer. Bob advised that packs from several companies were being evaluated for the vehicle but in the end only one will be chosen for production. He also mentioned that early test mules are indeed already in operation. The plug-in VUE will have a 2-mode hybrid drivetrain, and can function in charge sustaining as well as charge depleting modes. After the 1st 10 miles of charge is depleted, the battery can be restored by regeneration to be able to run the car again if possible in charge depleting mode. Read full release below. (more…)

GM has decided to release some details about a car they are showing at the Detroit Auto Show starting next weekend when press days begin (I will be there folks). It is their new 2-Mode Hybrid Saturn VUE. GM has previously built 2-mode hybrid Tahoes and Yukons, which are just becoming available at dealerships. They also announced production of a 2-mode hybrid Escalade. Now they are introducing a smaller vehicle which will use the advanced 2-mode hybrid powertrain. This technology uses 2 electric motors; one for low-speed driving, and the other for high speed driving. This is different than the current crop of hybrids (like the Prius) which have only one motor for low-speed. As a result, 2-mode’s get better mileage than standard versions both in city and highway driving. So, for the new 2-mode hybrid VUE, GM reports that we can expect a 50% increase in mpg compared to the current non-hybrid version, and will likely get about 29 miles per gallon combined, or about 35 mpg on th

The Internal Revenue Service has certified the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as being eligible for the clean-burning fuel deduction. This certification means that taxpayers who purchase one of these hybrid vehicles new during calendar year 2005 may claim a tax deduction of up to $2000 on Form 1040.Under Working Families Relief Act of 2004, which was signed into law in October of 2004, the

If you are environmentally conscious and purchase a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid vehicle that combines a gasoline-powered engine with alternative power methods, you are in line for a nice tax deduction.Ostensibly, the government uses clean power tax deductions as a method to promote the use of vehicles that are less harmful to the environment. The clean-fuel tax deduction is based on the incremental

A sandbox port of the Tumble-Hybrid theme. Demo Download

Starbucks Pacific Century Place, Beijing Digesting raw fish 1254 hrs. Here in the Hutong we are looking for ways to lower our carbon footprint while enjoying the conveniences of modern life. Tired of driving a car that is getting too small for the family, not wanting to own two cars, wanting a tough vehicle, and at the same [...]

New design language for future hybrid models Four-door, four-seat open-space concept Interactive interior design A step closer to zero emissions Toyota presents a world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show with the reveal of Hybrid X, a concept car that proposes a new design language for hybrid models, while also acting as an innovative technology showcase for future generation hybrid cars. Hybrid X is a vision for future environmentally friendly motoring. It fits clearly within Toyota's environmental strategy of offering sustainable mobility for modern families. Hybrid X further extends the use of Hybrid Synergy Drive® which is becoming an enabler for vehicle concept innovation and allowing Toyota to push forward to new frontiers. Hybrid X is designed as a four-door, four-seat open-space concept. It has the dimensions of a conventional family car with an overall length of 4,500mm and wheelbase of 2,800mm. The width is 1,850mm and height 1,440mm. Hybrid X has been created and developed

What are "hybrid" log and timber homes and how do you get from dreams to a great home?Across the country, people have fallen in love with the visual characteristics of log and timber homes. However, in the 21st century, their idea of housing utopia doesn't necessarily require that all "hidden" elements be true to the craft of log or timber construction. As a result, the hybrid home, which incorporates the wisdom

GM has done it again. They have moved their groundbreaking 2-mode hybrid drivetrain into another very large vehicle, the luxury Cadillac Escalade. Using this drivetrain, the vehicles will get a 50% increase in city fuel economy. These new Cadillac models will premiere this Friday, November 9 at the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami. They will also appear at next week’s Los Angeles International Auto Show. The full press release is below: ESCALADE HYBRID: CADILLAC PREMIERES THE FIRST HYBRID IN A LARGE LUXURY SUV MIAMI – Cadillac announced the world premiere of the Escalade Hybrid, the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by an innovative, fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid will deliver more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving – all while delivering the same distinctive style, segment-leading features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon. “Escalade, already

