Toyota Prius Plug-in

While attending the International Auto Show, I made a bee-line to Toyota to view their new roomier Prius.  When I got to their booth, my eyes quickly shifted to the Company’s eye candy Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car. Sexy, Sleek and boosting impressive gas-less miles without the “electric plug-in anxiety.”

I was smitten. 

I highly encourage you to listen to my interview with  Jana Hartline, the Environmental Communication Manager for Toyota Motor Sales about their 2013 line-up.  (It is 11 minutes.)   Bear in mind, I remain cool through the interview but couldn’t wait to talk about the hydrogen fuel cell. Talk about a school girl’s crush.

What’s New in the Prius Family?

Toyota Prius v

Well, Mama Prius gave birth to the new Prius v.  (Did you get the announcement?)  The “v” stands for versatility.  This car has the same cargo capicity of a small SUV and achieves 42 miles to the gallon.  Plus, it has tons of cargo space as well as more back seat leg room than the regular Prius.  What family wouldn’t love that?

Personally, the “v” reminded me of a stretched out Prius.  The look was not very stylish.  Personally, I don’t see it appealing to the SUV loving crowd.  It sits low like a car rather than your normal SUV.  However, Prius has their loyal following and that’s all that matters.

Prius on Steroids

The next baby brother in the Prius family is the Prius Plug-in, which Jana lovingly called the “Prius on Steroids.”  (The car is pictured above.) This car provides a longer electric range than the original Prius but also features the convenience of the hybrid technology.  This newbie can be plugged into a regular outlet and be all charged up in three hours.  Note, You can charge the car in 1.5 hours using a 220 volt system.

Prius C: Compact for the City Folks

Toyota Prius c

The Prius c is a more compact, youthful looking car for city folks. Toyota’s goal is is to lure the younger crowd with this sportier version.  Don’t you just love its orange color?

Here Comes the Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Toyota Hydrogen Fuel Cell

In 2015, Toyota will bring to market their sedan Fuel Cell Hybrid car.  Its platform is based upon the Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle.  The car achieves an average of  350-400 miles on a single tank.  According to Jana, this works out to an average of 65 miles/kg per gallon fuel economy.  The tank holds 6 kilograms of hydrogen.

Then I raised my hand to ask a question?  Where can you refuel? The California Hydrogen Project is further developing  the infrastructure in California to support the project.

Price point?  Jana stated the target price is $50,000.

Join the Conversation:

• Thoughts about the fuel cell technology?
• How do you feel about the look of the Prius v
• If you have shied away from Prius in the past due to its look, would you consider the Prius c?
• Do you own a Prius?  Do you like driving it?  How about the maintenance?  Would you trade it in for a Prius plug-in?

Photos courtesy of Toyota

Similar Posts:

• The Search for the Perfect Eco-Car
• Buying a New Green Car is Like Yanking Out a Permanent Tooth.
• Ford Escape Hybrid, A Big Ride with Green Ties
• Ford Fusion 2013 Green Year Lineup: Gas, Hybrid, Electric/Hybrid.
• Ford’s Green Cars: Building them Fuel Efficient, Smart and Safe

2013 Ford Fusion

A week ago, I witnessed the unveiling of the newly designed Ford Fusion as a guest of Ford. My highlight of the unveiling was my indepth conversation with  Samantha Hoyt, Fusion Marketing Manager about the newly re-designed Fusion.  Listen to the podcast.

So, you don’t think this is a commercial for the Fusion, I test drove this car last year when my 2005 Sienna lost its transmission and gave it high marks.   (Heck, I drove about 10 cars last summer, but luckily my Sienna was fixed.)

When I previously drove the car,  I remarked that the trunk was in my line of vision.  Although the car has rear sensors, I am an old time driver and like to look over my shoulder.  (Teaching an old dog new trick.  Not going to happen.)  My close friend has an all wheel drive Fusion, and absolutely adores it.  There is also a hybrid model as well.

So Why Do I Love a Fusion?

The 2013 Ford Fusion is a medium size sedan that is fuel efficient, comfortable, and affordable.  Even though the old Fusion was pretty darn good, Ford decided to give it a make-over.  Inside and out according to Hoyt.

