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[Greenlings: What's the difference between kW and kWh?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/greenlings-whats-the-difference-between-kw-and-kwh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/greenlings-whats-the-difference-between-kw-and-kwh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/greenlings-whats-the-difference-between-kw-and-kwh/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Understanding electric and plug-in vehicles requires a slightly different knowledge set than what mechanics and drivers have needed to know for decades. One of the most obvious new concepts is the large battery pack and electric motor added to the car. The capacity values of these devices are be written using kW (kilowatt) and kWh (kilowatt hours), but don't think that a 90 kW motor is anything like a 90 kWh battery pack. That little h makes a big difference. Exactly what is the difference? Well, that's what we investigate in this week's Greenlings. Follow us after the jump to learn more.


[Sources: Idaho National Lab]
Photo by Vince Alongi. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Continue reading Greenlings: What's the difference between kW and kWh?

Greenlings: What's the difference between kW and kWh? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greenlingskilowattkilowatt hourskilowatthourKilowattHourskwkwhThu, 19 Nov 2009 19:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Greenlings: Why does mileage drop in winter?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/greenlings-why-does-mileage-drop-in-winter/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/greenlings-why-does-mileage-drop-in-winter/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/greenlings-why-does-mileage-drop-in-winter/#commentsFiled under: ,



This week's Greenlings topic came to us from another reader tip. Don asked why his fuel economy suffers so much in winter weather. In his own experience, mileage drops about 10 percent when the temperatures go from the 60-70 F range to near freezing. This is consistent with our own experience and in fact we've seen even bigger drops than that when testing hybrid vehicles in winter conditions.

There are a number of reasons why winter driving reduces efficiency ranging from fuels to driver safety and comfort. If you happen to live somewhere like California or Florida where winter means night-time lows dipping into the sixties, you may not have experienced this phenomenon, but those of who live places with actual seasons have grown accustomed to this. Read to learn more about why your car uses more fuel when its cold.

Continue reading Greenlings: Why does mileage drop in winter?

Greenlings: Why does mileage drop in winter? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurefuel economyfuel efficiencyfuel efficientFuelEconomyFuelEfficiencyFuelEfficientgreenlingswinter drivingWinterDrivingThu, 12 Nov 2009 19:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Greenlings: How do I plug my electric vehicle in at home?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/greenlings-how-do-i-plug-in-my-electric-vehicle-at-home/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/greenlings-how-do-i-plug-in-my-electric-vehicle-at-home/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/greenlings-how-do-i-plug-in-my-electric-vehicle-at-home/#commentsFiled under: ,



As electric vehicles begin to find their way to peoples driveways and garages, knowing what's involved with charging up the batteries becomes more necessary. Over the years, electric vehicles (EVs) have used different kinds of batteries and employed different types of chargers and connectors, so the car that you buy next year may not work with the charger you picked up on eBay last month. While in the future charging may be as simple as parking in your garage or driveway and having an automated system take over, the here-and-now requires you know a thing about chargers and connectors. Hit the jump to read more about how to get hooked up.

Continue reading Greenlings: How do I plug my electric vehicle in at home?

Greenlings: How do I plug my electric vehicle in at home? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicle chargerelectric vehicle chargingelectric vehicle plugelectrical connectorsElectricalConnectorsElectricVehicleChargerElectricVehicleChargingElectricVehiclePlugev chargerev chargingev plugEvChargerEvChargingEvPlugGreenlingsJ1772plugging inPluggingInFri, 06 Nov 2009 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Greenlings: How does weight affect a vehicle's efficiency?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/greenlings-how-does-weight-affect-a-vehicles-efficiency/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/greenlings-how-does-weight-affect-a-vehicles-efficiency/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/greenlings-how-does-weight-affect-a-vehicles-efficiency/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Over the last few decades, the average weight of a vehicle sold in the U.S. climbed steadily after we got over the oil embargoes of the 1970s. Today, though, auto companies are putting a lot of effort into reducing weight - Lotus set up an entire lightweight structures division, BMW is investing millions into carbon fiber and Jaguar loves aluminum - because every ounce you take out of a car improves the vehicle's performance and fuel economy. Options for weight savings that automakers are investigating include installing things like plastic fuel tanks (PDF) and using carbon fiber instead of steel. As we discovered in a previous Greenlings, carbon fiber is a remarkable, lightweight substance that will likely not be used widely until prices come way, way down.

