Clean Fleet Articles

New Ford C-MAX Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Challenge Prius V and Volt

Ford is ready to give U.S. buyers of crossover SUVs record fuel-economy. Active families want more cargo flexibility and space. With high gas prices they also want over 40 MPG. The new 5-seat C-MAX Hybrid delivers. In 2012 it will compete head-to-head with the new larger Prius V crossover SUV. The Ford C-MAX Energi will challenge the Chevrolet Volt by supporting 5 passengers to the Volt’s 4 and by offering much more cargo flexibility.

Google’s 70 Charge Stations for Employee Electric Cars and GFleet

Google has deployed more than 70 charging stations at its worldwide headquarters in Mountain View, CA. Over 100 employees who own electric cars use the charging stations, as well as the company’s growing car sharing program for Googlers (GFleet), which includes Chevrolet Volts, Nissan LEAFs and Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrids. With plans for 250 more charging stations on its campus, and a goal to make 5 percent of its campus parking EV-ready, Google’s installation is the largest workplace charging installation for electric vehicles in the country.

New Electric Vehicles – Save Gas, Save the Planet Excerpt

There are over 40,000 electric vehicles in the United States, with more being made and sold every day. In most situations, the limited range and speed of light electric vehicles are acceptable. Several automakers are targeting 2010 to sell electric vehicles in the United States that you can charge in your garage and other places. If you live in a household with more than one car, the EV may be perfect for one of your cars.

Mitsubishi i Electric Car Can Be Reserved for $29,195

The new Mitsubishi I, bigger and with more zip for the U.S. market, can now be reserved at a low price of $29,195 that will challenge the Nissan LEAF, Ford Focus Electric, and Honda Fit Electric. Reservations can now be made, with different models and options now priced. My 15-mile test drive of the Mitsubishi demonstrated that it can handle freeways, steep roads, and tight parking spots.

Germany to Close Last Nuclear Power Plant in Ten Years

Germany is going to make it to the age of renewables and will be ending its use of nuclear power in 10 years. The last nuclear plant will close in 2022; 7 are already closed. Energy efficiency programs will reduce electricity from primary energy sources by 50 percent by 2050. Solar, wind, and other renewables will meet 35% of Germany’s needs by 2020.

3.2 Million Electric Vehicles and 4.7 Million Charge Points Forecast for 2015

A total of 3.2 million plug-in electric vehicles will be sold worldwide by 2015is forecasted by Pike Research. Annual EV sales will cross the 1 million mark for the first time during the same year. More than 4.7 million EV charge points will be installed globally by 2015. Pike Research forecasts that in the United States, the top cities for EV adoption between 2011 and 2017 will be New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Chicago

Lexus CT200h – An Owners Experience with a Hybrid Sport Car

Del Coates loves driving his new Lexus CT200h through the windy roads near his Northern California home. He is enjoying sports handling, premium interior, and impressive design without paying a fortune for the gasoline. With the Prius hybrid system inside, the Lexus CT200h is rated at 42 mpg combined highway and city. After 2,500 miles including a long-trip to Lake Tahoe and time driving in Sport Mode, Del is getting 44.8 mpg actual!

Renault Leads in Electric Cars and Solar Power for its Manufacturing

Renault has received orders for 100,000 of its Renault Fluence Z.E. electric car from Better Place. These electric vehicles are zero emission from battery to wheels, but each car does contribute to tons of CO2 emission over its lifetime. With a stunning 55 MW Trina Solar parking structure, Renault will cut CO2 emissions by 30,000 tons a year.