• Category Archives: Transport

    Airbus’ all-electric aircraft prototype shows up at the Paris Air Show

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    While Airbus is surely the majorly reputed name in the aviation industry when it comes to large aircrafts. However, they are now riding the ecofriendly wave with their all new contraption, the E-Fan 2.0 prototype aircraft. The all-electric aircraft is most likely the first plug-in plane with a 31-foot wingspan and can accommodate two seats. The plane achieves its light weight form with a carbon fiber body. In fact, it weighs just 1100 lbs. The best part is that the flight has zero CO2 emissions thanks to being powered by 120 li-ion batteries that are within the wings (genius!) that power twin 30kw engines. The engines can take the flight to 136 mph.

    Posted in Transport on June 17, 2015
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    Poop-powered ‘Bus Hound’ bus is fastest service at 123 kmph

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    It doesn’t get any more convincing than this. The fact that using biogas to fuel the vehicles of tomorrow could take years of research is but a myth now. The Bus Hound (a smart spinoff ‘Bloodhound’) may look like a Friesian cow but it’s got its vigor on. Powered by biomethane derived from cow-dung, the bus managed to conjure enough power to gallop away at 123.5 kmph (or 76.8 mph). Chief engineer John Bickerton describes the sound of the roaring engine to be like that of a Vulcan bomber and we’re not doubting that one bit. The Bus Hound went on to break the land speed record for a regular bus service.

    Posted in Transport on May 27, 2015
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    The electric Gogoro Smartscooter service will debut in Taipei City

    gogoro-smart-scooter-4Electricity will fuel the world in the future, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels substantially. One of the biggest catalysts of this change, besides all the electric cars that have been taking to the streets lately, is the Gogoro Smartscooter. With a range of 60 miles on a full belly of electricity, the Smartscooter can have its drained battery swapped for a fresh one Gogoro Energy Network “Go Station, instead of being plugged into a wall socket.

    Posted in Transport on April 2, 2015
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    Leaos electric bicycle charges itself with the sun

    e-bike-3There are countless benefits of riding a bicycle instead of driving around in a gas-guzzling four-wheeler. More importantly, these green contraptions are a great way to get around without polluting your immediate environment, while helping you stay fit. To top it all, electric bicycles like the Leaos, make sure you can travel farther, on foot-power! These handmade bicycles from Italy are the brainchild of Armin Oberhollenzer, and are built in collaboration with Italian industrial designer Francesco Sommacal.

    Posted in Transport on March 26, 2015
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    NASA’s LEAPTech electric airplane propulsion system could change the aviation industry forever!

    leaptech-wing-conceptWell, it seems like the aviation industry is in for a green overhaul after all! Currently, NASA is busy spending its time at the drawing boards, working on a concept that could very well bring electric propulsion to the world of airplanes. The agency is testing an electric plane concept that uses Leading Edge Asynchronous Propeller Technology (LEAPTech). The technology is designed in partnership with Empirical Systems Aerospace (ESAero) and Joby Aviation. What sets this one apart from the rest of the electric concept planes we’ve come across before is the 18 independently-operated electric motors that power the LEAPTech wings.

    Posted in Transport on March 26, 2015
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    How to turn your Toyota Prius into an eco-friendly home for just $150!

    homemade-motorhome-priusLiving in a car is a great idea, particularly if you’ve been calling your RV a ‘car’ all along. However, living in a Toyota Prius isn’t something you’d want to indulge in for more than an afternoon, right? James Lawler thinks differently, and greener too. A landscaper from Torquay, Australia, Lawler has converted the back of his eco-friendly Prius into a home. While this might seem to be an expensive affair that requires the expertise of an automobile expert, Lawler decided to take things into his own hands, building his home-on-wheels for less than $150!

    Posted in Transport on March 23, 2015
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    nanoFlowcell AG unveils the saltwater-powered Quantino concept at the Geneva Auto Show

    saltwater-powered-sports-car-2Only a couple of decades ago, mankind would never have thought it possible to power up a car with nothing but salt water. Times are changing now and saltwater-powered cars could soon be parked in our driveways! nanoFlowcell AG unveiled the Quantino concept at the 2015 Geneva International Auto Show, a car that’s capable of drinking up saltwater and travelling 621 miles on electricity alone. Measuring just 12-feet long, this coupe draws power from a low-voltage drive system, two ionic liquid storage tanks and four electric motors. Together, all of these churn out 136hp.

    Posted in Transport on March 16, 2015
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    Tesla Model S is the Best Car of 2014 according to Consumer Review

    teslaTesla Model S has done it again; it has been named for the “Best overall car of 2015”. It was given the first position in the top 10 auto list by the highly coveted Consumer Reports. Tesla Model S won the award second time in a row, in 2014 also it was on the top. The top honours were given to Tesla because of its breakneck acceleration, smooth handling, confortable ride, and versatile cabin. The Consumer Review in their in-depth analysis gave Tesla 99 out of 100 and said that Tesla Model S was the best car they have ever tested.

    Posted in Transport on February 27, 2015
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    Helix takes the wraps off its world’s smallest and lightest folding bike

    helix-folding-bikeThe concept of foldable bikes is a great one, but the ones available in the market are not so good. Most of them are heavy, uncomfortable to ride because of their small wheels. The worst thing about them can be that they don’t fold so small. But, Helix is one foldable bike different than the rest. It is world’s smallest folding bike, it can be folded down to the size of its wheels. The wheels of helix pivot on helical hinges which makes it possible for the front and the rear wheel to be folded besides the frame and between the cranks. The wheels are 24 inches and once the cycle is folded completely, Helix measures 23 × 25 × 9 inches. Helix is also very light weighing just 9.5 kg. The body is made up of titanium which makes it very durable and corrosion resistant.

    Posted in Transport on February 25, 2015
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    Tesla to install free EV chargers in Chinese customers’ homes

    teslaIn an effort to make EVs more attractive to the masses in China, Tesla will soon offer to install free electric chargers in the homes of its Chinese customers. The auto maker’s China president Zhu Xiaotong revealed these plans shortly after Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla Motors, stated that the company’s sales in China dipped considerably during the last few months of 2014. Facts and figures haven’t pointed out just why Tesla isn’t doing as well as it expected in China, however, an add-on advantage like a home-based EV charger is bound to draw bigger crowds.

    Posted in Transport on February 19, 2015
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