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.

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.

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.

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.

By now, you’ve probably watched the latest reincarnation of James Bond kicking ass in the cinemas. Of course, the usual recipe of beautiful women trying to get a piece of him and signature moves can still pull off the necessary surprises. These things have always been staples of every Bond film and each one comes away with a blockbuster hit all the time. However, something is new when it comes to the film Quantum of Solace and these are two featured cars that are considered green: The Ford KA and the Ford Edge.

Danie Craig and Olga Kurylenko

The Ford Edge was used by Daniel Craig when he just walloped Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric). Green is an environmentalist who runs an international organization, which plots to destabilize governments in Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, the Ford Ka appears in a scene with Olga Kurylenko crossed paths with Daniel Craig in the movie.

The Ford KA

The Ford Edge is a big car that runs on hydrogen fuel cells. With that being said, it emits zero emission, while meeting your power demands pretty easily. On the other hand, the Ford Ka looks like a Toyota Yaris in many respects, although it has a lot more mileage because it can gut out 38 miles out of only one gallon of gasoline. Meanwhile, the Ka is one of the leading compact cars in Europe. Unfortunately, it is not available in the USA for some strange reasons. However, there had been reports that Ford is planning to introduce it to the American market sometime next year.

The Ford Edge

The fact is, these environmentally-friendly cars are pioneering efforts in the Bond Film series. Sure, they won’t be able to hold a candle against the Aston Martin DBS, which can generate 510-horspower and cruise to 191 mph, but they’re sure bets when it comes to excellent fuel economy and efficiency.

It’s a good thing that this latest installment of Ian Fleming’s masterpiece sends another message across aside from beating the bad guys and that’s taking care of the environment, using eco-friendly cars.

From afar, the Airpod looks like a gigantic insect that runs with miniscule wheels. The fact is: it wouldn’t be surprising if you would mistake the Airpod for the car of the future, because of its unorthodox design and look. On the other hand, this weird-looking vehicle that looks like a flattened version of a Smart Fortwo, is already used in airports in France and the Netherlands. Its creator, Guy Negre has convinced Air France and KLM officials to make his creation the best option in airport transportation.

The Airpod is a pint-sized vehicle that can carry four people altogether and its most attractive feature is its energy source −compressed air. To harness its energy, it has a tank that is located at its rear, which is filled with air that it uses for its operation. The Airpod is meant to carry passengers in both the Charles De Gaulle in Paris and Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Basically, the Airpod weighs only 450 lbs. and it is powered by compressed air, which has been the center of Guy Negre’s efforts for the past 20 years. Of course, you really can’t expect the Airpod to cruise like a Lamborghini, but once you fill its air tank, it’s good enough for 135 miles until the next stop. Aside from that, its modest 43 mph will give the airport passengers a good view of the whole scene.

The Airpod however doesn’t use a very viable technology, considering the need to have air stations just to make it primetime. Aside from that, there’s always the question of its performance, which other alternative energy sources such as electricity, CNG, and solar power can provide. Also, the Airpod’s production costs are far too expensive when you calculate the benefits that it’ll give back. Despite of these, Guy Negre and his company, Motor Development International, remain optimistic that it’ll be the chosen transportation of the future; albeit in a limited role.

PARIS — While it may be a bit early to plunk down a deposit, expect to see Smart brings its new fortwo ED to the United States, possibly as soon as late 2009. With a hybrid-electric Mercedes also up his sleeve, Daimler’s chief confirmed to PM that the electrified Smart car was headed across the pond—and that it’s just a matter of time.

The ED, short for electric drive, is Smart’s new battery car, which can deliver up to 150 miles on an overnight charge of its lithium-ion battery pack. It joins an expanding line-up of high-mileage powertrains offered by the Mercedes-Benz sibling division, an assortment that also includes diesel and the new Micro Hybrid Drive, or MHD system—all of which PM recently test drove here across the pond after the fortwo’s decidedly slow start.

“Electrifying cars is one option for safer, sustainable mobility,” declared Thomas Weber, technology chief for parent company Daimler AG.

A small number of fortwo EDs are already being field tested in London, and the program is rapidly being expanded to other cities, including Berlin, where a network of charging stations has been set up to support what has been dubbed eMobility Berlin.

Smart expects to have 100 of the battery cars in place in Berlin in the near future, and will continue growing the eMobility project to other urban areas over the coming months. According to Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche, the goal is to have 1000 of the EDs in operation around the world by the end of 2009.

Smart’s battery car “will be in the States, though the final decision [as to the timeframe] hasn’t been made,” Zetsche said in an interview with PM. “I consider it likely we will see some of that 100 in the U.S.” But if not, Zetsche added, expect to see an American version by 2012, when Smart expects to push production up to somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000.