Electric smart not on-sale until 2012

Customers looking for an all-electric smart car will have to wait another three years to buy one. While trials of the car are scheduled to expand, company sources say consumer sales are not expected until 2012 at the earliest.

Smart is reluctant to speculate on prices when the cars finally hit showrooms. But privately sources acknowledge the fortwo ed will cost at least £15,000, twice as much as for the basic petrol model. Even then, it could cost more if government incentives are not put in place to encourage early adopters.

A fleet of 100 electric smart cars have been on trial in the UK since 2007. Coventry City Council and the Metropolitan Police are among those leasing the sodium-nickel-chloride powered cars at a monthly cost of £375. The trials have been part supported by Cenex, the body funded by the Department for Business and Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) to support low carbon and fuel technologies in Britain.

Trials will no expand across Europe, starting with Berlin and Paris in 2009. These vehicles will be fitted with new lithium-ion batteries - rather than the UK trial's nickel chloride units - which will ultimately be fitted to consumer cars come 2012.

Small scale production of the electric fortwo should begin in 2010. The company says the vehicles will supply further trials in markets beyond Europe, rather than signalling the start of production for private customers.

Smart is not alone in trialling electric vehicles. Around 500 electric MINIs will be leased to corporate and private customers in California, New York and New Jersey from March 2009.

In October, the government announced a £100m package of measures over the next three years to boost the market for electric cars. These include support for further trials of cars and light commercial vehicles in the UK, as well as plans to boost re-charging networks.

Electric smart not on-sale until 2012

Customers looking for an all-electric smart car will have to wait another three years to buy one. While trials of the car are scheduled to expand, company sources say consumer sales are not expected until 2012 at the earliest.

Smart is reluctant to speculate on prices when the cars finally hit showrooms. But privately sources acknowledge the fortwo ed will cost at least £15,000, twice as much as for the basic petrol model. Even then, it could cost more if government incentives are not put in place to encourage early adopters.

A fleet of 100 electric smart cars have been on trial in the UK since 2007. Coventry City Council and the Metropolitan Police are among those leasing the sodium-nickel-chloride powered cars at a monthly cost of £375. The trials have been part supported by Cenex, the body funded by the Department for Business and Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) to support low carbon and fuel technologies in Britain.

Trials will no expand across Europe, starting with Berlin and Paris in 2009. These vehicles will be fitted with new lithium-ion batteries - rather than the UK trial's nickel chloride units - which will ultimately be fitted to consumer cars come 2012.

Small scale production of the electric fortwo should begin in 2010. The company says the vehicles will supply further trials in markets beyond Europe, rather than signalling the start of production for private customers.

Smart is not alone in trialling electric vehicles. Around 500 electric MINIs will be leased to corporate and private customers in California, New York and New Jersey from March 2009.

In October, the government announced a £100m package of measures over the next three years to boost the market for electric cars. These include support for further trials of cars and light commercial vehicles in the UK, as well as plans to boost re-charging networks.

Top 10 green cars are all diesels, Prius doesn't get a look-in

Diesels have topped a list of the most fuel efficient cars in the UK. The number one slot was awarded jointly to a Fiat Panda (pictured), Toyota Yaris and VW Polo, which all achieved 60+ miles per gallon in Which? magazine's tests. The poster boy of the green car movement, the Prius, didn't even make the top 10.

Which? copied the EU's standard mpg tests but added a simulated 15.5-mile motorway drive at an average 68mph, complete with acceleration and deacceleration. The magazine says its mpg figures are more accurate than the offical ones presented by car makers.

Every car in the top 10 list has a diesel engine. "Although diesel cars cost more than petrol cars, they will save drivers a packet if they cover lots of miles," the Which? Complete Guide to Greener Driving says.

The full report's on sale now at WH Smith, Borders, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda stores for £7. Below are the mag's top 10 cars for fuel economy.

Top 10 UK cars for fuel economy

1 with 60.1mpg
Fiat Panda 1.3 Multijet (pictured)
Toyota Yaris 1.4 D-4D
VW Polo BlueMotion 1

4 -- 58.8mpg
Mini Clubman 1.6D Cooper

5 -- 57.7mpg
Audi A3 1.9 TDIe
Mazda2 1.4D
VW Golf BlueMotion:

8 -- 57.6mpg
Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 90

9 -- 56.5mpg
Fiat 500 1.3 Multijet

10 -- 55.3mpg
Renault Modus 1.5 dci 86

Top 10 green cars are all diesels, Prius doesn't get a look-in

Diesels have topped a list of the most fuel efficient cars in the UK. The number one slot was awarded jointly to a Fiat Panda (pictured), Toyota Yaris and VW Polo, which all achieved 60+ miles per gallon in Which? magazine's tests. The poster boy of the green car movement, the Prius, didn't even make the top 10.

