ECO FRIENDLY CARS INTRODUCTION

Raising fuel prices means the demand of Alternate fuels. What do we actually have right now? Either we can opt for a CNG,LPG or go for a battery car. And if you are rich and like to be eco-friendly, hybrids will suit you. Here, in this slide show, we gonna have a brief information of alternate fuel cars that are popular; ready to enter the greener car arena? Lets go then

Eco Friendly Cars

There are 4 main types of fuel for eco-friendly cars hybrid, biodiesel, natural gas, and ethanol. Which type is best? Well that may depend on where you live.

Ethanol
If you live in the western US, you may find ethanol is the best choice. Ethanol is made from corn, barley or wheat and has lower emissions than traditional fuel. The nice thing about ethanol cars is that they can run on traditional fuel or ethanol as available. The key is to live near fueling stations that offer ethanol. If it is not readily available in your area, then buying an ethanol car would be a waste.

Eco Friendly Cars

Natural Gas Natural gas cars are another option but probably not the best for most of us. Cars that run on natural gas are still relying on a limited natural resource but the cost is typically cheaper than gasoline.

Eco Friendly Cars Biodiesel Biodiesel cars are more readily available than natural gas cars and are a good choice for those that live in year-round temperate climates. Why is temperature important? Because biodiesel fuel is based on vegetable oil and can solidify in cold temperatures.

2013 Ferrari Enzo

2013 Ferrari Enzo

2013 Ferrari Enzo

Ferrari will not make widespread use of carbonfibre in its production road cars until it better understands the materials long-term reliability, according to company boss Amedeo Felisa. We will only use carbonfibre on very special cars which have a very low rate of production and which are not for everyday use, such as the new Enzo, he said in an exclusive interview with Autocar. Ferrari has used carbonfibre in such cars as the F50 and Enzo, but Felisa says it is not yet ready to use it across its model range. This puts it at odds with McLaren, whose MP4-12C supercar has a carbon tub. Mercedes is also committed to using carbonfibre in its cars from 2012, as is BMW from 2013. The fact is that nobody today has a real understanding of what happens if you damage a carbonfibre structure, says Felisa. After 20 or 30 years of use, who knows what state a carbonfibre structure will be in? Only the airplane industry has a long-term understanding of using carbonfibre, and there the usage is very different. Unless you have a really big accident, it is possible to repair a Ferrari today, and we dont want to lose that. Felisa also hinted that the new Ferrari Enzo will be powered by a direct-injection twin-turbo V8 when it is launched in 2012. Reports had long suggested the new Enzo would be powered by either a V8 or directinjection twin-turbo V6. However, Felisa has ruled out a six-cylinder engine. There are no plans for a six-cylinder engine today, Felisa said. Ferrari will not build a sixcylinder engine until customer attitudes towards smaller engines change. The perception today is that the number of cylinders equates to the possibilities of the car. That is why we are developing hybrid technology that can be applied to our V8 and V10 cars. Hybrid means we can protect the V12

Japanese automakers have released the details of the concept cars to be unveiled at the upcoming 2007 Tokyo Motor Show (October 26 to November 11). Here is a roundup of some of the more fantastic designs.

- Toyota RiN

(Toyota RiN) Designed to promote harmony with nature and evoke a warm, fuzzy feeling inside, the ecofriendly Toyota RiN concept car features heated ergonomic seats, an oxygen level regulator, a spot humidifier, a "mood training" steering control system that monitors the driver's psychological state, and greenish glass that protects against UV and infrared light while enhancing the natural beauty of the view outside. The exterior design was inspired by Japan's old-growth Cryptomeria trees known as yakusugi, which are found on Yakushima island, a natural World Heritage Site known for its pristine, ancient forests. *****

- Toyota Hi-CT

(Toyota Hi-CT) The Toyota Hi-CT, billed as a cool and fun next-generation urban assault vehicle, is built specifically for narrow city streets and features a hybrid engine you charge by plugging into a wall outlet. Batteries are stored under the floor for a more compact, upright design, and interior 100V AC outlets provide passengers a convenient way to power their portable electronic devices. The rear deck is big enough to haul bicycles and surfboards, or it can be outfitted with a detachable luggage trunk. *****

