E+E Leader Team
Here are the latest green fleet highlights, including news from the Detroit Auto Show:
Ford's Fusion Energi now boasts an EPA-rated total range of up to 620 miles and the ability to drive up to 21 miles in electric-only mode, nearly triple the electric-only range of plug-in hybrids from Toyota and Honda, Ford says. The 620-mile range means the vehicle can travel from Boston to Virginia Beach on one tank of gas and one full charge, Ford says.
Ford also unveiled active grill shutters on its Atlas Concept truck. The automatic shutters behind the grille stay open when extra engine cooling is needed, such as during low-speed stop-and-go driving or while working in hot weather. The shutters automatically close to improve aerodynamics when cruising on the highway at steady speeds, Ford says.
Smart has unveiled the
Smart forstars, an electric sports utility coupe. The car offers 122 city MPGe with estimated 76-mile (city) and 90-mile (overall) driving ranges on a single charge. It will retail for $25,000, about $10,000 cheaper than the Nissan Leaf, according to
Consumer Reports. But the car's most novel selling feature appears to be the movie projector built into its hood, allowing owners to set up drive-in movie theaters wherever they go.
Finally, BMW unveiled the
i8 roadster open-top electric-hybrid sportscar, which boasts acceleration of 0 to 62 mph in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of 2.7 liters per 100 kilometers. This concept vehicle is similar to the i8 that goes on sale in late 2014,
the Detroit Free Press reports.
See our previous reports on this year's Detroit Auto Show
here and
here.
