Green Transportation
Expert information on fuel-efficient cars, hybrids, renewable fuels and greener ways to get around.
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11/13/2009 3:16:18 PM
The new guide from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides estimated annual fuel costs for model year 2010 vehicles.
11/12/2009 3:17:14 PM
The sales history of the Toyota Prius illustrates an exciting phenomenon: When a new idea or a piece of technology ignites the human imagination, it can spread very rapidly.
11/11/2009 3:58:08 PM
Are gas guzzlers becoming popular again? Dan Chiras gives his outlook.
10/29/2009 4:13:02 AM
San Francisco drivers brace for 2nd day of wearisome commutes as crews repair Bay Bridge
10/28/2009 2:22:43 PM
Electric cars aren’t a pipedream or decades-away option for green transportation. In fact, it’s possible to convert a car to reliable, affordable electric power for the same cost or less than buying a gas car. Electric cars are more reliable and environmentally friendly than gas cars, even when recharged with conventional fossil fuel electricity. Imagine having a car that never needs gas. Imagine taking “charge” of where your car’s power comes from, even using renewable energy to create a totally zero emissions vehicle. Sound promising? Then check out this excerpt of Build Your Own Electric Vehicle, an expert and comprehensive resource for converting a gas car to electric power.
10/28/2009 2:12:49 PM
A look at the 2010 VW Golf
9/15/2009 12:10:21 PM
The Union of Concerned Scientists says the new proposed gas mileage standards will save drivers $26 billion and reduce oil imports by nearly as much as we currently import from Saudi Arabia.
9/15/2009 10:43:00 AM
How often, if ever, do you check your the gas mileage of your car or truck? Did you know it's super simple to calculate mpg, and observing it over time can help you improve your gas mileage and save money?
9/15/2009 10:15:33 AM
If you want to increase your vehicle's mpg and save money, the first step is calculating mpg. Don't worry, the math is easier than you think.
9/3/2009 9:26:40 AM
The numbers are in on Cash for Clunkers, and the program brought about even greater gains in fuel economy than it set out to. Find out which vehicles were the top trade-ins, which vehicles were the top purchased with program rebates, and how the program affected car companies.
8/13/2009 11:05:28 AM
As figures roll in showing the federal Car Allowance Rebate System’s effect on July vehicle sales, the program also gets a hurried funding boost so Americans can continue cashing in their clunkers for cars that are more fuel-efficient.
8/6/2009 9:42:37 AM
Everyone should have a 100-mpg car, and know how to drive a manual transmission. MAX comes to the rescue on both ends.
8/4/2009 4:32:09 PM
Share your thoughts about using a bicycle to get around town and your tips for less experienced bikers.
7/1/2009 3:41:52 PM
It’s hard to get excited about your vacation when you’re worried about the carbon emissions produced en route. Learn about how to “get there greener” with this green travel guide from the Union of Concerned Scientists.
7/1/2009 11:39:04 AM
What kind of car would you get with the Car Allowance Rebate System, which gives consumers up to $4,500 to trade in old, inefficient vehicles?
6/25/2009 10:59:36 AM
The U.S. Department of Energy recently awarded $8 billion in loans to car companies as part of the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program. This is the first such award granted by the program, and the money will help automakers Ford, Nissan and Tesla produce more fuel-efficient cars.
6/11/2009 12:22:27 PM
Two seasoned gearheads weigh in on the benefits (or lack thereof) of converting a V8 engine to run only on four cylinders.
6/4/2009 2:11:14 PM
Wood gas, or wood gasification, is a decades-old renewable energy technology that converts chunks of firewood, wood chips or other cellulosic biomass to power vehicles.
5/27/2009 12:48:55 PM
General Motors vice chairman Bob Lutz recently discussed the price of the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt. What do you think?
5/20/2009 9:52:00 AM
In a groundbreaking revision, President Barack Obama has increased fuel economy standards for the automobile industry, requiring an average fuel economy of 35.5 miles per gallon for model year 2016.
