The little sister of the globally successful i-MiEV, it is reported that the minicab will be powered by Toshiba’s SCIB battery. Another technological giant, Toshiba will be in partnership with Mitsubishi to develop and produce a fast-charging, long lasting battery that will support the plug-in vehicles. Pretty soon, other automotive companies would catch up with this technology and we’d soon find ourselves in a battery-operated world. But with the rising gasoline prices, the world would certainly welcome these battery-charged babies. Besides, the electric cars just might be the solution to our long-waged battle against global warming and the greenhouse effect. It was also reported that the SCIB lithium-ion rechargeable battery was particularly chosen for its low cost, extended life and fast-charge ability. A fully charged Minicab MiEV will be able to cover 100 km or 62 miles like the i-MiEV.

Mitsubishi plans to market the Minicab with a price tag that would cost around 2 million yen or less, or an estimated price of US $24, 210. Billionaires, tycoons, magnates and celebrities would definitely be lining up for this vehicle. The company has high hopes that the green cars and new business strategies will double their operating profit to 90 billion yen, and triple their net profit to 45 billion yen by 2014.

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Nissan’s green LEAF is set to hit dealership this December. The LEAF is an electric vehicle sporting a love it or hate it design. Distinctive features of the LEAF include a low hood sandwiched in between two V-shaped headlights that looks like shark fins. The unusual headlights were not installed for statement alone, but were designed for a purpose – to split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors minimizing noise and drag in the process.

The LEAF doesn’t have emissions equipment which gives the rear hatch a cavernous depth giving you so much storage space than you could ever imagine. There’s also plenty of headroom and legroom both on the front seat as well as the passenger seat. So it’s not going to be a problem if you are more than 6 feet tall.

In terms of connectivity, the LEAF utilizes an exclusive advanced IT system which is linked to a global data center providing the user with support, information as well as entertainment 24 hours a day. Its dash-mounted monitor displays the status of LEAF’s power and even shows the areas of nearby charging stations. You can also use your mobile phone to turn on air-conditioning and set the charging functions even when the LEAF is low on charged. The LEAF can travel 100 miles on a single charged. How much does the LEAF cost? The introductory price is $25,000 but according to Nissan it still can go down considering local and state incentives.

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Basically, the Rinspeed Senso has lights on its driver’s field of view that change color depending on your mood. How does this work? If you’re feeling drowsy, the interior becomes filled with light, the stereo emits a certain kind of sound, and the ventilation system releases a unique smell.

The Rinspeed Senso is loaded by different kinds of sensors that measure your pulse. Aside from that, there’s also a camera that monitors your driving behavior. This way, you’re always relaxed and alert when you’re in front of the steering wheel.

When it comes to performance however, the Rinspeed Senso has a lot to show off. Basically, it is powered by a 3.2-liter engine that can generate as much as 250 horsepower. Right now, the Rinspeed Senso is still in the conceptual stage. Then again, its supreme features will really change how we look at our vehicles in the future.

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Basically, the City Car has four wheels, one in front and in the rear, while the others can be found in the sides. For power, the City Car uses an electric motor that can generate as much as 20 kilowatts and it can go as fast as 30 mph. However, the vehicle also relies on an internal combustion engine that is able to give off 60 horsepower while boosting its speed to 80 mph. Overall, this strange-looking vehicle can cover as much as 370 mph and an MPG rating of 46.

The best part about the City Car is its design. With all of its wheels laid out in a diamond pattern, they are able to maneuver in 180-degree angles. That means you can turn 360 degrees in its vertical axis. In short, it gives you so many options as compared to your regular four-wheel vehicle when it comes to maneuverability.

On a different note, the City Car is 11.8-feet long and weighs just around 320 pounds, making Shaq even heavier than this thing. Despite its size though, it can unbelievably carry 5 people and a few extra pounds for your luggage. Equipped with lots of cameras, you won’t have any trouble dealing with the traffic with this kind of street rig. I’m pretty much blown away with its other features such as a cellphone, internet, digital TV, and a glut of communication accessories.

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It’s just like the highly-popular Segway, although General Motors tells that it’s cheaper and more energy efficient. Having two wheels, the PUMA is powered by one lithium-ion battery that can be charged in any conventional power outlet. Just like most electric vehicles, it can travel as fast as 25 mph, with a total range of 56 kilometers.

The goal of the PUMA is to let people cover as much space as possible, using very little time. Aside from that, it enables people to thread small areas and cramped city spaces without putting much effort at all. Right now, PUMA is still at the development stage although I wouldn’t be surprised if it performs as good as Segway after it is launched.

