Better cars for the environment.
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Concept cars are offering exciting peeks at eco-friendly future technologies. However, we don’t have to wait for future developments since a few low-emission and fuel-efficient cars already sped past the drawing board and the traditional green cars into production, if not this year then in the very near future.
Now, there are personal observations only, not based on technical research and specifications. We came up with the list based on mileage, mass appeal, and availability. Mileage, obviously, the less gas burned per mile, the less greenhouse gases produced. Mass appeal, efficient and clean burning cars with a hefty price-tag won’t make mush of a dent in greenhouse gas emission. Availability, prototype and concept cars might be the future but we already need green cars now.
Let’s take a look at three (3): The Nano, The Air Car, and The Hybrid Humvee.
The Nano
Tata’s Nano was tagged as a disaster waiting to happen by environmental experts. However, most of the mudslinging focused on the vehicle’s price, which makes it accessible to previously non-greenhouse gas producing segments of the Earth’s population. Even Time magazine has been criticized for including it in the list of dozen most important cars from 1908 to the present. If Tata has marketed it as an alternative green car instead of as the cheapest car, they might not have received as much flak.
Under the back door (that’s where the engine is) and body, the Nano has many firsts and patents, the drivetrain alone has 34. Tata says it complies with Euro-IV emission standards (requirements defining the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in European Union member states). All that for a car that can pack 4 adults, sips fuel at 47 mpg, and can zip along at 56 mph.
Tata also admitted that the price was more a promotional effort, shaving off most of their profit, but since they said they’ll going to build a one-lakh car (around $2,500.00) they have to stand by their word, for the moment at least. The company also plans to export an European version within 4 years that will pass Euro standards on emissions and safety.
For environmentalists, the Tata Nano may have inadvertently opened a pandora’s box. Renault and Nissan has announced that they will be working on a below $3,000.00 car. Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda, GM, and Fiat have also signified their interest in making a version of the “people’s” car.
The Air Car
Popular mechanics has hailed compressed air-powered cars as the vehicles of the future. In a report published last February, PM says air cars will start hitting the US market in 2009. A lot of entities did research on air cars but the most promising technology to date is that of Luxembourg-based company Motor Development International (MDI). They are currently working with Tata (the Nano company) to get a 2-seater out into Indian streets this year.
Zero Pollution Motors is more ambitious, they want the 5 to 6-seater version that can hit 96mph and run 1,000 miles (with help from a small fuel-burning motor used to heat the air) on a single fill-up as their standard-bearer in the US. Estimated price? $17,800.00.
The Hybrid Humvee
Mention the Humvee to an environmentalist and they’ll go red in the face. That gas-guzzling beast is symbolic of man’s contempt for the environment. Why is it included in this list of green cars? Because Johnathan Goodwin, a.k.a the motorhead messiah, successfully tamed the 5,000 pound beast and made it run 60mpg using biofuel (kitchen grease) with minimal emission. The kicker? The 600hp hybrid engine blasts the Humvee from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds.
The $28,000 Jonathan Goodwin conversion (excluding the cost of the Humvee) is beyond the reach of average folks but he, no college education and working in his garage, has shown the major truck companies that mean can also be green. It is ironic that those who work for the environment and nature are the ones who need more than what the present eco-friendly cars can deliver. We hope the Detroit and Japanese companies will start working with him and make affordable green trucks. Goodwin’s site is here.
Heard of any green car that has gone beyond the humdrum? 
Other posts you’ll want to read:
- Nano Car by Tata and the Environment
- Tesla electric roadster: the hottest eco-friendly car.
- How to prevent global warming.
- Popular Mechanic’s 10 Green Gadgets.
- 10 Global warming books for kids.
Mark H
Armen Shirvanian
Arun Basil Lal
Sandi
Martha A. Cheves
March 25th, 2008 at 3:39 am
OK, I have to admit that the thought of a green Humvee made me laugh.
My husband and I would love to buy a hybrid of some kind, but they are all just so expensive. Those of us with lower budgets have a hard time finding one that is affordable and large enough for us and our 3 dogs. Still, we’re keeping our eye out. We figure on trading in our current car some time next year.
