Green Daily

Global Green Challenge: Car Racing Gone Green in Australia

Cat Lincoln — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Alternative Energy

If you're into cars that run on alternative fuels, then this is your lucky week. The Global Green Challenge is a 3,000 kilometer race through the center of Australia that starts in Darwin in the north, finishes in Adelaide in the south, and takes the participants through desert, rainforest and coastal plains.

The race, which began as the World Solar Challenge in 1987, is held every two years. Teams come from around the world to race their kooky looking solar-powered cars that resemble space ships. Most of the teams are made up of engineering students, and the competition is quite earnest.

This year, in addition to the solar concept car competition, there will be a second race called The Eco Challenge, which will include alternative fuel cars that are actually in production around the world.

The 17 entries include electric, hydrogen, ethanol, diesel and hybrids from major car makers like Ford, Toyota, and BMW. The Tesla will also be there, and we all know it's going to win, because it's fast, pretty and is representing for NorCal!

You can track the progress of the race this week on the Real Time Map on the Global Green Challenge site, which includes live updates on the weather. As you can imagine, the status of sun vs. rain is of huge interest when you have a bunch of solar powered cars racing each other across a continent!

Global Green Challenge: Car Racing Gone Green in Australia originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Second Car - To Buy or Not to Buy

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:21:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation

(Photo by Getty Images)

A little more than five years ago my husband and I, after a six month wait, became the proud, at times even smug, owners of a Toyota Prius -- or as my best friend says, a "Pious." Yes, we hybrid owners are guilty as charged for crowing over our gas mileage and early-adopter-coolness.

Five years later, I remain happy with our now slightly beat up Prius, despite the fact that it's not the best handling car I've ever had, and it has a blind spot exactly the size of the Port-a-Potty left at the foot of our driveway by the street construction team. (Thanks guys, for putting it there, and hope no one was hurt when I backed into it.)

Having just one car worked out great for us for more than ten years. We live in San Francisco, which has a variety of good (and colorful -- look, a live chicken in a pink plastic bag!) public transportation, and there are cabs galore. When we both worked downtown, we used the one car so infrequently we had to replace the battery -- a problem with the earlier Prius models.But things change. My husband got a job where he has to drive to work every day. And even though I work from a home office, I frequently need to make client visits, and go where the clients are. And clients can be far away!

I've been exploring buses, trains, taxis and plain old walking, but let me tell you: Sometimes you just need a car to get where you need to go. The other day I wound up stranded, and had to call my father-in-law for a ride home from an appointment. I felt like a (dumb) teenager, including my desperate desire for a car of my own.

I hate that getting a second car will be a huge uptick in our carbon footprint, at a time when we're doing everything to reduce it. Plus, if we take the plunge, what kind of car to get? There are so many more choices now than when we bought our Prius in 2004. I have to say, even though I'm way into that new solar powered sun roof, the "Port-a-Potty" blind spot on the Prius is annoying enough to make me consider a different make and model.

In two weeks I'll be visiting the Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan, where I've been invited to test drive a couple of their cars for a pre-BlogHer road trip. One will be a Mustang (I know, I know, call me an eco-hypocrite, I didn't pick it, although I will certainly like it) and I hope the other one will be a Fusion, their well-reviewed hybrid model.

It would be nice to be able to support the economy by buying an American-made hybrid, but is it even better to support the environment by skipping the second car and looking for more creative ways to get around, like occasionally renting a car?

Whatever I decide, I won't be calling my (totally nice but it was so embarrassing) father-in-law again!

Second Car - To Buy or Not to Buy originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Add a Bike to Your Travel Plans

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:17:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Fitness

(Photo by Getty Images)

Sure, electric cars and hybrids have their place in the green transportation hierarchy, but bikes are universally acknowledged as the greenest way to get around. Completely emissions-free, powered by muscles and sweat, they are the healthy choice for the environment and for you.

However, like so many good habits (or intentions,) biking your way around town can go from difficult to outright impossible when you're traveling. Bikes are a pain to transport on airplanes, and while you can rent in most places, you never know what kind of equipment you'll find. Plus, even if you are lucky enough to get a decent bike, it can still be hard to find important information like where you can safely ride or if there are bike racks at your destination.

Of course, a clever person named George Gill came up with a solution: RentaBikeNow.com. This site lets you research the available bikes in a city or town, see photos and rates, reserve it online, and then get information on the best and safest routes. You can also get accessories, like kiddie trailers, helmets and locks.
RentaBike.com has information for 157 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and you can see the site in English, French and Spanish. The site just launched a few months ago, but word of mouth is already spreading. Lance Armstrong's coach, Chris Carmichael, even tweeted about it!

