So I have been writing about electric cars for quite sometime now and it’s obvious that there are so many of them. From Asia, Europe, and the Americas, more and more manufacturers are working on creating efficient and cheap electric cars. Recently, I has the chance to drive another NEV or neighborhood electric car such as the ZX40S and I have to admit that I am impressed. Read on for more details.

Truth is, the ZX40S is just like other NEVs out there: it’s small. However, its size is outweighs by the fact that it uses electricity to move around. More like a gigantic toy that you can actually use for your daily commutes. The ZX40S is based on the model called the Daihatsu Move, which originated in Japan. Basically, it comes with a steel body frame, side impact door beams, crash resistant bumpers, and an impact-resistant steering column.

At first glance, the ZX40S would seem small but believe it or not, it has enough size for several people to get in. When you crunch down the numbers, the ZX40S measures 11 feet in length from bumper to bumper. Aside from that, there are two bucket seats that you can find in front. Entering or exiting won’t even be a problem because there are four huge doors that you can use for that purpose. If you’re still not impressed, it has at least 41 feet of cargo space.

The ZX40S comes in three different models and these are the ZX40, ZX40S, and ZX40S Advanced Design. The ZX40 comes with a 4KW motor that can muster as much as 275 amps. If you’re not content with it, the ZX40S is pegged at 6.3 KW and it can produce as much as 400 amps. Finally, the ZX40S Advanced Design does not use a DC motor. Instead it utilizes a brushless three-phase induction AC motor that is capable of producing as much as 7.5 KW and 550 amps. Despite of the power differences, each of these ZX40S models can go as fast as 25 mph. It can’t go any faster though, because that’s the top speed that Federal laws dictate.

The ZX40S stores electricity in six lead-acid batteries. The best part is that you can charge these batteries in any 110-volt outlets. If you’ve got them inside your house, then that’s great news for you. In order to charge, you just have to find the power cord that you can plug into a connector that is located in the fuel filter location. Manufacturers of the ZX40S claim that its batteries can go as far as 50-60 miles. That’s simply what you need if you’re going around the city streets all day. On the other hand, this car can accelerate from 0-20 mph in five miles and if you’re going to ask me, that’s a pretty decent number.

It’s pretty easy to see that a car like the ZX40S is a hands down better alternative than most gasoline-powered cars out there. The costs are just way too low although you really have to make do with its limited power and speed. Some of the ZX40S’s standard equipments include a heater, defroster, windshield wipers, electric mirrors, and tough alloy wheels. When it comes to the price, it’s pegged from 14000-18900 USD.

For decades, we humans have been depending on oil. From hunting furry animals for thousands of years, the discovery of oil jumpstarted boosted our civilization to amazing heights. Before you make a flag and declare everlasting human domination out on the street; you should know that oil dependency has real and bad implications.

1.Oil Dependency= Catastrophe

Millions of people use oil everyday and as the population grows, so does the need for more oil. Joe Shmoe would say that there’s no real cause for concern because there’s so much of this stuff somewhere in the Arabian peninsula. However, that’s no longer the case. That’s because oil supplies are dwindling fast, while the demand just grows higher by the day. There will come a time that we will reach a point called peak oil. When this happens, oil becomes scarce, its price will skyrocket, and an energy crisis will be underway.

Well that’s still not enough to be called a doomsday scenario, but it certainly is going to that direction. When petroleum finally hits the plateau and starts declining, there are several aspects of modern life that will be affected and these will be transportation and agriculture. Take these two out, add a little bit of anarchy and you’ll have a perfect recipe for a dish that nobody wants to eat—disaster.

Brace yourself for the big ooomph

2.The American Role

Our beloved US of A is the largest importer of oil in the planet. Is that a good thing? Well, not really if you consider several facts. Basically, the United States is the largest oil consumer right now. If you crunch down the numbers, the US imports a staggering 13.5 million barrels of oil daily, 20 percent of that number comes from our dear friends in the Arabian world, particularly the Persian Gulf.

Joe Shmoe would ask, “So what’s wrong with that?”. Well not much, until you factor in the reality that you need to get oil from unstable places in the world. In short, there’s more conflict in a day in the Middle East that than your neighborhood has had in the last 150 years. Seriously, American oil dependence on oil from the Middle East will spell trouble, when push comes to shove. Oil is a very good political tool, when things get awry between our country and the US, oil is a very good pawn in winning the chest match.

