Vespa, makers of those fine looking Italian scooters, are developing a 3-wheel hybrid electric /gas scooter. The scooter is to be named the Vespa M3.

Ecoshopper reports, that “in full electric mode it has a range of 20 KM. If you are in gas mode you can add electric power to boost performance providing 85% more power. It requires less braking distance than any other scooter by 20%. The engine is 125cc enough for the legal limit when riding with a car license. Their also going to be a 250 cc version”.

I’m not crazy about the look of these 3 wheel electric scooters, versus the 2 wheeler, Vespa known for great design, can do better.

Source [Eco Shopper]

It was just a matter of time, before the insurance industry started paying attention and rewarding drivers who buy and use green cars.

Because of the continued increase in the sales of hybrid, electric, and other alternative fueled vehicles, CIS based in the U.K. has decided to reward eco-drivers. The company states that those who drive a green vehicle that emits less than 120g of carbon dioxide per kilometer, will receive a 10% discount on their premium and that a portion of the premium will be directed to ClimateCare.org, a carbon-offsetting project organization.

CIS, otherwise known as Co-operative Ins, is also a model of socially responsibility in other facets of its operations, as evidenced by its headquarters where some 7,000 solar panels were constructed, and for its insurance claims, it uses environmentally friendly garage operators.

Geico for the socially conscious masses.

Wal-Mart has decided to purchase this protoype hybrid truck that is supposed to be 7% more efficient than the typical transporter. This Peterbilt Model 386 Hybrid was designed and built by the Pete Store.

The Pete Store writes

“The heavy duty hybrid electric Model 386, configured for on-highway use, is being developed in conjunction with Eaton and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. It is currently in the testing and evaluation phase and is expected to be available in 2010. Wal-Mart, which operates the nation’s second largest private fleet, is supporting development by helping validate the concept and refine the final design.”

“The implementation of Hybrid trucks is an encouraging step towards environmental sustainability and the reduction of emissions throughout the industry,” John Arscott, President of The Pete Store, Inc. said to Business Wire “Wal-Mart is proving to be a leader in this arena, and The Pete Store is pleased to play a part in such a landmark event within the transportation industry.”

The addition of these trucks to Wal-Mart’s fleet is expected to increase their efficiency by 25%.

via businesswire

via treehugger