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Auto news and reviews of efficient optionsTRANSCRIPT
2 Longmont Times-Call Publication April 21, 2011
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April 21, 2011 Longmont Times-Call Publication 3
On the CoverMain photo Smart Fortwo. Left insetChevrolet Volt, courtesy Chevrolet.Right inset Mini Cooper, courtesy MiniCooper.
Design by Paul McNeill
AdvertisingThis is the second in a three-part series on autoindustry advances and efficiencies, getting themost out of your car and what consumers shouldlook for when purchasing a vehicle. Foradvertising rates, call 303-776-2244.
Kristi Ritter
Summer Stair
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Specialty Publications [email protected], 303-684-5275
Specialty Publications Associate [email protected], 720-494-5429
Melanie SidwellCheck out our digital edition atwww.timescall.com/magazines.asp
Breaking it DownBuyers should choose a vehicle based on individual driving needs
By Melanie SidwellFor the Longmont Times-Call
There is no simple answer to the question “Whatis the right car for the average Longmont area driv-er?”It depends on the consumer’s highest priority of
all the features that are available, explains SerenaWilliams, service manager at King Auto Group inLongmont.“For instance, the construction worker who
needs to have a truck bed to load tools is willing tosacrifice fuel mileage for that benefit. Longmont’sdemographics could also cater to a huge variety ofimportant different features,” she says. “The avidskier would be best served to have either a four-wheel or an all-wheel drive vehicle for surpriseweather conditions in the mountains. Many peoplethese days are also concerned with the increasedprice of fuel as they are trying to juggle the eco-nomics of their life.”AAA Colorado Spokeswoman Wave Dreher
says the organization, which has 12 offices through-out the state, claims 48,000 members in theBoulder County region, with a state total of 548,000members. Dreher says the best car for localdrivers is one that fits their personal and economicneeds.“What’s great is that in the state of Colorado, you
can drive safely here in any type of car,” she says.And now with ever-increasing gas prices, mo-
torists are also exploring different types of alterna-tive fuel sources to see which, if any, is a good fit for
their vehicles and budgets.“Strangely enough, many of these alternative fuel
systems have been around since the 1950s or earlier,but left stale until recently,” Williams says.The most recently publicized alt-fuel system, the
electric vehicle and hybrid-electric vehicle, work incombination with the traditional gasoline engineand a series of batteries that will take the place ofthe gasoline engine at the appropriate time usingelectric power only. Dreher says technology is on itsway to catching up with how motorists actually op-erate their vehicles, and right now they aren’t in thehabit of plugging in their cars.For example, she says, “I commute about 30
(miles) each way every day. With a hybrid, I’dhave to charge the battery to drive to work, takemy battery off once I get there and charge it therest of the day so I could drive home that night.That technology is coming a long way, but unfortu-nately not many drivers are used to this. We’reimproving the technology, but we’re not thereyet.”Manufactures have been working to get a viable
source of electric capacity in order to have the vehi-cle achieve a fairly long distance with maximummiles per gallon, Williams says.GM’s Chevy Volt, which is scheduled to premier
next year has done well with this. Roughly 400miles can be achieved by use of electric/fuel mix,with miles per gallon fuel use only at 37 and awhopping 93 miles per gallon for electric use only,she adds.“Many of these alternative fuel systems can be
combined with one another on the same vehicle aswell,” she says. For instance, a hybrid may also havean option for “flex fuel” and/or “displacement ondemand.”Flex fuel refers to E85 which is an ethanol-based
fuel, which means it is made from grains and corn.Displacement on demand will systematically cancelout certain cylinders of the engine when the correctcriteria is met, such as when an eight-cylinder en-gine will reduce use to four cylinders when request-ed. Along the same lines of E85, many of GM’s 2011diesels are “bio-diesel” ready; this more environ-mentally-friendly fuel is composed of 80 diesel and20 bio-diesel. These alternative fuels are not yetreadily available, however, and one should definitelycheck to make sure their vehicle’s systems are com-patible and will not be damaged by their use,Williams advises.Dreher says the promise of E85 gasoline waned
once drivers saw that the mileage and performanceof their vehicle was less than that of a traditional
Courtesy AAA Colorado
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt allows you to switch to a fuel-saving mode, which canincrease your vehicle’s fuel economy when compared to normal operation.(Courtesy Chevrolet)
4 Longmont Times-Call Publication April 21, 2011
petroleum-based gasoline engine.
