Roaming Time’s 2008 Green RV of the Year goes to …

The Livin’ Lite Quicksilver Automotive Camper

Roaming Times has been a leading resource for on-the-road campers for years. As gas and diesel prices keep rising, many RV enthusiasts are finding themselves homebound.

The Quicksilver is light enough to be towed by most cars, it’s made of durable materials that are free from formaldehyde, and affordable at $4,500 to $6,300. They also have SUT (sport utility trailer) models with space to haul extra gear.

This is a great option for travelers with pop-ups, or for people who’d like to trade in the SUV or truck for something smaller but don’t want to miss out on camping together. The Quicksilver won’t substitute for another kind of RV – there’s no bathroom, fridge, TV, etc – but it is one of the friendlier pop-ups on the road today.

Source: Roamingtimes.com

Image: LivinLite.com 

What hybrids are available now?

With travelers frustrated by limited travel options, and the first surge of hybrid hyper-purchases creating waiting lists for more popular models, people might be asking themselves what other models they can buy. All of these autos are available now, but you may have to travel or wait awhile to see one in person:

Chevy Malibu Hybrid MSRP $24,545.00
Chevy Tahoe Hybrid MSRP $50,490.00

Ford Escape Hybrid MSRP $26,640.00

GMC Yukon Hybrid MSRP $50,945.00

Honda Civic Hybrid MSRP $22,600.00

Lexus GS 450h $55,800.00
Lexus LS 600h L $104,900.00
Lexus RX 400h $42,980.00

Mazda Tribute Hybrid MSRP $26,155.00
(California only, with apparently no plans to expand … too bad, since they’re acheiving 34 mpg)

Mercury Mariner Hybrid MSRP $21,540.00

Nissan Altima Hybrid MSRP $25,480.00

Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid MSRP $24,550.00
Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid MSRP $26,270.00

Toyota Prius MSRP $21,500.00
Toyota Camry Hybrid MSRP $25,650.00
Toyota Highlander Hybrid $34,200.00

Don’t forget to keep an eye open near the end of next month for more info on the Durango/Aspen SUV hybrids.

Sources: Chevy, Ford, GMC, Honda, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota

Image: Ford

Gas Prices Killing Starbucks, McDonald’s

I just thought this was an interesting thing to have in a survey. :p Kelley Blue Book performed some market research in regard to new car buyers’ other spending habits as gas prices have risen.

60% say they are eating out less often*

44% are taking fewer vacations

28% are buying fewer or have stopped buying any DVDs and CDs**

28% have stopped going to Starbucks, with another 21% saying they’ve cut back

What is happening to the American public? Are we becoming … thrifty?? One thing is true: If you need an atlas but can’t justify the expense, you may be able to win one here. Oh, and that despite gas prices being the motivation for this change, people are still buying cars that get less than 20 mpg. Even when they’re shifting away from trucks and SUVs, they are assuming smaller cars get much better gas mileage, instead of taking time to research fuel efficiency.

Source: PRNewswire
[Image: Newscom]

* My husband runs a restaurant and his sales have continued to rise. Apparently these people don’t live in our area. ;p

** And more people are downloading them illegally online.

GM to Stop Making Hummers??

I never thought this day would come. At a time when gas prices are really beginning to affect the way people live, not just drive, GM is closing truck and SUV plants (including the plant in Oshawa, Ontario where the hybrid Silverado/Sierras were going to be made! Grumble. Grumble.)

CEO Rick Wagoner claims the company is reviewing the Hummer’s future.
In light of a lack of interest for purchasing Hummer, GM may settle for redesigning the SUVs to much smaller scales (a la, the HX).
Read More Here

It makes sense to me that they’d scrap their vehicles that aren’t selling, and redesign classics to meet modern needs … but Why close a hybrid truck plant when gas prices are driving sales down? I know GM has made the Volt their #1 priority, but trucks are functional vehicles people are going to need, and they’re going to buy, but they’re not going to have better options. (Especially while they’re making hybrid SUVs that aren’t selling.)

Source: Car and Driver

Don’t forget about our contests and upcoming interview this month.

Let’s hear your questions!

