When you say LPG, you think of why you have an easier time cooking day in and day out. I wouldn’t surprised if you don’t mention LPG in the same sentence as driving. However, the continuous search for viable alternative energy has really forced automakers to look for other fuel sources save from gasoline and this is how LPG becomes part of the equation.

The truth is, more and more major names are going to alternative source of energy these days. This time around, it was Hyundai who made a buzz by introducing a propane-powered car called the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI. As the name implies, this car uses electric power and LPG or liquid power gas to power its motor. This car completely abandons the use of gasoline, which 30 years ago, was unthinkable. Using electricity and LPG, the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI release no exhaust gases, while letting you save on gasoline bills at the same time. Unlike other hybrid cars out there, this one looks like any other car and the one thing that separates it from the rest is what it does under the hood.

Unknown to many people propane is a very popular source of fuel in many countries. Still, some places such as the United States have to catch up on this latest development. Basically, the Avante/Elantra LPI uses lithium-polymer batteries in order to power its 1.6-liter, four-cylinder Gamma engine. The best part is, Hyundai claims that this car will have the lowest operating cost of all hybrid cars out there. That says a lot about how efficient the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI would be. Although you don’t expect it to be as fast as a race car, it’s perfect for city driving and even for long, out-of-town trips. Most hybrid cars are not as sturdy as this Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI.

Based on various studies, the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI could be 40 percent cheaper to operate than other hybrid cars. If you’re still not impressed, it is 50 percent better than gasoline-powered cars out there. When it comes to emissions, you can expect it to emit as low as 103 grams for every kilometer being traveled. In addition to that, it will release 90 percent fewer tail pipe emissions, compared to your average car. These numbers only tell you one thing: the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI takes its hybrid name pretty seriously.

Basically, the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI’s lithium-polymer battery is manufactured in Korea. This kind of battery uses a solid polymer composite, rather than an organic solvent. Because of this configuration, the car will have a higher energy density, lower production costs, and longer lifespan for the entire battery assemblies. What’s even better is that these lithium-polymer batteries are tougher and that means they will not deteriorate as fast.

Hyundai has recently announced that it will start selling the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI in July of 2009. The company plans to prioritize selling this car to countries that already have well-established infrastructures. However, it will be understandable if the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI costs more. That’s because it has additional components such as the batteries, electric motor, and various electric components that should make everything tick. Then again, the additional cost can be easily recovered because of the lower fuel and maintenance costs. You don’t spend as much when you use propane right? That’s one good reason of buying this one over other hybrid cars.

Overall, the Hyundai Avante/Elantra LPI is a solid choice for a first-time buyer of a hybrid car. It’s easy to drive and it will never make your head ache with all the necessary components that you need to buy. Just make sure that there’s enough infrastructure that you can use when it comes to refueling and recharging.

We all heard about electric cars and hybrid cars and without a doubt, they have become the most viable alternatives so far. However, going under the radar are the hydrogen cars, which have the potential to become the next best thing after gasoline. Hydrogen-powered cars provide people with almost zero emission and unlike electric cars, they are not limited by the size of the batteries. Then again, as an up and coming alternative choice, it also has several issues that need to be addressed before it becomes a major player in the automotive industry. Here are some things that you need to learn about hydrogen as a fuel source.

1.There are two kinds of Hydrogen Vehicles

These days, the easiest way of harnessing the amazing powers of hydrogen is by making it react in the fuel cell. Once that happens, the reaction produces water, heat, and electricity. The electricity from that reaction will now be used to supply the electric motor/s that will drive the vehicle. Another way of doing this is by using a specially-designed hydrogen engine that combusts the hydrogen to create energy. Unfortunately, using the latter is a lot more expensive and is more difficult to manufacture.