Another lesser known alternative fuelsystem is called “CNG,” or compressed nat-ural gas, which is used exclusively forheavy over the road vehicles; many compa-nies with large fleets utilize this, Williamssays. While the hydrogen cell systems aremostly used for fleet vehicles, there are afew companies that have ventured to putthem in passenger cars.
“The only other alternative fuel systemthat intrigues me as much as the hydrogensystem is a system I have only just learnedabout,” Williams explains. It functions un-der the same premise as a diesel engine,with highly compressed gasoline instead ofdiesel fuel.
“Do I predict more alternative fuelsources?” Williams asks hypothetically. “Aquote I once heard goes something like this:
‘We have gone from the horse and buggy toflying machines in 100 years.’ What do youthink is possible?”
2010 Chevrolet Equinox’s ECO button with the2.4L engine allows you to switch to a fuel-savingmode, which can increase your vehicle’s fueleconomy when compared to normal operation.(Courtesy Chevrolet)
Is a hybrid right for you?By Metro ServicesWhile some eco-friendly behaviors
and lifestyle changes have been easy toadopt, others have proven far more diffi-cult. Perhaps nothing illustrates thatmore than consumer reaction to hybridcars.Hybrid car sales have dipped in recent
years. But supporters note that vehiclesales in general have also decreasedthroughout that period, meaning it’squite possible hybrid car sales are indica-tive of a larger slump, and not necessari-ly indicative of an adverse consumerreaction to hybrid cars.Whatever the reason for dwindling
sales, it’s clear consumers have been reti-cent to embrace hybrid cars, especiallywhen compared to other eco-friendlylifestyle changes that have caught onseemingly en masse. For those consider-ing a hybrid car, there’s a valid case to bemade on both sides of the fence.
Why Buy a Hybrid Car?Buying a car is never an easy decision.
Choosing to buy one that’s fundamental-ly different than one you’ve ever pur-chased before is more difficult. Perhapsthere’s no greater reason to buy a hybridcar than the environmental benefits. Ahybrid’s low emissions mean less green-house gases, which can include harmfulcarbon dioxide. Less emissions make fora healthier planet. For consumers whosechief concern is the environment, thenhybrid cars are the way to go.There’s also more practical reasons
to buy a hybrid car. Better gas mileagemeans drivers will be paying less at thepump, which can add up to significantsavings, not to mention less fuel con-sumption that will help the environment
as well.Hybrid cars also tend to be more effi-
cient. Hybrids have both an internalcombustible engine and an electrical sys-tem, enabling drivers to switch back andforth between the power sources to maketheir vehicle more efficient, burning lessfuel when the conditions allow andusing less electrical energy when theconditions would otherwise drain theelectrical power system.
Why Steer Clear of Hybrid Cars?Hybrid cars’ biggest problems are
largely economical. Resale value of hy-brid cars pales in comparison to that oftraditional automobiles. Much of thislower resale value is thanks to the bat-tery needed for hybrid cars. Hybrid carbatteries typically need to be replacedonce per decade. When selling a pre-owned vehicle, drivers might find thatvehicle is less attractive to prospectivebuyers if that battery has not previouslybeen replaced or if it’s been several yearssince it was replaced.Safety is also a concern when consid-
ering a hybrid car. Hybrids use high-voltage batteries to operate, which canprove disastrous should an accident oc-cur. Manufacturers insist this concernisn’t really a problem, as the batteries aredesigned to turn off in an accident. How-ever, some consumers subscribe to the“better safe than sorry” approach andfeel hybrid batteries are simply too risky.Much like any big ticket decision,
consumers must make, deciding whetheror not to buy a hybrid car requires care-ful consideration of the advantages anddisadvantages to hybrid cars before driv-ing one off the dealership lot.
