The New Breed of Cars (ZEV) by 2016 -- French auto-maker Peugeot announced "Hybrid Air" (Video)

French auto-makers PSA Peugeot Citroen has announced their plans to introduce an all new breed of cars by the year 2016.

The New Breed of Cars (ZEV) by 2016 -- French auto-maker Peugeot announced "Hybrid Air" 

According to details; an unusual hybrid driveline, dubbed as “Hybrid Air” will harness compressed air to assist a gasoline engine rather than a battery and electric motor.

The auto-designers at Peugeot, working on the proto-type, say it will slash 45% off fuel bills for an average motorist. And when driving in towns and cities costs could be cut by as much as 80% because the car will be running on compressed-air for 4/5th of the time.

It will be driven by compressed air stored in carbon-fiber tanks built into the chassis.  In two or three minutes, and at a cost of approximately 2 dollars (1.5 Euros), the car will be ready to travel another 125-175 miles (200-300 km), the scientists told further.

The company claims that the Hybrid Air system could improve the fuel economy of a Ford Fiesta or Ford Focus-sized car by as much as 45 percent.

The system works by using a normal internal combustion engine, special hydraulics and an adapted gearbox along with compressed air cylinders that store and release energy. This enables it to run on petrol or air, or a combination of the two.

Auto-industry experts hope the air-powered vehicles will be a breath of fresh air for the environment, the air-only mode converts the car into a ZEV, a "zero emission vehicle," the company said in a press release.

The Hybrid Air system weighs around 220 pounds, about half the weight of a conventional electric hybrid. It is much simpler than current systems and uses no rare metals or materials that are difficult to recycle. Peugeot plans to use it in power-trains producing between 80 and 100 horsepower and says it will launch cars and vans with the system in 2016.

Watch video HERE.

Report Tags:

New Hybrid Air, Car That Runs On AIR, Eco friendly, Eco-friendly car, Green Car, Zero-pollution car, Air-powered car, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Peugeot Hybrid Air, Peugeot Citroen

Watch VIDEO: Virus-based Piezoelectricity Energy Generated at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Electricity/power is an essential ingredient of our routine life. We need power to run the smallest of our gadgets. There are many conventional ways to produce electricity, along with new eco-friendly methods to harvest electricity like solar power, wind power etc.

Virus-based Piezoelectricity Energy Generated at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

The latest development in this field comes from the researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy. Reportedly, scientists in Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a unique way to generate power using harmless viruses that convert mechanical energy into electricity.

Converting mechanical energy to electricity is not a new concept, but Californian scientists do have a new approach: using viruses to harvest energy from everyday vibrations like walking.

Researchers have created a tiny generator by coating stamp-sized electrodes with piezoelectric viruses, M13 bacteriophages. Piezoelectricity is the buildup of an electric charge in certain materials due to mechanical stimulation.

This demo video below illustrates a potentially new way to fabricate micro-electronic devices that could be powered by activities such as climbing stairs or shutting a door.

The first part of the video shows how Berkeley Lab scientists harness the piezoelectric properties of the virus to convert the force of a finger tap into electricity. The second part reveals the "viral-electric" generators in action, first by pressing only one of the generators, then by pressing two at the same time, which produces more current.

The work could lead to a better way of making piezoelectric devices and even expand its range of applications.  

Currently, the piezoelectric effect is used in a variety of applications, such as the automotive industry and medical imaging, including devices like air-bag sensors, key-less door entry systems, and MRI and CT scanners.

However, the toxicities and challenges posed by conventional piezoelectric device fabrication have limited their scope.

The advantage of M13 viruses is that they are rod-shaped and self-assemble into organized layers upon which the electrodes depend. The virus also replicates quickly, so supply would not be a concern.

Watch the demo video below:

Report Tags: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, M13 bacteriophages, piezoelectricity, piezoelectric viruses, Video, Science, Technology, Youtube, M13 Virus                                                               

‘SolarKindle Lighted Cover’ from SolarFocus -- the first ever solar-powered cover for an e-reader

The world's biggest tech show CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2012 begins today and will run until Friday (January 13).

