Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Happy Thanksgiving! Autoblog is grateful for...]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/happy-thanksgiving-autoblog-is-grateful-for/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/happy-thanksgiving-autoblog-is-grateful-for/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/happy-thanksgiving-autoblog-is-grateful-for/#commentsFiled under:

Click above to find out what the Autoblog team is thankful for


[Photo: Road Fun | CC 2.0]

Happy Thanksgiving! Autoblog is grateful for... originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turns out, getting off of gasoline might save more than parts of the environment. According to a study published in BMC Physiology, rats exposed to unleaded gasoline fumes for 30 minutes a day for six weeks "exhibited an increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in AChE and superoxide dismutase activities." What does that mean? The rats got mad and had "a higher tendency towards aggressive behaviour as a consequence to gasoline inhalation." Basically, gasoline vapors can piss us off.

The study was conducted by Amal Kinawy of Cairo University, who says that the results might be applicable to humans help cause road rage. It'll take a long time to eliminate all gas-powered vehicles from the road, but doesn't the fight between hydrogen and pure electric seem slightly less important considering the benefits of reducing gasoline usage in general?

[Source: BMC Physiology via Wired]
Photo by david drexler. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Something to be thankful for: getting off of gas might reduce road rage originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amal kinawyAmalKinawygas fumesGasFumesratsroar rageRoarRageWed, 25 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Downsizing: businesses in Europe shifting to smaller rental cars]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/downsizing-businesses-in-europe-shifting-to-smaller-rental-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/downsizing-businesses-in-europe-shifting-to-smaller-rental-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/downsizing-businesses-in-europe-shifting-to-smaller-rental-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,


Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Most likely due to the current economic downturn, most business rentals are getting smaller. According to a new report by rent-a-car company Europcar of the latest rentals in 18 European countries, price is now a determining factor for businesses. Therefore, companies that used to rent relatively large sedans now stick to the "4-meter" category, including the Audi A3, Renault Mégane, and Volkswagen Golf. The reasons? A lower rental price, sure, but also better fuel economy. These cars are offered with small diesel engines that burn less fuel than larger cars. Downsizing this way becomes more important in France and Portugal, where the most rented cars for companies are even smaller cars, such as the Volkswagen Polo or the Fiat Grande Punto.

[Source: Europcar via Diariomotor]

Downsizing: businesses in Europe shifting to smaller rental cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europcareuropean rentalEuropeanRentalrent a carrent smaller carRentACarRentSmallerCarsmaller rentalsSmallerRentalsWed, 25 Nov 2009 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Utrecht to start parking meter revolution with cell phones, GPS and green credentials]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/utrech-to-start-the-parking-meter-revolution/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/utrech-to-start-the-parking-meter-revolution/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/utrech-to-start-the-parking-meter-revolution/#commentsFiled under: , ,



While paying for your parking meter using a cell phone is not a new thing, the Dutch city of Utrecht has announced a program that goes a step beyond. From April 1st 2010, citizens parking their cars in this city will need only a cell phone and their registration number connected to a nation-wide database. What's the database for? To download information into your GPS system to find the closest empty parking space to your destination, saving time and fuel, for one thing. For another, Utrecht has announced that the system could potentially be linked to the type of car, using your registration plate to determine how green your car is, and charge for your parking space accordingly. Of course, this system is not everybody's piece of cake as it will give the government information about the exact location of your car. On a similar note is the proposed electronic pay-as-you drive road tax that is also coming to the Netherlands.

[Source: Autonews.nl]

Utrecht to start parking meter revolution with cell phones, GPS and green credentials originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell phone meterCellPhoneMeterelectronic parking meterElectronicParkingMetergps-based parkingGps-basedParkinggreen parkingGreenParkinghollandnetherlandsparking meterParkingMeterutrechtWed, 25 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Long-Term Thinking: "Cost to Own" mindset grabs hold]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/long-term-thinking-cost-to-own-mindset-grabs-hold-and-green/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/long-term-thinking-cost-to-own-mindset-grabs-hold-and-green/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/long-term-thinking-cost-to-own-mindset-grabs-hold-and-green/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

So many things are changing in the new automotive reality, it's hard to know where to start. Everything from the kind of hose we connect to our cars (liquid filled? electric?) to the sounds the vehicles make is different now than it used to be. What else needs to change? How about how we think about how much it costs to own and operate a car.

