Hybrid cars complement gas engines with electric motors to improve gas mileage or to increase power through the use of a combined-propulsion system. Toyota and Honda are both major players in the hybrid space, but just about every other automaker is working on a hybrid model. We've picked our top hybrid cars based on great gas mileage and good performance.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Editors' Choice - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Combining a highly efficient hybrid power train with top-notch standard and optional cabin tech, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is both a great tech car and a great value.
Price: $27,625.00 (check prices)
* 4.5 stars
Outstanding
Overall score: 9.2 (4.5 stars)
2010 Lexus RX 450h
Lexus' new cabin tech suite helps the 2010 RX 450h keep on par with other car tech leaders, but the hybrid power train gives it a greater edge, delivering superior fuel economy and low emissions.
Price: $42,110.00 (check prices)
* 3.5 stars
Very good
Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
2010 Honda Insight EX Editors' Choice - 2010 Honda Insight EX
While the 2010 Honda Insight EX with navigation may not be as mileage-friendly as the Prius, it represents a much better value and is more fun to drive.
Price: $21,300.00 (check prices)
* 4.0 stars
Excellent
Overall score: 8.1 (4.0 stars)
2010 Toyota Prius Editors' Choice - 2010 Toyota Prius
The 2010 Toyota Prius is a better car than its predecessor, although there are some areas, especially in the cabin, where we would have liked to see more improvement.
Price: $27,270.00 (check prices)
* 4.0 stars
Excellent
Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
2010 Lexus HS250h
We like that the HS250h packs a good deal of cabin tech and luxurious refinements, but we wonder if the decidedly average fuel economy is worth the additional complexity of the hybrid drivetrain.
Price: $34,200.00 (check prices)
* 3.5 stars
Very good
Overall score: 7.2 (3.5 stars)
2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid Editors' Choice - 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid
As a tech car, the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid hits all the right notes, providing comfortable and economical driving while offering an incredible array of convenience for the driver and passengers with its cabin tech.
Price: $27,855.00 (check prices)
* 4.5 stars
Outstanding
Overall score: 9.2 (4.5 stars)
2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Although not the most modern rig for cabin comforts, the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is economical and fun to drive.
* 3.5 stars
Very good
Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Although its cabin tech is behind the times, the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid provides an easy and comfortable driving experience while delivering excellent fuel economy and extremely low emissions.
* 3.5 stars
Very good
Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited
Urban dwellers will love the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited's great fuel economy and awesome Sync-based tech package, but freeway commuters will find its high-speed manners unsettling.
* 3.5 stars
Very good
for full reviews and more info visit; http://reviews.cnet.com/best-hybrid-cars/
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
top 8 alternative fuels
The growing interest in alternative fuels for cars and trucks is motivated by three important considerations:
1. Alternative fuels generally produce fewer vehicle emissions that contribute to smog, air pollution and global warming;
2. Most alternative fuels are not derived from finite fossil-fuel resources; and
3. Alternative fuels can help any nation become more energy independent.
The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992 identified eight alternative fuels. Some are already widely used; others are more experimental or not yet readily available. All have potential as full or partial alternatives to gasoline and diesel.
1. Ethanol as an Alternative Fuel
Ethanol is an alcohol-based alternative fuel that is made by fermenting and distilling crops such as corn, barley or wheat. Ethanol can be blended with gasoline to increase octane levels and improve emissions quality.
Sponsored Links
Compressed Natural GasThe Best Alternative to Gasoline. Check Prices & Available Locations!CNGNow.com
Vote NO on Prop 16Prop 16 locks in higher rates by locking out community choice.www.NoProp16.org
UPS Hybrid TrucksUPS, has the Largest Fleet of Low Emission Shipping Vehicles.www.sustainability.ups.com
2. Natural Gas as an Alternative Fuel
Natural gas is an alternative fuel that burns clean and is already widely available to people in many countries through utilities that provide natural gas to homes and businesses. When used in natural gas vehicles—cars and trucks with specially designed engines—natural gas produces far fewer harmful emissions than gasoline or diesel.
3. Electricity as an Alternative Fuel
Electricity can be used as a transportation alternative fuel for battery-powered electric and fuel-cell vehicles. Battery powered electric vehicles store power in batteries that are recharged by plugging the vehicle into a standard electrical source. Fuel-cell vehicles run on electricity that is produced through an electrochemical reaction that occurs when hydrogen and oxygen are combined. Fuel cells produce electricity without combustion or pollution.
4. Hydrogen as an Alternative Fuel
Hydrogen can be mixed with natural gas to create an alternative fuel for vehicles that use certain types of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen is also used in fuel-cell vehicles that run on electricity produced by the petrochemical reaction that occurs when hydrogen and oxygen are combined in the fuel “stack.”
5. Propane as an Alternative Fuel
Propane—also called liquefied petroleum gas or LPG—is a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. Already widely used as a fuel for cooking and heating, propane is also a popular alternative fuel for vehicles. Propane produces fewer emissions than gasoline, and there is also a highly developed infrastructure for propane transport, storage and distribution.
6. Biodiesel as an Alternative Fuel
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel based on vegetable oils or animal fats, even those recycled after restaurants have used them for cooking. Vehicle engines can be converted to burn biodiesel in its pure form, and biodiesel can also be blended with petroleum diesel and used in unmodified engines. Biodiesel is safe, biodegradable, reduces air pollutants associated with vehicle emissions, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
7. Methanol as an Alternative Fuel
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, can be used as an alternative fuel in flexible fuel vehicles that are designed to run on M85, a blend of 85 percent methanol and 15 percent gasoline, but automakers are no longer manufacturing methanol-powered vehicles. Methanol could become an important alternative fuel in the future, however, as a source of the hydrogen needed to power fuel-cell vehicles.
8. P-Series Fuels as Alternative Fuels
P-Series fuels are a blend of ethanol, natural gas liquids and methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF), a co-solvent derived from biomass. P-Series fuels are clear, high-octane alternative fuels that can be used in flexible fuel vehicles. P-Series fuels can be used alone or mixed with gasoline in any ratio by simply adding it to the tank.
1. Alternative fuels generally produce fewer vehicle emissions that contribute to smog, air pollution and global warming;
2. Most alternative fuels are not derived from finite fossil-fuel resources; and
3. Alternative fuels can help any nation become more energy independent.
The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992 identified eight alternative fuels. Some are already widely used; others are more experimental or not yet readily available. All have potential as full or partial alternatives to gasoline and diesel.
1. Ethanol as an Alternative Fuel
Ethanol is an alcohol-based alternative fuel that is made by fermenting and distilling crops such as corn, barley or wheat. Ethanol can be blended with gasoline to increase octane levels and improve emissions quality.
Sponsored Links
Compressed Natural GasThe Best Alternative to Gasoline. Check Prices & Available Locations!CNGNow.com
Vote NO on Prop 16Prop 16 locks in higher rates by locking out community choice.www.NoProp16.org
UPS Hybrid TrucksUPS, has the Largest Fleet of Low Emission Shipping Vehicles.www.sustainability.ups.com
2. Natural Gas as an Alternative Fuel
Natural gas is an alternative fuel that burns clean and is already widely available to people in many countries through utilities that provide natural gas to homes and businesses. When used in natural gas vehicles—cars and trucks with specially designed engines—natural gas produces far fewer harmful emissions than gasoline or diesel.
3. Electricity as an Alternative Fuel
Electricity can be used as a transportation alternative fuel for battery-powered electric and fuel-cell vehicles. Battery powered electric vehicles store power in batteries that are recharged by plugging the vehicle into a standard electrical source. Fuel-cell vehicles run on electricity that is produced through an electrochemical reaction that occurs when hydrogen and oxygen are combined. Fuel cells produce electricity without combustion or pollution.
4. Hydrogen as an Alternative Fuel
Hydrogen can be mixed with natural gas to create an alternative fuel for vehicles that use certain types of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen is also used in fuel-cell vehicles that run on electricity produced by the petrochemical reaction that occurs when hydrogen and oxygen are combined in the fuel “stack.”
5. Propane as an Alternative Fuel
Propane—also called liquefied petroleum gas or LPG—is a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. Already widely used as a fuel for cooking and heating, propane is also a popular alternative fuel for vehicles. Propane produces fewer emissions than gasoline, and there is also a highly developed infrastructure for propane transport, storage and distribution.
6. Biodiesel as an Alternative Fuel
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel based on vegetable oils or animal fats, even those recycled after restaurants have used them for cooking. Vehicle engines can be converted to burn biodiesel in its pure form, and biodiesel can also be blended with petroleum diesel and used in unmodified engines. Biodiesel is safe, biodegradable, reduces air pollutants associated with vehicle emissions, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
7. Methanol as an Alternative Fuel
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, can be used as an alternative fuel in flexible fuel vehicles that are designed to run on M85, a blend of 85 percent methanol and 15 percent gasoline, but automakers are no longer manufacturing methanol-powered vehicles. Methanol could become an important alternative fuel in the future, however, as a source of the hydrogen needed to power fuel-cell vehicles.
8. P-Series Fuels as Alternative Fuels
P-Series fuels are a blend of ethanol, natural gas liquids and methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF), a co-solvent derived from biomass. P-Series fuels are clear, high-octane alternative fuels that can be used in flexible fuel vehicles. P-Series fuels can be used alone or mixed with gasoline in any ratio by simply adding it to the tank.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Illinois Alternate Fuels rebate program
Illinois Alternate Fuels
Rebate Program
Application Instructions
IMPORTANT: BE SURE TO READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN ORDER TO SUBMIT A COMPLETE AND ACCURATE APPLICATION. Incomplete and erroneous applications will be denied. Make sure to use the correct type of rebate application form. Links to the required Rebate & W-9 forms can be found in this document.
Due to the increasingly large number of applicants, some rebates may not be issued until three to four months after the end of the rebate application period. Please be patient as we work to process all applications as expediently as possible. You will either receive a rebate check or a letter explaining why your application was not approved.