Which? copied the EU's standard mpg tests but added a simulated 15.5-mile motorway drive at an average 68mph, complete with acceleration and deacceleration. The magazine says its mpg figures are more accurate than the offical ones presented by car makers.

Every car in the top 10 list has a diesel engine. "Although diesel cars cost more than petrol cars, they will save drivers a packet if they cover lots of miles," the Which? Complete Guide to Greener Driving says.

The full report's on sale now at WH Smith, Borders, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda stores for £7. Below are the mag's top 10 cars for fuel economy.

Top 10 UK cars for fuel economy

1 with 60.1mpg
Fiat Panda 1.3 Multijet (pictured)
Toyota Yaris 1.4 D-4D
VW Polo BlueMotion 1

4 -- 58.8mpg
Mini Clubman 1.6D Cooper

5 -- 57.7mpg
Audi A3 1.9 TDIe
Mazda2 1.4D
VW Golf BlueMotion:

8 -- 57.6mpg
Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 90

9 -- 56.5mpg
Fiat 500 1.3 Multijet

10 -- 55.3mpg
Renault Modus 1.5 dci 86

Peugeot teases with 'Prologue…' next gen hybrid

French car maker Peugeot is revealing a "next generation hybrid" car at next month's 2008 Paris Motor Show. Judging from the photos, the 'Prologue…' is not the 'RC' coupe that Peugeot has already been teasing us with, and it's certainly not the 307-based diesel hybrid concept the firm has touted at previous shows. So what do we know?

Not a lot, yet. It produces 109g/km CO2 -- hardly spectacular even for today's tech, as the current Prius is on 104 -- and it's a 'strong hybrid'. In other words, it's capable of running solely on electric power for short distances. We also know the car's rated at 200bhp, and Peugeot claims its eco creds won't compromise decent performance.

For more on the Prologue… (yes, it has an ellipsis as part of its name), come back here on 2 October, when I'll be covering the Paris Motor Show with reams of live news and photos.

Peugeot teases with 'Prologue…' next gen hybrid

French car maker Peugeot is revealing a "next generation hybrid" car at next month's 2008 Paris Motor Show. Judging from the photos, the 'Prologue…' is not the 'RC' coupe that Peugeot has already been teasing us with, and it's certainly not the 307-based diesel hybrid concept the firm has touted at previous shows. So what do we know?

Not a lot, yet. It produces 109g/km CO2 -- hardly spectacular even for today's tech, as the current Prius is on 104 -- and it's a 'strong hybrid'. In other words, it's capable of running solely on electric power for short distances. We also know the car's rated at 200bhp, and Peugeot claims its eco creds won't compromise decent performance.

For more on the Prologue… (yes, it has an ellipsis as part of its name), come back here on 2 October, when I'll be covering the Paris Motor Show with reams of live news and photos.

Renault parades Ondelios flax car

You can eat it, buy towels and bags made from it, but did you know you can make a car from flax? Renault thinks so, as today it unveiled the Ondelio, a new eco concept car partly made from flax.

The Ondelious is a 6-seater diesel hybrid that Renault says represents the "medium term future" of motoring. It'll be on show at next month's Paris Motor Show.

Renault claims the flax bodywork is there for "for greater recyclability." Flax is certainly a renewable resource -- unlike oil-based plastic -- but I'm sceptical it has great potential for recycling in the car industry.

A more credible eco claim is the use of carbon fibre and polycarbonate in the car's bodywork, which should reduce its weight and fuel consumption (like, say, the Axon).

Renault reckons the car will manage 120g/km CO2, thanks to its aerodynamic design, light body, low resistance tyres and stop-start technology that saves fuel when you stop at lights. 120g would be pretty impressive for a car this size.

The hybrid tech inside is of the 'mild' variety, meaning it'll assist your diesel driving for fuel efficiency. You can't, however, run on 100 per cent electric alone. The lithium-ion battery recharges when you brake, and the car has electric motors front and back.

The Ondelios certainly looks nice for a concept car -- I'm a sucker for roof-hinge doors -- but the eco claims are a tad oversold. It's basically a luxury concept with decent fuel economy and okay performance of 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds.

My favourite 'eco' element is the promise of a Samsung multimedia gaming gadget for every passenger.

Maybe Renault didn't notice, but people already one iPhones and PSPs. If a son of the Ondelios ever sees the light of day, let's hope the Samsung gadgets are an optional extra.

