PUBLIC MARKS from massivacom with tags vehicles & cars

Electric vehicles were introduced about 15 years ago but were soon discontinued because of a lack of demand. The difference this time is the fact that we have an imperative. Everything is converging together: the greenhouse gases, the oil prices, the crisis in the Middle East, energy security for the country. Technology and oil prices are putting electric cars on the fast track. In about three years they could be widely commercially available. Would you consider buying one?

Toyota Motor Corp. has decided to postpone the launch of the third-generation Prius hybrid model by half a year to the spring of 2009. The first Prius debuted in 1997 as the world's first mass-market hybrid car, and was vastly improved for the second generation launched in late 2003.

A UK car company is introducing an all-electric luxury sportscar powered by by electric motors. The Lightning Car Company is targeting a range for its Lightning GT models of approximately 250 miles and a top speed of 150 mph. They will produce three models that should do 0-60mph in 4 seconds. Recharging the Lightning will takes just 10 minutes.

General Motors has awarded two contracts for advanced development of lithium-ion batteries for its electric drive "E-Flex System," it was announced today at GM's annual shareholder meeting. GM selected two companies out of the 13 technical proposals it considered to provide advanced lithium batteries for both range-extender electric and fuel cell variants of the E-Flex architecture.

Poll: How expensive would gas have to become before you change your driving habits? Gasoline consumption grew last week by 1.2 percent over the same period a year ago, as measured by four-week periods the agency calculates. That was slightly less than officials expected, which they attributed to the piercing of the psychological barrier of $3 per gallon.

After the 2011 model year, Toyota hybrids will no longer be sold under the Toyota nameplate, but instead under the Prius brand. The Prius A will be introduced in 2009, "B" will be introduced in 2010 and the "C" will launched in 2011. Where this leaves the Highlander Hybrid SUV, for example, remains to be seen. In Geneva, Toyota displayed its Hybrid X concept, which has been misinterpreted by some as the next-generation Prius

Formula one is hoping to become more eco-friendly by 2011 by limiting engine size, running cars on biofuel and restricting revs. Max Mosley, the FIA president, has proposed a "green revolution" for 2011 which would transform formula one.

Hybrid vehicles such have an electric motor and a fossil-fuel engine, which are deployed at different stages of the driving cycle to deliver fuel economies. But, so-called "intelligent" cars fitted with sensors to predict traffic flows can deliver the same fuel efficiency as vaunted hybrid vehicles, according to a new study.

Former GM CEO says hydrogen should and will play an increasing role in America's drive for energy independence. The Rochester Hills-based company he now heads, Energy Conversion Devices Inc., will be a leader in this emerging hydrogen economy.

Less expensive, more fuel efficient and cleaner. The diesel versus hybrid debate is sure to go on for a while. It is so clean that Mercedes-Benz claims customers can place a clean white handkerchief on the exhaust pipe and still have it unsoiled after a few minutes.

ZF has designed a new automatic 8-speed transmission which allows for additional fuel savings of approximately six percent compared with the already optimized automatic 6-speed transmission of the second generation.

No one likes to compromise, particularly when it comes to buying the car of their dreams. But with petrol prices showing little sign of dropping, the improved fuel economy of diesel has become an increasingly attractive proposition. This article compares two beautiful sport coupes: Mercedes CLK 320 CDI and BMW 335d SE. Even they run on diesel instead of gas, their performance are superb.