Tomorrow's Environmentally "Clean/Green" Vehicles Are Here Today

Tomorrow's Environmentally "Clean/Green" Vehicles Are Here Today

Tomorrow's Environmentally "Clean/Green" Vehicles Are Here Today

The future is closer than you think. Manufacturers are offering "clean and green" vehicles today. Motorists can now purchase a variety of "super low-emission vehicles," known as SULEVs - from dealers around the country. SULEV gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles from Toyota and Honda are selling briskly, and many more offerings are coming. Alternate-fueled vehicles - those that run on natural gas, propane, ethanol or methanol - are also considered clean vehicles and are commercially viable. These alternate fuel vehicles, or AFVs, may be more suitable for car, truck and bus fleets where centralized refueling is available, but they're definitely low on emissions and offer real maintenance and fuel savings.

Zero-Emission Vehicles

For purists, ZEVs, or zero-emission vehicles, are available on a limited basis (mainly in California or in the South). Typically they are battery-electric powered. Some individuals are using EVs as commuter cars or neighborhood vehicles, but most battery-electric vehicles are used for stop-and- go mail and courier delivery, meter enforcement, etc. They're also found in gated communities, on campuses, at zoos, parks, etc. These vehicles are typically charged overnight or recharged between trips; they offer considerable fuel and maintenance savings along with zero on-road emissions. But because of their limited range, EVs are admittedly considered "niche market" vehicles.

Hybrids Gaining in Popularity

EV technology has contributed to the success of today's more versatile hybrid-electric vehicles. Gasoline/electric hybrids are not range limited, can get exceptional mileage, and are rated as SULEVs. Hybrids generally work by using an engine and generator in harmony with one or more energy storage devices such as batteries. Managed by sophisticated computers, today's hybrids may use battery-only power at low speeds, or a combination of battery and engine power for accelerating and hill climbing - the batteries serving as an "electric supercharger." Under cruise conditions, the engine runs a generator as needed to re-charge the batteries and propel the vehicle. When going downhill, coasting or braking, otherwise-wasted vehicle inertia runs the generator for re-charging the batteries, and the engine shuts off, adding to miles-per-gallon.

For now, hybrid-electrics seem the most popular choice. Hybrids are achieving 70 mpg and more. Greater numbers of these gasoline/electric autos, vans, pickups and SUVs will be for sale in the next couple of years.

The Future

Longer-term projections indicate that hybrid-powered vehicles of all stripes will gain considerable market share over conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles in the next 10 to 20 years. Purchase prices will depend on economies of scale, and government and auto manufacturer subsidies. Widespread acceptance of hybrids would mean far less petroleum would be consumed, which translates to both lower overall grams-per-mile of emissions and a greater degree of energy independence.

Most industry experts predict that the gasoline or diesel powered hybrid is an interim step towards achieving near pollution-free transportation. The ultimate in zero-emission vehicles are hybrids that use the hydrogen fuel-cell engine. Hydrogen is reacted (not burned) in the fuel cell to generate electricity for the vehicle's traction motor(s) and for charging the batteries. When run on pure hydrogen, fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) produce no harmful emission and are more fuel-efficient than the best vehicles with internal combustion engines.

According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, "Most major auto manufacturers have announced plans to commercialize [fuel cell powered] cars in 2003 or 2004." But improving the technology and lowering the cost of fuel cell production and materials is a key factor for market success. An American Methanol Institute report predicts that by 2020, seven to 20% of all new cars sold will be powered by fuel cells. Government subsidies and market demand for fuel cells and FCVs (fuel cell vehicles) has resulted in an increasing number of companies striking innovative deals to bring fuel cell technology to the marketplace. Numerous fuel cell powered cars, trucks, vans, and transit buses already exist.

Adding impetus to development of FCVs is President Bush's recent announcement of the Freedom CAR (Freedom Cooperative Automotive Research) program. This program will focus on the technologies needed to build affordable, clean, mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicles along with those needed for a hydrogen-fueling infrastructure using domestic energy sources.

The future is coming, and sooner than most people realize. For those impatient with the pace of progress, consider how far we've already come: Today's conventional cars could actually run on the tailpipe emissions of cars produced in the 1960s, thanks in large part to on-board vehicle technology.

For ASE’s Glove Box Tips, click here.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

It's Easy Being "Green"

It's Easy Being "Green"

Motorists can do their part to help the environment by practicing a few 'earth-friendly' car care habits, note the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It all comes down to timely vehicle maintenance and non-aggressive driving.