The Illinois Alternate Fuels Rebate Program started in 1998 and over $3.5 million in rebates have been issued through 2007. Anyone located in Illinois is eligible for this program, including individuals, businesses, local governments, and organizations. The only entity not eligible for this program is the federal government. Rebates may be issued to any applicant for up to 300 vehicles. The Illinois EPA will issue rebates as determined by the availability of funds in the Alternate Fuels Fund.
The types of alternate fuels eligible for this program include: ethanol (85% blend or “E85”), biodiesel (at least 20% blend or “B20”), natural gas, propane, electricity, and hydrogen. For biodiesel, the fuel must meet nationally-recognized ASTM D6751 or more recent ASTM fuel quality standards. Most commercial grade biodiesel meets this national fuel quality specification. Electric vehicles are those that are fully powered by electricity. Gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles are not defined as “electric vehicles” and are not eligible for this program since they are primarily operated on and refueled with gasoline. A hybrid vehicle would be eligible if it was designed to run on E85 or other alternate fuel (e.g., not primarily fueled with gasoline).
There are three types of rebates offered. However, the type of vehicle or fuel may dictate the type of rebate. Only one of the three types of rebates can be applied for per alternate fuel vehicle. A vehicle is only eligible to receive a rebate once in its life (a Fuel Rebate application may be submitted for three consecutive years). If you are purchasing a “used” vehicle that may appear to be otherwise eligible, please call us to verify that a previous owner did not use up the vehicle’s eligibility for this program. If you have a question that is not addressed in these instructions, you can call us at (217) 557-1441. Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, except state holidays.
(1) FUEL REBATE
The Fuel Rebate applies to the cost of purchasing and using E85 (85% ethanol blend) in an E85 flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), including an EPA-certified converted vehicle, or using Biodiesel (at least 20% blend, or B20+) in an on-road diesel vehicle. The majority of fuel purchases must be made from Illinois retail stations or fuel suppliers. The rebate is associated with each vehicle using E85 or Biodiesel (B20+) fuel. Although the “pump price” of E85 is likely to be less than gasoline, the rebate will offset the costs from a vehicle’s reduction in miles per gallon due to ethanol’s lower energy content. An applicant for a Fuel Rebate may apply for a rebate for each vehicle using E85 or Biodiesel (B20+) for up to three consecutive years.
In order to be eligible for a Fuel Rebate, the vehicle must refuel with E85 or Biodiesel (B20+) at least 50 percent of the time during the calendar year. This required 50 percent minimal usage is measured for the entire 12-month time period. For example, if an E85 FFV refuels an average of once per week, then the vehicle should be refueled at least 26 times with E85 during the year in order to be eligible for a rebate. If the vehicle is not purchased or E85 is not used until April, then the average refueling with E85 would need to be at least 75 percent during the rest of the year to achieve the 50 percent average for the 12-month time period. If the vehicle is not purchased or E85 is not used until July, then the vehicle would need to be refueled 100 percent of the time with E85 for the remainder of the year to result in an annual 50 percent average. If the vehicle is not owned for at least 6 months in that year and/or E85 usage does not begin until after July, then the prospective applicant cannot meet the 50 percent usage requirement for the year and will have to wait until the following year to begin the first of the three consecutive year rebate eligibility cycle. In this case, the 12-month time period and the first year’s cycle would begin the following January 1.
What You Need to Submit in your Application for a Fuel Rebate:
All Fuel Receipts or Invoices for E85 or Biodiesel (B20+) purchased during the year (we only need the E85 or Biodiesel fuel receipts)
Completed E85 Fuel Rebate Application or
Biodiesel (B20+) Rebate Application.
Completed W-9 Form
The fuel receipts or invoices should clearly identify “E85” or the biodiesel blend. If the receipts or invoices do not have this type of product identifier, then we need other documentation from the retail station or supplier to verify the use of E85 or Biodiesel (B20+).
Fuel Rebate Amounts: The amount of an E85 fuel rebate is $340 if the vehicle travels less than 17,500 miles in the application year and $450 if it travels 17,500 or more miles. For Biodiesel (B20+), the rebate amount is currently based on the incremental cost of using the Biodiesel fuel versus regular diesel. The rebate amount will be calculated at 80 percent of the average incremental cost of using Biodiesel throughout the year.
It is up to the applicant to apply for the second and third year Fuel Rebate for an eligible vehicle. The Illinois EPA will not send out reminders. If you are a fleet with multiple vehicles, see “For Fleet Applications involving Multiple Vehicles” below.
Application Deadline for a Fuel Rebate: For the 2009 calendar year, the Fuel Rebate application is due January 31, 2010. We must have your E85 or Biodiesel fuel receipts (or invoices) for all of 2009 enclosed with the application. Therefore, do not send the Fuel Rebate application until December or January, but it must be postmarked by January 31, 2010 for consideration.
For Fleet Applications involving Multiple Vehicles: In applying for Fuel Rebates for multiple vehicles using E85 or Biodiesel (B20+) fuel, you are encouraged to submit a fleet spreadsheet in lieu of separate applications for each vehicle. The fleet spreadsheets to list the E85 or Biodiesel vehicles can be found below. You may enter the vehicle information on these spreadsheets and print them to submit with one copy of the application form. When using the spreadsheet, please submit it with the completed application form, the W-9 form, and copies of fuel purchase invoices or receipts from an Illinois retail station or fuel distributor for the E-85 or Biodiesel used during the calendar year. If using Biodiesel (B20+), please record the estimated average incremental cost per gallon of the B20 or higher blends during the year versus the cost of regular diesel in the “Fuel Information” box. The “Vehicle Information” box may be left blank if the vehicles are listed on a spreadsheet. If both fuels are being used in the fleet and you are applying for Fuel Rebates for E85 and Biodiesel, please keep the application forms, the E85 and Biodiesel spreadsheets, and fuel invoices for the two fuels separate and submit two application packages, one for each fuel type. For fleets applying for Vehicle Rebates or Conversion Rebates, a separate application must be completed for each vehicle.
Spreadsheet for E85 Fleets
Spreadsheet for Biodiesel (B20+) Fleets
(2) VEHICLE REBATE
The Vehicle Rebate applies to the incremental cost of an alternate fuel vehicle purchased from a dealership or similar vendor as compared to the cost of its gasoline or diesel counterpart. The vehicle must be purchased from an Illinois dealership or similar company doing business in Illinois. No out-of-state vehicle purchases are eligible. The only exception is for heavy-duty specialty vehicles (i.e., natural gas transit buses) in which an Illinois company does not sell that particular type of vehicle.
A Vehicle Rebate is more appropriate for E85, natural gas, propane, and hydrogen vehicles. A few of the auto manufacturers make vehicles that run on natural gas or propane, and hydrogen vehicles are not yet being marketed to the public. There are some models of E85 FFVs that have an “upcharge” for the flexible-fuel engine, although most E85 vehicles do not cost any more than their gasoline-only counterparts. Consumers that pay extra for a new E85 vehicle because of the flexible-fuel engine can apply for a Vehicle Rebate, in lieu of a Fuel Rebate, if they choose to do so.
What You Need to Submit in your Application for a Vehicle Rebate:
A copy of the purchase invoice showing the negotiated cost of the alternate fuel vehicle. “Proof of payment” needs to be included. Acceptable forms of “proof of payment” include a copy of a canceled check (front and back), or the customer purchase invoice stamped as “Paid” or otherwise showing the vehicle purchase transaction. Paperwork showing only cost estimates without demonstration that the vehicle was purchased is not acceptable.
A copy of the manufacturer’s MSRP window sticker or other document that distinctly itemizes the “upcharge” of the alternate fuel vehicle or engine (e.g., for E85, the flexible fuel engine option) as compared to the same type of conventional vehicle. For further information in determining whether a new E85 flexible fuel vehicle would be eligible for a "Vehicle Rebate," please read the October 2008 letter sent to Illinois car dealers.
Completed Vehicle Rebate Application
Completed W-9 Form
Vehicle Rebate Amount: The amount of the Vehicle Rebate is for 80% of the incremental cost of the alternate fuel vehicle versus the same type of gasoline or diesel vehicle, up to $4,000. For example, if the “upcharge” of an E85 flexible fuel vehicle is $1,500, then the amount of the Vehicle Rebate would be $1,200.
Application Deadline for a Vehicle Rebate: The Illinois EPA processes Vehicle Rebates twice each year, at the end of June and at the end of the year. You must apply for this rebate in the same year as when you purchased the vehicle.* The application deadline for a Vehicle Rebate for an alternate fuel vehicle purchased in 2009 is December 31, 2009.* However, if you purchase the vehicle in the first half of the year, you can get your rebate earlier if you submit the application by June 30, 2009.
*If you purchase a vehicle in December 2009, the Vehicle Rebate application is not due until January 31, 2010 (e.g., you are given an extra month to apply for a vehicle purchased in December).
(3) CONVERSION REBATE
The Conversion Rebate applies to the cost of converting a conventional gasoline or diesel vehicle to an alternate fuel. A conversion rebate is more appropriate for natural gas, propane, and electric vehicles. There is one company that offers E85 conversions for a few types of vehicles. See the “Contacts” page on this website for more information on known companies that do vehicle conversions.
Due to federal laws, only vehicle conversion systems that are tested and certified for emissions by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board (CARB) can be installed on a vehicle. Several certified conversion systems for natural gas and propane are available on the market, along with the one known E85 conversion system. The Illinois EPA cannot accept any rebate applications for a conversion system that is not emissions-certified by the U.S. EPA or CARB, per federal law. You will need to prove U.S. EPA conversion certification by providing a copy of the Certificate of Conformity issued by the U.S. EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality or similar CARB certificate with your Conversion Rebate application. Be sure to ask the conversion company or system manufacturer for a copy of the conversion system’s Certificate of Conformity or CARB certificate. Since electric vehicles do not utilize internal combustion engines and have no tailpipe emissions, the U.S. EPA does not provide a Certificate of Conformity for electric conversions. Therefore, an applicant for an electric vehicle conversion does not need to provide this certificate. However, for an electric vehicle conversion, please complete the first four lines of the “Conversion Information” section and leave the “certifying agent” and “converter or owner certification” blank.
