Hybrid and Fuel Cell Cars

For every person who hails the benefits of buying an environmentally friendly hybrid car, there is at least one critic. Hybrids are supposed to be good for the environment, cheaper than conventional cars and require less maintenance. Some people do not buy this argument and believe hybrids are not worth the extra money they cost.

When hybrid cars first became popular in the 1990s, people began to take notice. Consumers liked the idea of having lower emissions and saving a bundle on gas. In the 2000s, auto manufacturers also took notice of hybrids. Technology advanced and more styles and options are available now for hybrid consumers. Still, some say, "Just say no to hybrids". Here are the top three reasons why some people won't buy hybrids.

Cost: While hybrid cars are supposed to be cheaper both in purchase price and fuel use, that is not always so. The purchase price of a hybrid can be anywhere from $3000 to $5000 more than that of a traditional vehicle. That means that the amount of money you may save at the pump by buying a hybrid will depend on the gasoline prices. It may take years to see the savings in gas on a hybrid. It could, in theory, take between 10 to 15 years to make up for the increased price consumers pay when purchasing a new hybrid.

When comparing the ultimate gas mileage of a hybrid car to a traditional car, there is not much difference. It is estimated that with normal use, that the difference in gas usage between a hybrid and a non-hybrid car is less than 10 percent.

In addition, consider the cost of insuring a hybrid. It goes without saying that a more expensive car costs more to insure. Most insurance companies do not give any sort of discounts for purchasing a hybrid vehicle. As a matter of fact, many insurance companies will not insure them at all.

Special parts and maintenance: Hybrid cars rely on the latest computer technology. New technology often means a bigger price when needing maintenance or new parts. A hybrid runs off both a small engine and a battery, which is charged by the generator. Many auto companies offer drivers longer warranties for their hybrids. But what happens when the warranty runs out? The battery that a hybrid uses is much more expensive than a traditional car battery. These batteries can run anywhere from $1000 all the way to $8000. It is possible that the higher prices are because the demand for hybrids is so great at the time and that prices could drop in the future.

The newer technology of the hybrid also means special training and maintenance. If a driver takes their hybrid to any car shop for repairs, chances are they will not be able to repair it. Specially trained technicians and new computer software is often needed when repairing a hybrid. This also equals more expensive repairs and often means having all the maintenance done at the car dealership.

Driving Habits: You can get good gas mileage from a hybrid car, but drivers have to remember a few road rules to help their hybrid be as efficient as possible. Stopping and starting can decrease the fuel efficiency of a hybrid car making it no more efficient that a traditional car. Hybrid drivers should drive slower. The aerodynamic drag on a hybrid can increase the faster the car is driven. It is recommended that when driving a hybrid, that drivers should not drive at increased speeds. Also, drivers should maintain a constant speed. Each time your speed or slow a hybrid, it uses vital energy. Keeping at a constant speed level will help keep the car efficient. Also, drivers should avoid abrupt stops. When a driver stops a hybrid, the electrical motor acts like a generator. This takes some energy out of the car as it slows down. It is recommended when driving a hybrid to take more time to gradually slow the car so it can recover more energy. Stopping and starting frequently and abruptly will waste energy in a hybrid.

The bottom line of hybrids is to do some research. Find out what matters most, a more expensive hybrid car that is better for the environment or a less expensive, traditional car that will not be as environmentally friendly.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Hybrid cars cost about $5,000 more than non-hybrids. In addition, hybrids involve two systems - the extra electrical components (electric motor, charging system, batteries, etc.) and most all the components of a gasoline car. Such vehicles increase the potential for repairs from the additionalsystem.

The Japanese and Europeans have micro cars that are fuel efficient. At this time, however, they are not offered to Americans.

Diesels are an alternative. BMW has a 320di with 160 horsepower. It gets about 50 mpg and goes 0-60 is about 8.1 seconds. However, this car is not imported into the United States.

Kia and Hyundai are rising in quality, but their prices are coming up just under pricey Toyota and Honda cars.

The cost of transportation can be expensive, and higher fuel prices do not help matters. The following used vehicles have good ratings, are reasonably priced, and they will help lower fuel usage and thus costs.

1. The Toyota Corolla has been around for over 30 years. During the last few years, the Corolla has become a bit larger. Expect to achieve about 30 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and about 40 mpg on the highway with this vehicle.

2. The Honda Civic has been a stiff rival to the Corolla. The Civic has also recently grown a bit in size. The Civic is right there with the Corolla at about 30 mpg in the city and about 40 mpg on the highway.

3. The Geo Prizm will cost about $1,000- $1,500 less than a comparable year Corolla or Civic. The Prizm will achieve about 29 mpg city and about 38 mpg on the highway.

SUVs can really eat the fuel, however, they are convenient for hauling cargo, and some definitely have a real advantage in bad weather and off-road conditions.

4. The Suzuki Esteem wagon provides some cargo-carrying ability and reasonable fuel economy. Expect to achieve about 28 mpg in the city and about 37 mpg on the highway with this vehicle.

5. The Subaru Legacy wagon/Outback wagon and Forester can all carry cargo plus they have all-wheel drive. These vehicles generally have the most powerful engines out of those mentioned above. Expect to achieve about 22 mpg in the city and about 27 mpg on the highway.

If you are in the market for a vehicle, be certain to do your homework. Consult the April (automotive issue) of "Consumer Reports." This resource is available at most public libraries.

If you plan on buying a used vehicle, also be sure to read a couple of archived new vehicle road tests (review road tests that were conducted at the time the vehicle was new) on the used vehicle of interest in auto magazines (many are archived at your local library) or Internet sources such as "Car and Driver," "Motor Trend," "Road & Track," or "MotorWeek." Information from the road tests will allow you to zero in on which of the vehicles discussed above will be the best for you.

Last, but not least, be certain that you do not overpay to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. For example, if you pay say $1,500 more for a vehicle that achieves five mpg more than your current vehicle, you would need to drive it about three years to get $1,500 in fuel savings. However, say you pay an extra $500 for a vehicle that achieves 10 mpg more than your current vehicle. In a little over six months, you would recoup your $500.

2005 Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the price ..." His web site http://www.drivethebestbook.com accepts all transportation questions.

Its that time again, the April 15 tax deadline is looming large. If youre like most people, you havent gathered all of your tax records, let alone filled your return.

Before you dig in and get started, take this opportunity to first review a list of a few tax deductions to which you may be entitled if you itemize deductions but most people overlook. Many of these deductions are subject to various limitations, so consider getting professional help from your tax advisor and accountant to determine which deductions you qualify for and which items apply to your specific circumstances. Remember, there are hundreds of deductions throughout the tax laws; many of them can be quite obscure but also quite lucrative. Here are seven commonly missed deductions to keep top of mind:

Points on Refinancing: With interest rates so low in 2003, there was a great deal of refinancing activity. Any points you pay to refinance your home can be deducted ratably over the life of the new loan. Furthermore, all unamortized points on old refinancing are deducted in the year of the new refinancing.

Health Insurance Premiums: Any health insurance premiums you pay, including some long-term care premiums based on your age, are potentially deductible. Medical expenses have to reach 7.5% of your adjusted gross income before they give you any tax benefit. Self-employed people can deduct 100% of health insurance premiums paid for themselves, their spouses and their dependents.

Non-Cash Charitable Contributions: If you have used your charge card for contributions to charity, remember that the deduction is allowed in the year that you made the charge, not when you actually pay the bill. Also, you may write off certain out-of-pocket expenses related to charitable activities. Appraisal fees paid to value property donated to charities may be taken as a miscellaneous deduction subject to the 2% floor on miscellaneous deductions.

Higher-Education Expenses: If your adjusted gross income wasnt more than $65,000 $130,000 for married, filing jointly in 2003, you can get an above-the-line deduction for as much as $3,000 for any higher-education tuition and fee expense you paid. For 2004, the deduction can be as much as $4,000. For those at higher adjusted gross incomes limits $80,000 single, $160,000 married filing jointly the deduction is limited to $2,000 for 2004. This deduction must be coordinated with other education credits and savings vehicles.

Work-Related Expenses: You can write off many work-related and work-search expenses, such as education that maintains or improves your skills, certain business tools, dues to labor unions, cell phone depreciation, certain expenses to search for job in your present occupation, including employment agency fees, resum preparation, and travel expenses local and out of town and cleaning and laundry bills when on a business trip. Work-related expenses are subject to the 2% floor on miscellaneous deductions. Furthermore, if you buy a new SUV for business use that weighs more 6,000 pounds, and file Schedule C or other business tax return you may be allowed to write off the full amount up to $102,000 in 2004 in one year as a business expense subject to limitations.

Clean-Fuel Deduction: If you are not in the market for a large SUV for business, you still can get a deduction for your personal car, another above-the-line deduction of up to $2,000 for 2003 $1,500 for 2004 of the cost of buying a clean-fuel vehicle or a car that uses a significant source of energy other than gasoline. That includes hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight and the Honda Civic Hybrid. You get the deduction in the year you start using the car, and you must be the original owner.

Investment and Tax Expenses: In addition to forgetting to deduct tax-preparation fees and the portion of your legal, accounting or financial planner fees that relate to tax planning, many people miss deducting investment expenses. Those include certain fees paid to your financial advisor and/or broker and certain IRA fees you may pay directly. It also may include mileage for meetings and long-distance phone calls to your advisor or broker. Dont forget to include deductions for the cost of your investment publications or subscriptions, safe deposit boxes used for investment-related documents, these deductions are subject to the 2% floor on miscellaneous deductions.

About The Author

Sandra N. Salter, Personal Finance Expert, is an American Express Financial Advisor and owner of American Express Financial Advisors Branch Office in Newark, NJ. She focuses on providing comprehensive financial planning services paying close attention to the long-term financial health of their clients, building customized financial plans that help clients achieve both short-term and long-term goals. The types of services she offers clients include: Income Tax Planning, Saving and Investing for Retirement, Working with Retirees, Financial Strategies for Small Business, Domestic Partner Planning, Risk Protection Planning, Estate Planning, Charitable Giving , Investment Strategies for Education , Asset Allocation and Comprehensive Financial Planning, among other areas. They can be reached at sandra.n.salter@aexp.com.

Efficient Hybrid cars have engines that run off of rechargeable batteries and gasoline opposed to just gasoline or diesel. Hybrid cars can reduce smog up to 90% and can get much better fuel economy then a normal engine. If it could be possible for everyone to use this fuel efficient transportation they would hardly be worry about rising gas prices and rising concern for pollution related climatic changes.

Hybrid car engines run an electric motor when accelerating during this time the gasoline side of the engine is shut down. When the batteries need to be charged again the gasoline engine will start again. When the hybrid car brakes it usually will return to the electric motor side because of the lower amount of power needed when braking for an extended amount of time.

Hybrid cars are wonderful for the environment; they can get 55-60 miles per gallon in city driving. That is more than three times better then many SUV’s! Hybrid cars are much better than electric cars because there is no need to recharge them. Electric cars need to be recharged anywhere from 50-100 miles. The hybrid engine can recharge itself with the gas side of it. So long distance travel is never a problem for the auto enthusiasts with today’s hybrid motors. Also another disadvantage of pure electric cars is most of them can only do about 60 miles per hour while the hybrid engine is not limited to lower highway speeds.

If you are looking for more information on these cutting edge cars I would start your research on the internet. On the net you can not only find some of the best information around you can also find some of the best prices on hybrid cars in your neighborhood. With the net you browse hundreds of merchants with just a few key strokes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

About the Author

Andrea Susan Glass, founder of WritersWay and All About Hybrid Cars, helps clients reach their writing and marketing goals with effective articles, press releases, newsletters, Web site copy, eBooks and books. An award-winning author for "Street Smart Secrets to Auto Care You Can Trust," she has written books, eBooks and articles on subjects ranging from animals and auto repair to singles and spirituality.

Ford’s Hybrid Car: A Giant Step towards the Reduction of Oil Consumption and Air Pollution.

Today’s financial crisis comes as a main concern with the price hikes of main commodities and the tremendous raise in petroleum prices. More and more people—interest groups, government administrators, consumers and the industry are bothered by these. Since one cannot do away with transportation utilities, alternatives to the conventional gasoline engine are a current issue to both consumers and auto manufacturers.

The United States ranks as the world’s largest consumer of oil. Transportation is responsible for roughly 65 percent of petroleum use not to mention that it is likewise the major cause of air pollution. The Department of Energy sees the transitioning to vehicles which are fueled by less oil thereby yielding to higher gas mileage as the solution to the dependence on the already dwindling and too expensive resource that may lead to the reduction of pollution.

Hybrid cars are on the watch list. Several government leaders from all over America recommend the use of hybrid cars since they combine gas and electric fuel sources. Hybrid cars integrate a gasoline engine with both an electric motor and a powerful battery to continuously recharge and store energy therefore the configuration it produces allows less energy to be lost and holds a high gas mileage.

Practicality and technology speaks for the hybrids. Several manufacturers started coming up with their hybrid concepts to respond to the consumer and the present time’s call. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, as Plato puts it. Ford is basically spurred by a sense of necessity, practicality, inevitability, and the reality that it is the ultimate relief to today’s downtrodden economy.

Ford Escape Hybrid is the very first vehicle to combine SUV capability with an outstanding fuel economy and low environmental impact. True to the qualities possessed by an SUV leader, Ford’s Escape Hybrid drives normally, performs superbly, and contains no compromise features expected of an efficient SUV.

"When we began work on Escape Hybrid, we made a commitment to delivering a no-compromise, authentic Ford SUV that's fun to drive, spacious, comfortable and capable, with substantially lower fuel use and emissions," said Mary Ann Wright, director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs, Ford Motor Company. "Mission accomplished! It's wonderful to see the vehicle we originally envisioned resonating so strongly with customers," she added.

Escape Hybrid has earned the highest fuel economy numbers for an SUV as certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with its 36 mpg city/31 mpg highway/33 combined in front-wheel-drive configuration; 33 mpg city/29 mpg highway/31 mpg combined for the four-wheel-drive model. It is certifiably a clean vehicle to run and operate producing 97% less hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen emissions than vehicles that meet the nationwide Tier I emissions standard. No wonder Ford Escape Hybrid has been named "North American Truck of the Year" for 2005.

Ford owners need not worry of their Ford aftermarket parts for it’s just a click away. Check out http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD for affordable and the largest array of Ford auto body parts to choose from. Try it out and see for yourself the superior quality replacement and aftermarket parts catered by Parts Train. Why wait? Give yourself the enticing experience of shopping for nothing but the best!

About The Author

Jenny McLane works as a Market Analyst for one of the country's leading auto parts distributors. She has been in the auto parts industry for over ten years now.

jenny@partstrain.com

A standard Vortec 5300 5.3-liter V8 engine powers the Sierra Hybrid and a 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission coupled with the full-size truck segment’s first hybrid propulsion technology for improved fuel economy.

The Sierra hybrid uses electric power even less frequently. Its gasoline engine can shut down when the car is stopped (actually, when it's braking to a stop, below 13 mph or so) and-that's it. The batteries (three 14-volt units plus the standard 12-volt) cannot power the truck at low speeds. Nor do they help out the gasoline engine, which therefore can't be any smaller. It's the same 5.3-liter V-8 GM pickup buyers know and love. Because of the limited nature of this hybrid system, the benefits are mild: roughly 2 mpg in city driving and 1 mpg during the EPA's highway cycle.

The system replaces the traditional starter motor and alternator with a compact 14-kw electric induction motor or starter generator integrated between the engine and transmission. The starter generator provides fast, quiet starting power and allows the gasoline engine to automatically start and stop under certain conditions to conserve fuel.

The Sierra Hybrid also offers four 120-volt/20-amp electrical auxiliary power outlets located under the rear seat and in the pickup bed. Because the 5.3-liter V-8 is the same as that in non-hybrid pickups, its power and torque outputs are the same (295 horsepower, 325 pound-feet of torque). Acceleration, towing, and payload are undiminished. The extra hybrid gear takes up very little space-the biggest component, the three extra batteries, is under the rear seat. One interesting feature of the hybrid trucks are its four, 120-volt 20-amp AC power outlets in the cargo bed and the rear seat; but the engine must be running in order to use them.

As in hybrid cars, the gas engine shuts off at stoplights to save fuel, and an electric motor restarts the engine when the gas pedal is pushed. Unlike most hybrids, the electric motor does not help propel the vehicle. The system does include a unique feature aimed at commercial users and picnic tailgaters: a generator that provides 120-volt power for running electrical accessories.

Available in California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Nevada and Florida, the Sierra Hybrid delivers up to 10 percent better fuel economy with the same power and performance as the 5.3-liter V8. In fact, that same engine powers the Hybrid, developing the same 295 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer, employs about 325,000 people globally. Founded in 1908, GM has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 192 countries . In 2003, GM sold nearly 8.6 million cars and trucks, about 15 percent of the global vehicle market. GM’s global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit . More information on GM and its products can be found on the company’s corporate website at www.gm.com

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Milford, Mich. - General Motors is gearing up to launch a new affordable hybrid system that will deliver a good fuel economy savings and a real payback for consumers. Saturn will be the first to debut the belt alternator starter hybrid system in mid-2006, when it introduces the 2007 Vue Green Line.

”With GM’s belt alternator starter hybrid in the Saturn Vue Green line, we expect consumers to get a real payback on their initial investment over the life of the vehicle,” said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Powertrain. “Final fuel economy numbers and pricing for the Vue hybrid will be announced next spring after calibrations are finalized.”

The GM belt alternator starter hybrid is one of three innovative hybrid systems that GM plans to introduce on up to 12 models, providing consumers a broad portfolio of hybrid systems that will vary in fuel savings and cost.

GM launched the world’s first hybrid pickup trucks in 2004, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Retail availability of these full-size trucks with GM’s parallel-hybrid system expands nationwide beginning with the 2006 model year after initially being sold in six states.

GM also announced it is developing an all-new two-mode full hybrid system that is uniquely compact and scalable. This new two-mode full hybrid will first be marketed in GM’s new Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs in 2007. The system is based on GM’s successful diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system for transit buses, 364 of which are in service in 25 cities in the U.S. and Canada .

GM’s belt alternator starter hybrid combines sophisticated controls with a precision electric motor/generator mated to the engine.

“The best design is uncomplicated and easy to implement,” said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM’s hybrid program. “This simple, elegant hybrid architecture makes it possible to implement globally on a broad spectrum of vehicle applications at an attractive price.”

Among the many advantages of the GM belt alternator starter hybrid is its flexibility. It can be applied to multiple engines with minimal change to the engine or transmission.

In the Saturn Vue Green Line, the system will be mated with GM’s state-of-the-art 2.4-liter variable valve timing (VVT) Ecotec engine and Hydra-Matic 4T45-E electronically controlled overdrive transaxle.

GM engineers developed the belt alternator starter hybrid to deliver improved fuel economy by performing the following functions:

Shuts off the engine when the vehicle is brought to a stop to minimize engine idling Restarts the engine promptly when the brake pedal is released Enables early fuel cutoff to the engine during vehicle deceleration Captures vehicle kinetic energy during deceleration to help charge the advanced nickel metal hydride hybrid battery (regenerative braking) Performs intelligent battery charging by opportunistically charging when it’s most efficient

The belt alternator starter hybrid also will provide an electric power assist during acceleration when needed. During a wide-open throttle or aggressive passing maneuver, the system improves vehicle launch and acceleration feel by assisting the engine to achieve maximum power.

The system is designed to automatically maintain accessory functionality and passenger comfort when the engine is stopped so that hybrid operation is transparent to the driver and passengers.

The belt alternator starter hybrid consists of six major components:

A precision electric motor/generator unit Engine coolant-cooled power electronics that control the motor/generator unit and provide 12-volt vehicle accessory power An advanced, nickel metal hydride hybrid battery pack capable of delivering and receiving more than 10kW of peak power An engine control module that includes sophisticated Hybrid Supervisory Software to manage both engine and hybrid system operation A new engine accessory drive with dual tensioner assembly and aramid cord belt that enables reliable transfer of both motoring and generating torque The hybrid-enabled 4T45-E electronically controlled overdrive transaxle that includes an auxiliary oil pump and unique hybrid controls to ensure seamless hybrid operation. GM’s belt alternator starter hybrid operates in motoring or generating mode.

In the motoring mode, the belt alternator starter hybrid is used to quickly restart the engine upon brake pedal release and to provide momentary acceleration assist as needed. To perform these functions, the advanced nickel metal hydride hybrid battery converts its stored chemical energy into direct current (DC) electrical energy. The hybrid’s power electronics then convert the DC electrical energy to three-phase alternating current (AC) to run the motor/generator unit as a motor. Vehicle accessory power (12V) is also generated in this mode.

In the generating mode, the belt alternator starter hybrid is used to provide both 12V vehicle accessory power and power to recharge the hybrid battery. To perform these functions, the engine is used to power the motor/generator unit, which then provides a three-phase electrical output. In this mode, the energy required to drive the engine may come from either gasoline when accelerating or the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle when decelerating with the fuel cut off. The three-phase AC electrical output of the motor/generator is then converted to DC electrical outputs by the power electronics that are, in turn, used to efficiently charge both the hybrid and vehicle accessory batteries.

GM’s hybrid strategy is part of GM’s larger overall advanced propulsion technology strategy, which is focused on introducing new technologies to improve the internal combustion engine and transmissions to further reduce vehicle emissions and increase fuel economy.

“We want to provide consumers a choice that will be in harmony with their budget, vehicle expectations and fuel economy needs,” said Stephens. “The belt alternator starter hybrid will offer consumers the combination of an affordable price and a good fuel economy improvement over the base vehicle.”

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

About the Author

Ansh a car enthusiast could be reached at New car updates

The company that popularized the hybrid technology is producing better hybrid vehicles year after year. Although Toyota started the technology with their Prius in 1997, Honda produces, develops, and uses the technology continuously in their cars. Honda’s first hybrid car, the Honda Insight was released in the United States in 1999. This was soon followed by the Honda Civic which marked the radical change in the hybrid technology and changed what people look for in a car. Hybrid cars use a combination of technologies such as internal combustion engines (ICEs), electric motors, batteries, hydrogen, and fuel cells. This saves a lot of gas fuel and has become the preference of car buyers. The hybrid technology improves year after year as Honda’s hybrid vehicles become ever more popular. The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid is by far the best Honda hybrid, or hybrid vehicle in the market. The 3.0l V-6 engine of the Accord is the biggest among its class. It is the first hybrid that can match or even surpass other gas-engine vehicles. With 255 horses pushing it, the Accord is the most economical V-6 vehicle. The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid drives like the conventional gas-engine powered vehicle. And without the “hybrid” badges on the vehicle, you wouldn’t know the difference. This Accord uses the same automatic transmission as that of the gas-engine instead of the continuously variable transmission (CVT), Toyota and Ford use in their hybrids. Its IMA or the integrated motor assist which is always in the gas mode and switches to electric for additional power when needed, unlike Ford and Toyota which uses the electric as long as possible then switch to gas when needed. Fuel economy is not a question for the Honda Accord Hybrid. With 37 mpg fuel consumption on the highway, and 29 mpg in city, the Accord allows the driver to save more money. Accord doesn’t need to be plugged in. It automatically recharges itself during braking and, if necessary, via the gas engine. To save more fuel, both systems automatically shut off at a stoplight and long stops. The only drawback of the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid is its price tag of about $30,000 which is $3,400 more that its gas model. But for a vehicle that saves more fuel the regular vehicle, it is a better buy in the long run. The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid can be seen on www.partstrain.com along with other Honda vehicles. For more information about the vehicle, and to purchase Honda part, visit http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA.

About the Author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Ever hear of hydrogen cars?

This new breed of cars being developed far exceeds the current gasoline-electric hybrid cars as far as cleaning up the environment and lessening the U. S. dependence upon foreign oil. Automakers expect to have hydrogen cars in the showrooms in the next 5 – 10 years.

So, what’s all the hoopla about hydrogen?

Plenty. Hydrogen is the most plentiful element in the universe. With such abundance, there is no chance of running out, unlike the fossil fuels.

If you remember your high school chemistry, you’ll know that water is made up of two parts hydrogen and one part water. That means that hydrogen can be created for hydrogen cars by splitting water via electrolysis. It only means that by using fuel cells to power hydrogen cars, that hydrogen and oxygen can be run through a cell (generating electricity and heat) and joined together at the end of the process to produce its only bi-product, water.

This means that hydrogen fuel cell powered cars will only dispense a small amount of steam (water in the air) and no pollutants. This kind of zero pollution vehicle will help with current smog problems, air quality-related health problems, greenhouse gases, global warming and the hole in the ozone. You just can’t get a greener green car than a hydrogen car.

The other benefit of hydrogen cars running on “hydrogen highways” (as both President George W. Bush and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger are calling them) is that this will lessen the U. S. dependence upon foreign oil. By using hydrogen as an alternative fuel source, no longer will OPEC have the stranglehold upon our economy and subjugating us to ever-increasing gasoline prices.

What has to happen to make this a reality?

With current technology, the hydrogen cars are still too expensive for the consumer market, so prices will need to come down as new technology is developed. In addition, the infrastructure will have to be in place to support a hydrogen highway network. Fuel stations, such as the 15 currently operating in California, will need to be expanded to a nationwide network. And probably the most important aspect of having the hydrogen highway become a reality is stepping up economical production of hydrogen for use in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Hydrogen does not occur in any significant amounts by itself in nature. Hydrogen can be found in compounds however, such as water or in natural gas and methods can be used to extract the hydrogen from the other compounds. With current technology, the energy needed to extract the hydrogen is nearly the same as the energy gained by the hydrogen itself, so more advanced and economical methods of producing hydrogen from solar, wind, hydro and gas reformation power will be needed so that enough hydrogen is available to support the new hydrogen economy.

It may be another 5 – 10 years away until the new line of hydrogen cars start rolling off the showroom floors, but h2 vehicles, as they are already known will be the “next big thing” in the automotive industry for this century.

About the Author

©2005 Hydrogen Cars Info. All rights reserved.Hydrogen Cars - Shaun Mackey writes for Hydrogen Cars, a resource site featuring the latest concept autos, hydrogen highway, fuel cell technology, H2 engines, production and infrastructure issues.

With the escalating price of gas, buying a fuel-efficient car makes a lot of sense. Approximately 15% of new car buyers reject a model due to poor gas mileage. Nearly 40% of those consumers who eliminate a full-size SUV due to gas mileage ultimately purchase a midsize SUV instead, while nearly 20% purchase another model altogether. (J.D. Power and Associates, Sept. 2004.)

But even if you don't currently own a fuel-efficient car, there are lots of ways you can improve the fuel efficiency of your present vehicle until you're ready to purchase one of the best gas mileage cars.

Your personal driving habits have a big effect on your fuel use and costs. You can better manage your vehicle operating costs as well as minimize the emissions it produces by driving less and more efficiently. Here are some tips to help.

First, you need to know what kind of mileage you are getting. Calculate this by filling up your tank and recording the odometer reading-or you can reset your trip gauge to zero. Next time you get gas, fill the tank again and divide the miles you traveled between fill ups by the quantity of gas you bought on this fill-up. This is your car's miles per gallon or mpg. If it's pretty dismal, here's how to turn your fuel guzzler into a fuel saver:

Drive slower:

The aerodynamic drag on your car increases noticeably the faster you drive. The drag force at 70 mph is about double that at 50 mph, so keeping speed down can increase your mileage considerably. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds over 60 mph. Each 5 mph above 60 mph is like paying an additional $.10/gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer for everyone.

Maintain a constant speed:

Every time you speed up, you use energy, some of which is wasted when you slow the car down again. By maintaining a constant speed, especially driving the posted speed limit, you will improve your fuel efficiency. Just by increasing your highway cruising speed from 62 mph to 74 mph you increase fuel consumption by about 20%! Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and will usually save gas.

Drive gently:

Aggressive driving-speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking-wastes gas. These bad habits can lower your gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and 5% in the city. In addition, reasonable driving is safer for you and others, so you may be saving more than gas money. Consider using overdrive gears on the highway, as this decreases engine speed, reducing fuel usage and engine wear.

Avoid Excess Idling:

Idling gets 0 miles/gallon and wastes fuel and money, is hard on the engine and adds to toxic emissions. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than those with smaller engines. Turn off your engine if you think you will be stopped for more than 30 seconds. However, if you're driving a fuel-efficient car like a hybrid, your electric motor is on when you idle, so you're not wasting any gas at all!

Minimize air conditioning:

Using your air conditioner in hot weather can increase your fuel consumption by more than 20% in city driving. Whenever possible, close all windows and use the air vents to circulate air instead of air conditioning. You will improve your fuel efficiency in summer by minimizing the use of air conditioning and using your car's flow-through ventilation, especially on the highway. If you must use the air conditioning, set the controls to a level that lets the system cycle, and turn it off once the interior of car is cooled down enough. Also consider such options a sunroof and tinted glass to keep the car cool.

Keep Your Car in Shape: Maintaining your vehicle in top working condition saves you fuel and money, and reduces long-term maintenance costs while minimizing harmful emissions.

Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned

Getting regular tune-ups when your car is out of tune or has failed an emissions test may improve gas mileage by about 4%. If your car has a faulty oxygen sensor and you have it fixed, gas mileage could improve as much as 40%. Make sure the spark plugs, if you have them, are firing properly, replacing them when necessary. Have the engine timing checked for accuracy. Check & Replace Air Filters Regularly-Replacing a clogged air filter could improve a car's gas mileage by as much as 10%. Additionally, it will protect your engine from impurities. Change this more often if you live in a dusty climate, drive on dirt or gravel roads or if you drive off-road for fun.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated

Your gas mileage can increase by about 3.3% if you keep tires inflated to their proper pressure. It takes more effort and gas for the engine to propel an underinflated tire than a correctly inflated one-which provide less road-resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Beware over-inflation, though, which can lead to handling problems and uneven tire wear. Check tire pressure on a regular basis, looking for signs of uneven wear or embedded objects that can cause air leaks. In winter, check tire pressure if there is a sharp change in temperature, as cold weather decreases air pressure in the tires.

Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil

Fuel efficiency can improve by 1-2% if you use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Also, if you change your own oil, look for motor oil rated as "Energy Conserving" to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

Check Which Gas to Use

Choose the correct octane gas for your car by checking your owner's manual. It's not necessary to buy the "super" high-octane gas unless your car manufacturer recommends it or your engine knocks without it. While you won't do harm to the engine, you will be paying more than you need to, since premium (highest octane) gas sells for an average of 17 cents more per gallon than regular gas. Only about 6% of cars sold in the U.S. need premium gas, according to the AAA. Also, avoid topping off your gas tank, since in warmer weather, fuel expansion can cause an overflow and you'll be wasting precious fuel. You want to be a fuel saver-not a fuel waster!

Planning & Combining Trips:

Combining errands to do together and in similar areas saves time and money. Several short trips starting from a cold engine can use twice as much fuel as a longer multi-purpose trip that covers the same distance when the engine is warmed up. With a little advance planning, you can avoid high traffic areas, road construction, retracing your route and ultimately reduce the distance you travel while running errands. You'll not only save on fuel, but also reduce wear and tear on your car.

Commuting:

If you can alternate your work hours to avoid rush hour, you'll spend less time sitting in traffic and burn up less fuel. For stop and go traffic, drive your best gas mileage car if you own more than one vehicle. Contemplate telecommuting (working from home) when your job permits. If you can, participate in carpools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns sharing driving with others.

Traveling:

A roof rack or carrier affords additional cargo space and helps out when you have a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack decreases fuel efficiency by 5%. Reduce the wind resistance and increase your fuel efficiency by putting objects inside the trunk when possible. Also, remove any unnecessary items, especially heavy ones, as an extra 100 lbs. in the trunk reduces a car's fuel efficiency by about 1 to 2%. © 2004 AllAboutHybridCars.com. Visit www.AllAboutHybridCars.com/eBook.htm to order your FREE report, "7 Critical Facts Everyone should Know Before Buying a Hybrid Car."

About the Author

Andrea Susan Glass, founder of WritersWay and All About Hybrid Cars, helps clients reach their writing and marketing goals with effective articles, press releases, newsletters, Web site copy, eBooks and books. An award-winning author for "Street Smart Secrets to Auto Care You Can Trust," she has written books, eBooks and articles on subjects ranging from animals and auto repair to singles and spirituality.

About the Author

Andrea Susan Glass, founder of WritersWay and All About Hybrid Cars, helps clients reach their writing and marketing goals with effective articles, press releases, newsletters, Web site copy, eBooks and books. An award-winning author for "Street Smart Secrets to Auto Care You Can Trust," she has written books, eBooks and articles on subjects ranging from animals and auto repair to singles and spirituality.

The concept vehicle a few years back is now making big news around the world. The Toyota Prius is currently the cleanest family car on the planet today. Voted as the 2005 European Car of the Year, the Prius sets a new standard on hybrid cars.

The car was chosen as the winner from a list of seven finalists and beat the competition comprehensively. It gathered 406 points as compared to Citroën C4 (267), Ford Focus (228), and Vauxhall Astra (180). Other cars in the consideration were Renault Modus, Peugeot 407 and BMW 1-series.

Toyota Prius Hybrid featured prominently at this year's "Red Carpet Green Cars" event as twenty of Hollywood's A-listers are set to arrive at the Oscars in chauffeur-driven Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles instead of the customary gas-guzzling limos. Participants in the "drive" for global sustainability at the "Red Carpet -- Green Cars" event include veterans Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, and Robin Williams, as well as some new faces consisting of: Selma Hayek, Penelope Cruz, Layra Linney, and best actor nominee Leonardo DiCaprio among many others.

The latest Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey reported the Toyota Prius won near-unanimous praise with 94 per cent of respondents saying that they would definitely get one again. The second-generation Toyota Prius becomes the first hybrid to top the list, sending the Lexus LS430 luxury sedan down to second place. The sporty Honda S2000 was in third place.

The owner satisfaction survey is part of the Consumer Reports annual survey, which asked its subscribers if they would buy the car or truck they own again, considering its price, performance, comfort, and reliability. This year CR received more than 250,000 responses to this question for 2002 to 2004 models, which were used to determine owner-satisfaction ratings and lists of Most and Least Satisfying vehicles.

Awareness of the benefits of hybrids has dramatically increased and fuel economy is the No. 1 purchase reason for the Prius, so it's safe to say that rising fuel prices are putting a spotlight on hybrid vehicles.

Toyota Prius’ use of technology is amazing. Turning a key in a traditional ignition does not do starting the Prius; instead it is initiated by pressing the round “Power” button on the dash. There is an interactive, touch sensitive, Multi-Information display screen mounted in the center console. The display has many modes and can show things like the energy flow between the power train components, fuel consumption, radio settings, climate control, or many of the Prius’ other functions.

Toyota Prius is certainly a hybrid car that is environment friendly. It carries an AT-PZEV rating, which makes the Prius one the cleanest production cars on the road today when it comes to emissions. It is 90% cleaner than that of the average car. Combined with the Prius’ excellent gas mileage, it is a great choice for the environment.

To share the spotlight with the Toyota Prius Hybrid car are the superbly engineered parts one can find at online stores like Partstrain. Click on http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/Toyota when looking for durable and excellent Toyota Prius Hybrid parts to ensure you get the same satisfaction when riding the Prius.

About The Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

jenny@partstrain.com

About the Author

Freelance writer published on many websites and newspapers. justanotherview.com

Automakers know that rising oil prices and tougher environmental rules will increase the public's interest in vehicles that use less fuel with reduced tail pipe emissions.

Hybrids increase fuel efficiency by capturing the energy normally lost to friction braking and storing it in a battery for later use when driving power is again required. Unlike internal combustion engine hybrids, Volkswagen's hydrogen fuel cell hybrid emits only water.

The VW Touran Hymotion has high-torque electric motor that draws its power from a fuel cell and is absolutely emission free. The standard version, driven by petrol and diesel engines, which are as agile as they are economical, is by far the most successful van available in Germany. In the Touran HyMotion, an 80 kW electric motor provides vehement propulsion.

The core element of this fuel cell is an extremely thin plastic film (membrane). This spatially separates the reagents, hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is broken down into positively and negatively charged particles (protons and electrons). The protons are able to pass directly through the membrane, whilst the electrons take a more indirect route via an external current circuit, driving the electric motor. On the other side of the membrane, the protons, electrons and oxygen combine to form water.

The hydrogen is transported in gaseous form at 350 bar in a special tank fitted in the Touran. A capacity of 1.9 kg hydrogen when converted corresponds to the energy contained in 7.5 litres of petrol. In combination with the electric motor's high efficiency, this quantity of hydrogen provides the vehicle with a range of approximately 160 kilometres.

Partstrain is the right place for new or quality used Volkswagens parts. Just click on http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/VOLKSWAGEN and in stock, and ready for immediate delivery is a huge inventory of VW Replacement car parts & Volkswagen car accessories at discount prices. Its inventory includes a large stock of suspension, shocks, struts, ac parts, VW radiators, belts, hoses, VW tune-up parts, brakes, air filters, fuel filters, Volkswagen engine parts, spark plugs, steering, exhaust, Bentley service repair manuals, tail lights, fog lights, headlights, clutch, fuel pumps, VW fuel injectors, electrical & electronic parts, Volkswagen performance parts and much more.

Parts Train's customer support staff is expert in the field VW's parts and can assist you by providing product installation tips and procedures, as well as suggesting additional parts that you may need for your Volkswagen.

The real cause of our current energy crisis of skyrocketing fuel prices - leading to our gas pains at the pump - is our failure to create alternative energy resources. Ouch. Pointing the finger at ourselves? Not going to happen we always need a villain as the cause of our woe.

We can look to Washington and blame our various administrations. Many of us were not even born to witness the gas rationing during World War II. However many of us recall the late 70s and early 80s and how we were excuse my choice of words over the barrel when it came to crude oil prices. Following the lead of President Jimmy Carter, we turned our thermostats to 68?? degrees in the dead of winter in an effort to conserve energy.

These measures which attempted to rein in our dependency made for great headlines but little else.

We eventually cranked up the thermostats once again purchased gas guzzling cars which we drove all over (consuming gazillions of galloons of crude) without any concern.

An energy conservation or energy alternative program? Please. There is plenty of cheap crude oil to last us hundreds of years.

Wrong answer.

Crude oil is not a renewable energy source. Once you use barrel, it does not spontaneously regenerate another barrel to replace itself. It is gone and can never be replaced.

This is what oil producing nations have to be concerned abouttheir limited fossil fuel (oil) supply. Once it is gone, it is gone. There goes their oil dependent economy. (AND with their inability to supply us with crudeour economy will slide as well.)

Put yourself in the role of supplying a product, any product, which is heavily in demand and you only have the ability to sell so much. Would you try to extract the most amount of money for it?

This is exactly what is happening to fuel prices right now. That gas pump is trying to extort an obscene amount of money from you because of limited supply of crude yet we along with other developed and developing countries - demand more and more.

The solution.

Ready for this?

The solution is simple. Simple economics.

The plan to execute the solution is extremely complex.

First the solution: we have to cut down on crude oil demand which would then lead to an overabundance of supply. Oil tankers will continue to be loaded with crude and no place to unload as the demand for their loads has been substantially decreased.

Increased crude supply (due to no one wanting all the crude that is being produced) caused by lower demand for it equals major reductions of crude oil prices by the oil producing countries. How does this happen?

Alternative sources of energy with a heavy concentration of renewable energy such as the sun or wind power. (I am not even going to mention a few of the other alternative energy sources such as grain or vegetable oil converted to fuel.)

We have the ability to get ourselves out of this gas pain at the gas pump.

The more we can encourage American imagination, the sooner our answer will come to relieve our gas pains. The sooner our answer will come to decrease our demand for crude. The sooner will crude supplies start to fill crude storage tanks in oil producing countries. Prices will have to radically fall to move this crude as our alternative energy technology spreads worldwide.

For more information on high gas prices, hybrid cars, alternative energy sources, visit our website: http://www.GasPricesSuck.com

About the Author

Andrea Susan Glass, founder of WritersWay and All About Hybrid Cars, helps clients reach their writing and marketing goals with effective articles, press releases, newsletters, Web site copy, eBooks and books. An award-winning author for "Street Smart Secrets to Auto Care You Can Trust," she has written books, eBooks and articles on subjects ranging from animals and auto repair to singles and spirituality.

I am beginning to wonder if scientists have been getting it all wrong. All this time, people have been worried about the Ozone, or a giant asteroid, or some breakout of a bio-hazardous agent by a terrorist organization being the doom of mankind. We have spent all this time looking outward instead of inward towards ourselves.

The latest studies have identified two startling facts: 1 - that the hole in the Ozone layer is getter smaller, and 2 – that the brightness levels on the earth are getting dimmer. Does this all mean that Global Warming is all just a sham Does it mean that the corporations who continue to abuse our earth with reckless abandon have been right all along That tree-hugging hippies have had their brains melted from too much LSD?

Scientists seem to be getting dumber in direct proportion to the grants given to them by governments, which are lobbied of course, by corporate interests. They have looked at the new Global Dimming phenomenon and said, “It can’t be getting warmer with less sunlight!” And no doubt that as this new story makes it rounds about the Ozone getting smaller, they will point to the great job done by their benefactors at reducing Green House emissions and say that the Ozone must be replenishing itself.

Statements like those should be judged as criminal, just as tobacco companies should be held accountable for the deaths of all their consumers. The population must be made aware of the truth behind their corporate agenda. We, the working class, are the ones that can control our future, and dictate to those Ozone depleting companies our new terms. We demand clean air. We demand that pollutants stop being poured into our waters. We demand our forests not be cut down faster than we can replant. We demand alternate, safer energy sources to heat our homes, and power our vehicles. We demand all this because our Earth is dying before our own eyes.

The hole in the Ozone layer has gotten smaller, but at the cost of thinner protection worldwide. We are not just talking about a gap over Antarctica. We are talking about more harmful radiation being let in on a yearly, monthly, daily basis. We used to be able to send out our children to play outside all day. No one needed any sunscreen with special UV protection. Now, one has to only go outside for 20 minutes before feeling the sting of the sun, while sunscreen industry has become big business. No one will react until research tells us 15 to 30 years from now that cancer has reached epidemic proportions. The warning signs are there already, we are just choosing not to listen.

Global Dimming is the best example yet. Scientists have started to look at how it has become increasing dimmer on the planet. Sunlight is not getting through as it once used to. It is only normal to think that whatever is keeping the sunlight out, must be keeping the heat in. And whatever is keeping the sunlight out is not necessarily providing us with a layer of protection. More likely, it is beginning to coat our planet with more harmful cancer causing radiation.

While I do not profess to hold a degree in science, I do profess to hold common sense. All science has done is identify several situations, but has done nothing to confirm how we got there, and what we need to do to get back to where we were.My belief is that there may be too much corporate interference for any decisive action to be taken. And for the companies who will continue to pollute our environment, that is equal to victory.The worst thing that we can do as a population, is to add Global Dumbing to the list. Get smart, take action. You may not be able to make a difference individually, but together, you can effect change. We may always live in a world that separates the rich from the poor, but that does not mean that we have to accept how those in power secure their wealth. Take public transit. Buy hybrid cars. Create the market and force companies to move away from their alliances with Oil Companies, and forge new ones with alternate energy sources. Get more physically active with your family, and in your community. Read labels and ask questions. Write to your representative.

We have the power as consumers to change our purchasing habits. Force companies to hear our plea by talking the only language they understand: net profit. If we take away their profits, they will hear us in volume!

About The Author

Gary Whittaker is the editor of T.E.N Magazine. You can visit the site at http://www.tenwebzine.com. You will be able to find more great articles on sports, politics or other subjects, so check it out! editor@tenwebzine.com

Hybrid Synergy Drive reveals another virtue: Performance. Public viewing of the 2006 Lexus RX400 in early 2005 reveals combined fuel efficiency in the range of the current EPA average rating for a four- cylinder compact sedan. The RX400h will be a SULEV rated vehicle which means driving from Los Angeles to New York and back nine times (54,000 miles) yet produce less- smog forming emissions.

The 2006 Lexus RX400h combines 3.3 liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric drive motors: a strong 120 kW (161 horsepower) motor positioned near the rear wheels. The new Hybrid System will deliver a peak output of 270 horsepower with a 20% increase compared to the non-hybrid RX330 power train. Much more impressive is the 30-50 mph passing acceleration of the high output electric motor that delivers a high burst of torque.

Future Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drives hold the potential to operate even more efficiently using new types of batteries and fuels. According to Fujio Cho, President of Toyota Motor Corporation " Toyota's Hybrid System will make up the heart of our hydrogen fuel cell program of tomorrow".

The advantage of a hybrid driveline is that it eliminates hardships associated with electric cars to provide breakthrough performance, exemplary fuel efficiency, very low exhaust emissions, and a high level of convenience.

2006 Lexus RX400h introduces a new era of enhanced performance dimension to the widely known hybrid advantages of excellent fuel mileage and low emissions. The RX 400h will be rated as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in California (Tier 2 – Bin 3 in other states), one of the most stringent emissions ratings in the industry.

The Lexus RX 400h is defined as a "full hybrid," which means that it is capable of operating in electric-only or gas engine-only mode as well as a mode that combines the power of the gas engine and electric motor. In contrast, other hybrid technologies are not capable of running only on electrical power, but instead require constant gas engine operation.

In making the transition to a hybrid power train, the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and AC compressor are no longer engine belt-driven. This is because the gas engine often shuts down—a fuel-saving benefit of the hybrid system—especially when the vehicle is stopped or driven slowly through traffic. Except for the alternator, which is replaced by motor-generators, all components are now electrically powered which means notably lower parasitic losses to the engine and improved fuel consumption.

The Lexus hybrid technology also allows extended electric-mode operation during low speed or stop-and-go driving conditions. The permanent-magnet front electric drive motor (MG2) produces peak torque from zero-to-1,500 RPM, giving the RX 400h powerful and instantaneous response that will be especially felt and appreciated in low- and mid-speed performance and in merging and passing maneuvers.

A regenerative braking system further boosts system efficiency. When the RX 400h is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors function as generators, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries.

With the RX 400h, Lexus also introduces a new generation of vehicle stability control systems known as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). A vital component of VDIM is a new Electronically Controlled Braking system (ECB). The ECB system translates brake pedal stroke speed and pressure and generates the precise amount of combined electric regeneration and hydraulic pressure needed for virtually any driving condition.

VDIM allows more optimized operation of the vehicle's dynamic handling systems that employ the brakes: ABS, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC). VDIM also interfaces with the Electronic Throttle Control system, allowing it to modify vehicle power when needed, and a new Electronic Power Steering system (EPS) to optimize steering assist for each situation.

When the RX 400h is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors function as generators, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries. This regenerative braking system further boosts system efficiency.

To preserve the 2006 Lexus RX400 amazing performance, a one of a kind online store is here to provide you with super durable parts with equally impressive performance. Simply go to http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/TOYOTA and you're on your way to hassle-free online shopping for parts that will make this super car live up to its name.

About The Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

jenny@partstrain.com

More Environment-Friendly, Fuel Cell Powered Hondas to Traverse the Streets of Los Angeles Soon

These are the latest buzz words in the car industry, but what is it really all about?

Honda FCX powered by Honda fuel cells.

It has been two years since Honda released the Honda FCX which has become the first fuel cell vehicle in the world to receive government certification, paving the way for the commercial use of fuel cell vehicles. This comes as no surprise as Honda has always been an advocate of environmental consciousness and a pioneer in developing cutting edge technology in protecting the environment. The fuel-cell is propelled by electricity generated by a hydrogen-oxygen chemical reaction, and its only emission, amazingly, is water vapor. Now, with a fresh stamp of approval from the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, Honda is delivering a family of new FCX fuel-cell vehicles to its first customer, the city of Los Angeles, known for its strict environmental emission rules to eliminate the overwhelming air pollution already at its midst.

The latest version of Honda fuel cells delivers about 15% more maximum drive motor torque than the previous prototypes and also provides improvements in mid-to-high range power output characteristics and acceleration. It also has an amplified driving range of 220 miles, about 25 miles more than the previous model.

How does the fuel cell work

In principle, a fuel cell functions like a battery. Dissimilar from a battery though, a fuel cell does not run down or require recharging. It will produce energy in the form of electricity and heat as long as fuel is supplied. The type of fuel cell used in the Honda FCX is called a Polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Powered by Hydrogen gas the fuel cell provides power to the FCXs AC synchronous electric motor to give the FCX a top speed of around 93 mph. With engine output at around 60kW, Honda claims the clean FCX has similar performance to the its petrol drinking brother, the Honda Civic. Fuel Cells produce electricity from an external fuel supply as opposed to the limited internal energy storage capacity of a battery.

A fuel cell system, which includes a "fuel reformer", can utilize the hydrogen from any hydrocarbon fuel - from natural gas to methanol, and even gasoline. Since the fuel cell relies on chemistry and not combustion, emissions from this type of a system would still be much smaller than emissions from the cleanest fuel combustion processes. In fact fuel cells running on hydrogen derived from a renewable source will emit nothing but water vapor. Water vapor being its only exhaust, a fuel cell powered vehicle such as the Honda FCX produces completely no harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Fuel cells were first used in a practical application by NASA in the 1960’s for their Apollo space program. For decades sensible fuel cell application was regarded as too costly and too difficult for automobile usage. Through constant research and development its utilization may become a reality, the only problem that crops up is the source for refueling.

Honda’s proposed solution for refueling stations.

If fuel cell powered cars ever become popular, gas stations may soon have to start supplying hydrogen as well as their regular petroleum based products. But since currently there are only a handful of them around, this may be far from happening.

Until then, Honda will continue to do some research on other possible solutions. An experimental Home Energy Station HES is seen as the most feasible. The HES could generate hydrogen from natural gas for use in fuel cell vehicles while supplying electricity and hot water to the home. The new HES system that has been jointly developed with strategic fuel cell partner Plug Power Inc. is located on the grounds of Honda R&D Americas in Torrance, California, and will undergo experiments in hydrogen production, storage and fueling, as part of ongoing research into hydrogen energy sources. The new HES system, which can currently produce enough hydrogen to refill the tank of a Honda FCX hydrogen fuel cell vehicle taking just a few minutes once a day.

Honda’s dedication to a greener and cleaner environment.

Honda started research and development on fuel cells in 1989. Ten years after they have been road testing fuel cell powered vehicles in the US and Japan. Honda is a member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership CaFCP based in Sacramento, California, and has been working closely with that organization.

Honda has had a long history of environmental breakthroughs and dedication with their automobiles. Even from way back in 1975, Honda scored it big with their CVCC as being the first vehicle to meet the amended Clean Air act standard. Honda was also the first auto company to produce a vehicle, the Honda Civic, to meet the low emission vehicle LEV standard in all 50 states and the first to sell a gasoline car meeting first Californias Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standard and subsequently the "Super" ULEV standard Accord.

Honda was also the first to sell a combined gasoline and electric powered vehicle, the Insight, in the U.S. and early in 2002 they introduced the Civic Hybrid, it was the first mass marketed hybrid model. The Civic GX was the first dedicated mass-produced natural gas vehicle when it went on sale in 1998 and has been recognized by the EPA, as the cleanest internal combustion engine in the world. Truly, Honda understands the need for environmental care and the total independence in the future for petroleum based products to fuel their engines.

With all of this new technology cropping up, the motoring world doesn’t seem like it used to be. The good thing is it all boils down to consumer preference. Many products though cater to the whole welfare of the people even when it is channeled through too many aspects. What is inevitable is that no mater how efficient and durable your vehicle is, it will be subjected to wear and tear. Constant use and driving calls for constant maintenance and preventive maintenance also, at Auto Parts Train we continually update our catalogs to provide the most complete and comprehensive lineup of superb Honda parts. With 25 years of experience we know that the automobile industry constantly evolves and new technology crops up every now and then. You can be sure that we are always on our guard for a high end Honda part.

Be it a Honda replacement part, a Honda collision part or a Honda performance enhancement part, Auto Parts Train is here to serve you. Browse through our 24-hour online shop to find the perfect Honda part for you. Click on this link http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA to see our wide array of first rate Honda auto parts that we have on stock. We guarantee all the fit and quality of our Honda car parts. For assistance, you may call our toll free line, 1-888-251-1214, 12 hours a day, six days a week. Our very efficient and highly-trained customer service staff is standing by to help you.

About The Author

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

partstrain.com

jenny@partstrain.com

Have you seen the recent article on a new green residential high rise in Battery Park? Its called The Solaire. For a look at the hopeful future of architectural efficiency, check out the myriad of cost saving and environmentally-friendly features of the building:

http://www.batteryparkcity.org/concept/green

The article got me thinking of ways to help you personally benefit from being environmentally-friendly, without having to re-locate! Ive come up with two areas worth consideration.

(1) Tax Credit for the Purchase of a Hybrid Vehicle

New owners may write off $2,000 of the purchase price of the following models:

Ford Escape Hybrid (05) Honda Accord Hybrid (05) Honda Insight (00 to 05) Honda Civic Hybrid (03 to 05) Toyota Prius (01 to 05)

Initially, the amount was scheduled to be reduced in 2004, but new tax law allows the full $2K deduction until the end of 2005, at which point it drops to just $500. That gives you about four months to take action, but only if youre in the market for a car.

One further benefit is that the deduction may be claimed directly on Form 1040 long-form, line 35 (it does not require Schedule A). Additionally, there are no income thresholds. There are, however, a few limitations. (a) Its a one-time deduction. (b) Only the original owner can claim the tax break. (c) You must take the deduction in the year you put it on the road, or file an amended tax return within three years of original intended filing date.

(2) Conserve Your Gasoline!

At nearly $3/gallon, filling up 20% less often could save the average commuter $400/year:

(a) Use a sunshade. A cooler car requires less air conditioning.

(b) Don't top off your tankThe excess is lost as fumes, and make sure your gas cap is tight.

(c) Combine tripsCold engines use more gas than warm ones.

(d) Avoid peak traffic timesIdling uses unneeded fuel, and unnecessary time.

(e) Optimal efficiency for most cars is 55-60mph. Speeding may cost you more than a ticket!

(f) Clear your car of junk. Extra weight uses up gas.

(g) Keep your tires properly inflated and rotated. Check them every 2 weeks.

(h) Get regular oil changes, and check your air and fuel filters while youre there.

(i) Finally, in your home, a programmable thermostat can save you an additional $150/year.

2005, Matthew S. Clement, All rights reserved.

Matthew S. Clement is a financial planner and investment advisor representative with Financial Network Investment Corporation, member SIPC. He provides holistic wealth management and retirement planning to individuals and businesses. He can be reached in New York at (845) 942-8578, or by email: ClementM@FinancialNetwork.com.

The Ford Focus FCV uses hybrid technology that has benefited from the company's experience engineering the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Orlando, Fla. Sept. 23 – Ford Motor Company is handing over the keys to five hybrid hydrogen Ford Focus Fuel Cell vehicles today as part of a five city 30 car program to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will get three vehicles and Progress Energy will receive the other two.

The Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) represents Ford's commitment to advancing the use and development of alternative fuel technologies. It is one of the industry's first hybridized fuel cell vehicles combining the improved range and performance of hybrid technology with the overall benefits of a fuel cell.

Ford has been conducting fuel cell research for more than 10 years and believes fuel cell vehicles could be commercially viable by the middle of the next decade.

Knowledge gained engineering Ford's Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrids has been shared between the FCV vehicle engineering team and the people working on both Ford gasoline powered hybrids on the road today as well as future gasoline hybrids Ford will sell.

"The engineers who work on the Focus FCV work hand in hand with those developing our gasoline hybrids," said Mary Ann Wright, director of Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs for Ford Motor Company. "The knowledge we gain by engineering these cars not only benefits our expertise in innovative fuel cell propulsion technology, it also will help us deliver even better gasoline hybrids in the near term."

Ford is actively engaged in the development of four promising future alternatives to today’s gasoline engines including, clean diesels, gasoline-electric hybrids, hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICE) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCV).

The Focus FCV is the most sophisticated environmental vehicle Ford has ever developed and its success is an important milestone in Ford's long-term strategy to move toward hydrogen and alternative-fuel powered cars and trucks as viable consumer transportation options.

The Focus FCV looks and drives like other Focus sedans on the road today, but appearances can be deceiving. Although it is designed to look like any other car on the road, under the hood of the Focus FCV is a sophisticated hybrid electric powertrain. Tucked under the floorpan is a hydrogen fuel cell and auxiliary energy system that supplies electricity to the powertrain. And in the trunk is a hydrogen tank that carries the car’s renewable hydrogen fuel.

The Ford Focus FCV uses a fuel cell powertrain supplied by Ballard Power Systems, the world leader in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology. The FCV is hybridized with the addition of a nickel metal–hydride battery pack and a brake-by-wire electro-hydraulic series regenerative braking system. The fuel cell engine converts chemical energy into electric energy using hydrogen fuel and oxygen from air. The electric energy then powers the vehicle's electric drive motor, producing only water vapor and heat as by-products.

This year, Ford is delivering evaluation fleets of Focus FCVs for placement in demonstration programs in the United States , Canada , and Germany . This includes five vehicles now in use in Vancouver , British Columbia , five cars delivered to the Sacramento Municipal District, the five cars delivered to Florida today and five in Michigan . All of the programs are designed to promote development of hydrogen-based technologies.

In addition to the FCV demonstration fleet, Ford will support Florida's hydrogen initiative with the production of eight hydrogen powered shuttle buses for use in the Orlando area and Ford's 4.2-liter, V-6 industrial engine – converted and calibrated to run on hydrogen – will power two TUG M1 tow tractors for use at the Orlando International Airport.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Improves Upon First 100 Years

Detroit – The bold push from General Motors Corp. to reinvent the automobile, first revealed in the AUTOnomy and Hy-wire concept cars, became that much more real today with the unveiling of the GM Sequel.

