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

Greenpeace Consumer Electronic Ranking Guide

If you ask any of my children, what they want for the holidays, inevitably some sort of electronic product is mentioned. According to a 2010 Consumer Electronic Association study, the average US household spends $1380 on electronic purchases. So, how do we pursue our electronic passion but keep it green as well? Every year, Greenpeace compiles its Guide to Greener Electronics.

Winners?

HP took the top spot with an overall score of  5.9/10.  The company received the strongest scores in sustainable operations and energy criteria.  However, the reviewers noted that HP could work on their green product criteria.  In second place was Dell followed by Nokia in third. To see the rest of the rankings, see here.

Despite HP’s first place finish, I was struck by the company’s score.  The company only scored 5.9/10, which is slightly above the median.  Dell’s score of 5.1/10 and Nokia’s score of 4.9 were close to 50% compliance with the criteria list.  The last place contenders, LG, Toshiba, and Rim all scored below 3.0/10.  Given these scores, the electronic industry still has much work to do.

How Are the Rankings Calculated?

Greenpeace’s guide is in its 17th year.  It rates the top 15 leading mobile, phone, TV and PC manufacturers in the areas of energy and climate, greener products and sustainable operations.

Both Microsoft and Nintendo were removed from the Guide due to their limited product portfolio.  In addition, Motorola and Fujitsu have been removed due to their reduction in their global share.

Previous versions of the guide focused on chemicals, e-waste, and energy criteria.  E-waste has been a huge concern of mine since I reported about how  electronic equipment waste ended up in third world countries.  However, this year, the team decided to re-write and strength the criteria as well as adding paper sourcing and conflict minerals under sustainable operations and product life cycle analysis to greener products.

The new criteria is as follows:

“Criteria on Energy and Climate

The criteria that companies will be evaluated on are:

1. Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions
2. Commitment to reduce the company’s own short term and long term GHG emissions
3. A Clean Energy Plan, which includes increasing use of Renewable Energy (RE) and
4. energy efficiency measures to implement cuts in GHGs
5. Advocacy for a Clean Energy Policy at national and sub-national level

Criteria on Greener Products

These criteria focus on the environmental performance of consumer electronics, across a number of different issues.

1. Energy efficiency of new models of specified products
2. Products free from hazardous substances
3. Use of recycled plastics in products
4. Product life cycle

Criteria on Sustainable Operations

These criteria examine how companies implement environmental considerations during manufacture in their supply chain through to the end-of-life phase of a product

1. Reduction of GHG emissions from energy use by suppliers
2. Policy, practice and advocacy on chemicals management
3. Policy and practice on sustainable sourcing of fibres for paper
4. Policy and practice on avoidance of conflict minerals
5. Producer responsibility for voluntary take-back of e-waste

Maximum points

Depending on the complexity of the criteria and the focus of Greenpeace campaigns, the maximum points awarded per criteria vary between 3, 5 and 8 points.

Company scores

Companies have the opportunity to improve their score, as the Guide will be periodically updated. However, penalty points will be deducted from overall scores if Greenpeace finds a company lying, practicing double standards or regressive advocacy, and other corporate misconduct.”

For further information, see their Ranking Criteria PDF on their website.

Greenpeace company assessments are based upon public information and practices to ensure that its ranking is transparent.  They feel that when companies make changes publicly, it drives competition among the other electronic companies.

Social Responsibility Is Not Part of the Criteria

As you might have noticed from the above list of criteria, Greenpeace does not rank companies based upon their  social responsibility metrics, labor standards or other issues.  I was a little perplexed as to why these criteria was not included.   Casey Harrell, spokesperson for Greenpeace replied via email and stated,

“the basics are:  we think that fair trade and employee issues are important, and since, as  an organization are not experts in these areas, we don’t assess companies  on their performance and instead recommend other groups (as we have on our website) that deal with these issues more directly, such as Good Electronics and Make IT Fair.”

(For your information, Good Electronics focuses on international human rights and sustainability in electronics.  On the other hand, Make IT Fair is a European project which focuses on labor abuses and environmental problems in the electronic industry.)

How Has the Guide Change the Consumer Electronic Industry?

Realize that the Guide criteria only ranks companies.  It do not assess individual products unlike some companies such as Good Guide.  However, the Guide opens the conversation about a company’s environmental stance. According to Greenpeace, the Guide has been instrumental in changing the environmental commitment of the consumer electronic industry.

“Since the Guide was launched in August 06 it (together with increased coverage and awareness of toxics in electronics and e-waste) has driven numerous improvements.

Many companies are thus removing the worst toxic chemicals from their products and improving their recycling schemes. This demonstrates that many of the companies ranked in the Guide not only take the results very seriously but also take action to improve their performance and of course ranking.”

No one wants to be in last place.  Public perception is everything.