3.Oil Dependency=Nasty Cycle

Anyone with half a brain will say that we can just use alternative energy right now. Although we’re already headed to that direction, using alternative energy is more expensive and less cost-effective than traditional fuel sources. With increasing oil prices, more and more manufacturers have resorted to alternative energy. In fact, some cars these days have already been modified to lessen gas emission and to become fuel efficient. However, the sad truth remains: oil dependency is a vicious cycle and it will take quite a while for it to be completely eradicated. That’s because oil has been there for decades that it’s not easy removing from the equation overnight.

4.Oil Dependency is the Wrecking Crew of Mother Earth

We probably know this thing since grade school days: oil is one of the biggest reasons why the environment is being damaged at breakneck speeds. The truth is: when oil combustion byproducts are released to the atmosphere, it can cause serious health problems. Additionally, these gases trap the sun’s rays, therefore preventing it to escape, which makes the Earth’s surface hotter. Does the term global warming ring a bell?

We only have one, so let's take good care of it, shall we?

5.Mmmm Let’s Talk about Solutions

There’s no need to be desperate though, especially with how automakers have responded by creating more fuel-efficient vehicles. If we end up using more green cars, oil dependency will exponentially decrease. However, these green automakers have to make these vehicles cheaper first. For sure, all pieces will fall into their right places once they become more affordable for the people.

So you want to go green this year? These days there are many options if you want go for fuel efficiency and less emissions. One of the most obvious choices would have to be natural gas, because they are cheap and they extend your money for miles. However, before you buy a NG-powered vehicle, it’s better if you know some facts first about how it works and what kind of fuel it uses.

What is natural gas?

Natural gas is basically a combination of hydrocarbons with a little methane. It is also considered as one of the cleanest, safest, and efficient sources of energy right now. This is possible because natural gas has the highest hydrogen-to-carbon ratio of any type of hydrocarbon. That means it produces lesser greenhouse gases, thus less hazard to the environment and human health. Basically, there are no fundamental differences between gasoline-powered vehicles and natural gas vehicles. That’s because both types need the air to mix with the fuel before being fed to the cylinders. After which, the fuel is ignited by the spark, which lets the piston to move the pistons up and down. This repetitive action is the one that powers a vehicle that uses natural gas.

How is it stored?

Most natural gas vehicles use compressed natural gas or CNG. As its name implies, the fuel is stored inside vehicles under pressures that reach 3000-6000 lbs./square inch. If not compressed, natural gas can also be used in liquefied form or liquefied natural gas or LNG. In order for this work out, it first must be cooled down to several hundred degrees and must be contained inside thermal tanks. Basically, LNG is better than CNG because it requires less room for storage. The lesser the space it occupies, the better the space will be maximized for the vehicle.

How does it work?

Compared to diesel and gasoline vehicles, natural gas vehicles use closed systems in order to prevent fuel from escaping. Aside from that, it uses pressure-fit nozzles that lock fuel receptacles, thereby preventing the gas to escape. Because no gas escapes the engine, every bit of the fuel is used, unlike that of gasoline or other fuels.

What About Natural Gas Stations?

Every prospective natural gas vehicle buyer needs to ask about how natural gas stations function. Basically, natural gas is taken from the gas plant at very low pressures, before it will be compressed and placed inside storage tanks at very high pressures. Two kinds of things are needed for fueling natural gas and these are fast fill and time fill. The former uses a large compressor and a high-pressure container tank, while the latter uses a smaller compressor that takes an hour to be filled.

How does the engine work?

When you start a vehicle that uses natural gas, the gas flows from the storage cylinders to the fuel line. When the gas is nearing the engine, it needs to pass through the regulator in order for the pressure to be reduced. After which, it will be fed to the fuel injector and the cylinders.

Overall, these are the basic things that you need to know if you really want to try driving a CNG-powered vehicle. These vehicles have special needs and you need to know the details about them so you can enjoy their full benefits.

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.

We now know that gasoline-electric hybrids have so many to offer on the table by simply minimizing your fuel costs. They are more efficient than their gasoline counterparts and they just have so much potential in the market right now. Basically, hybrids have better performance, range, and flexibility compared to their rivals. Then again, not all hybrid vehicles are the same, which is the reason why I singled out the most versatile hybrid vehicles that are available today. Read on and know what Hybrid cars deserve to parked nicely inside your garage.