The technologies embodied in Sequel, such as fuel cells, by-wire and wheel hub motors, have developed so fast that GM has been able to double the range and halve the 0-60 mph acceleration time, compared to current fuel cell vehicles, in less than three years, according to Larry Burns, GM vice president of research and development and planning.

“Three years ago, our chairman and CEO, Rick Wagoner, challenged us to completely rethink the automobile,” Burns said. “The Autonomy and Hy-wire concepts were the outgrowth of that challenge – a revolution in how vehicles would be designed, built and used in the future. But, they were concepts. Today, with Sequel, the vision is real – not yet affordable, but doable.”

Sequel embodies GM’s vision of reinventing the automobile with a fusion of technologies that includes advanced materials, electronic controls, computer software and advanced propulsion. According to Burns, it’s an exclamation point for GM’s comprehensive global advanced technology strategy that is addressing efficiency and emissions, from today’s engine and transmission technology to hybrids and, eventually, fuel cells as the ultimate answer.

“GM’s goal,” Burns explained, “is to design and validate a fuel cell propulsion system by 2010 that is competitive with current internal combustion systems on durability and performance, and that ultimately can be built at scale affordably. ”

What excites Burns is that Sequel’s performance is achieved with technology available today and does not depend upon some science yet to be invented.

“We’ve achieved remarkable gains in range and acceleration by using our fuel cell system technology that exists today,” Burns said. “That’s a real breakthrough. For anyone tracking the viability of fuel cell vehicles, this is encouraging news.”

Sequel, about the size of a Cadillac SRX, travels up to 300 miles on its hydrogen supply, and accelerates to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds. Current-generation fuel cell vehicles have a range of between 170 and 250 miles and cover 0-60 mph in between 12-16 seconds, depending upon whether a battery is used.

“With Sequel,” Burns said, “virtually everything is packaged in an 11-inch ‘skateboard’ chassis, building on what we first showed the world in the AUTOnomy and Hy-wire. Sequel points to a vehicle that, in the future, will be better in nearly every way – quicker, surer-footed, easier to handle, easier to build, better looking, safer and only emits water vapor.”

Other benefits include:

Unequaled control on snow and ice, or uneven terrain 42-percent more torque for unparalleled acceleration Shorter braking distances

While Sequel should excite customers, it also should encourage world governments, Burns added, because of its potential to address societal concerns.

“Sequel helps address major societal issues, from eliminating auto emissions, to helping the world transition to renewable and stable energy supplies, to reducing the chance for crashes and traffic congestion,” Burns said.

About GM General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer, employs about 325,000 people globally. Founded in 1908, GM has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in 192 countries . In 2003, GM sold nearly 8.6 million cars and trucks, about 15 percent of the global vehicle market. GM’s global headquarters are at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit . More information on GM and its products can be found on the company’s corporate website at www.gm.com.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Ford Escape Hybrid 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show

The all-new Ford Escape Hybrid will be on the road later this year as one of the industry’s first no-compromise SUVs, delivering between 35 and 40 miles per gallon. Its innovative hybrid electric powertrain also will be used for future Ford Motor Company vehicles. Ford has been and will remain a pioneer in low-emission vehicles, including the all-new Focus PZEV on sale in California and three other states beginning early this year.

Ford is developing several advanced vehicles that use hydrogen to generate emissions-free power. In 2002, Ford began production of its Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV), delivering five to potential key customers for testing and 10 for internal development testing.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 2, 2003 – Ford Motor Company today reaffirmed its pledge to bring to market products that help create a “better world,” including the all-new Ford Escape Hybrid and Ford Focus PZEV (partial zero emission vehicle) – which will be on the road in California during 2003. The Focus FCV is already on the road in California with potential key customers.

“Ford celebrates its Centennial this year. In terms of economic and social influence, there aren’t many other companies with a greater impact on the lives of people around the world in the 20th century than Ford,” said Cisco Codina, Ford Division general marketing manager, during a press conference at the 2003 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. “Ford literally put the world on wheels by mass-producing simple, reliable vehicles that the average family could afford. Our goal is to build on these traditional strengths and redefine them for the 21st century,” Codina continued. “In short, our vision for the future is simple: We’re going to build great products, a strong business and a better world.”

Part of the vision for a better world, Codina said, is for Ford to remain a leader in environmental vehicles. Ford was the first manufacturer to announce plans for a hybrid electric-powered SUV – the Ford Escape Hybrid – the company was the first to announce its production prototype fuel cell vehicle – the Focus FCV – and the company led the industry in voluntarily pledging to make all of its vehicles cleaner and safer, often well in advance of legislative requirements.

Ford’s environmental leadership continues in 2003 as the all-new Escape Hybrid and Focus PZEV vehicles go on the road.

Escape Hybrid When it goes into production, the Escape Hybrid not only will be the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market, it will also be the most practical hybrid vehicle ever built.

The Escape Hybrid will deliver between 35 and 40 miles per gallon (less than 6L/100km) in city driving, while achieving certification under California’s Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) emissions standards. It also will meet Stage IV emissions rules in Europe before they take effect in 2004.

Its innovative hybrid electric powertrain also will be used for future Ford Motor Company vehicles.

The Escape Hybrid is designed to provide the same acceleration and functionality as its 200-horsepower V-6 cousin, using a combination of a fuel-efficient Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. Overall fuel economy is nearly double that of the V-6 Escape.

In traditional vehicles, energy used to accelerate the car is lost as heat when the driver applies the brakes. The Escape Hybrid is engineered to recover a substantial portion of what would otherwise be “lost energy” and store it temporarily for use while accelerating again. The vehicle’s advanced braking technology is the subject of 51 patent disclosures.

Ford Focus PZEV

The 2003 Ford Focus PZEV (partial zero emissions vehicle), introduced at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show, is a rare find. It meets California’s stringent partial zero emissions standard without requiring performance, fun-to-drive or economical sacrifices on the part of its owners.

The Focus PZEV is powered by an all-new 2.3-liter I-4 engine, generating 148 horsepower and 152 foot-pounds of torque. This PZEV powertrain will become the standard engine powering all California, New York, Vermont and Massachusetts Focus models beginning later in the first quarter.

In 2004, the all-new 2.3-liter I-4 engine will be introduced in all non-SVT Ford Focus models in the U.S.

“The new Focus PZEV is a technological breakthrough that delivers real-world environmental benefits without a single compromise for its owners,” says Dave Szczupak, Ford Motor Company vice president, Powertrain Operations. “This super-efficient engine meets California’s stringent partial zero emissions standard while delivering lively performance from a larger-displacement powertrain with enhanced torque.”

Fuel-cell vehicles

Ford is advancing the practical application of fuel cell technology with its zero-emissions Ford Focus FCV – the company’s most advanced environmental vehicle ever – which combines the latest hybrid electric vehicle technology and leading edge fuel cell development with the world’s top-selling passenger car.

The Focus FCV is the motor industry’s first “hybridized fuel cell vehicle,” bringing together the improved range and performance of hybrid technology with the overall benefits of a fuel cell. In 2002, the first 15 Focus FCVs were produced. Five of the cars are in a collaborative developmental stage with key potential government and private customers. The work enables Ford to receive real-time feedback on production-intent models. The remaining 10 vehicles are going through Ford's standard internal testing programs, including crash and emissions testing. Production of the Focus FCV will continue in 2003 and 2004.

During its test program, the Focus FCV is expected to demonstrate a 160-200 mile (250-320 kms) operating range – a significant improvement on previous fuel cell vehicles (which typically achieved a maximum range of 100 miles or less).

The Focus FCV’s performance levels compare with a more conventional saloon and its top speed is governed at 80 mph.

Alternative-fuel vehicles

Ford is no newcomer to environmental vehicles. Ford through the years has offered a full range of vehicles powered by fuels other than gasoline. Ford today is a global leader in the production and development of cars and trucks that run on alternative fuels, offering the broadest range of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), including vehicles that run on natural gas, propane and ethanol.

Ford first began offering propane-powered trucks in 1964 and was the first automaker to offer its propane trucks with the same limited warranty as gasoline-powered versions. Ford now has a propane-powered vehicle option for nearly every commercial truck application.

For more than four decades, Ford has been a pioneer in electric vehicle development. In the 1960s, the company invented the sodium-sulfur battery and built two-seater commuter cars in England. In the ‘70s, an electric Ford Cortina appeared in England, and, in North America, the first hybrid vehicle was a Ford Econoline van. The ‘80s saw more experimental EV’s. By the time Ford launched its Ecostar demonstration electric vehicle fleet in 1989, the company had tallied more than 1 million miles of EV driving experience.

Since 1996, the federal government has purchased or leased more than 4,000 bi-fuel natural gas or propane vehicles from Ford.

By 1998, the Ranger EV, a battery-powered version of Ford’s best-selling compact pickup, became the 12th unique technology in the company’s industry-leading selection of alternate fuel vehicles. Five years and some 2,000 Ranger EVs later, the program wrapped up as the largest-ever limited-production EV pilot, with an array of dedicated systems – energy storage, battery management and regenerative braking, among them – proven out for mass production in upcoming Ford products, such as the Ford Escape Hybrid.

In 1993, Ford introduced the flexible fuel Taurus. Flexible fuel vehicles operate on ethanol, gasoline or any combination of the two fuels in the same tank. These vehicles were followed by bi-fuel vehicles in 1994. Bi-fuel vehicles have the capacity to run on either an alternative fuel or gasoline – in separate tanks – offering customers the best of both worlds by combining the clean-burning characteristics of alternative fuels with the range and convenience of gasoline.

In 1999, Ford began selling its first mainstream flexible fuel vehicle (FFV). All Ford Ranger pickups and Taurus sedans with 3.0-liter engines have flexible fuel systems and are able to run on E85 ethanol, gasoline or any combination of the two in the same tank. In the summer of 2001, Ford began offering Explorer, Explorer Sport and Explorer SportTrac with flexible fuel systems.

Ford is a global leader in the production and development of cars and trucks that run on alternative fuels, and the company intends to continue to be a leader as hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles become more viable.

Today, Ford offers bi-fuel propane versions of F-Series Super Duty or Light Duty trucks, as well as a wide range of natural gas products, including a dedicated natural gas version of the Crown Victoria sedan, F-Series light-duty truck and Econoline van cutaway for shuttle and delivery fleet use. The F-Series light-duty truck also is available with a bi-fuel natural gas fuel system, operating on gasoline or natural gas through separate fuel systems.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Power, comfort and zero emissions: Mercedes-Benz presents new research vehicle with fuel cell drive

Stuttgart, Oct 12, 2005 The new F 600 HYGENIUS is the latest in the series of research vehicles from Mercedes-Benz that point the way forwards for the future. Powered by a zero-emission fuel cell drive with an output of 85 kW/115 hp, the compact-class car with a family-friendly design consumes the equivalent of 2.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and has an operating range in excess of 400 kilometres. "This represents a major step towards bringing the fuel cell drive up to full production maturity, a goal that we aim to achieve some time between 2012 and 2015," remarks Dr. Thomas Weber, DaimlerChrysler AG Board Member for Research & Technology and Head of Development at the Mercedes Car Group. "By developing the fuel cell, we are creating a new basis for supplying energy in tomorrow's vehicles which will make a further lasting improvement to their environmental compatibility."In addition to the fuel cell technology, the Mercedes-Benz research vehicle also showcases an operating concept with virtual displays, new-style seats and other pioneering technologies designed to enhance safety and passenger comfort.

Fuel cells use the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate electrical power in a process that produces no emissions. Professor Herbert Kohler, Director of Vehicle Body and Drive Research at DaimlerChrysler: "We have made some crucial advances to this trailblazing technology. The fuel cell in the F 600 HYGENIUS is around 40 per cent more compact than previously, runs more efficiently than ever and is notable for its good cold-start characteristics. This has been achieved thanks to the inclusion of innovations such as the redesigned fuel stacks, an electric turbocharger and a new humidification and dehumidification system."

The F 600 HYGENIUS achieves a maximum power output of 85 kW/115 hp combined with a peak torque of 350 Newton metres. The fuel cell drive alone generates a constant power output of 60 kW/82 hp and a torque of 250 Newton metres. With any surplus energy being stored in a powerful lithium-ion battery, the system acts in a similar fashion to a hybrid drive, selecting the best power source to use depending on the driving situation. When parking or manoeuvring, for instance, the electric motor draws its power from the battery alone, while both fuel cell and battery feed it with energy in unison when the vehicle is accelerating. The electric motor doubles as a generator that charges the battery during vehicle braking by recuperating drive energy.

Mobile power station supplies energy both at home and away

As well as generating clean energy to drive the research vehicle, the fuel cell can also serve as a mobile power source: its 66 kW of electrical power would be quite sufficient to keep several detached houses supplied with power.

Passengers aboard the F 600 HYGENIUS also stand to benefit from its extraordinary energy reserves: the cup holders which use electrical power from the fuel cell to keep drinks chilled or hot are just one example of this. The fuel cell's energy also allows electrical devices to be operated anywhere at the standard voltage level - following onboard conversion - granting the occupants total independence from the mains network on family outings or business trips. All they have to do is connect the device to a power socket in the tailgate.

Compact-class car boasting luxury-class spaciousness

The four-door F 600 HYGENIUS also makes a mark for itself when it comes to comfort and versatility. Despite the body's compact length of just 4348 millimetres, the levels of space inside are impressive, even by luxury-class standards. The distance between the front and rear seats - a useful indicator of the freedom of movement and spaciousness - measures 945 millimetres, and can be extended by up to a further 400 millimetres thanks to the sliding design of the individual rear seats. This puts the research vehicle's comfort dimensions on a par with those found in exclusive luxury saloons.

Seating concept offering families the versatility they are looking for

A host of ingenious design solutions make the F 600 HYGENIUS an ideal family car. Take the child and family-friendly design of the seats, for example: the front passenger seat and the individual seats in the rear incorporate a new technology allowing the backrest to be used either way around. The backrests can be swung forwards and reversed in such a way that ISOFIX child seats can be locked into place on the seat cushions in a rearwards-facing position. The face-to-face seating arrangement boosts safety at the same time as making it easier to attend to young children en route, with the additional fore-aft and crossways adjustment of the rear seats allowing infants to be reached easily from the nearside rear seat.

Mercedes-Benz has devised a revolutionary new seat for the driver featuring a two-piece backrest cushion that follows the upper body movements and minimises the strain on the intervertebral discs, regardless of the seat position. If, for instance, the driver tilts the seat further back, the lower section of the backrest cushioning automatically pivots forwards to support the pelvic area.

Video cameras for leaving the vehicle and changing lane safely

Cameras integrated into the housings of the exterior mirrors keep an eye on traffic to the side of and behind the F 600 HYGENIUS, even when it is parked. If another car or a bicycle is approaching from behind, the system will automatically disable the doors for a brief period to avoid the risk of a collision when they are opened. Out on the road, the video system monitors the blind spot of both exterior mirrors and warns drivers about to change lane if a vehicle is approaching from behind.

Space-saving opening mechanisms for doors and tailgate

The tailgate of the F 600 HYGENIUS has a two-piece design offering maximum practicality. If space is at a premium, the tailgate's lower section is automatically folded inwards so that the tailgate swings through a much tighter arc as it opens. As this is happening, the rear bumper drops down, pulling out the floor plate of the luggage compartment at the same time to simplify loading. The front doors of the latest Mercedes research vehicle also boast a technology that is designed to make getting into and out of the vehicle as easy and convenient as possible when parked in tight spaces: the doors swing upwards at a slant, meaning that they take up less space to the side when opening than conventional car doors.

Two-level operating concept with sophisticated new user recognition facility

In order to allow the vast multitude of functions to be operated quickly, intuitively and, most importantly, safely, the engineers at Mercedes have devise a concept based on the proven operating principle used in the new Mercedes-Benz S Class. This concept helps to minimise driver distraction, which in turn benefits driving safety. As in the Mercedes flagship model, buttons in a control panel in the middle of the dashboard serve to operate the most commonly used systems, such as the radio, air conditioning, car phone and navigation. These buttons can be easily reached by both the driver and the front passenger.

The push/turn control knob in the centre of the control panel can automatically detect whether it is being operated by the driver or the front passenger, enabling both to program their personal climate control settings. This intelligent user recognition facility is based on the electrical signals transmitted in the skin: the instant the front passenger touches the push/turn control knob in the centre, a data circuit closes between the control knob and a sensor mat in the seat cushion, switching the display to the settings for the front passenger side.

For advanced operating functions, the COMAND controller developed for the new S-Class extends out of the armrest between the front seats and allows straightforward navigation through the COMAND system's control menus.

Virtual displays for fast vision adjustment

The images on both high-resolution colour displays in the dashboard are diverted by means of two mirrors before being projected to appear at a point 1.40 metres in front of the driver. This leading-edge virtual display technology from Mercedes-Benz represents a key improvement to driver-fitness safety as it shortens the time required for drivers to switch their gaze from what's taking place on the road far ahead to the close-up instrument cluster display. Scientific studies have confirmed that, with this technology, the driver's eyes do not have to constantly adjust between close and long range so they do not tire as quickly.

High-power light-emitting diodes for all lighting functions

Headlamps with high-power LEDs enhance the driver's night-time vision and help to avoid accidents. The LEDs are distributed over three projector modules: the light module in the centre is activated as required, depending on the driving situation, and also assumes additional functions, such as main beam, the Active Light System and the cornering light. All of the various lighting features are performed simply by switching individual LEDs on and off electronically, thereby eliminating the need for moving components, such as those currently fitted for the Active Light System.

Preventive PRE-SAFE® system with knee bolster plus new head restraints

The preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, which was first premiered in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in 2002, will continue to be expanded by Mercedes engineers in future. Two additional anticipatory protective functions have been incorporated aboard the F 600 HYGENIUS: active knee protection to brace the front passenger plus head restraints with automatically extending side bolsters to hold the head still. These new features are triggered together with the other PRE-SAFE® measures prior to an impending accident, to prepare both occupants and vehicle for a collision.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

London, – Ford is today announcing that for the first time in the United Kingdom private customers now have the opportunity to lease a TH!NK city electric vehicle.

Following on from the success of the TH!NK @bout London electric vehicle partnership launched last September, TH!NK UK is now offering in a further pilot project the opportunity for a limited number of new customers to take delivery of a TH!NK city. This offer is open to all private individuals and businesses within the M25 area.

The TH!NK city vehicles are limited in number and will be allocated on a "first come, first served" basis. Customers interested in leasing a vehicle can obtain more information at www.thinkcity.co.uk, or can telephone 01268 405999, or fax 0870 1399121. The monthly leasing cost, including full servicing, is £325 (excluding VAT). There is no initial lump sum down payment, and the leasing plan runs for a total of three years.

"We are very pleased to now enable Londoners to lease a TH!NK city electric vehicle for private or business use," said Dirk Dens, TH!NK's UK sales and marketing manager. "Today's announcement builds upon the success of the existing TH!NK @bout London project, and will result in even more electric vehicles been seen on the capital's roads."

The TH!NK city – built for the urban environment

The two-seater TH!NK city car is a silent, stylish and environmentally sensitive vehicle producing zero emissions in use. It has a surprisingly spacious cabin and generous load area making it ideal for light delivery work.

Compact dimensions – the TH!NK city is under three metres in length – make it easy to park, while the vehicle's tough thermoplastic body is dent and scratch resistant, plus is almost 100 percent recyclable. Its acceleration time from 0-30mph is less than seven seconds, and with a top speed of around 56 mph the vehicle is easily able to keep up with urban traffic.

40p for a full tank, free parking and no congestion charging

Charging the TH!NK city overnight costs around 40 pence and is done by plugging the car into any 240v domestic socket. This means that it costs less than 1.5p per mile to run, a huge saving versus a conventional petrol or diesel engine.

Parking a TH!NK city in London has an additional bonus as some London boroughs, including Westminster with its 8,000 parking spaces, allow electric vehicles to park for free. Another advantage is that under the Mayor of London's plans for a congestion charging zone in central London, electrically-propelled vehicles will be eligible for a 100 per cent discount from the charge.

These benefits mean that the TH!NK city is an ideal Urban vehicle and will be a real benefit to London-based private and business users.

* The 15 original TH!NK @bout London participants are: The British Broadcasting Corporation, BT, Groundwork West London, Future Forests Ltd, Government Car & Despatch Agency, Westbourne Studios, J Sainsbury plc, Maunsell Ltd, Onyx Environmental Group PLC, Organic Xpress, RAC Foundation, The Body Shop, Transport for London Street Management, Celebrity Media Group, Capital City Chauffeurs.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Fuel cell developer’s hydrogen PEM stack yields superior performance at Monte Carlo road rally, resulting in high fuel efficiency and reliability

Milan / Cambridge, Mass., April 29, 2005 – Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc., an international developer of multi-fuel reforming and proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology, today announced its HCS-771 PEM fuel cell stack successfully powered the FIAT Seicento HYDROGEN prototype vehicle during the First Monte Carlo Rally for Fuel Cell and Hybrid Cars held on Saturday, April 2.

According to FIAT, the OEM’s Seicento HYDROGEN fuel cell car participated in the first reliability race for hydrogen-powered vehicles, finishing 2nd among vehicles in its category (fuel cell) and taking 1st place among compressed hydrogen-powered vehicles. Final points took into account total fuel consumption, the fuel consumed to vehicle weight ratio, and any penalties accumulated during the race.

Nuvera’s automotive PEM stack provided the primary power for the fuel cell prototype. It was fuelled by compressed hydrogen stored onboard the vehicle at 350 bar (5,000 psi) and proved capable of producing up to 200V of electrical energy, with a maximum power output of 40 kW. The fuel cell car, with axle-power output of 30 kW, generated a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) with a range of 200 km (124 miles). It was driven by Paolo Marchese and Roberto Aimasso, research engineers from Centro Ricerche Fiat (CRF) – the OEM’s vehicle and fuel cell development center.

“The race was a proving ground for our new PEM stack architecture, which features low pressure operation, metallic bi-polar plates, and no external humidification,” said William L. Mitchell, Vice President of Nuvera Fuel Cells. ‘The demanding race conditions forced the stack to operate in high power conditions for extended periods of time, and it did so while delivering a very high level of efficiency. This is a further endorsement to our technology.”

The rally was organized by the Monte Carlo Automobile Club under supervision of the IAF (International Automobile Federation). Cars started out from Lugano, Switzerland at 9 a.m. and covered a mixed motorway-main road itinerary totaling 410 km (255 miles), taking them through Switzerland, Italy, and France to arrive in Monaco at 4 p.m. According to the rules, the fuel cell vehicles were allowed one stop for refueling. “Because it passes through the Maritime Alps, the Rally Monte Carlo is considered one of the most difficult in the world,” said Dr. Udo Winter, Chief Engineer at GM Fuel Cell Activities center in Germany.

Nuvera is a global leader in the development and advancement of multi-fuel processing and fuel cell technology. With offices located in Italy and the USA, Nuvera is committed to advancing the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell power modules for industrial vehicles and equipment and stationary applications by 2006, natural gas fuel cell power systems for cogeneration applications by 2007, and on-board gasoline fuel processors and fuel cell stacks for automotive applications by 2010. Nuvera Fuel Cells Europe is ISO 9001:2000 certified for “Research, Development, Design, Production and Servicing of Fuel Cell Stacks and Fuel Cell Systems.”

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Car to be driven by F1 and Touring car star Heinz-Harald Frentzen Event begins on April 2

The Monte Carlo rally course is grueling enough for a conventional car, but that hasn't stopped Vauxhall from entering its experimental HydroGen3, a fuel cell prototype based on the Zafira MPV, in a very special event to prove its reliability. The car will be on the grid for the first weekend of April at the Monte Carlo Fuel Cell and Hybrid Rally, with star driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen behind the wheel. Frentzen was Formula One World Championship runner-up in 1997, is a three-time Formula One Grand Prix winner and current driver in the German Touring Car Championship.

The Monte Carlo event involves driving to target times and is organised by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobil) and the Automobile Club de Monaco (A. C. M.). It begins with vehicle scrutineering on 1st April in Lugano, Switzerland, and the rally itself kicks off on April 2 at 9.00 a.m.

The 255 mile long route passes through Switzerland, Italy and France to Monaco, and according to the rules the fuel cell vehicles are allowed one stop for refueling. "Because it passes through the Maritime Alps, the Rally Monte Carlo is considered one of the most difficult in the world", says Dr. Udo Winter, Chief Engineer at GM Fuel Cell Activities centre in Germany.

"We want to expose the HydroGen3 to this particular challenge because, in terms of fuel cell technology, we are at a developmental stage in which it all comes down to testing, particularly under extreme conditions."

The five-seat HydroGen3 is powered by a 60 kW/82 PS three-phase asynchronous motor. The required electrical energy is produced by a fuel cell stack comprising a total of 200 individual cells connected in series.

With its almost noiseless propulsion system, this front-wheel drive vehicle accelerates from zero to 60mph in around 16 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 100mph, but only produces water from its exhaust pipe!

The HydroGen3 has already proven its endurance, most recently in the summer of 2004 at the Fuel Cell Marathon. In 38 days, the prototype traveled over 6,000 miles between Hammerfest, Norway and Cabo da Roca, Portugal - a new world record for a fuel cell vehicle.

Founded in London in 1903, Vauxhall is a UK brand aiming to deliver driving excitement and stylish and innovative design. Its vehicles benefit from the best of GM's worldwide capability while being designed to cater for the various and varied demands of modern day drivers.

Producing thousands of vehicles every year at its van plant in Luton and car plant in Ellesmere Port, Vauxhall is a major contributor to the local economies and communities in both Bedfordshire and Cheshire.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Vancouver — Five fuel-cell cars powered by hydrogen instead of gasoline were delivered by Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, Vice-President, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company, and Joe Hinrichs, President and CEO of Ford of Canada, to the Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicle Program (VFCVP) today, moving Canada closer to a cleaner-energy future.

Ford of Canada handed five sets of keys to the Government of Canada, launching this first-of-its-kind demonstration program, which encompasses three years of a five-year initiative.

"Using hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies is a key part of bringing down greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. I’m proud that the Government of Canada is part of projects such as this and that we’ve supported these innovative technologies for nearly two decades," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "By working together, we can make sure Canada continues to be known as a world leader in putting these technologies on the road." The Government of Canada has invested $4.5 million in this project.

The partners in this program — the Government of Canada, Ford Motor Company/Ford of Canada, Fuel Cells Canada and the Government of British Columbia — will collaborate on this five-year, $9-million program.

BC Hydro, B.C. Transit, Ballard Power Systems, the City of Vancouver, Fuel Cells Canada, the National Research Council (NRC), Natural Resources Canada and the Government of British Columbia will use the state-of-the-art Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) in real daily driving conditions as part of a three-year hydrogen fuel technology demonstration program.

The Government of British Columbia strongly supports the VFCVP program as part of its commitment to promoting clean and renewable alternative energy sources and assisting in the growth of B.C.’s technology industries. This is one of a number of hydrogen-related programs targeted for implementation before the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler.

"This project highlights British Columbia’s leadership in the development of hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies, and builds on our commitment to have the world’s first hydrogen highway developed in time for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games," said the Honourable Richard Neufeld, British Columbia’s Minister of Energy and Mines. "B.C.’s 2002 Energy Plan lays out a path for future energy use and production, with a key focus on alternative energy, including hydrogen fuel cells, which will ensure environmental sustainability — one of our key goals for the next decade."

The VFCVP is managed by Fuel Cells Canada (FCC), which is headquartered at the NRC Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation, where the VFCVP vehicles will be maintained and refuelled.

"We applaud the Canadian and international stakeholders supporting the Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicle Program. Together, they are accelerating the development of hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies for transportation applications," said Chris Curtis, Interim President of Fuel Cells Canada. "Ford’s decision to evaluate its latest fuel-cell vehicles in Vancouver recognizes Canada’s and British Columbia’s global leadership in this arena."

"This groundbreaking project brings us one step closer to making fuel-cell technology viable as a global energy and transportation alternative," said Dr. Schmidt. "While there’s still much work and collaboration needed to realize a broad-based hydrogen economy, Ford is pleased to be an enabling partner in this pioneering initiative. Demonstration vehicles like these help to expand our future energy and transportation horizons, and support Ford Motor Company’s mission to help create a better world."

"This is what we like to call the ‘green’ behind the Ford blue oval. Given the proven leadership of the Canadian fuel-cell and hydrogen industries, it’s fitting that the innovative Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle be put to the test right here in Vancouver," Hinrichs said.

The Ford Focus FCV is a third-generation hybrid-electric vehicle that uses the Canadian-made Ballard Mark 902 series fuel-cell engine and Dynetek 5,000-psi (pounds per square inch) compressed-hydrogen storage tanks. The performance of each car will be carefully monitored over the next three years, providing critical data for the continued development of fuel-cell technology.