Naturally, it's always been possible to estimate this cost, but NADAguides.com has just released a "Cost To Own" calculator for new cars, so you can factor in fuel prices in your region into the cost of the car. It's entirely useful. For example, to own a 2010 Prius in Michigan for five years will cost an estimated $33,232. On top of the cost of the car, NADA tells us that the car will depreciation will make up 39 percent of the ownership costs, while fuel equals just 12 percent. A pie chart of the cost breakdown is pictured at right.

On a similar thread, Edmunds is recommending a shift away from MPG and towards a cost-of-energy window sticker on a new car. With all of those electric plugs being added to cars, MPG is becoming less and less valuable to understand how much it costs to get around. Two quick examples: per month, Edmunds estimates it'll cost $53.55 to drive the forthcoming Chevrolet Volt, but $66.78 to operate a Prius. Check out their chart here, and remember that according to a recent study, more efficient vehicles can (and often do) cost less.

[Source: NADAguides.com, Edmunds]

Continue reading Long-Term Thinking: "Cost to Own" mindset grabs hold

Long-Term Thinking: "Cost to Own" mindset grabs hold originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cost of ownershipcost to ownCostOfOwnershipCostToOwnedmundshybridsnadaownershipownership costsOwnershipCostsSat, 21 Nov 2009 08:41:00 EST<![CDATA[RC Tesla Roadster arrives just in time for Christmas]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/rc-tesla-roadster-arrives-just-in-time-for-christmas/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/rc-tesla-roadster-arrives-just-in-time-for-christmas/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/rc-tesla-roadster-arrives-just-in-time-for-christmas/#commentsFiled under: , ,


How much would you pay for a battery-powered Tesla Roadster, one that you can steer from the comfort of your La-Z-Boy? For about three Andrew Jacksons, Trendtimes will ship you a 15-inch RC version of the electric hotness that drives "forwards, backwards, left, and right." The toy comes with battery pack, charger and wireless remotes. Excellent. Tesla spokesperson Rachel Konrad told AutoblogGreen that this is an officially licensed item, in that, "They asked for permission and we thought it was a great idea. It's going to be a hot holiday item for kids of all ages!"

If RC isn't your thing but you want a Tesla car for holiday gifts, try to track down the Tesla Hot Wheels or the ride-along kids version. At least this RC model has the same design as the original, unlike these.

[Source: Trendtimes via Chelsea Sexton]

RC Tesla Roadster arrives just in time for Christmas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rc roadsterrc teslaRcRoadsterRcTeslatesla RCtesla roadstertesla roadster rcTeslaRcTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterRcFri, 20 Nov 2009 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Six UK teens rushed to hospital after drinking ethanol]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/six-uk-teens-rushed-to-hospital-after-drinking-ethanol/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/six-uk-teens-rushed-to-hospital-after-drinking-ethanol/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/six-uk-teens-rushed-to-hospital-after-drinking-ethanol/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ethanol can be used in ICE engines, can be made from renewable resources and, depending on whether it's been denatured or not, can technically be drunk. John McCain's 2007 joke aside, this is a bad idea. Physics Forums lists a few reasons why. Nonetheless, six teenagers in the UK thought that an episode of the BBC1 drama Waterloo Road portrayed a good idea when a young female character drank ethanol. So, sadly, the five girls and one boy (all either 14 or 15) copied the fictional character's action. They were then taken to the hospital, where it was discovered that none of them will suffer any long-term effects, according to UPI. Call it a "lucky break."

No one would want to ever drink ethanol once it's been mixed with gasoline (the smell! the taste!), but if you don't talk to your kids about ethanol, who will?

UPDATE: And again...

[Source: UPI, Telegraph]
Photo by ˙Cаvin 〄. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Six UK teens rushed to hospital after drinking ethanol originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've disagreed with Detroit News columnist Manny Lopez in the past, but his most recent column is absurd. At issue is a bill in the Michigan State legislature that would require adding an environmental component to driver education programs. Lopez is against this. OK, fine. But his reasons are illogical. How many wrong points does Lopez make? Let's count, shall we?.