And remember, you don't have to go on vacation to use RentaBikeNow.com. It's a great way to ease into a biking lifestyle, trying out different bikes and getting a feel for your local bike scene. Remember, good for you and good for the environment always equals good idea.

One caveat: you might want to check to see if any of those naked bicyclist demonstrators were recently in your area, and if they used rented bikes -- and if they did, make sure the seat has been thoroughly disinfected!

Add a Bike to Your Travel Plans originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Being Green Just Got Even Cooler

Cat Lincoln — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:08:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Movies, TV and Books, Activism

(Photo by Getty Images)

You know how being "green" used to have a sort of, well ... wimpy reputation?

Hey, you know it's true. I don't make it up, I just report it!

Well, those days are over. Eco-friendly is so cool it's now badass. Ashley Braun and Katharine Wroth at Grist created a killer list of the 13 most badass greens, and there is not a wussy treehugger (not that there's anything wrong with that, we love treehuggers and Treehugger) to be seen!

The post has a poll for you to vote for your favorite Badass Green, but I seriously could not pick just one. My top picks include:

Homeboy Industries, a job-training program for former gang members in LA. One of the skills is solar panel installation which rocks because that means solar panels are so mainstream now that it's a reliable job! Also, their slogan is "Nothing Stops a Bullet Like a Job" -- let's see someone out-badass that.

Leilani Munter, aka Carbon Free Girl, is a vegetarian, race car driving chick. She's also a biologist and conservation activist. Oh, and if that wasn't enough, she is smoking hot gorgeous. Like, beautiful enough to be the star of a car and bikini calendar. Not that it matters, but I bet it helps get some of those old school car dudes to listen to her talk about alternative fuels!

Punk rock and vegan chef, Isa Chandra Moskowitz, is the co-creator of "The Post Punk Kitchen" and co-author of a vegan cupcake cookbook called "Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World". She's totally cool and accessible, removing the intimidation/hassle factor from the idea of vegan recipes. Also, she has a straight-edge X on her hand in the Grist photo. Old school punk!

These are my favorites, but all 13 of the activists and groups on the list are inspiring and worth a look. Check it out and vote for your favorite!

Being Green Just Got Even Cooler originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pre-Loved, Vintage, Reused - Stylish and Good for the Planet

Cat Lincoln — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Fashion

(Photo by monstervintage.com)

"Recycle" and "reduce" get a lot of attention in the green world, but gloomy global economic conditions are making many people take a second look at "reuse." This thrifty attitude is great for the planet -- if something has already been created, it's better to get as much use out of it as possible before you spend more energy to recycle it into something else.

Clothing is one of the easiest and most fun things to reuse. Hand-me-downs get a bad rap, but when you call it vintage? Then it's cool! Even if you don't have good local vintage boutiques, the internet is now a fab place to find treasures. Monster Vintage has a huge selection of men's, women's and "cool stuff." Be warned, if you click through, you will browse through the merchandise for hours!

"Gently used" second-hand designer fashion used to be a guilty secret, but now we're wearing it loud and proud. Online luxury vintage retailer Marion Mercer offers pristine items from designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and Valentino. While the prices aren't exactly thrift store cheap, they're still considerably less than buying the big names new.

These days even gently used regular clothes are pretty cool. On the west coast -- and in Chicago! -- there is a chain of cooler-than-consignment shops called Crossroads Trading Company where hipsters buy and sell current fashions. And every city across the country has a Goodwill. Take another look, you might be surprised at the bargains you can find!

Another great place to reuse is cars. While everyone would love to buy the newest hybrid, the economic reality is that a well-cared for used car can be an excellent financial and eco-friendly choice. Just remember to follow the clean air/gas saving tips like making sure your tires are properly inflated, and changing your air filters regularly.

Are you a designer who feels inspired by the idea of reusing things? And maybe you want/need a car? Then check out the "Threadless Loves Pre-Loved" contest.

The t-shirt company is known for its ongoing open call for designs, with winners picked by the Threadless community. Between now and July 15th they're asking for t-shirt design submissions based on the concept of "pre-loved" -- it could be baby clothes you shared with your sister, a beautiful ring from your elderly aunt, or a previously-owned car, like the "pre-loved" Volkswagon that the winner will receive, in addition to a $500 Threadless gift certificate, plus $2,000 in cash.

