Plug-Ins Could Actually Worsen Air Pollution

Plug-ins will soon invade our roads. And ‘soon’ may mean 5 years from now or lesser. But recent findings about plug-ins left me startled…

Reports say they could slash oil use but could worsen air pollution in some areas. They are built to cut harmful emissions at the same time improve mileage. How come they could worsen air pollution?

The reason behind is that the vehicle’s lower tailpipe emissions may be offset by smokestack emissions from the utility generating plants supplying electricity to recharge the big batteries that allow plug-ins to run up to 40 miles without kicking on their gasoline engines, according to USA Today.

The longer a plug-in runs on the batteries alone, the less gasoline it uses. The more electricity it needs, however, the larger are the batteries. Moreover, the longer the plug-in runs on electricity, the greater the charge needed and the more the pollution will be caused by power generation.

If more plug-ins were being recharged with power from the usual coal plants, “There is likelihood for significant increases of soot and mercury,” said a report from Natural Resources Defense Council. As we know, soot and mercury are dangerous to our health.

“We look at plug-in hybrids as the next generation of hybrids. They run cleaner, they save oil and they can save consumers money at the pump,” said Luke Tonachel, vehicles analyst at the NRDC. But, he stressed: “Until our oldest power plants are replaced or upgraded, there could be increases in local particulate matter and ozone.”

“Plug-in hybrids are perhaps not good for all areas,” said Howard Learner, executive director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. In “states that are heavily coal, that equation doesn’t work out very well for the environment.”

Another issue worthy of emphasis is that involving sulfur dioxide emissions. A study by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that found plug-ins could result in more SO2 emissions. In large amounts, SO2 is toxic.

The said study concluded: “Alternative vehicles offer benefits, but no single technology currently stands out as a clear choice.”

Now, how do you rate plug-ins?

The Best Of The Best Family Vehicles For 2008

Looking for a new and great family vehicle? Now is your chance to make a great choice as Mother Proof presents the best of the best family cars this year! The leading website for helping mothers and women navigate the automotive industry came up with their hot list of winners. Let’s all check it out!

“There are countless family-friendly vehicle options on the market today, offering families a combination of style and features. Our goal is to help women, and moms in particular, evaluate the options best suited for their unique needs. Our awards are unique in that evaluations are based on our own experiences with test vehicles – taking our kids to school, loading up groceries for the week, commuting, even heading out for date night. We put each car to the test the way real families use them in their daily lives,” says chief mother Kristin Varela.

The Auto Channel reported that Mother Proof’s Awards was established in 2006. It is intended to recognize several of the premium new vehicles on the industry.

“Often when people think ‘family car,’ they think only of the minivan,” Varela said. “While that’s a great selection for many people, moms no longer need to limit themselves to the van. The Mother Proof awards showcase a wide range of vehicle types and body styles, all well-appointed for families.”

“All of these vehicles represent the best of the best for families and offer the complete package of safety, style and convenient features for families on the go,” says Varela.

“This year’s Mother Spoof award may be surprising because in terms of safety and family-friendly design, Volvo is known for getting it right. However, we’ve found that the Latch connectors in their models are much more difficult to use than any others we put to the test. This is an issue we have brought to the manufacturer’s attention in previous reviews and hope to see improvements in down the road,” Varela concluded.

2008 Mother Proof Award Winners:

• Minivan: 2008 Chrysler Town & Country
• SUV/Crossover (three rows): 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
• Runner-Up: 2008 Mazda CX-9
• SUV/Crossover (two rows): 2008 Mazda CX-7
• Runner-Up: 2008 Mercedes M-Class
• Wagon/Hatch: 2008 Volvo XC70
  
• Runner-Up: 2008 Honda Fit
• Sedan: 2008 Chevy Malibu
• Hybrid: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Runner-Up: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
• Just for Fun: 2008 Volvo C30
• Top Overall Value: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
• Best Latch Connectors: Mini Cooper

BorgWarner Supplies Four Best Engines For 2008

Four of the “Top Best Engines 2008” selected by Ward’s Auto World are provided with components and systems courtesy of BorgWarner Engine group. The Auto Channel reported that the four acclaimed best engines are the Audi FSI 2.0L turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A3), Daimler 3.0L DOHC V-6 Turbodiesel (Mercedes E320 CDI), Ford 4.6L SOHC V-8 (Mustang Shelby GT/Bullitt) and the Mazda 2.3L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mazdaspeed3).

“About 70% of our global business is built on systems and components for engines. We are proud to contribute the important benefits of fuel economy, reduced emissions and enhanced performance to these notable powertrains. Congratulations to our winning customers — Audi, Daimler, Ford and Mazda,” says Tim Manganello, BorgWarner Chairman and CEO.