Today, one of the main reasons automakers want to reduce weight is because it's a great way to increase MPG numbers. AutoblogGreen reader GenWaylaid sent in a Greenlings question about how, exactly, reducing weight helps efficiency. We investigate his query after the jump.

Continue reading Greenlings: How does weight affect a vehicle's efficiency?

Greenlings: How does weight affect a vehicle's efficiency? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fiberCarbonFiberfeaturedfuel economyFuelEconomygreenlingsLightweightmpgweightThu, 29 Oct 2009 20:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Why can't Americans have good, small diesels?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/greenlings-why-cant-americans-have-good-small-diesels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/greenlings-why-cant-americans-have-good-small-diesels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/greenlings-why-cant-americans-have-good-small-diesels/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

The question is often asked, "Why is it that drivers in Europe can get all of these amazing high-mileage cars that get 50, 60 or even 70 mpg but we have to celebrate when we get half of that?" There are plenty of reasons, but one of the main ones is the remarkable compression ignition engine, more commonly known by the name of its inventor, the diesel.

In recent years, diesel engined vehicles have accounted for over half of all new vehicle sales in Europe - in some places like France and Italy, up to 80 percent. Yet here in the United States, these high-efficiency wonders represent a tiny minority of car sales. Only in the heavy duty truck segment do diesels grab any significant attention. Read on after the jump to learn why so few diesel cars are available in the U.S.


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Why can't Americans have good, small diesels?

Why can't Americans have good, small diesels? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldiesel emissionsdiesel emissions-control technologydiesel pricesDieselEmissionsDieselEmissions-controlTechnologyDieselPricesfeaturedgreenlingst2b5tier 2 bin 5Tier2Bin5Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[What is CAFE?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/greenlings-what-is-cafe/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/greenlings-what-is-cafe/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/greenlings-what-is-cafe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



It was big news when the Obama Administration updated CAFE requirements in May to a new and higher national MPG standard of 42 mpg for cars (26 mpg for light trucks) by 2016. The higher standards will start increasing with 2011 model year vehicles. But what is CAFE? And how do these new numbers - before the raise, cars needed to average 27.5 mpg and trucks 24 mpg - change what will be available in dealerships in the coming decade?

Let's start with the official government wording. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is in charge of establishing CAFE standards, so let's use their definition:

Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) is the sales weighted average fuel economy, expressed in miles per gallon (mpg), of a manufacturer's fleet of passenger cars or light trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 lbs. or less, manufactured for sale in the United States, for any given model year. Fuel economy is defined as the average mileage traveled by an automobile per gallon of gasoline (or equivalent amount of other fuel) consumed as measured in accordance with the testing and evaluation protocol set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Clear as mud? We break it down after the jump.

[Image: Tim Boyle/Getty]

Continue reading What is CAFE?

What is CAFE? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecafe mileagecafe mpgcafe standardsCafeMileageCafeMpgCafeStandardsdotfaeturedgreenlingsnhtsaNHTSA CAFE rulesNhtsaCafeRulesMon, 12 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Will we ever replace the standard rear- and side-view mirror?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/greenlings-will-we-ever-replace-the-standard-rear-and-side-vie/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/greenlings-will-we-ever-replace-the-standard-rear-and-side-vie/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/greenlings-will-we-ever-replace-the-standard-rear-and-side-vie/#commentsFiled under: ,




Recently, we received the following question from a reader:
Rear view mirrors inevitably create blind spots. They add untold fuel costs by resisting airflow past the automobile at speed. Since the first back-up camera and display technology came on the scene they have been obsolete. What is taking so long for the slippery designs to emerge that would incorporate this technology for panoramic rear or 360-degree viewing, perhaps as a partially opaque image on the windshield?