It just goes to show you, the shrewd financial choice of reusing things in everyday life can also be the shrewd environmental choice. And watch out -- bargain hunting gets addictive. It starts with clothes and cars, but before you know it, you'll be trolling craigslist for used washer dryer sets and picking up coffee tables from street corners on "big trash" night!

Pre-Loved, Vintage, Reused - Stylish and Good for the Planet originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Task Force Questions the Volt's Commercial Viability

Josh Loposer — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Polit-eco, GreenTech

Ouch. The news just keeps getting worse for GM. Even though the Volt has enjoyed unprecedented hype for the last 2+ years, and Jay Leno thinks its a superior ride, President Obama's new car task force is not super impressed by the long-range hybrid. They've begun questioning the Volt's commercial prospects as they take a good hard look at GM's sustainability plan. From their report:

"GM is at least one generation behind Toyota on advanced, "green" powertrain development. In an attempt to leapfrog Toyota, GM has devoted significant resources to the Chevy Volt. While the Volt holds promise, it is currently projected to be much more expensive than its gasoline-fueled peers and will likely need substantial reductions in manufacturing cost in order to become commercially viable.

One of the biggest concerns is that GM's 'leapfrog' strategy relied on selling the Volt at a loss, not exactly great for sustainability in the near term. While no official price has been set for the Volt just yet, all signs seem to indicate a price tag right at $40K. At that price, the Volt will be competing with the very sporty, very classy-looking Tesla Model S all-electric sedan. What do you think about the Volt's commercial appeal?

Gallery: The Volt Unmasked

[via Treehugger]

Task Force Questions the Volt's Commercial Viability originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ikea Not Designing Green Cars, Not Even April Fooling

Josh Loposer — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Home

Last week, Green Daily brought you the news that there was a strange video floating around that featured a car-shaped object under an Ikea car cover. At first, there was speculation that Ikea was perhaps going to start designing cute little eco-cars, then it seemed like a clever but all-too-obvious April Fool's prank (since the unveiling is set for April 1st). Alas, it was neither.

"Leko," the mysterious word that glared at us from the Ikea car cover, actually refers to a new online car-sharing program that's kicking off on April 1st. Apparently, Ikea has entered into a deal to offer car-sharing services at its 26 locations in France. That's what the viral video campaign was all about ... and it has nothing to do with April Fools' Day at all. How lame is that?

Sorry the news is somewhat less climactic than anticipated (especially for any readers not located in France), but that's life. C'est la vie.

[via AutoblogGreen]

Ikea Not Designing Green Cars, Not Even April Fooling originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Neil Young Video Features Lincvolt EV

Josh Loposer — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Celebrities, Movies, TV and Books

Neil Young loves the automobile with a passion, it's the giant oil conglomerates and carbon emissions that he's not too crazy about. In support of his upcoming car-themed concept album Fork in the Road -- which has basically pre-panned by critics based on a sample track and the theme -- Neil Young has filmed a low-tech music video in what is undoubtedly the most high-tech '59 Lincoln Continental the world has ever seen: Lincvolt.
The not so artistically shot video is for the track "Johnny Magic," which not only features the Lincvolt, but also appears to be an ode to the heavy metal beast itself:

"she goes long range on domestic green fuel,100 miles a gallon is the Continental rule."

Not to knock a legend the rock, but the lyrics seem a little uninspired and/or overly simplistic ... kinda like we're listening to something from a bygone era of uncynical rock 'n' roll. Anyway, it's cool that Neil is still enthusiastic about the Lincvolt project. I'm thinking that the 'Continental rule' lyric has to do with the fact that the Neil's Continental has been entered into the 100mpg Automotive X-Prize.

[via Ecorazzi]

New Neil Young Video Features Lincvolt EV originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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California Regulates Tire Pressure

Josh Loposer — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Local, Polit-eco

CARB, or the California Air Resources Board to the layperson, has been on somewhat of a regulation rampage so far this month. A couple of weeks ago, CARB started batting aroudn the idea of banning of all dark colored paint jobs in order to lighten the load on your car's A/C, and therefore improve air quality (supossedly).

After scrapping that horribly misguided proposal, they went ahead and adopted a measure to require that all of California's auto maintainence businesses to ensure that your tire pressure is at factory reccomended levels. This, according to CARB would save the average Californian $12 per year on gas ~~which will probably be offset by rising mechanic prices~~. As weird and draconian as regulating tire pressure may sound, at least it would almost certainly result in greater fuel economy across the board. That can't be said for the nonsense about outlawing cars with black paintjobs.

