AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 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: Why do automatic transmissions now get better fuel efficiency than manuals?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/greenlings-why-do-automatic-transmissions-now-get-better-fuel-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/greenlings-why-do-automatic-transmissions-now-get-better-fuel-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/08/18/greenlings-why-do-automatic-transmissions-now-get-better-fuel-e/#commentsFiled under: ,



Not so long ago, it was common for automatic transmissions to be referred to as slushboxes, since that's how they often behaved. Rather than use a mechanical clutch, traditional automatic transmissions use a fluid coupling between the engine and the gear-sets to transmit drive torque. This provides some benefits, but isn't a perfect system.

Unless a mechanical clutch is worn out and slipping, it transfers nearly 100 percent of the torque that goes in. Automatics use a torque converter that consists of three main components: the pump, turbine and stator all within a cavity filled with hydraulic fluid. The pump is connected to the engine and, at lower speeds, it spins within the fluid without driving the turbine. As the engine speeds up, the slippage within the fluid increases and the turbine begins to rotate. This, in turn, drive the gears and the wheels. The stator increases the turbulence between the other two components providing a torque multiplication effect. There is generally no direct connection between the pump and turbine other than the fluid, which is why the efficiency is anywhere between zero and about 80 percent. All this removes a pedal, but it used to mean automatics got much worse mileage than manual transmission vehicles. Read on after the jump to find out what engineers have done to overcome this discrepancy.

Continue reading Greenlings: Why do automatic transmissions now get better fuel efficiency than manuals?

Greenlings: Why do automatic transmissions now get better fuel efficiency than manuals? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automaticautomatic transmissionAutomaticTransmissiondual clutchdual clutch gearboxdual clutch transmis...dual clutch transmissionDualClutchDualClutchGearboxDualClutchTransmis...DualClutchTransmissionfeaturedgreenlingsManual TransmissionManualTransmissionWed, 18 Aug 2010 19:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19505896/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19505896/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/18/greenlings-why-do-automatic-transmissions-now-get-better-fuel-e/19505896/article-detail.xml 19505896 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/fig21sachstorqueconverter2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/fig21sachstorqueconverter2.jpg <![CDATA[Greenlings: Who will be the main players in the electric vehicle space?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/greenlings-who-will-be-the-main-players-in-the-electric-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/greenlings-who-will-be-the-main-players-in-the-electric-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/greenlings-who-will-be-the-main-players-in-the-electric-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

2012 Renault Fluence Z.E.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are about to arrive in big numbers in the streets of America and, if you haven't already, you will soon experience your first sighting. Maybe not next month and maybe not this summer, but rest assured, sometime in the next 18 months it is very likely you will spot your first Chevy Volt or Nissan Leaf (or Brammo Enertia or Navistar Modec or ...). Then it will happen again. And again. As oil becomes more expensive and batteries and other EV tech becomes better and cheaper, electric motoring will become an integral part of the mobility landscape.

With the re-introduction of this alternative drivetrain (a lot of EVs existed in the early 20th Century) many new companies, as well as the traditional manufacturers, will be fighting it out for a piece of this growing pie. While it's impossible to accurately predict the eventual size of the pastry or who will seize which slice, the near-term situation is becoming increasingly clear. If you're wondering how your early-adopter neighbor (or yourself) might be rollin' in the next year or two, skip with us past the break and take a look at what's coming up.

Continue reading Greenlings: Who will be the main players in the electric vehicle space?

