AutoblogGreen

London looks into public bike rentals

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Transportation Alternatives, On Two Wheels, UK

London is studying a new public rental bike system that could be introduced in 2010. Inspired by cities such as Paris (shown above) or Barcelona, the system will be available in an area approximately equivalent to fare Zone 1 in central London, although the area could increase should the scheme work without problems. London's plans are to install about 6,000 bikes at 400 stations with up to 10,500 docking points. Compare this to Paris's 20,000 or Barcelona's 9,000 bikes, Europe's largest implementations of a bike-sharing system. Even with fewer bikes, the two-wheelers will probably look distinctive, as the plan calls for the model to be iconic to the city (think of the black cabs or double decker buses). The final model of the stations and bikes will be decided next year.

[Source: Transport for London]

London looks into public bike rentals originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electric-powered racing gets put on ice

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, European Union, Racing

Quantya Track and Andros Car 03 in racing colors

The 2009 edition of the Trophée Andros is set to start this upcoming weekend at Val Thorens in the French Alps and those who like the idea of combining ice racing with electric vehicles (EVs) have reason to be excited. This year marks the entrance into the two-wheeled portion of the competition by electrically-powered motorcycles and also sees the entrance of the third iteration of an electric ice-racing car being developed by the series, appropriately dubbed the Andros Car 03. Last year's Sprint-bodied Andros Car 02 won the final event at the Stade de France in front of a crowd of 62,000 and this year's version will have the same driver, Franck Lagorce. One of the Quantya motorcycles will feature rider José Peyronon.

At a press event, organizer Max Mamers enthused about the EVs participating this year and also dropped some big news for next years season; a 100 per cent electric challenge featuring 10 of the new cars. They will all feature NiMh batteries powering motors that can put out around 122 horsepower. It's said to be able to top 90 mph. Hit the jump for a bonus video of two and four wheeled EVs making a press-day lap.

[Source: Trophée Andros via Avenir Du Vehicule Electrique Mediterraneen]

Continue reading Electric-powered racing gets put on ice

Electric-powered racing gets put on ice originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TTX01 electric motorcycle built for TTX GP

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels

The Isle of Man hosts a classic and influential motorcycle time trial every year, and 2009 will mark the first year that an alternative class is held in conjunction with the main proceedings (see here for our initial recap). The TTX GP, as it's being called, is intended to focus awareness on green motorcycles, specifically those running on electrons or alternative fuels. Electric machinery is taking center stage for the event's inaugural running, but there are actually way more riders interested in participating than available machinery. To help combat this major problem, race organizers have commissioned an electric bike of their own. The actual bike is known as the TTX01 and is still very much in the prototype stages. So far, we like what we see - and like what it promises even more.

Using two Agni electric pancake motors powering the rear wheel, the TTX01 offers 86 horsepower and, more importantly, 170 lb-ft of torque. Soon, the machine should feature two-wheel drive via one motor for each wheel, a carbon fiber frame and vastly superior aerodynamics. Racing always tends to show the faults in a design, and current battery tech is no exception. TTX GP organizers are planning to make the battery in the TTX01 hot-swappable so that an empty unit can quickly be exchanged for a fully charged pack to continue racing. Best of all? The crew plans to produce 50 copies of the machine for sale in 2010 at about 20K in UK money, about 30 grand in the US.

[Source: Gizmag]

TTX01 electric motorcycle built for TTX GP originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time's 50 Best Inventions of 2008 includes assorted greenery

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Chevrolet, Tesla Motors, On Two Wheels

Click above image for a high-res gallery of the Peraves MonoTracer

Time Magazine has released its annual list of the Top 50 Inventions of the Year, and the 2008 edition features a good deal of green automotive technology. In fact, the Tesla Roadster has managed to snag the second spot on the list, with the Chevy Volt nabbing slot 7. Of course, you can't actually go out and buy yourself a Chevy Volt quite yet, so while we agree it is a praiseworthy invention, perhaps it should really be on next year's list.

