That's the governement tax for you. To them motorists are cash cows and the cost of fuel hits the price of everything you buy

 

Yes, and I distinctly remember David Cameron challenging the previous Government on the high prices of fuel only for them to further go up under his Government, typical hypocrisy alive and well as usual.

Solve for me this riddle then: As CO2 levels rise, and the earth's climate reaches a tipping point, assuming we don't want to live on an extraordinarily overheated planet, and given the impact automobiles have on climate change, how do we reduce the CO2 output by autos?

If you want to target CO2 output than I suggest targetting power-stations, vehicles only make up a small percentage of CO2 output.

^Agreed,those make much more pollution!

If you want to target CO2 output than I suggest targetting power-stations, vehicles only make up a small percentage of CO2 output.

 

B-17s, fully loaded, on their way to target the power stations David. :P But seriously, I get your point; however, 10% is significant, and likely to grow unless we do something - because everyone is going auto crazy, adding 2X the number of autos globally with China and India's demand will necessitate changes, and there are other factors not talked about, such as where the remaining oil reserves are, and what it takes to turn it into useful petroleum goods. Take tar sands, for example - as I recall, on the order of half the energy one gets out of the products goes into getting the refined oils and fuels from the tar sands, and the effect on the earth is akin to mountain top removal for coal. No Dirty Energy - How Tar Sands Exacerbate Climate Change With the end of easy oil comes increased risks (deep water horizon type risks), massive disruptions to scrape huge areas for tar sand and shale, and big increases in energy use to get at what's left.

 

And while power plants are big emitters, the energy waste through inefficiency in end uses is the big elephant in the room, while it is true that electricity and heat production account for roughly 41% of the carbon emissions globally, all sectors have an impact.

 

Since the US is the biggest emitter of automotive greenhouse gases, some handy sites to check out: Global Warming - U.S. Autos Account for Half of Global Warming Linked to Cars Worldwide

 

Global Warming on the Road - Environmental Defense pdf: About.com: http://www.environmentaldefense.org/documents/5301_Globalwarmingontheroad.pdf

 

 

 

Here's an interesting factoid: I was listening to WPR this morning, and according to the guest, it takes from 4 to 6 kwh of electricity to produce one gallon of automobile fuel (gasoline or diesel, I'm not sure which). If that electricity were put into charging batteries in an electric car, it would provide enough energy to move the car 25 miles. So, the production of electricity is directly tied to fuel production, and would better be put to use powering cars than powering refineries, pumps, etc. Best would be to revolutionize our rooftops and install large amounts of solar power arrays, getting the energy without the fossil fuels. :sunny:

..So this gets me thinking - if from 4 to 6 kilowatt-hours of electricity gets you 25 miles of travel in an electric car, then how much building rooftop area covered with solar panels would give you that much electricity per average day? Well the answer is of course a bit nuanced depending on location. For example, one might expect 1 square meter of solar panels at 15% efficiency to yield about 1 kilowatt-hour per average day in Arizona, roughly half that in the Northeast, so for an inhabitant of sunny climes, 4 to 6 square meters of roof devoted to solar panels will offer roughly 25 miles of driving on sunshine. :sunny::cool: Pretty cool on a hot day!

[Nikola] Tesla cars are sweeet. :wink3:

 

Truly a magnificent automobile, I agree! :bandana::sunny:

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{Nikola} Tesla's cars take a charge, and move like lightning!

 

Jaguar had made some really cool looking electric concept car too.

Well, let's see Jaguar's electric tiger!:inquisitive: I have my team of bio-powered engines ready to out-pull that Jaguar!!:

:cooky::husky::husky::husky::husky::husky::husky::husky::husky::husky:

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/35952/jaguar-c-x75-electric-concept-car

I personally dislike the Prius and am not too keen on the current crop of Hybrids

Yes, there are some key areas which are in great need of improvement, such as using more eco-friendly batteries and polymers in manufacture and design, and it's electric range could stand some improvement as well, but I have heard of many places which will upgrade a Prius with extra batteries for an extended range of 30 more miles all-electric, so some of those problems are being addressed albeit aftermarket. The rest perhaps rests on all of our shoulders, to create better governance to protect the health of workers and the broader environment, leveling the playing field for all manufacturers. Given the set of options available, I consider the Prius a pretty good choice myself, but worthy of improvement as all of today's crop of autos are. Have you considered the Opel Ampera, which recently won the ECOBEST 2011 Prize?