Greenlings: Who will be the main players in the electric vehicle space? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevy VoltChevyVoltEV marketEvMarketFord Focus EVFordFocusEvgreenlingsMitsubishi i MiEVMitsubishiIMievNissan LeafNissanLeafTesla Model STeslaModelSFri, 16 Apr 2010 19:44:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19439668/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19439668/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/16/greenlings-who-will-be-the-main-players-in-the-electric-vehicle/19439668/article-detail.xml 19439668 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/renault-fluence-plugged-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/renault-fluence-plugged-630.jpg <![CDATA[Greenlings: Which is greener, having two wheels or four?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/08/greenlings-which-is-greener-having-two-wheels-or-four/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/08/greenlings-which-is-greener-having-two-wheels-or-four/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/08/greenlings-which-is-greener-having-two-wheels-or-four/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Vespa S 50 - Click above for high-res image gallery

So, you want to go green. There are many obvious ways to reduce your environmental impact, and one of them is by driving a cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicle. But that raises a number of questions, doesn't it? What are your choices when it comes to purchasing your next vehicle?

One option that is often considered is a switch to two wheels. Surely, bicycles are a great way to get around and they don't require any harmful fossil fuels to do it. But there are certainly instances where pedaling your way to wherever it is you are going just isn't practical. What if that two-wheeler had an engine?

Ah yes, the motorcycle. It's surely an option to consider, but what are the environmental ramifications of choosing to ride instead of drive? That's the subject of today's Greenlings post. Click on past the break to hear some of the unexpected facts.


Gallery: Vespa S150

Continue reading Greenlings: Which is greener, having two wheels or four?

Greenlings: Which is greener, having two wheels or four? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emissionsgreenlingsmotorcyclemotorcycle emissionsmotorcycle emissions testingmotorcycle fuel mileagemotorcycle mileagemotorcycle pollutionmotorcycle versus carmotorcycle vs carMotorcycleEmissionsMotorcycleEmissionsTestingMotorcycleFuelMileageMotorcycleMileageMotorcyclePollutionmotorcyclesMotorcycleVersusCarMotorcycleVsCarscooterscooter efficiencyscooter emissionsscooter fuel mileagescooter mileagescooter pollutionScooterEfficiencyScooterEmissionsScooterFuelMileageScooterMileageScooterPollutionscootersThu, 08 Apr 2010 19:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19431898/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19431898/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/08/greenlings-which-is-greener-having-two-wheels-or-four/19431898/article-detail.xml 19431898 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/vespa_s_580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/vespa_s_580.jpg <![CDATA[Greenlings: What realistic electric vehicle recharging options are there for apartment dwellers?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2010/03/18/greenlings-what-realistic-electric-vehicle-recharge-options-are/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/03/18/greenlings-what-realistic-electric-vehicle-recharge-options-are/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/03/18/greenlings-what-realistic-electric-vehicle-recharge-options-are/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



One of the challenges to making electric vehicles (EVs) "work" in the real world is figuring out how, where and when to recharge them. If you have a garage, then those questions kind of answer themsleves. You come home, take 15 seconds to plug the car into the wall and undo the plug in the morning with a full charge. One previous Greenlings looked at EV charging basics and another Greenlings explained some of the options for home recharging. We recommend reading through those pieces as a primer for the article that follows if you're unfamiliar with some of the underlying concepts for recharging electric cars. As more and more plug-in vehicles come to market, though, we'll need to be able to figure out answers for people who can't easily recharge in their own garage. So, today, we're going to answer a question from reader Kellan O., who wrote in to ask:
I live in an apartment along with a lot of other urban residents of the world. How would I realistically recharge a plug-in hybrid or pure battery car (aside from a 200 ft. extension cord out of my window)?
A 200-foot extension cord would indeed be a problem. Continue reading after the jump for some answers.

[Image: Jason Pratt - C.C. License 2.0]

Continue reading Greenlings: What realistic electric vehicle recharging options are there for apartment dwellers?