Here are specific suggestions from ASE:

• Slow down. Speeding and hard accelerations waste gasoline. Use cruise-control on highways to maintain a steady pace. When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands.
• Lighten up. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight.
• Don't pollute. Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze/coolant, and old batteries properly. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government. Keep the engine running at its peak-a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%. Replace filters and fluids as recommended by the owner's manual.
• Get pumped. Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned. Under-inflated tires waste fuel by forcing the vehicle's engine to work harder. Moreover, properly maintained tires last longer, saving you money and lessening the burden at landfills.
• Know your limitations. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians' credentials. ASE-certified professionals have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning.
• Don't try this at home. Your car's air conditioner should be serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. The air conditioners in older vehicles contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which can be released into the atmosphere through improper service.
• Instant karma. In addition to helping the environment, routine maintenance will help your vehicle last longer, get better gas mileage, and command a higher resale price. Pretty cool.

For ASE’ Glove Box Tips, click here.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

Things To Know About Safety Equipment Used On Vehicles

Things To Know About Safety Equipment Used On Vehicles

By Luke Harper

If I name some of the most popular pieces of public safety equipment, the warning lights, siren speakers, push bumpers and grille lights of different types will come to mind. With the increasing rising risks for first responders, the need for these essential items is critical. There is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of police, fire fighters, and EMS for the safety of the public.

These products are used constantly; all having and meeting the same purpose, public safety. The light and sound systems used by the police and other first responders are a type of safety equipment.

Public safety radio and speakers

All through the hours of an emergency or patrolling, the police are largely dependent on their vehicle's flashing lights, emergency radio systems, sirens, and speakers. These devices are made to comply with and act perfectly during their emergency operations.

Though these devices are often left un-maintained, neglected, and taken for granted, but they indeed are an important utility that should be taken well care of. If these systems would not work properly, first responders and those they serve could be imperiled.

The manufacturers of public safety equipment incorporate unique features that ensure these perform their duties robustly, during the emergency hours.

Power backup - The first blueprint of public safety radio, which are nowadays installed in police vehicles, did not have any provision for power backup. Additionally, it would consume a large amount of energy, which used to affect the operations of the vehicle.

The safety radios and speakers of today come with smart design, which does not consume high levels of power and keeps them on for longer duration of time.

Water resistance - Lighting systems on vehicles are an electronic utility, and just like any other electronic device, they too can get affected with the water, moist and rainy weather conditions. To ensure the safety of lights, speakers and radio systems of the police vehicle, it is a must for them to be water resistant. They are assembled in casings that are watertight.

The feature of water tightness gives them a shield against the moisture occurring due to weather-borne conditions. On vehicles, the water tightness of the lights will have a chief role in the success of police operations, especially during night hours.

Frequent maintenance - Last but not the least, the lights, radio systems, alarms, sirens, and speakers should be properly and routinely checked, and adequate measures should be taken to keep them working and in well-maintained condition. Though the systems of the present generation are usually water-resistant, yet that does not imply that they will be working perfectly well in moist surroundings. They need to be check at frequent intervals, and as some discrepancy is experienced in their operations, they should be sent for service and repair.


Public safety equipment plays a key role in maintaining the safety of people, without any violence such as police sirens, speakers and lights. The article discusses some important points that you should know about these systems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luke_Harper

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The Fine Prints of Vehicle Leasing Contract Rules Zoomed

The Fine Prints of Vehicle Leasing Contract Rules Zoomed

By Terrence Lewis

Vehicle leasing has been a popular drive among the masses since the last two decades. An infinite count of up-and-coming business enterprisers prefer to hold vehicles on lease as opposed to purchasing. While that is a justified shift in the trend, interested lessees are still requested to stop to buckle themselves up with the required knowledge before taking the leap.

A Foreword

Though terms vary minutely from one dealer to another, and that beyond a shadow of doubt should not be belittled, they more or else have the same sense. The terms are mostly divided into four different heads, namely, the down payment, monthly installments, mileage restrictions and car maintenance. There is also a slot dedicated to contingencies and the fine prints there should not be flipped over.

The Upfront Deposit

This sum is decided on the current net worth of the chosen vehicle. The upfront cost of the lease is a cumulative figure of the monthly installments of the subsequent months. It is recommended that you haggle with your dealer, if it so requires to bring it down to as low as possible. Since it's a leasing deal for you, it is preferable that you do not have to cough out a lump sum and lurch all the way through the rest of the year. Regardless, this is a one-time payment and is adjusted with the premiums of the ending months of the contract.

The Recurrent Cost

In the United Kingdom, the vehicular leasing contracts very between 1, 2, 3 and 4 year. The premium calculation needs the duration to be broken down to months for which you are keeping the vehicle. The market worth of the vehicle is divided by the number of months the contract spans over. To that VAT and depreciation costs estimated over the specified time period are added. The final cost is what you pay in installments over the months. The payment has to be made within a given date every month to continue the contract.

Miles Per Contract

All contracts are mile-bound and there can be no exception. At the time of the contract, the number of miles is set in the paper. You can use your mileage distributing it throughout the years of use, or can do so in a month or anything that suits you. The dealers only keep a tab of the number and nothing more.

Asset Servicing:

You can sign up for a maintenance package with the dealer so that the vehicle is serviced timely during your term of use. However, this package does not cover for the accidental damages.

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