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<channel>
	<title>Environmentally Friendly Cars</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.efcars.net/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.efcars.net</link>
	<description>Environmentally Friendly Cars - Green Cars - Alternative Car Fuels</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:53:27 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
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		<title>Ferrari hints of a hybrid V12 powertrain option</title>
		<link>http://www.efcars.net/archive/ferrari-hints-of-a-hybrid-v12-powertrain-option/</link>
		<comments>http://www.efcars.net/archive/ferrari-hints-of-a-hybrid-v12-powertrain-option/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:53:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roland</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ferrari]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ferrari hybrid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ferrari hybrid v12]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[powertrain]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.efcars.net/?p=138</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The hybrid powertrains have been heading to the conference rooms and drawing boards of the manufacturers of the fastest cars in the world. During the launch of the F12 Berlinetta in March, Italian carmaker Ferrari has been hinting of exploring a V12 hybrid setup and the big possibility of a Ferrari hybrid in the coming [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/2010_Ferrari_599_GTB_HY-KERS_Concept_car-desktop-wallpaper.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-139" title="2010_Ferrari_599_GTB_HY-KERS_Concept_car-desktop-wallpaper" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/2010_Ferrari_599_GTB_HY-KERS_Concept_car-desktop-wallpaper-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>The hybrid powertrains have been heading to the conference rooms and drawing boards of the manufacturers of the fastest cars in the world. During the launch of the F12 Berlinetta in March, Italian carmaker Ferrari has been hinting of exploring a V12 hybrid setup and the big possibility of a Ferrari hybrid in the coming years.</p>
<p>The upcoming Ferrari is said to be the first vehicle to roll out from the Ferrari garage using the new gen of V12 engines. According to reports, Ferrari wants to inject a green factor into their cars in order to lower the emission of greenhouse gases by their whole fleet.</p>
<p>Back in 2010, Ferrari started using the regenerative braking technology called HY-KERS on the 599 GTB so it will have a better fuel mileage thru electric energy. Amedeo Felisa, CEO of Ferrari, have also stated during an interview that it might reintroduce their V6 engines but not in the near future.</p>
<p>Ferrari has also been making some loud buzz in the past two years about the electrification of their engine when top executive of Ferrari hinted that the successor to the Enzo Ferrari might have a V12 working with an electric motor. Also in 2010, the president of Ferrari hinted of the development of a V6 powerplant which will will be more efficient than the 12-cylinder, 10 cylinder, and 8-cylinder powertrains.</p>
<p>Back in August last year, there were reports again that Ferrari has been working very had on a hybrid Ferrari. The president of the Italian car company though clarified that it is highly unlikely that we will see an electric Ferrari.</p>
<p>If you have been keeping track on how green Ferrari is going, it is not really their number one goal. In the United States, for example, the 458 Italia Coupe and Spider has a fuel mileage of 18 mpg combined. The Ferrari California gets a 15 mpg fuel consumption while the Ferrari FF guzzles up 13 mpg combined.</p>
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		<title>The future ride of the President: Fiat 500 Electric Limo?</title>
		<link>http://www.efcars.net/archive/the-future-ride-of-the-president-fiat-500-electric-limo/</link>
		<comments>http://www.efcars.net/archive/the-future-ride-of-the-president-fiat-500-electric-limo/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:25:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roland</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fiat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Castagna Milano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fiat 500]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fiat 500 Limo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Limo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LimoCity]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.efcars.net/?p=134</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you think of a presidential car, you might be thinking of what US President Obama&#8217;s black Cadillac code named The Beast. Recently, an Italian firm has been making some buzz as It tries to come up with a stretch limousine for the president in the form of he Fiat 500 electric limo. Castagna Milano [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fiat-500-limopresidential-by-italian-coachbuilder-castagna-milano.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-135" title="fiat-500-limopresidential-by-italian-coachbuilder-castagna-milano" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/fiat-500-limopresidential-by-italian-coachbuilder-castagna-milano-300x172.jpg" alt="fiat-500-limopresidential-by-italian-coachbuilder-castagna-milano" width="300" height="172" /></a>When you think of a presidential car, you might be thinking of what US President Obama&#8217;s black Cadillac code named The Beast. Recently, an Italian firm has been making some buzz as It tries to come up with a stretch limousine for the president in the form of he Fiat 500 electric limo.</p>
