Hybrid tops annual "Greenest" list of vehicles

The Toyota Prius C led an energy-efficient economy (ACEEE) American Council 15th annual "greenest" car reviews in a list published on January 16th. The compact, which debuted in the US market last year, had a "green score" of 58 in the ACEEE measure of comprehensive eco-performance, the evaluation of the vehicle of 53 miles per gallon (MPG) is reflected, in town and 46 MPG highway. Overall was the list of hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles (EV) dominated.

Rounding out the top were five Honda 1.8 l plug-in hybrid FIT, Prius Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid. The Ford focus with a lithium-ion battery on 10th place. The Scion IQ and the Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo Coupe were the vehicles only non-hybrid, non-Plug-in to the list.

Fuel consumption for EVs is provided in miles per kilowatt-hour while the rating for plug-in hybrids in MPG for petrol and in miles per kilowatt hour for electric operation is intended. ACEEE is a non-profit organization that acts as a catalyst, energy-efficiency policies, programs, technologies, to promote investments and behaviors. See press release ACEEE.

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Cadillac GM unveils hybrid at Detroit Auto Show

General Motors (GM) on 15 January, Cadillac introduced the 2014 ELR-hybrid on the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The luxury car, described range electric vehicle by the car manufacturer as an extended, combined gasoline-powered generator, a battery and an extension. The car of the technology is based on the Chevrolet Volt, and is largely unchanged from the 2009 Converj concept.

The ELR battery is a t-shaped 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, located along the centerline of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels. ELR deliver diverse GM estimated about 35 miles of battery-powered drive, depending on the terrain, techniques, and temperature. The ELR battery recharge can be done with a 120-volt (V) socket or dedicated 240V charging station. The vehicle can be outlet, depending on fully charged in approximately 4.5 hours with a 240V the outside temperature. See press release GM.

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NREL Study: Hybrid Vans Get 20% Higher Fuel Economy

The Energy Department's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently completed a performance evaluation report that showed hybrid electric delivery vans had a 13% to 20% higher fuel economy compared to similar conventional vans. The new NREL report, Eighteen-Month Final Evaluation of UPS Second Generation Diesel Hybrid Electric Delivery Vans, details the impact of hybridization on fuel economy and performance and identifies the conditions under which hybrids offer maximum fuel savings.

The NREL team collected and analyzed in-service fuel economy, maintenance, and other vehicle performance data on 11 hybrid and 11 conventional step vans operated by the United Parcel Service (UPS) in Minneapolis. The hybrid vans feature hybrid propulsion systems with 44-kilowatt electric motors, lithium-ion batteries, and regenerative braking, which captures energy normally lost during braking to power the electric motor. See the NREL press release and the complete report.

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