When a natural disaster hits, you best be ready. That means stocking food, water and other necessities.  However, there probably isn’t much you can do about your power grid.  Sure, a battery would suffice, but inevitably that source of fuel will eventually run dry.

The BioLite Campstove is a brilliant solution that solves a whole host of problems.  It’s great not just for emergency scenarios, but for those that like to camp.  At first glance it looks like your garden variety portable stove.  And don’t get us wrong, it is.  But instead of using a petroleum based fuel source, it works with twigs, pine cones, pellets and other biomass, such as pine needles or leaves.  And while you cook your dinner, or boil off that bacteria laden water, you can also power up your phone or just about any 5V gadget thanks to the built-in USB plug.  You see, the BioLite is able to convert thermal energy into electricity, and while it will take a fair bit of twigs to fully charge your iPhone, it most certainly is a great resolve for those in a pinch. The whole system packs down into a some what portable  8.25 x 5″ shape  and weighs 2lbs.

Expect the BioLite to ship sometime soon, though you can reserve one now for $129.

Saving energy never hurt anyone.  But let’s face it, you gotta recharge your gadgets at some point.  Unfortunately, most people leave their device’s plugged in longer than necessary and despite them reaching a full charge, they’ll continue to draw power, something known as vampire power.

In a perfect world we’d all have a sixth sense as to when their charge cycle is complete and simply unplug them.  The Dexim Visible Green Charger not only automatically shuts off power when the charge reaches 100%, but also visibly displays at what stage your device is at in the charge cycle.  At 1-65% the light, which mimics power flow by displaying a pulsating light through an illuminated cord, will flash at a fast rate of speed.  When it reaches 65-99% it will slow down and at 100% completely turn off.

It’s a brilliantly simple device.  And while it won’t save the Earth overnight, it will hopefully prevent one more carbon emission from entering our Earth’s atmosphere.  Dexim sells each on for $29.90 and includes a folding AC plug for added portability.

Ponying up $4,000 for anything is tough proposition, but for a suitcase sized moped called the Boxx, you must be mad.  Or are you?

This two wheeled machine is fully rechargeable and can travel up to 40 miles on a single charge, unless of course you throw down for the extra battery pack which doubles the range.  Course you’ll need to cope with the added weight, and considering it already weighs 120lbs it may not be worth the added expense.  A standard charger will power the Boxx to full in 4 hours flat, but for, you guessed it, more money, you can achieve that feat in just one hour.

The Boxx itself only measures 1 meter high, yet it can support a person who weighs up to 300lbs, which might be attributable to the all aluminum build.  But if for some reason all that weight causes a piece to break, it can be easily replaced since they’re all modular by design.  And to help you avoid cars and perhaps even objects, there is some sort of laser sensor system that alerts both you and other drivers to your where abouts.

So why get one of these?  Well, it is diminutive in terms of size.  That means you could commute to work, and provided you don’t work on the 3rd floor or lack an elevator, you could drive it in to your office and store it in your cubicle.  A nice feature, but not one in our minds that warrants such a purchase.  However, keep in mind that is fully rechargeable by plugging into your wall, so finding a charging station is as easy as finding an available outlet.

The Boxx is available for preorder now, whereupon you can configure it to the color of your choice and features.

Tesla has long been a car company that produces only one car.  And that one car’s price is far out of reach for the majority of people living on this Earth.  But come this summer, they’ll release the Tesla S, their all electric sedan that can carry up to 7 people.  And today, the company finally announced pricing and models for their all new vehicle.

There will be four packages and with that four prices.  The 160-mile version will cost $57,400, the 230-mile $67,400 and the 300-mile variant coming in at $77,400.  They’ll also sell a limited edition Performance model, which includes the same range and engine as the top end version, but will cost $87,400.   Note that pricing listed here is before the $8,000 tax credit.

All models feature their giant 17-inch touchscreen and an 8-year warranty. However, the lower end model will rocket 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, where as the model up from that accomplishes that feat in just 5.9 seconds and the top model in 5.6 seconds.  The Performance Model, which comes with the aerodynamic wheels (they increase range by 20 miles) and a high performance driver inverters cruises to 60mph in just 4.4 seconds.

As it turns out, paying for the top dogs, well, pays off, since the Tesla S in these setups will arrive summer of 2012, where the lower end versions will come sometime during the winter and fall of 2012 respectively.

The deets are a bit on the thin side, but supposedly this boat, the MIG 675, is powered purely by hydrogen.  And while hydrogren is anything but a traditional source of energy, this isn’t your traditional hydrogen system, which usually calls for a set of tanks that store the fuel.  Instead, the MIG 675 is capable of creating its own hydrogen on the fly by sucking up the surrounding sea water and converting it into an energy source, though we have our doubts about how it can possible do this efficiently.