The Government of Canada’s approach to climate change is focused on making the right choices for Canada. This will ensure that the actions taken today produce long-term and enduring results while maintaining a strong and growing economy. Programs such as the VFCVP showcase Canada’s leadership in environmental transportation options and sustainable transportation such as fuel-cell technology.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Part of U.S. Departmetn of Energy HYDROGEN Project

Detroit, April 27, 2004 – Ford Motor Company and BP plc are announcing a major initiative aimed at moving the United States closer to a hydrogen economy. Ford intends to place up to 30 hydrogen-powered vehicles, and BP plans to build a network of fueling stations to support them, in metropolitan Sacramento, Orlando, and Detroit.

The automotive company and the energy provider made the announcement today at joint news conferences in each of the cities where the vehicles and fueling stations are proposed to be based and operated. The proposed fleets and fueling stations are in response to the U.S. Department of Energy's solicitation, entitled "Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project."

"This demonstration and validation project will play a major role in moving us forward toward a hydrogen-fueled future," said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president of Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. "We are delighted to be associated with a strong forward-thinking worldwide energy provider like BP in this effort."

According to Ross Pillari, president, BP America, "We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with a progressive company such as Ford to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a fuel. We believe cooperative efforts such as the one led by the U.S. DOE help stimulate progress toward a future that maximizes the potential of hydrogen infrastructure and fueling technologies."

The Ford and BP joint proposal calls for Ford to provide up to 30 hydrogen-powered Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV). Assembly of the vehicles will begin in the fourth quarter of 2004, depending on the timing of successful contract negotiations with the U.S. DOE and various state and local entities.

The Ford Focus FCV is one of the industry's first hybridized fuel cell vehicles combining the improved range and performance of hybrid technology with the overall benefits of a fuel cell.

The Ford Focus FCV uses an 85kW fuel cell stack supplied by Ballard Power Systems, a world leader in proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology. The FCV is hybridized with the addition of a nickel metal–hydride battery pack and a brake-by-wire electro-hydraulic series regenerative braking system.

BP plans to install a network of stations demonstrating state-of-the art fueling technologies to support the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Some BP hydrogen refueling stations will evaluate technologies that have near-term commercial feasibility, such as reformation of natural gas, while others will explore more long-term technology options and assess the potential to produce renewable-based hydrogen that achieve U.S. DOE hydrogen fuel cost targets.

Under the proposal, Ford intends to station up to 10 Focus FCV vehicles in each of the three metro areas of Orlando, Sacramento, and Detroit.

California

Ford plans to place up to 10 Focus FCVs across three organizations in Sacramento. Service and maintenance of the vehicles will be provided at the existing California Fuel Cell Partnership facility. BP plans to support the FCVs by installing refueling sites in the Sacramento area.

State of California Fleet

The California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Energy Commission (CEC), and Department of General Services (DGS) are working together to operate Focus FCVs to gain experience with fuel cell vehicles and promote hydrogen-powered vehicles through education and outreach activities.

ARB, CEC and DGS intend to place the vehicles in the state fleet as delivery or shuttle vehicles. These vehicles should be operated on a daily basis, allowing for maximum mileage accumulation and regular monitoring by agency staff. The fleet will also be used for education and outreach purposes.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)

SMUD plans to use Focus FCVs in its Electric Transportation Group, where the vehicles will be subjected to significant driving cycles to gather real use data through assigned drivers. Activities will include collection of car driving data, basic vehicle maintenance, and consumer insight.

City of Davis

Focus FCVs will be used to support city services and for outreach and education. Potential vehicle usage includes police department community service activities, planning and building department use by building inspectors, and having vehicles assigned to other various city employees. All vehicles will return to a city facility each night and will be refueled at the existing University of California at Davis hydrogen refueling facility.

Florida

Ford plans to deploy up to 10 Focus FCVs in the Orlando area across three fleets. BP is examining several sites in the north Orlando area to locate a fueling site central to the three proposed fleet users.

BP is also examining several hydrogen production methods for the Orlando location. The Progress Energy Longwood Facility, located in Longwood, Florida, will be used for service and maintenance of the Florida Focus FCV fleet.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Staff Office

The vehicles will be used in general staff functions, including visits to projects within the Central District of Florida.

Florida DEP – Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs Park is a 7,800-acre preserve north of Orlando. Park rangers plan to use the vehicles in daily monitoring of the park, as well as transporting rangers to frequent education and outreach programs conducted at local schools.

Progress Energy, Lake Mary

Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Progress Energy, is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and provides electricity and related services to more than 1.5 million customers in Florida. Progress Energy plans to assign the vehicles to meter readers and energy efficiency counselors who make home visits to advise customers in energy efficient methods.

Michigan

Ford plans to place up to 10 Focus FCVs with the City of Taylor and with the University of Michigan. BP is considering several sites for refueling infrastructure, including the Wayne County Metropolitan Airport and the EPA vehicle test laboratory in Ann Arbor. The vehicles in Southeast Michigan will be serviced at Ford’s existing fuel cell development facility (its Sustainable Mobility Transportation Lab)

The City of Taylor

The City of Taylor is very active in the support of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), including FCVs. In fact, AFVs presently comprise twenty percent of the city’s vehicle fleet, and Taylor has received several national awards for its commitment and dedication to AFVs. The vehicles placed with Taylor will be used to support city services, such as meter reading. The City of Taylor is adjacent to the Wayne County Metropolitan Airport, which BP is considering as a location for a new hydrogen refueling station.

The University of Michigan

The University of Michigan plans to use the vehicles to support administrative services on campus. In addition, the Colleges of Engineering, Natural Sciences, and the Business School are all planning to integrate the vehicles into their advanced courses.

The EPA has offered the use of the hydrogen refueling facility at its vehicle test laboratory in Ann Arbor to support the vehicles at the school’s campus. BP is looking at the station as an opportunity for potential upgrades.

"BP’s work in developing and demonstrating hydrogen applications goes hand in hand with our global commitment to provide lower carbon energy and cleaner fuels today and in the future," said Carol Battershell, BP’s director of alternative fuels. "BP has the right skills, knowledge, and experience to supply the fuel and the fuelling infrastructure."

"By testing fuel cell vehicles in everyday conditions and applications, Ford is moving the industry toward commercialization," said Mary Ann Wright, director of Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs, the group at Ford Motor Company responsible for research and development of fuel cell products. "Projects like these will provide the data we need to engineer improved performance, reliability and durability of fuel cell vehicles, and prepare the market for wide spread commercialization."

About Ford

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 318,000 employees worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo.

Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Quality Care and Hertz. Ford Motor Company celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 16, 2003.

Ford is a leader in the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles. It has a fleet of 20 Ford Focus fuel cell engineering vehicles traveling the streets of southeast Michigan, and four Focus fuel cell marketing vehicles traveling the globe, helping to prove out, develop and demonstrate the technology. In addition, two other Focus FCVs are dedicated to the California Fuel Cell Partnership in Sacramento.

The Focus FCV

The hydrogen- powered Ford Focus FCV produces zero emissions from the tailpipe, and uses a Ballard fuel cell engine that converts chemical energy into electrical energy using hydrogen and oxygen. The electrical energy then powers the vehicle’s electric-drive motor, producing only water and heat as by-products. Fuel cell technology is projected to provide up to two times the fuel economy of gasoline and diesel engines.

About BP

BP is one of the world's largest energy companies, with global interests in more than 100 countries. It is a major producer of oil and gas and has substantial refining, retail, petrochemical and solar interests. The company employs more than 110,000 people worldwide.

BP produces 5,000 tons of hydrogen per day and is a key player in hydrogen demonstration projects across the globe. Some examples of these projects include:

BP is a partner in the California Fuel Cell Partnership, which involves several major energy companies, and vehicle manufacturers in collaboration between industry, regulatory bodies and government agencies. The partnership opened its first hydrogen refueling station in Sacramento in November 2000 and is a great example of the need for close cooperation between industry, government and regulatory bodies to facilitate the development of hydrogen fueled transportation.

BP is a key hydrogen infrastructure provider to CUTE (Clean Urban Transport), a pan-European nine-city fuel cell bus project. BP is a supplier of refueling infrastructure for the Singapore Clean Cars for Clean Cities Program.

BP’s subsidiary ARAL built the first public hydrogen refueling station at Munich airport which has been in operation since 1998.

BP will open several new US hydrogen refueling stations in 2004, including one at Los Angeles International Airport.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Dearborn, Mich., Oct. 7 – This weekend, hybrid vehicle owners from across North America converge at Ford’s Research and Innovation Laboratory here as part of a nationwide effort to teach consumers how to improve fuel economy. Beginning later this month, Ford and police officers in 10 cities will patrol the streets, issuing citations to those who demonstrate fuel-saving driving techniques.

Both efforts are part of a Ford Motor Company educational campaign on fuel economy.

“Ford is committed to improving fuel economy, and many consumers are anxious to do the same,” explains Mary Ann Wright, director of Ford’s Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs.

Fuel efficiency experts, including Ford’s environmental specialists, agree that learning to drive differently can increase fuel efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy says that aggressive driving – such as rapid acceleration, speeding and braking – lowers gas mileage significantly. Even small changes to driving style, speed, engine loading and vehicle maintenance can improve fuel economy as much as 25 percent.

Ford is using the educational efforts to showcase its commitment to hybrid vehicles. In September, Ford stepped up its commitment to environmental leadership by announcing a ten-fold increase in hybrid vehicle production plans. That statement was part of a broader announcement by Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford, who said innovation would be the compass by which the company would chart its future direction.

Ford says it will sell approximately 250,000 units annually by 2010, and more than half of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup will have hybrid capability.

“We were the first company with a hybrid SUV and the first American automaker to put a hybrid vehicle on the road. Now, we’re working hard to innovate and introduce more of these kinds of advanced fuel-saving technologies in the future,” Wright says.

Nearly 300 Ford hybrid owners from 24 states and Quebec and Ontario, Canada, are expected to attend this weekend’s “Ford Hybrid Fuel Economy Experience” in Dearborn. The clinic is designed to teach consumers how to improve vehicle fuel economy and learn about new hybrid technology.

“Research indicates that two out of every five consumers are unfamiliar with hybrid technology and its benefits,” says Wright. “This clinic ensures that our customers not only have the most current information about their hybrid, but understand how to benefit most from it.”

At the clinic, participants receive advice on how to drive their hybrid for maximum fuel economy. They also receive a vehicle inspection by a technician and participate in an informal discussion with Ford’s hybrid experts. Owners then put their knowledge to the test in a fuel economy driving challenge.

Consumers also can learn more about hybrid fuel economy from Ford by going online to the “Mercury Mariner MyDrive Game” at www.marinerhybrid.com. The “Mercury Mariner My Drive” is a fun, interactive driving game that features the Mariner Hybrid in urban and suburban settings and gives consumers three levels of play to discover a variety of eco driving tips.

Ford Hybrid Patrol

On Oct. 18, Ford kicks off a 10-city tour to bring fuel-saving driving tips to local communities. Ford is partnering with local police departments to challenge consumers to drive more efficiently.

Local police officers – who often have high fuel-consumption rates – will patrol the streets in new Mercury Mariner Hybrids. Joined by Ford’s hybrid and fuel economy experts, their mission is to find local drivers “in the act” of demonstrating fuel-saving practices with their vehicles, including hybrids. The citation will be a pre-paid $25 gasoline card from BP.

A fuel-economy clinic also will take place for the police officials in each community and include a “best-mileage competition” among officers. The most fuel efficient officer from across the country will be awarded a Mercury Mariner Hybrid for his or her department. Ford also is donating $2,500 to each local Police Athletic League to fund programs to keep children off the streets and out of trouble.

Communities included in the Ford Hybrid Patrol effort include: Cleveland (Oct. 18); Chicago (Oct. 20); Washington, D.C. (Oct. 24); Boston (Oct. 27); New York (Nov. 1); Dallas (Nov. 10); Phoenix (Nov. 15); Los Angeles (Nov. 17); San Francisco (Nov. 22) and Miami (Dec. 1).

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

With its "pursuit of perfection" philosophy, Lexus strives to provide the highest-quality products with an unparalleled purchasing and after-sales service experience. Lexus is also aiming to become the new global premium brand for the 21st century through continued, uncompromised efforts in all aspects of development, production and sales, making every moment for its customers filled with exhilaration and comfort.

Further details of the concept cars to be displayed are shown below.

The "Flagship Sedan Concept Car"

The GS450h

A premium sedan with a new hybrid system especially developed for front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layouts and aimed at achieving new levels of superior environmental and driving performance befitting a luxury vehicle.

A 3.5-liter, V6 gasoline engine fitted with the new D-4S fuel injection system couples with a high-output electric motor in pursuit of providing 2.0-liter class fuel economy and the output of a 4.5-liter engine, pointing to the direction of powertrains required for premium vehicles.

The GS450h uses cutting-edge technology, such as VDIM, which stabilizes the vehicle's movement, and a Pre-crash Safety System that reacts in accordance with the direction of the driver's face.

An electronically controlled, six-speed automatic transmission relays the power in this rear-drive vehicle.

Total length: 4,825mm Total width: 1,820mm Total height: 1,430mm Seating Capacity: Five

The LF-A

A premium, two-seater sports car designed to open the doors to Lexus' world of passionate driving.

The LF-A is designed around the "L-finesse" design concept, aiming to be the embodiment of a high performance coupe.

The engine bay is fitted with a newly developed, high-output V10 engine that takes driving into a different dimension.

Total length: 4,400mm Total width: 1,860mm Total height: 1,220mm Seating Capacity: Two

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Ever since the Lexus RX 400h debuted at the North American International Auto Show, this Lexus hybrid has continued to generate interest among consumers.

"The new RX 400h redefines the midsize luxury SUV market while raising awareness and acceptance of hybrid gas-electric vehicles among luxury car and SUV buyers," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. He goes on to state that the Lexus hybrid SUV will add a performance dimension to the traditional hybrid advantages of high mileage and low emissions.

The Lexus Hybrid’s Drivetrain

The 2006 RX 400h, due out April 15, 2005, will be powered by a V6 Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The Lexus hybrid’s all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain combines two powerful electric motors with the highly efficient 3.3-liter V6 engine found in the RX 330 to significantly improve low to mid-speed acceleration and overall fuel efficiency.

The system is a "full hybrid," meaning that the Lexus hybrid is capable of operating in separate gas or electric modes, as well as a mode that combines power from both. The Lexus hybrid will develop a peak system output of approximately 270 horsepower and although exact EPA mileage estimates are not available yet, the Lexus hybrid is expected to deliver combined fuel economy equivalent or better than the average compact sedan. Zero-to-sixty acceleration also will keep the Lexus hybrid in the sub-eight second timeframe. For emissions, the Lexus hybrid will be rated Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), one of the most stringent emissions ratings in the industry.

Lexus Hybrid Style

Rather than create a quirky new look for the Lexus hybrid, styling for the RX 400h will be remarkably similar to the RX 330. The computer-controlled powertrain blends power from the V6 gasoline engine, the electric drive motor and the generator. The driver does not feel the vehicle changing operational modes. In fact, the only give away is the absence of the traditional tachometer. In its place, the Lexus hybrid has an illuminated power meter that displays the level of power generated by the gas-electric hybrid powertrain. The driver also will be able to monitor the gas-electric power distribution on the available navigation system's seven-inch touch panel display screen.

Lexus Hybrid Luxury Features

The Lexus hybrid will become the premium model in the RX series. The Lexus hybrid will have features such as next generation stability control and a more powerful, advanced drivetrain. Lastly, the Lexus hybrid will have nearly every luxury that is available in the RX 330, with the exception of the exclusive use of brushed aluminum accents inside the RX 400h.

"We believe the RX 400h will exceed the expectations of luxury vehicle buyers and establish a premium market for performance-oriented, fuel-efficient gas-electric hybrids," said Clements.

Does this mean there will be other Lexus hybrids in the future? I sure hope so. I’d love to see an LS as the next Lexus hybrid.

Lexus RX 400h Preliminary Specifications

Powertrain: Engine - 3.3 liter V6 Electric motors - Permanent magnet Estimated total horsepower - 270 Expected EPA emissions rating - Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) EPA-estimated ratings: 30 city/28 highway mpg. Actual mileage may vary. Transmission - Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) Wheelbase: 106.9 in. Length: 187.2 in. Width: 72.6 in. Height: 66.4 in.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Los Angeles-area family are first private citizens to utilize California's Hydrogen Highway refueling stations

Marking a historic achievement in the evolution of the automobile and the advancement of future transportation technology, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced the lease of its revolutionary FCX, an advanced hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle, to the world's first individual customers, Jon and Sandy Spallino of Redondo Beach, California. The Spallinos become the world's first fuel cell family, having signed an agreement to lease a 2005 Honda FCX for a period of two years. Honda is the only automotive manufacturer to certify its fuel cell vehicle for regular daily use and the first to offer its technology to an individual customer. The Spallinos will use the FCX in everyday normal use, including commuting to work to Orange County, trips to school for their children, shopping and household errands.

"American Honda Motor Co. is thrilled to introduce the world's first full cell family," said John Mendel, senior vice president, automotive operations, for American Honda. "We're pleased to be taking this historic step forward in the further advancement of our fuel cell program. Our advanced fuel cell technology has been proven and tested through a successful fleet sales partnership over the last three years. With this announcement, Honda furthers its commitment to the continued advancement of this technology for the benefit of society, with the ultimate goal of achieving large-scale commercialization of fuel cell vehicles."

California Hydrogen Highway

The Spallino family, living in the Los Angeles area, will be among the first individuals to begin utilizing the first of California's Hydrogen Highway refueling stations, a statewide infrastructure build out underway to offer hydrogen refueling station access to private individuals. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the state's commitment to a Hydrogen Highway in April of this year, creating a public and private partnership to build California's Hydrogen Highway by 2010.

"We applaud the Governor and his administration for their environmental vision and their commitment to keeping California on the cutting edge of new technology development," said Mendel. "Without this initiative, we could not be taking the steps we are today."

Honda FCX on the Road

As the next natural step in deployment of Honda fuel cell technology, the lease of the FCX to the Spallino family will be the first of several FCX vehicles to be leased to individual customers over the next year. Honda's leadership in hydrogen vehicle technology also extends to a fleet of 13 FCX fuel cell vehicles in regular daily use with six public municipal customers in California, New York and Nevada.

"With its outstanding environmental benefits, advanced technology, and safety-tested performance, the FCX is proving every day its viability as the transportation technology of the future," said Mendel. "The Spallino's experience with the FCX will provide Honda engineers with real-world driving experience and feedback by an individual family, which will be invaluable as we design future models."

"I'm looking forward to commuting to work and running the kids around in the FCX," said Jon Spallino, the first retail customer to lease the FCX. "We're really excited about the opportunity to lease this car. The FCX drives just like any other vehicle on the road -- without the emissions."

The Honda FCX is the first and only hydrogen vehicle to ever be certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California's Air Resources Board (CARB). The EPA certified the 2005 FCX as a Tier-2 Bin 1, and CARB certified the FCX as a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV).

The 2005 FCX model is powered by Honda's originally developed fuel cell stack (Honda FC Stack) with the breakthrough capability to start and operate at sub-freezing temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit, along with increased performance, range and fuel efficiency compared with earlier models. The FCX was the first fuel cell vehicle to be listed in the EPA's fuel economy guide in 2003. The 2005 FCX carries an EPA city/highway rating of 62/51 miles per gallon and a range of 190 miles.

Commitment to Environmentally Friendly Vehicles

Honda's extensive history of environmental leadership includes recognition as the "Greenest Automaker" by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) in its 2001, 2003 and 2004 rankings of corporate environmental performance with the lowest average emission levels and highest average fuel economy of any automobile manufacturer.

Honda also leads the automotive industry with the most gas-electric hybrid models: the Insight, America's first hybrid vehicle; the Civic Hybrid, the first truly mainstream hybrid model; and the Accord Hybrid, the world's first V6-powered hybrid vehicle.

In April 2005, Honda announced it had begun limited retail sales of its natural gas-powered Civic GX Sedan paired with a revolutionary new home-refueling appliance called Phill. The Civic GX is the cleanest internal combustion vehicle ever certified by the U.S. EPA and, with the introduction of home refueling, has the lowest fuel cost per mile of any new vehicle. The Phill appliance, manufactured and marketed by FuelMaker Corporation, is an affordable home refueling appliance that allows drivers the convenience of refueling their vehicles at home using their existing natural gas supply. Phill is available for lease through 17 authorized Honda Civic GX California dealers.

Honda (NYSE: HMC) is one of today's leading manufacturers of automobiles and power products and the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world. With more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries worldwide, Honda now attracts nearly 20 million customers annually. More than 75 percent of the automobiles and light trucks that Honda sells in the U.S. are built in North America using domestic and globally sourced parts. Increasingly, many of these products are developed in America as well, including the Honda Ridgeline, Civic Coupe, Element and Pilot, and the Acura TL and MDX.

For more information or downloadable high-resolution images of the FCX and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.hondacars.com. Additional resources for items mentioned in this release include www.epa.gov and http://www.arb.ca.gov/homepage.htm.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Tallahassee, Fla., April 27, 2005 – Ford Motor Company, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), TUG Technologies Corporation, Delta Airlines and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) showcased a hydrogen fueled tow tractor outside of City Hall in downtown Tallahassee, Fla., today.

Project partners have teamed to create a one-of-a-kind product to benefit the local environment and economy. Two TUG M1 tow tractors will be placed into service with Delta Airlines as baggage carriers at the Orlando International Airport later this summer. They will be powered by a Ford 4.2-liter, V-6 industrial engine converted and calibrated to operate on gaseous hydrogen. The proof-of-concept hydrogen fueled engines will create approximately 80 horsepower at 3600 RPM - naturally aspirated. The tow tractors emit near zero tailpipe emissions, without utilizing an exhaust after-treatment system, making them an ideal solution for the airport environment where emissions levels are strictly regulated., The engine also delivers up to a 99.7 percent reduction in carbon dioxide, with the main by-product being water.

"This project is envisioned to lead the way for other hydrogen fueled products for private, commercial and industrial use in a variety of global applications," said Jack Damron, director of Ford Power Products.

Ford Power Products, a leading supplier of Ford powertrains to the industrial market, has a long standing working relationship with TUG Technologies. TUG Technologies is a partner and valued customer of Ford which uses the company's powertrains in a variety of ground support applications. Ford's 4.2-liter engine has been a key power source to the ground support equipment market in gasoline, natural gas and liquid petroleum gas configurations. "Our existing partnerships create a natural fit for us to work with TUG and the state of Florida to introduce hydrogen internal combustion engine technology to the airline ground support industry," said John Andreas, manager engineering and programs for Ford Power Products.

Ford's V-10, E-450 shuttle bus powered by hydrogen internal combustion engine.

Ford Motor Company is pursuing hydrogen fuel technologies as a way to reduce mobile and stationary emissions and diversify our nation's energy sources. Ford is the only automaker actively involved in developing four alternative fuel and powertrain technologies – gasoline-electric hybrids, clean diesels, hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells.

In addition to the tow tractors, Ford will also produce eight V-10, E-450 shuttle buses powered by hydrogen internal combustion engines for Florida. The state will operate the shuttles in the Orlando area, including the Orlando airport, upon delivery in 2006. The Orlando airport projects will allow for real world operating experience and data gathering. They also support "H2 Florida," a statewide initiative to grow the hydrogen technology industry, spur investment and economic opportunity and safeguard the nation's natural resources.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufacturers and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 324,000 employees worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Quality Care and Hertz.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

'Apollo Program' for Hydrogen Energy Needed, Stanford researcher says

What if all the vehicles now on the road in the United States were suddenly powered by hydrogen fuel cells? Stanford researchers say in a June 24 article in the journal Science that such a conversion would improve air quality, health and climate—especially if wind were used to generate the electricity needed to split water and make hydrogen in a pollutionless process. Similarly to how gas is pumped into tanks, hydrogen would be pumped into fuel cells, which rely on chemistry, not combustion, to power vehicles. (As hydrogen flows through fuel-cell compartments, it reacts with oxygen to produce water and energy.)

Associate Professor Mark Z. Jacobson and postdoctoral fellow Whitney Goldsborough Colella (both in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department) and Consulting Professor David M. Golden (Mechanical Engineering Department) report that annually such a conversion could prevent millions of cases of respiratory illness and tens of thousands of hospitalizations and save more lives than were lost in the World Trade Center attacks.

Converting all the current vehicles to fuel cell vehicles powered by wind would save 3,000 to 6,000 lives in the United States annually, and it could be done at a fuel cost that's comparable to the cost of gasoline, and less than the cost of gasoline when you consider the health effects of gasoline," said Jacobson, who has no financial interest in any wind or hydrogen endeavor but whose commitment to clean air is manifest in his choice of car (a Toyota Prius), house (it's solar-powered) and career (atmospheric scientist).

Sponsored by the Global Climate and Energy Project at Stanford and by NASA, the Science study compared emissions that would be produced in five cases—if all vehicles on the road were powered by 1) conventional internal-combustion engines, 2) a combination of electricity and internal combustion of gasoline, as in hybrid vehicles, 3) hydrogen generated from wind electrolysis, 4) hydrogen generated from natural gas and 5) hydrogen generated from coal gasification.

Wind is the most promising means of generating hydrogen, said Jacobson, who with former postdoctoral fellow Cristina Archer recently published a study that mapped global winds and showed the world, especially the United States, has more than enough wind to meet all its energy needs. Jacobson envisions wind turbines generating electricity on wind farms that are linked in a network to ensure energy production even when parts of the grid have windless days.

The electricity would travel through transmission lines to a filling station—similar to today's gas stations. There, it would enter an electrolyzer, passing through water and splitting it into oxygen, which would be released into the air, and hydrogen, which would get compressed and stored.

A lot of hydrogen is currently produced by another method Jacobson's group analyzed: steam reforming of natural gas. If you take methane, the main component of natural gas, and expose it to steam, the final products are primarily carbon dioxide and hydrogen. While the production of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is undesirable, the process produces about 55 percent less carbon dioxide than does internal combustion, Jacobson said. Other pollutants result as well, such as oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide, but these are still far lower than emissions from gasoline combustion. Steam reformers could be placed at individual filling stations, and methane could be piped in through existing natural gas lines. But natural gas supplies are limited and subject to price fluctuations that hurt the long-term feasibility of this option.

The third hydrogen production method the researchers analyzed is coal gasification, in which hydrogen could be produced at centralized plants, compressed and most likely transported in trucks. Coal is mostly carbon, but also contains hydrogen and sulfur. Exposed to water at high temperature and high pressure, it chemically reacts to yield carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Oxygen from additional water vapor turns carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide.

So the end products are primarily carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas. Since coal contains more carbon per unit energy than does natural gas, making a given amount of hydrogen from coal produces a lot more carbon dioxide than does making it from natural gas. Hybrid vehicles were better at reducing carbon dioxide than vehicles using hydrogen from coal gasification, Jacobson said. But health costs were lower with coal gasification compared with hybrids, which produce more pollutants since they employ a combustion process.

A hydrogen economy

"Switching from a fossil-fuel economy to a hydrogen economy would be subject to technological hurdles, the difficulty of creating a new energy infrastructure, and considerable conversion costs but could provide health, environmental, climate and economic benefits and reduce the reliance on diminishing oil supplies," the Stanford authors wrote.

While envisioning such a switch may seem like a purely academic exercise, it's not. Such exercises inform policy—albeit sometimes too late. Currently congress is debating an energy bill that contains a $4,000 tax credit for diesel vehicles—the same break hybrid vehicles get—because of their perceived higher mileage compared to gasoline vehicles.

But a study led by Jacobson and published in 2004 by Geophysical Review Letters showed that converting the U.S. vehicle fleet from gasoline to diesel vehicles—even with advanced emissions and particle control technologies—would actually increase photochemical smog, particularly in the Southeastern United States. The reason is that even advanced diesel vehicles may emit more oxides of nitrogen than do gasoline-powered vehicles, and these oxides spur ozone production. Jacobson believes such a tax break may provide an unintentional incentive to damage people's health.

Computer simulations that model the effects of future vehicle fleets may help society assess its best energy options. "Going down the hydrogen pathway is a good thing overall and it's a practical thing, and it's going to be beneficial in terms of air pollution and climate and health," Jacobson said.

The hydrogen economy is on the horizon. California already has several hydrogen filling stations, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed an ambitious network of hydrogen filling stations by 2010. Most car manufacturers have prototype hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. California even has a test fleet of hydrogen buses.

While some are concerned about hydrogen's explosiveness, Jacobson said another property of hydrogen—its lightness—may lessen this danger. He cited an example of two cars—one conventional, one hydrogen-powered—that were hit from behind. The car powered by an internal combustion engine became engulfed in flames when its gas tank was punctured. But when the hydrogen car's fuel cell was punctured, since hydrogen is 14 times lighter than air, the flames just shot straight up. The car was saved.