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How to spend less on fuel when gas prices riseArticle Resource Association
Remember when $4 seemed like an outrageous amountto spend on a gallon of gasoline? Now that number doesn’tseem so far-fetched. While you can’t do anything to controlthe unrest in the Middle East or oil rig explosions that couldlead to gas prices spiking at a moment’s notice, there are afew things you can do to help ease the pain of high gasprices.While buying a more fuel-efficient car might be an option
for some, new and used cars that get more miles per gallontend to be more in demand – and more expensive – whengas prices are high. If a new car isn’t a possibility, imple-menting the following changes can help ensure that you getthe most from the fuel in your gas tank.• Keep the gas you buy in your car. When gas prices are
low, stealing gas would likely be more trouble than it’sworth, but when prices are high, it’s not uncommon forthieves to siphon gas from vehicles, especially those withlarger tanks. Adding a locking gas cap can be done for muchless than the cost of a tank of gas.• Keep your tank full. While you’re looking to reduce the
amount of gasoline you are using, constantly running yourcar with the tank close to empty can wear down your fuelpump. “The gasoline in the tank keeps the fuel pump cool.Take away the gas and the fuel pump runs hot and has ashorter life,” says Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president ofRockAuto.com.• Keep your car in shape. Keeping your engine properly
tuned improves fuel efficiency by an average of 4 percentand repairing a major issue like a faulty oxygen sensor
could improve efficiency by up to 40 percent, according tothe U.S. Department of Energy. The RockAuto.com partscatalog has oxygen sensors from $10 to more than $100 de-pending on the car,” Taylor says . Especially if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you could quickly recoup the cost of an oxy-gen sensor or other repair after as little as one tank of gas.• Keep your tires inflated properly. Keeping your tires at
the optimal level not only keeps you safer, but can improveyour gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent, according to the De-partment of Energy.
• Drive for optimal gas mileage. How you drive can affecthow much gas you use. Most cars run at peak efficiency ataround 60 mph, with fuel economy decreasing sharplywhen traveling faster. Aggressive driving with rapid acceler-ation and slowing will also have a negative effect.• Reduce weight and drag. Getting rid of items such as
roof equipment when they aren’t being used can help yourcar become more aerodynamic and run more efficiently.By adding up the savings gained by each of these tips, you
can notice a difference on how much you are paying.
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8 Longmont Times-Call Publication April 21, 2011
Relief at the Pump
These five fuel-frugal vehicles canhelp ease pain at the pump
for cash-strapped commuters
By Jim GorzelanyCTW Features
How acutely are Americans feeling thesting of sky-high gas prices? According to arecent market research study conducted byautomotive price guide Kelley Blue Book,28 percent of new-car shoppers havestopped going to Starbucks or othercoffee houses entirely, 21 percent indicatethey are going out less often and 28 percentsaid they’ve stopped buying DVDs and CDs.Meanwhile, 30 percent of all respondentssaid they’ve just plain cut back in generaland are spending less because of soaring fuelcosts.“What was once a frequent occurrence,
such as the morning trip to Starbucks ortaking the family to a ball game, just isn’t asfinancially feasible when $4-per-gallon gasmust also share a place in the budget,” saysJack R. Nerad, executive editorial directorand executive market analyst for the publi-cation. If you’re thinking of making yournext car a higher-mileage ride to helpstretch your budget, consider any of the fol-lowing models, which the EnvironmentalProtection Agency estimates will achieve thebest fuel economy in each of their respectivemarket segments.Complete information for all makes and
models can be found at the EPA’s website,fueleconomy.gov.
Two-Seater: Smart FortwoThe diminutive Smart Fortwo is roughly
half the size of a midsize car and, as itsmoniker suggests, seats only two passen-gers. Available either as a coupe or convert-ible, it’s fairly maneuverable, is amazinglyroomy on the inside and is unquestionablyendearing to look at. Unfortunately, whileits 1.0-liter engine enables the microcar toachieve 33-city/41-highway mpg, it gener-ates only a timid 70 horsepower, and is sad-
dled with an odd-shifting automatic trans-mission to boot. It also requires premiumgasoline, which boosts its operating costs by20 to 25 cents per gallon.