Nevetheless, if it turns out to be real, or our information accurate, this cruiser has seats for three, measures 22-feet long and boasts a top speed of 70mph thanks to its 500hp engine.  Other luxuries include an electric anchor roller, a 10-inch touchscreen controller, GPS, depth finder, rear-view camera, an Alpine audio system, a bar fridge with an electric retractable table, an LED navigation lighting system, shower, toilet and teak flooring all around.

Price?  A reasonable EUR 250,000 (US$329,727), which sounds too good to be true considering Honda nor any other car company has yet to fabricate a vehicle that can produce Hydrogen on the fly.

Of  note, the boat company’s name is LUXURY.  Color us skeptical.

Solar powered chargers for your portable gadgets are far from an original idea.  But that isn’t to say they aren’t effective or useful.  Case in point is Quirky’s Ray.

Unlike other solar powered chargers, which lay flat, the Ray includes a suction cup mount allowing you to optimize and capture the most energy possible.  That’s all well and good if your in a vehicle, and super convenient if you’re on a plane (case in point, the pics) but what about for flat surfaces?  For that they’ve also built-in in a kickstand that let’s you angle it accordingly, though the suction cup mount is probably optimal in terms of energy collection.

And let’s not overlook portability.  The USB cord tucks neatly into the kickstand and a battery means you can recharge at night, which you’ll know is fully charged thanks to an LED status light.

So how much would you pay for this handy gadget?  Quirky is a crowd funded project.  They want to know how much you’d be willing to pay for this gadget.  We’re saying $35.  Thoughts?  Below is a tally of what Quirky users have said so far.

There is a giant push in today’s society to use renewable, clean energy – the so called green movement.  We’re seeing this everywhere on large scale items like electric cars, or solar powered houses – but there are much fewer small-scale applications.  Yes, there are other small solar chargers, but the Bolt by Solio doe an incredible amount for its small size, and ends up being one of the most impressive ones that I’ve had the chance to work with.  From the interesting look of the Bolt, to the simple yet ingenious way that you are able to make sure it’s getting full sun – the Solio Bolt is well worth checking out for anyone wanting to reduce their carbon footprint a little.

The Solio Bolt is essentially two small solar panels with its own battery inside.  That battery can be used to power pretty much any product that can be run on USB power, which is probably going to be most anything you have on your desk.  It’s a great little concept because it works – however there is one main caveat that you need to be aware of.  The Solio Bolt takes about nine hours of direct sun to fully charge the internal battery – direct doesn’t mean that you can just leave it sit out on a porch or deck either (although that would work, it would take a lot longer).  No, you need to make sure the Bolt is properly aimed at the sun to ensure it’s getting all the juice it can, and this can be a real pain if the weather isn’t PERFECT.

So you’ve got a bright and sunny summer day outside, how do you make sure you’re aimed right then?  Well Solio came up with an idea so unbelievably simple, it’s brilliant – ready for this?  The put a hole in the center of the Bolt, and made it the perfect size for a No. 2 pencil (we all remember those from high school – right?).  The idea is that when you put a pencil through the hole, you create a basic sun dial.  Angle and rotate the Bolt so that the pencil casts no shadow, and you can be sure that it is pulling in the maximum amount of sun.  Granted you need to check it every hour or so and re-adjust it, but doing that means you’ll charge it much faster.

Of course, you can charge the internal battery even faster if you want to forgo the whole “green” thing, and just plug it directly into your computer.  The Solio Bolt has a micro USB port to charge it up in a pinch, but there are cheaper and more effective portable “batteries” out there if you really are only going to do that.  If you need to charge it up quick before a camping trip or something though, the option is always there.  Speaking of using it while camping, you don’t have to be too concerned with using it in the elements.  While not completely waterproof, it’s water resistant enough to withstand a little rain.  The Solio Bolt is also a lot more solid than other solar panels that I’ve worked with in the past, and has survived numerous falls (one from a moving bicycle) without any issue like cracking or chipping.

One thing that I really like about the Solio Bolt, is that it can charge using the CITA protocol (or in layman’s terms, the protocol that every USB device not made by Apple uses), or the Apple protocol (as it says, this is what every Apple product uses).  Since I have both an iPhone and an Android Tab, it was invaluable to me for it to be able to switch and charge whichever one needed the boost at the time.  The switching between modes (and really everything on this) is taken care of by a singular button.  That single button turns the Solio Bolt on, puts it in charging mode, flashes to let you know how charged the Bolt is, and switched between the aforementioned output modes – it’s simple, and streamlined enough that anyone can pick it up and work it.  One full Bolt battery provides the following power: 9 hours 50 min. of additional talk time on an iPhone 4, 9 hours 10 min of additional talk time on a Motorola Droid, 7 hours of additional talk time on a HTC EVO, 86 hours of music or 15 hours of video based on iPod Touch 4th Gen, and 5 hours 20 min. of additional operation time based on a Garmin Nuvi 850.