Renault parades Ondelios flax car

You can eat it, buy towels and bags made from it, but did you know you can make a car from flax? Renault thinks so, as today it unveiled the Ondelio, a new eco concept car partly made from flax.

The Ondelious is a 6-seater diesel hybrid that Renault says represents the "medium term future" of motoring. It'll be on show at next month's Paris Motor Show.

Renault claims the flax bodywork is there for "for greater recyclability." Flax is certainly a renewable resource -- unlike oil-based plastic -- but I'm sceptical it has great potential for recycling in the car industry.

A more credible eco claim is the use of carbon fibre and polycarbonate in the car's bodywork, which should reduce its weight and fuel consumption (like, say, the Axon).

Renault reckons the car will manage 120g/km CO2, thanks to its aerodynamic design, light body, low resistance tyres and stop-start technology that saves fuel when you stop at lights. 120g would be pretty impressive for a car this size.

The hybrid tech inside is of the 'mild' variety, meaning it'll assist your diesel driving for fuel efficiency. You can't, however, run on 100 per cent electric alone. The lithium-ion battery recharges when you brake, and the car has electric motors front and back.

The Ondelios certainly looks nice for a concept car -- I'm a sucker for roof-hinge doors -- but the eco claims are a tad oversold. It's basically a luxury concept with decent fuel economy and okay performance of 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds.

My favourite 'eco' element is the promise of a Samsung multimedia gaming gadget for every passenger.

Maybe Renault didn't notice, but people already one iPhones and PSPs. If a son of the Ondelios ever sees the light of day, let's hope the Samsung gadgets are an optional extra.

Mercedes-Benz eco C-Class tells you when to shift gear

A new greener version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class will tell drivers when to change gear to save fuel. Using a computer and display that informs drivers of the most efficient time to shift gear, the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition hopes to maximise mileage from its efficient diesel engine.

The C 250 will cost 40,638 Euros (£32,330) and goes head-to-head with compact executive cars such as the BMW 3 Series 318d.

Mercedes-Benz says its car will manage 138g/km CO2: not bad, but not as good as the class-leading Beamer. Performance looks respectable, with a promised 0-60mph of 7 seconds.
The car will be available this autumn in a limited 5,000 run.

Mercedes-Benz eco C-Class tells you when to shift gear

A new greener version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class will tell drivers when to change gear to save fuel. Using a computer and display that informs drivers of the most efficient time to shift gear, the C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition hopes to maximise mileage from its efficient diesel engine.

The C 250 will cost 40,638 Euros (£32,330) and goes head-to-head with compact executive cars such as the BMW 3 Series 318d.

Mercedes-Benz says its car will manage 138g/km CO2: not bad, but not as good as the class-leading Beamer. Performance looks respectable, with a promised 0-60mph of 7 seconds.
The car will be available this autumn in a limited 5,000 run.

Volkswagen’s newest green car!

EcoFactor: Volkswagen’s most fuel efficient and cleanest version.

Volkswagen is known for producing some of the best cars in the world. The newest concept car to make its debut is the Golf BlueMotion, which is also known as the most fuel efficient and cleanest version of all. Apart from the stunning looks, this automobile is also extremely fuel efficient.

The fuel consumption on this car has been reduced by a full 0.6 litres compared to the original model. Similarly, CO2 emissions have been reduced from 135 g/km to 119 g/km. The car also has a 1.6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine that kicks out 105 horses along with the 184 lbs ft of torque which has already achieved recognition as an efficient engine at a low 2,000 rpm. To ensure that the TDI engine still gets enough cooling air, the Golf BlueMotion has an effective dual fan. The car also relies on light-running tires optimized for rolling resistance.

The base price of the Golf BlueMotion Trendline is 20,615 euros. Thus, purchasing the Golf BlueMotion pays off because of its reasonable price, high efficiency and most importantly, for being eco-friendly.

Dark Side:
The Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion is wisely crafted, but the only minute drawback is that the car is still in the conceptual stage. The automobile will be available in the UK market in the coming months, but will take quite some time before it gets launched worldwide!

Via: The Scoop

Volkswagen’s newest green car!

EcoFactor: Volkswagen’s most fuel efficient and cleanest version.

Volkswagen is known for producing some of the best cars in the world. The newest concept car to make its debut is the Golf BlueMotion, which is also known as the most fuel efficient and cleanest version of all. Apart from the stunning looks, this automobile is also extremely fuel efficient.

