The first round of investments amounting to $12 million comes from Quercus Trust based in California and 21 Ventures LLC headquartered in New York. The funding allows ETVM to engage in multi-year R&D in partnership with some organizations and universities.

ETVM believes that the future of transportation will heavily rely on the development of electric vehicles which are highly efficient, environment friendly, and cost effective. The new generation of range extended EVs can be optimally developed using their lithium ion battery technology and the on board charger using the micro turbines.

The micro-turbine that will be used by ETVM will be using the principles of Rich, Quench, and Lean. The dual mode will allow excellent efficiency by operating at two points.

The micro-turbine will also have advanced designs in terms of its ducts, valves, heat exchangers, and sealings. These features will give the technology more freedom in terms of matching the micro-turbine with vehicle categories in need of different drive cycles.

The company also conducted a study which shows the cost effectiveness of using on board chargers in REEVs. The EVTM development team foresees their P1 prototype turbine by Q2 of 2010.

On the development of the battery, EVTM is in collaboration with the Bar Ilan University to produce a 4.7V LMNO or Lithium Manganese Nickel Oxide cathode. They are exploring the possibilities of coming up with an LMNO/Graphite for a 4.7V battery and a LMNO/LitiO for a cell with 3.2V.

Dual-Clutch technology comprises of two parallel manual transmissions, each one with an independent clutch mechanism. The first one has the irregular gears of 1, 3, and 5, while the other one carries the even gears of 2, 4, and 6. These two mechanisms synchronize with each other for flawless gear shifts and torque delivery.

The PowerShift can successfully reduce the consumption of fuel by 9% when compared to conventional automatic four-speed transmissions. Wet clutch plates are flooded in oil, therefore, this dry clutch technology does away with slightly heavier torque converters and oil pumps, while still providing maximum mechanical performance. It also eliminates hydraulic fluids, and cooling lines. The PowerShift eradicates the external cooler that traditional wet clutch mechanism carries. Therefore, the dry clutch derivative is 30 pounds less than the four-speed automatic transmission packed in the latest Ford Focus.

“A dry clutch is a real sweet spot for lighter vehicle applications,” says Piero Aversa, Manager for Ford Automatic Transmission Engineering. “PowerShift is more efficient, it saves weight, is more durable, more efficient and the unit is sealed for life, requiring no regular maintenance.”

Expected to be a hit in fuel-efficient cars of today, the Dry Clutch version of the PowerShift provides a new technology for Ford to produce vehicles that will be the best in category and especially among the green or fuel efficient automobiles of today.

For more fuel efficiency tips, the web is your friend!

The electric motor is more than 90% more energy efficient than the combustion engines used by vehicles today. The ordinary combustion engine car today outputs 25 to 30% of the energy from its fuel in the tank. The electric propulsion makes vehicles more efficient and friendlier to the environment.

In 2007, only 2.2% of the market comprised hybrid cars. The automotive sector forecasts a 15% coverage by 2015. Major car manufacturers are gearing towards the development of EVs and the market is responding well with these green cars.

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. is a Tier 1 provider of propulsion systems, alternative fuel cars, energy storage, and equipment supplier.

Quantum has developed an EREV or extended range electric vehicle which makes use of a hybrid plug in system. The Q Drive allows operation of vehicles in pure electric mode. This translates to around 50 miles of coverage in 1 charging. In the US this covers most of the daily trips and may lead to lower emissions in the future.

The Q Drive will be first used in the Fisker Automotive’s Karma. Fisker is a company co-founded by Quantum with auto design genius Henrik Fisker aiming to produce premium American cars. The company is looking at 15000 units of Fisker Karma to be produced starting 2011.

The Fisker Karma has a peak output of 200 kW consistent through out the battery charge. It also combines the EV technology with photovoltaic cells installed on its roof.

Hyundai’s first hybrid model is a gasoline-electric version of their Sonata model, and is expected to reach North American shores in 2010. The hybrid model will have lithium-polymer battery technology and use a parallel-hybrid drive system. It will also have a 2.4-liter engine coupled with six-speed automatic transmission which will work with an electric motor of 30 kilowatts.

