Automotive Archives - Page 3 of 4

Biofuel Company Latest To Pay Off Government Loan Early

From GreenCarReports Government lending to green technology companies has been a political hot potato in recent years. Huge loans were offered to dozens of companies. Automakers, solar companies, biofuel concerns and more received money, but high-profile failures like Solyndra lent credence to those critical of the loan program's risks. Tesla Motors [NDSQ:TSLA] was the first to break this chain, paying back its Department of Energy loan years nine ahead of schedule. Now, biofuel company Sapphire Energy has done likewise, paying back its own $54.5 million loan with years to spare. Like Tesla's DoE loan, Sapphire's was granted back in 2009, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The business was promoted using an algae fuel-powered Toyota Prius nicknamed the 'Algaeus', with which they toured the country, spreading the biofuel message. The company's aim was to build a fully integrated algae-to-crude oil commercial demonstration facility in Columbus, NM. Not onl…

EV Review: A Game-Changing Electric Small Car

TopSpeed, Kirby Garlitos published on Greentechmedia The Chevrolet Spark EV appears to be a game-changer in the all-electric small car market. At least that might be the case if you’re living in Oregon or California, the only states that Chevrolet will be selling the Spark EV in for now. No mention of any expansion has been made, and we probably shouldn’t expect a decision to be made anytime soon. For one, there still aren’t a lot of these models around and it can be argued that sales of the Spark EV will be on a limited basis. If the model proves to be a hit, like Chevrolet is banking on, then we might see more states get their hands on the all-electric Spark. For now, it’s Oregon and California, two states that look to be perfect markets for the Spark EV. One of these places is a blessing to drive, with gorgeous scenic routes everywhere you look, while the other is -- well, let’s just say if you want to make the most out of an EV, California’s the place to be. …

900hp Ferrari Hybrid Sounds Like a Prius…Being Eaten by a LeMans-ster

This article originally published on Gas2

When the 900 hp “LaFerrari” Ferrari Hybrid first broke cover back in March, everyone who could read a spec. sheet knew that the car would be a monster. One thing automotive enthusiasts didn’t know, however, was what the LaFerrari would sound like – which is a pretty big deal for Ferrari’s fans and corporate culture! Would the new LaFerrari make the same kind of V12 that made the classic Daytona, 512 BB, and Testarossa into legends? Would the new Ferrari hybrid have the same high-pitched wail of the iconic Ferrari F40?

Would the new Ferrari Hybrid – horror of horrors! – sound like a Prius?

Wonder no more, Ferrari fans. Plug your headphones in, turn up the volume, and listen to the decidedly LeMans-ready wail of Ferrari’s latest: the 900+ hp LaFerrari!

Enjoy!

BMW New Sporting Hybrid: “Concept Active Tourer Outdoor”

by Nino Marchetti via Earthtechling BMW, even as it prepares to debut the i3 as its first ever electric car under its i brand, continues to tinker with concepts envisioning the use of green vehicle technology in different scenarios. It previously brought to public light the Concept Active Tourer, a plug-in hybrid crossover, and now refines this design study in the form of the Concept Active Tourer Outdoor. Described by BMW as a “fresh route to combining sporting aesthetics and style with sustainable drive technology, compact dimensions and functionality,” the Active Tourer Outdoor’s drivetrain system marries a transversely mounted 1.5-litre petrol engine with front-wheel drive with an electric motor that offers total system output of over 140 kW/190 hp. Performance specifications of this hybrid are fairly decent, going to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under eight seconds and hitting a top speed of around 200 km/h (125 mph). Average fuel consumption comes in under 2.5 litres per…

8 Rules of Electric Vehicle Charging Etiquette

By Brad Berman · July 14, 2013 A fresh article on electric vehicle etiquette for electric vehicle drivers recently got our attention. Simply because one drives an electric car, does not make one a master of “pure energy.” However, it is a starting place, and with a little care, one can follow through on all levels. Applying social graces at charging spots is one nice way to ensure using clean energy vehicles remains positive on all levels — personal, family, and in community. 1. EV Spots for EVs It’s absolutely never acceptable for an internal combustion car to park in a spot designated for a plug-in car. That’s a firm rule, no matter how crowded a parking lot is, and no matter how infrequently the charging location is used. 2. No Nasty Notes Electric car drivers should never leave nasty notes. If the charging spot you counted on using is ICEd—the term referring to a charging spot occupied by an internal combustion engine car—by all means, the plug-in driver should …

New Ford Focus EV Discounted $4,000

by James R. Healey, USA TODAY Story Highlights -Ford says it must keep Focus electric price-competitive -Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt have sliced prices recently due to slow sales -Ford says it didn't eliminate standard features to achieve lower price Ford Motor is slicing $4,000 from the base price of its Focus electric car, beginning with 2014 models that arrive at dealers within a few weeks. That cuts the Focus EV's base price to $35,995 including shipping. Some buyers qualify for a $7,500 credit on federal income taxes, and states often have their own incentives for buying battery cars. Ford says it hasn't taken away any features as part of the cut. The automaker describes the lower-price 2014 Focus electric as "fully contented," and says the cut was important to keep the car competitive. Main electrified rivals have cut prices, and it's apparently not a sign that healthy competition is doing what it's supposed to -- making things cheaper fo…