Designed by Michal Vlcek and Klavir, the Photosynthesis Car is a futuristic car concept that integrates a special kind of solar panels, generating energy from the natural photosynthetic process. The Photosynthesis Car runs on an electric engine and features nano plastic body. What’s more, it also uses joystick controls, allowing a safe and easy driving. More»
Nissan has received 19,000 pre-orders for the LEAF all-electric vehicle, making it sold out for this year. The demand has exceeded expectations and the company may have to temporarily stop taking reservations. For your info, the pre-order for the LEAF began in April 2010 in the U.S. and Japan. This medium-size hatchback comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements. The Nissan LEAF will be launched in North America, Europe, and Japan in late 2010. [EcoGeek]
Toyota has promised that they will release the hydrogen-powered sedan by 2015, which it aims to price at $50,000. Toyota says that the company has managed to cut the production costs for hydrogen vehicles to a level that is approximately 1/10th the levels in the mid-2000s. The $50,000 price is still high, but Toyota and some analysts believe that in the long term, hydrogen-powered cars can become more cost effective than the currently more affordable battery powered vehicles. Stay tuned for more updates. [egmCarTech]
The Green-i Electric Car from CHANA Auto has recently made its debut at the Beijing Auto Show. This eco-friendly car uses steer-by-wire and something called Brake Energy Regeneration, which retrieves power from the braking process to top up the car’s batteries. What makes this green car special is that it only needs 10 minutes for a full charge, which means you can really charge and go, no matter where you are. You just need to plug it into a socket at your supermarket and you are good to go. [RedFerret]
GM today announced that they will release the Chevrolet Volt late next year in California. GM is teaming up with local utilities companies, including Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison, to make sure the state is ready for the car’s launch. The Chevrolet Volt is an extended-range electric vehicle offering up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving. This green car utilities battery packs manufactured in the United States by General Motors. [CrunchGear]
Vlad Icobet has designed the Bionic concept car that is intended for ultra-crowded cities of 2030 and beyond, making the cities healthier. This eco-friendly car runs on solar energy generated by a see-through polycarbonate roof with attached solar photovoltaic cells. The Bionic also uses a lithium-ion battery for zero carbon emissions and has a built-in GPS navigator. [Yanko]