The fuel consumption on this car has been reduced by a full 0.6 litres compared to the original model. Similarly, CO2 emissions have been reduced from 135 g/km to 119 g/km. The car also has a 1.6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine that kicks out 105 horses along with the 184 lbs ft of torque which has already achieved recognition as an efficient engine at a low 2,000 rpm. To ensure that the TDI engine still gets enough cooling air, the Golf BlueMotion has an effective dual fan. The car also relies on light-running tires optimized for rolling resistance.

The base price of the Golf BlueMotion Trendline is 20,615 euros. Thus, purchasing the Golf BlueMotion pays off because of its reasonable price, high efficiency and most importantly, for being eco-friendly.

Dark Side:
The Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion is wisely crafted, but the only minute drawback is that the car is still in the conceptual stage. The automobile will be available in the UK market in the coming months, but will take quite some time before it gets launched worldwide!

Via: The Scoop

Plug-in Prius lands on UK roads, details emerge

Today the UK caught up with France, Japan and the US with the launch of a year-long trial of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV). I've just returned from the Hyde Park launch event, where I chatted with the Toyoto and EDF folk behind the project. Here's the lowdown.

The car looks like today's Prius -- it's cosmetically identical aside from a plug socket on the right of the car -- but promises greater fuel economy. The Prius PHV's extended battery can be recharged with a mains socket at home and road-side charging stations on the go.

Toyota told the crowd of journos and politicos -- including the Conservative's Tim Yeo and Labour's John Hutton -- that the Prius PHV uses 60 per cent less petrol than a normal Prius on journeys under 25km.

The car can run for 6.2 miles on pure electric power and takes two hours to recharge. Toyota's chief hybrid architect, Koei Saga, said he didn't believe drivers would be willing to wait for a longer charge.

Toyota also explained a key difference between the PHV and the normal Prius: it can hit 60mph on electric power alone. That's up from 30mph on the current model.

Prius PHVs will be available in 2009 for company fleets, but Toyota was cagey when I spoke to them about an on-sale date for UK consumers. The best answer I could get was the car would be available within five years at the latest. Price is a closely guarded secret.

Toyota's Saga also talked about the Prius' future direction. He said battery management was the main area of R&D, and ruled out diesel hybrids in the short term because of the high price tag of a diesel hybrid. "In the long run", he added, "diesel hybrids are something we'd consider."
The Prius PHV trial is in conjuntion with 50 jammy staff at energy company EDF, who will see how the Prius PHV performs on UK roads. EDF said it'd try to include employees who have microgeneration technology at home, such as solar panels and wind turbines.

If you can't wait for Toyota to sell the official Prius PHV, you could contact Amberjac Projects which mods the vanilla Prius into a plug-in conversion. Or you could start saving for 2009's Honda Insight, which is being billed as the world's cheapest hybrid.

Plug-in Prius lands on UK roads, details emerge

Today the UK caught up with France, Japan and the US with the launch of a year-long trial of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV). I've just returned from the Hyde Park launch event, where I chatted with the Toyoto and EDF folk behind the project. Here's the lowdown.

The car looks like today's Prius -- it's cosmetically identical aside from a plug socket on the right of the car -- but promises greater fuel economy. The Prius PHV's extended battery can be recharged with a mains socket at home and road-side charging stations on the go.

Toyota told the crowd of journos and politicos -- including the Conservative's Tim Yeo and Labour's John Hutton -- that the Prius PHV uses 60 per cent less petrol than a normal Prius on journeys under 25km.

The car can run for 6.2 miles on pure electric power and takes two hours to recharge. Toyota's chief hybrid architect, Koei Saga, said he didn't believe drivers would be willing to wait for a longer charge.

Toyota also explained a key difference between the PHV and the normal Prius: it can hit 60mph on electric power alone. That's up from 30mph on the current model.

Prius PHVs will be available in 2009 for company fleets, but Toyota was cagey when I spoke to them about an on-sale date for UK consumers. The best answer I could get was the car would be available within five years at the latest. Price is a closely guarded secret.

Toyota's Saga also talked about the Prius' future direction. He said battery management was the main area of R&D, and ruled out diesel hybrids in the short term because of the high price tag of a diesel hybrid. "In the long run", he added, "diesel hybrids are something we'd consider."
The Prius PHV trial is in conjuntion with 50 jammy staff at energy company EDF, who will see how the Prius PHV performs on UK roads. EDF said it'd try to include employees who have microgeneration technology at home, such as solar panels and wind turbines.

If you can't wait for Toyota to sell the official Prius PHV, you could contact Amberjac Projects which mods the vanilla Prius into a plug-in conversion. Or you could start saving for 2009's Honda Insight, which is being billed as the world's cheapest hybrid.