To be eligible for a Conversion Rebate, the conversion “must take place in Illinois.” Therefore, if you are having a vehicle converted to an alternate fuel, you must use an Illinois business or the vehicle must be converted in Illinois by an individual or other qualified converter to be eligible.
What You Need to Submit in your Application for a Conversion Rebate:
A copy of the conversion invoice (if conversion was done by a commercial business) or copies of receipts and invoices for engine components, fuel system, and other relevant items associated with the vehicle conversion. The invoices and receipts need to demonstrate “Proof of payment.” Acceptable forms of “proof of payment” include a copy of a canceled check (front and back) or the customer purchase invoice stamped as “Paid” or otherwise showing the conversion purchase transaction. Paperwork showing only cost estimates without demonstration that the conversion was purchased or completed is not acceptable.
Completed Conversion Rebate Application
Completed W-9 Form
The U.S. EPA Certificate of Conformity or CARB certificate (except electric vehicle conversions)
Conversion Rebate Amount: The amount of the Conversion Rebate is for 80% of the cost of the conversion of the vehicle to an alternate fuel up to $4,000.
Application Deadline for a Conversion Rebate: The Illinois EPA processes Conversion Rebates twice each year, at the end of June and at the end of the year. You must apply for this rebate in the same year as when the vehicle conversion was completed.* The application deadline for a Conversion Rebate in which the conversion is completed in 2009 is December 31, 2009*. However, if the conversion is completed in the first half of the year, you can get your rebate earlier if you submit the application by June 30, 2009.
*If you have a vehicle converted in December 2009, the Conversion Rebate application is not due until January 31, 2010 (e.g., you are given an extra month to apply for a vehicle conversion completed in December).
Rebate Program
Application Instructions
IMPORTANT: BE SURE TO READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN ORDER TO SUBMIT A COMPLETE AND ACCURATE APPLICATION. Incomplete and erroneous applications will be denied. Make sure to use the correct type of rebate application form. Links to the required Rebate & W-9 forms can be found in this document.
Due to the increasingly large number of applicants, some rebates may not be issued until three to four months after the end of the rebate application period. Please be patient as we work to process all applications as expediently as possible. You will either receive a rebate check or a letter explaining why your application was not approved.
The Illinois Alternate Fuels Rebate Program started in 1998 and over $3.5 million in rebates have been issued through 2007. Anyone located in Illinois is eligible for this program, including individuals, businesses, local governments, and organizations. The only entity not eligible for this program is the federal government. Rebates may be issued to any applicant for up to 300 vehicles. The Illinois EPA will issue rebates as determined by the availability of funds in the Alternate Fuels Fund.
The types of alternate fuels eligible for this program include: ethanol (85% blend or “E85”), biodiesel (at least 20% blend or “B20”), natural gas, propane, electricity, and hydrogen. For biodiesel, the fuel must meet nationally-recognized ASTM D6751 or more recent ASTM fuel quality standards. Most commercial grade biodiesel meets this national fuel quality specification. Electric vehicles are those that are fully powered by electricity. Gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles are not defined as “electric vehicles” and are not eligible for this program since they are primarily operated on and refueled with gasoline. A hybrid vehicle would be eligible if it was designed to run on E85 or other alternate fuel (e.g., not primarily fueled with gasoline).
There are three types of rebates offered. However, the type of vehicle or fuel may dictate the type of rebate. Only one of the three types of rebates can be applied for per alternate fuel vehicle. A vehicle is only eligible to receive a rebate once in its life (a Fuel Rebate application may be submitted for three consecutive years). If you are purchasing a “used” vehicle that may appear to be otherwise eligible, please call us to verify that a previous owner did not use up the vehicle’s eligibility for this program. If you have a question that is not addressed in these instructions, you can call us at (217) 557-1441. Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, except state holidays.
(1) FUEL REBATE
The Fuel Rebate applies to the cost of purchasing and using E85 (85% ethanol blend) in an E85 flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), including an EPA-certified converted vehicle, or using Biodiesel (at least 20% blend, or B20+) in an on-road diesel vehicle. The majority of fuel purchases must be made from Illinois retail stations or fuel suppliers. The rebate is associated with each vehicle using E85 or Biodiesel (B20+) fuel. Although the “pump price” of E85 is likely to be less than gasoline, the rebate will offset the costs from a vehicle’s reduction in miles per gallon due to ethanol’s lower energy content. An applicant for a Fuel Rebate may apply for a rebate for each vehicle using E85 or Biodiesel (B20+) for up to three consecutive years.
In order to be eligible for a Fuel Rebate, the vehicle must refuel with E85 or Biodiesel (B20+) at least 50 percent of the time during the calendar year. This required 50 percent minimal usage is measured for the entire 12-month time period. For example, if an E85 FFV refuels an average of once per week, then the vehicle should be refueled at least 26 times with E85 during the year in order to be eligible for a rebate. If the vehicle is not purchased or E85 is not used until April, then the average refueling with E85 would need to be at least 75 percent during the rest of the year to achieve the 50 percent average for the 12-month time period. If the vehicle is not purchased or E85 is not used until July, then the vehicle would need to be refueled 100 percent of the time with E85 for the remainder of the year to result in an annual 50 percent average. If the vehicle is not owned for at least 6 months in that year and/or E85 usage does not begin until after July, then the prospective applicant cannot meet the 50 percent usage requirement for the year and will have to wait until the following year to begin the first of the three consecutive year rebate eligibility cycle. In this case, the 12-month time period and the first year’s cycle would begin the following January 1.
What You Need to Submit in your Application for a Fuel Rebate:
All Fuel Receipts or Invoices for E85 or Biodiesel (B20+) purchased during the year (we only need the E85 or Biodiesel fuel receipts)
Completed E85 Fuel Rebate Application or
Biodiesel (B20+) Rebate Application.
Completed W-9 Form
The fuel receipts or invoices should clearly identify “E85” or the biodiesel blend. If the receipts or invoices do not have this type of product identifier, then we need other documentation from the retail station or supplier to verify the use of E85 or Biodiesel (B20+).
Fuel Rebate Amounts: The amount of an E85 fuel rebate is $340 if the vehicle travels less than 17,500 miles in the application year and $450 if it travels 17,500 or more miles. For Biodiesel (B20+), the rebate amount is currently based on the incremental cost of using the Biodiesel fuel versus regular diesel. The rebate amount will be calculated at 80 percent of the average incremental cost of using Biodiesel throughout the year.
It is up to the applicant to apply for the second and third year Fuel Rebate for an eligible vehicle. The Illinois EPA will not send out reminders. If you are a fleet with multiple vehicles, see “For Fleet Applications involving Multiple Vehicles” below.
Application Deadline for a Fuel Rebate: For the 2009 calendar year, the Fuel Rebate application is due January 31, 2010. We must have your E85 or Biodiesel fuel receipts (or invoices) for all of 2009 enclosed with the application. Therefore, do not send the Fuel Rebate application until December or January, but it must be postmarked by January 31, 2010 for consideration.
For Fleet Applications involving Multiple Vehicles: In applying for Fuel Rebates for multiple vehicles using E85 or Biodiesel (B20+) fuel, you are encouraged to submit a fleet spreadsheet in lieu of separate applications for each vehicle. The fleet spreadsheets to list the E85 or Biodiesel vehicles can be found below. You may enter the vehicle information on these spreadsheets and print them to submit with one copy of the application form. When using the spreadsheet, please submit it with the completed application form, the W-9 form, and copies of fuel purchase invoices or receipts from an Illinois retail station or fuel distributor for the E-85 or Biodiesel used during the calendar year. If using Biodiesel (B20+), please record the estimated average incremental cost per gallon of the B20 or higher blends during the year versus the cost of regular diesel in the “Fuel Information” box. The “Vehicle Information” box may be left blank if the vehicles are listed on a spreadsheet. If both fuels are being used in the fleet and you are applying for Fuel Rebates for E85 and Biodiesel, please keep the application forms, the E85 and Biodiesel spreadsheets, and fuel invoices for the two fuels separate and submit two application packages, one for each fuel type. For fleets applying for Vehicle Rebates or Conversion Rebates, a separate application must be completed for each vehicle.
Spreadsheet for E85 Fleets
Spreadsheet for Biodiesel (B20+) Fleets
(2) VEHICLE REBATE
The Vehicle Rebate applies to the incremental cost of an alternate fuel vehicle purchased from a dealership or similar vendor as compared to the cost of its gasoline or diesel counterpart. The vehicle must be purchased from an Illinois dealership or similar company doing business in Illinois. No out-of-state vehicle purchases are eligible. The only exception is for heavy-duty specialty vehicles (i.e., natural gas transit buses) in which an Illinois company does not sell that particular type of vehicle.
A Vehicle Rebate is more appropriate for E85, natural gas, propane, and hydrogen vehicles. A few of the auto manufacturers make vehicles that run on natural gas or propane, and hydrogen vehicles are not yet being marketed to the public. There are some models of E85 FFVs that have an “upcharge” for the flexible-fuel engine, although most E85 vehicles do not cost any more than their gasoline-only counterparts. Consumers that pay extra for a new E85 vehicle because of the flexible-fuel engine can apply for a Vehicle Rebate, in lieu of a Fuel Rebate, if they choose to do so.
What You Need to Submit in your Application for a Vehicle Rebate:
A copy of the purchase invoice showing the negotiated cost of the alternate fuel vehicle. “Proof of payment” needs to be included. Acceptable forms of “proof of payment” include a copy of a canceled check (front and back), or the customer purchase invoice stamped as “Paid” or otherwise showing the vehicle purchase transaction. Paperwork showing only cost estimates without demonstration that the vehicle was purchased is not acceptable.