Number 11 on Time's list is a biofuel currently being developed by researchers at Arizona State University that uses algae for its base. Smog-eating cement shows up at number 37 and an innovative enclosed two-wheeled vehicle called the Peraves MonoTracer grabs slot 41. That's pretty cool, and its BMW motorcycle engine will offer plenty of performance along with relatively high fuel efficiency. The last vehicle of interest to us greenies is the Aptera, which props up the end at number 46, which we think may be a bit too low for an amazing invention such as this. Oh well, we could always make our own list. Wait a second...

Gallery: Peraves MonoTracer

[Source: Time]

Time's 50 Best Inventions of 2008 includes assorted greenery originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Swedish electric motorcycle conversion you've ever seen

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels

The first electric motorcycle to become street legal in all of Sweden was constructed earlier this year and it is sweet! Built by Eva Håkansson and her father, Sven, the Electrocat was originally incarnated as a gas-sucking 1990 Cagiva Freccia C12R but now lives on a strict electron-only diet. As she informs us on her webpage dedicated to the bike, the106 lbs of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries that the 'cat packs beneath its sleek bodywork holds enough energy (4.8 kWh) to carry bike and rider about 50 miles. Top speed is currently 60 Mph.

As nice as the Electrocat is, Eva, who describes herself as "a hardcore "EV geek" with a green heart and passion for power and speed," has more than one electric motorcycle in her life. She is also part of KillaCycle racing team and we expect we'll be hearing more about her endeavors in the near future.

[Source: Eva Håkansson via Zoomilife]

The Swedish electric motorcycle conversion you've ever seen originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KTM files patent for hybrid-powered 2WD motorcycle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:10:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels

Click above for more patent drawings of the KTM 2WD hybrid motorcycle

Hot on the heels of KTM's first Zero Emissions Motorcycle, which is currently being fast-tracked to production in as little as 24 months, we find new patent filings from the Austrian company of a 2WD hybrid motorcycle. This is a unique design, with an internal combustion engine powering the rear wheel through a conventional transmission. A single electric motor handles the starting roles and sends power to the front wheel. Under braking, that motor acts as a generator, recapturing spent energy. There have been a few two-wheel drive motorcycles on the market, most notably from Rokon, though that machine isn't at all comparable with the KTM patents. More in line with the Austrian idea are the Christini mechanical system and Yamaha's experimental 2-Trac hydraulic technology. Still, we'd favor the electric approach if possible, not just for its green ideals but also because the instant torque and energy recapture technology is a real performance advantage.

Gallery: KTM 2WD electric hybrid patents

[Source: Dealer News]

KTM files patent for hybrid-powered 2WD motorcycle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vectrix announces 2009 Vx-1, two new models and an accessories line

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:16:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels

Click above for more shots of the Vectrix maxiscooter

There's an old adage in motorcycling, applying to dirtbikes mostly, that if a manufacturer doesn't have many updates to make for a specific model year, there's always Bold New Graphics. Such is the case with the 2009 edition of the Vectrix maxiscooter, which also gets a new name for the new model year. Now known as the Vx-1, the electric scooter doesn't see any real changes to its drivetrain, but that's fine by us. After all, the battery-powered two-wheeler was already a darn good performer, sporting a top speed of 62 miles per hour and downright sporty acceleration of 0-50mph in just under 7 seconds.

A line of accessories is also new for 2009. Such conveniences as a lower seat option for those who are a bit shorter than average and a new wide windscreen - perfect for keeping those cold winter blasts off as you commute on your electric machine all year round.

But wait, there's more! Vectrix reports that it's working on two new models that should be ready for sale sometime in 2009 and will debut on December 5 at the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach. One is the Vx-1e, which sports a lower top speed, slower acceleration and, of course, a lower price to go along with it. The other model is known as the Vx-3 and is destined for urban riding only and is said to be comparable with a typical 50cc gas-powered scooter. That's something to look forward to.