The Solio Bolt is also very light (just over five ounces), so it’s not going to add much extra bulk or weight to someone bring it alo0ng on a camping or hiking trip – although it is a bit awkward to have it in your pocket due to the shape and size.  It is much easier to take with you than some of the “mat” style solar chargers that are out there, making this my preferred charger to bring with me when I’m out.  I’d love to see an actual bike mount accessory, but a bit of duct tape worked for me in a pinch – hopefully Solio will start making some accessories like that, or another company will see how good of an idea this is and take the initiative.

Editor’s Rating:

4 out of 5 stars

Very Good

The Bottom Line:  The Solio Bolt may very well be one of the best solar chargers out there, but unless you’re going to be using it a lot the $70 price tag may seem steep (even though it’s really not)

Pros:

• The Solio Bolt can switch between power outputs on the fly to ensure proper charging of Apple and standard USB products
• The construction of the Solio Bolt is very well, and it handles the elements and short falls or drops with ease
• The Solio Bolt is incredibly easy to use, with only one button to work everything

Cons:

• Unfortunately is needs a good bit of time (maybe as much as two days) to fully charge up in the sun
• No accessories yet as it’s still fairly new
• The odd shape means putting the Solio Bolt in your pocket isn’t something that’s going to happen

You can get a Solio Bolt from Solio’s website for $70

Dare that we say electric motorcycles are become rather ubiquitous?  Okay, perhaps ubiquitous isn’t the correct word, so how about boring?

Earlier this week Volta introduced their production model electric motorcycle.  Distribution is expected to start sometime in Q2 of 2012 with a price tag of about $10,000.  Despite offering 3 different models (BCN Sport, City and Custom), all of them will include the same 35hp non aspirated power source and a trunk with capacity for a full-face helmet, as well as a mobile phone charger.  It’s a complete guess, but probably safe to assume that the custom version will be the most expensive, with the differentiating factor between each model being the aesthetics and finishes.

While Volta hasn’t announced any apps, they have told us that you’ll be able to administer charges, adjust power settings amongst other things directly from your smartphone.  If we’re to believe the company, they say that each charge will cost about $0.60 and the battery will last up to 5 years (1500 charges) where upon its capacity will diminish to 80%.

If you’re looking to purchase one, you’ll have to head to Europe, though we’d expect them to eventually arrive stateside.  Until then, you can always opt for a Brammo.

Volta Motorbikes unveils his first electric motorbike, the Volta BCN, in the coming EICMA 2011

The pre-reservation list will be opening at the start of 2012, and the first units will be sold during the second quarter of the year

Between 8th and 13th November, amid the backdrop of the Milan Fair (69th International Motorcycle Exhibition), Volta Motorbikes, an electric motorbike manufacturer created with the mission of providing new solutions for the pollution problems in big cities, will be presenting its star project: the Volta BCN. The first electric motorbike designed entirely in Barcelona has received the name of the Catalan capital thanks to an agreement with the City Council, which hopes to display the city’s aspiration to become a European benchmark in sustainable mobility and environmental respect. The Volta BCN combines design, a sporty feel, innovation and sustainability all in one. This goes to show that a practical and sustainable vehicle can also be dynamic, while boasting an urban image and high performance.

After months of work and perseverance, the Volta Motorbikes project has now come to fruition and is about to begin the production phase. Thus, during the first quarter of the forthcoming year, a pre-reservation list will be opened on the Internet; and in the second quarter, the first units will be released for sale, for an estimated price of €7,000. At the moment, Volta is putting the final touches on the shape of the Volta BCN distribution network and points of sale throughout Europe.

The fact that Volta bears the name of Barcelona forms part of the intention to help forge the image of a city that is capable of converting urban thoroughfares into a pollution-free public space, yet with no sacrifices regarding the mobility-related needs of the people who live there. And so, Barcelona is pushing to become a benchmark for sustainability in Europe, while at the same time reasserting its ambition to be a hub for design and quality.

The Volta BCN is different from other urban electric motorbikes, as it combines technology, design and a sporty feel, to afford users the opportunity to experience motor passion while also being respectful of the environment.

Volta Motorbikes envisages launching its product in Spain first, and will subsequently make the leap over to the international market, with its first appearance at the Milan Fair, the quintessential showcase for any new product in the two-wheel sector. As Volta Motorbikes Manager Marc Barceló says, “the Milan Fair is the ultimate test to assess the entrance of a new brand, and we hope to firm up our first orders with the European market during the days of the show”.