In addition, Ford expanded its med-size car platform to include the gas fueled Fusion (1.6 and 2 liter eco boost engines) the Fusion Hybrid, and Fusion Energi, the plug-in electric/hybrid.  In Europe and Asia Pacific, the Company will be introducing the Mondeo.

I urge you to listen to the 10 minute podcast.  Hoyt explains all the great features on the car.  Just in case you want a short synopsis, listed below are some interesting tidbits.

Interest tidbits:

• The hybrid gets 47 mph in the city.  44 mpg on the highway.  (Getting pretty darn close to the Prius.)
• Hybrid seat completely fold down for added trunk space.  The seats do not fold down on the Energi Fusion. Great for us gardening gals to haul big plants.   (Note, both seats don’t ordinarily fold down in other hybrid cars I looked at.)
• The Fusion Energi has a ”500-mile overall driving range.”  It can be plugged into a regular outlet. Hoyt explained the electric portion is 100 miles.
• Available voice-activated SYNC®27.  Hoyt says it is the most widely used car in-connectivity  system in the world.
• Lane Keeping System:  Gently steers you back into your lane if you get a little drowsy.  (Or not pay attention since you are breaking up a fight between the cavemen.)
• Adaptive Cruise Control:  Keeps you a certain distance from the other cars.  Boy, can my teenage cavemen use this.  Wait, so can the heavy footed hubby.
• Blind Spot Information System: helping you back out of tight spots.  (Okay, good for us not the best drivers.  I will admit it.  Driving is not my forte.)

Interior Green Facts:

Some of the green highlights, Hoyt explained:

 What About Range Anxiety?

I learned a  new buzz word at the Auto Show.  ”Range Anxiety.” (This is not to be confused with road rage or hyperventilating.)  It means anxiety of depleting the electrical battery while driving an electric car.   Hoyt explains their Ford Energi has a range of 100 miles on full electric.  Thereafter, the car switches to gas hybrid  with a total range of 500 miles.  Sign me up!

What about the Trunk?

Hoyt explains they did in fact re-looked at the trunk issue and readjusted the seat.  However, despite their efforts, some us might still have a problem.   At least, there is the back-up cameras.

Join the Conversation:

• Would you consider buying a Ford Fusion and if so, which one of the cars?
• Would you consider buying the electric/hybrid?
• Do you already own a Ford Fusion and what are your thoughts about its maintenance or performance?
• What your thoughts about Ford lately?

Similar Posts:

• Ford Escape Hybrid, A Big Ride with Green Ties
• Buying a New Green Car is Like Yanking Out a Permanent Tooth.
• Ford’s Green Cars: Building them Fuel Efficient, Smart and Safe
• Toyota’s Prius Line Expands. Next, Hydrogen Fuel Cell
• The Search for the Perfect Eco-Car

The Ford Electric Focus

For the last couple of days, I have been in Detroit, Michigan attending the North American International Auto Show. My trip along with 140 plus bloggers was sponsored by Ford to learn about the Company’s mission to provide smart, safe, and green cars.  In my wildest dreams I would have never imagined the education I received.

Not only did I learn about their sustainability goals, which is dear to my heart, and their evolving technology but how a car is made.  Mind you, not an easy task.   Come along and find out what I learned.

History of a Company

Cars Featured at the Henry Ford

In order to understand the long history of the company and its ethos, I believe you need to look at their past.  Ford is a family owned company which has been around since 1903. Our first night in Detroit, we visited the Henry Ford Museum where we saw the new exhibit,  Driving America, an interactive display of 100 vehicles.  (A must see if you visit the Detroit area.)

If you stop and think, cars are so much a part of our own history.  Their shape and colors reveal the history of our society.  At the exhibit, my most memorable moments were sitting on Rosa Park’s bus and touching the spot where JFK’s car was shot.  Both cars reminded me of such vulnerable moments in our history.

Our society now yearned for fuel efficient cars as a push back from oil dependency.  Ford heard the call.

The International Auto Show

Ford Fusion Models

The following day was Ford’s press conferences and the North American International Auto Show where the likes of Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, and BMW attended to show off their new cars.

