The Crayola colored Kandi COCO, an all electric, plug-in low speed vehicle that can be driven on streets with speed limits under 35 MPH, is receiving $4,435 in Federal tax credits, while the state of Oklahoma has kicked in an additional tax credit of 50% of the sales price, or $5,299. The Kandi COCO has a retail price of about $10,995, so if you buy one in Oklahoma before December 31, 2009, it can be yours for almost a steal – or about $865.00.

While you can’t drive it on the highway, and it doesn’t go over 45 miles per hour, it’s being compared to the smart fortwo in the states, which I find interesting since the only thing I can truly find comparable might be the size and the amount of time it takes to fully charge.  The COCO goes 40-60 miles on one charge and takes about 5-6 hours to fully charge using a 110 volt.   

There are some distinct advantageous though, as they’re no doubt great for people who own motor homes and want the flexibility of having a small car in tow. I think those who live in retirement communities might also find these little gems handy to scoot around in, too. They could probably be useful on college campuses, as well as film studios and practically anywhere transportation is needed in a smaller, less congested traffic area.

For less than the cost of a big screen TV, you can own a brand new set of wheels. Imagine a Kandi COCO under the Christmas tree this year – or not.

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Filed Under: Eco Friendly, General, LSV, electric cars, electric vehicles, ev, golf carts, smart, transportation

At the 2009 LA Auto Show, Volkswagen has plans to unveil its’ new concept car, the VW UP! Lite, a combination of Volkswagen’s TDI Clean Diesel engine, an advanced electric motor, and a seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox. 

The Up! Lite, which is said to get up to 70 mpg on the highway, and has room for four adults, will be on display through December 13, 2009, in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Volkswagen Up! Lite has an all-new hybrid power train, which consists of an 0.8-liter, two-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel engine, and an electric motor that acts as the vehicle’s starter, alternator, and E-drive unit.

According to the press release, the 0.8L engine produces 51 horsepower and up to 88 lbs.-ft. of torque. The electric motor, with its 13 additional horsepower, can be used to boost the TDI engine when needed, provide valuable regenerative braking, and even propel the Up! Lite on its own. The seven-speed DSG transmission ensures the driver has access to the full power range whenever needed, and allows for a 0 to 60 mph run of 12 seconds, a top speed of 100 mph, and the exceptional fuel economy rating of 70 mpg.

Side cameras stand in place of traditional outside mirrors and 18-inch carbon fiber and aluminum wheels give it a sports car-like look.  In the cabin, there’s a touch screen and hand motion sensors for climate controls, Internet connection, telephone, multimedia playback, and more. Also on tap are three cameras that replace the rearview mirror, while a folding rear seat means extra storage space.

The more I see and hear about the UP!, the more I think I really like it, and while it’s a concept car, I hope it becomes available in the near future.  It looks like a sharp little car that’s built for fun – and functionality!

What do readers think?

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Filed Under: Auto Shows, Fuel Efficient, Volkswagen

• Ford Fusion Hybrid has been named one of Car and Driver magazine’s “10 Best” cars for 2010
• Ford Fusion recently won the prestigious Motor Trend Car of the Year award
• Ford Fusion Hybrid is only the second hybrid ever to make the magazine’s “10 Best” list

A total of 58 vehicles were in the running for the Car and Driver “10 Best” list and all of the contenders were put through a week of testing, judged on three forms of criteria:

1. How well they performed their intended mission
2. How engaging and fun they were to drive
3. How much value they delivered

In addition to being fun to drive, the Fusion Hybrid offers an EPA estimated rating of 41 mpg in the city and the ability to travel more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas.

Despite the slump in the overall auto industry, sales of the Fusion Hybrid are impressive, accounting for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. Perhaps even more significant, more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands - mostly Toyota and Honda.

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Filed Under: Autos, Ford, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Fuel Efficient, General