Driving Green; Walking Greener

Driving Green; Walking Greener
Green Auto News; Balqon Corporation (OTCBB: BLQN.OB), Electrovaya (TSX: EFL), Chrysler Group, Lexus


Delta BC March 23, 2010 (Investorideas.com renewable energy/green newswire), InvestorIdeas.com and its green investor portal Renewableenergystocks.com report on recent green auto news from Balqon Corporation (OTCBB: BLQN.OB),Electrovaya (TSX: EFL), Chrysler Group, Lexus and how the global economic crisis of the past two years has resulted in greener consumers (including author) .

Visit our Driving Green Podcasts and Commentary at Investorideas.com
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By: Dawn Van Zant
As I read through news hi-lites and developments in the green auto industry I am inspired, motivated and excited. A year ago I was a proud driver of a BMW 330ci and my daughter Cali leased a brand new Honda Fit. I thought we had a balance between the two cars and were meeting our environmental standards between us.

I was waiting to find my ideal green car to replace my BMW and was constantly watching what BMW, Mercedes and other luxury car makers were up to in their next generation of environmentally friendly cars.

As irony and fate would have it, Cali crashed her fuel efficient Honda Fit last Thanksgiving and once we finally got a settlement for the write- off; the proceeds were placed with a close associate we knew in the auto industry that was promising to get a great deal for us at the auto auction. Hard times had fallen on this small business owner, the funds were confiscated by Revenue Canada we were told, and we were without a vehicle to replace hers or unable to get the money back at this time.

We decided to sell my BMW to replace her confiscated funds and luck and fate went sideways again (long story) and as a result we are currently walking to Starbucks daily.

We are enjoying our morning walks in the sunshine with coffee in hand, contemplating our next car purchase. The exercise is great, the break from the computer inspires new ideas for our business and we think about our next purchase.
With gas prices rising again and new green car options coming out all the time from some of the best in the industry, it is easier than before to choose to become a green consumer.


Recent Green Car News;
Balqon Corporation (OTCBB: BLQN.OB)
Balqon Corporation Announces Development of an Intuitive Battery Management System for Large Format Lithium-Ion Batteries
Tue Mar 2,--Balqon Corporation (OTCBB: BLQN), an emerging developer and manufacturer of zero emissions heavy-duty electric vehicles for Class 7 and Class 8 applications, announced the release of its new Battery Management System (“BMS”) designed to optimize battery cycle life of large format lithium-ion batteries used in its product line of heavy-duty electric trucks and tractors. Each BMS board is equipped with multiple temperature sensors and a flash microcontroller together with Balqon’s proprietary software that works with any electric vehicle’s battery cell chemistry. More info: www.balqon.com



Electrovaya (TSX: EFL)

From Chrysler’s release, dated 3.22.10:
Ram Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Chrysler Group has been selected for a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant of up to $48 million as part of a $2.4 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act DOE Vehicle Electrification program. Chrysler Group is planning to build a total of 140 Ram PHEVs for a three-year demonstration project that includes various geographic and climatic locations across the United States.

"This initiative represents how government, automotive industry, suppliers and key partners are reaching common goals and demonstrates how rapidly this type of advanced technology can be brought to market," said Paolo Ferrero, Senior Vice President—Powertrain, Chrysler Group LLC. "DOE-support for domestic advanced technology is an important enabler for Chrysler Group and its key suppliers in order to understand and test customer acceptance and the capability of PHEV systems in a variety of real-world conditions."



The Ram PHEV features Chrysler Group's 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with a two mode hybrid transmission and a 12KwHr lithium ion battery. The vehicle is capable of up to 20 miles of zero-emission, pure-electric range without the need for gasoline. An overall fuel economy improvement more than 65 percent is expected for average drive cycles. Chrysler Group has partnered with Electrovaya Inc. (TSX: EFL) to supply the advanced lithium Ion batteries for the Ram PHEV test fleet.



The DOE grant will expedite the development of vehicle-electrification technology. More than 21 Chrysler Group partners across the U.S., including utility companies, government agencies and Universities will independently test the Ram PHEV and provide valuable data for the advancement of the technology.



Lexus Announces CT 200h Premium Compact Hybrid For U.S. Market - On Display at 2010 New York International Auto Show

--Only Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle in the Premium Compact Segment
--Expected to Lead the Class in Fuel Economy Numbers
--Standard Safety Features Include Eight Airbags



NEW YORK, March 22 -- Lexus announced today that the all-new CT 200h premium compact hybrid will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011 as the first dedicated hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment.

The sporty five-door will be on display March 31 through April 11 at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. The new CT 200h debuted at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in early March and will join the HS 250h as Lexus' second dedicated hybrid.



"The CT 200h is expected to lead the class in fuel economy and deliver low emissions, but the CT 200h isn't just about being a hybrid, it's about having fun," said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager. "The stylish CT 200h has an attitude and driving dynamic unlike any other Lexus hybrid. It will excite eco-conscious, young consumers and symbolize urban, luxury living."



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Dawn Van Zant 800.665.0411

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