How do you make a hybrid even more green? It’s simple … rip out the conventional gasoline tank and replace it with a compressed natural gas (CNG) delivery system. At SEMA 2009, Toyota took a step up from the CNG-converted Yaris shown at SEMA last year, with a CNG-converted Camry Hybrid prepared for the Surfrider Foundation.
Camry Hybrid CNG Conversion @ SEMA
November 13th, 2009 — CNG, SEMA, hybrid, toyota
‘56 Ford F-100 Propane Hot Rod @ SEMA
November 13th, 2009 — CNG, SEMA, ford, propane, trucks
Make no mistake about it. Propane-powered hot rods make a remarkable amount of sense. America needs to make an immediate and lasting dent in the amount of imported oil. Of all the alternate fuels, propane offers the most immediate avenue for acceptance. A national infrastructure already exists to for both consumer and commercial applications. Propane conversions on older vehicles needn’t be overly expensive nor difficult to accomplish. This nation has plenty of propane to meet demand and the fuel burns far more cleanly than conventional gasoline.
AMP=D’s Electric ‘33 Ford Hot Rod @ SEMA
November 13th, 2009 — SEMA, electric, ford, plug-in
SEMA 2009 may have been one big blur, but it didn’t take long to find MPGomatic’s pick for car of the show. AMP=D’s ‘33 Ford exemplifies the cutting-edge hot rod spirit. It took the AMP=D crew just four weeks to mate a UQM electric motor (pumping out 660 foot pounds of torque) with a set of custom A123 lithium battery packs and stuff it into a Factory Five ‘33 kit.
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4×4 Review
November 1st, 2009 — dodge, review, trucks
MPG-o-Matic Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 Review Summary: The Flex Fuel capable 2009 Dodge Ram SLT 4X4 takes a different path with a multi-link coil suspension that delivers a smooth ride and solid handling, whether the box is empty or full. A comfortable cabin and an array of technology and storage options put the shine on the Ram brand.
A Comprehensive Unbiased Approach to National Transportation/Energy Policy
October 28th, 2009 — CNG, diesel, electric, ngv, plug-in
Our national security continues to be at stake. By borrowing money from China to buy oil from the Middle East, we dig ourselves deeper into the hole each day.
As a nation, we must take a comprehensive and unbiased approach to national transportation/energy policy. We have been given the natural resources to make this happen. It is simply a question of having the will to see it through, without giving into factions and lobbies.
Step 1: Immediate and massive conversion of diesel fleet vehicles to natural gas power (NGV). This will spur employment and lower pollution in communities across the nation. School bus, public transportation, utility, delivery, and courier fleets present a prime opportunity for retrofits and new vehicle sales.
Step 2: Encourage the rapid adoption of highly-efficient clean diesel passenger vehicles. The engines and exhaust treatment systems have been developed. Americans need to be able to buy passenger vehicles with the same fuel-efficient engines that are available in Europe, where diesel market share exceeds 50%.
Step 3: Continue to encourage the development of electric-powered passenger vehicles (PHEVs & EVs). Lets get the battery plants built and bring these cars to market at an affordable cost. This will require massive government subsidies in the short-term, until the cost of production is driven down to a realistic level.
Step 4: Turn up the heat on biofuel development. Ease away from inefficient corn-based ethanol production. Increase algae production efforts.
Step 5: Provide micro-grants to garage entrepreneurs for technology development and installation. Revitalize the auto dealerships that have lost their franchise and get those service departments humming again.
Step 6: Encourage drivers to become more fuel-efficient through technology and technique. You don’t have to drive like Grandma to save a few dollars at the pump each time you fill up. Over the course of a year, the savings can be significant.
