Green Cool Hip

Henrik Fisker whose renowned design already includes the BWM Z8 and the Aston Martin DB9 and the V8 Vantage, was part of the team working on the original design for the Tesla.  He has since left Tesla Motors, faced a lawsuit accusing him of stealing trade secrets from the company and launched its own Hybrid called the Fisker Karma.

After leaving Tesla Motors, Henrik Fisker started Fisker Automotive whose first model is called the Fisker Karma.  While the Karma is a hybrid and not a fully electric powered car like the Tesla models, it’s still ahead of the curve when compared with other available hybrid vehicles.

Image 1 - Fisker Automotive

Much like the Tesla, the Karma is a plug-in hybrid with a battery that can be recharged on a standard 110 volt outlet.  The first 50 miles one drives is completely on battery power.  After that, the Karma switches to balancing gasoline and electric power for the remainder of the trip, just like a regular hybrid.

But what’s really cool and different about this hybrid is that its roof can be equipped with a solar panel that recharges the battery while driving, and provides cooling for its cabin even while the car is parked.

Image 2 - Fisker Automotive

The Karma does not stop being eco-friendly in its powertrain.  Materials used throughout the car are carefully chosen to be as green as possible.  Wood trim throughout its interior is made from dead wood, its ecoglass from recycled sand and the EcoChic model uses an animal-free approach.

Image 3 - Fisker Automotive

Now, one would think all this green technology comes at the expense of performance.  But, with performance numbers such as 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds and a top speed of 125mph, this daily driver screams good karma all over.

Tesla has proven critiques wrong by delivering an all electric car capable of driving 240 miles on one single charge. It takes the battery about 3.5 hours to recharge from dead to full while plugged in your standard home 110 volt outlet. While one cannot use this car on a long trip across the country and in most cases across states, it certainly is a replacement for a daily driver. Most of us drive no more than 100 miles a day and if we factor in the cost of electricity to recharge its battery, it cost 1 cent a mile to drive.

The first Tesla (shown below in red) was a 2-seater delivered in 2008 and cost about $90,000.00. Of course not a car for everyone, but Tesla Motors priced it high to raise enough capital for their next model, the model S sedan (shown below in white) which sits seven people and priced at $50,000.00. Their next model will cost between $35,000.00 and $50,000.00 and be within the reach of many Americans.

Image - Tesla Motors

For those speed freaks out there, a category I proudly belong to, this car is also for us. The roadster does 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds, while the sedan clocks in at 5.6 seconds. Not surprising, considering electric motors are more powerful than gas engines, but enough to keep a corvette Z06 and a Mercedes E 350 in our rear view mirror.

Still in its infancy, Tesla is the envy of car companies all over the world who now feels threatened. Daimler recently acquired 9 percent of Tesla. While Tesla badly needs the cash, founders Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning’s biggest mistake would be to let too many car and oil companies buy enough stakes to gain control. This could mean its end as an electric car company.

While one needs to go to California for now to admire this technological marvel, rest assured it will not be long before we see them on our roads all across the country.

Since it would not be fair to talk about Tesla and not mention Fisker. Stop by again early next week for our post about Fisker.

If one considers the emission levels generated by a ferry running on diesel fuel and carrying passengers across our cities, having ferry boats that run on alternative source of energy or a combination of fossil fuel and nature free gift of sun and wind may not be a bad idea.

Enter SOLAR SAILOR.

An Australia based company, Solar Sailor harnesses the power of the sun and wind to develop hybrid maritime vessels. With its patentented technology and design, this company will soon become the de facto leader in efficient and reduced emissions boats. Already in operation in Australia, they plan to soon introduce a solar sailor ferry in the San Franciso bay. Their current line of vessels include ferries capable of carrying anywhere from 100 to 600 passengers, plus a line of luxury vessels for those boat afficionados with a penchant for a green planet. With a lower operational cost, these energy efficient boats are more profitable than their gas powered cousins and generate 50% less emissions.

Image 1 - Solar Sails

The wings on a solar sailor move automatically, tracking the sun for optimal solar collection and the wind for optimal sail power, and can fold down against the boat in extreme wind situations.

One of the main advantages of a solar sailor ship is that it will be welcome in both developed and developing countries.