[Image: Newscom]

Bad News for SUVs

Kelley Blue Book came out this week, saying that more owners are selling their SUVs now than ever (even though they’d probably get better prices in fall and winter). Now it’s reporting that sales for the biggest of the hybrid SUVs – namely the Yukon and Tahoe, didn’t scratch the service of what they were “supposed” to be.

I have to agree with David Friedman, the research director heading up the Union of Concerned Scientists’ vehicle program, who – according to the NY Times – wonders if GM is serious about selling hybrid SUVs or just in improving their image. They aren’t easy to buy. If you live in certain areas, you might get one by special order, and advertising hasn’t done enough to help spread the world.

While hybrid models are only $4000 more expensive, many consumers just don’t know about them.
Source: Kelley Blue Book

NY Times

Theme Day: Green Auto Accessories

\r\n

\r\nKermit the Frog sang a sad, sad song when I was a kid. \”It\’s not easy being green,\” he said, and unfortunately those words ring true with a lot of people when they think about making environmentally-friendly life changes. The thing is … today, being green can be a very easy thing to do.\r\n\r\nThe question is, how easy? For every beneficial product on the market, it seems there are ten or more trying to take your money and offering nothing but a chance to add more to the landfills.\r\n\r\nLet\’s take a look at some of the latest, greatest auto gadgets that help keep pollution down (that really work)…\r\n\r\n1) Solar Auto Coolers – STINKERS!\r\n\r\nWith summer coming, I know people are going to be focused on keeping their cars cool during the day. Not everyone has the benefit of a parking lot with plenty of shade. This \”As Seen on TV\” special, the Solar Auto Cool, G-Tech Solar Auto Fan, and other similar devices don\’t work. If in direct sunlight, they move the air around in your car but they do not create any sort of breeze, they do not cool your car (and they do not work on cloudy days or on cars with tinted windows). Plus, well, you\’re in direct sunlight. Some people will have to park there regardless, but what sense does it make to do it on purpose??\r\n\r\nInstead?\r\n\r\n* Use a sun shade. Heatshields, for instance, can reduce your car\’s temperature by 40 degrees F (25 degrees C) and can be ordered for the front, side or rear windows on a number of vehicles.\r\n\r\n* Crack windows that are diagonal from one another.\r\n\r\n* Have your windows professionally tinted to block UV rays, like Llumar UVShield, the only window film to have the Skin Cancer Foundation\’s Seal of Recommendation. It\’ll lower temps in your car AND protect your skin from harmful rays.\r\n\r\n* Try to park in the shade, when possible. (Or, if you have a small car, near an SUV. :p )\r\n\r\n* Don\’t drive to work! If your car is just going to be sitting in the sun getting sticky and hot, leave it at home in the garage and carpool, use public transportation, or try walking or biking to work.\r\n\r\n2) Waterless Car Wash – SWEET!\r\n\r\nThere are a number of waterless car wash supplies available that are also fun, and easy to use. Oh, how I (barely) remember the days before the electric car wash, when we\’d go outside and scrub my cousin\’s Jeep wheels to removable top. You can experience those fun, summer days all over again (or talk some kid into doing it on your behalf) while using as little as two gallons of water. In comparison, an automatic carwash wastes hundreds per wash!\r\n\r\nYou can read reviews of the top waterless car washes here, but if you decide to go this route, you can make an even bigger difference using \”green\” supplies like recycled water buckets (with a variety of uses) and microfiber cloths. (Read \”Are Microfiber Cltohes Eco-Friendly?\”)\r\n\r\n 3) Fuel Additives – STINKERS!\r\n\r\nI\’ve seen pills, solutions and powders people can add to their fuel tank to increase the miles they get per gallon (or to decrease their emissions ratings) but I\’ve yet to see one with convincing evidence that they work. Some have been proven to damage cars, enough to have the government step in and do something about them.\r\n\r\nI know people use these and feel they get good enough results to recommend them to someone else, too. I apologize in advance if this irks any readers, but personally, I don\’t feel comfortable enough with them yet to put them in my tank. I\’m open to convincing. :)\r\n\r\nPart of me wonders if there is a placebo effect happening, where by putting the additives in their tanks, they expect to see better mileage and either drive in a way to conserve gas or notice what they\’re really using more. Regardless, anything drawing your attention to your usage could make you more conscientious about conserving.