BCN SPORT, BCN CITY AND BCN MY VOLTA

The Volta BCN, with 35 hp, will be available in several different models, yet as Barceló cites, all are founded on the same philosophy: “Volta aims to transmit the DNA of a brand with a sporty nature while also being efficient and environmentally friendly”.

In Milan, the company plans to present three models with the same power yet different aesthetics and finishes. The BCN Sport is an urban motorbike that projects a dynamic image with a personality of its own, without skimping on performance, quality or practical features. The BCN City offers a cosmopolitan design and targets those who wish to combine an elegant look with the spirit of sustainable mobility and practical, comfortable driving. The BCN My Volta is the customisable model, meaning that the motorbike can be adapted to the needs and preferences of the user in terms of the design of its finishes and accessories. The My Volta will offer customised ordering through an online tool that will be implemented with the new Volta website, coinciding with the brand’s presentation at the Milan Fair.

All of these models require the same A2 driving license and are the ideal choice for those who need a means of daily transport to get about in the city, while serving as a road of entry into the two-wheel world for new users.

€0.45 PER RECHARGE

With a full battery recharge cost of €0.45, this bike can recharge completely in just two hours when plugged into a 220-V household socket or at any public charging point. The Volta BCN has a range of approximately 70 kilometres and a lithium-polymer battery. After 1500 charging cycles, which is the equivalent of five years of daily recharges, the battery still has 80 % of its initial capacity.

One thing that we must point out about the Volta BCN is the quality of its components, as all of its parts are supplied by prestigious brands in the sector.

The motorbike comes with a trunk with capacity for a full-face helmet, as well as a mobile phone charger.Particularly worthy of note is the relaxed and comfortable position of this bike, which makes for agility and free movement when driving. Moreover, it includes the added feature of connectivity with mobile telephone devices, as well as a wide range of applications such as programming recharges and power setting limits, among others; a package that will be available when the first Volta BCN bikes reach the market.

Did you know that 50% of your energy bill is derived from heating and cooling your home?  Did you also know that you can cut that number by as much as 20% if you program your thermostat?  But let’s be real, who does that?!  More often than not we just walk up to the thermostat and adjust the temperature when our feet are cold or our pits are sweaty.  As a result, many folks set it and forget it, leaving AC cranked or the heat burning when they’re no longer home or in that room.  So what’s the solution?  The Nest Learning Thermostat.

It’s a $250 device that is supposedly as easy to install as putting in a new light fixture.  If we’re to trust Nest’s stats you can make your money back in as little as 16 months, or perhaps less if you’re incredibly remiss when it comes to cooling or heating your home.  It’s able to achieve this feat by learning about your habits.  Just install the Nest, answer 3 basic questions and then use the thermostat as normal.  A simple ring rotates from left to right allowing you to easily modify the temperature as you see fit.  In a few days time the Nest will begin to build a database that reflects your desired temperatures.  But that’s not all.

The Nest includes an activity sensor, which boasts a 150 degree field of view and can detect when no one is home and set itself to Auto Away.  Built-in WiFi not only allows you to control the Nest from your smartphone or any computer from anywhere, but keeps tabs on the weather conditions and forecast, and factors this into its algorithm.  Lastly, an array of sensors (humidity, proximity, ambient light) are baked into the equation.  Once enough data has been collected the Nest will begin to automatically adjust the temperature according to your weekly schedule and habits.  However, that’s not all that the Nest Learning Thermostat has to offer.

A light sensor detects the ambient light in the room and adjusts the display’s brightness so you won’t be blinded in the middle of the night.  Furthermore, the screen will glow red for heating or blue for cooling, and will display a green leaf when you’re saving money.

You can add a number of these throughout your home and they’ll all work together to increase your energy efficiency.  We’re not sure if that happens over WiFi or the Ziggbee standard, but in any event it includes both wireless protocols, which means it should be compatible with whatever home automation gear you throw in its direction. Lastly, you can log into the Nest website, review your stats, adjust your schedule accordingly and best of all see how much cash you’ve managed to save.

You can preorder your Nest today for $250.  It should ship 11/14/2011.

We’re in love with the Tesla S.  Here’s hoping they provide us with a review unit (imagine us begging and pleading on our knees).

If this model wasn’t enough green tech for us to gush over, Elon Musk, the car company’s CEO, announced earlier this week that they’ll launch a Sport version, which rockets the car from 0-60 in a reported 4.4-4.6 seconds.  Fast?  You bet, though the standard S accomplishes this feat in 5.5 seconds, so which ever one you end up with your penchant for speed will surely be satiated.