‘SolarKindle Lighted Cover’ from SolarFocus

The show witnesses the entire tech world descend on Las Vegas. The world will be getting latest from the biggest names in tech to talk about their plans for 2012. The show covers more than 1.8 million square feet and has more than 140,000 attendees from across the globe.

On the very first day of CES 2012; the first ever solar-powered cover for an e-reader was showcased by SolarFocus dubbed as ‘SolarKindle Lighted Cover’, specifically designed for Amazon Kindle.

The ‘SolarKindle Lighted Cover’ keeps on charging the Kindle as long as it is exposed to daylight. Its also capable of charging the reserve built-in lithium battery that provides 1,500 mA juice for the e-reader.

‘SolarKindle Lighted Cover’ from SolarFocus

The ‘SolarKindle Lighted Cover’ also includes a built-in reading light to light up the Kindle's screen; the power for this light is drawn from the reserve battery, not the Kindle itself.

According to the manufacturers, SolarFocus, one-hour charging in sunlight will be enough for almost 3 days reading time. ‘SolarKindle Lighted Cover’ will be available to purchase from January 15 priced at $79.99.

Whatever Clock: Eco-friendly Cluster of Jumbled and Misplaced Numbers - A Playful Paradox

The emotions so amazingly articulated by the Whatever Clock might grip you on occasion, or maybe it’s more like your permanent state of being? But no matter your more enthusiastic states in life, this eccentric chronograph certainly has its own time and place.

 IsItNoonYet is the Etsy shop from which the artsy mother of three sells her handmade creations. The crafter makes a broad range of elaborate home decorative items, and it seems that remarkably one-of-a-kind wall clocks remain one of her fortes.

This particular timepiece is made from an old LP record wrapped in cotton fabric and painted lime green. Wavy hour and minute hands express a absence of commitment to accuracy, and the cluster of jumbled and misplaced numbers define the Whatever Clock as a playful paradox.

"GreenFleet Arrive'n'Drive" Event - Vauxhall’s Ampera, Peugeot's Ion, and Citroën's C-Zero and Many More Green Vehicles on Display

Vauxhall's  Ampera

"GreenFleet Arrive'n'Drive" event is the unique event of its kind in which the biggest ever collection of "Eco-friendly" vehicles in UK will be showcased tomorrow (Thursday/May 26).

The aim of this free-to-attend event is to provide the opportunity to visitors for test drive of different types of latest green vehicles.

Almost all the big names of manufacturers are included who will represent themselves with their products. The attendees will also be offered to see and have a test drive of Ampera, Vauxhall's range-extended electric vehicle that is scheduled to be launched next year.

Other than Vauxhall’s Ampera; the event promises more attraction in form of C-Zero from Citroën, Ion from Peugeot and Ford Transit Connect Electric, the van that has its battery pack installed under the floor. 

Honda, Seat, Volkswagen, KIA, Mitsubishi, Volvo, Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai and Tata will showcase their respective green vehicles. 

Not Sexy, But the Business World Needs Electric Vehicles Too. The electric range of the Transit Connect Electric will be about 80 miles.

Peugeot, the pioneer and 1st worldwide manufacturer of electric vehicles, has launched the Peugeot iOn at the end of 2010.

The CITROEN C-ZERO is a full-electric vehicle powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 47kW or 64bhp EEC from 3,000 to 6,000rpm. Maximum torque of 180Nm is available from 0 to 2,000rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear axle via a single-speed reduction gear.

The World’s First Replacement Bulb Announced by Philips - - Produces 1100 Lumens of Light Consuming 17-watts

Going green or being energy efficient can sometimes be really difficult because it is often times expensive. In the home, one of the first ideas you will have about being energy efficient is switching over to light bulbs that aren’t the regular old incandescent ones. The main problem with this is that the more efficient CCFL or LED lights have a strange light color, and the bulbs are terribly expensive.