Greenlings: What realistic electric vehicle recharging options are there for apartment dwellers? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apartment electric carapartment electric car rechargingApartmentElectricCarApartmentElectricCarRechargingElectric carelectric car rechargingelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehicle chargerelectric vehicle chargingelectric vehicle charging stationselectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarRechargingElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehicleChargerElectricVehicleChargingElectricVehicleChargingStationsElectricVehiclesgreenlingsThu, 18 Mar 2010 19:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19405880/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19405880/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/18/greenlings-what-realistic-electric-vehicle-recharge-options-are/19405880/article-detail.xml 19405880 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/721626479bbfb702e7fb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/721626479bbfb702e7fb.jpg <![CDATA[Greenlings: How do hybrids and electric vehicles blend regenerative and friction braking?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2010/02/18/greenlings-how-do-hybrids-and-electric-vehicles-blend-regenerat/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/02/18/greenlings-how-do-hybrids-and-electric-vehicles-blend-regenerat/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/02/18/greenlings-how-do-hybrids-and-electric-vehicles-blend-regenerat/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Following last week's announcement by Toyota that it would recall several hundred thousand units of the 2010 Prius and Lexus HS250h to update the brake control software, there have been numerous questions about how these systems work. Vehicles with strong hybrid systems like those built by Toyota, Ford and General Motors all use an electro-hydraulic brake system that provides partial brake-by-wire control.

While there are detail differences in the implementations from each manufacturer, the basic operating principles are largely the same. The key to the efficiency advantage of hybrids is their ability to recover kinetic energy that is normally dissipated as heat when the vehicle is slowing down and then store and release that energy to provide propulsion later. This is known as regenerative braking, and we're going to discuss aspects of regenerative braking that apply equally to pure electric and extended range electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. Read on after the jump to learn more.

Continue reading Greenlings: How do hybrids and electric vehicles blend regenerative and friction braking?

Greenlings: How do hybrids and electric vehicles blend regenerative and friction braking? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurefeaturedfeaturesfriction brakingFrictionBrakinggreenlingsregenerative brake blendingregenerative brakesregenerative brakingRegenerativeBrakeBlendingRegenerativeBrakesRegenerativeBrakingThu, 18 Feb 2010 09:10:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19362997/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19362997/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/18/greenlings-how-do-hybrids-and-electric-vehicles-blend-regenerat/19362997/article-detail.xml 19362997 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/friction-regen-torque_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/friction-regen-torque.png <![CDATA[Greenlings: What's a light-duty truck, and why should we care?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2010/02/04/greenlings-whats-a-light-duty-truck-and-why-should-we-care/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/02/04/greenlings-whats-a-light-duty-truck-and-why-should-we-care/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/02/04/greenlings-whats-a-light-duty-truck-and-why-should-we-care/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser - Click above for high-res image gallery

When is a truck not a truck? Well, that depends on your definition of truck, it seems, as many vehicles currently on dealer lots all around the country carry the truck designation from their manufacturers while most rational people like you and me would consider them cars.

So, why would an automaker call its car a truck if it's not really a truck, and why should you care? That's the subject of today's Greenlings, and it may be a bigger issue than you think. Remember, cars and trucks carry different fuel economy requirements from the federal government, and, as you might imagine, this is the reason why large automakers are putting some of their very untrucklike vehicles firmly in the Truck Bucket.

Read on to find out which vehicles we're talking about and how it impacts fuel mileage regulations.


Continue reading Greenlings: What's a light-duty truck, and why should we care?

Greenlings: What's a light-duty truck, and why should we care? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecafe truckCafeTruckgreenlingslight duty diesellight duty trucklight trucklight truckslight-duty truckLight-dutyTruckLightDutyDieselLightDutyTruckLightTruckLightTruckstruck classificationtruck mpgTruckClassificationTruckMpgThu, 04 Feb 2010 19:58:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19344368/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19344368/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/04/greenlings-whats-a-light-duty-truck-and-why-should-we-care/19344368/article-detail.xml 19344368 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/ptcruiser---03_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/ptcruiser---03_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Greenlings: Can racing really be green?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/greenlings-can-racing-really-be-green/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/greenlings-can-racing-really-be-green/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/greenlings-can-racing-really-be-green/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Humans are competitive creatures who have raced against each other in one form or another for millennia. The practice that likely evolved from hunting and the struggle to survive has adapted to advances in technology over time, moving from foot races to eventually involve vehicles such as chariots and boats until, at the end of the 19th century, the automobile was invented and a new era began. Since the first Competition for Horseless Carriages was held in 1894 - and officially won by Georges Lemaître in a Peugeot, pictured above - the activity has grown and diversified into a sport with thousands of events and many millions of fans.