1. Toyota Prius ( MPG: 48 City/45 Highway)

The Toyota Prius is definitely a shoo in this list, because everybody knows that this car is the measuring stick for all Hybrid vehicles out there. The Toyota Prius provides the daily transportation needs of anyone who uses it. That’s because it’s a five-door hatchback that can carry people and cargo at the same time. Of course, it 45-48 MPG is downright serious as well, which allows you to make the most of every gallon of your fuel. Not mention that it looks as good as any other topnotch hatchback or sedan right now. The Toyota Prius is definitely in a class of its own in the hybrid industry right now. It looks good, it feels right, and it kicks ass when it comes down to the single most important thing: fuel economy.

2.Nissan Altima Hybrid ( MPG: 35 City/33 Highway)

Just like Toyota, Nissan will never be left far behind in the scrumptious hybrid market right now. With that being said, it’s expected that Nissan launches the so called ultimate family sedan, which happens to be the Nissan Altima Hybrid. The best thing about this hybrid car is that it can operate exclusively using electric power, albeit at a slower speed. Basically, it has a QR25 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a 40-horsepower electric motor. When both of them turn it on, you can expect at least 198 horsepower from the Nissan Altima Hybrid. That does not even end there, because it can generate zero emissions while extending the life of a 20-gallon fuel for 700 miles. Indeed, if the Toyota Prius is a God, then the Nissan Altima hybrid is a demi-god.

3.The Ford Escape Hybrid ( MPG: 34 City/33 Highway)

The Ford Escape Hybrid is the ultimate SUV for all green vehicles out there. Unlike the first two that offer panache, the Ford Escape Hybrid brings both toughness and style to the table. Basically, this SUV has a hybrid powertrain that enables it to perform like a workhorse, while sipping fuel like a small car. When it comes to performance, the Ford Escape Hybrid has a 2.5-liter engine and a 17-horsepower increase from its previous models. Is it safe to say that Ford has started to catch up? Right now, people from from Ford still have a long way to go before reaching the place where Toyota belongs. But technology can turn really fast, so don’t be surprised that this once gas-guzzling giant becomes a lot greener than the rest.

4.The Honda Civic Hybrid ( MPG: 40 City/45 Highway)

The Civic is arguably the most popular car in the world today, next to the Toyota Corolla. With that being said, it didn’t hurt that another Asian giant, which is Honda to tinker it a little bit to make it greener. The result was a huge success and the Honda Civic Hybrid has become the best green cars of today. Basically, the Honda Civic Hybrid uses the famed Integrated Motor Assist full hybrid system, which combines a 1.3-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 20 horsepower permanent magnet electric motor. When it comes to creature comforts, the Honda Civic Hybrid has enough room for five people. What’s even more impressive is that it’s great for your daily commute and even for the weekend out-of-town trips for the family, without even caving in to pressure.

5.Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid ( MPG: 21 City/22 Highway)

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is the biggest hybrid in this list and it’s the best choice if you want to haul big, while keeping your fuel consumption low. Basically, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is 6,200 lbs. in weight while still managing to have a significant MPG rating. In addition to that, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is 50 percent better than the model that it has succeeded when it comes to fuel efficiency.

So here is the continuation of my previous post regarding my favorite fuel economy cars.

Toyota Prius (MPG Rating: 48 City/45 Highway) 21,000 USD

There’s no way that you can continue with any hybrid discussion without mentioning the Toyota Prius. It has been so successful that it may be considered the Volkswagen Beetle of this generation. After 10 years when it was initially launched, the Toyota Prius’ revolutionary technology is a pioneer in the hybrid industry. Basically, this car has a 1.5-liter double overhead cam four-cylinder engine, which can produce 76 horsepower. That is enough power to let you go around the town or city. The best part about this car is that it looks great and that it makes everyone inside of it really comfortable. The Toyota Prius will stay here for a while, unless of course there’s a serious challenge by some automakers out there.

Toyota Camry Hybrid (MPG Rating: 34 City/32 Highway) 25,000 USD

The Toyota Camry was already a best-selling car even before its Hybrid version was launched. When the eco-friendly version was released, it only made the entire model better. Indeed, Toyota seems to be releasing a hybrid for every model that they have and it worked out perfectly so far. Utilizing Toyota’s tried and tested Hybrid Synergy Drive system, the Toyota Camry Hybrid can generate as much as 187 horsepower from its gasoline/electric engine. Just like any true hybrid, the Toyota Camry can travel in short bursts in electric mode and for long stretches in gasoline mode.

