The Green Human Portland to Portland Test Drive Continues - here's a good post from a guy that's been using B20 in his TDI for the last 55,000 miles.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Toyota Prius is Great.
The Green Humans continues their GreenP2P cross country trek. Here's an update from Greenhuman John.
"The Toyota Prius is Great.
No really, the Prius really is a terrific automobile. With thousands of miles on this trip so far in all kinds of conditions, I have to say the Prius is comfortable, reliable, effortless to drive, and of course, gets great gas mileage.
What’s interesting is that despite having sold over half a million Prius in America over the last ten years, Toyota’s hybrid still only represents ten percent of their total light-duty vehicle sales. In fact hybrids in general only account for two and a half percent of total light duty car sales in the entire country, and are only projected to reach maybe eleven percent by 2015.
What the hell is going on? With all the pragmatic benefits of ownership, way are the Prius and its hybrid comrades falling down in the eyes of consumers?
I think the answer is that Americans just like cars, real cars with power and performance. "
"The Toyota Prius is Great.
No really, the Prius really is a terrific automobile. With thousands of miles on this trip so far in all kinds of conditions, I have to say the Prius is comfortable, reliable, effortless to drive, and of course, gets great gas mileage.
What’s interesting is that despite having sold over half a million Prius in America over the last ten years, Toyota’s hybrid still only represents ten percent of their total light-duty vehicle sales. In fact hybrids in general only account for two and a half percent of total light duty car sales in the entire country, and are only projected to reach maybe eleven percent by 2015.
What the hell is going on? With all the pragmatic benefits of ownership, way are the Prius and its hybrid comrades falling down in the eyes of consumers?
I think the answer is that Americans just like cars, real cars with power and performance. "
Friday, February 20, 2009
Green p2p update: VW versus Prius, Shattering Diesel Myths, and next generation vehicle technology
Next stops: Illinois; Kentucky; and South Carolina. Seattle and Portland soon!
I just got back from participating in a portion of the Portland to Portland Green Test Drive which also included a meeting with the Volkswagen of America marketing and engineering folks in Herndon, Virginia. I was very excited to learn more about the new clean burning diesel technology and where VW is taking their research and development over the next few years.
But first, a little background as to what we're doing with the Green P2P, and why.
What are we doing? We've put together a team of folks that are driving both a Toyota Prius and a new clean burning diesel Jetta 9,000 miles accross the country. Our team is putting both cars to the test and evaluating their performance in all kinds of conditions, from the bitter cold of the Northeast winter, to the desert heat in the Southwest.
Why is what we're doing important? One of the top mandates of the new administration is to move this country in the direction of green energy. Couple that with the bailouts being given to auto makers, and the need for more information and discussion about new and existing POV's becomes an obvious topic. While hybrid electric is extremely viable for light duty passenger vehicles, particularly in urban environments, there needs to be other solutions for other types of transportation needs. Hybrid technology and clean burning diesel represent two of the most "work ready" solutions today.
Further, it is our belief (and many agree with us) that our energy future must come from MULTIPLE energy resources and the addition of true clean burning vehicle technology opens to doors to a much wider choice of fuel stock (including BioFuels) than hybrid gasoline engines alone.
So why is this news NOW? The new "clean burning" technology in use by the Jetta is 90% cleaner than the previous generation of technology producing less than 0.05 NOX gram per mile which NOW - FOR THE FIRST TIME - MEETS OR EXCEED ULEV STANDARDS IN ALL 50 STATES. This clean burning technology is now squarely on par with Hybrids and provides A REAL ALTERNATIVE for consumers to consider.
The goal of our test drive is to give consumers (both through a first hand look and interactive technology as we drive), a SIDE by SIDE look at the real benefits of each of these vehicles under a variety of conditions and criteria.
So what are some of things that VW is up to? First, they're expanding the number of vehicles that use this clean burning technology. We saw a clean burning Tiguan (Sport Utility), a clean burning Rabbit (aka; Golf) and there are others to come.
Second, and even more exciting to me, is the planned NEXT GENERATION of clean burning vehicles. As noted above, the current generation of clean burning is 90% more efficient than the previous generation, but VW isn't stopping there. The next generation slated for 2010, VW aims to gain another 50% efficiency and thereby meet the SULEV (super ultra low emissions) standards which are considerably tougher than the current ULEV ones.