2.Hydrogen is not equal to fuel

That may be surprising, but yes it’s true. Hydrogen is technically speaking, not another type of fuel, but an energy carrier. That means, you need to use a little bit of energy to extract hydrogen out of something. These days, you can create hydrogen by using natural gas or turning coal into gas. Another popular way of getting your hands to hydrogen is by separating it from oxygen in water through a process called electrolysis. The best part about hydrogen is that it will never harm the environment. You don’t have to deal with thick smoke from your tail pipe, because it’s perfectly clean.

3. Putting Hydrogen inside a Tank

So if hydrogen is so effective, why are people still stuck with gasoline-powered vehicles? Well, the thing with hydrogen is that it has very low density. That means you have to store it at very low temperatures, so you can compress it as a gas or liquid. The catch is, it’s not easy to do and it’s very expensive. Aside from that, you need to have a lot of space to store it inside a tank. That simply isn’t practical if you’re driving on the road, because you need loads of energy just to compress hydrogen. However, the emergence of fuel cells have paved the way for harnessing the hydrogen’s energy.

4.So What Else?

Despite of these limitations, hydrogen-fueled vehicles have a surge in recent years especially with the invention of hydrogen fuel cells. However, the greatest hurdle for the development of hydrogen-powered cars would be well-established refueling stations. Before people start embracing hydrogen as an alternative way of getting their cars moving, it should be as available as gasoline. Realistically speaking, it will take a lot of time to develop and for sure, it will never happen overnight. Aside from that, hydrogen fuel cells need to be more affordable to encourage people to use them. Right now, hydrogen fuel cells have to use platinum, which does not come cheap at all.

5. Looking at the Future

The truth is, the use of hydrogen hasn’t look this great in decades. It has already attracted several big automakers such as General Motors, Honda, and even BMW. With that being said, the development of hydrogen as a solid source of energy will continue for years.

Electric car geeks have always claimed that we can achieve sustainable mobility without destroying the environment. These days, electric cars have slowly become part of dinner-table discussions because of the volatility of gas prices. With the New Year unraveling, people would most likely buy cars that would give them their money’s worth. For sure, electric cars will be talked about lengthily this 2009, which is the reason I went out of my way to compile and list the five electric cars that every enthusiast should look into.

1. Dynasty IT

The Dynasty IT is actually a series of NEVs or Neighborhood Electric Cars that include a sedan, utility, and pickup vehicles. They are actually built on a 90-inch wheelbase, while having an overall length of 90 inches. Just like most NEVs, this one is built for shorter traveling around the town, while not being too heavy as well. The great thing about every Dynasty IT car is that it is able to go longer than most NEVs with its flood-lead acid batteries. Despite of its toy-like features, it’s actually pretty sturdy because of its aluminum/fiberglass/plastic body. When it comes to charging, you need at least 12 hours to ensure that you’ve filled it up for an entire day’s driving. Unlike other NEVs, each model costs 14 grand to 25 grand.

2.GEM

GEM or Global Electrical Motors is arguably the most established and recognized name when it comes to electric cars. GEM has been in the industry for years and when it comes to innovations in the electric-car universe, it has always been at the forefront. Unlike other electric car manufacturers, GEM excels in creating cars that can wither turbulent weather and road conditions. That’s what the e2, e4, and e6 models are all about. When it comes to power, GEM cars are powered by a 5-horsepower DC motor although its claim for success is that you can customize the cars that you ordered. Unlike the Dynasty IT, the GEM cars range from 6000- 12000 thousands dollars.

3.Columbia Parcar

If you’re looking for toughness, mobility, and an environment-friendly way of going around the city streets, Columbia Parcar vehicles would be the way to go. Basically, cars from this company have high-strength tubular alloy steel frame for extra support and durability during rough rides. Aside from that, it offers you an open-air sensation, so you would think of driving off-road jeeps when you get behind the steering wheel. Columbia Parcar cars are essentially built for heavy work and because of that, it is built to be heavier compared to other NEVs. Each Columbia Parcar car is about 2,500 lbs in weight. Price-wise, these cars are pegged at 10,500 dollars to 24,000 dollars.