Hydrogen's volatility, however, underscores the need to develop tight seals to prevent leakage from storage tanks, filling stations and the fuel cells themselves. Because wind generation of hydrogen provided the best health and climate benefits, the researchers did a cost analysis to compare the cost of a gallon of gasoline with that of a gallon of hydrogen generated by wind electrolysis. The cost of making hydrogen from wind is $1.12 to $3.20 per gallon of gasoline or diesel equivalent ($3 to $7.40 per kilogram of molecular hydrogen)—on par with the current price of gas. But gasoline has a hidden cost of 29 cents to $ 1.80 per gallon in societal costs such as reduced health, lost productivity, hospitalization and death, as well as cleanup of polluted sites. So gasoline's true cost in March 2005, for example, was $2.35 to $3.99 per gallon, which exceeds the estimated mean cost of hydrogen from wind ($2.16 equivalent per gallon of gasoline).

The Stanford study, unprecedented in its detail, used an inventory of more than 600,000 pollution sources reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from August 1999. Colella altered the EPA emission inventory in response to each of the different scenarios. Her work led to a separate paper as well, now in press at the Journal of Power Sources. Golden contributed expertise in atmospheric chemistry, and Jacobson plugged Colella's new emission scenarios into his own computer model to run simulations and analyze the resulting costs and effects. "We believe the results are conservative since health costs associated mostly with particles are now thought to be greater than those used in our study," Jacobson said. "In addition, in the future we will have more fossil [fuel] vehicles than we currently have. So the future health benefit of switching will be greater than in our current study, which assumes an instantaneous switch."

But no matter how many vehicles are on the road, fuel-cell vehicles using hydrogen from wind are not going to produce any real pollution, he emphasized. "Hybrids are a stepping stone, but they can't be the final destination because even though they result in an improved efficiency over the current vehicle fleet, their numbers will increase," Jacobson said. "Carbon dioxide and other pollutant emissions associated with hybrids will increase as well. So this is not a viable, long-term solution in the presence of a growing population and the desire of many developing countries to industrialize."

Next the group plans to look at the effects of converting all power plants to hydrogen fuel cell power plants. They also plan to explore the long-term effects of switching to a hydrogen economy on global climate change and the ozone layer.

'Apollo Program'

Jacobson advocates an 'Apollo Program' for generating electricity from wind and producing hydrogen using wind-generated electricity. Such a program would involve fossil sources paying their true health and climate costs. For example, some old coal-fired plants are exempt from modern performance standards required by Clean Air Act amendments and therefore run inexpensively while saddling society with huge hidden costs. An Apollo Program would provide additional subsidies for wind and other renewable energy sources.

While wind subsidies are on the order of $100 million per year, Jacobson said, other energy sources hog subsidies of $15 to $20 billion. He advocates supporting the infrastructure needed for wind production of hydrogen to a level similar to the $20 billion recently proposed for a new natural gas pipeline from the continental United States to Alaska.

"If you want to encourage hydrogen and [wind-produced] hydrogen, then you do need to undertake an Apollo Program because even though the cost of a new wind turbine averaged over a long time is similar to a new coal or natural gas power plant, there's no incentive to replace these other sources with wind."

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Irvine, CA., Jaguar’s all-new 2004 XJ will set a new benchmark in luxury sedan fuel economy when it goes on sale June 1.

According to the latest EPA government fuel figures, the 2004 4.2-liter XJ8 has a best-in-class Highway rating of 28 miles per gallon.

That gives the car an outstanding theoretical calculated range of 630 miles – a one-tank trip from New York to Cincinnati, Denver to Kansas City, or a round trip from Chicago to Detroit.

With an EPA Combined rating of 22mpg – another ‘best-in-class’ figure – the new XJ8’s real-world touring range on a full tank is still a theoretical 495 miles, the approximate distance of a drive from San Francisco to San Diego.

"This is yet another, compelling example of the weight-saving benefits of the new XJ’s aluminum monocoque construction," said George Ayres, VP of Marketing at Jaguar.

Constructed using lightweight aluminum joined by self-pierce rivets and epoxy adhesive – state-of-the-art techniques learned from the aerospace industry – the new XJ’s body is some 60 percent stiffer yet 40 percent lighter than before. In the XJ8, that translates into an overall weight savings of almost 200 pounds.

Weight savings not only delivers exceptional fuel economy, it also results in lower emissions, more agile handling and truly athletic performance. The new XJ8, for example, accelerates from zero to 60mph in just 6.3 seconds – compared to 6.9 seconds for the previous model.

In the new 2004 supercharged XJR the benefits are even more pronounced. It’s 17mpg City/24mpg Highway EPA rating matches that of the previous, normally-aspirated 2003 XJ8 4.0 – and provides exemption from ‘gas guzzler’ taxation. Against the stopwatch, the XJR can accelerate from standstill to 60mph in a staggering 5.0 seconds.

Three versions of the 2004 Jaguar XJ will be offered in North America. The XJ8 and Vanden Plas models both feature a 4.2-liter 294bhp (SAE) AJ-V8, while the flagship XJR is powered by a 390bhp supercharged AJ-V8. Each engine benefits from being coupled to a new, highly-responsive six-speed ZF automatic transmission.

"With gas prices in the U.S. heading towards record levels, fuel economy – even in luxury cars – is becoming a key buying consideration," adds Ayres.

From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world’s premier manufacturers of prestigious automobiles. The Jaguar marque continues to stand for an unparalleled heritage and a tradition of elegant style, luxurious comfort, and refined performance.

Today, Jaguar offers a four-model range of luxury sedans and sports cars. The 2003 Jaguar X-TYPE makes the marque accessible to a new segment of customers and is the company’s first all-wheel drive model. The new X-TYPE sports sedan combines a fresh performance spirit with the luxury, craftsmanship and refinement for which Jaguar is renowned, and all for less than $30,000.

The stylish Jaguar S-TYPE debuted in 1999, and brought a mid-size sedan to Jaguar’s model line for the first time in three decades. The full size XJ sedan has been the cornerstone of the marque since 1968 and is the definitive Jaguar. For 2004 the all-new XJ is the most technologically advanced car the company has ever built, using aircraft-style aluminum construction for lightness and strength. Finally, the XK series, including XK8 and XKR coupes and convertibles, provides sports car enthusiasts with luxurious sports cars that deliver exhilarating performance.

Note to editors: Prices of the new 2004 XJ range will be released at the New York Auto Show on Wednesday April 16. For a full technical background and images of the all-new 2004 XJ, please to go www.media.jaguar.com.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Mazda Unites Alternative Fuel Power and Zoom-Zoom–

Detroit – With a cat-like predatory stance, forward-thinking freestyle door system and enough room for four, not two, adults to enjoy all its benefits, the Mazda RX-8 has set itself apart from the pack. But if the recently introduced RX-8 production sports car truly is unique thanks, in large part, to its rotary engine, the RX-8 Hydrogen Rotary Engine (RE) concept, showcased this year at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), takes "unique" to all new levels.

Featuring a fuel system that consists of a high-pressure hydrogen tank, the vehicle balances the needs of the driving enthusiast and the environmentalist with a blend of alternative power and the exhilarating driving experience for which Mazda is known.

As the auto industry turns its attention to hydrogen fuel as a gasoline alternative, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE offers a hydrogen-powered version of RENESIS—Mazda’s next generation rotary engine that was introduced last year in the all-new RX-8. By virtue of its smooth performance, compact size and impressive driving characteristics, RENESIS was named International Engine of the Year in June 2003.

The RENESIS Hydrogen RE allows the RX-8 concept to run on either hydrogen fuel or gasoline and capitalizes on all the advantages of the rotary to assure RX-8’s ease-of-operation and reliability.

The RENESIS Hydrogen RE incorporates an electronically controlled hydrogen injector system, with the hydrogen injected in a gaseous state. The system draws air from the side port during the intake cycle and uses dual hydrogen injectors in each of the engine’s twin rotor housings to directly inject hydrogen into the intake chambers.

Because it offers separate chambers for intake and combustion, the rotary engine is ideal for burning hydrogen without the backfiring that can occur in a traditional piston engine. The separate induction chamber also provides a safer temperature for fitting the dual hydrogen injectors with their rubber seals, which are susceptible to the high temperatures encountered in a conventional reciprocating piston engine.

Also helping to maximize the benefits of the rotary engine in hydrogen combustion mode, the RENESIS Hydrogen RE features adequate space for the installation of two injectors per intake chamber. Because hydrogen has an extremely low density, a much greater injection volume is required compared with gasoline, thus demanding the use of more than one injector. Typically, this can be difficult to achieve with a conventional reciprocating piston engine because of the structural constraints that prevent mounting injectors in the combustion chamber. However, with its twin hydrogen injectors, the RENESIS Hydrogen RE is both practical and able to deliver sufficient power.

In addition to the revolutionary hydrogen-powered RENESIS rotary engine, the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE concept benefits from improved aerodynamics and optimized tires and weight-saving measures. A fast-fill tandem master cylinder reduces brake drag and friction hub carriers help cut power losses.

The vehicle also incorporates a host of other technologies for exceptional environmental compatibility. Three-layer, wet-on water-based paint on the RX-8 Hydrogen RE dramatically reduces the emission of organic solvents, saves energy by shortening the drying process and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, the plant-based plastics used for the vehicle’s interior parts provide an attractive alternative to plastics derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum.

The Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE illustrates Mazda’s dedication to the future environment without abandoning true Zoom-Zoom and soul-of-a-sports-car thinking.

Mazda North American Operations is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer parts and services support of Mazda vehicles in the United States. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., MNAO has more than 700 dealerships nationwide.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

New "Green Car' Magazine Targets Emerging Field of HYBRID, FUEL CELL, High-Fuel ECONOMY Vehicles

San Luis Obispo, California, May. 19 New car buyers interested in hybrid electric, low emission, and high fuel economy vehicles now have an all-new magazine dedicated to their interests -- Green Car Journal Special Edition.

A new launch by the publisher of the award-winning Green Car Journal industry newsletter -- a leading information source for the auto industry since 1991 -- Green Car Journal Special Edition is a high-end, full-color consumer magazine that intends to demystify the advanced technologies and vehicles that are bringing a new level of environmental performance to new car showrooms.

"High-profile hybrids like the Honda Civic, Insight, and Toyota Prius, as well as soon-to-come hybrids from Ford, GM, and DaimlerChrysler, are an important part of our coverage," says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal Special Edition. "It's just as important that consumers become aware that near-zero emission gasoline vehicles like the Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Volvo S60, and BMW 325i are also available today, along with many high-fuel economy vehicles offered at new car showrooms. Buyers have the ability to make a difference if they only know where to look."

A veteran auto writer, editor, and publisher for more than 27 years, Cogan launched seven auto enthusiast magazines for the former Petersen Publishing Company (now Primedia) during his 20-year tenure there. He also was the environment/technology specialist during his six-year term as feature editor on the staff of Motor Trend.

Cogan's aim with Green Car Journal Special Edition is to build bridges between environmental interests and the auto industry, two often-divergent camps that have specific viewpoints on automobiles and the environment. Green Car Journal Special Edition provides a forum for serious and even-handed technology and policy discussions amid colorful layouts and exciting feature stories about fuel cell vehicles, alternative fuels, high-performance hybrids, and production vehicles.

"I applaud the efforts of Green Car Journal to translate global environmental issues into language that speaks to each of us," says Jean-Michel Cousteau, renowned explorer and president of Ocean Futures Society. "This will help all of us understand how we can make a difference through our personal choices and the vehicles we choose to drive."

Noted voices of the environment in the premier issue include Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club, and John Adams, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council. Featured auto icons include Robert Stempel, chairman of Energy Conversion Devices and former chairman of General Motors, and Carroll Shelby, developer of the Shelby Cobra and chairman of Shelby American.

Cogan will discuss "green" car topics as well as the new Green Car Journal Special Edition magazine at Business Wire's Automotive Media Breakfast in Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 21, joining speakers from Motor Trend and KABC TV.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Evanston, Ill. --- As gasoline prices climb ever higher and the U.S. Senate backs oil drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the possibility of a hydrogen economy -- where drivers tank up on clean-burning hydrogen fuel -- gleams more brightly. But two Northwestern University engineers stress the need to get more out of the fuel we are already using.

"A hydrogen economy is not a perfectly clean system," said Scott A. Barnett, professor of materials science and engineering. "You have to process fossil fuels at a plant to produce hydrogen fuel as well as develop an infrastructure to get that fuel into vehicles. We have bypassed these technological hurdles by basically bringing the hydrogen plant inside and pairing it with a high-temperature fuel cell in one compact unit that has a fuel efficiency of up to 50 percent."

In a paper to be published online today (March 31) by the journal Science, Barnett and graduate student Zhongliang Zhan report the development of a new solid oxide fuel cell, or SOFC, that converts a liquid transportation fuel -- iso-octane, a high-purity compound similar to gasoline -- into hydrogen which is then used by the fuel cell to produce energy. The cells could lead to cost-effective, clean and efficient electrical-power sources for applications ranging from aircraft and homes to cars and trucks.

Although only demonstrated on a small scale, Barnett and Zhan's fuel cells are projected to have a 50 percent fuel efficiency when used in a full-sized fuel cell generator, which would improve on other technologies. Higher fuel efficiencies mean less precious fuel is consumed and less carbon dioxide, a greenhouse-effect gas related to global warming, is produced. Internal combustion engines have a "well-to-wheels" efficiency of a mere 10 to 15 percent. Current hydrogen fuel cells that require hydrogen plants and new infrastructure have been calculated to have a 29 percent fuel efficiency while commercial gas/electric hybrid vehicles already have achieved 32 percent.

"The advent of hybrid vehicles has shaken up the fuel cell community and made researchers rethink hydrogen as a fuel," said Barnett, who drives a Toyota Prius and foresees his new fuel cells being developed for use in battery/SOFC hybrid technology for vehicle propulsion or in auxiliary power units. "We need to look at the solid oxide fuel cell -- the one kind of fuel cell that can work with other fuels beside hydrogen -- as an option."

A fuel cell is like a battery that can be replenished with fresh fuel. It consists of two electrodes sandwiched around an electrolyte material that conducts ions between them. Oxygen enters at the cathode, where it combines with electrons and is split into ions that travel through the electrolyte to react with fuel at the anode. Fuel cells are environmentally friendly: water and carbon dioxide are the only by-products. In the process, the oxygen ions traversing the electrolyte produce a useful current. Heat is also generated.

Because conventional solid oxide fuel cells operate at such high temperatures (between 600 and 800 degrees Centigrade) Barnett recognized that the heat could be used internally for the chemical process of reforming hydrogen, eliminating the need for hydrogen plants with their relatively low fuel efficiency. Barnett and Zhan found the optimal temperature for their system to be 600 to 800 degrees.

The real key to the new fuel cell is a special thin-film catalyst layer through which the hydrocarbon fuel flows toward the anode. That porous layer, which contains stabilized zirconia and small amounts of the metals ruthenium and cerium, chemically and cleanly converts the fuel to hydrogen.

"A major drawback of using solid oxide fuel cells is that carbon from the fuel is deposited all over the anode because of the high temperatures," Barnett said. "But our thin film catalyst, plus the addition of a small amount of oxygen, eliminates those deposits, making it a viable technology to pursue with further research. We have shown that the fuel cell is much more stable with the catalyst and air than without."

"The main drawback of fuel cells has been their complexity and high cost," said Barnett. "The simple design of our system, which brings the hydrogen reformer in house, is a great advantage for a range of applications. For example, imagine a unit cheap enough to be used for auxiliary power in cars or diesel trucks. It would supply electricity continuously, cleanly, quietly and efficiently even when the engine is not running. This work has the potential to lead us in that direction."

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

At the International Motor Show (IAA) 2005 in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz will be unveiling the "DIRECT HYBRID" and the "BLUETEC HYBRID," two groundbreaking concept cars. Using the new S-Class as an example, the company is exhibiting unique designs for yet again markedly improving fuel consumption and emissions in the near future -- while preserving high dynamic ride comfort. The focus is on combining optimised petrol and diesel engines with a hybrid system and with ultra-modern exhaust gas purification.

The paramount goals for Mercedes-Benz in vehicle development are maximum ride comfort, dynamics and safety combined with economical consumption and nvironmentally-compatible emission levels. "For the drive concepts of the near future the objective is to make petrol cars as efficient as diesels, and diesels as clean as petrol cars" stated Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG responsible for research and technology and for development at the Mercedes Car Group.

For the petrol engine car, the main emphasis is on reducing fuel consumption even further. With the second-generation spray-guided petrol direct injection system, the engineers at Mercedes-Benz have achieved a crucial innovation that allows considerable fuel savings. Using the current 3.5-litre V6 as the basis, this technology was implemented under the bonnet of the new S-Class. This vehicle, which incorporates a compact, high-torque electric motor, will be presented in Frankfurt as the "DIRECT HYBRID."

Now that the particulate filter has been introduced as standard equipment, the task for the diesel is to adhere to the most stringent exhaust limits worldwide with regard to nitrogen oxide emissions, too -- while retaining the celebrated fuel economy. Nitrogen oxides are currently the only exhaust gas component still emitted in greater quantities by the diesel than by the petrol engine. The goal of achieving the lowest possible emissions has been implemented commendably by the "BLUETEC HYBRID" concept car based on the new 3-litre V6 diesel in the new S-Class -- and also incorporating a high-torque electric motor. The crucial element in the success of this system is "BLUETEC," a new exhaust gas purification technology that reduces the nitrogen oxides by about 80 per cent through selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

This technology makes the "BLUETEC HYBRID" the cleanest diesel in the world.

Both of the drive systems in the concept cars introduced in Frankfurt are combined with an electric motor integrated in the drivetrain, thereby becoming what are called "mild hybrids". This makes it possible to once more significantly reduce the already excellent fuel consumption of the optimised combustion engine, especially in urban stop-and-go traffic. The combustion engine switches off whenever it is not needed. At other times, the combination of combustion engine and high-torque electric motor act together to ensure a powerful and silky-smooth start when pulling away. Moreover, the electric motor reclaims energy during coasting and braking. These combined features allow a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption in the "BLUETEC HYBRID" relative to the comparable predecessor model, and as much as a 25 per cent reduction in the "DIRECT HYBRID."

The two drive systems not only provide a dynamic driving performance, but are also extremely fuel-efficient and comply with the most stringent emissions standards worldwide. The drive system of the vision S320 BLUETEC HYBRID has a combined output of 179 kW/243 hp and 575 Nm of combined torque. The car can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The vehicle is extremely fuel efficient, consuming only 7.7 litres of fuel.per 100 km in the NEDC. The corresponding values for the S 350 DIRECT HYBRID are: 221 kW/300 hp; 395 Nm, 7.5 seconds, 250 km/h and 8.3 litres/100 km.

In the coming years, the hybrid -- either in its mild or full hybrid configuration -- can supplement the combustion engine in certain regions and traffic situations where it represents a reasonable and economical option for increasing dynamics, comfort and fuel efficiency. Trend-setting examples of such hybrids are the "DIRECT HYBRID" and "BLUETEC HYBRID" concept cars introduced at the IAA.

On 22 August 2005, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors (GM) signed a cooperation agreement regarding the joint development of hybrid drive systems, which began in late 2004. In a memorandum of understanding, another partner, BMW, has now declared its intention to conclude an agreement with GM and DaimlerChrysler towards the end of the year. The three global automakers are cooperating in order to pool their expertise for the rapid and efficient development of future hybrid drive systems.

Mercedes-Benz is combining its clear commitment to the combustion engine as the indispensable basis for the coming years with a strong effort to help establish clean fuels and fuel alternatives. Their use goes a long way towards reducing emissions, because they immediately make all vehicles in the market cleaner and not only new cars. Synthetically-produced designer fuels from natural gas or biomass are one option here. In particular, the fuels produced from biomass can contribute towards reducing CO2 emissions. In the ideal case, the CO2 produced by the combustion of biogenic fuels was previously absorbed by the plants during their growth, resulting in a closed CO2 cycle. Mercedes-Benz is actively participating in making SunDiesel a viable product for the market.

The fuel cell, however, remains the vision of researchers and developers at Mercedes-Benz for the automotive drive of the future. They have been working on it for more than ten years. The company has more than 100 fuel cell vehicles, from passenger cars to buses, engaged in road trials throughout the world -- the largest fleet of its kind. To date, the F-Cell vehicle fleet has covered a total of around 1.5 million kilometres in around 90,000 hours of operation. The reactions of the customers and passengers are very positive and give valuable insights that will help ensure the success of further development work.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Policymakers around the world are calling for major energy-consuming nations to move from reliance on fossil fuels to an energy economy mediated by hydrogen. A special section in the 13 August issue of Science—including a "Review," two "Viewpoints," an editorial and a Science news package—assesses the prospects for such a transition and describes technological developments necessary for making it a reality.

Short-Term Solution to Climate Problem

Humans already have the technological know-how to decrease carbon dioxide emissions to a level this "Review" article considers low enough to prevent most damaging climate change over the next 50 years. The authors identify 15 options for achieving meaningful greenhouse gas reductions that are available now. These include improving the efficiency in cars, coal plants and buildings as well as increasing generation of wind, nuclear and renewable hydrogen power. None of the approaches outlined by Stephen Pacala and Robert Socolow is capable of adequately limiting emissions alone. Implemented together, however, they could make up a portfolio that can keep atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations below 500 parts-per-million, which is twice the preindustrial concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The current atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is approximately 375 parts-per-million. The authors note that basic research is vital to develop the radical new technologies, such as fusion and artificial photosynthesis, which may be needed in the second half of this century and beyond.

Seeking Sustainability

A sustainable hydrogen economy is possible, but only with a sustained, focused effort, according to a "Viewpoint" article. Since at least the 1930s, visions of a hydrogen economy have involved using sustainably-produced hydrogen to store electrical energy, reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions, and provide a transportation fuel. To meet this goal, the electricity needed to produce vast amounts of hydrogen must come from sources such as the sun and the wind. Today, hydrogen is primarily produced from natural gas, a process which is not sustainable. John Turner writes that identifying and building a sustainable energy system are perhaps two of the most critical issues that contemporary societies must address. Turner describes some of the technical and economic issues related to hydrogen production today and considers some of what will be required to build a hydrogen economy in the future.

Hybrid Cars vs. Fuel Cell Cars

Today's gasoline/electric hybrid cars already offer many of the environmental and energy independence benefits of the hydrogen fuel cell cars of the future, according to a "Viewpoint" article. A hybrid vehicle available today may limit atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions and aid in energy independence nearly as well as hydrogen fuel cell cars of the future — at least until the hydrogen is produced in a sustainable fashion. Hybrid cars include an electric motor and parallel drive train, which eliminates idling loss and captures some energy of braking. The authors note that in Europe, where fuel prices are much higher than in the United States, the advantage of hybrids over conventional cars with internal combustion engines is significantly greater. Governments should consider expanding support for research and development on hybrid technologies and extending hybrid vehicle tax credits, the authors write.

Special News Package

In one of four News stories in the special section, Robert Service examines arguments for developing a broader-based, nearer-term energy policy, given the outstanding questions about how a hydrogen-based economy can work. In another story, Service describes the growing interest in capturing and storing carbon dioxide, which will be necessary as we learn to wean ourselves of fossil fuels. Adrian Cho reports on the development of internal combustion engines that run on hydrogen. And, Gretchen Vogel, with reporting by Dan Clery, looks at Iceland’s plan for implementing a hydrogen-based economy by 2050.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Study shows costs of making, distributing hydrogen significantly decreases its effectiveness

Los Angeles (November 18, 2004) – A new Reason Foundation study reveals that switching all of California’s gasoline-powered cars to hydrogen cells would have produced just a one percent decrease in emissions each year since 1981.

President Bush has advocated $1.2 billion in government funding for hydrogen research and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is working towards a “hydrogen highway”, but the Reason study casts significant doubts on the alleged benefits of a shift to hydrogen vehicles.

Reason Foundation, a libertarian think tank, measured and simulated the processes needed to generate and transport different fuel sources, along with a 300-mile driving trip in three vehicle types: the conventional gasoline-burning car, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell car, and a liquid fuel cell vehicle which converts gasoline to hydrogen and then drives on a fuel cell. The study finds that replacing all of California’s gasoline-powered vehicles with hydrogen-powered vehicles would have produced a “barely discernible” difference in emissions unless the hydrogen was manufactured using hydroelectricity. A pure hydrogen fuel cell vehicle running on hydrogen produced by electrolysis, whose power source is hydroelectricity, produced the test’s lowest emissions results. Unfortunately that is an unlikely scenario because hydropower only generates approximately nine percent of the nation’s total electricity supply.

“We often ignore the energy expenditures and emissions needed to manufacture and distribute hydrogen,” said Adrian Moore, vice president of research at Reason Foundation and the study’s project director. “When you take a practical look at hydrogen cars you find they would hardly make a dent in our efforts to reduce emissions, despite the enormous costs.”

Instead of hydrogen, the Reason study recommends encouraging automakers to continue improving hybrid vehicles, which are already gaining in market share, and targeting gross polluting vehicles on the road today – where significant emission reductions can be achieved.

Full Report Online

The full report, Fueling America: How Hydrogen Cars Affect the Environment, is available online at www.rppi.org/ps322.pdf. A brief summary of the report is available at http://www.rppi.org/ps322polsum.pdf.

About Reason

Reason Foundation is a leading libertarian think tank that has been providing real world solutions to save taxpayer money and streamline government since 1968. Reason's policy analysts, considered among the nation's premier privatization experts, have advised the last four presidential administrations, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and numerous other state and local governments on ways to improve government performance and reduce costs.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Chiba, Japan October 29, 2005; Yuri Kageyama writing for the AP reported that the usually futuristic "concept cars" at the Tokyo auto show are taking on an all-too-real immediacy this year amid soaring oil prices, with ecologically-friendly autos grabbing the limelight.

The overriding message at the Tokyo Motor Show, opening Saturday to the public, is that gas-guzzlers must make way for green cars that pollute less and rely less on shrinking supplies of fossil fuels.

Reporters got a preview Wednesday of the show's offerings of experimental ecological cars galore, including a vehicle that switches back and forth between an electric motor and a hydrogen-powered engine from Mazda Motor Corp. and a fuel cell small car from Suzuki Motor Corp.

Auto officials say it's urgent to develop cars that run on fuels other than gasoline. Crude oil prices have doubled over the last five years as the global oil supply struggles to keep up with ballooning demand.

"We could be facing a crisis in which the oil supply dries up," says Mitsuru Honma of Sanyo Electric Co., which supplies batteries for Ford Motor Co.'s hybrid vehicles.

Hybrid vehicles deliver a cleaner ride and reduce greenhouse emissions by switching back and forth between different powertrains, such as an electric motor and gasoline engine.

Sanyo, which has a booth at the show, estimates annual production of hybrid vehicles may increase to 3 million worldwide by 2010, or 7 percent of the 44 million passenger-car market. Annual hybrid production now totals less than half a million.

Toyota Motor Corp., the first automaker to sell a commercially mass-produced hybrid with its Prius in 1997, is showing an even more advanced hybrid called Fine-X, which is powered by an electric battery and a pollution-free hydrogen fuel cell.

The hydrogen, stored in a fuel tank, combines with oxygen in the air to form water clean enough to drink.

Also, the Fine-X has wheels that can swivel at a sharp angle to the side to allow for tight U-turns and easy parallel parking.

General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. also had booths at the show, but GM Chief Executive Rick Wagoner stayed home to announced a revival plan at the world's biggest automaker, which has lost nearly $3 billion in the first three quarters.

GM also was pushing its technological prowess, displaying its collaboration in fuel cells with Japanese partner Suzuki that adapted GM's technology for the small car, Suzuki's specialty.

The driver's seat in Suzuki's Ionis moves from side to side as well as to the center to allow for more room when driving alone.

Like other fuel cell cars at the show, the Ionis is roomier than conventional cars because fuel cells don't need space for an engine and other usual mechanical parts.

"We don't see this as a question of whether. We see it as a question of when," Larry Burns, GM Vice President in charge of research and development, said of the impending switch from gas engines to fuel cells.

Burns said GM plans to develop a fuel cell system that will be competitive with gasoline engines in performance by 2010, although it may take more time to mass produce them because of the lack of hydrogen-fueling stations and other changes needed before they can become practical.

GM is displaying its Sequel fuel-cell concept vehicle, first shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Burns said the several fuel cell concept vehicles on show in Tokyo were inspired by GM.

"I hope you can see the similarity," he said. "Any concept you see that has electric wheel motors and that has a flat-floor chassis really you could argue are derivatives of some of the early ideas that GM shared with the world."

Fuel cell vehicles remain extremely expensive and are now only available for leasing, mostly by government organizations. Skeptics say 2010 is still too early for fuel cell vehicles -- or even hybrids -- to catch on in significant numbers.

"We don't know where the markets are going," said Carlos Ghosn, who heads both Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. and its French partner Renault SA. "We have to observe what's going down, see the trends, look at every vibration on the market, prepare the technology and jump when consumers start to think one way or the other."

At his presentation, Ghosn showed off the GT-R Proto, a Nissan sportscar set to go on sale in 2007 that clearly communicated mechanical muscle more than kindness to the environment.

Still, in another corner of the show, Honda Motor Co. displayed its FCX fuel cell concept, designed to highlight other technology such as turning on car audio and air conditioning by simply looking at icons on a dashboard.

