The Most Fuel Efficient Cars Today

The fluctuating price of oil in the world market has led to a frenetic search for the most fuel efficient cars, as more people feel the need to squeeze out more miles out of every gallon of fuel they pay for. Luckily, car manufacturers from all over the world have responded to the call of the times by coming up with new models that can meet the standards that customers are looking for in their vehicles. And because almost every company in the world wants to capitalize on the booming demand for fuel efficient cars, the market has been flooded with more than enough supply of these vehicles that their prices have also gone down reasonably.

Fuel prices are expected to reach new highs in the coming years, while economic prospects remain uncertain. These twin scenarios make it even more difficult for people to maintain their vehicles. Despite this bleak outlook, there is no escaping the fact that owning a vehicle has now become a necessity for some people. While others can rely solely on the public transit system for their commuting needs, others do not have this luxury. It is this second group of commuters who will benefit from what is slowly becoming a competitive sector of cars.

When fuel efficiency first became an important consideration in buying a car, consumers did not have too many choices. Today, however, almost all new car models that come out of the assembly line claim to be fuel efficient. It now come in different shapes and sizes. Whether you are into sedans, SUVs, and even minivans, there is sure to be a model that can meet the fuel efficiency you are looking for. Consumers are also given a choice whether they want gasoline or diesel engines. Some companies even have hybrid cars that take fuel efficiency to another level by combining the positive attributes of an electric engine with that of a diesel or gasoline engine.

The U.S. EPA or Environmental Protection Agency has set the standards that most, if not all, companies try to adhere to in developing cars that can run the most miles per gallon of gas consumed. Several consumer groups and organizations have also come out with their own lists of the most fuel efficient cars, making it easier for people to choose the car that would suit their needs. While the roster of cars in these lists may vary, there are some models that are consistently ranked among the best in fuel efficiency. Among these are Toyota's Prius, the Honda Civic hybrid, the Mercedes Benz E350 Bluetec diesel, and the Lexus CT 200h, to name a few.

Stopping the price of crude oil from increasing may be beyond our control. However, it does not mean that we also have to say goodbye to the comfort and convenience that our own cars can give us. As the list of the most fuel efficient cars continues to grow, there is no doubt that you would find the vehicle that fits your financial background.

Are you looking for more information regarding most fuel efficient cars? Visit http://aboutcars.awardspace.com/ today!

View the original article here

Why You Should Convert Your Car to LPG

There are two things that are costing motorists a lot of money; the spiraling fuel prices and the increased reliance on motor vehicles for daily activities. As a result, motorists are looking everywhere to find a solution that will allow them not to have to spend so much on fuel. To do this, you can either take your car for LPG conversion, or if you do not have a car yet, you could plan to buy an LPG car. Alternatively, if you are not in a position to purchase an LPG car, you can look for one that has been converted by its previous owner.

Used cars

Because of the growing popularity of LPG, there are now many cars in the used car industry that are available for sale. However, since the previous owner carried out the LPG conversion, there are some things that you should check to avoid complications that may arise in the future, once the vehicle is in your possession.

Invoice

The best case scenario when buying a car that got LPG conversion from its previous owner is that the seller will be able to produce the invoice as well as an installation certificate that will indicate where the conversion was done. This way, you will have all the information that you need upfront. In addition, you will also have no trouble with your insurance company getting cover for the vehicle, since these details are required.

LPGA certification

Even as you receive the documents pertaining to the conversion, ensure that the conversion was done by a garage certified by the LPGA (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association). The certification will also be required if you wish to register for a discount on the London congestion charge. Certified LPG conversion is the only assurance that your car is safe for the environment.

Inspection

Alternatively, if the LPGA certificate is unavailable or the car was converted before 2002, then you may need to get it inspected to ensure that it is in a good standard of repair. An LPGA installer would be right for the job, and will give you a safety check report which you can then use to get insurance.

Savings

Used LPG converted cars cost equally as much as non LPG cars, so you are bound to save a lot going for this option. This will quickly be followed by the savings that you will make on fuel, assuming that you are close to a LPG station.

Visit LPG conversions High Wycombe if you would like more information on why you should opt for LPG conversion High Wycombe.

