Green Car News
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It's hard to picture how much fuel we use as a nation when given the raw data--the numbers are usually so unimaginably vast they lose all meaning. Just how vast is spelled out succinctly when we're shown how much we save by driving electric or hybrid vehicles. In the case of the Chevrolet Volt, that's seven million gallons and counting in California alone. Or if you'd like to equate that to a figure of some significance, GM says it's equal to shutting off gas pumps in the state for a full eight hours. Actually, eight hours doesn't seem like a lot, but then that's another sign of just how much...
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Yamaha Motiv: Gordon Murray's City Car Partner Revealed
Ever had to keep a really big secret? Respected automotive engineer Gordon Murray has: Having known for quite some time who one of the biggest customers for his highly-efficient iStream production process was, Murray has been unable to reveal it to us all. Now that secret is officially out...
Antony Ingram -
Nissan BladeGlider: Live Preview Gallery Of Electric Sports Car
The Tokyo Motor Show is now well underway, but before doors opened to press and public we were allowed a sneak preview of one of its stars. Nissan's BladeGlider Concept is one of the most striking electric vehicles we've seen in years, and one of the most exciting too--and we can now, via Motor...
Antony Ingram -
Tesla Fires: NHTSA Will Probe, Warranty To Cover Fire Damage, Ride-Height Tweak
It's been quite a month for Tesla Motors and its CEO, Elon Musk. In the wake of three fires in Model S electric luxury sedans, a tsunami of media coverage about those fires, and a falling stock price--which may or may not be directly related--the company went on the offensive yesterday. MORE: Tesla...
John Voelcker -
Honda Fit Gas Mileage, LA Auto Show Preview, Electric-Car Incentives: Today's Car News
Today on Green Car Reports: The Toyota Prius C hybrid could get a convertible model in Japan, the Ford Edge could get a hybrid model with its next redesign, and we preview the green cars of the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. All this and more on Green Car Reports. We learned that the 2015 Honda Fit will...
John Voelcker -
Many Consumers Still Unaware Of Electric Car Incentives
Many regular readers will be aware of all the federal and local financial incentives and other benefits associated with running a plug-in car. You're in a tiny minority though, according to a new survey--which suggests 95 percent of the population is completely unaware of electric vehicle...
Antony Ingram -
The Tennessee Valley Authority will shut down eight electricity-generating units, which account for nearly a fifth of its yearly coal use.
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2014 MINI Cooper: 3-Cylinder Subcompact Breaks Cover
It's the world's best-known small car, and it's all new for 2014. It is of course the MINI Cooper, though you might have stumbled over the phrase "all new", since a quick glance won't really reveal what parent company BMW has changed--the quirky retro styling is as familiar as ever. BMW has changed...
Antony Ingram -
2013 Los Angeles Auto Show: Green Car Preview
Car enthusiasts will get a real treat over the next few weeks as both the Tokyo Motor Show and Los Angeles Auto Show release scores of new models into the wild. We've already brought you our preview of the Japanese show so now it's time to unearth all the LA launches. Here, tiny kei cars and fuel...
Antony Ingram -
2015 Honda Fit To Have 36-MPG Combined Gas Mileage Rating
The new 2015 Honda Fit will have a combined EPA gas mileage rating of 36 mpg, according to Honda officials. That's the second-highest rating for any five-door subcompact hatchback, and notably improves on the current 2013 Fit's highest rating of 31 mpg. MORE: 2015 Honda Fit - preview In a company...
John Voelcker -
Ford Edge Hybrid, Toyota Prius C Convertible, Tokyo Motor Show Preview:Today's Car News
Oil, ethanol, and solar electric-car charging are in the news today.
Stephen Edelstein -
EPA Proposal Would Cut 2014 Ethanol Mandate By 20 Percent
The EPA may cut the amount of ethanol required to be blended with gasoline from the amount originally specified in a 2007 law.