All of which is great news for consumers (more choices), AND the environment.
P.S. the cars were pretty darn fun the drive too, did I mention that?
I just got back from participating in a portion of the Portland to Portland Green Test Drive which also included a meeting with the Volkswagen of America marketing and engineering folks in Herndon, Virginia. I was very excited to learn more about the new clean burning diesel technology and where VW is taking their research and development over the next few years.
But first, a little background as to what we're doing with the Green P2P, and why.
What are we doing? We've put together a team of folks that are driving both a Toyota Prius and a new clean burning diesel Jetta 9,000 miles accross the country. Our team is putting both cars to the test and evaluating their performance in all kinds of conditions, from the bitter cold of the Northeast winter, to the desert heat in the Southwest.
Why is what we're doing important? One of the top mandates of the new administration is to move this country in the direction of green energy. Couple that with the bailouts being given to auto makers, and the need for more information and discussion about new and existing POV's becomes an obvious topic. While hybrid electric is extremely viable for light duty passenger vehicles, particularly in urban environments, there needs to be other solutions for other types of transportation needs. Hybrid technology and clean burning diesel represent two of the most "work ready" solutions today.
Further, it is our belief (and many agree with us) that our energy future must come from MULTIPLE energy resources and the addition of true clean burning vehicle technology opens to doors to a much wider choice of fuel stock (including BioFuels) than hybrid gasoline engines alone.
So why is this news NOW? The new "clean burning" technology in use by the Jetta is 90% cleaner than the previous generation of technology producing less than 0.05 NOX gram per mile which NOW - FOR THE FIRST TIME - MEETS OR EXCEED ULEV STANDARDS IN ALL 50 STATES. This clean burning technology is now squarely on par with Hybrids and provides A REAL ALTERNATIVE for consumers to consider.
The goal of our test drive is to give consumers (both through a first hand look and interactive technology as we drive), a SIDE by SIDE look at the real benefits of each of these vehicles under a variety of conditions and criteria.
So what are some of things that VW is up to? First, they're expanding the number of vehicles that use this clean burning technology. We saw a clean burning Tiguan (Sport Utility), a clean burning Rabbit (aka; Golf) and there are others to come.
Second, and even more exciting to me, is the planned NEXT GENERATION of clean burning vehicles. As noted above, the current generation of clean burning is 90% more efficient than the previous generation, but VW isn't stopping there. The next generation slated for 2010, VW aims to gain another 50% efficiency and thereby meet the SULEV (super ultra low emissions) standards which are considerably tougher than the current ULEV ones.
All of which is great news for consumers (more choices), AND the environment.
P.S. the cars were pretty darn fun the drive too, did I mention that?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
More on the Green Human Portland to Portland Challenge
If you've been following along at greenp2p.com, by now you've noticed that all our stops are at VW dealers. In the interest in transparency, yes, these dealers have graciously agreed to sponsor us. But there's more to it than that.
We're not here to rip on the Prius, we're here to fairly compare the "current industry standard" to the "new opportunity" the TDI presents. When a car is nominated the "Green Car of the Year" or awarded the Guiness Book of World Records for best fuel economy on a cross country trip, there IS a story here.
Personally, I've been driving an 06 TDI for a couple of years now, and blogging about it, long before the idea of the Green p2p even existed. Personally, my biggest "ah ha" moment was the day I filled it up with 100% Biodiesel and realized I was using ZERO fossil fuel, not one drop! And while VW doesn't support the use of anything more than B5(5% bio), the point of fact is that YOU HAVE OPTIONS. If you want to make your own fuel in your garage, or go get fry grease, or just fill up with diesel or bio, you have alternatives. And that's what this test drive is really about!
So me, and team of green humans doing this, welcome your questions, and comments.
Here are some of mine-
1. Which car is the most efficient to operate on a daily basis?
2. Which one is more cost efficient over time? (Sorry the battery disposal thing on the Prius still bothers me no matter what anyone says).
3. Which one wins in the performance/fun to drive category?
4. Which one wins in the "creature comfort" category?
and finally,
5. Which one is kinder to the environment?
That's what we're here to find out.
I welcome an honest conversation, there are strong opinions on ALL sides, and that's what's going to make this fun!
Thanks for being a part of it, everyone! See you in DC!