Lopez says that making young student drivers learn about fuel-efficient vehicles, carpooling and public transpiration is "environmental activism." He also believes teaching students these facts won't help them to make better decisions. Uhhh, say what? Is he really arguing that people can make smarter, more informed decisions with less information? We can only assume he employs the same logic when he pens a new opinion column.

Lopez also writes, "Since these courses aren't in the schools and parents have to pay for them out of their own pockets, they shouldn't have to pay for someone else's religion -- and trust me, environmental activism is a religion." BS. Avoiding jackrabbit starts and stops saves fuel. It's also safer to accelerate and decelerate in a responsible manner. Science, not faith, can prove this. Does anyone at the News even read what Lopez writes before it's published?

And then, finally, this: "Most young people don't have the resources to choose what they get to drive, never mind shop around for one that has the 'attributes of a fuel-efficient vehicle.' They're just happy to get behind the wheel of a car, any car. And they're certainly not going to pay much, if any attention, to someone telling them to take the bus when their only goal in life at that moment is driving." No one is forcing young people to go buy a hybrid, no matter what bogeyman Lopez tries to conjure here. Driver training is exactly when we should be teaching young people about the ways that driving style affects fuel economy -- of any vehicle. Do it right and everyone benefits: the new driver saves money over his or her entire driving life, the U.S. imports less fuel. As we move to gasoline alternatives, having a smart right foot is going to be even more important to maximize the electric-only range of plug-in vehicles.

We can only assume that, sometime soon, Lopez will say he believes that green-minded politicians "hate the American auto industry." Oh, wait.


[Source: Detroit News via Green Car Reports]
Photo by Robert Couse-Baker. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Oh, come on: columnist compares driving efficiency with teaching religion originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver trainingDriverTrainingmanny lopezMannyLopezstudent driverStudentDriverFri, 13 Nov 2009 11:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Carbon Footprints: Ditch the dog, get a Hummer H2, save the planet?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/carbon-footprints-ditch-the-dog-get-a-hummer-h2-save-the-plan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/carbon-footprints-ditch-the-dog-get-a-hummer-h2-save-the-plan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/carbon-footprints-ditch-the-dog-get-a-hummer-h2-save-the-plan/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you don't like dogs, there's now a new reason to continue avoiding canis domesticus. New Zealanders Robert and Brenda Vale have put forth the hypothesis that the care and feeding of a pooch is more environmentally harmful than rolling in a Toyota Land Cruiser. Those shifty, antisocial felines aren't much better, so don't get any more smug than you already are, cat people. One ten-pound feline's care is the same to the environment as a 3300-pound Volkswagen Golf, the theory goes.

The Vales present this work in their book "Time to Eat the Dog? The Real Guide to Sustainable Living." The animals that wind up in dog food burden the land while they're alive, and the amount of goodies that people lavish upon their dogs, from squeaky toy to special grooming sessions also do the equivalent work of burning the rainforest.

The claims have been disputed, of course - no doubt by more than a few dog lovers. The chief researcher for Seattle's Sightline Institute, Clark Williams-Derry, ran some numbers of his own and came up with results that don't square with the Vales. The think-tank scientist calculated that for the Vale's numbers to add up, the average dog would have to eat twice as much as the average person, an idea that is difficult to fathom since people are heavier than most dogs.

The takeaway from all this is simply that dog (and cat) ownership does have an ecological footprint. Like everything else in your life, keeping a pet is intertwined with our insatiable consumerism. The truly concerned will carefully consider where the products and items they purchase for their pets are made, what goes into them, and what that means for the planet. The rest of you will keep letting adorable little Beaufort leaves deposit on our lawns.

[Source: Seattle Times | Image: Andrew H. Walker/Getty]

Carbon Footprints: Ditch the dog, get a Hummer H2, save the planet? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon footprintCarbonFootprintcat friendlyCatFriendlydogdog carbon footprintdog environmentdog friendlyDogCarbonFootprintDogEnvironmentDogFriendlydogsenvironmentenvironment dogenvironment petsenvironmentalenvironmental impactEnvironmentalImpactenvironmentalismenvironmentally friendlyEnvironmentallyFriendlyEnvironmentDogEnvironmentPetspetpet environmentpet friendlypet ownershipPetEnvironmentPetFriendlyPetOwnershippetsmartThu, 12 Nov 2009 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Drive the Model S (or maybe just the Tesla Roadster) in Gran Turismo 5]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/drive-the-model-s-or-maybe-just-the-tesla-roadster-in-gran-tur/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/drive-the-model-s-or-maybe-just-the-tesla-roadster-in-gran-tur/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/drive-the-model-s-or-maybe-just-the-tesla-roadster-in-gran-tur/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yes, we know this isn't a Tesla. Watch the video after the jump.

