The answer to this is - Hybrid Cars. The hybrid cars help to cut fuel consumption by almost 50%-60%, thereby reducing fuel emissions. Though it runs on electricity, it uses fuel alternatively. This is so because all hybrid cars derive their power from two engines: Gasoline and Electric engine. The car starts by igniting the gasoline engine and as it gathers speed, the electric engine takes over automatically. At the same time, when the car stops the gasoline engine takes over.
Types of Hybrid Technologies
Currently, there are two types of hybrid car technologies in the market. The first one is called Series. In this, the gasoline engine is first used to start up the car. After attaining a certain level of speed, the electric engine takes over automatically. Similarly, when you apply brakes to stop the car, the electric engine gradually shifts the power to the gasoline engine. The gasoline engine can also be used to charge the electric engine.
The second technology is called Parallels. Though the physical configuration of the technology is the same as the former, it is the performance that is different. Though the gasoline engine can be used to start and stop the vehicle, the electric engine is used to enhance the power of the car as and when required. The Parallels technology is used in those hybrid cars that are more used for long-distance traveling.
Hybrid cars should be advertised with a great zeal and enthusiasm in the market in order to make people realize the potential of environment friendly vehicles. Though there are many hybrid vehicles doing really well, more awareness is needed to increase the usage of hybrid vehicles and repair the damage done to the environment.
Examples of Hybrid Cars:
Nissan Pivo 2 Concept Car
Nissan introduced the Pivo concept car almost 2 years back and now it is back with the latest model of the futuristic concept car. The Pivo 2, which was unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Show, has also been exhibited at the Geneva Auto Show ’08. The striking looks of this small car combined with its really unique features makes it grab the limelight effortlessly. Check out its unique features as given below.
The Nissan Pivo 2 runs on compact Lithium-ion battery. But what steals the show is the fact that it has a rotating cabin and wheels that can rotate 360 degrees. Due to its unique rotating feature, the reverse gear is done away with. The wheels can turn sideways and then the cabin can be turned in the direction you want to go and this also allows easy parking. This car also has a voice recognizing interface, known as the Robotic Agent.
You can have basic conversations with the Robotic Agent during your drive and also ask for directions or the nearest parking space or even basic vehicle functions. This feature is available in English and Japanese languages. This will make your journeys less stressful and you will also have company during your long drives! The car is shaped like a round dome with four small wheels which makes it look like it has been made for the hi-tech future living.
Nissan introduced the Pivo concept car almost 2 years back and now it is back with the latest model of the futuristic concept car. The Pivo 2, which was unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Show, has also been exhibited at the Geneva Auto Show ’08. The striking looks of this small car combined with its really unique features makes it grab the limelight effortlessly. Check out its unique features as given below.The Nissan Pivo 2 runs on compact Lithium-ion battery. But what steals the show is the fact that it has a rotating cabin and wheels that can rotate 360 degrees. Due to its unique rotating feature, the reverse gear is done away with. The wheels can turn sideways and then the cabin can be turned in the direction you want to go and this also allows easy parking. This car also has a voice recognizing interface, known as the Robotic Agent.
You can have basic conversations with the Robotic Agent during your drive and also ask for directions or the nearest parking space or even basic vehicle functions. This feature is available in English and Japanese languages. This will make your journeys less stressful and you will also have company during your long drives! The car is shaped like a round dome with four small wheels which makes it look like it has been made for the hi-tech future living.
Toyota iQ Concept City Car
Toyota unveiled its concept car, iQ ‘the city car’ in the Geneva Auto Show of 2008. The Japan-based automobile giant had already introduced the concept car to the world in Frankfurt last year. However, the finished version of the iQ car, designed mainly for city travel purpose, made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show. As per the company officials, iQ will be offered to the consumers with a choice of one diesel and two gasoline engines.
The company officials also announced that the car will made available in Europe only and it is not meant for the United States. As per estimates, it is expected to sell somewhere around 100,000 iQs in the first full year of its production. As per the measurements of the car go, its length is 117.51 inches. As per Toyota, iQ is the smallest four seater car of the world. The best part is that it has been designed in such a way that it will easily fit in four people, three adults and one kid, within its structure.
Though the size of the sir conditioning unit of the car has been reduced, the performance is as good as that of a full sized one. Other improvements brought about in the Toyota iQ are flat under floor fuel tank, slimmed down dashboard, narrower seats and a compact differential. It is basically a small, fuel efficient that has been designed environmental considerations in mind. The car will return only 100 gm per km in carbon dioxide emissions. In short, small, but smart!
Toyota unveiled its concept car, iQ ‘the city car’ in the Geneva Auto Show of 2008. The Japan-based automobile giant had already introduced the concept car to the world in Frankfurt last year. However, the finished version of the iQ car, designed mainly for city travel purpose, made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show. As per the company officials, iQ will be offered to the consumers with a choice of one diesel and two gasoline engines.The company officials also announced that the car will made available in Europe only and it is not meant for the United States. As per estimates, it is expected to sell somewhere around 100,000 iQs in the first full year of its production. As per the measurements of the car go, its length is 117.51 inches. As per Toyota, iQ is the smallest four seater car of the world. The best part is that it has been designed in such a way that it will easily fit in four people, three adults and one kid, within its structure.