I can't help but believe that somewhere in a design lab some technician is hard at work on this, so when will we see it in the market?
Interesting, no? We've been seeing such technology on concept cars and movies on the Sci Fi Channel for years, but there aren't actually any new cars available on the showroom floor of your nearest car dealership that offer such a feature. Why not, and when will we see it? Click past the break to keep reading.

Continue reading Will we ever replace the standard rear- and side-view mirror?

Will we ever replace the standard rear- and side-view mirror? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car cameracar camerasCarCameraCarCamerasfeaturedgreenlingsrear camerarear view camerarear view mirrorrear-view camerarear-view mirrorRear-viewCameraRear-viewMirrorRearCameraRearViewCameraRearViewMirrorside cameraside mirrorsside view cameraside-view cameraSide-viewCameraSideCameraSideMirrorsSideViewCameraThu, 01 Oct 2009 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Should I switch to straight veggie oil? What is holding SVO back?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/greenlings-should-i-switch-to-straight-veggie-oil-what-is-hold/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/greenlings-should-i-switch-to-straight-veggie-oil-what-is-hold/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/greenlings-should-i-switch-to-straight-veggie-oil-what-is-hold/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We like to answer reader questions with our Greenlings series whenever possible, and thought that Timothy H. had a good topic. He sent in the following question/suggestion about straight vegetable oil (SVO):
I have seen several articles dealing specifically with SVO, but not as it concerns the economic viability compared to petro-diesel. I mean there are articles out there, but I'm interested in knowing why I should/should not use SVO in my car, what benefits I have to look forward to, what problems people have had from using it, etc. Is it really as simple as heading to a Chinese restaurant and heckling $5 for a 50 gallon jug of WVO, then filtering the oil before it goes in the tank? If it isn't that easy, what is making it hard? Why are so few people making the jump if the conversion can pay itself off in two to three years?
We've got the answers for him - and everyone else who's interested - after the jump.

[Image: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading Should I switch to straight veggie oil? What is holding SVO back?

Should I switch to straight veggie oil? What is holding SVO back? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieseldieselgreenlingsstraight talkstraight vegetable oilStraightTalkStraightVegetableOilsvovegetable oilVegetableOilwaste vegetable oilwaste veggie oilWasteVegetableOilWasteVeggieOilwvoThu, 24 Sep 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[How can we "refuel" electric vehicles today and tomorrow?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/greenlings-how-can-we-refuel-electric-vehicles-today-and-tomo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/greenlings-how-can-we-refuel-electric-vehicles-today-and-tomo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/greenlings-how-can-we-refuel-electric-vehicles-today-and-tomo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Renault Zero Emission line-up - Click for high-res image gallery

Among the many claimed advantages of electric vehicles are the ability to "refuel" your vehicles at home, never visiting a gas station again. In principle, the only thing you need to "fuel" an EV is a working plug. However, in life, few things ever turn out to be as simple as they might appear on the surface. For example think about your cell phone. If, like most of us here at ABG, you have had multiple different phones over the years, you have of course noted that every one of them seems to have a different and unique charging adapter along with a completely different battery.

In a small hand-held, pocketable device like a phone, it would seem that standardizing batteries and chargers would be a relatively simple thing to do and yet it has only been relatively recently that most phones have begun converging on mini-USB connector standard. Batteries, of course, are an entirely different matter. Now imagine expanding these problems by several orders of magnitude and applying electrification to a car. Cars live in a greater variety of environments and are expected to last a lot longer than the typical consumer electronics device (do you still have your phone from six years ago?). Read on after the jump to learn more about how the problem of charging is being addressed.


Continue reading How can we "refuel" electric vehicles today and tomorrow?

