Computer and communication technologies are proving important in helping motorists drive more intelligently and efficiently. These high-tech strategies are increasingly being used to complement the fuel economy and emissions reductions brought by improved powerplants and vehicle electrification. On the way to the federally mandated fleet fuel economy average of 54.5 mpg, all strategies and efficiency […]
Mitsubishi’s recently-unveiled Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a first for this automaker, combining mainstream sport-utility appeal with advanced, plug-in hybrid efficiency. The Outlander PHEV promises drivers the flexibility of an affordable and spacious sport utility that can run in quiet, zero-emission electric mode for commuting, then turn around and handle weekend getaways for […]
Honda has developed a new lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid system that’s optimized for small vehicles. The Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive system is the latest addition to Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology suite of next-generation powertrain technologies that aims at both high fuel efficiency and driving performance. This new system joins the two-motor Sport […]
Chevy’s newest subcompact, the Chevy Spark, is the smallest Chevy yet. This mini machine comfortably fits four average sized humans in ways better than you’d expect, even though it’s one of the smallest four-door vehicles you can purchase today. Powered by a 1.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine and choice of a standard five-speed manual or optional […]
When Toyota decided to offer an all-electric production version of its RAV 4, Tesla became a strategic development partner.
It’s a given that it will take more than just better powerplants to reach the 54.5 mpg federal fuel economy standard set for coming years. To this end, automakers are exploring every part of an automobile for ways to eke out greater efficiencies. An interesting new exploration is taking place at General Motors, which is […]
BMW's Concept Active Tourer, a through-the-road plug-in hybrid, uses a front-mounted engine to drive the front wheels and an electric motor to drive the rear, with no mechanical connection between the two. In most hybrids the output of the engine and motor are combined. The Concept Active Tourer is the first additional application of the […]
The opportunity to drive an array of electric cars back in the 1990s was enlightening on many levels, bringing home the realization that for many these cars were less than purposeful daily drivers. From my perspective, they were fun but also impractical for my longer driving needs. And as for their performance, well…good for electric […]
Small cars can be cool. That seems to be a new mantra in the auto industry as it seeks to market downsized cars that are more fuel efficient, snappy, and fun to drive.
Stop-start systems are a virtually universal feature of hybrid electric vehicles all over the world. They are an integral part of hybrid powertrain strategies because they work well in increasing a car’s fuel efficiency in urban driving that often involves stop-and-go traffic, when a car is standing still and running at idle. Now stop-start features […]
It’s interesting to chart the growing sales of hybrids and other clean vehicles today. What’s really enlightening, though, is to understand how these vehicles are being used and what their implications are for our driving future. That’s where cutting-edge demonstration projects like Austin’s Pecan Street bring great value to urban and transportation planners, by providing […]
The future of electrified vehicles seems to be on two tracks – upscale performance sports cars and lower-cost city cars. Infiniti is one of several marques on the growing list of automakers apparently poised to develop the former, or at least explore the technology for high performance electric cars. Infiniti’s Emerge-E Concept features two synchronous DC […]
Clean cars and dirty fuels don’t mix. EPA and DOT will issue final standards to strengthen fuel efficiency and slash carbon pollution spewing from 2017-2025 vehicles. These standards pick up where the standards for 2012-2016 vehicles leave off, promising 13 years of continuous improvement in new vehicles. Automakers are churning out vehicles with better fuel […]
Momentum has been growing for biodiesel as a way to diversify transportation’s energy use and reduce emissions. The renewable fuel, which is made from agricultural byproducts and co-products such as soybean oil, is also a boon for American farmers and many Midwestern states. As an example, the nation’s leading biodiesel state – Iowa – has […]
Eaton Corporation, a company involved in electric vehicle charging, is now on a mission to develop a next-generation home refueling station for natural gas vehicles. The company is aiming to solve one of the vexing challenges for commercializing natural gas passenger vehicles for general consumers: affordable at-home natural gas refueling. Home refueling allows natural gas […]
VW is adding a natural gas version of its 2013 Golf to its offerings in Europe. The bi-fuel EcoFuel Golf has two CNG cylinders mounted beneath the floor providing a range of about 260 miles. A 13 gallon gasoline tank delivers an additional driving range of 540 miles, for a noteworthy total range of 800 […]
Patrick Racing aims to show how clean-burning natural gas can effectively compete amid conventionally and alternatively powered counterparts in American Le Mans Series (ALMS) racing. The team is working with the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), sanctioning body for ALMS racing, to identify development and testing opportunities for natural gas fuel systems to power the […]
Fuel economy is driving sales of new cars. In an era of high fuel prices, consumers in increasing numbers are shopping mpg, and that’s good for automakers.