The HED-5 i-Mode, Hyundai’s crossover model, has enough room and space for six passengers. This model was put on display at Geneva, and has received a go signal for release in the United States. The engine that came with the display model can make 286 hp and get over 30 mpg when driven on the highway. This engine will also be used in the other vehicle models to be released in the US.

In addition to the hybrid and crossover model, Hyundai has also unveiled its Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, which has just recently shown to be successful in completing a 4,300-mile cross-country trek. In solidarity with the go-green campaign, Hyundai revealed that it also has plans of participating in a program that would offset the carbon dioxide emissions of the Genesis, the company’s new luxury sedan, by joining others’ efforts in preserving a Brazilian tropical forest.

The “blue” versions of the Elantra and Accent will be launched the next year, both models having recalibrated engines, low-rolling resistance tires, and other fuel-efficient technology.

Scheduled to kick-off on September 26 in Fairmont, this nationwide biennial event will grace the Technology Park Research Center this time around. The venue will be streaming with information, latest technologies, and formal education about non-gasoline options for your car. The event will also feature products and items that are currently available in the market right now, including the ones that are yet to be released. 

Products that will be on display are alternative fuels like compressed natural gas and biodiesel, among many others. There will be many companies and organizations that will participate in the event. There will also be a showroom of vehicles that can run on plug-in electric outlets.

The previous Alternative Fuel Odyssey was held in 2006 and it had attracted more than 40,000 attendees. That event was participated by 60 sites and 3 countries. Set to be a week-long occasion, the event will feature a total of 85 simultaneous events all across the US and Canada. 

But more than its fine engine, the exteriors and interiors of this car are a delight as well. Created with a Burl Walnut wood trim interior, this biodiesel car provides only sheer comfort to its driver and passengers. As for its exteriors, you can count on Mercedes to create a head-turning car on the highway.

Sold at the retail price of $53,775, you’re getting value for your money just because of the accolades this car had already earned. Awarded with the 2007 World Green Car Award, this environment friendly car is not only good for you but for the air you breathe as well.

The main selling point of this biodiesel car is its fuel efficiency and low noise operation, amidst its high road power. You’ll get the same thunderous speed. But you’ll also enjoy low fuel consumption and less emission in the process.

This makes the Volt as the latest addition to the potent collection of today’s biodiesel cars. Biodiesel gas, which is mockingly referred to as the frying pan fuel, is currently making raves today as the cheapest and most environment-friendly car fuel. It is even possible to make such a fuel out of your own home – all you really need is a good electric heater and the necessary compounds, of course.

However, the Volt is more of an electric car than anything else. The biodiesel fuel loaded to it is normally used as back up. General Motors say that the Volt can run on 40 miles on a full battery charge. Essentially, its battery cells can answer the daily mileage requirements of everyday car uses. Its biodiesel gas, on the other hand, can answer for the long ride requirements and for the usual mistake of forgetting to charge the car.

This may be in the form of a new vehicle or a used one that still have plenty of life left in it. Being able to calculate the differences between the ongoing cost of fuel for you right now and what you will be paying if you do get a different vehicle is important. That way you can determine if the purchase will be cost effective in the long run for you or not. There is no point of doing it though if you aren’t able to get a great return on your investment. The information you just read should help you to determine which type of fuel efficient vehicle is right for you. It may be a two wheeled model such as a motorcycle, moped, or scooter. It really depends on where you will be traveling due to the various speeds that they offer. In addition to being able to save money on fuel with these options though you need to pay attention to some other factors.
For example you need to find out about the licensing requirements in your area. You also need to make safety a priority. Never operate such vehicles when the road conditions aren’t right for it. You also need to make it a habit of wearing a helmet. It doesn’t matter how fast you will be traveling or how far of a distance. You can also go with regular vehicles that are more fuel efficient than what you operate right now. This can be in the form of a hybrid, a bio-diesel vehicle, or a fuel efficient model that is offered.

