Archive for July, 2008
Increasing Demand For Alternative Fuels
Easier Motoring has reported a rising demand for alternative fuels on their web site.
BCA has issued a report examining the relative price performance of petrol, diesel and alternative powered cars in view of the prevalent economic conditions – particularly rising fuel prices – seen in 2008.
BCA analysed data on volume product from the fleet & lease sector and found there is an increasing demand for alternative fuelled and hybrid cars, although volumes remain small.
The price differential between diesel and petrol has remained fairly constant throughout 2008, with diesels selling on average for around £1,000 more. With fewer numbers of LPG/hybrid cars reaching auction, there is less of an obvious pattern with this fuel type, and the price is subject to more peaks and troughs.
However, looking at the price performance of the fuel types versus CAP Clean suggests there is growing demand for alternative power, despite these vehicles generally being older and higher mileage at the time of sale.
Values for LPG have consistently outperformed guide prices – often by a considerable margin – with the exception of April, where values just dipped below the 100% mark. The June figure was exceptional, averaging over 115% of CAP Clean figures. The relative scarcity, linked to an obvious – and potentially rising – demand is keeping values for alternatively fuelled cars much higher than the market norm.
In contrast, CAP figures for used diesel and petrol have declined steadily during 2008. In June diesel values at 92% were approximately 3.5 points down on January’s figures, while petrol values were three points lower in June at 92%.
Of the two dominant fuel types, however, used diesel has consistently outperformed used petrol in terms of performance against CAP, by around two points. The exception to this was in February, when petrol values outperformed diesel against CAP. It is tempting to think that this may have been stimulated by the widely reported news in January that crude oil had reached $100 a barrel for the first time and has continued to climb ever since.
BCA Communications Director Tony Gannon commented “There is a groundswell of interest in alternative fuelled vehicles and this is reflected in the strong performance being recorded against guide values in a market that is otherwise seeing values in decline.”
“There can be little doubt this is being driven by the credit crunch and rising fuel prices which are persuading more motorists to try LPG or hybrid electric, perhaps for the first time.”
Increased Demand For Hybrid Cars And Alternative Fuels
Research from British Car Auctions (BCA) has shown that diesel values now stand at 92%, which is down by 3.5 points since January. The value of petrol was three points lower in June.
Speculation is that people are not using their cars as much using the money in other ways.
Is The Electric Car To Be Crowd Sourced?
In what is being claimed as a world first, Finnish lanuguage forum, E-Cars – Now! wants to provide alternatives to the oil companies slow approach to development.
Working with an ‘open source’ mentality often found on the internet, they aim to greate a global movement in favour of an alternative fuel choice.
The complete article is at SMH.com – Crowd-sourcing the eCar
Guide To Greener Wheels
The Toyota Prius was able to earn the top ranking in the medium car category by consuming just $990 in petrol and emitting only 1.6 tonnes of carbon.
Click Here to read the full story.
Conversion Kits For Electric Cars
There are many places where you can find electric car conversion kits. An electric conversion kit is a set of equipment and parts that will allow you to convert your gasoline powered car into an electric car. Many specialty car places carry electric car conversion kits or you can find them online.
You will first have to be sure that having an electric car will fit your needs. Before you go out and spend a lot of money on an electric car conversion kit, you will need to be sure that an electric car will agree with your lifestyle. There are a lot of things to consider before you go “green”.
The average conversion for an electric car has a range of 30 to 100 miles in everyday driving conditions depending on the type of batteries you have and the weight of the vehicle. If your commute is more then 35 miles one way in very hilly terrain, then an electric car may not be a good idea. However, if your commute is on average terrain and is about 20 miles each way an electric car is perfect. If you have more than one car and one car is usually used for short trips you may want to consider an electric car.
You will need to have easy access to be able to charge your car. When you charge an electric car, you plug it in at night and then it will be ready to go in the morning. If you have an acceptable electrical outlet in or near your garage, then an electric car will be very good for you.
With the conversion kits available today most people with basic hand and power tools can do the work themselves. Some tasks can be contracted out such as welding. The only special tools you will need are a torque wrench, cable crimpers, and an engine crane; all of which can be rented.
If you are not really good with engines and mechanics, when you get your electric car conversion kit, you may want to enlist the services of an experienced mechanic. These people know all the components of a car and are able to accurately determine where changes need to be made in order to convert your vehicle to an electric car.
Once you know that you want to make the change, go out and buy your electric car conversion kit. Then, after it’s been done, you will know that you are doing your part for the environment.
Guide To Greener Wheels
The Toyota Prius was able to earn the top ranking in the medium car category by consuming just $990 in petrol and emitting only 1.6 tonnes of carbon.
Click Here to read the full story.