<p>Castagna Milano can actually deliver this Fiat 500 based ride call LimoPresidential in your garage as long as you got the bank account for it.</p>
<p>The carmaker combines a pair of electric motors which can bring the limousine to about 100 miles per hour and makes sure it has a big enough battery pack to bring the discerning occupants to around 160 miles enjoying all the luxury the vehicle has to offer.</p>
<p>The LimoPresidential is double the length of the Fiat 500. The all electric ride of course decreases its originial maneuverability because of the new longer configuration but it boasts of agility over uneven surfaces compared to what President Obama rides.</p>
<p>Although it looks all elegant in black just a real presidential car, the Italian made limousine does not have the tons of provisions like bomb proof body, bulletproof windows, tires that can run on flat, and oxygen supply for the occupants compared to the Beast. You might have to spend more if you want to come any closer to that setup.</p>
<p>The limousine manufacturer offers variations of the concept in the form of the LimoSun and the LimoCity but we still doubt that these will end rolling out of the White House or even on the Las Vegas Strip. You might be asking why? The car manufacturer is the same firm which provided fallen dictator Qadaffi his electric Fiat 500. And we know you heard how his story ended.</p>
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		<title>Honda EV-STER gets green light for production</title>
		<link>http://www.efcars.net/archive/honda-ev-ster-gets-green-light-for-production/</link>
		<comments>http://www.efcars.net/archive/honda-ev-ster-gets-green-light-for-production/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:46:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roland</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Electric Vehicles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Honda]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.efcars.net/?p=130</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Honda tries to contribute as much as possible to the conservation of the environment for the next generations and they clearly showed this during the recent motor show in Tokyo. The event was a lot less extravagant than the previous editions but perhaps it is just a show of respect for the calamities faced by [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ev-ster-side_653.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-131" title="ev-ster-side_653" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ev-ster-side_653-300x161.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="161" /></a>Honda tries to contribute as much as possible to the conservation of the environment for the next generations and they clearly showed this during the recent motor show in Tokyo. The event was a lot less extravagant than the previous editions but perhaps it is just a show of respect for the calamities faced by the country this year.</p>
<p>The main focus of the autoshow is about mobility and harnessing alternative sources of energy. So aside from the showcased normal cars, the spotlight was on electric cars, fuel cell vehicles, and hybrids plus everything you can think of about reducing fuel consumption and carbon footprint.</p>
<p>Honda had the biggest booth during the show which displayed their upcoming products and concept cars. This includes the Micro Commuter, AC-X, and the Concept EV-STER. The EV-STER is really an eye candy and represents the direction the Japanese car manufacturer wants to take. It looks really fast even as it stands still.</p>
<p>The Honda Concept EV-STER is a two-seater ride which relies on battery and controlled by the driver using a twin joystick. Output is pegged at 78 horsepower and has a 150-kilometer range. This ride is definitely the eco-friendly ride Honda wants to make in the future and we heard that it will be hitting the production line.</p>
<p>It can be very exciting if truly this all electric vehicle rolls out the showrooms. It has a great potential showing good looks and performance which is very hard to achieve. Some great green cars we have now try to do it like the rides from Tesla, concept E-Tron from Audi, and there are even hints that carmakers want the KERS on production cars. The EV-STER by Honda has really a lot of promise of success. It has a lot more to offer compared to the Honda CR-Z which we think lacks the sporty attitude.</p>
<p>According to sources, the Honda EV-STER may come as early as next year and may come with an all electric version and a conventional engine that runs on gas.</p>
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		<title>Buyers trade in their Toyota Prius for Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt</title>
		<link>http://www.efcars.net/archive/buyers-trade-in-their-toyota-prius-for-nissan-leaf-or-chevy-volt/</link>
		<comments>http://www.efcars.net/archive/buyers-trade-in-their-toyota-prius-for-nissan-leaf-or-chevy-volt/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:44:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roland</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Nissan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toyota]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chevrolet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chevy Volt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nissan Leaf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toyota Prius]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.efcars.net/?p=123</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is a good reason why car manufacturers are rolling out low volume electric vehicles and that is to lure in customers to showrooms which most likely they will not visit. This marketing strategy might be doing some good for Chevrolet that produces Volt plug-in and Nissan which makes the all electric vehicle Leaf. From [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is a good reason why car manufacturers are rolling out low volume electric vehicles and that is to lure in customers to showrooms which most likely they will not visit. This marketing strategy might be doing some good for Chevrolet that produces Volt plug-in  and Nissan which makes the all electric vehicle Leaf.</p>