Bring On the Fusion

With the glitz of a rock concert (smoke and all,) Ford unveiled its newly designed Fusion.  This car is comparable in size to the Toyota Camry and Honda  Accord. (Remember, I drove the old Fusion just six months ago?)  Ford touts the Fusion’s fuel efficiency, affordability and luxury.

Smart, Green, and Safe

Ford Sync Applications

During the press conference, Ford elaborated on their motto, smart, safe, and green.  Their Sync technology applications keep their consumers connected and safe via a hands-free system.  In fact, Ford announced that they will be opening a research and development facility in  Silicon Valley to be closer to high tech companies and universities.  Their research team will continue to expand app integrations in the Sync technology.

What kind of apps?  Just to give you an example, at the International Consumer Electronic Show, the Company announced an alliance with Microsoft, Healthrageous and BlueMetal Architects to research technology to monitor health and wellness while in your car.  Talk about a doctor on call.

In addition, the Ford Fusion will offer the Lane Keeping System which keeps you from drifting outside your lane.  This technology is especially important for drivers who are drowsy.  For more information about this technology see here.

As for the green part of their mission,  the Company spoke about their Eco-Boost, hybrid, and electric vehicles. Along with their eco-fuel strives, the Company has replaced many parts of the cars with plastic alternatives.  See the below videos in which both Angela Harris and Ellen Lee explain the material sustainability of the cars.

The Press Swarming the Ford Fusion

The way the press swarmed the cars, you would have thought the President made an appearance.  (See the picture above.) What made the press conference so impressive was the accessibility of Ford’s product team.  Questions flew left and right and were dutifully answered by real people who were so openly passionate about their work with the Fusion.

The Headquarter Tour-Mouth Dropping

The last leg of the journey was a 1/2  day at Ford Headquarters learning how they design a car and the sustainable materials they use.  I love design and clamor to learn more of how things are made.  It just gives you an amazing perspective of how and why a product exists.

Ford Designer Using Photoshop to Design a Car

First stop was the technology lab where the car begins its journey.  The most exciting part was to watch how technology aids in the design.  The team showed us how they can change the inside, drive the car around to see how it looks, and compared its colors in different lights.  I even got to drive the car with a PlayStation remote.  All I could do was 360 donuts since I leave video games to my kids.  My kids would have thought I was pathetic.  But, then again, I wouldn’t classify myself as the world’s best driver either.  *Sigh*

Clay Modeling of the Designs

Our second stop was the modeling room where large clay models are made to replicate the car. We got to scalp the cars with different tools.  What a fascinating profession for someone who loves to sculpt.

Sustainable Materials

Our third stop was the sustainability lab.  Many of you might remember my podcast interview two years ago with Deborah Mielewski, Ford’s Technical Leader in Plastics Research.  Her team presented Ford’s efforts to reduce their use of virgin plastic in their cars.  And yes, I got to give Debbie a big hug.

Watch the below video of Ellen Lee and Angela Harris as they spoke about the various alternative materials they use including soy, wheat straw and polylactic acid (PLA).

Angela:

Ellen and Angela:

Seat Lab

Our fourth stop was the driving lab where the team works on the seat configuration. In my opinion, how comfortable is the driver’s seat is my top priority in choosing a car.  No one likes an uncomfortable seat.

The Seat Lab at Ford

Its All in the Motion

The final stop was the lab where they configure how you get in an out of a car.  The gentleman in the below picture got in and out of the car many, many times as the team recorded his motions.  Would you want to be that guy?

Ford Demonstrating their Product Development

Whew!  Then it was back to New Jersey land and picking up after the cavemen.  (Ford, take me back. Please.)

But the Best Part Was:

Green Gals at the Conference Making a Difference. Diane, me, Jenn, Tiffany and Stephanie

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you the best part of the trip was meeting some of the green moms from the Green Mom Carnival for the first time in person. (Diane of Green Big Purse, Tiffany of Nature Mom, who lent me many of the above pictures, and Jenn of the Green Parent.) For over three years we have shared an online camaraderie which was strengthened by our trip together.  We even picked up two more green moms on the trip:  Stephanie of GoodGirlGoneGreen and Shane of Envirobooty.

I loved every minute of this trip and came back with a new found appreciation of how much work goes into making cars.