4/27/2009 9:53:23 AM
President Obama unveiled a strategic plan last week for developing a high-speed rail network in the United States, which could potentially cut U.S. carbon dioxide emissions by 6 billion pounds per year.
4/22/2009 1:33:01 PM
You can save gas and money by keeping your tires correctly inflated. And now a group of high school students has launched a project to encourage drivers to regularly check their tires.
4/2/2009 10:05:37 AM
The 2010 Honda Insight has the lowest price among hybrid vehicles available in the United States and sports an exciting array of fuel economy features.
4/1/2009 3:21:28 PM
The Model S all-electric sedan will cost about $50,000 less than the automaker’s earlier car, the Tesla Roadster, thanks in part to a federal tax credit for battery-powered vehicles.
4/1/2009 10:11:50 AM
The U.S. Department of Transportation has set the combined fuel economy standard for the 2011 model year at 27.3 miles per gallon, an increase of two miles per gallon. The new standards take effect May 29, and are expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 8.3 million metric tons.
3/20/2009 10:38:13 AM
Two new government projects to develop electric vehicles will advance the United States’ economic recovery, energy security and environmental sustainability.
3/18/2009 1:14:35 PM
Should our tax dollars keep Chrysler and General Motors alive?
3/12/2009 11:23:08 AM
The EPA is evaluating the impact higher blends of ethanol in regular gasoline would have on engine performance and air emissions.
3/11/2009 9:46:59 AM
Buses, subways and other modes of mass transit saw an increase in ridership in 2008, as U.S. residents logged billions fewer miles on vehicles than they did in 2007.
3/6/2009 3:34:11 PM
The automaker has launched the sale of two hybrid mid-size sedans, and customers who buy one of the vehicles soon may qualify for a $3,400 tax credit.
3/6/2009 1:24:45 PM
Ford has started production of its new EcoBoost engine, and General Motors and Honda are readying plants for fuel-efficient engine production.
2/20/2009 10:32:09 AM
Honda's all-new, all-different Insight could be a game-changer for affordable green transportation. Greatly improved over the 2000 Insight, the 2010 model has a friendly price point and real-world mpg that's even better than Honda's early estimates. Find out more about why the 2010 Honda Insight is a great car to consider if you're ready for a new vehicle.
2/19/2009 2:42:15 PM
Both a stroller and a bike trailer that’s suitable for gravel roads and forest paths, the Wike Softie is a great way to take the smallest family members along on bicycle rides. Check out Steve Maxwell’s review of this bicycle trailer-stroller combo.
2/17/2009 2:00:47 PM
General Motors and Chrysler are preparing to submit restructuring plans to Congress in the hope of receiving billions of additional dollars in federal aid. Experts from the Union of Concerned Scientists say the two automakers should instead follow Ford’s lead and focus on improving the fuel efficiency of their vehicles.
2/11/2009 12:01:21 PM
Cities testing the Chevy Volt are getting help from General Motors to become “plug-in ready,” which includes installing public and workplace charging systems and adjusting city codes to permit vehicle charging.
2/9/2009 1:16:34 PM
The United States has the largest automobile fleet in the world — three cars for every four people — and is near the bottom of the pack in the use of fuel-efficient vehicles. A national network of high-speed rail trains would reduce the air pollution caused by the nation’s automobile fleet while also eliminating travel time and saving commuters money.
2/6/2009 10:31:35 AM
The American Petroleum Institute reports that demand for crude oil in the United States dropped by 1.2 million barrels per day in 2008. The nation’s production of petroleum also dropped in 2008, reaching its lowest level since 1946.
1/28/2009 11:50:34 AM
The president calls for higher fuel economy standards and pushes the EPA to revisit California's request to set stricter regulations on greenhouse gas emissions.
1/26/2009 12:31:39 PM
President Barack Obama signed an executive order to help reduce automobile gas emissions in the United States. This is the first of many steps that the Obama administration plans to make to improve global warming.
1/22/2009 12:07:51 PM
Large automakers can show off their high-efficiency vehicles in a new division of the Automotive X Prize, which was formerly only for teams working on developmental vehicles.
