Toyota looks set to launch two new Prius models in Detroit, one's a mystery

It's a sure-fire bet that Toyota will unveil its upright Prius MPV at the North American International Auto Show in a couple of weeks, a rather more roomy and practical version of the hybrid that really started it all. And, of course, the plug-in model we tested in October will be surely rocking the floor. Now we're hearing that another as of yet unreleased Prius will be on display, simply referred to as a "Prius concept vehicle." Concept cars of course range from the mundane to the insane, and knowing Toyota we're guessing this one will fall squarely into the former category. Just the same we're hoping for a tire-shredding, slalom-eating, RWD hybrid Prius Supra model. We'll be there in Detroit when the unveil happens and we'll be sure to bring some tissues to wipe away our tears of disappointment.

via :Green.Autoblog.com

Reva's text-to-recharge electric car rolls to a standstill the US

Remember the electric car with the ingenious hook of a reserve battery that can only be accessed in the case of an emergency by texting or calling the car's manufacturer? Well, it appears that the project is having a bit of trouble getting off the ground in the US, though it shockingly doesn't have anything to do with that flagship feature. As the story goes, upstart Bannon Automotive signed a deal with the car's manufacturer, India-based Reva Electric Car Company, that gave it the exclusive license to manufacture and sell the car in the US, but Bannon is now alleging that Reva broke its agreements and says it's been left with no choice but to take legal action. Ill-conceived feature aside, the stakes in the lawsuit are fairly high, as Bannon Automotive was actually formed with the sole intention of bringing the Reva electric car to the US, and it had hoped to bring as many as 250 jobs to Onondaga County, New York.

via ; Syracuse.com

Nissan’s Electric Vehicles: New Models At Tokyo Auto Salon 2011 – January 14th~16th Next Year

Searching for great green automotive for the next two years? Folks at Nissan have been thinking about the shape for future EVs, and has released several new models that might catch your attention. More info on the latest EV models during the Tokyo Auto Salon 2011, which will be held from January 14-16, 2011 at Makuhari Messe, Japan.

The first one is Nissan LEAF Aero Style Concept that designed with aero body kit using a new bumper and flat black and white wheels for sportier outlook.

Second model is the mini-crossover Nissan JUKE Sporty Package Concept, which will be equipped with exterior accessories designed for European and North American markets including chrome parts and 17-inch allow wheels.

Third model is Nissan Elgrand Rider Premium Concept, designed by Autech, a subsidiary of Pro tuner, offering outlook approaching Toyota’s Alphard.

No info on pricing and availability yet.

via ; Autoblog.com

Fisker’s hybrid car Karma increases price to $95,900

Everyone does their little bit for the environment. Fisker Automotive too are doing their two-bits with their electric-drive car; the now $95,900 (baseline price) eco-friendly automobile, Karma. Originally announced in 2007, while the company’s first plug-in hybrid has still not reached production, its price has seen a considerable jump from the initial announced price of $80,000. Speaking of the car, its aesthetics and eco-friendly features does promise to put Karma in a league of its own. The Fisker Karma will be a four-door plug-in hybrid capable of doing 50 miles of all-electric driving and then further hundreds of miles with the help of a gas engine.

Mass production is expected to begin in February 2011. Clichéd, but any more delays and we’re going to have to question its Karma after all!

[Engadget.com]

Tucson ix: Hyundai Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle – Join The Party!

Hyundai’s third generation of fuel cell electric vehicle is Tucson ix. You might have been asking what is the difference between fuel cell EV and conventional EV? Conventional EV requires longer time span to fully recharge the EVs, while fuel cell EVs, take shorter time to accomplish the charging process.

Hyundai’s third generation Tucson ix Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) will allow the EV’s the SUV users to travel up to 650km or about 404miles after a single charge using the 100-kW fuel cell system and two hydrogen storage tanks (700 bar or 10152.64 psi). Hyundai claims the third generation is 76 percent more energy efficient compare to the second-generation Tucson FCEV, which only manage to reach 230 miles or about 370 km after a single charge.


Moreover, the third generation of Hyundai’s Tucson ix Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) could lso start at below minus condition, as low as minus 13°F (-25°C).

The third generation of Tucson ix FCEV has similar maximum speed to the second generation, reaching 100 mph (160 km/h), but boasting up to 15 percent of increment in fuel efficiency (72.9MPG or about 31km/liter). That was achieved through the modularization of bulky components in the fuel cell system, including the balance of plant (BOP), fuel cell stack, inverter and voltage junction box.

Hyundai is planning for mass production of the Tucson ix Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) by 2015, you should expect to see more news about Hyundai Tucson ix Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle testing starting next year.

via; worldwide.hyundai.com