Ford Escape Hybrid (MPG Rating: 34 City/30 Highway) 27,000 USD

Ford is really doing well especially with its just-recently-launched hybrid program. If you still think that it still does not have what it takes to compete with the likes of Toyota, the gap is certainly getting really close. Basically, the Ford Escape is very quiet and it is big enough to let several people get inside without any problems. It’s essentially an SUV that can work in an electric/gasoline engine. To be more specific, it uses a 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor that can churn out 94 horsepower in a jiffy. If you’ve been scared of buying SUVs because of the high cost of fuel, then now is the right time by picking this.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid (MPG Rating: 27 City/25 Highway) 38,000 USD

The Toyota Highlander is already a family car when it was first launched. However, Toyota’s penchant for converting successful models into Hybrid struck again as it launched the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Basically, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid provides a decent mileage that anyone can appreciate. Aside from that, it has a lot of space and it’s very comfortable inside. When it comes to power, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets it from 3.3-liter double overhead cam engine and an electric motor, which are designed to provide as much as 270 horsepower. The best part about this car is that you can press an “EV” button and you can instantly shift to electric power at a lower speed.

Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec (MPG Rating: 23 City/32 Highway) 53,000 USD

No doubt, the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec is the most expensive car in this list and for a very good reason. That’s because it looks like any other luxury sedan, but it is earth friendly at the same time. Without a doubt, the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec is the first one to be sold with a “clean” diesel technology. In addition to that, it has massive 3.0-liter engine that can produce as much as 210 horsepower.+

It’s no longer something new seeing people craving for green cars these days. Indeed, the choices have become numerous from just a handful a couple of years ago. However, you still need to know which cars can give you the best way to save gas. Especially right now when the demand is growing, there is a lot of need to scrutinize the next car that you’re going to park in your garage.

So to give you guys some ideas, I have listed a couple of cars that stand out when it comes to mileage and price. I selected cars from the 15,000-30,000 range, while also taking into account the drivability and comfort that they offer. So here they are and have a quick look at what they can offer and what you’re actually going to get from them.

The Honda Fit ( MPG Rating: 28 City/34 Highway) 14,000 USD

Classified as a small station wagon, the Honda Fit is considered one of the best fuel-savings cars in its class. It looks small, although it’s just one of those cars that are really big inside, so you won’t have any trouble with getting a few people at the same time. The best part about the Honda Fit is that you can extend a gallon of your gasoline to 28 miles in the city and 34 miles in the highway, respectively. Aside from that, its 109-horsepower engine isn’t a pushover either. At 14,000 dollars, it’s a solid pick from the many choices out there.

The Ford Focus (MPG Rating: 24 City/35 Highway) 14,300 USD

I can’t believe that something from Ford can go this cheap. Indeed, tough economic times have forced Ford to go green and as of late. It’s better late than not joining in the green car craze at all. Meanwhile, the Ford Focus comes in a 2.0-liter four cylinder engine, while looking like a sporty sedan that you can bring anytime and anywhere. This is arguably Ford’s most fuel-saving car in years and if you have some change to spare, this one is one great pickup.

The Chevrolet Malibu (MPG Rating: 22 City/30 Highway) 20,000 USD

So what exactly does the Chevrolet Malibu have that makes it more expensive than the Ford Focus? Well it boasts of a superb traction control, four-wheel ABS, XM satellite radio, and an automatic transmission. In addition to that, it has a 2.4-liter double overhead cam Ecotec engine that just won’t fail no matter what. It looks better than the Ford Focus, although when you compare prices, the Chevrolet Malibu seems to be quite expensive.

The Nissan Rogue (MPG Rating: 22 City/27 Highway) 19,250 USD

When you talk about crossover vehicles, a lot of people would mention that the Nisan Rogue is right up there and rightfully so. Despite of its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it is able to get as much as 22-27 miles from a gallon of gasoline. That’s a huge number considering how big this vehicle really is. Unlike most SUVs out there, the Nissan Rogue is easier to park. Aside from that, it can handle all kinds of weather with ease. Power-wise, the Nissan Rogue has more than enough in its tank and in fact, it can generate as much as 170-horsepower.

The Honda Civic Hybrid (MPG Rating: 40 City/45 Highway) 23,000 USD

The Honda Civic Hybrid is one serious contender when it comes to fuel mileage. One expert even said that it’s the measuring stick for all economy cars out there. At just above 20 thousand dollars, the Honda Civic Hybrid can extend your gallon of fuel from 40-45 miles. Seriously, you don’t see that kind of number everyday and what’s even surprising is that you didn’t expect the Civic to get really good.

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.

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.