Shanghai, April 23 (Gasgoo.com) The international auto shows worldwide in the past few years have been highlighted by the application of cutting-edge environmental technologies. More and more automakers have been promoting their vehicles using eco-friendly themes and energy-efficient designs. The ongoing 2008 Beijing auto show has also demonstrated a new generation of environmentally-friendly models, and the following are 10 of the new-energy concept cars on display at the event:
1. Jeep Renegade Concept
Chrysler continues their movement toward building vehicles incorporating environmentally responsible electric-drive technology. The Jeep Renegade Concept is powered by dual 200kW (268hp) electric motors juiced from a lithium-ion battery pack. The Renegade uses one electric motor per axle, a true low range and locking differentials, which, if brought to production, would bring true 4X4 capability to the world alternative fuel vehicles. The Renegade's electric mode has a range of 40 miles. However, utilizing a range extender 1.5-liter 3-cylilnder BLUETEC diesel engine, this Jeep can handle a 400-mile trip. The whole shebang translates into fuel economy as high as 110 mpg.
2. ZEO Hybrid
One of the latest in the line of environmentally-friendly speed demons is the Dodge ZEO (Zero Emissions Operation), and Dodge has done their best to marry environmental sensibilities with an exciting driving experience. The ZEO is powered by a 268 horsepower electric motor, which takes the car from 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds. With rear wheel drive and 23 inch wheels, the ZEO encourages spirited driving, and gives you at least 250 miles of it before needing the batteries to be re-charged. This amount of range is perfectly reasonable for most city and inter-city trips.
3. PIVO 2
Nissan's lithium-ion powered Pivo 2 is an innovative three-seat commuter car with a cabin capable of rotating 360 degrees. This environmental friendly electric urban commuter embodies cutting-edge technologies and user-friendly innovations to create a new car-driver Relationship. Nissan Pivo 2 proposes a dream-filled possibility for electric-powered vehicles that are expected to be at the core of future environmental technologies.
4. Toyota FT-HS hybrid car
The car is designed to appeal to an emerging customer demographic that considers economy and environmental responsibility to be as important as looks and performance. The car features a sleek, aerodynamic and lightweight design with a V6 3.5-liter 400 bhp engine connected to rear-wheel drive and will clear 0–62 in around 4 seconds. The 3.5L V6 is coupled with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive to produce a chest-thumping 400 horsepower and a 0-60 time in the 4-second range.
5. AHEV Concept
AHEV (Advanced Hybrid Electric Vehicle) of Guangzhou Automobile is a hybrid concept car model. This eco-friendly concept car features the self-developed GEM system -- the GAC Electric-Magnetic hybrid system and is powered by the polymer lithium-ion battery.
6. Gwkulla
The Great Wall Gwkulla is powered only by the electric motor, which generates a speed of almost 140 kilometers per hour at one charge. Another Peri is equipped with the lithium battery, which enables the car to get 130 km max on a full charge.
7. Geely FC-E
The Geely FC-E is powered by a 92bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine and a smaller electric unit which delivers a power output of 40bhp. Geely has featured its electric solution EEBS, short for Electronic Equation Balance System, in the FC-E model, a hybrid-powered sedan.
8. Volve ReCharge
The Volve ReCharge is a plug-in series hybrid based on the compact C30 hatchback. The all-wheel drive propulsion will be provided by wheel motors at all four corners. Power for the motors will come from a lithium polymer battery pack mounted in the trunk with sufficient capacity for 62 miles of electric driving. Once the battery state of charge dips to 30%, a 1.6L four cylinder flex-fuel engine bolted to a generator starts up to re-charge the battery. The ReCharge can also be plugged in to replenish the battery energy. The ReCharge can do a 93 mile drive on 2.8L of gas for 124mpg (US).
9. Hover Hybrid
The Hover hybrid concept car is the latest new-energy model developed by The Great Wall based on its previous Hover CUV. It is equipped with a six-speed automatic gearbox and a 2.4L 4G69S4N hybrid engine to meet the Euro IV emission standard. The Hover hybrid concept car's energy-efficient system can save fuel by 15% on the urban road.
10. Fstar H1
The Fstar H1 (or Fushida-e) by Haima is seen by some people as a bad clone of the Chevrolet/Daewoo Spark/Matiz -- Haima is a joint venutre of automakers FAW and Mazda. This car was fully equipped, with a complete set of instruments. It's got electric-assisted steering. Batteries get fully charged in 4-5 hours, it's got energy brake recovery and it can run up to 100 km/h (62mph) and for 80 km (50 miles).