Gallery: Vectrix Electric Scooter

[Source: Vectrix]

Continue reading Vectrix announces 2009 Vx-1, two new models and an accessories line

Vectrix announces 2009 Vx-1, two new models and an accessories line originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay find of the Day: one-off 1959 Wooden Ariel Custom

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., On Two Wheels

Click above for more shots of the custom Ariel-powered wooden car

Wood. It's sustainable right? Cool, sounds like the perfect material to make new cars from. Now, the next question is how are we going to power them? The traditional American answer would be a big honkin' V8, but we're thinking something a little more, say... European. British to be exact, and it's going to be of relatively small displacement, like from a motorcycle. Sounds like a recipe for something truly unique, but that's not even the half of it. The car we're talking about was built by an enterprising woodworker in the 1950s with plans from Modern Mechanix Magazine. Its creator took time from his normal occupation (boat building) to fashion bodywork from wood, which was mated to an engine from an Ariel Square Four. That four cylinder powerplant itself was unique, using two sets of pistons with a single cast cylinder head. Suspension bits from Citroen hold it all off the ground.

When we saw this 1952 custom, we were struck by its similarity with another home-built machine that's been featured on our pages. Like today's eBay Find of the Day, this machine is based on the design of an Ariel, this time the remarkable Atom track-day special. Many people only dream of building their own cars, but these two amazing vehicles take the practice to a while new level. Both cars used parts from a variety of sources and represent automotive recycling at its finest.

Gallery: 1952 Wooden Ariel-powered custom car

[Source: eBay via Next Autos]

eBay find of the Day: one-off 1959 Wooden Ariel Custom originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dean Kamen going mad in seclusion?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:21:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, Green Daily, USA

Dean Kamen and his inventions are often mentioned on these here pages, probably most often for the creation he is arguably best known for, the Segway. More recently, the inventor has begun tackling vehicles with twice the number of wheels. Using a Stirling external combustion engine to help generate electricity that powers secondary systems and can recharge the battery, Kamen's DEKA Revolt is based on an old Ford Th!nk electric car and can reportedly travel about 60 miles on a single charge of its lithium ion battery. If you happened to live on your own island, as Kamen does, that distance would always be plenty. In fact, Kamen considers himself Lord Dumpling, head, as it were, of the three acre North Dumpling Island that he calls home. He's planning to run again for the head-position next year, and we're pretty sure he's a lock considering he's both the only candidate and the only voter.

That island was recently cut-off the grid by the powers-that-be, which miffed Kamen a bit, as you might imagine. The good thing is that the inventor took the opportunity to make the entire country of Dumpling energy independent. Kamen's past inventions are proving handy, with electric Segways the most-used method of transportation, a custom water filtration system to clean the water and a methane-powered Stirling engine just for added coolness. We don't want to know where the methane is from.

[Source: Yahoo News]

Dean Kamen going mad in seclusion? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet Greenfly, a Yamaha XT500 motorcycle converted to LPG

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:55:00 EST

Filed under: Natural Gas, On Two Wheels

Click above for more shots of the Greenfly LPG motorcycle

Liquefied Petroleum Gas, or LPG as it's more commonly known, is derived from fossil fuels, but it also burns significantly cleaner than other petroleum-based fuels and has a higher octane rating. In fact, LPG produces 19 percent less carbon than oil as it burns and is free of particulate matter. So, why aren't we all filling our cars' tanks with propane or butane? There are a few reasons, not the least of which are its need to be compressed and stored in heavy containers and its comparatively low energy density when compared to gasoline means that more fuel is used to get any given distance.

