Which is better for you and your lawn–the traditional gas-powered lawnmower or the human-powered push reel mower?

Pros and Cons of the traditional gas-powered lawnmower
Pros:
* Consistently cuts everything growing in your lawn, be it grass, weeds, vines, etc…
* Easy to push for long periods of time (ie large lawns)
Cons:
* Air pollution. According to the EPA the average gas-powered lawn mower emits as much pollution per hour as 11 automobiles do during that same time span. Why? The lawn mower engine is a two-cycle engine which pumps out over 90 times more pollution per gallon of gas than any car or truck.
* Noise pollution.
* Recurring gas costs. In case you were unaware–we’re over $4/gallon!
* Maintenance costs.

Pros and Cons of the human-powered push reel mower
Pros:
* Only pollution during mowing is the CO2 that you exhale.
* Quiet.
* The new models have sharp blades and will outperform and outlast the reel mowers your parents pushed around as kids.
* Inexpensive.
* Better exercise considering you aren’t inhaling engine exhaust while mowing.
Cons:
* Does not cut all tall grasses and weeds. After using one for 3 years now. I’d say (as I’ve said to my neighbors) it cuts at about a 93% success rate.
* Not reasonable for large lawns.

The (Unexpected) Outcome

And the winner is…

…The electric lawn mower!!!
If we consider all the variables; pollution, cutting ability, size of lawn, level of ease to own and operate, this non-contestant has to be the winner (sorry John Henry). As much as I love my push reel mower (which is still the most environmentally friendly mower available), I understand that if I had a larger lawn it may not be the best choice–although, it would still be my choice, but I’m a fanatic. The electric lawnmower is quiet, easy to start, easy to maintain, and costs approximately $5/year for electricity. And I haven’t used one, but I’ve read that the mowing skills rival that of the gas-powered mower.

For what it’s worth, the loser is…

…the riding lawn mower.
The bigger brother of the gas-powered mower sells well in a society full of folks who drive a few blocks to and from various stores each day instead of actually walking or biking.
Pros:
It has a cup holder…

…but I’m thinking of adding one to my push reel mower anyway.

Stay tuned next week for the battle of The Washing Machine vs. a trio of human-powered rivals. You may be surprised when No Impact Man shares his thoughts on this one…

Image credits: Amazon.com

I’m eagerly awaiting the 4-door, family-sized EV sedan rumored to be in the pipeline from the Canadian-based ZENN Motor Company (they already make a great 2-door model that’s even affordable to us non-celebrity types, picture above). I’d like to avoid going to the gas station at all when going to an Energy Fair or Green Festival. While our VW Jetta TDI gets more than 40 mpg, these days the cost for diesel (and biodiesel when I can get it) is quite a bit more than gasoline, and rising faster than gas.

For now, we’re moving around locally in a funky-looking, all-electric CitiCar, made in 1974. Our CitiCar is restored to roughly original condition (except for the wear and tear on the body itself) with the expert help of our neighbor who found two more after we found ours. It’s hard to go anywhere without people cutting me off — not out of rage — but curiosity or with a smile on their face. Sometimes getting a “head turner” doesn’t need to come at a huge price.

Which is my point. Why not own an EV for less than $8,000 (perhaps much less), today? The cost for our CitiCar plus new parts and new batteries ran just over $3,400, with the restoration and rewiring taking about a year, off and on — again, thanks largely to the electricity-savvy knowledge of our neighbor. Since the CitiCar is over 30 years old, we snagged collector plates and pay the registration fees only once, then we’re done for as long as we own the car. If you don’t mind the “used” appearance of a vehicle, you can ride around without having spent a dime at the gas station. Our CitiCar doesn’t possess the attractive styling of an EV1 from GM — but you won’t find even one of those on the road anywhere.

I’m amazed that there are still hundreds of CitiCars out there in garages, warehouses, or in a barn like mine was: motor on the seat and tires rotting. There were supposedly about 2,600 or so CitiCars manufactured by the Sebring Vanguard Company in Florida from 1974 to 1976, during our last American energy crisis. Whether because of liability insurance or crash test requirements, the company halted production and disappeared within a few years of rolling the first CitiCar off the line.

We like to think the car resembles a wedge of cheese because in Green County, near Monroe, Wisconsin, where there are more cheese factories than any other county in the US. The CitiCar negotiates the bumps a bit rough and the brakes need pumping to stop effectively, but with a top speed of about 35 miles per hour and 30 to 40 mile range, it gets us where we need to go for about 1-cent a mile. In a future blog, perhaps I’ll add a video of my 8 mile round trip to the bank — if there’s interest to see it on the go.

