2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Track Video

January 9, 2011 by  
Filed under Fuel Economy


2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Track Video: blogs.insideline.com More Articles: www.insideline.com Car Prices & Info www.edmunds.com Twitter Feed twitter.com Facebook Page www.facebook.com Hi-Res Videos: www.hulu.com side-line And then there’s the X6 ActiveHybrid, an equally expensive but slightly less nimble X6 that trades some performance for fuel-efficiency. Not much fuel-efficiency, mind you. On the highway, the X6 Hybrid’s EPA number goes up two notches, but it still doesn’t crack 20 mpg (its 19 mpg) while the city numbers goes from a paltry 12 mpg to a more respectable 17 mpg.

State high-speed rail officials approve $4.3 billion stretch of track derided as “train to nowhere.”

December 5, 2010 by  
Filed under Going Green

Odessa hears about green growth
Attendees at the first Growing Green Sustainable Rural Development conference Wednesday got to hear about projects related to wind, solar, nuclear and clean coal. But there was one thing Laura Miller said all these energy sources had in…

Read more on Odessa American

Tacoma to receive $75,000 award for sustainable community work
The City of Tacoma will receive a $75,000 award for its work at being a sustainable community.

Read more on Tacoma News Tribune

Used Cosmetic Laser Reseller, The Laser Warehouse, Implements Business Green Strategies
The Laser Warehouse, the industry’s leading reseller of used cosmetic lasers, has designed and implemented a corporate environmental sustainability policy, aptly named “Business Green”. The Laser Warehouse’s goal is to minimize the company’s impact on the environment while achieving cost efficiencies for their customers.

Read more on PRWeb via Yahoo! News

State high-speed rail officials approve $4.3 billion stretch of track derided as ‘train to nowhere.’
State green-lights plan to start construction in Central Valley

Read more on San Jose Mercury News

State high-speed rail officials approve $4.3 billion stretch of track derided as “train to nowhere.”
State green-lights plan to start construction in Central Valley

Read more on Contra Costa Times

Tough Smart: 2008 Smart Fortwo Brabus @ the Track

September 22, 2010 by  
Filed under Fuel Economy


2008 Smart Fortwo Brabus Blog: blogs.edmunds.com Smart Brabus @ 2008 Geneva Auto Show: www.youtube.com More Articles: www.insideline.com Car Prices & Info www.edmunds.com Twitter Feed twitter.com Facebook Page www.facebook.com Hi-Res Videos: www.hulu.com side-line

150 MPG Extreme Hybrid SUV – Track Tests & Interviews

September 15, 2010 by  
Filed under Fuel Economy


www.afstrinity.com In this video, we get a first-hand look at the XH-150™ Extreme Hybrid™ SUV during calibration and testing in December of 2007 at Michelin’s Laurens Proving Grounds in South Carolina. Features interviews with AFS Trinity’s Chief Technology Officer, Don Bender and Former Asst. Secretary of Energy at the DOE (1995-1998), Dr. Joseph Romm. 150 miles per gallon SUV. Find out more at http Visit or newly launched FAQs if you have questions!

Fuel Economy Bill on Fast Track

September 4, 2010 by  
Filed under Fuel Economy

A bill to increase fuel economy mandates is now on a fast track in the House. On the fourth of July, it is expected to reach the floor for a vote. The information was announced yesterday during a standing-room-only hearing.

Like any other issues, the opposite side intends to put a halt powered by EBC pads to prevent the bill’s approval. Some Democrats said that they will continue to fight in order to make the 57-page bill far tougher on auto manufacturers. Rep. Rick Boucher, the chairman of the Energy and Air Quality subcommittee, said that his subcommittee would consider amendments on June 13, while the full committee would debate and approve the measure June 20. That swift track comes as the Senate is set to consider its own bill to increase fuel economy as early as late next week.

Automakers have agreed to work hand in hand with Congress. “We want to work with policymakers to create a bill that is effective, achievable and inclusive,” said Dave McCurdy, the president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, in written testimony. The trade group represents the Big Three and Toyota among nine companies.