Apparently, 1 second comes at a cost.  More specifically $25,000, making the final cost, before rebates $80,000.  However, Tesla will toss in a set of aerodynamic wheels and their largest battery pack allowing you to drive up to 320 miles on a single charge.

These speeds are relatively unorthodox in a sedan vehicle.  Fold in the ability to transport up to 7 passengers without sacraficing storage and you’ve got the world’s best electric car with some balls behind it.  And let’s not forget about those massive LCD screens on the dash and center console.

Cadillac has officially unveiled its Ciel Concept. The oversized, four-seat convertible was first shown off to the public at the 2011 Pebble Beach Councours D’Elegance. It’s named for the French translation for sky, which is adequate given that the car’s design was inspired by the natural beauty of the California Coast. Taking inspiration from the past and full-sized convertibles (think of the Lincoln Continental convertibles of the ’60s), the new Ciel Concept features rear-hinged rear doors, which in popular terms means suicide doors (since there is no B-pillar between the doors, you can see a panoramic side view of the interior when opened).

Under the hood, the Ciel is powered by a hybrid system pairing a lithium-ion battery with a twin-turbocharged, 3.6L V6 engine, making for a sick ass green car that will surely kick any Prius or Leaf’s ass. It pushes out 425 ponies with 430 lb.-ft. of torque so  you now it has some guts despite its green nature.

As a grand touring car, the Ciel’s striking exterior features LED headlights and an exaggerated take on the modern Caddy grille, making for a very futuristic machine that would be the perfect vacay/getaway vehicle to cruise up the coast in. At the rear are chrome exhaust tips and LED taillights, while a chrome trim runs the length of the Ciel. It sits pretty on a set of 22-inch wheels, featuring brushed nickel plating overtop milled aluminum, while carbon ceramic brake rotors aids in stopping power.  Overall, the new droptop Caddy gets a thumbs up in the looks department.

But the interior is just as nice as the outside thanks to some luxurious features such as leather and wood trim and some pull-out cashmere blankets for passengers in case it gets cold while the top is down. There is also a power-assisted transmission shifter, heating and cooling features in all the seats, and tons of other features that recall a bygone era of simple luxury.

GM has really stepped up its game with the Cadillac Ciel Concept. It seems they’ve pleased on every level except the most important one…a solid decision if this baby will see the light of day and become a production model. We’re crossing our fingers!

It seems Tesla Motors will be unveiling its electric SUV around December. The Model X prototype will use the same powertrain and technology as Tesla’s other models like their Roadster and Model S vehicles. The information on a new model comes from chief executive Elon Musk in a company’s quarterly earnings call earlier this week. This will be the company’s third car, with it’s first being the pricey sports car, the Roadster, which runs about $109,000 and came out back in 2008.

Its second car is the new Model S, which will start shipping to those who ordered the sedan this coming October. While the Roadster can travel more than 200 miles on a single charge, the Model S can go about 300 miles, so the new SUV Model X might deliver numbers somewhere in between the two. The two-seater sports car is obviously for those who can afford it, with the Model S aimed at those buying an electric car for the first time, so the SUV version will be targeted for those with families and need more rom. Expect more information to be released closer to the end of the year.

Just because you go green doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. As more hybrid and electric vehicles become available, consumers want to be eco-friendly and still remain fashionable. For those who like the look of Harley-Davidson comes the Orphiro Electric Motorcycle.

As a fully electric bike, the Orphiro Motorcycle not only features a very classy design, but it also provides a comfortable ride for those who prefer to hit the streets in a two-wheeled vehicle. Designed in Holland, the widebody green bike runs off of Li-ion batteries and a motor that boasts a grand total of 72 volts. The five batteries are actually concealed behind its smooth exterior covers, while a center console show the speed and distance.

While it still looks nice, don’t expect the power of a Harley since the Orphiro has a top speed of only 75 mph, but being able to cruise for about 60 miles without having to fill up on gas just might make up for the lack of “oomph” in the speed department. Expect to see some of these rides hitting the pavement come September!

Toyota shocked auto blogs and jolted the net after confirming that the electric Scion iQ will officially launch in the U.S. come 2012. This all came from a very recent dealer meeting in Sin City, where the Japanese automaker also gave details that the Prius V will hit streets this fall, its Prius C will come in early next year and that the electric RAV4 and its plug-in Prius are all slated to hit dealerships mid 2012.

The Scion iQ has been in pre-production limbo since its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, mostly due because of the massive earthquake that hit Japan early this year that impacted Toyota’s factory. Now that everything’s seems to be up and running, it’s now ready for the iQ to hit the production line.