"It's our proposal for the future," said Executive Chief Engineer Yozo Kami, while declining to say when a car like that might go on sale. "But it's not a complete fantasy."

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Anaheim, Calif., Oct. 5, 2005 -- Even as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles gather increasing attention, it's a less exotic - and these days a surprisingly more mainstream - auto technology that's set to showcase the near-term viability of hydrogen fuel.

What are these "everyday" vehicles? They're hydrogen hybrids, which combine the high fuel economy attributes of today's most popular gasoline- electric hybrid model with the near-zero emissions of internal combustion engines running on hydrogen. The result is an extremely clean-running vehicle that effortlessly uses the same environmentally positive fuel as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, but at an exponentially lower cost.

Several examples of this approach are being fielded by Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) , developer of a unique solid storage medium for hydrogen vehicles. Using metal-hydride technology being commercialized by the company's Ovonic Hydrogen Systems subsidiary, these hydrogen hybrids carry their fuel in low-pressure fuel tanks that absorb hydrogen in powdered metal alloys, and then release gaseous hydrogen on demand to power a hybrid's internal combustion engine. The same storage technology can be used for hydrogen fuel cells.

Ovonic Hydrogen Systems' hydrogen hybrids are part of a demonstration program being launched by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the air pollution control agency for four Southern California counties that have historically faced significant air quality challenges. The technology is featured in an article running in the Fall 2005 issue of the auto enthusiast magazine Green Car Journal, as well as on the magazine's companion website, Green Car Journal Online (www.greencar.com).

This approach to hydrogen storage is unique in several important ways. Because a pressurized storage vessel can hold a larger volume of hydrogen when using metal-hydrides than without them, greater driving range is provided. Range is one of the key challenges being faced today by fuel cell vehicles.

Ovonic Hydrogen Systems' method of storing hydrogen in metal-hydrides at low pressures of under 300 psi is contrary to the trend currently being set by fuel cell vehicle developers. Present-day fuel cell vehicles typically offer inadequate driving range because of the limited fuel carried by their first- generation 5,000 psi hydrogen storage cylinders. Because of this, automakers are exploring 10,000 psi hydrogen storage as a potential solution for their fuel cell vehicles. Storing hydrogen in metal form at low-pressures provides a safer and more practical answer.

Additional information on this innovative hydrogen storage technology, along with how ECD Ovonics' discoveries in amorphous, disordered, and related materials are being applied to nickel-metal-hydride batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, advanced photovoltaics, phase-change optical and electronic memory, and the Ovonic Threshold Switch, can be found on the company's website at www.ovonic.com.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

HYBRIDS Can Revolutionize Roads with 60 MPG Cars and Trucks (But Automakers Can't Skimp on Technology)

Los Angeles, Jan. 3 - America's cars and trucks can reach an average of 60 miles per gallon by the end of the next decade if automakers use the best hybrid vehicle technologies and mass-produce them fleet-wide, according to a new report released today by the Union of Concerned Scientists. As part of the report launch, dozens of Southern California hybrid car drivers will join Ed Begley Jr. and other celebrities today outside the Los Angeles Auto Show to urge automakers to adopt hybrid technology throughout their product lines.

"The hybrid revolution is underway," said report author David Friedman, an engineer and Senior Analyst at UCS. "More than 50,000 Americans drive hybrid cars. But if hybrid vehicles are going to deliver their full promise, automakers must make wise choices as they apply both conventional and hybrid technology in their vehicles."

Hybrid cars and trucks look and drive like other vehicles on the road but incorporate some of the benefits of full-function battery-electric vehicles. The new study is the first independent assessment of the cost and performance of hybrid vehicles for all 5 major car and truck classes. The report found all passenger vehicles can benefit from hybridization, but SUVs, pickups, and minivans show the greatest promise for improvement with the technology.

The report characterizes the Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid as "mild" hybrids because they use a downsized engine along with an electric motor. A regenerative braking system, which enables the electric drive motor to assist the brakes, saves wasted energy. The Toyota Prius is defined as a "full" hybrid because it takes the additional step of using its electric motor and battery pack to drive the vehicle at low speeds with the conventional engine turned off, providing added fuel economy benefits.

The ultimate performance of a hybrid is not just determined by whether it is a mild or full hybrid. According to the report, hybrids that use the best available conventional technology (e.g., more efficient engines and transmissions, and high-strength steel or aluminum components) will provide superior fuel economy and pollution performance. Hybrids that do not make the necessary conventional technology investments will fall short of what conventional technology can do alone.

"Automakers will waste money if they cut corners and slap weaker hybrid technology on today's average car or truck," said Friedman. "Ford's soon-to-be-released full hybrid SUV is a good first example of how the technology can improve a truck, but they can go further by incorporating better conventional technology as well."

The widespread use of full hybrid vehicles is the key to a US passenger car and truck fleet that achieves an average fuel economy of 60 mpg. The study finds that the sticker price of full hybrids will be about $4,000 more than a conventional vehicle, but drivers will save nearly $5,500 on gasoline over the life of the vehicle. Consumers would also see an average net savings of $900 (including battery replacement costs), in addition to the energy security and environmental gains.

"Over half of the nearly 20 million barrels of oil products the United States burns each day comes from other countries, including 500,000 barrels from Iraq," Friedman said. "Well-designed hybrids can reduce oil consumption and also bring environmental benefits by cutting heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions from cars and trucks to below their 1990 levels."

The vast majority of new passenger vehicles on display at 2003 auto shows will fail to draw upon the fuel-saving potential of hybrid technologies. Most won't even incorporate the existing conventional technology that could bring the fleet to 40 mpg. At the Los Angeles Auto Show, local hybrid owners will urge automakers to offer consumers more hybrid models. A recent study by J.D. Power found that 60 percent of more than 5,000 new vehicle buyers surveyed would definitely consider purchasing a hybrid as their next vehicle. Automakers will ultimately build and mass-produce hydrogen fuel-cell cars, but these will not be ready to replace the internal combustion engine in most new cars and trucks for over a decade.

"I drove cross-country and back last month in my hybrid car and spent only $150 in gas," said actor Ed Begley Jr., a longtime UCS supporter who helped organize the event at the LA Auto Show. "Hybrid cars not only look cool, but also help cool global warming."

The full text of A New Road: The Technology and Potential of Hybrid Vehicles is available online at www.ucsusa.org/publication.cfm?publicationID=543. Founded in 1969, the Union of Concerned Scientists is a nonprofit partnership of scientists and citizens combining rigorous scientific analysis, innovative policy development and effective citizen advocacy to achieve practical environmental solutions. UCS's Clean Vehicles Program in Berkeley, California develops and promotes strategies to reduce the adverse environmental impacts of the US transportation system.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

To combat global warming and the increasing cost of gasoline, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today urged improved fuel economy standards for all cars and trucks. In comments at a Senate committee hearing on global warming, she also urged the increased use of energy-efficient vehicles, buildings and appliances, expanding our reliance on renewable energy and encouraged the Senate to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. The following are Senator Feinstein’s comments to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, chaired by Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.):

“I would recommend, Mr. Chairman, that the committee consider three policies that I believe would most comprehensively address global warming:

1) Increasing Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, or CAFÉ for short-- for our nation’s cars, and trucks;

2) Increasing the use of energy-efficient vehicles, buildings and appliances and expanding our reliance on renewable energy and;

3) Encouraging the Senate to take a leadership role and join the 29 other countries which have already ratified the Kyoto Protocol.

I will limit my remarks to fuel efficiency because I believe that improving fuel economy because I believe this is the most important first step we can take in the U.S. to curb global warming. It provides the biggest bang for the buck.

Earlier this year I spent a day at the Scripps Institute in San Diego meeting with various climate change and global warming experts like Dan Cayan, the Director of the Climate Research Division; Ram Ramanathan, the Director of the Center for Atmospheric Science; Michael Molitor, the Coordinator of Climate Change Program at UC San Diego's Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation; and Charles F. Kennel, the former head of the National Science Foundation.

All said that there is overwhelming evidence to show that global warming is real and is happening now.

Measurements taken in La Jolla, Calif., at Scripps Institute of Oceanography since 1925, and in San Francisco, show a rise in the sea level of nine inches over the last 75 to 100 years at both locations. According to these scientists, these changes we are now seeing in the climate are unprecedented over a period of 400,000 years. I think that is good evidence that we have a real problem.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions from vehicles in the U.S. exceed the total CO2 emissions of all but three other countries. Carbon Dioxide is the number one greenhouse gas. CAFE Standards regulate how many miles a vehicle will travel on a gallon of gasoline. Better fuel efficiency simply lowers vehicular emissions of pollutants and Carbon Dioxide.There is what’s known as an SUV loophole which allows Sports Utility Vehicles and other light duty trucks to meet lower fuel economy standards than other passenger vehicles.

Fuel economy standards for automobile average 27.5 miles per gallon while the standards for SUVs and light trucks average just 20.7 miles per gallon. When fuel economy standards were first implemented in 1975, a separate tier was permitted for trucks which were not thought to be passenger vehicles. It is easy to see that SUVs, which were thrown into the truck category, are predominantly used as passenger vehicles. There is no reason to think they should not have to meet the same CAFE standards as station wagons and other cars.

CAFE standards for cars have not increased in 14 years and the truck standards have essentially stayed the same since 1981 but since many consumers have traded in their cars for SUVs, overall vehicular carbon dioxide emissions have begun to increase significantly. If SUVs and other light duty trucks were simply required to meet the same fuel economy standards as automobiles, we would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 237 million tons each year. A provision in the Transportation Appropriations bill for the past five years has prevented the Department of Transportation from even studying fuel economy standards and whether the standards should be increased. That is a product of the lobbying by Detroit.

Finally, this past June, Senators Gorton, Bryan and I had a breakthrough and thanks to a compromise reached on the Senate floor, the National Academy of Sciences will be working with the DOT to look at whether these standards can be increased without costing domestic manufacturing jobs and without compromising safety. This is an important first step and I am hopeful that such a study can disprove once and for all the excuses used by car manufacturers and their allies to fight raising CAFE standards. In light of the fuel prices that we have been seeing at the pump this year, raising these standards would also be a big help to the country and to consumers. Closing the SUV loophole would not only save the U.S. one million barrels of oil a day it would also save SUV owners hundreds of dollars a year at the pump. With gas hovering around $2 a gallon in California, this is a big deal. I think it also shows that reducing our greenhouse gases can help consumers in very easy to quantify ways.

But that is not all we can do. I hope we can explore how to encourage the production of alternative fuel hybrid vehicle and fuel cell vehicles Cars and SUVs are not going away, but we can certainly think about ways to make them run cleaner and more efficiently. Hybrid vehicles which run partly on gas and partly on an electric battery are already on the market. I understand that fuel cell technology, which would make zero emission vehicles (creating water as the only waste by-product), is just a few years away.

If we can figure out a way to get these vehicles in people’s driveways sooner, we will undoubtedly reduce our country’s carbon dioxide emissions by millions of tons and go a long way toward combating global warming. I would hope that the Committee would look at federal government fleet purchases and whether we can find ways to ensure that these vehicles meet the highest possible fuel economy standards.

Federal vehicles alone comprise about one percent of all vehicles sold each year in the U.S. State and local government fleets comprise almost another one percent. If government vehicles were required to achieve better fuel efficiency it could really make a difference in reducing greenhouse gases and also provide incentives for car and truck manufacturers to bring these vehicles to market.

I strongly urge the Committee to consider some of these solutions to global warming which I believe can only improve our country’s competitiveness and economy. What we wind up doing or not doing on global warming as early as the next Congress may be evaluated by generations to come. I would hope that our children and grandchildren will be able to look back on the country in the early 21st century and say that the U.S. was a leader, not a laggard.”

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Collaboration with EPA and DaimlerChrysler A First

Ann Arbor, Mich., May 19, 2003 - Representatives of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DaimlerChrysler and UPS (NYSE:UPS), gathered here at the government’s premier fuel emissions laboratory, today announced a collaborative project in which UPS will operate package delivery vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

The deployment of the zero-emission vehicles, in two different sizes, will begin late this year and continue in 2004 and will be the first use of fuel cell technology in a commercial delivery fleet in North America. It was announced at a news conference at the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory by EPA Administrator Christie Whitman and corporate executives along with Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Sen. Carl Levin and Rep. John Dingell.

“It’s time to deploy this technology in a commercial fleet and learn exactly what’s needed to make it broadly available,” said Tom Weidemeyer, chief operating officer of UPS and president of UPS Airlines. “These vehicles are going to be rolling laboratories. Environmental improvements like this and the needs of business are not incompatible.”

DaimlerChrysler will supply the fuel cell vehicles for UPS, while the EPA will supply a hydrogen refueling station at its Ann Arbor facility. The fueling station will be operational by the end of 2003 and will provide compressed hydrogen fuel to the UPS vehicles as well as other fuel-cell cars in the area.

The first fuel cell vehicle to be tested by UPS will be a DaimlerChrysler “F-Cell,” which will be used for early-morning deliveries by late 2003. In 2004, UPS will add one or more fuel cell-powered Sprinter delivery vans to its fleet. There are currently 2,500 Sprinter vehicles in UPS’s domestic and international fleets. Sprinters normally are powered by a highly fuel-efficient diesel engine and are certified as ultra low emission vehicles under EPA guidelines.

Fuel cells convert chemical energy - in this case, hydrogen’s reaction with oxygen - into electricity without combustion. The reaction of hydrogen and oxygen produce water vapor and heat as its only by-products, or emissions. The lack of any exhaust emissions makes fuel cell technology the ultimate alternative fuel.

The fuel cell vehicles will join an already large number of alternative fuel vehicles in UPS’s fleet. UPS operates 1,024 compressed natural gas vehicles in the United States, the largest private fleet in the nation. In addition, the company operates more than 800 propane-powered vehicles in Canada and Mexico City; liquefied natural gas tractors in its West Coast fleet and an assortment of all-electric vehicles in its operating facilities. UPS began testing hybrid electric technology in 1998 and made history in 2001 by introducing the industry’s first hybrid electric vehicle into its operations.

Fuel cell technology is the latest innovation in UPS’s commitment to develop sustainable transport options. The company is working to develop future generations of delivery vehicles that reduce dependence on fossil fuels, significantly reduce fuel consumption and create a vehicle platform to bridge to the hydrogen economy. Some of these efforts include:

21st Century Truck Partnership - In this government-industry partnership, federal agencies and the transportation/trucking industry are working together on technologies to make vehicles safer, cleaner and more efficient, while maintaining fleet safety and cost-effectiveness.

EPA SmartWay Transport Program - This voluntary partnership with leading members of America's truck and rail transport sectors aims to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from ground freight carriers. The goal of this initiative by 2012 is to reduce as much as 18 million metric tons of carbon equivalent, and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) annually. These reductions will create fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of oil annually.

Clean Cargo & Green Freight - UPS is an active member of Business for Social Responsibility’s Green Freight working group. Together with the Clean Cargo group, Green Freight is developing voluntary environmental guidelines to enhance fleets’ performances while spurring a broader movement toward a sustainable transportation future.

UPS is the world’s largest package delivery and supply chain services company, offering the most extensive range of options for synchronizing the movement of goods, information and funds. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. UPS's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (UPS), and the company can be found on the Web at UPS.com.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Detroit - Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors Corp. have reached a five-year agreement to jointly develop cars and trucks that can run off fuel cells and other environmentally friendly alternative-fuel technology.

``Pooling our efforts should result in commercially viable advanced technologies faster and at a lower cost to our customers, and as breakthroughs are reached, suppliers will be able to count on the volume of production from two of the world's largest automakers,'' GM vice chairman Harry Pearce said in remarks prepared for delivery today at a Detroit news conference.

GM, the world's largest automaker, and No. 3 Toyota have worked on several joint ventures, including a California-based venture to produce small cars and to market of GM's Cavalier cars through Toyota's sales network in Japan. They had been in talks on the advanced technology venture since last year.

The new venture will involve research and development of electric, hybrid electric and fuel-cell technology. Hybrid electric vehicles typically combine an electric motor with other power systems.

The deal is to last through 2004, the year that GM, Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler AG [NYSE:DAJ - news] have said they plan to be ready to produce fuel-cell vehicles.

Today's announcement also comes a day before Ford, DaimlerChrysler and Ballard Power Systems Inc., a fuel-cell developer, plan to announce a deal with oil companies to develop a demonstration fleet of fuel-cell powered vehicles in California.

Fuel cells produce electricity using a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and produce little or no emissions. The technology was developed for use in spacecraft, but problems in supplying and storing hydrogen have hampered plans to use it for cars. So far, fuel cells remain prohibitively expensive.

DaimlerChrysler has been working on technology to convert gasoline to hydrogen on board the car, eliminating the need for a heavy, expensive hydrogen storage tank.

GM and Toyota have been working on alternative-fuel vehicles for years. GM was the first to mass-market an electric car, the EV1, which has failed to catch on in the markets where it is being leased. Toyota brought the first hybrid electric car to market, the Prius, in Japan two years ago. The Prius uses gasoline and electricity and is scheduled to go on sale in the United States and Europe next year.

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http://www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

It seems as though the most effective way to reach consumers is through our pocketbook. Once more we are outraged at high fuel prices and demanding something be done about it.

The auto industry has the technology to build fuel efficient cars, it has had much of this technology for decades, but it has not developed this technology into cost effective mass marketed vehicles. Why? Because the consumer has not demanded it. No matter what, the auto industry is and always will be consumer driven.

As long as the consumer continues to purchase what the industry is putting out, they will keep building what they are building. Granted, because of emission controls and higher mileage standards over the years we now have less harmful emissions and better mileage than we did twenty years ago. While this has been a great start we cannot let that become a stopping point.

Let's take realistic look at where we are today and how we, as consumers, can help insure a more cost efficient and healthier future for ourselves, our children and generations to come. We now have hybrid cars that provide much better fuel efficiency and less pollutants, and fuel cell vehicles that use no gasoline and produce no harmful emissions, their only by-product is vapor.

Here are some of the hybrids available now and scheduled for the near future

DaimlerChrysler Diesel-electric Dodge Ram pickup with 15 percent mileage boost. Early 2008: Dodge Durango SUV, no details available.

Ford Escape Hybrid: SUV rated at 36 in city driving with two-wheel-drive model, nearly double that of the gas-only Escape. Highway driving rated at 31 mpg. October 2005: Mercury Mariner SUV, 33 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway. 2007: Mazda Tribute SUV, no mileage data yet. 2008: Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans, no mileage data yet.

General Motors GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado pickups increase fuel economy 10-12 percent. 2006: Saturn Vue SUV, with 15 percent mpg increase. 2007: Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, up to 35 percent mpg boost. Chevrolet Malibu, 15 percent increase. 2008: Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups that get up to 35 percent mpg increase.

Honda Insight: two-door rated at 56 mpg on highway and in city. Civic Hybrid: four-door rated at 48 mpg on highway and in city. Accord Hybrid: rated at 37 mpg on the highway, 29 mpg in the city.

Nissan 2006: Hybrid version of midsize Altima, no details on estimated mileage.

Toyota Prius: four-door rated at 60 mph in city, 51 mpg on highway. Late 2006: Camry, no details on estimated mileage.

Lexus RX 400h: SUV rated at 31 mpg in city driving, two thirds more than its gas-only RX 330 sibling. Highlander Hybrid: SUV is rated at 33/28 mpg in city/highway driving based on two-wheel-drive model. Spring 2006: Lexus GS 450h sports sedan, mileage in the high twenties and 300-plus horsepower.

Both hybrid and fuel cell vehicles are currently being used in mass transit systems in many selected U.S.cities as well as in Canada and Germany that include city transit buses, taxis, and delivery vehicles such as UPS.

Military vehicles

In April, the U.S. Army took delivery of the modified fuel cell Chevrolet Silverado that is capable of generating 188 kW and 317 foot-pounds of torque, or roughly the motor torque generated by GM’s 5.3 liter V-8 engine. This is the first time the vehicle has been driven in California. It will be delivered to the Marines at Camp Pendleton, Calif., later this year for demonstration and evaluation. "This vehicle has spent the last few months performing civilian-type duty at Ft. Belvoir, Va. where Army soldiers have been evaluating its performance and learning first-hand about hydrogen and fuel cells," said Dr. McClelland, director Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) of the U.S. Army.

World's First Individual Fuel Cell Vehicle Customer

California Hydrogen Highway

The Spallino family, living in the Los Angeles area, will be among the first individuals to begin utilizing the first of California's Hydrogen Highway refueling stations, a statewide infrastructure build out underway to offer hydrogen refueling station access to private individuals. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the state's commitment to a Hydrogen Highway in April of this year, creating a public and private partnership to build California's Hydrogen Highway by 2010.

In the Chino project, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage SUVs, powered by fuel cells manufactured by UTC Fuel Cells, will operate throughout Southern California and refuel at the ChevronTexaco hydrogen station. Of particular importance is the on-site production of hydrogen from natural gas. Natural gas, with an existing distribution infrastructure, is critical to the eventual transition to the hydrogen economy. This station will also have the future capability to convert other renewable fuel sources, such as ethanol, into hydrogen for refueling fuel cell vehicles.

Hydrogen Fueling Station - The EPA has commissioned a hydrogen fueling station at its National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Lab in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The station provides compressed hydrogen gas for hydrogen vehicles in Southeast Michigan.

The lab in Ann Arbor, Michigan is the first federal facility to install such a vehicle fueling station. This state-of-the art station serves as a real world example for others of the safe installation and operation of a hydrogen fueling station. In addition to supporting the Fuel Cell Delivery Vehicle Testing Program, this station will also be used for the fueling of hydrogen fueled vehicles deployed in the future in Michigan.

So perhaps our future is looking brighter with less dependence on foreign oil and a good beginning for achieving cleaner air and a healthier environment for everyone. But it rests in our hands, each of us, the consumers, and what choices we make that will determine our future.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com" and on her website: http://www.hybridandfuelcellcars.com

The modern hybrid vehicle comes in numerous makes and models, various colors and sizes. And as the desire and need for this trendy car grows, so will the options available to consumers. There are a variety of things that need to be considered in choosing a hybrid car. A smart buyer will do his homework and educate himself with the myriad of choices before making a final selection.

Design and size must be considered when deciding the hybrid car that is right for you. Take into consideration the number of passengers that you will normally be carrying in your vehicle. Also think of the types and sizes of objects you will typically be transporting. What about storage space? Currently, hybrid cars come in a wide variety of designs and sizes. If you are looking for a smaller automobile, there is a two-passenger hybrid on the market. Need something for the family? Hybrid makers have also developed a compact sedan that can accompany up to five passengers. Sport utility vehicle (SUV) lovers also have a choice of this popular car. Manufacturers have created a larger hybrid designed for those in need of more passenger and storage space.

When purchasing any automobile, the cost plays a major role. When choosing to buy a hybrid car, you must realize that it will come with a hefty price tag; a higher cost is one of the only drawbacks to this automobile. The average hybrid and sport utility vehicle range from approximately $20,000 to $50,000 for standard models. If you would like extra features, the price will increase. At $20,000, the hybrid costs almost $5,000 more than your average non-hybrid vehicle. However, the hybrid owners save on fuel in the long run. Hybrid owners have also been given government take breaks for the past few years. So, while the initial purchase may be a large one, in the end, buying a hybrid is quite beneficial.

Whether we want to admit it or not, appearance does matter, even when choosing an automobile. While hybrids may be created differently, many have the looks and styles of traditional vehicles. However, it you would like something a bit extraordinary, hybrid manufacturers have developed a range of futuristic models, all available in an assortment of colors. For those who want a standard automobile look, compacts, sedans, and sport utility vehicles are also offered. The hybrid makers offer a wide variety of accessories for an added personal touch to your new hybrid automobile.

The gas mileage of any automobile should be checked for accuracy before purchase. Gas mileage is especially an important factor when deciding on the right hybrid to buy. Hybrids are known for their excellent fuel efficiency. Mileage is an average 8-10 percent higher on a standard hybrid vehicle. The amount of money that is saved in gasoline will usually pay back the extra money that was spent in the initial purchase of the car.

Many car buyers wonder if hybrids have automatic transmissions. The answer is yes. However, the automatic transmission in the hybrid vehicle enables manual gear changes when desired. When in drive, the hybrid operates as a standard automatic, but allows the driver to utilize an included shift lever to manually change the gears. The hybrid automatic has all the advantages of a manual transmission, including better engine speed control, with use of a clutch pedal. Hybrid cars also have traction control systems. In these systems, when your car accelerates from a stop, traction control works to guarantee the greatest possible contact between your tires and the road surface. Traction control systems are especially ideal on icy or wet roads, as they decrease traction.

As you finalize the hybrid purchasing process, here are some other things that should be taken into consideration. If you know of a new hybrid vehicle that will soon debut, it is best to order this car through a local dealership. When dealing with a salesperson, you must always have confidence in his knowledge of the hybrid. You should not commit to a purchase until you have confidence in your salesperson, and feel they are someone you can trust. Such a large purchase should never be taken lightly.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Hybrids are finally shaping up to be what engineers envisioned them to be. With some new driving techniques, many models are achieving the mileage estimates which the makers advertised. The batteries, which the hybrid relies upon for their electric energy source, are now coming with longer warranties and replaceable modules, which keep one from having to replace the entire battery. The waiting lists and prices are slowly going down, too, as more makers come up with their own versions of the hybrid car or SUV. All of these factors are changing the way that people think of hybrids; however, the journey of the hybrid into the mainstream auto industry has not been without some very bumpy moments. There is a population of hybrid owners who have not had their expectations met.

One of the biggest problems which hybrid owners have is not getting the mileage which they believe they should or would. Some hybrids claiming that they will get 50 mpg are only getting 30 mpg. Drivers are frustrated as they attempt to actually relearn how to drive a car. This includes learning how to "pulse and glide," which helps balance the car's use of electric and gas when in speeds ranging from 30 to 40 mph. A combination of fancy pedal work and watching arrows on the dashboard, make many drivers feel like they are learning how to drive manual or worse. The other factor that comes into play is how fast one likes to accelerate. Although many of the new hybrids are getting great acceleration performance, punching the gas on a hybrid also reduces one's mileage performance. If one wants to get great gas mileage on a hybrid, then they have to learn how to drive with more overall patience. There has to be less hard breaking and careful attention to pressure on the gas pedal to get the most out of one's hybrid.

Complaints of hybrids performing badly in certain weather conditions have also changed some owners' opinions about their environmentally friendly vehicle. Apparently, the car battery used in hybrids needs some warming up. In full hybrids (or hybrids which can operate completely in either electric or gas mode without needing the other), this problem appears to have worked out to near nonexistence. For mild hybrids, which cannot have the electric or gas components work independently from one another, there have been cases of the hybrid performing poorly or much under expectations in cold weather. Too much heat has been known to wear down on a hybrid's battery as well, but this is being counteracted with thermal protection systems.

Stalling has also made Toyota have to contact Prius owners. Apparently, stalling or unexpected shutdowns of the engine may affect some drivers due to a software problem. The stalling sounds like a frightening prospect, but Toyota took precautions by inviting owners of that specific Prius to head to dealerships for a free repair. The news was also minimal in affecting opinion about the Prius since only a small number of drivers ever had to submit any complaints.

Some people have been known to complain about one of the strange side-effects of driving a hybrid: the silence. Because of the efficiency of the engine, the engine can drop to near silence when idling. Many say that although motorcycles and some models of regular cars are too loud, at least you can hear them. The silence of the hybrid poses a problem for the deaf and for children who are often too wrapped up in playing to pay attention to cars to begin with. It is no wonder that makers are already considering ways to put the noise pollution back into hybrids to ensure that pedestrians are not the victims of new technology.

For many, it is no surprise that hybrids have been plagued with various glitches. The fact that many non-hybrid vehicles have had their share of recalls despite years of engineers working on them does not make hybrid owners feel better. Consumers who are willing to take the chance with a hybrid purchase are already wondering if their car will be obsolete in a couple years like a laptop computer. There is some comfort, however, that the glitches have not been as numerous as some expected and that the benefits are beginning to outweigh the negatives.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Studies show there is a link between employees' driving habits and the overall success of the business they work for. Not only is there evidence that hybrid cars are great for the environment and the community, but now there is sufficient information saying hybrids are great for businesses. CEOs are paying attention to these studies and are beginning to promote intelligent and responsible driving choices. Private companies are encouraging employees to purchase hybrids in several different manners. Of course the most popular option the employers promote is public transportation, bicycling, and car pooling. However, with the new hybrids available, there is something more logical to promote.

Some of the largest companies in the United States are offering employee incentives regarding the purchase of a hybrid vehicle. Some are offering cash amounts toward the purchase of cars meeting specific standards. Google, one of the most successful internet companies is offering this incentive. Google offers each employee $5,000 toward the purchase of a hybrid vehicle. The only regulations are that the vehicle must have an EPA fuel economy rating of 45 mpg or higher, and must also be rated a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle. This leaves only about three car options for employees, but it is making a huge difference.

