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March 23, 2008

Common Sense for Eco-Friendly Car Maintenance



Car Care Tune Up

The maintenance practices we often undertake for our cars will usually point towards making sure that they are always consuming the proper amount of fuel and performing in tip top shape each time we get in them. One thing we normally avoid would be car-breakdowns to which such discomforts will cause delays and eventually ruin our day.

On the ecological aspect, we are doing the world a favor as well whenever we allow our regular car maintenance checks such as tune-ups, change oils and tire inflating to make sure the exhaust and car fuel fumes do not contribute heavily in the growing issue of car pollution we hate these days.

One would say, why not just buy a new car and avoid all the inconveniences. Perhaps if all people could afford one, then car maintenance of old and used cars would not be needed as much today.

As green as we try to be at my household, there’s one giant carbon-footprint we just can’t shake. Our cars. An Audi and a Taurus in the front yard hardly screams “tree hugger.” But even if you’re driving a Canyonero, there are ways to be eco-friendly.

Not everyone can afford a new hybrid car. I daresay there are more than a few people who wouldn’t buy one if they could. Converting your car to bio-diesel can be labor intensive and if you’re not especially comfortable under the hood, it’d be a disaster waiting to happen. But you can make a few changes that will have even the vilest clunker looking greener.

(Source) The Star

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March 6, 2008

Skateboarding the eco transport

You know that one of the greenest types of transportation would be a skateboard that’s if they had not covered them all over with lacquers and paints.

eco skater

But fortunately there are some skateboard makers who have actually thought about this problem and developed an eco friendly skateboard that is made from seventy per cent natural fibres and thirty per cent post production recycled polypropylene. These are finished off with vegetable based adhesives to make this a totally green machine.

Source [Tree Hugger]


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March 5, 2008

Toyota Shows Off iQ in the Market

Toyota iQ

Japan based automobile tycoon Toyota has recently unveiled its compact 4-seater car, the iQ at the Geneva Auto Show last Tuesday. It is tagged to be the smallest 4-seater car in the world but what people should really take note of it is its ability to run on a small fuel-efficient engine and emit lesser carbon emissions outdoors.

Each unit costs $20,000.00 and is sure to be another hit vehicle from Toyota.

Andrea Formica, the company’s senior vice president for Europe announced that the iQ is the ‘world’s smallest four-seater car’, measuring just 2,985 millimeters long.

To achieve such tight packaging, Toyota’s engineers have come up with a clever cabin system that allows three adults and one child to sit in comfort, despite the iQ’s diminutive, almost Smart car dimensions

(Source) AHN

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February 26, 2008

The Arrival of Eco-Friendly Buses

Eco-Friendly Buses

Most of us use the public means of transport. This can be either through the subway or buses. Of the two, buses have been criticized for their contribution towards greenhouse gases and pollution. But while many bus operators are trying to remedy this situation, the development of a small fleet of eco-friendly buses are reportedly in the works.

The first batch of eco-friendly buses will be released in Marin Transit District routes after the approval of the purchase of 35-seat hybrid buses. Once they operate, expect an improvement as far as public transport is concerned.

A small fleet of environment-friendly buses will soon be rolling on Marin Transit District routes, after the district board Monday approved plans to purchase seven, 35-seat hybrid buses for $4.3 million.

(Source) Marinij.com

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February 21, 2008

An Eco-Friendly Scooter for the Cops

Vectrix Scooter

Other than making life easier for them, the police are now doing their part by using eco-friendly scooters to uphold the law. Actually we can see them in most parts of the world using electric or battery-operated scooters lately. Among them include the Vectrix scooter used by officers around the Glasgow Airport in the UK.

Police have launched a bid to reduce their carbon footprint with the introduction of an electric scooter to their fleet.

The Vectrix scooter just needs to be plugged in to charge and will be used by officers to control traffic around Glasgow Airport.

Strathclyde Police are the first in the UK to purchase such a scooter.

The machine has no carbon emissions, making it environmentally-friendly, and reaches speeds of up to 62mph.


(Source) The Press Assocation

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February 19, 2008

Air Powered Car To Be Manufactured in India

In India, where there is a massive middle class population, Tata Group, is going after them with a vengeance. They recently made an announcement that they are in production with the worlds cheapest car, the Tata Nano. Now Tata is coming out with an Air Powered Car.

air-powered-car-from-tata-group.jpg

via - B2Green

This time they are going to manufacture an Air Powered Car for the masses in India. This is one of the reasons, Tata Group, was recently named one of “The World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies” by the magazine, Fast Company.