View the original article here

Steps To Get Good Gas Mileage

People are feeling helpless in the current economic scenario. Severe recession and unemployment are adding to their woes. As is pointed out by an expert, "the world economy is more globally linked and so is the spread of ill-effects." So, there is no wonder that the disturbing political situation prevailing in the Middle East is negatively impacting the oil prices throughout the world. Under these circumstances, if you can get a good gas mileage, you will definitely love it. But, for getting it, you need to maintain your vehicle well and do smart driving. You can follow these tips for achieving it.

- You should remember that deciding not to buy a new vehicle can be the wisest decision in the present situation. It is better to have your existing car by extending its life instead of dumping it and going for a new vehicle.

- Though you may love to use your accelerator and drive aggressively, you should not forget the fact that such an aggressive driving makes your engine, brakes and tires wear more quickly. You are advised to maintain a steady speed and be proactive in anticipating stops. Your process of acceleration should also be gradual. These steps will improve the gas mileage of your vehicle. Apart from this, you should regularly check the tire pressure and keep it at the recommended levels. If you think that the tires have become bald, you should immediately replace them. Good tires are a great prescription for having a good gas mileage.

- Likewise, the motor of your vehicle will run efficiently only if it is properly tuned. Automotive experts suggest that you should get the motor regularly tuned up so as to save gas. You should also check the oxygen sensor because a faulty sensor can reduce the mileage even up to 40 per cent. Some people consider high-quality synthetic motor oil as expensive and hesitate to use it. But, they can not be more wrong because this oil contains energy-saving compounds and so, it can save a lot of energy.

- You should also reduce the weight on your car trunk. Your car should not be burdened with more weight. It makes your car engine work harder and this is sure to affect your gas mileage.

- Idling the engine on signals, other stops or whenever you are waiting for some one will waste a lot of energy and this can eat up your gas mileage. If you foresee that the waiting time will be more than 20 seconds, you should proactively turn off your engine. This saves a lot of energy.

- You can plan to have combined trips. Even for commuting to and from the office, you can have arrangements with your friends and colleagues. Likewise, you should combine several tasks while using your vehicle. Using your car for every single task will increase your gas bill.

- Gas mileage is reduced if you use your car Air-conditioner also. On nice pleasant days, when the weather is cool, you can roll down the windows and enjoy the freshness of natural air. You should use the AC only when there is a scorching heat.

- Last but not the least, your car should be cleaned regularly if you want to get a good gas mileage. You now have "waterless" car cleaning sprays and polishes by using which you can effectively remove the dust on your vehicle and inside the vehicle without water.

By following the above tips religiously, you can save energy and can get a good gas mileage.

Raman Kuppuswamy writes articles on various topics and his articles contain a lot of useful information. You may kindly visit http://www.blogger.com/profile/11388339850449905695 and http://hubpages.com/profile/dreamdamodar for reading his articles on many other topics.

View the original article here

The Pros And Cons Of Electric Vehicles

We have all at some time seen (and probably travelled in) trains, trams, buses and boats that are powered by electricity. What is perhaps less well known is that the first battery powered vehicles were on the market in the early 1900's. These electrified carriages had a top speed of around 14 miles per hour and a range of about 18 miles. These automobiles remained popular until the development of the internal combustion engine, which made possible vehicles of greater power, speed and range.

The issue of global warming due to pollution has become a hot issue. Oil prices have been escalating like never before. These factors, together with the realization that the earth's reserves of oil will run out within the next few decades, have led to renewed interest and research into electric vehicles. These vehicles have several major advantages over gasoline powered vehicles.

The motors that power these vehicles emit no noxious exhaust gases. This is good news for the environment which currently absorbs millions of tons of exhaust fumes daily. These carbon dioxide emissions are seen as contributing significantly to global warming, while other exhaust gases increasingly pollute our air.

Electricity is cheaper than gasoline, so battery powered cars are cheaper to run. They will become more economically viable as the price of crude oil continues to escalate. It has been estimated that the energy required to run an electric car is approximately one fifth that required to run a gasoline powered car. This gap will widen as the oil price continues to rise.

