US Govt and Auto makers will make sure that Plug-in vehicles will be affordable in coming years.

Speaking at Detroit Economic Club, Steven Chu, US Energy secretary, said that Govt., want to see upto million plug-ins and hybrid cars by end of 2015, which some experts says the goal is over-optimistic.

In order to achieve it, aggressive steps need to be taken, he said. He reminded that govt., under Obama administration has spent more than $ 2 Billion to setup domestic battery production infrastructure, and billon more invested in electric car development.

Chu said batteries suitable for plug-in hybrids four years ago cost about $12,000 to produce.

"That's pretty expensive. We think we're on target by 2015 so that the cost of that same capacity battery will be reduced to $3,600, a really aggressive step in the right direction," Chu said.

The goal, he added, is to more than halve the cost by 2020. "Once you get a battery that's $1,500 and much less expensive electric motors, which we are also working on, then you get to a very exciting price point," he said.

- Reuters (TOI)

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Fords unveils 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid versions (gas, hybrid and plug-in).

To be ahead in competition, Ford Motors has redesigned its good selling car Ford Fusion. You may find some Japanese design traits in the upcoming 2013 Ford Fusion.  Now, it comes with big front grills and sharp samurai head lights. The car now has some Muscle looks too.

Ford plans to offer the 2013 Fusion in three different versions, a normal gas version, a plug-in and a hybrid (gas + electric). Ford says that all the three version may be top in their class, in terms of fuel efficiency.

Other features in 2013 Ford Fusion include Ford Lane Keeping system, adaptive cruise, active park assist, MyFord Touch, start/stop technology and availability of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions and much more.

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2011 Chevrolet Volt Walk-through

2011 Chevrolet Volt is a 4 door, 4 passenger plug-in hybrid electric family sedan manufactured by Chevrolet, a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company (GM). 2011 Chevrolet Volt is available in only one variants(trims) namely Volt(Base).

2011 Chevrolet Volt is powered by hybrid engine, duo of both electric and Internal combustion engine. Equipped with Electric drive unit having 150 hp and a torque of 273 lb-ft with on-board generator/engine, (1.4L Internal Combustion Engine (80 hp)), having displacement of 1.4 liters. Max power of 149 HP is attained @ N/a RPM and has a max torque of 273 @ N/a RPM. The volt has Front Wheel Drive(FWD). 2011 Chevrolet Volt has a fuel efficiency of click here.

A 1-Speed Automatic transmission and Mechanical Fuel Injection System is standard.

Chevrolet Volt Awards

• 2009 Green Car Vision Award by the Green Car Journal at the Washington Auto Show.
• 2009 Festival International Automobile selected the Chevrolet Volt for the 2009 Environmental Grand Prize.
• 2011 Car and Driver Ten Best Cars. For the first time ever Car and Driver magazine included an electrically powered car among its 10 best.
• 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year.
• 2011 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.
• 2011 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine.

Other features includes(varies with variants(trims)):

• 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc, electro-hydraulic power with StabiliTrak, regenerative braking system
• StabiliTrak w/Traction Control
• Tire Pressure Monitor
• 3 auxiliary power outlets
• Bluetooth� wireless technology for select phones
• USB Port
• Pedestrian-friendly alert (Driver activated horn chirp using turn signal lever)
• Tire Inflator Kit
• Rear Camera and Park Assist Package
• Ultrasonic parking assist, front and rear

Src: [Wikipedia]

2011 Chevrolet Volt SPECIFICATIONS:

Body style(s): 4-door sedan
Engine(s): Electric/Gas I4
Battery: 16-kWh Lithium-ion, Rechargeable Energy Storage System, includes liquid thermal management system with active control
Displacement (liters/ cu in.) 1.4
Power:@ RPM 149@n.a
Torque: lb-ft/rpm 273@n.a
Transmission: 1 Automatic
Exterior Dimensions (IN.)
Overall height: 56.6
Overall width: 70.4
Overall length: 177.1
Wheelbase: 105.7
Colors: Black,Crystal Red Metallic,Cyber Gray Metallic,Silver Ice Metallic,Viridian Joule,White Diamond
Fuel Capacity:(gal) 9.3
Mileage(est)(city/highway): click here
Price Onwards: $40,280 after tax saving $ 32,780
Complete specifications: Specifications of 2011 Chevrolet Volt
Website: 2011 Chevrolet Volt
Download: Owner manual of 2011 Chevrolet Volt

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Jaguar Hybrid concept C-X75 unveiled at 2010 Paris Motor Show

On Wednesday, Jaguar unveiled a gas-electric hybrid two-seat sports car concept C-X75, on the eve of the 2010 Paris auto show.The automaker says is capable of reaching a top speed of 205 miles per hour, and up to 68 miles of all-electric operation.

The gorgeous-looking C-X75 concept, so designated in honor of Jaguar�s 75th anniversary this year, �explores the outer limits of both performance and sustainability,� the company said in a news release.