4.Miles ZX40

If you’re looking for an NEV that looks like any other regular car on the road, then you should check out the Miles ZX40. Basically, it has a 4kW DC electric motor, which would last for a few hours on the road without you worrying about sputtering. The Miles ZX40 is bigger compared to other NEVs, because it offers at least 41 cubic feet worth of cargo space. Aside from that, it allows you to bring in three more passengers without feeling too cramped inside. If you want this car, make sure to have at least 15000-19000 dollars in your pocket.

5.ZENN

ZENN stands for “Zero Emission No Noise” and that’s exactly what this car is all about. Basically, it is able to provide zero emission because of its superb components and battery. Toughness isn’t a problem for the ZENN because it is made of style alloy and ABS body panels, which would make it virtually indestructible.

Nobody knows who Greg Johanson is anymore, unless you were old enough to remember some piece of history back in the 80’s. The truth is, Johanson is responsible for setting the fastest speed by a solar-powered vehicle in 1986 called the Sunrunner. Yeah, that was two decades ago and people back then never cared about solar energy. However, two decades later, the scampering for alternative forms of energy has been so intense that the names Greg Johanson has to be mentioned, every time solar energy becomes part of the discussion.

Basically, the Sunrunner has long been retired. However, with the ever increasing demand for fuel-efficient cars, Johanson did some tweaking to a trailblazing hybrid - the Toyota Prius. The truth is, there hasn’t been any solar hybrid for the Prius, but the people in Solar Electrical Vehicles or SEV did something to make that possible. With that being said, the company that is led by Johanson designed the PV Prius that has better range and mileage compared to its traditional hybrid cousin.

SEV is planning to deliver these altered Prius cars by next year and it believes that it will be a viable option for hybrid enthusiast out there. Basically, SEV is working with Kyocera to develop its high-technology solar modules. The thing is, you’re the one who is going to install the whole solar module, via the DVD instruction kit that is sold to you. The PV Prius works by using an AC-DC converter, which connects the module to the battery of your Prius.

SEV officials claim that this solar-powered version of the Prius can generate as much as 1,300 watt-hours a day. With that being said, you can expect an additional 5-8 miles from this car by relying on its solar modules alone. However, when you use it with its tried and tested battery, this Prius can give you of up to twenty more miles and fuel efficiency of up to 30 percent.

The great thing about this kit is that it only costs around 3,500 dollars. Although the downside to it is that you need to have enough patience and time to learn how to install it. With that being said, it’s best for those who are serious into getting the most out of their Prius. However, if you simply are curious on how it works, it’s best that you get some help from a professional to finish the installation process.

On the other hand, SEV guarantees that its instruction vide is very easy to follow. Aside from that, the company states that it is working to make its solar kit more affordable and easier to understand. SEV maintains that its high costs are attributed to the recent economic downturn that the entire world is experiencing.

Toyota is not only the car manufacturer that has been dealing with SEV to make their cars more environmentally friendly. The other two members of the Big Three like Ford and General Motors are currently talking with SEV to improve the design of their respective hybrids.

Moving on, I was quick to list the first four cars that everybody would for 2009. Continuing this list are the last five cars that can give anyone fuel efficiency and great looks every time.

Fiat 500

This micro car is cute, stylish, and is a splendid gas saver (45 MPG anyone? ) in more ways than one. However, it isn’t available in the United States, unless of course you have it delivered to you. Basically, the Fiat 500 follows the small cars that have been sprouting everywhere these days and for a good reason. Unlike other cars that I have already put in this list, this car might be the cheapest among them.

Ford Verve Concept

It’s about time that Ford will be doing what everybody does and that’s to make their cars more fuel efficient. Although the Ford Verve will be finally launched by 2010, this car is a silver lining to the company’s deep financial woes that everybody has been talking about. Basically, the Ford Verve isn’t that small, although it is way smaller than what Ford has been producing for years, which have been big and bulky gas guzzlers. This time around, Ford is learning how to keep up with the Joneses.