Despite its drawbacks, the fact that LPG burns clean and is usually quite a bit cheaper than gasoline or diesel makes it an attractive choice for many, including a man by the name of Dave Akhurst, who engineered and built his own motorcycle that runs on LPG from a Yamaha XT500. A high-pressure tank holds the LPG under the rider (hm, safe?) and the 500cc single cylinder engine reportedly gets about 70 miles per gallon of LPG and makes about 30 horsepower. There's lots more to take note of here, including the single-sided swingarm and fork, automatic transmission with belt drive, hand-made body bits and panniers and awesome 3-piece custom wheels. This is some seriously good craftsmanship.

Gallery: Greenfly LG Motorcycle

[Sources: The Biker Gene, MOTORRAD]

Meet Greenfly, a Yamaha XT500 motorcycle converted to LPG originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brammo to get batteries from Valence for Enertia electric motorcycle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels

Click above for more high-res shots of the Brammo Enertia

Brammo Motorsports recently got a $10 million infusion of cash through its first set of investors, and now the hopeful maker of electric motorcycles has gotten past another important milestone by officially sourcing its super important batteries. The lithium phosphate units will come from Valence, a company that creates large-format lithium batteries under the Epoch label. These batteries will be able to propel the 280-pound Enertia motorcycle to speeds of over 50 miles per hour with a range of about 45 miles per 3-hour charge.

The Brammo Enertia electric motorcycle is slated to launch this year, though the end of it is coming up pretty quickly these days. There should be two versions of the Enertia available, the cheaper of which will run about $11,995. For those who simply must have the best, the Carbon Limited models, featuring various carbon fiber bits and pieces, naturally, plus a stylish leather seat will go for $14,995. What's it like to ride one? Like this.

Gallery: Brammo Enertia

[Source: Valence]

Continue reading Brammo to get batteries from Valence for Enertia electric motorcycle

Brammo to get batteries from Valence for Enertia electric motorcycle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Vespa S 50 gets a new more powerful 50cc engine

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:47:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, On Two Wheels, Green Daily, USA

Click above for more high-res shots of the new Vespa S 50

Vespa has been building stylish, metal-bodied scooters since the late 1940s and has quite a number of small displacement engines under its stylish Italian belt, so it knows how to make a good powerplant. Although the little scooters are still probably best recognized for their buzzy little two-stroke units, all Vespas have been powered by much cleaner four-strokers since 2001, and Piaggio has been refining these units all the while. The latest edition of the Vespa line, the sporty S model, has just been bestowed with a new version of the SOHC four valve single cylinder engine that reportedly makes more power and uses less gasoline than before. Vespa claims that its new 50cc Vespa S makes a little over 4 horsepower, is quicker than any other scooter on the market with a similarly-sized powerplant, can hit 39 miles per hour right out of the box and will manage somewhere between 70 and 80 miles per gallon of gas. Get yours now for $3,199.

Gallery: 2009 Vespa S 50

[Source: Vespa]

Continue reading 2009 Vespa S 50 gets a new more powerful 50cc engine

2009 Vespa S 50 gets a new more powerful 50cc engine originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Huh, so that's what a million dollar moped looks like...

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Honda, On Two Wheels, Green Daily

Click above to enlarge the Chicara Art IV Moped

Mopeds are intended to provide cheap transportation to people who wouldn't be able to get themselves around otherwise, right? Well, usually that's the case... but there are apparently exceptions to the rule. A quick scan of your local classifieds section or even eBay will generally turn up a few older 'peds from the '70s or '80s for real cheap. The 50cc engines are easy to work on and will run for a good long time with basic maintenance. But, what if the normal run-of-the-mill moped just isn't quite enough? Enter Chicara Nagata, who's amazing two-wheeled creations sell for a cool million dollars each, including his custom Chicara Art IV, which is based on the engine from a 1966 Honda moped. The 1.5-horsepower mill isn't likely to set any speed records, but you're sure to save some gas along the way, though that likely isn't of any real concern if you can afford the asking price.

