A couple of days ago, I was driving in San Antonio at 55 mph. The ride is smooth, the car is pretty slick, and I have been driving for more than an hour already. There seems to be nothing special about it; after all, I’m just in San Antonio right? Wrong. In more than an hour of driving, I’ve never spent a single drop of gasoline. And the best part is, I don’t expect using gasoline in my entire journey at all.

I know you’re already curious about the kind of vehicle that I’m driving so to end all the drama, it’s a Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid. Basically, the Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid is an ethanol-electric vehicle hybrid that is yet to be released out in the market. Unlike other SUVs, it can climb up to 40 mph at a steady rate, without the usual chugging that hybrid vehicles usually exhibit. However, if you’re craving for extra power, its Escape’s Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine can take charge anytime. In short, it’s a hybrid vehicle, but it performs like your traditional American ride.

So if you’re asking if it has enough kick to last from town to town, the answer is yes. In fact, the Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid’s lithium-ion battery has more than enough energy to travel at least 30 kilometers non stop. That’s a lot of distance coverage for an electric battery even for the standards of today. Meanwhile, the Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid is not only limited to short travel routes. That’s because its battery and diesel engine can keep you running, without wasting a single drop of ethanol or a volt of electricity. In short, it’s built to yield extremely high fuel economy that is unparalleled by other brands out there. Apart from that, it has enough power to supply standard features like stereo, air conditioning, wiper blades, and many others.

Basically, Ford engineers claim that in a normal driving condition, the Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid can deliver 120 mpg. That’s higher than any other hybrid vehicle that is available right now. The good thing is, this vehicle has enough fuel so that you won’t have to charge everyday. So no matter what the numbers are, the Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid is a great choice if you really intend to cut back on your gas bills significantly. When it comes to the batteries on the other hand, you just have to plug it into any standard 110 electric outlet for a couple of hours and that’s it. You’re ready to take it anywhere even for the entire day.

Moreover, the Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid lets you monitor your energy consumption and how much you’re actually saving. The thing is, this is really a vehicle for you if you want to put down on costs without sacrificing mobility. Also, it provides data on current average fuel economy, the previous average, and previous best economy.

When it comes to the batteries, the Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid has one of the best sets out there. That’s because its Li-ion HV battery has a capacity of 10KW/hrs. This kind of battery provides better voltage capacity and it has a longer shelf life compared to the others. When it comes to recharging, you just have to plug the electrical cord to the port on the front portion of the front fender. It’s charging port also features stylish blue lights that enable you too see it even in the dark. Aside from that, it has a billet aluminum door that is virtually resistant to rust and corrosion. As mentioned earlier, it only takes 6-8 hours to have a full recharge and it automatically stops once already full.

On a different note, the Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid electric motor and engine give this SUV superb acceleration. Although it may not be as fast as other conventional SUVs out there, its 102 mph top speed is already decent by any standards. However, the Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid is quite heavier than other SUVs because of its batteries that take up considerable space. Unlike other hybrid vehicles out there, the transition from electric to ethanol is so seamless that you won’t feel it at all.

The downside is that it will be more expensive than traditional SUVs because of the special wirings and engine needed for its power configuration. However, it’ll only take you less than a year to recover from your expenses, because you’ll be able to save a lot with regard to fuel expenses.

Meanwhile, the Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid will take a number of years before it becomes fully available to the public. However, efforts have already been increased to introduce what it can do and without a doubt, Ford has been doing a fantastic job at it. Without a doubt, the Ford E-85 Plug-In Hybrid is another bright prospect in the green car industry and it will not be surprising if it does well when it becomes available.

So here is the continuation of my previous post regarding my favorite fuel economy cars.

Toyota Prius (MPG Rating: 48 City/45 Highway) 21,000 USD

There’s no way that you can continue with any hybrid discussion without mentioning the Toyota Prius. It has been so successful that it may be considered the Volkswagen Beetle of this generation. After 10 years when it was initially launched, the Toyota Prius’ revolutionary technology is a pioneer in the hybrid industry. Basically, this car has a 1.5-liter double overhead cam four-cylinder engine, which can produce 76 horsepower. That is enough power to let you go around the town or city. The best part about this car is that it looks great and that it makes everyone inside of it really comfortable. The Toyota Prius will stay here for a while, unless of course there’s a serious challenge by some automakers out there.

