Green Wheels: Volta Motorbikes BCN City

The Spanish electronic motorbikes maker Volta Motorbikes revealed its notable sample model of Volta BCN back in May. The production version is to be launched in Milan 2 wheeler show. Volta BCN has got its name from an agreement with the City Council of the second largest Spanish city, Barcelona that wishes to become a significant example for sustainable mobility. BCN has been created with the task of providing new alternative solution for the pollution harms in big cities. Three versions of the BCN will be offered, but with different aesthetic and finishes. It can be a perfect choice for those who need a conveyance for daily transport to get through their crowded and high traffic city to reach their destination and can serve as a path of access into the two-wheeler world for fresh bike users.

Volta Motorbikes BCN City

Green factor

It is a combination of technology, design and a sporty feel to give users the chance to experience motor passion while also being considerate towards the environment. Being an electronic motorbike, BCN offers a 35hp engine and a range of 70km. With a complete battery recharge cost of 0.45 Euros; this bike can be recharged completely in 2 hrs just by plugging it into a 220-V household socket or at any public charging station. The Volta BCN has a lithium-polymer battery. When 1500 charging cycles are completed, which is equal to the five years of every day recharges, the battery would still have 80% of its original capability.

The powertrain

There will be 3 different models in BCN line-up. They are BCN City, BCN Sport and BCN My Volta which are customizable at an order. They will share same basic machinery and performance specifications. It has a DC brushed 35hp motor. It contains in-built lithium polymer battery and allows for partial recharges, despite of the existing battery charge level.

Volta BCN city has 35hp brushed DC motor with maximum torque of 67 Nm. Wheel base is 1450mm and seat height is 805mm. Dry weight of the bike is 135 kg. Battery pack capacity is 3 kWh and battery pack voltage is 74V (nominal). Volta BCN is outfitted with a panel which shows the amount of energy available in the battery at all times.

Volta BCN city offers the top speed of 74.5 mph or 120km/h and a range of 43.4 miles or 70 km. The Volta BCN has a direct-drive transmission, with no gear shift and no clutch. It has a trunk intended to hold a full-face helmet. A mobile phone connector has been fitted inside the trunk which can be used as a mobile phone charger while driving.

The highs

BCN city is a model especially designed for transport in the city. It looks vibrant, and has a personality which is a combination of high-performance features, quality design and advanced technology. All of its parts are supplied by prominent brands in the sector. One of the admirable features which could attract bike lovers is that the bike is the tranquil and easy position which provides agility and free movement when driving. It comprises of the additional facility of connectivity with mobile telephone equipments, as well as a broad array of applications such as programming recharges and limits for power setting.

The electric motorcycle world is extending its boundaries and bikes like the BRD Redshift and Orphiro are also going to hit the market this year, so Volta BCN would have to compete against them so as to win the heart of urban environmentalist.

The lows

Despite so many features in Volta BCN, customers may not be satisfied with its range. One of the other lows Volta BCN could face is that market for electronic motorbike is very limited. So it might not have a huge customer base.

Cost and availability

For now, Volta Motorbikes is setting up locations of dealers in Europe for its sale. During the first quarter of the year 2012, a pre-reservation list will be opened on the Internet for customers. In the second quarter of the year, first unit of the motorbike will be released for sale. Estimated price of a bike is expected to be around $10000, though there is no official verification about it.

Green Wheels: Varley evR450 Electric Vehicle

The whole world is looking for either electric or hybrid materials. Therefore, this is not surprising to see the automakers hitting the same technology in making new vehicles. Going on the same way, Varley Electric Vehicles has produced a head turning electric vehicle, R450. The car is new, but the producers and engineers of the car are around in the market for around 125 years. Varley manufactures many kind of vehicles for airports and hospitals. If you live in Australia and you need a string and hard working tug for an airport or factory, you will call Varley. Now, if you want a stylish and sporty Maserati M12 like pluggable, you can call them for this too.

Varley evR450

The Australian company unveiled their ev prototype in Brisbane at the third annual Australian Electric Vehicle Conference. This conference will manage the market introduction of this EV, their impact on the electric supply, role of EV in greener transportation and provision of charging infrastructures.

The green machine

Varley Electric Vehicles are known for making bulky industrial vehicles rather than high-end sports car, but the company is now looking to change its image by introducing the new $450. The zero emission machine is developed by the company only in nine months in collaboration of two local EV specialists, Tritium and Ultramotive. Overall, it has some impressive numbers and shows the electric car technology of Australia.

