Earthcars

An Earthcar is a vehicle classified among the greenest and most earth-friendly cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs available to the public and on the road today. Models that qualify as Earthcars usually achieve high fuel economy, produce little to no exhaust emissions and utilize alternative energy means of propulsion. With each passing model year Earthcars are becoming cleaner, more efficient and more widely available to mainstream consumers.

Any four-wheel passenger vehicle is eligible for consideration, and lots of Earthcars are already providing transportation to people today. A vehicle that achieves 35 miles-per-gallon (MPG) on the highway or 32 MPG in combined driving automatically qualifies as an Earthcar, as do those employing advanced alternative energy mechanisms such as hybrid-electric systems, electricity, hydrogen and compressed natural gas. In determining the associated ratings to specific Earthcars, additional factors such as pollution emissions output and cleanliness of the manufacturer are also measured.

Legislation and other programs that encourage the use of Earthcars exist at various levels of government and within many contexts. At the federal level, some examples in the U.S. include Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, the Clean Air Act and Tier II emissions standards. The IRS offers one-time tax incentives to those who purchase new hybrid and other alternative energy vehicles, and those tax breaks vary in value based on vehicle specifics and sales volumes.

Several states, led by California, have enacted laws further limiting the emission outputs of automobiles as a means of promoting clean air standards. Some states and cities allow fuel-efficient and low-emissions outputting vehicles such as hybrid-electrics the privilege to drive in high occupancy vehicle (carpool) lanes without additional passengers, while others designate special and/or free parking spaces for hybrid owners. State rebates on vehicle registration, tax incentives and exemptions from emissions testing are additional means of encouraging drivers to purchase Earthcars. Be sure to check local or state government laws for information specific to your area.

Advantages of driving an Earthcar generally fall under one of three categories: Environmental, Economic and Health-related.

Environmental

Reducing the amount of gasoline burned in vehicles provides numerous environmental benefits. Since the quantity of fuel combusted is directly related to the amount of carbon dioxide produced, the effects of global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions may be reduced, as CO2 represents the primary GHG. Pollutions emissions such as oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons are also lower in Earthcars, keeping the air clean and preserving the natural integrity of the planet. Finally, Earthcars require less petroleum to be pumped out of the ground, lessening the chances of contamination in water and minimizing the impact on wildlife.

Economic

Driving an Earthcar offers various economic benefits. The federal government provides tax credits for hybrid-electric and other alternative energy vehicles such as the Honda Civic GX (compressed natural gas). Fill-ups at the gas pump cost less and are more infrequent, eventually offsetting the premium paid for the clean powertrain if driven long enough. As a nation, reducing our dependence on foreign sources of oil increases our national security while positively affecting our trade balance.

Health-related

Cleaner air reduces the incidence of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Many scientists believe that powerful weather events and rising sea levels are the products of global warming, so reducing CO2 output (by burning less fuel) has the potential to significantly reduce human contribution to climate change.

Vehicles achieving 35 MPG on the highway or 32 MPG in combined driving automatically qualify as Earthcars, and those with even higher mileage numbers rate better within Earthcars four-globe system. These standards are applied to all vehicles across all segments, promoting the application of fuel-efficient technologies regardless of the automobile class.

Each manufacturer’s fleet of passenger cars is currently expected to achieve at least 27.5 MPG combined fuel economy, while trucks with up to 8,500-lb. Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings must average 20.7 MPG combined in 2007. In 2008 the truck figure will increase to 22.5 MPG, and by 2011 the truck standard will have risen to 24.1 MPG. Additionally, all passenger SUVs and vans (but not trucks) with up to 10,000-pound GVWRs are now subject to CAFE standards. Passenger car requirements have not changed since 1990.

Early in May 2007 the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill that would require light duty passenger vehicles to increase in average fuel economy by four percent annually beginning in 2011. By 2020, mileage would average 35 MPG across the industry.

