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.

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.

When you look around, cars are becoming smaller and smaller. Well, that’s not necessarily a bad thing because they save a lot of space, power, and most of all, they’re easier to park. Since they’re smaller, you don’t need too much fuel powering them and of course, they have lower emissions. When it comes to small cars, one manufacturer stands out from the rest and that happens to be Mitsubishi.

Most of the cars that Mitsubishi releases can accommodate as much as four people. Aside from that, they’re powered by an engine that is only 600 cc in volume. Despite of the diminutive size, Mitsubishi makes sure that they’re stylish and functional at the same time.

Right now, there are three vehicles that Mitsubishi is grooming to be sent outside Japan and these are the i MiEV, i MiEV Sport concept, and Concept cX. The i MiEV uses a 330-volt lithium-ion battery, which is mounted below the floor in order to maintain a low center of gravity. Meanwhile, the i MiEV Sport concept uses an aluminum chassis for extra toughness and durability. Aside from that, it uses a Super All-Wheel Control System that is needed to improve traction, output, and control. Last but not the least is the Concept cX, which is essentially an electric-powered SUV.

In this blog, I talk about any kind of vehicle that has something to do with being green. That means, I don’t solely write about cars because we’ll never know when the next green vehicle would be like. That’s why when the E-Bikeboard S500 was launched, I immediately jumped on it. Yes it may not be a car but it’s every inch a green vehicle.

So what is the E-Bikeboard S500 in the first place? Basically, it’s an electric snowboard, bicycle, and wakeboard rolled into one. Since it’s made of compact aluminum, it’s actually very light, which makes it perfect for both snow and water. If you think that’s all there is to it, you’re dead wrong. That because the E-Bikeboard S500 can also be used on land and all you have to do is put some wheels to it and it turns itself into an instant bike. So how did this thing get into this blog? As I said earlier, it uses green technology because instead of a gasoline-powered motor, it uses an electric motor. That motor is powered by lithium-polymer batteries that can be recharged.

Because it uses batteries, the E-Bikeboard S500 doesn’t emit anything and it’s even strong enough to carry a load that can weigh 260 pounds. Despite of its batteries, the E-Bikeboard S500 weighs only an astonishing 66 pounds and when it comes to the price, you only need 2,500 dollars to get one.

The GM EV1 Electric Car paved the way for many of the electric cars that we know today. From the drivetrain technology to the design, the GM EV1 Electric Car was the grandfather of all modern electric vehicles that we know today. Here are the last few things that every green-car enthusiast should know about this car

14. The main problem with the GM EV1 Electric Car is that its batteries are so expensive it could never be cancelled out by mass production. Although there was no official statement by General Motors regarding the battery costs, many experts believed that they fell in the 20000-30000 range.

15. Despite of the huge developments in technology, General Motors deemed that pursuing the GM EV1 Electric Car no longer serves the best interests of the company. Because of that, the entire program was abolished in 2003 and General Motors pursued a different direction ever since.

16. Despite of the GM EV1 Electric Car’s silent yet expected death, the technology that was used on it was still applied on General Motor’s hybrid and fuel cell-powered vehicles.

Overall, the GM EV1 Electric Car never really took off, but its technology gave other auto manufacturers the idea on how and where to start.

So this is part 4 of a 5 part blog regarding the GM EV1 Electric Car. Over the years, many people have forgotten how great this car was. Because of that, here’s my 5-post special about the things that people should know about the GM EV1 Electric Car

11. When it comes to driving, nothing beats the GM EV1 Electric Car in the electric vehicle class. When I used to be behind its wheels, I was extremely quiet, efficient, and the best part is, it doesn’t emit any kind of exhaust gas.

12. The GM EV1 Electric Car’s greatness on the road can also be attributed to its very low coefficient drag. In fact, it’s low that its coefficient drag is pegged at 0.19 Cd. So does that number mean? Well, you can practically let go off your accelerator pedal on the freeway and not think about it pressing it for a few minutes.

13. Actually, the interior of the GM EV1 Electric Car reminded me of a classic jetfighter back in the 70s. From the instruments to the dashboard, the GM EV1 Electric Car had the word “jet fighter” written all over it. Although it was only meant to accommodate two people, the GM EV1 Electric Car was designed to be efficient and functional at the same time.

