Carbon Buster's Handbook: Chapter 6 - Green Transportation Updates
New EPA Fuel economy figures offer more realistic results
The MPG figures provided in the handbook, while a great start, are no longer the most accurate available. In 2007 the EPA redesigned their fuel economy tests to take into account factors such as heavier acceleration and air conditioning usage. The website, fueleconomy.gov now offers estimates based on your mix of city and highway driving as well as fuel economy reports from visitors.
You can learn more about the new fuel economy ratings here: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/ratings2008.shtml
Aptera: A vehicle for two that promises 300 MPG
The Aptera is a vehicle for two (plus one child seat) classified as a motorcycle, yet it is fully enclosed. Orders are currently being taken for the state of California. Cost is expected to be around $30,000US for this plug-in hybrid. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2008 for the all electric version and late 2009 for the plug-in hybrid version.
You can learn much much more about this amazing vehicle by visiting http://www.aptera.com/
Note: Carbon Busters assumes no responsibility for external links.
2008 Smart Cars not available in diesel in North America
Daimler AG
The US and Canadian Smart Cars are no longer available as diesel vehicles which means the newest Smart Cars with gasoline engines are no longer a top recommendation. New Volkswagens such as the Volkswagen Jetta TDI (diesel) are available which are more fuel efficient than the gasoline Mercedes Smart.
Volkswagen AG
December 2008: Chinese plug-in hybrid hits market
The first commercial plug-in hybrid, the F3DM, is now being produced by BYD. Unfortunately, so far it is only available in China. For details follow this link:
2008: The 2009 TDI Jetta hits the market in North America
Volkswagen recently introduced a new version of its TDI Jetta sedan, also available as a roomy wagon. EPA fuel efficiency ratings for the manual transmission versions of this 140 HP TDI are 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. (Transport Canada fuel economy ratings are 6.8 L/100 km city, 4.9 hwy). This new Jetta with clean diesel technology complies with all American and Canadian emissions standards and can run on 5% biodiesel blends. A coast-to-coast test drive comparing the Jetta TDI with a Prius has just been completed. For details see this link. The 2009 Jetta TDI recently received the Green Car of the Year award.
