Hybrid Living

Filed under: Green Culture, SMART, Green Daily

click above image for more pics of the smart fortwo

cute [kyoot] (adjective)

1. attractive, especially in a dainty way; pleasingly pretty by means of smallness, prettiness or quaintness
2. affectedly or mincingly pretty or clever; precious

Guys: want to drive around in a smart fourtwo, a car which has been called “cute” more times than Katie Couric? That’s the question that Mens Vogue set out to answer, and their findings might surprise the overtly-masculine among us. As might be expected, driving a smart in an urban setting, such as in New York, proved to be fun and relaxing, despite the smart’s cute and perky demeanor. Perhaps driving a smart in a more rural setting would prove less appropriate, but, that’s not what it was designed for.

Still not convinced? The car proved useful for picking up girls … and nothing’s more manly than that.

[Source: Mens Vogue]

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Filed under: Etc., Green Culture, Transportation Alternatives, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, UK

There are plans in the works in the U.K. to create a new type of housing settlement called eco-towns. There are expected to be five eco-towns built by 2016, scaling up to 10 by 2020 with populations of around 5,000 to 20,000. A unique feature of these eco-towns will be the very low 15 mile per hour speed limit leading into the downtown area. The downtown will allow no cars at all.

Housing minister Caroline Flint says, “These developments will be exemplars for the rest of the world, not just the rest of the country. It’s critical that we get it right – and I make no apology for setting the bar as high as possible.” Flint sees public transportation, bicycling and good old fashioned walking as acceptable alternatives to driving, with a goal of cutting unnecessary car trips in half.

Not all green-leaning people are happy with the plans, though. Some believe that the resources of surrounding areas will increase due to the eco-towns while others believe that legislation is focusing in too much on transportation while leaving other important eco-issues up to the developers.

[Source: BBC, Daily Telegraph]

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Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Solar, Transportation Alternatives, Green Daily, Japan, USA

By now, most people are familiar with the concept of using wave power as an eco-friendly alternative to the burning of fossil fuels. What may be a new concept, though, is using the waves to power a boat. Billed as the most eco-friendly way to power a boat since the sail was invented, wave power is captured by flippers at the bow, and then serves to drive the vessel forward.

Kenichi Horie is a man quite familiar with solo sailing, as well as sailing with unconventional ships. In his 69 years, he’s navigated the ocean in solar- and wind-powered boats already and is now looking to set a new world record using his wave-powered ship, the Suntory Mermaid II. Horie will try to travel the 4,350 miles between Hawaii and Japan. Not only is his ship wave-powered, but it also is made from recycled aluminum and the ancillary electronics are powered by solar cells. We wish him well on his journey and will be tracking him on his official website here.

[Source: EcoFuss via Hugg]

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Filed under: Emerging Technologies, HCCI

Until electric cars and their associated technologies (motors, batteries, controllers etc.) become mainstream, the internal combustion engine will need to be further refined in order to meet upcoming fuel economy requirements and current emissions regulations — while still producing the power that consumers have come to expect. HCCI is one technology currently being developed to make these goals possible, while direct injection and turbocharging are simply becoming quite common.

Ricardo has developed a new prototype engine called 2/4SIGHT which could give HCCI a run for its money. An engine equipped with this new system is capable of running on either the 2 or 4 stroke engine cycle, allowing their V6 test-bed to be downsized from 3.5 liters to 2.0 liters while making the same power output. This downsizing leads to a 27 percent reduction in fuel consumption and correspondingly lowered emissions.

Ricardo believes that their 2/4SIGHT technology will be cost effective and easy to package for vehicle use. A video of the test engine switching from 2 to 4 stroke can be seen here.

[Source: Ricardo]
27% fuel savings projected as 2/4-stroke research prototype engine completes initial testing

Ricardo and a consortium of automotive partners today announced the completion of an advanced prototype research programme based on the highly innovative 2/4SIGHT engine concept. This gasoline engine concept uses novel combustion, boosting, control and valve actuation technologies to enable automatic and seamless switching between two- and four-stroke operation, with the aim of delivering significant performance and fuel economy improvements through aggressive downsizing

The 2/4SIGHT engine concept uses a direct injection gasoline combustion system in which the design of intake and exhaust ports, combined with appropriate changes in boost supply, fuel injection, ignition and valve timing, enable operation both in two-stroke and four-stroke modes. An advanced control system coupled with flexible valve actuation manages driver demands and coordinates operation of the boost system, valves and fuel injection equipment at an individual cylinder level. This enables smooth transitions between two- and four-stroke operation without torque interruption in both transient and constant torque conditions.

