Friday, May 27, 2011

Most Fuel-Efficient Cars of 2011. #2

My second choice for the most fuel-efficient vehicle of 2011 would be a *plug-in* hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by the GM's Chevrolet division, the Chevrolet Volt. This car has been on the sale in US market since last December. According to the EPA, it is the most fuel-efficient car with an internal combustion engine sold in the United States.

Suggested retail price for the Chevrolet Volt in US starts at 40 thousand dollars, and that is before the 7.500$ federal tax credit. Additional incentives are on the table depending on the location of the sale. Currently, Volt is being sold only in selected US markets and is expected to be available for purchase nationwide in the late 2011.
Why place Chevrolet Volt so high on the list?
Well, the reasons are numerous, but let us start with the most obvious ones.
According to General Motors, the Volt can travel 25 to 50 miles on its installed lithium ion battery. EPA approximates “electric” range at 35 miles, and the total range of 378 miles when fully charged.                                         
MPGe or (miles per gallon gasoline equivalent) of this vehicle in all-electric mode is 93, and 37 mpg in gasoline-only mode; for a combined fuel economy that is a rating of 60 MPGe.
EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) estimates  Volt`s tailpipe emissions in 84 grams of CO2 per mile, which puts Chevrolet Volt ahead of the Toyota Prius in terms of the amount of greenhouse emissions measured at the tailpipe.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt so far has been named “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Volt received the top ratings of "Good" for front, side crash test, rear impact, and on rollover protection.  
Full battery charge takes approx. ten to twelve hours from a standard US 120V, 15A household outlet, and about three hours from a 240 VAC outlet. When plugged in, recharging can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app.

After the Volt battery drops to a predetermined threshold from its full charge, a small 1.4 liter and 4cylinder IC engine with approx. 80 horse power takes over. It then burns gasoline to power 55 kW/74 HP generator to extend Volts range; the gas engine can engage mechanically to assist propulsion directly. The car also has a regenerative braking system. 
Power from the generator is sent primarily to the electric motor, with the surplus recharging the batteries. This process is dependent on the SOC ^ state of charge of the battery pack and the power demanded at the wheels.
It is important to notice that when additional power is needed, i.e. at higher speeds and loads, the gasoline engine can engage mechanically to the output at the transmission to assist both electric motors, taking the series' hybrid to a series-parallel hybrid.

With this plug-in hybrid, GM seems to be getting back on its feet as a serious contender in the automotive industry of the 21st century.


- I traveled a lot in the last 48 hrs. Finally home in LA and will try to keep the daily operation going here. Thx so much to all of You that follow this Blog. Till next post :)

VenomFTM

21 comments:

  1. I dunno why, but most new cars just make me go "meh." They are all safety and comfort, with state of the art consoles that sync up with your mp3 player and cell phone... What ever happened to manual transmissions and getting a feel for the road? To the joy of feeling pavement pass you by? I'm all for hybrids, but I want them how I want them, not a hug box.

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  2. I need me a more fuel efficient car...

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  3. i bet people want cars which make alot more sound like vrooomm vrom

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  4. I agree with Astronomy. Though I'll be jazzed once they get this hybrid thing working really well.

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  5. I just don't like the fact that it's engine has 80 horsepower. That's nothing... :P Why can't it be economical _and_ fast?

    Cool blog. Following.


    ignoranceistruth.blogspot.com

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  6. To be honest I think the car is sexy, and for that type of milage it's a great car. I've said it before, I really hope we can get more cars like this on the road in the future.

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  7. I want this car so bad. I would never have to buy gas, I drive 7 miles to work where my boss said he would put in a outlet for anyone that purchased a plug in car.

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  8. I like the idea of economic cars.. But I got a hand-me-down car that was already paid for. And as a broke college student i'm out of luck. Perhaps in a couple more years.

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  9. I agree with first commenter. Cars now make me go 'meh'. There's nothing special about them and they all look like ovals. Boo urns haha.

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  10. I'll look into this when I buy a car! It's all about saving gas!

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  11. my car is pretty fuel efficient, i got a 98 corolla

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  12. I think the concept is solid, this is a leap towards the right direction.

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  13. nice car and i didn't know that is the most efficient car in 2011

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  14. that's good to know man, we definitely have to conserve our fuel if not for our own pockets as fuel prices increase.. then for the planet we live in.

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  15. @Astronomy Pirate, nostalgia? :)

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  16. It still pisses me off that manufacturers are acting like this is a new concept.

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  17. Agre with Wanderingwriter, thats bullSh!t

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  18. I love how the car's technology is amazing, I don't love how it looks like every other car though.

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