Jaguar's C-X75 is powered by four 195-horsepower electric motors, one in each wheel and has an all-wheel drive system, with torque-vectoring controls to distribute power as needed to each wheel.

A �track� driving mode provides additional performance and power, Jaguar said, when supplemental power is needed directly to the wheel motors.

In addition to the 780 total horsepower provided by the wheel motors, the system also produces a reported 1,180 foot-pounds of torque.

The engine is gas turbine engine,center-mounted, 188-horsepower that can recharge the batteries and help extend the car�s range from 68 miles on all-electric power to a total of 560 miles, Jaguar said.

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Japan cheapest Hybrid car is Honda's Fit, costs $ 18,000

(Reuters) -- Honda Motor Co. plans to sell a hybrid version of its popular Fit compact car at around 1.59 million yen ($18,600), making it the cheapest hybrid in Japan when it goes on sale in October, the Tokyo Shimbun and Mainichi Shimbun newspapers reported today.

Thanks to Japanese subsidies on green-car purchases, hybrid cars have become popular in the market for new passenger cars in the past months.

But the subsidies are scheduled to end next month, a move that could trigger a price war with rival hybrid car maker Toyota Motor Corp.

Honda's Hybrid Fit will cost about 300,000 yen less than Insight, Japan's No.2 auto maker's other hybrid offering and currently the cheapest. It will be priced at about 400,000 yen more than Fit's gasoline-powered version, the Shimbun daily said.

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There will be 2011 Panamera S Hybrid, confirms Porsche

All major Euro Luxury Car makers are testing and planning to launch zero emission vehicles, in this case Electric Vehicle. Even US Govt. recently proposed bill, commits to have more than half of the running vehicles should be electric.

Now, it's Porsche openly confirmed that the launch of the Panamera S Hybrid is on track for 2011. Though new tech isn't being created for upcoming Panamera but it is being build on  Cayenne S Hybrid platform. That means it will sport a 329-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to a 46 hp electric motor. Like the Cayenne S Hybrid, the Panamera's parallel hybrid setup boasts the ability to operate at low speeds under electric power alone.

- 2010 model Photos

Photos copyright �2010 Drew Phillips

PRESS RELEASE

Porsche Develops Research Cars with Electric Drive

Stuttgart. Electric drive will take on an increasingly important role in the further enhancement of Porsche Intelligent Performance. To combine greater efficiency with even lower fuel consumption and emissions, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is working consistently not only on the ongoing development of hybrid concepts already in regular production, but also on practical tests as part of the Stuttgart Model Region for Electromobility, using three research cars with all-electric drive based on the Porsche Boxster.

In the test process, these three electric Boxsters are to provide an initial first important insight into new electric drive components and battery systems for all-electric vehicle drive. This field test intended to also provide further findings on the infrastructure required for electromobility, user behaviour and the demands made of future products, is to start in early 2011.

Michael Macht, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche AG, sees this contribution made by Porsche as absolutely essential: "We will definitely be offering an electric sports car in future. But such a concept only makes sense if it offers product qualities typical of a Porsche."

Porsche has been committed to electric mobility for a long time, thus helping to preserve the environment and save resources in our world: The spectacular concept study of the 918 Spyder high-performance mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid combines high-tech breakthroughs in engine technology and electromobility with a truly fascinating range of further qualities. Emissions otherwise to be found only on a super-mini of just 70 g/km CO2 with three litres fuel consumption for 100 kilometres in the NEDC (equal to 94.1 mpg imp), come with the performance of a super sportscar developing well over 600 horsepower.

The hybrid system of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid has been developed especially for racing, with two 60 kW (82 hp) electric motors on the front axle boosting the 480 hp six-cylinder power unit fitted at the rear. Replacing conventional batteries there is an electrical flywheel power storage system re-charged whenever the driver applies the brakes and thus delivering energy to the electric motors. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid has already proven its racing qualities in the 24 Hours of N�rburgring.

Introducing the Cayenne S Hybrid, Porsche also offers the first production car in the range able to run under electric power alone. With maximum output of 380 hp, the Cayenne S Hybrid makes do in the NEDC cycle with just 8.2 ltr/100 km (equal to 34.5 mpg imp), and CO2 emissions reduced to a mere 193 g/km. This hybrid technology will also be featured in the future Panamera S Hybrid due to enter the market next year.

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Porsche's Spyder supercar gets a nod for the Production.

(Bloomberg) Soon Porsche gonna add a new Sports cum Hybrid Car to its Portfolio. Porsche AG's supervisory board approved production of the 918 Spyder hybrid sports car, a model that zaps to 100 kilometers an hour in 3.2 seconds and may top the Carrera GT as the manufacturer's costliest vehicle.

Porsche plans to develop the vehicle at a research facility near Stuttgart, Germany, where the carmaker is based, the company said today. The car will be built at the main plant in Zuffenhausen.