Green factor

The car moves on battery, so there will be zero carbon emission from the engine and it will not create any pollution. Varley has not confirmed yet, but the braking system of the car is built in such a way that whenever the brake is applied, it charges the battery.

The powertrain

Not everyone in Australia has V8 under the hood. R450 runs with two ultra motive carbon motors each with a peak power of 150kW/210 HP and 522 Nm of torque and offers continuous power supply of 58kW/122Nm. Weight of the motors is only 40kg (excluding inductors), the 300Kw/420 HP power will be moving a very light vehicle.

The electric car can sprint to 100km/h (62mph) from standstill in 3.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 200 km/h (125mph). It has a basic range of 150km (93.21 miles) that can be doubled using an additional lithium-ion battery pack. With these numbers, you will say that it is not the quickest electric racecar around, but look at the cost; it is much cheaper than other cars.

The coupe is painted in yellow but makes a statement about going green. The doors of the car swigs upwards, body is extra low and wide and it has a bubble-style cockpit canopy.

The company is still working on the power train and is not allowing anyone to drive or take the photos under the hood. While we wait for other details, you are free to comment on this post with your feeling about the car. If you are going to comment, please answer one question, is R450 is the replacement for Tesla Roadster?

The highs

It has an awesome power and the range can be extended to 300 km by using an additional lithium ion battery package. The exteriors are sporty as well as stylish and the car is less expensive. Above all, this is a green car, so owning it will add some style to you, not any emission to the environment.

The lows

There are no side mirrors in the car, which raises a question on safety. Apart from that, it will be too early to talk about any of the negative sides of the car. Let us wait for the release, and then we will know what the wrong parts of the green car are.

Cost and availability

Australia’s first locally designed and manufactured electric supercar will go on sale from January 2012 for less than $200, 000 (US $213, 000). Varley has not disclosed the exact price right now. Stay tuned for that.

The company is expecting high sales figure from the car because of the great power, range, top speed and other features. According to them, the production numbers are not decided yet, so if you have the money and inclination, you can hands on Australia’s first electric super car.

Green Wheels: Fuso Super Great HEV heavy-duty truck

The day to day hike in the fuel prices and continuous emission of greenhouse gases into the environment are some of the major problems that the transportation industry is facing nowadays, making it too arduous for the transportation associates and fleet managers to run their business with efficiency and gain maximum profit. So in order to tackle these problems the scientists and vehicle manufacturers have come up with the renewed concept of Hybrid vehicles.

Super Great’ heavy-duty hybrid truck

The world renowned truck manufacturer Mitsubishi is coming with its future super great HEV heavy duty truck Fuso. In the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi will provide a display of its much awaited heavy duty hybrid truck. This truck owes its inspiration and its technology to the Canter Eco Hybrid commercial truck which was so popular among the fleet managers and transportation industry associates that around 1200 units of it have been sold since its launch date. Thus the manufacturer claims that it will increase the fuel efficiency up to a large extent. Let us find out how this truck can be conducive for the environment.

Green Factor

Generally in the vehicles running on diesel-engine due to the combustion of diesel various greenhouse gases are generated and they got released into the environment which ultimately harm the Earth's protecting layer i.e. Ozone layer that protects invasion of harmful UV rays emitted by the Sun to reach the surface of the Earth. But Fuso is an HEV or a hybrid electric vehicle that uses two modes of energy to run the vehicle. Generally these vehicles have two types of engines viz. combustion as well as electric, they emit negligible amount of greenhouse gases and hence are absolute Eco-friendly.

The Powertrain

Like other HEVs Fuso also comes with a duo of engines i.e. diesel and electric. The truck features a diesel engine, an electric motor or generator, lithium-ion battery and related control software. The truck runs on either sources of energy, diesel or electric at a time, or even both when required. In this truck the energy generated by braking is sent back to the battery and thus the energy required for its running is once again available. The inbuilt software enables the engine to switch between the energy sources i.e. it can use either diesel as a source of energy or the electrical current or even both depending upon the various geographical conditions.

Asset

According to Mitsubishi the manufacturer of Fuso the most admirable and valuable assets of Fuso are its qualities of being fuel efficient and Eco-friendliness. As a result of the refined technology used in the making of this truck, according to some sources emission of green house gases can be reduced up to 500 metric ton and gasoline can be saved up to 58000 metric ton. Thus this truck can be a great help for soothing the environment.