Minicompact: Mini Cooper
There are few cars on the road that are asfun to drive as a Mini Cooper – its stellar fu-el economy (28/37 mpg) is literally icing onthe cake. True, it’s not the most practicalride on the road, but there’s ample room up
front for two adults, albeit witha penalty box of a back seat and littlecargo room unless the rear bench is foldedflat. Still, a 120-horsepower 1.6-literengine is peppy enough to propel thislightweight and nimble British coupe withauthority and it’s small enough to park justabout anywhere. A convertible version isalso offered, as is a three-door Clubmanvariant and higher-powered Cooper Smodels.
Ford Escape Hybrid Honda Accord CoupeMini Cooper
Smart Fortwo
April 21, 2011 Longmont Times-Call Publication 9
Complete information for all makes and models can be foundat the EPA’s website, fueleconomy.gov.
Honda Civic
SUV: Ford Escape and Mercury MarinerHybridsThe mechanically identical Escape and
Mariner Hybrids recently received updatesas early-2009 models that include addedpower. A new 2.5-liter engine (still teamedwith an electric motor/generator) deliversquicker accelerationthan before – Ford saysboth models now reach60 mph about 1.3 sec-onds faster – andmaintains equivalentmileage at 34/30 mpg.A long list of safety
features is included;key gadgetry includesthe automaker’sinnovative Sync hands-free media control sys-tem. A similar versionis sold, thoughonly on a limited basisthrough select dealersin California, as theMazda TributeHybrid.
Compact: Honda Civic HybridThe civic hybrid is one of the most fuel-
frugal cars sold in the United States, is alsoaccommodating and reasonably stylish. A110-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline en-gine teams with a 15-kilowatt electric mo-tor/generator and a continuously variableautomatic transmission to deliver accelera-tion that’s equivalent to the standard model,yet registers 40/45 mpg.It’s sufficiently roomy for four passengersand features a stylish high-tech dashboardwith a two-tiered instrument panel thatplaces select readouts directly in the driver’s
line of sight.
Midsize: Toyota PriusIt’s no coincidence that the auto industry’s
mileage leader is also its most popular hy-brid-powered model. The midsize Priussedan outsells some automakers’ entirefleets, with recent inventory shortages being
the only impediment toseeing more of them onthe road. A 76-horse-power, 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline en-gine works in tandemwith an electric mo-tor/generator to pro-duce the equivalent of110 horses, which issufficient, if not partic-ularly speedy. The carmakes up for it bybreezing past gas sta-tions with its estimated45/48 mpg fuel econo-my. Distinctivelyrounded exterior
styling gives the car a high-tech look, andaffords a roomy interior.
Large: Honda AccordThe top-selling Accord grew in size with
its most recent redesign last fall, but itremains fairly fuel-efficient, with the stan-dard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering177-horsepower in the base LX version, anda slightly quicker 190 in the EX, with thesame 22/31 mpg. The available 3.5-liter V6is faster yet with 268 horsepower, but it’sslightly thirstier at 19-city/29-highway mpg.As always, the Accord performs admirably,with plentiful features and a voluminouspassenger compartment.
“What was once a frequentoccurrence, such as themorning trip to Starbucks ortaking the family to a ballgame, just isn’t as financiallyfeasible when $4-per-gallongas must also share a place inthe budget.”
Jack R. Nerad, executive editorialdirector and executive marketanalyst for Kelley Blue Book.