Upcoming Podcasts:

However, you are not off the car hook yet.  I podcasted with  the Ford team about the Fusion, the Toyota team about their new Prius as well as the up and coming hydrogen fuel cell car, and DiamlerChrysler (who makes Mercedes)  about their Smart Car.  For my Dad, who is a BMW aficionado, I learned about their new hybrid and up and coming electric cars.   Those posts are forth coming.

Join the Conversation

• What do you think about Ford’s sustainability?
• How do you feel about Ford as a brand?
• Do you think car makers are doing enough for the environment?

Disclaimer:  Ford sponsored my trip to the North American International Auto Show and paid for my meals and lodging; however, the opinion noted above are my own.  I wasn’t required to write about Ford at all.   

Most of the pictures were taken by Tiffany’s of Nature Mom.

Similar Posts:

• Ford Fusion 2013 Green Year Lineup: Gas, Hybrid, Electric/Hybrid.
• Green News 05.02.11 Ford use Recycled Carpet, Green Rebate Site
• Ford Escape Hybrid, A Big Ride with Green Ties
• Buying a New Green Car is Like Yanking Out a Permanent Tooth.
• To Fix or Buy a New Green Car. Only the Rump Knows

Toyota Sienna's Interior

Buying a new green car is like yanking out a permanent tooth. I previously explained what happened to my beloved 2005 Sienna and outlined my criteria for a new car.  All and all searching for a new car was full of a mixture of emotions:   pain, anxiety, and loss.    I balanced comfort with eco-friendliness, all wheel drive with hybrid technology as well as contemplated saying good-by to my Minivan days.   An immeasurable loss.  Yes, in essence, sheer torture.  Don’t envy me.

Think of my journey as a reality show.  Instead of the Bachlorette, think of me as the Car-ette looking for my car suitor.  So, who got the boot and who got the rose?   Well, you will just have to hold onto your seats and take a ride with me.

The 2011-2012 Sienna

I still love this car and Toyota has really upped its mark on the new Sienna.  It is a kid’s dream machine with a double wide TV screen, place to put PlayStation, and reclining chairs similar to a Lazy Boy. I would never get my kids out of this car.  Once Son #4 saw the reclining chairs, he has not stopped bugging me to lease this car.   In addition, it has this new “eco driving indicator” to help with better gas mileage. All the Sienna needed was a washing machine!

Now, many of you might think, Anna, if you love your Sienna so much, opt to get the new model.  Well, it isn’t that easy.  I think I am ready to become a Big Girl now and shed my soccer mom car image.  See, I got a taste of driving a small zippy car and felt like 20 years old again.  Do any of you feel that way?  Ah, the taste of freedom.

Toyota Camry Hybrid:

The Camry is a nice driving car.  However, the seat and I weren’t in love.  Once you drive in a padded Minivan captain seat it is hard to go back to a car seat which isn’t padded up the wahzoo. Note, this car has traction control but is not an all wheel drive car.

Toyota Rav-4

The Rav-4 is one of Toyota’s Crossover and SUVs.  I didn’t love this car, nor did the back seat riders.  The backseats were uncomfortable and I just don’t want to hear the peanut gallery complain every day.  You know what I am talking about especially since one of the gallery saw the new Sienna.

Toyota Pruis

This car is so much fun to drive.  Zippy as heck.  (Now, remember, I think anything is zippy that goes faster than my Sienna.)  I also love that the controls are on the top of the dash rather behind the steering wheel. (Check out the interior demo to see how many smart controls this car has.)

The seat is okay.  The one I drove did not have a lumbar support.  However, the Prius 4 and 5 model have a lumbar support.

Another issue that I had was the spoiler.  It is still in my line of vision, and was an issue when it was raining at night.  The line seemed like a black hole.

The Ride? Now, I won’t lie.  You can feel a lot more bumps with the Prius than the Camry.  And this car is only a front wheel drive car.  My friend isn’t thrilled with it in the snow. If you own a Prius, how do you feel about it in the snow?

Highlander

What a big looking car.  Although it is smaller than the Sienna, it reminded me of a truck.  It drives well but I figured why buy this instead of the Sienna?  Image? (Believe me. I understand the not wanting to be a soccer mom image.)