Prototype engine configuration
The research prototype engine is based on a single bank of a 2.1 litre V6, which in 6 cylinder 2/4SIGHT configuration is intended to deliver levels of performance and driveability more usually associated with a 3-4 litre V8 gasoline engine. In order to enable the project team to assess control strategies in a completely unrestricted manner, an electro-hydraulic valve (EHV) actuation system was used for the prototype development rig. The air handling system of the 2/4SIGHT concept is based on two-stage boosting and intercooling using a Rotrex supercharger and Honeywell turbocharger. For simplicity in the initial test bed prototype configuration however, boosting is provided by an external compressed air supply. The engine control system of the prototype is a DENSO rapid prototyping system working with DENSO gasoline direct injection and ignition components. The prototype engine was built at the Ricardo Shoreham Technical Centre and installed for testing at the Sir Harry Ricardo Laboratories of the University of Brighton.

Development test results
Testing of the prototype 2/4SIGHT engine has enabled development and validation of the combustion system which has been optimised for operation in both two and four-stroke modes. The flexibility of the advanced control system – developed jointly by DENSO and Ricardo – allows rapid changes to high level code which, coupled with the flexibility of the EHV valvetrain, has enabled the project team to develop and optimise a new control strategy for the 2/4SIGHT engine, including the management of two-four-stroke switching.

Highlights of the development test results include:

* Smooth and reliable switching between two- and four-stroke modes under both constant torque conditions and transient operation.
* Control strategies amenable to implementation in cost-effective mechanical valvetrain hardware.
* Extremely high two-stroke specific torque demonstrated of 150 Nm/L at 1000 rev/min and 230 Nm/L at 2500 rev/min, opening the prospect of highly aggressive engine downsizing using the 2/4SIGHT engine concept.

Significant improvements in fuel economy
Following completion of the test programme, Ricardo has carried out a vehicle drive cycle and acceleration performance simulation based on the steady state fuel consumption and full load performance of the 2/4SIGHT engine. The study was carried out using the Ricardo powertrain blockset in the MSC “EASY5[TM]” software package that allows detailed modelling of engines, transmissions, drivelines, tyres and aerodynamics. The baseline vehicle for the study was an 1800 kg passenger car sold in the European market with a 3.5 litre naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine and 5 speed conventional automatic transmission with torque converter. To verify the validity of the models and input data, the baseline vehicle fuel consumption results were compared with published data, which were reproduced by the model to an acceptable accuracy of 1%.

The simulation results indicate that vehicle acceleration performance, including launch from rest, can be maintained with a 2.0 litre V6 2/4SIGHT gasoline engine replacing the 3.5 litre baseline powerplant. This would deliver fuel savings of 27% over the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) and would reduce the vehicle CO2 emissions of the baseline from 260 g/km to 190 g/km.

Excellent cost-benefit trade-off
In parallel with the prototype engine development effort in the UK, Ricardo engineers at the company’s Detroit Technology Campus have designed a patented mechanical cam switching system which is capable of delivering the required switching performance for the control strategies developed on the test bed using the EHV system for the 2/4SIGHT engine. This not only opens the way for packaging and integration of the 2/4SIGHT engine into a production vehicle but also represents a highly cost-effective means of implementation of this highly efficient combustion concept. As such a future gasoline engine equipped with 2/4SIGHT technology offers the prospect of superior performance and lower production cost than other advanced gasoline and diesel powertrains, and straightforward compliance with gasoline engine emissions standards.

Having completed development of the prototype 2/4SIGHT engine, the partners are currently negotiating potential sources of funding and support for a vehicle demonstration programme. Commenting on the successful completion of the prototype engine development programme, Ricardo technology director, Neville Jackson, said:

“The completion of the prototype engine development programme of the 2/4SIGHT engine and demonstration of its two-/four-stroke switching capability is an important milestone for the project partners. While significant further research and development challenges remain, not least in the vehicle demonstration of this advanced engine concept, the initial prototype development project has demonstrated the potential of 2/4SIGHT to offer improved gasoline fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions, while also maintaining or improving vehicle performance. In addition to validating the 2/4SIGHT concept, the research project is also delivering significant benefits in terms of its many constituent technologies which are likely to see application in the more immediate term.”

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Filed under: SMART, Legislation and Policy, USA

The smart limited two, unveiled in Geneva.

One reason that micro-vehicles like the smart exist is so that they can cut down on congestion. There is only so much space available in big urban areas, and parking spots are often hard to come by. So, to pack more vehicles in the same amount of parking spots, you’ve got to have smaller vehicles. Unless, of course, laws prohibit these small cars from taking advantage of their enhanced parking possibilities. This seems to be a problem out in California; “If these things sell in any kind of reasonable numbers, we’re going to have to deal with it,” said Matt Nichol, a transportation planner in Berkeley. Selling in reasonable numbers they are, so hopefully smart cars will be given special parking privileges soon enough.

Smart is willing to help, says U.S. spokesman Ken Kettenbeil, “It’s going to be a lot of work because each city has its own policies, but we’ve started.” We think it just makes sense and really is in everybody’s best interest to make sure smart cars can make use of their diminutive size and, well, park smartly.

