All BMWs are without doubt surprise packages and to prove it time and again the company divulged its full-hybrid BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car. Powered by a three-cylinder turbodiesel and two electric motors this small car for the premium class shows no compromise towards design or technology making it just perfect for the future.

Capable of a 262 kW/356 hp output with a maximum torque of 800 Newton-metres/590 lb-ft, the hybrid features an all-wheel drive with an electric motor each in its front and rear. The car can be accelerated from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds to run at a maximum speed of 250 km/h giving out CO2 emissions of just 50 grams per kilometer. Storing its energy in 98 lithium polymer cells, the car can travel approximately 50 km on electric energy alone.

The modish body design of this 2+2-seater compliments its dynamic performance and supreme efficiency with gullwing doors opening up to the side and techno-interiors. Not only are the engines and fuels green, but even the roof and door inserts made of polycarbonate glass involuntarily grow dark in response to incoming light. All-in-all, I would call it an extraordinary futuristic green concept.

Via Jalopnik/ Fubiz

The Dwell Development LLC has achieved the highest level within the Built Green Program- the 5-Star certification for its four modern, single-family eco-homes at the southeast Seattle neighborhood of Beacon Hill. Each measuring about 1,600+ square-feet, the four houses occupy the 1756, 1758, 1760, and 1762 of the 18th Avenue South. So, there must be a reason why these homes deserved the laurels! Here’s why…

The homes feature an array of eco-elements which include green roof planters; efficient envelope construction with EcoBatt insulation and on-demand hot water heater; natural, updraft cooling rather than AC; high-efficiency hydronic heating system; Energy Star appliances and heating equipment; urea formaldehyde-free insulation, cabinets, and trim, low-VOC/low-toxic paints for all interior surfaces. Not just these, a couple of these are garage less constructions that have 800 watt solar arrays on the roofs. The homes are also capable of 100 gallon water storage each. In addition, 90-95% of the construction waste had been diverted by Dwell Development during the building of the program.

All the four homes have been tested to be 32 percent more efficient than the system. In my opinion, a modern construction cannot be much greener and the constructions ought to have the certification they got.

Via JetsOnGreen

The thirst for alternate fuels seems unquenchable. Here is another hybrid electric scooter that is all set to gratify the craving for efficient, low emission vehicles. This new electric two-wheeler runs on the good old Stirling engine, which operates on the principle of external combustion and guess what! Almost anything that burns will fuel it.

Dean Kamen, an inventor with Segway is developing this eco-bike with a tiny two-piston Stirling engine hidden beneath its seat and rechargeable battery packs at its floor. While the engine’s size is going to be a hitch limiting its power to a mere 5bhp, it stands apart from the other alternatives by not letting gas in or out of it.

The engine’s expected low efficiency and questionable performance is surely not letting it down. Leading companies like Honda has patented concepts using the Stirling engines and are exploring its use in autonomous robots for the US military. Multimillionaire Kamen has already invested a hefty amount of $50 million into its development. So, let us just look forward to the technology that is safe and green to take to the roads soon.

Via Gas2 / FreePatentsOnline