<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Ben Smith | Clean Fleet Report</title> <atom:link href="https://cleanfleetreport.com/author/bensmith/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://cleanfleetreport.com</link> <description>All about green cars, electric, PHEV, hybrid and high-mpg vehicles</description> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 13 May 2022 21:50:45 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://cleanfleetreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/favicon-70x70.png</url> <title>Ben Smith | Clean Fleet Report</title> <link>https://cleanfleetreport.com</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Feature: Eco-driving Is Easy</title> <link>https://cleanfleetreport.com/feature-eco-driving-is-easy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=feature-eco-driving-is-easy</link> <comments>https://cleanfleetreport.com/feature-eco-driving-is-easy/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ben Smith]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2022 22:15:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[40 MPG Club]]></category> <category><![CDATA[54.5 MPG Club]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Clean Vehicles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fuel Misers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hybrid Cars]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hybrids]]></category> <category><![CDATA[MPG]]></category> <category><![CDATA[buyer's guide]]></category> <category><![CDATA[eco-driving]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fuel economy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hybrid]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hybrid cars]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mpg]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cleanfleetreport.com/?p=5779</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>You can make a difference by becoming a more responsible driver. Follow these three simple steps, and your carbon footprint will see a huge reduction.</p> The post <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com/feature-eco-driving-is-easy/">Feature: Eco-driving Is Easy</a> first appeared on <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com">Clean Fleet Report</a>.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><strong>Three Steps To Saving the Planet In Your Car</strong></h2> <p><em>This article may contain affiliate links</em></p> <p>As a society, we are becoming increasingly aware of our need to protect the planet. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle, and now is the perfect time to start.</p> <p>There are many areas where improvements can be made. Rising sea levels, <strong><a href="https://www.reusethisbag.com/articles/countries-that-pollute-most-ocean-plastics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">massive ocean pollution</a></strong>, an increase in greenhouse gases across the globe–these are all huge concerns we have in the present that could have a profound effect on our future. Nevertheless, eco-driving is one of the leading contenders. Our gas-guzzling machines cause huge damage to the environment. Moreover, the sheer volume of vehicles on the road makes it an even worse situation than ever before.</p> <p>But you can make a difference by becoming a more responsible driver. Follow these three simple steps, and your carbon footprint will see a huge reduction. What are you waiting for? Let’s get to it.</p> <h3><strong>Choose Hybrid</strong></h3> <figure id="attachment_5781" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5781" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="wp-image-5781 size-medium" title="https://www.google.co.uk/search?as_st=y&tbm=isch&hl=en&as_q=citroen&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&cr=&as_sitesearch=&safe=images&tbs=sur:fc#as_st=y&hl=en&tbs=sur:fc&tbm=isch&q=driving&imgrc=5AZVzr6t9FL6NM%3A" src="https://cleanfleetreport.com//wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Eco-Driving-300x200.jpg" alt="eco-driving,hybrid,plug-in hybrid,electriccar" width="300" height="200"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5781" class="wp-caption-text">Eco-driving starts with upgrading your ride</figcaption></figure> <p>Electric cars are slowly making their way onto our radars. However, it’s the hybrid cars that have really hit the mainstream in recent years. Popularity for this type of vehicle has grown massively over the past decade. You can join the craze too.</p> <p>Opting for a hybrid car is a huge step to take, but it will make a huge difference. It’s still a crucial decision, and it’s imperative that you research the market for the <strong><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/picturegalleries/10012110/Top-10-electric-and-hybrid-cars.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best options</a></strong> (in the U.K.) among the <strong><a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//top-electric-cars-2010/">many choices</a></strong> (in the U.S.) <strong><a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//top-10-best-selling-best-fuel-economy-cars/">available</a>.</strong> Likewise, you should be sure to take any car for a test drive before committing to the purchase.</p> <p>The best hybrid or plug-in cars will make life on the road feel comfortable while also making a positive impact on the environment, too. What more could you ever want?</p> <h3><strong>Buy Used</strong></h3> <p>Not all drivers are ready to make the leap towards electric or hybrid cars. That’s quite understandable. But it shouldn’t prevent you from seeing improvements. Making smarter consumer choices is still a huge responsibility that you cannot overlook.