A copy of the manufacturer’s MSRP window sticker or other document that distinctly itemizes the “upcharge” of the alternate fuel vehicle or engine (e.g., for E85, the flexible fuel engine option) as compared to the same type of conventional vehicle. For further information in determining whether a new E85 flexible fuel vehicle would be eligible for a "Vehicle Rebate," please read the October 2008 letter sent to Illinois car dealers.
Completed Vehicle Rebate Application
Completed W-9 Form
Vehicle Rebate Amount: The amount of the Vehicle Rebate is for 80% of the incremental cost of the alternate fuel vehicle versus the same type of gasoline or diesel vehicle, up to $4,000. For example, if the “upcharge” of an E85 flexible fuel vehicle is $1,500, then the amount of the Vehicle Rebate would be $1,200.
Application Deadline for a Vehicle Rebate: The Illinois EPA processes Vehicle Rebates twice each year, at the end of June and at the end of the year. You must apply for this rebate in the same year as when you purchased the vehicle.* The application deadline for a Vehicle Rebate for an alternate fuel vehicle purchased in 2009 is December 31, 2009.* However, if you purchase the vehicle in the first half of the year, you can get your rebate earlier if you submit the application by June 30, 2009.
*If you purchase a vehicle in December 2009, the Vehicle Rebate application is not due until January 31, 2010 (e.g., you are given an extra month to apply for a vehicle purchased in December).
(3) CONVERSION REBATE
The Conversion Rebate applies to the cost of converting a conventional gasoline or diesel vehicle to an alternate fuel. A conversion rebate is more appropriate for natural gas, propane, and electric vehicles. There is one company that offers E85 conversions for a few types of vehicles. See the “Contacts” page on this website for more information on known companies that do vehicle conversions.
Due to federal laws, only vehicle conversion systems that are tested and certified for emissions by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board (CARB) can be installed on a vehicle. Several certified conversion systems for natural gas and propane are available on the market, along with the one known E85 conversion system. The Illinois EPA cannot accept any rebate applications for a conversion system that is not emissions-certified by the U.S. EPA or CARB, per federal law. You will need to prove U.S. EPA conversion certification by providing a copy of the Certificate of Conformity issued by the U.S. EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality or similar CARB certificate with your Conversion Rebate application. Be sure to ask the conversion company or system manufacturer for a copy of the conversion system’s Certificate of Conformity or CARB certificate. Since electric vehicles do not utilize internal combustion engines and have no tailpipe emissions, the U.S. EPA does not provide a Certificate of Conformity for electric conversions. Therefore, an applicant for an electric vehicle conversion does not need to provide this certificate. However, for an electric vehicle conversion, please complete the first four lines of the “Conversion Information” section and leave the “certifying agent” and “converter or owner certification” blank.
To be eligible for a Conversion Rebate, the conversion “must take place in Illinois.” Therefore, if you are having a vehicle converted to an alternate fuel, you must use an Illinois business or the vehicle must be converted in Illinois by an individual or other qualified converter to be eligible.
What You Need to Submit in your Application for a Conversion Rebate:
A copy of the conversion invoice (if conversion was done by a commercial business) or copies of receipts and invoices for engine components, fuel system, and other relevant items associated with the vehicle conversion. The invoices and receipts need to demonstrate “Proof of payment.” Acceptable forms of “proof of payment” include a copy of a canceled check (front and back) or the customer purchase invoice stamped as “Paid” or otherwise showing the conversion purchase transaction. Paperwork showing only cost estimates without demonstration that the conversion was purchased or completed is not acceptable.
Completed Conversion Rebate Application
Completed W-9 Form
The U.S. EPA Certificate of Conformity or CARB certificate (except electric vehicle conversions)
Conversion Rebate Amount: The amount of the Conversion Rebate is for 80% of the cost of the conversion of the vehicle to an alternate fuel up to $4,000.
Application Deadline for a Conversion Rebate: The Illinois EPA processes Conversion Rebates twice each year, at the end of June and at the end of the year. You must apply for this rebate in the same year as when the vehicle conversion was completed.* The application deadline for a Conversion Rebate in which the conversion is completed in 2009 is December 31, 2009*. However, if the conversion is completed in the first half of the year, you can get your rebate earlier if you submit the application by June 30, 2009.
*If you have a vehicle converted in December 2009, the Conversion Rebate application is not due until January 31, 2010 (e.g., you are given an extra month to apply for a vehicle conversion completed in December).
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
tax rebates and tax credits for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles and cars
Hybrid Vehicles
Vehicles Purchased or Placed in Service
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 replaced the clean-fuel burning deduction with a tax credit. A tax credit is subtracted directly from the total amount of federal tax owed, thus reducing or even eliminating the taxpayer’s tax obligation. The tax credit for hybrid vehicles applies to vehicles purchased or placed in service on or after January 1, 2006.
The credit is only available to the original purchaser of a new, qualifying vehicle. If a qualifying vehicle is leased to a consumer, the leasing company may claim the credit.
Hybrid vehicles have drive trains powered by both an internal combustion engine and a rechargeable battery. Many currently available hybrid vehicles may qualify for the tax credit.
These models have been certified for the credit in the following amounts:
† This reflects a decrease in the credit amount as of Oct. 1, 2006, due to the manufacturers meeting quarterly sales of 60,000 qualified hybrid cars — See Quarterly Sales, below.
†† This credit amount does not phase out. The full amount of the altenative fuel vehicle credit would be available for vehicles purchased on or before December 31, 2010.
Qualifed Cars and Credit Amounts
Model Year 2009
Model Year 2008
Model Year 2007
Model Year 2006
Model Year 2005
Quarterly Sales
Consumers seeking the credit may want to buy early since the full credit is only available for a limited time. Taxpayers may claim the full amount of the allowable credit up to the end of the first calendar quarter after the quarter in which the manufacturer records its sale of the 60,000th hybrid passenger automobile or light truck or advance lean burn technology motor vehicle. For the second and third calendar quarters after the quarter in which the 60,000th vehicle is sold, taxpayers may claim 50 percent of the credit. For the fourth and fifth calendar quarters, taxpayers may claim 25 percent of the credit. No credit is allowed after the fifth quarter.
More information on the latest hybrid quarterly sales is available.
For example, F Company is a manufacturer of hybrid motor vehicles, but not advanced lean burn technology motor vehicles. F Company sells its 60,000th hybrid car on March 31, 2007.
Ms. Smith buys an F Company hybrid car on June 30, 2007, and claims the full credit.
Ms. Maple buys an F Company hybrid car on Dec. 31, 2007, and claims 50 percent of the credit.
Mr. Grey buys an F Company hybrid car on June 30, 2008, and claims 25 percent of the credit.
Mr. Green buys an F Company hybrid car on July 1, 2008, and is unable to claim the credit, because the credit has phased out for F Company vehicles.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., has submitted quarterly reports indicating that its cumulative sales of qualified vehicles to retail dealiers has reached the 60,000-vehicle limit during the calendar quarter ending June 30, 2006. Effective Oct. 1, 2006, the tax credit amounts for certified Toyota models will be reduced. The models and allowable credits may be found in news releases IR-2006-145, Toyota Hybrids Begins Phaseout on October 1and IR-2006-154, Additional Toyota and Lexus Vehicles Certified for the Energy Tax Credit.
More detailed information may be found in the Summary of the Credit for Qualified Hybrid Vehicles
Advanced Lean Burn Technology Vehicles
Purchasers of advanced lean burn technology motor vehicles may claim a credit of $1,300 per vehicle.
Make
Model
Credit Amount
Volkswagen
2009 Jetta –2.0L TDI Sedan manual and automatic
$1,300
Volkswagen
2009 Sportwagen –2.0L TDI manual and automatic
$1,300
Mercedes-Benz
GL320 BLUE TEC
$1,800
Mercedes-Benz
R320 BLUE TEC
$1,550
Mercedes-Benz
ML320 BLUE TEC
$900
Vehicles Purchased or Placed in Service
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 replaced the clean-fuel burning deduction with a tax credit. A tax credit is subtracted directly from the total amount of federal tax owed, thus reducing or even eliminating the taxpayer’s tax obligation. The tax credit for hybrid vehicles applies to vehicles purchased or placed in service on or after January 1, 2006.
The credit is only available to the original purchaser of a new, qualifying vehicle. If a qualifying vehicle is leased to a consumer, the leasing company may claim the credit.
Hybrid vehicles have drive trains powered by both an internal combustion engine and a rechargeable battery. Many currently available hybrid vehicles may qualify for the tax credit.
These models have been certified for the credit in the following amounts:
† This reflects a decrease in the credit amount as of Oct. 1, 2006, due to the manufacturers meeting quarterly sales of 60,000 qualified hybrid cars — See Quarterly Sales, below.
†† This credit amount does not phase out. The full amount of the altenative fuel vehicle credit would be available for vehicles purchased on or before December 31, 2010.
Qualifed Cars and Credit Amounts
Model Year 2009
Model Year 2008
Model Year 2007
Model Year 2006
Model Year 2005
Quarterly Sales
Consumers seeking the credit may want to buy early since the full credit is only available for a limited time. Taxpayers may claim the full amount of the allowable credit up to the end of the first calendar quarter after the quarter in which the manufacturer records its sale of the 60,000th hybrid passenger automobile or light truck or advance lean burn technology motor vehicle. For the second and third calendar quarters after the quarter in which the 60,000th vehicle is sold, taxpayers may claim 50 percent of the credit. For the fourth and fifth calendar quarters, taxpayers may claim 25 percent of the credit. No credit is allowed after the fifth quarter.
More information on the latest hybrid quarterly sales is available.
For example, F Company is a manufacturer of hybrid motor vehicles, but not advanced lean burn technology motor vehicles. F Company sells its 60,000th hybrid car on March 31, 2007.
Ms. Smith buys an F Company hybrid car on June 30, 2007, and claims the full credit.
Ms. Maple buys an F Company hybrid car on Dec. 31, 2007, and claims 50 percent of the credit.
Mr. Grey buys an F Company hybrid car on June 30, 2008, and claims 25 percent of the credit.
