The Shanghai Auto show concluded with a lot of fanfare last month after unfolding 45 brilliant green vehicles of hybrid, electric and fuel cell types. The green vehicles showcased there can add a smile to a lot of environment conscious souls. Here we’ve listed some of the most prominent ones that were real treats for green car lovers.
1 Audi unveils A3 e-Tron at the Auto Shanghai
Based on the earlier four-seater A3 Sportback, the A3 e-Tron concept of Audi is a plug-in hybrid vehicle. It is boosted by two power units; a 211 hp turbo charged engine combined with a 20 kW (27 hp) electric motor with a top speed of 144 miles per hour. The electric motor runs on a 12 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack is located behind the rear seats, supporting a range of up to 54 km. It features a 7-speed S-Tronic transmission which acts like an automatic direct shift gearbox. It can be operated in both manual and automatic mode. Similar to F1 formula cars, it has steering wheel paddles, which help in changing gears. In addition, it has a regulated oil pump, an intelligent thermal management system, a start-stop system and an energy recovery system. All these systems combine to make the Audi A3 e-Tron a competitive entrant in the hybrid arena.
2 BMW & Brilliance create green prototype of the 5 series
Exclusively aimed for the Chinese market, this BMW plug in hybrid car is a product of the coming together of BMW with Chinese auto manufacturer Brilliance. The mid-sized hybrid sedan has a 160 kW combustion engine, featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electrical motor with a maximum output of 70 kW. It can, however, travel emission-free for up to 75 km at a constant speed of 60 kmph. Based on the premium segment 5-series BMW, the car draws its energy from a high-voltage battery housed in the luggage compartment, which can be charged via the mains power supply.
To kick-off its market launch in 2013 better, BMW is also involved in initiating a number of projects for awareness of such electrically powered vehicles in China to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
3 Volkswagen wheels out E-Scooter in Shanghai
Volkswagen has stunned auto-lovers at Shanghai by launching a battery-powered two-wheeler called the E-Scooter. Weighing about 44lbs, the scooter is powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery of 350-watt electric motor and flaunts a range of 25 miles with a top speed of 30 mph. VW officials opined that the low-powered battery is directed to keep the weight and price in check to allure more Chinese consumers to the e-scooter.
4 Peugeot SXC crossover hybrid concept coming to Shanghai
The Peugeot SXC (Shanghai Cross Concept) was revealed in the April auto-show. The sedan with SUV styling was designed in Shanghai at Peugeot Style Studios of the China Tech Center. Powered by Peugeot’s HYbrid4 technology and mated to 218 hp 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels to a 95-hp electric motor providing four-wheel drive capability. With a combined output at 230 kW (313 hp), it averages just 5.8 liters per 100 km and emits 143 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The SXC features a two-piece panoramic glass roof, LED taillights and headlamps, cameras in the rear-view mirrors, brushed aluminum trim all give it a hi-tech feel with a eco friendly purpose.
5. Roewe 550 plug-in hybrid car
The local auto manufacturing stalwart, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), had introduced Roewe 550 plug-in hybrid car that can reportedly conserve about 50 percent fuel when compared to its usual counterparts. The car witnessed application of a new self-developed hybrid system (including battery power system, power electronics box, electric drive transmission) and is powered by 1.5 VCT engine with lithium iron phosphate batteries. The car is also equipped with vehicle power steering system, electric air conditioning systems and heat management system to make a powerful concept in the market.