Hyundai Sonata:

The Sonata

The Sonata is available as a hybrid or regular car.  It is similar in size to the Camry, but is more sporty looking.  Son #4, who is my rear seating tester, says he likes the back seat in the Sonata.  In addition (a large consideration) the cup holders are better in the Sonota than the Camry.  Maybe, Toyota should employ him?

A negative.  This car is a front wheel drive car with traction control.  Does anyone know how it fares in the snow?

I didn’t test drive any of the Hyundai’s Crossovers or SUVs (Veracruz and the Santa Fe) since the back seats in these cars got negative remarks from the hubby and Son #4.  (And no, it wasn’t the cup holder issue.  A rump and back issue.)

Ford Edge

I liked the Ford Edge which is a crossover car.  Hubby wasn’t impressed with the ride. He thought the car was boxy.  Next…(Oh, my aching butt.)

Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion Dash

The Ford Fusion drives great, is an all-wheel drive car, and has a hybrid option.  You would think I hit the mother load with this car.  The only thing that I couldn’t get use to was the trunk.  It seemed to be in my line of vision and threw me when I was backing up.  It does however, have back-up sensors.

The big question still remained.  Was I ready to give up my “hauling” ability that I had with my Sienna?  Or was I better off with a Crossover or SUV?

Subaru Outback Crossover

All the Subaru cars that I drove had great turning radius like all of the Toyota cars.  However, in the Outback, I had mixed feelings about the seat even though it had a lumbar support.  My Dad calls this car a Plain Jane since it is not as spiffy as the rest of the cars.

Bottom Line

Three children vote for the Sienna because they feel that we still need a 6 passenger car.  Two of the four are in college, mind you.  I would love to fix my car since I can’t understand how these two parts could go within 100,000 miles.  It just buys me time until Son #4 goes to college.

Toyota Slams the Door

The dealer asked Toyota to cover the repair under warranty.  They have never seen a transmission and differential go in a Sienna at 100,000 miles.   Toyota reply?  No can do.  The dealer knew I was a good customer and offered to take some money off the repairs but the parts were expensive.  It still didn’t make sense to repair the car.

At this moment, I could write a whole blog post on why I am upset with Toyota.  But I will leave that rant for another day.

Given the above, which car would you choose?  Or do you have a suggestion for me?

Join the Conversation:

• Do you own any of the above cars?  If so, which ones do you like?
• Have you been in the same situation:  ready to ditch the mini van?
• Would you next step be to a 5 passenger crossover or car?
• Any words of advice?

Similar Posts:

• To Fix or Buy a New Green Car. Only the Rump Knows
• The Search for the Perfect Eco-Car
• Ford Fusion 2013 Green Year Lineup: Gas, Hybrid, Electric/Hybrid.
• Ford Escape Hybrid, A Big Ride with Green Ties
• Ford’s Green Cars: Building them Fuel Efficient, Smart and Safe

One of our many road trips in the 2005 Sienna

Last weekend my beloved Toyota 2005 Sienna died on the highway.  Was it simply a stroke or a fatal heart attack?  Right now she is in the ICU suffering from a broken transmission and differential in addition to having slight arthritis in the sliding power door and a broken rear windshield wiper.

Right now I am in limbo car mode.  I have literally driven 10 plus cars this week.  My back hurts, I am confused, and still I am in  the same place as when I started.  Do I fix my car or get a new one?   Plus, my life has changed since 2005.  Two kids are in college and the other two are home.  Am I ready to make the leap back to a car? Become a Big Girl?  Boy, can I use help.

So, I broke up this post into two parts to give you a flavor of all the cars I drove and my thoughts about them.

The Argument to Fix the Sienna

The argument for fixing the Sienna:  But she was and still is a great car.  What a trooper.  She never complained as my 4 cavemen trashed her, road tripped with us to 14 colleges for Son #1 (what was I thinking?) and never once said that she was bored (unlike the other cavemen.)  When it came to snow, she was like a mama bear on a mission to safely trudge through mountains of unexpected winter snow without a single whine or peep. (Again, unlike the cavemen crew.)

Was I heartbroken?  Yes, especially when I was delivered the news that it would cost me $7500 to fix her.  She just turned 100,000 but spire as a cat. Her mine was as sharp as ever. She is my transition car.  Some day (in five years) Son #4 will be going to college and I can put down my chauffeur’s cap.