\r\n\r\nInstead?\r\n\r\n* Practice routine maintenance on your car. Clogged filters and worn parts can affect both fuel efficiency and emissions.\r\n\r\n* Tweak your driving techniques. If you want to really save, look into hypermiling, but if that\’s too extreme, start slow by starting slow when you take off. Punching the accelerator is the number one way we waste gas while we drive.\r\n\r\n* Try using a program that monitors your gas mileage, like Gas v1.1.5 (Mac), GasDandy/GasDandyMETRIC (PC), pFuel (Palm), GasGauge (iPhone) etc.\r\n\r\nIn addition, some websites offer gas mileage tickers you can add to your signature. Check out this one over at GreenHybrid.com (you don\’t really need a hybrid to take part in the site).\r\n\r\n\r\n 4) GPS Systems – SWEET!\r\n\r\nI have to admit, the kids joke that it\’s not a roadtrip unless mom gets lost at least once. Why don\’t I have a GPS?? They\’re helpful in more ways then one. Along with keeping you pointed in the right direction, they help you save gas by not having to backtrack.\r\n\r\nI posted on the best aftermarket navigation systems awhile back, and I\’m sure more options have popped up since then. You don\’t need OnStar, and you don\’t need to spend an extra $3000 on your new car to get quality GPS software. In fact, here are a few models that are both cheaper and more user friendly.\r\n\r\n5) Nitrogen-filled Tires – YMMV!\r\n\r\nThere\’s been a lot of hype lately about filling your tires with Nitrogen vs. regular air. Tons of products on the market, too, and just as many crazy scientific spoofs to back them up.\r\n\r\nWhat\’s true about Nitrogen?\r\n\r\nNitrogen is used in aircraft and race car tires. It is more stable than regular air, leaks more slowly through rubber, is less sensitive to changes in temperature, and less corrosive to rubber. All that said, for the average driver, none of these things really matter.\r\n\r\nDrivers of large trucks, RVs, those kinds of vehicles … they benefit from the corrosion protection and pressure stability. They should probably go through the trouble of going to a station that offers Nitrogen fill (the kind that purges your tire of regular air first, or its no use at all). Other drivers probably won\’t see the extra expense pay off … though it won\’t hurt your car either.\r\n\r\nInstead?\r\n\r\n* If you drive an older car, use LED tire pressure alert caps or regularly check the pressure on your tires. Newer cars come with this feature. Under-inflation not only wastes gas (up to 5 cents per gallon), it\’s also the number one cause of failure.\r\n\r\n* Follow proper tire maintenance. Rotate your tires at least every 8000 miles (or at every other oil change). If you buy your tires from a local shop, you might be eligible for free rotations throughout the life of the tires. It pays to ask. ;)\r\n\r\n* Repair what needs fixing. Blowing a tire can be a frightening, frustrating experience. And it will happen at the worst possible time. For me? I was running something to my grandma\’s \”real quick\” in my PJ\’s .. with slippers and no – you know – brassiere. Ladies, this is not the state you want to be in while you\’re changing a flat! (Though you will get plenty of offers for \”help\”.)\r\n\r\nIf you can\’t afford a new set of tires, or even one new tire, you might be surprised by the cost of patching or buying another used one. There\’s a shop here that will patch a flat for $5.\r\n\r\nThere are many ways we can lessen our impact on the planet that are easy, inexpensive … and sometimes? Fun. Those air cap alerts are so cute! GPS units help you explore on the go, and new technologies like tinting can save gas, protect your skin AND look hella cool. Don\’t be afraid to go \”green\” because you\’re not sure you can follow through. There are tons of new eco-gadgets out there for the taking!\r\n\r\nFor more ways technology is advancing our fight to preserve Planet Earth, check out this month\’s Tech Channel Theme Day posts.\r\n\r\n[Image sources: Garmin.com, G-techworld, and PDPhotos.com]

Durango/Aspen 3rd Row SUV hybrids in 2008

We’ve been hearing about the Dodge Durango hybrid for how many years now? Word is out. The two-mode hybrid system vehicle, and another – the Dodge Aspen – will hit showrooms in mid-2008.