To completely stay on the renewable energy side and avoid electricity coming from coal-fired or nuclear power plants, we’re recharging the CitiCar with a .5 kW photovoltaic system — perhaps one of few solar powered cars on the planet.

So, until you save up enough for the Tesla or the next generation of long-range EV cars that fit more than two people, you might keep your eye out for an old CitiCar.

Image Credit: Zenn Motor Company

Teams from around the world are gearing up for the Automotive X Prize, a competition that will award part of $10 million to the team that builds the cleanest production-ready 100 MPGe (mile per gallon equivalent) vehicle.

This isn’t a race centered on space-age concept cars that will never see a US highway, but aims to jump-start the auto industry with revolutionary, super-efficient vehicles that consumers will actually want to buy. Entries must be ready for production and have a business plan outlining how they’ll be brought to market. They’ll also be judged on safety, cost, and features.

But the heart of the race is the requirement for ultra-efficiency, which can bring out the best in beautiful aerodynamic cars and new green technology (see below). All entries must get over 100 MPGe and meet strict emissions standards.

Over 60 teams have entered since the X Prize Foundation released guidelines for the contest over a year ago. I’ve already covered three of the competing vehicles here:

• Tesla Motor’s All-Electric Roadster, which just entered commercial production,
• Aptera’s $26,000 Electric Car and 300 MPG Hybrid which should be available next year, and
• Loremo’s 117 MPG Diesel Hybrid Sportscar

Teams can compete in two different vehicle classes: Mainstream or Alternative. Mainstream vehicles must be able to carry four passengers and have four wheels. Alternative entries only need to carry two passengers, and only require two wheels.

Preliminary judging for cost, safety, features, and business plan will take place before the end of the year. In 2009, vehicles still in the running will compete in a qualifying race designed to reflect typical consumer driving patterns, varied terrain, and weather. The Grand Prize Final Race will take place in 2010, and the winner must maintain 100 MPGe while emitting less than 200 g/mi of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and meeting legal emissions criteria in all 50 states.

It looks to be an exciting race. For more information, check out the website for the Progressive Automotive X Prize.

Source: Autopia (Mar. 20, 2008): Tesla, Aptera Among the Dozens Vying for the Automotive X-Prize

Related Posts:
Tesla’s First Electric Vehicle, 2008 Roadster, Now Under Production
Electric Tara Tiny Steals Tata Nano’s Position as World’s Cheapest Car
How Biodiesel Fuel-Cells Could Power The Future (And Your Car)
The World’s Most Fuel Efficient Car: 285 MPG, Not A Hybrid
Get 120 MPG Out of Your Prius (Plug It In)

Photo Credit: AXP Blog

ABG recently reported on the fact that the new Subaru R1e has recently been spotted tooling around the streets in New York City as part of an official trial in the US, which is an extension of the 40 (soon to be 100) car trial currently taking placing in Japan.

In light of this new development, I thought it would be prudent to show off some of the most exciting features of theR1e, beginning with the fact that it is an all electric version of a production car made by major manufacturers to be affordable and useful to average citizens (though these needs might be a bit different depending on the market).

It’s exciting enough in and of itself to see a major initiative from a major manufacturer (yeah yeah, the Volt, sure), but this car is pretty sweet on its own.

More after the break!

The test is taking place in Kanagawa Prefecture, where Subaru plans to set up 150 of its “fast charge stations” to complement predicted sales of 5k+ EVs in the next five years. These fast charge stations are different from normal outlets and can deliver an 80% charge to the R1e in just 15 minutes! At home the 40 kW lithium-ion pack requires 8 hours for a full charge.

The R1e’s lithium pack is good for 50 miles at up to 65 MPH, with its most impressive feature being a 10 year or 124,000 mile lifetime expectancy. This issue has troubled hybrids and EVs in the past, so this kind of durability guarantee is certainly exciting to see in a production vehicle.

For those of you who don’t know, the Subaru R1 is a small car that is well known in Japan and perhaps perfectly suited for EV conversion. It might be a little smaller than the norm in the US market, but we’re seeing more and more talk about importing these kei-class cars to the US so by the time it happens it might not be as revolutionary as it seems.

I’ll be looking forward to more news, for sure.