Not the First Time at the Car Crossroads

Many of you may remember when I hemmed and hawed in 2008 about should I buy my Sienna out of its lease or buy a new greener car.  I tried several different cars and felt like Goldilocks.  This car seat was too uncomfortable (Camry.)  This one felt like a truck (Honda CRV.)  This one’s spoiler was in the middle of my vision (Prius.)   And the biggest issue:  how could I go to a small car when I had such a big family:  4 Cavemen and the hubby?

I opted to buy my Sienna out of lease since I felt in my circumstances it was the greenest thing to do. Why did I need to buy a new car?

Forced into the Situation

Well when the mechanics tell you that your car needs $7500 worth of work, and its value is somewhere between $9000 to $13,000, what do you do?  I decided to explore getting a new car.  In the last week, I have driven my fair share of cars and then some.

• Toyota Camry
• Toyota Sienna
• Toyota Pruis
• Toyota  Highlander
• Toyota Venza
• Toyota RAV-4
• The Subura Outback and the Forester
• Hyundai Sonata
• Sat in the Hyundai VeraCruz and Santa Fe
• Ford Fusion
• Ford Edge

If you own one of these cars,  let me know what you think.

My Criteria

Shopping for a car is a kin to yanking out a permanent tooth.  I hate change as much as I hate an uncomfortable seat.  So here was my wish list in no particular order:

• Comfortable Seat (Okay, I am lying to myself.  This is the number 1 priority.  If my back and rump are happy, then I am happy.  If I am happy, then the hubby is happy.  Got it?)
• Good gas mileage
• Could carry at least 5 people comfortably but not too big of a car.  Is this possible?
• Had some bells and whistles.  Navigation since I get lost going down the street.  Hands free phone in case any of my children need to call me. (And, boy do they call me.  Sometimes, I want them to forget my name.)  I don’t like to have a phone attached to my ear.
• All wheel drive car.  I need all the help I can get in the snow.
• Would like large trunk to haul more plants for my garden.  (A garden girl has to dream, right?)

Sounds like a do-able list? Or am I shooting for the stars?  Read Part II for my thoughts on the above cars.

Join the conversation

• Have you replaced your car recently?  If so, what did you buy?
• Would you fix my car and wait out the five years?
• How do you feel about driving a mini van? Hate it or love it?
• Any experience with the above cars?

Similar Posts:

• Buying a New Green Car is Like Yanking Out a Permanent Tooth.
• The Search for the Perfect Eco-Car
• Ford Fusion 2013 Green Year Lineup: Gas, Hybrid, Electric/Hybrid.
• Ford’s Green Cars: Building them Fuel Efficient, Smart and Safe
• Toyota’s Prius Line Expands. Next, Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Once in awhile you get emails in the mail asking you to help out a friends’ child.  Murmur a little, but you reluctantly do what is asked in the email. Name five friends, pass this email and don’t break the chain, or add your name to a list.  Well, this email was completely different and right up the green girl’s alley.  RideForward at University of Virgina Engineering School are seeking a $5000 grant from Brighter Planet’s Project Fund to turn a car from a gas guzzler to an electric car.  Hands on people.  Sign me up.

Now I am simplifying the UVA project and urge you read the application below as to why this project needs your vote.  Each and  everyone of you.  In fact, you can vote up to three times before October 15, 2010.

All you have to do is register first, and then vote. Right now they are in second place. Help these kids change the world.

Professor Durand and student

Professor Durand states in RideForward’s application:

“The goal of our project is sustainable transportation. Every year our multi-disciplinary group of engineering students designs and converts a conventional car to electric drive (EV), and designs and installs a grid tied photovoltaic (PV) system that will offset the power that the car draws from the grid. Our program has been in existence for two years. On our first year we converted a 1994 Honda Accord, and installed a 1.2 kw PV system on a local home. The Honda will be used in the UVa fleet. Last year we converted a Ford Ranger pickup that will be used by facilities management at UVa. We also installed a 1.2 kw PV array on the UVa campus, the first photovoltaic array installed on the UVa campus. This year, we are converting a 1998 Subaru Outback AWD wagon for the Albemarle County fleet, but we don’t have the funding to design and install a PV system that would make our Subaru conversion truly sustainable. The $5,000 grant from Brighter Planet would allow us to do the PV installation to make our Subaru conversion completely emission free, anywhere, ever.

