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.

Global warming, rising fuel costs, and all that drama has really forced automakers to manufacture an alternative to gasoline-powered cars. The result is the hybrid vehicle that surely makes everything nuts these days. That’s because hybrid cars have everything that you want to cut costs and reduce emissions. So if you’re a first-time buyer of a hybrid vehicle, what are the things that you should know? Should you instantly jump to it and push the button?

Hybrid lessens emissions

Right now, there is a great deal of debate linking vehicle exhaust and global warming. Some experts think that there is no direct evidence suggesting that vehicle emissions are the cause of global warming. However, one thing is for sure and that is the fact that cars have emitted so many noxious gases over the past decades. For sure, having a hybrid car is one of the best ways to get out of the pollution bandwagon.

Hybrid cars come in many different styles

In the past, hybrid cars don’t look like your regular car on the road. That’s because they have bulky engine mechanisms that needed bigger space inside the engine compartment. In short, hybrid cars weren’t taken seriously because gas prices were still very much available back then. These days, anything can happen and rising prices forced people to take a better to look at what hybrid cars can bring to the table. Basically, hybrid cars of today come in many different body styles, which make them look like regular gasoline-powered cars out there. However, the big difference lies under the hood, because it’s usually heavier and far more complex.

Hybrid cars are more expensive

Now for a car that promises you to save on gas and help Mother Earth, why are hybrid cars so expensive? The fact is, a hybrid car is a special car that does not have the regular pieces of every gasoline-powered vehicle. You have to factor in the cost of the batteries, modifications, engine, and even the transmission system. With these things more complicated, the price of a hybrid car is definitely higher. The good news is, there are indications that the high-priced hybrid days are soon to be over. That’s because researching and the continuous mass production of its components will eventually drag down its prices over time. Meanwhile, just like everything else that is new, hybrid cars are new creatures and in the world of technology, anything new is high priced. Fortunately for us consumers, it does not stay that way forever.

Hybrid cars use fuel that does not cost that much

Hybrid cars are very attractive because they can put your fuel economy to new heights. In fact, most hybrid cars can extend your mileage to several miles using only a gallon of fuel. Because of that, most manufacturers claim that you can cancel its exorbitant prices even after only two years. That’s the advantage of hybrid cars, you buy them at a higher cost, but you can eventually take back that money by spending less on fuel.

More manufacturers, more hybrid cars

It’s simple economics really, the more manufacturers of hybrid car, the lower their prices will be. These days, there are so many hybrid manufacturers in the mix such as Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan, and Saturn. These manufacturers compete to give the customers the best possible product and to accomplish that, they need to sell it a lower price. Economics works for everything including cars and I would not be surprised that after several years, hybrid cars can compete with gasoline-powered cars at the same price.

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.

Nobody knows who Greg Johanson is anymore, unless you were old enough to remember some piece of history back in the 80’s. The truth is, Johanson is responsible for setting the fastest speed by a solar-powered vehicle in 1986 called the Sunrunner. Yeah, that was two decades ago and people back then never cared about solar energy. However, two decades later, the scampering for alternative forms of energy has been so intense that the names Greg Johanson has to be mentioned, every time solar energy becomes part of the discussion.

Basically, the Sunrunner has long been retired. However, with the ever increasing demand for fuel-efficient cars, Johanson did some tweaking to a trailblazing hybrid - the Toyota Prius. The truth is, there hasn’t been any solar hybrid for the Prius, but the people in Solar Electrical Vehicles or SEV did something to make that possible. With that being said, the company that is led by Johanson designed the PV Prius that has better range and mileage compared to its traditional hybrid cousin.

SEV is planning to deliver these altered Prius cars by next year and it believes that it will be a viable option for hybrid enthusiast out there. Basically, SEV is working with Kyocera to develop its high-technology solar modules. The thing is, you’re the one who is going to install the whole solar module, via the DVD instruction kit that is sold to you. The PV Prius works by using an AC-DC converter, which connects the module to the battery of your Prius.

SEV officials claim that this solar-powered version of the Prius can generate as much as 1,300 watt-hours a day. With that being said, you can expect an additional 5-8 miles from this car by relying on its solar modules alone. However, when you use it with its tried and tested battery, this Prius can give you of up to twenty more miles and fuel efficiency of up to 30 percent.

The great thing about this kit is that it only costs around 3,500 dollars. Although the downside to it is that you need to have enough patience and time to learn how to install it. With that being said, it’s best for those who are serious into getting the most out of their Prius. However, if you simply are curious on how it works, it’s best that you get some help from a professional to finish the installation process.

On the other hand, SEV guarantees that its instruction vide is very easy to follow. Aside from that, the company states that it is working to make its solar kit more affordable and easier to understand. SEV maintains that its high costs are attributed to the recent economic downturn that the entire world is experiencing.

Toyota is not only the car manufacturer that has been dealing with SEV to make their cars more environmentally friendly. The other two members of the Big Three like Ford and General Motors are currently talking with SEV to improve the design of their respective hybrids.

One of the members of the Big Three has finally succumbed to the new wave of green cars these days. In fact, it might even be the best solution to the demise that they are facing, instead of the billion-dollar bailout that each company is vying for. Ford reinvented its Ford Fusion line by throwing it to the already thriving hybrid party. This move from Ford is one good reason why there’s no way but to go fuel-efficient these days.

The Ford Fusion is will probably become the Toyota Camry’s biggest competition. That’s because it offers both gas and electric options, while being totally efficient in power overall. It’s a serious roadblock for the Camry and come 2010, you can expect a dogfight to happen when it comes to its sales.

Basically, the Ford Fusion is capable of generating as much as 155-horsepower from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Also, it has an electric drive train that has never been offered before. Made by Sanyo, its nickel-metal hydride battery offers 20 percent more power, but weighs 20 percent less. Using the Ford Fusion affords you of being able to shift from gas to battery at will. The result is an extended use of the fuel, which hasn’t been witnessed in past Ford models.

On the other hand, the best part about the Fusion is that you can go as fast as 47 mph using electric power alone. That may not be really fast if you compare it to other Ford heavyweights, but it’s certainly a groundbreaking achievement for the automaker giant. What’s more impressive is that you can get as much as 39 miles from just a gallon of gasoline. That’s something new, especially if you talk about Ford, which is known for producing massive, gas-guzzling automobiles.

Overall, it will not be surprising if the Ford Fusion starts dominating in the hybrid market by 2010. With its great looks and style, it will become Ford’s most sought after model in decades.