Join the Conversation:

• Does this guide dissuade you from buying a product from one company over the other based upon their rankings in the Guide?
• Do you focus more on the individual product’s sustainability versus the company’s overall sustainability practices?
• Do you feel the Guide has been instrumental in consumer electronic manufacturer changes?
• What is your biggest green wish list for change in the electronic industry?
• What type of electronic are you buying this year?  Do you care equally about its green rating and functionality?

Similar Posts:

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• 60 Minutes Reveals The Ugly Side of Recycling
• Is Your Electronic Waste Being Dumped in Third World Countries?
• MRM Establishes Nationwide Electronic Recycling Program
• Rutgers University SWRRG Presents First-Ever NJ Food Waste Recycling Forum

Lettuce Growing in To Soiless' method of river rock

Richard Campbell, founder of To Soil Less, never dreamed fifteen years ago that throwing a watermelon seed into gravel could change the way the world grows our food.   What he discovered during his journey is that  plants can grow in river rock without the aid of fertilizer or soil.  He has successfully grown peppers, zinnias, lettuce, tomatoes, and a variety of different vegetables using his patent pending irrigation  and river rock method.

As a huge vegetable gardener, I was intrigued by the concept of To Soil Less.  As Campbell explained to me in a recent video interview, he has married geology with horticultural science.  I urge you to listen to the podcast or video below. Campbell’s explanation of how his system works is quite interesting.  He will turn you from a non-believer to running out to Home Depot to grab a bag of river rock.  Trust me.

Geology Meets Agriculture

Richard Campbell, To Soil Less' Founder

Campbell explained during the interview that plants only need river rock and his irrigation system to thrive.    It all made sense to me.  He states,

“[t]o Soil Less has been able to adapt the characteristics of sea life to land based agriculture.  In a nutshell, we engineered a specific sustained moisture level within a certain type of gravel to produce an long term nutrient rich growing environment.  After all, by definition soil is rock.  Soil is defined as “the portion of the earth’s surface consisting of disintegrated rock and humus.”  Theoretically rock should provide nutrients in the same manner as soil.”

In a nutshell, the specific river rock provides the nutrients needed by the plants. So simplistic but Mother Nature has been using this formula for centuries.  His system works for both home and commercial gardeners.  Don’t have a plot?  Campbell explains that it will work for container gardening too.

Soil Has its Issues

As Campbell indicated, using soil to farm has its issues.  In the world of industrial farming, soil needs fertilizer and chemicals to grow plants and reduce pests.  But it comes with a cost to the environment.  According to SustainableTable.org,

“[c]hemical fertilizers and pesticides have turned agriculture into a leading source of water pollution in the United States. Runoff from factory farms kills fish, degrades aquatic habitats and threatens drinking water supplies. Additionally, factory farms use tremendous amounts of water, which cuts into our precious supplies of water that are not contaminated.”

According to Campbell, using his To Soil Less method reduces the need for pesticides since he hasn’t seen any pest damage to his crop.  There is no soil for the pests to lay their eggs.  However, I noticed that he hasn’t grown any brassica plants such as kale, broccoli, and cauliflower.   These plants are prone to pests that lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves.

To Soil Less Plants Need Less Water to Grow

Campbell states his method uses less water than plants in soil. The impact of using less water for growing crops could have significant impact on the world’s water needs.  According to a 2008 The Economist article,  farming accounts for 70% of water consumed by humans.  Worse yet, the  article further states 1.2 billion people, which accounts for about a fifth of the population in the world live where there are shortages of water.

With water scarcity on the up-rise due to global warming, To Soil Less’ lower methods might be a viable option to grow crops.

What Does this Mean for the World?

My first thoughts when Campbell explained his process is what could this mean for the world.  My thought immediately went to  Africa with its low soil fertility.   A 2006 report noted that  29% of African land is high or medium quality for cultivated agriculture with the balance of the land being either unsuitable or low potential.   Could Campbell’s methods change how African farmers can grow their food?  Given the low water requirement and ability of plants to thrive, To Soil Less’ method could change the landscape of Africa.

But What About the River Rock?

Here is where I was stumped.  What about the river rock mining?  How would we furnish that amount of river rock to countries with poor soil?  Could it be sourced from local rivers and streams to reduce transportation cost and impact? Could local rock be used as well?  If so, would mining cause environmental issues?  These are issues that would need to be flushed out to make To Soil Less’ concept be a viable world option.

But, Richard Campbell is onto something.  A concept with a little tweaking could change the world.  My wish is that an agricultural department at a university works with To Soil Less to help make Campbell’s vision a reality.  The Planet needs this fix.  All it took was a watermelon seed fifteen years ago.

Download the Instruction Manual

Campbell  is so sure To Soil Less’ method will work for others that he prepared a manual for download.   If you are a home gardener, you can download the manual for $20.  However, if you are a commercial grower, the technology is slightly different, and you can download the manual for $100.

Join the Conversation

• Would you grow your plants in river rock?
• Could this concept change the way we grow our food?
• How do you feel about this technology being used in countries with poor soil fertility?
• What are your thoughts about To Soil Less’ system?

