Oregon Takes Lead in Setting Up EV Charging Stations
The state of Oregon is taking big steps forward in making sure residents and visitors can drive along Highway 5 from California to Washington and charge up their electric vehicles. Drivers' fear of getting stuck somewhere is inspiring the state's governor and major technology suppliers to take a lead role in developing an infrastructure of EV charging stations.
CNG Gets Another Look as Fleet Fuel
Deja vu: CNG is once again a growing option for commercial fleets operating in metro areas. The benefits of CNG can be substantial, but there are many factors to consider, including higher purchase costs, fueling access, operating range, and driver training. Because of incentives, it's possible to make a strong business case for CNG.
Ford Gives Instrument Panel a Cellphone Look
The 2011 Ford Fiesta has modeled dashboard controls after the keypad of a cellphone. In some ways, that makes perfect sense: Ford's market research suggested that young buyers were more attached to their mobile phones than to their means of mobility.
Hybrid Brakes Capture Energy, Extend Brake Life
A hybrid vehicle has the ability to capture and store energy during braking that otherwise would be lost as heat through frictional wear on the foundation brakes. Diesel-electric hybrids, hydraulic hybrids and all-electric vehicles all use the term "regenerative braking" to explain this battery regeneration process.
Subprime Used-Vehicle Sales Rebound in August
The share of used-vehicle sales to subprime customers jumped in August to its highest level since March 2008. But Art Spinella of CNW Research says new-car subprime sales are up only a tick.