Additionally, several states, again led by California, are seeking the right to limit carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles beginning in 2009. Some automakers have in turn sued these states, claming the right to determine fuel economy standards belongs to the federal government exclusively. As highlighted in the recent court case in Vermont, passenger cars would have to average 43.9 MPG by 2016 and trucks 26.9 MPG in order to meet Vermont’s proposed 30-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Finally, President George W. Bush outlined a plan to reduce gasoline consumption by 20 percent in the next 10 years. Along with employing alternative energy fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, the strategy seeks to raise CAFE standards for passenger vehicles to approximately 34 MPG by 2017. Bush envisions gas usage to decrease by 8.5 billion gallons annually ten years from now as a result of higher fuel economy regulations.

Achieving better fuel economy promotes sustainability by preserving resources, saves consumers money at the gas pump, reduces dependency on foreign petroleum sources, helps protect against price “shocks” and lessens emissions output. Given the ability to do so, there is no reason not to increase fuel efficiency.

Every gallon of pure gasoline combusted produces approximately 20 pounds of carbon dioxide, assuming that perfect combustion occurs. One gallon on gas weighs approximately 6.30 pounds, and gasoline is composed of about 87-percent carbon and 13-percent hydrogen, by weight. As such, the carbon in each gallon weighs 5.48 pounds.

When gasoline is mixed with air and burns, carbon (from gas) combines with oxygen (from air) to form carbon dioxide (CO2). Hydrogen (from gas) combines with oxygen (from air) to form water (H2O). The atomic weight of each carbon atom is 12, while the atomic weight of each oxygen atom is 16. Therefore, each CO2 molecule weighs 44 atomically (12+16+16). Therefore, if every one atom of carbon (12) produces one molecule of CO2 (44), then calculating the weight of CO2 produced by a given quantity of carbon requires multiplying the weight of that carbon by 3.67 (or 44 divided by 12). The carbon in one gallon of gas (5.48 lbs.) times 3.67 equals 20.11 pounds.

Sometimes combustion is not perfect, and molecules such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NO) are produced. These are considered harmful pollutants and are regulated heavily by emissions standards.

Many scientists believe higher levels of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from human activity are responsible for increases in global temperatures. Greenhouse gases such as water vapor and CO2 remain in the atmosphere of the Earth as a natural means of keeping the planet warm and hospitable. However, too much CO2 has the potential to over-warm the planet, melt glaciers, raise sea levels and disrupt environments.

There are several opposing theories to the mainstream hypothesis that CO2 causes global warming. A popular one considers variations in the sun’s intensity, suggesting that a current period of intense solar activity is responsible for observed increases in temperature. For now, more research is required to gain a clearer picture of climate change, but striving to limit carbon dioxide output in the meantime – or performing an offset activity such as planting a tree – is the best course of action.

Beginning in the 2008 model year, the Environmental Protection Agency will adjust fuel economy ratings down across the industry to reflect more realistic driving scenarios. New tests evaluating high speed driving, brisk acceleration, air conditioning usage and cold-weather driving are being added to the existing city and highway loops. On average, city figures decrease by 12 percent and highway ratings by 8 percent. Earthcars currently determines classification based on 2007 and earlier numbers, and will adjust the evaluation procedure for 2008 and beyond.

Vehicles equipped with advanced alternative energy propulsion systems automatically achieve recognition as Earthcars. Full hybrid-electric, power assist hybrid-electric, full electric, hydrogen fuel cell, compressed natural gas and solar are among some of these technologies that qualify. Other basic alternatives such as E85 ethanol, diesel and mild hybrid-electric are considered on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis.

Electric

In their day-to-day use, electric vehicles consume no gasoline and produce no emissions directly. While EVs were often criticized in the past for poor performance and unacceptable ranges, new electric cars are employing advanced battery technologies and manufacturing techniques to increase range and power while maintaining functionality and consumer appeal. The environmental friendliness of EVs depends on clean techniques for generating electricity, as the cars still need to be plugged in for recharging.

Hybrid-electric

The term hybrid could refer to any two systems working together to power a car, but today’s hybrid is most conventionally the gas-electric model. Various levels of electrical supplementation lead to hybrid system classification such as full, power assist, mild and plug-in.