Toyota Camry Hybrid (MPG Rating: 34 City/32 Highway) 25,000 USD

The Toyota Camry was already a best-selling car even before its Hybrid version was launched. When the eco-friendly version was released, it only made the entire model better. Indeed, Toyota seems to be releasing a hybrid for every model that they have and it worked out perfectly so far. Utilizing Toyota’s tried and tested Hybrid Synergy Drive system, the Toyota Camry Hybrid can generate as much as 187 horsepower from its gasoline/electric engine. Just like any true hybrid, the Toyota Camry can travel in short bursts in electric mode and for long stretches in gasoline mode.

Ford Escape Hybrid (MPG Rating: 34 City/30 Highway) 27,000 USD

Ford is really doing well especially with its just-recently-launched hybrid program. If you still think that it still does not have what it takes to compete with the likes of Toyota, the gap is certainly getting really close. Basically, the Ford Escape is very quiet and it is big enough to let several people get inside without any problems. It’s essentially an SUV that can work in an electric/gasoline engine. To be more specific, it uses a 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor that can churn out 94 horsepower in a jiffy. If you’ve been scared of buying SUVs because of the high cost of fuel, then now is the right time by picking this.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid (MPG Rating: 27 City/25 Highway) 38,000 USD

The Toyota Highlander is already a family car when it was first launched. However, Toyota’s penchant for converting successful models into Hybrid struck again as it launched the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Basically, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid provides a decent mileage that anyone can appreciate. Aside from that, it has a lot of space and it’s very comfortable inside. When it comes to power, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets it from 3.3-liter double overhead cam engine and an electric motor, which are designed to provide as much as 270 horsepower. The best part about this car is that you can press an “EV” button and you can instantly shift to electric power at a lower speed.

Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec (MPG Rating: 23 City/32 Highway) 53,000 USD

No doubt, the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec is the most expensive car in this list and for a very good reason. That’s because it looks like any other luxury sedan, but it is earth friendly at the same time. Without a doubt, the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec is the first one to be sold with a “clean” diesel technology. In addition to that, it has massive 3.0-liter engine that can produce as much as 210 horsepower.+

It’s no longer something new seeing people craving for green cars these days. Indeed, the choices have become numerous from just a handful a couple of years ago. However, you still need to know which cars can give you the best way to save gas. Especially right now when the demand is growing, there is a lot of need to scrutinize the next car that you’re going to park in your garage.

So to give you guys some ideas, I have listed a couple of cars that stand out when it comes to mileage and price. I selected cars from the 15,000-30,000 range, while also taking into account the drivability and comfort that they offer. So here they are and have a quick look at what they can offer and what you’re actually going to get from them.

The Honda Fit ( MPG Rating: 28 City/34 Highway) 14,000 USD

Classified as a small station wagon, the Honda Fit is considered one of the best fuel-savings cars in its class. It looks small, although it’s just one of those cars that are really big inside, so you won’t have any trouble with getting a few people at the same time. The best part about the Honda Fit is that you can extend a gallon of your gasoline to 28 miles in the city and 34 miles in the highway, respectively. Aside from that, its 109-horsepower engine isn’t a pushover either. At 14,000 dollars, it’s a solid pick from the many choices out there.

The Ford Focus (MPG Rating: 24 City/35 Highway) 14,300 USD

I can’t believe that something from Ford can go this cheap. Indeed, tough economic times have forced Ford to go green and as of late. It’s better late than not joining in the green car craze at all. Meanwhile, the Ford Focus comes in a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine, while looking like a sporty sedan that you can bring anytime and anywhere. This is arguably Ford’s most fuel-saving car in years and if you have some change to spare, this one is one great pickup.

The Chevrolet Malibu (MPG Rating: 22 City/30 Highway) 20,000 USD

So what exactly does the Chevrolet Malibu have that makes it more expensive than the Ford Focus? Well it boasts of a superb traction control, four-wheel ABS, XM satellite radio, and an automatic transmission. In addition to that, it has a 2.4-liter double overhead cam Ecotec engine that just won’t fail no matter what. It looks better than the Ford Focus, although when you compare prices, the Chevrolet Malibu seems to be quite expensive.

The Nissan Rogue (MPG Rating: 22 City/27 Highway) 19,250 USD

When you talk about crossover vehicles, a lot of people would mention that the Nisan Rogue is right up there and rightfully so. Despite of its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it is able to get as much as 22-27 miles from a gallon of gasoline. That’s a huge number considering how big this vehicle really is. Unlike most SUVs out there, the Nissan Rogue is easier to park. Aside from that, it can handle all kinds of weather with ease. Power-wise, the Nissan Rogue has more than enough in its tank and in fact, it can generate as much as 170-horsepower.

