All About Alternate Fuel Vehicles (AFV)

Tokyo, 21 Oct, 2007
source: EconomicTimes/IndiaTimes
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/International__Business/
Japanese_carmakers_vie_to_be_greenest/articleshow/2478124.cms

From a nightclub on wheels to a car shaped like a hat, many of the whacky vehicles unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show over the years have been consigned to the annals of auto history.  When Toyota wheeled out a futuristic Prius prototype in 1995 powered by a combination of petrol and electricity, many believed it would go the same way.  Twelve years later, its rivals are still trying to catch up and the hybrid will remain centre stage when the show gets under way again this week.
(more…)

Better Hurry Says IRS; Full Tax Credit is Only Available for a Limited Time
IRS Adds 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid CVT to Certified List for Tax Credit
By Aly Adair, Oct 18, 2007
Source: Associated Content
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/419164/
irs_adds_2008_honda_civic_hybrid_cvt.html

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service announced in a press release that it added the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid CVT to the qualified list of hybrid cars for which taxpayers can receive a tax credit. According to the IRS, the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid CVT meets all the requirements of the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit for hybrid motor vehicles to qualify for tax credits.
(more…)

Shanghai, Oct 17, 2007
Source: TheAutoChannel
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/10/17/067529.html

The Chongqing based Changan Automobile will deliver 10 hybrid vehicles to Beijing Olympic Games next year, Xu Liuping, the president of Changan Automobile said earlier this week.  “The means Changan automobile will start mass production of hybrid vehicles next year,” Xu told Chinese media.  The hybrid vehicles to be made by Changan will cut energy consumption by 16-20 percent and emissions by 20 percent, Xu said.
(more…)

New York, Oct. 18, 2007
Source: PR Newswire/CNNMoney
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/NETH09618102007-1.htm

As popularity and sales of hybrid vehicles increase each year, they become less novelty and more reality. Where they can be serviced and who can service them are becoming important questions, and following the manufacturer’s recommendations is important. The voltage run from these vehicles can not only hurt you, it could kill you.

(See video from General Motors at:
http://media.medialink.com/WebNR.aspx?story=33999 )
(more…)

Louisville, Ky, Oct 17, 2007
Source: Odyne Corp. press release

Odyne Corporation (OTCBB:ODYC), a leading developer of hybrid electric vehicle technology and Dueco, Inc., one of the largest utility equipment manufacturers in the country, introduced another important step in the greening of the nation’s utility companies, with the first plug-in hybrid aerial lift truck.  The new plug-in hybrid electric diesel vehicle was introduced and displayed at the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE) on October 16-18 in Louisville, Kentucky.
(more…)

By David Eames, October 01, 2007
Source: NZHerald.co.uk
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=37&objectid=10466882

State-owned electricity producer Meridian Energy says it is prepared to pull the plug on plans to import electric cars, if materials and methods used to produce the vehicles prove too polluting.  Meridian last month announced plans to purchase more than a dozen fully electric cars, which could be provided to high-profile New Zealanders to help spread the eco-friendly message. But the cars have copped criticism recently from the author of influential car magazine The Dog & Lemon Guide.
(more…)

Delivery Schedule Demonstrates Visibility to $70 Million in Revenue by 2010
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Oct 15, 2007 /
Source: EnerDel.com / press release
http://enerdel.com/content/view/129/61/

Ener1, Inc. (OTCBB: ENEI) announced today that its EnerDel subsidiary entered into a Supply Agreement with Think Global of Oslo, Norway, the manufacturer of the Th!nk City electric vehicle (EV). Under the agreement, Think Global has selected EnerDel as the supplier of choice for prismatic Lithium ion (Li ion) batteries that will be used to power its Th!nk City vehicle. EnerDel will use its experience in battery management system integration already implemented in its recently unveiled HEV product. EnerDel’s Li ion solution for the Electric Vehicle drive train is designed to have higher energy density than HEV cells and to enable vehicles to last up to a goal of 100 miles (160 kilometers) without recharging.
(more…)

Indianapolis, IN, Oct 4, 2007
Source: EnerDel.com /press release
http://enerdel.com/content/view/124/61/

Ener1, Inc. (OTCBB: ENEI) announced that on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 9:00 A.M., its Indianapolis-based subsidiary, EnerDel, Inc., is holding a media day to unveil a fully functional Lithium-ion battery pack developed specifically for the HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) market.  U. S. Congressman Dan Burton will preside over the event.  Following the unveiling, the EnerDel engineering team will deliver a technical overview of the battery technology.
(more…)

N. Anand, The Hindu
Chennai, Oct 10, 2007
http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/10/stories/2007101055581300.htm

It is a non-polluting electric car not meant for use on roads. But, the Electric Vehicle (EV) has been sought by the Southern Railway and the Defence forces. Two EVs will also form part of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s convoy.  Talking to The Hindu on Tuesday, Carrieall Car Managing Director P. Gopi said, “We will be handing over the first EV to the Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi, on a pilot basis to man the movement of vehicles and troops. Later it will be deployed in border areas. The unmanned vehicle will be driven by wire and the technology will be provided by the Defence sector. It will spot a camera that will be directly linked to satellite for monitoring purposes. We have received in-principle approval from the Defence sector and the project will be through in two months.”
(more…)

Santa Rosa, CA, Oct 8, 2007
Source: ZAP world / blog
Alternative transportation pioneer ZAP (OTC BB:ZAAP.OB) has been allowed a patent and trademark for the ZAP XEBRA® city-speed electric car and truck from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

ZAP designed the XEBRA to be a unique, new class of vehicle that could quickly and affordably fill the growing demand for gas-free motorized transportation. ZAP believes the XEBRA is the first practical, cost-effective electric vehicle.  “Electric cars are different from gas, so we decided to take a different approach to make something available today,” said ZAP Chairman Gary Starr. “Users buy them as a second car, but they usually become the first car while the gas car is used occasionally.”
(more…)