The electrified mini is supposed to compete with the likes of other electric minis like Nissan’s Leaf, Mitsubishi’s i and even the City electric if Think Global doesn’t go bankrupt as it looks to be headed. However, the Scion iQ is only estimated to get about 50 miles, while the Leaf gets 73 miles; Mitsubishi’s i a whopping 85 miles; and Think Global’s City car with a huge 100 mile range. This sort of gives the iQ a slight disadvantage in terms of miles, but is more than up for the challenge.

What wasn’t unveiled, though, was Scion iQ’s MSRP price when it comes out, which leaves consumers wondering if it’ll be priced along the same range as other electric vehicles or slightly less given it provides a significantly less mileage range.

However, since it’s supposed to appeal to the young, hip and urban consumers, it just might still be a hit given it’s modern stylish cues and rise in popularity of super-small city cars that are environmentally friendly and leave less of a carbon footprint than traditional vehicles thanks to its standard iQ body and lithium-ion battery packs. It’s also smaller than the already miniscule ForTwo. As a two-plus-two passenger car that’s less than 10 feet long, there’s not much room for anything but the essentials.

Right now, the estimated price seems to be around $12,000. It’s based on the Toyota iQ, a micro-mini car that’s already sold in Japan (and has been since 2008).

Via: Greenautoblog

]]> http://www.gadgetreview.com/2011/07/toyota%e2%80%99s-electric-scion-iq.html/feed 1 http://www.gadgetreview.com/2011/04/sora-electric-bike-achieves-300km-on-a-single-charge-includes-a-touchscreen.html http://www.gadgetreview.com/2011/04/sora-electric-bike-achieves-300km-on-a-single-charge-includes-a-touchscreen.html#comments Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:19:20 +0000 Christen Costa http://www.gadgetreview.com/?p=85494

All electric cars might suffer in the range department, but motorcycles, that’s a different story. Not only are they generally less expensive, but they’re faster and lighter, making them ideal for electric power.
The SORA is one of the first all electric bikes that we’ve had the pleasure of laying eyes on that boasts a range of 300km (180 miles) and a top speed of 200kmh (120mph). An integrated range system automatically manages energy consumption to insure that you arrive at your desired destination and the 5.7-inch touchscreen GPS system adds another level of tech flare to the whole package.

A regenerative braking system is present as is “the world’s first ever electric motorbike seat”, which apparently lets you change your position on the fly. The design is striking and as you can see there is only a suspension system supporting the rear wheel, while the rest of the bike is crafted from carbon fiber fairing and aluminum.
To completely recharge the bike you’ll need to be able to spare 8 hours. Reasonable considering that’s how long most humans sleep.
If you wanna take a test drive you’ll have to head up to Canada. No word on price at this time.
Read

Londoners are on track to receive free WiFi in all of their tube stations and soon they’ll be transported in brand new zero emission black cabs thanks to a hybrid Hydrogen fuel and battery pack system.

The taxis we’re developed by a clean energy consortium that includes Lotus Engineering, London Taxis International and TRW Conekt.  They say the cabs will be able to complete a full days worth of driving on just one tank and charge, which equates to about 250 miles.  Acceleration is less impressive, providing a 0-60mph in just 14 seconds.

The new hybrid, clean cabs have been awarded Road Legal status by the UK Vehicle Certification Authority, and should begin a full fleet roll out by 2012.

Road Legal Fuel Cell Black Cabs Make First Appearance on London’s Roads

Posted 28th March 2011

LOUGHBOROUGH, UK, 28th March 2011, Intelligent Energy, the global clean power systems company, has announced that the Fuel Cell Black Cabs have taken to the roads of London for the first time since being awarded Road Legal status by the UK Vehicle Certification Authority (VCA). At an event on 22nd March 2011, one of the Intelligent Energy powered taxis travelled from Forbes House, headquarters of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the taxi’s base for the day, to some of London’s most iconic landmarks.

The project to deliver a fleet of the zero emission taxis to the streets of London in time for 2012 is on track, with the first Fuel Cell Black Cabs covering a combined total of over 8,000 miles in road and test track testing conditions. During its first tour of London’s roads, one of the Fuel Cell Black Cabs excelled in rush-hour traffic, with smooth and responsive acceleration provided by the fuel cell and electric motors.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, wants to make Britain a leader in fuel cell technology and has already announced plans to increase hydrogen refuelling stations around the capital. He said, “These prototype zero-emission taxis are a shining example of British ingenuity, combining revolutionary fuel cell technology with an iconic design classic. This marks an important milestone in my goal to create a cleaner cab fleet, firstly through introduction of the first ever age limits moving towards zero-emission vehicles as they come to market. Affordable and low polluting cabs are within our grasp and I urge manufacturers to accelerate efforts to produce them.”