Related Posts:
Aptera’s $26,000 Electric Car and 300 MPG Hybrid Coming Soon
Lower Emissions than a Prius? Meet the Toyota iQ!
The Sporty Future of Electrics Cars: the Lightning GT

Source: ABG

The very first automotive electrical system was fired by a magneto, a simple device that requires no battery. Simply stated, the engine spins a magnet inside a coil, which creates electricity. A contact breaker, or switch, controls the release of electricity to the spark plug, creating a spark to ignite the fuel making the piston(s) go up and down accordingly.

As a matter of fact, to this very day, piston-driven motors such as those found in lawnmowers, chainsaws, and snowblowers, to name a few, all have a magneto creating the spark that drives the engine. Magnetos are used on a variety of aircraft. A single-engine plane would have two magnetos, for safety and an extra power boost to save fuel.

The magneto was introduced to automobiles in 1899, and was used on many vehicles until the early 1900’s, when electrical systems on vehicles began demanding more power to operate headlights, interior and tail/stop lights. I don’t know if you’ve seen the very old movies that show a man cranking an engine to get it started. Lots of broken arms in those days, and that’s when the 6-volt battery, a generator to keep it charged, starter, distributor, coil and other components became the norm.

I remember as a kid in high school, taking my date to a movie, the drug store for a soda, and then a few tender moments on a lonely country road, trying to get to know one another better. Note that “trying” is the operative word here. That’s my car in the picture, a 1939 Studebaker Commander. What a ride.

It was necessary to have the radio on of course, but there was a caveat. Radios in those days required vacuum tubes to create their sound, and they were very energy intensive. So, it was necessary to park on a fair-sized incline, just in case we listened to the radio too long and the battery ran down.

I parked on the incline so she wouldn’t have to push so hard to get the car rolling fast enough so I could “pop” the clutch to start the engine. And of course, she wouldn’t have to walk uphill after all that pushing.

After the war, the 1950’s saw advances in car technology, and more demand on the electrical system, so 6-volt batteries and generators were replaced by 12-volt systems and alternators. Little has changed in the past 50 years, except more demands are being placed on those same systems today.

Now, it looks like the 42-volt system is the next step, possibly within the next couple of years. Cars will have 36-volt batteries and 42-volt electric systems, which will be integral to the development of hybrid-electric and fuel-cell vehicles.

If you’re wondering about the necessity for greater voltage, maybe I can help a bit.

I liken the flow of electricity through wires to the flow of water through a pipe. There are similarities, and it helped me understand the process.

Let’s go back to the 6-volt battery. In electrical terms, a volt is the amount of “push” electrons are given to flow through a wire, better known as current flow, which is measured in amperes.

A 6-volt battery, then, would supply a finite number of amperes to operate a car’s electrical system.

If you had a pump that created six-pounds of pressure on water in a pipe, the water would flow through the pipe with enough force to power, let’s say, a water-wheel designed to carry out a process requiring that much energy.

Increasing the load on the water wheel beyond what the six-pound pump could produce, you’d need a larger water pump. It’s the same with electricity. A larger load requires a more powerful pump.

Today’s vehicles have pushed electrical systems to the max, and it’s time for a change. There are on-board computers to run, ear-splitting sound systems, seat warmers, heated steering wheels, power windows, seats, rear-view mirrors, heads-up displays, global positioning and whatever else they can think of to use power.

Factor in the new electric cars and we’re faced with electric power steering and brakes, electric heating and cooling units, and those batteries to keep charged and running, to name a few.

42-volt systems are complex, and the changeover will undoubtedly create confusion not only to the general public, but to technicians who may not fully understand electricity. The ones who do should be cherished and celebrated.

The day of the shade-tree mechanic is slowly coming to an end. Much the pity, I found it a lot of fun.

Yes my friends, this could be the one: VW will release a new Golf Diesel Hybrid that gets 69.9 MPG and can run on biodiesel.

See the story at Gas 2.0: A Biodiesel Prius? VW To Release 69.9 MPG Diesel Hybrid.

Update: VW announced this car will not be built because it was deemed “too expensive.” Sorry Folks, VW Diesel Electric Hybrid Not Coming to US.

Toyota may lose its high-mileage stranglehold on the U.S. auto industry, thanks to Volkswagen’s new Golf hybrid-electric diesel. At 69.9 MPG, the new model is a serious contender for high-mileage biodiesel usage with a ridiculously low-emissions profile, especially since it will meet the strictest emissions standards in the world: Europe’s Euro V and America’s Tier II Bin 5.

