June 1, 2010 by jameslucas.

By R. Bill Williams

Honda: 20 Years Before Electric Cars Take Over.

In a surprise statement Honda’s chief executive has forecast that his company will need to rely on China for its battery powered electric cars.

If Honda are willing to state openly that they have doubts about the future of electric cars what is the real talk within their boardroom?

The CEO of Honda has basically conceded that the car industry as a whole now needs to have a major technology breakthrough in the development of battery powered cars.

Honda are now seeking cooperation from leading battery makers in China to hopefully provide the needed breakthrough. The Chinese government are providing huge financial and business location incentives to companies to develop that technology and break away from the present limitations of battery pack provision of power for today’s electric cars.

The longer this battery/electric technology breakthrough takes the more likely electric car manufacturers are to lose out to the Hydrogen car movement.

There are severe restrictions imposed on any owner of an electric car, these days, such as: range limit of vehicle, re-charging times of batteries, availability of recharging facilities in the locality, the cost of replacing a battery pack - said to be similar in cost to an engine change, a fact frequently overlooked is the need to carry around in the car at all times a very heavy battery pack which unlike a petrol tank does not get any lighter with travel, and finally, the very hefty premium loaded onto the price of buying an electric car in the first place.

Honda’s own forecast for the battery powered electric vehicle to become commonplace on the roads is now 10-20 years, if that really is the case, and other car makers have similar thoughts, it can well be imagined there will be no mad rush to provide a nationwide infrastructure of support/charging facilities in any country.

If other major companies do agree with Honda’s forecasts, how long before government the grants/subsidies are cut back or maybe disappear altogether?

Honda have their own very successful hybrid Civic and Insight models on sale now which have very good environment credentials, are not overpriced, very frugal on fuel and low on insurance costs; these types of car today are far more in line with the average motorist’s affordability and have all the support and servicing facilities in place.

Finally, let us ask ourselves, what is the reason for producing an electric car? The need to provide an electric car originally was to provide a mode of transport that did less harm the environment than current fossil fueled models, fair enough, but what are we ending up with?

As no car manufacturer has produced total production costs we have no idea of these, neither do we know the full number of billions of dollars/pounds spent on battery development by car makers and governments, added to which are government grants of approx £5k per vehicle to the public as an incentive to buy an electric car.

And really finally, all that extra production of battery components have not been costed by way of carbon gas emissions produced in their manufacture, which just about brings us full circle.

Bill Williams

http://www.thecarhub.net is a community for all motoring enthusiasts, with forums, blogs and articles. We offer the same great deals on car insurance, car hire and car accessories as we did on our previous site - you can also now: find the cheapest fuel in your area and be warned of traffic hold ups. We are going places, come on the journey with us.

Article Source: R. Bill Williams

Honda-Losing-Faith-in-Electric-Cars&id=4374210

Posted in Honda | Print | No Comments »

April 26, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Jerry Grinkmeyer

New Honda hybrid cars for 2010 include the Honda Civic Hybrid and the resurrected Honda Insight Hybrid in a more practical 4-door form. While gas/electric hybrids are relative newcomers to the automotive market, Honda set the pace for hybrids with the introduction of the original Honda Insight Hybrid in 1999.

New Honda Hybrid Cars: Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic Hybrid was introduced in 2002 as a direct competitor to the Toyota Prius. The 2010 incarnation sports a 110-hp 1.3 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with Integrated Motor assist (IMA) and permanent-magnet electric motor. The theory behind Honda’s hybrids is simple; primary locomotion is provided by an under-powered, un-thirsty internal combustion engine. Additional power for better acceleration is made by a small electric motor that lies sandwiched between the engine and transmission. The Honda Civic Hybrid features all the amenities of the decked-out EX model (sans moonroof) and adds several “goodies” unique to the hybrid. A CVT transmission, a unique 15″ alloy wheels, turn signals integrated into the outside rearview mirrors and automatic climate control are among the features reserved for this particular Honda hybrid car.

New Honda Hybrid Cars: Insight

I sold Hondas when the original Honda Insight was released. It generated quite a bit of showroom traffic but the majority of conversations went something like this:

“Hi; I’d like to see the new Honda Insight.”