The Highs

As Fuso runs on both diesel and electric current thus it emits almost zero amounts of greenhouse gases and it also does not release any kind of poisonous particles thus it is Eco-friendly but apart from its Eco-friendliness it is also fuel efficient. So due to these qualities these trucks will reduce the fuel consumption and earn maximum profit to their owners along with helping the environment.

The Lows

The parts and technology which is used in the making Fuso or any HEV are very expensive quite often and thus these trucks may cost higher than their diesel based siblings. Apart from the cost, the second thing that may bother its owners is that the spare parts are not easily available. So that may lead to an elongated wait.

Cost and Availability

As concept of Fuso truck is under consideration. So there is no launch date and price yet decided by the company. It might be possible that Mitsubishi, the manufacturer of this truck will make any announcement regarding its price and launch date in the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show which is going to start from 30th November to 11th December. After this show it will be possible to talk about its price and availability. So it is useless to make any predictions.

Word around the web

Different people have different opinions about Fuso truck on the web.

1.There is nothing new about this truck. Saw a similar project years ago but of no use.

2. I'll bet that saving in fuel costs is not enough to cover the cost of batteries and electric motors.

3. The idea of Fuso is "Simply Awesome".

Five fuel cell installations to generate clean power

We are living in an energy sucking world where almost everything from living to non-living thrives on one or other form of energy. Everyone is well aware of the limited availability of energy resources yet seldom is done to improve the situation. However, there are many people and organizations around the world that are taking this issue seriously and have installed clean energy resources. Fuel cells have gained immense popularity and high level of acceptance within a shot span of time. There are several factors that are accountable for such remarkable success of fuel cells. These cells bring down energy spent considerably without emitting any global warming gases. It operates quietly and saves precious non-renewable energy sources. One can install these cells in schools, hospitals, homes and factories. Given below are five fuel cell installations to generate clean power. Let’s have a look at these virtually unlimited renewable energy resources:

The Octagon

1. The Octagon in Roosevelt Island, New York

The Octagon is accredited as the first building in New York that is entirely powered by fuel cell. Located in Roosevelt Island, New York this is a 500-unit LEED-certified apartment building that draws energy from a 400-kilowatt fuel cell from UTC Power. This has been one of the most successful projects that have reduced the power expenditure by 35 percent. Owing to its immense utility and commercialization potential this project earned huge financial incentives of $1.2 million from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

2. ClearEdge 5 fuel cell at Stone Edge Winery: Run and lighten up your lights as well as irrigation systems

Joining the league is an organic farm and winery in California that has installed at its premises the ClearEdge 5 fuel cell. They have estimated to save a whooping 49 percent on its annual electricity expenditure. This fuel cell feeds on natural gas, thus, making it a perfect power option for small and medium enterprises. Researchers are looking forward to focus on powering farm’s irrigation systems as well as light systems with the help of ClearEdge 5 fuel cell. ClearEdge Power is a reliable name in the arena of residential and small commercial buildings power technology and has been serving the community since its establishment in 2003.

3. The Bloom Energy Server deployment at eBay in San Jose, California

This one is a successful deployment that complements solar technology investment to generate clean energy by Bloom Energy. This installation is said to offset more than 650,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions in the first six months. The entire fuel cell runs on completely renewable biogas and was able to deliver around 2.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity during the aforesaid period.

4. Walmart’s Bloom Energy installations in southern California

The iconic retailer Walmart has always creates forays in the market with its innovative supply chain and inventory management. Over the years, it has gained a string foothold in the market and has become an integral part of ones shopping experience. In alignment with its policies, Walmart came as one of the first retail giants to have installed clean fuel alternative rather than the conventional energy resources. Its’ two stores in the Southern California have two installations by Bloom Energy’s that are fueled by natural biogas with a whooping capacity of 400 kilowatts. These installations are capable of generating 400 kilowatts of energy together in one year.

5. The UTC Power Model 400 at Whole Foods Market in Dedham, Mass

The UTC Power Model 400 was installed in the month of June this year. This fuel cell has phosphoric acid inside which allows generation of electricity by creating temperature potential gradient via cooling and heating effect. These fuel cells are capable of generating 400 kilowatts of energy as well as 1.7 million Btu/hour of heat. UTC PowerCell Systems has worked a lot to develop a product that has a 10-year cell stack durability and a remarkable 20 year product life which is lot more than the other substitutes available in the market. Whole Foods Market in Dedham, Mass installed the fourth fuel cell.

The big question: Will solar powered cars drive us into the future?