We're not here to rip on the Prius, we're here to fairly compare the "current industry standard" to the "new opportunity" the TDI presents. When a car is nominated the "Green Car of the Year" or awarded the Guiness Book of World Records for best fuel economy on a cross country trip, there IS a story here.
Personally, I've been driving an 06 TDI for a couple of years now, and blogging about it, long before the idea of the Green p2p even existed. Personally, my biggest "ah ha" moment was the day I filled it up with 100% Biodiesel and realized I was using ZERO fossil fuel, not one drop! And while VW doesn't support the use of anything more than B5(5% bio), the point of fact is that YOU HAVE OPTIONS. If you want to make your own fuel in your garage, or go get fry grease, or just fill up with diesel or bio, you have alternatives. And that's what this test drive is really about!
So me, and team of green humans doing this, welcome your questions, and comments.
Here are some of mine-
1. Which car is the most efficient to operate on a daily basis?
2. Which one is more cost efficient over time? (Sorry the battery disposal thing on the Prius still bothers me no matter what anyone says).
3. Which one wins in the performance/fun to drive category?
4. Which one wins in the "creature comfort" category?
and finally,
5. Which one is kinder to the environment?
That's what we're here to find out.
I welcome an honest conversation, there are strong opinions on ALL sides, and that's what's going to make this fun!
Thanks for being a part of it, everyone! See you in DC!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Portland to Portland Green Test Drive Kicks off February 17th
With both President Obama and Congress urging the auto industry to go green, and $1,300 in available tax credits for the purchase of a green vehicle, consumer interest is at an all time high. But which car to buy? A team from Seattle will drive both the leading hybrid car and one of the new clean burning diesel cars 9,000 miles across the country to settle the score as part of the Portland to Portland Green Test Drive.
"It's not just about finding out which car gets better fuel economy" says Ed Steenman, founder of Green Human and co-sponsor of the green P2P event "but which one is the better all around car to drive." His team of green humans will put both cars to the test in all kinds of conditions, from the bitter cold of the Northeast winter, to the desert heat in the Southwest.
They'll stop in places all over the country to talk about eco friendly cars, while interacting with local communities both in person and online with video, blogs, social networking. "We've got a team of cameras in the cars and we'll be uploading and interacting with anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of this as we go" says John Polnik, the lead driver and co-producer of the mobile event. "I think this could be the first 9,000 mile test drive in history, and everyone's invited along".
Green Human has always had an interest in automotive technology, and with all the new developments in bio-fuels, electric, hybrid and clean diesel, "we couldn't resist the opportunity to participate first hand in this unique event". No matter which car comes out on top, in the end both will be put through the green ringer.
The clean burning VW Jetta TDI and Toyota Prius are scheduled to leave Portland, Maine on Tuesday February 17th and arrive in Portland, Oregon around March 5th.
I'll be back to you with more and you can monitor our progress online at www.greenP2P.com
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Plastic Bottles made good with Motorola's green "Renew" phone
I hate plastic water bottles, they are such a waste, but now I guess I have a reason to hate them a little less. Motorola just introduced a new phone made from recycled plastic water bottles.
Here's the story from Yahoo tech.
Reading the review, I guess my big questions is - "why didn't they make a phone that both had the latest features and was also made from "green" materials. Did the Motorola folks figure that "making the phone "green" was enough to make the "greenies" happy so they didn't need to add the best stuff?"
Or were they looking for it to fail?
According to my theory that 'people will ALWAYS go green if it's doesn't cost more or limit features, SOMETIMES go green if it only costs a bit more or is in particular product areas (baby foods for example) and NEVER go green if the tradeoffs are too high', I predict this phone will be, at best, a limited success. That's too bad, because it's a really good idea.
Here's the story from Yahoo tech.
Reading the review, I guess my big questions is - "why didn't they make a phone that both had the latest features and was also made from "green" materials. Did the Motorola folks figure that "making the phone "green" was enough to make the "greenies" happy so they didn't need to add the best stuff?"
Or were they looking for it to fail?
