Eco-Friendly Vehicles of Today... and Tomorrow
From BMW and Mercedes to Chevrolet and Ford, the world's auto giants are all working hard to develop the best Eco-friendly vehicle of the future. Not only are these new prototypes geared towards lessening their impact on the environment, but many are also very consumer-oriented, with a variety of innovative design options that are sure to please even the most discriminating driver.
FRANKFURT - SEPT 24: Mercedes-Benz F125 Concept Car shown at the 64th IAA Motor Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) in Frankfurt, Germany, on September 24, 2011 via © Patrick Poendl / Shutterstock
BMW is attempting to revolutionize the entire way car manufacturing is approached with its new i3 design, which is still in the development phase and planned for release in 2013, while Mercedes has created the F 125, which is a luxury flagship hybrid model that is scheduled for release by 2025. The F 125 boasts a fuel tank made from hydrogen and four electric motors that provide a peak output of 313 PS, or 230kW/308 hp, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than five seconds. In addition, the F 125 will go up to 50 kilometers on electricity, thanks to its plug-in 10 k/Wh Li-suiphur battery.
Ford's 1.0-liter Focus will hit European markets next year and promises to greatly reduce CO2 emissions, despite its powerful, 120 horse power engine. In addition, the Chevy Aveo 1.3L diesel engine car operates like most electric cars and significantly reduces fuel consumption. Using start/stop technology and boasting 75 horse power, the Aveo is sure to be one of the most economical four doors on the European market.
FRANKFURT - SEPT 24: The New Mazda CX-5 SUV at the 64th IAA (Internationale Automobil Ausstellung) on September 24, 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany via © Philip Lange / Shutterstock
Mazda's stylish CX-5 SUV is equally impressive, with room for up to five passengers and a diesel version that will average 63 miles per gallon. The new Toyota Prius, which is a plug-in hybrid that was officially unveiled in 2010, boasts a 1.8-liter petrol engine that can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just under 11 seconds. Also of note, the Prius can travel distances of up to 23 km on electricity alone and gets around 112 miles per gallon.
The number of Eco-friendly cars on the market is sure to continue rising over the coming years, as consumer demand and market conditions push automobile manufacturers to produce increasingly efficient vehicles. Although some prototypes still have years before they will become a reality on the streets, others are already available now, or will be by 2012.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author
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