Frankfurt Motor Show Highlights: the "Green" Cars

by swu | September 15, 2009 at 01:09 pm

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The 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show is a bit different this year after a year of recession and major crisis in American car industry. This year auto makers reveal their new generation "green" cars including diesel hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric.

Toyota revealed Prius plug-in Hybrid. It is based on the 3rd generation Prius, with expanded battery. Prius plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) is equipped with first generation lithium-ion battery technology. The car can run on battery for 20 km, and switch to hybrid mode as needed. PHV is suitable for short distance commute and also capable for long distance travel. Toyota will begin delivering 500 Prius PHV by the end of the year, to help with future development.

"This is an important next step in the world's evolution of hybrid technology," said Stephen Beatty, Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc.

Audi presented the e-tron. It is a high-performance sports car running on purely electric drive system. With 4 motors, two in front and two in the back, it produces 313 hp and could achieve 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

Volkswagen showcased the "L1", a radically efficient diesel hybrid car which may be available by 2013. "L1" stands for "1-Liter", a concept car aiming to use no more than 1 liter of fuel for every 100 km. (or 235 miles per gallon). The L1 now uses 1.38L/100km, falling short of the target, but still impressive.

This is actually Volkswagen's second 1-Liter concept car. The first one, in 2002, used a much smaller engine--a tiny 0.3-liter diesel--and returned a stunning 264 miles per gallon. That was a pure exercise in technology, though, whereas this L1 may be destined for showrooms.

Porsche's CEO Michael Macht spoke about one day Porsche will have an electric sports car in the future, although current battery technology is not "sufficient to meet Prosche's strict requirements."

Macht pointed out that Porsche has a long legacy with hybrids as it was 109 years ago that Professor Ferdinand Porsche built the first fully functioning car with hybrid technology.

The Motor Show started today, Tuesday September 15, for media. It will open to public on Thursday September 17.

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