Crisp Green » Transportation

The Toyota NS4: Prius Of The Future? [Video]

Beth Buczynski — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:29:12 +0000

We recently published our picks for the top 3 green cars at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. But it appears that we may have chosen too quickly! Leave it to Toyota to blast through the ho-hum reputation (and style) of the Prius with a sleek new hybrid loaded with all the latest technologies.

The NS4 advanced concept is a dedicated plug-in hybrid, separate from the Prius family, designed with future mobility requirements in mind.

“In this digital age, cars are becoming another spoke in the wheel of our electronic connectivity,” said Jim Lentz, TMS president and chief operating officer. “NS4 demonstrates Toyota’s take on the human connection to the car with technology that considers both emotional and rational relationships, person-to-car and car-to-society.”

The NS4's advanced powertrain targets a next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system featuring reductions in component size and weight with improved overall fuel economy, better acceleration and longer all-electric range, while maintaining a short charge time.

The car also features a next generation Pre-Collision System (PCS) with lane departure, rear-end and pedestrian collision avoidance technologies designed to predict and avoid collisions, Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) headlights to prevent vision-impairing glare to oncoming drivers and pedestrians, and four new glass technologies to improve driver visibility, gas mileage and electric driving mode mileage efficiency.

Take a mini-tour of the amazing NS4 by clicking on the thumbnails below!

All images used with permission via Toyota Pressroom

Two Unique Cities Earn Sustainable Transport Award

Karen MacKay — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:13:04 +0000

San Francisco, CA and Medellin, Colombia are among the top urban innovators that have been recognized by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP).

As an international nonprofit, the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), collaborates with cities across the world to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve urban life.

Although similar in their hilly terrain and use of cable cars, San Francisco and Medellin's transport systems are quite different. In contrast to San Francisco's dated and somewhat expensive cable cars, Medellin's aerial cable car system is electric powered, affordable and has been integrated into existing public transportation systems. These efficient gondolas move 3,000 people per hour (in one direction) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly eliminating the need for old and badly maintained buses. Medellin has also recently launch a three-month pilot program for bike-sharing, making it the first city in Colombia to launch a public bike-sharing system.

San Francisco's commitment to bicycling has been seen by a long-term commitment to have 20 percent of all trips completed by bicycle by 2020. In 2011, San Franciscans saw the beginning of a city-wide expansion and improvement of bike lanes. But the ITDP feels that the greatest urban achievement for San Francisco in 2011 was the introduction of new pricing schemes based on time of day and availability for parking as well as the replacement of street parking spots with "parklets" as part of the "Pavement to Parks" program. The parklets serve as mini-parks, often in front of coffee houses or shops that are open public space for anyone to enjoy.

The ITDP stated that what made these two cities stand out among others was the successful use of social media and the web to provide accessible and helpful information for their urban transit riders.

What is your city or town doing to make transportation cleaner and more enjoyable? Tell us about it in a comment!

Source: National Geographic

UK Uses Calcium-Based Adhesive To Trap Air Pollution

Beth Buczynski — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:22:09 +0000

London's large population and heavy traffic flow mean fog isn't the only thing floating around in the air. But a new glue-like substance could be the city's secret to reducing air pollution.

If you find yourself on the streets of London after midnight, you'll probably bear witness to a strange sight: a series of trucks cleaning and spraying the roadways. Most big cities sweep and jetwash their streets at night, but it's the third set of trucks that do something out of the ordinary.

For the past few months, the City of London has been spraying a calcium-and-water-based adhesive onto the ground in areas with high rates of air pollution. Once applied to the roads, the "glue" attracts sooty particles called PM10s that can cause asthma, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer and premature death.

Although some of the UK's political leaders say the $1.4 million price tag would be better spent addressing the source of the pollution, i.e. car exhaust fumes as well as tire and brake wear, but London transportation officials say the unique program has already reduced the city's air pollution by 14 percent.

This quick fix is necessary if London is to become compliant with a set of European Union standards that require cities to have fewer than 35 "bad air" days per year. Those goals must be met by early 2012, or the city could face fines of more than $450 million.

Read more at TheAtlanticCities and BBC News.

Image Credit: Flickr - Mark Hillary

Top 3 Green Cars At The 2012 North American Int’l Auto Show

Beth Buczynski — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:35:26 +0000

If you like cars--looking at them, talking about them, driving them--the annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is probably an event you anticipate months in advance. And if you like alternative vehicles, this was probably the year you kicked yourself for not buying a ticket.

Each year, the world's best and most advanced auto makers gathered in Detroit, Michigan to display the best of their lineups for the 2012/2013 model year. Unlike years past, hybrid, electric, and other advanced technology vehicles stole the show, capturing the attention of the crowds, and headlines across the internet.

Because not everyone can spend a week drooling over cars they probably can't afford, we've decided to bring the best and greenest of the NAIAS to you! Below you'll find our three favorite green cars to debut at the show.

1. Lexus' New LF-LC Hybrid Concept

Here's what the Detroit Free Press had to say about this cherry-red head-turner:

"Penned by Toyota's Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif., the LF-LC 2+2 coupe has a glass roof and polished aluminum trim. The interior combines smooth leather, suede, brushed metal and wood with advanced controls like a pair of LCD displays and multiple touch screens to control everything from audio and climate control to sideview mirrors, door locks and windows.

"The front-engine, rear-wheel drive concept uses a version of Lexus' hybrid drivetrain, but the company isn't saying how much power or what engine, motor or batteries it uses."

