Efficient

[glenc]

I like things that are small, clever or efficient.

For example the NZ made Yike Bike.
http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/yike-bike-electric-folding-penny-farthing-blends-19th-century-t/
http://green.autoblog.com/gallery/yikebike-1/full/#6

VW will be selling a Polo that uses fuel at the rate of 2.7L/100km (103 mpg) and a Golf that uses 3.2L/100km soon. Good for a trip to a dark observing site.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/40122/volkswagen-bluemotion-range-released-ahead-of-frankfurt/
A Corolla uses 7.4L/100km.

[mercedes_sl1970]

That's a fabulous looking bike. Like the concept - just a shame about the price...

Excellent for people with mobility issues too (me included) - it's hard to find something that isn't too big or looks too institutional and is flexible, quiet, etc.

Andrew

[glenc]

The Supreme Winner, the vehicle that cost the least to run over the whole rally including fuel and road user charges, is the Honda Civic Hybrid. It cost $111.72 to complete the 1641km rally.
The Driver Award, for the team that beat the manufacturer-stated fuel use of their vehicle by the highest percentage, went to the Trade Me team which drove the Holden HSV Maloo. They reduced their fuel consumption by 39.5%, achieving 9.497 litres per 100km instead of the manufacturer-stated fuel use of 15.7 litres per 100km.
The Environment Award, for the vehicle with the lowest fuel use and emissions for the rally, went to the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion Manual, with 95.58 grams per kilometre [and 3.65 L/100km].
http://www.aa.co.nz/about/events/aaenergywiserally/Pages/default.aspx

[stephenb]

Thanks for sharing that Glen.

I may have banged on about this before but I want to promote a local (Victorian) manufactuer who, I belive is leading the way with full electric cars.

Ross Blade runs his own company in Central Victoria BEV (http://www.bev.com.au/)where his small team retrofit a Hyundai Getz with rechargable batteries and an 40kW electric motor.

Performance:
0-60kmh in 7 seconds
120km range
110kmh top speed
A/C, PS, ABS, airbags
Recharge from standard socket.

These vehicles are ideal for urban living or small regional centres or even if you live in a country town. Any place where you don't need to travel long distances.

Some local councils and shires have already started buying them.

People immediately criticise these vehicles for their short range distances and top speed, but there is a deeper more important message which many people miss. It is this....

If a small country Victorian engineering company can produce a fully electic vehicle NOW - why are the some large motoring manufacturers still running hybrids, some manufacturers are not even bothering with hybrids.

If I recall, last year Toyota received a Victoria Government grant/subsidy to produce hybrids in Victoria? WHY?

BEV has proved that it is possible - that is, to produce a full electric car - not a hybrid - a full electric, with their own time and money.

Imagine then, what Toyota or Honda could have on the road now. There is no reason why we all shouldn't be running around in full electric vehicles NOW.

p.s. I have no affilliation with BEV, just a keen oberver of this technology from the outside.

[glenc]

Yes, there is a lot of room for improving efficiency in transport, power generation and housing too.

[glenc]

Forget the 3.9 litres per 100km of Toyota's famous petrol-electric hybrid. VW's new concept is claiming just 1.2L/100km...
The L1 teams an electric motor with a 800cc turbo diesel to give the 1L a top speed of 160km/h ...
L1's interior also mimics a jet fighter, with a cockpit-style cabin that seats a driver and passenger in tandem rather than side by side...
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=65601

[stephenb]

Thanks for posting, Glen. I often am slightly cynical with these sort of developements because often these are "concept vehicles only" and may take years to reach the consumer market, if they reach it at all. I hope VW can do something with this one. My point earlier is that the technology is here now! as we all know, but these large manufacturing corporations are just stringing us along with vain hope that they will have the solution.