Speaking to the video game freaks at IGN, video game designer Kazunori Yamauchi revealed that either the Tesla Roadster or the Model S will be available to drive in the upcoming Gran Turismo 5. We already knew that "the latest model" from Tesla would be in the game to drive and maybe smash all to hell, and the Model S would be a fun new option. Yamauchi mentions a vehicle called the Roadster S (while the video shows a picture of the Fisker Karma) and Yamauchi confirms it will appear in GT5. He also says he wants to get behind the wheel of the car IRL. No kidding. Watch the video after the jump.

Until GT5 releases in March, virtual Roadsters can be driven in Project Gotham Racing 4. Thanks to Patrick M. for the tip!

[Source: IGN]

Continue reading Drive the Model S (or maybe just the Tesla Roadster) in Gran Turismo 5

Drive the Model S (or maybe just the Tesla Roadster) in Gran Turismo 5 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismoGran Turismo 5gran turismo sgran turismo teslaGranTurismoGranTurismo5GranTurismoSGranTurismoTeslagt5ignKazunori YamauchiKazunoriYamauchimodel s gt5ModelSGt5tesla model stesla video gameTeslaModelSTeslaVideoGameWed, 11 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: IEA hiding truth about dwindling oil reserves]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/report-iae-hiding-truth-about-dwindling-oil-reserves/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/report-iae-hiding-truth-about-dwindling-oil-reserves/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/report-iae-hiding-truth-about-dwindling-oil-reserves/#commentsFiled under: ,



How much oil is left in the ground? No one knows precisely, but groups like the International Energy Agency are supposed to offer us a good estimate. Knowing how much oil is left helps set the price of the fuel and also determines how much public and political pressure there is for gasoline alternatives. So, it's kind of big news that a whistleblower says that the IEA has been "deliberately underplaying a looming shortage for fear of triggering panic buying." The unnamed "senior official" told the Guardian that the U.S. was a driving force behind clouding the situation.

The numbers work like this: this year, the IEA said that the world could produce 83 million barrels of oil, then raised that to 105 million. Supporters of the peak oil theory - the idea that the world has already produced at much oil in a year as it ever will and it's all downhill from here - called shenanigans. The whistleblower says that the IEA's 2030 predictions - once claimed to be 120 million barrels but was since downgraded to 105 million, "is much higher than can be justified and the IEA knows this. [...] Even 90m to 95m barrels a day would be impossible but there are fears that panic could spread on the financial markets if the figures were brought down further. And the Americans fear the end of oil supremacy because it would threaten their power over access to oil resources."

The reality of what's available underground is tremendously difficult to know - we've seen all sorts of estimates - but to hide whatever truth you do know from the public is worse than running out, don't you think?

[Source: Guardian]
Photo by johnny choura. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

REPORT: IEA hiding truth about dwindling oil reserves originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault-Nissan-Bajaj's Ultra-Low-Cost car project still alive]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/renault-nissan-bajajs-ultra-low-cost-car-project-still-alive/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/renault-nissan-bajajs-ultra-low-cost-car-project-still-alive/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/renault-nissan-bajajs-ultra-low-cost-car-project-still-alive/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's been a while since we've heard an update on the car coming from the joint venture of Renault-Nissan and Indian manufacturer Bajaj, a competitor to the Tata Nano. Carlos Ghosn, Renault-Nissan's CEO, fills us in with a statement that the ULC (Ultra Low Car) project is alive and well. What news do we learn? First, the 2011 release date has been pushed back to 2012. Second, the car is going to cost $3,000 (compared to the Nano's base price of around $2,000) and will still be available in a version that gets 70 mpg. According to Ghosn, the car will be designed, developed and produced by Bajaj, while Renault-Nissan will provide sales and marketing. We surmise that an export model, with either Nissan or Renault (or maybe Dacia) badges, is more than a possibility.

