The proposed legislation would provide financial support for experimental vehicle research, including new types of hybrids, hydrogen cells and other batteries, and new environmentally friendly engine systems. The U.S. Department of Energy would administer the funds. The major auto manufacturers and the United Auto Workers union have voiced support for this bill, which would provide a further boost to the rebounding auto industry after the success of the CARS program.

Peters, accompanied by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, announced the proposal on September 3 in Troy, Michigan. The legislation is seen as a boon for Michigan’s economy, which heavily depends on the auto industry; it will also please environmentalists who praise its emphasis on alternative fuel sources rather than reliance on fossil fuels. If the bill is passed, funding might be available to auto manufacturers by the end of this year.

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View photos of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

Details released by the auto manufacturer indicate that the Vision EfficientDynamics will incorporate a three-cylinder turbodiesel engine with two electric motors, allowing enhanced fuel economy without sacrificing pickup or performance. A proprietary software program combines both the hybrid and electric powertrains, producing an engine capable of 356 horsepower, comparable with other performance vehicles on the market. Environmental concerns have not been neglected, however; the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics uses standard plug-in hybrid technology with an estimated driving range of about 400 miles, making it a viable choice for green enthusiasts. Seating four comfortably, the Vision EfficientDynamics may produce the highest performance of any family-friendly hybrid on the market.

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What makes the Chevy Volt desirable?

If Chevrolet’s claims regarding its new Chevy Volt are accurate, this new car stands to revolutionize the way we commute and think about fuel economy. According to their press release, if you drive less than 40 miles per day, the Chevy Volt will consume zero traditional fuel and create zero emissions. In other worlds, according to Chevy, the future of personal automobile has arrived, and it is rated at 230 mpg.

Click to Insure Your Chevy Volt

How can it be rated 230 mpg?

When considering the Chevy Volt’s rating of 230 miles per gallon, it is worth remembering the Environmental Protection Agency is still working out the kinks on how they will test new electric cars for fuel efficiency . As the procedure currently stands, a car is expected to be charged up once a day. Unlike most electric cars or hybrids, the Chevy Volt will be able to complete up to forty miles of completely gasoline free driving on that charge. This means that around three quarters of commuters would be able to do their daily driving without any gasoline at all. The Chevy Volt only begins using gasoline once its electric charge has run down, which is where the 230 mpg rating comes from.

Where can you find car insurance rates for this new car?

Of course, once you decide to make the plunge, it will be necessary to look into getting insurance rates for your new Chevy Volt. These days, there are a handful of websites that can serve as a one stop shop to get insurance rates. Autocareinsurance .com, for instance, provides you quotes on insurance rates from the top providers without the hassle of contacting each insurance provider and haggling with them on your own.

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Tesla Model S Sedan

Recently, CNN.com posted a story about the new funding Tesla received from the federal government to aid in their production of electric vehicles. Tesla has already produced a roadster that has amazing specs for an electric car, and now this new funding will go to assist the production of the Model S Sedan.

Read the CNN.com article here: cnn.com

The Model S has a stunning luxury design and amazing features that make other electric vehicles pale in comparison:

RANGE

• Up to 300 mile range
• 45 minute QuickCharge
• Charges from 120V, 240V or 480V
• 5 minute battery swap

UTILITY

• Seating for 7 people
• Unique hatch for oversized items
• 60/40 flat-folding rear seat
• 2nd trunk under hood

PERFORMANCE & TECHNOLOGY

• 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
• PURE electric
• 2X as efficient as hybrids
• Proven powertrain from leading EV manufacturer
• 17 inch infotainment touchscreen

Base Price $49,900* Deliveries Begin 2011

* Price shown includes $7,500 Federal Tax credit.  Consult a tax expert for details.

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The caravan offers the public an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with hydrogen fuel cell technology as a viable energy source for passenger vehicles and buses, as well as off-road and portable power supplies. The nine day road rally invites the public to learn about hydrogen technology and test drive participating fuel cell vehicles. The participating vehicles will stop at 28 locations along the I-5 corridor.

Daimler 'F-Cell' FCV

Daimler
The 2007 Daimler “F-Cell” FCV can comfortably seat four passengers. Hidden underneath the under floor of the vehicle is the entire fuel cell system and accompanying 2.8 kg hydrogen tanks. Unlike other bulky alternative-energy vehicles, there is no lost space in the passenger or luggage areas.

