This pilot program, which puts six LEAF taxis into service beginning this spring, will help Nissan, the city, the taxi industry and the public understand how zero emission vehicles can be integrated into future taxi fleets.

Both Nissan and the mayor took the opportunity of Earth Day to announce the program, April 22.

“As part of our commitment to zero emission vehicles for the mass-market, Nissan is looking for ways to broaden the use of electric cars, including commercial applications like taxis,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles. “Following the selection of Nissan NV200 as New York City’s Taxi of Tomorrow, our relationship with the city provides us the ultimate proving ground to conduct this LEAF taxi pilot to help optimize the use of electric vehicle technology for future applications.”

Nissan and partners in New York City will also install, as part of the pilot program, several CHAdeMO-based DC quick chargers, which will enable drivers to re-charge their electric taxis quickly during their shift.

With quick charging, the Nissan Leaf can be recharged to about 80 percent in under 30 minutes.

“Even though the Taxi of Tomorrow won’t be on the road for another six months, we’re already looking ahead to the taxi of the day after tomorrow,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “Nissan’s proven track record with electric vehicles will put us ahead of the curve in helping us answer important questions about incorporating electric taxis into the fleet so that we can achieve the goal of a one-third electric taxi fleet by 2020.”

The post Leaf EV As NY Taxi In Pilot Program appeared first on HybridCars.com.

The world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid will make its American display debut and Volvo hopes it will take center stage at the New York International Auto Show.

The plug-in hybrid is one of three remaining candidates for the prestigious 2013 World Green Car of the Year award.

The winning environmental car, which is selected by 66 top motoring journalists from 23 countries around the world, will be announced at the New York International Auto Show on March 28, 2013.

The Volvo Car Group press conference in the Jacob Javits Center at 10:30 AM on March 28 will also include the world premiere of Volvo’s latest R-Design models as well as the announcement of a new and exciting addition to the North American Volvo model line-up.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid. It includes two complete drive trains and a battery. The driver can select the preferred driving mode via three buttons that give the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

“The ingenious on-demand possibility makes the V60 Plug-in Hybrid superior to all other hybrids on the market. Thanks to the Pure, Hybrid and Power modes, the car is the perfect choice for the uncompromising customer who wants to minimise his or her carbon dioxide emissions but maximise driving pleasure,” said Doug Speck, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Car Group.

Per Volvo, pushing the Pure button gives the driver up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) on pure electric power.

In Hybrid mode, the carbon dioxide emissions are 48 g/ kilometers. This corresponds to fuel consumption of just 1.8 l/100 kilometers (NEDC certification driving cycle for hybrids), translating into 130 mpg.

The Power mode releases the combined capacity of the diesel engine and electric motor, creating a veritable driving machine with a total power output of 215+70 horsepower. The electric motor’s lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car’s acceleration from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds.

The post Volvo V60 diesel Plug-in Hybrid Heading To NY appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Toyota announced March 13 that the next generation of its Highlander mid-size SUV will make its world debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show.

Toyota said it will stage the world debut of this third generation Highlander during a press conference to be held on Wednesday, March 27.

No words yet on when this new model will be available and if the hybrid version will still be part of the lineup, but we do know this new generation will start with the 2014 model year.

The current 2013 Highlander Hybrid (pictured) uses a Hybrid Synergy Drive system that pairs a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor for total system output of 280 net horsepower.

The 4WD Highlander Hybrid generates rear-wheel power with a separate electric motor that provides additional drive torque on demand.

This allows the Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i system to do without power-transfer gearing or a driveshaft between the front and the back. The system electronically varies front and rear torque distribution depending on traction conditions.

The post Next Generation Highlander To Be Unveiled End Of Month appeared first on HybridCars.com.