The Honda Civic Hybrid (MPG Rating: 40 City/45 Highway) 23,000 USD

The Honda Civic Hybrid is one serious contender when it comes to fuel mileage. One expert even said that it’s the measuring stick for all economy cars out there. At just above 20 thousand dollars, the Honda Civic Hybrid can extend your gallon of fuel from 40-45 miles. Seriously, you don’t see that kind of number everyday and what’s even surprising is that you didn’t expect the Civic to get really good.

People have been talking about hybrid cars for quite a while now. Admittedly, it has already created a splash and I can’t blame them. Hybrid cars are considered the most popular green cars these days and when giant auto makers jump into the bandwagon, everything gets really spiced up.

However, not everything green must have something to do with hybrid cars. CNG cars for instance have already been getting so much attention these days, although the US has not yet caught up with the frenzy just yet.

Basically, natural gas or more properly Compressed Natural Gas is a cleaner alternative than gasoline. Despite of that, only eight million NGVs or Natural Gas Vehicles are operational in the United States right now. Its rather humdrum popularity can be attributed to the tons of certification that one needs to have in order to own an NGV.

On the other hand, Honda remains to be the only one that sells a full-blown NGV and that’s the Honda GX. However, converting the vehicle’s engine to CNG is still the route chosen by those who are into CNG. Unfortunately, there are so many paper-pushing procedures that need to be done in the US. The truth is, as much as 200,000 USD has to be spent in order to make the entire conversion process legal.

Meanwhile, before you convert your vehicle to CNG, you should make sure that there are enough refueling stations available to your area. Right now, there are 800 refueling stations that can be found in the US, which isn’t really enough if this industry wants be part of the mainstream consciousness. The bad side is, these stations are far from each other, so refueling would not be a viable option for you at the moment.

The good news is, there are more and more people who are installing their very own CNG refueling station at home. So instead of looking for a refueling a station, owning a mini station is what people have done.Instead of storing CNG, you can get a device that just compresses the gas from a household supply. The best part is, you can refuel at your own comfort and at your own pace, although it usually takes overnight in order to fill up a gas tank.

On a different note, the cost of a CNG is from 12500-25000 USD and that still depends on the size of the vehicle and of course of the engine. That may seem a bit pricey, but overall, you can get your money back after a few years of using it. The advantage really shows though if you’re planning to own a taxi or any other public means of transportation. That’s because you drive it over many miles each day, but you don’t have to spend as much for gas.

If you think that the price range is a bit expensive for the conversion, purchasing a used NGV is another alternative. The downside though is that there are very few second-hand NGVs out there. Once you get one though, just make sure that you’ll be able to properly maintain it, because there’s a good chance that there is a lot of mileage from its engine once it reaches you.

The battle for Hybrid supremacy has begun and all indications point to one word: fierce.That’s because you can expect all the other giant automakers to put their best shot just to gain advantage in the lucrative hybrid market. Ever since Toyota released the Toyota Prius, car manufacturers have scrambled to get a piece of the pie. The truth is, you just can’t leave the potential billion-dollar industry to just one automaker giant, so everyone dipped their hands with supreme bravado.

One of them is expectedly Kia and with the Prius already ripe for the picking; Kia is not far behind with the introduction of the Kia Soul Hybrid. The truth is, the Prius is already the darling in the US but there are some things that are worth mentioning with the Kia Soul Hybrid.

Basically, the Kia Soul Hybrid is based on the Kia Soul with a box-style that is reminiscent of the cars in the 60’s and 70’s. Unlike the Rio, the Kia Soul Hybrid has a bigger capacity and is better equipped to bring five or more people at the same time. Aside from that, the Kia Soul Hybrid is offered in front-wheel drive and it comes in two engines- the 1.6 or 2.0-liter varieties. These kinds of engines give the Kia Soul Hybrid as much as 142-horsepower, once you step on the gas. As a hybrid car, it comes with an AC electric motor that can be recharged for 6-8 hours.

The best part about this car is that you can easily shift from gasoline to electric in a flash. That means you emit less exhaust and you extend your mileage significantly that can’t be achieved by having an all-gasoline vehicle.

However, knowing that the Kia Soul has this ability is already some insurance. Then again, you’re into a hybrid car because it extends your fuel for several miles. Clearly, the Kia Soul is a role model when it comes to this department. That’s because you can expect an MPG rating of 57, while having CO2 emissions of only 117 g/kg, respectively. That’s something that other models have to measure up to.

