Archive for the ‘Milan Hybrid’ Category

Most ordinary gasoline models look like guzzlers next to the hybrids—and a few compact diesel models—that dominate the upper echelon of this year's EPA fuel economy ratings. For instance, according to the EPA's Fuel Economy Guide information released last week, a 2010 Toyota Prius will cost less than half as much to keep fueled for a year's worth of driving than the seemingly fuel-efficient four-cylinder, all-wheel-drive 2010 Toyota RAV4. According to EPA estimates, the savings would rack up to $850; and that's with gas prices at a relatively low $2.58 a gallon.

At least you're not driving a 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago (8 mpg City) or a 2010...

The 2010 Toyota Prius is again the most fuel-efficient performer in the U.S. market, at 50 mpg Combined, while runners-up include the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid (42 mpg), Honda Insight (41), Ford Fusion Hybrid (39), and Mercury Milan Hybrid (39).

That's the official word from the 2010 EPA Fuel Economy Guide information, which was released this past week.

The published guide, which has been produced annually since 1975 and was admittedly much more important in the days before instantly available fuel-efficiency information from sites like TheCarConnection.com and the federal government's fueleconomy.gov, hosts ratings for every U.S. passenger...

Take one 2010 Mercury Milan hybrid, add 7,905 lithium iron-phosphate batteries and untold hours of MIT student labor, and what do you get? A kickin' EV with a 187kW motor that can hit 100mph in about nine seconds and coast for 200 miles before it needs a plug-in. Added bonus: those students have found a way to serve up a full charge in just 10 minutes. Of course, they're powering off a 350 kW source; charging from a standard 110 or 220 plug would be an overnight affair. Also bad: the battery array runs about $80,000. But hey, you gotta start somewhere. [Gas2.0]