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Maintain fuel efficiencyAAA Colorado
Check your owner’s manual for routine maintenance instruc-tions, and keep the following points in mind:• Spark plugs must be in good condition. Some will last for
100,000 miles, but many need to be replaced more often.• Check the air and fuel filters at least twice a year. Dirty filters
increase fuel consumption and can cause poor performance.• Inflate tires according to manufacturer recommendations. Un-
der-inflated tires are a safety hazard and can cut fuel economy by asmuch as 2 percent per pound of pressure below the recommendedlevel.• Have your vehicle serviced immediately if the emissions mal-
function indicator or “check engine” light comes on.• Have your vehicle serviced regularly by a certified technician,
who can also inspect important vehicle components that affect fuelconsumption.• If your vehicle’s engine does not need premium fuel, using
anything other than regular is simply a waste of money.• Don’t top off your gas tank completely. In warm weather, fuel
can expand and overflow.• If you must replace a gas cap, make sure it is the right one for
your car. An ill-fitting cap can cause engine problems, increaseemissions and reduce fuel economy.• Keep track of gas mileage. If you notice a decrease in fuel
economy, your vehicle may not be operating at peak performance.
Recharge while you eat?By Stephen Markley,Cars.comTribune Media Services
And the march of progresscontinues at ... the newMcDonald’s in Huntington, W.Va.? When the new fast-foodrestaurant had its grand openinglast December, it became thefirst McDonald’s in the UnitedStates to be equipped withLevel 2 electric car chargingstations.Incidentally, this restaurantreplaces the first-ever WestVirginia McDonald’s. AmericanElectric Power used theopportunity of the grandopening to display their plug-inelectric vehicle and demonstratethe charging site’s capabilities.No word yet on how manypeople currently own electriccars in Huntington, but aneducated guess would be, “notmany.”Tom Wolf, the newMcDonald’s owner andoperator, told local news stationWSAZ-TV, “I wanted to offerthis capability to show ourcustomers that this newtechnology is here when theyare ready to take advantage ofit.”
April 21, 2011 Longmont Times-Call Publication 11
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Boulder-Longmont Fuel AveragesAs of April 18, 2011
REGULAR MID PREMIUM DIESEL
Current $3.53 $3.64 $3.74 $3.98
Yesterday $3.53 $3.65 $3.76 $3.99
Week Ago $3.52 $3.62 $3.74 $3.93
Month Ago $3.34 $3.46 $3.57 $3.82
Year Ago $2.69 $2.88 $3.01 $2.89
Highest RecordedAverage Price:
RegularUnleaded
$4.04 7/18/2008
Diesel $4.77 7/18/2008
Current $3.58 $3.68 $3.78 $4.03
Yesterday $3.59 $3.69 $3.78 $4.04
Week Ago $3.55 $3.65 $3.75 $3.98
Month Ago $3.37 $3.47 $3.56 $3.85
Year Ago $2.74 $2.93 $3.06 $2.97
Highest RecordedAverage Price:
RegularUnleaded
$4.09 7/17/2008
Diesel $4.84 7/18/2008
Colorado Fuel AveragesREGULAR MID PREMIUM DIESEL
Current $3.97 $4.10 $4.13 $3.22
National Fuel Averages
$3.83 $4.23
MID PREMIUM DIESEL E85REGULAR
E85MPG/BTUadjustedprice
Yesterday $3.82 $3.96 $4.09 $4.13 $3.21 $4.23
Week Ago $3.77 $3.90 $4.03 $4.07 $3.16 $4.16
Month Ago $3.54 $3.67 $3.80 $3.93 $3.00 $3.94
Year Ago $2.86 $3.04 $3.15 $3.06 $2.29 $3.02
Highest RecordedAverage Price:
RegularUnleaded
$4.11 7/17/2008
Diesel $4.84 7/17/2008
Data provided by Oil Price Information Service in cooperation with Wright Express, courtesy AAA Colorado
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*Includes up to 14 quarts of 15W40 motor oil and a standardfilter. Additional disposal and shop supply fees may apply.special oils and filters are available at additional cost.
Valid participating locations. Valid on most cars & trucks.Not valid with any other offers.
105 3rd Ave. Longmont303-684-0843 [email protected]
TONNEAUSTONNEAUS& TRUCK CAPS& TRUCK CAPSFOR EVERYFOR EVERYPICKUP ONPICKUP ONTHE ROAD.THE ROAD.Come in and find outCome in and find outwhat savings you canwhat savings you cantake advantage of.take advantage of.