As of note, the MDI Air Car will only be manufactured and distributed in India. Let’s see if the car makes it to the US, only time will tell.

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February 18, 2008

Hyundai’s Blue Strategy for Green

iBlue Car from Hyundai Motors

We normally hear of green strategies when it comes to tagging products and services towards an eco-friendly environment. But for Hyundai Motors, changing the whole process wouldn’t hurt. Their new program called the Blue Strategy, is aimed at their clean cars obviously referring towards lessening the greenhouse gas issues and gas emissions that have been harming our environment today.

Their new line of cars, significantly themed in blue in relation to the Blue Strategy program, represents a clean image to carry expressions as blue sky and blue sea. Not a bad approach towards a different approach in preaching the green standards direly needed by a dilapidating world we live in at the moment.

Hyundai Motor first introduced a car with the trade name “blue’’ at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September — a concept fuel-cell vehicle with the name “i-Blue.’’

Hyundai Motor, which forms the world’s sixth-largest automotive group with its affiliate Kia Motors, set up global environment management in 2003 to develop hybrid and fuel-cell cars as well as vehicles with high fuel efficiency.

Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group also set up a research center in 2005 for the development of eco-friendly vehicles. And the i-Blue, which was the result of such efforts, featured the group’s latest in-house developed fuel cell stack.

(Source) The Korea Times

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February 17, 2008

ZipCar: Car Sharing Brings Green Benefits

Have you heard of Zipcar? Zipcar is the worlds largest car sharing and car club provider.

zipcar-car-sharing-service.jpg

Car sharing is bringing about significant green benefits, including:

  • Less Cars on The Road - as many car sharers end up ditching their cars
  • An Increase in Alternate Modes of Transportation - car sharers tend to bike, walk, and use public transit more
  • Transportation Savings - some car sharers are reporting annual auto savings of up to $5,000

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

The process involves registering for a driving plan (monthly commitment or pay-as-you-go), chossing a car, and paying the car sharing fee. A variety of different car models are available, including Hybrids.

FEES & FINE PRINT 

The fees vary from the hourly of $9, or daily rates from $66. For the pay-as-you-go plan, there is an application fee of $25, and an annual fee of $50. Gas, parking, and insurance are all included in the rates. You must be atleast 21, and have been licensed for atleast 1 year, with no major moving violations within the past 3 years. (and a few other requirements) Right now Zipcar is available in 13 cities, including Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.

KEETSA VERDICT 

Zipcar is aimed at urban dwellers who want to explore alternative means of getting around, but car sharing is a viable option for anyone who wants to drive less and wants to do so in an eco friendly manner.

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January 22, 2008

The return of the sail ship

Imagine a cargo ship that is nearly 500 feet long being powered by the wind, obviously it is not a new concept as ships used to wind powered, by they were very different then, these cargo ships are way different.

wind power

The sail will be more like a kite as it allowed to drift over 600 feet above the ship, this clearly will not totally replace the engines as they are needed for manoeuvring and for power, but when the sail is deployed during the long journey the ship can save around 20% of the fuel consumption, which is not bad at all.

Source [Eco Friend]

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January 10, 2008

Worlds Cheapest Car Tata Nano - 50 MPG, TOO

At The 9th Annual Auto Expo in India, the worlds cheapest car was revealed. The Tata Nano will sell for $2,500 US dollars.

 cheapest-car-tata-motors-nano.jpg

The Tata Nano will be sold only initially in India, then Latin Ameria, Asia, and other developing nations. This is so cool and although many environmentalists are up in arms about it, i think in the USA it would be a great boon. The argument is that in India most people now use bikes and or scooters to get around, so with this very low priced car, many people will now go out and get a car, which is great for them, but bad for the air and pollution levels in India.

The Tata Nano is a very basic mode of transportation, it does not come with a radio, power steering, passenger side mirror, or A/C, and features only one wiper blade. Yes, there will be deluxe models which will feature more than the entry level model. Also the car sports a very small 2 cylinder engine, but packs a fuel-efficient 50 MPG.

The car as far looks and design is similar as “the bug”, the VW beetle, with some subtle differences. I like it. But dont go looking for it at your local dealer, the car wont be available in the states for atleast some years.

Source: [Yahoo News]

What do you think of the worlds cheapest car, the Tata Nano? Thumbs up or down and why?

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January 2, 2008

The one person utility vehicle

There are a lot of these of these coming through now, but this one is pretty cool and very usable, with a top speed of eleven miles per hour, can carry a load of up to fifty pounds and will travel over thirty miles on one charge.