</p> <p>When buying your next vehicle, consider the pre-owned marketplace. <a href="http://www.carcogroup.co.uk/">Used cars at Carco Group</a> in the U.K. doesn’t only offer great value, but it also means that automotive resources are being reutilized, too. Meanwhile, securing a great deal on a great car will also leave you money to make improvements in other environmental aspects of your life.</p> <p>Similarly, selling or trading in your old vehicle can prevent materials from being wasted too. It’s good for you, and good for the environment. Simple.</p> <h3><strong>Change Driving Habits</strong></h3> <p> </p> <figure id="attachment_5784" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5784" style="width: 240px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-5784 size-full" title="https://www.google.co.uk/search?as_st=y&tbm=isch&hl=en&as_q=citroen&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&cr=&as_sitesearch=&safe=images&tbs=sur:fc#as_st=y&hl=en&tbs=sur:fc&tbm=isch&q=used+cars&imgrc=WyzYy-xuWF821M%3A" src="https://cleanfleetreport.com//wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Used-Cars-2.jpg" alt="eco-driving,used car choices," width="250" height="144"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5784" class="wp-caption-text">Choices are out there</figcaption></figure> <p>Choosing the right vehicle will always serve as a solid foundation for greener driving. As with other lifestyle habits, it’s your personal interactions with your car that can make the biggest impact. Self-improvement has to start within. There is no other solution.</p> <p>Embracing modern technology is advised to all drivers. This <strong><a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//tech-10-diagnostic-apps-which-make-you-a-better-driver/">list of diagnostic Apps</a> </strong>will help you improve your eco-driving habits. Not only will you become a better driver, but you’ll also become a more economical and greener one too.</p> <p>Furthermore, learning to take care of the car with basic maintenance will help too. Failure to check tire pressure and fluid levels can lead to bigger problems. This is bad news for the environment and even worse news for your pocket.</p> <p>Essentially, eco-driving is a case of being a mature driver. Pay attention to your responsibilities on the road, and you should be just fine.</p> <p><strong><em>Related Stories You Might Enjoy:</em></strong></p> <p><a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com/buyers-guide-why-evs-are-great-for-students/"><strong>Why EVs are great for students</strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//the-best-selling-electric-cars-in-the-u-s/"><strong>Best-Selling Electric Cars</strong></a> in the U.S.</p> <p><a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//best-car-sharing/"><strong>10 Best Car-Sharing Programs</strong></a> in the U.S.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com/flash-drive-2023-kia-sportage/">Flash Drive: 2023 Kia Sportage</a></strong>: Something for Everyone</p> <p>Top 10 Best-Selling <strong><a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//top-10-best-selling-best-fuel-economy-cars/">Best Fuel Economy</a></strong> Cars</p>The post <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com/feature-eco-driving-is-easy/">Feature: Eco-driving Is Easy</a> first appeared on <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com">Clean Fleet Report</a>.]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://cleanfleetreport.com/feature-eco-driving-is-easy/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>5 Top European Eco-Friendly City Cars</title> <link>https://cleanfleetreport.com/five-top-european-eco-friendly-city-cars/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-top-european-eco-friendly-city-cars</link> <comments>https://cleanfleetreport.com/five-top-european-eco-friendly-city-cars/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ben Smith]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2016 23:38:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[54.5 MPG Club]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Clean Vehicles]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fuel Misers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[MPG]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Plug-In Hybrids]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BMW]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fiat]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fuel economy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mitsubishi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nissan]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cleanfleetreport.com/?p=5727</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>what are the best eco-friendly city cars to drive for city dwellers? Which will protect the environment more, and also save us some money in the long-term?</p> The post <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com/five-top-european-eco-friendly-city-cars/">5 Top European Eco-Friendly City Cars</a> first appeared on <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com">Clean Fleet Report</a>.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><strong>UK Car Options for the City Dweller</strong></h2> <p>Let’s face it, many of our towns and cities are full of <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//top-10-cities-congestion-pricing-zero-emission-travel/">air quality issues</a>. And, while the government works out a coherent strategy to fix the problems, it’s down to us as communities to do our bit. One of the biggest contributors to air pollution is, of course, our cars.</p> <p>In an ideal world, we would all take public transport, or walk, instead. But, the reality is that most of us have to take a car. With this in mind, what are the best cars to drive for city dwellers? Which will protect the environment more, and also save us some money in the long-term? Read on to find out some of the best options in eco-friendly city cars out there right now.