2010 Toyota Prius vs. 2010 Honda Hybrid
By Paul NiedermeyerAugust 18, 2008 - 5,746 views
We recently pitted the next gen Toyota Prius against the forthcoming Chevrolet Volt. The contest was theoretical, predicated on the arrival of the Volt in 2010 (and performing as advertised). Meanwhile, there’s no question about the reality (and viability) of Honda’s new hybrid sedan. It’s set to hit the showroom floor in April 2009, around the same time as the new Prius. While the Volt waits in the wings, the Toyota - Honda gas - electric rivalry will be an epic showdown.
2010 Toyota Prius vs. 2010 Honda Hybrid editorial continued »
Posted in Editorials | Green | 58 comments 
Back in 1783…
By Andrew DedererJune 28, 2008 - 24 views
Back in 1783, Paris was all abuzz with the exploits of the Montgolfier brothers’ balloons. Using a simple bag and a lot of hot air, men (and sheep) were able to fly (or at least float). One of the observers was none other than Ben Franklin, who was fascinated by the display. An onlooker was less impressed “What use is it?” America’s founding dirty-old-man smiled and replied, “Of what use is a newborn baby?"
Back in 1783… editorial continued »
Posted in Editorials | Green | 30 comments
TTAC’s Incredibly Useful Guide to Saving Gas
By Robert FaragoJune 18, 2008 - 181 views
High gas prices are a bit like the weather: everyone’s complaining but no one’s doing anything about it. Actually, that’s not true. At the sharp end, consumers are buying more fuel efficient vehicles. They’re driving less. We’ve even heard talk of gas-conscious automobilists driving more slowly. Now THAT’S serious, and, to mind, reprehensible. So, while the mainstream media is full of helpful advice on how to use less gas (e.g. take those gold bars out of your trunk), I hereby present TTAC’s unconventional guide to saving fuel this summer.
TTAC’s Incredibly Useful Guide to Saving Gas editorial continued »
Posted in Editorials | Green | Industry | 62 comments
The Great Hybrid Showdown: Chevrolet Volt vs. Toyota Prius
By Paul NiedermeyerApril 10, 2008 - 43,284 views
The great hybrid showdown is coming. GM Car Czar Bob Lutz has thrown down the gauntlet: “We are headed for the OK Corral.” In fact, GM has staked its reputation on the Volt, intending to “leapfrog the Prius” and evoking America’s Apollo moon-shot program. Meanwhile, Toyota continues its domination of the alt power mindspace, finalizing their third generation Prius. While we prepare for the clash of the hybrids, let’s take a closer look at the contenders...
The Great Hybrid Showdown: Chevrolet Volt vs. Toyota Prius editorial continued »
Posted in Editorials | Green | 93 comments
Green Concept Cars - Where’s the Fun in That?
By Alex KambasMarch 13, 2008 - 23,003 views
Do you remember when you couldn’t leave the table-- or have desert-- without finishing your vegetables? Personally speaking, the parental requirement didn’t make me any more likely to eat or enjoy vegetables. The same holds true when it comes to green cars. I’m as sensitive about saving the planet as the next guy, if not more. But ever since “planet friendly” jumped to the top of the list of PR-friendly attributes-- above performance and styling-- I’ve been turning back into a child that hates his greens.
Green Concept Cars - Where’s the Fun in That? editorial continued »
Posted in Design | Editorials | Green | 32 comments
General Motors Death Watch 164: Two-Mode Hybrid RIP?
By Edward NiedermeyerFebruary 22, 2008 - 35,597 views
In the world of hybrid-drive technology, far-sighted development can pay huge dividends. Just ask Toyota, whose sales of Hybrid Synergy Drive-powered vehicles passed the global million-unit mark last year. While Nissan is licensing Toyota's Synergy Drive for its Altima Hybrid, GM has passed on proven success in its pursuit of two-mode hybrid technology with BMW, Mercedes and Chrysler at their joint Hybrid Development Center in Troy, Michigan. Smooth move or just another example of GM throwing good money after bad? Yup, you guessed it.
General Motors Death Watch 164: Two-Mode Hybrid RIP? editorial continued »
Posted in Editorials | GM Death Watch | Green | 62 comments
Ethanol Causes Global Warming
By Stein X LeikangerFebruary 13, 2008 - 32,751 views
Politicians around the world were up against the wall. The World Trade Organization (WTO) was slowly picking away at all their fancy ways of sidetracking public funds into hopelessly anachronistic and inefficient agricultural subsidies. And the agribusiness beats the mil/industrial complex when it comes to lobbying skills. Even French politicians, famous for ignoring the plight of their people, tremble at the thought of another tractor phalanx of mad farmers pulling up in front of the National Assembly and launching putrid brie at their doorstep. Enter Peak Oil.
Ethanol Causes Global Warming editorial continued »
Posted in Editorials | Green | 66 comments
Do Buses Save Gas?
By Paul MilenkovicFebruary 12, 2008 - 31,918 views
I recently passed a highway billboard offering "A cure for your addiction to oil." It was another example of my tax dollars hard at work: an oversized ad for Madison Metro, the Wisconsin's city bus company. Yes, where once fuel conservation was the moral equivalent of war, it now seems to require a 12-Step program. With the price of sweet, light crude flirting with a $100 a barrel price tag, we're all supposed to get "on the wagon." I mean bus. So, off we got to Auto Owners Anonymous.
Do Buses Save Gas? editorial continued »
Posted in Editorials | Green | 54 comments
Together in Electric Dreams
By Justin BerkowitzFebruary 9, 2008 - 25,266 views
Chevrolet hopes their plug-in electric - gas powered Volt will become America’s sweetheart. Yet GM’s boldly going where the fully electric vehicle (EV) has gone before. Forget the EV-1. I’m referring to the Baker Electric of 1899. Thomas Edison’s first car (as an owner) was a commercial success, with an effective range of around 100 miles. Today's prototypes, upon which manufacturers are presently lavishing hundreds of millions of dollars, can double that. So what’s the big deal?
Together in Electric Dreams editorial continued »
Posted in Editorials | Green | 38 comments
California Reanimates the Gas Guzzler Tax. How Great is That?
By Robert FaragoJanuary 28, 2008 - 36,382 views
In '78, OPEC put America's balls in a vise. Responding to the Oil Crisis, Washington enacted a “gas guzzler tax.” The law levied a federal surcharge on the price of any new automobile that burned fuel at the rate of 21.5 mpg (combined), but less than 22.5 mpg (combined). The worse the car’s EPA mpgs, the higher the tax its buyer had to pay. The effectiveness of the federal gas guzzler tax is beyond debate. Literally. No one claims the purchase tax did anything whatsoever to reduce America’s oil consumption. And yet it’s still with us. What’s more, it’s about to make a comeback.
California Reanimates the Gas Guzzler Tax. How Great is That? editorial continued »
Posted in Editorials | Green | Industry | 54 comments
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