The Lincoln "C" Concept

It must have been quite the surprise to auto enthusiasts when Lincoln presented the Lincoln C Concept car. While most people are hesitant to make the shift from their gas-guzzling rides to the smaller and greener vehicles on the market, it should come as a comfort to luxury-loving folks that they won’t have to give up the comfort provided by their luxury rides–not once the Lincoln “C” Concept hits the market.

What’s so lovable about the concept car called the “C” Concept is that it helps make green cars look cooler. Sure, for green car lovers like us (hopefully you included), green cars are the cat’s pajamas, but some people tend to see green cars as slower and less-powerful (and by default, less cool) cars compared to large vehicles that guzzle down gas like there’s no tomorrow.

But then, here comes the “C” Concept to shatter these types of pre-conceived notions. What’s so surprising about the unveiling of the “C” Concept is how the automaker Lincoln has always been associated with creating large and bulky vehicles that look and feel nothing like what people expect a green car to. Sure, Lincoln had to make their concept green car more compact, but the car looks amazing! Kinda like what you would expect a high-performance and powerful sedan would look like.

"C" Savvy Interior

Of course, Lincoln seemed to have gotten its inspiration from the typical box car design, but the brand has noticeably made the car curvier. Smoother. Sleeker. In an article from Ezinearticles.com written by Matthew B. Bailey, the writer describes the Lincoln concept to look like a cross between a Lincoln Navigator, a Chrysler PT Cruiser, and a VW New Beetle. And based solely on the looks of the car, I think I’d have to agree with Mr. Bailey on that one.

As for the interior, well, let’s just say the seats are so comfortable, it makes you want to just lie back and have a few minutes of snooze time. But what really gets me going is the car’s instrument panel, that’s panoramic, mind you. It’s so futuristic, it even has an avatar (customizable, of course) that welcomes you back and tells you if you’ve got new text messages or emails.

Also, according to “The Green Luxury Car - The Lincoln C Concept” by Mr. Bailey, the car also has fingertip controls that allow you to operate GPS Navigation, MP3 Players, and a Satellite Radio. It’s every environment-friendly technophile’s dream car.

But the best part about this concept is not its good looks or technophile-friendly accessories, it’s what drives the car that makes it so irresistible.

The Lincoln "C" Concept's Futuristic Look

AutomobileMag.com included the Lincoln C Concept Car in their Detroit 2009: Five Most Significant Green Cars due to the concept’s incredible, direct-injection, EcoBoost engine. This type of engine comes with a dual-clutch transmission, stop/start technology, and a “focus on weight-savings.”

Created based on the same ideas used on the European Focus, the pint-size “C” is a truly awesome ride that retains the typical Lincoln style we see from the brand’s luxury line.

If there’s one green car that could appeal to the cool kids (regardless of age), this one has got to be it. Here’s to hoping we’ll be seeing more of the “C” sometime soon.

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.

Switzerland. The land of the Alps, great people, and home of topnotch European travel destinations. It’s no secret that Switzerland is one of the most picturesque countries in Europe. However, the country has more to offer and one of them is top-of-the-line automotive engineering. Just like its neighbor Germany, Switzerland is a force to reckon with in this field. If you ask me, I have been there several times in the past and I wouldn’t mind staying there for as long as I can. Aside from what I jut mentioned, Switzerland is also home to Brusa Elektronik AG.

Sure, the company isn’t even Honda but just recently when I had the opportunity to visit a car exhibit in Norway, it just unveiled its latest car model called the Brusa Spyder. Basically, it’s the Swiss answer to the Tesla roadster. Why did I say that? It’s because it’s an electric sports car that has several astounding features just like the Tesla Roadster. Although it doesn’t roar like a Bugatti or a Lamborghini, it performs very much like the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder.

Powered by a Hybrid-Synchron electric motor that can generate as much as 134 horsepower, it’s more than enough for your city-driving needs. Aside from that, this two-seater, 2000-pound car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just under five seconds. Of course, that kind of performance is far from being the best. However, the Brusa Spyder is an electric car and it should merit respect just by achieving that. The speed of the Brusa Spyder is no joke either and that’s because it can go as fast as 124 mph when you want to.

Of course, having the Brusa Spyder is driving a sports car without worrying about emissions. Aside from that, there’s no need to worry about gas bills because all you need is a reliable outlet where you’ll plug it for charging.

Just like all electric cars, the Brusa Spyder relies on heavy-duty batteries made of lithium-polymer. Truth is, it’s strong enough to last for 77 miles without needing to stop. When it comes to fully charging it, all you need is just a little under four hours.

Overall, I can say that the Brusa Spyder is a solid choice if you want speed and power without using oil. Although it lacks a bit in space and legroom, it’s still one heck of an electric car nonetheless.

Ford Fiesta Van

There’s a new, super-stylish, small, green van in town, and it’s out to conquer Britain. Giant automaker Ford has recently revealed the new Fiesta Van ECOnetic. The super fuel saver that’s going to be released on the market later this year.