Philips has announced the world’s first replacement bulb for the all to common 75W incandescent light. This LED version produces 1100 lumens of light, and only consumes 17-watts which makes it much more efficient than most other things you could stick in a light socket. This new-fangled bulb has a color temperature of 2700k and a rendering index of 80; which makes this a pretty impressive fixture. On top of that, it can last for 25,000 hours. Which is about 3 years of non-stop light. You will be able to pick these up in Q4 of 2011 for about $40-$45, which is still expensive, but hopefully the better light quality and low power consumption will make up for it.

Gamera: Human Powered Helicopter made by Students of University of Maryland - - Ready for Test Flight on May 11, 2011 (Must See Video)

‘The Gamera’ is the name of Human Powered Helicopter project undertaken by the students of University of Maryland (Baltimore). 

Gamera: Human Powered Helicopter made by Students of University of Maryland

 The students will attempt to make history this Wednesday (May 11, 2011) when they set to attempt first full flight of their human-powered helicopter. The students are hopeful to win Sikorsky Prize for their brilliant effort.

Gamera has rotors at each of the four ends of its X-shaped frame. Each crossbar of the frame is 60-feet long and each rotor is 42 feet in diameter. Under the frame sits a pilot's model, where a student will power the helicopter with a combination of hand and foot pedaling.

If Gamera can hover for 60 seconds, reach a height of three meters and remain within a 10-meter box from lift off, the team will take home the Sikorsky Challenge's $250,000 prize. Doing so will also nab the team a world record for first human-powered helicopter powered by a female. 

This video was prepared in late 2010 when the vehicle was not fully completed. On May 6 the vehicle was fully assembled for the first time and the weight is down from the 140 lbs quoted in the video to an amazing 100lbs! That's careful design, planning, and testing at work. 

Conserve Socket: Eco-friendly Gadget With Timer to Prevent Wastage of Energy

These days it’s not uncommon for a person to carry at least one gadget with them at all times. Sometimes you’ll carry more than one, depending on your needs. In order for these devices to keep pace with you, they need to be charged for a few hours. But how often do you charge them for the exact amount of time necessary? Well, when you leave them on the charger for hours after they’ve received a full charge, you’re wasting electricity. How do you prevent this? By getting a wall outlet that cuts off power after a certain amount of time.

The Conserve Socket is a simple eco-friendly gadget that ensures you waste as little power as necessary when charging your gadgets. On the side you’ll find a switch that reads 30 minutes, 3 hours and 6 hours. Just set it to the appropriate time, and plug in your gadget. Once the timer is up, the socket will cut power to your device. This can also be used for other home electronics, such as lights, fans, heaters and more. Saving electricity doesn’t come at a high price, as this device will only set you back $10.

Nokia E-Cu: Designed by Patrrick Hyland - - A Copper-coated Cellphone Charged by Heat in Surroundings

It is very frustrating when you realize that you forgot to pack your cell phone charger on your business trip. The one you borrow from your colleague turns out to be another make and doesn’t fit your phone. Those are the times when you really wish you had a phone that did not require a charger. You are not the only one so Nokia E-Cu concept phone has been developed that need not be plugged in to be charged.

Designer Patrrick Hyland has developed the phone that can soak up energy from any heat source. The designer is confident that the phone would work off the warmth of your pocket also. The phone will charge itself if kept someplace where the temperature ranges between 86 degrees and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Initially the phone will take seven hours to be charged fully. After that it will simply keep charging itself if it finds itself in sufficiently high temperature.

There is a thermo generator in the phone that converts heat into electrical energy. The phone has been encased in copper with engraved heat sinks to collect and conduct more heat for the phone. The shimmering copper coating enhances the look of the phone as well. Nokia has no immediate plans to manufacture the phone commercially but Hyland is open to collaborate with anyone who is convinced about its commercial potential. It could be termed a green phone if you consider the saving in terms of chargers not produced and the electricity they consume being plugged in all day.

Self Power Generating Watch by Ventura to be Unveiled at BaselWorld 2011

Converting one kind of energy to another leads to various applications and has given birth to many inventions and innovations. Watches have been using kinetic energy or the movement of the hand of the wearer to power the mechanical movement. We take it for granted now as it has been used by watch makers for ages. But Ventura, a watchmaker has stretched this concept further to convert the kinetic energy to electrical energy to power the LCD display of the new watch they have designed.

