Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Government/Legal, Green, Chevrolet, GM, Toyota
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt
Automotive News reports that Toyota is preparing a statement for a congressional hearing on the progress of EVs, the results of which could influence legislation that gives a big $7,500 tax credit to any hybrid with a battery pack rated at 6 kilowatt-hours of electricity or more. Toyota argues that the legislation is too restrictive and redefines what a hybrid is since the only vehicle eligible (that we know about) would be the 2011 Chevy Volt with its 16 killowatt-hour battery pack, though Toyota never calls out the series hybrid by name.
For reference, the current Toyota Prius uses a battery pack that generates 1.3 killowatt-hour, and judging by the Japanese automaker's reaction to this legislation, we doubt that its plug-in hybrid electric Prius currently under development uses a battery pack powerful enough, either. Nevertheless, there could be other hybrids being developed besides the Volt that would be eligible, which would poke a big hole in Toyota's argument. Also, as AutoblogGreen points out, this legislation will likely change many times before it becomes law.
The government is right, however, to put higher restrictions on what is eligible for a tax credit of this size. Current hybrid tax credits have topped out around $3,000, with the largest on record being for the Prius itself at $3,150. If the government is considering offering more than twice that amount for future hybrids, then we think it's fair they raise the bar on what should be eligible.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]Permalink�|�Email this�|�Comments Complete news at...
Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Euro, Green, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, PSA, Peugeot
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Peugeot Prologue concept
Peugeot's new, Paris-bound hybrid concept car is called the Prologue, and based on how Peugeot describes it in the press release that accompanied these three photos, it shows us where the French automaker is headed stylistically and technologically. The Prologue is a perfectly normal-looking 5-door hatchback with a new, less-horrific take on the gaping-maw look with which the Peugeot range has been saddled in recent years. Now it just looks angry, instead of like a boxer about to spit out his mouth guard. The Prologue's hybrid powertrain is apparently good for 200 horsepower and emits 109 g/km of CO2 per kilometer. We'll have the final word on the Prologue -- an epilogue, so to speak -- from the Paris Motor Show next month.
[Source: Peugeot]
Continue reading Paris Preview: Peugeot Prologue concept
Permalink�|�Email this�|�Comments Complete news at...Filed under: Car Buying, Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Tech, BMW, Lifestyle
BMW Assist -- essentially the Bavarian's version of GM's OnStar -- has made BMW Search using Google Maps available on the 1 and 3 Series. Previously, it was only available on BMW models from the 5 series up. If you subscribe to the BMW Assist Convenience Plan, you can use BMW Search to find businesses, then input the information directly into the navigation system, or call with your Bluetooth phone over the service's AT&T Mobility Network (you don't need to have AT&T, though).
BMW Search joins BMW's MyInfo service, which allowed customers and businesses to send listings and street addresses directly to the car. BMW Assist is standard on 5, 6, and 7 Series, and included in the Premium Package or as a stand-alone option on all other models.
Continue reading Google Maps-powered BMW Search added to 1 and 3 Series
Permalink�|�Email this�|�Comments Complete news at...Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt
Look, there were other green car news stories yesterday, and AutoblogGreen covered them. But, really, the news is this: here's the 2011 Chevy Volt. Now, tell us which you like better the concept or production version?
- Officially Official: 2011 Chevrolet Volt finally revealed!
- If we were political pundits covering the production Chevy Volt reveal...
- Poll: 2011 Chevrolet Volt - which do you prefer, concept or production?
- GM Centennial: "Future of Transportation: The Next 100 Years"
- Paris Preview: Peugeot Prologue concept
- Paris Preview: Saab 9X Air concept
- Hybrid Jag spotted lapping the 'Ring?
- Rumormill: Nissan to install 3-cylinder turbocharged engines in the new Micra generation
- GM to build their own batteries, seeks new employee
- Find more ethanol with DriveFlexFuel E85 station locator
- Montana resort buys 18 Miles EVs
- Nissan introduces a hybrid Cabstar in Hannover
- Michigan students power buses with veggie oil
- Rider Magazine tests two-wheeled fuel efficiency
Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Videos, Chevrolet, GM
Click above to watch video after the jump
General Motors' goal for the exterior of the 2011 Chevy Volt is to create as much pizazz as possible with superior aerodynamics to ensure the least amount of parasitic loss for the electric drivetrain. The interior, however, is all about how the driver interacts with the vehicle. And with the Volt, GM designers attempted to pull off a Buck Rodgers meets Apple iPod theme.
A quick glance at the futuristic Volt interior shows a very unique approach to integrating design and technology. The first thing we noticed was that GM decided to use two seven-inch LCD screens, with one working as the main driver instrument panel (no gauge cluster here) and the other for everything from navigation to tracking battery charges. Both screens are user configurable, and two different configurations can be saved for two different drivers.
Follow the jump for more including a video demonstration of the Chevy Volt's interior by one of its designers.
Continue reading VIDEO: Walkthrough of 2011 Chevy Volt interior
Permalink�|�Email this�|�Comments Complete news at...Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Green, Paris Motor Show, Saab
Click above for more shots of the Saab 9X Air concept
During yesterday's press briefing, General Motors let its upcoming Saab 9X Air concept out of the bag ahead of its official debut at the Paris Motor Show, and today we finally have official pics and details of the new Swedish open air coupe. Based on last year's 9X BioHybrid concept from Geneva, the 9X Air loses its hard top in favor of a cloth piece and rear glass that pops up from the rear hatch. A concept-worthy interior features four black-and-white seats along with a digital dash.
Power flows to the front wheels via a turbocharged 1.4-liter E85 flex-fuel engine and six-speed dual clutch gearbox. along with an electric motor powered by lithium ion batteries. Acceleration to 60 comes up in around eight seconds and fuel mileage is theoretically in the 40 mpg range. Sounds good so far. We are expecting the Air, along with its 9X forebear, to spawn a production model likely called the 9-1. Just how many of the high-tech features will make it into production? We'll see, though we are pretty sure both the hatchback and convertible body styles will make the transition.
[Source: AutoblogGreen]Read�|�Permalink�|�Email this�|�Comments Complete news at...
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