[Source: AFP via Le Blog Auto]

Renault-Nissan-Bajaj's Ultra-Low-Cost car project still alive originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bajajlow costlow cost carLowCostLowCostCarulcultra low costultra lowcost carUltraLowCostUltraLowcostCarWed, 11 Nov 2009 08:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault launches sustainable mobility website]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-launches-sustainable-mobility-website/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-launches-sustainable-mobility-website/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-launches-sustainable-mobility-website/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Renault-Nissan alliance is pushing forward perhaps harder than any other established automaker with its electric vehicle efforts. Between the French and Japanese, brands they plan to have as many as eight different battery electric vehicles in production in the next few years. In order to make sure that there is a demand for these zero emissions vehicles, the companies are actively involved in promotional and educational programs for the environment and more friendly vehicles.

The latest product of that is the new sustainable-mobility.org web-site. The site is dedicated to teaching drivers about a variety of ways that they can reduce their carbon footprint from car sharing, driving EVs and other behavioral changes. Renault will be producing a series of feature stories and documentaries focusing on different aspects of sustainability. Right now the front page features an interview with Jean-Yves Le Coz, the director of sustainable mobility for Renault.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault launches sustainable mobility website

Renault launches sustainable mobility website originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>renaultrenault nissanrenault nissan alliancerenault nissan evRenaultNissanRenaultNissanAllianceRenaultNissanEvsustainabilitysustainablesustainable mobilitysustainable travelSustainableMobilitySustainableTravelTue, 10 Nov 2009 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Merrill Lynch goes out on a limb, says electric vehicles need to be sexy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/merrill-lynch-goes-out-on-a-limb-says-electric-vehicles-need-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/merrill-lynch-goes-out-on-a-limb-says-electric-vehicles-need-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/merrill-lynch-goes-out-on-a-limb-says-electric-vehicles-need-to/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tesla Model S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is the Tesla Roadster sexy? How about the Model S (pictured) or the Fisker Karma? It seems that most people would say they are, and that means the sales prospects look good, says Merrill Lynch. The Bank of America/Merrill Lynch global research firm recently looked into the future of cars with plugs and came away with a positive impression of EVs and PHEVs - as long as those vehicles leave a good impression on the potential buyer. Analyst Steven Milunovich told B-Net that, "EVs need to appeal to consumers on a psychological level, such as prestige and driving enjoyment. [...] When the cost of EVs is reasonably close to gas cars, then I think we reach a tipping point where people will start buying electric cars as long as they're cool and fun to drive. We'll soon start seeing all kinds of customizing, like adding wi-fi or LED lights."

It'll take a while for the cost of plug-in cars to get "reasonably close" to ICE vehicles. Until then, the pure environmental argument for EVs and PHEVs will be enough to sway some people. How many? Well, that's what we'll have to keep watching to find out.

[Source: B-Net]

Merrill Lynch goes out on a limb, says electric vehicles need to be sexy originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designmerrill lynchMerrillLynchsexysexy designSexyDesignTue, 10 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Pay-per-mile car insurance might come to California]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/pay-per-mile-car-insurance-might-come-to-california/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/pay-per-mile-car-insurance-might-come-to-california/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/pay-per-mile-car-insurance-might-come-to-california/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The idea of paying for your insurance by the mile is not new. MileMeter, in Texas, offers pay-as-you-drive (PAYD) rates and California has been using mileage brackets to set insurance rates for years. A new, more precise PAYD system is under discussion in California that would give people who drive less a financial incentive to do keep doing so - and maybe convince people on the fence to find an alternative when possible.

State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner recently issued regulations on what PAYD mileage verification plans could look like. It's likely that people with PAYD would think twice when getting behind the wheel and combine trips when possible. The Brookings Institution studied PAYD last year and found that driving would drop by eight percent if all U.S. drivers were under a PAYD system. Also, two-thirds of U.S. households would save an average of $270.

MileMeter is looking to expand to California, and MileMeter founder and CEO Chris Gay told the Sacramento Bee that, "Our take is that half the market out there is being overcharged and underserved - and that's who we aim to address." The bigger insurance companies are looking into PAYD, but have not yet decided to offer it in California. This is an idea that easy to implement and, in lieu of higher gasoline taxes, could have a dramatic impact.

