Honda unveils several new green technologies at the Tokyo Motor Show

Honda showed off quite a bit of new tech at last week’s Tokyo Motor show, including an all-electric version of the compact Fit, and a series of new hybrid powertrains that Honda is calling EarthDreams. ? The new hybrid system will use two electric motors, which will let Honda build their first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Related posts: Honda’s cool looking hybrid and electric cars to be shown at the Tokyo Motor Show Green Tech at the Frankfurt Motor Show Green Motors and Toyota at Tokyo

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Honda unveils several new green technologies at the Tokyo Motor Show

Toyota Electric Cars

Stan Soliday asked: Toyota electric cars are ahead of the curve most of the time. Now is no exception. Let’s take a look at the history of the Prius. Over ten years ago auto makers were subjected to market pressures that basically killed the electric car movement. If you need more information on that, see

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Toyota Electric Cars

A Guide To Alternative Energy Resources For The Home

Alternative energy is really a general expression used for all causes of useful energy that can easily replace the fuel sources. To qualify as the origin of renewable power, it shouldn’t have undesired results from the energy sources it takes the place of. Nuclear energy and fossil fuels can’t be called alternative energy resources as

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A Guide To Alternative Energy Resources For The Home

New Hands-Free Inductive Charging at Google

Google makes innovative use of electric vehicles and charging stations. For employees, Google took an early lead in converting Toyota Prii (yep thats the official plural of Prius) to be plug-in hybrids. Then Google installed beautiful solar covered parking including charge stations so that electric cars can be charged with sunlight. At its headquarters, Google

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New Hands-Free Inductive Charging at Google

Toyota Hybrid Sports Car

Anton Rowd asked: Every loyal customer to Toyota and the people behind the company itself are looking forward to 2008. Why? Because that is the slated release for the much-awaited Toyota hybrid sports car dubbed the Volta. Toyota has always been known to set itself apart from all other car manufacturers, releasing some of the most outrageous designs that seem to grow onto society once the cars establish themselves as bestsellers. Japan Goes Italian Toyota’s hybrid sports car can only be a real head turner. This is what’s expected when you have an elite group of designers to give the new concept car a new, nice Italian twist. Pictures of the concept car have emerged from the company itself and the first thing that may come to mind is the Lamborghini Diablo; only the Volta is eco-friendly. Toyota believes that hybrid technology can also be used in high-performance vehicles such as the Toyota Volta. After all, it is rumored to go from 0-60 in 4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph; not as fast as the Diablo or any Ferrari but the important thing is how much gas this vehicle doesn’t use. The Name Game The 2008 new Toyota Volta will be paying homage to Alessandro Volta, the man who came up with the electric battery in 1800. It is only very apt considering that this vehicle does run on a type of battery. The Volta runs a V6 engine and there’s an electric motor on each axle. The electric motor will be used to operate several things at the same time such as, for example, a computer that operates the movement of the wheels, activation of brakes, etc.; basically something known as drive by wire, a technology that is fitted into modern fighter jets, so you can imagine how much time in design was spent on this near-future release. This technology also allows for an awkward feature that can have the passengers reposition the steering wheel and pedals in front of them. Economy Two centuries after the invention of the electric battery after which the new hybrid is named, Toyota aims to have the Volta out and running by 2008. It is expected to have a tank that holds only 13.7 gallons that will allow it to go 435 miles when filled up. Plus, if 408 horsepower isn’t enough, you will just have to weight for later versions of the Volta because this is the top speed estimated for the initial release. Toyota France expects to release this to the European market in 2008. However, Germany might be happy to know that the car will be for sale there by December of 2007. Experts are speculating that prices for the Toyota hybrid sports car will range from $72,000 to $165,000 in the US market once it hits North American shores. Whether or not the market is ready for this sports car, Toyota itself is ready to prove that hybrid technology does belong in the automobile industry and will suit any purpose and application. Read more on Toyota Hybrid Sports Car…