California's tire industry argues that the regulation -- which requires pressure readings and times listed on all invoices -- will be burdensome and expose mechanic shops to new forms of litigation from trial lawyers.

[via AutoblogGreen]

California Regulates Tire Pressure originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart Car2Go Program Rolls Out in Austin

Josh Loposer — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:09:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Local, Travel and Vacation

Of all places in US to launch an experimental car-sharing program, most analysts would probably put any city in truck-month loving Texas somewhere near the bottom of the list. Thwarting intuition, that's somehow the very first place that Diamler is going to test their Car2Go mobility program. The horde of Smart ForTwos for rent will descend upon the Lone Star State's capital city this fall.
Diamler's first Smart sharing program was launched last October in Ulm, Germany, where there are now 200 ForTwos available for rent by the minute, hour, or day. Though they haven't announced any pricing for the state-side pilot program, the Fortwos in Ulm rent for € .19/minute, €9.90/hour, and €49/day -- pretty reasonable for those who only need a car every now and then.

According to ABG, the Austin pilot program will help Diamler work out the kinks when it comes to language, laws, and general functionality. I guess that makes sense. Here's Austin mayor Will Wynn's take on the matter:

"We very much look forward to becoming the first international partner of car2go. Our city is known for its strong sense of environmental responsibility. Car2go fits this wonderfully because we can then offer the residents of Austin an intelligent mobility concept with a high positive environmental factor. The project has our full support."

The bonus incentive to launching a project like this in Austin is that, rather than in San Francisco or New York, if it can be successful in a place with a car culture as strong as Texas, it can work anywhere.

[via Wired]

Smart Car2Go Program Rolls Out in Austin originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Home Office in Your Backyard - OfficePOD

Josh Loposer — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Home

In order to reduce their employee's commuting costs, cut CO2 emissions, and save valuable time (and money), companies all over have shortened their regular work week and/or encouraged their employees to work from home. Seizing on this development, a UK design firm named OfficePOD has built the ideal prefab workspace for the eco-friendly work from home crowd.

According to OfficePOD, the average employer in the UK pays £9,000 ($13,000) per year to accommodate an employer in an office building ... and it only costs about £5,000/year to lease an OfficePOD. They also estimate that an average worker in London pays £4,000 a year in commuting costs, most of which is saved. Not to mention, the OfficePOD is about a billion times more aesthetically than a cubicle, and no one will borrow your stapler. The only bummer from my perspective is that it's a rental -- and of course, the fact that it's only available in the UK.

[via Treehugger]

A Home Office in Your Backyard - OfficePOD originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Tesla Model S Unveiled Today

Josh Loposer — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Gadgets and Tech

It's finally here, Tesla's first foray into affordability and practicality -- and it looks/sounds pretty awesome. The annoying car cover from that teaser photo was thrown off today at Tesla's press event today in Hawthorne, CA, where the Model S -- which seats seven, charges in 45 minutes, and has a range of up to 300 miles -- made it's first public appearance.

Gallery: Tesla's Model S

Tesla's press release calls it "the first mass-prouced electric car," though I think Tesla might be jumping the gun a little bit. The Model S isn't slated to go into production until Q3 of 2011. Still, I've got to say, all the specs are outstanding (almost a little unbelievable), it's got a great look, and with a price tag of $49,900 (after tax rebates) the price is much more competitive with the rivals like the Volt.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the features:

The base Model S gets 160 miles on a charge, with an optional upgrade to 230 miles or even 300 miles if you're willing to throw down the cha-ching.
The Model S seats five adults (like a normal sedan) and two children in rear-facing seats with room for luggage in the trunk.
Charging time is 4 hours on a 220V outlet, 45 minutes at a 440V charging station.

PRESS RELEASE:

At a Glance: Production Model S

With a 300-mile range and 45-minute QuickCharge, the $49,900 Model S can carry five adults and two children in quiet comfort - and you can charge it from any outlet, without ever stopping for gas. World's first mass-produced electric vehicle offers performance, efficiency and unrivaled utility with twice the energy-efficiency of hybrids, making Model S the only car you'll ever need.

