Union of Concerned Scientists Releases 2011 Hybrid Scorecard: Prius = Good, Touareg Hybrid = Bad

The Union of Concerned Scientist, a non-profit science advocacy group in the U.S., has released its second annual Hybrid Scorecard. The organisation criticised hybrid car manufacturers for not delivering on the technology’s promise, for placing performance above fuel efficiency and environmental benefit and burdening hybrids with features that put them out of the price range of average Americans.
A total of 34 hybrid vehicles from the 2011 to 2012 model year were tested for their fuel efficiency, environmental impact, value-for-money and their so-called “forced-feature premium”. The latter is features that don’t improve fuel efficiency but probably make the cars more appealing to money-conscious consumers.

Chevy Launches MyLink Infotainment System in Response to Ford's SYNC

.fullpost { display: inline; } The 2012 Chevrolet Volt and Equinox models will be the first to offer Chevy MyLink, an in-car infotainment equipment that integrates internet radio, hands-free, voice and touch-screen controls, all of which can be accessed via Bluetooth connectivity. Three years ago, Ford introduced a similar system, called SYNC, whose aim was to reunite in a friendly and

Chevy Launches MyLink Infotainment System in Response to Ford's SYNC

The 2012 Chevrolet Volt and Equinox models will be the first to offer Chevy MyLink, an in-car infotainment equipment that integrates internet radio, hands-free, voice and touch-screen controls, all of which can be accessed via Bluetooth connectivity. Three years ago, Ford introduced a similar system, called SYNC, whose aim was to reunite in a friendly and efficient way the various in-car

The Biggest Threat to the Chevy Volt are...Rats?!

.fullpost { display: inline; } Okay, readers: hands up if you like rats. No, not the cute white ones you see in science labs or can buy at pet shops. I’m talking about the sewer-dwelling, disease-carrying ones that invade your house to eat, poop and scare your misses. What if I told you those same feral rats are not only a danger to your home but also to your brand-spanking-new plug-in

The Biggest Threat to the Chevy Volt are...Rats?!

Okay, readers: hands up if you like rats. No, not the cute white ones you see in science labs or can buy at pet shops. I’m talking about the sewer-dwelling, disease-carrying ones that invade your house to eat, poop and scare your misses. What if I told you those same feral rats are not only a danger to your home but also to your brand-spanking-new plug-in hybrid extended range electric vehicle?

Opel Ampera EV Police Cruiser: Volt's European Cousin Getting Ready for Patrol

.fullpost { display: inline; } If there's one way to kick-start sales of specialty vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and its European counterpart, the Opel Ampera, that's by enlisting the government as one of your clients. And with a starting price of €42,900 (about US$58,000 at the current exchange rates) in Europe, GM's Opel division will need all the help it can get to sell the Ampera.

Opel Ampera EV Police Cruiser: Volt's European Cousin Getting Ready for Patrol

If there's one way to kick-start sales of specialty vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and its European counterpart, the Opel Ampera, that's by enlisting the government as one of your clients. And with a starting price of €42,900 (about US$58,000 at the current exchange rates) in Europe, GM's Opel division will need all the help it can get to sell the Ampera. Well before the Ampera hits European

General Motors with Powermat showcases wireless charging for cars(Volt).

No more adapters are need to charge your electronic gadgets if you are planning to owe Chevy Volt (for now).

At CES, Vegas, General Motors with Powermat announced the wireless charging mat accessory for car interior. 2011 Chevy Volt be the first to have this mat, the rest will be followed at 2012 models of GM.

The working of this wireless charging mat is very simple, just lay your phones and MP3 players on the center console and have them wirelessly charge.

As in the deal, GM Ventures has invested $5 million in Powermat.

The other companies which have wireless charging Tech are Fujitsu, Palm, Pure Energy Solutions, ElectroHub, Green Plug and WiiPower.

Wireless charging mats generally work by first using a receiver somewhere on a portable device that magnetically connects it to a charge point on a mat that is plugged in to an electricity source.

Once fully charged that receiver sends a signal to the mat, which then halts further electricity from passing through to the device. In addition to the convenience of no wires, charging mats offer an energy-efficient alternative to chargers, which often continue to suck down electricity even after a device is fully charged.

Via: [CNET]

2011 Chevrolet Volt Walk-through

2011 Chevrolet Volt is a 4 door, 4 passenger plug-in hybrid electric family sedan manufactured by Chevrolet, a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company (GM). 2011 Chevrolet Volt is available in only one variants(trims) namely Volt(Base).

2011 Chevrolet Volt is powered by hybrid engine, duo of both electric and Internal combustion engine. Equipped with Electric drive unit having 150 hp and a torque of 273 lb-ft with on-board generator/engine, (1.4L Internal Combustion Engine (80 hp)), having displacement of 1.4 liters. Max power of 149 HP is attained @ N/a RPM and has a max torque of 273 @ N/a RPM. The volt has Front Wheel Drive(FWD). 2011 Chevrolet Volt has a fuel efficiency of click here.

A 1-Speed Automatic transmission and Mechanical Fuel Injection System is standard.

Chevrolet Volt Awards

• 2009 Green Car Vision Award by the Green Car Journal at the Washington Auto Show.
• 2009 Festival International Automobile selected the Chevrolet Volt for the 2009 Environmental Grand Prize.
• 2011 Car and Driver Ten Best Cars. For the first time ever Car and Driver magazine included an electrically powered car among its 10 best.
• 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year.
• 2011 Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.
• 2011 Automobile of the Year by Automobile Magazine.

Other features includes(varies with variants(trims)):

• 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc, electro-hydraulic power with StabiliTrak, regenerative braking system
• StabiliTrak w/Traction Control
• Tire Pressure Monitor
• 3 auxiliary power outlets
• Bluetooth® wireless technology for select phones
• USB Port
• Pedestrian-friendly alert (Driver activated horn chirp using turn signal lever)
• Tire Inflator Kit
• Rear Camera and Park Assist Package
• Ultrasonic parking assist, front and rear

Src: [Wikipedia]

2011 Chevrolet Volt SPECIFICATIONS:

Body style(s): 4-door sedan
Engine(s): Electric/Gas I4
Battery: 16-kWh Lithium-ion, Rechargeable Energy Storage System, includes liquid thermal management system with active control
Displacement (liters/ cu in.) 1.4
Power:@ RPM 149@n.a
Torque: lb-ft/rpm 273@n.a
Transmission: 1 Automatic
Exterior Dimensions (IN.)
Overall height: 56.6
Overall width: 70.4
Overall length: 177.1
Wheelbase: 105.7
Colors: Black,Crystal Red Metallic,Cyber Gray Metallic,Silver Ice Metallic,Viridian Joule,White Diamond
Fuel Capacity:(gal) 9.3
Mileage(est)(city/highway): click here
Price Onwards: $40,280 after tax saving $ 32,780
Complete specifications: Specifications of 2011 Chevrolet Volt
Website: 2011 Chevrolet Volt
Download: Owner manual of 2011 Chevrolet Volt