Brusa Elektronik is really on a roll these days. Last time out, I posted about its new electric car called the Brusa Spyder. Sure, I was really impressed with that car could offer on the table. Little do I know that the company still had something more to offer other than the Brusa Spyder. Actually Brusa Elektronik still had one more trick up its sleeve and it’s the supremely-looking and opulent Protoscar LAMPO Electric.

At first, there’s no way to tell that this car is electric powered until someone told me that it is.Just like the Brusa Spyder, it’s also an electric car that is styled like a roadster. Unlike some small and compact electric vehicles though, this one boasts of serious power. In fact, it can produce as much as 268 horsepower using only its lithium-ion batteries. What’s even more impressive is that it’s a four-wheel drive car and each set of wheels can muster 134 horsepower instantly. It also has serious torque because last time I checked, it’s capable of generating 324.5 lb.-ft. of torque.

So what powers the Protoscar LAMPO Electric? Basically, there’s a lightweight lithium-ion battery that can provide it by as much as 200 kilometers in range. Just like most electric-powered vehicles, it can be charged using any public or home charging public outlet.

When I checked out the instrument panel of the Protoscar LAMPO Electric, what caught my attention was how it displays the amount of power is uses in real time. Seriously now, I can’t recall any kind of electric vehicle that had that kind of feature. Basically, it shows positive when you’re accelerating, while showing negative when you start to decelerate. Aside from that, there’s also a touch screen module that shows the current battery charge and the current driving conditions. I also found the GPS tool is very useful because it allows you to plan your routes. That means you become an efficient driver and you save your battery power as well.

Meanwhile, getting inside the Protoscar LAMPO Electric is a totally different experience as well. That’s because you can set the parameters of the on-board battery charger. Aside from that, the interior is stylish as well. There’s also ample legroom so you can put in some extra cargo when you’re planning for a longer trip.

Despite the design, looks, and energy efficiency of the Protoscar LAMPO Electric, it’s one car that is all about zero emission. It’s one efficient running machine that is fun to drive in city-driving conditions. Meanwhile, the Protoscar LAMPO Electric is not yet on sale but it will certainly change how we see electric cars in the near future.

Let’s face it. The conscious decision of trading a fuel-powered, high-performance vehicle for a less-powerful but greener alternative is not exactly the easiest thing to do. For starters, in most parts of the world, biofuel can be pretty hard to come by. As for electric vehicles, well, keeping your car fully-charged for hours of travel can be near impossible. But going “Green” does have its benefits.

Let’s not get started on the “save the world for the children” campaign. It’s something we’re all familiar with, and it’s something that we all understand perfectly. Instead, let’s focus on the benefits that will affect YOUR life.

(1) Green Cars Save Lungs (and Lives)

Since you won’t be emitting as much carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide with your green ride, then you can expect less pollution to damage your health. While you won’t inhale enough pollutants to develop a respiratory or cardiopulmonary sickness in one day, everyday exposure to these pollutants can and will damage your lungs in the long run. By going for a green car, you minimize the pollutants released in the environment, thereby cutting everyday air pollution by the tiniest bit. If you persuade others to join you and to get green cars for themselves, you make a bigger change in helping make the environment safer for you, if not your children, or your children’s children.

(2) Lower C02-Related Taxes

In some parts of the globe (like London, we’re told), the road tax you pay the government increases or decreases based the amount of C02 your ride releases and the type of fuel your vehicle uses. Naturally, fewer emissions can help lower your road tax. Now, an article from EzineArticles.com, entitled: “The Benefits of Having a Green Car”, also mentions that you won’t have to pay any taxes if your gas emissions are way below 100g/km. Now if this rule applies to your area, then this can mean pretty sweet savings in the long run.

If you drive an electric car, then you also won’t have to pay a single dime for fuel tax. After all, your car doesn’t run on fuel, it runs on power. Fuel tax for natural gases are also a lot lower than what you’d have to pay if you were driving using diesel or petrol.

(3) Green Car Insurance Companies Usually Offer Low-Priced Insurance

Some Green Car Insurance Companies have better and cheaper offers when it comes to green car insurance. It acts as a type of incentive for people to buy more green cars.

So actually by buying a green car, you’re saving more than just the environment, you’re also saving more money. That’s why, if you don’t own a green car now, you might want to think about purchasing one in the near future.

Again: It’s not easy being green—but if you stick with it, the rewards can be incredibly fulfilling.

A couple of years ago, it’s unimaginable a fuel-cell car and a sports sedan being combined. The technology simply isn’t there and it takes so much money to do it in an efficient manner. However, the rapid advancement in technology and the need for an environment-friendly sport car made this possible and one good example is the Wild Pininfarina Fuel Cell Sports Sedan.