Though the size of the sir conditioning unit of the car has been reduced, the performance is as good as that of a full sized one. Other improvements brought about in the Toyota iQ are flat under floor fuel tank, slimmed down dashboard, narrower seats and a compact differential. It is basically a small, fuel efficient that has been designed environmental considerations in mind. The car will return only 100 gm per km in carbon dioxide emissions. In short, small, but smart!
Hyundai HED-5 i-Mode
Hyundai recently unveiled their CUV concept car, the HED - 5 i-mode. One look at this car and you feel like you have been transported in the hi-tech future. The futuristic look and appeal of this car may or may not attract customers, but the technical specifications should definitely do so. The emphasis has been on providing comfort to the passengers and this is what inspired them to get revolving seats in the car. The swivel concept has been engineered by the German firm, Keiper.
The front of the car has bulges and creases all over making it look macho! Hyundai has often been credited with bringing in new designs and freshness in their cars. The rear end of the car stumbles when it comes to looks and styling. However, the car is no less than a digital entertainment center and LG electronics has been roped in to provide the necessary thrills inside the car. You can easily browse the web, play video games, watch movies and also have wireless interaction while driving.
The car is expected to have a 2.2 liter diesel engine. It will produce a maximum power of 215 ps and a maximum torque of 461 Nm. This same concept is expected to be tried on some other select Hyundai car models by 2009. The car’s capacity for re-circulating the exhaust gas thus reducing NOx emissions also helps cut down on fuel consumption. This car or at least the concept is expected to be on the road by 2011.
Hyundai recently unveiled their CUV concept car, the HED - 5 i-mode. One look at this car and you feel like you have been transported in the hi-tech future. The futuristic look and appeal of this car may or may not attract customers, but the technical specifications should definitely do so. The emphasis has been on providing comfort to the passengers and this is what inspired them to get revolving seats in the car. The swivel concept has been engineered by the German firm, Keiper.The front of the car has bulges and creases all over making it look macho! Hyundai has often been credited with bringing in new designs and freshness in their cars. The rear end of the car stumbles when it comes to looks and styling. However, the car is no less than a digital entertainment center and LG electronics has been roped in to provide the necessary thrills inside the car. You can easily browse the web, play video games, watch movies and also have wireless interaction while driving.
The car is expected to have a 2.2 liter diesel engine. It will produce a maximum power of 215 ps and a maximum torque of 461 Nm. This same concept is expected to be tried on some other select Hyundai car models by 2009. The car’s capacity for re-circulating the exhaust gas thus reducing NOx emissions also helps cut down on fuel consumption. This car or at least the concept is expected to be on the road by 2011.
Saab 9-X BioHybrid
Proudly standing amongst a host of other vehicles, is the grand looking Saab 9-X BioHybrid at the Geneva Auto Show ’08. It has been built on the next generation Global Compact Car of General Motors. Though it is mostly a concept as of now, it won’t be long before you can spot one of these in the showrooms. The car definitely steals the limelight due to its futuristic design and absolutely gorgeous looks.
Just like other Saab concepts, the 9-X displays almost the same design, more so in the fenders and the nose. The roof has a downward slope as it goes towards the back of the car. The active aerodynamics helps this hatchback from the wind. If the car sprints at more than 70km/h, a spoiler wraps over the rear pillar and a diffuser extends below the back bumper to reduce drag. This sleek and stylish car has a smooth body and no visible door handles and gives a glimpse of futuristic compact cars.
The Saab 9-X comes with a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is designed to run on ethanol. It gives a power of 200 hp. The fuel efficiency of the car is enhanced by the next generation GM Hybrid system. There is a solar panel attached on the roof, which further enhances the battery charging capability. This car is all set to give a fierce competition to Mini in the premium compact segment in Europe. The heat is yet to catch up in the US.
Proudly standing amongst a host of other vehicles, is the grand looking Saab 9-X BioHybrid at the Geneva Auto Show ’08. It has been built on the next generation Global Compact Car of General Motors. Though it is mostly a concept as of now, it won’t be long before you can spot one of these in the showrooms. The car definitely steals the limelight due to its futuristic design and absolutely gorgeous looks.Just like other Saab concepts, the 9-X displays almost the same design, more so in the fenders and the nose. The roof has a downward slope as it goes towards the back of the car. The active aerodynamics helps this hatchback from the wind. If the car sprints at more than 70km/h, a spoiler wraps over the rear pillar and a diffuser extends below the back bumper to reduce drag. This sleek and stylish car has a smooth body and no visible door handles and gives a glimpse of futuristic compact cars.
The Saab 9-X comes with a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is designed to run on ethanol. It gives a power of 200 hp. The fuel efficiency of the car is enhanced by the next generation GM Hybrid system. There is a solar panel attached on the roof, which further enhances the battery charging capability. This car is all set to give a fierce competition to Mini in the premium compact segment in Europe. The heat is yet to catch up in the US.
Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid
The upcoming Geneva Auto Show promises to impress you with some of the most dazzling beauties. Amongst them will be the ‘Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid’. Earlier a speculation, the news has now been confirmed by the Germany-based automobile giant. Launched in a unique, new color - vivid blue, it is a five-seater all set to make a solid impact upon you. Golf TDI Hybrid is expected to average fuel consumption of 3.4L/100km or 69 mpg (US) in the European cycle. At the same time, it will havecarbon-dioxide emissions of just 90 g/km.
Being a full hybrid, the car will run on diesel, electricity, or a combination of the two. The diesel engine of the automobile is a 75 PS (74 HP) 3-cylinder TDI. It will also have a 27-horsepower electric motor, which will be powered by a trunk-mounted NiMH battery. Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid comprises of 7-speed DSG dual clutch transmission, rather than the usual CVTs used in hybrid cars. Regenerative braking and a stop/start system have been used in the automobile.
There is also an Energy Monitor screen on the instrument panel, which lets the driver know about the powertrain's goings-on. The other features of Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid comprise of a lowered suspension, a narrower grille opening and low-rolling-resistance tires. In short, the car promises to make use improved aerodynamics and save both fuel and environment. The best part is that it will not remain a concept car only and is expected to hit the roads by end of 2009. Let’s hope that the expectation comes true.
The upcoming Geneva Auto Show promises to impress you with some of the most dazzling beauties. Amongst them will be the ‘Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid’. Earlier a speculation, the news has now been confirmed by the Germany-based automobile giant. Launched in a unique, new color - vivid blue, it is a five-seater all set to make a solid impact upon you. Golf TDI Hybrid is expected to average fuel consumption of 3.4L/100km or 69 mpg (US) in the European cycle. At the same time, it will havecarbon-dioxide emissions of just 90 g/km.Being a full hybrid, the car will run on diesel, electricity, or a combination of the two. The diesel engine of the automobile is a 75 PS (74 HP) 3-cylinder TDI. It will also have a 27-horsepower electric motor, which will be powered by a trunk-mounted NiMH battery. Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid comprises of 7-speed DSG dual clutch transmission, rather than the usual CVTs used in hybrid cars. Regenerative braking and a stop/start system have been used in the automobile.
There is also an Energy Monitor screen on the instrument panel, which lets the driver know about the powertrain's goings-on. The other features of Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid comprise of a lowered suspension, a narrower grille opening and low-rolling-resistance tires. In short, the car promises to make use improved aerodynamics and save both fuel and environment. The best part is that it will not remain a concept car only and is expected to hit the roads by end of 2009. Let’s hope that the expectation comes true.
sQuba Concept Car
Fiction is turning into reality day by day. Thirty years after we saw Roger Moore driving a car underwater in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, the scene has become reality. Rinspeed, a Swiss automobile company launched sQuba, the first underwater car of the world. It is a concept car that will be unveiled by the company in the Geneva Motor Show, to be held in March 2008. sQuba can drive both on road as well as under water.
You just need to push a button and the car can scuba dive up to 10 meters (33 feet) under the sea. Rinspeed has made use of cutting-edge technology to make the ‘amphibian’ car. sQuba boasts of a steel chassis and has extremely lightweight body panels, which have been made up of carbon nanotubes. While on road, the car makes use of an electric motor that provides rear-wheel drive. As soon as it goes under water, it makes use of the two propellers in the stern.
There are also two jet drives in the bow, which aid the vehicle in propelling forward. Another plus point of sQuba is that it gives out zero emissions and thus, presents no risk of polluting the sea. Even on road, the environmental-friendly feature of the car is a big plus. sQuba is a two-seater car that also has a self-contained on-board oxygen system. Thus, the driver as well as the passenger can easily have fresh air for breathing underwater. For now, sQuba is only a concept car and there is no plan of mass-producing it in the near future.
Fiction is turning into reality day by day. Thirty years after we saw Roger Moore driving a car underwater in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, the scene has become reality. Rinspeed, a Swiss automobile company launched sQuba, the first underwater car of the world. It is a concept car that will be unveiled by the company in the Geneva Motor Show, to be held in March 2008. sQuba can drive both on road as well as under water.
You just need to push a button and the car can scuba dive up to 10 meters (33 feet) under the sea. Rinspeed has made use of cutting-edge technology to make the ‘amphibian’ car. sQuba boasts of a steel chassis and has extremely lightweight body panels, which have been made up of carbon nanotubes. While on road, the car makes use of an electric motor that provides rear-wheel drive. As soon as it goes under water, it makes use of the two propellers in the stern.
There are also two jet drives in the bow, which aid the vehicle in propelling forward. Another plus point of sQuba is that it gives out zero emissions and thus, presents no risk of polluting the sea. Even on road, the environmental-friendly feature of the car is a big plus. sQuba is a two-seater car that also has a self-contained on-board oxygen system. Thus, the driver as well as the passenger can easily have fresh air for breathing underwater. For now, sQuba is only a concept car and there is no plan of mass-producing it in the near future.
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