Use of renewable energy in transportation is a pretty old idea. Scientists are working on it worldwide. Bio-diesel and ethanol fuel have already been used successfully. These biofuels have saved 68 billion liters of petroleum in 2009. However, it is solar energy, which holds the center stage in the quest for renewable sources for future transportation need.

solar-powered car

And despite decades of media attention, solar-powered cars are yet to enter commercial production lines. They are still confined within the laboratory floors, except few test cases here and there. University research teams are participating in racing programs with solar powered prototypes. But, commercial breakthrough is still not visible. So, your doubt would be legitimate if you ask, would they really drive us to future? or it is just another over-hyped technology.

Is it really that serious? Today every breath you take in your urban neighborhood is full of toxic substances. It could be from the oxide of nitrogen, carbon, sulfur and lead based compound additives or simply volatile organic compounds. These are emitted by nothing but our daily-used hydrocarbon driven vehicles. Besides, with depleting petroleum resources, energy prices are sky-rocketing all over the world.

Now it is the time to act, to stop adding more toxin into air, water and earth and to drive toward the future with cleaner energy. And that would be possible if we start relying on renewable energies like sunlight.

Due to proximity to sun, earth receives plenty of sunlight. Photovoltaic cells (PV) convert sunlight into electricity. However, the technology is still not very efficient and affordable. If scientists could invent a better way to capture solar energy, that should solve majority of persistent energy problems on Earth.

What others are saying

Researchers all over the world are working toward a breakthrough in solar technology. Universities are not only running test projects, they are working toward public awareness too. Green corporations are also extending their help for solar projects. One such project is Solartaxi. This is a completely solar powered car.

The developments

1. Gazelle 2 solar-powered ecofriendly car

Gazelle 2

After the invention of Havin and Gazelle 1 in Iran, a group of scientists have come out with Gazelle 2. This car weighs 150 Kg and is 5 meters long. With 22 percent more efficient solar cells, compared to the previous version, this car could reach a speed of 120 Kmph. Designers have used carbon fiber to build its body. Scientists attributed better efficiency of the car to its light weight design.

2. MITs Eleanor solar-powered car

Eleanor solar-powered car

Students team at MIT, engaged in solar powered car related research activity, is the oldest in North America. They have developed Eleanor, the solar power car with capability of running at a speed of 90 miles per hour. The car would participate in World Solar Challenge. The endurance of the technology would be tested there on a race track of 2000 miles. Its body is made from carbon fiber and sports 6 meters of solar cells, made from mono-crystalline silicon. Its solar cells could generate 1200 watts of electricity. For storing electricity, the car has exactly 693 numbers of lithium-ion cells. The car would be driven by a 10 horse power motor.

3. University of Minnesota unveils new solar-powered car

Minnesota’s solar-powered car

Solar Vehicle Project team of University of Minnesota has developed new solar powered car, named Centaurus 2. For better efficiency, scientists have relied on improved aerodynamics and encapsulation of solar arrays. The car is 6 feet wide and 16 feet long. The weight of the car is 400 pounds.

The main hurdles

Despite years of research, major breakthrough in solar powered car is yet to be found. The hurdle before the technology is multifaceted. First of all, photovoltaic cells are not yet optimally durable and efficient. Most sensitive cells, which are used in laboratory condition, generally fail to survive through tests in real life situations. Besides, they are extremely expensive for commercial uses.

Solar powered cars are basically electric vehicles (EV). Solar energy is used to charge batteries in these cars. And these batteries again drive motors. Currently available car batteries are very bulky. They make solar cars heavy and less powerful.

For regular commuting in solar powered car, there has to be proper grid based charging facilities. In the absence of charging grids, it won’t be feasible to use those cars for longer distances and in cloudy days. However, at present, there is hardly any such facility available. To build these infrastructures, countries would require considerable amount of investment and time.

What can be done?

At this juncture, it is clear that solar energy is a viable option before us. However, there exists a big gap between demand and supply. Commercially operational solar powered car would take few more days to arrive. But that cannot justify any inaction from you side.

For a change, you could install PV arrays on your roof and pour the electricity generated into the grid. The same electricity can be used for charging batteries of your electric vehicle. This way you could become carbon negative.