When it comes to safety features, the Kia Soul has tons of them to keep you nice and comfy inside. To start of, it has nifty anti-lock disc brakes and an anti-skid control system that will keep you in all fours once you’re inside of it. Kia is also generous when it comes to airbags because this car has six of them all in all. These airbags can be found in the front and at the sides. Standard conveniences like the air conditioning, power windows, locks, mirrors, and even stereo are also offered. These features clearly make the Kia Soul Hybrid a great choice if you want to enjoy the conveniences of traditionally-powered vehicles, sans the spending on gasoline that you have to make.

Basically, the Kia Soul Hybrid is aimed at those who are conscious about using so much gasoline and emitting so much exhaust gases. Aside from that, the Kia Soul offers so many other customizing features such as the wheels, body kits, and even the interior. It’s essentially built to give you style, without worrying a lot about your energy consumption.

On the other hand, there are still no official reports on when the Kia Soul Hybrid will be released. Then again, it clearly guarantees to make the Hybrid market a lot more exciting for many years to come.

I know so many people who have been reading and asking about electric cars recently. I laud them for their enthusiasm, although I am against letting them buy something without knowing some background about it first. It’s great that you finally want to get away from being dependent on gasoline and clearly, choosing an electric car is one hell of a choice.

However, before you withdraw some cash and order the latest model, there are some things that you have to know first. The fact is, there are many manufacturers offering them now, but unlike regular cars, there are special considerations that you have to be aware of before purchasing one. So here I go.

Not Exactly Your Average Car

Yes, you read that right. Every electric is unique but if there’s one common thing about them is that they travel at very low speeds. Something like 25 mph and anything above that is illegal. Because of that, you can’t expect an electric car to torch the road because it can’t and it isn’t allowed to do so.

Why Are They Slow?

The fact is, most electric cars are small and they have not undergone the rigorous crash tests that the conventional cars have to go through. Because of their size, they can’t have the massive engine that most gasoline-powered cars have. However, these cars are so energy efficient that you can expect to make the most out of every voltage that you use on it.

The Federal law however that prevents electric cars from being really free out there is because of the golf carts. A couple of years ago, golf carts have become so prevalent on various communities even without having safety equipment such as seat belts, horn, brakes, tail lamps, and even windshield. So basically, you should blame it on golf carts for preventing funky electric cars from owning our highways.

NEVs Anyone?

An NEV or Neighborhood Electric Car does not necessarily give you the handle, drivability, and versatility of most traditional cars, but that was back then. These days, more and more manufacturers are making their electric cars less cute as they try to emulate sedans and even pickups. Although they still need to do a lot of work as far as comfort and performance are concerned, it will not be surprising if electric cars catch up with their more illustrious and older counterparts.

There Are Two Kinds

Just like your gasoline-powered vehicles, electric cars come in two varieties and these are the enclosed and the open-air types. The latter gives you that sensation of being inside a jeep, while the latter looks more like mini cars. Open-air types are good if you’re don’t like cramped space. However, they offer very little protection against the nasty weather that closed types provide.

The Cost

Naturally, an electric car costs more than your regular car because it uses special batteries, motors, and systems. However, two years of driving can pretty much cancel out the amount that you spent for it because you won’t be paying anything when it comes to gas. All you need is electricity and that’s about it, although there are serious concerns when it comes to the distance that this kind of vehicle has. Basically, most electric cars have a price range of 7,000 to 15,000 USD.

The Worth

An electric car is not for everyone, especially if you want to travel for long distances. However, if you just roam around the city from home to work, then this one is a solid choice. Even if these cars look weird and they don’t provide the boost that most cars provide; they have amazing advantages that can never be overlooked and these are: no tailpipe emissions, no dependence on petroleum, and more importantly, they look great.

Yes, oil prices are at an all-time high and they become more and more volatile each month. Yes, people are also looking for better ways to get their cars running without having to rely on black gold AKA gasoline. So what’s the solution? Well, one promising source however is biodiesel, which has been attracting so much attention as of late. Then again, before you jump on the bandwagon like most Celtic fans, here are five things that you should know about biodiesel.

1.We Owe Something to the Man Named Rudolf Diesel

Rudolf Diesel was a visionary who thought that using vegetable oil to run cars is possible. People laughed at him of course but a hundred years later, no one would ever do that at all. Did I also mentioned that he was the one who invented the diesel engine?