Hyperion, the software company based in Santa Clara, California, is also offering their employees $5,000 toward the purchase of a hybrid. The company actually sets aside over $1 million a year toward these incentives. The company feels that they are giving back to the community that has often given to them. In addition however, they do admit that the hybrid incentives help them recruit and keep the best employees in the country. Companies like Timberland agree with Hyperion. They offer $3,000 toward a hybrid purchase, but only to employees that are with the company for two years or more. It is a great way to get employees to stay with the company, when turnover rate trends are quite high.

Other companies, like ST Microelectronics, are not offering cash toward hybrid purchases, but are offering allowances for those who drive hybrids. The allowances of near $84 a month are given to employees that drive hybrids with fuel consumption ratings of 39.2 mpg to 46.9 mpg. If employees drive a vehicle with a rating of 47 mpg or more, they get an additional $167 a month.

There are several explanations for why companies are choosing to offer these incentives on hybrids. Some may think they have partnerships with hybrid makers and such. That may be true in some cases, but overall it seems that these companies just want to do their part in helping the environment. They want to teach responsible behavior to their employees and realize by offering employee incentives, they will likely be able to do so. When one employee buys a hybrid, they will likely rave to their family and friends about their purchase. This will likely fuel a chain reaction of buyers. With more people driving hybrids, the environment will be harmed less and less with pollution. In addition to these incentives, many companies, like Google, offer extensive shuttle schedules their employees can use to cut down on pollution.

Corporations are not only offering cash to employees, they are also offering savings to consumers. The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies offers discounts to those who drive hybrids. The discount is around 5% and can be seen as an extra perk when considering a hybrid. Many California hotels are also offering free parking or reduced rates for hybrid drivers. At the University of Miami, students, professors, and staff driving hybrids save 50% on their permit price, which is around $350 a year.

Corporate and employee incentives for buying hybrids are becoming more and more popular. With large corporations realizing their influence, they are trying to do their part. Although skeptics may feel that there are ulterior motives from company's who offer incentives, the fact is that no matter what the real reason is for the incentives, they are helping the environment. Even if the company gains in more ways than they will admit, everyone is benefiting from these great incentives. So, if you work at a corporation that has hybrid incentives, be sure to take advantage of them. If your company does not provide these incentives, think about making a suggestion that they change their policies.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

In the past few years, Americans have seen massive price increases in gasoline. An average American can literally watch the gasoline price signs being changed by as much as $0.15 a day. It is incredible to think that not too long ago prices were steady around $1.98. The problem with rising gasoline prices is that Americans are completely dependant on gasoline-powered transportation. Our schedules are constructed in ways that we cannot function properly without our cars. This is unfortunate is many ways, but a realistic discovery. In the warmer months, many adults can find ways to save on gasoline costs, such as biking to work or the grocery. However, during the winter months, it is less likely bicyclers will be as visible.

What some may call a "saving grace", the hybrid came onto the market just in time for the rising prices of gasoline. Manufacturers, unsure of how hybrids would be accepted, did not prepare for their popularity however. At this time there are massive waiting lists for the newest hybrid models. Although there are many reasons consumers may be drawn to a hybrid vehicle, it is likely their ability to save consumers money on gasoline is a top reason.

A hybrid vehicle has a combination energy system involving a small gasoline engine and an electric motor. The vehicle uses both to utilize the energy in the most efficient manner possible. Drivers of hybrids cannot tell much of a difference when driving their car, compared to driving a regular gasoline powered vehicle. However, at the pump, consumers are seeing a great difference in price. Initially a hybrid may cost the consumer a bit more, mostly because of the high demand and low availability. Over time however, the initial cost is quickly recovered due to the money saved in gasoline.

Most typical drivers estimate they spend less than $20 a week in gas for their hybrid. This is due to the fact that hybrids get better mpg than conventional gasoline powered cars. Each hybrid model varies with its mpg, however it is estimated that the average mpg for a hybrid vehicle is around 46. It is estimated that if you own a vehicle that gets 21 mpg, you will spend an average of $8,500 a year on gasoline. If you own a hybrid that gets 46 mpg, you will save over $4,600 a year, spending only $3,900 on gasoline. If you buy a hybrid that gets 55 mpg or more, then you will save between $500 and $1000 more a year compared to a 46mpg hybrid.

As stated, the savings are phenomenal when looking at yearly gasoline costs. Even when a hybrid model is compared to a conventional car of the same model, there is a drastic difference in gasoline spending. To get a full picture of how much you can save however, you need to know what type of hybrid you own. There are three different types, which vary slightly in design. A full hybrid relies on its electric motor quite a bit. When a full hybrid is stopped in traffic, the gasoline engine will instantly power off and may remain off, allowing the car to run on electric alone. A mild hybrid is similar, only it does not have the power to move without its gasoline engine assisting the electric motor. Muscle hybrids do not have gasoline engines that are smaller and therefore only enjoy idle-off and regenerative braking advantages. They have slightly improved fuel economy.

If you find yourself getting a panic attack every time you think about getting gas, then you may want to investigate the new hybrids. There is no reason to get a second job just to afford gasoline to your first job. Hybrids are being offered in the newest models. Manufacturers are also offering the same styles consumers have grown to love in hybrid models. Popular styles like the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord are becoming available. There is simply something for everyone. The great thing is that while hybrid owners can enjoy lower fuel prices, they can also feel proud knowing they are not harming the environment as much as conventional drivers. Take a look at the statistics and you will surely want a hybrid of your own!

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Gas prices have skyrocketed over the course of the last few years. Due to these incredibly high prices, many people are purchasing hybrid cars. A vehicle is considered a hybrid when it combines power sources to increase performance capabilities. In the case of most current hybrid automobiles, the cars are powered by both gasoline and an electric motor. There are two types of hybrid cars. One type is a parallel hybrid. In this type of vehicle, both the gasoline portion of the engine and the electric motor are connected to the transmission of the car. This means the car is able to run off of either power source. Another type of hybrid vehicle is the series hybrid. In this type of automobile, the gas powered engine runs a generator. The generator powers the electric motor. The electric motor runs the car. Hybrid cars are quite popular because of fuel efficiency. However, the major drawback to the most fuel efficient hybrid vehicles is the size of the car.

When dealing with vehicles, the smaller the size of the engine, the more efficient the vehicle turns out to be. One reason this is true is that larger engines are heavier than smaller engines. As a result, when the car goes faster, or tries to climb a hill, it must use extra power. A small car would use less power in either of these situations. Additionally, in a smaller engine, the internal workings of the machine are lighter. When they move within the engine, they require less energy than those of a large engine do. Another good reason for a small engine is cylinder displacement. In a large vehicle, cylinder displacement is bigger, so the car has to have more power. Finally, the bigger the engine, the more cylinders it requires. Since cylinders use power whether the car is running or not, a smaller engine with fewer cylinders is far more efficient. Because smaller engines are best to power smaller vehicles, hybrid manufactures have tried to stay with smaller cars.

One of the smallest hybrid vehicles is the Honda Insight. The Insight is a two door vehicle that seats two people. In creating this vehicle, Honda believed that owners of this car would be the type who usually only have one or two people in the car anyway. To make the car incredibly efficient, Honda reduced the size as much as possible. That offers the car more power and more fuel efficiency, which is something most hybrid owners are searching for. In addition to the small seating area, they also offer very limited cargo and luggage space. Again, the thinking here is smaller is better in terms of engine efficiency. It pays off in terms of gas mileage, but many people are unhappy with the overall size of the vehicle, which leads them to purchase cars with regular engines based purely on interior and cargo space.

The Toyota Prius is another fairly small hybrid vehicle. This one, though, offers a bit more space than the Insight. The Prius features four doors and can fit up to five people, though that is often seen as a bit of a tight squeeze. It offers a hatchback type access and slightly more trunk space than the Insight. The Prius has received a number of awards and honors, but in terms of the standard family vehicles of today, it still falls short on interior and exterior room.

Similar in size the Prius is Honda's Civic hybrid. It offers all of the size and cargo space of the traditionally built Civic. They have attempted to add space compartments in every possible area to help people feel that it is a roomier car. Most people, though, still want something larger than the Civic. Most people are looking for something to replace the family sport utility vehicle or minivan.

While hybrid sport utility vehicles and minivans are beginning to make an appearance on the hybrid market, they simply aren't worth the extra hassle and price, as the gas mileage is unacceptably poor for vehicles that cost as much as two to three thousand dollars more than a traditionally built engine. The bottom line with hybrid vehicles is that if you’re looking for something large, you are simply not going to find it with the hybrids on the market today.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Energy is such a valuable part of our everyday lives but sometimes we are not as aware of it as we should be. Hybrid cars are excellent at conserving energy and not polluting the environment further with nauseous gases. It is estimated that a hybrid car can reduce in the area of ninety percent or more of smog pollution, as compared to the cleanest non-hybrid cars on the road today. Since our country has an increasing independence on energy, we are fast becoming high on the concept of hybrids!

Interesting to note is that the very first hybrid vehicle to burst onto the U.S. market came about in 1999 with the production of the Honda Insight. This first hybrid model was powered electrically and could go 70 mpg on the highway and 61 mpg in the city. Following closely on the heels of that model was the debut of the Toyota Prius in 2000. This hybrid car was capable of reaching speeds of 45 mpg on the highway and 52 mpg within city limits. In 2002 the Honda Civic Hybrid took shape, to much success. This vehicle could go 51 mpg on the open highway and 46 mpg in the city. There were more hybrid vehicles to come. The first full-size pickup hybrids made their appearance in 2004. These were the Dodge Ram and the Chevy Silverado. As well 2004 saw the first SUV hybrid hit the streets in the form of the Ford Escape.

Hybrid cars are powered by two sources- gasoline and electric, and contain smaller, more fuel-efficient engines than their non-hybrid counterparts. They are also equipped with a battery for longer life. Energy efficiency is made possible in hybrids due to the use of lighter materials to build the automobiles. The lighter parts are made possible when less numbers of cylinders are used and engines are operated at a load of maximum capacity. When cars are equipped with large engines this makes them automatically heavier while the opposite is true for smaller engines. When a car has a heavy engine it is burdensome and it requires a great deal more energy to drive up hills and also to accelerate to higher speeds. The harder a car has to work, the more energy is used up, much the same way people are when it comes to work and tasks such as shoveling snow or doing housework. More difficult tasks require more energy than lighter tasks.

Non-hybrid cars with large engines also have heavier internal machinery, such as pistons. More time and energy are needed for them to make the trip both up and down in the cylinder, which expends an extra amount of energy. Speaking of cylinders, in a non-hybrid car there are generally more cylinders therefore more fuel is used to fire the engine. This is also the case even if the car is stationary. Another thing about cylinders is that in cars with heavier engines the displacement of the cylinders is greater making it necessary for more fuel to be required by each individual cylinder. This exerts a lot of energy output, which is not a good thing. Perhaps this explains why hybrid cars are becoming more and more attractive to drivers.

To optimize mileage and energy output in a hybrid car you can observe three special driving tips- slow down, keep your car at a constant speed and try to avoid sudden, abrupt stops. Did you know that the aerodynamic drag on a vehicle increases tremendously the faster speeds you drive? It does. Learn to drive at a slower speed and you will increase your mileage, and save on energy a great deal. Accelerating and then slowing down constantly wastes energy needlessly. Try to get into a habit of maintaining a constant, steady speed and you will use your hybrid's fuel much more efficiently. Not stopping or braking suddenly is the last important tip. Sometimes this cannot be avoided but try not to make a habit of it. In a hybrid vehicle the electric motor works much like a generator, energy is lost when the car is in the process of slowing down. More energy can be saved if the car is given more of a recovery time when slowing down and stopping. When you stop suddenly and abruptly the onus is on your brakes to do much of the work and in this way, precious energy is lost.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

More and more people in the market for a new car today are considering the advantages of purchasing a hybrid. The number one reason hybrids are gaining in popularity is due to their smaller, fuel-efficient engines. As prices at the gas pumps continue to soar, many people see the many benefits to driving an "alternative-fuel" vehicle (also known as alt-fuel). According to a recent survey, approximately 88,000 hybrid vehicles were sold in the United States in 2004. This number is projected to more than double to amounts close to 220,000 by the end of 2005. However this is only a small fraction of the amount of new vehicles (more than 15 million) that are sold in the United States on an annual basis. Many people believe that these cars that run on half gas and half electric power are not front and center in the public eye, as they should be.

Who is the typical hybrid consumer and what makes them tick? Let's take a closer look.

Many environmentalists are of the viewpoint that a car that requires less gasoline to run it is a good investment indeed. This idea is catching on with consumers as well. The combination of the two powers, electric and gasoline, give hybrid vehicles the same and/or a greater range of fuel efficiency than do traditionally run gas engines.

What do hybrid consumers demand of their fuel-efficient vehicles?

Not only do they have smaller and more fuel-efficient engines but also hybrids are equipped with other things that allow for the best mileage possible. Smart consumers look for the traits listed below in their hybrid vehicles.

Energy in a hybrid vehicle is allowed storage in the battery. This is how the process works- the faster speed your car is traveling at, the greater level of kinetic energy it contains. When you step on the brake, energy is displaced. Hybrid vehicles are equipped with the unique ability to store up energy in the battery to use at a later period of time. This is defined as "regenerative braking." In other words, the electric motor in the vehicle works in combination with the brakes to slow and eventually stop the car. The electric motor plays the role of a generator and aids in charging the car's battery as it is in the act of slowing down.

Hybrid cars are constructed with an alternate power source, by way of batteries in the vehicle and the electric motor. When stopped at an intersection the hybrid vehicle has the option of turning off the gas engine to conserve energy.

Drag is reduced by the use of advanced aerodynamics with regard to hybrid cars. Aerodynamic drag is the force that is used to move your car through the air and /or down the highway. This drag force is not a good thing and can be reduced in a number of ways in hybrid cars. One way it is done is by constructing smaller front ends of vehicles. To give an example, SUV's have much larger front ends and need a much larger area to push through the surrounding air than do smaller, more compact sports cars. Drag can also be reduced by placing covers over wheel housings. This has a tremendous effect on airflow.

Consumers who purchase hybrids are concerned about the environment. Pollutants in the air are one of their primary pet peeves. Hybrid cars are helpful in reducing both air pollution and global-warming pollution. It has been proven that the excellent design of the hybrid makes it possible for smog pollution to be reduced by ninety percent or more, in comparison to the cleanest non-hybrid car on the market today. To give an example of this, the Toyota Prius when compared to the national average, achieves a success rate of ninety percent in smog reduction. Not only helpful in reducing air pollution, but hybrid vehicles are beneficial in cutting down on global-warming pollutants in the air due to the reduced amount of fuel that is required to keep them on the roads. The first hybrid cars manufactured were successful in reducing harmful global-warming pollutants in the air by approximately a third to a half. The forecast for the future is that more advanced hybrid models will be able to cut emissions even more.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

With gasoline prices continuing to skyrocket at gas pumps across the United States, motorists and car manufacturers alike have been searching for a new alternative to gasoline powered cars. However, just what the best alternative really is seems to be a debate that has been brewing amongst those who are most knowledgeable on the topic. With hybrid cars seeming to gain more and more popularity over the past year, some car manufacturers are wondering if electric cars are really the way to go.

An alternative to both hybrid cars and typical gasoline powered cars comes in the form of diesel powered cars. Much cheaper than gasoline, diesel has long provided an alternative fuel for motorists around the world. However, diesel powered cars have not been as successful within the United States. This has baffled many car manufacturers for a long time, given that diesel cars have been prevalent in other parts of the world including Europe for the last seven decades. Many consumers assume that diesel is comparable to gasoline, given that on the surface it seems the same - after all, you can pump both diesel and gasoline at your local gas station. However, diesel powers cars in a somewhat different way than gasoline.

While gasoline uses spark plugs to ignite the gasoline and produce fuel for the vehicle, diesel powered cars use compressed air. Diesel powered driving has long been associated with the big rigs. Eighteen wheelers and other large trucks are fueled by diesel for one main reason - the excellent gas mileage. Diesel cars are also excellent on gas mileage, something that is seemingly lacking from standard gasoline powered cars in the United States. Diesel cars typically get between forty and fifty miles per gallon, anywhere from twenty to forty percent better than the average gasoline powered car.

With regular gasoline prices rising, you have probably noticed that lower diesel price at the gas station while you are filling up your tank. Diesel prices do rise when regular gasoline prices rise, but diesel prices are always lower than gasoline prices. This is perhaps one of the most appealing characteristics of diesel for consumers that are tired of paying upwards of three dollars per gallon of gasoline to fill up their car's gas tank. However, diesel also has its downfalls. Environmental studies have shown that diesel fuels omit considerably harmful fumes into the atmosphere. Given recent environmental concerns, this gives gasoline one up on diesel fueled engines. However, car consumers will find that these are not the only options.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Hybrid cars are very popular for a number of reasons. They get excellent gas mileage, which can save huge amounts of money. They are environmentally friendly, which can save the planet, eventually. Moreover, they are a lot of fun and quite popular to drive. The car company Honda was one of the first auto manufacturers to make a hybrid vehicle.

The Honda Insight was introduced in 2000 as a miracle car. It is still a fairly popular model of hybrid vehicle. The Insight is a two door vehicle that seats two people. In creating this vehicle, Honda believed that owners of this car would be the type who usually only have one or two people in the car anyway. To make the car incredibly efficient, Honda reduced the size as much as possible. That offers the car more power and more fuel efficiency, which is something most hybrid owners are searching for. In addition to the small seating area, they also offer very limited cargo and luggage space. Again, the thinking here is smaller is better in terms of engine efficiency. It pays off in terms of gas mileage, but many people are unhappy with the overall size of the vehicle, which leads them to purchase cars with regular engines based purely on interior and cargo space.

Another Honda hybrid option is the Civic hybrid. This vehicle, like all of Honda's hybrid autos, manages to combine the juice from an electric motor with the power from a traditional type engine whether it is a gasoline or diesel engine. The vehicle contains batteries that give power to the motor. These are recharged during while the car is running by using the motor as a generator. This is better than most battery or electrically powered vehicles in that you don't have to plug a hybrid vehicle into an external outlet for any type of recharge time because the batteries continually recharge themselves just by running the car. The hybrid Civic is a four door vehicle, and it is comparable to most of the other traditionally powered Civics Honda has offered.

For many of the vehicles sold in the western United States, the Civic offers a zero emissions vehicle status, which is a real plus when you live in an environment that requires low emissions. The car itself offers a very sleek and sporty look. The interior is very functional, but looks a bit plain. There is a center storage console that also functions as an armrest. The Civic hybrid has rear headrests, and front bucket seats, with the driver's seat being height adjustable, a nice feature for people of varying sizes. Unlike the traditional Civic, the rear seat does not fold in the hybrid because of the necessary space for the hybrid's battery pack.

The hybrid does well in terms of collision tests, and most people consider it to be one of the safer vehicles on the road today. This car offers an electric based power steering system, and the wheels are a light alloy to reduce the weight of the vehicle. The Civic gets over forty miles to a gallon of gasoline, and features Honda's Integrated Motor Assist engine system. This combines a gas engine with a DC motor-generator unit. As a result, it is never used as a wholly electric vehicle. The Civic hybrid is great for city driving, as it has excellent low speed acceleration, and it is also good for highway driving as well.

One final Honda Hybrid option is the Honda Accord hybrid. This vehicle, like Honda's other hybrid offerings makes use of its Integrated Motor Assist engine system. It is also the first V-6 hybrid vehicle in the world. The Accord hybrid gets thirty seven miles to a gallon of gasoline on the highway and twenty-nine miles to a gallon in the city. It offers two hundred and sixty horsepower and offers several weight saving features like aluminum hood and bumper beams as well as a magnesium engine head cover to give the car more bang for the hybrid buck.

Honda has a number of hybrid offerings that all offer the benefits of a hybrid vehicle. Honda's unique technology, like the Integrated Motor Assist engine system, makes it a leader in the production of hybrid vehicle technology.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

A close look at the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) ratings will make most people wonder why we have all not been forced to purchase hybrid cars. The mileage performance of the Honda Insight, which gets into the high sixties at times, should be enough incentive to get one to purchase it, without even looking at the EPA ratings. The truth is that the more gas one uses, the more emissions and air pollution you put into the air. The way to counteract the hazardous effects of gas guzzling vehicles is of course, the combination of electric and gas power. The performance of hybrids in the environmental department is not just cutting pollution by a few percentages. Some hybrids, like the Toyota Prius, are cutting numbers by a staggering 90%. It seems that the combination of electric with gas power, has not been totally perfected, but it is taking emissions standards to an unthought-of level.

Hybrids are showing what regular gas cars really are because they so vastly bypass them in emissions ratings. One-third of the world’s pollution is directly caused by cars. The burning of fuel in regular cars actually puts tons of toxic chemicals into the air. The worst of these chemicals is carbon dioxide. This is the gas which is being linked to possible global warming. Driving a Toyota Prius cuts the tons of carbon dioxide being released into the air by half. Another chemical which some studies show contributes to global warming is nitrogen oxide. This has also been known to cause lung irritation and acid rain. Driving a hybrid has been known to cut emissions of nitrogen oxide by more than half. Hydrocarbons affect the human body to catastrophic results. Birth defects and cancer have been linked to the release of hydrocarbons into the air. Honda's hybrids have cut emissions of hydrocarbons by more than two-thirds.

There is also lead, particulate matter and carbon monoxide being released into the air every time we drive in our car. Sitting in traffic during rush-hour or at the drive-through lets one sit in a stew of toxic chemicals. All of these chemicals, gases and particles are being cut in half, or by triple, with the purchase of a hybrid car. Because more and more people are becoming interested in what the EPA has to say about global warming, harmful effects on the human body, and general pollution by regular cars, makers are coming out with better and better hybrid cars. Each year, makers like Toyota, Honda, Ford and soon GM, Saturn and Mazda, are improving the gas mileage performance of the hybrid models which directly affect how much emissions will get into the air and produce fatal results.

The EPA and other environmentally minded groups are supporting the production of hybrids simply by getting the results of their studies to consumers. Special ratings are being given to hybrid vehicles. For example, a ULEV rating indicates ultra-low-emissions-vehicle and SLEV is a super-low-emissions-vehicle. All of the hybrids are receiving these ultra or super-low emissions ratings from the EPA, while their non-hybrid counterparts are still receiving below average ratings for air pollution emissions.

The EPA breaks down the scoring for vehicles and gives them a separate rating for air pollution, and one for greenhouse gases. Even though emissions standards released in the 1970s made it mandatory for vehicles to maintain certain standards, which helped reduce some of the pollution and greenhouse gases, makers are usually not able to even get above average ratings in both categories for most models. Hybrids hold the key to excellent ratings. Terrain, weather and speed all affect the data which goes into calculating the ratings for hybrids, and all other cars, but all considered; hybrids are still surpassing the EPA's expectations. They are all scoring above average, even perfect scores in some cases, because they are able to use electric power. The hybrid is still using plenty of gas. It just combines this with electric power when it can. This keeps the hybrid from having to use as much gas. This reduced use of gas is what is making the hybrid the bright star of the EPA standards and is pleasing fuel conscience people around the world.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Many people consider hybrid vehicles the future of the automotive industry. With an increase of severe hurricanes and global warming creating major environmental concerns, a growing need for environmentally safe vehicles has arisen and hybrid vehicles have become more and more popular. Since companies such as Ford, Toyota and Honda have worked so hard to develop effective hybrid models, hybrid cars have become a glimpse of the future available today. Research has been conducted over the past few years and the first hybrid car models were released in 2005. Since car companies knew that rising gas prices would cause concern for Americans, they foresaw the need for an alternative to gasoline powered vehicles. The hybrid presents an alternative that is not only cheaper at the gas pump, but also more environmentally friendly than gasoline fueled cars.

Certain places in the United States that have been plagued by heavy pollution, like the state of California; have seen a growing trend in the purchase of hybrid vehicles over regular vehicles. In fact, millions of Americans are currently living in areas that have poor air quality. Hybrids could provide the beginning of a solution to this problem. Without a doubt hybrid vehicles will provide somewhat of a reprieve from dire air quality. However, the environmental pluses of hybrid vehicles do not stop there. After the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina at the end of the summer of 2005, many people were left wondering what caused such a horrible hurricane season. Many scientists and environmentalists have blamed the increase in major hurricanes in the negative affects global warming has had on the environment. The excessive use of fossil fuels, including gasoline, in our society has caused an extremely detrimental affect on our atmosphere. Hybrid vehicles that use less gasoline and therefore omit less detrimental fumes into the atmosphere are perhaps the first step to a cleaner, healthier society and more breathable air.

Many engineers and car manufacturers believe that hybrid vehicles will eventually begin to gain significant ground in sales. In fact, Honda predicts that the sale of their new 2006 model hybrid cars will be over double what their sales figures were on the 2005 hybrid models. Although the vehicles keep becoming more and more popular amongst American consumers, some insiders believe that it will be short time until the hybrid vehicle becomes the standard. It is thought that eventually automobiles will be powered solely by hydrogen, using no gasoline at all and only omitting steam into the atmosphere. Although we are not there yet, today's hybrid vehicles do provide a safer alternative so we will be able to provide a future where the atmosphere is still healthy and clean. And there is no doubt that research for safer and healthier vehicles will continue until, perhaps, gasoline power becomes extinct.

Hybrid vehicles are defined by being able to run by combining sources of power to fuel the vehicle. Although there are a number of possible power sources to combine to create a hybrid, today's hybrid vehicles combine gasoline with electric power to run. By not relying solely on gasoline as fuel power to power the vehicle, hybrid vehicles use less gasoline and omit fewer fumes into the already damaged atmosphere. With gasoline fumes are attributing to global warming and that becoming more and more of concern, hybrid vehicles are growing in popularity. Hybrid cars use gasoline combined with an electric motor powered by batteries to fuel the vehicle. When the vehicle is being used in typical day-to-day driving scenarios where there is a lot of stop-and-go traffic, hybrid vehicles rely heavily upon their battery power. When use of the gasoline engine takes place, or when the car slows down or brakes, the electric battery pack is able to recharge itself, readying itself for more use powered by the electric engine rather than the gasoline engine. Hybrid cars can get up to seventy five percent better gas mileage than regular gas powered cars, which, although the positive affect on the atmosphere is paramount, is typically the selling point for many consumers. With gas prices at an all time high it can only be expected that more and more people will be turning to hybrid vehicles.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Hybrid vehicles are hitting the scene in a positive way. They are becoming the choice vehicle for many consumers. Hybrids are trendy in both style and reputation. With more consumers being focused on the ongoing problem of air pollution, it is not a surprise they are drawn to hybrid vehicle models. Hybrids are easy on the environment as well as your pocketbook. The fact that they are designed to be kind to the environment is getting the attention of many consumers, businesses, and governments.

The efficient system under the hood of a hybrid contributes to its environmentally friendly label. Hybrids operate using both a small gasoline engine and an electric engine. The two work independently and together to create one of the most efficient methods of transportation. The smaller gasoline engine uses much less gasoline to operate the hybrid than a conventional gasoline powered vehicles uses. Therefore, owners of hybrids can enjoy lower fees at the gas pump. In addition, since the hybrids use less gas, they emit fewer pollutants. In fact, experts agree that a typical hybrid will emit up to 90% fewer pollutants than a typical conventional vehicle. These statistics are amazing and are the cause of many new developments and incentives being offered to consumers. With so many incentives being offered, the hybrid cannot be refused.

Businesses are beginning to offer incentives to those employees who are planning to buy, or already own hybrids. Some businesses, such as Google, are offering $5000 for each employee toward the purchase of a new hybrid. Hyperion, the software company based in Santa Clara, California is also offering this cash incentive. Most corporations set aside millions in the yearly budget in order to compensate for these incentives. When asked, the corporations state they are giving their employees this opportunity in order to give back to the community. They feel that their locations have given to them through sales and in return they should give back to their community by providing cleaner air. Companies like Google even go so far to offer extensive group transportation schedules as well to further the positive effects on the community's air.

The fact that hybrids are environmentally friendly is also getting the attention of local governments across the United States. Local governments are beginning to offer free parking to hybrid drivers. Many cities like Los Angeles are allowing hybrid owners to park for free at city lots and parking meters. This incentive is showing consumers that the local government is supporting smart and environmentally wise shopping. With everyone in a community focused on being environmentally responsible, there is a common goal that leads to a better overall community.

In addition to the employers and government incentives, a few insurance companies are also offering incentives to hybrid drivers, in order to reward them for their smart choice. Although it would seem that the insurance companies were offering these discounts because statistics have shown hybrid drivers are less likely to file claims, it is not the case. At this time there is not enough evidence, according to experts, to be able to determine the risks hybrid drivers may or may not pose for an insurance company. The companies offering incentives are simply doing so to promote smart environmental decisions by consumers.

