By 2025, the government will require an average fuel economy of 54.5 m.p.g. for cars and trucks sold in the U.S. To meet that requirement, automakers must focus on more efficient, technologically sophisticated cars that cost more upfront to build — and whose costs are ultimately passed along to consumers. How much more will these cars …
electric cars
5 Mainstream, Cost-Effective Alternatives to Alternative-Energy Cars
Soaring gas prices should be equating to free marketing for energy-efficient plug-in vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt. The higher prices are at the pump, after all, the more a driver stands to save by using a car …
Even with $4 Gas, Few Drivers Choose Electric Cars—Or Even Hybrids
With each passing month, and with the average gallon of gas rising 1¢ more each day, consumers are turning more and more to fuel-efficient cars. The average new car sold in February got 23.2 mpg, up from 22.9 mpg in January and …
The EV Diaries: Firsthand Experiences with Electric Vehicles
What’s it really like to commute, run errands, and otherwise live and get around with a Nissan Leaf? How about smaller, lesser-known electric cars such as the Smart Fortwo ED or the Think City? Read on about the experiences of a …
Here Come the (Sorta) Solar-Powered Cars
In terms of sustainability and environmental friendliness, hybrids and electric cars are good. But cars powered at least partly by the sun? That’s even better. Here are two steps in that direction.
Look for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at IKEA, Walgreens, Convenience Stores
One of the big holdups stopping drivers from buying electric cars is that there aren’t many places to recharge the battery as it’s dying down. Hence, the concept of “range anxiety,” in which electric car owners drive with a …
6 New Developments in the World of Electric Cars
American drivers will soon be able to buy—or share—a wider variety of cars that require little or no gasoline to operate. Here, a half-dozen noteworthy developments for everyone curious about the rise of electric vehicles.
How Much Will New MPG Requirements Cost Car Buyers?
By 2025, it looks like the average light vehicle sold in the U.S. will have to get somewhere between 47 mpg and 62 mpg. The technology needed to produce such fuel efficiency will increase the initial cost of each car somewhere …
The Wishful Environmentalism of Cars 2
Cars 2 opened to lukewarm reviews and a smash box office, taking in $66 million domestically and another $42 million internationally during its opening weekend. The film’s ability to transcend unusually tepid reviews is clearly …
Is the ATM Cash-Dispensing Sound Fake?
In true Pavlovian form, humans are accustomed to getting excited at the sweet sound of an ATM dispensing cash. But is that sound artificially generated? If so, why?
Huh? Brand-New Chevy Volts Cost Thousands Less Than ‘Pre-Owned’ Models
Supply appears to not be keeping up with demand for Chevrolet’s new hybrid-electric car, and dealerships are taking advantage of the situation in totally shady, but apparently legal ways.
Post-Recession Lingo: Need-to-Know Phrases for Today’s Consumers
Adding to the list of post-recession terms such as “unbanked” (individuals without checking or savings accounts), “anti-dowry” (student loan debt holding you back from getting married or buying a house), and “Groupon remorse” …