How can we "refuel" electric vehicles today and tomorrow? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>better placeBetterPlacecoulombelectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesev chargerev chargingev charging feasibilityev charging pointev charging stationev charging stationsEvChargerEvChargingEvChargingFeasibilityEvChargingPointEvChargingStationEvChargingStationsfalsefeaturedfeaturesgreenlingshome chargingHomeChargingThu, 17 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[How important is the appearance of a green car?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/greenlings-how-important-is-the-appearance-of-a-green-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/greenlings-how-important-is-the-appearance-of-a-green-car/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/greenlings-how-important-is-the-appearance-of-a-green-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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

There has been quite a spate of green car designs in the past few years that seem penned to prove the adage that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Indeed, some eco-intentioned vehicles appear to be the end result of an ultimate death match between form and function in which form never stood the slightest whisper of a chance. (We aren't looking at you, Sunmotor Coupe DX, but only because it's entirely too painful.) However, since the aim of high efficiency transportation is to leave as small an environmental impact as is possible, do looks really matter? We would argue yes.

We are not saying that every hybrid need look like rolling art. The Toyota Prius has become the most popular fuel-sipper of all time yet it could never be confused for the hybridized Essence concept from its competitor, Infiniti. One has been accused of resembling an aerodynamic toaster while the other seems a sculpted homage to sinful sensuality and yet each is reasonably successful at achieving its aesthetic goals. Most cars are conceived with a particular market niche in mind and the successful treatment not only marries form and function but also projects the proper image and social status. Come past the break and we'll explore the importance of appearance of eco-cars a bit further.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt




Continue reading How important is the appearance of a green car?

How important is the appearance of a green car? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appearancedesignform functionFormFunctiongreenlingsstylingThu, 10 Sep 2009 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[What are the promises and pitfalls of carbon fiber?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/greenlings-what-are-the-promises-and-pitfalls-of-carbon-fiber/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/greenlings-what-are-the-promises-and-pitfalls-of-carbon-fiber/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/greenlings-what-are-the-promises-and-pitfalls-of-carbon-fiber/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



For the last century or so, cars and trucks have predominantly been formed from one material in particular: steel. It's not hard to see why - steel is relatively inexpensive, highly abundant and easy to form into somewhat complex shapes that can be repaired with mostly basic tools.

Recently, though, we've seen an uptick in the amounts of alternative materials used in the automotive industry. The most popular material next to steel would be aluminum, which is lightweight and can be made plenty strong enough for use in our vehicles. On the other hand, it takes a lot more energy to produce and is not as easy to work with as steel. What other alternatives are there?

Carbon fiber. You've surely heard of this wonder material, which has certainly made a recognizable appearance on the automotive scene over the last few years. Carbon fiber is light, strong and can be molded into all kinds of interesting shapes. Plus, it looks really cool... but it's not all lollipops and rainbows. Click past the jump to read more about carbon fiber's many promises, and its pitfalls.

Continue reading What are the promises and pitfalls of carbon fiber?

What are the promises and pitfalls of carbon fiber? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carboncarbon fibercarbon fiber carcarbon fiber carsCarbonFiberCarbonFiberCarCarbonFiberCarsfeaturedgreenlingsThu, 03 Sep 2009 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Can I convert an older vehicle to something more environmentally-friendly?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/greenlings-can-i-convert-an-older-vehicle-to-something-more-env/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/greenlings-can-i-convert-an-older-vehicle-to-something-more-env/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/greenlings-can-i-convert-an-older-vehicle-to-something-more-env/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Converted plug-in Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Cash For Clunkers is officially over and helped put almost 700,000 new cars on the road. Now that the easy $4,500 are no longer available to buyers with low-mpg cars, we thought it'd be a good time to answer AutoblogGreen reader Adam's question that he submitted for our Greenlings series. Adam said he would like to know:
What efforts are being made via research & development that will convert existing vehicles to green vehicles? Is it not important to use the existing fleet vs. constant production of new and more vehicles? I am thinking of classic or special vehicles owners want to keep on the road once alternative engines / fuels are commercially available.
We tackle the question after the jump.

