Auto makers are pegging their hopes for a recovery on electric and hybrid vehicles, with a large number of prototypes unveiled at the North American International Auto Show this week.
Daimler, Toyota and General Motors, as well as industry newcomer BYD of China showcased new electric vehicles, while several others announced plans for battery-powered cars and trucks by 2012.
The Mercedes-Benz BlueZero E-Cell concept car on display
This sexy ‘green’ sports sedan is the first product of Fisker Automotive. Folks were first wowed by the vehicle’s darn good looks as a concept at the 2008 Auto Show. Now in its production form, it uses a small four-cylinder gas engine that charges a lithium-ion battery pack when needed and regenerative braking to recover some of the energy lost in annoying stop and go traffic. The vehicle needs charging daily and then you’ll be able to drive up to 50 miles on a battery charge. On the flip side, the Karma can reach 60mph in 6 seconds or less, hit a top speed of 125mph but has been known to peak at 148 mpg for brief periods, and give you 620 miles on a tank of gas. Pricing will start upwards of $80,000.
Fisker Karma
BMW Hydrogen 7-Series
BMW has focused its green energy on liquid hydrogen fuel. The problem is distribution. The company is in production with the BMW Hydrogen 7-Series now and plans to lease (at a very high price) 100 of the vehicles in the U.S. Brian Moody mentioned that a Santa Monica Shell station already has a hydrogen fuel tank. This should help local eco-enthusiasts get a shot at being chosen for the exclusive lease deal with BMW.
Chrysler Aspen Hybrid
Edmunds.com reports that this hybrid will deliver an estimated 385 horsepower and return around 18 mpg in city driving and 19 mpg on the highway. Although pricing has not been announced for the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid or its sister product, the Dodge Durango Hybrid, expect a several thousand dollar premium over the non-hybrid version base price.
Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
We include this on the list more for the Porsche brand’s popularity in the Southland, but Brian Moody fears the fuel savings will only be minimal. “I would imagine a hybrid version of the Cayenne would be as much about performance as mpg — sort of like the Lexus hybrids.”
Nissan Cube
Dan Neil touted this Japan-only car before its arrival in the U.S. was announced. Brian agrees that it deserves to be on the list of fuel-efficient wheels. “Like the Honda Fit, Ford Focus and other small cars, the Cube could work well for those looking to not only get better gas mileage, but want to save money too (a $30,000 Prius isn’t exactly affordable). It works because it’s simple, affordable and doesn’t use any fancy technology. It’s just a small car with a small engine.”
Mercecdes-Benz GLK
The character of Samantha in the “Sex and the City” movie drove a sparkling white GLK (not coming until the Fall of 2009) to go shopping on Rodeo Drive. But what makes it special to nonfictional car buyers? Brian Moody says, “What’s unique about it is that it’s a smaller SUV with a diesel engine which I think will be kind of cool.” Mercedes-Benz Bluetech diesels will soon be available in all 50 states.
Mercedes Benz S-Class Hybrid
Brian sees the writing on the wall for Mercedes-Benz’s green strategy — starting with the S-Class and working its way across the brand. “Mercedes has announced that they plan to have all their vehicles available as hybrids in the future. The hint is that a luxury diesel hybrid may be in the offing, based on their F 700 Research Car concept car which was shown at Frankfurt [Germany] last year.” Luxury, diesel, hybrid … three words that will no doubt help ease the conscience of a greener U.S.
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
So how much more fuel efficient can the “Slade” get? Even as a hybrid, the Escalade is going to cost a bundle to fill at the pump. This may prove to be true, but expert Brian Moody makes a valid point: “GM was shrewd to put out a vehicle that basically helps luxury SUV owners feel better about driving a big SUV.”
Volkswagen is a brand that many hope will bring cleaner diesels to the mainstream in the U.S. It plans to do just that starting with its more affordable Jetta and Rabbit models. Volkswagen is also a brand that doesn’t scream green.
Brian commented, “The good news is that VW is going to put diesels into the hands of the average person who may just want good fuel economy in a normal car.”