<p>From January thru September this year, Chevrolet has delivered 3,895 units of Volt and Japanese automaker Nissan was able to sell 7,199 units of Leaf.<br />
<a href="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/2011-chevrolet-volt-2011-nissan-leaf-2011-toyota-prius-front.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-124" title="2011-chevrolet-volt-2011-nissan-leaf-2011-toyota-prius-front" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/2011-chevrolet-volt-2011-nissan-leaf-2011-toyota-prius-front-300x187.jpg" alt="2011-chevrolet-volt-2011-nissan-leaf-2011-toyota-prius-front" width="300" height="187" style="float:left;margin:10px;" /></a><br />
A private firm which look into the buying habits of car buyers said that the car manufacturers benefit a lot when vehicle launches generate buzz on social media networks and the press in general.</p>
<p>Another significant figure to look at is that around 78% of people who bought Volt did not have a Chevrolet at the time they bought the plug-in vehicle. This means that the Chevrolet Volt helps bring customers which buy other brands into Chevy showrooms.  The plug-in bring in new buyers more than twice than the other cars of the  brand.</p>
<p>General Motors also shared some information about the profile of their market. According to GM, about 37%  of consumers who buy the Volt are residents of the state of California. It also shows that about 7% of the trade-ins to buy a Volt is a the hybrid car of Toyota, the Prius.</p>
<p>There are also German branded vehicles being traded in for the Chevrolet Volt. Combining for 6% of trade ins are the Audi A4, Volkswagen Jetta, and the 3 Series of BMW.</p>
<p>The trend for the Nissan Leaf is also the same.  Ninety percent of the buyers of the Leaf did not own a Nissan at the time of the purchase.  About 18% of consumers trade in their Toyota Prius and another 38% trades in another model of Toyota.</p>
<p>The survey spotlights the way the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt are bringing in new customers for their respective brands after they are officially launched to the market.</p>
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		<title>Toyota has sporty hybrids on their drawing boards</title>
		<link>http://www.efcars.net/archive/toyota-has-sporty-hybrids-on-their-drawing-boards/</link>
		<comments>http://www.efcars.net/archive/toyota-has-sporty-hybrids-on-their-drawing-boards/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:46:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kalinka</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Toyota]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[car news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[green car news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hybrid Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toyota hybrid]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.efcars.net/?p=117</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The versatile petrol-electric hybrid technology of Toyota might be going from the engine bay of the Prius to their new models as the carmaker plans to have hybrids in all of their vehicle ranges come 2020. Toyota is aiming for a million drivetrains using a hybrid setup this year to run the Prius and the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-118" title="p25 Toyota hybrid" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/p25-Toyota-hybrid-300x198.jpg" alt="p25 Toyota hybrid" width="300" height="198" hspace="5" />The versatile petrol-electric hybrid technology of Toyota might be going from the engine bay of the Prius to their new models as the carmaker plans to have hybrids in all of their vehicle ranges come 2020.</p>
<p>Toyota is aiming for a million drivetrains using a hybrid setup this year to run the Prius and the Auris HSD. The Japanese car manufacturer is not really looking in the direction of new designs for their upcoming hybrids especially with the good reliability and performance they are getting from their 1.8L small hybrids.</p>
<p>The powetrain executives of Toyota confirmed that they will be launching new hybrid units that will tap into the flexibility of their current hybrid technology to give the cars sporty characteristics.</p>
<p><span id="more-117"></span></p>
<p>The powertrain guru of Toyota, Gerald Killman, explained that they do not need to design new hybrid systems when their current systems can supply what they need due to its adaptability and flexibility.</p>
<p>It seems the rumors buzzing before are true that Toyota is going for a hybrid system that can rival the Honda CR-Z. The concept car FT-CH which took the spotlight during the Detroit Auto Show last January might be a good preview of how the upcoming car might look.</p>
<p>It is still uncertain if the new hybrid units will take the Prius name or will they create a new one to market.</p>
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		<title>Deal Closed: DOE Loans Fisker Automotive $529 Million to Open GM Plant in Delaware</title>
		<link>http://www.efcars.net/archive/deal-closed-doe-loans-fisker-automotive-529-million-to-open-gm-plant-in-delaware/</link>
