New Registration Charges for Motor Vehicles – Budget 2012

The presently applicable relevant withholding tax will be amalgamated with vehicle registration charges and he applicable new vehicle registration charges will be as follow. (Effective from 24 November 2011)

Luxury, Semi Luxury and Dual Purpose Motor Vehicle Taxes

Luxury, Semi Luxury and Dual Purpose Motor Vehicle Taxes Sri Lanka 2012

Revenue Licensing Annual Fee for Motor Vehicle

The prevailing license fee has been increased by Rs. 150 for Motor bicycles
and Three Wheelers and by Rs. 500 for other vehicles (except Lorries
Tractors, Busses and Trailers).

There will be a 50% tax cut for vehicles in the tourism industry and a 50% tax reduction on tyres for bus.

Download Budget Highlights 2012 (PDF)

2012 Honda Insight Road Test

The 2012 Honda Insight sees no major changes. This gas/electric hybrid car is a 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback that mates a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 98 horsepower total. Honda’s hybrid system allows the gas engine to shut off at a stop and restart again when the driver releases their foot from the brake pedal. No plug-in charging is required. The sole transmission is a continuously variable (CVT) unit that behaves like an automatic. Trim levels carry over from 2011 and include Base, LX, and EX. Safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Cruise control, an upgraded audio system, and a USB port are standard on all but the Base. A navigation system with rearview camera is available on the EX, and versions so equipped are priced as separate models. A wireless cell-phone link is newly standard on EX models without navigation.

Learn more about your Toyota Prius

What are the key advantages of the Prius Plug-in?

The Plug-in features an extended EV mode that can let you drive up to 15 miles on a single charge, up to 62 mph, as well as a quick three-hour charge time from a standard 120V AC household outlet [1]. If you run out of electric charge, the vehicle seamlessly shifts into hybrid mode, still giving you great mpg.

How does the Prius Plug-in work?

To charge the Prius Plug-in, you simply plug it into any standard household outlet with a dedicated 15-amp circuit. This produces a full charge in just three hours. If you have installed a dedicated 220V Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) outlet, charging the vehicle only takes 1.5 hours. If you run out of electric charge while driving, don’t worry – the vehicle automatically transitions to hybrid mode and runs on the gas engine until you have a chance to recharge.

Read more about 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

25% Gift Voucher – Arabian Motors

This offer is valid exclusively to all Hybrid vehical owners in Sri Lanka. The offer is valid till 26th November 2011.  Please produce this coupon at the Arabian Motors Hybrid Center to redeem your 25% discount on labour. *Conditions apply.

# Inspection service for any Hybrid vehicle
# Diagnostic scanning
# Accident and mechanical repairs
# Electronic system maintenance and re-calibration

For reservations please call 072-7912444

Hybrid Center
No. 106, Arnold Ratnayake Mawatha,
Colombo 10.

How does the Honda Insight Hybrid Engine Work

There are two important facets to an efficient hybrid:

1) An efficient machine, and

2) an efficient driver. Working in unison, they can dramatically enhance fuel economy.

Eco Assist™[1] is composed of two basic functions:

* A sophisticated feedback system that teaches you to drive more efficiently[2]
* An ECON button[1] that helps aid in optimizing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency if used in conjunction with responsibly efficient driving practices[2]

These components can work individually or in tandem to help boost your overall fuel economy. As the EPA tests have shown, the Insight is capable of excellent fuel economy without any special techniques. Utilizing the tools of Eco Assist™[1] can help you make the Insight more efficient. For a demonstration of how Eco Assist™[1] works, watch the video.

This video provides a full explanation of the technology behind the Honda Insight Eco Assist™ system and explains how the system can coach you to drive more efficiently.

 Build your HONDA Insight Online – Official Honda Web Site

Most Wanted Hybrid Car Services Links

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hybrid Car Emergency Procedure

Hybrid Car Accident in Sri Lanka.

Extrication

1) Turn off ignition switch and remove key (if so equipped). This turns off the engine and the motor, which prevents electric current from flowing into the cables from the motor or high-voltage battery, and, turns off power to the airbags and the seatbelt pre-tensioner.

2) After turning off the ignition switch, it is recommended that emergency responders remove the key (if so equipped) so the car cannot be inadvertently restarted. To let everyone at the crash scene know the key is removed, give the key to the I/C, who will make a general announcement regarding the key. At this point, the high-voltage system has been isolated. This improves responder safety in and around the vehicle.

3) The next step is to shut down the 12V electrical system on the hybrid just as we typically do on any conventional vehicle involve din an MVA.

4) Locate the 12V battery. It may or may not be under the hood. In the Toyota Prius it is located inside the driver’s rear wheel well within the trunk. Either disconnect or double cut first the negative and then the positive cable. This disables the high-voltage battery controller, which prevents electric current from flowing into the orange cables and the high-voltage battery.

5) With the ignition key turned off and removed and the 12V battery disabled, the hybrid vehicle is safe to work on for vehicle rescue. High-voltage electricity still exists, but it is isolated to the battery pack, generally in the trunk of cars or under the rear passenger seat in pick-ups.

6) An alternative to disabling the 12V battery is to remove the HEV fuse, generally located in the engine compartment junction box. When in doubt pull all fuses in this box.

