Cars Even People in Boulder Would Love

by carman1970
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March 18, 2009

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Here are some cars that are SO green that the folks (read: mostly college students) in Boulder would nod their collective heads in approval. That’s not to say all Boulder types are “green,” I know one resident who restores muscle cars and drag races often – but there is a notable concentration of environmentally friendly vehicles that populate this remarkably attractive town. One of these places mentioned below (“Small Planet E-Vehicles”) is located in Longmont and I highly recommend a visit.

Honda Fit

It’s not a hybrid or even electric. What the Honda Fit represents is a smart way to own a very clean, economical, affordable, fun transport.

Even in Boulder.

The 117-hp, 1.5-Liter, 16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC power-plant is most effective in getting the Honda Fit moving with some alacrity. This is a genuinely fun car to drive and one of the most commodious cars I’ve ever driven for its size. The up-folding rear seat reveals plenty of room for a few mountain bikes (front wheels removed) or they fold forward opening up as much cargo space as many small SUVs.

There’s enough room for a creative writing professor to do yoga back there!

The Honda Fit Sport (manual) priced under $17,000 ($800 more for the auto). Select the highest trim and option and you’ll be looking at a $23,000 price.

This is one of the very best cars you can buy for the money – AND even if you drive as socially irresponsible as I do, you can manage up to 30 mpg (or much better if you drive “green”).

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ZAP! Xebra

Both the Xebra car and truck have a listed range of 25 miles (or 40 on an extended range battery). The optional solar panel can extend that range slightly and will recharge the batteries in the sunlight.

So, you can go 20 miles to a protest, stay there all day soaking up the rays and you should have regained enough power to drive 20 miles back home. Just remember, the Xebra’s speeds do not exceed 40 mph and they are not permitted on highways.

Six (12-volt) lead-acid batteries which make 72 volts, puts out about 6.7 horsepower through the breadbox sized motor at the rear wheels. Xebra vehicles are listed as 3-wheeled motorcycles in some states. ZAP! Xebras qualify for a 10% federal tax credit too.

The 5-door Xebra can hold 4 smallish people or you can fold down the rear seat and hold 2 people and some cargo. Speaking of cargo, the Xebra truck has a small pickup truck-style bed that tilts.

On smooth city/town streets, the Xebra ambles along with a whirling whine emanating from the motor, but it’s easy to get used to. Despite having one wheel up front, it handles well in slow maneuvers and surprisingly enough, doesn’t feel too tippy. You use a dial for the drive selection and there is a heater, radio and windshield wiper.

It is not a real car in terms of safety, build quality, comfort, amenities or performance. Still, as a clean runabout (priced at about $9,000 and up) Boulder folk can certainly wear their “green” badge for all to see.

Replace the lead acid batteries (which might last 500 charges if you keep up with their maintenance) with much better, cleaner, lighter lithium-ion batteries then watch as your range and performance greatly extend.

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Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford has surprised the entire industry by building a hybrid that outperforms the venerable Toyota Prius AND just about every other hybrid built by a major automaker.

How did they do it?

Ford took an excellent platform (the Ford Fusion) and opted to make a vehicle that drives and handles like a conventional car with little of the typical hybrid sacrifices (handling).

The Fusion Hybrid has a conventional 156 horsepower, 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine coupled with an AC electric motor and an continuously variable transmission allowing for 0 to 60 performance in about 8 ½ seconds.

Yes, mileage varies with the driver – but averaging in the high 30mpg range while being driven like a real car (read: poorly) is impressive. Much higher mpg figures have been recorded – and THAT’S half the fun.

You see, the extremely visual, interactive display in the dash allows you to play a video game of sorts. Finding that optimum balance between gas usage and battery usage nearly compels the driver to drive to the highest score. The point is to not engage the engine and move along as much as you can in EV mode.

It’s actually fun!

AND, thank goodness Ford kept the chassis faithful to the fun handling regular Fusion. In the corners, they feel similar and the Ford Fusion Hybrid lets you toss it around.

Astounding.

Just watch out for those Boulder cops… they don’t take too kindly to young bucks trying to save the planet.