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Toyota Hybrid Sports Car

Rebates For Electric Car Conversions

Levi Quinn asked: It is accepted that in order for the damage done to the environment by motor vehicles to be stalled, let alone rolled back, there will have to be a profound change in the way we fuel our vehicles. Once upon a time we looked upon unleaded gasoline as the savior – and the difference it has made has certainly been of great benefit, but lead in the fumes was never the only problem with gas-powered automobiles. The next step in changing the way we drive and its environmental impact has to be a move away from gas power, and governments around the world are becoming ever more aware of this fact. This is why more than a few authorities are now talking about – and putting into practice – plans to give tax rebates to motorists who make the move to hybrid and electric vehicles. When the rebate idea was first floated, it centered mostly around people who converted an existing car to run on hybrid energy. It has reached the point now where the government is moving away from the idea of conversion – due to the short-term nature of the full benefits – and is offering their prime rebates to motorists who cash in and buy a new, dedicated hybrid model. The intention is that there will be more cars on the road which are, and always have been, powered by green technology. By developing in this direction, the overall emissions level will drop faster and further, and the focus on environmental sustainability will become more determined. One focus of the government plans is Plug-in electric hybrid vehicles. As things stand, there are currently not many models available in this category, but the Toyota Prius is moving steadily towards making all newer models compatible with the plug-in technology. The idea is at the moment one that makes sense more for urban drivers, who are more likely to live close to somewhere that provides the plug-in points where fully-charged batteries can be picked up, as well as having shorter journeys to make and being in an area where there is a high concentration of traffic. As time goes on, the government is having to react to the situation as it changes. The modification of its rebate strategy is one example of such action. While the federal bailout extended the terms of some of the existing rebates, there are new ones being created as time goes on. The old rules mostly still apply – if you are buying the car for resale purposes, you will not qualify for a rebate, and nor will you qualify if a bulk of your travel in the car will be undertaken outside the United States. It is wise to look at some comparison sites to find out which is the best model for you and how to get the best rebate. Many people had considered the Toyota Prius (pre-plug in) to be a wise choice, but with the vast numbers already being sold, the rebates available on this model are shrinking. Some rebates of $4,000 are still available on other models, though, depending on where you look. Water 4 Gas Read more on Rebates For Electric Car Conversions… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This! old fashined hand pellet mill

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Rebates For Electric Car Conversions

Electric Car Plans

Bill Temple asked: You’ve decided to build your own electric car and now you need reliable electric car plans. We’ve found some good plans that we will share with you to get you started. First, what do you need to begin? Simple tools found in any household workshop- saws, drills, wrenches etc. A place to work- shop, garage, barn or even outside is fine Detailed electric car plans Before you get started you will need a vehicle to do the conversion with. I say conversion because any vehicle will work for this project, but some are better than others. Gas or diesel doesn’t matter as you will be removing the engine anyways, and everything related to fuel and exhaust. Your new electric car will produce no fumes either. We think that’s great. You will need a vehicle with a standard transmission though. Automatic transmissions just don’t work with electric motors for cars. Don’t worry; you won’t have to learn how to drive a standard though if you don’t know how. It will drive just like an automatic. Just put it in gear and drive. It’s that easy, no shifting in town at all. When you pull up to the stop light for instance the electric motor just stops. It’s all explained in detail in the electric car plans. Your new electric car will have great acceleration too. We were amazed at how fast it was off the line in town. Your electric car will be able to go 50 mph and have an effective range up to 200 miles on a single charge depending on your choice of vehicles and your driving habits. We kind of lean towards using small trucks now that we have done 3 conversions ourselves. Small trucks like the older Toyota Tacoma (around 1995 or so) offer a lot of room for battery placement. They are light and strong too, a perfect combination for this project. Small cars work well too, but offer fewer options for battery placement. Our best range vehicle is actually our Toyota Corolla, well over 200 miles between charges. This is not a difficult project either although you will need a helper at times. Those extra hands when you are attaching the DC motor are needed. How much does it cost? You can build your own for only a few hundred dollars (including the cost of the detailed plans). If you use the sources of free batteries and free DC motors found in the electric car plans you can keep the cost down to a very reasonable level. Imagine the first time you drive by a gas station while others are filling up. Did you know that gas is expected to reach $7 per gallon next year? Isn’t it time you did your own? Let’s get started. Electric Car Plans is the best place to start to do your own conversion and stop paying outrageous gas prices at the pumps; it really isn’t that difficult and makes a great family project. Solar power Read more on Electric Car Plans… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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Electric Car Plans