Honda CR-Z Concept

I have heard people complain about hybrid cars because they are not sexy and too expensive for the average Joe to afford. Well, Honda has something to say about it, after it revealed its plans of unleashing the CR-Z Concept. This hybrid car fuses gas and electricity to save you serious gas bills. Apart from that it looks like a luxury car at all angles.

Mini-E

If you’re talking about the ultimate city car, then you shouldn’t look any further because the MINI-E gets all the accolades. For its first year, BMW promised to build 500 of them and to tell you the truth, it’s a lot like the Mini Cooper when it comes to appearance. The big difference though is that it’s way better when it comes to fuel mileage.

Tesla Motors Model S

When you talk about electric cars, it’s impossible not to mention Tesla cars in the discussion. Despite of Tesla laying off its employees, it still wants to release an all-electric sedan. If that plan pushes through, it will be the first of its kind in history. However, before you start thinking about taking a look, Tesla needs to get some cash first from Uncle Sam. On a different note, you need at least 58,000 dollars, because that’s how much the Model S will cost upon release.

Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

Toyota is obviously in better financial shape than Tesla so if you’re looking for some top-of-the-line electric car, it has to be the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. Although Toyota is still years from commercially launching a sedan plug in, the mere thought of it is already making ecogeeks buzz.

Overall, these are just some of the cars that I would want for 2009. Although next year seems a little bit gloomy, there would still be several surprises that would surely happen.

Without a doubt, 2008 is a historical year in more ways than one. There’s a new President for the US and not to mention the country’s economy has not been shaky since the Great Depression. Aside from that, the recent news in its automotive industry has prompted its automakers to find better ways of improving its cars. The fact is, everybody’s so sick of the bad news and because of that I compiled some of the best cars that you might want to check out for 2009 .

The Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept

Yeah it looks really great and it’s ready to torch the road anytime. However, unlike any of its predecessors, it has an astounding 24 mpg capacity while being able to zoom to 60 miles in only 4 seconds. In short, this car is fast and fuel efficient. That may sound crazy, but yeah, it’s true.

BMW M1 Hommage

The M1 has been a car enthusiast’s dream for decades and to pay homage to this great luxury car, BMW will launch the BMW M1 Hommage. It’s a sexy and solid car if you want to look great in every angle. The best part is, it looks really good for a car that saves so much fuel.

Citroen C-Metisse concept

The French are great at everything, including car making and football. Because of that, this concept car called the Citroen C-Metisse has the potential to become the best green car of the next decade. It’s basically a hybrid diesel car while boasting four scissor doors that can turn all heads at once. In short, it’s one hell of a ride when it comes to looks while boasting of a solid MPG rating.

Ferrari Millechili

Italian cars have been the best in the business for as long as anyone can remember. When it comes to car making in Italy, one name stands out above the rest and that’s Ferrari. On the other hand, the release of the Ferrari Millechili will prove just how much this automaker is serious when it comes to improving its fuel efficiency. Basically, the Milliechili stands for one thousand kilos and that’s because this car weighs only around that much when it starts pounding the pavement. The truth is, the lighter the car the less fuel it will consume and that’s the direction that Ferrari is headed in the coming years.

Talk about dedication, Louis Palmer should have won that award after traveling the world in 17 months. That may sound easy, but he did that using only the power of the sun and his groundbreaking vehicle called the Solartaxi. He only has one intention and that is to prove that solar-powered vehicles are reliable, as opposed to what staunch critics always say.

Palmer’s Solartaxi can travel as fast as 55 mph and it is capable of accommodating two people at the same time. Palmer’s trip saw the resiliency of the Solartaxi, which only had problems twice during the grueling 32,000-mile trip. Basically, the Solartaxi that was built using the help of Swiss scientists, uses a molten-salt battery that is charged by several hundred solar panels. The thing is, these solar cells are located in the trailer, which is hauled by the Solartaxi wherever it goes. Despite of this, it only weighs a maximum of 1,100 lbs and is made of aluminum to keep its weight down.

