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 21^st 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

Most Fuel - Efficient Cars Of 2011 #1

If you are in the market for a new car, there are several fuel-efficient models out there that will save you money in the long run. As the price of oil rises and/or remains highly volatile and unpredictable, these vehicles rely mainly on electric current to keep them running. Not only are they economical in nature, they also aren't contributing to the environmental pollution and the greenhouse effect. 
My first pick would be; 2011 Nissan LEAF.↓

Why Nissan Leaf?

   -        First of all, it’s an all-electric powered car. Unlike so many hybrid vehicles that are emerging lately, it has that edge of being a front runner in these times of inevitable transference between our dinosaur gas-guzzlers, and new, more efficient types of personal transportation vehicles.

   -        Nissan LEAF uses on average of 30 kWh of electric power for every 100 miles traveled. That means it is 99 MPGe - miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent. For comparison – Honda Accord, one of the best selling car models in the US currently, has their new 2011 models (Coupe and Sedan) ranging between 23 and 34 miles per gallon, depended on if it’s a city or highway commuting.  

-         LEAF’s lithium ion battery has a range span of 80 to 138 miles per single charge - depending on the road and weather conditions. It is designed to be charged by 120/240 V 30amp AC and 480 V DC 125amp inputs. Respectively, charging times are ~20 hrs, ~8 hrs and ~30 minutes via fast charging docking stations.

-         The national average electricity cost in U.S. is $0.1147/kWh. That means the average cost to charge the car would be $2.75 from empty to full.

-         The Leaf's battery is guaranteed by Nissan for eight years, or 100,000 miles. The engine itself needs very little or no maintenance during that time.

-         Top speed is around 90 mph with 110 horse power engine.Tested acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is 9.9 seconds.

-         Cost of the car is around $35.000, but many government subsidies and tax incentives on the Nissan Leaf are bound to reduce that cost by at least ten thousand dollars for its future owners.

-         Technology involved inside and outside of this car is ranging from advanced telematics system called ‘Carwings’ that detects nearby docking stations on a map, as well as tracking and compiling of data on distance traveled in correlation with the overall energy consumption; to VSP system used to alert pedestrians on the proximity to this quiet electric car; to the remote mobile phone access to vehicles air conditioning and power charging functions. There is also a single solar panel on the back used to power the auxiliary battery. 


- Among other awards and recognition, the Nissan Leaf won the 2010 Green Car Vision Award award, the 2011 European Car of the Year award,the 2011 World Car of the Year, and it ranks as the most efficient EPA certified vehicle for all fuels ever.

These are just few of the many beautiful advantages of this, in my mind, “Model T” of the 21^st century cars. 
Here are some videos used to promote 2011 Nissan Leaf. Hope you will enjoy them as much as I did. 

 

LEAF is a backronym for Leading, Environmentally friendly, Affordable, Family car.