The Chrysler EV, An Electric Hybrid Town & Country

Introduced in conjunction with Chrysler ENVI’s electric hybrid 3-vehicle line-up, the Chrysler EV is a hybrid version of Chrysler’s current minivan offering, the Chrysler Town & Country. Ipso facto, the Chrysler EV is also a vehicle that no one, save for that overzealous mom who runs the local PTA, could ever possibly want. Fortunately, although Chrysler has admitted that only one of the three extended-range electric vehicles will make it to production, it hasn’t revealed which one, allowing us the glimmer of hope that it won’t be the Chrysler EV.

Despite the fact that its official classification as a minivan earns it our scathing ire, like the other two Chrysler ENVI vehicles, the Chrysler EV’s fuel-efficient engineering and innovative technology is actually pretty impressive.

Chrysler EV photo gallery after the jump

With the same electronic drive train application as both the Dodge EV and the Jeep EV, the Chrysler EV minivan is powered by a gasoline-powered small displacement engine that is integrated to function in tandem with an electric generator, both of which provide additional power to the Chrysler’s electronic drive system. The motor itself produces a zippy 9 second 0-60 mph acceleration time and produces 255-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It also provides zero tailpipe emissions, and like it’s two ENVI siblings, features a fuel consumption average of approximately 50 mpg, or 400 miles per every 8 gallons of gasoline.

In addition to serving as a preview of what could possibly translate into a production model, the Chrysler EV also serves as a rubric for future, as yet unreleased vehicles. According to Chrysler, the knowledge and experience gained from engineering the Chrysler EV “will be applied to other front-wheel drive applications in Chrysler’s portfolio.”

We say: Chalk the Chrysler EV up to experience, and give us the Jeep EV.

[Photo Cred: Jalopnik]

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Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma debuts for 2010 [w/VIDEO]

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Fisker Karma

It's been a scant 12 months since Henrik Fisker debuted the curvaceous Karma concept that bears his name, and today the former PAG design star returned to Detroit with a very similar looking production model and a business plan.

It's been a busy year for the upstart luxury manufacturer, and in that time, a development center has been built and staffed in nearby Pontiac, Michigan, and the Karma has received an all-new interior ("with eco-friendly materials and absolutely no black plastic buttons") that includes a new haptic touch-control system for the driver.

The aluminum spaceframe four-door is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that Fisker says will reach 60 miles-per-hour in 5.8 seconds and be able to cruise comfortably at 125 miles-per-hour. Power gets to the 22-inch wheels via a pair of 201 horsepower electric motors backed by a lithium-ion battery pack. A generator is affixed to a 260-horsepower version of General Motors' 2.0-liter Ecotec engine to provide extended-range capability.

Fisker says his company expects to sign 40 dealers up by year's end, and notes that he already has 22 on-board. Furthermore, Fisker says he expects production to ramp up to 15,000 units per year, and 1,300 units have already be pre-sold to early adopters. The asking price for the Karma is a reasonable-sounding $87,900, a number that has us wondering how Fisker and Co. intends to make money considering the modest volume projections and cost-intensive R&D. Check out the high-res gallery below, and the video and press release after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Fisker Karma

Gallery: Production Fisker Karma

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma debuts for 2010 [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma debuts for 2010 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Now Testing in the UK

Toyota has been testing a plug-in version of the popular Prius hybrid in Japan for some time, but now the automaker has announced that testing is going to continue in the UK as well.

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2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: First Drive [Jalopnik Reviews]

By now, you’ve probably read about our journalist-leading, Camry Hybrid-beating 43.8 MPG fuel economy figure for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The thing is, you won’t be able to replicate our lofty number.

Full Disclosure: Ford wanted me to drive the new Ford Fusion Hybrid so badly they flew me out and put me up in a nice hotel to make sure I wrote about it. Also, they fed me faux French cuisine. Bad faux French cuisine.

Please don’t take that as a challenge. To achieve that figure, I had to drive dangerously, illegally and boringly. Basically, I went really slow. Really slow. But that’s not to say that the Fusion Hybrid isn’t an economical, fun, high-quality vehicle that’s possibly the best application of a Hybrid powertrain yet.

It’s time to admit that I had a little help hypermiling the Fusion. No, not with any radical aerodynamic aides or drafting assistance vehicles; the help came from the vehicle itself or, more specifically, its SmartGauge with Ecoguide instrument panel.

With this system Ford is acknowledging that the weakest link in fuel economy isn’t something in the vehicle itself, it’s the driver. The SmartGauge with EcoGuide system provides drivers with the information they need, and the encouragement, to drive in a fuel-efficient manner.

The system uses two high-resolution, full-color LCD screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can operate in four modes: Inform, Enlighten, Engage, Empower. Aside from the clear indication that Ford uses really cheesy marketing talk, those four settings progress from basic information to overwhelming but incredibly informative. It’s the Empower mode that helped me set that mileage record.

The Fusion’s hybrid system can operate in full electric mode at up to 47 MPH, but it’s not like you can just plant your foot and drive around in full electric mode as long as you don’t exceed that speed. There’s a complicated relationship between acceleration, load, battery charge level and external conditions that determines when EV mode can be employed. Also, to really take advantage of electric operation, you need to have at least 1/2 battery charge. The SmartGauge with EcoGuide (I’m getting really tired of writing that) simplifies all that for you with an easy sliding display that shows the range of throttle opening that can be used within EV mode, and helps you recharge the battery through regenerative braking. You’ll need to do both to achieve really good mileage figures.