</p> <h3><strong>Renault Twizy Cargo Electric Van </strong></h3> <p>If you are looking for zero emissions and don’t mind your own company, look no further than this little beauty. There’s an element of Marmite to the <a href="https://www.renault.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/twizy.html">Renault Twizy</a> – some will love it, others won’t. But, make no mistake about it, it’s a great little ride for cities. You can get an incredible 211 miles per gallon equivalency (mpge), and it will only cost you around £45 ($63) per month in charges for electricity. Yes, it’s more like an armored motorbike than a car, but it will help you slip into the smallest parking spaces.</p> <h3><strong>Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2.0 GX5h Auto</strong></h3> <figure id="attachment_5731" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5731" style="width: 240px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-5731" src="https://cleanfleetreport.com//wp-content/uploads/2016/02/DSC_0690-001.jpg" alt="Mitsubishi,Outlander,PHEV,concept" width="250" height="168"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5731" class="wp-caption-text">Mitsubishi teasing its plug-in</figcaption></figure> <p>Next up, it’s this eco-friendly cracker from Mitsubishi. Cities aren’t the ideal location for an SUV, of course, but it’s understandable why people drive them – particularly parents. They are safer, of course – although you won’t get anywhere near the fuel efficiency of smaller cars. The Outlander is not a bad option, though. It’s an automatic hybrid which gives you the equivalent of 157 mpge.</p> <h3><strong>Fiat Panda 1.3 Multijet</strong></h3> <p>Sometimes, it’s important to have a car suitable for cities and the suburbs. Which makes the Fiat Panda Multijet an excellent choice. We took one for a test drive from <a href="http://www.thamesmotorgroup.co.uk/fiat/">Thames Motor Group</a>, and here’s what we found. It’s lightweight enough to be a zipper around town, and because it’s 4WD, you could even take it off the road. Not only that, but its miles per gallon comes out at almost 54 miles in real terms. It’s an impressive little animal – and an inexpensive option for any budget.</p> <h3><strong>Peugeot iOn 47kW Auto</strong></h3> <p>On the search for a great looking small car, ideal for city driving? Then look no further than this little Peugeot. Again, we’re in automatic territory here, and back to zero CO<sub>2</sub> emissions. It seats five, so not a bad shout for business travel and car share schemes. And, it’s small size makes it considerably easier to park into tight spaces.</p> <h3><strong>BMW i8 Electric Car Protonic</strong></h3> <figure id="attachment_5730" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5730" style="width: 240px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-5730" src="https://cleanfleetreport.com//wp-content/uploads/2016/02/DSC_0014.jpg" alt="BMW,i8,plug-in hybrid,supercar" width="250" height="155"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5730" class="wp-caption-text">BMW’s eco-supercar</figcaption></figure> <p>Of course, there are still some flash Harrys around who like to show off a little when it comes to their wheels. So, if that’s you, don’t think you need a gas guzzler to look good. BMW’s i8 is a superb car and will give you 15 miles of EV range and then works as a hybrid until the next chance to plug it in. You can expect 135 mpge in total, and it looks incredible. Sure, it’s a little higher on its <a href="https://www.gov.uk/co2-and-vehicle-tax-tools">CO<sub>2</sub> emissions</a> than the others on our list. But, it’s set the standard for what is achievable with more eco-friendly vehicles.</p> <p><strong>US Footnote</strong></p> <p>While all of these eco-friendly city cars are available in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe, we in the U.S. can get our hands on some of them, though not always in the same configuration. The Renault Twizy has shown up in San Francisco as a tourist-oriented rental car, but it’s badged as a Nissan New Mobility Vehicle (see our story <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//news-nissan-new-mobility-concept/">here</a>). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//mitsubishi-plugin-hybrid-suv/">due to show</a> up in this country any time. We haven’t gotten the Fiat Panda, but with Fiat establishing a beachhead on the continent, never say never. The Peugeot is in the U.S., but with a <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//mitsubishi-i-test-drive-electric-car-prices/">Mitsubishi badge</a>. Americans have full access to the <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//first-drive-2015-bmw-i8/">BMW i8</a> and we like!</p> <p><em><strong>Related Stories You Might Enjoy:</strong></em></p> <p>First Drive: <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//first-drive-2015-bmw-i8/">2015 BMW i8</a></p> <p><a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//top-electric-cars-2010/">Top 10 Electric Cars</a></p> <p>First Drive: <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//mitsubishi-i-test-drive-electric-car-prices/">Mitsubishi i-MiEV</a></p> <p>Nissan <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//news-nissan-new-mobility-concept/">New Mobility Vehicle</a></p> <p> </p>The post <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com/five-top-european-eco-friendly-city-cars/">5 Top European Eco-Friendly City Cars</a> first appeared on <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com">Clean Fleet Report</a>.]