[Source: Wired]

Huh, so that's what a million dollar moped looks like... originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vespa rolls out brand-new interactive website

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:12:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, On Two Wheels, USA

Vespa makes some great scooters, but up until today, the Italian two-wheeled wasps were burdened by a rather unwieldy website. It's hard for customers to make informed purchasing decisions when the manufacturer's website doesn't offer the information that's needed to differentiate its wares from all the other options. So, Piaggio, Vespa's parent company, has developed a brand-new interactive website for its line of stylish, metal bodied scooters, and we spent some time talking with Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas and he took us on a guided tour. Follow along after the break.

Continue reading Vespa rolls out brand-new interactive website

Vespa rolls out brand-new interactive website originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wispa electric scooter goes to school for price and performance improvements

Domenick Yoney — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, UK

Going to university has always provided great benefits to people and now the same can be said of a new scooter from Wispa. The company teamed up with staff from the University of Salford's School of Art and Design who showed them how to make their two-wheeler lighter, faster and more powerful. They even advised on the styling, though we have to disagree about it incorporating "a classic scooter design from the sixties." We forget all about how un-Vespa it looks once we glimpse the price tag, however. At £999 ($1,519) with the value-added-tax (VAT) included, it could look like a Hummer H2 scooter for all we care. The top speed isn't given but we imagine it will do at least 30 mph which is comparable to electric scooters available at twice the price in America. While it can't compete with the Vectrix on the highway, its 40-mile range makes a compelling case for that small bit of cash. We can only hope it manages to make the trip across the Atlantic to provide those of us here that are shallow of wallet with a gas-free transportation alternative.

[Source: University of Salford]

Wispa electric scooter goes to school for price and performance improvements originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Piaggio MP3 hybrid to achieve 141 mpg!

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, On Two Wheels

Click above for more high-res shots of the Piaggio MP3 hybrid

We've been following the developments of Piaggio's hybrid MP3 since it was in its initial concept stages. Thankfully, it is getting ever closer to production, meaning some early details are beginning to leak out regarding its performance. Our friend Wes at Hell For Leather has procured some interesting tidbits regarding the hybrid three-wheeler, including astronomical fuel mileage rating of 141 miles per gallon. That's pretty amazing, though we're unsure of the conditions necessary to achieve that figure. Still, there are four modes available, including electric only and three separate hybrid options, that allow for the rider to achieve maximum efficiency or maximum performance.

While the scooter is capable of using its 125cc engine and regenerative braking to keep its batteries topped up, the machine can also be plugged into a normal electric outlet and can completely charge its batteries in three hours. We're not yet sure how much range of electric-only operation that will allow. The batteries are stored under the seat and there's still enough storage room left over for a full-face helmet. We had a great time riding the regular models, and we're ready for all the details on this exciting machine, including when it will officially go on sale.

Gallery: Piaggio M3 hybrid scooter

[Source: Hell For Leather]

Piaggio MP3 hybrid to achieve 141 mpg! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electric Motorcycle Company Partners with Action Sports Guru Chris Karol

Domenick Yoney — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, USA

It's been possible to buy a Quantya electric motorcycle over the internet for a while but now you can do your dealings the old fashioned brick-and-mortar way. Shredelectric has just been named as the first dealership in a nation-wide network of retailers to carry the Swiss-born bikes. Shredelectric is owned by Chris Karol who is not only a former Snowboarding World Champion and Olympic Team Coach, but also a big fan of motorcycles. The fact that this one is electric has him pretty fired up. He says, "I have a long history in the action sports industry and I have worked with many cutting edged products throughout the years, but I have yet to be as excited as I am now about the electric motorcycles we are bringing into the U.S." Besides being able to check out the bikes at the Shredelectric store in Chelsea, Vermont, the company also organizes tours and can provide training. They can also handle any maintenance or warranty issues that might arise.

Quantya now has two models available, the off road-only Track and the street-ready Strada. The Track will sell for less than $9,999 and is all about "power and speed" while the only slightly more refined Strada is D.O.T. approved and will be under the $11,000 mark. In case you're worried that the necessary extra lighting on the street model will take away from your approximate 2.5 hours of drive time, you can relax. The Strada has a separate lithium battery to supply juice for those accessories. If you're interested in these bikes but don't live in the New England area you will be pleased to learn that Quantya will be announcing other new locations in the near future. Press release after the break.