This car uses the Sintesi fuel cell concept that was unveiled in the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Basically, the Wild Pininfarina Fuel Cell Sports Sedan uses an integrated fuel cell, battery pack, and wheel generator. In short, its sport car that can go as fast as all its gasoline contemporaries, while also having an extremely high MPG rating. In short, it’s a sport car that does not use gasoline at all.

The Wild Pininfarina Fuel Cell Sports Sedan uses fuel cells that have a 20-kilowatt capacity. Aside from that, it comes with a 100-kilowatt lithium-battery pack that provides just enough power that you need when you accelerate. Basically, the Wild Pininfarina Fuel Cell Sports Sedan’s wheel motors are air-cooled, while using a regenerative braking power system. You’ll definitely feel like inside the car of the future once you sit beghind its steering wheel. Overall, this car can muster as much as 91.2 horsepower and 671 lbs.-ft of torque to each wheel. Without a doubt, these are impressive numbers coming from a green car.

The Wild Pininfarina Fuel Cell Sports Sedan has been designed in order to make its passengers comfortable all the time. You’ll feel like you’re pampered once you sit inside this vehicle. Aside from that, it has been engineered to have a sleek, aerodynamic, and tapered shape in order for it to have better handling. To top it off, it only has a drag coefficient that is pegged at 0.27. This makes the almost seem like its flying without having to leave the ground.

Another great feature of the Wild Pininfarina Fuel Cell Sports Sedan is the Substrate Transportation Autothermal Reformer. Basically, it is a system that can create hydrogen out of several fuel sources such as gasoline, ethanol, pertrodiesel, and biodiesel. Because it derives hydrogen from its fuel sources, it does not emit harmful exhaust gases that can damage the environment.

Despite of the road-torching look and highly-sophisticated engine, the Wild Pininfarina Fuel Cell Sports Sedan is also excellent in fuel economy because it has an MPG rating pegged at 47. When it comes to fuel range, it can go as far as 500 miles using only its 10.7-gallon fuel tank. It also has a very small CO2 emission rate because it only releases 78g/km.

Despite being only at the concept stage, the Wild Pininfarina Fuel Cell Sports Sedan may well be mass produced in the next couple of years. The manufacturer admits that it still needs to develop its power source and stability on the road, before finally being launched on the market.

Volkswagen is definitely gearing up for its hydrogen-powered vehicle class and it kicks things off by launching the VW Tiguan. This automobile is uses a hydrogen fuel cell and it’s no secret that it will become the standard bearer for the manufacturer when it comes to fuel efficiency. The VW Tiguan looks like any kind of SUV out there and the only thing that separates it from regular vehicles is that it uses hydrogen-powered fuel cells instead of gasoline.

Basically, there are only two VW Tiguan vehicles in the world right now. That’s because this concept vehicle has not been fully developed yet by Volkaswagen. When you look under the hood, the VW Tiguan can generate as much as 134-horsepower and 175 lbs-ft torque. Apart from that, it can reach a top speed of 93 mph and it can accelerate from 0-60 miles in only 14 seconds.

The great thing about the VW Tiguan is its ability to store energy. That’s because it has hydrogen storage tanks that are made of a tough Kevlar composite. These containers can allow as much as 3.2 kilograms of hydrogen which is compressed under 10,000 pounds per square inch. Another amazing feature is that it uses more durable lithium-ion batteries that last for years without having to be replaced.

It will take several more years for the VW Tiguan to be finally launched on the market. However, it will surely be a dominant force in the fuel-efficient vehicle class once it is launched. Right now VW is still tinkering with its mechanics and technology, so it can be mass produced in the future.

The electric car trend has really hit a full swing all over the world. However, most Asian manufacturers have really taken advantage of this, making the region the hotbed for electric vehicles. When it comes to Asian automakers, Korea has a lot to offer in this category and the new kid on the block is a company called CT and T. Compared to other automaker giants, CT and T only focuses on a particular niche of the green car market. That’ because the company is entirely into electric-powered vehicles, which are more popularly known as EVs.

Meanwhile, the CT and T company has been making golf carts for years. However, it saw the opportunity to expand because of all the seriousness that has been given to electric cars. With that being said, the said company took a full step forward by launching its very first EV called the E-Zone. Basically, the E-Zone is a microcar that has only enough space for two adults. Nevertheless, its compact body makes you safe inside if collisions do occur. It has standard airbags and its aluminum frame makes it tough despite of its small size.