This makes it likely to be released in California, since the major impediment to U.S. diesel vehicle sales has been emissions technology. But VW doesn’t plan on releasing the vehicle in until Europe late next year, which means we’d optimistically see a U.S. version sometime in 2010.

Now, I don’t know if VW has been keeping track of its competitors, but 2010 could be the year for green auto manufacturing, and the Golf may face some serious competition. 2010 is the year slated for the Chevy Volt’s release (along with a plug-in from Toyota). It may all depend on sticker price, since plug-in hybrids will get unbeatable mileage within the city limits (40-50 miles on pure electricity).

The Golf should have all electric capability at slow speeds, regenerative breaking, and a 7-speed transmission.

VW will release the Golf at the Geneva Motor Show, and they may be considering other hybrid models in the future. Check out the only other diesel-hybrid I’ve heard of: Mercedes 40-MPG Diesel Hybrid: Cleanest SUV on the Planet.

Posts Related to Green Car Tech and Biodiesel:

Scania’s Ethanol Diesel-Engine, Runs On Biodiesel Too
100 MPG+ Plug-In Hybrids Already Available (Check ‘em Out)
The World’s Most Fuel Efficient Car: 285 MPG, Not A Hybrid
Germans Release 117 MPG Diesel Sportscar: Biodiesel, Anyone?
How to Get Infinity MPG: Fisker’s Eco-Chic Karma vs Chevy Volt

Autopia (Feb. 28, 2008): Coming Soon from VW: A 69.9 MPG Diesel Hybrid

Autopia (Mar. 3, 2008): Revealed: Volkswagen’s 69.9 MPG Diesel Hybrid

Photo Credit: Volkswagon

Here´s a throwback to this year´s North American International Auto Show:

At this year´s Detroit auto show, GM’s Cadillac division displayed their Provoq Concept car, an electric vehicle powered by an onboard hydrogen fuel-cell . The electrical system, part of GM’s so-called E-Flex architecture, is supplemented by lithium ion batteries that supply added torque during acceleration. Six kg of compressed hydrogen will provide an estimated 300 miles of driving range.

GM’s Vice Chairman Bob Lutz spoke about the car and GM’s broader vision that “electrically driven vehicles like the Provoq represent the next great shift in the auto industry.” He also underscored GM’s commitment to develop environmentally friendly vehicles and reduce petroleum usage.

GM representatives have also repeatedly advised me of their preference for renewable energy sources for powering electrically-driven vehicles like the Provoq .

Highlighting this is a small solar-array mounted on the Provoq´s roof, which will power interior lighting and sound systems. The automobile´s front grill also closes at highway speed to improve aerodynamics.

While this kind of concept cars are fun, don´t expect to see them any time soon, at least not with any real renewable energy source.

Related Posts:
Zero Emissions and Fun to Drive: Morgan’s LifeCar
Germans Release 117 MPG Diesel Sportscar: Biodiesel, Anyone?
Will Plug-In Hybrids Become the Standard?
A Conversation With Bob Lutz: Vice Chairman of General Motors
GM’s Grand Plan For Solving America’s Oil Dependence

I don’t know if this is truly a step forward in clean car technology, or just something for James Bond and Aquaman fans, but Swiss car maker Rinspeed will debut the sQuba, a fully submersible electric car, at next month’s Geneva Auto Show.

Download Coskata Announcement

Download Bloggers, Alt. Fuel, and Volt

Download Bloggers at the Auto Show

Many thanks to Owen at coBRANDiT for making this material available!

Rick Wagoner, Chairman and CEO of General Motors, told a group of us that we have two basic choices: use oil until the oil’s gone, or start working on alternatives now and avoid a drastic and potentially unpleasant switch.

While producers are still putting out large, gas-driven vehicles with relatively low fuel economy, the major players are inching toward alternatives and pursuing new technology as rapidly as they say they can. The green theme was so pervasive that some have dubbed 2008 the ‘green year for auto manufacturing’.

Consumers are playing a major role in the transition, at least according to industry representatives, by demanding improved fuel economy and more choice in the realm of ‘environmentally responsible’ vehicles. But despite the show’s green theme, recycling was nowhere to be seen. It also appears that sustainable sourcing of auto parts, and cradle-to-cradle car design have a long way to go.