Convenience and utility bullet points:

o. Up to 300-mile range
o. 45-minute QuickCharge
o. 5-minute battery swap
o. Charges from 110V, 220V or 440V
o. Seating for 5 adults + 2 child seats
o. Unique hatch for oversized items
o. 60/40 flat-folding rear seat
o. 2nd trunk under hood
o. EPA Roominess Index 121.6
o. More room than station wagons
o. 17-inch infotainment touchscreen
o. 3G wireless connectivity

Model S powertrain includes a liquid-cooled 9-inch motor, floor-mounted battery pack and a single-speed gearbox, delivering effortless acceleration, responsive handling and quiet simplicity -- no fancy clutchwork or gear-shifting required. Model S costs as little as $4 to fully charge - a bargain even if gasoline dropped to $1 per gallon. You can have affordable fun while being socially responsible.

Technical specs:

o. 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
o. ¼ mile in 14 seconds
o. 120 mph top speed
o. Braking 60-0 mph 135 feet
o. 42 kWh battery storage system standard
o. 70 kWh and greater battery storage systems optional
o. 9- inch liquid cooled electric motor
o. Single-speed transaxle gearbox
o. Curb Weight 3825 lbs
o. Overall Length 196"
o. Wheelbase 116.5"
o. All-wheel-drive available (option available in future production models)
o. Right hand drive available

At a Glance: Model S Show Car

The Model S Show Car is a drivable vehicle that exemplifies Tesla's "no compromises" philosophy - an elegantly refined luxury sedan delivering optimal performance without sacrificing efficiency. Designed by Franz von Holzhausen, the car's aggressive stance gives way to a modern silhouette, with minimal front and rear overhangs for maximum space efficiency. The car's mature face defines the future of the Tesla brand and incorporates the touches from the Tesla Roadster. Environmentally friendly materials are incorporated throughout, including water-based paint for the exterior, chrome-free vegetable tanned Italian leather on interior, and 100 percent recycled PET carpeting from Futuris.

Other details:

o. Panoramic roof with sliding moon roof
o. Retracting door handles for improved aerodynamics
o. Full-time 3G connectivity with Internet, HD and satellite radio
o. Push button "gear" selector
o. Brembo brakes
o. Automatic rear lift gate
o. 21-inch wheels, Front Tires 245/35ZR21, Rear Tires 285/30ZR21
o. 17-inch haptic touchscreen and customizable vehicle information display
o. Fully digital instrument cluster
o. LED and neon headlight and taillights, with xenon Hella low beams
o. Smart-key power and push button gear selector
o. Brembo brake system with new one-piece monobloc calipers and integral stiffening bridge to optimize performance
Front brake system:
o. Brembo Gran Turismo
o. Brembo 6-piston Monobloc Calipers
o. Brembo 405x34mm 2-Piece Floating Slotted Discs with Billet Aluminum Hats
Rear brake system:
o. Brembo Gran Turismo
o. Brembo 4-piston Monobloc Calipers
o. Brembo 380x28mm 2-Piece Slotted Discs with Billet Aluminum Hats

Tesla unveils world's first mass-produced, highway-capable EV
Model S sedan has anticipated base price of $49,900, up to 300-mile range and 45-minute QuickCharge capability

March 26, 2009

HAWTHORNE , Calif.-- (BUSINESS WIRE) -Tesla Motors is now taking orders for the Model S, an all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 300 miles per charge.

The Model S, which carries its charger onboard, can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes. By recharging their car while they stop for a meal, drivers can go from LA to New York in approximately the same time as a gasoline car. Moreover, the floor-mounted battery pack is designed to be changed out in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank, allowing for the possibility of battery-pack swap stations.

The floor-mounted powertrain also results in unparalleled cargo room and versatility, as the volume under the front hood becomes a second trunk. Combining that with a four-bar linkage hatchback rear trunk and flat folding rear seats, the Model S can accommodate a 50-inch television, mountain bike *and* surfboard simultaneously. This packaging efficiency gives the Model S more trunk space than any other sedan on the market and more than most SUVs.

"Model S doesn't compromise on performance, efficiency or utility -- it's truly the only car you need," said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. "Tesla is relentlessly driving down the cost of electric vehicle technology, and this is just the first of many mainstream cars we're developing."

Tesla expects to start Model S production in late 2011. The company believes it is close to receiving $350 million in federal loans to build the Model S assembly plant in California from the Dept of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program.

Building on Proven Technology

Tesla is the only production automaker already selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe . With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class yet is six times as energy efficient as gas guzzlers and delivers 244 miles per charge. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers are on the wait list.

