I used to think that all the materials that make up vehicles are one and the same. I thought that at the end of the day, size, power, and speed are the only things that should matter.

However, extensive research and development have changed automobiles drastically over the years. Simply put, vehicles have changed a lot and that means they only just got better and better. Meanwhile, there are two types of car bodies have emerged recently: lightweight steel and aluminum. If you want to know the difference, read on and find out.

1.Weight and Size are not Equal

Back in the past, light cars and small cars were indistinguishable. When your car is small, it’s natural to think that they are also small. However, big and bulky cars have also become really light these days. Truth is, what really protects a vehicle from damage is not size, but weight. Aside from that, lighter cars are also better suited for the environment. That’s because heavier cars burn more fuel because their bulk needs more energy to be carried. In short, if you have an option to choose a light and a heavy vehicle; choose the former.

2.Cars have different sizes for different reasons

Through the years, most cars simply got bigger. In fact, from 1990 to 2009, vehicles have increased in mass by as much as 500 lbs. The cars simply got heavier because of bigger engines, chassis, framework, and overall parts. With that being said, you can expect jeeps, SUVs, cars, and even sports cars to be heavier. However, they are not necessarily slower. That’s because engines have also improved and that only means one thing: more power.

3.Going Lightweight

Since most vehicles became heavier than their older counterparts, engineers have a found a way so that automobiles won’t have to necessarily slow down. The solution to that problem is to use lightweight materials for some of the vehicle’s parts. This is being done by tweaking the interior and exterior of the vehicle, without affecting its speed and power. Some examples include lighter seats or using a chassis/framework made of lightweight materials. It all boils down to the fact that lightweight cars are easier to handle, while being able to accelerate faster. That does not end there, because studies show that they are easier to brake too.

4.Other Parts

Lightweight materials are not only used on the vehicle’s body. In fact, all parts of the vehicle can use light materials and these can be the engine cover, pumps, and even the cylinder block.

5.So Why Lightweight?

Vehicles that use lightweight materials have more efficient engines because they just don’t have to work as hard. As a consequence, they last longer and that means you don’t have to spend so much money to get it fixed. Aside from that, you extend your vehicle’s gas mileage much better.

There’s no question that Ford is one of the most respected automakers today. In order to keep up with the changing times however, it has started focusing on green vehicles already. Right now, Ford has recently introduced another impressive vehicle that would surely make your mouth water and that’s the Ford Edge Hydrogen Plug-in Hybrid.

Basically, a demonstration vehicle, it combines plug-in, hydrogen, and hybrid technology in one neat package. Just like any other electric car, you can plug it into a socket to take power from the grid. With hydrogen fuel cells meanwhile, it generates enough electricity to power it during long trips. In order to manage both its power sources, it has an on-board battery storage that most hybrid cars possess today.

The best thing about the Ford Edge Hydrogen Plug-in Hybrid is its simplicity. That’s because it removes all the unnecessary hardware that can add weight to it because it combines three technologies into. Essentially, hybrid, hydrogen, and plug-in technologies are the same. The only difference is how they manage the flow of electricity. When the batteries start running low, the fuel cells provide enough backup so you won’t end up stopping in the middle of the road.

When it comes to performance, the Ford Edge Hydrogen Plug-in Hybrid can go as far as 255 miles if you merge what the fuel cells and batteries can do. Apart from that, its 80 MPG rating is no laughing matter either. In short, this car can perform and last on the road without even using a single drop of gasoline.

Overall, the Ford Edge Hydrogen Plug-in Hybrid is a solid vehicle that Ford should try to work on in the coming years. I still think that there’s much to improve in this vehicle but right now, I’m already impressed.

Green cars are special vehicles that let you enjoy the most out of your fuel. Just like your regular rigs, it also needs to be maintained regularly. Truth is, taking care of your green car’s interior is as important as watching over its MPG and emission ratings. When I asked my friends who currently own green vehicles, here’s what they have to say when it comes to keeping the interior slick.

1.Be Careful When Detailing

Little do you know it, but detailing involves lots of chemicals that can cause allergies and corrosion. Carpet cleaners, upholstery liquids, polishes, protectants, and perfumes all contain compounds that can be inhaled.

2.Some Cleaning Techniques

When you’re cleaning the interior of your green wheels, avoid using hazardous cleaners at all costs. The fact is, regular vacuuming and dusting are enough to prevent the accumulation of filth and grime. For those hard-to-reach areas, using cotton swab can do the trick. You don’t even have to do it everyday because a weekly cleaning regimen is enough to keep the interior looking in top shape all the time.

3.Green Car Cleaning Materials

I have encountered people who have made their own cleaning concoctions. Despite of how they make sense, using them on your interior has so much risk involved. The good thing though is that there are many eco-friendly cleaning materials that are available right now. These products use soy and coconut-based cleaners instead of the usual formaldehyde and VOCs that can wreak havoc on your vehicle.

4.Replacing the Air filter

According to studies, the air inside every vehicle is six times dirtier than the air outside. Because of that, it’s imperative that you replace it regularly to prevent pollen, dust, and all kinds of soot from accumulating.

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles or NEV have come and gone. However, rising oil prices have really brought these vehicles from the dead. Recently, the Canadian company called Bombardier just launched the Bombardier NEV. Compared to other NEVs, this one is a lot cheaper because it only costs around 7,000 USD.