But again, we’re talking about the greening of a individual transportation, which I’ve said before is the most difficult of personal sustainability issues to address. At least we’re getting somewhere.

Keep your eyes out for new technology that’s really going to make a dent in petroleum usage, like GM’s Chevy Volt, or Coskata’s new ethanol production method.

Here are all the posts from the 2008 North American International Auto Show:

How to Get Infinity MPG: Fisker’s Eco-Chic Karma vs Chevy Volt
GM’s Grand Plan For Solving America’s Oil Dependence
A Conversation With Bob Lutz: Vice Chairman of General Motors
More About the Coskata Process
Chevy Volt: Where Is GM’s Electric Car?
GM Unveils The E85 ‘Green Hummer’
GM Announces Biofuel Partnership: Cheap, Green Ethanol?

Looking for a sweet ride that can get you infinity miles per gallon? Check out the Eco-Chic Fisker Karma, a luxury sports sedan capable of 50 miles of emissions free-driving on one overnight charge.

This sexy-looking sports car, which I stumbled upon at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this week, uses the same kind of technology as the lusted-after Chevy Volt. Both cars use a purely electric drive train for the first 40-50 miles of driving, then switch to a small gasoline engine that recharges the lithium ion battery pack for longer drives. This means that if you drive less than 50 miles per day, you’ll only need to refill the tank once per year.

So how do these cars differ? Well, GM is saying the Volt will run about $20-30,000, while Fisker is asking an arresting $80-100,000. GM has also voiced their confidence that they’ll be the first plug-in on the market in 2010, but a Fisker representative told me they were taking orders for 4th quarter 2009. It’s going to be a tight race, and more competitors are on the way (mentioned in earlier post).

Micky Bly, GM’s director of Global Hybrids, seemed skeptical about the Karma’s release. He cited the delay of the Tesla Roadster, indicating that time will tell who actually gets a reliable vehicle out on time.

If your curious about getting a Fisker Karma, all you have to do is fill out the pre-order form and send them a $1,000 down payment ($5,000 for the premium numbered edition). I say this tongue-in-cheek because most of us don’t need a luxury sports car, and the Chevy Volt is sexy as hell anyway.

Related Posts:
Germans Release 117 MPG Diesel Sportscar: Biodiesel, Anyone?
Chevy Volt: Where Is GM’s Electric Car?

Here are a few more pictures of the Karma:

Photo Credit: Fisker Automotive

Editor's note: Congratulations to our friends at Ecotality on the beta launch of their new blog, Ecotality Life (and for snagging our own Michael d'Estries as Senior Editor). We'll be continuing our Friday post swaps with Ecotality, and we're very impressed with the quality and direction of the new blog. Today's post was originally published on September 6, 2007.

A company in China just came out with a new hydrogen bike. The company, Shanghai Pearl Hydrogen Power Source Technology Co, unveiled its creation at the 9th China International Exhibition on Gas Technology, Equipment and Applications. How they have gone 9 years with a name that long, I have no idea. You would think they would have learned from The InterUniversal Meeting of Those Who Like to Attend Expositions in Foreign Countries and Star Systems, but are too Afraid to Leave Their Respective Houses (IUMTWLAEFCSSALRH). At any rate, the bike seems to be a bit of a hit at the show. They already have some orders for it, and for a cool $2,600, who could resist? Never fear: they expect to have the price down to about $500 as soon as they can start mass producing them. No word on when that will be, but have faith.

What appears to have been a rush to savings with the installation of the solar lights in 2003 has now backfired and cast a shadow on a greener future.

Apparently, the solar panels installed above the lights were faulty and ineffective. Residents complained that they were unsightly and not very bright. Kind of reminds me of those solar garden lights you see everyone using these days. Another issue: the lights stopped working during a stretch of sunless days in December 2005 and January 2006.

If you're like me, there are often times when you plug your cell phone into your charger, fill up, unplug, and then walk away leaving the charger in the wall. This act can waste energy as a phantom pull is still exerted by the charger in your wall. Well, now there's a product that replaces all of your various chargers and makes the entire process much more efficient.

Called the Wild Charge, the device uses non-inductive technology to pass the current from a strip to the devic. In terms of space, you're only limited to how many devices you can fit on the strip. Even laptops work. The company claims efficiency by being "compliant with the newest power conservation guidelines. What’s more, a family can share a single pad for all their devices, eliminating the need for multiple chargers and power adapters." The unit also goes into standby mode automatically when not in use.