About Me
Jon LeSageLONG BEACH, CA
Jon LeSage is Automotive Editor, Green Initiatives at Automotive Digest. He writes for and edits online newsletter Automotive Digest Weekly Green, which goes out to the auto industry and green vehicle shoppers, daily blog Green Machine Digest and Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Monthly Archives: August 2011
IHS says EVs will pass laptops as lithium-ion battery market
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming the standard benchmark for light weight, efficient power storage used in laptop computers, cell phones, digital cameras, and now in plug-in electric vehicles. There may not be very many of these electric cars on US roads … Continue reading
What will the plug-in Prius get for MPG?
Toyota is showing the 2012 Prius plug-in hybrid at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month. It’s not due for launch in Europe until next summer. That will probably be true for the US market, as well. There are banner ads … Continue reading
Posted in green vehicles, hybrid, plug-in electric vehicle
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HOV diamond lane access different than it used to be
For Californians thinking about buying a green car now, or in the fall when the 2012 models are launched, it’s good to consider all of the ownership perks. Along with saving money on fuel expense, California residents tend to value … Continue reading
Posted in Green marketing, green vehicles, hybrid
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Fracking for natural gas facing federal pressure
Natural gas has become an increasing important energy source in the U.S., fueling cooking and heating, electric power plants, and transportation, among other applications. Supporters of natural gas emphasize that it’s a domestic fuel freeing us from foreign oil, it’s … Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuel, clean transportation, energy security, water
3 Comments
Detroit 3 get more federal funds for advanced tech
If the Obama administration leaves office in January 2013, they’ll be mainly remembered for the expensive Recovery & Reinvestment Act, an extensive and confusing health care bill, and budgetary battles. What might be forgotten are achievements in advanced automotive technologies … Continue reading
Posted in clean transportation, fuel economy, MPG
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How car shoppers are doing the numbers on PEVs
For those marketing and selling plug-in electric vehicles to early adopters, environmental activists, or tire kicking, dollars-and-sense consumers, keep in mind that they ask the same question: What’s in it for me? The green aspects are more important for some … Continue reading
Challenges of getting big-rig trucks to go green
Commercial vehicles will be following light-duty passenger vehicles with increased corporate average fuel economy standards. The rule is expected to cover everything from 18-wheel semis to garbage and fire trucks, and heavy-duty versions of pickups like the Ford F550, which aren’t … Continue reading
Ultra cool green fuels still a ways out
Americans do tend to be fascinated with green, advanced vehicle fuels – they do speak to our passion for competition, innovation, high-tech gadgetry, and creative problem solving. The space age saw a lot of this happen, especially with President Kennedy’s … Continue reading
Climate change or no climate change, air pollution still a concern
Whether or not consumers think global warming and climate change are realistic concerns, most would agree that tailpipe emissions is a problem that needs to be improved. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this become a prominent issue in upcoming … Continue reading
Posted in clean transportation
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What will it take to get to 54.5 mpg?
For corporate average fuel economy to meet the 54.5 miles per gallon benchmark by 2025, a lot will need to happen — that double the fuel economy for light vehicles sold in the US these days. Here’s a few thoughts … Continue reading