Ask AutoblogGreen: What regulations govern electric vehicles?
Here at AutoblogGreen we get plenty of questions from readers about all kinds of topics related to alternative transportation. Reader James asks: “Reportedly, there is a federal law which limits the size/speed of autos on all roads. This, in effect restricts electric alternative vehicles that must exceed 35 mph speed. I haven’t got the whole story correct, I’m sure. That’s why I’m trying to get the straight story. Specifically, determine whether such a Federal law exists, and if so, what exactly does it restrict?” So what exactly is the story? In the electric “car” ranks there are basically three classes of vehicle. There are three wheelers like the Zap Xebra or Aptera which are classed as motorcycles and therefore not subject to crash safety standards. These vehicles are allowed to operate at any speed. Then there are full-speed vehicles which have at least four wheels, are capable of exceeding 25 mph and have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 8,500 lbs. These vehicles are subject to all of the same safety regulations as any other car on the road today. That means the bumpers must withstand 2.5 mph impacts, there must be seatbelts and airbags and all sorts of other rules regarding lighting and impact safety are enforced. The only series production EV currently available in the U.S. today that meets this classification is the Tesla Roadster . Then there are low-speed vehicles . Car Blog Greenon after the jump to find out more. Continue reading Ask AutoblogGreen: What regulations govern electric vehicles? Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Legislation and Policy Ask AutoblogGreen: What regulations govern electric vehicles? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green
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Ask AutoblogGreen: What regulations govern electric vehicles?
Volvo to bring V70, S80, XC60, and XC70 DRIVe models to Geneva
Click above for a gallery of Volvo DRIVe models Last year at the Paris Motor Show , Volvo introduced the world to its first three DRIVe models , which feature a slew of changes, including efficient diesel engines, manual gearboxes, stop/start, lowered ride height, aerodynamic tweaks and low rolling resistance tires. All of these modifications are meant to increase fuel efficiency and therefore decrease vehicle emissions. The models already available are based on the C30 SportsCoupe (53.4 mpg U.S.), the S40 saloon and the V50 Sportswagon (both at 52.3 mpg U.S.). Next week at the Geneva Motor Show , Volvo will debut four new vehicles to add to its growing DRIVe range. The Volvo V70 and S80 DRIVe will feature the same 108-horsepower and 177lb ft 1.6-liter turbodiesel that the DRIVe versions of the C30, S40 and V50 are fitted with, allowing for a rating of 57.6 mpg in EU testing (48 mpg U.S.), with CO 2 emissions of 129g/km. Volvo’s XC60 and XC70 also get the DRIVe treatment, though they feature a larger 2.4-liter 5-cylinder turbodiesel engine that drives the front wheels only and returns 47.1 mpg (39 mpg U.S.) and CO 2 emissions of 159g/km. All four new DRIVe models will be available in the UK.this summer. Gallery: Geneva 2009: Volvo DRIVe models [Source: Volvo] Continue reading Volvo to bring V70, S80, XC60, and XC70 DRIVe models to Geneva Auto Blog: Diesel , MPG , Volvo , Geneva Motor Show , Europe/EU , UK Volvo to bring V70, S80, XC60, and XC70 DRIVe models to Geneva originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green
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Volvo to bring V70, S80, XC60, and XC70 DRIVe models to Geneva
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