[Source: SF Gate]

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Filed under: Diesel, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, USA

Click the Jeep for a high-res gallery of the Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD

Currently, every Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle, with the exception of the Dodge Viper, is being sold in Europe with a diesel engine option. What’s more, half of them are able to hit the 35 mile per gallon mark in combined driving. In what may seem like the ultimate slap in the face, they are all built right here in America, but we cannot buy them. All of this information is available here, which is a popular article circulating on Digg. The writer of the article makes the aforementioned points as an argument as to why Chrysler should be able to sell their diesel vehicles here in the states. At this time, only one of Chrysler’s diesels, the Grand Cherokee, is being sold here.

One problem stands in the way of the rest of the diesels being sold stateside, and it’s a big one: emissions. This is a much bigger problem than the article seems to contend. There is more to the greening of our fleet of vehicles than fuel mileage, and emissions are a very important part of the puzzle. Diesel engines can be made to meet the emissions requirements in the U.S., but they add to the cost of the vehicle. When we add in the rising price of diesel fuel, diesel vehicles can become a tough sell. In the coming years, it is likely that manufacturers will introduce more diesel engines here in the U.S., and the hope remains that as they do, the price of the technology will go down.

[Source: MPGOmatic]

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Filed under: Diesel, Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Green Culture, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show

Click above for live shots of the Golf TDI Hybrid from Geneva

Remember when Jim Press used vegetables as an illustration for green cars? TTAC writer Alex Kambas manages to make the same comparison, but for completely different reasons. “Like the vegetables of my childhood era, shoving green cars down my throat just because they’re good for me won’t make me want to buy them,” Kambas opines. It seems that he feels that the Geneva Motor Show focused solely on green news, with nothing exciting to show the performance-minded drivers among us. Looking back on Geneva, there certainly were plenty of green cars on display, but we really feel that many of them ought to be interesting to everyone. Take, for instance, the Koenigsegg CCXR Edition, Lotus’ Tri-Fuel capable Exige 270E or the Audi R8 TDI Le Mans, all of which use an alternative fuel for performance reasons.

Even if you want nothing to do with green cars, many of the vehicles presented in Geneva catered to the go-fast crowd. The beautiful Alfa Romeo 8C Spider, Spyker C8 Aileron and Artega GT, should be enough to make any performance-minded enthusiast happy.

[Source: TTAC]

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Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, MPG, On Two Wheels, Lightweight, South/Latin America

Click on the image above for more shots of the Pompéo

There are plenty of people who would love to have the fuel mileage of a 250cc motorcycle, but choose not to ride one because of the inherent safety problems and the lack of weather protection. Brazilian company Triciclo thinks that they have the answer to this issue, and it’s called the Pompéo. Using a small motorcycle engine which is capable of running on either gasoline or ethanol (important for the Brazilian market), the Pompéo is said to have decent performance due to its low weight. Also important is the fact that the machine – which looks kind of like the front half of a car – is fully enclosed, meaning that the occupants will stay dry no matter what the weather outside. Seat belts provide a measure of safety lacking from the typical motorcycle, although in some countries it will be classed as such regardless. Finally, the cost is said to be in-line with a 400cc motorcycle, meaning the Pompéo should be quite affordable.

We love the idea of the Pompéo and hope it reaches success in Brazil. Currently, there are plans to export the vehicle, but nothing is said of the European or North American market as of yet. Be sure to watch the short video after the break.

[Source: World Car Fans / Triciclo]
Video:

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Filed under: Hybrid, Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Legislation and Policy, On Two Wheels, Germany

Few would argue that Germany is known for its cars, as well as for their high-speed roadways. Manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have a well-deserved reputation for building awe-inspiring cars … which also emit plenty of polllutants into the air. Keeping these facts in mind, we have a hard time imagining German politicians riding around in hybrid cars, let alone bicycles. Still, “It’s just embarrassing when all parties preach climate protection and then drive around Berlin in fat luxury cars,” says Winfried Hermann, the Green Party’s transport spokesman. In order to make the transition from Porsche’s to pedals, the Green Party wants the Bundestag (those with seats in Parliament) to trade in their current cars for hybrids and to have access to the rental bicycles available in cities across Germany.

[Source: Spiegel Online]

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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, European Union

Click on the image for more high-res shots

Powered by lithium ion batteries and motivated by dual rear in-hub electric motors, the University of Padova has created the e-Snake electric tilting three-wheeler. The vehicle was entered into the Formula Electric and Hybrid Italy 2007 student competition, where it won awards for acceleration and speed, reaching 31 miles per hour. The e-Snake is capable of traveling 62 miles per charge (that’s 100 kilometers for you metric types). Despite looking rather small, the machine reportedly weighs a not-insignificant 357 pounds, about as much as a beginner-friendly motorcycle.

Watch some of the videos here see the e-Snake in action, emitting green grass as it slithers down the road. This vehicle is pretty cool, and if you are in the market for an electric leaning three-wheeler, keep waiting just a little while longer as Vectrix is expected to introduce theirs shortly.

[Source: The Scooter Scoop]

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