Greening the Future

Written by Living Well Webmaster

The smart fortwo is produced at "smartville" in Hambach, France. Protecting the environment, energy efficiency and preservation of natural resources are hallmarks of smart brand. Only water-soluble paints are used for the smart's three basic colors which are black, white and red. Painting the tridion safety cell is done by the powder-coating process. This removes the need for solvents. The body panels with molded-in color are fully recyclable. The smart fortwo is also classified as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) due to its extremely low exhaust emissions. The catalytic converter is positioned close to the engine for a quick response. An electric pump blows fresh air into the exhaust port when the engine is cold to almost completely oxidize the carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) and render them harmless.

AZD has developed a commercially available series hybrid electric CitiBus™ using the HD Senator bus body manufactured by Supreme Corporation's StarTrans Bus Division for paratransit and shuttle bus customers. The CitiBus™ is the clean, fuel efficient alternative to conventional shuttle buses. The CitiBus™ is an environmentally responsible solution that  reduces fuel consumption and harmful emissions. Engine operation is optimized, and regardless of whether the engine is on or off, the hybrid system satisfies all of the bus's operational power needs. And more, the bus operation is extremely quiet thereby providing an improved environment for people inside and outside the bus.

American Honda Motor Co has become the first company in its industry to introduce a Class 8 hybrid diesel electric truck into its truck fleet at its parts center in Alpharetta, Georgia. The Peterbilt Smartway-certified Model 386 hybrid tractor is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by almost 45 tons per year, as compared to its diesel counterpart.  \

Toyota is reportedly still working on that Prius with solar panels to partially power its air conditioning, but now the secret is out. The company's goal is to create a car that's totally solar powered. However, according to Japanese newspaper The Nikkei, Toyota's all-solar car will take years to get to market. 

Embrace Solar Power
This tiny solar car, called Xof1 (Power of One), has just broken the world distance record for a solar-powered vehicle, and is still going and going. Beginning its record-breaking trek last June, it’s gone from Buffalo, N.Y. to the Arctic Circle and back, next making it all the way across the continent to Los Angeles, traveling a total of more than 12,500 miles. This little flying saucer-like vehicle can go from 0-60 in 6 seconds, carries one passenger, and weighs 660 lb, running on a 96-volt brushless motor powered by the sun.