The 918 Spyder, one of three hybrid models Porsche presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March, has attracted at least 2,000 non-binding submissions of interest, people familiar with the matter said. Porsche needs at least 1,000 sales pledges to sign off on building the car, development chief Wolfgang Duerheimer said in April.

�The introduction of hybrids is now happening at all carmakers, with all models and Porsche has above average carbon dioxide emissions,� said Daniel Schwarz an analyst at Commerzbank AG in Frankfurt. �It would also make sense to do it with the Cayenne as you would get the best results as far as carbon dioxide emissions are concerned.�

The supercar may be priced at about 500,000 euros ($650,000), topping the 453,000-euro Carrera GT of which no more than 1,500 units were produced. The 918 Spyder may be introduced as early as 2013, according to Tim Schuldt, an analyst at Equinet AG in Frankfurt.

The two-seater car accelerates to a top speed of 320 kilometers (199 miles) per hour, relying on a 500-horsepower V-8 engine and electric drive-systems that allow the vehicle to run up to 25 kilometers on electric power.

Porsche agreed with worker representations last week on measures to preserve jobs and improve productivity through 2015. The accord includes a pledge to build the 918 Spyder if the car draws sufficient interest, people familiar with the matter said.

Porsche plans to add models with a goal of doubling annual sales to as many as 150,000 vehicles over the medium term, and benefit from savings from a planned merger with Volkswagen AG.

Src: AutoNews

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Next Toyota Hybrid Pirus to be build in US.

Reuters says Toyota Motor Corp will likely be able to build the popular Prius hybrid car in the United States when it is remodelled next, a top executive said on Tuesday.

Toyota had been planning to produce the world's best-selling gasoline-electric car at its new Mississippi plant, but instead decided to build the Corolla sedan after local production of that model ended with the closure of a California factory formerly co-owned with General Motors Co .

"The main components for the Prius -- such as the motor and battery -- are not mature enough for local production," Executive Vice President Atsushi Niimi said. "We expect that they'll be ready with the next remodelling."

Niimi, who oversees production as well as regional operations in North America and China for Toyota, said the company would decide in due course where in the United States it would make the fourth-generation Prius, expected around 2016.

A more near-term concern was the pace of recovery in the U.S. market, which he said would likely be slow.

"If you look at unemployment, housing, and other economic indicators there's not much good news. I think it will take time for the market to recover," he said, adding he did not share views that the U.S. market could recover to above 12 million units next year or to 14-15 million in 2012.

- Reuters

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Lexus HS Hybrid 2010

Lexus HS Hybrid 2010 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in two variants, the 250h and the 250h Premium.Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January 2009.

Lexus HS Hybrid , both variants are equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4 , 187-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 35-mpg in the city and 34-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Lexus HS Hybrid 2010 SPECIFICATIONS:

Body style(s): 4-Door Sedan
Detailed specifications of Lexus HS Hybrid 2010
Colors: Aurora White Pearl,Black Opal Mica,Black Sapphire Pearl,Golden Almond Metallic,Matador Red Mica,Obsidian,Silver Opal Mica,Smoky Granite Mica,Starfire Pearl,Tungsten Pearl
Fuel Capacity:(gal) 14.5
Mileage(est)(city/highway): 35 / 34
Price Onwards: $34,650

Lexus HS Hybrid 2010 HOMEPAGE

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Honda Insight 2010

Honda Insight 2010 is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan manufactured by Honda and the first production vehicle to feature Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system, available in 3 variants, ranging from the LX to the EX Navigation.

Honda Insight , both variants are equipped with a standard 1.3-liter, I4, 98-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 40-mpg in the city and 43-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2010 Insight is all-new for 2010.

Honda Insight Awards:

• The first generation Insight's engine won the International Engine of the Year award for 2000, and continued to hold the "Sub-1 liter" size category for the next six years.
• It received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2000 Climate Protection Award.
• It was named the "Greenest Vehicle" of the year for 2000, 2002,2003 and 2006 by The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).[50]
• The Insight was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2001.

Honda Insight 2010 SPECIFICATIONS:

Body style(s): 5-Door Hatchback
Engine(s): In-Line 4-Cylinder 8-Valve SOHC i-VTEC�
Power:@ rpm (SAE net) 98 @ 5800
Torque:(lb-ft @ rpm) 123 @ 1000-1700
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT),Standard with Paddle Shifter System
DC Brushless Motor (Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous)
Power (hp @ rpm): 13 @ 1500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 58 @ 1000
Electric Power Storage: Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Battery
Output (Volts): 100.8
Rated Capacity : 5.75 Ah
Exterior Dimensions (IN.)
Overall height: 56.2
Overall width: 66.7
Overall length: 172.3
Wheelbase: 100.4
Track (front/rear): 58.7 / 58.1
Colors: n/a
Fuel Capacity:(gal) 10.6
Mileage(est)(city/highway/both): 40/43/41
Price Onwards(MSRP): $19,800

Honda Insight 2010

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