Teslas do not require routine oil changes, and they have far fewer moving (and breakable) parts than internal combustion engine vehicles. They qualify for federal and state tax credits, rebates, sales tax exemptions, free parking, commuter-lane passes and other perks. Model S costs roughly $5 to drive 230 miles - a bargain even if gasoline were $1 per gallon.

The anticipated base price of the Model S is $49,900 after a federal tax credit of $7,500. The company has not released options pricing. Three battery pack choices will offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge.

"Model S costs half as much as a Roadster, and it's a better value than much cheaper cars," Musk said. "The ownership cost of Model S, if you were to lease and then account for the much lower cost of electricity vs. gasoline at a likely future cost of $4 per gallon, is similar to a gasoline car with a sticker price of about $35,000. I'm positive this car will be the preferred choice of savvy consumers."

The standard Model S does 0-60 mph in under six seconds and will have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, with sport versions expected to achieve 0-60 mph acceleration well below five seconds. A single-speed gearbox delivers effortless acceleration and responsive handling. A 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity allows passengers to listen to Pandora Radio or consult Google Maps, or check their state of charge remotely from their iPhone or laptop.

Tesla is taking reservations online and at showrooms in California . Tesla will open a store in Chicago this spring and plans to open stores in London, New York, Miami, Seattle, Washington DC and Munich later this year.

About Tesla Motors

San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla Motors Inc. designs and manufactures electric vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency, while conforming to all North American and European safety, environmental and durability standards. The Roadster, which has a 0-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds and a base price of $101,500 after a federal tax credit, is the only highway-capable production EV for sale in North America and Europe. Tesla expects to begin producing the Model S sedan in late 2011.

[via AutoblogGreen]

The Tesla Model S Unveiled Today originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Governator is Trying to Ditch his Tesla Roadster - Rumor Mill

Josh Loposer — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Celebrities, News

Even before its launch, one of the best things Tesla PR department had going for it was a general outpouring of celebrity support. Heck, there was even a rumor that a few of Hollywood's elite male actors would stage an impromptu Tesla parade at this year's Oscars.

But with that kind of high profile attention, there comes a slight risk -- and rumor would have you believe that at least one superstar isn't so happy with his electric Roadster. According to a piece in Gawker, a certain governator of the great state of California, has been trying to get his money back for months.

What's Tesla's return policy? I can assure you that I don't have any idea. Considering the weak status of the auto industry, coupled with news that Tesla specifically is having a tough time keeping their head above water, I really doubt that they're excited about giving Schwarzenegger his $100K back. What's the governor's problem? According to a tipster, Arnold has a tough time getting in and out of the tiny Lotus body, "he's more of a Hummer guy."

[via Ecorazzi]

The Governator is Trying to Ditch his Tesla Roadster - Rumor Mill originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ikea Enters the Green Car Biz?

Josh Loposer — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Home

A new eco-friendly flat-pack car from Ikea? Could it really be true? The Swedish furniture store of furniture stores -- famous for being as kitschy as it is socially-conscious -- is now showing off a teaser video of a new car-shaped product. We know that Ikea is in the middle of rolling out an energy conscious product line, is it time for them to market a cute new, fuel-sipper of its own? Could Ikea make a decent car? Would it come in a box?

To find out, we going to have to wait until April 1st for the great unveiling. I can picture it now: a stylish 40mpg hatchback with wood laminate siding and avocado green hubcaps. Honestly, Ikea should probably start selling a super cute tiny fuel-sipper like the Tata Nano or the Fiat 500 in their stores. God knows that people come out of there with more than they can shove into the vehicle they showed up in. As hip and trendy as Ikea is, it appears that they're still down for some good old fashioned holiday humor. Or, maybe their serious ... who knows?

Gallery: Ikea's Upcoming Solar Lamps

[via AutoblogGreen]

Ikea Enters the Green Car Biz? originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wind-Powered Delivery

Christina Clark — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Food

There are lots of interesting innovations in packaging and shipping being made to help make the consumer goods we all buy a bit more eco-friendly. What about using sailboat power for delivering products?

One company in France and one in Napa, California are using sailboats, specifically large, three-masted schooners, to deliver wine to nearby areas. And in the Seattle area, a company is using sail power to deliver CSA shares and is hoping to partner with other organizations for delivery.

I can't see fleets of schooners plying the waters from China to the US or even from Europe to the US for the most part. But for local coastal deliveries it's a pretty cool concept. I wonder if UPS will be considering horses next?

