By Eric Leech
Denver, CO, USA | Mon Jan 05 16:45:00 GMT 2009
2008 was a big year for the introduction of new transportation and alternative fuel technologies. High gas prices was a big motivator in most cases, but we sure gained a lot of ground. So as much as we hate to see 2008 go, we are actually even more excited about the possibilities of this coming 2009. We have a batch of debuting electric vehicles, sustainable motor oils, and technology innovations that will offer each of us the opportunity to tread much lighter on the planet (and reduce our carbon footprints) than any previous year. Let's take a look at our top 7:
For 2009 you might catch a glimpse of one of the 500 lucky folks throughout the areas of California, New Jersey, and New York participating in the U.S. Electric Mini E leasing program. For approximately $850 a month (including all service and maintenance) these e-cars will be loaned out to see just how they perform and meet customer expectations. Edmunds.com reviewers have complained that the electric conversion adds a few too many Holiday cookies to the Mini's weight (570 pounds) making it a bit too sluggish in performance, but it is after all only a test run. If all works out we may be seeing a "purpose built" electric Mini in the not-so-distant future!
Image courtesy of Getty Images.
This upcoming November, 2009, the first line of customers will take delivery of their electric Fisker Karma Hybrid Sedan. Similar to the proposed Chevrolet Volt, the Karma will run on electric motor only for the first 50 miles or so, before turning to its gasoline engine for back-up. These will unfortunately not be affordable vehicles by any means at $87,900 (USD), but for the lucky few to receive these custom one-of-a-kind vehicles, they can look forward to a number of unique green features. Such features include a front wheel exiting exhaust (optimizing cooling and aerodynamics), an all-aluminum (lightweight) space frame, world-class handling, and close to 400 combined (electric/gas) horsepower going to the wheels. Sounds like the most fun you could have in a green car!
Image courtesy of Getty Images.
The close of 2008 saw the acceptance of the new sustainable motor oil, G-Oil by Green Earth Technologies (GET). We can expect to start to see this oil in stores by early 2009. The most unique aspect of this motor oil is it is non-toxic to both humans and the environment, as it is made from animal fat bi-products from the meat industry. While we are being urged to eat less meat for 2009, perhaps we should also resolute for our vehicles to eat—(term being used very roughly here) a little more of it...at least until we can come up with a better solution.
Image courtesy of Green Earth Technologies.
2009 should be seeing a lot more of the technology called "parking assist." Volkswagen is working on a version that will practically function as your own personal valet, dropping you off at the door, finding its own parking spot, then waiting until you are ready to be picked up. Until such an automated system is approved, we have Ford and Lexus and their slightly more technologically reasonable models which simply do the steering for you, while allowing you to work the accelerator pedal. Such a system has claimed as much as a 5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency due to its non-belt driven design. In other words, it will not require horsepower from the engine to function. It is completely electrical.
Image courtesy of iStock.
A new gadget by Ford, called MyKey, should start to make its appearance toward the end of 2009 in the Ford Focus. The new technology basically takes advantage of the new smart key technology, which enables a driver to individually alter the features and functions of a vehicle through the electronic instruction that is contained within their ignition key. This feature will allow parents to customize their teenagers car to limit the stereo to a certain volume level, customize the vehicles top speed, and control a few other nifty incentives, such as muting the stereo until the driver is properly buckled in their seat.
Image courtesy of Stockbyte.
Nissan has told us that we would be seeing these new "mother-in-law" backseat drivers by this coming 2009 in select models. This nifty gadget (which thankfully will have an off/on feature) pushes back on the drivers (lead) foot in the attempt to help them achieve the most economic acceleration and cruising speeds possible. There is not much to this pedal other than in its ability to create better driving habits, but given the number of traffic speeding tickets handed out per day, for example, in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina, 33 tickets are the daily average, Nissan is estimating that such a change will improve most people's fuel savings by up to 10 percent. Sounds great for us, but what will the highway patrol do with all that extra time?
Image courtesy of Noel Hendrickson.
While we individuals are busy trying to green our own lifestyles, 2009 (possibly 2010) will see the introduction of the hybrid Formula One race car. BMW and Renault will be among the competitors using the newly designed KERS technology, which is basically a more advanced regenerative braking system specifically designed for the rigors (1800 degree Fahrenheit brake system heat) of Formula One racing.
2009 is looking to be an exciting year of new innovation and improved green technology. We can't wait to see it all unfold!
Image courtesy of Getty Images.
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