Although this sort looks like a child’s toy that has been converted to carry a man, and a load. This is idea for airports, malls, amusement parks, fairgrounds, schools, universities, parking garages, parking enforcement, parades etc.

the chimp

Features:

People soft and safe one-piece plastic body, with integral wheel-wells, storage, and “padding” for operator comfort and safety.

Roto-molded body is color-impregnated (no painting), hi-impact strength, never dents, and is scratch resistant (scratch it, and it’s still the same color).

Body can be removed in less than 30 seconds. The batteries could be swapped-out in minutes (this could be very beneficial in rental or multi-shift operations).

Many safety features including: charger interlock (cannot be driven while plugged-in); regen braking (feel of compression braking on downhills or slowing down, and roll-away is reduced to creep speeds); downhill speed limiting; timed shutdown after 3 minutes of non-use (time programmable); low-volume reverse beeper; etc.

Driver fairly well protected from low-speed collisions, even from the rear (an important feature for parking lot duties).

Very stable. Batteries (which are located as low as possible in the vehicle) provide incredible ballast. Impossible to “wheelie” with front wheel drive. “If you get in trouble on this vehicle; you were lookin’ for it.”

Plastic battery tray designed into the body mold, and cut from what would have been scrap. Impervious to acid - protects frame from rust-through which is a common problem to all other industrial vehicles. Powder-coated frame also prolongs its life (compared to paint).

Incredible range: Pulls about 20 amps at cruising speed. Could travel over 30 miles on a charge.

This is not a disposable junk, wimp-mobile, that is commonly marketed. This is a Made In USA tough vehicle, built for the industrial market, using the best quality components that will last for years in harsh use.

Has a higher perceived value than any other vehicle in its class (industrial vehicles).

Easy and intuitive to drive. You won’t need lessons before jumping on it and driving it away (compared to 2-wheel balancing types).

Tested and proven product. Well over a year of every day use with several target customers.

Very inexpensive, off-the-shelf replacement batteries. Easy to find anywhere in the world. Projected battery life 3 to 5 years. Typical replacement cost: $80 to $130 each retail; depending on quality and source (uses two batteries).

Source [Eco Friend]

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December 13, 2007

Paris Hilton Finally Goes Green

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton, the controversial star who has time and again made headlines due to her mischievous ways has done something worth commending. Taking the cue by helping out in the environmental protection of the world, she has joined the ranks in getting and eco-friendly vehicle to show her support for the green movement that the world is gearing up to.

Now rather than being the attention-seeking no good celebrity that she has always carried, she has done something that people will surely note her for. Hopefully she continues her good streak!

(Source) Paris Hilton is joining the Hollywood stars doing their bit to protect the environment by getting an eco-friendly car.

The hotel heiress revealed she is splashing out on a green hybrid motor. And she told how she already makes a special effort to save energy.

Paris, in Germany to promote her new champagne, said: “I changed all the light bulbs to energy-safe bulbs and I’m buying a hybrid car right now.”

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December 8, 2007

Electrum Spyder Electric Car

Electrum Spyder Electric Car

The common knowledge that electric cars look weird will surely change once they get a chance to see this electric convertible car. With the sporty look that can only accommodate the driver and one passenger, people who emphasize on speed without emissions are sure to love this vehicle.

Using nickel zinc batteries to run on, it can be upgraded later on if the battery life of this electric car lacks the amount of useful life to keep the Electrum Spyder running.

(Source)The Electrum Spyder is an exciting 2 passenger convertible all electric freeway flier that will be available in limited production. Powered by a 300 vdc system, the Spyder provides an effective range of up to 150 miles on a full charge using nickel zinc batteries, standard in all of our vehicles. As with all of our Electrum series the Spyder can be upgraded to Lithium Ion batteries when available with a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge.

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November 29, 2007

Now sometimes things go too far

So it doesn’t matter what car you drive, all you need to do is stick a bit of turf on it and the car automatically becomes a green machine, literally!

green cars

Of course some of these cars are not fully covered with real grass, they use astro turf instead. It doesn’t matter if your car has a 4.0 V8 under the hood, it’s still green and needs a bit of water every now and then, and I wonder how they mow it.

Source [Eco Friend]


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November 21, 2007

The ultimate eco car

No matter what they say about cars, they are no really eco friendly because of how they are made and all of the metals, plastics and other materials used. But this guy from the Ukraine certainly has the right idea.

wooden car

The car is made from wood, which makes it pretty strong, but you would think heavy, but it uses an old 1981 Opel engine to power it along but I doubt if has a serious acceleration and top speed. However as an exercise on what can be done it’s a good idea, although it’s not likely to be taken up by the major car makers, yet!

Source [Eco friend]

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