Mercedes-Benz presentó su nueva Serie Clase C el modelo 'C300 BLUETECH HYBRID' durante Tokyo Motor Show 2007. Más imágenes aquí.Información extraída de: AVING USA

Hasselblad, a manufacturer of high-end medium-format cameras, is dropping its H2 product line, a move that spotlights the company's transition from film camera roots to its digital future.The H2 can record images on either film or a digital sensor, but there wasn't sufficient demand for the product, so the company is devoting more resources to its more popular digital-only H3D family, Hasselblad Chief Executive Christian Poulsen said in an announcement to customers Monday. Stephen Shanklandmore : news

Toyota continues to expose its weaknesses whenever their hybrid program is compared to GM’s E-Flex effort. In today’s report by Joe White in the Wall Street Journal, Toyota was portrayed as taking a more “cautious” approach into hybrid development than GM. They continue to describe lithium-ion batteries as still not being ready for them. Toyota hybrid project manager Yoshitaka Asakura went so far as to say that consumers might not be ready to accept plugging in their cars, and even admitted his own wife wouldn’t do so. He also expressed skepticism that the Volt could drive electric only for 40 miles noting that the batteries would have to “fill up the trunk” to do so. (true, if they were NiMh). This guy may not be a top Toyota exec, but he sure can put his foot in his mouth with the best of them. His wife might not be ready to plug-in, but are you? Source (WSJ)

A video sequence in two parts from Autoline Detroit surfaced on YouTube. It was recorded at the time of the Traverse City, MI CAR meeting when GM annouced the A123 contract. Lutz discusses the Chevy Volt, and among other things makes it clear he does not see the car as a plug-in hybrid, but as a range-extended electric vehicle. He indicates that a hybrid is by it’s nature parallel in design. Each segment is about 5 minutes and not-so-great in quality. Part I: (Either JavaScript is not active or you are using an old version of Adobe Flash Player. Please install the newest Flash Player.) Part II: (Either JavaScript is not active or you are using an old version of Adobe Flash Player. Please install the newest Flash Player.) Thanks to Rashid for the tip.

On it’s road to the Volt, GM has been laying out a series of progressively greener cars along the way. Today, they announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rated the 2008 Saturn VUE Green line as getting 32 mpg highway and 25 mpg city, a 27% improvement over the non-hybrid model. This is the highest current highway mpg rating for any SUV. GM also reports the rating system being used for 2008 is more accurate and real-world than prior testing models This vehicle uses the mild hybrid belt-alternator system. It is also priced at $24,170 which is less than the Ford Escape hybrid which gets 34/30 mpg, beating the VUE in city driving. Next up on the VUE production schedule will be a 2-mode hybrid system, for 2008, expected to get a 45% mpg improvement, and then in 2009, the world’s first mass-produced plug-in, the plug-in VUE. source (GM)

The Aptera has a 2 plus 1 seating configuration. The two front seats are arranged as standard side by side seating. There is also a center infant seat behind the driver and passenger. The side doors open to the front and upward completely inside the front wheel track so you never have to worry about hitting the vehicle parked next to you or damaging your door while exiting your Aptera in a tight garage. There is enough storage in the rear for 15 bags of groceries, or 2 full size golf club bags. And the Aptera is even big enough for a couple of seven foot surf boards and any associated beach accessories.Here is what's available in every Aptera:- Driver and passenger side Airbags- Energy absorbing and impact deflecting passenger Safety Cell- Advanced drive computer with GPS navigation, CD/MP3/DVD player, XM satellite radio, Large View Rear Camera, and complete vehicle diagnostic system- "Eyes Forward" vision system with 180 degree rear sight picture displayed in the driver's field of v

Hybrid Tea Rose 'Milestone' Rose Festival Day Five ~ Hybrid Teas Again 2007 Digital Flower Pictures.com Festival of Roses Continues Since I have several more rose photographs to post after this one the Rose Festival will continue. I have to visit the large Rose Garden I am tending to tomorrow so it could be another photo opportunity. I have enjoyed going through the photos and getting