[Via Crunchy Chicken, Eco Worldly]

Wind-Powered Delivery originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michelin Tires Will Save 16,500 Tons of CO2 This Year

Josh Loposer — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 09:42:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, GreenTech

When it comes to squeezing the maximum mileage out of your ride, every little thing counts -- just look at the Aerocivic. Spurred on by last year's huge hike in oil prices and the development of a new generation of fuel sipping cars, tire makers are doing their best to fuel the hypermiling frenzy. Last month, Goodyear announced that their low resistance tires would be partly responsibly for boosting the Volt's range. Now, it appears that Michelin and Peugeot are doing a little bragging about their fuel friendly partnership.

According to a recent press release from Peugeot, the Michelin Energy Saver tires already installed on Peugeot and Citroën vehicles are reducing carbon emissions by 15,000 metric tonnes (16,534 tons) a year. The tires are also credited with reducing emissions by 4g/km and saving drivers an average of .2L per 100km, or .053 gallons per 62 miles if you speak American. I know, the numbers sound much better at the macro scale. Still, the idea that tires companies are focusing on efficiency is exciting, especially when you consider that it could one day significantly extend the range of an electric car.

[via AutoblogGreen]

Press release

03/11/2009

CO2 emissions from Peugeot and Citroën vehicles reduced by 15,000 metric tons a year thanks to one million Michelin Energy Saver tires

On Monday, March 9, 2009, Michelin presented PSA Peugeot Citroën with the one millionth Michelin Energy Saver tire, thereby reaffirming the strategic partnership between the two groups.
With the Energy Saver, which premiered exclusively on the Peugeot 308 in 2007, Michelin has produced a tire that not only reduces fuel consumption but also delivers superior grip and safety performance as well as the best mileage in the market.

The tire maker's technological solution generates fuel savings of nearly 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers in combined cycle driving, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions of nearly 4 grams per kilometer. Over the entire life of the vehicle, this represents a reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately one metric ton. In recognition of this performance and the exceptional teamwork demonstrated by the partners, PSA Peugeot Citroën presented Michelin with an Innovation award in May 2006.

Today, this tire technology is widely deployed on a large number of Peugeot and Citroën vehicles.

In recent years, PSA Peugeot Citroën has forged strategic alliances with a small number of key partners, with Michelin in the forefront. The goal is to work together far upstream to share, deepen and develop new data and research paths in priority areas for the carmaker. As part of this close cooperation, PSA Peugeot Citroën and Michelin have pooled their innovation resources to develop new vehicle models. Through the project, engineers from both companies have succeeded in improving the energy performance of the Group's vehicles by reducing friction.

With the presentation of Michelin's one-millionth low fuel consumption tire, the two groups have renewed their commitment to providing sustainable solutions that enhance the mobility of goods and people, both now and in the future.

Michelin, the world' leading tire company, is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing and marketing tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles/motorcycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, trucks and the US space shuttle. It also offers electronic mobility support services, on ViaMichelin.com, and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 170 countries, has 118,000 employees and operates 68 production plants in 19 different countries. (www.michelin.com)

PSA Peugeot Citroën is a world-class European automobile manufacturer whose two brands, Peugeot and Citroën, offer innovative, stylistically differentiated model line-ups. Over the years, the Group has gained a worldwide reputation for its environmental leadership. In 2008, for the third year in a row, it sold more than one million vehicles that emit fewer than 140 grams of CO2 per kilometer. In the years ahead, the Group will leverage its innovative vehicles and technologies, such as Stop&Start and HYbrid4, to maintain its leadership in environmentally friendly cars. (www.psa-peugeot-citroën.com - www.developpement-durable.psa.fr)

Michelin Tires Will Save 16,500 Tons of CO2 This Year originally appeared on Green Daily on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 09:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leno Thinks the Volt will be "Superior" to Prius - There you Have it

Josh Loposer — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, GreenTech

Since leaving the Tonight Show, Jay Leno has apparently been investing lots of time into his garage -- and thus, he's become a kind of quasi-authority on alternative fuel vehicles. He owns a 1909 Baker Electric and drives a fuel cell Equinox daily. In an interview with GM-Volt.com this week, Jay Leno reportedly said: "I think you'll find that the Volt will be a superior package to the Prius." Oooh, diss. I have no idea how much he got paid to say that.