Mr. Green buys an F Company hybrid car on July 1, 2008, and is unable to claim the credit, because the credit has phased out for F Company vehicles.
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., has submitted quarterly reports indicating that its cumulative sales of qualified vehicles to retail dealiers has reached the 60,000-vehicle limit during the calendar quarter ending June 30, 2006. Effective Oct. 1, 2006, the tax credit amounts for certified Toyota models will be reduced. The models and allowable credits may be found in news releases IR-2006-145, Toyota Hybrids Begins Phaseout on October 1and IR-2006-154, Additional Toyota and Lexus Vehicles Certified for the Energy Tax Credit.
More detailed information may be found in the Summary of the Credit for Qualified Hybrid Vehicles
Advanced Lean Burn Technology Vehicles
Purchasers of advanced lean burn technology motor vehicles may claim a credit of $1,300 per vehicle.
Make
Model
Credit Amount
Volkswagen
2009 Jetta –2.0L TDI Sedan manual and automatic
$1,300
Volkswagen
2009 Sportwagen –2.0L TDI manual and automatic
$1,300
Mercedes-Benz
GL320 BLUE TEC
$1,800
Mercedes-Benz
R320 BLUE TEC
$1,550
Mercedes-Benz
ML320 BLUE TEC
$900
hybrid vehicles and cars go green
Hybrid Cars
Hybrid cars currently available
The one consumer decision most people make which impacts the greatest on the environment is the choice of car we drive.
Hybrid Cars offer drivers an innovative, efficient, and affordable option. After years of 'on the road' development, gas-electric hybrid cars have become a practical choice for consumers.
A hybrid car features a small fuel-efficient gas engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge automatically while you drive.
There are two types of gasoline-electric hybrid cars: the parallel hybrid and the series hybrid. In a parallel hybrid car, a gasoline engine and an electric motor work together to move the car forward, while in a series hybrid the gasoline engine either directly powers an electric motor that powers the vehicle or charges batteries that will power the motor.
Hybrid cars also gain efficiency from:
Smaller and more efficient engines.
Regenerative braking - the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.
Periodic engine shut off - when a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear.
Advanced aerodynamics - to reduce drag
Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires - narrow, stiffer tires have less drag
Lightweight materials - increases the efficiency of hybrid cars.
These gas-electric hybrid cars are now available in North America:
Honda
Saturn Aura Hybrid
Nissan Altima
Toyota Prius
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Ford Escape Hybrid SUV
Lexus 400h Hybrid SUV
Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV
Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV
Mazda Tribute compact SUV Saturn Vue Hybrid
Chevy Malibu Hybrid
2009 Honda Civic Hybrid
4 door/5 seat sedan
transmission: CVT automatic or manual
mileage (mpg): 40 city/ 45 hwy
range per fillup: 650 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $23,550
Features
Full climate control, Micron air filtration
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)
New USB Audio Interface
Keyless Remote Entry
Dual-Stage Front and Dual Side Airbags
Anti-Theft Immobilizer
Available: Bluetooth HandsFreeLink®
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Indicator
Available: Honda Satellite Linked Navigation
Specifications
110-hp, 1.3 litre SOHC i-VTEC® Engine 4-Cylinder Engine with Integrated Motor Assist IMA®
Drive-By-Wire™ Throttle System
Electric Power Steering (EPS), variable-assist rack-and-pinion
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 12.3 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: P185/70R14 LLR (low rolling-resistance) on 14" aluminum alloy wheels; All-Season Radials
2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid
4 door/5 seat midsize sedan
transmission: 4-speed automatic
mileage (mpg): 26 city/ 34 hwy
range per fillup: 420 - 550 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $26,015
Features
Automatic climate control
6 speaker radio system, audio input jack
Driver Shift Control - steering wheel shift control
Bluetooth for phone (option)
Center console with dual-bin storage
Passenger Sensing System
Dual-Stage Front Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags
Advanced Audio System AM/FM/CD/MP3 (option)
XM® Satellite Radio (option)
Theff Deterrent System
Specifications
ECOTEC 2.4L 4-cylinder (164 hp [122.3 kW] @ 6400 rpm, 159 lb-ft of torque
StabiliTrak, Stability Control with traction control
Front-wheel drive. 4-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 16.3 gallons (62 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel disc disc with 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: P215/55R17 touring, blackwall 17" All-Season Radials
2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
4 door/5 seat sedan
transmission: CVT auto or 6-speed manual
mileage (mpg): 35 city/ 33 hwy
range per fillup (miles) : 840 city, 720 hwy
2008 US Base Retail Price: $26,650
Features
Air Conditioning, separate pass climate control
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic brake assistance
Vehicle stability control system, traction control
AM/FM Stereo/CD player
Keyless Remote Entry, Intelligent Key Feature
Driver, passenger, side head curtain airbags
Anti-Theft Immobilizer
Tire inflation/pressure monitor
Trunk anti-trap device
Specifications
2.5 liter I-4, and 3.5 liter V6 engines with 40-horsepower electric motor, delivering 199 lb-ft of torque
Horsepower: 158 hp @ 5200rpm for 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 198 hp for 3.5-liter engine
6-speed manual transmission; automatic transmisson also available
Aluminum alloy body, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 20 gallons (75 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Tires: 215/60 R16 16" Lightweight Alloy; All-Season Radials
2009 Toyota Prius
4 door/5 seat sedan w/ liftback
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 48 city/45 hwy
range per fillup: 547 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $22,000
Features
Full climate control, CFC-Free Air Conditioning
Push button start
Central instrument display, LCD energy monitor
AM/FM/CD 6 speakers, MP3/WMA playback
Backup camera
Smart Key System
Driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System
MP3/WMA playback capability
Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer
Bluetooth wireless technology
Specifications (North American model)
1.5 litre DOHC 16-valve, 4 cylinder gas engine; 33 kW/44 hp @ 1,040 - 5,600rpm electric motor
Horsepower: 110 (gas-electric combined)
Conventional steel body
Multi-point EFI with Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 11.9 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Wheels:15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
4 door/5 seat midsize sedan
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 33 city/34 hwy
range per fillup: 585 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $26,150
Features
Curtain side and driver's knee air bags
Anti-skid traction control
Multi-adjustable front bucket seats
Tire-pressure monitor system
JBL audio system with Bluetooth technology
Keyless entry/starting system
PlasmaclusterTM ionizer cabin air purifier
“ECO” button limits HVAC energy consumption
Heated outside rear-view mirrors
GPS navigation unit (optional)
Specifications
Twin cam, 2.4L inline four-cylinder 2AZ-FXE Atkinson-cycle engine, which generates 147 hp
Horsepower: 192 net (gas-electric combined)
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT)
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (63 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: Regular (not LRR) 16" All-Season Radials - 215/60
2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: 4-speed CVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 25/32
range per fillup: 585 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $27,930
Features
Two-Mode Hybrid gas/electric powertrain
AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player; 6 speakers
Solar-Ray deep-tinted windows
Tire-pressure monitor system
Steering wheel integrated audio control
Remote Keyless Entry
Air bags, dual-stage frontal and side-impact
StabiliTrak stability control; rollover detection
3500 lb. maximum towing load
A/C, single-zone automatic climate control
Specifications
ECOTEC 2.4L 4-cylinder, Hybrid (172 hp [128.3 kW] @ 6500 rpm, 167 lb-ft of torque
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 18 gallons / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System
Wheels: 17" w/ aluminum alloy rims; Tires: P225/60R17 all season, blackwall, LLR
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 2wd 34/31 | 4wd 29/27
range per fillup: 435 - 510 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $29,305 (2WD)
Features
Manual Air Conditioning
AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD system
Roof rack with 2 horizontal bars
Lip and rear-wheel spoilers, rear anti-roll bar
Voice-activated SYNC entertainment system
Keyless Remote Entry
Driver and front passenger airbag system
Side air curtains, rollover sensor, front side airbags
Perimeter alarm
Sirius Travel Link system with 911 Assist
Specifications
2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, combined with a 65-kilowatt electric motor (optional 3.0 liter V6)
Horsepower: 170 (gas-electric combined); 230hp with 3.0 liter V6
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (60 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc with ABS and integrated regenerative braking
Tires: P235/70R16 A/S BSW tires; All-Season Radials, Hybrid-unique 16" aluminum wheels
2009 Lexus RX Hybrid
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 30city/ 26hwy
range per fillup: 450 - 530 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $43,480
Features
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Lexus 8-speaker sound system, 6-disk CD
Power tilt and slide moon roof
Transceiver to operate garage doors, lights
Part-time all-wheel drive (AWD)
Voice activated navigation system
Available rear-seat entertainment system
Lexus Memory System for mirrors, seat, wheel
In-key remote entry system
Accessory power outlet in cargo area
Specifications
3.3-liter V6 engine; front and rear high-output, permanent-magnet electric-drive motors
Horsepower: 268 total system horsepower
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with regenerative function
Wheels/Tires: 18-in alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 all-season tires
Visit the Lexus website.