Gallery: EVS23: Kim Adelman's Plug-in Conversion Prius


Photos copyright (C)2007 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading Can I convert an older vehicle to something more environmentally-friendly?

Can I convert an older vehicle to something more environmentally-friendly? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conversionconversion kitconversion kitsConversionKitConversionKitsconversionse85 conversionE85Conversionelectric conversionElectricConversionev conversionEvConversionfalsehybrid conversionhybrid conversionsHybridConversionHybridConversionsphevphev conversionphev conversionsPhevConversionPhevConversionssvosvo conversionSvoConversionThu, 27 Aug 2009 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Why choose a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine when using hydrogen?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/greenlings-why-choose-a-fuel-cell-or-an-internal-combustion-eng/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/greenlings-why-choose-a-fuel-cell-or-an-internal-combustion-eng/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/greenlings-why-choose-a-fuel-cell-or-an-internal-combustion-eng/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Over the past decade, most of the world's major automakers have expended a lot research dollars and engineering resources on developing vehicles that burn hydrogen. While advocates like the idea of using hydrogen as an energy carrier because it's the most abundant element in the known universe and it can be used without emitting toxic or greenhouse gas emissions (disregarding, for the moment, any emissions from producing the hydrogen), not everyone agrees on how to use it. There are two basic approaches to using hydrogen in vehicles: the proton exchange membrane (PEM, also called polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cell and the classic internal combustion engine (ICE).

While some automakers, notably Ford, have experimented with both approaches, most OEMs have chosen one direction or the other. Aside from Ford, the only other automakers making any significant effort with hydrogen ICEs are BMW and Mazda. Pretty much everyone else working with hydrogen has gone fuel cell. Why go one direction or the other? Read on after the jump to find out.

Continue reading Why choose a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine when using hydrogen?

Why choose a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine when using hydrogen? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falsefeaturedgreenlingsh2h2 fuel cellh2 iceH2FuelCellH2Icehydrogenhydrogen fuel cellhydrogen fuel cellshydrogen iceHydrogenFuelCellHydrogenFuelCellsHydrogenIceiceThu, 20 Aug 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Why is there ethanol in gasoline?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/greenlings-why-is-there-ethanol-in-gasoline/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/greenlings-why-is-there-ethanol-in-gasoline/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/greenlings-why-is-there-ethanol-in-gasoline/#commentsFiled under: ,



Today, we take another look at ethanol for our weekly Greenlings post. You've probably noticed that many vehicles are labeled with a Flex Fuel badge from the manufacturer, indicating that the car or truck is capable of running safely on E85 - a blend of 85-percent ethanol and 15-percent gasoline.

For this article, we're not talking about E85 or other mixtures with high concentrations of the alcohol fuel. Even regular-grade gas that you get from the fuel pump nearest you is very likely to have at least some amount of ethanol added, and in fact, the single largest single use of ethanol in the world is as fuel. Why? And does your car need any modifications to use this ethanol-infused gasoline? Read on to fine out.


Gallery: AFVI Ride & Drive Ethanol Hummer


Lead Photo by drewzhrodague. Licensed under Creative Commons 2.0

Continue reading Why is there ethanol in gasoline?

Why is there ethanol in gasoline? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e10e85ethanolethanol blendethanol gasethanol gasolineethanol gasoline blendsethanol mandateethanol productionEthanolBlendEthanolGasEthanolGasolineEthanolGasolineBlendsEthanolMandateEthanolProductiongasoholgreenlingsThu, 13 Aug 2009 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[What are in-wheel motors?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/greenlings-what-are-in-wheel-motors/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/greenlings-what-are-in-wheel-motors/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/greenlings-what-are-in-wheel-motors/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Have you ever thought that putting motors inside the wheels of a vehicle may a more elegant way of providing propulsion? It would certainly eliminate a number of energy-robbing parts; transmission, driveshafts, differentials and make the drivetrain more modular and provide additional space for other energy storage/creation devices. Like so many things, in-wheel motors have already been done, but technology and our ability to integrate them into wheels has changed a lot since the first in-wheel motor (also called a hub motor) was patented back in 1884 and, after disappearing for decades, they are starting to creep back into vehicles.