Similar Posts:

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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

Aqua EWP's technology for Water Purification

Aqua EPW is a compact water purification system that removes contaminates from drinking water through capacitance based de-ionizer .  The application for this product is for both the residential and commercial markets.  The product along with removing contaminates also removes scale from pipes and boilers, which in turns increases energy efficiency.  However, it’s ideal use is for areas of the world where clean water is not available.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Bob Atlas, the CEO of Agua EWP and video-taped his PowerPoint presentation.  Listed below is a summary about the technology and the benefits of using the EWP. However, to really understand the EWP, I urge you to view either the video presentation or listen to the podcast.

How Does this Product Work?

The Company explains

“[e]lectrodes used are made from activated carbon and other materials. These electrodes are layered into a cell casing. A DC power supply is applied across the electrodes. The individual electrodes are charged with different polarities. The minerals in the water are attracted to the opposite polarity of the electrode, These minerals are electrochemically absorbed on the surface of the electrode creating the purified water.  When sufficient minerals are deposited on the electrodes, the minerals are released during a regeneration step.  The contaminants fall off the electrode after a flush valve opens discharging the contaminants removed.”

Removing the contaminants (or total dissolved solids) reduces deposits.

The Benefits:

Contaminate Removal

Contaminates Removed

The Company touts that the purifier removes such contaminants as fluoride, arsenic, chrome, lead, nitrates, iron as well as hardness.  Not many purifiers remove fluoride except reverse osmosis, activated alumina deflouridation filters, or distillation.

Scale Reducer, Increase Energy Efficiency

In addition, EWP removes scale from pipes and boilers.  Scale increases maintenance and reduces energy efficiency. USDOE Office of Industrial Technologies states

“Even thin layers of scale serve as an effective insulator and retard heat transfer. The result is overheating of boiler tube metal, tube failures, and loss of energy efficiency. Fuel waste due to boiler scale may be 2% for water-tube boilers and up to 5% in fire-tube boilers.”

The USDOE provides the following example which explains how scale impacts energy usage costs.

“A boiler annually uses 450,000 million Btu (MMBtu) of fuel while operating for 8,000 hours at its rated capacity of 45,000 pounds per hour (lb/hr) of 150-pounds- per-square-inch-gauge (psig) steam. If scale 1/32nd of an inch thick is allowed to form on the boiler tubes, and the scale is of “normal” composition, the table indicates a fuel loss of 2%. The increase in operating costs, assuming energy is priced at $8.00 per million Btu ($8.00/MMBtu), is:

Annual Operating Cost Increase = 450,000 MMBtu/yr x $8.00/MMBtu x 0.02= $72,000″

For further information about how scale increases the cost of your energy use, see here.

Areas that Need Clean Water

According to Bob Atlas, CEO of Agua EWP, this product’s ideal use is for areas of the world where clean water is not available. The product is also sold with a solar panel for those wishing a renewable energy option or where electricity is not available.

“EWP at 2.5 gallons per minute. This 3,600 gallons per day—essentially enough water, according to WHO standards for 400 people or a village of 100 families.”

Other Benefits

Listed below are additional benefits of using the EWP:

• Simple Operation & Low Operating Costs
• Available with a biofilter which can be washed in the dishwasher.
• Salt-less system.  (Reducing salt cost and improving taste of water.)
• Reduces lime deposits from hard water deposits.
• No chemicals and no frequent replacement parts.  Easy cleaning with a citric cleaner.
• No pretreatment needed like membranes and media
• 80% to 95%+ Total Dissolved Solid or contaminate reduction
• 75% recovery (25% waste water)
• Removes more contaminants than any single other technology
• Compact Size.  The whole house system is 150 gallon tank and is 18″ deep by 12″ wide by 30 inches high.  See here for further specifications. Available as an under the counter option, portable water dispenser, whole house or commercial building unit
• Solar Panel option for those wishing a renewable energy option or where electricity is not available.

The commercial unit is a 2.5 to 100 GPM and can convert salt water into potable water.

Testing

Call me a cynic, but I always wonder does the technology truly work?  The EWP has been tested by Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas in their greenhouse for watering sensitive ornamental plants.  Listed below are the results of the deionized water:

Texas A&M Test Results of the Aqua EWP

See here for further independent tests results.

Cost

The units are installed in 1000 different locations which includes home in US, Europe, and Australia, commercial properties,  a school in Korea, and drinking systems in rural areas of Korea.  Atlas provided me with the following suggested retail pricing.  Note, the pricing does not include labor, excessive plumbing and electrical connections.  The units are distributed through independent dealers. Contact Atlas for your nearest distributor.

• Water Genie       $350  with solar  $500
• Whole House      $8,000 with tank and pump
• Commercial system  4,000 GPD $8,000 with solar $10,000

Join the Conversation:

• Thoughts about the technology?
• Would you buy one of these units for your home or business?
• Do you see using a unit like this in a rural area?
• Would you use this in an area where accessing clean water is a problem?
• How do you think this technology compares to other water purification products available.

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