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AUTOMOBILES
by Amory Lovins, Brett Williams, and Jonathan Fox |
1. Calstart
By far the most complete advanced-transportation resource, focused far beyond Calstart's mission (creating a California advanced transportation technologies industry). Well-synthesized, global, handy daily newsbriefs, and searchable archival database of all the details you read but mislaid.
2. Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Most comprehensive US source on alternative fuels, their processing, refueling infrastructure, vehicle emissions, etc. Operating information from alternative-fueled vehicles; DOE research findings on alternative fuel use and biofuels. Nifty site.
3. NREL's Hybrid Electric Vehicle Program
Excellent, well-linked site on the what, how, and why of electric propulsion systems that make their power onboard from fuel as needed. Great design-your-own-HEV online simulator.
4. Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles
Big Three/government consortium to improve cars' materials, manufacturing, etc. Aims to prototype tripled-efficiency but uncompromised midsized cars by 2003. Amidst patriotic hoopla and hints of proprietary wrangles and divergent interests, much valuable content from an unprecedented and good program. PNGV has legitimized a psychology of innovation that'll ensure its goals are exceeded: if the Big Three are doing such cool stuff in full view of their competitors, imagine what they're up to behind closed doors!
5. Rocky Mountain Institute's Hypercar Center
Ultralight, ultra-low-drag, hybrid-electric cars (or other vehicles) just might leapfrog the competition. Explains how customer and manufacturing advantages could quickly spread this approach worldwide, and are already starting to. Plain, low-frills, but high-value site. Posts illustrations and popular and technical papers (explaining concept, status, implications, and gearhead mind-candy). Catalogs make many more available in hard copy, orderable online. Definitely worth a periodic visit.
Also see, David Rezachek's homepage, Cornell Center for the Environment's site of the week; General Motor's EV1 site for a wattage-wasting java-loading look at the best production car on the market; Solectria's EV site for a zero-frills look at GM's EV1's competition; Society of Automotive Engineers' for the industry; and don't miss the academic entry: a student-led effort to produce the ultimate vehicle: a hypercar.
Amory Lovins is Director of Research at, and co-Founder of, the Rocky Mountain Institute. Jonathan Fox is Senior Research Associate and Brett Williams is Research Associate.