And why not? Not only do they reduce frictive energy loss and free up space, the tech can be integrated into many different platforms including electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids and fuel cell vehicles (FCV) and they can be installed in something as light as a bicycle or as heavy as a bus. Chances are you'll see an in-wheel motor in action sometime in the near future. Get ready by reading more after the jump.

*Updated with great video of Michelin Active wheel in action.

Continue reading What are in-wheel motors?

What are in-wheel motors? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GreenlingsHi-Pa DriveHi-paDrivehub motorhub motorsHubMotorHubMotorsin wheelin wheel motorsin-wheelin-wheel motorIn-wheelMotorInWheelInWheelMotorsThu, 06 Aug 2009 19:54:00 EST<![CDATA[What's up with natural gas vehicles?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/greenlings-whats-up-with-natural-gas-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/greenlings-whats-up-with-natural-gas-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/greenlings-whats-up-with-natural-gas-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 Honda Civic GX

One thing we try to do with our weekly series of Greenlings articles is answer reader questions about the green car industry (if you've got a burning need to know something, please let us know). Considering today's news that the Honda Civic GX is now available for sale in Utah, we thought we'd dig into AutoblogGreen reader Island Don's question about compressed natural gas vehicles. Here it is (slightly edited):
To me as a big diesel guy, I see the the CNG as a great, cheap, clean burning alternative to to gas, diesel, or hybrid, yet Honda CNG sales aren't great. Why haven't they done better? Why haven't they been promoted by the government or the manufacturer? I've never seen an ad, nor ever heard any politician promote them. Yet I see all the buses in LA and San Diego running on CNG. That tells me there's an infrastructure in place. What's the scoop?
Follow us through the jump for the answer.


Continue reading What's up with natural gas vehicles?

What's up with natural gas vehicles? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cngcompressed natural gasCompressedNaturalGasfeaturedgreenlingshonda civic gxHondaCivicGxnat gasnat gas actNatGasNatGasActnatural gasNaturalGasThu, 30 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Where are the most important MPG increases, at the upper or lower end?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/greenlings-where-are-the-most-important-mpg-increases-at-the-u/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/greenlings-where-are-the-most-important-mpg-increases-at-the-u/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/greenlings-where-are-the-most-important-mpg-increases-at-the-u/#commentsFiled under: ,



Imagine, if you will, taking a sheet of paper and cutting it in half. Now take one of those halves and cut it in half again. Now keep repeating the process. As you keep cutting, the difference in the size of the subsequent pieces gets progressively smaller. This simple example is a demonstration of why continuing to increase the fuel mileage of a vehicle has less and less impact once you get beyond about 35-40 mpg.

Time for a bit of a math lesson. The amount of fuel consumed by vehicle is determined by dividing the number of miles driven by the miles per gallon. With the mileage being in the denominator, as it grows at a linear pace, the overall result gets progressively smaller. This is what's known as a geometric series. One last example: imagine you have a pie that represents the amount of fuel you use to drive a certain distance at a given mileage. Continue reading after the jump to find out what happens to the pie.

Continue reading Where are the most important MPG increases, at the upper or lower end?

Where are the most important MPG increases, at the upper or lower end? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfuel consumptionfuel costsfuel efficiencyfuel efficient vehiclesfuel mileageFuelConsumptionFuelCostsFuelEfficiencyFuelEfficientVehiclesFuelMileagegallon per mileGallonPerMilegallons per mileGallonsPerMilegpmgreenlingsmile per gallonMilePerGallonmiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpgThu, 23 Jul 2009 11:37:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the difference between AC and DC? Which is better for electric cars?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/greenlings-whats-the-difference-between-ac-and-dc-which-is-be/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/greenlings-whats-the-difference-between-ac-and-dc-which-is-be/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/greenlings-whats-the-difference-between-ac-and-dc-which-is-be/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tesla Roadster with AC drive unit - Click above for high-res image gallery

AC/DC? We're not referring to the classic rock band; we're taking a look at electric motors. In today's Greenlings post, we'll delve into the ins and outs of the powerplants that we hope will soon be transporting millions of people around the world to and fro. That said, there are lots of choices when it comes to selecting the proper motor for any given application, and the merits of each has been debated since before any of us were born.