I don't know exactly where I stand on Climate Change, I certainly don't believe humans are as responsible as some make out but I do accept we have had some effect on nature

> Well is there a range of possible effects and levels of total global temperature rises, but to me it seems wiser to error on the side of caution, for we have only the earth which supports life on at present, and to save on the consumption of energy can dovetail with improving the quality and enjoyability of the automotive experiences we all have, plus lessen the risks associated with energy extraction. What is it that makes you skeptical as to human generated factors affecting climate change? To what level do you believe we have had an effect on nature?

 

, I don't like hybrid cars because they don't offer a true alternative and I think it's important that companies find a viable one, which personally I feel hydrogen would be a good contender.

> I think they're worth another look - as time passes, the battery end of things gets better, they offer a solution to those who want to wander great distances occasionally, and they're getting better. Hydrogen works well perhaps in Iceland where the power supply from geothermal is immense, where one can only drive so far, but there are certain technological matters with hydrogen which still limit it a bit as a long-distance fuel, but in the future those hurtles may be overcome, it's definitely a contender and an option, I agree! :)

 

I like SUVs(not American ones) because their comfortable, big,look good and can go practically anywhere and deal with terrain that most cars couldn't, what if another car was stuck and you needed to pull it out, or you needed to drive up a steep hill or through mud etc, plus with all the speed humps and bad drivers they make alot more sense too.

> Comfortable, yes, but comforts can be achieved equally well with virtually any other vehicle. Size is essential perhaps for big people, for large families or for moving goods and for services like limousines for groups at special occasions, but if the cost of size is serious environmental damage and greater risk to human life in places like the Niger Delta, the Gulf, or the Caspian Sea, I think I'll settle for something less massive for personal use. If the option for one is essential in your life, then it's worthwhile to seek an SUV which is up-to-date with the best design practices available for energy and resource efficiency, green technology and materials, and with consideration to worker and resident safety in places where the goods are actually made. As for the all-terrain go-anywhere business, while that is true and useful for a few people (farmers, ranchers, miners, safety patrol officers in the mountains, etc.), most of time I see these vehicles just being used to run errands, as commuter vehicles, or to go shopping with, in which case those owners probably will never use them for anything else. It might make one feel more "in control", but at what cost is that worth it? Let the tow trucks do the pulling, they do that most of the time anyhow, and are much more aware of how to do so carefully so as to not damage the vehicle being towed out of the ditch in winter, etc.

Speed humps are there because people go too fast in parking lots and such, which goes along with the problem of bad drivers. Better would be to help drivers get better at driving, reduce accidents in other ways (i.e. better intersections, banked curves), and improve the crash-worthiness of lighter vehicles to bring them beyond the safety levels of where they currently stand.:)

:sunny:How about an all-electric Christmas Car? christmas_car.jpg (JPEG Image, 500x399 pixels)

 

:elf::santa3::santa2::)

christmas_car.jpg (JPEG Image, 500x399 pixels)[/url]

 

:elf::santa3::santa2::)

 

 

 

A "baby" in red - how :cool: and green ribbon is used. :awesome:

..and a price tag in precious gold I'm sure too! :laugh3: My, you're up early, busy preparing Santa's Sleigh? :santa3:

A craft in the mind's eye is adorned with the plumage of a thousands eyes, shimmering and widening in the morning sun, seeking other eyes to follow it, to want it, to notice it, to vibrate with it, to become entranced and in tune with it.