Also offering premium window films.Also offering premium window films.Improving comfort, protecting vehicle interiorsImproving comfort, protecting vehicle interiors
andand the people who occupy them.the people who occupy them.
April 21, 2011 Longmont Times-Call Publication 13
2011 SUBARU
FORESTER2.5X
Subaru -The only
manufacturewith IIHS TopSafety Picks forall 2010 models.
TOPSAFETYPICK 2011
Lease from
$139per month + Tax36 months, 10K/year. $3295 capreduction, plus 1st payment,plus D/H Due at lease signing.
No SECURITY Deposit.
• 2.5L 4 Cyl . 170-HP Engine , Power• Windows/Locks/Mir rors• Stab i l i ty Cont ro l ,Cru ise Cont ro l
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Stock #91014 • Model BJA
2010 SUBARU
IMPREZA2.5i Premium
• 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170-HP Engine• PowerWindows/Locks/Mirrors• AM/FM Stereo with CD
• Stability Control• Remote Keyless Entry• Cruise Control
Stock #21381• Model BDA
2011 SUBARU
OUTBACK2.5i
Stock #21460 • Model BAA
• 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170-HP Engine• PowerWindows/Locks/Mirrors• AM/FM Stereo with CD
• Stability Control• Remote Keyless Entry• Cruise Control
2011 SUBARU
LEGACY2.5i
Subaru -The only
manufacturewith IIHS TopSafety Picks forall 2010 models.
TOPSAFETYPICK 2011
Lease from
$189per month + Tax36 months, $0 Security Deposit.
$3295 due, plus 1st month, Tax & FeesDue Down at Signing, 10k mi/per year.Dealer Retains all Rebates & Incentives.
Subaru -The only
manufacturewith IIHS TopSafety Picks forall 2010 models.
TOPSAFETYPICK 2011
Lease from
$89per month + Tax36 months, 10K/year. $3295 capreduction, plus 1st payment,plus D/H Due at lease signing.
No SECURITY Deposit.
Subaru -The only
manufacturewith IIHS TopSafety Picks forall 2010 models.
TOPSAFETYPICK 2011
Lease from
$79per month + Tax36 months, $0 Security Deposit.
$3295 due, plus 1st month, Tax & FeesDue Down at Signing, 10k mi/per year.Dealer Retains all Rebates & Incentives.
27MPG
27MPG
29MPG
31MPG
2.5i
• 2.5L 4 Cyl. 170-HP Engine• PowerWindows/Locks/Mirrors• AM/FM Stereo with CD• Stability Control• Remote Keyless Entry
• Cruise Control• Alloy Wheels• Roof Rack
Stock #80331 • Model BFA
5995 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder • (303)443-0114 • www.flatironssubaru.com
STRAIGHT ANSWERS, KNOWLEDGEABLE SALESPEOPLE, NEVER ANY PRESSURE
SAME FAMILY DOING BUSINESS FOR OVER 50 YEARS!
MP
-167
288
as low as.9%on all
2011 Legacysand Imprezas
Spring into a newSubaru today!
Every Subaru model is a 2011IIHS Top Safety Pick, and Subaru has been awarded
highest predicted resale value by ALG and Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.* Now that’s love.
*Based on ALG’s 2011 Residual Value Award for Mainstream Brands and Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com 2011 Best Resale Value Brand.For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.
• AM/FM Stereo with CD • Cruise Control
14 Longmont Times-Call Publication April 21, 2011
AlternativeThinking
With gas prices rising and supplies dwindling,interest in alternative fuels is skyrocketing
JamesSteidl,JamesGroupStudiosInc.