Battery powered cars require less maintenance. They do not need regular oil changes and are not subject to the same wear and tear as internal combustion engines. In addition they have far fewer moving parts that need to be maintained.

The major disadvantage at this stage is the limited range made possible by current battery technology. Battery powered cars typically have a range of around one or two hundred miles before needing to be recharged, and a typical charge takes several hours. As with any rechargeable battery, the car's batteries have a finite number of charge/discharge cycles and in time will need replacement.

Electric cars are still very expensive, due mainly to the high cost of batteries. Surveys have revealed that US and English consumers are not willing to pay more for an electric car with limited range, and this inhibits the mass transition from gasoline to battery powered cars. However, as battery technology improves we can expect to see more battery powered vehicles on the road. Mass production will result in lower prices.

Both gasoline and electric cars have advantages and disadvantages. It is, however, becoming very clear that our current rate of oil consumption is not sustainable (in terms of cost, availability and pollution) and that sooner rather than later we will have to find a viable alternative. Right now, electrically powered vehicles offer the only alternative.

Shopping for high-quality custom ev cable for your electric vehicle? Philatron Wire and Cable are leaders in electric vehicle charging cable. They are a USA manufacturer of cords and wires, and have been making top-quality cables for decades. Decide on Philatron Wire and Cable for your ev cable needs today!

View the original article here

Alternative Fuels to Move Our Cars Tomorrow

Coming fossil fuel crisis becomes closer from day to day. That makes many people think of alternative fuels, which will be used in future. There are a few main alternative energy sources are used today and supposed to be developed in future. These are solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy and hydro energy. All these energy sources are used for producing electricity and heat.

Oil is now the most expensive and one of the main fuels, which is used in many spheres of human activity, especially in vehicles. The vast majority of contemporary vehicles, even those with hybrid engines, use fuels produced from oil. Hence major car manufacturers think of engines which may use alternative fuels making internal combustion engine a part of history.

As you may find there is a great number of cars, which work with the help of hybrid engines. Almost every car manufacturer can offer you several models with this type of engine. Hybrid means that the engine uses gas along with electricity. In some vehicles electric engine only helps to move a vehicle, thus consuming less fuel. Other engines can be used as gas and electric separately. For instance, a car with this kind of engine can run about 80-100 miles using electric traction. Hybrid cars become more and more popular due to their fuel economy, but in the same time the cost of such cars is higher that of the same models with a usual ICE. Certainly, the price will be lower in future and even today the number of such cars increases with every next year.

However the hardest work concerns engineers, who develop electric and other cars on alternative fuels. Contemporary vehicles with electric engine are not comfortable for an average person today. They cannot run many miles and should be recharged for 12 or even 24 hours. Moreover, such cars require the same number of power stations as we have for gas stations. So, such a situation does not allow us to travel for long distance using an electric car. But as we can see electric cars have a great future ahead.

Certainly, the main factor for researching alternative fuels and developing new car concepts is not environmental protection, but fossil fuel crisis. If people could use fossil fuels forever, they would not think of any alternatives at all. But we cannot disagree that alternative energy will help to save our planet from ecological disaster. That is why, such a decision is reasonable from both points of view economic and ecological.

Thanate Tan is a contributing member to Everything-Fine Website Promotion Service.

View the original article here

Mitsubishi Electric Vehicle Features Lower Price

Mitsubishi EV has a leg up on the competition.

Unless you follow the electric vehicle market closely, you may not have known that Mitsubishi sells such a model. That model, the i-MiEV, has been on the market longer than the better known Nissan LEAF, but it is only sold in Japan and in Europe, whereas the LEAF is sold in the United States and in Europe in addition to Japan. Introduced in summer 2009 nearly 18 months before the LEAF, the Mitsubishi EV recently eclipsed 10,000 units sold, about 1,500 more units than the LEAF and its Renault sibling.

EV Sales

Mitsubishi plans to eventually sell its electric vehicle in the U.S., and has forecast global sales of 25,000 units for the coming year, including sales derived from its French partner, Peugeot-Citroen. Notably, the Mitsubishi EV has dropped in price as the Japanese automaker has developed an entry level "M" version which is priced at about $32,000, comparable to the Nissan LEAF. Moreover, the automaker has developed a second, extended range model allowing it to go 110 miles between charges. Mitsubishi has not said whether both models will be available in the United States when it goes on sale in 2012.