Full

Cars that are capable of running solely on electricity, solely on gasoline or a combination of both are referred to as full hybrids. Their systems tend to be complex and include large battery packs, as they are designed to switch back and forth depending on driving conditions. The popular Toyota Prius, utilizing the manufacturer’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, is an example of a full hybrid.

Power Assist

Vehicles that may not run on electricity alone but nevertheless receive significant boosts from their motors are called power assist hybrids. They usually include a conventional powertrain layout with a large motor/generated integrated within. Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist is a good example, although the 2006-current Honda Civic Hybrid may run on electricity along while coasting (but not accelerating). Power assist hybrids require smaller battery packs than full hybrids.

Mild

When an automobile includes oversized motors/generators replacing the conventional starter and alternator they are referred to as mild hybrids. Although the engine is never directly assisted in terms of power by the motors, the hybrid components allow the engine’s of these vehicles to shut off while coasting, braking or when stopped. General Motors has adapted mild hybrid technology to the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup truck lineups and realized fuel economy increases of around 10 percent.

Plug-in

Some full hybrids have been modified by their owners with larger battery packs and updated computer software to become plug-in hybrids. These vehicles run initially on battery power alone, and then the gasoline engine comes to life when the electrical charge is exhausted. When not in use, plug-ins may be recharged via conventional power outlets and the cycle is repeated. Many manufacturers are working to develop plug-in hybrids, but no current models exist on dealership showroom floors.

Hydrogen

Some people believe that hydrogen in the form of fuel cells represents the primary means of energy for vehicles of the future. No production hydrogen fuel cell vehicles exist today, although several prototypes are in development and could begin trickling into the marketplace within the next few years. Honda will sell the FCX fuel cell car to a few customers in 2008, although limits in fueling infrastructure mean that only certain markets will be targeted. BMW offers the Hydrogen 7 full-size sedan, although in that case hydrogen is burned in an internal combustion engine.

Ethanol

All new vehicles today are capable of running on small blends of ethanol with gasoline, and many can operate on E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline). Some people see ethanol as a short-term solution to alleviating gasoline consumption, including the federal government, which is requiring more ethanol usage in the years to come. The fuel is not without its limitations, however, as mileage decreases with ethanol usage (due to lower energy content). Corn-based ethanol requires large areas of farmland for cultivation, but newer and more energy dense sources of ethanol are being developed.

Natural gas

Harnessing the power of natural gas is another means of reducing petroleum consumption, which Honda has done in releasing the Civic GX. Although only the available in select markets of California and New York, the GX Civic burns compressed natural gas in an internal combustion engine. A special filling station for home usage is supplied with the Civic, easing operation.

Diesel

The efficiency of diesel engines has been demonstrated over and over throughout history, but the major limitation of diesel has traditionally been emissions. Diesel cars from the 1980s gained a poor reputation in the United States due to pollution, but new technology and federal emissions regulations have cleaned the cars up substantially. Look for lots of new diesels from a variety of manufacturers hitting the market in the next few years.

Biodiesel

The term biodiesel refers to processed diesel fuel that originated from biological sources rather than petroleum. Diesel vehicles do not need to be modified to operate with biodiesel. Consumers often confuse biodiesel with Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) or Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO), unprocessed substances that burn in diesel compression engines but require special modifications such as heating elements to operate properly.

Solar

Although production vehicles powered by the sun are not a reality, many concepts employing photovoltaic cells to generate energy have been developed. Competitions such as the World Solar Challenge and American Solar Challenge promote R&D into solar technology, which could become more viable if battery-powered vehicles become more widespread and means of extending their driving ranges are sought.

Earthcars often include low emissions outputs and are rated accordingly based on their levels of emissions compliance. Vehicles achieving Ultra Low Emissions (ULEV), Super Ultra Low Emissions (SULEV), Partial Zero Emissions (PZEV), Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions (AT-PZEV) and Zero Emissions (ZEV) gain points in the Earthcars’ rating system.

