Transportation Solutions

The following is an excerpt from an article I recently submitted to Central Oregon and Southern Oregon Magazines (for the full article you'll have to purchase the June issue of those magazines). The article focused on "green" transportation options and provided an overview of what is currently available. We can use this excerpt, which is not an exhaustive list, to jump-start a discussion of the various transportation options we have for reducing oil dependence. Most importantly, I'd like to here from you what approaches you support and which you are most likely to implement on your own.

Beginning of Excerpt
Hybrids

Hybrid Strengths:
• Excellent fuel economy and emissions
• Good drivetrain performance from most models
• Self-charging
• Excellent for trips longer than 15 minutes
• Mainstream styling
• Excellent reliability
• Tax incentives

Hybrid Weaknesses:
• Some models with narrow tires may suffer from above average “sway” when cornering or in high winds. This has not affected vehicle safety, but it may be an issue for driver performance preferences. Test drive a few different models to get an accurate feel for handling.
• Hybrid system charge-up time. Plug-in versions will address this issue, as will “series” hybrids like the Chevy Volt.
• Limited tow capacity for mid-sized SUVs compared to non-hybrid models.
• Cost-premium.

Best Bets
Sedans: Toyota Prius
Honda Insight
Ford Fusion

Small SUV: Ford Escape Hybrid
Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Large SUV: Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon Hybrid

Pickup: Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrid

Upcoming: Chevy Volt (late 2010/2011)


Electric Cars

Advantages of Electric Vehicles
• Increasingly available in mainstream designs
• Quick, agile and fun to drive
• Zero emissions and zero fuel
• Quiet
• Low maintenance cost

Disadvantages
• Require charging stations which are not widely available (yet)
• Reduced driving range
• Requires electricity (can be addressed by renewable energy generation or credit programs)

Best Bets:
Most of the really appealing electric car models won’t be available until late 2010 (if not longer). There are a few small production models available if you simply have to have an electric car now, but most if not all of them will be special order. For an excellent review of current and anticipated models visit http://www.hybridcars.com/electric-car.

Currently available:

ZAP Zebra-3-wheel two seater
Zenn
Miles ZX40S
Wheego Whip
Meyers Motors NMG-3 wheel single passenger
Tesla Roadster

Coming soon:

Nissan Leaf (available by reservation)
Ford Focus EV (2011)
Coda (2010)
Tesla Model S (2011)


Clean Diesel

Many diesel-powered vehicles available today come close to the fuel economy of hybrids without the uber-complicated technology. The bulk of these vehicles use advanced diesel emissions technology, a far cry from the smelly, dirty diesel engines of old. In fact, emissions from Mercedes Bluetec engines are cleaner than some gasoline engines.

Advantages of Diesel

• Superior torque compared to gasoline engines
• Excellent fuel economy
• Advanced emissions control available
• Lower price premium than hybrids
• Durable engine technology
• Flexible fuel choices (biodiesel)

Disadvantages
• Engine noise
• Fuel odor
• More expensive than gas

Best Bets
Sedans:
Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Audi A3 TDI
Mercedes E320 Bluetec

SUVs:
Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD
Volkswagen Toureg TDI
Mercedes ML 320 Bluetec


PZEVs and other Fuels

Consumers hoping to get into the green vehicle market don’t necessarily have to shell out extra shekels for a hybrid or clean diesel. Following on the heels of hybrids many car companies began applying superior emissions control technology to standard models. These vehicles produce zero evaporative emissions from the fuel system and meet Super Low Emissions Vehicle standards. The one exception to this group is the Honda Civic GX, which is powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).

Advantages of PZEVs
• Lower cost premium than hybrids with similar emissions benefits
• Wide availability
• Comfortable technology

Disadvantages
• Has no positive impact on fuel economy
• Still rely on gasoline

Best Bets:
There are over 60 PZEV vehicles currently offered in the United States with representation from every major manufacturer. We suggest you check with your local dealer about PZEV models in stock.


Electric Motorcycles:

Zero Motorcycles-Street, dirt and dual-sport models available.
Brammo Enertia Cycle-Street version.
Electric Motorsport-street and dual-sport models.

Scooters:
X-treme electric mopeds (various models)
eGO Vehicles

Powered bicycles:
EZEE bikes
Schwinn electric
Ultramotor
Ecobikes

End of Excerpt


There are certainly other options available, particularly in the arena of alternative fuels, so let's use this as a launching point for a broader discussion. I cut much of the text out of this excerpt, so if you have questions about any of the options listed above I'm happy to answer them here.

For my own part, I will be researching conversion of my current vehicle to compressed natural gas (CNG) and will report the results here. I'd like to begin a discussion about the relative merits of our transportation options, and specifically what actions you are most likely to take.