The worlds first production hybrid motorcycle (scooter) was released in India by Eko Vehicles.   Called the ET-120 it can do about 280 miles per gallon with a top speed of 40mph. The retail price is set at only $855 with a massive 5 year warranty. Eko Vehicles developed the ET-120 in conjunction with US based Emerging Technologies inc. The idea is to have have a dual 70cc gasoline engine and a battery system resulting in a tripling of fuel economy. Environmentally there are benefits as well with an estimated three times decrease in emissions. SOURCE: Wired autopia Link to this…

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BYD used to manufacture just batteries but now have produced China’s first mass-market hybrid electric car (F3DM). Costing about 149,800 yuan (around $22000 US). The battery takes 9 hours to fully charge from a regular electric outlet. BYD have also designed a charging station for the vehicle that results in much faster charging times. The dual mode car will run up to 100 km on the electric engine after which the backup petrol engine is used. US investor Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has a 9.9 % stake in China’s BYD. We predict this will be a company to watch in…

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