2009 Toyota Highlander
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 2wd 33/28 | 4wd 31/27
range per fillup: 450 - 550 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $34,700
Features
Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
Roof Rack System
3.5" multi-function display w/ backup camera
AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback
Driver and passenger Advanced Airbag System
CFC-free automatic digital climate control system
Color-keyed heated foldable power outside mirrors
4-Wheel Drive with intelligence (4WD-i) (optional)
HomeLink®5 universal transceiver
Second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags
Specifications
3.3-liter double overhead cam V6 gas motor; torque @ rpm: 212 @ 4400 (foot/pounds)
Horsepower: 268 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Electronically controlled braking system with ABS and electronic brake distribution
Wheels/Tires: 19-in. split 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P245/55R19 all-season tires
2009 Mercury Mariner
4 door/5 seat SUV (available 2x4, 4x4)
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 34/31 | 4wd 29/27
range per fillup: 400 - 510 miles
2009 US MSRP: 2wd: $29,750 4wd: $31,500
Features
Front dual reclining bucket seats
Rear and side privacy glass
AM/FM radio, 6-Disc CD changer, MP3 player
Remote keyless entry via key fob and door pad
Anti-Theft SecuriLock engine immobilizer
Automatic climate control system
Dual foldable power external rearview mirrors
Side guard door beams; Crash sensors
Driver/passenger airbags w/ dual-stage deployment
Front and rear side head curtain airbags
Specifications
2.5-liter I-4 Atkinson cycle engine, 133hp @ 6000rpm & electric motor 94hp @ 5000rpm
Horsepower: 153 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (57 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, regenerative braking system
Wheels/Tires: 16-in x 7-in alloy wheels with SBRP235/70TR16 BSW all-season tires
2009
4 door/5 seat SUV (available 2x4, 4x4)
transmission: 4-speed auto; 5-speed manual
mileage (city/hwy): 34/31
range per fillup: 465 - 510 miles
2009 US MSRP: fwd: $28,175 4wd: $29,925
Features
Folding 60/40 rear seats w/ removable cushions
Rear and side privacy glass
AM/FM radio, CD with 4 speakers
Remote keyless entry via key fob and door pad
Anti-Theft SecuriLock engine immobilizer
Tire pressure monitoring system
Heated door mirrors
Rollover Stability Control (RSC)
Driver/passenger airbags w/ dual-stage deployment
Side curtain airbags for first and second rows
Specifications
2.5-liter I-4 Atkinson cycle engine, 153hp @ 5800rpm & electric motor 94hp @ 5000rpm
Horsepower: 153 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (57 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes,Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD)
Wheels/Tires: 16-in x 7-in aluminum alloy wheels with 235/70R16 all season T-rated tires
Hybrid Cars: Scheduled Releases
Automakers are now developing new hybrid car models at a rapid pace. Here's a look at hybrid cars under development, and 'best estimate' dates for availablity to the consumer market:
2008 releases:
Saturn - GM hybrid midsize sedan, now available
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid - midsize sedan
cancelled models:
2007 Honda Accord - this is the last model year for the Accord Hybrid
2006 Honda Insight - the old Insight line ends with the 2006 model
Chrysler Aspen - production cancelled due to lowered oil prices
Chrysler Durango - production cancelled due to lowered oil prices
2009 scheduled releases:
Ford Fusion - full-sized hybrid sedan, due out in early 2009
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - full-size crew-cab pickup
Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode- GM crossover sports utility "full" hybrid
Prius - third-generation model is slightly larger, with improved power and mpg
Toyota plug-in hybrid - estimated release in late 2009
Cadillac Escalade - full-size sport utility vehicle
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
Honda Insight - a new model of the hybrid Civic at a lower price
Mercury Montego - fullsize sedan
2010 scheduled releases:
Porsche - hybrid Cayenne SUV, the first hybrid car from Porsche
Chevrolet Volt - plug-in hybrid
Hyundai Sonata - first Korean hybrid in the US. Will use lithium-ion batteries.
Mercury Milan - new sedan model
Hybrid cars currently available
The one consumer decision most people make which impacts the greatest on the environment is the choice of car we drive.
Hybrid Cars offer drivers an innovative, efficient, and affordable option. After years of 'on the road' development, gas-electric hybrid cars have become a practical choice for consumers.
A hybrid car features a small fuel-efficient gas engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge automatically while you drive.
There are two types of gasoline-electric hybrid cars: the parallel hybrid and the series hybrid. In a parallel hybrid car, a gasoline engine and an electric motor work together to move the car forward, while in a series hybrid the gasoline engine either directly powers an electric motor that powers the vehicle or charges batteries that will power the motor.
Hybrid cars also gain efficiency from:
Smaller and more efficient engines.
Regenerative braking - the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.
Periodic engine shut off - when a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear.
Advanced aerodynamics - to reduce drag
Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires - narrow, stiffer tires have less drag
Lightweight materials - increases the efficiency of hybrid cars.
These gas-electric hybrid cars are now available in North America:
Honda
Saturn Aura Hybrid
Nissan Altima
Toyota Prius
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Ford Escape Hybrid SUV
Lexus 400h Hybrid SUV
Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV
Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV
Mazda Tribute compact SUV Saturn Vue Hybrid
Chevy Malibu Hybrid
2009 Honda Civic Hybrid
4 door/5 seat sedan
transmission: CVT automatic or manual
mileage (mpg): 40 city/ 45 hwy
range per fillup: 650 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $23,550
Features
Full climate control, Micron air filtration
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)
New USB Audio Interface
Keyless Remote Entry
Dual-Stage Front and Dual Side Airbags
Anti-Theft Immobilizer
Available: Bluetooth HandsFreeLink®
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Indicator
Available: Honda Satellite Linked Navigation
Specifications
110-hp, 1.3 litre SOHC i-VTEC® Engine 4-Cylinder Engine with Integrated Motor Assist IMA®
Drive-By-Wire™ Throttle System
Electric Power Steering (EPS), variable-assist rack-and-pinion
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 12.3 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: P185/70R14 LLR (low rolling-resistance) on 14" aluminum alloy wheels; All-Season Radials
2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid
4 door/5 seat midsize sedan
transmission: 4-speed automatic
mileage (mpg): 26 city/ 34 hwy
range per fillup: 420 - 550 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $26,015
Features
Automatic climate control
6 speaker radio system, audio input jack
Driver Shift Control - steering wheel shift control
Bluetooth for phone (option)
Center console with dual-bin storage
Passenger Sensing System
Dual-Stage Front Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags
Advanced Audio System AM/FM/CD/MP3 (option)
XM® Satellite Radio (option)
Theff Deterrent System
Specifications
ECOTEC 2.4L 4-cylinder (164 hp [122.3 kW] @ 6400 rpm, 159 lb-ft of torque
StabiliTrak, Stability Control with traction control
Front-wheel drive. 4-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 16.3 gallons (62 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel disc disc with 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: P215/55R17 touring, blackwall 17" All-Season Radials
2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
4 door/5 seat sedan
transmission: CVT auto or 6-speed manual
mileage (mpg): 35 city/ 33 hwy
range per fillup (miles) : 840 city, 720 hwy
2008 US Base Retail Price: $26,650
Features
Air Conditioning, separate pass climate control
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic brake assistance
Vehicle stability control system, traction control
AM/FM Stereo/CD player
Keyless Remote Entry, Intelligent Key Feature
Driver, passenger, side head curtain airbags
Anti-Theft Immobilizer
Tire inflation/pressure monitor
Trunk anti-trap device
Specifications
2.5 liter I-4, and 3.5 liter V6 engines with 40-horsepower electric motor, delivering 199 lb-ft of torque
Horsepower: 158 hp @ 5200rpm for 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 198 hp for 3.5-liter engine
6-speed manual transmission; automatic transmisson also available
Aluminum alloy body, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 20 gallons (75 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Tires: 215/60 R16 16" Lightweight Alloy; All-Season Radials
2009 Toyota Prius
4 door/5 seat sedan w/ liftback
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 48 city/45 hwy
range per fillup: 547 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $22,000
Features
Full climate control, CFC-Free Air Conditioning
Push button start
Central instrument display, LCD energy monitor
AM/FM/CD 6 speakers, MP3/WMA playback
Backup camera
Smart Key System
Driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System
MP3/WMA playback capability
Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer
Bluetooth wireless technology
Specifications (North American model)
1.5 litre DOHC 16-valve, 4 cylinder gas engine; 33 kW/44 hp @ 1,040 - 5,600rpm electric motor
Horsepower: 110 (gas-electric combined)
Conventional steel body
Multi-point EFI with Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 11.9 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Wheels:15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
4 door/5 seat midsize sedan
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 33 city/34 hwy
range per fillup: 585 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $26,150
Features
Curtain side and driver's knee air bags
Anti-skid traction control
Multi-adjustable front bucket seats
Tire-pressure monitor system
JBL audio system with Bluetooth technology
Keyless entry/starting system
PlasmaclusterTM ionizer cabin air purifier
“ECO” button limits HVAC energy consumption
Heated outside rear-view mirrors
GPS navigation unit (optional)
Specifications
Twin cam, 2.4L inline four-cylinder 2AZ-FXE Atkinson-cycle engine, which generates 147 hp
Horsepower: 192 net (gas-electric combined)
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT)
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (63 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: Regular (not LRR) 16" All-Season Radials - 215/60
2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: 4-speed CVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 25/32
range per fillup: 585 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $27,930
Features
Two-Mode Hybrid gas/electric powertrain
AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player; 6 speakers
Solar-Ray deep-tinted windows
Tire-pressure monitor system
Steering wheel integrated audio control
Remote Keyless Entry
Air bags, dual-stage frontal and side-impact
StabiliTrak stability control; rollover detection
3500 lb. maximum towing load
A/C, single-zone automatic climate control
Specifications
ECOTEC 2.4L 4-cylinder, Hybrid (172 hp [128.3 kW] @ 6500 rpm, 167 lb-ft of torque
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 18 gallons / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System
Wheels: 17" w/ aluminum alloy rims; Tires: P225/60R17 all season, blackwall, LLR
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 2wd 34/31 | 4wd 29/27
range per fillup: 435 - 510 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $29,305 (2WD)
Features
Manual Air Conditioning
AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD system
Roof rack with 2 horizontal bars
Lip and rear-wheel spoilers, rear anti-roll bar
Voice-activated SYNC entertainment system
Keyless Remote Entry
Driver and front passenger airbag system
Side air curtains, rollover sensor, front side airbags
Perimeter alarm
Sirius Travel Link system with 911 Assist
Specifications
2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, combined with a 65-kilowatt electric motor (optional 3.0 liter V6)
Horsepower: 170 (gas-electric combined); 230hp with 3.0 liter V6
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (60 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc with ABS and integrated regenerative braking
Tires: P235/70R16 A/S BSW tires; All-Season Radials, Hybrid-unique 16" aluminum wheels
2009 Lexus RX Hybrid
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 30city/ 26hwy
range per fillup: 450 - 530 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $43,480
Features
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Lexus 8-speaker sound system, 6-disk CD
Power tilt and slide moon roof
Transceiver to operate garage doors, lights
Part-time all-wheel drive (AWD)
Voice activated navigation system
Available rear-seat entertainment system
Lexus Memory System for mirrors, seat, wheel
In-key remote entry system
Accessory power outlet in cargo area
Specifications
3.3-liter V6 engine; front and rear high-output, permanent-magnet electric-drive motors
Horsepower: 268 total system horsepower
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with regenerative function
Wheels/Tires: 18-in alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 all-season tires
Visit the Lexus website.
