Extreme Hybrid Gets 150 MPG!

Here it is...the amazing, plug-in, Extreme Hybrid SUV! At over 150 miles to the gallon, this machine puts the plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius to shame. The Extreme Hybrid XH by AFS Trinity Power will travel 40 miles on the electric motor, before it needs recharged electrically or the gasoline motor starts. The Toyota plug-in Prius will only travel seven miles on its stored electricity.

The Extreme Hybrid SUV (Saturn Vue pictured above) is considered a triple hybrid. Ultracapacitors are combined with batteries and a gas engine. According to the New York Times,

Typically, hybrids exploit the synergies of electricity and internal combustion by using only an electric motor at low speeds; the gas engine kicks in as speed increases, and both are used when maximum output is called for. AFS Trinity, on the other hand, took a purist position. In its system, the gasoline engine is not started until the batteries run down...In use, the capacitors function much like the water tank on a toilet. That reservoir lets the toilet get by with a small supply pipe, yet still delivers a large volume at once for flushing.

The Extreme Hybrid XH is expected to cost about $8,700 more than a gas-only SUV. AFS Trinity CEO Edward W. Furia explains, "If the price of gasoline is, say, $2.85 per gallon, XH™ gasoline cost savings could repay the purchase price premium in 3.5 years." Increased fuel economy does come at a cost though, as capacitors contain PCBs, in a closed system. However, the ultracapacitors in the Extreme Hybrid help keep the lithium batteries within safe heating limits, thus extending battery life and preventing fire caused by overheating. The earliest the Extreme Hybrids will be available is in three years.

Hertz Going Green with Some Rental Cars

Seems like everyone is jumping on to the enviro-bandwagon, but it's nice to see a rental car company getting into the game. Hertz now has a new Green Collection consists of cars with "EPA Highway Fuel Efficiency rating of 28 Miles or more per gallon."

There are currently six cars in the Green Collection, each reservable by name:

• Toyota Prius and Camry
• Ford Fusion
• Buick LaCrosse
• Subaru Outback
• Hyundai Sonata.

Although they're going green - they will still offer Hummers and other gas guzzlers in their rental car lineup.

Via The Truth About Cars at Hertz

Volvo Unveils A Plug-In Hybrid

We like rechargeable cars and can't wait for more options in the coming years. The ReCharge Concept is a specially designed Volvo C30 with individual electric wheel motors and batteries that can be charged via a regular electrical outlet. When fully charged the Volvo ReCharge Concept can be driven 62 miles on battery power. You can also expect really good performance with 0-62mph in 9 seconds and a top speed of 100mph. WOOSH!

Via MetaEfficient at Jalopnik

EESUs Make Electric Cars Easier to Own

Ever thought about owning an electric car? For anyone who's nixed the idea because of the 5-6 hours it takes to re-charge batteries on long trips, Texas-based company EEStor has some good news.

The company manufactures the EEStor ultra-capacitor (or EESU), a quicker-to-charge, lightweight battery that is faster to charge and easier to use than regular lithium-ion batteries. And unlike lithium-ion batteries, EESUs can be charged and recharged over and over without losing life.

Continue reading: "EESUs Make Electric Cars Easier to Own"

Treehugger: Not All Hybrids are Created Equal

Tim McGee posted a great article comparing the energy-efficiency of conventional and plug-in hybrids on Treehugger:

Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles may get you 100 miles per gallon, but where did those extra miles come from? What about the larger batteries needed? How does the return on investment change? A new study released last week by ACEEE (American Council for Energy Efficient Economy) compares your typical hybrid to one you can recharge at home. The study indicates that 'plug-in' hybrids may not offer the benefits a buyer expects. We highlight what you should consider before jumping to the plug-in option.

Read more at Treehugger.

Loremo AG 157 MPG Diesel Car

See!!! You can actually get great gas mileage with fossil fuels if you try. The Loremo AG is a lightweight diesel car that gets up to 157 miles per gallon, making other "fuel-efficient" cars look like you're driving a hummer. It weighs less than 1,000 pounds and seats four, requiring no hybrid technology, electricity, or fuel cells of any kind to achieve its efficiency while using diesel fuel. The best part? It's only going to cost $12000 and will debut in 2009.

Via SCI FI Tech at Loremo