“Sure, I have one on the showroom floor right over here.”

“Cool! Where’s the 4-door?”

“Actually, it’s only available as a 2-door.”

“Bye…”

The 2010 Honda Insight (available only as a 4-door this time) share the same engine and transmission as the Civic Hybrid and has amenities that are similar as well as comparable fuel economy ratings at 40/43 (vs. Civic Hybrid’s 40/45 rating). Regardless of which of the new Honda hybrid cars tickles your fancy you can be assured that economy, durability and resale value will be rewards you will reap.

Jerry Grinkmeyer is an author, webmaster and Honda aficionado. Read more about him and Honda automobiles by visiting his website here.

Article Source: Jerry Grinkmeyer

New Honda Hybrid Cars

Posted in Honda | Print | No Comments »

April 1, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Daniel Legal

In production for over 3 decades now, the Honda Accord has gained a reputation for quality and reliability. The 2010 Honda Accord may not be the most stylish or powerful car on the market, but it does offer what consumers truly need. Excelling in spaciousness, comfort, and performance, it is one of the best sedans available on the market. Coming in a wide selection of body styles and trim packages, consumers will have a lot of choices to make when choosing which one of these cars is best. A great selection of engines doesn’t hurt the Accord either.

Engines available for ‘10 models include a 2.4 liter four cylinder that puts out a nice 177 horsepower. A standard 5 speed manual transmission comes on the 2.4 liter engine, with a five speed automatic offered as optional. The 3.5 liter V-6 offers a little more power with 271 horsepower and a standard 5 speed automatic transmission. V-6 coupe models are offered with a 6 speed manual transmission. Consumers will do well with either of these engines, but for a sportier feel with more performance, consumers who don’t mind paying the extra money will really engine the V-6 equipped models.

Trim packages range from the basic LX, to EX-L. Basic models will come with a few amenities including a AM/FM stereo and optional power windows. For the price, LX models are great mid-size sedans that offer the reliability consumers need, without spending a load of money on extra options. Most LX models are equipped with the smaller 2.4 liter engines and a manual transmission. Mid-level packages come with power windows and locks, cruise control, more available upholstery fabrics, 16 inch wheels, and other additional options. Most mid level cars come with either a manual or automatic transmission for a an extra cost. EX models are the luxury versions of the 2010 Honda Accord sedans. They come with available leather seating, full power accessories, cruise control, either coupe or sedan body styles, sunroof, mp3/CD players and changers, and much more. Consumers who really want to enjoy their driving time will need to upgrade to this version.

Fuel economy is an area that the Accord doesn’t do too bad either. Overall fuel consumption ranges from 22 to 31 mpg. For mid-size sedans those are respectable numbers. The smaller 4 cylinder equipped models get the best mileage, ranging from 25 mpg city to 31 highway. Larger models with the V-6 get from 22 mpg city to around 26 highway. Compared with vehicles like the Chevy Malibu Sonata the Accord is either as good, if not slightly better.

2010 Honda Accord sedans fair well in the handling department as well. Like it’s little brother the Civic, an Accord has been designed over the years for nimble handling that remains sturdy, even on rough terrain. Other cars in the mid-size class can have a very feeble feeling as far as steering goes, but Honda has done well to make this a reliable, easy to control system. As far as safety is concerned, the Accord fairs very well. Frontal impact ratings are perfect, while side impact ratings are at 4 stars.

Varying from affordable, to moderately affordable, the 2010 Honda Accord is a great vehicle. High end models still come at a budget price and offer a lot of modern amenities. Both engines offered are more than capable, and give the car a slightly sportier feel than the appearance would suggest. Passengers and drivers will find that there is a lot of leg room, even in the rear. Consumers who don’t mind sacrificing a little style, for a more than capable mid-size sedan will really enjoy the Accord.

Dan Legal is a member of the web development team that runs the website LemonFree.com Cars For Sale. LemonFree is a car search engine which currently over 1.8 million new and used cars for sale.

If your interested in purchasing a 2010 Honda Accord; give LemonFree a test drive today!

Article Source: Daniel Legal

The 2010 Honda Accord

Posted in Honda | Print | No Comments »