Green Education: Energy

High gas prices have yet to knock the Ford F-150 off of its perch as America’s best-selling vehicle, though it has certainly taken a bite out of annual sales. Ford knows today’s truck customers put a lot of emphasis on fuel economy, and the Detroit automaker is looking to deliver a substantial fuel efficiency improvement for its next generation of F-150 pickups. The post Next-Gen Ford F-150 Aims For 3 MPG Improvement appeared first on Gas 2.

There are two really remarkable differences between the American car culture, and the one in Europe. First and foremost to me is that manual transmissions are still very popular in cars of every class with Europeans. Secondly, about half of new cars sold in Europe come with diesel engines. Now several German automakers are teaming up to help push clean diesel engines here in America. The post German Automakers Team Up To Push Clean Diesel appeared first on Gas 2.

It seems like only yesterday that we were talking about car companies making a desperate reach to grab the hearts and minds of young, trendy, urbanites. I don’t like throwing the word “hipster” around, but can you really see anyone lining up for a small-displacement, over-styled “urban” SUV built on Honda’s diminutive Jazz hatchback and [...] The post Honda Teases a New, Compact SUV for 2014 appeared first on Gas 2.

In a bid to cut back on fuel costs in an economy that seems more and more people finding lower-paying jobs, many people in the UK have taken to sleeping in their cars between shifts. How many is many? About 1 in 16, if surveys by the RAC and FairFuelUK are to be believed. These [...] The post Drivers in the UK Are Sleeping in Their Cars to Cut Fuel Costs appeared first on Gas 2.

I’m a writer, which means I’m also kind of a jerk. It’s true – I actually believe that my opinions are so valid, so compelling, and so correct that you, dear reader, absolutely need to be exposed to them. I’m willing to accept that I’m kind of a jerk, but you have to give me [...] The post Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Hybrid Gets Driven (w/ video) appeared first on Gas 2.

This is Rinspeed’s latest concept car – a small, stand-up cube with plenty of room to move around, carry your things, and (let’s face it) have dirrty sex in. Rinspeed CEO, Frank M. Rinderknecht, believes it’s the future of cars. Is Frank right? Ignore the car, for a moment (Chris did a solid review of [...] The post Rinspeed Thinks THIS is the Future of Cars – It’s Not appeared first on Gas 2.

As the best electric car on the market, the Tesla Model S has a global appeal that many of its competitors envy. With production of U.S. bound Tesla sedans already underway, the EV automakers is preparing to open a European production and distribution center. When it opens, the facility will build left-hand drive versions of the Model S for the European market starting next year. The post Tesla Plans Production Facility For European Distribution appeared first on Gas 2.

There is something inherently geeky about electric cars, and as a geek, I can’t help but appreciate the similarities between EVs and video games. Apparently I’m not the only one. At the recent Bologna Auto Show, two Smart ForTwo Electric Drive EVs were linked to a soccer simulator. Simple, but effective, and perhaps in the future an even more viable marketing tool. The post Smart EVs Used For Italian Soccer Video Game appeared first on Gas 2.

It is a landmark day for electric vehicles in America. Today, Nissan begins production of battery packs for the Nissan Leaf EV at its Smyrna, Tennessee factory. While sales of the Nissan Leaf haven’t been what Nissan hoped for, domestic battery production could mean a new generation of affordable EVs are just on the horizon. The post Nissan Begins Battery Manufacturing In America appeared first on Gas 2.

New tactics in production efficiency aren’t just cutting emissions; they’re cutting costs. Mercedes-owned Smart is currently ramping up production of its Smart ForTwo Electric Drive EV, and the company has given the press a sneak peek at one of Europe’s greenest factories, affectionately-dubbed “Smartville.” The post “Smartville” Is Where The Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Is Born appeared first on Gas 2.

Electric cars are perceived by many people to be slow, quiet, and frankly a bit boring. And for the most part these people aren’t wrong. The Tesla Model S sedan is the exception though, as it is fast, brash, and beautifully designed. It also does a badass burnout, as the next video shows. The post Video: The Quiet Riot Of A Tesla Model S Burnout appeared first on Gas 2.