Photos: Prius PHV up-close and around London

Following the news about the UK's first ever plug-in petrol electric hybrid, here are some great Toyota photos of the car zooming around British roads. Discover how the charging process works and check out the road-side charging stations popping up in London and beyond.

One of the 40 public charging stations installed by EDF.

The charging cable looks very similar to the ones supplied with 100 per cent electric cars such as the G-Wiz and Mega City.

As you can see, the Elektrobay charging posts conceal a standard plug socket.

Like today's Prius, the plug-in version will be exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

This is the only real cosmetic difference between the Prius PHV and the standard Prius: a plug cover on the car's right-hand-side.

EDF claims the plug-in Prius will have lower carbon emissions than a normal petrol car in Britain, even though much of the fuel mix for UK electricity comes from carbon-dense coal rather than renewable energy.

Photos: Prius PHV up-close and around London

Following the news about the UK's first ever plug-in petrol electric hybrid, here are some great Toyota photos of the car zooming around British roads. Discover how the charging process works and check out the road-side charging stations popping up in London and beyond.

One of the 40 public charging stations installed by EDF.

The charging cable looks very similar to the ones supplied with 100 per cent electric cars such as the G-Wiz and Mega City.

As you can see, the Elektrobay charging posts conceal a standard plug socket.

Like today's Prius, the plug-in version will be exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

This is the only real cosmetic difference between the Prius PHV and the standard Prius: a plug cover on the car's right-hand-side.

EDF claims the plug-in Prius will have lower carbon emissions than a normal petrol car in Britain, even though much of the fuel mix for UK electricity comes from carbon-dense coal rather than renewable energy.

Peugeot 888 future car is a concept done right: shape-shifting and green

The Peugeot 888 is billed as the "personal vehicle for the future Metropolis." For designer Oskar Johansen from Norway, that means a car with space for two with room for luggage, as well as a nifty shape-shifting body. On the highway, the Peugeot 888 stretches itself out flat so that it's stable and aerodynamic. In the city, however, it scrunches up for easier parking and taking up less of the road in general.

Just to make sure it'll fit in with the eco-minded future, the 888 is powered by electric motors in each of its wheels, runs off of an array of lithium-ion batteries stored in the trunk, which, in turn, is covered with solar panels.

Peugeot 888 future car is a concept done right: shape-shifting and green

The Peugeot 888 is billed as the "personal vehicle for the future Metropolis." For designer Oskar Johansen from Norway, that means a car with space for two with room for luggage, as well as a nifty shape-shifting body. On the highway, the Peugeot 888 stretches itself out flat so that it's stable and aerodynamic. In the city, however, it scrunches up for easier parking and taking up less of the road in general.

Just to make sure it'll fit in with the eco-minded future, the 888 is powered by electric motors in each of its wheels, runs off of an array of lithium-ion batteries stored in the trunk, which, in turn, is covered with solar panels.

Trident Iceni – A green speeding sports car for $150,000

Terms like “luxury” and “eco-friendly” seem to be getting along better these days as we see them coming under one roof to render the most opulent yet green alternatives. The Trident Iceni highlights the clever fusion of these two features. Designed and manufactured by Phil Bevan, it is empowered by a Duramax turbo diesel engine with 550 horsepower at 3800 rpm. This enables the Iceni to zoom off to over 200 miles per hour. Also it can cover 2,000 miles on a full-fueled tank. This green two-seater sports car can go from 0-60mph in less than 4 seconds and deliver up to 100mpg.

Eco-conscious folks who want to steer super cars but hate to damage their environment in turn can grab one of the 500 of the Iceni that will be produced. However allow me to warn you that the price tag of £75,000 ($150,000) can crash into your wallet if it isn’t beefy enough.

Via Dailymail

Trident Iceni – A green speeding sports car for $150,000

Terms like “luxury” and “eco-friendly” seem to be getting along better these days as we see them coming under one roof to render the most opulent yet green alternatives. The Trident Iceni highlights the clever fusion of these two features. Designed and manufactured by Phil Bevan, it is empowered by a Duramax turbo diesel engine with 550 horsepower at 3800 rpm. This enables the Iceni to zoom off to over 200 miles per hour. Also it can cover 2,000 miles on a full-fueled tank. This green two-seater sports car can go from 0-60mph in less than 4 seconds and deliver up to 100mpg.

Eco-conscious folks who want to steer super cars but hate to damage their environment in turn can grab one of the 500 of the Iceni that will be produced. However allow me to warn you that the price tag of £75,000 ($150,000) can crash into your wallet if it isn’t beefy enough.

Via Dailymail