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Basically, the DuraCar Quicc is a cheap and efficient alternative to conventional vehicles that you know. Capable of carrying a maximum of two passengers, the DuraCar Quicc has a payload of 600 pounds. Aside from that, it can cover a 150-kilometer range, using only a single-charge from its batteries. Compared to other electric cars, the DuraCar Quicc can go as fast as 120 kilometers. Best of all, there’s no way that you’ll be emitting anything once you drive it.

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Tom Hanks

There’s a positive trend sweeping Hollywood A-listers, and it has little to do with fashion or vegetarian living. It’s showing love for green cars. These days, more and more Hollywood stars and starlets are showing their support for Mother Nature by driving environmentally-friendly rides. Some A-listers are even writing about their commitment to turning this “trend” into something more lasting–the norms, perhaps?

The latest green car enthusiast to show his support for electrics and hybrids is none other than the great Tom Hanks. According to TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk, Mr. Hanks has recently written a letter to the New Yorker. It’s his way of setting things straight with regards to the electric cars he’s been using in the last few years.

Peter J. Boyer’s original article made the assumption that the 52-year old Academy Award-winning actor had an EV1, which was briefly produced by GM. Hanks, however, was quick to say that this certainly wasn’t the case. According to the letter from Hanks:

The Improved EV? The Newly-Launched Toyota FT-EV

“By the time I began shopping for an all-electric car, in 2003, the EV1 had already been yanked from showrooms as if the car had never existed. Instead, I found what was purported to be the very last electric car available for sale in the state of California–a Toyota EV. It had four doors, a rear hatch, room for my family, including a dog in the back, power windows, A/C, a great sound system, and the fastest, most effective windshield defroster known to mankind.”

“When the car companies collectively, and, to some, diabolically decided to take these cars back, the electric vehicles disappeared. But not mine. I have the pink slip. I own that car, and it is still driven everyday, albeit by one of my crack staff of employees. My electric car recently crossed fifty thousand miles on odometer with its original battery but without so much as a splash of gasoline,” Hanks added.

Talk about an excellent green commitment! Now if only we had more people showing the same commitment as Mr. Hanks and his staff, then we can help reduce the amount of pollution produced daily worldwide.

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Apart from that, this vehicle has a special floor arrangement that maximizes its interior space. Aside from that, its low center of gravity minimizes the weight that its battery pack puts on it.

If you’re the kind of guy who likes putting stuff inside your auto, then the Toyota Hi-CT Plug-in Hybrid is perfect for you. Its detachable trunk and deck can offer more than enough space for equipment that has varying sizes.

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The Lincoln "C" Concept

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

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

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

"C" Savvy Interior

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

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

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

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

The Lincoln "C" Concept's Futuristic Look

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

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

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

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This recent UK launch comes right in the heels of the announcement from the government saying how they subsidize and support the use of electric cars. The British government has also expressed their commitment in making the UK the “world leader” in creating and exporting quality electric cars. London’s own mayor, Boris Johnson, has also revealed plans of introducing 25,000 recharging points throughout the city. These recharging points should make it easier for electric car drivers to keep their rides ready for longer road trips.

The new electric car is going to be called the Citroën C1 ev’ie. It’s the first 4-seater, all-electric ride that’s designed to give its drivers (and passengers) superior comfort and performance. This car even comes complete with all the standard safety features you’ll find in your usual gas-powered car.

WhatGreenCar.com also reports that this vehicle is capable of running 60-70 miles when fully-charged, at a level speed of approximately 60mph. Not bad for an electric car, right?

To keep this car completely-charged, you can also plug it in for around 6-7 hours in a domestic 13 amp socket. That should cost you around 90p, which means you’re going to be spending less than 2p per mile.

Citroën C1 ev’ie models will be assembled in the United Kingdom from the donor car. And the company expects to produce around 500 of the C1 ev’ies in the next 12 months. Significantly rising to 2,000-4,000 units by next year depending on public demand and the government support.

“We are committed to providing greener alternatives for motorists and are delighted to be supplying ECC with C1s for this exciting project,” the Managing Director of the Citroën UK, Xavier Duchemin, said.

ECC plc Chief Executive David Martell also commented: “We believe this is the first serious alternative to a petrol or diesel car. It drives just like a petrol car and has excellent capacity for use in any town or city in the UK…The key to building a successful electric car is an efficient battery management system (BMS). ECC has developed an advanced and sophisticated system, which when coupled with regenerative breaking, can provide the driver with much greater range and better performance.”

The C1 ev’ie is said to be priced at $16,850 and can be bought directly from ECC.

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