- Mazda Taiki

(Mazda Taiki) The hyper-aerodynamic Mazda Taiki is the fourth vehicle in Mazda's Nagare series of cars based on the concept of "flow." Inspired by Japanese koinobori (decorative carp-shaped streamers), Taiki's design is meant to visually express the flow of air (incidentally, taiki means "atmosphere" in Japanese). With outstanding environmental and driving performance, Taiki's next-generation rotary engine and front-engine rear-drive layout may well figure into Mazda's future sports cars designed to help achieve a more sustainable society. *****

- Honda PUYO

(Honda PUYO) The eco-friendly design of the Honda PUYO fuel-cell vehicle is meant to create a soft, friendly impression and entertain the occupants as well as the people around it. The "seamless soft box" design gives PUYO a spacious interior and the charm of a cute pet that begs to be touched. PUYO's "gel body" made from soft materials is designed to enhance safety, while embedded headlights and other illumination shine through the soft, translucent skin in the hope of fostering a more tender relationship between human and machine. *****

- Nissan Pivo 2

(Nissan Pivo 2) Like Nissan's original Pivo, the electric-powered Pivo 2's four individually-powered wheel units turn 90 degrees to move the car in any direction, while the 360-degree rotating cabin allows the driver to face forward at all times. Pivo 2's most notable upgrade is the dashboardmounted NEC Papero robotic agent who can carry on conversations and read facial expressions to monitor the driver's condition. In addition to assisting with basic vehicle functions,

- Daihatsu Mud Master-C

(Daihatsu Mud Master-C) Daihatsu worked with mountain bike star Raita Suzuki to design the Mud Master-C, a compact and lightweight transporter ideally suited for MTB support duty. The Mud Master-C features a tough body-on-frame construction, an innovative hub reduction system and 16-inch off-road tires that provide more than 37 cm (14.5 inches) of ground clearance, allowing it to venture deep into mountain bike territory. Three giant gull-wing doors make it a snap to load and unload cargo. *****

- Mitsubishi i MIEV Sport

(Mitsubishi i MIEV Sport) A pair of in-wheel motors drive the front two wheels of the eco-friendly Mitsubishi i MIEV Sport electric minicar, while another motor drives the rear wheels. The i MIEV Sport has a range of 200 kilometers (120 miles) and is powered by lithium ion batteries, with extra juice provided by auxiliary solar cells mounted on the roof, a generating fan mounted in the front grille, and a regenerative braking system that recovers energy as the car slows down. Further efficiency is achieved with power-saving LEDs and heat-absorbing window glass, and the interior features lots of bioplastic components. *****

- Suzuki X-HEAD

(Suzuki X-HEAD) The versatile Suzuki X-HEAD crossover utility vehicle is built for off-road adventure and city cruising, and can be outfitted with a variety of load-bed units suitable for different situations. The "Camper" unit can be attached to provide sleeping space for two adults, the "Fashion" unit allows for stylish urban mobility, and the "Rescue" unit is ideal for emergency rescue operations in extreme environments. *****

- Suzuki Sustainable Mobility (PIXY + SSC)

(Suzuki Sustainable Mobility (PIXY + SSC)) Suzuki's Sustainable Mobility concept vehicle consists of two units -- a low-speed personal transport pod called the "PIXY" and a minicar-based mobility unit called the "Suzuki Sharing Coach" (SSC). Ideal for short trips around town, the PIXY is designed to transport individuals along sidewalks and into buildings. The PIXY fits inside the SSC for longer trips, and a shared control system allows the driver to operate the SSC from inside the PIXY. The PIXY can also be coupled with a sports car unit called the SSF and a boat unit called the SSJ.

We are all aware of the tougher CO2 emissions regulations that have been introduced in Europe and the U.S, but starting in 2012, the regulations will become even more drastic. Auto carmakers are trying to stay on top of the game and most of them are working on eco-friendly cars. BMW is obviously one of them and there are already rumors flying around that speak of a minicar that could be released in 2010. At the Geneva Motor Show, BMW has unveiled a 3 series model, 320d, delivering an impressive 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 140g/km. The german automaker has also shown a 119g/km of CO2 1-series model, but the latest news report a 3 series sedan that will have a sub-120g/km CO2 level. BMW's goal is to receive a 100% refund on Londons congestion charge as well as lower registration tax also in the UK as it would qualify for the Band B taxation category. A BMW spokesman also revealed that any revisions made to the 3-series would flow-on to the 1-series, making the compact hatch(1 series european version only) even cleaner. It is expected a similar technology to be used on the higher models as well.

