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.

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’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.

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

Fiat 500

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

Ford Verve Concept

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

Honda CR-Z Concept

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

Mini-E

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

Tesla Motors Model S

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

Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid

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

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

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

The Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept

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

BMW M1 Hommage

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

Citroen C-Metisse concept

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

Ferrari Millechili

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

With the entire automotive industry at a tailspin and the recession making everything really tough on everyone; small and compact cars have been what people are talking about. Meanwhile, stretching your hard-earned dollar may be quite a chore these days, which is why you should opt for a vehicle that’s built to do just that. In the recent LA Autoshow, Nisssan unveiled what could be next year’s car of the masses, the 2008 Nissan Cube.

The Cube may sound too square and bland initially, but its smooth design gives you that relaxed and calm feeling when you see it. According to its designer, the Cube’s windows are built to evoke a feeling of looking at a picture, instead of typical car windows. Aside from that, the interior is unlike any other, because of the sheer space and size that it offers.

Additionally, the Cube’s headlights and taillights have been transferred above the bumpers. That’s because these lighting devices suffer the most serious damage during front-end collisions. That small tweak is enough to make sure that you won’t have to spend for new headlights every so often. The Cube also has an asymmetrical rear window in its right, which you won’t find when you look to the left.

Basically, the Nissan Cube gives you that exalted feeling when you see it, because it’s so small, but it’s still built to carry some serious cargo. It makes everyone interested, although not in a freaky way that a Smart forTwo or any other mini car would.

On the other hand, the specifications of the Nissan Cube is quite average, although you might find a few surprises. It has a 1.4-liter, four-cylinder that is capable of generating at least 95-horsepower. However, this small all-purpose vehicle is just a tad above 2000 lbs., which makes it really a lightweight in its class.

Despite of that limitation, the Nissan Cube is capable of carrying four adults all at once and has plenty of legroom to spare. Aside from that, you can put several hundred pounds of extra cargo and you’ll still be fine even if you’re driving on tough terrain. Also, its extremely fuel-efficient engine has still enough bounce for it to surge to 65 mph in the highway.

With its size, the Nissan Cube can fit in even small parking spaces and that means you won’t have to worry about Sunday afternoons when parking space is a luxury. The best side of the Nissan Cube is not its design but its MPG rating, which is pegged at 30 miles per gallon. For sure, you’ll save your precious money for something more important other than fuel.

Electric cars haven’t really become part of the mainstream, although with rising gas prices, these plug-in vehicles may just be what everyone needs. An electric car is one thing, but a battery electric microcar is another. It’s a totally different class that does not only look differently, but also feel way different once you’re already inside. On the other hand, if you’re looking to cut your gas bills without by buying a car, without sacrificing style, then you need to check out a Corbin Sparrow.

Basically, this car looks more like a trike rather than a car, because it has three wheels instead of four. Although it isn’t a huge presence when on the road, you’re sure to make a lot of heads turn, because of its unique design and small size.

When it comes to specs, the Corbin Sparrow is powered by a 20kw, 156-volt DC battery that can reach a maximum of 40 miles. The great thing about it is that you can recharge it by simply plugging it through a 220-volt outlet. You only need to keep it plugged for six hours and you’re ready to start making your presence felt out there.

Unlike other electric cars out there, the Corbin Sparrow can go as fast as 112 km/h, with a fuel efficiency that is pegged at 162 MPG. That means that for every gallon of fuel, the Corbin Sparrow can stretch that to at least 162 miles. Not pretty bad, especially if you hate doling out gas money all the time. The Corbin Sparrow is far from a super-performance vehicle, but it can surely give you the extra punch when it comes to energy consumption.

The Corbin Sparrow is an eye-catching piece on the road and that’s because it looks like a massive shoe with three wheels on it. If you want to push your imagination further, it may even resemble a roller skate out there. Whatever it may look like, it’s guaranteed to make a lot of people stare at it, because it’s not everyday that a car like this is brought to the road.

Meanwhile, the Corbin Sparrow started back in 1996 and the year after that, production started. Unfortunately, only 300 Corbin Sparrows were made and because of the difficulty of selling these electric cars, Corbin Motors filed for bankruptcy. Fortunately, businessman Dana Myers bought the Corbin Sparrow in 2004 and began producing it once again, while giving it a new name - MM NmG. Despite of the new name, the original Corbin Sparrow design stuck and it’s still called by its original name up to this point.

The Corbin Sparrow may not look a lot but it only costs 29,995 USD each or roughly 30 grand. That’s not much, considering how other SUVs or AUVs cost these days, not to mention the amount of fuel they consume day in and day out. Basically, a Corbin Sparrow does not have enough of cargo space for you to use as well. Also, it only allows a maximum of three passengers to get inside at the same time. Despite of these, it’s definitely perfect for your easy driving needs, especially with its plug-in feature. You only need to plug it in one of your electric outlets for several hours and you’ll be alright.

The Corbin Sparrow has several accessories that can accompany you during your drives. These are a cigarette lighter outlet, radio/CD player, fan, heater, and a mini-television. Although that’s pretty basic, you really can’t expect much from a car that weighs only 612-kilograms, while having a width of only 48-inches.