New research from Kajima, a Japanese company, and Tokyo University, suggests that microbes from human waste could be a good source of energy for hydrogen fuel cell cars. This follows a number of recent reports about the potential to use methane as an energy source.
Indian carmaker Tata Motors will offer a micro-hybrid version of the Nano—its ultra-affordable small car—according to a leading Indian business television channel. Micro-hybrid technology allows a vehicle to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by about 5 to 10 percent. With the micro-hybrid Nano, Tata will attempt to use the auto industry’s least expensive hybrid technology in the world’s least expensive car.
Toyota is secretly developing a car powered by solar cells mounted on the vehicle’s roof, according to a report today from Japan’s Nikkei newspaper. The report said the automaker hopes the vehicle will eventually be totally powered by the solar cells—but that would take many years.
Fisker has announced a new concept vehicle called the Sunset or Karma S, which appears to be a plug-in hybrid convertible. It will debut at the Detroit Auto Show.
Concept cars don’t have to be practical. They only have to challenge our imagination about the future of cars—and look really cool. And these days, cool means green. Enjoy our list of the top 10 coolest and wackiest green concept cars from 2008.
Hertz has launched Connect by Hertz, the first global car sharing club offered by an international car rental company. The move puts pressure on Zipcar, currently the leader in self-service pay-as-you-go car rental services. After eight years in operation, Zipcar has yet to become profitable.
Visual details of the 2010 Toyota Prius are revealed in a new video posted on YouTube. The video depicts Blue Man Group, the idiosyncratic trio of performers, exploring features of the redesigned quintessential hybrid.
Last Wednesday, President-elect Barack Obama announced former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as his choice to be the next Secretary of Agriculture. The appointment has fueled growing concern from ethanol critics, who worry that the Obama administration may expand subsidies to an industry that they feel has already received more than its fair share of generosity from Washington.
Frugal and simple are the keywords for this recession-era gift-giving season. This signals the resurgence of low-tech classic toys made of wood, tin and string, which can delight just as much or more than expensive electronic and plastic toys. One of the retro classic toys—the wind-up rubber band car—points the way to low-cost energy storage strategies for hybrid cars. (Photo via flickr.)
The global recession finally caught up to Toyota Motor Corporation, which announced on Monday that it is anticipating a loss of US $1.7 billion for the fiscal year ending in March 2009. This would be the first time in 70 years that Toyota’s annual operating budget goes in the red.