The new timepiece designed by Ventura is called the SPARC MGS and has mechanisms incorporated in it that uses the movement of the wearer’s hand to generate electric power for its LCD display and other digital bits. The timepiece based on a new concept is set to be unveiled at BaselWorld 2011 in a few weeks from now. The watch is sure to grab the attention of the visitors there for the new concept that has been incorporated in the mechanism.

Ventura has installed an oscillating mass just above the display of the watch that will turn on an average about 4,000 times in a day. These movements help to tension a spring through a set of connecting gears. The spring when fully tensioned will transfer its force to a micro generator that will produce electricity to keep the electronic bits running. To encourage the movement of the wearer’s wrist an EasySkroll system has been incorporated in the watch that allows the wearer to navigate the UI by simply moving the wrist.

Source: Ventura

“EX Vehicle” Designed by Nick Ferbis - - Three-wheeled Electric Machine Getting Powered from Electronic Screwdrivers

When we think of bicycles and screwdrivers, we don’t naturally think of putting the two together. Let alone having the screwdrivers be the source of power. Thankfully there are some extremely creative people out there with dreams to build little cars out of bicycles and tools, and the time to put into making it a reality.

Designed by Nick Ferbis, this “EX Vehicle” is a three-wheeled machine that can travel at speeds of up to 18 mph. Though it may look a little uncomfortable, this is still a pretty neat construction that can get you from point A to point B. Using 2 twin 18-volt electronic screwdrivers as batteries and modified bike parts, you too can go at breakneck speeds of under 20 miles per hour. There’s likely going to be some debate on where it should be used, and how safe it as you’re pointed out head first, but as a contraption run by screwdrivers, you can’t be all that picky.

Solar Pool Skimmer - - Help You Out Skim and Clean Your Swimming Pool

Seeing that it’s still really cold outside, my mind is on the summer months. Of course, the warmer months aren’t all fun and games. Instead of bundling up, you’re trying to stay cool. One great way to do so is by taking a dip in the pool, should you have one at your disposal. The downside of having a pool in your yard is all of the upkeep. Every day you have to skim it, then vacuum it rather often as well. Wouldn’t it be great to have a gadget that would do some of the work for you?

This Solar Pool Skimmer might not eliminate all of your pool-related work, but it will certainly help. As the name implies, the device is a pool skimmer that gets its power from the sun’s rays. The great thing is that the device doesn’t need to be charged, since it’s not only going to function while the sun is up, but it will keep going for a few hours after the sun goes down. Also, since you’re skimming the water all of the time (instead of just once or twice a day), you’re actually going to catch more of the debris before it sinks to the bottom, giving you less to vacuum up later. Of course, being lazy doesn’t come cheap. This contraption will set you back a full $500. At least you have a few months to save up before you’ll be able to use it.

Wooden Framed Bikes From Early Rider - - Let Your Children to Learn Ride in a Traditional Way

Early Rider is a brand of bikes for young children designed to help parents teach them how to ride without training wheels. The frame designs by Early Rider are made out of wood and follow a traditional aesthetic.

The available models from Early Rider include the Lite Series which is aimed at kids as young as 20 months, the Classic Series for children two years old and the Evolution series for tykes three and a half years old. These Early Rider mini-bikes will have your little guys racing down the street in no time.

Maria Westerberg T-shirt Chair - - Winner of Green Furniture Award 2011

Maria Westerberg T-shirt Chair is a great way to recycle and old but beloved wardrobe. The Swedish designer won this year’s Green Furniture Award for her beautiful and contemporary seat. The chair uses old textiles woven through the wire frame to create a comfortable and colorful piece of furniture.

The Maria Westerberg T-shirt Chair isn’t just visually appealing, its very being creates a personal story considering the materials used.

F2O by David Cardoso L - - Electric-powered Amphibious Vehicle

This F2O design by Belgian industrial designer David Cardoso L  has been made to go on the road as well as in the water. Looking like a small aircraft, it has adjustable wheels that can also be used as propellers.

