Auto World
Your Mileage May Vary 9.17.2015
We’ve all heard the disclaimer “your mileage may vary” in regards to fuel economy claims. And in our experience as car testers, whether or not you can match the government fuel economy estimates depends a lot on weather conditions, terrain and driver input, especially for hybrid and electric cars. So we wanted to know: how are the official estimates obtained for… Read More
National Awareness Month 8.27.2015
2012’S Hurricane Sandy has had long-lasting effects along the east coast, and compelled many communities to re-evaluate their emergency preparedness plans. Amid the countless tragic tales that emerged from that storm, many positive stories involving the use of alternative-fueled vehicles to aid in the recovery efforts also came to light. And they are now part of a… Read More
ACT Expo 6.11.2015
By now, we’re all used to seeing mass-market hybrid, electric and alternative fueled passenger vehicles on the road. But there’s still tremendous growth and new technologies being developed these days in commercial vehicles, and our most recent stop at the ACT Expo in Dallas, Texas showcased the latest and most promising. JOHN DAVIS: The alternative clean… Read More
Fuel Stations of the Future 5.07.2015
When it comes time to fill ‘er up, the days of simply choosing between regular or high test are long gone. Today’s family cars are more and more likely to run, not just on gasoline or diesel, but also on non-petroleum based fuels like ethanol, biodiesel, propane, natural gas, or pure electric power. these often-called “alternative fuels” are rapidly gaining… Read More
EV Wireless Charging 4.16.2015
We’ve watched how in only six short years, the all-electric car has progressed from auto show concept to a Middle America commodity. But, even with that, electrified cars of all types, pure EVs and plug-in hybrids, still make up far less than 1% of new car sales. So we have to ask. Will EV technology ever have a significant impact on the car market as a… Read More
Farm and Harvest 4.09.2015
Nothing on wheels beats the modern automobile for its high technology, right? Well, we use to think that. Before our sister television series Maryland Farm & Harvest clued us in on what’s touring around the 21st century farm. Well, we could argue about who’s on first all day long, but the best way to find out is to just dig into it. The tractor has been a… Read More
Rokon Winter Ride 3.24.2015
For most, winter is the time to put away the two-wheelin’ toys, and grab a little more shelter for the daily grind. Well, we recently caught up with a group of Rokon riders who, when the snow piles up, they defy conventions and hit the trails for some muddy fun! Mark Spreadborough: We’re in Sanford Maine at my friend Chip’s house. It’s a beautiful place where… Read More
Tire Tracks: Jaguar E-Type Drive 12.05.2014
Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, and that’s especially true of how a car is styled. Few cars ever get unanimous praise for their looks. But, one that does is the e-type jaguar. Penned over a half century ago, the e-type still looks “smashing”. But, beyond styling, does the e-type deserve its legendary status? Well, our roger mecca wondered that… Read More
Trucks 10.30.2014
Heavy duty trucks: they’re the backbone of our nation’s commerce system. Big rigs transport around 70% of the goods and materials around the country. The bad news is, they consume about 20% of our transportation fuel even though they make up less than 5% of the traffic on U.S. highways. The need to improve truck efficiency is crucial, and the U.S. Department of… Read More
DOE 10.02.2014
Wireless internet and cellular phones have allowed us to stay in touch wherever we roam. For electric cars, though, cutting the cord goes beyond mere convenience and opens up whole new horizons in personal mobility. With more and more plug-in electric vehicles hitting the market, EVs are leaving the “early adopter” stage and becoming mainstream fixtures on U.S.… Read More