		<comments>http://www.efcars.net/archive/deal-closed-doe-loans-fisker-automotive-529-million-to-open-gm-plant-in-delaware/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:38:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roland</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electric Vehicles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fisker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Motors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fisker Automotive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GM]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.efcars.net/?p=114</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Department of Energy announced the closing of a $528.7 million loan to Fisker Automotive. The money will be used to support the development and production of two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, namely, the Karma, and the recently started PROJECT NINA. The Karma is a full0sized four-door sedan-type vehicle, while Project NINA summarizes a line [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.energy.gov/" target="_blank">The Department of Energy</a> announced the closing of a $528.7 million loan to Fisker Automotive. The money will be used to support the development and production of two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, namely, the Karma, and the recently started PROJECT NINA. The Karma is a full0sized four-door sedan-type vehicle, while Project NINA summarizes a line of family-oriented electric vehicles.</p>
<p>Aside from the development and production of the two environmentally-friendly lines of vehicles, the GM plant will also open up at least 2000 jobs for plenty of qualified American assembly workers. Because of the pending projects, economic experts also foresee more employment opportunities coming from service providers and domestic parts providers.</p>
<p>The Fisker projects are also set to contribute to reduced carbon emmicions and cleaner air. According to Secretary Chu, the release of these hybrid cars should put the production of American <a href="http://environmentallyfriendlycars.org/">environmentally-friendly vehicles</a> at the forefront of automotive design and production.</p>
<p>Initially, the money from the loan will be used by Fisker for qualifying engineering costs. This will be conducted in Irvine California, with the engineers designing tools and equipment and working on efficient manufacturing processes. The Karma should hit the showrooms in 2010, with the Project Nina hitting the assembly lines by late 2012.</p>
<p><span id="more-114"></span><a href="http://alternativecarfuels.org/blog/fisker-karma-super-saloon-hybrid/">These Fisker cars</a> will run on electric engines which get their power from rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries. Once the power is depleted, the car will then use and efficient, gas-powered engine.</p>
<p>Both lines of hybrid vehicles will have an all-electric tailpipe, emission free range of forty to fifty miles when they’re fully charged. The cars can be conveniently charged at home, and the production of these vehicles is set to reduce America’s dependence on oil.</p>
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		<title>Kia Ray Hybrid Plug-In concept car</title>
		<link>http://www.efcars.net/archive/kia-ray-hybrid-plug-in-concept-car/</link>
		<comments>http://www.efcars.net/archive/kia-ray-hybrid-plug-in-concept-car/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:26:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roland</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[KIA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hybrid Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Plug-In Hybrid]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.efcars.net/?p=102</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The recent auto show in Chicago did not highlight a lot of green cars but one Korean car took the spotlight on a traditionally truck dominated exhibit floors. The Korean carmaker Kia unveiled their concept car called Ray which is a plug-in hybrid. The Ray embodies the direction Kia wants to take towards fluid design [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The recent auto show in Chicago did not highlight a lot of green cars but one Korean car took the spotlight on a traditionally truck dominated exhibit floors. The Korean carmaker Kia unveiled their concept car called Ray which is a plug-in hybrid.</p>
<p>The Ray embodies the direction Kia wants to take towards fluid design lines and efficiency which is the current name of the game in the automotive industry.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Kia-Ray-plug-in-hybrid-concept-car.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-106" title="Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept car" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Kia-Ray-plug-in-hybrid-concept-car-300x225.jpg" alt="Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept car" width="228" height="172" /></a> <a href="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Kia-Ray-plug-in-hybrid-concept-car-render.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-105" title="Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept car render" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Kia-Ray-plug-in-hybrid-concept-car-render-300x193.jpg" alt="Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept car render" width="255" height="171" /></a></p>
<p>The concept car Ray represents the future line of Kia under its sub-brand that will be called EcoDynamics. The EcoDynamics badge will represent sporty designs, use of low emission systems, and excellent fuel efficiency.</p>
<p>The Kia Ray will be using a 153 hp 1.4L engine coupled with a 78 kW electric motor.</p>