EV bragging rights are at stake as Mitsubishi and Nissan attempt to beat out Japanese and global competitors by dominating the market. The Chevrolet Volt is not considered a direct competitor as this vehicle uses a supplemental gas engine once its 35-mile pure electric range has been expended. Still, the Volt's appeal is that it can be driven for long distances and quickly refueled with gasoline to extend its range. Once at rest, the Volt can be recharged, allowing it to run on electric power once again.

Tax Assistance

With a $7,500 federal tax credit, a Mitsubishi i-MiEV sold in the United States would cost about $24,500 after the credit has been taken. Some states, including California, offer a $5,000 rebate, which means that Golden State owners would pay about $19,500 for their vehicles, which is about $4,000 less than a hybrid Toyota Prius.

One feature not found in EVs, but being explored is to make it possible for these models to contribute electricity to homes, wherever plugged in. This feature is important as it would allow the car to provide much needed electricity in the event of a power outage. Japan's devastating 9.1 quake in March 2011 demonstrated that such a feature would be helpful as much of northeast Japan was without power for days, even weeks following the disaster.

Competing Models

Other manufacturers with an EV presence include Ford which sells a Transit Connect van to fleets and the upcoming battery electric Ford Focus. Expect most manufacturers to offer at least one model within the next few years, providing these companies with a vehicle to help meet even more stringent federal fuel economy requirements.

Matthew C. Keegan is editor and publisher of "Auto Trends Magazine." Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Pontiac Firebird intakes and suspension parts.

View the original article here

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Wins MPG Crown

New Mitsubishi electric vehicle hits the US market this fall.

The Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt are two of the most fuel efficient vehicles for sale in the United States. By 2012, both vehicles will be surpassed by the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, an electric vehicle that went on sale in Japan in summer 2009. This model will soon be made available for sale in North America. When it hits the market, it will offer a longer range, better fuel economy and slightly lower price than the Nissan LEAF, another pure electric vehicle.

The i-MiEV beat the LEAF to the market by nearly 18 months. Mitsubishi has sold more than 14,000 units, but the LEAF is making up for lost time and has already sold 8,500 models worldwide. Nissan's French partner, Renault, is selling its version of LEAF in Europe while Peugeot is doing likewise in for Mitsubishi.

US Retail

By Fall 2011, the i-MiEV will be made available for sale in the United States, retailing for about $32,000 which is $785 less than the LEAF. This base "M" model will have a 75 mile range, but if a 110 mile range is desired, the "G" model can be had for about $47,000. Both models are eligible for the federal government's $7,500 tax credit, effectively reducing these prices to $24,500 and $39,500 respectively. In some states, such as California, a $5,000 tax rebate is available, driving down the cost for Golden State drivers to $19,500 and $34,500 respectively.

Mitsubishi has managed to lower its price as battery technology is cheaper, by 50 percent in just two years. The final price for American consumers is likely to change as the exchange rate between the American dollar and Japanese yen must be taken into consideration. Mitsubishi plans to sell 25,000 units annually beginning in 2012, with 6,000 of those models sold in Japan according to company sources.

High MPGe

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is powered by a 63 horsepower electric motor with an estimated 112 MPGe rating by the EPA. This number compares with the Nissan LEAF at 99 MPGe and 93MPGe by the Chevy Volt, the latter when it operates in electric-only mode. The Tesla Roadster, which is priced approximately three times the price of the Mitsubishi, still leads the pack, offering 119 MPGe.

Sales of all electric vehicles are growing slowly, but without government support most likely will remain quite low. The global economy remains week, gas powered models are more efficient and cheaply priced, and consumers are slow to grasp the importance of the new technology. Still, vehicle electrification has many benefits, as it helps the world depend less on oil and can contribute to cleaner air.

Matthew C. Keegan is editor and publisher of "Auto Trends Magazine." Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Ford Taurus exhausts and fenders.

View the original article here