By Jeffrey SteeleCTW Features
What do kerosene, peanut oil, alcohol, naptha, elec-trical current and wood have in common? These werejust a few of the sources of energy considered as ameans of powering horseless carriages at the dawn ofthe automotive age.In the battle to fuel automobiles, all finished behind a
refinery byproduct called “petrol” that had been trum-peted as a means of ridding lice and cutting grease, saysFrank Markus, technical director of Detroit-based Mo-tor Trend magazine.That product – gasoline – has been pumped into our
vehicles’ tanks ever since. Oh, sure, methanol made abit of news in the 1990s, and Ford Motor Co. evenmade a few Tauruses that were capable of running onthe fuel. And of course, there’s been periodic interest inelectric-powered vehicles since the first day cars took tothe road.But because of its abundance, affordability and
stature as a high-energy fuel, gasoline has remained thetried-and-true choice for powering passenger vehicles.Today, however, concerns about global warming, theuncertainty of foreign oil supplies, the security of do-mestic energy reserves and the snowballing price ofpetroleum have the auto industry hard at work re-searching alternatives to gasoline, Markus says.“This era’s search for alternative fuels is a more en-
thusiastic one,” he says. “And it’s a search that’s gainingmore traction with the American public.” Already noless than 60 different alternative fuel models are on themarket, according to the research firm R.L. Polk, in-cluding hybrid-electric, diesel powered and ethanolcapable.Of the present range of alternative fuels with the
greatest viability, electric power stands near the top. Butthere’s more to be done before purely electric cars attainwidespread use, Markus says. Reaching that goal willrequire advancements in lithium-ion, an automotive-battery technology that will permit full recharges up to150,000 or more miles through its life cycle, which isessential given the $3,000 to $5,000 such power cellsare anticipated to command.“The current batteries never really discharge that
much,” Markus says. “Today’s hybrid-car batteries aredesigned to stay at about an 80 percent charge. What’sneeded is a battery that can be charged down much fur-ther, and then recharged.” Those working on battery re-search are aiming for 40 miles of electric range, becausemost people have daily commutes of 40 miles or less, hesays. These would be built for so-called plug-in hybrid
cars, which can drive purely on electric power until thebatteries discharge, at which time a small gasoline en-gine would be used to power the vehicle. As the namesuggests, a plug-in hybrid would have to be tethered toa wall outlet at night for recharging.“Most people believe we are three to five years away
from developing such a battery,” Markus says. “But bat-tery research has been going on all along. There’s been alot of research into battery life as part of the space pro-gram, for instance.”Electric power promises to be a workable option for
passenger vehicles, but it’s more likely that larger andheavier vehicles of the future will run on diesel fuel. “Ahybrid, plug-in or otherwise doesn’t do much for youon a long trip,” Markus says. “Those are optimized forstop-and-go traffic. Hauling down the road, you get bet-ter efficiency from a diesel. But the trouble with dieselsis they cost more than gasoline engines – about thesame as a hybrid.”Part of the added cost comes from sophisticated
emission controls that are necessary to minimizetailpipe particulates. But cost could be trimmed ifautomakers ramp up diesel production and gaineconomies of scale.Traditional concerns about diesel engines center on
the idea they are smelly and loud. That was true of theVolkswagen and Mercedes diesels of the 1970s and1980s, and GM’s diesels of that era also were slow andunreliable, Markus says.By contrast, today’s high-performance diesel engines
are neither odiferous nor noisy. “With the increasingemissions controls, the smell is almost gone,” Markussays, “And some of the clatter has gone away now too.”Projections by the Oak Ridge Laboratory suggest
diesel will command 7 percent of the market by 2012,with hybrids twice as popular at 14 percent, Markussays. By the year 2020, Motor Trend is projecting 10and 25 percent market share for diesels and hybrids, re-spectively.Another alternative fuel option is E85 ethanol, which
currently is made from a blend of gasoline and cornkernels. Unfortunately, ethanol is inherently less effi-cient than gasoline – all else being equal, it affordsabout a third less fuel economy. Worse, to replace gaso-line with corn-based E85 would require more land com-mitted to corn production than the United States has intotal for all crops. Thus, ethanol is someday likely to berefined from other sources, such as cellulose plant ma-terial – like switchgrass – that is far more abundant,Markus says.Looking ahead, Markus believes petrochemicals will
be needed for transportation long into the future.
April 21, 2011 Longmont Times-Call Publication 15
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16 Longmont Times-Call Publication April 21, 2011
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