Stephen Edelstein -
Ford's Edge crossover is a popular model in the automaker's lineup and one enjoying strong sales, but it's never really piqued the interest of green car buyers. That could change with the next generation model, which could be offered as a hybrid, according to some sources. Ford's current lineup lacks a hybrid crossover option, since last year's Escape switched to Ecoboost four-cylinder turbocharged units. For those who enjoyed the previous Escape Hybrid's impressive mileage, utility and longevity, the current Fusion and C-Max hybrids are slim consolation. It's the current Fusion Hybrid that...
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2013 Tokyo Motor Show: Green Car Preview
The 2013 Tokyo Motor Show is almost upon us. And while the Los Angeles Auto Show might hold more relevance for the U.S. market, Tokyo's offerings can never be discounted entirely. Weird and wonderful some may seem but many feature the kind of technology we'll soon be seeing in our road cars. And of...
Antony Ingram -
Toyota Prius C Hybrid To Get Convertible Model In Japan?
From the current Toyota lineup, the Prius C compact hybrid probably wouldn't be your first choice for turning into a sports car. Toyota itself might disagree though, and will display just such a vehicle at the upcoming 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. It's called the Aqua Air, and as you might know already...
Antony Ingram -
2014 Mazda 3: How Does It Drive With i-ELOOP?
Mazda’s most recently redesigned models all feature the SkyActiv badge—corresponding to a suite of engines, transmissions, body structures, and other core components engineered around the idea of maintaining a responsive, sporty driving feel while making major improvements in fuel...
Bengt Halvorson -
2014 BMW i3 Electric Car Drivers Can Opt For Solar Charging Service
BMW's first full-scale production electric car isn't a vehicle done by half measures. It's uniquely styled, features high-tech carbon fiber reinforced plastic construction and the minimalist interior is awash with sustainable materials. BMW thinks its customers might want to continue that...
Antony Ingram -
U.S. Now Produces More Oil Than It Imports: Is This Good?
It's official: The U.S. now produces more oil than it imports from foreign countries. It isn't the first time that's ever happened, but it's the first time in two decades--and according to the White House, it's going hand-in-hand with lower CO2 emissions and growing GDP. For those advocating...
Antony Ingram -
It's been a busy week in the green automotive universe, but you already know that since you follow us on social media. That means you are aware that we named the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid Green Car Reports' Best Car To Buy 2014. Of course, that doesn't mean the other nominees aren't noteworthy vehicles in the green car scene. We know General Motors has looked at making a hybrid version of the Chevrolet Corvette, but an aftermarket company has previewed its own concept called the Quanta Corvette QHP770. Basically it's a Corvette C6 Z06 hybrid with 773 horsepower. In Tesla related news this...
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Bio Batteries, George Clooney, VW CrossBlue Coupe Concept Updated: Today's Car News
Bio batteries, George Clooney, and a concept crossover from Volkswagen make headlines today.
Stephen Edelstein -
Honda Refines Uni-Cub Electric Personal Mobility Device
Honda's Super Cub motorcycle is one of the most important motor vehicles ever made. With more than 60 million produced since 1958 it's done more to get people moving than any other motorized vehicle in history. Honda's electric Uni-Cub has done none of those things but its ethos is the...
Antony Ingram -
Does George Clooney Really Hate Tesla Electric Cars?
There it was, on the always-factual pages of the New York Post: George Clooney hates Teslas. On Monday, the tabloid published an article focusing on Clooney's comment at the very end of a recent Esquire interview that he'd been "on the side of the road a while" in his Tesla Roadster. Clooney owned...
John Voelcker -
Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept Updated For LA Auto Show
The choice of fuel-efficient crossovers is rather limited right now. There's a Lexus RX, the diesel Audi Q5, and we're waiting on Mitsubishi's Outlander plug-in hybrid... but that's about it. Volkswagen will preview one more at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show, in the form of an updated CrossBlue...
Antony Ingram -
Battery Lessor For Electric Renault Zoe Can Halt Recharging Remotely
Digital Rights Management, or DRM, is either the scourge of the digital age or a necessary evil to ensure people who create content get paid for it--depending on who you believe. It's essentially a collection of technologies that determines how you can use digital content or technology after you've...
Antony Ingram