Tag Archives: car

Are hybrids ‘greener’ than electric cars?

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Electric cars don’t just have drivers. They have believers.

Most of the people buying electrics like the Nissan Leaf do so because they want to help the environment and fight climate change. The cars have plenty of other virtues, such as astonishing acceleration and virtually no engine noise. But eco-appeal remains their main attraction.

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And yet, what if they aren’t the best cars for the climate?

A new study from Climate Central, a non-profit climate research group, argues that in most states, hybrid cars actually have lower lifetime greenhouse gas emissions than electrics.

The study is one of several published in recent years that tries to take a lifecycle approach to examining the benefits of electric transportation. They look at the greenhouse gas emissions that come from building the cars and generating the electricity they run on. For comparison, the studies also calculate the emissions produced by pumping oil from the ground, refining it in gasoline and burning it in cars.

All of the studies have shown that electric cars have higher greenhouse gas emissions in states that generate most of their electricity with coal than they do in states that rely more on nuclear plants or renewable power.

But how could an electric perform worse than a hybrid, which after all, still burns gasoline? Click here, and read on.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only.

The 100-MPG Car You Can Build!!!

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What started in the summer of 2008 as an ambitious project to create a do-it-yourself, 100 miles-per-gallon sports car within a budget of $10,000 has come full circle. MAX (Mother’s Automotive eXperiment) now has more than 100,000 miles in its logbook and consistently achieves 100 mpg at speeds from 45 to 55 mph.

The project proves triple-digit fuel efficiency is feasible — even on a tight budget, and especially if you build your own car. If I can make a 100-mpg car in my Oregon garage, what could the major automakers be giving us?

That said, it’s important to understand upfront that MAX is not comparable to a modern sedan, with all of the creature comforts most drivers expect. But it doesn’t need to be.

MAX is marvelously practical as a second car, or as a primary car for those who rarely need more space than a two-seater provides. You can use MAX to get groceries or go to work. It won’t replace the minivan when you need to get your kid’s soccer team to practice, but you likely don’t need a minivan for most of your drives.

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-transportation/build-your-own-car-zm0z13amzmar.aspx#ixzz2TeewGx4R

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only