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://cleanfleetreport.com/five-top-european-eco-friendly-city-cars/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>First Drive: BMW i3</title> <link>https://cleanfleetreport.com/first-drive-bmw-i3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=first-drive-bmw-i3</link> <comments>https://cleanfleetreport.com/first-drive-bmw-i3/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ben Smith]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 06 Feb 2016 00:38:58 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Best in class]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Plug-In Hybrids]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Test Drives]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BMW]]></category> <category><![CDATA[BMW i3]]></category> <category><![CDATA[test drive]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cleanfleetreport.com/?p=5625</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Is the BMW i3 the perfect electric car? In short, no. Although the car looks great and is brilliant at what it’s meant to do, it costs too much.</p> The post <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com/first-drive-bmw-i3/">First Drive: BMW i3</a> first appeared on <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com">Clean Fleet Report</a>.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>A Spin Around London in the BMW i3, the Perfect Electric Car?</h2> <p>Recently, I took the BMW i3 for a spin. It’s seen as one of the <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com//top-electric-cars-2010/">best electric cars </a>in the world right now. I compiled a short review of my time in the car, check it out here:</p> <h3>Motor</h3> <p>The big selling point of this car is that it’s electric. In fact, BMW dubs it a ‘luxury electric car’, so it must be good. There are a couple of variations that you can go with, propulsion wise. If you want</p> <figure id="attachment_5631" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5631" style="width: 142px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-5631" src="https://cleanfleetreport.com//wp-content/uploads/2016/02/photo-8.jpg" alt="BMW,i3,EV,electric car,styling" width="152" height="200"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5631" class="wp-caption-text">The familiar front</figcaption></figure> <p>to go fully electric, you can! The <a href="http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/electric-vehicles/how-do-battery-electric-cars-work">electric motor</a> packs in 162 bhp and makes the car feel very nippy at times. Obviously, with a max speed under 100 mph, you won’t be going too fast. But, the electric motor makes the car quite fun to drive. Fancy adding a little bit extra (like 50+ extra miles of range) and you can get a gas engine generator along with your electric motor. All in all, it’s a very good powerplant, and it’s good for the environment too.</p> <h3>Comfort</h3> <figure id="attachment_5630" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5630" style="width: 124px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-5630" src="https://cleanfleetreport.com//wp-content/uploads/2016/02/DSC_0588.jpg" alt="BMW,i3,EV,electric car,interior" width="134" height="200"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5630" class="wp-caption-text">Not family friendly</figcaption></figure> <p>The i3 is perfect for making quick trips around the city; that’s what it was made for. It’s a car that you can zip around in and feel relatively comfortable. Granted, there’s not a great deal of legroom in the back, so it’s not ideal for families. But, the driver’s seat is comfortable enough, so you can’t complain as long as you stay there. When you step out of the city and take this thing on a longer drive, you get a different story. The ride feels quite firm, which is not what you’d expect, given how good it is in the city. I’m not sure about the tires either; I find they offer worse traction that the standard Goodyear tyres on my regular car. This adds to the lack of comfort on long drives.</p> <h3>Looks</h3> <p>Like every BMW, the i3 looks great. You have the iconic front grill and a super modern car design. It looks like something from the future. When you see one drive by you, have to check twice because you half expect it to be hovering. I found that a lot of people stopped and stared at me when I drove by in this car. It’s a head turner; it looks great. The problem with some electric cars is that they don’t look particularly good. But, with this beemer, you get one of the best-looking small cars out there.</p> <p>Tech</p> <figure id="attachment_5629" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5629" style="width: 190px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-5629" src="https://cleanfleetreport.com//wp-content/uploads/2016/02/DSC_0592.jpg" alt="BMW i3,interior,electric car,EV" width="200" height="134"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5629" class="wp-caption-text">Some modern tech luxury</figcaption></figure> <p>As you can imagine, the i3 is packed full of great tech. There are dual displays inside that tell you everything you need to know while driving. There’s built-in satnav too, to help you navigate around the city even better. Like most cars, it has a DAB digital radio, and a great sound system to boot.</p> <h3>Conclusion</h3> <p>So, is the BMW i3 the perfect electric car? In short, no. Although the car looks great and is brilliant at what it’s meant to do, it costs too much. You can pick up much cheaper electric city cars that are just as good. After all, that’s what this is. It’s a car designed to zoom around the city. If you want a car that takes you on long trips, look elsewhere.</p>The post <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com/first-drive-bmw-i3/">First Drive: BMW i3</a> first appeared on <a href="https://cleanfleetreport.com">Clean Fleet Report</a>.]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://cleanfleetreport.com/first-drive-bmw-i3/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>