[Source: Sacramento Bee via MMN]
Photo by Wouter Kiel. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Pay-per-mile car insurance might come to California originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>insuranceinsurance companiesInsuranceCompaniesmileagemileage insurancemileage taxMileageInsuranceMileageTaxpay as you drivepay-per-milePayAsYouDrivepaydMon, 09 Nov 2009 19:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin Eco-Route cable will sell for $149, could appear soon]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/garmin-eco-route-cable-will-sell-for-149-could-appear-soon/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/garmin-eco-route-cable-will-sell-for-149-could-appear-soon/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/garmin-eco-route-cable-will-sell-for-149-could-appear-soon/#commentsFiled under: ,


Garmin EcoRoute screen shots - click above for image gallery

At last January's Consumer Electronics Show, Garmin announced a new optional extra for its Nuvi GPS system. The Eco-Route adds the ability for 1xxx series Nuvis to display a variety of vehicle information about what is going on in the engine. The cable plugs into the cars OBD-II diagnostic communications port to read out an array of data including fuel and air information, throttle position, combustion mixture and more. The system also includes a driving challenge that users can use to help train themselves to drive more efficiently. In addition, the Nuvi now allows drivers to select a more economical route that may or may not be the fastest or shortest route. The connection cable is priced at $149 but no on-sale date has been announced. It could be shipping before the end of the year or early 2010.

Gallery: Garmin EcoRoute screen shots


[Source: GPSCity via Engadget]

Garmin Eco-Route cable will sell for $149, could appear soon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Garmingarmin ecoroutegarmin nuviGarminEcorouteGarminNuviMon, 09 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Zytek teams up with Gordon Murray for T.27, an all-electric version of the T.25]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/zytek-teams-up-with-gordon-murray-for-t-27-an-all-electric-vers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/zytek-teams-up-with-gordon-murray-for-t-27-an-all-electric-vers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/zytek-teams-up-with-gordon-murray-for-t-27-an-all-electric-vers/#commentsFiled under: ,



Zytek Automotive has worked on electric drivetrains for the Smart ED and the Mercedes F1 KERS system. This week, Zytek announced a partnership with Gordon Murray Design for a new all-electric city car called the T.27. Gordon Murray is the force behind the T.25, the tiny three-seater that was designed to use a 660cc turbocharged engine. The T.27 is basically a plug-in version of the efficient T.25.

The UK government, through the Technology Strategy Board, is funding the project with 4.5 million pounds. This is half of the 9 million pounds it will take to make four prototypes by February 2011. Aside from the vehicles, the project will also:
further explore the possibility of scaling up and building a manufacturing facility in the UK, with the ultimate goal of producing the T.27 in Britain; to keep the new technology and intellectual property rights within the UK; and to make this affordable, fun and environmentally friendly car available for purchase.
Many more details after the jump.

[Source: Gordon Murray Design]

Continue reading Zytek teams up with Gordon Murray for T.27, an all-electric version of the T.25

Zytek teams up with Gordon Murray for T.27, an all-electric version of the T.25 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gordon murraygordon murray designsgordon murray t.25gordon murray t.27gordon murray t25gordon murray t27GordonMurrayGordonMurrayDesignsGordonMurrayT.25GordonMurrayT.27GordonMurrayT25GordonMurrayT27t.25t.27t25t27zytekzytek gordon murrayzytek hybridzytek kersZytekGordonMurrayZytekHybridZytekKersFri, 06 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Mazda Souga Concept from LA Design Challenge 2009 - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's iteration of the annual Design Challenge at the LA Auto Show asks the question: How will a new generation of drivers age 16-23 - raised with cell phones, web cams and online communities - emotionally connect to the automobile in 2030? We don't know the answer either, but at least six designers from some of the world's top automakers decided to give it a go with their own ideas. if you thought the Aptera was futuristic, check these out.

First up are the eSpira and eOra from Audi, which are controlled by thought and by the minutest adjustments to the pilot's body. Next we have the General Motors Car Hero... yes, the name is borrowed from the popular Guitar Hero line of games and the car, as you might imagine, "turns driving into gaming." What happens when the inevitable "Game Over" comes at the end? Moving along, we come to the Honda Helix, a shape-shifting vehicle that borrows actual DNA from its owner. Yuck, we don't want to be a car, we want to drive a car.

