Tag: car

Wal-Mart Wants to Sell E85

E85 is a blend of ethanol mixed with gasoline, the mixture is arguably less damaging to the environment than using just oil. It looks like Wal-Mart, who has questionable practices, is questing whether they should sell E85 at their Sam’s Club stores.

“It’s the single largest commitment to renewable fuels in the history of the auto industry – a good move for the automakers, and for the planet, too.

That’s because running cars and trucks on E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, could turn out to be a cost-effective way to reduce the carbon emissions that cause global warming and curb our dependence on imported oil”

Higher Hybrid Puchases in the United States

graphThe Green Car Congress is reporting that U.S. sales of hybrids top 25,000. This is good news, because it means less pollution. GCC points out that SUV sales have decreased, which is good news in itself considering the mayor of London thinks SUV drivers are idiots.

“Buoyed by strong results for the Prius and the Camry hybrid, sales of hybrids in the US hit a new high in July, with 25,626 units sold—a 32% increase from July 2006.”

It looks like more hybrid vehicles will be purchased next year too. General Motors will be debuting Author Adam ClarePosted on Categories Environment, TransportationTags , , , , 1 Comment on Higher Hybrid Puchases in the United States

More Parks, Less Parking

Smog kills and that isn’t good, what is good is when people try to stop smog. I’m assuming that you can figure out what this post is about. In Toronto yesterday I joined an intrepid group of people who used a car to protest the lack of green space in the city.

A dead car was given new life as a petition at Pedestrian Sunday in Kensington Market in Toronto. Tons of people signed it to show their support for the simple idea of more parks and less parking. On Monday the car was towed away.

We met at 8am to push the car-turned-petition to cIty hall about 2.5 km away. We were quite a fun parade since we had drummers and a great attitude! At city hall a representative from the mayor’s office accepted our petition. Check out the pictures on flickr.

Accelerating Developments for Green Cars

smart car
A few car makers are actively trying to make our over-reliance on oil less of an issue. The most interesting one is the car made by Tesla motors.
Here is a quick round-up of recent announcements:

Toyota is thinking of making a ethanol-powered vehicle in the “near term” and is “pursing a plug-in hybrid vehicle” for the USA’s auto market.

“DaimlerChrysler has turned its popular teeny Smart car into an EV. The electric version of the Smartfortwo will be available for lease to 100 customers in Great Britain in November.”

A car made by Tesla Motors (who gets funding from Google founders and a Pay-Pal founder) has made and electric car that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds.

Go green cars go!

Wired Reviews Greenmobiles

Wired magazine has a short look at what green cars one can buy now. Specifically the technology behind the autos.

“You’re ready to kick carbon to the curb, but you’re not sure which kind of car will work best for you. With oil prices spiking, temperatures rising, and the public crying for relief, automakers are scrambling to offer consumers alternatives to pollution-spewing gas-guzzlers. Here are the specs on the best available technologies – flex-fuel, diesel, and hybrid.”

They are also reporting that hybrid technology may safe SUVs, but probably not for Londoners.