[Source: Quantya]

Continue reading Electric Motorcycle Company Partners with Action Sports Guru Chris Karol

Electric Motorcycle Company Partners with Action Sports Guru Chris Karol originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hanging with Vectrix: electric scooter hits Quaker Steak and Lube ceiling

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:39:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, On Two Wheels, Green Daily, Vectrix

Click to enlarge

Quaker Steak and Lube is a motor-themed restaurant chain, kind of like a NASCAR-loving version of Applebees. The first restaurant in the now-regional chain was started with the gas crisis of the 1970s in mind as a way "to preserve the culture of those old gas stations and high-powered muscle cars." So, imagine AutoblogGreen reader Alric's surprise when he went to the Lube in Middleton, Wisconsin and saw a Vectrix scooter hanging from the ceiling. Yup, the real thing, just hanging there. He wrote in to say that the bike was being advertised as available at a local motorcycle shop for $9,000 and he's posted some pictures for us:

Gallery: Hanging with Vectrix

Our thanks to Alric.

Hanging with Vectrix: electric scooter hits Quaker Steak and Lube ceiling originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Making Green Cool Zone bikes and products

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hydrogen, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, SEMA Show, On Two Wheels

Click above for high-res gallery of Making Green Cool Zone bikes from SEMA

SEMA surprised us a bit this year with its "Making Green Cool Zone." On display were a dozen or so cars and trucks, along with a few bikes that all had some green angle. In some cases the vehicles were modified production vehicles that had been given an aftermarket treatment to increase economy, in others they were high-mileage vehicles that had simply been spiffed up, still others were unique vehicles created with green living at their hearts.

The bikes and other products in the booth included the Brammo Enertia Electric Motorcycle that we drove back at EVS23. It was at SEMA to help promote the upcoming TTXGP, the world's first clean emission Grand Prix that will run around the Isle of Man June 12, 2009.

We also saw the Derby City Customs hybrid Kawasaki, that they claim will run with onboard-sourced hydrogen injection to improve mileage. ElectroJet was also on hand, showing off its small engine fuel injection system. The EFI system was fitted to a small Chinese motorcycle engine, which the company chose to highlight the terrible pollution in China and a way the country can increase the cleanliness of the 20 million bikes they make every year.

Among the dozens of green products we saw in the display cases, we noticed that 3M was demonstrating their new lead-free wheel weight system for tire and wheel shops. It is a roll of composite material that can be cut to length for each application. Not only is there no lead going into the equation, but individual weight inventories will be eliminated and shops can just stock a single roll of material, which can be cut with a scissors or cutter. Pretty cool.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Green bikes and products

SEMA 2008: Making Green Cool Zone bikes and products originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ZAP Xebra finally gets some upgrades

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Zap, On Two Wheels

The often-maligned three-wheeled Zap Xebra is getting some upgrades, after shipping a record number of vehicles last quarter, that could make it a much better vehicle overall. We don't think that anything has been changed that would potentially give the Xebra more range or more power, but an all-steel body definitely is an improvement over the old model's fiberglass unit. Another big change is the addition of a hatchback at the rear of the vehicle, which will make loading objects into the vehicle quite a bit easier. To go along with the hatch, the rear set of seats now folds flat so bigger items can be loaded inside. The interior also sees a bit of freshening and now includes power door locks and reclining seats.

Also new is the Zapino electric scooter, boasting a top speed of 30 miles per hour and a range of 30 miles. We've pasted a video detailing the upgrades to the Xebra along with the introduction of the Zapino for your viewing pleasure after the jump.

[Source: ZAP]

Continue reading ZAP Xebra finally gets some upgrades

ZAP Xebra finally gets some upgrades originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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