Recent Comments:
Are there any redeeming qualities about Las Vegas? {Green Daily}
Jul 2nd 2008 9:12PM I can't rationalize Las Vegas in any way except to say that entertainment is a high-consumption activity regardless of whether it's spread out around the whole country or concentrated in one place. If vacationers didn't go to Las Vegas, they'd probably jet around to some other tourist trap around the world and consume just as much energy and resources. Having that much entertainment concentrated in one place does put it in your face and really gives you an idea of the scale of our consumption.
Actually, just thought of one rationalization. Running the A/C for summer cooling generates less CO2 than running the heat for winter heating. http://www.wired.com/science/planetearth/magazine/16-06/ff_heresies_02ac
Neste oil to build $1 billion biodiesel plant in Rotterdam Holland {Autoblog Green}
Jun 17th 2008 7:09PM Another good story about it here: http://www.theoildrum.com/node/4149
NexBTL diesel is different from biodiesel since it uses a different chemical process, hydrocracking instead of transesterfication.
Trailcart, a pedal-powered four-wheel-drive vehicle {Autoblog Green}
Jun 3rd 2008 7:48PM The fat tires won't sink into soft, sandy surfaces like a mountain bike would, but the rolling resistance on sand would be so high, I can't imagine it's much faster than walking.
Motorcycles owners report average of 56 miles per gallon {Autoblog Green}
May 21st 2008 8:30PM Yes, tires can really be that expensive if you pay MSRP at the dealer and get them professionally mounted with the wheels on the bike. An SV650 is a good practical commuter, but it uses sportbike tires that last maybe 7k for the rear and 10k for the front. The rear tire is something like $190 MSRP plus tax, waste disposal, and maybe $50+ labor. Mail order tires are much cheaper (maybe 30-40% off), but good luck finding a shop to mount them as BrianM said. The way to save money is to take the wheels off yourself. Mounting and balancing with the wheels off the bike is usually $10-15 if you bought the tire there or $20-25 if not.
Valve lash adjustments can kill you on cost too, but it's no big deal if you shop carefully. Hondas and Suzukis with shim under bucket valves go 15k miles between adjustments. Yamahas go 26k mi. Other engines with shim over bucket valves need service as often as 6-10k mi.
You won't save a whole lot of money commuting on a motorcycle even with $4 gas, but you will save time with the carpool lanes, you'll have easier parking, and you might have more fun than being stuck in a cage.
Ebay find of the day: RAV4 EV {Autoblog Green}
May 19th 2008 5:52PM If you want to know why we don't have NiMH EVs do a search on Cobasys. They own the patents on NiMH batteries, and they settled a patent infringement suit with Matsushita and Toyota.
AutoblogGreen pays a visit to the new Tesla Motors store {Autoblog Green}
May 12th 2008 8:35PM @Mark, the reason Tesla markets to rich people is because the battery cells alone for the Roadster cost at least $20,000. That's not including assembly and testing of the battery pack. It takes a lot of expensive batteries to move a 3,000 lb car.
Chrysler thinks $2.99/gallon is good, guarantees it to new buyers for 3 years {Autoblog Green}
May 7th 2008 12:21PM Ken, don't need a truck myself. If it's true, Chrysler should really update the fine print on the program because right now it sounds like you can't combine the gas card with other incentives.
Chrysler thinks $2.99/gallon is good, guarantees it to new buyers for 3 years {Autoblog Green}
May 6th 2008 5:18PM This is a horrible deal.
"The Let's Refuel America gas card program works when a customer purchases a new and unused Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle and selects the program in lieu of other available incentives."
If you take this deal you give up cash rebates, and there's a $5000 rebate now on the Ram and Durango.
Aspen, CO police audition Toyota Highlander Hybrid patrol car {Autoblog Green}
May 6th 2008 3:17PM Strange that you can't get winter tires for a Highlander as even a crossover SUV can except to see some snow.
I couldn't believe it at first, but I checked some catalogs and sure enough, the only winter tire in size 245/65R17 is the Bridgestone Blizzak, estimated availability 8/15/08.
Bush sorta unveils new greenhouse gas plan, critics say it's "worse than doing nothing" {Autoblog Green}
Apr 16th 2008 7:50PM Not if it locks in energy policy and preempts stronger action, e.g. California's CO2 limits.