<p>The Kia Ray makes use of recycled and lightweight components with a full glass roofing which uses solar cells to power the car’s accessories. The body of the car also use cool-glazing substances to keep the energy demand for cooling the interior low.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Kia-Ray-plug-in-hybrid-concept-car-interior.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-104" title="Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept car interior" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Kia-Ray-plug-in-hybrid-concept-car-interior-300x194.jpg" alt="Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept car interior" width="232" height="150" /></a> <a href="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Kia-Ray-plug-in-hybrid-concept-car-HUD.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-103" title="Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept car HUD" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Kia-Ray-plug-in-hybrid-concept-car-HUD-300x199.jpg" alt="Kia Ray plug-in hybrid concept car HUD" width="230" height="152" /></a></p>
<p><span id="more-102"></span>The aerodynamic design of the car makes use of some tricks to reduce the drag of this amazing new <a href="http://kia-cars.org/">Kia Car</a>. The car has a very low roofline, underbody panel to take car of the flow of air under the vehicle, and a high deck on the rear to further reduce drag. It has an excellent drag coefficient of 0.25.</p>
<p>The car’s headlight also slides back into a housing to give way to extra air intakes to help with the cooling of the engine. <a href="http://kia-cars.org/green-vehicles.php">The green car</a> also makes use of motion detectors in place of side mirrors.</p>
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		<title>2012 Ford Focus tops green cars at Detroit Auto Show</title>
		<link>http://www.efcars.net/archive/2012-ford-focus-tops-green-cars-at-detroit-auto-show/</link>
		<comments>http://www.efcars.net/archive/2012-ford-focus-tops-green-cars-at-detroit-auto-show/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:53:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roland</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ford]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Detroit Auto Show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ford Focus]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.efcars.net/?p=90</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Amid all the frenzy of what you should checkout at the recent Detroit Auto Show, there is no doubt that the best green car for the 2010 affair is the 2011 Ford Focus hatchback and compact sedan. This car will roll out of dealers as a 2012 model. Looking at the 2012 Ford Focus, one [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Amid all the frenzy of what you should checkout at the recent Detroit Auto Show, there is no doubt that the best green car for the 2010 affair is the 2011 Ford Focus hatchback and compact sedan. This car will roll out of dealers as a 2012 model.</p>
<p>Looking at the 2012 Ford Focus, one might say that it just looks like an oversized 2011 Ford Fiesta but looking at the specs of the car, you will say it can stand on its own.</p>
<p>The Ford Focus a similar broad shoulder look following the company’s<em> “kinetic design”</em>. The numbers show though that it is longer than the Fiesta and has a much lower rear. </p>

<a href='http://www.efcars.net/archive/2012-ford-focus-tops-green-cars-at-detroit-auto-show/2012-ford-focus-01/' title='2012-Ford-Focus-01'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/2012-Ford-Focus-01-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="2012-Ford-Focus-01" title="2012-Ford-Focus-01" /></a>
<a href='http://www.efcars.net/archive/2012-ford-focus-tops-green-cars-at-detroit-auto-show/2012-ford-focus-03/' title='2012-Ford-Focus-03'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/2012-Ford-Focus-03-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="2012-Ford-Focus-03" title="2012-Ford-Focus-03" /></a>

<p>It seems that the car maker is taking its commitment of best in class mileage. The 2012 Focus, according to insiders, can boast of an impressive fuel mileage for a compact.</p>
<p>The official numbers of how it consumes fuel are not yet out but experts say that the 2012 Focus has a most efficient version that can hit 30mpg on city driving and 40mpg while cruising on highway. The numbers are excellent since they are at par with the numbers of the 2011 Fiesta which is really a class smaller than the Focus.</p>
<p><span id="more-90"></span>If the numbers are precise, the 2012 Ford Focus will be 6 mpg better than the other cars of its class.</p>
<p>The unit in display at the Detroit Auto Show had a 2.0L direct injected which can output 155 horsepower and about 145 lb-ft of torque.  An Ecoboost turbocharged version might also come out. The engine will be paired with an impressive six speed automatic transmission with dual clutch. The car maker coins the feature as a PowerShift which uses technology found in high end cars like <a href="http://porshiana.com/">Porsche</a>.</p>
<p>Ford is also set to release Focus Electric. This will come out as a 2013 model. More Ford news <a href="http://www.fordcartalk.com/">at Ford Car Talk</a>.</p>
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		<title>Fisker eyes Delaware factory to assemble midsize plug-in hybrid unit by 2012</title>
		<link>http://www.efcars.net/archive/fisker-eyes-delaware-factory-to-assemble-midsize-plug-in-hybrid-unit-by-2012/</link>