WhatGreenCar.com reports that the new and improved Fiesta Van ECOnetic comes with the same style as the old Fiesta, but with a few tweaks here and there and a greener overall design. This model has low-rolling resistance tires, a lowered suspension, and a specialized Duratorq 1.6-liter TDCi for super-low exhaust emissions of just 98g/km CO2.

The latest green car from Ford was created at the automaker’s wind-powered engine plant that’s found at Dagenham, Essex. Its 90PS Duratorq 1.6-Liter engine was combined with a Diesel Particulate Filter that’s designed to produce 10% less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to the already-impressive mainstream TDCi. This car also has a unique aerodynamic profile that allows it to run at a very fuel-efficient 76.4 mpg (miles per gallon)!

Ford’s director of commercial vehicles in Britain, Steve Kimber, talks about the perks of this new “green van”.

Ford Fiesta Econetic 2008 Model

“Many operators are prepared to be green - but still want comfort, performance, and an affordable price. The low-running costs of this ECOnetic van are bound to make more people consider the ‘green’ option. It’s a great package…We are also announcing a Transit ECOnetic today for opeators to see that Ford is serious about sustainability and developing their favorite van range in a way that supports their business.”

When placed beside previous-generation Fiestas, this model is designed to use up to 35 gallons less fuel over a course of 12,428 miles. That’s definitely going to save you a lot of gas money in the long run. When driven in the extra-urban highway, the fuel efficiency of the Fiesta Van ECOnetic improves even further. This van is capable of achieving 88.3 mpg! While your regular gas-powered car runs at 23mpg, this van will run much, much further with much less gas—and that’s a Ford guarantee.

If you would talk to a GM fan years ago and tell him that the automaker would make small cars 20 years later, he would have surely laughed at you. Then again, the emergence of hybrid cars from Honda, Toyota, and even Mazda left automakers such as General Motors outside the winning circle. With that being said, GM needs to play the rules of the new game and that means it needs to build more fuel efficient, compact, and eco-friendly cars already. General Motors deemed that launching the Chevy Beat is its first step to success.

The Chevy Beat is essentially designed for young people with its solid lines and sharp edges. With its look, it’s definitely meant to torch roads and streets, rather than rugged and rough terrain. Basically, the Chevy Beat is a sporty car that is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine. Aside from that, it can travel as fast as 175 mph, while having an MPG rating of 30.

Truth is, the Chevy Beat is what General Motors needs in order to reintroduce its new plan for the next coming years. The company has vowed to produce more fuel efficient and eco-friendly cars in the future. Because of that, the Chevy Beat is a perfect product that would driver more customers to it.

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.

Norway is known for so many things and if you’re a fan of electric cars, you should never overlook this place. That’s because Norway gives loads of exemptions in taxes, tolls, and parking tickets to its citizens who drive electric cars. Because of these policies, Norway has some of the biggest electric-car manufacturers such as Th!nk and more recently, Kewet. Both of these manufacturers have competed for a niche in its automotive industry and they have become largely successful.

Kewet has had a long history in Norway that included many ups and downs. However, it was eventually bought by a company called Kollega Bil A/S Norway in 1999, salvaging its electric car technology in the process. Because of that, the sixth generation of Kewet has been launched just recently and it promises to offer more features than its predecessors. Basically, the Kewet is only sold in Europe, but there are also plans to sell it in Europe, Asia, and North America. If ever, the Kewet can really give other EV manufacturers a run for its money in the future.

So what’s all the buzz that makes the Kewet such an attractive option for electric car lovers? The Kewet is actually big enough to allow three adults to fit inside and aside from that, it has enough space for eight bags of groceries and two cases of beer. In short, the Kewet has a bigger interior space than most electric cars out there. Bigger interior only means that you have more space to put bring the things that you want whenever you’re on the go.

When it comes to performance, the Kewet is not very far behind from the leading electric car manufacturers out there, in fact it may even be better in some aspects. Firstly, it has a range that can cover 30-60 miles and more importantly, its lead-acid batteries are maintenance free. The Kewet can also reach as fast a 50mph and that is even faster than most electric cars right now. When you talk about acceleration, the Kewet can go from 0 to 30 mph in just over seven seconds. In short, this electric car may not be as fast as your traditional, gasoline-powered cars, but it isn’t a complete liability on the road either.

Just like every other electric car, charging the batteries is the main concern for a Kewet owner. The good news is that it’s designed to be charged in only 3 hours if you still have at least 30 percent battery left. However, if your battery becomes fully empty, you need 6-8 hours to replenish all the power that it has lost.

Meanwhile, the Kewet has a 13 KW electric motor that drives the rear wheels through an automatic electric gear shift transmission. On the other hand, this car uses fiberglass reinforced polyester that makes it light and tough at the same time. Compared to other cars, it only weighs 1727 lbs. and that already includes all the batteries and electric components.

The Kewet car is also equipped with a 2.2 KW paraffin heater because it can get really cold in Norway. In addition to that, the car also comes with standard features like a radio, CD player, sunroof, ski rack, and even a bike rack. Another impressive feature is that it can even tow cargo that is worth 440 lbs.

This EV is one of the cheapest in the market today and for sure, it will make a big splash once it hits the European and American markets.

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.

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.