7. Basically, General Motors introduced the GM EV1 Electric Car at an extremely low price of 34,000 USD back in 1996. I say extremely low because back then, developing an electric car costs more than 34 grand. The reason being is that people from General Motors wanted to test whether the public was receptive enough to accept the GM EV1 Electric Car as a legitimate vehicle.

8. Before being launched, the GM EV1 Electric Car was out only on the market to be leased. The reason being is that General Motors wanted to protect the technology, which took them decades to be developed from being stolen. Back in the mid 90s, you needed at least 700 bucks to rent the GM EV1 Electric Car.

9.General Motors used the Magne system to use the GM EV1 Electric Car’s batteries. Instead of using a conventional plug, this charger used a charging paddle to minimize metal-to-metal contact.

10. The GM EV1 Electric Car was also the pioneer when it comes to using nickel-metal-hydride batteries. Basically, this kind of battery is the very same thing that most hybrid cars used nowadays. The fact is, these batteries enabled the GM EV1 Electric Car to cover as much as 100 to 120 miles.

As a continuation of my last post regarding the GM EV1 Electric Car, here are the next important facts that you ought to know regarding the GM EV1 Electric Car.

4. During the early development of the GM EV1 Electric Car, several test mules were used to prove that the electric drivetrain really works. The vehicles used were the Geo Storm and the Lumina APV minivan.

5. Many people don’t know that there is no exact model for which the drivetrain can be based upon. Because of that, it was one huge victory for General Motors when the guys in there finally figured out how to manufacture the GM EV1 Electric Car. Basically, General Motors finally settled for a powerful AC induction motor that will be used for the drivetrain.

6.The challenge for General Motors is to make the GM EV1 Electric Car look like any other vehicle out there. That means its size should never suffer and the performance should be as good if not better than the production cars.

Generral Motors has been at the forefront of automotive technology for decades. During that stretch, it’s not surprising that it has carved out its name as one of the industry’s best. One vehicle that has become so controversial is the GM EV1 Electric Car. This car is regarded as the automotive industry’s future poster child. Although it didn’t leave up to its potential, it however inspired other manufactures to take its lead and create its own version of an electric car. Here are 20 things that you should know about the GM EV1 Electric Car

1.It debuted in the 1990 LA Autoshow and it was created by the wizards from AeroVironment.

2. Back when it was merely a concept idea, the technology needed to build the GM EV1 Electric Car did not yet exist. Because of that, many were surprised when General Motors announced its production.

3. When General Motors announced that the GM EV1 Electric Car is about to be launched, the California Air Resources Board was already finalizing the low-emission program during that time. however, there are many speculations that when the GM EV1 Electric Car was launched, CARB retooled its policies by passing the controversial Zero-Emission Mandate.

Everybody knows that petroleum doesn’t last forever. Because of that, it becomes more and more difficult to get it in gas plants all over the world. With that being said, its price will eventually rise and all consumers will feel shortchanged for all the money that they are literally throwing away. Truth is, there are ways for you to save gas without having to buy a green car. Here’s what you should do if you want your MPG rating to go up.

1. Drive Efficiently

That means consolidating and planning your driving routes throughout the day. It includes being updated in the traffic results, knowing the shortest routes possible, and maximizing your use of fuel.

2.Don’t Get Too Hard on the Gas Pedal

Many drivers end up pushing on the accelerator pedal too hard. Truth is, easing it up on the gas pedal helps you in minimizing your fuel consumption. To do this, you need to tap lightly on the pedal during traffic stops. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, make sure that you don’t get too excited when the road clears up.

3.Maintain a Steady Speed

Despite of your need to go beyond the speed limit, keeping that number well within the limit is beneficial to your engine in the long run. Aside from that, it’s also a lot better if you want to save on gas costs. Truth is, fuel efficiency diminishes each time you go above 60 mph. In fact, for every 5 miles that you break the speed limit, you lose 5 cents for every gallon stored inside the fuel tank.

4. Check Tire Pressure

Another way of solving your fuel-efficiency problem is by making sure that your tires are filled with air. The more air your tires have, the more traction that they have ensuring you to make the most out of your fuel.