With the increasing awareness of the damage done to health and habitat by the burning of fossil fuels, the question arises, "Can racing ever really be green?" The answer, we think, is "yes." It may take a while and a lot of fuel may be burned in the meantime, but racing is an ever-evolving enterprise oriented towards exploring and exploiting gains in efficiency. Therefore, it is sure to at least have some side benefits to green motoring. In fact, there is an effort being made by many today to speed up the greening process since, although it may only account for a proportionately small amount of emissions produced on the planet, racing can not only help drive the technology that may one day move us all, it can also help speed societal acceptance. Hit the jump as we take a look at some of those endeavors.

Continue reading Greenlings: Can racing really be green?

Greenlings: Can racing really be green? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric drag racingelectric motorcycle racingelectric race carsElectricDragRacingElectricMotorcycleRacingElectricRaceCarsf1formula 1Formula OneFormula1FormulaOnegreen racingGreenRacingNASCARracingFri, 29 Jan 2010 19:33:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19330740/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19330740/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/29/greenlings-can-racing-really-be-green/19330740/article-detail.xml 19330740 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/georges-lematre-peugeot-green_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/georges-lematre-peugeot-green.jpg <![CDATA[Greenlings: What's the point of concept cars?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/greenlings-whats-the-point-of-concept-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/greenlings-whats-the-point-of-concept-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/greenlings-whats-the-point-of-concept-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Honda P-NUT - click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the Honda P-NUT? The unusual vehicle (pictured above, full details here) was unveiled at the 2009 LA Auto Show and ... well, now it's gone. Who knows if we'll ever see it again. Each automaker has their own graveyard museum of old concept vehicles. We visited the General Motors Heritage Center a few years ago, and discovered vehicles like the Electrovair II, a battery-powered 1966 Corvair Monza sedan, and the ElectroVan, the world's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle. Why do automakers build these concept vehicles if they're just going to collect dust? What's the point of making one-off contraptions that don't work and could never be used on the road? Look at the P-NUT again. Where are the side mirrors? How would you put a windshield wiper on that thing? Aside from the auto show floor, it seems like concept vehicles just don't have much purpose.

Turns out, there is a reason for these exercises in automotive silliness. We explore the role of concept cars in full after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2009: Honda P-NUT

Continue reading Greenlings: What's the point of concept cars?

Greenlings: What's the point of concept cars? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltChevyVoltconceptconcept carconcept carsConceptCarConceptCarsconceptsfeaturedford nucleonFordNucleongreenlingsnucleonThu, 07 Jan 2010 19:46:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19307911/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19307911/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/07/greenlings-whats-the-point-of-concept-cars/19307911/article-detail.xml 19307911 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda-p-nut-la-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda-p-nut-la-630.jpg <![CDATA[Greenlings: PHEV? DSG? VMT? A guide to common green vehicle acronyms]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/greenlings-phev-dsg-vmt-a-guide-to-common-green-vehicle-acro/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/greenlings-phev-dsg-vmt-a-guide-to-common-green-vehicle-acro/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/greenlings-phev-dsg-vmt-a-guide-to-common-green-vehicle-acro/#commentsFiled under: ,



Deciphering the new vocabulary of the green car movement can sometimes be a real head scratcher. To alleviate as much confusion as possible, we would like to present our readers with a list of common acronyms and what they mean, with plenty of links for more information. If you have some TLAs (that's three-letter acronyms) that you'd like us to add to our glossary, just let us know in the comments.

