If the growing presence of eco-friendly vehicles at the 2016 New York International Auto Show is any indication, 2016 may mark the year where green cars have become truly mainstream. Since nearly every automaker on the show floor (including Porsche!) was offering at least one hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and alternative fuel vehicle, it would be impossible to cover all of them here. Instead, we decided to create two features. In this article, I’ll highlight some of the most important developments in conventional, hybrid and alternate fuel vehicles. Megan Crouse, PD&D’s intrepid real-time reporter, will be posting anther story dedicated solely to electric vehicles.
Elio The Elio coupe, scheduled to enter production in 2017, is proof that you don’t need an electric drivetrain to be green. The sporty 2-place 3-wheeled roadster is powered by a fuel-injected, SOHC, 3 cylinder, 0.9 liter gasoline engine which delivers 55hp to the two front wheels. Thanks to a 1228lb curb weight and advanced aerodynamics, that’s enough to push the Elio from 0-60mph in under 10 seconds and achieve 80+ miles per gallon while cruising at highway speeds. And if those specs weren’t impressive enough, the Elio is expected to have a base price of $6800.
Despite its aerodynamics and light weight, the Elio provides a comfortable, crash-worthy passenger compartment that easily accommodates divers up to 6’4”. The Elio’s base model includes standard features such as air conditioning / heater, AM/FM stereo radio, power windows, power door lock, and a 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty. All models offer safety features including three airbags, a reinforced steel frame, Traction Control, Stability Control, and an Anti-Lock Braking System.
Chevy Volt – The 2017 Volt will feature better EV range, many subtle refinements and a new lower base price of $33,220. The updated electric drivetrain features a new 2-motor electric drive system, and an improved battery set which delivers a typical range of slightly over 50 miles. The larger 1.5 liter gasoline generator which runs on regular gas replaces the 1.4 liter, premium-fueled generator found on earlier models. These changes have boosted the Volt’s overall mileage from 38mpg to 42mpg. The rest of the Volt has also been refreshed with updated body styling, a 3-passernger rear seat and a host of advanced driver assist and safety features.
Toyota Prius Prime – When it hits the showroom floors later this year, the latest version of the Prius will offer dramatic improvements in performance, efficiency and comfort as well as a dramatic new body style. The Prime’s all-electric range has been expanded, enabling you to go up to 22 miles (at up to 84 mph!) before the gasoline motor kicks in. Mileage has also been boosted to an average of 52mpg in gasoline mode and an estimated 120+ MPGe in electric mode.
The Prime’s all-new interior boasts an 11.6-inch, HD central multimedia screen with standard navigation and available full color head-up display. Options include Toyota’s “Safety Sense P”, a multi-feature advanced active safety suite. The package includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and automatic braking; lane departure alert with steering assist; full-speed dynamic radar cruise control with full stop technology and automatic high beams. A blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert system are also available for the safety-conscious driver.
Hyundai Ioniq – Although it’s not a sexy supercar, Hyundai’s all-new Ioniq was one of the highlights of the show. That’s because the Korean automaker has created a single platform which will enable it to build hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles on the same assembly line. The economies of scale made possible by this clean-sheet design should help make driving green more attractive and more affordable for the average consumer.
The Ioniq Hybrid and Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid both feature a new Kappa 1.6 direct-injected Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine delivers an estimated 104 horsepower at a gob-stopping thermal efficiency of 40 percent. The Ioniq Hybrid’s electric motor produces an estimated 32 kW (43 horsepower) with an estimated maximum torque of 125 lb.-ft. It is powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery with 1.56 kWh capacity. The battery is efficiently positioned under the rear passenger seats. In combination with the 1.6-liter direct-injected engine, Ioniq Hybrid offers an estimated total system output of 139 horsepower. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid features a larger battery pack (8.9 kWh) and a beefier electric motor (45kW/60 hp) which give it an estimated all-electric range of more than 25 miles. It is expected to deliver an estimated 58mpg in gasoline mode and 110 MPGe in EV mode.
The Ioniq Electric will be equipped with a 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery for an estimated driving range of 110 miles. The Electric motor has an estimated maximum output of 88 kW (120 horsepower) and 215 lb.-ft. of torque through a single-speed reduction gear transmission. The Ioniq Electric has an estimated 125 MPGe rating.
Honda Clarity – Although it will remain in limited production, Honda’s 2017 hydrogen vehicle reflects all the refinements you’d expect in a 3rd-generation design. Experience from two earlier test fleets have enabled Honda to create fuel cell stack that is 33 percent more compact than its predecessor and offers a 60 percent increase in power density (compared to the earlier Honda FCX Clarity). Honda says that it’s new fuel cell and integrated powertrain are now comparable in size to a V-6 engine, allowing for a more spacious cabin with seating for five passengers. Clarity will have a driving range estimated to exceed 300 miles on a 5-liter charge of compressed hydrogen. The new Clarity’s refueling time is anticipated to be three to five minutes. The anticpated sticker price for the Clarity will be $57,000, with leasing options available.
Depsite the fact that It will be a while before hydrogen-powered cars become common sights on the road, the latest Clarity will have a significant impact on the green car market. That’s because the platform underpinning the Clarity Fuel Cell will serve as the base for a next-generation Honda plug-in hybrid launching in the U.S. by 2018. Perhaps taking a cue from Hyundai, Honda’s new platform will be a clean-sheet, 50-state volume vehicle that features a second iteration of the i-MMD plug-in system. The advanced PHEV drive offers significant improvements in battery capacity and power which is expected to more than triple the 13-mile all-electric range of the previous Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan.