2009 Toyota Highlander
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 2wd 33/28 | 4wd 31/27
range per fillup: 450 - 550 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $34,700
Features
Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
Roof Rack System
3.5" multi-function display w/ backup camera
AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback
Driver and passenger Advanced Airbag System
CFC-free automatic digital climate control system
Color-keyed heated foldable power outside mirrors
4-Wheel Drive with intelligence (4WD-i) (optional)
HomeLink®5 universal transceiver
Second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags
Specifications
3.3-liter double overhead cam V6 gas motor; torque @ rpm: 212 @ 4400 (foot/pounds)
Horsepower: 268 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Electronically controlled braking system with ABS and electronic brake distribution
Wheels/Tires: 19-in. split 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P245/55R19 all-season tires
2009 Mercury Mariner
4 door/5 seat SUV (available 2x4, 4x4)
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 34/31 | 4wd 29/27
range per fillup: 400 - 510 miles
2009 US MSRP: 2wd: $29,750 4wd: $31,500
Features
Front dual reclining bucket seats
Rear and side privacy glass
AM/FM radio, 6-Disc CD changer, MP3 player
Remote keyless entry via key fob and door pad
Anti-Theft SecuriLock engine immobilizer
Automatic climate control system
Dual foldable power external rearview mirrors
Side guard door beams; Crash sensors
Driver/passenger airbags w/ dual-stage deployment
Front and rear side head curtain airbags
Specifications
2.5-liter I-4 Atkinson cycle engine, 133hp @ 6000rpm & electric motor 94hp @ 5000rpm
Horsepower: 153 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (57 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, regenerative braking system
Wheels/Tires: 16-in x 7-in alloy wheels with SBRP235/70TR16 BSW all-season tires
2009
4 door/5 seat SUV (available 2x4, 4x4)
transmission: 4-speed auto; 5-speed manual
mileage (city/hwy): 34/31
range per fillup: 465 - 510 miles
2009 US MSRP: fwd: $28,175 4wd: $29,925
Features
Folding 60/40 rear seats w/ removable cushions
Rear and side privacy glass
AM/FM radio, CD with 4 speakers
Remote keyless entry via key fob and door pad
Anti-Theft SecuriLock engine immobilizer
Tire pressure monitoring system
Heated door mirrors
Rollover Stability Control (RSC)
Driver/passenger airbags w/ dual-stage deployment
Side curtain airbags for first and second rows
Specifications
2.5-liter I-4 Atkinson cycle engine, 153hp @ 5800rpm & electric motor 94hp @ 5000rpm
Horsepower: 153 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (57 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes,Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD)
Wheels/Tires: 16-in x 7-in aluminum alloy wheels with 235/70R16 all season T-rated tires
Hybrid Cars: Scheduled Releases
Automakers are now developing new hybrid car models at a rapid pace. Here's a look at hybrid cars under development, and 'best estimate' dates for availablity to the consumer market:
2008 releases:
Saturn - GM hybrid midsize sedan, now available
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid - midsize sedan
cancelled models:
2007 Honda Accord - this is the last model year for the Accord Hybrid
2006 Honda Insight - the old Insight line ends with the 2006 model
Chrysler Aspen - production cancelled due to lowered oil prices
Chrysler Durango - production cancelled due to lowered oil prices
2009 scheduled releases:
Ford Fusion - full-sized hybrid sedan, due out in early 2009
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - full-size crew-cab pickup
Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode- GM crossover sports utility "full" hybrid
Prius - third-generation model is slightly larger, with improved power and mpg
Toyota plug-in hybrid - estimated release in late 2009
Cadillac Escalade - full-size sport utility vehicle
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
Honda Insight - a new model of the hybrid Civic at a lower price
Mercury Montego - fullsize sedan
2010 scheduled releases:
Porsche - hybrid Cayenne SUV, the first hybrid car from Porsche
Chevrolet Volt - plug-in hybrid
Hyundai Sonata - first Korean hybrid in the US. Will use lithium-ion batteries.
Mercury Milan - new sedan model
green cars
If you can’t wait five, 10 or 20 years for the much-touted "hydrogen economy," then step right up: Several companies are ready to sell you vehicles that run on the fuel that's much cleaner and gets higher mileage than gasoline or diesel.
Like sports cars? There's a Shelby Cobra with a 351 engine that runs on hydrogen. How about a Nissan Frontier pickup powered by fuel cells and hydrogen? That will soon be available. Or hankering for a hydrogen Hummer? That, too, can be yours.
There are two significant catches, however. First is getting the hydrogen. Industrial gas suppliers sell hydrogen in cylinders but very few filling stations exist today. California has the most at 13 pilot stations run by utilities and carmakers, and plans some 170 commercial ones by 2010. The cost varies too, from $1 to $20 a kilo. A gallon of gasoline has the same energy content as a kilo of hydrogen, but vehicles using the latter get two to three times higher mileage.
Second is the price tag: The Shelby Cobras start at $149,000, the pickup is $99,995 and the Hummers run $60,000 for the conversion alone — you supply the Hummer.
A small price to pay for starting a green revolution, says Tai Robinson, who runs Intergalactic Hydrogen, a company converting Hummers and other cars. "It is time for the people to make a move, the vehicles they say they want to run on hydrogen are available now."
The internal combustion route
Hydrogen can be used in two ways to power vehicles: either directly into a modified internal combustion engine, or via fuel cells. Robinson's company has taken the former route, as has the Hydrogen Car Co., which is selling the modified Shelby Cobras.
Robinson hasn't sold a HydrogenHummer yet but he did sell one of his GreenHummers, which run on biodiesel as the primary fuel and hydrogen as a secondary source. Biodiesel is derived from natural oils like soybean oil and can even be recycled from a restaurant's fryer.
The Hummers about double their mileage once converted, says Robinson, whose conversion garage is in Steamboat Springs, Colo.
At the Hydrogen Car Company, a startup in Los Angeles, director Lloys Frates says two hydrogen Cobra orders have been placed since the launch in early June. The cars take up to six months to deliver, she says, since Shelby Automobiles first builds the body and chassis.
The hydrogen Cobra specs include a top speed of 140 mph and 0-60 mph in four seconds. The downside: the hydrogen tank's range is around 80 miles.
The Hydrogen Car Company
The hydrogen tank in the Shelby Cobras modified by the Hydrogen Car Company takes up most of the trunk space.
The tank itself is one of the expensive pieces of the puzzle. Frates says each tank costs $4,000 to build, and another $1,000 for a special fuel shutoff valve.
Frates says the gasoline Cobras start at $100,000, leaving a hydrogen margin of $49,000. "It's still an expensive car no matter which way you look at it," she says.
The company also converts Ford trucks to hydrogen for commercial fleet use, and plans a line of hydrogen SUVs, vans and trucks in 2005, once the vehicles are certified. The prices should range between $30,000 and $80,000, says Frates, the latter for luxury SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator.
Both Robinson and Frates see a future for fuel cells but say there's no reason their approach can't be the bridge.
"We were sick of waiting for the fuel cell," Frates says of her company, noting that its chairman, S. David Freeman, still has a 1969 report predicting Americans would be driving fuel cell vehicles in 10 years. "I'm 70 years old and I want to see this happen in my lifetime," she recalls him once saying.
The fuel cell route
Major carmakers, on the other hand, are focusing on fuel cells, convinced they are even more efficient and cleaner than hydrogen internal combustion engines. Instead of burning fuel in an engine, fuel cells are more like batteries, using an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity.
Anuvu, a fuel cell developer in Sacramento, Calif., says it's almost ready to sell Nissan Frontier pickups and large cargo vans that run on fuel cells and hydrogen.
The Frontier's specs include 0-60 mph in 10 seconds and a top speed of 80 mph. At speeds above 45 mph, the battery drains faster than the fuel cell can recharge it, which reduces its 250-mile city range to just 60 miles on the highway.
Sales director Craig Newhouse promises to deliver either of these "CUVs" — short for Clean Urban Vehicles — within 120 days of an order. The cost: $99,995 for the pickup and $149,995 for the van.
Anuvu — as in "a new view" — feels its niche is in commercial fleets, where a company looking to meet clean air laws buys several vehicles and installs a hydrogen filling station.
GAS PRICES AND YOUR WALLET
Enter a cost per gallon of fuel:
or
How many miles per month do you drive?
miles per month
How many miles per gallon does your vehicle get?
miles per gallon
For information on how to conserve energy in your home, visit the Department of Energy sponsored Home Energy Saver.
What Anuvu is selling is actually a hybrid fuel cell vehicle, one that uses a small fuel cell system to power an electric motor that does the heavy work of moving the vehicle. It's similar to the gas-electric hybrids now on the market, except that fuel cells instead of an internal combustion engine are used.
The fuel cell stack recharges the hybrid battery, but the latter can also be recharged by plugging into a wall, Newhouse says. "It's like an electric car except that it has all of the advantages and none of the disadvantages."
If there's a hydrogen leak, he adds, censors will shut down the stack but the vehicle can still be driven another 30 miles by running off the hybrid battery.
The battery also will provide AC "power out so you can run your power tools out of the back," Newhouse says. And a DC power connection will let you power a building if there's a blackout.
There'll even be an Internet connection from the car back to Anuvu, Newhouse says, "so that we know where it is all the time."