Not that an ex-Tonight Show host talking trash about gas electric hybrids is conclusive evidence, or really means anything substantive at all (especially when they haven't even test driven the Volt yet), but Jay Leno is apparently the kind of guy that doesn't mind rattling the saber a little when it comes to the car wars ... or speaking too soon. Considering that the Volt is expected (if its ever released) to cost almost twice as much as a Prius, it sure ought to be "superior."

[via AutoblogGreen]

Leno Thinks the Volt will be "Superior" to Prius - There you Have it originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM Chief Backs Gas Tax Hike - Back to $4 a Gallon?

Josh Loposer — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, News, Polit-eco

Remember a year ago, when gas prices were close to $4/gallon, and all anyone could talk about is getting a hybrid? Well, so does GM's CEO Rick Wagoner -- and unlike many of us -- he wants those days to come back. Of course, a year ago GM would have vehemently opposed a higher gas tax, but those were different times and GM was a different automaker.

Now that GM is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy and restructuring, Wagoner has conveniently changed his mind to now think that a tax guaranteeing a minimum price of $4/gallon would be "worthy of consideration." Hmm, worthy for who? A failing auto industry who's willing to fleece the American taxpayer in order to stay afloat maybe? Not that GM would ever think of doing that ... but there's little doubt that $4 gas would once again create a desire for Americans to buy the new crop of fuel sippers on the car lot (which buyers don't seem to find very enticing), and stop driving their old gas hogs into the ground (which they are doing in record numbers).

[via AutoblogGreen]

GM Chief Backs Gas Tax Hike - Back to $4 a Gallon? originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Traffic Eats Your Soul, Gives You Heart Attacks

Josh Loposer — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Health, Natural Body Care

As if we all needed another reason to hate traffic jams. A study coming out of Germany's Institute of Epidemiology suggests that sitting in traffic not only wastes your precious time on planet earth, but it can increase your risk of a heart attack -- and not just from road rage. According to the research, subjects who experienced heart attacks were three times more likely to have been in traffic during the hour preceding their cardiac event. Coincidence? The scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum Muchen think not.
Oddly enough, the research suggests that it's not necessarily driving in traffic that can lead to heart problems, but riding public transit and bicycling as well. So, if you happen to be reading this on the bus, take a deep breath and try not to freak out, because according to the researchers, chances are that it's the unique cocktail of stress mixed with air pollution that make exposure to traffic particularly treacherous for your ticker.

Driving a car was the most common source of traffic exposure, but taking public transportation or riding a bicycle were other forms of exposure to traffic. Overall, time spent in any mode of transportation in traffic was associated with a 3.2 times higher risk than time spent away from this trigger. Females, elderly males, patients who were unemployed, and those with a history of angina were affected the most by traffic.

"Driving or riding in heavy traffic poses an additional risk of eliciting a heart attack in persons already at elevated risk," said Annette Peters, Ph.D., lead author of the study and head of the research unit at the Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum Muchen, Germany.

While this study wasn't structured to pinpoint the reasons that being in traffic may have increased the risk of heart attack, "one potential factor could be the exhaust and air pollution coming from other cars," Peters said. "But we can't exclude the synergy between stress and air pollution that could tip the balance."

[via BoingBoing]

Traffic Eats Your Soul, Gives You Heart Attacks originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Cheap Gas Killing the Hybrid Market?

Josh Loposer — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cars and Transportation, Alternative Energy, Green by the Numbers

If you're in the market for a new car, you've probably noticed that the number of hybrids parked on dealer lots higher than ever -- even as the market for cars in general has collapsed. Much of the reason for this is the intense tongue-lashing the auto industry has received for focusing on SUVs and not the smaller, fuel-efficient cars of tomorrow. The trouble is, now that a glut of hybrids are being pumped into the market, the demand for hybrids seems to be vanishing like a mirage.

This month, Toyota celebrated the sale of its 1,000,000th hybrid -- and while execs were reveling in their hybrid domination, they were also digesting the news that Prius sales were down 33% since last February. Hybrid sales across the board are down almost 2/3rds since last April. "When gas prices came down, the priority of buying a hybrid fell off quite quickly," says Wes Brown of LA-based Iceology. In some places, car buyers are trending back towards SUVs and trucks. Still, the slate for most automakers, especially the ones who took bailout money (ahem, GM and Chrysler), is loaded to the brim with hybrids and fuel-sippers. Has the demand for hybrids really collapsed, or is it just the ailing economy? Is our fuel consciousness truly only engaged when energy prices rise?

[via AutoblogGreen]

Is Cheap Gas Killing the Hybrid Market? originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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