On the other hand, Louis Palmer believes that when the Solartaxi is produced on a bigger scale, each one would only cost only 12,620 USD. However, most automobile makers are still not yet convinced of the viability of a solar car. That’s because there isn’t much space to put solar panels on and tugging a trailer along isn’t exactly the best scenario that most drivers want.

However, Palmer still believes that when push comes to shove, a solar-powered vehicle will be the most practical and cheapest form of transportation that will ever be made. He thinks that the idea may not be as attractive as that of an electric vehicle, but it still has the potential that is just waiting to be exploited.

One of the members of the Big Three has finally succumbed to the new wave of green cars these days. In fact, it might even be the best solution to the demise that they are facing, instead of the billion-dollar bailout that each company is vying for. Ford reinvented its Ford Fusion line by throwing it to the already thriving hybrid party. This move from Ford is one good reason why there’s no way but to go fuel-efficient these days.

The Ford Fusion is will probably become the Toyota Camry’s biggest competition. That’s because it offers both gas and electric options, while being totally efficient in power overall. It’s a serious roadblock for the Camry and come 2010, you can expect a dogfight to happen when it comes to its sales.

Basically, the Ford Fusion is capable of generating as much as 155-horsepower from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Also, it has an electric drive train that has never been offered before. Made by Sanyo, its nickel-metal hydride battery offers 20 percent more power, but weighs 20 percent less. Using the Ford Fusion affords you of being able to shift from gas to battery at will. The result is an extended use of the fuel, which hasn’t been witnessed in past Ford models.

On the other hand, the best part about the Fusion is that you can go as fast as 47 mph using electric power alone. That may not be really fast if you compare it to other Ford heavyweights, but it’s certainly a groundbreaking achievement for the automaker giant. What’s more impressive is that you can get as much as 39 miles from just a gallon of gasoline. That’s something new, especially if you talk about Ford, which is known for producing massive, gas-guzzling automobiles.

Overall, it will not be surprising if the Ford Fusion starts dominating in the hybrid market by 2010. With its great looks and style, it will become Ford’s most sought after model in decades.

You probably haven’t been on a bicycle for such long time do you? Unless you are enthusiasts, most people have been on a bicycle for decades. The truth is, when you start learning how to drive, driving the bike is no longer an option. Using bicycles may be a dark horse candidate when oil becomes so rare and because of that, there’s already a car that runs using pedal power, albeit on a limited extend. This new car, which looks more like a bicycle is called TWIKE.

It’s basically built to carry a maximum of two passengers and several other things in its cargo space. The most intriguing aspect about the TWIKE is that runs on both electric power and pedal power. The thing is, you need both the battery and pedal power to work hand in hand in order for it to work perfectly.

Apparently, pedaling extends the distance of this vehicle, although it will never increase its top speed. Also, you need to have your batteries working all the time, because merely using your leg power won’t move the TWIKE an inch.

Construction

The TWIKE uses lightweight materials such as aluminum and plastic in order to minimize its weight as much as possible. Electric cars should be as light as possible, because they don’t have enough power to sustain their weight. The TWIKE only weighs a total of 246 kg, while using a reliable 336-volt battery at the same time. Unlike other electric cars out there, you can recharge the TWIKE in only two hours in any 22-volt electric outlet out there. The best part about the TWIKE is that it uses whatever you have on your legs to ease the load on its electric system. Unlike conventional vehicles, the TWIKE forces you to exercise because it’s part of its entire functioning process. It’s driving, while being able to workout your cardiovascular system at the same time.