“We recognize that fuel economy requirements will continue to increase for our products, but these regulations need to recognize the competitive conditions of the automotive market,” McCurdy added.

U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, said that the bill’s energy provisions would raise the price of gasoline by $1 to $1.50 per gallon. He noted that previous energy bills have taken years, dozens of hearings and ‘false starts.’ “Your timetable is to say by the least ambitious,” Barton said. The bill “would require monumental changes in the automotive and refinery industry. We need to know what the cost and benefits of these changes are.”

Republicans offered some aid for the bill. The ranking energy and air quality Republican, U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert, said that the bill would require automakers to raise fuel economy to at least 36 miles per gallon by 2022 for passenger cars and 30 miles per gallon for light trucks by 2025 has the “potential to produce good policy.” It also would bar California and eleven other states from imposing their own tailpipe efficiency requirements that would require automakers to average 40 miles per gallon by 2016.

McCurdy said that the alliance does oppose doubling corporate average fuel economy fines. “It will cause consumers to pay more for certain vehicles,” he said. Only small, luxury manufacturers have been required to pay fuel economy fines.

U.S. Rep Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, said the proposal offers “market-based solutions,” but opposed the specific fuel economy increase, saying it offers “arbitrary numbers that distorts the marketplace.” “Please don’t rush this bill,” Rogers said.

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., said that he strongly opposed the committee’s draft, calling it “deeply flawed.” “It doesn’t step up to the urgent challenge. It blinks and then steps back,” he said. Waxman said he would offer a substitute amendment that would require more stringent fuel economy increases. “Instead of discouraging states from taking action, it… will support states’ actions,” Waxman said.

U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., also opposed the draft, saying “it does not represent the spirit of what this country wants.” He added, “This bill is cutting the legs out from the states just as they are starting to sprint forward on carbon emission regulation.”

Markey also will bring an amendment to raise fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon. “We must send that signal to all of those OPEC nations. We have the technological capacity to do that,” he said. Markey added that “historic debate is about to break out.”

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Solar Power Runs NASCAR Race Track

August 14, 2010 by  
Filed under Going Green

Vashon Island farms make for a fresh and tasty day trip
A quick getaway from Seattle is how city slickers often look at Vashon Island. Maybe a loop around the island on a bike.

Read more on Business Examiner

Inside an Energy Efficient Data Center – Infrastructure
Emerson Electric’s 35,000-square-foot global data center is 31 percent more energy efficient than traditional data centers, a setup that promises substantial cost savings.

Read more on Baseline

Bristol Profile: Decorative Living
Decorative Living is stylin’ in Grundy Commons.

Read more on Bristol Pilot

Ford to Use Solar Panels to Help Produce Its Upcoming Electric Vehicle
500 kw installation is estimated to save $160,000 a year; Ford is only paying about 13 percent of costs

Read more on AnandTech

Solar Power Runs NASCAR Race Track
Green tech hits NASCAR with a solar powered track out of Long Pond Pennsylvania.

Read more on Digital Trends

Mercedes E63 AMG on the test track

August 7, 2010 by  
Filed under Fuel Economy


The new E 63 AMG distinguishes itself from the regular Mercedes-Benz E-Class models with a completely newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle, and with its autonomous exterior and interior design. At the same time Mercedes-AMG has achieved a reduction in fuel consumption by almost 12 percent for the new E 63 AMG, thanks to the concerted use of fuel efficiency measures. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E 63 AMG further consolidates the brand’s leading position in the field of automotive safety……………..

How do You Track Your Car’s Fuel MPG?

June 25, 2010 by  
Filed under Fuel Economy


live.pirillo.com – How do you calculate your miles per gallon, to see if you’re doing well with fuel economy? With the cost of gasoline these days, everyone is concerned with getting the best gas mileage you can out of your vehicle.

