Automobile News

Environmentalists would love the fact that there is a growing consciousness among both consumers and the automobile manufactures to address the serious issue of global warming and pollution. Automobile companies nowadays have shifted their focus to invent technologies that will substantially bring down the emission of hazardous gases like CO2. General Motors has come up its fourth edition of its zero emission, hydrogen fuel cell propelled prototype, the HydroGen4, in this spirit.

The mode is based on the Chevrolet Equinox SUV, and symbolises a marked improvement from many previous models Chevy models, like the, say the Chevrolet Nova, which was known for its terrible fuel efficiency. The model is expected to go into production in a large scale, and should have a production run of 100 or so units. Company sources informed that they are setting themselves a deadline to retail hydrogen fuel cell cars by 2015.

The HydroGen4 scores over its predecessor in its ability to start even at sub-zero temperatures, which is quite an achievement considering the many difficulties associated with a fuel cell vehicle. Moreover, you tend to benefit from an increased range from a fill of hydrogen, improved performance, quieter operation and improved durability. Another factor contributing to the appeal of the car is that it is build in a way that you can maintain it in a cost effective and convenient manner.

The initiative taken by General Motors doesn’t mean that hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles is a ready alternative to conventional fuels. It is far from the truth, and the recent initiative is all but a small step before we can start thinking of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as a viable solution.

Tags for this article: general motors, gm, green

Mercedes has come up with a novel concept in the form of its latest zero-emission car that can be powered by three different propulsion systems. The car takes inspiration from the B Class hatchback, and its electric motor can be energised by the batteries alone, or by a battery pack recharged by a fuel cell generator, or even from batteries whose range can be inflated by an external combustion system. The point here is that in each of the above cases the batteries are water-cooled lithium-ion, while the electric motor produces an inspiring 93bhp and 236lb ft of torque which powers the front wheels.

The Blue-ZERO concept exploits the possibilities thrown open by the sandwich construction of the B Class, which has been generating a lot of buzz due to its unobtrusive nature as far as passenger and luggage space is concerned. Moreover, the model is also a trendsetter of a sort for its low centre of gravity. Drivers should also love the crash performance meted out by the car which assisted by its unique design and layout. All the three models can reach speeds of up to 62mph in a matter of seconds, while the top speed is regulated at 93mph to improve battery life.

The mode when run on pure electric E-Cell has a range of 120miles which can be extended to an astounding 248miles in F-Cell form by the fuel cell generator.

This latest development shows Mercedes’ intent to promote low emission vehicles and from 2009 onwards the company will operate a small fleet of experimental hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to get acquainted with the various issues confronting the concept. While energy efficiency is admittedly important for everyday household products, like the energy efficient A class Hotpoint FF4DK fridge freezer, it is far important for your car, in terms of saving both money and the environment. Mercedes, it seems, has recognised this. The company, in fact, has completed all the formalities to introduce its first series of pure electric cars come 2010.

If there is one car brand or model that represents the antithesis of an environmentally friendly and fuel conserving vehicle, then it would no doubt be the General Motors Hummer. In fact, one site called FUH2.com has thousands of user submitted pictures of people hating on the vehicle, and it is often targeted and burned by radical environmentalist organizations.  Among other reasons, this apparent animosity arises from the perception of the Hummer as very bad for the environment. Of course, to many other people the Hummer means something else altogether.

Originally used by the US Military and then popularized by Arnold Schwarzenegger and famous American rappers, the Hummer signifies both wealth and power. Of course, it also happens to be one of the least fuel efficient cars on the market, some models only get around 10 mpg, and most drivers never use the vehicles for their original purpose, namely, off-roading. Then, due to the onset of far higher petrol prices, the Hummer became an especially expensive status symbol to own, and began facing slumping sales. So what has the company done to make the Hummer more marketable and appealing? General Motors has taken an unexpected and surprising turn by unveiling the new green (that is, environmentally friendly, not green coloured) Hummer at the British Motor Show in London.

Yes, you read correctly, the symbol of immense power and terrible petrol mileage is now being made over to symbolize green technology and fuel efficiency. The new car is named the Hummer HX and is currently on display at the Motor Show along with many other green cars, although this model is doubtlessly one of the most surprising. The major technological revolution that causes the car to turn green is its reliance on biodiesel, instead of normal petrol. According to General Motors, this shift will make the cars substantially more environmentally friendly. Of course, other companies have already made the shift to biodiesel, including most notably Saab and Ford with their Ford Focus, so the technology is hardly revolutionary.

The next generation green Hummer will also getter a better fuel mileage because of other factors, including lighter materials and a slightly smaller size. The HX is constructed from light materials like aluminium and carbon fibre, whereas the original Hummer was made firmly of heavy steel. General Motors has also decided to make sure the materials used in the car were themselves environmentally friendly, by, for example, using recyclable fibre for the seats. However, two significant questions still linger. Firstly, how much more environmentally responsible will the Hummer truly be as the result of these changes, and, secondly, will traditional Hummer consumers still want to purchase a vehicle that is smaller, less powerful, and overall more ‘girly’ because of its focus on the environment?