Clean Fleet Articles

Honda Fit Hybrid Challenges Toyota Prius Leadership

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In January, the Honda Fit outsold the Prius in Japan. Prius had been the number one selling car in Japan for 20 months. Half of the Fits sold were the new Fit Hybrid, which delivers a stunning 71 miles per gallon (MPG). In 2012, both the Fit Hybrid and new Fit EV are expected to start selling in the U.S. Honda is wise to expand its popular Fit into a family that includes a larger wagon, a 71-mpg hybrid, and an exciting electric car with the potential to become the EV price leader.

New Technology for the Future of General Motors

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GM Ventures has invested in Bright Automotive and two next generation biofuel corporations – Mascoma and Coskata. In one decade, transportation will be very different from today. With GM Ventures, General Motors is positioned to invest, integrate, and deliver to global customers better cars and services that include innovations in cleantech, infotainment, materials, autonomous driving, and new business models.

Electric Car Charging Stations – California Adds 2,780 in Bay Area

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In 1990, the San Francisco Bay Area was home to 6 million people. By 2050, it will be home to 9 million yet the air will be cleaner and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be reduced. Electric car buying will accelerate with 2,750 chargers in Bay Area residences, as well as a fast charger program that that seeks to deploy 30 fast chargers for public use at key transportation corridor sites in the region.

Magical Solutions – Save Gas, Save The Planet Excerpt

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We want to believe in magic but unfortunately, there is no one magical solution. Save Gas, Save the Planet captures over 120 different ways that people are making a difference by riding clean, riding together, and riding less. As you read Save Gas, Save the Planet, you will discover a number of ways to burn less fuel without needing a new car. When, and if, you are ready for a new car, you will make a better choice.

Tesla Roadster Test Drive – Smooth and Stealth

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It’s easy to slide behind the steering wheel of this Tesla Roadster because the top’s removed for this January day. I don’t mind. It’s 70 degrees here in Palm Springs, California. A perfect day for a test drive. Handling S-curves is smooth and effortless even though this sports car has no power steering. I go over a speed bump at 20 mph. No scraping sounds. No damage. These shocks are worthy of a race track.

Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S Electric Car and Model X SUV

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Elon Musk discussed the new Model S Sedan and hinted about the Tesla Model X SUV when he keynoted the Clean-tech Investor Summit. He then gave me an interesting answer about Tesla’s future. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO and Founder, showed us a video of the Model S test drive. A new generation of lithium batteries is at the heart of the vehicles range of 160 miles with optional packs that provide 230 and 300 miles of range per electric charge.

New Ford Focus EcoMode – Up to 24 Percent Better MPG

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New Ford Focus owners can tune-up driving skills that maximize their miles per gallon – and they can have a little fun in the process. EcoMode is a handy software application aimed at helping coach customers in the art of eco-driving – and then rewards those that practice more fuel-efficient driving skills with in-car kudos displayed on the instrument cluster. The new Ford Focus Electric is expected to have a range of about 100 miles per charge. EcoMode can greatly help people get better range. Those buying new gasoline powered Focus can save hundreds of dollars at the pump each year.

Your Money – Save Gas, Save The Planet Excerpt

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This excerpt from the book Save Gas, Save the Planet outlines the important relationship between transportation and your finances. Your vehicle is your second biggest expense. In addition to personally saving thousands, you can help the nation save billions. People share tips and stories about how they save by riding smart and riding clean.

Toyota Prius Now Family of Four Hybrid Cars

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Toyota officially expanded the Prius family to four models: 2011 Prius – world’s best selling hybrid, 2012 Prius v –midsized wagon with 40 mpg goes on sale Summer 2011, 2012 Prius c Concept – city car hybrid goes on sale by Summer 2012, 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid – best mileage of any Prius goes on sale by Summer 2012. My test drive of the Prius Plug-in felt just like driving the best selling Prius.

State of the World 2011: Agriculture Innovation Is Critical to Stabilizing Climate

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Worldwatch Institute released its report State of the World 2011: Innovations that Nourish the Planet, which spotlights successful agricultural innovations and unearths major successes in preventing food waste, building resilience to climate change, and strengthening farming in cities. The report provides a roadmap for increased agricultural investment and more-efficient ways to alleviate global hunger and poverty.

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