Four Reasons To Keep Track Of Your Gas Mileage

February 23, 2010 by  
Filed under Fuel Economy

In this article, we will discuss the reasons why you should cultivate the habit of watching your gas mileage all the time.

Among the reasons to watch your gas mileage are:

Create a true baseline of your car’s fuel efficiency. Recognize immediately when something goes wrong. Get a true test of the effectiveness of gas-saving gadgets and techniques. Improve your driving skills.

Create a Baseline

You know your car was rated at so many miles per gallon when you bought it, but is it really getting that mileage? Remember that thing about “your actual mileage may vary”?

In order to know what kind of fuel efficiency you’re actually getting, you’re going to have to measure it yourself.

Unfortunately, the very act of measuring your fuel economy might “change” it. Its kind of like a classroom full of children: When they know the teacher’s watching, they behave better. Similarly, when you know your gas mileage is being measured, you might step a little lighter on the accelerator.

The only way to get a true measurement of your gas mileage is to measure it all the time. If you make a habit of writing down every gallon of gas you buy, sooner or later, you will revert to your real driving habits – the way you drive when the teacher isn’t looking – and you will find out what’s really going on.

Recognize a Problem

Your car’s gas mileage is a good indicator of its overall performance. When something is beginning to go wrong, it will start robbing you of power – and gas – before you really notice serious performance problems.

If you’re in the habit of tracking your gas mileage all the time, you will see immediately when your car needs attention. Is it time for a tune-up? How’s the tire pressure? Does your transmission need some adjustment? These and many other things can make your car start burning more gas than it should.

If your gas mileage suddenly drops from 33 mpg to 30 mpg and stays there, you might not notice it for weeks or months. How much does that extra 3 mpg cost you over half a year? It adds up, and if you’re not watching, it adds up stealthily and robs you blind.

But if you’re keeping track of your gas mileage all the time, you will know about subtle problems like this right away. Then you can take corrective action before the money starts leaking out of your budget.

True Test of Improvements

If you’re planning to install some new gadget or use some new fuel additive to get better gas mileage, how will you know it really works? The same question applies if you’ve heard about some new trick or technique to get better fuel economy.

The only way to know is to have a good baseline to start with, and to get a good, accurate measurement of your fuel economy after you make the change.

There is something that might be called a “placebo effect” in gas mileage improvements. You get better gas mileage after you install the new widget because you want to get better gas mileage. You start using some snake-oil fuel additive, and you drive a little slower, even without realizing it, and so you get better gas mileage with snake oil.

The only way to know whether that new widget really works is to get a true, long-term measure of your gas mileage. And, as described earlier, the only way to do that is to keep up the habit of measuring your gas mileage all the time, even when “the teacher isn’t looking.”

Improve Your Skills

Once you’re in the habit of measuring your gas mileage constantly, you can use that information to keep tabs on your driving habits. Yes, “the teacher is watching.” You know how to drive for maximum fuel efficiency, but are you really doing it?

Monitoring your car’s gas mileage all the time will let you know, not only how your car is performing, but how you are performing as a driver.

Don’t just think you’re driving for maximum efficiency – know it!

And don’t try to fool yourself into believing that you’re an efficient driver. Your ongoing fuel economy records will show the cold, hard truth. “The teacher is always watching.”

Conclusion

This article told you four good reasons why you should measure your car’s gas mileage all the time. It assumes that you already know how to get a good ongoing MPG measurement, but that is the subject of other articles.

Measure your gas mileage all the time. This will let you know what your real MPG is, whether your car is performing at its maximum efficiency or if something needs fixing, what effect that latest gizmo or additive is really having on your gas mileage, and whether you really are as fuel-conscious a driver as you think you are.

You can download a handy gas mileage spreadsheet at GasPredictor.com. It keeps track of your car’s gas mileage, from one fill-up to the next, as well as over the long term. Visit http://www.gaspredictor.com for this and other information about getting the most from your driving budget, as well as forecasts of tomorrow?s gas prices for the U.S.