Both are 4-wheel drive with 3rd rows, seating 8 with leather upholstery, heated seats, navigation that shows the vehicles’ inner components hard work. Pairing 385 horsepower, with the ability to tow up to 8,950 lbs AND operate in electric-only mode for stretches at low-speed combine for an estimated 18 mpg city/ 19 mpg highway fuel efficiency.

I haven’t seen any numbers yet, but I’m guessing comparable or slightly more than the Toyota Highlander hybrid. High 30’s-40’s.

Source: Boston Globe

Image source: Dodge.com

AFS Trinity’s Extreme Hybrid (XH) Aimed for Fleets

AFS Trinity Power’s PHEV technology brings gas-electric hybrids up to 150 mpg, allowing them to go 40 miles in EV mode while still relying on gas for those extra-long trips on which critics tend to focus.

Working models called “XH-150 SUVs” – modified Saturn Vue hybrids – debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in January. A few days ago, AFS (along with Ricardo plc) introduced a model for corporations – Extreme Fleet. Developers say it could save businesses 75% on fuel expenses.

The program appears to be targeting government fleets – police departments, federal groups, and some private operations.

It’s unclear at this point whether their moniker will be shortened to XF.

[Image: AFS Trinity Power]

Gasholes

Aww…Mommy Greenest over at The Green Guide had something nasty happen to her recently. After coming out of a fundraiser at her kids’ future school (yeh, I guess people really do do things like that) she found a magnet stuck to her SUV that said “gas hole.” :(

Now that’s just counter productive, people. You can not act like an idiot and create real change (unless it’s done to spite your efforts … that’s what we really need.)

Not to mention the fact that this woman IS doing a whole heck of a lot. To wit:

 Yes, I drive a Toyota Highlander. Mock away, green America. But like Billy Joel says, glass houses…. Before you waggle your gas hole magnet at me, first know that I drive it about ten miles a week, so I think it evens out to be about as much of a gas guzzler as a hybrid. Also, we are a one-car family; my husband commutes by train so we sold our second car a few years ago.

This Robin Hood of snarky eco-graffiti wouldn’t know those things. Or that the back of my albeit too-big car is loaded with canvas bags, and reusable water bottles are stashed in the drink holders, and the front seat is a mess of library books and hand-me-down coats, and we drive the car home to a house lit almost entirely by compact fluorescent bulbs even though they don’t dim, and we recycle so much I’ve lost many square feet in my kitchen.

Goes back to the idea of making the choices that are good for the planet while still working for us.

I never want anyone to feel bad reading this blog. The point is getting the facts about what’s available, how to impact what’s available, and how to improve emissions and fuel economy in the cars you’re driving now. Please let me know if you think I haven’t been doing that.

Diesel Hummer, Zero Emissions Vehicle?

No joking folks. April Fools Day is best left to amateurs, as one of my hokey friends has been known to say. Hummer has dedicated time and (very little) effort to new, more earth-friendly SUVs AND SUTs. (SUT? Really?)

The 2009 H2 models out later this year will be FlexFuel capable, something that other companies have been making standard for nearly a decade now. By 2010, all of their cars will be E85 capable, meaning they will use even more fuel than before, but emissions will be less. According to Autobloggreen, a diesel may be in the works (bringing bio-diesel into play).

Roughly 30,000 of these hit the road every year, so it does add up. I guess.

What about their H2H Hummer Hydrogen prototypes? They’ve been on the road since October of 2004, and go a whopping 60 miles on 12 lbs of fuel. A collaboration between the Governor’s office, GM and Quantum Technologies, it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere quickly.

Hummer is a good example of how the law propels progress (making the recent decision by the California Air Resources Board so tragic). This is a quote from their website regarding the new H2 SUT.

The H2 SUT’s new engine is not just more efficient, but beats the deadline for the new US federal emissions standards by a year.

That’s their benchmark, and if expectations go down, so will their priority with one of the world’s leading gas-guzzler brands.

Next Page »