		<comments>http://www.efcars.net/archive/fisker-eyes-delaware-factory-to-assemble-midsize-plug-in-hybrid-unit-by-2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:30:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roland</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fisker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hybrid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fisker Karma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hybrid Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Plug-In Hybrid]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.efcars.net/?p=86</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Fisker is looking at the former General Motors factory in Wilmington, Delaware as the site where their Project Nina expected to produce their midsize hybrid plug-in sedan by 2012. The GM facility that seized operation last summer used to produce the Saturn Sky, Opel GT, and the Pontiac Solstice. These models were killed this year [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Fisker-Karma-Plug-In-Hybrid.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-87" title="Fisker Karma Plug-In Hybrid" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Fisker-Karma-Plug-In-Hybrid-300x200.jpg" alt="Fisker Karma Plug-In Hybrid" width="300" height="200" /></a>Fisker is looking at the former General Motors factory in Wilmington, Delaware as the site where their Project Nina expected to produce their midsize hybrid plug-in sedan by 2012.</p>
<p>The GM facility that seized operation last summer used to produce the Saturn Sky, Opel GT, and the Pontiac Solstice. These models were killed this year as the company went into restructuring through bankruptcy.</p>
<p>Fisker comes up as one of the high-profile start up car manufacturers developing electric vehicles. The other player is Tesla.</p>
<p>Fisker unveiled the 2010 Karma sports sedan during the 2008 motor show in Detroit. The deliveries of these aggressive rides will start by May. <a href="http://alternativecarfuels.org/blog/fisker-karma-super-saloon-hybrid/">The Fisker Karma</a> will compete with the <a href="http://greencarfuels.net/2008/tesla-roadster-burns-no-oil-and-uses-no-gasoline/">Model S of Tesla</a> which is due for release in 2012.</p>
<p><span id="more-86"></span>With the low interest grants from the federal government, Fisker will be spending most of the funds to fuel Project Nina and come up with the infrastructure needed for its assembly.</p>
<p>The Project Nina is expected to be priced at the $48,000 line and it also qualifies for the tax credit since it is an electric vehicle. The production of Fisker is set to reach 100,000 units every year.</p>
<p>The Fisker team will still do their designs and engineering at their <a href="http://pontiac-cars.biz/">Pontiac</a>, Michigan plant although their main office is in Irvine, California.</p>
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		<title>Nissan&#8217;s topman claims: &#8220;EV will only make up 10% share of the global market a decade from now&#8221;</title>
		<link>http://www.efcars.net/archive/nissans-topman-claims-ev-will-only-make-up-10-share-of-the-global-market-a-decade-from-now/</link>
		<comments>http://www.efcars.net/archive/nissans-topman-claims-ev-will-only-make-up-10-share-of-the-global-market-a-decade-from-now/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:04:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Roland</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electric Vehicles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nissan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green Cars]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.efcars.net/?p=81</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A lot of car makers are entering the electric vehicle segment and consumers are finding the more efficient vehicles a good buy. Recently, Toyota and Honda have announced that they will also be joining the race for the EV segment. With all the clamor, EVs might be ruling the roads soon. The CEO of Nissan, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A lot of car makers are entering the electric vehicle segment and consumers are finding the more efficient vehicles a good buy. Recently, Toyota and <a href="http://hondatalk.net/">Honda</a> have announced that they will also be joining the race for the EV segment. With all the clamor, EVs might be ruling the roads soon.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/nissan-ev-prototype.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-83" title="Nissan EV prototype" src="http://www.efcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/nissan-ev-prototype-300x186.jpg" alt="Nissan EV prototype" width="300" height="186" /></a>The CEO of Nissan, Carlos Ghosn, tries to convince everyone that it might not be the picture of the near future. Automakers recently had a convention in Michigan to discuss the future of the industry including the upcoming technologies and vehicles.</p>
<p>During the briefing, the spotlight was on the hybrids from GM and also on the EV being developed by Nissan. A lot of car manufacturers hinted that they are also developing their own electric vehicles but none of them believed that EVs will dominate the market anytime soon.</p>
<p><span id="more-81"></span>The forecast of the <a href="http://nissancartalk.com/">Nissan</a> topman suggests that EVs will get a small chunk of the global car industry with 10% of sales in a matter 10 years. Through that time period further engine technologies and possibilities will be enhanced or be developed.</p>
<p>Product development though of car makers is still on hybrids, diesels, and the usual gas run engines. No one denies though that EVs will get a foothold into the market. So for now, Nissan and other car makers will sell what can sell and continue to experiment and perfect their EV concepts.</p>
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