10 Eco friendly superyachts designed for the future

Luxury superyachts are not known to be eco friendly as most of them are powered by gas-guzzling engines, which emit harmful gases and make lots of noise as well. But, the skyrocketing fuel prices and the concern to safeguard environment has forced the luxury yacht owners to adopt the green ideas and come up with superyachts that are eco-friendly and powered by renewable sources of energy. Here is a list of 10 eco friendly superyachts designed for the future:

Eco friendly superyachts

1. Superyacht concept Esquisse by French designer Sylvain Viau of SV Designs

Esquisse

SV Designs’ French designer Sylvain Viau deserves credit for designing the eco-friendly superyacht concept Esquisse. The overall length of this concept yacht is 55m and it features both a hull and superstructure. Viau has based his green luxury yacht around balance of lines and fluidity. This luxury yacht has an 89m 'Private', which harnesses the energy of the sun. The Esquisse features energy saving devices and produces electricity and high power using a diesel-electric plant.

2. SABDES luxury environmentally conscious superyacht concept

SABDES

Designed by Scott Blee, the SABDES superyacht concept is an eco-friendly yacht which is loaded with all modern amenities. Blee has used the modern technology smartly to minimize emissions and power consumption of this superyacht. The designs of the hull are also optimized by Blee for minimal surface. The design of the SABDES yachts is sleek and stylish.

3. SVD concept XXI superyacht

SVD concept

Designed and manufactured by SV Designs, the SVD concept XXI superyacht is an eco-friendly yacht, which is highly luxurious and has an attractive design. This superyacht has ladders and ventilator ducts in the side wings. White colored HVAC is present in this superyacht and it also has insulation system to maintain the temperature of the whole yacht. The top deck has the solar heating system, which is used to heat water. The main deck of this luxury superyacht has a spacious owner’s suite.

4. Hanuman: The 72m eco-friendly superyacht concept

Hanuman

The 72m eco-friendly superyacht concept named Hanuman is the brainchild of two young designers. The solar panels fitted in this boat will harness solar energy. This superyacht concept also features two 1500 kw LPG engines. It also has 160 sq m kite. This luxurious superyacht can hit a maximum speed of 14 knots. It is spacious enough to carry 12 passenger and 15 crew members. Hanuman participated in 2010 Young Designer of the Year contest.

5. The Beach Superyacht

The Beach

Priced at around $150 million, the Beach is an eco-friendly superyacht, which can carry 12 passengers comfortably. The credit to design the Beach superyacht goes to French designer Vincent Le Page. The overall length of this yacht is 62m. This yacht has a modern club and very stylish design. This superyacht is powered by both wind energy and solar energy as it features wind turbines and solar panels. The Beach can hit a maximum speed of around 10 knots.

6. Landscape superyacht Concept

Landscape

Designer Jun Han Song has conceptualized the Landscape superyacht concept. The overall length of this trimaran is 75m. It features a 20m beam and a well-maintained sun-deck. The superyacht has a modern lounge and a spacious dining. This yacht can accommodate 12 guests and eight crew members. The superyacht features photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy.

7. Veloce Superyacht Concept

Veloce

The Veloce superyacht concept is a 52m motor yacht, which is eco-friendly. The exterior of this superyacht is aggressive, which gives a hint that the yacht is powerful and high on performance. This superyacht is designed by Odyssey Yacht Designs. This superyacht features hulls, which are hydro-dynamically efficient. This luxury yacht is also fuel efficient and completely emission free. The Veloce is spacious enough to accommodate 12 passengers and 12 crew members.

8. Aras Kazar’s Blue Dream II Superyacht Concept

Blue Dream II

Designed by Aras kazar, the Blue Dream II is a luxury superyacht concept, measuring 220 feet. The superstructure of this eco-friendly superyacht is made of aluminum and its hull is made of steel. The solar panel is fitted on the roof. This solar panel harnesses solar energy to generate electricity needed for the vessel. The vessel can attain a high speed of 30 knots.

9. Green Soliloquy superyacht designed by Alastair Callender

Green Soliloquy

Coventry University’s Alastair Callender deserves credit for designing eco-friendly luxury superyacht Green Soliloquy. This yacht is powered by wind and solar energy. It also features Hybrid Marine Power (HMP) technology. The overall length of this yacht is 58m. This green yacht is emission free. This yacht can accommodate 12 guests.

10. Transcendence Zero Carbon Superyacht Concept

Transcendence

Transcendence superyacht concept is built by Sauter Design. The overall length of this eco-friendly superyacht is 49m. The advanced Solar Hybrid design of this yacht reduces the emissions of the GHG by 50-100%. This superyacht is powered by diesel electric engine manufactured by Mercedes Benz / MTU Bluetec. This yacht can reach a top speed of 25 knots.