Electric Car Plans

Bill Temple asked: You’ve decided to build your own electric car and now you need reliable electric car plans. We’ve found some good plans that we will share with you to get you started. First, what do you need to begin? Simple tools found in any household workshop- saws, drills, wrenches etc. A place to work- shop, garage, barn or even outside is fine Detailed electric car plans Before you get started you will need a vehicle to do the conversion with. I say conversion because any vehicle will work for this project, but some are better than others. Gas or diesel doesn’t matter as you will be removing the engine anyways, and everything related to fuel and exhaust. Your new electric car will produce no fumes either. We think that’s great. You will need a vehicle with a standard transmission though. Automatic transmissions just don’t work with electric motors for cars. Don’t worry; you won’t have to learn how to drive a standard though if you don’t know how. It will drive just like an automatic. Just put it in gear and drive. It’s that easy, no shifting in town at all. When you pull up to the stop light for instance the electric motor just stops. It’s all explained in detail in the electric car plans. Your new electric car will have great acceleration too. We were amazed at how fast it was off the line in town. Your electric car will be able to go 50 mph and have an effective range up to 200 miles on a single charge depending on your choice of vehicles and your driving habits. We kind of lean towards using small trucks now that we have done 3 conversions ourselves. Small trucks like the older Toyota Tacoma (around 1995 or so) offer a lot of room for battery placement. They are light and strong too, a perfect combination for this project. Small cars work well too, but offer fewer options for battery placement. Our best range vehicle is actually our Toyota Corolla, well over 200 miles between charges. This is not a difficult project either although you will need a helper at times. Those extra hands when you are attaching the DC motor are needed. How much does it cost? You can build your own for only a few hundred dollars (including the cost of the detailed plans). If you use the sources of free batteries and free DC motors found in the electric car plans you can keep the cost down to a very reasonable level. Imagine the first time you drive by a gas station while others are filling up. Did you know that gas is expected to reach $7 per gallon next year? Isn’t it time you did your own? Let’s get started. Electric Car Plans is the best place to start to do your own conversion and stop paying outrageous gas prices at the pumps; it really isn’t that difficult and makes a great family project. Solar power Read more on Electric Car Plans… Subscribe to the comments for this post? Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Post this on Diigo Post on Google Buzz Add this to Mister Wong Share this on Mixx Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Tweet This!

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Electric Car Plans

It’s official – Toyota to introduce minivan-like Prius

There’s been several rumors about this for years now, but Toyota has now officially announced that it will be introducing a station wagon sized, small minivan Prius, and that it will be shown at the upcoming 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January. Not many details are out, as usual, but some reports say that the Related posts: Toyota seeing huge demand for its 2010 Prius Toyota planning Prius Wagon/SUV in 2010 Toyota to produce Prius instead of SUV’s at its new US plant

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Its official Toyota to introduce minivan-like Prius

Toyota planning $50,000 fuel cell car in 2015

Toyota hydrogen fuel cell test vehicle Toyota, all set to release a plug-in version of its Prius in 2012, now says that in 2015, they will release a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle for about $50,000. While other companies such as GM and Honda have been testing their own versions of hydrogen fuel cell cars over the Related posts: Road Trip: Toyota fuel-cell hybrid vehicle completes long-distance jaunt Platinum-free fuel cell developed in Japan Gore-tex based new cheaper fuel cell breakthrough eliminates need for platinum

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Toyota planning $50,000 fuel cell car in 2015

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