All of them can be a great solution when you want some armor around you to protect you when you are on the road. It also provides you with room for more than one passenger. Hybrid vehicles are more expensive than regular fuel efficient models. This is due to the high demand for them as well as for the cost of making them. They are excellent for the environment though which is refreshing to hear. They also only use fuel when the electricity or solar power that is mainly used is depleted.

The amount of gas you will use depends on how long it is before you are able to restore that main power source to the hybrid. Even when you are relying upon the gas though for power you will get an amazing amount of miles per gallon of fuel. Bio-diesel is a type of alternative fuel that can be used instead of gasoline to operate your vehicle. You can modify older vehicles that have a diesel system in them with a converter kit. This can cost a couple of thousand dollars but can prove to be very cost effective. There are also bio-diesel vehicles you can buy new from the manufacturer. They operate with the use of vegetable oil and they seem to be vehicles that will last a very long time. They also don’t release as many emissions into the environment as other vehicles on our roads do.
The list of the top ten fuel efficient vehicles on the market right now should prove to be very helpful. If you are in the market for a new vehicle then take a look at them to see what you like. Should you decide to go with another model of vehicle you should look up the information on it before you buy it. While you may love the look of a particular vehicle, the fact is that you may end up struggling continually to pay for the gas that you must put inside of it. That isn’t going to benefit you in any way so make sure the amount of miles per gallon you can expect from what you buy is going to be something you can work with. Remember that fuel prices are expected to continue rising.

That cost is something you need to think about when you shop for a fuel efficient vehicle. It also needs to be safe and to offer you enough room. Even though you want to maximize fuel savings you need to be realistic. It won’t work well to cram your family of five into a Ford Focus even though it offers really great fuel mileage. You will need to go with a medium sized fuel efficient vehicle that may not get as good of gas mileage but you will all fit into it comfortably. This type of trade off is important to keep you all happy.

You certainly don’t want to ride to work each day in a vehicle that has your knees pressed tightly up against the dashboard. Paying attention to such details is important with the majority of fuel efficient vehicles being compact cars. If a larger vehicle is what you need then do your best to find one that is decent in regards to the fuel mileage it gets. Before fuel is up to $5 a gallon which is predicted by the end of the summer you need to have a plan of action. You can sit around and let the cost continue to stress you out or you can use a method of transportation that is more fuel efficient.
Hopefully you will be able to soon implement one of these fuel saving vehicles into your lifestyle. You will be able to breath easier when you drive to the gas station and see the prices posted for fuel. There is quite a demand for these vehicles these days so the sooner you start to look the better deal you can secure.

In many ways they are all the same but there are enough significant differences to classify them differently. For example a motorcycle can obtain much higher speeds that a moped or scooter. There are also laws that pertain to where you can ride mopeds and scooters.

They often aren’t allowed on highways and freeways were there is a very high speed limit. They are mainly used for in town riding. There is also a lower age limit in many areas for them than motorcycles. You will have to refer to the specific laws and regulations in your particular area though.

Those fuel efficient vehicles that feature four wheels include hybrids, those that operate off of bio-diesel, and fuel efficient gas powered cars. All of them feature a variety of different models by various manufacturers. Since they are becoming more in demand you will find that more of them are being offered in order to keep up with consumer demands.

The Honda Fit is similar with a hatch back as well as two or four doors. It does get better gas mileage though at a rate of 34 miles per gallon on the highway and 28 in town. It isn’t as comfortable overall as the Ford Focus though so that is why it doesn’t get top billing.

Honda also comes in at #3 with the Civic. This is a car they have had around for quite some time. It has always been very fuel efficient but more people are interested in it now than before due to the high fuel prices. It offers up to 36 miles per gallon on the highway and 25 in town.

The most expensive fuel efficient vehicle out there is the Mercedes Benz. These are very stylish vehicles and often driven by those who want to let their prestige shine. This is an extremely well built vehicle that is also extremely fast. Most people only dream of owning such a fabulous car though as they are out of the price range for most of us. They do offer 32 miles per gallon on the highway about 25 in town.

Completing the top five is the mini Cooper. This is likely the most fun you will have with a fuel efficient car. They offer plenty of room inside and a great style with the exterior. They are more common with women than with men though as they tend to be labeled as cute.