2. Ford's 2013 Fusion Energi Plug-In Hybrid

Could this be the most fuel-efficient car the world has ever seen? Jalopnik seems to think so:

"Amongst Ford's numerous powertrain choices for the 2013 Ford Fusion is the the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, a vehicle that may actually be the world's most fuel efficient car. WIth an anticipated EPA mileage of more than 100 MPGe it will be more efficient than the Volt and potentially even the Prius plug-in hybrid. It also looks like a real car."

3. Volkswagen's E-Bugster Electric Beetle Concept

Volkswagen reinvents the iconic Beetle yet again, this time giving it an engine that doesn't require gasoline. Green Car Reports has more:

"Although the e-Bugster is unmistakably a VW Beetle, it sits a little lower than its gasoline siblings thanks to a sporty coupe hardtop, shallow windows and a chopped roofline. Powering the e-Bugster’s front wheels is an 85-kilowatt electric motor, identical to the one powering the 2014 VW Golf Blue-e-Motion."

We all know that concept cars, while thrilling to look at, aren't always the most practical solution to our transportation woes. Think one of these actually has a chance of making to the road? Tell us about it in a comment!

Plant-Based Air Filters Create Healthier Train Rides

Karen MacKay — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:34:16 +0000

Using NASA-Patented technology, designer Francesco Codicè has designed a new concept for purifying air on trains.

Trains provide a greener alternative to transportation than driving or flying, but US trains could definitely use a design update. Codicè's AirTrain is a modern and elegant solution to the often stuffy and stale air of the indoors. AirTrain purifies air with live plants and recycled rain water.

The design includes an exterior rain collection system for watering the plants. Not only purifying the air, the plants provide a more aesthetically-pleasing environment for travelers.

Source: Behance

All-Electric Jeep Grand Cherokee Will Debut In Detroit

Beth Buczynski — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:04:39 +0000

If you think that all electric cars have futuristic names like "LEAF" or "Volt," or compact designs like the Prius or Focus, think again: AMP Electric Vehicles proves that you can achieve zero-emissions without reinventing the wheel.

AMP, a company that specializes in creating SUV electric vehicles, recently announced the newest addition to its lineup: a 100% electric Jeep Grand Cherokee that offers 5-passenger seating, split-folding rear seats, flexible cargo space and luxury features as well as a 37.6 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery.

"Beginning with a world class vehicle, and adding AMP's electrification results in an EV that offers everything SUV Customers expect: smooth powerful performance, zero emissions and up to a 100-mile range," said Jim Taylor, AMP CEO.

AMP will announce pricing, initial delivery dates and market distribution at the Detroit Auto Show, but you can get a sneak peek below:

Are Electric Vehicles The Key To A Greener Chicago?

LiveOAK Staff — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:55:00 +0000

This is a guest post by Rebecca Jones

New developments in technology have increased the opportunities for green pursuits and raised awareness of the significance of adapting green measures in a variety of business sectors.

Unfortunately, these individual measures are not enough. To tackle our environmental challenges, a larger and more detailed map is needed. Four interdependent components are imperative to the creation of sustainable cities: innovative technology, a well-structured business model, a careful market-adoption strategy and active government policy. The coordination of all four elements would deeply entrench the ideals of "going green" into our culture; encouraging people to make environment-friendly choices in all their purchases.

Chicago is recognized as one of the many cities spearheading a comprehensive and innovative plan to create a mass market for electric cars. The City recognizes that in urban areas, transportation is one of the biggest contributors to air pollution and GHG emissions. But executing this plan takes more than just getting people to buy electric cars.

First, owners want the assurance that comes with owning a gas-powered car; easy accessibility to fuel. To provide the same service for electric cars, several charging stations are expected to be built near shopping malls, Chicago’s two airports, and rest stops along the Illiois Tollway in the city. Further plans are being made to develop the electric car infrastructure as part of a smart grid demonstration project to prepare for a future influx of electric cars as the demand will balloon in the future.

Second, the city government has crafted a promising business model to bring Chicago to the forefront of the electric car industry. 280 charging stations will be built by the end of the year as a result of an $8.9 million Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project. This project includes DC quick-chargers, which is capable of recharging a compatible electric car to 80 percent within 30 minutes. The completion of the project will mean Chicago will have the most DC quick-charging stations in the United States.

Third, Chicago’s market adoption strategy details the commercial viability of the new system by not only improving on its EV networks, reducing cost of electricity, but also convincing auto manufacturers to sell electric cars in the city. By the end of the year, many electric cars will be available for purchase. Well-known car manufacturers such as Nissan, Ford and Mitsubishi are in talks to make electric cars easily accessible to the Chicago public.

Finally, in keeping with the fourth element of the strategy plan, Chicagoans will have financial help if they choose to buy an electric car. New government policy will drive supply and demand. The electric car market will benefit greatly from lower taxes on electric vehicles and an increase in taxes on gas-powered cars. The Obama administration has proposed a plan wherein consumers buying specific plug-in vehicles are eligible for a tax credit in the range of $2,500 to $7,500, depending on the size of the vehicle’s battery pack.

As Cities place greater emphasis on clean energy and transportation, America will make a gradual shift toward environment-friendly and sustainable living. Consumption habits, distribution system, manufacturers, financial models, and regulatory bodies will undergo a change for the better. Chicago is prepared for this fact and is starting in earnest in the direction of renewable energy as the rewards appear to be immense.

About the author: Rebecca is a blogger by profession. She loves writing about green products, technology, and industrial design.

Image Credit: Flickr - anapoly