What are the different types of pollution?

Several specific types of pollutions are regulated by emissions standards, including carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons and particulate matter.

What are Tier I emissions standards?

When the Clear Air Act was amended in 1990 it created two classes of emissions standards for light duty vehicles in the United States. Tier I standards began going into effect in 1994 and were in full use by 1997. All new vehicles with a GVWR of under 8,500 lbs. were subject to the standards, although subcategories within created different specific requirements based on vehicle type.

What are Tier II emissions standards?

Beginning in 2004 and covering the entire industry by 2009, Tier II standards are more stringent than Tier I and also include medium duty passenger vehicles with GVWRs between 8,500 and 10,000 lbs such as SUVs and vans. Pickup trucks are excluded, as they are not considered passenger-oriented vehicles.

Tier II standards are divided among eight permanent and three temporary certification levels, called “bins.” Bin 1 is the strictest (zero emissions) while Bin 8 is the most lenient permanent level. Bins 9, 10 and 11 will be used during the phase-in period and will be discontinued after 2008. When the standard is fully implemented, manufacturers will have to produce fleets with average compliance at the Tier II Bin 5 level.

What are California emissions standards?

In order to protect air quality, California has developed its own emissions regulation system that has also been adopted by the states of Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont and New York. The California model emulates Tier I and Tier II systems, but adds categories such as Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV), Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) and Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV). The current California emissions system in place is extremely strict in terms of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter, which has been especially challenging for diesel vehicles.

What emissions mandates have been passed or are upcoming?

When Tier II becomes a full industry reality in 2009, passenger vehicles will be subject to the same pollution regulations, regardless of vehicle segment (SUV, truck, car). As technology progresses and environmental awareness grows, expect these regulations to tighten up even further.

Just about every vehicle in the market today could be made cleaner and more efficient with the appropriate application of technology. Hybrid electric cars such as the Toyota Prius were developed as Earthcars from the beginning, and these HEVs often showcase features and technologies maximizing efficiency.

Regenerative brakes

Engaging the brakes is most vehicles turns energy of motion into heat as the brake pads contact the brake rotors and create friction. Vehicles using regenerative brakes, however, recapture some of that energy by allowing the inertia the wheels to spin attached generators when brakes are applied. Hybrid electric vehicles have been using these systems for years, but the technology is now being used by BMW in non-hybrids. Look for regenerative brakes to become more mainstream in the near future.

Low rolling resistance tires

Properly inflated tires with low rolling resistances can enhance fuel economy, but consumers must be aware that low rolling resistance does not always translate to high comfort. As tire manufacturers develop more compliant low friction tires, the application of this technology will grow.

Aerodynamics

Improving aerodynamics decreases the amount of energy required to push that vehicle through the air, thus increasing gas mileage. Vehicles such as the Toyota Prius have extremely low drag coefficients, minimizing losses in efficiency due to poor aerodynamic design.

Lean-burn engines

Some engines operate in “lean-burn” modes, increasing fuel efficiency but often also increasing nitrogen oxide emissions. The Honda Insight with a five-speed manual transmission operates in lean-burn mode, allowing the vehicle to achieve significantly better mileage with the manual than with the automatic.

Variable valve timing

Lots of manufacturers are using variable valve timing in regular gasoline vehicles today to increase fuel efficiency while maintaining the availability of power. The technology changes the lift and duration of intake and/or exhaust valves to maximize operation of an engine.

Continuously variable transmissions

Optimizing transmission gear ratios is another key method of increasing vehicle mileage, and continuously variable transmissions help keep engines in their most efficient RPM ranges in a variety of driving conditions.

Electric air conditioning (full hybrids)

Running vehicle accessories such as air conditioning with electricity allows full hybrid electric vehicle to operate at full efficiency more often. With conventional belt-driven AC, full hybrids still must run their gasoline engines even when stopped to power the air. Electric systems would allow the required energy to come from the battery packs, which are easily recharged in stop and go driving.