The E-Zone boasts of a four-wheel independent McPherson suspension system, which uses hydraulic disc brakes and electromagnetic regenerative braking. With that being said, you can stop on a dime once you’re inside this EV. In short, you won’t worry about screeching tires that can’t stop when you need them to. When it comes to power, this vehicle has a 72-volt AC motor that can bring you to as far as 75 miles. However, just like all EVs, the E-Zone can only go as fast as 25 mph. Although it’s faster than a golf cart, you can’t expect to be inside a racing oval and win. Then again, the E-Zone is fuel efficiency and that is where it is really good at.

On the other hand, the very first E-Zone cars have already been brought to the island of Fiji for observation. Because of that deal, the company has inked a business partnership with the Fiji government that will put up a plant over there. This same plant has a potential to create as much as 10,000 E-Zone cars every year.

Meanwhile, there are still no plans of massively distributing the E-Zone all over the world. The latest word is that the company will first market this car in Korea, before being distributed to Australia and New Zealand. However, once it gets its bearings going, there’s no reason to believe that it will not be as successful as the other automakers out there.

So who’s going to buy the E-Zone? Right now, the company already has a partnership with the Daejon police force. In short, patrol cars in that place will now be using electric power. Also, the E-Zone is already being used in some parts of China and had been showcased in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

There is no doubt that the E-Zone car has a bright future ahead of it. It’s easy to recharge and it uses high-quality batteries that last. Heavy-duty batteries are important for EVs because they serve as their lifeblood. Lastly, unlike other electric cars, the E-Zone is not expected to cost that much. The E-Zone is another alternative to those people who want zero emission and efficient traveling all around the city.

Everybody loves a Mini, whether you’re a big fan or not. That’s because it’s the consummate symbol of style and elegance, embodied in four wheels. For decades, the Mini has been a staple of different roads for decades using only gasoline power. This time around, this iconic model will soon have an electric version that will be out in the street, albeit for a limited period. That’s because BMW has finally announced that it will be leasing the Mini E Electric Car to select people and use the results of that lease period to eventually perfect the Mini E Electric Car. The Mini E Electric Car is not yet available to the public, but at least it’s a step towards the right direction.

Basically, the Mini E Electric Car is powered by a 204-horsepower electric motor that is tucked comfortably underneath the hood. When it comes to torque, the Mini E Electric Car can generate as much as 162 lbs-ft, while being able to accelerate to 60 mph in only 8 seconds. Its top speed is not pretty bad at 95 mph for an electric car. Of course, you would expect that it is 800 lbs. heavier than the traditional Mini Cooper because of all the electric wirings and gadgets that are needed to make electric power feasible. BMW says that it’s almost perfect and I would not be surprised if this becomes the future of electric cars.

Just like most electric cars, the first that everyone would talk about it its the range. Fortunately, the Mini E Electric Car isn’t that limited in this category, since it has enough gas, I mean power to cover 150 miles using its superb lithium-ion battery. The Mini E Electric Car has its electric power transferred to the motor at a rate of 380 volts. You won’t have any trouble charging because it will only take two hours and 30 minutes to have the battery fully recharged. That’s a significant improvement because most electric cars take at least hours to be fully recharged.

Meanwhile, the Mini E Electric Car’s suspension allows it to have superb agility, drivability, and control. That’s because it uses a unique Dynamic Stability Control system that is designed to distribute the weight of the Mini E Electric Car properly. Just like any other electric cars, the Mini E Electric Car has a standard air conditioning system. However, you don’t have to worry about the power that you have to spend when you turn it on because the Mini E Electric Car is designed to minimize consumption.

Compared to other electric cars out there, the Mini E Electric Car uses regenerative braking wherein the motor itself acts as a generator, once you let go of the accelerator pedal. With this feature, you can expect the driving range to increase by as much as 20 percent. When it comes to design, the Mini E Electric Car has a metallic, dark paintwork that makes it stand out on the road. The best thing about its appearance is that it does not look that different from the traditional Mini Cooper. In fact, it’s simply a small car that happens to run wild in electric power.

Meanwhile, the Mini E Electric Car uses a battery level indicator instead of the conventional tachometer. This indicator tells the power consumption that is indicated in red and the power recuperation in green.

Although not yet sold in the market, the Mini E Electric Car will be leased to 500 select private and corporate customers in one year. This contract will include all the necessary maintenance that will be handled by BMW’s staff and technicians. After one year, all the cars would be returned to BMW to be checked and repaired.

It will take several years before this electric vehicle becomes fully available to the public. However, BMW is upbeat about its potential and the possibilities that it brings to the table.

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.+

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.