The zero emission taxis have been developed by a consortium, led by Intelligent Energy, which includes Lotus Engineering, London Taxis International and TRW Conekt with part-funding from the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board. The fuel cell and battery powered hybrid taxi provides a 250 mile driving range with rapid refuelling, all within the confines of the body of a conventional London taxi. Now that fully functional, validated, proven vehicles have been produced, the consortium plans to push ahead with the delivery of a fleet to London in time for 2012.

“The Fuel Cell Black Cabs are now road proven with thousands of miles of operation. Indeed, many people may have seen them as they have been driven around various parts of the UK, but we are now happy to formally announce their road legal status and that you will be seeing more of them in the coming months,” noted Dr. Henri Winand, Chief Executive of Intelligent Energy. “At a time when London will soon be demonstrating its commitment to excellence in the sporting arena, we are proud to show that the UK can also deliver world-leading zero emissions, fuel cell electric vehicle technology that will make a real difference both to lowering carbon emissions and improving air quality.”

Editors Notes:

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said:

“Green vehicles are taking to the streets in a big way. High petrol prices and the desire to clean up our air quality make them the smart choice. The zero emissions London taxi looks and performs just like a conventional taxi, even over long distances. It’s a great British innovation and I look forward to seeing them in service in London next year.”

Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of SMMT, said:

“The UK is at the heart of the global low carbon industry and is a leader for research and development into new technologies. Over the coming years the low carbon sector is set to become increasingly important for manufacturers and motorists. The Fuel Cell Black Cab is a terrific example of British engineering skills and pioneering innovation”.

The Fuel Cell Black Cab on Westminster Bridge as it passes the Houses of Parliament

About Intelligent Energy
Intelligent Energy is a global clean power systems company, with a range of leading fuel cell and hydrogen generation technologies. The company partners with leading global companies in the transportation, oil and gas, aerospace, defence, distributed generation and portable power markets. Current partners and customers include Scottish & Southern Energy plc and The Suzuki Motor Corporation, with whom Intelligent Energy built the Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter, a recent recipient of European WVTA (Whole Vehicle Type Approval) – a first for any fuel cell vehicle, which qualifies the scooter as safe to use on all EU public roads and another important commercial milestone on the path to clean, user friendly mobility for all. Other Intelligent Energy world’s firsts in recent years include the development of the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell motorbike and supplying the fuel cell system to Boeing which powered the world’s first manned fuel cell aircraft.
In addition to visiting Intelligent Energy, more information is available via Twitter, Youtube, Flickr and LinkedIn.

For $845,000 you can pick up Porsche‘s latest hybrid vehicle, the 918 Spyder.  Under the hood is a V8 gas powered engine that produces 500 horses of power, while two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, produce an additional 218HP.  However, the lithium-ion powered electric motors will only provide a 16 mile range and a top speed of 94MPH – we’re confident that their range will significantly diminish at this speed.  Total charge time will be 7 hours on a standard 110v household plug, which is pretty piss poor compared to Nissan’s LEAF.

Porsche expects the 918 Spyder to tackle the Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than 7 minutes and 30 seconds, two seconds faster than the company’s Carrera GT.  Top speed should max out at 199MPH and 0-60MPH in a whiplash inducing 3.1 seconds.

A total of 918 of these vehicles will be produced, and those that are willing to throw down the cash can expect delivery by September 18th, 2013 (get it?).

Porsche’s Plug-in Hybrid 918 Spyder Goes From Dream to Reality

The latest rendering of Porsche’s plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder super sports car.

Now available for ordering, the 918 Spyder will feature cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology and stunning performance, forever changing the future of the super sports car

ATLANTA – March 21, 2011 — After outstanding customer response to the concept car first shown at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche today announced that dealers around the world will begin taking 918 Spyder customer orders. This is a significant step toward actual production of the company’s next super sports car, a Porsche that marries unique plug-in hybrid technology and outstanding performance in a visually stunning and purely Porsche package.

The 918 Spyder will feature a high revving 500-plus horsepower V8 engine assisted by two electric motors with a total of at least 218 horsepower, yet Porsche estimates it will consume only 3.0 L/100 km based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Official EPA fuel economy figures or estimates will be announced just before the first customer cars begin arriving in the United States near the end of 2013.

To ensure the 918 Spyder’s worldwide exclusivity, Porsche will produce no more than 918 examples. Start of production at Porsche’s famed factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen is planned for Sept. 18, 2013 (9/18), and the U.S. base manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $845,000 (excluding destination and handling charges).

With its design inspired by past Porsches like the Carrera GT super sports car and the legendary 917 and highly successful RS Spyder race cars, the 918 Spyder remains faithful to the 2010 concept car. Unlike the concept car, the two-seat production version, based on a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque, will feature a manual roof system with removable panels that can be stored in the front luggage compartment.

