• Category Archives: Transport

    America’s First Full-Service Eco-Friendly Car Wash

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    Houston residents can give a green wash to their cars at the nation’s first eco-friendly full service car wash. Green Earth Auto Detail is all set to throw its doors open for this green car wash service in the first week of following month. Since water conservation is of prime importance, the task of flushing away 40 to 160 gallons of water per car wash needed to be addressed without delay. Green Earth promises to look into this matter and has come up with an almost water-free car wash. They have formulated a special solution that is safe, non-hazardous and water-based. When sprayed onto the vehicle it simply dissolves the dirt so it can be easily wiped off with a micro fiber cloth and then buffed with another, leaving the vehicle clean, shiny and super smooth to the touch. The only water used in the process is that which is used to mix the solution.

    Posted in Transport on November 26, 2008
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    Universal Studios Hollywood gets greener with solar powered electric carts

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    Solar powered golf carts have been zooming around over the lush green acres for eco-golfers since some time. But how can Hollywood be associated with such solar powered vehicles? Well, Universal Studios Hollywood has stirred a green move in their park by unveiling a new solar powered electric cart for their employees. Designed by Cruise Car Company, this kind of green drive will enable the staff to move about the premises in speed but without leaving any carbon footprints. Though there weren’t any Hollywood celebs to highlight the launch, along with Shrek and The Mummy, you can find the President and COO of the Universal Studios Hollywood, Larry Kurzweil, and Environmental Media Association President, Debbie Levin in the picture too.

    Posted in Transport on November 25, 2008
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    Goldfish could be the first Swiss solar powered submarine

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    Swiss company BKW FMB Energie is developing a solar powered submarine that will be powered by a floating solar array, saving power on continual trips to shore for recharging. The floating platform, reminiscent of a water-lily design, is made up of a central covered hub that can act as a conference/debriefing or supply center, surrounded by 5 pontoons that are fitted with solar panels. The solar array will cover an area of 300 square meters in total and generate 30 kilowatts of electricity. By going solar, the Project Goldfish sub can stay submerged for unlimited periods, while handling up to 30 people at a time. Passengers will be able to board and leave the sub via a solar powered shuttle.
    Via

    Posted in Transport on November 24, 2008
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    Solar powered vehicle set a world record for distance traveled

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    Just a few days back we mentioned about the Solartaxi that is on its way around the world to set a record. Though Palmer is still driving towards his mission, Marcelo da Luz has realized his green dream by setting the world record for distance traveled in a sun-powered car. Breaking the current record of 15,070 kilometers (9364 miles), from Buffalo to Halifax to Inuvik to Victoria, on Canada’s Pacific coast, da Luz traveled for three months. It is also estimated that this is the first solar car to operate at below-freezing temperatures.

    Posted in Transport on November 24, 2008
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    Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid is green at heart!

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    Vying for the title of ‘the most fuel-efficient automaker on the planet’, Hyundai flaunted its Blue Drive hybrid powertrain at the recent 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. Unlike the other counterparts, this powertrain uses third generation battery technology to power up the engine. Teaming up with LG Chem, the automaker has developed lithium polymer batteries for its hybrid powertrain. Since it is estimated that Lithium battery technology has greater power density, Hyundai’s battery pack promises to deliver the same power while taking up half the space of a nickel metal hydride battery pack.

    Posted in Transport on November 21, 2008
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    Eco-flying – BioJet powered by Biofuel flew across U.S leaving a green trail

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    Aircraft emissions have been estimated as the prime source for the escalated CO2 levels in the air. But that cannot stop people from traveling across states and countries for business as well as pleasure. However we can look forward to reduce our carbon footprints in the air by flying on jets powered by green fuels. Recently, Green Flight International flew BioJet 1 across the U.S. by filling its tank with an eco-friendly, Biofuel. This green jet completed the flight from Reno, Nevada to Leesburg, Florida in just over 11 hours at altitudes ranging from 13,000 to 17,000 feet.

    Posted in Transport on November 13, 2008
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    Piaggio promises speedy green ride with the latest hybrid MP3 scooter

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    Times are changing and so are the trends. Moving over the two and four-wheelers, the future of the roads is going to be dominated by three-wheelers. Though we don’t see many of them in the present, companies like Piaggio promise a clean green three wheely ride in the near future with their latest plug-in hybrid three-wheeler. The Italian manufacture’s hybrid MP3 scooter will churn out up to 141 mpg (that is 60 kilometers on a liter of gas). Powered by a 125-cc gasoline engine along with an electric motor, it is powerful enough to zoom from 0-60 mph in about 5 seconds.

    Posted in Transport on November 12, 2008
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    Solar powered 1298 Ambulances help to save lives as well as energy


    Ever wondered how an emergency vehicle like ambulance can flaunt a green flag? Mumbai, the commercial island city of India boasts of an ambulance service, dubbed 1298. This fleet provides reliable 24×7 emergency medical service to the residents of Mumbai. However it’s the recent idea of fitting these ambulances with solar panels to power up the onboard equipment that has bought it under green lime light. These state-of-the-art ambulances, modeled on the London Ambulance Service make use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Realtime Tracking System (RTS) to reach the patient in the minimum possible time. 1298 is one of a number of Acumen Fund investments that defies easy classification.
    [Acumenfund] & [Worldchanging]

    Posted in Transport on November 11, 2008
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    London’s first hybrid double-decker buses – Red beasts flaunt a green heart!

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    Though all of us can step up our efforts for a cleaner environment by traveling about the city using public transport services, Londoners can do the same and score more green points over others. This is because 17 new hybrid double-decker buses have rolled into the city. Touted to be the first of its kind, such a green drive doubles up as an unquestionable eco-friendly public commuting system. The Transport for London and Metrobus have recently taken the delivery of this green version of iconic red fleet of buses seen on London streets. Built by Britain’s Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BAE Systems, the hybrid system uses a generator, an electric motor and lithium-ion battery storage along with a regenerative braking system.

    Posted in Transport on November 10, 2008
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    Enertia Motorcycle – Electric bikes are here to stay!

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    Apart from Obama’s victory, Americans have one more reason to rejoice. Though it has nothing to do with the elections or the president, the new Enertia Motorcycle scores high in the green blogoshpere by being touted as the first commercially available all-electric commuter motorcycle. Based in Oregon, Brammo Motorsports has designed and manufactured this ‘Made in America’ electric motorcycle for eco-conscious as well as style-conscious bike riders of North America. Ideal for short-distance and urban commuting, this green two-wheeler will help to relieve the bikers of the escalating gasoline rates. Freeing the users of their dependence on gas, the Enertia fills its belly by plugging it to the power cord. The six 12V Lithium Phosphate batteries, which are highly resistant to combustion render a running time of 2 hours on 80%, 3 hours when completely charged. The sturdy yet uber light carbon-fiber framework helps to zip from 0 to 30 in 4.3 seconds only!

    Posted in Transport on November 7, 2008
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