Automobiles

When you're in the market for a car, what's the most eco-friendly option?  Buy a new fuel-efficient car, such as a hybrid, or buy something used?... read more

In the words of that dynamic duo of Chuck D & Flava Flav, DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE!  Well, that is sort of what Vinod Khosla said recently about the potential of lithium ion batteries at the AlwaysOn Summit at Stanford.  And why should you listen to this Mr. Khosla, you may ask.  Well, this is the man who founded Sun Microsystems and is one of the top investors in clean technology.  For example, he currently is a major investor in both Sakti3 and Seeo, two lithium ion start ups.

The problem, according to Khosla, is that lithium ion batteries are still cost restrictive.  In an interview with GoodCleanTech Khosla states, “The most important thing to remember is economic gravity — the cheapest thing ends up winning.”  The only way that lithium batteries will become cost competitive is if oil jumps to $150 a barrel.  (Which is a very real possibility once the global economy rebounds.)  ... read more

The United Kingdom is known for many things, but one of the most recognizable is the huge double decker buses that drive through the streets of every major metropolis.  These symbols of British mass transits are now entering the next century of green technology.  Volvo is launching a hybrid version of double deckers along the roads of London. These buses will utilize Volvo's hybrid I-Sam technology, combining diesel and electric power.  The company originally believed that the buses would save 20 to 25 percent in fuel usage, but in reality it was more than 30 percent.... read more

The autobloggreen.com recently reported that Hyundai is planning to get into the plug-in market in the very near future.  By 2012 the Korean automaker hopes to introduce a snazzy plug-in sports sedan.  The car will be monitored on Blue-Will concept car featured this year at the Seoul Auto Show.  (Check out the concept below) The plug-in sports sedan will be powered by aa 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injected powerplant and 100kw electric motor mated up with a CVT automatic transmission.  The range of the vehicle is to be 38 miles and has an overal rating of 55 mpg for its gas engine.  The Chevy Volt's competition is sure stiffening up.

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Yamaha is filed a patent this previous week concerning a revolutionary new motor bike to accompany their current line.  This 2005 Gen-Ryu hybrid concept bike will utilize a YZF-R6 600cc engine to power a generator, which in turn will drive the bike's rear wheel.  By using electricity as a power source this eliminates the need for both a clutch and gearbox.  This reduces the weight of bike and increases power efficiency.

I know many of you will ask why do we need to improve fuel efficiency of bikes since they are already frugal in gas use?  Well, simply it isn't all about fuel efficiency, it is also about power.  By dropping weight the Gen-Ryu hybrid can feel like a bike with twice as large an engine.  At the same time the bike becomes much less complex, making it more attractive for older riders.... read more