HYBRID CARS

WASHINGTON: Japanese company, Genepax has claimed that it has created a new eco-friendly car than can run on nothing but water. The company said that a proprietary unit, a type of membrane electrode assembly (MEA), breaks water apart into hydrogen and oxygen using a chemical reaction, which provides fuel for a hydrogen fuel cell to run the car. Genepax said that power is generated by its Water Energy System (WES) by supplying water and air to the fuel and air electrodes, the system being similar to that of a standard fuel cell. While the company did not disclose much, its president claimed that they had "succeeded in adopting a well-known process to produce hydrogen from water to the MEA", Environmental News Network reported. He also said that the mechanism was similar to the method in which hydrogen is produced by a reaction of metal hydride and water. But, Genepax insists that the new process produces hydrogen from water for a longer time than the existing method. The company uncovered a fuel cell stack with a rated output of 120W and a fuel cell system with a rated output of 300W. The 300W system is an active system, which supplies water and air with a pump. While showcasing the cell system, they successfully powered the TV and the lighting equipment with a lead-acid battery charged by using the system. And then, they mounted the 300W system in the luggage room of a compact electric vehicle "Reva" manufactured by Takeoka Mini Car Products Co Ltd, and the vehicle was successfully driven by the system. Now, Genepax is planning to provide 1kw-class generation systems for use in electric vehicles and for residential applications. While the current production cost is about $18,522, it is estimated to be reduced to $5000 and even lower if the company succeeds in mass production.

Hybrid car technology is being advertised as the answer to the vehicle of the future, one that is much friendlier to the environment and requires much less dependence on fossil fuels reserves. Is this advertising the truth though, or are hybrids just as harmful as traditional vehicles? Can hybrid vehicles be the solution to the fossil fuel dependence that America is suffering from? To determine this first you need to understand how hybrid technology works, the benefits of hybrid cars, and the disadvantages of hybrid cars. Hybrid technology combines all of the advantages of an electric engine with those of a gasoline motor. This technology is used for several different reasons, including improving the fuel usage and economy of a vehicle, to increase the power of a vehicle, or to add an auxiliary power source for tools and devices that require power. Hybrid technology has advanced quite a lot in the last ten years, and includes regenerative braking, electric motor drive assist, an automatic shutoff and start system, and other options that can greatly increase the power and features of a hybrid vehicle while

reducing the need for traditional fossil fuels. Hybrid vehicles can help reduce harmful sulfur and carbon emissions, because less fuel is burned due to the electric component of the vehicle. The hybrid electric car uses electricity generated from energy the car creates, resulting in much less fuel use. Some hybrid vehicles can use alternative renewable fuel sources as well, including biodiesel and ethanol. These fuels are a combination of traditional gasoline or diesel with a more environmentally friendly ethanol or biodiesel, making a hybrid fuel. Hybrids run on an internal combustion engine, but they have an electric motor and batteries as well. When the vehicle is stopping or slowing down, the energy the wheels are creating is used to generate electricity. This electricity is stored in batteries until it is needed. When the vehicle needs more power, the electric motor uses the stored energy in the battery and provides the extra energy needed. Unlike all electric vehicles hybrids do not have the disadvantage of having to be recharged, because the technology used allows the car itself to supply all the energy needed for the electric motor. Some advantages of hybrid cars over electric cars include versatility. Because hybrid vehicles use either traditional fuel or biofuel along with electric power, they are more efficient and do not require any special resources to operate. Obviously hybrid technology is not perfect, because some fossil fuels are still needed, but they are a much better choice than traditional vehicles that guzzle gasoline and diesel fuel and then fill the air with pollution and carbon.

Because hybrid technology has come so far, hybrid vehicles are widely available, at a cost that is not much more than a traditional vehicle. These vehicles have many benefits, and can save you money over the long term that more than equals the small increased initial costs. But there is still the issue of gasoline and diesel use, even when biofuel mixtures are used, because most biofuels have at least a small percentage of fossil fuels. If all traditional vehicles were replaced with hybrid versions, this would have a big impact on the amount of pollution and carbon released, and it would also lower the demand for fossil fuels significantly. Hybrid vehicles and technology are one step further to an end to fossil fuel use, even if they are not the final answer.

