The Green LiterGoing the extra mile with electric vehicles, hybrid cars, fuel efficient cars, biofuels and alternative energy sources

Porsche is determined to maintain the momentum, following directly behind the 918 RSR hybrid race car, by means of unveiling another full hybrid vehicle that will be presented at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

The new model will be launched on March 1, according to the German automaker company. As this paves the path to an innovative strategy in terms of “Intelligent Performance”, the introduction of a new full hybrid vehicle follows the success of the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid.

Those who are going to drop by the Porsche station during the Geneva show will surely be in awe with the Cayman R, 918 RSR, Boxster, and Black Edition 911.

The Geneva show will get the attention of car lovers from March 3 to 13.

[via Electric Vehicle News | image credit: Porsche]

Tequila-making plant Agave has been discovered by researchers as an excellent source of biofuels. Two species of the Agave plant are believed to be producing more yields of biofuels compared to those from biofuel feedstocks including wheat, sorghum, corn, and soybean.

According to University of Illinois scientists who have reported in the recent edition of the journal Global Change Biology Bioenergy, there were 14 studies that confirmed the high potential of the Agave plant as a source of biofuel.

The report said that the fuel can be grown on plantations of the Agave plants that are already abandoned. After they have been utilized to make tequila, the remains of the Agave plants can be harvested to have the fuel.

[via Inhabitat | image credit: Ultimate Journey]

The BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroën entered a joint venture as the two giant automobile companies have decided to buy car components together.

A deal to implement a project that will improve hybrid parts for the electrification of the vehicles belonging to the BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroën was signed Wednesday.

The BMW-Peugeot Citroen Electrification venture aims to produce, develop, research and purchase components for their vehicles together.

Vehicles of the two car makers from 2014 onwards will include hybrid components including generators, chargers, power electronics, and batter packs. The venture is expected to start in the second quarter of 2011 as subject to approval.

The two car makers have been working together on engines since 2006.

[BMW Blog]

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is tendering $3.9 million to four companies in California for them to be able to install more private and public charging stations. This is on a par with the aim of having new electric cars around the region.

The regional government agency that caters to nine counties plans to give out the funds for 30 public fast-charge system. As Chevrolet markets the plug-in hybrid Volt and heads to market an electric vehicle named Ford Focus, and as Nissan offers the all-electric Leaf, the plan of BAAQMD is very advantageous.

$700 rebates are planned to be offered to the first 2,750 consumers who step forward to aid the funding of personal residential charging equipment to new owners of EV’s.

[via Press Democrat]