1/22/2009 10:30:54 AM
Though many automakers are focused on increasing mpg with electric vehicles, some companies are looking to advancements in gasoline and diesel engine technology to achieve better gas mileage.
1/22/2009 8:41:19 AM
Both Honda and Toyota revealed updated versions of their hybrid vehicles at the North American International Auto Show. The new generations of the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius are roomier, more powerful, and still maintain high fuel-efficiency ratings.
1/15/2009 3:20:02 PM
At the famous auto show in Detroit, large automakers and small startup companies alike showcased electric vehicles.
1/15/2009 10:44:12 AM
A new bill will give drivers money to buy newer, more fuel-efficient cars when they scrap their older, less fuel-efficient ones.
1/15/2009 10:13:25 AM
South Korea’s LG Chem will produce the batteries for General Motors Corp.’s upcoming plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Chevy Volt. GM will build the battery packs itself in the United States at a manufacturing plant that will be constructed in Michigan. GM's most recent unveiling, a concept plug-in called the Cadillac Converj, shows the automaker plans to extend its use of hybrid technology.
1/13/2009 12:34:30 PM
The U.S. Department of Energy is offering as much as $200 million for the development of biorefinieries, which can produce several biofuels and may also be able to produce bio-based chemicals, heat and power.
1/9/2009 4:18:21 PM
The Army gets greener by switching 4,000 gas engine vehicles to electic vehicles starting Monday.
1/9/2009 1:22:37 PM
Here's a 12-step process to green transportation bliss.
1/8/2009 10:08:16 AM
With the current economy in a ... shall we say, precarious ... state, everyone could stand to save a few bucks. For commuters, carpooling and car-share programs are a great solution. You can reduce your gas and auto maintenance bills, plus get to know some new buddies.
12/5/2008 9:35:59 AM
General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler presented business plans to Congress yesterday in their attempts to receive federal bailout money. Each plan includes the production of hybrid and electric vehicles.
11/24/2008 1:17:00 PM
As a fossil fuel, natural gas is susceptible to the same problems we see in oil, whereas electric cars powered by green energy can solve both economic and environmental problems.
11/21/2008 4:18:37 PM
Detroit automakers ask Congress for $25 billion, but that money could come with some energy efficiency strings.
11/17/2008 12:26:01 PM
The Department of Energy will offer loans to U.S. car manufacturers to expand and/or develop production of more fuel-efficient, lower carbon-emission vehicles.
11/7/2008 12:46:16 PM
Just over the horizon is a host of electric vehicles that tout improved range and speed, and state-of-the-art battery technology. While the price tags will be high and availability will be spotty at first, the future of vehicular transportation looks bright. Here’s a list of the models that are hoping to make an appearance in 2009 or shortly thereafter.
11/5/2008 12:47:51 PM
More bad news for large SUVs, even the hybrid versions thereof.
10/29/2008 3:18:32 PM
Whether you're eagerly anticipating the Chevy Volt, or have never heard of this electric car, now is the perfect time to get to know this potentially groundbreaking vehicle. Expected to hit the streets in 2010, the Volt could revolutionize our "green" car choices and lead to a new generation of American-made electric cars that are efficient and reliable. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, the Volt will be able to travel 40 miles without using any gas. That's more than enough for the average daily driving of most people. Recharge at work and you might be able to drive daily without using a drop of gas.
10/28/2008 3:57:51 PM
OPEC annouced it would cut oil production to stop oil prices from falling, which might be the best way to reduce American oil consumption.
10/22/2008 12:36:19 PM
There's huge potential for hybrid technology to improve the emissions and gas mileage of heavy trucks.
10/22/2008 12:19:29 PM
This annual guide will help you identify the most fuel-efficient vehicle for your needs. The best of the best for 2009 models include hybrids and clean diesels.
10/15/2008 4:20:40 PM
MAX debuts by taking the checkered flag of the 800+ mile, no gasoline consumed, Escape from Berkeley race.
10/15/2008 12:22:22 PM
The low gas prices are something to celebrate in the short-run, but the cause is something that deserves a second, less optimistic outlook.