Which brings us to the Mazda Souga, easily our favorite out of this crop of concepts. This vision for the future would have each owner design his own car for the low price of $2,000 while paying an additional monthly usage fee that also covers the price of electricity to power the Souga.

Nissan's vision for the future includes cars that get their power from an electrically-charged roadway called the GRID, and the vowel-challenged V2G UNLMTD is quickly hacked into an OFF-GRID transportation device by the next breed of young hackers. Lastly, we have the Toyota Link. According to Toyota, future college students will have nearly no income and will rely on mass transit vehicles like the Link that allow them to interact via their various social networks on their daily commutes. Sounds boring to us, but what do we know?

Be sure to check out all six designs in our high-res image gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.



[Source: LA Design Challenge]

Continue reading LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs

LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi eoraaudi espiraAudiEoraAudiEspiradesign challengedesign challenge 2009DesignChallengeDesignChallenge2009general motors car heroGeneralMotorsCarHerohonda helixHondaHelixLA Design challengeLA Design Challenge 2009LaDesignChallengeLaDesignChallenge2009mazda sougaMazdaSouganissan v2gnissan v2g unmltdNissanV2gNissanV2gUnmltdtoyota linkToyotaLinkThu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[EPA testing green pavement to clean rainwater runoff]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/epa-testing-green-pavement-to-clean-rainwater-runoff/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/epa-testing-green-pavement-to-clean-rainwater-runoff/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/epa-testing-green-pavement-to-clean-rainwater-runoff/#commentsFiled under:



Green pavement? What's so exciting about that? If I wanted to test out some green pavement, all I'd need to do is make a run to the local Home Depot, pick up a can of green paint and dump it outside my driveway, right? Well, that's not exactly what we're talking about here, of course. But just what is "green pavement" anyway?

In this case, the pavement in question has been designed to suck up the nasty pollutants from vehicles and fertilizers from rainwater runoff. Here's what EPA Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou has to say on the subject:
Runoff from parking lots and driveways is a significant source of water pollution in the United States and puts undo stress on our water infrastructure, especially in densely-populated urban areas.
There are literally millions of parking lots all over the United States and the rest of the world, and many of those are concentrated in densely-populated urban areas. What can we do about all that potential water pollution? That's exactly what the EPA is working to figure out. Over the next ten years, the EPA will be testing various porous pavement materials in its parking lots along with plants that are good at filtering and absorbing parking lot pollutants.

[Source: Wired | Photo: China Photos/Getty Images]

EPA testing green pavement to clean rainwater runoff originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>environmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyepagreen pavementGreenPavementporous pavementPorousPavementrunoffwaterwater runoffWaterRunoffThu, 05 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered racing fantasy: 1-Liter Racing surfs to the future]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/rendered-racing-fantasy-1-liter-racing-surfs-to-the-fuutre/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/rendered-racing-fantasy-1-liter-racing-surfs-to-the-fuutre/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/rendered-racing-fantasy-1-liter-racing-surfs-to-the-fuutre/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One Liter Racing - Click above for high-res image gallery

We recently saw a rendering for the purely-speculative Audi Avatar, which was based on the outlandish vehicles seen in some futuristic racing video games. A new set of renderings takes the unreal racing game concept a bit further and imagines an entire league that uses hyper-efficient racing vehicles sprinting around a course while using just one liter of fuel. As we know from VW's 1-liter concept vehicle, in the right vehicle, a liter of fuel can take you quite a distance.

Designed by Moritz Martin, the 1 Liter Racing League would be run in unusual locations (think shallow water and beaches) in order to mimic "the effortless gliding of skim boards" on some patches of the course. The wheels can retract in order to "surf" over wet patches and the cars have "a rear wheel-mounted air nozzle for frictionless steering during slides." Check out the renderings in the gallery below.

Gallery: 1 Liter Racing League


[Source: One Liter Racing via Yanko Design]

Rendered racing fantasy: 1-Liter Racing surfs to the future originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 liter racing1LiterRacingmoritz martinMoritzMartinone liter racingOneLiterRacingyanko designYankoDesignWed, 04 Nov 2009 14:53:00 EST