2.Biodiesel is a Huge Threat to Petroleum

How huge? For starters, biodiesel is a domestic fuel and that means countries can grow plants that would produce biogas. With that being said, you can see the end of relying on petroleum from foreign countries. The downside though is that you need enough land area to cultivate these crops. Smaller countries would have a harder time producing biodiesel because there’s not much space to these biogas plants. You just can’t use precious are that is meant for planting food crops and food is definitely more important than oil.

3.It’s Made From Many Sources

When we say biodiesel, we’re actually looking at a very broad range of sources that can produce energy. The most common source right now is soy and the best thing about it is that it’s easy to cultivate, while acclimatizing very well in all kinds of climates. Also, soy is so cheap that it’s even affordable for third-world countries. Other crops and plants that can be used as sources are flax, rapeseed, mustard, sunflower, palm, hemp, jatropha, and even pennycress. Aside from that, animal fats and unused vegetable oil are also likely candidates.

4.Algae?

Yes, these green things that we end up taking for granted might be the ones that will save us in a world where energy is more than valuable. Although still in its developmental stage, algae have a huge potential to become a legitimate energy source sometime in the near future. Why? Well that’s because it can double its size and weight under the proper conditions in just one day. Aside from that, alga essentially takes in carbon dioxide while releasing lipids, which are actually a type of fat during the process. Planting algae makes everything around us greener and it will be one way of solving one of the biggest concerns in our time- global warming. The best part is, there is no need to worry about where it should be planted so there’s no need to think about wasting precious farmland. That’s because algae can grow anywhere and in fact, can even grow in outer space. So if you put everything in numbers, scientists have calculated that this energy source can produce as much as 20,000 gallons of oil every year. Not bad eh?

5.Any Diesel Auto Can Use It

Unlike other alternative energy sources, you don’t need to buy a new car or have a complete engine overhaul just to enjoy the benefits of biodiesel. Using a vehicle that runs on diesel is enough to make your ride green and ready.

I’m definitely one of the guys who is going root for anything green these days. That’s why I was simply ecstatic when Chrysler mentioned that it will be putting up a new electric car model from its GEM subsidiary. The car called the Peapod Electric Car does not look like any electric cars out there, but it certainly has a lot of promise with the way it looked.

Meanwhile, Chrysler’s GEM division has always produced intriguing and unique electric cars through the years, although not a lot of people have shown interest because gasoline was what was ticking back then. However, I was glad that GEM took it a step further as they finally gave a sneak peak of its next model called the Peapod Electric Car. Basically, the Peapod Electric Car is a futuristic Neighborhood Electric Vehicle or NEV.

Compared to other electric vehicles out there, the Peapod Electric Car is certainly out of this world. In short, its bulging and tubular design will make you think that it’s the Volkswagen Beetle after 100 years. Its windshield is massive and it comes in very bright colors, which remind you of your toy cars when you were eight-years old. Unlike other GEM models, this one is totally enclosed so passengers will stay dry all throughout their journey, even if the rain is pouring outside.

Basically, the Peapod Electric Car uses Chrysler’s ENVI design, which is entirely dedicated to developing electric-powered vehicles. This car definitely looks like it was taken from newspaper 50 years from now. To put it simply, it does not look like anywhere near the cars that you see on the road these days. The Peapod Electric Car has a teardrop front that uses big-sized glasses. When it comes to the interior, you’ll be surprised to know that it is more spacious than it actually looks. The truth is, four passengers can fit comfortably inside without any problems.

Furthermore, the Peapod Electric Car has a 102-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 143.6 inches. It’s basically having a Mini Cooper-like vehicle that runs in electric power rather than gasoline. When it comes to weight, the Peapod Electric Car is 1290 pounds, while its aluminum frame will make sure that it will stay tough no matter what.

Because the Peapod Electric Car uses electricity to move around, it has 12-volt lead-acid batteries. The best part is, you can plug-in this car in any standard 110-volt outlet for 6 to 8 hours and you can start roaming around for at least 30 miles. When you talk about its speed, it won’t be able to beat any car on the road with its measly 30 mph speed, but you’re no Lewis Hamilton, so you don’t need speed at all. The truth is, the Peapod Electric Car is built for congested areas not on race track ovals. With that being said, this is the best car to beat the city traffic without emitting any harmful exhaust gases to the environment.

With the trend turning against gasoline-powered vehicles, it will not be surprising if the Peapod Electric Car becomes one of the most sought-after electric cars in the coming years. Basically, Chrysler has committed in manufacturing this car for 2009 and it will be distributed in several countries that have electric-vehicle infrastructures. The Peapod Electric Car definitely has a lot of potential and I wouldn’t call it lucky if becomes a staple part of the streets in the future.