Our project helps fight climate change by doing EV conversions that include a PV system that offsets the power the car draws from the grid. Since we are the University of Virginia, we get a lot of press and so our project is also a great demonstration to the community on what can be done. Finally, we are teaching the next generation of engineering students about sustainability. They are learning that sustainability can be simple, effective, and economical.

The funds will be used to install this years PV system.

There is a lot of excitement on the part of the students in RideForward. They love working with their hands, and the prospect of designing and building a real system that can make a difference to our planet. In the past, the UVa has even assisted with labor and building materials for the PV installation. The only thing missing for project success is the $5,000 grant from Brigher Planet.

Thank you for your consideration.

Jim Durand
Director, RideForward
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
University of Virginia”

I have always said that it is the youth that will change the world.  So, roll up your shelves and help these kids out.   Help the RideForward kids change the world, one electric car at a time.

Thoughts about this project?

Pictures courtesy of RideForward.

Similar Posts:

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Photo by Fernando de Sousa.

This week we have a large list of green news which is sure to excite and be dazzle you.

• Conflict-Free’ Electronics Bundled in Financial Reform Law
• Nanotech coatings can enhance electricity output from wastewater
• Foursquare Coming to a Search Engine Near You?
• GE and 4 VC Partners Offer $200M to Fund Best Smart Grid Ideas
• Why You Should Stop Cutting Costs and Focus on Your Best Customers. I know this is not a green article but it struck a cord in me. I am trying to help businesses cut their budgets by being sustainable.   However, there is no substitution for customer service.
• Happy Cow Compassionate Eating Guide for a list of vegan restaurants all over the world.
• FORD, DETROIT EDISON, XTREME POWER TO BUILD ONE OF MICHIGAN’S LARGEST SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
• Stanford’s new wastewater treatment system uses rocket science
• Survey: Consumer Interest in Green Homes Declines
• Ohio Utility First to Use Ballard’s 1 Megawatt fuel cell unit
• Smart gas meters to ride on growth of smart grid infrastructure
• Ford Accelerates Electric Vehicle Battery Testing with Wireless Monitoring Systems

So, readers, have any green news to share?  Self-promoting is acceptable.  Just share!

Which green news article did you like the best?

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Photo by Fernando de Sousa.

Here are the green links for this week!  I have to say, the news get more interesting every week.  In the links are articles ranging from the environmental impact of nuclear, introduction of new electric/hybrid cars to how LCD waste could prevent bacterial infections.  What is this world going to think of next?

• Solar Panels Luring Insects to Their Deaths via Discovery News.  Before, you scoff and throw up your hands up on me thinking I went too far off the green deep end, insects are important and not just pests.  (Couldn’t help myself.)  As a gardener, the insect food chain is really important to keeping my garden healthy.

• Hands On: Smart Fortwo’s Electric Car via PC Mag

• NORTHEAST COLLABORATIVE FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE SCHOOLS.  Great article about how all schools can be high performance schools. Facility managers, this is a must read article.

• Panasonic Exceeds 2009 Green Targets

• 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America

10 Innovations Changing the Way Products Are Packaged and Shipped

• Cheaper gallium arsenide thin-film solar cells in the works

• LCD Television Waste Could Help Prevent Bacterial Infections.  I found this article to be extremely interesting since LCD television waste is horrendous and ends up in many third world countries’ backyards.

• Debunking the myth of the internet as energy hog, again: How information technology is good for climate

• A $100 Million Pool for Solar Financing.  Making solar affordable is the key to harnessing the sun.  There are now lease options available.  Enjoy the benefits of a cheaper kilowatt price without the upfront cost of the system.

• Carbon Nanotube Electrodes Boost Power in Lithium Batteries, Study Says

• Researchers harness pee for hydrogen and battery power.  yes another invention for urine.  Now the poor man’s hydrogen and battery power rather than the poor man’s fertilizer!

Got Green News?  Green Talk readers want to know.  Self-promotion is permitted (and highly encouraged!)

Readers, which one of the above articles is your favorite news story and why?

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