Reaching maximum speeds of 90 miles per hour, this vehicle has a 167 mile range. It boasts 89 horsepower, 10,000 PSI and 145 ft – lb torque.

General Motors Equinox Fuel Cell

General Motors
General Motors’ fully functional crossover fuel cell vehicle, the 2007 Chevy Equinox, offers 100 mph maximum speeds. It also boasts an ability to start and operate reliably in sub-freezing temperatures. It has 94 kW of maximum power, and a maximum torque of 236 lb – ft.

However, due to its engineering, the Equinox is not expected to last for more than 50,000 miles of use. Its range is 150 miles on 4.2 kg of hydrogen.

Honda FCX Clarity

Honda
One of the world’s most loved automakers, Honda has a long history of environmental technology advancement. This dedication was manifested in late 2002, when Honda leased the first government certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle for daily commercial operation. The City of Los Angeles proudly used the first five FCX’s in daily City Government business. Honda holds another important first, having supplied the first fuel cell vehicle leased to an individual.

Honda’s award-winning 2009 FCX Clarity combines typical Honda efficiency with an advanced design and fuel cell power system. The hydrogen tanks hold 3.9 kg. A compact, high torque drive motor enables the vehicle to quickly accelerate with 189 lb – ft. torque and maximum speeds of 100 miles per gallon. It can start in temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit and is one of the few fuel cell vehicles practical for real-world use.

It has a 240 mile range, maximum power of 100 kW and a fuel economy of 60 city / 60 highway.

Hyundai Tucson FCEV

Hyundai
The Hyundai Fuel Cell Vehicle Development Program has yielded success in the 2009 Hyundai Tucson FCEV. Having overcome challenges in range, efficiency and climate, the Tucson is the result of immense research and development at Hyundai’s Eco-Technology Research Institute in Korea.

Considered one of the most commercially viable fuel cell prototypes, the 2009 Tucson FCEV has a 221 mile range and a maximum speed of 97 mph. The tank holds 3.6 kg. Power tops at 100 kW and torque leads out with a top limit of 300 Nm.

KIA Borrego FCEV

Kia
The 2009 Kia Borrego FCEV is still in the development process. With a design based on the current gasoline Borrego model, the FCEVs are undergoing testing in the US and Korea. This automobile marks a major advancement for Kia’s fuel cell vehicle development.

The Borrego boasts an impressive range of 426 miles and max speeds of 100 miles per hour. Torque is measured at 300 Nm and power peaks at 110 kW. The tank holds 7.9 kg.

Nissan X-Trail

Nissan
Nissan is very concerned about the current state of the environment and has taken many steps to protect the world and its resources. The 2005 Nissan X-Trail offers a 310 mile range with max speeds of 93 miles per hour. 280 Nm of torque combines with 90 kW of power to get the X-Trail up and moving. A sporty design adds to the Nissan’s appeal.

TOYOTA FCHV

Toyota
The 2008 Toyota FCHV is the culmination of 80,000 miles and 18 months of testing on the streets of California and Japan. The FCHV has been leased limitedly in the US and Japan since early December 2002. This luxury style automobile offers the smooth, quiet ride so desired by commuters.

A consumer could expect to travel the FCHV’s 491 mile range at speeds up to 96 miles per hour with a tank capacity of approximately 6 kg. Power and torque max out at 90 kW and 192 lb – ft respectively.

Volkswagen Tiguan HyMotion

Volkswagen
Drive fully emissions-free in the super-silent 2008 Tiguan Hymotion. Offering 134 horsepower and top speeds of 93 miles per hour. Accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour takes only 14 seconds.

Installed in the trunk space, the battery does not affect the available interior space of the automobile. The 700 bar hydrogen tank is beneath the floor of the rear bench seat and cargo area, and holds up to 3.2 kilograms of hydrogen.

Read more about Fuel Cell Vehicles

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Fuel Cell Technology for Autos

UPDATE: Read about Fuel Cell Vehicles on the Hydrogen Road Tour

Serious challenges face our planet. Air pollution, noise pollution and a general conflict over limited resources top the list for most people. What if changing our approach to one aspect of our economy could significantly help with all of these problems? Reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and you reduce the severity of all of these issues. Fortunately, there is a way to do just that. Fuel cell technology provides a practical alternative. It is easy to see why it looks promising when you look at the benefits.