Way back in the late 1880s, Nikola Tesla dared to challenge powerhouse American inventor Thomas Edison by suggesting Alternating Current (AC) was a more desirable method to transfer electricity from one place to another than Direct Current (DC). So, which genius inventor was right? Suffice it to say that just about everything with a plug these days relies on AC current for power. But that was a long time ago, what's changed since then? Which is better for today's - and tomorrow's - electric cars?


Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster

Continue reading What's the difference between AC and DC? Which is better for electric cars?

What's the difference between AC and DC? Which is better for electric cars? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac motoracdcAcMotoralternating currentAlternatingCurrentbrushless dc motorbrushless motorBrushlessDcMotorBrushlessMotordcdc electric motorDcElectricMotordirect currentDirectCurrentelectric motorElectricMotorgreenlingsThu, 16 Jul 2009 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Does the government know if ethanol cars qualify for Cash-For-Clunkers?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/greenlings-why-doesnt-the-government-know-if-ethanol-cars-qual/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/greenlings-why-doesnt-the-government-know-if-ethanol-cars-qual/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/greenlings-why-doesnt-the-government-know-if-ethanol-cars-qual/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



AutoblogGreen reader Michael recently sent in a question regarding the about-to-start "Cash for Clunkers" program. Officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), the program allows owners of some older and inefficient vehicles to trade them in and get a rebate check worth up to $4,500 from the government to buy a new car. The simple version of the rules are that the trade-in can't be more than 25 years old, needs to have an official combined highway/city fuel economy rating of 18 mpg or less (on the EPA's new mpg scale), be in drivable condition and you have to have owned and insured the car for at least the year prior to turning it in. Michael's question revolves around what happens when a car has two fuel economy ratings - one for gas and one for ethanol. Turns out, no one really knows yet. Find out more after the jump.

Photo by iboy_daniel. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Continue reading Does the government know if ethanol cars qualify for Cash-For-Clunkers?

Does the government know if ethanol cars qualify for Cash-For-Clunkers? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car allowance rebate systemcar allowance rebate system e85car allowance rebate system ethanolCarAllowanceRebateSystemCarAllowanceRebateSystemE85CarAllowanceRebateSystemEthanolcarscars e85cars ethanolCarsE85CarsEthanolcash for clunkerscash for clunkers billcash for clunkers e85cash for clunkers ethanolCashForClunkersCashForClunkersBillCashForClunkersE85CashForClunkersEthanole85ethanolfeaturedgreenlingsh.r. 2346H.r.2346Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[How can I <strike>pimp</strike> green my ride?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/greenlings-how-can-i-strike-pimp-strike-green-my-ride/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/greenlings-how-can-i-strike-pimp-strike-green-my-ride/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/greenlings-how-can-i-strike-pimp-strike-green-my-ride/#commentsFiled under:



Driving a car that's had more than a few birthdays and wish you could make it greener? Whether your concern is centered on air quality, climate change or just saving a few bucks as fuel prices rise, there are many ways you can accomplish this goal using your common sense or perhaps a little modern technology. We've compiled some of these for your perusal below the fold but since we have some pretty astute readers, we hope you'll leave your own suggestions in the comments section as well.

Photo by Joe Thorn. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Continue reading How can I pimp green my ride?

How can I pimp green my ride? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conversionsgadgetsgreen my rideGreenlingsGreenMyRideThu, 02 Jul 2009 19:46:00 EST