How the TWIKE Operates

Instead of using steering wheels, the TWIKE is controlled using a joystick, reminiscent of a train. Although not generally fast at 85 kph, you can increase its speed depending on the battery’s power and the weight of the cargo that it has. Basically, you can reach as fast as 140 kph on a leveled field, faster driving style, and the less weight onboard.

The Costs

Fully charging your TWIKE can cost you around 30-45 cents. However, the downside of electric cars such as this is the cost of batteries that need to be replaced eventually. With that being said, you need to be able to maintain it properly to extend its service by a few years. On the other hand, the TWIKE is currently being manufactured in Germany by a company called FINE MOBILE. In the US, there are currently 20-25 TWIKES that are driven. Although it may look like a trike more than anything else, it’s a good and rather unorthodox choice if you want to really cut down on your gas bills.

Is it Really Available?

The TWIKE is available both in Europe and the United States and each one costs around 40, 000 USD. Meanwhile, only around 850 TWIKES have been sold and most of them can be found Switzerland, Germany, UK, Austria, Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, and the US. Overall, the TWIKE may be limited, but if you’re really into using alternative energy, then it’s a good choice. Apart from that, the TWIKE is a total sight out there, so if you don’t mind getting the extra attention, you should have this car.

When I was a young kid, I seriously believed that after 20 years, cars would start flying. Although most cars these days are still far from being air-borne, seeing the developmental Aptera 2e tells you that it’s no longer that far. In fact, it’s even better because it addresses the basic issue in the automotive industry today: fuel consumption.

Basically, the Aptera 2e does not look like any typical car at all. The thing is, if you think that the Smart Fortwo is already unorthodox, wait until you see the Aptera 2e. It doesn’t look like a car at all, perhaps it’s closer to a motorcycle more than anything else.

This car is already at the final stages of its development and it will probably take a few more tweaks before Aperta Motors launches it. For starters, the Aptera 2e has a fuel efficiency that is pegged at a ridiculous 300 mpg, which will make it the most fuel-efficient car in history.

Although far from being a Tesla Roadster, the Aptera 2e can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 10 seconds and its manufacturer claims that it can reach a top speed of 85 mph. Those numbers are far from amazing, but you don’t need a car that torches the road if you’re going to do some city driving. The great thing about this car is its price and that’s because the electric prototype costs around 27,000 USD, while the hybrid is priced at 30,000 USD. Now that’s far from really expensive, but it’s just like buying a new Ford or Chrysler that eat gas like there’s no tomorrow.

Performance-wise, the Aptera 2e is expected to consume around 80 watt-hours per mile. Basically, its strange shape and look is due to extensive optimization in lessening its drag coefficient. Aside from that, it has low-resistance tires that are built for city driving more than anything else. The direct influence of the style and design comes from Volkswagen one-liter car that is expected to be released in 2010.

The Aptera 2e is different to other cars because it has three wheels instead of four. The front wheels are designed for steering, while the rear wheel is connected to the electric motor. When it comes to batteries, the Aptera 2e uses Lithium phosphate batteries that you can find in front of the driver seat. The great thing about this car is that it will only take you 2-4 hours of recharge time, unlike other electric cars that need at least 12 hours to start going.

The plug-in version or the Aptera 2h has a water-cooled EFI engine that has a tank capacity of at least 12 gallons. Compared to the Aptera 2e, its hybrid brother can manage to reach 600-700 miles of traveling.

When it comes to the interior, both the Aptera 2e and Aptera 2h can allow two adults and a child in the middle. The cargo space isn’t that much, but it isn’t laughable either and that’s because it has almost 16-cubic feet of available space. In addition, it uses LED running and interior lights to reduce power consumption.

It also has basic entertainment features such as a radio, DVD player, and a GPS system that are controlled through the dashboard. With these amazing features and the need for more fuel-efficient cars, the Aptera 2e will be a big hit when it is released. Aside from that, it will redefine how cars look and even though it can’t fly; it reduces energy consumption by leaps and bounds.