Basically, the Bombardier NEV is a simple, small, and efficient vehicle that is built for short-distance driving. Like other NEVs, the Bombardier NEV has the standard lighting, brakes, and independent suspension. For only 700 dollars, you can choose to have detachable doors, cassette stereo system, and even stylish curtains. Also, its 25 mph is pretty decent for a vehicle that runs solely on batteries.

There’s only room for two people inside and it has limited horsepower as well. However, its pretty good steal especially with the tag price that it comes with.

Needless to say, everybody loves the MINI. Through the years, BMW has made the MINI one of its most exciting and successful divisions. Because of that, I’m not surprised if BMW always toys with its designs and looks. Everybody knows what the MINI sedan looks like but BMW won’t be content with it. That’s because it has recently announced that it’ll be launching the MINI Crossover by 2010.

The MINI Crossover would be the biggest member of the MINI brand. Also, it’s going to be the first one with a four-wheel drive. When it comes to measurements, the MINI Crossover is about 13 feet long, making it a foot longer than the MINI Clubman. Since it’s a four-wheel drive vehicle, it packs in more power as well.

Meanwhile, the MINI Crossover has a five-door arrangement and the best part is, there’s enough room for as much as 8 people. Powered by an extremely efficient 1.8-liter engine, it has the size, style, and fuel economy that you want from a big ride.

Imagination. That’s one thing that BMW had used for decades. Because of that, it has pretty much dominated the industry with very little resistance. Recently, I was treated to another car exhibit that features what could be the future of all green cars: the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car. Basically, it’s a hybrid car that looks and performs like a sports car.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept is a lightweight vehicle that reduces the coefficient drag to as low as .22. When it comes to styling, it looks like its ready to fly because of its stylish, vertical doors. Its exterior is designed to minimize as much drag as possible. When you check its interiors, you’ll be surprised that it has all the things that you expect from a top-caliber sports car.

When it comes to performance, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept is powered by a 1.5-liter engine and an electric motor located at each axle. Because of that, it is able to generate horsepower that can go as high as 356. Acceleration is impressive too because it can go from 0-60 mph in just under 4.8 seconds. If you’re wondering how fast the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept can go, tests show that it can torch the highway in its 155 mph top speed.

Although the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept is still in the concept stage, there’s no question that its potential is limitless. I’ll be waiting to see this vehicle be introduced to the market in the coming years.

1. Why Are They Important?

One word: pollution. More than a century of using petroleum-based fuel has really taken its toll. Because of that, the Earth’s atmosphere hasn’t been this dirty for millions of years. With that being said, it’s extremely imperative that countries start looking for alternative fuels before it is too late.

2.What Are the Options?

Fortunately, there are other options than petroleum that people can go to. Alternative fuels that are currently being used include Ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, electricity, and hydrogen fuel. In fact, some vehicles are already built to use specifically one or a combination of any of these energy sources.

3.What are the Benefits?

These alternative fuel sources are cleaner and more efficient than gasoline. Aside from that, some can even boost your engine’s horsepower. Not only that because studies have shown that alternative fuel sources are cleaner and cheaper than regular petrol.

4.What are the Disadvantages?

Aside from the extra costs needed in manufacturing them. Alternative fuel sources also lack the necessary infrastructures to be spread all over the globe. In fact, most vehicles are still designed to use petroleum-based fuel in order to function. With that being said, it will take quite a while for these alternative fuels to be accepted by the public.

Huge wheels and out-of-this world doors are just two of things that would immediately notice with the Mitsubishi Concept-CT Hybrid. When you look at nit further, you’d realize that it’s also a green vehicle. To be more exact, it’s a hybrid vehicle that runs on both electricity and gasoline.

Basically, the Mitsubishi Concept-CT Hybrid runs on a lithium-ion battery pack and a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine. Aside from that it comes with a 54-horsepower generator that recharges the batteries.

The design of the Mitsubishi Concept-CT Hybrid is pretty unique. With a massive frontal crush zone, there is very little that can damage it during collisions. When you get inside, I was totally impressed with what I saw and I was wondering why this car hasn’t been launched. There’s a huge screen that displays the navigation system, rear-view mirrors, side-view mirrors, and even the entertainment-related console.

Right now, Mitsubishi doesn’t see launching this vehicle until 2010. If you’re going to ask me, with everything that I’ve seen with this vehicle, I want it right NOW.

Lightweight, strong, and powerful. These are three adjectives that best describe the Lotus Exige 265E. Running on a kind of fuel called E85, it’s also an out and proud green vehicle. E85 is actually a combination of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. With this fuel, the Lotus Exige 265E can generate as much as 264 horsepower and 184 lbs.-ft of torque. Did I mention that this sleek driving machine is light? Well at 2000 lbs., you can’t see anything lighter than this one.

Basically, the Lotus Exige 265E can from 0-60 mph in just 3.88 seconds and 0-100 mph in just 9.2 seconds, with a top speed can go as fast as 158 mph. Not bad for a car that runs on 15 percent gasoline. Right now, Lotus says that the Lotus Exige 265E is still in developmental stage. As far as I’m concerned, this car is already perfect for me, although if Lotus wants to add more spunk on it, I’m all for it.