10/13/2008 5:03:58 PM
Odyssey Day embarked from Washington D.C. a few weeks ago as a nationwide effort to encourage and promote the use of petroleum-free fuel. The day is sponsored by the Department of Energy's Clean Cities, which has helped reduce petroleum use by almost more than 2 billion gallons so far.
10/2/2008 2:19:20 PM
The increasingly popular Toyota Prius, a gasoline-electric hybrid, is capable of about 50 miles per gallon. But how about 100 mpg instead? And seven miles of all-electric driving? That's what's possible with more batteries and the ability to recharge them via a standard household outlet. The idea of plug-in hybrids has been around for years, but now they are finally within the near future. Significant hurdles remain, but nearly every automaker has plug-in hybrid technology under development. Toyota, which made hybrids a household term with the Prius, has been cautiously developing a plug-in version of the Prius. Several are now on the road for testing and further development. Read this article to understand how plug-in hybrids work, the challenges of their development, and hear a firsthand account of driving a prototype plug-in Prius.
9/19/2008 3:46:29 PM
Mopeds are springing up all over America, but are they really as environment-friendly as people make them out to be? Find out what I've learned and see if there's anything you want to add.
9/7/2008 9:38:48 AM
As gas prices continue to climb, the pairing of wind energy with plug-in hybrids may be the solution we've all been waiting for. Wind power plants are already showing up around the country in places like Texas, California and Minnesota. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory estimates that if all cars were plug-in hybrids, we could power more than 70 percent with this type of power. The most surprising thing? The wind energy equivalent to a gallon of gas costs just $1.
9/6/2008 7:05:44 PM
Use an energy saving electric scooter for commuting to work and running errands.
8/23/2008 1:51:09 PM
The cause and effects are pretty simple: gas prices go through the roof, Americans drive less; Americans drive less, American oil consumption goes down; Americans look for alternatives, public transportation use rises.
8/22/2008 12:02:30 AM
Two veteran VW models return, but with new clean diesel technology.
8/21/2008 3:51:16 PM
Zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Equivalent of 256 mpg. 220 mile range. Costs less than 2 cents per mile to drive. I'm in love. And you will be, too, after watching this video.
8/12/2008 10:45:31 AM
Honda cars are famously reliable, and now there's an online community for owners of 100,000+ mileage cars to share their stories.
7/24/2008 5:13:24 PM
I've never been more excited for 2010.
7/24/2008 5:01:56 PM
Today Ford announced a long overdue shift in its business emphasis: away from trucks and SUVs and toward small cars. Before setting this new direction, there has been plenty of struggle between old think and new think.
7/17/2008 4:14:56 PM
Toyota announces its second hybrid to be manufactured in the United States. A Mississippi plant will begin producing the Prius in 2010.
7/16/2008 1:15:30 PM
My low-fuel light came on. Gulp. Will it be a $50 filling?
7/9/2008 5:02:40 PM
Whether you ride to work, to run errands or simply to exercise, a bike can be a superbly useful and fun tool. Before you buy a new bike, though, do your homework to find the right type for your needs. There are several options for a variety of different uses. The variety of bike types, components and accessories allow you to customize your gas-free ride to your lifestyle. This article will get you on the right track.
7/9/2008 1:07:04 PM
72 mpg for under $6,000! How cool is that? Really, we want to know.
7/9/2008 12:42:06 PM
Read about how UPS expects to save 176,000 gallons of fuel per year, thereby reducing their CO2 emissions by 1,786 metric tons annually.
7/8/2008 4:26:52 PM
Random statistics on the painful price of gas for early July 2008.
7/8/2008 3:35:18 PM
One of the top automotive journalists around agrees that the future is bright for plug-in hybrids, even more so than fuel-cell vehicles.
7/7/2008 12:46:25 PM
You can run a truck on wood chips! No joke. Mother Earth News reported on this idea more than 25 years ago and the idea lives on. Using recycled water heaters, you can burn wood chips to power a truck, with little or no engine modifications required.