March 25th, 2008 at 11:44 am
The sad thing about the humvee is the reality that this can be done….It’s greed not getting it done and that is what is sad!
March 26th, 2008 at 1:24 am
Tommy I totally agree.
I love the idea of a green car, it just resonates me, but I also cannot afford it. I would love to see car companies making cheap cars. They would be so awesome for college going folk. In fact that air car is pretty rad. I wouldn’t mind one of those.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Hello.
Their current prohibitive prices don’t really make hybrids a potential force in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as only a few can afford and use them.
That’s why I think the people’s car concept started by the venerable bettle and updated by Tata in the Nano is a more viable option. Since the major motor companies are jumping on the market (an profit) potential of a small and efficient car, there’s going to be a plethora of choices in the very near future.
MDI and Tata might also successfully produce an affordable Air Car. A 2-seater version is set to roll out of the assembly line this year. Although the U.S. version still carries a hefty price tag.
And, yeah, the Humvee.
A $28k conversion ensures that only those who are willing to part with some greens to go green will have a Goodwin hybrid, like Gov. Schwarzenegger and Neil young.
Maybe Tata will take notice and consider backing it too. And then maybe the rest of the pack will follow. What’s with the present automotive industry? Previously unheard of players like Tata and MDI are showing everybody what can be done while the rest are busy with their drawing boards and bank accounts.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Wow! Now if only Detroit could offer the same Green humvee…that would be something!
March 30th, 2008 at 3:40 am
If they could just get the cost of these hybrids down so that normal people could use them it would be great.
That said my little brother likes the really small one as he put it. Too bad it wouldn’t work well in the country
March 31st, 2008 at 7:01 am
Hybrids are expensive, but with gas prices most likely reaching $4.00 a gallon by this summer and rising it’s well worth the investment.
March 31st, 2008 at 12:27 pm
how about using NGV?
April 1st, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Hi!
Maybe the major car manufacturers will see the light. The present hybrids and small cars won’t fare well where we need more torque and ground clearance.
And an investment is an appropriate term for a hybrid, especially for the environment.
April 14th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I support all hybrid cars! But I can’t help but think they look a little too funky in design?
April 18th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Thankyou for this post
April 19th, 2008 at 6:26 am
These vehicles are great for what they are. Now, what are we going to do about diesel big rigs and 1 ton work trucks? I haven’t seen any hybrids in those lines, and they use way more fuel. My dodge work truck only gets 16 mpg, and it is necessary for what I do. An electric car won’t pull a 32 ft. 5th wheel trailer loaded with plastic tubing.
April 20th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
@ Sherxr
I know what you mean, mate a hybrid power system with a mustang and it’s perfect.
@ Tasarim
Thanks for dropping by too.
@ Tim
There are already rigs powered by turbines. .. http://www.ttengines.com/homeflash.html
The huge turbines won’t fit in a regular truck though.
Like I said, it’s ironic the environment-friendly cars have little use for those working with the environment and nature as we need something that can haul equipment and material over rough roads. Let’s hope truck manufacturers will see the market and develop something for our use.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
60 MPG H2!!! Damn thats amazing. I’m going to go research Jonathan’s kit now. $28K though is quite expensive although for a $60K car it’s not outrageous. Thanks for the links. I will trackback you from my blog.
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Hi!
Maybe you can ask him directly at SAEenergy.com, his biofuels company.
November 27th, 2008 at 9:08 am
Their current prohibitive prices don’t really make hybrids a potential force in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as only a few can afford and use them.
That’s why I think the people’s car concept started by the venerable bettle and updated by Tata in the Nano is a more viable option. Since the major motor companies are jumping on the market (an profit) potential of a small and efficient car, there’s going to be a plethora of choices in the very near future.
MDI and Tata might also successfully produce an affordable Air Car. A 2-seater version is set to roll out of the assembly line this year. Although the U.S. version still carries a hefty price tag.
Josephs last blog post..New in the forum with aftermarket head unit question for A4
November 28th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Same here. Conventional cars like the Tata Nano have a greater chance of hitting the mainstream and have a more significant impact in reducing gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Tata’s air car is also an exciting concept. Fact, we like it better than the Nano. We just hope it’s price won’t be stratopheric.