According to my theory that 'people will ALWAYS go green if it's doesn't cost more or limit features, SOMETIMES go green if it only costs a bit more or is in particular product areas (baby foods for example) and NEVER go green if the tradeoffs are too high', I predict this phone will be, at best, a limited success. That's too bad, because it's a really good idea.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
National Teach In On Global Warming, February 5th. Many Washington State Schools participating
February 5th, 2009, the National Teach-In on Global Warming will engage over a million Americans in solutions-driven dialogue. Educators, students and citizens, plan a focused conversation about "the critical decisions that will determine if our descendants will inherit a prosperous or an impoverished planet.
According to their website their goals include: to "engage the country around a core question from the Presidential Climate Action Project. Can Congress cut carbon emissions by 40% by 2020? What will it take? If not, how then shall our children, and their children, live in this world? Their goal - "together, demand real solutions in the first 100 days of the new administration, solutions that will change the future."
This event originates in Oregon but is a nationwide effort. Here is a list of schools in Washington State that plan to participate.
There is an impressive list of both organizers and partners.
I'm absolutely amazed that there has been little of no press about this in the local media.
Here's more specifcs on their agenda from their -web page.
"THE NATIONAL TEACH-IN ON GLOBAL WARMING 2009
LAUNCH WEBCAST.
"The First 100 Days." -- Join David Orr, Hunter Lovins, Betsy Taylor, Ray Anderson, Billy Parish and Wahleah Johns as they discuss global warming solutions for the first 100 days.
TEACH-IN. Engage the Nation around concrete policy recommendations.
- Cut carbon 40% below today's levels by 2020.
- Create millions of green jobs: Weatherize, solarize and rewire the nation.
- Revitalize America's economy: Lead the world in renewable technology.
- Promote carbon neutral power.
CLIMATE DIALOGUE
The heart of your teach-in should be a round-table dialogue between students and key decision-makers: US Senators and congresspeople, governors, city councilors, mayors and state representatives. This kind of intergenerational dialogue has the power to break through the partisan framing of global warming, and resultant political gridlock, because for young people, this is not about left and right. It is your future at stake, and only you have the moral authority to speak for that future.
100 DAYS OF ACTION
Learn what you can do today… and tomorrow… and tomorrow… and tomorrow. Give the new President the support needed to put the planet on the path to a stable climate."
Here's a related video and more information from oregonlive.com. The video, which features interviews with Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski's sustainability policy advisor, David Van't Hof, and Angus Duncan, chairman of Oregon's Global Warming Commission was uploaded last night by the small Portland-based staff of the National Teach-In.
According to their website their goals include: to "engage the country around a core question from the Presidential Climate Action Project. Can Congress cut carbon emissions by 40% by 2020? What will it take? If not, how then shall our children, and their children, live in this world? Their goal - "together, demand real solutions in the first 100 days of the new administration, solutions that will change the future."
This event originates in Oregon but is a nationwide effort. Here is a list of schools in Washington State that plan to participate.
There is an impressive list of both organizers and partners.
I'm absolutely amazed that there has been little of no press about this in the local media.
Here's more specifcs on their agenda from their -web page.
"THE NATIONAL TEACH-IN ON GLOBAL WARMING 2009
LAUNCH WEBCAST.
"The First 100 Days." -- Join David Orr, Hunter Lovins, Betsy Taylor, Ray Anderson, Billy Parish and Wahleah Johns as they discuss global warming solutions for the first 100 days.
TEACH-IN. Engage the Nation around concrete policy recommendations.
- Cut carbon 40% below today's levels by 2020.
- Create millions of green jobs: Weatherize, solarize and rewire the nation.
- Revitalize America's economy: Lead the world in renewable technology.
- Promote carbon neutral power.
CLIMATE DIALOGUE
The heart of your teach-in should be a round-table dialogue between students and key decision-makers: US Senators and congresspeople, governors, city councilors, mayors and state representatives. This kind of intergenerational dialogue has the power to break through the partisan framing of global warming, and resultant political gridlock, because for young people, this is not about left and right. It is your future at stake, and only you have the moral authority to speak for that future.
100 DAYS OF ACTION
Learn what you can do today… and tomorrow… and tomorrow… and tomorrow. Give the new President the support needed to put the planet on the path to a stable climate."
Here's a related video and more information from oregonlive.com. The video, which features interviews with Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski's sustainability policy advisor, David Van't Hof, and Angus Duncan, chairman of Oregon's Global Warming Commission was uploaded last night by the small Portland-based staff of the National Teach-In.
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