Solar Kits to Aid Hybrid Efficiency
Solar Electric Vehicles and solar pioneer Greg Johanson have developed a solar kit for the Toyota Prius that increases range and and fuel econemy far and above the norm for the hybrid. The DIY solar kit increases range by up to 20 miles and fuel econonmy by up to 25%. The company is testing its first solar energy system exclusively for hybrids in four Prius prototypes and a Highlander.
The kit will come with an instructional DVD to aid in installation and can generate as many as 1,300 watt-hours a day, enough to give your solar Prius a solar power range of 5 to 8 miles. Couple that with the NiMH battery and you're looking at an all-electric range of up to 20 miles, the company says. That's enough to boost fuel economy at least 20%.
As if the Toyota Prius were not environmentally friendly enough, with the solar conversion battery life is extended and CO2 emissions are cut by at least 9,000 pounds over the life of the car. solar Electric Vehicles hopes to expand their marketing and reach an agreement for the Chevy Volt as well as other hybrid models.
Ford is shelling out $550 million in an effort to accellerate its Ford Focus hybrid to market.
Read More
Auto engineers in Australia are developing a plug-in hybrid electric car that not only generates power but can pump it back into the grid.
Read More
As soon as the new Ford Fusion hybrid hits the roads this spring it will quickly claim a spot as one of the most efficient hybrids on the market. Expectations are of 40+ mpg for the Ford Fusion hybrid.
Read More
Ford Motors plans to roll out a pair of brand new gas-electric hybrids early in 2009 based on a redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan midsize sedans.
Read More
Ford Motors today outlined plans to introduce electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids within three years, ramping up production and development greatly to meet what is expected to be warm market demand.
Read More