Industry: Fuel cells a decade off
The major automakers are all working on fuel cells but none predict mass production vehicles this decade. The California Fuel Cell Partnership, which has brought carmakers together at a test hub in Sacramento, doesn't expect take-off until 2012-2020, with numbers in the low thousands initially until an infrastructure can be developed.
Assuming hydrogen can be produced in large volumes at competitive prices, hydrogen pumps could be added to existing gas stations or some companies are developing home fuel cell stations that would extract hydrogen from natural gas. One such company is Stuart Energy, which has a partnership with the Hydrogen Car Company to eventually sell HomeFueler units. Stuart has yet to set a price, however.
As for Anuvu's vehicle, partnership spokesman Joe Irvin doesn't think it qualifies as "a full fledged fuel cell car" since it relies on the hybrid battery. "The hybrid side is readily available out there in the market place," he says, "so it's not quite the same but it's interesting to see what they're doing."
"I think it's more of a marketing ploy to get a couple sales to early adopters with plenty of coin," Irvin adds. "Hey, that's PR 101."
Newhouse takes exception to that, adding that while major carmakers keep testing, Anuvu is ready to sell. He adds that there's one firm order so far and a few potential customers have shown interest in several dozen purchases. Anuvu is also testing a fuel cell ferry for the city of San Francisco and aims to produce a fuel cell sedan with a 300-400 mile range.
Bringing down costs
Newhouse says mass production would drive the price down significantly. The fuel cell pickups, he estimates, could be sold for $20,000-$25,000 if 100,000 were built.
Robinson says the same is true for internal combustion vehicles that run on hydrogen. The technology "would only add a few thousand dollars to the base price," he says, "and that would be recouped almost instantly just with the fuel cost savings alone."
At the National Hydrogen Association, technical director Patrick Serfass urges patience from those watching the industry. He worries that hydrogen will be overhyped and create a case of expectations that can't be met right away. "There's great promise in it," he says, "but we're only in the middle of a transition."
That may be, but it won't stop the hydrogen car pioneers from going after early adopters.
Robinson realizes that not everyone can afford to be a green revolutionary. "We need to break into the elite market to deploy this," he says. "Once it is accepted at the top level, the next deployment would be affordable" to more people since production costs would go down as volume increases.
One of those early adopters could be California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who while campaigning last year pledged to convert one of his several Hummers to hydrogen.
Schwarzenegger saw the HydrogenHummer in action and sent an aide to inquire further, Robinson says. But so far, no deal to convert and Schwarzenegger has yet to live up to that electoral promise.
Like sports cars? There's a Shelby Cobra with a 351 engine that runs on hydrogen. How about a Nissan Frontier pickup powered by fuel cells and hydrogen? That will soon be available. Or hankering for a hydrogen Hummer? That, too, can be yours.
There are two significant catches, however. First is getting the hydrogen. Industrial gas suppliers sell hydrogen in cylinders but very few filling stations exist today. California has the most at 13 pilot stations run by utilities and carmakers, and plans some 170 commercial ones by 2010. The cost varies too, from $1 to $20 a kilo. A gallon of gasoline has the same energy content as a kilo of hydrogen, but vehicles using the latter get two to three times higher mileage.
Second is the price tag: The Shelby Cobras start at $149,000, the pickup is $99,995 and the Hummers run $60,000 for the conversion alone — you supply the Hummer.
A small price to pay for starting a green revolution, says Tai Robinson, who runs Intergalactic Hydrogen, a company converting Hummers and other cars. "It is time for the people to make a move, the vehicles they say they want to run on hydrogen are available now."
The internal combustion route
Hydrogen can be used in two ways to power vehicles: either directly into a modified internal combustion engine, or via fuel cells. Robinson's company has taken the former route, as has the Hydrogen Car Co., which is selling the modified Shelby Cobras.
Robinson hasn't sold a HydrogenHummer yet but he did sell one of his GreenHummers, which run on biodiesel as the primary fuel and hydrogen as a secondary source. Biodiesel is derived from natural oils like soybean oil and can even be recycled from a restaurant's fryer.
The Hummers about double their mileage once converted, says Robinson, whose conversion garage is in Steamboat Springs, Colo.
At the Hydrogen Car Company, a startup in Los Angeles, director Lloys Frates says two hydrogen Cobra orders have been placed since the launch in early June. The cars take up to six months to deliver, she says, since Shelby Automobiles first builds the body and chassis.
The hydrogen Cobra specs include a top speed of 140 mph and 0-60 mph in four seconds. The downside: the hydrogen tank's range is around 80 miles.
The Hydrogen Car Company
The hydrogen tank in the Shelby Cobras modified by the Hydrogen Car Company takes up most of the trunk space.
The tank itself is one of the expensive pieces of the puzzle. Frates says each tank costs $4,000 to build, and another $1,000 for a special fuel shutoff valve.
Frates says the gasoline Cobras start at $100,000, leaving a hydrogen margin of $49,000. "It's still an expensive car no matter which way you look at it," she says.
The company also converts Ford trucks to hydrogen for commercial fleet use, and plans a line of hydrogen SUVs, vans and trucks in 2005, once the vehicles are certified. The prices should range between $30,000 and $80,000, says Frates, the latter for luxury SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator.
Both Robinson and Frates see a future for fuel cells but say there's no reason their approach can't be the bridge.
"We were sick of waiting for the fuel cell," Frates says of her company, noting that its chairman, S. David Freeman, still has a 1969 report predicting Americans would be driving fuel cell vehicles in 10 years. "I'm 70 years old and I want to see this happen in my lifetime," she recalls him once saying.
The fuel cell route
Major carmakers, on the other hand, are focusing on fuel cells, convinced they are even more efficient and cleaner than hydrogen internal combustion engines. Instead of burning fuel in an engine, fuel cells are more like batteries, using an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity.
Anuvu, a fuel cell developer in Sacramento, Calif., says it's almost ready to sell Nissan Frontier pickups and large cargo vans that run on fuel cells and hydrogen.
The Frontier's specs include 0-60 mph in 10 seconds and a top speed of 80 mph. At speeds above 45 mph, the battery drains faster than the fuel cell can recharge it, which reduces its 250-mile city range to just 60 miles on the highway.
Sales director Craig Newhouse promises to deliver either of these "CUVs" — short for Clean Urban Vehicles — within 120 days of an order. The cost: $99,995 for the pickup and $149,995 for the van.
Anuvu — as in "a new view" — feels its niche is in commercial fleets, where a company looking to meet clean air laws buys several vehicles and installs a hydrogen filling station.
GAS PRICES AND YOUR WALLET
Enter a cost per gallon of fuel:
or
How many miles per month do you drive?
miles per month
How many miles per gallon does your vehicle get?
miles per gallon
For information on how to conserve energy in your home, visit the Department of Energy sponsored Home Energy Saver.
What Anuvu is selling is actually a hybrid fuel cell vehicle, one that uses a small fuel cell system to power an electric motor that does the heavy work of moving the vehicle. It's similar to the gas-electric hybrids now on the market, except that fuel cells instead of an internal combustion engine are used.
The fuel cell stack recharges the hybrid battery, but the latter can also be recharged by plugging into a wall, Newhouse says. "It's like an electric car except that it has all of the advantages and none of the disadvantages."
If there's a hydrogen leak, he adds, censors will shut down the stack but the vehicle can still be driven another 30 miles by running off the hybrid battery.
The battery also will provide AC "power out so you can run your power tools out of the back," Newhouse says. And a DC power connection will let you power a building if there's a blackout.
There'll even be an Internet connection from the car back to Anuvu, Newhouse says, "so that we know where it is all the time."
Industry: Fuel cells a decade off
The major automakers are all working on fuel cells but none predict mass production vehicles this decade. The California Fuel Cell Partnership, which has brought carmakers together at a test hub in Sacramento, doesn't expect take-off until 2012-2020, with numbers in the low thousands initially until an infrastructure can be developed.
Assuming hydrogen can be produced in large volumes at competitive prices, hydrogen pumps could be added to existing gas stations or some companies are developing home fuel cell stations that would extract hydrogen from natural gas. One such company is Stuart Energy, which has a partnership with the Hydrogen Car Company to eventually sell HomeFueler units. Stuart has yet to set a price, however.
As for Anuvu's vehicle, partnership spokesman Joe Irvin doesn't think it qualifies as "a full fledged fuel cell car" since it relies on the hybrid battery. "The hybrid side is readily available out there in the market place," he says, "so it's not quite the same but it's interesting to see what they're doing."
"I think it's more of a marketing ploy to get a couple sales to early adopters with plenty of coin," Irvin adds. "Hey, that's PR 101."
Newhouse takes exception to that, adding that while major carmakers keep testing, Anuvu is ready to sell. He adds that there's one firm order so far and a few potential customers have shown interest in several dozen purchases. Anuvu is also testing a fuel cell ferry for the city of San Francisco and aims to produce a fuel cell sedan with a 300-400 mile range.
Bringing down costs
Newhouse says mass production would drive the price down significantly. The fuel cell pickups, he estimates, could be sold for $20,000-$25,000 if 100,000 were built.
Robinson says the same is true for internal combustion vehicles that run on hydrogen. The technology "would only add a few thousand dollars to the base price," he says, "and that would be recouped almost instantly just with the fuel cost savings alone."
At the National Hydrogen Association, technical director Patrick Serfass urges patience from those watching the industry. He worries that hydrogen will be overhyped and create a case of expectations that can't be met right away. "There's great promise in it," he says, "but we're only in the middle of a transition."
That may be, but it won't stop the hydrogen car pioneers from going after early adopters.
Robinson realizes that not everyone can afford to be a green revolutionary. "We need to break into the elite market to deploy this," he says. "Once it is accepted at the top level, the next deployment would be affordable" to more people since production costs would go down as volume increases.
One of those early adopters could be California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who while campaigning last year pledged to convert one of his several Hummers to hydrogen.
Schwarzenegger saw the HydrogenHummer in action and sent an aide to inquire further, Robinson says. But so far, no deal to convert and Schwarzenegger has yet to live up to that electoral promise.
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