HYDROGEN CARS

Hydrogen Cars are the latest trend in the market. The benefit of using Hydrogen Cars is that there arent many ozone precursors and greenhouse gases emissions. Unlike fossil fuels that appear in the nature since long ago, hydrogen has to be processed after its production. The process involves storing it as a hauler, similar to a battery. Energy sources that can be or cant be renewed are responsible for the production of Hydrogen for the purpose of running Hydrogen Cars. Hydrogen Cars use hydrogen as an optional fuel, which acts as its on board fuel for providing it with the power to drive. With the combustion of hydrogen in a combustion engine situated in the interior, the power plants of such cars are able to transform hydrogens chemical energy into mechanical energy. The same is achieved with a chemical reaction brought by mixing hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cubicle to make the electric motors functional. In accordance with the planned hydrogen economy, the main factor to provide fuel for transport purpose is a large-scale use of hydrogen.

A lot of companies are working towards the development of technologies that would be able to utilize the power of hydrogen energy in an efficient manner for transportation work. With the usage of the energy currency involving hydrogen, the momentum offered by a car would emit less carbon dioxide, only if the preparation of hydrogen is made excluding the fossil fuel inputs. Several companies are in the pursuit of constructing Hydrogen Cars. A lot of research and development is being carried out at and some car dealers have even gained success in manufacturing Hydrogen Cars. These cars are jointly financed, both from private as well as the government organizations. Ford Motor Company has come up with its novel idea of manufacturing electric cars and as such, has shown a disinterest in developing Hydrogen Cars in the future. French Renault-Nissan too has made a declaration in 2009 that it is terminating its

Hydrogen Car R&D efforts. In October 2009, General Motors showed a decline in its hydrogen program due to the high manufacturing costs of Hydrogen Cars. A series of Hydrogen Cars have merely been displayed as the demonstration models or feature in a lease construction in lesser numbers, not open for commercial sale. Hondas first Hydrogen Car was launched in 1999 termed as the FCX and later again as the second generation FCX Clarity. The first production model of the FCX Clarity made its debut at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show in 2007 from Honda. In June 2008 in the United States, the FCX Clarity commenced its promotion in a limited manner. Japan saw the face of FCX Clarity in November 2008. 16 hydrogen filling stations are functional for the provision of hydrogen to the FCX Clarity sold in the U.S. only territory of Los Angeles. In July 2009, for US$600 a month, 10 drivers leased the Clarity. The declaration from Honda to manufacture FCX concept-based cars on a large-scale by the year 2020 reiterated their stance of putting resources into hydrogen fuel cell development to seek an improved long term performance than plug-in vehicles and batteries.

In 2008, Hyundai and in early 2009, Daimler made a declaration to manufacture Hydrogen Cars on a larger scale. Later, a range of companies including Kia, General Motors, Daimler, Honda, Ford, Hyundai, Renault, Toyota and Nissan collectively vowed to manufacture Hydro-electric vehicles in the near future.

REVA ELECTRIC

Reva Electric
REVA Electric Car Company(RECC), capital in Bangalore, is formed as a joint venture among Maini Group of India and AEV LLC of California backed by lead US investors Global Environment Fund and Draper Fischer Jurvetson. Reva car is the Indias first electric car in 2001. Reva introduced Energy Management system (EMS) which diagnoses and rectifies the problem of over discharging and helps in better maintenance. To prove that electric vehicles are safer, the Reva has incorporated safety features like the steel space frame, side impact beams, dent-proof ABS body panels, a low voltage system, and a dual-braking system. The Reva is offered in three variants Standard (non-a/c), Air-conditioned and Classe. Priced at Rs 3.1 lakh (on-road) for the base variant and Rs 4.05 lakh for the Classe variant, the Reva is not exactly very affordable. The non air-conditioned base variant has a driving range of 80 km on a full charge, while the other two air-conditioned variants will give you about 60 km. Cute and super compact Reva which comfortably seat two adults

CONCLUSION

Its not just with the sci-fi films that we see silent, fast moving battery cars. Soon, all the countries will be moved by battery cars on road. And, Automotive industries are on the urge of making revolutions in providing engines that can run on alternate resources like, battery, CNG, magnetic motors and solar powers. The purpose of this article is to provide more knowledge to our privileged readers about Green cars and hope it served the purpose

Honda FC Sport Concept for those with eco-sense

In the future, we can expect a slew of eco-friendly cars that will imbibe modern technology plus futuristic designs. A part of this bandwagon will be the Honda FC Sport Concept, which was seen at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. A quick look at the specs reveals a hydrogen-powered, threeseat sports car concept, that features of Honda's V Flow fuel cell technology. The cool part of the deal is that the design has been is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain. Honda FC Sport Concept boasts of a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. Honda plans to employ Green construction techniques that will further contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. On the forefront of the designing team is Jason Wilbur.