Choose the reflection which brings the greatest joy for all, for the joy that is given off is also the joy that is returned in kind; to the gentle soul is the reward of great harmony and friendship, that which is done for all is done for one, and what is done for one is done for another; from all raindrops comes a cascade of falling water. The vibrations of sound from the strings of the universe are set afloat on the winds, for the strings we pluck are as the feathers with the eyes, they shimmer in our mind's ears and eyes, and return a symphony of peace, love, and harmony, if we listen. listen.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR2fSz_YpM4]George Harrison "Within You, Without You" - YouTube[/ame]

To work from the perspective of understanding and connecting all to nature, to our nature, to inner nature. To create from that perspective which reflects and dovetails with nature, takes flight from the mind's eye, is expansive of all understanding linked to the mother earth which supports us, nurtures all life, is the interwoven web into which we must find greater harmony with. To make the new car, we must first care and value nature and mesh deep ethical values with ecological values, be deep blue and deep green with deep roots, be one with Gaia and make a healthy beehive of activity, full of healthy bees.

Put aside the baggage in life, lift your spirits, get on board with the change that's happening all around. We are all spirit creatures, immutably linked with the strings and bubbles of the universe, together we can overcome any obstacle, climb every mountain.

The collective spirit is where it's at; together we have fun, share the happiness, move about, make the world a place of wonder and joy for all. What moves us is this interconnected set of strings, the fibers of the universe, the bubbles of life itself; so if we reflect on what we are, lower our hard shields and accept the loving spirit of humanity, we can make this a beautiful world for all, and keep it alive and vibrant for millenia to come.

The automobile is in essence the visible manifestation of what we stand for, so reflect those deep values you hold dear, push the envelope, let your spirit soar.

Music on Wheels!:)

HotWheels - Twang Thang | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Oh no, our old Pontiac! :cry::stunned::laugh3: Ah, just as well, makes good steel for better things methinks.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_yCFuz6qsQ]Coldplay Trouble Old Rusty Cars - YouTube[/ame]

My car has been very green this pass week & will probably be green come the new year.

 

Although that might be down to it being on a ramp with the front right hand side suspension being in many pieces as a bush needs replacing.

My car has been very green this pass week & will probably be green come the new year.

 

Although that might be down to it being on a ramp with the front right hand side suspension being in many pieces as a bush needs replacing.

So green, it's growing moss on top, would you say?:laugh3: Reminds me of my old Toyota, when the rear axle rusted out so badly, the left rear wheel and tire were dragging on the well. Then the tire blew:stunned:, and something had to be done!

Hm, front right-hand suspension being in many pieces, a bushing needing replacement? Trying to picture a suspension bushing.. oh, you must mean a rubber bushing then? Well, just take a piece of rubber from a tire and cut a new one, or make one out of some thick rubber hose. Your car will lovingly accept any part you offer it. ;)

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It's a light car heading towards a blue shift :).

 

http://www.care2.com/causes/nissan-leaf-will-feature-wireless-charging-technology.html

 

Nissan LEAF Will Feature Wireless Charging Technology

 

by Beth Buczynski - November 30, 2011 - 5:19 pm

 

The Nissan LEAF made history last year when it hit the market as one of the most affordable all-electric vehicles. Since then, Nissan has continued to make headlines by pledging to install free quick charging stations all over the world.

 

Now, the LEAF is jumping out ahead of the competition again by becoming the first electric car in the world to feature wireless charging technology.

 

Today at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan unveiled a flat floor unit that will enable LEAF owners to fully charge their battery without installing a charging system or searching for an extension cord. The pad could be placed in a garage or driveway, or in a parking lot. By simply parking over the charging pad, sensors on the bottom of the LEAF trigger an electromagnet that draws electricity from the car’s recharging coil.

 

Nissan says the wireless charging will not be effected by various weather conditions or weather changes. The charging time does not change either, which presently is eight hours.

 

The electromagnet induction process is the same as technology used in cordless phones and toothbrushes, and is considered safe as it transmits at a low three to six watts.

 

The company says it’s wireless charging technology will be available in Leafs starting 2013. Unfortunately, if you’ve already purchased a LEAF, you may still have to deal with cords and outlets, as the technology will not be available as a retrofit.

 

 

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/nissan-leaf-will-feature-wireless-charging-technology.html#ixzz1hxA1qBFM