Consumers hear on the news and weather channel daily about the risks of global warming and air pollution. When you live in a large city, there are even days when smog alerts are as serious as a tornado. It is not fiction that air pollution damages humans and the Earth. Therefore, it is our responsibility to make wise choices when it comes to pollutants. Anything consumers can possibly do to cut down on their own personal pollution levels is a great thing. With our schedules being busier than ever, it is not likely everyone can forgo their vehicle for the greater good of the planet. However, hybrids are now offering a nice middle ground that allows everyone to profit. Consumers, corporations, and local governments are realizing the benefits. With long waiting lists in place for the newest hybrid arrivals, it is likely the hybrid will be the vehicle of the future!

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

That is the question!

People have a mass of preconceptions about hybrid cars. Some of these stem from the first few years of hybrids on the market, where battery problems clouded consumers' joy about these fuel efficient cars finally being attainable. With Lexus, Toyota, Mercury, Honda, Ford and other makers coming out with better and better hybrids each year, some of the kinks about these mileage masters are finally being worked out. The more hybrids people purchase, the more that people trust that hybrids will work for them too. So, the question is whether manufacturers are offering adequate warranties for these vehicles. Are makers compensating for consumers' fears by placing excellent warranties on their hybrids, or are they just placating us with enough to make us not think about junking it after eight years or 80,000 miles? A good starting place to start when considering the extended warranty is that most hybrids offer a general warranty on the first 36,000 to 40,000 miles, then 80,000 miles on the battery, to lure in battery weary buyers. A further investigation into these futuristic vehicles should show that, much like an extended warranty for your regular car, this can be a gamble.

The real key is considering what items are covered on the warranty. The major concern about hybrids is whether the battery is going to need replacement, even with loving attentiveness paid to how you drive yours. New batteries for hybrid vehicles have been known to be as high as $5,000. A clever way out of this however, is that you can often replace the modules of which the hybrid battery is composed of for less than $150. Knowing that the warranty for your hybrid completely covers the battery under the manufacturer's warranty for 80,000 miles may be satisfactory enough. Others, who drive a lot, see themselves reaching 80,000 in just four years or less.

Dealerships are often making a bundle on extended warranties. Sometimes they run as high as $1,400. Considering that there is usually a deductible on extended warranties, you may find that many repairs that you would want the warranty to cover would be under a $300 deductible anyway. Many people decide to buy the extended warranty because they want to ward away extra bills down the road. Unfortunately, the deductibles often make that dream unattainable, after all. If you don't plan to keep the car long past the built-in warranty, then the extended warranty is probably not the right way to go. However, if not having your hybrid a long time includes selling it; an extended warranty can be a great selling point. If the extended warranty option being offered by your dealership remains confusing to you, then consider giving yourself some time to think it over. After all, many people do not even purchase the extended warranty on their vehicles until the manufacturer's is getting ready to expire. If you drive a lot, then that will still give you about four years to think about it.

The way that hybrids are improving second by second is daunting to their owners. An extended warranty can give some peace of mind if you are worried that your old hybrid model will be obsolete in four to eight years when your warranty expires. Although, you may never use it, it may save the day when a transmission or battery gives out at the most inopportune time. Many people keep a credit card with a high limit for these situations. This way, the money goes straight to the repair, rather than being built into the price of your car and never knowing for sure whether or not you will use it.

If an extended warranty makes you feel better about the fact that you already feel as if you have taken a risk by buying a hybrid, then this is probably the best option. The most important thing about buying an extended warranty is to try and haggle with the dealership. Buy a warranty which pays up-front so you don't feel like you don't even have one at all. Try to get one with a low deductible for the same reason, so even small repairs are covered automatically. Where prices have already been cut lean on the general price of a hybrid, an extended warranty can spare to be cut down.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Buying a hybrid is becoming quite an investment. The hybrid, which operates on both a gasoline engine and an electric engine, is offering much more than a decrease in gasoline cost. It also offers consumers the ability to directly help the environment. Hybrids are known to emit very few pollutants, especially when compared to conventional vehicles. It is stated that hybrids are up to 90% cleaner to the air than normal cars. This something the government is willing to reward hybrid drivers for.

Tax incentives for hybrid owners are one of the newest things offered. Hybrid owners are ecstatic about the new bill passed that gives them as much as $3,400 back. President Bush passed the bill as a new Energy Bill. The bill focuses on the environment but also on the fact that hybrids save on oil use. This directly affects the country's dependency on foreign oil. When a consumer purchases a hybrid, they are directly helping break the control many radical Islamists have over the United States through oil. These are the same individuals who hate the United States. Therefore, it is only logical the United States would want to reward hybrid owners for their smart purchases.

Many consumers find this new bill difficult to understand. The average consumer may joke that it takes an accounting degree to figure it all out. The formula used for the tax incentive involves the fuel efficiency numbers for 2002 vehicles. It works a little like this: If your car is between 25 and 50 percent more efficient than the average 2002 vehicle model, then the buyer will receive a $400 credit. The credit can grow as high as $2,400 if the new car is even more efficient.

The trick of the bill is that is also offers a combination of a conservation credit. This involves knowing a formula that tries to project how much fuel the car will save over its lifetime. The combination of the first half of the calculation and the second half of the calculation gives the tax benefit total. There are a few restrictions however that some consumers may not be aware of. One of the restrictions includes a credit cap for each automaker until 2010, which is set at 60,000 at this time. Other restrictions as described also restrict inclusion of certain hybrid models, especially those that are SUV hybrids or those purchased after 2005. All in all however, hybrid owners in general will profit from this tax benefit.

The bill may seem a bit confusing and limited at this time, but hybrid owners will likely benefit greatly from this tax incentive. Just leave it to your accountant to figure out the details and sit back to claim the reward. After all, not everyone understands every aspect of their personal taxes each year, but they still pay and collect on them. By giving hybrid owners this great incentive, the United States is not only rewarding current hybrid owners, but they are encouraging consumers that do not own hybrids to go out and purchase one.

The government is showing that hybrids not only help the consumer individually but they also help the country as a whole. If every car driven on the roads of the United States was a hybrid car, then the United States could potentially cut their oil needs down by 15%. This is an enormous number considering that the United States currently imports more than 11 million barrels of oil a day. Overall, the United States would be less dependent on oil for normal day-to-day activities and the cost of oil would be affected. If you want to lower your personal gasoline costs then you should consider a hybrid. If you are interested in ways to help preserve the clean air of the environment, then you should consider a hybrid. If you are interested in the disadvantages of the dependency the United States has on foreign oil, then you should consider a hybrid. And most of all, if you are one that loves great government incentives, like the new Energy Bill that gives hybrid owners tax incentives, then you should certainly consider buying a hybrid.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

The concept behind the creation of hybrid vehicles is to get as much fuel efficiency out of a car made of lighter materials with a smaller engine as possible. No one wants a gas guzzler of a car eating up all of his or her hard earned cash and that's where the hybrid comes in. The hybrid vehicle answers the call for helping save dollars at the gas pumps.

It is estimated that depending on their model, hybrid cars can give drivers anywhere from 20, to 30 and in some cases even 60 miles per gallon more than the standard non-hybrid vehicle. Hybrid vehicles have as good a performance, if not better than traditional vehicles and the ride is smooth. Gas guzzler it is not. Many drivers are uttering the words, "Hello hybrid!" more and more these days.

Automakers chose to build a car that was considered very complex to both improve gas mileage and also to reduce emissions from the tailpipe. In the United States carmakers are mandated by law to meet what is known as "Corporate Average Fuel Economy" standards (or abbreviated to CAFE). The current standard dictates that all new vehicles sold to consumers must have an average mileage of 27.5mpg (or if you go by the metric system, 8.55 liters per 100 km). To put it another way, this means that if a car company is able to sell one hybrid car with an average mileage of 60 mpg (better than the average standard) or 3.92 liters per 100 km, then this is good news for them because they can then turn around and sell four, large and expensively priced luxury cars that get a great deal less out of the mileage (20 mpg or 11.76 liters per 100 km).

Let's take a closer look at how a hybrid most definitely does not fall into the category of being a gas guzzler. In order to get the best mileage possible, there are many tricks of the trade that automakers rely on. Three that we will focus on include the reduced weight of the hybrid, the small, efficient engine, and the advanced aerodynamics.

In the making of most hybrid cars, a lightweight aluminum body as well as structure is used to cut down tremendously on the weight of the car. Together the lightweight body and smaller, lighter engine allow for the excellent performance that is expected of all cars, hybrids or not. For example, the Honda Insight doesn't even begin to tip the car scales at less that 1,900 pounds (or 862 kg). This is only a fraction of what traditional gas guzzler types of cars weigh. Other materials often used to make hybrids include composite materials such as carbon fiber and other lightweight metals such as magnesium.

A small, efficient engine goes a long way in saving on mileage in hybrids. Big engines expend more energy when they accelerate and in particular when they accelerate up hills or inclines. As well big engines are equipped with more cylinders and require more work from the cylinders to allow them to do their job properly. All these things contribute to the need to buy fuel for your car more often. The hybrid vehicle's smaller, more fuel-efficient engine doesn't have this problem. To use the Honda Insight as an example once again, its engine weighs a mere 124 pounds (or 56 kg) and contains a very small 1.0 liter three-cylinder that makes it possible for the car to produce approximately 67 horsepower at 5,700 rpm. Plus the VTEC system and lean burn technology are incorporated into the car to make fuel efficiency even more of a reality in this hybrid.

The hybrid car is not a gas guzzler for a third reason- it uses advanced aerodynamics to help reduce drag. When you are driving along a busy freeway the majority of the work that your engine needs to do involves the force needed to push the vehicle down the highway (or through the air). This force is given the name "aerodynamic drag." This aerodynamic drag can be reduced in two different ways- first by constructing smaller frontal areas on hybrid cars and secondly, by limiting and/or reducing disturbances around items that protrude from the car. For example, airflow is smoothed tremendously by placing covers over the wheel housings and drag is also reduced. On some hybrids tiny cameras are placed where mirrors are generally positioned on conventional cars.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Honda has become one of the top car manufacturers when it comes to the latest craze in the automotive world - hybrid vehicles. Honda has followed in the footsteps of car manufacturing companies like Toyota and Ford who have created a number of their car models in hybrid form. But what is the difference between hybrid cars and the gasoline powered cars we have become accustomed to in the past? Hybrid vehicles run by combining sources of power to fuel the vehicle. Today's hybrid vehicles combine gasoline with electric power to run. By not relying solely on gasoline as fuel power to power the vehicle, hybrid vehicles use less gasoline and omit fewer fumes into the already damaged atmosphere.

With global warming becoming more and more of a concern, hybrid vehicles are growing in popularity. Hybrid cars use gasoline combined with an electric motor powered by batteries to fuel the vehicle. When the vehicle is being used in typical day-to-day driving scenarios where there is a lot of stop-and-go traffic, hybrid vehicles rely heavily upon their battery power. When use of the gasoline engine takes place, or when the car slows down or brakes, the electric battery pack is able to recharge itself, readying itself for more use powered by the electric engine rather than the gasoline engine.

In recent years Honda has put models of some of their most popular vehicles on the market as hybrids. The Honda Acura, Honda Insight and Honda Civic, some of the company's top selling vehicles can now be bought as standard gasoline-powered cars or as hybrid vehicles. Honda began its sale of hybrid vehicles in 2005, the same year as many other car manufacturers. However, now Honda is predicting at least double the sales of their new 2006 hybrid models. That may seem like lofty prediction to make but for many Americans; the rising prices at the gas tank make hybrid vehicles the perfect idea.

Honda's hybrid vehicles will surely save money at the gas pump, getting approximately thirty miles per gallon for city driving and thirty seven per gallon on the highway. The typical Honda vehicle powered solely by gasoline gets approximately twenty one miles per gallon for city driving and thirty one miles per gallon on the highway. That is a considerable difference for people who find themselves filling their gas tanks three of four times a week at prices nearing three dollars per gallon. The price for Honda hybrids does raise some. When comparing the standard Honda Acura to its hybrid counterpart the hybrid cost approximately $4,000 more. However, for many people who purchase hybrid vehicles, the initial price seems to even out when considering the money saved at the gas pump and the environmental safety the hybrid vehicles bring.

That's right; gas prices are not the only reason that makes hybrid vehicles a smarter choice. With a growing need for environmentally safe vehicles, Honda's hybrid vehicles have become more and more popular. Places in the United States that have been plagued by heavy pollution, like the state of California; have seen a growing trend in the purchase of hybrid vehicles over regular vehicles. In fact, millions of Americans are currently living in areas that have poor air quality.

Hybrids could provide the beginning of a solution to this problem. Without a doubt hybrid vehicles will provide somewhat of a reprieve from dire air quality. Since companies such as Honda have worked so hard to develop effective hybrid models, hybrid cars have become a glimpse of the future available today. Many engineers and car manufacturers believe that hybrid vehicles will eventually begin to gain significant ground in sales.

Although the vehicles keep becoming more and more popular amongst American consumers, it is believed that it will be short time until the hybrid vehicle becomes the standard. In fact, companies like Honda that have been conducting research on hybrid vehicles for years have known that this technology would be coming. Honda's hard work over the past few years has undoubtedly paid of, putting them at the top when it comes to hybrid competition. And without a doubt the research will continue to provide society with an even more practical way of getting around.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

When hybrid cars first became a household name, they were also identified as too expensive and outlandish to even be plausible to purchase. Even for the most futuristic minded and environmentally friendly types, most agreed that they would wait until they hybrid cars were mainstreamed. Some people were worried about the kinks that engineers were still trying to work out. No one wanted to be the guinea pig. Others felt that the money they would save in gas would not help them with the up-front costs, warranty questions, and possible battery issues, which were much more risky than in the average car. Luckily, some brave, financially secure people were willing to start the market rolling. Several years later, the demand is high enough to even produce some healthy price wars among makers.

Despite the stereotype that hybrids are a luxury vehicle, prices have gone down considerably. The 2005 Toyota Prius, for example has a base price of $21,275, which includes the eerie halogen headlights, High Solar Energy-Absorbing glass, and integrated fog lamps. These standard options are not the norm for most typical, non-hybrid, 4-door vehicles, so it already sounds like Toyota is creating an irresistible package for their hybrid. Honda's Civic hybrid is also competitively starting at $21,850 for this energy efficient version of their famous sedan. Their standard package includes MP3 capabilities built-in, cruise control, and speed-sensitive volume control, not to mention their patented iVTEC engine technology. Honda has also created the insight, which also starts in the $21,000 range. Ford has also begun its hybrid campaign, which will hopefully combat the general idea that they are the king of American gas-guzzling vehicles.

In fact, only Lexus bypasses Toyota and Honda in price range. The Lexus hybrid is going to start you in the $49,500 department, but even that sounds good if you consider that their GS starts for just a couple thousand less than that. This is nothing shocking, though. Lexus has always been the luxury maker, and everyone knows that you are going to spend at least double for a sedan or SUV when you buy from them. Since other makers in their range have not started pushing their own hybrids yet, Lexus can only compete with itself.

Some people are saying that all these car makers should start focusing on the latest project of making SUV hybrids. The logic is that it is already easy enough to make a fuel efficient car that is not a hybrid. People really want to have the room and versatility of an SUV, but they do not want to contribute to the rising gas concerns. Already, GM, Mercury, Lexus, Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Saturn, Chevrolet and Honda have started hybrid campaigns, under the realization that SUVs are the real gas guzzlers, and more environmentally unsound, compared to sedans and mid-size vehicles. Toyota, who has already boasted the best numbers for sales of hybrids in general, is starting their mid-size SUV, the Highlander at $33,000. The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariners, which are both compact SUVs, start at around $29,000. Of course, the mid-size Lexus RX400 is going to run you at least $48,000, but again, they usually do. Generally, a hybrid mid-size or compact SUV will cost at least $9,000 more than its non-hybrid counterpart.

The real wars are starting deep within the advances being made daily in hybrid technology. Honda and Toyota are constantly coming up with improved batteries which are smaller. The computer technology which helps the vehicles switch from electric to gas is being made smarter and more reliable. Honda's revamped Civic has speculators saying that it will give Toyota a challenge, while Toyota is cutting down the prices for their Prius as much as possible to inspire consumers to purchase one. The new price wars are being fueled by foreign fuel and environmental concerns, which are making consumers more and more ready to trade in their car for a hybrid. Makers see this as an opportunity to inspire buyers to make the switch sooner, by lowering the prices for their hybrid models representing people's favorite regular models. With all these factors, hybrids are becoming more accessible to the average person who wants to get the fuel-conscience movement racing.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Those driving hybrids usually have very few complaints when it comes to their vehicle. Most hybrid owners will proudly inform anyone of the massive amounts they save in gasoline each year as well as the great impact their hybrid has on the environment. They love that their car feels like a regular car, but is less expensive at the pump and less harmful to the air. One complaint however that you may hear from time to time is that hybrid owners are experiencing insurance prices that are either the same as they are for a regular car, or prices that are slightly higher than for a regular car of the same model.

Just recently a few insurance companies have decided to give hybrid owners a discount on their premiums. This is likely a marketing plan to get more drivers to switch to these companies, but nevertheless they are saving consumer's money in the long run. The first company to offer a discount for hybrid owners is Farmer's Insurance. The media made a huge issue out of this new discount, which comes in at 5% off of the regular premium price. The discount applies to all fuel alternative vehicles, including hybrids.

Farmer's Insurance states that they are only trying to reward those drivers who are being environmentally responsible. It is not a surprise that this Los Angeles based insurance company is following the West Coast trend on hybrid incentives. The town of Los Angeles offers free parking at meters for all hybrid owners. A clean air law may come into effect in the state of California as they attempt to pass several new vehicle laws. With Farmer's insurance being in the middle of these issues, it is only acceptable that they offer an insurance incentive as well. With over 25,000 hybrids registered in California, there is no doubt the community will start taking advantage of these insurance incentives.

Although Farmer's Insurance is one of the only companies offering a hybrid incentive at this time, it is certain that more will follow. When insurance CEOs were questioned they all agreed on why more companies were waiting to offer incentives. Most insurance companies only insure a handful of hybrids at this time, making it difficult for them to predict how they hybrids will fair in the claims department over time. The companies feel it is a bit soon to start giving any opinions about the car, and way too soon to begin offering incentives without proper statistics available.

Another thing insurance companies must look at as well is that the consumers who are buying hybrids are probably a "safer" group as a whole. Considering it is known that most buyers are interested in saving money on gasoline, insurance companies wonder if they can assume that these drivers are just more concerned in general. With a more concerned driver, they can expect that no matter what they drive, there will be fewer claims filed on their policies.

Most insurance companies admit that over time, if there are trends shown with fewer hybrids filing claims, then prices will likely go down. In turn, if there are more claims involving hybrids, the premiums will rise. At this time however, there is just not enough information to make any type of adjustments for hybrids however. Manufacturers feel that hybrids will continue to gain momentum in the market however and expect sales to double. Therefore, there will be more hybrids being insured. With time, insurance statistics will accurately be able to show whether or not it insurance discounts can logically be applied.

Certainly however, drivers who live in the Los Angeles area will be taking advantage of the hybrid incentives offered by Farmer's Insurance. The insurance incentive offered will likely be seen as an extra perk or reward for driving a vehicle that does not damage the environment in the same way a regular vehicle does. It will not likely be the deciding factor for those in the market for purchasing a new car however. It will just sweeten the deal for someone already shopping for a hybrid. However, it seems that with parking incentives, employer's incentives, tax incentives, and now insurance incentives, there must be a point of persuasion. If someone logically looks at all of the perks and rewards of owning a hybrid, then they will likely choose to purchase one.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

With gas prices soaring each and every week, more and more people are considering the advantages of buying a hybrid. But what is a hybrid exactly? Before we define a hybrid let's make it known that hybrid vehicles are more common than most individuals realize. Many commuter trains are electric hybrids and plenty of cities throughout the United States, such as Seattle for example, have buses that are diesel-electric powered. Diesel-electric hybrids can be found in mining trucks and even advanced forms of water transportation, such as submarines. Some submarines are nuclear-electric while others are diesel-electric powered. Many automobiles on the market today are gasoline-electric hybrids.

A hybrid is defined as any vehicle that is run by not one, but two kinds of power. As in the examples given above, a combination of gasoline and electricity forms a hybrid. Another example that many people have experienced is that of a motorized pedal bike. This enjoyable form of transport has two sources of power, even though they are very elementary in design, an engine and the pedaling motion.

Should you buy a hybrid? There are certainly many reasons to consider it as a viable option. Let's turn our attention to hybrid cars.

Hybrid cars are considered to be energy efficient, affordable and a creative, innovative concept worth buying into! These kinds of cars have small gasoline engines that are very efficient in terms of fuel distribution and work in concert with an electric motor. Together the two aid in the acceleration of the vehicle. Batteries allow the electric motor to work because they automatically recharge when the vehicle is in motion. Hybrid efficiency is attained by periodic engine shut off, regenerative braking, advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials and low-rolling resistance tires. Let's take a closer look at what each of these features are all about.

Periodic engine shut off is a simple concept for a hybrid car. Basically what it means is that when the car is stopped at an intersection the engine goes into temporary shutdown mode but quickly kicks back into working order once the gas pedal is applied. Regenerative braking has to do with the electric motor and the ability of the hybrid to slow the action of the car. With this type of braking, the electric motor works as a generator and in this way when the car is slowing down, the batteries are charged up. Advanced aerodynamics takes place in order to cut down on drag. Materials that are lightweight allow for the greater energy efficiency of a hybrid. This important point cannot be stressed enough. Low-rolling resistance tires (also referred to as LLR) are special tires in that they are stiffer and much narrower tires than most and have a great deal less drag to them.

But are there still other reasons to buy a hybrid? Most certainly there are. Read on to find other ways to invest in your future by buying a hybrid.

Hybrid cars are better for the environment as they emit up to approximately ninety-seven percent less emissions and have about the same amount of carbon dioxide as non-hybrid cars. Mileage is definitely better with hybrid cars and is somewhere in the range of 2-3 mpg (or to put it another way, 8-10%). Hybrid cars are no more or no less safe than non-hybrid vehicles. The combination of an engine that runs on electricity and gasoline has no obvious noted effect on the safety of the vehicle.

But the pros of buying a hybrid don't end there. Hybrid cars are driven the exact same way as non-hybrid cars. Drivers can breathe easy; there is no fancy manual to memorize and no difficult instructions. You can drive in the manner in which you are accustomed to driving any vehicle. From state to state there are incentives put into place to encourage prospective customers to buy a hybrid. This does vary from area to area so if you are out car shopping ask dealers about purchase incentives before you make any final decisions. Those who buy hybrids are allowed a tax deduction at the federal level which is another piece of good news when tax time rolls around. To be more specific, in the year 2004, owners of hybrid vehicles received a federal tax break in the amount of $1,500.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

The hybrid car has not come into the world without a shroud of rumors following carefully behind. From rumors of exploding batteries, electrical and digital nightmares, and poorly met expectations letting down consumers, the hybrid has had to struggle to overcome many misconceptions. Makers have not let myth and rumor keep them from creating better hybrids in new and old models. Toyota, Ford, Lexus, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Dodge, Chevy, GM and Saturn are either in the process of creating, or have already, released several high performing hybrids. A total of 20 hybrid models are available, or are soon to be so.

With just about every maker producing hybrids, incentives to keep the industry rolling are filling up the market with a fresh batch of rumors. The IRS is stepping up to explain as clearly as they can, what some of these options for the buyers of the most fuel efficient vehicles, really are shaping up to be. The "Clean Vehicle" adjustment being used for personal and business owners is helping to encourage the purchase of hybrid vehicles.

Some may still be skeptical since gas markets are so closely linked with politics for most of the world. The truth is that the government is actually interested in getting away from foreign fuel dependency. Getting more people to spend the extra money on a hybrid is being encouraged to help the market. The IRS is playing a major role in these incentives by offering tax credits. The catch is that some of these credits have limits based upon how many hybrids are sold of each model. After a point, the credits will be phased out. On the Federal level, these credits run from a few hundred dollars to more than $2,500 for purchasing the2006 Ford Escape. Apparently, like most IRS laws, the calculations for the credits are a complicated jumble of formulas based on how many of a model is sold, over a particular period of time. Luckily, most buyers of hybrids are successfully receiving the credits. Buying a Toyota or Honda hybrid requires that you are one of the first 60,000 people to purchase one starting in January 2006. The amount of the credit also depends on which percentage of the tax bracket one falls into. Buyers of hybrids in 2004 or 2005 were able to claim as high as a $2,000 deduction on their taxes. For those in the 15% tax bracket, the deduction fell to about $300.

The tax credits are based on the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004. According to the IRS, the credits will be phased out after 2006 and must be claimed for the year that the hybrid was purchased. Luckily, one can claim the back credit for up to three years from the purchase of the hybrid by using the 1040X form, or the Amended U.S. Individual Tax Return form. Another form related to hybrid owners is the IRS Publication 535. Mostly used for business expenses, this form can be used for almost anyone who owns a hybrid, whether or not they use it for business purposes.

While hybrid owners are also getting incentives on the state level with their state income tax returns and also with special car pool or HOV lane privileges, some believe that the incentives on the Federal level should be even better. For example, the fact that the incentive will be as little as $500 for 2006, and thereafter, nonexistent, does not give many people time to catch up with the extra money they will need to purchase a hybrid vehicle in the first place. Many see the mainstream entry of hybrids into the automobile market as the sign that fuel efficiency and environmental concerns are becoming part of the American culture. One offset to the phase out of tax incentives for the purchase of hybrids is that the prices themselves are more attainable with each year. Right now, most people have to pay $5,000 to $9,000 more for a hybrid version of the car or SUV they want. That number is a little more than most people are ready to pay yet, but with almost every major maker of vehicles producing hybrids, it is foreseeable that hybrid prices will get lower with each passing year, whether or not incentives are offered by the government.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com

Hybrid cars have become very popular in recent years. With gas prices ever on the increase, most people are looking for an alternative that will save them at the pump. Others are looking for a vehicle that offers environmental benefits. Hybrid cars work when a gas engine, an electric motor, and a battery system are combined. The battery is continually recharged during the course of a typical driving experience, which is why the car never has to be plugged in for recharge purposes. There are essentially two types of hybrid vehicles.

One type of hybrid car is the hybrid which uses the electric motor for assistance purposes only. In this type of vehicle, the gas engine provides the major power for the car. Moreover, the electric motor cannot function by itself. It can make electricity for the battery or use electricity from the battery, but it cannot do both at the same time. The other type of hybrid car is one which uses both technologies independently. In low speed and low power situations, the electric motor works without the gasoline engine. When the vehicle reaches a higher speed or demands a greater amount of power, the gasoline engine fires up and takes over the task of producing power for the vehicle. If the vehicles requires an increased amount of power, both the gas and electric components of the car can work together to provide the necessary amount of power. Unlike the other kind, this type of hybrid vehicle can make and use electricity at the same time. Despite their popularity, many critics of the vehicles say that hybrids are not always fuel efficient.

For years, hybrids have been considered to be too small and too slow. As a result of the consumer demand for larger, more powerful vehicles, the auto makers increased the size of hybrids. Some small sport utility vehicles can even be purchased as hybrid models on today's auto market. The number of hybrid offerings from auto manufacturers is expected to continue to rise over the course of the next several years. Because of the demand for increased power, the demand for increased fuel efficiency has taken a bit of a backseat.

While the engine is technically capable of being more fuel efficient, most are not because of the increased power and speed both consumers and auto makers are starting to demand from a hybrid vehicle. As the vehicles get heavier and heavier, the fuel efficiency skyrockets on a downward spiral. It takes more power to run a heavier car. That power has to come from somewhere, and in this case, it comes from the gas tank. While hybrids are offering more performance benefits like acceleration, they are also offering less gas mileage. One vehicle, the Honda Accord Hybrid, gets only an extra two miles per gallon of gasoline as compared to its non-hybrid Accord counterpart. Most auto makers see this as a necessary evil. Many believe that if we want hybrid vehicles to fit into the vehicle mainstream, we have to make them competitive with the typical non-hybrid vehicles. They feel it important that hybrids are not associated with a loss of vehicle benefits.

Different models of hybrid vehicles offer different benefits. You can still get fifty to sixty miles per gallon with a hybrid if you want to drive a small two seat type vehicle with limited cargo space like the Honda Insight. However, if you need a light sport utility vehicle to meet your driving needs, and you want to purchase a hybrid, you had better be prepared to sacrifice the gas mileage for more power in the vehicle. The future outlook, though, for hybrids with increased gas mileage and increased power is pretty good. Auto manufacturers like to please everyone as often as possible. As a result, they are continually fine tuning the industry mechanism for change. Over the course of the next several years, it is quite likely that we will see hybrid vehicles that offer everything we want power and fuel efficiency, in light of the ever rising price of a tank of gasoline. For now, though, most people are happy with slightly more efficient vehicles even as prices and waiting lists on hybrids go up.

About the Author

Cheryl Dixon is an avid researcher for fuel saving and environmentally safe vehicles. The results of her continuing research and latest news can be found on her blog: http://hybridandfuelcellcars.featureblog.com and on her website: http:/www.HybridAndFuelCellCars.com