Find the list after the jump.

Photo by thrig. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Continue reading Greenlings: PHEV? DSG? VMT? A guide to common green vehicle acronyms

Greenlings: PHEV? DSG? VMT? A guide to common green vehicle acronyms originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acronymacronymsb20b5b99bevcafecarbcvtdctdidsge10e15e85edtafeaturedgreenlingsgtdih2hccihhoiceli-ionmpgenevnimhphevsulevsvotditsiulevvmtvvtwvozevThu, 10 Dec 2009 15:09:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19273772/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19273772/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/10/greenlings-phev-dsg-vmt-a-guide-to-common-green-vehicle-acro/19273772/article-detail.xml 19273772 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/2660456936_255bba0d11_b_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/2660456936_255bba0d11_b.jpg <![CDATA[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 can 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 What's the difference between kW and kWh?

What's the difference between kW and kWh? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen 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 http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19245247/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19245247/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/19/greenlings-whats-the-difference-between-kw-and-kwh/19245247/article-detail.xml 19245247 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2927254475_e7366dab4d_b_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/2927254475_e7366dab4d_b.jpg <![CDATA[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 Why does mileage drop in winter?

Why does mileage drop in winter? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen 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 http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19235185/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19235185/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/12/greenlings-why-does-mileage-drop-in-winter/19235185/article-detail.xml 19235185 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/rdx_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/rdx.jpg <![CDATA[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 How do I plug my electric vehicle in at home?

How do I plug my electric vehicle in at home? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen 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 http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19219637/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19219637/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/06/greenlings-how-do-i-plug-in-my-electric-vehicle-at-home/19219637/article-detail.xml 19219637 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/charging-leaf-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/charging-leaf-630.jpg <![CDATA[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 How does weight affect a vehicle's efficiency?

How does weight affect a vehicle's efficiency? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen 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 http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19215776/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19215776/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/29/greenlings-how-does-weight-affect-a-vehicles-efficiency/19215776/article-detail.xml 19215776 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/tesla-roadster-on-teacups_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/tesla-roadster-on-teacups.jpg <![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 AutoblogGreen 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 http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19193980/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19193980/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/19/greenlings-why-cant-americans-have-good-small-diesels/19193980/article-detail.xml 19193980 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/2010vwgolffd_01_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/2010vwgolffd_01_opt.jpg <![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 AutoblogGreen 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 http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19186032/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19186032/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/12/greenlings-what-is-cafe/19186032/article-detail.xml 19186032 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/56223666_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/56223666.jpg <![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 AutoblogGreen 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 http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19178715/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19178715/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/01/greenlings-will-we-ever-replace-the-standard-rear-and-side-vie/19178715/article-detail.xml 19178715 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/aptera-prototype-interior_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/aptera-prototype-interior.jpg <![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 AutoblogGreen 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 http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19170446/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19170446/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/24/greenlings-should-i-switch-to-straight-veggie-oil-what-is-hold/19170446/article-detail.xml 19170446 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/57401835_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/57401835.jpg <![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 AutoblogGreen 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 http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19164909/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19164909/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/17/greenlings-how-can-we-refuel-electric-vehicles-today-and-tomo/19164909/article-detail.xml 19164909 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/renault-quickdrop-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/renault-quickdrop-630.jpg <![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 AutoblogGreen 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 http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19135776/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19135776/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/10/greenlings-how-important-is-the-appearance-of-a-green-car/19135776/article-detail.xml 19135776 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/chevy-volt-at-sunset-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/chevy-volt-at-sunset-630.jpg <![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 AutoblogGreen 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 http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19150148/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/19150148/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/03/greenlings-what-are-the-promises-and-pitfalls-of-carbon-fiber/19150148/article-detail.xml 19150148 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/carbon-fiber-elise_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/carbon-fiber-elise.jpg -1 2