Technology

On March 25, Canadian National Railway announced that it would phase its fleet of older rail cars that carry flammable liquid including fossil fuels. These tanker cars came under public scrutiny after the tragic derailment and explosion of the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic (MM&A) tankers carrying crude oil in Lac Megantic. The fiery derailment decimated the town and killed 47 people. Even before the Lac Megantic disaster, the safety of these rail cars were called into question. Concerns about the DOT-111 tank car were in evidence in a 2012 report from the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). According...

In an ecological one two combination France has dealt punishing blows to both genetically modified foods and fossil fuel powered cars. France is making an environmental stand by challenging genetically modified foods (GMOs) and auto emissions. In a brazen move the country has issued a decree that bars Monsanto's genetically modified maize known as MON 810. They are also restricting cars from entering Paris. The French government's position is that GMOs present environmental risks, however this is not close to being a done deal. What makes the banning of Monsanto so bold is the fact that similar efforts have been...

Yesterday, Sunday February 2nd was World Wetlands Day (WWD). As 2014 is the UN International Year of Family Farming, the theme for this year is 'Wetlands and Agriculture.' The slogal for the Day is 'Wetlands and Agriculture: Partners for Growth,' placing a focus on the need for the wetland, water and agricultural sectors to work together for the best shared outcomes. Our wetlands are of great importance to the health of the planet and all its inhabitants. Our waters provide habitat for a myriad of species, recharge groundwater and provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and other outdoor recreation. As is...

Greener cars appear to be missing at this year's Detroit Auto Show. One of the most high profile vehicles at the show was the the 620-horsepower 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Other notable vehicles on display were two 2015 products from Ford, the F-150 pickup truck and the iconic Mustang. Even Kia has opted to focus on performance over efficiency by debuting a concept sports car called the GT4 Stinger. Electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles were altogether absent in Detroit this year. In 2010 almost all the major automakers were aggressively promoting a growing number of electric and hybrid cars....

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At a recent speech in Munich, Germany, Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk referred to hydrogen fuel cells as bullshit. The Motley Fool's John Rosevear diagrees with Musk's assessment and calls his comments "marketing" to "keep the confidence of his investors" As Rosevear explains, there are imperfections in current battery configurations for cars that make them less than perfect. This includes issues like weight, cost and the fact that the technology has not moved as rapidly as many of us had hoped. The issues associated with battery power are some of the reasons why many major automakers are actively exploring...

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U.S. automakers are producing an ever increasing line-up of more efficient vehicles. However, efficiency measures in the auto industry extend beyond the vehicles they produce. American car companies must compete with more than 36 new hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) that have been or will be launched in 2013. Growing demand for highly efficient vehicles has compelled almost every brand to get into the EV market, which gives consumers an ever expanding list of vehicles to choose from. In addition to expanded product lines, innovative sustainability measures are being adopted by automakers.  As explained by Green Car Reports, the major...

According to Interbrand’s 2013 Best Global Green Brands ranking, Volkswagen came in seventh. Volkswagen has an efficiency leading concept car known as the XL1. It boasts an ultra-light structure (1,750 pounds) that makes extensive use of composites, and a hybrid power train. The 0.8-liter diesel twin produces 48 horsepower and comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). The diesel engine is assisted by a 27-hp electric motor system powered by a 5.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. All together, the power train produces 68 hp and 103 lb-ft in its 'boosting mode.'The XL1 can go 310 miles on a single charge. Drivers can...

The 2014 BMW i3 electric city car is part of the BMW iSeries. This series of electric cars has zero emissions and an affordable price tag. What sets the BMW iSeries apart from all other electric cars is their luxury and modernity as well as their technological sophistication thanks to a novel partnership with Apple. The i3 is a four-door made out of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). About 25 percent of the plastics used inside the car are recycled, and the eucalyptus wood veneers used on the trim are "responsibly harvested." The door trims and instrument-panel surround also use fibers from...