Fuel cell technology works through an electrochemical process to turn fuel to energy rather than through combustion. This means that, unlike gasoline, fuel cells provide an energy that is clean. The technology is also quiet and far more efficient than burning fuel. When burning fossil fuels for energy we are constantly using up resources that are limited in supply. One day they will be gone. Fuel cell technology, however, provides energy in a way that does not deplete our access to it. It also allows for more than one kind of fuel. This fuel can be harvested and turned into energy in many different places, unlike fossil fuels. So fuel cell technology allows us, in effect, to grow more energy rather than look with trepidation at the rapidly approaching point where usable energy will be exhausted.

Fuel cell technology offers realistic solutions to some of the most daunting challenges facing our planet. It is easy to see why it looks so promising. It offers a very clean, quiet, highly efficient energy source that is reliable, flexible and easy to maintain. At some point in the future people will look back at us and shake their heads, unable to comprehend why we put up with our dependence on fossil fuels for so long.

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2009 Toyota Prius

The top choice for a hybrid vehicle today is the 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid. The 2008 Prius was considered a top choice as well, due to its outstanding fuel economy. When it comes to hybrids, gas mileage is of the utmost importance. It is what consumers are most interested in. The Toyota Prius sweeps the board by achieving 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. With more trunk space and interior space for comfort, the Prius does not seem as stuffy and small as the typical economy car, making it more desirable. It is also relatively affordable compared to other hybrids of its class.

2009 Honda Civic

Coming in as number two on the list is 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid. This vehicle competes well with the Prius because it too is affordable for a hybrid and fairly roomy inside. The gas mileage is still incredible good at 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. The Honda Civic Hybrid is considered to be a very reliable vehicle, which brings it to the number two spot. This vehicle also comes with a fantastic extended warranty deal which solidifies its position on the list.

2009 Ford Escape

Third on this list is the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, which maintains an SUV style body and yet gives vehicle owners far superior gas mileage than its SUV contemporaries. Families can now have the convenience of a larger vehicle without the headaches of the killer fuel costs. The Escape is stylish, comfortable and powerful, making it third on the top 3 hybrid vehicles and their features list.

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Adaptive Headlamps

If you have ever encountered problems with night vision, especially around bends in the road which conventional headlights cannot illuminate properly, you may be asking, “Are adaptive headlamps for cars a good idea?” As the increasing percentage of nighttime driving accidents occur after dark, it is important to keep safety in mind and take every precaution possible. These percentages are significant, because while the driving which takes place at night is much lower than daytime, the amount of accidents have increased due to improper night vision.

Are adaptive headlamps for cars a good idea? Adaptive headlights are able to “adapt” to the changes in driving behavior, while improving illumination. Electronic sensors present in these headlights, detect changes in speed, steering wheel movements, and the yaw, or, the rotation of the vehicle around its axis. The headlights can turn up to a 30° angle to illuminate difficult turns along the roadway. For example, if you were driving at a high rate of speed at night, and the curve was hard to maneuver, the adaptive headlamps would turn in relation to your movements with the steering wheel, giving you a higher rate of visibility. Although not present in some makes of vehicles, some car manufacturers make use of side reflectors which rotate in order to reflect the lighting to the appropriate angle needed.

Just in case you were concerned as to the sensitivity of these sensors, they are “smart” and know when they are needed. This keeps your lights from blinding approaching drivers from the other side.

As you can see there are a wealth of benefits with having adaptive headlamps for your vehicle. By improving your night vision, and simply improving tricky vehicle maneuvers, you can easily reduce your risk of accidents and injury. Are adaptive headlamps for cars a good idea? The answer is “Absolutely!”

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What do you think?
Is going green imperitive to your insurance company decision? From going paperless to mileage based policies, Eco Smart believes consumers should have choices when choosing an auto insurance company that is as ‘green’ as they are.

Using the good, better, best ranking system, companies are given the green light according to the practices they keep.

Who’s Green?
Not surprisingly, State Farm, Progressive, Geico, Allstate and Esurance take the top 5 green spots at this site. Super-Green, or just the most sponsored? You decide.

Read the entire green auto insurance press release.

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What’s so great about another new car? Volvo City Safety Low Speed Collision Avoidance. In an imminent accident under 9mph in drive, the car (using a laser) monitors the area about 15 feet in front of the vehicle and will stop if a collision is about to happen. Wow! Check out the video below to see it in action:

Insure your Volvo

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