The Winner of the Solar Decathlon 2013

In October, eighteen collegiate teams from around the world went to Irvine, CA to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013. Collegiate teams composed of architecture, engineering, business and communications students designed, built and operated solar-powered houses that are cost effective, energy efficient and attractive.

In addition to home design, almost half of the competition teams showcased an electric vehicle next to their house.

Introduced in 2011, the competition requires that all houses be constructed for $250,000 or less to earn maximum points.

Obama Administration's New Vehicle Standards

New vehicle standards have been issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Obama Administration has finalized new standards of 54.5 mpg that will be implemented by 2025.These new vehicle standards in concert with previous Obama administration standards will almost double the fuel efficiency of future vehicles as compared to new vehicles currently on our roads today. The previous Obama administration standards for cars and light trucks for Model Years 2011-2016 raised average fuel efficiency to 35.5 mpg by 2016.

Car Sharing Programs a New More Efficient Way to Drive

Car sharing reduces the number of privately owned cars; and a proportional reduction in the number of parking spaces needed. Car sharing that relies on electric vehicles are of great environmental benefit. They have no emissions and fuel costs are typically 60-70 percent lower than comparable fossil fuel powered vehicles. Car sharing programs are an efficient way of using a car without having to buy one. These programs are particularly environmentally sustainable when they employ electric vehicles.

Life is a Highway…So be Efficient! (Event)

September 6, 2012, from 11 AM to 3 PM, the New Jersey Green Association and Ford Motor Company will introduce the public to its new electric and hybrid vehicles, the CMAX Hybrid and CMAX Plug-In Hybrid.

In addition to learning about Ford’s commitment to green technology, NJGA members and attendees will be able to experience these vehicles first hand as two of these vehicles will be available for test drive (a 100% electric vehicle and a hybrid vehicle). In addition to the test drive, the event will feature a couple of digital interactive displays.