7/1/2008 12:17:03 PM
Share the pain of rising gas prices together and join the discussion about what will finally motivate us to dramatically change our driving habits.
6/25/2008 12:30:12 PM
What's the plural of Prius? Whatever it is, there are lots of them out there.
6/24/2008 1:51:27 PM
Here's a rundown of the many reasons behind the recent rise in the price of gas.
6/24/2008 11:29:30 AM
Oil companies are hungry for more land to drill. But meanwhile they aren't drilling in numerous approved areas.
6/12/2008 12:12:02 AM
Out with the biggest SUVs, in with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
6/10/2008 10:00:01 AM
Among the latest cars with better-than-average gas mileage, you may be surprised to learn there are 30 that are capable of 30 mpg or better. Three cars in particular represent a growing emphasis on reliable small cars with better gas mileage: the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. In this article, you'll find detailed reviews for those three, plus snapshots of 27 other 30-mpg cars. The reviews of each car include price, green scores and driving-quality ratings. Record high gas prices may be here to stay, but the good news is so are more fuel-efficient cars.
5/8/2008 12:26:50 AM
Get ready for better gas mileage!
4/27/2008 12:03:58 AM
The race for 100 mpg gets a very sweet reward.
4/4/2008 5:33:01 PM
A crazy idea to make a car battery last forever is quite crazy indeed.
4/2/2008 12:20:35 PM
Current ethanol comes from corn. Although many companies have tried to promote it as the solution to America's dependence on foreign oil, the current product does not live up to this promise ... yet. Corn ethanol has downsides such as reduced fuel economy, water pollution and can even contribute to higher food prices. Attention has switched to cellulosic ethanol made from non-food resources such as switchgrass, but the process has not been perfected.
2/25/2008 1:37:28 PM
Biofuels, particularly ethanol, have had plenty of recent hype as a possible homegrown replacement for gasoline. However, production of corn-based ethanol in the United States is driving up grain prices and possibly harming the environment.
2/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
As the eco-friendly alternative to AAA, the Better World Club provides 24/7 roadside assistance in all 50 states. In addition to services similar to AAA, such as assisting drivers with jumpstarts and tire repairs, BWC has a roadside assistance plan for bicycles, and a 15 percent discount on new memberships for owners of hybrid and biodiesel vehicles. Plus, 1 percent of their revenue is donated to environmental cleanup and advocacy.
1/30/2008 3:11:59 PM
An automotive whiz explains why it's not a great idea to let your car warm up by idling.
1/24/2008 2:44:26 PM
Greener ways to get around, from hybrid cars to electric bikes to public transportation.
12/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
The X Prize Foundation wants to break our addiction to oil and slow the effects of climate change. They’re offering a multimillion dollar prize to the first team to create a low-emission, 100 mpg car that’s safe, affordable and ready for mass production. The contest is gaining speed internationally, with more than 30 teams from numerous countries. Mother Earth News is an official sponsor of reader Jack McCornack’s roadster entry; watch it evolve and learn how to make your own!
12/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
With a few modifications, you could burn vegetable oil to power your diesel car or truck. People across the country are using conversion kits to retrofit their vehicles. Others are taking a do-it-yourself approach. Some burn free waste vegetable oil from local restaurants; others burn clean straight vegetable oil. But there’s a catch: Technically, it may not be legal.
10/30/2007 12:00:00 AM
Bicycles make great 'green' transportation. Riding a bike produces no pollution, consumes no fossil fuel, and even helps you stay in shape. As an added bonus, bikes get some of the best parking places on the planet. (That's because you can park your bike almost anywhere. Yes, it's a dream come true!)
8/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Gas mileage calculations have recently changed to more accurately reflect real-world mpg. Here’s what you need to know about the new math and how to improve your mpg, save money and reduce air pollution.
8/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Those familiar yellow school buses may be the safest way to get our children to school, but they also subject children to harmful pollution. Thankfully, there are many emerging means for communities to clean up what carries our most precious cargo.
8/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
General Motors’ plug-in electric car, the Volt, is now more than just a concept.
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