I know that all sounds overwhelming and, at first, that’s exactly how the system feels. But, spend a few minutes paying attention to it and you’ll rapidly be able to understand how to use the information to your advantage. Check out Ford’s demo video. The only problem is that paying the system the kind of attention necessary to minimize fuel use is massively distracting. Not only did I drive around LA at far below the speed limit, but I spent most of the time staring at the instruments in a desperate attempt to both maximize EV usage and regenerative braking. Over time, the system should help drivers learn more fuel-efficient behavior, requiring them to focus less on the instruments as their skill increases.

Encouragement is provided by animated leaves on the right hand side. Again, pretty cheesy, but the excellent graphics make up for it. Depending on your driving habits over a period of time, those leaves either grow in number or whither and die. You wouldn’t want to kill a harmless plant would you? Of course, all this can be switched off if you’re an oil baron from Texas.

Ford looks at the Camry Hybrid as its main competition. Aside from easily besting that vehicle’s fuel economy, the Fusion also comprehensively outdrives the Camry; providing a level of steering feel, control responsiveness and overall ability that’s far greater than that of its Japanese competition. It’s even fun to drive. Really, a hybrid is fun to drive. The suspension provides controlled damping that leads to both good ride and cornering, while there’s plenty of poke available from the 35 HP, 166 Lb-Ft electric motor combined with the 156 HP, 136 Lb-Ft 2.5-liter gasoline engine.

The Fusion is nicer inside too. While still not up to European levels of design, the Fusion cabin doesn’t revolt in the same way that the Camry does. SYNC is standard as are all other Fusion SEL options. The cabin is roomy, allowing plenty of space for five human beings.

The price? Well, the Fusion Hybrid's $27,270, $3,295 more than a comparable Fusion SEL.

It’s all these factors together that make the Fusion Hybrid a solid choice in this sector. It asks you to make no sacrifices in the pursuit of excellent fuel economy, while providing you with the tools to both maximize your own efficiency and enjoy driving.

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The 2009 Mercedes-Benz MLS 450 Hybrid: Because You Vaguely Remember Your Houseboy Mumbling Something About “Global Warming”

Not scheduled to make its grand entrance until 2009, the much-anticipated Mercedes-Benz ML 450 2-Mode Hybrid is at the top of almost every upper class Greenie’s wish list. Co-designed with BMW and GM, the Mercedes ML 450 Hybrid will mark the German luxury symbol’s first foray into the eco-friendly world ["Thad, remind our driver he's picketing 'big oil' tomorrow, won't you dear?"]

A 3.5L V6 gasoline engine and twin 120kW electric motors boost the ML 450 Hybrid ICE’s [Internal Combustion Engine] standard performance from 279-hp to a powerful 321-hp, all while maintaining the stark quiet synonymous with both hybrid vehicles in general and Mercedes-Benz luxury [and providing optimum acoustics for listening to your “Das Engeri” audio book].
A mechanical blend of both a multi-speed automatic and continuously variable transmission enables the ML 450 Hybrid to ride smoother than silk while simultaneously making it a real bitch to fix [better hope that warranty doesn’t run out too soon]. An advanced regenerative braking system is powered by discretely placed, 288V battery packs and serve to further assist the electronically-variable transmission.

With an EPA estimate of 30mpg overall, and a reported carbon output of 185 g/km [we figured we didn’t need to convert those particular stats from their metric form since we’re fairly sure most people in North America have bought a gram of something in their life…]. Although mum’s the manufacturers’ word on suggested retail price, we expect somewhere in the range of its green luxury sibling’s, the Lexus 400H, 50k tag.

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The car is only likely to cost around 48,000 Euros making it not only ...

by: Alex Baumm

Hybrid cars are taking the world by storm - figuratively, literally. And here are just two of the latest hybrid cars that avid car fans and buyers are sure to love.

If you want an eco-friendly hybrid car that not only drives like a dream but is a weight off your conscious too, then you must see the PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG. This nifty little hybrid car will run on bio gas making it essential in today’s fight against global warming.

You may be forgiven for thinking that hybrid cars are going to end up looking, well, ugly. This is simply not the case where the PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG is concerned. Looking at the car’s rounded edges and the sleek design you may as well be looking at one of the top sports cars in the world. With a soft top to boot, you can make sure your next luxury car is a hybrid one.

The PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG has been developed by BRA GmbH. This company has been at the very forefront of the development of hybrid cars for well over ten years now. They are based in Germany and they have developed not only environmentally-friendly hybrid cars but cars that have excellent style and design, as well.

The car itself isn’t due to be released until March 2008, but you can be sure it will open to a fanfare of utter amazement! The car is only likely to cost around 48,000 Euros making it not only environmentally-friendly but also friendly on your pockets, as well.

The Cadillac Provoq concept

America has realized that the gas-guzzling, environment-harming vehicles are not going to save the world any time soon. The eco-drive and style brought by hybrid cars have finally found their way to America and they have managed to do it in amazing degree… Not that we expected anything less of course.

As the flag bearer of hybrid cars, the Cadillac Provoq concept car has two main points. On the one side, it clearly shows the style, class and beauty that is renowned with Cadillac cars. It also has in its favour the hybrid car technology that is actually making the car a sure heart-stopper.

The Cadillac Provoq concept car is made to appeal to the luxury car owners; it oozes class and style and is sure to stand up in its own right against other luxury cars. If it is luxury next to hybrid car technology that you are looking for then you need not look any further.

The Cadillac Provoq concept hybrid car has wheels that are powered by the car’s 94bhp motor, which of course is electric. The car’s rear wheels have the 54bhp motor each. These features enhance the Provoq’s mileage for every small amount of gas it consumes - saving the planet and your pocket from hundreds of dollars spent on fuel. This is something that Cadillac Provoq owners would be very much proud of.

The PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG and the Cadillac Provoq concept will fit right into any city or town and with their sporty look and sleek design they are simply head turners.

About The Author

Alex Baumm. Find more tips at our car forum http://www.CarClubTalk.com

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