Super high performance with very low fuel consumption and emissions

The 918 Spyder will be powered by a unique plug-in hybrid system that will include a high-revving, mid-mounted V8 engine with capacity of more than 4.0 liters and producing at least 500 horsepower. The engine will be based on the Porsche RS Spyder racing engine that demonstrated its impressive performance and efficiency through multiple Michelin Green X Challenge victories in the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Power will be transferred to the rear wheels via Porsche’s compact, seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch gearbox.

Two electric motors – one each on the front and rear axles – together will provide approximately 218 additional horsepower. This configuration also will offer an innovative, variable all-wheel drive system with independent control of the drive forces on both axles. Electrical energy will be stored in a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery that can be recharged from a standard household outlet. Electric-only driving range is expected to be more than 16 miles on the NEDC. Recharge time will depend on each country’s electrical power network, but charging is expected to take about seven hours at 110V/10A in the United States. A quick-charge option is being evaluated to further reduce charging times.

With anticipated combined fuel consumption of just 3.0 L/100 km on the NEDC, this equates to CO2 emissions of only 70 g/km or 112 g/mile. On the other hand, the Porsche 918 Spyder will deliver super sports car performance. It is estimated that the final production version will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 3.1 seconds on its way to an estimated top track speed of 199 mph. It should also tackle Germany’s famed Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than 7 minutes and 30 seconds, two seconds faster than the Porsche Carrera GT. Under the right conditions, the 918 Spyder will be able to drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 94 mph for limited distances.

Customers who order the 918 Spyder also have the opportunity to acquire a special-edition 911 Turbo S Coupe or Cabriolet. Also limited to no more than 918 units, the 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder will have exterior and interior design elements echoing the plug-in hybrid 918 Spyder supercar’s styling. It features similar exterior colors, carbon-fiber elements inside and out, enhanced leather equipment and numerous acid-green accents on items such as the brake calipers, illuminated sill plates, interior stitching and instrument cluster needles. A limited-edition badge on the glove compartment door will feature the same production number as the customer’s 918 Spyder.

Worldwide 918 Spyder customers can begin ordering this special edition 911 Turbo S sports car today, and customer deliveries will start later in 2011. The U.S. base manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Coupe and Cabriolet versions are the same as the standard 911 Turbo S models, $160,700 and $172,100 respectively, excluding destination.

There’s nothing wrong with the scooters of today, although most are gas guzzlers and emit unwanted emissions.  The best alternative is a bicycle.  It’s carbon free, works under your own power and is relatively cheap when compared to any motor counterpart.  But for many the prospect of pedaling is a no go.

Enter the Volitude scooter.   It will only be available in Switzerland, though perhaps some finagling could get you one shipped State side for a hefty price.  Nonetheless, it’s rechargeable machine that runs on electricity and can travel 20 to 40km depending on your pedal input and the terrain.  It can reach a speed up to 25kmh, which is about 15mph.  

But what makes this electric scooter truly notable is its ability to fold up into a cubical worthy size, or at least that’s what we’d like to think by looking at the pics.  It’s a bit too heavy (40 to 50lbs) to be carried thanks to all the components, but a handy “walk speed” lets you drag it along with what we assume is with ease.  Completing a full charge take 4 hours and there is a set of hydraulic brakes, rear and front LED lights and your choice (we assume) of a 5,7 or 8 gear sequential gear box.

Price and an official release date will be announced this September.

Read

It would seem like Tesla’s Model S EV can’t arrive soon enough.

While we knew pricing for the vehicle would be about $50,000 after US tax credits, we didn’t know the launch schedule or what else we should expect in terms of class options.  Now the company’s Vice President of Worldwide Sales & Ownership Experience, George Blankenship, has loosened his lips and spilled some beans on the upcoming all electric car.

The Model S will arrive mid-2012.  The first 1000 cars off the line will be the North American Model S Signature Series.  These vehicles will be packed with a 300 mile range battery and feature unique badging along with extensive complement of options.  Come late 2012, Tesla will deliver the models that provide a 230 and 160 mile range.  Pricing for those units be $59,900 and $49,900 after the $7500 federal tax credits, though they haven’t made an official decision in terms of pricing for the signature series.

Tesla expects to roll out 5,000 units in 2012 and ramp up to 20,000 units per year by 2013.

Read

Green has long been in and repurposing packaging accomplishes this feat like no other.

In June, Asus computer company will begin to ship one of its Mini ATX motherboards in a special cardboard box that can double, yes double as a PC case.   A set of punch out holes works as ventilation ports, and a rear panel can be removed to house the PC Connectors and interfaces.

Asus has said that the box has an expected life span of a year, more than enough time for PC builders to find the perfect case.

Fire hazard?  Maybe.

Read