Alternative Green Vehicles for 2008

"Mean Green Machines"

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These are interesting times. With the conclusion of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show recently, we have officially entered an era of new options and alternatives. In 2008, you will be able to buy and drive vehicles that were flights of fancy just a few years ago. New hybrids will be available in segments of vehicles that have never seen a hybrid option, such as the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu. By the end of 2008, the U.S. driving public will no longer think of the word "hybrid" as personified by the fuel-sipping Prius or Civic Hybrid. Mark my words.

If hybrids aren't your thing, be ready to check out and appreciate the new generation of diesel engine options. As mentioned in last week's column, these new engines will completely revolutionize your opinion of what a diesel is, with smoothness and clean exhaust. In addition, the power and torque will exceed many driver's expectations while delivering fuel economy traditionally found in much smaller engines. The only negatives will be the slightly higher cost per gallon and lack of availability at each and every fuel station.

Honda FCX Clarity

In addition, if you live in a few select cities in Southern California, the world's first hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle will be ready for public ownership. For $600 per month, Honda will lease you the FCX Clarity--as long as you are within distance of one of the few refueling stations in the region as well as Honda HQ (in case the car has any 'teething issues'). Looking like a slightly larger Prius, the Clarity will deliver the equivalent mileage of 68 MPG and exhaust that is 100% water vapor. Perfect.

Finally, I love what Ford is doing with its new EcoBoost engine technology. The easiest way to explain is to think small engine with big power, in this case delivered by a turbocharger and direct gasoline injection. And thanks to this same technology, you can expect cleaner emissions with your high-power fun. Ford plans on installing these engines in over 500,000 vehicles in the next year or two.

The whole "green debate" often bores people to death with a focus on particulate emissions ratings, governmental regulations, and science fiction dreams. But 2008 will bring these ideas to driveways across America, and given our uncertain energy security concern, this can only be seen as a good thing.

Posted on 2008-01-28 | Permalink | |

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