The F2O by David Cardoso L is electric-powered, so it is eco-friendly and safe for the fish. The huge rear spoiler suggests that it is a fast going vehicle. Let’s hope that this concept will be brought to life one day and will be seen being driven or at least floating somewhere.

SoloWheel: Eco-friendly and Self-balancing Unicycle - - Must-see Video

There are a lot of people movers out there that claim to be beneficial to those of us that just don’t feel like walking. They are usually very bulky and look terribly awkward when in use though.

The SoloWheel is the smallest and most convenient people mover that I’ve seen to date. It runs off of rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, and has a compact design with two folding foot platforms. This is very lightweight at only twenty pounds and has a two hour battery life, with need of a 45 minutes charge to be at full battery. Leaning forwards and backwards will control your speed so that you aren’t relying on a switch by your feet. There is a handle to make toting this around a lot easier.

If you’re really wanting to forsake walking in favor of gliding down the streets, it’s going to cost you $1,500 when it goes on sale in April. Is it going to be the next Segway? Only time will tell. More videos and info at the SoloWheel blog. 

H2O Shower Power Radio: Draws Power from Water to Let You Enjoy Music While Taking a Bath

If you enjoy listening to music in the shower, you have a few options. One is to put a radio of some sort out by the sink. That’s good and all, but you don’t have the ability to adjust the volume or change stations. There are ones that you can stick in the shower, but you have to deal with batteries, since you obviously don’t want to run a power cord into a place full of water. Neither is a perfect solution, which is why the H2O Shower Power Radio was brought into existence.

This shower radio is rather unique, in that it’s not just waterproof, but it actually draws power from the water you’re already using. It hooks into your existing line water line, and generates power from the flowing water. It even stores up energy so that the radio doesn’t cut out once your shower is over. The biggest downside is that you’ll need to likely do away with your existing shower head. That’s alright though, as for the $56 price, they include one for you. 

Source: H2O Shower Power Radio

Latest Version of Jumbo 747, Jet 747-8 Intercontinental, Unveiled With Latest Technology and Improved Eco-efficiency

The latest version of the 40 year old 747 jumbo jet, Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, was unveiled on Sunday. The 747-8 Intercontinental is coloured a alluring Sunrise livery of red-orange, known for good luck and opulence, rather than the traditional blue and white.

Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is the only airplane that will serve the 400-500 seat market. This airplane swanks of technological advancements that make it tremendously productive for its customers. These latest improvements include the best of the 787 Dreamliner as well and that facilitates the Boeing 747-8 to have a unique and spacious interior. 

The Boeing 747-7 will function at around 12% lower operating costs, 16% better fuel economy, 16% lesser carbon emissions per passenger and 30% smaller noise footprint than its oldest predecessor, with more room for passenger belongings and a curved, unique architecture.

Boeing 747-8 improves the eco-efficiency of the fleet it is associated with. The management at Boeing Commercial Airplanes is confident that this airplane will set a new standard in economic and eco-efficient performance and also provide a world-class experience to its customers.

Zero Motorcycles 2011 Lineup - - Four New Models Showcased of All-electric Dirt bikes And street Motorcycles

The Zero Motorcycles 2011 lineup has just been debuted and it is the way of the future for sport bikes and dirt bikes to come. The all-electric dirt bikes and street motorcycles have four new models to show for the new year.

The Zero Motorcycles 2011 line is quicker than ever and features 50% quicker charge times than last year. The bikes have a top speed of 67 miles per hour and can drive for up to 43 miles. Zero Motorcycles is your perfect companion, whether it’s on the trail or on the pavement.

Freitag Hind Shopper - - Hand-texted bag Named After Canadian Ella Cora Hind

The Freitag Hind shopper is part of a line of bags inspired by contemporary journalists. The hand-texted bag was named after Canadian women’s lib writer Ella Cora Hind. 

The Swiss manufacturer’s newest line is cut from vintage truck tarpaulins patterned to resemble snakeskin. The textured scale exterior channels a sleek and classic feel. The Freitag Hind shopper is one of 22 styles available in the Reference collection.