7) Stabilize the vehicle. Crib at four points directly under the front and rear pillars. Do not place cribbing under high-voltage power cables, exhaust system or fuel system.

8) At this point conventional rescue techniques may be used, including cutting of door hinges, modified dash roll, steering wheel displacement, etc. However caution must be used at all times to avoid cutting any high or intermediate-voltage lines.

9) Should a hybrid be involved in a rollover, end up on its roof, this may prevent access to the engine compartment and disabling of the 12V battery may not be possible. This poses a serious threat. If access to the 12V battery is not hindered, extrication can be handled as in any conventional vehicle rollover.

10) The removal of the roof of hybrids such as the Toyota Prius may be easily accomplished by opening the hatch to gain access for cutting of the pillars. The hatch will need to be opened manually with pry tools because 12V power is needed to open the hatch.

11) Hybrid identification tags are located in the rear and/or sides of the vehicle. Severe impacts in these areas could destroy or hide the identification tags. You must be sure to look for other hybrid identifications, make sure you are aware of the models on the road, and when in doubt assume the vehicle is a hybrid until proven otherwise.

FIRE

1) A fire involving a hybrid vehicle can be handled by following normal vehicle firefighting procedures. In a typical vehicle fire incident, the engine compartment, interior of vehicle or trunk area are burning. By following generally accepted fire suppression guidelines, crews attack the fire with an adequate water flow rate, working from a safe position of approach.

2) SCBA is worn throughout the incident.

3) The initial fire attack should be a fast and aggressive attack.

4) Fire crews may not be able to identify a hybrid until the fire has been knocked down and overhaul operations have commenced.

5) The wheels should be chocked as soon as safely possible.

6) During overhaul, the same steps defined in the extrication module should be used to disable the high-voltage system. (shut down power, disable 12V system)

7) Fire suppression crews will not be shocked or electrocuted during attack on a hybrid vehicle fire, even if flames are impinging on the battery pack itself.

8) There are potential, unique problems involving fire situations with hybrid vehicles. Any fire where there is direct flame impingement on the high-voltage battery pack would be an example. A fire that has originated within the battery pack itself or an electrical fire that begins somewhere within the high-voltage electrical system would also require special precautions.

9) Radiant heat could cause the modules inside the high-voltage battery to melt just as any plastic material would exposed to high temperatures. If heated sufficiently, it is possible the plastic casings could melt down, exposing the inner components of the high-voltage battery.

10) Copious amounts of water should be used quickly to eliminate radiant heat to the battery box and begin cooling the plastic battery cell modules in the high-voltage battery pack itself.

11) Should a fire in the Ni-MH HV battery pack occur, the I/C will have to decide whether to pursue an offensive or defensive.

12) If a melted nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery is encountered, the I/C may want the nearest dealer of the vehicle notified to send a designated battery recovery specialist to the scene to deal with the damaged battery.

13) In the Ni-MH Product Safety Data Sheet, responders are advised that virtually all fires involving Ni-MH batteries can be controlled with water. The information sheet also recommends “In case of fire where nickel metal batteries are present, apply a smothering agent such as METL-X, sand, dry ground dolomite, soda ash, or flood the area with water. A smothering agent will extinguish burning nickel metal hydride batteries.”

14) Class D extinguishers are the recommended extinguisher to use with Ni-MH batteries. But…….

15) Not all Class D extinguishers are equal. Some contain particles of metal such as copper. Copper, for example, is one metal that may actually cause an adverse reaction with the high-voltage battery and generate hydrogen gas. In a small space, such as a trunk, this could cause an explosion.

16) Large amounts of water will not be able to directly attack a fire burning inside the battery pack unit itself. The metal cover of the pack prevents a direct attack on the internal cells of the battery. The water application, however, will cool the adjacent battery cells. Burning Ni-MH batteries will burn themselves out. Applying sufficient amounts of water will cool the metal housing of the battery pack and control the fire until the battery modules that are actually on fire burn themselves out. DO NOT EVER REMOVE THE COVER OF THE HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY PACK!

17) When water is used to extinguish Ni-MH battery fires, some hydrogen gas may evolve. In this situation ventilation will be needed to prevent a build up of the gas. Leaving the trunk, hatchback or battery compartment cover open is advised to ensure ventilation of the gas. If there is a concern that hydrogen gas is present, and ventilation is not possible, fire smothering agents are recommended.

18) A battery fire WILL produce toxic fumes, including oxides of nickel cobalt, aluminum, manganese, lanthanum, cerium, neodymium and praseodymium. Because of this, SCBA must be worn throughout the fire attack and during overhaul.

19) In addition, keep the “hot zone” clear of unnecessary personnel. Keep all “hot zone” personnel fully protected with structural clothing that addresses Level 3 hazmat personal protective clothing criteria and SCBA.

STEPS TO SECRURING HYBRID VEHICLE

1. Chock wheels

2. Remove/Find Key

3. Give key to I/C

4. I/C makes general announcement regarding key

5. Locate power button/Shut off power

6. Engage emergency brake

7. Cut negative 12V cable

8. Cut positive 12V cable

9. Do not touch or cut any orange or blue loom!

10. Wait 5 minutes before making any cuts for extrication!