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Green Cars: From the Archives
Dig deeper into these articles on Cars from the TreeHugger and Planet Green archives.
Electric Cars
Ever since the death of GM´s EV1, electric cars have fallen off the radar somewhat. They´re coming back now and many experts think it won´t be long before we're seeing them all over the roads.
Here´s a quick look at the EVs available to US drivers. Phoenix Motorcars is one of the companies with its sights set on affordable, practical electric cars for everyone. George Clooney´s EV of choice, the Tango, may seem a bit, well, narrow, but take a look at the acceleration and then look again. While Smart city cars zip through the streets of Europe, the yanks can´t seem to get them so easily. Maybe they´ll leapfrog right on to the electric version. And don´t forget that the trusted Toyota RAV4 EVs are still out there if you can find (and afford) one.
The Tesla made big waves when the news broke that a high-performance electric sports car was hitting the market. TreeHugger has been somewhat obsessed with the clean speedster and has made some initial observations as well as done some deeper digging (1 and 2). And according to the makers of the Tesla, they´ve also got more practical, family-friendly autos on the way.
Hybrids and Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV)
Your first stop should be the How to Go Green: Hybrid Cars guide. Then, dig deeper into what the plug-in fuss is all about. Also see how Google is getting in on the action, how Ford may be game, and what’s going on with conversion kits. And of course make sure to see TH TV´s coverage of a plug-in conversion from start to finish. The folks at Tesla Motors weigh in on the issue, and there´s some more discussion and breakdown of the battery issues. Also check out a few other keen (non-plug-in) hacks for the Prius.
Biodiesel
Now that biodiesel has a earned its place in the dictionary and is enjoying commodity status, people are paying a lot more attention to this earth-friendly, farmer-friendly, fryer-friendly fuel. Celebs seem to love the stuff. Biodiesel adventurers can now find their nearest pump with a phone call or an interactive map. The veggie fuel can now be seen (and maybe smelled?) in the famous Le Mans race, and travelers in LA can rent a bio Beetle for their touring pleasure. For those interested in homebrewing, look here and here, and you might even consider heating your home with it. Making biodiesel from algae is an idea that´s gaining traction as well (1, 2).
Fuel cells
While hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are still overcoming some intimidating obstacles, worldwide interest continues to grow. Honda has the FCX concept, GM has the Hy Wire, and Chevy´s Equinox will be testing in the hands of everyday drivers in 2007.Concept cars, prototypes, and green dream cars
Innovation is born of imagination, and we're always on the lookout for the latest succulent designs coming out of the audo design studios. Some are pure fantasy, some are one of a kind, and some help lay the groundwork for more practical developments in green transport. The Mercedes-Benz Recy recycled roadster is designed from wood, metal, and plastic and can could the loop at the end of its life (if it´s ever born). Citroën´s C-Métisse is a diesel hybrid concept James Bond could get behind. Daimler Chrysler has taken cues from the fishes in its biomimetic Boxfish. Volvo has the beautiful 3CC electric two-seater concept. The Ford Reflex is a diesel/electric hybrid with some solar flare. Venturi promises that its solar/electric hybrid, the Astrolab, will be on the market before too long. You might not want to drive the Wrightspeed X1 to Whole Foods for groceries, but for beating the pants off a Ferrari it could be the perfect thing. Smart has a boxy and beautiful urban concept , and Ford has a Cradle to Cradle SUV called the Model U. The Audi R-Zero is a French–designed electric beauty that will not likely ever touch the pavement. Toyota´s full of strange and intriguing species like the multi-directional Fine-X fuel cell the Fine-N fuel-cell hybrid, as well as their i-unit personal mobility concept.
We've also got the goods on 5 ways to power the green cars of the future, as well as a great list of the top 10 sexiest green cars, and a View & Vote: Green Car ratings. For more green car eye candy, check out our green car slideshows, too.
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