http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/epb/factsheets/drive.html

What You Can do to Decrease Energy Consumption, Harmful Emissions and Wastes

The following sections describe what you can do to minimize the environmental impact of vehicle operation.

Fuel Conservation

The most important action you can take to reduce emissions that cause global warming, smog and acid rain is to use fuel as sparingly as possible.

Avoid unnecessary idling
Turn the ignition off if you are going to wait for more than 30 seconds and you are not in traffic.

In winter, most cars require only 15 to 30 seconds of idling before being driven. These emissions from a cold engine are much higher than from a engine that is warmed up enough for the catalytic converter to be working at high efficiency. Use of a block heater and driving slowly after idling for 15 to 30 seconds can help the engine to warm up faster and reduce the emissions produced on those wintry days.

Plan your route
Don't make any unnecessary trips, and plan your route to include all the places you have to go to rather than making separate trips. This will not only shorten the total distance, but it will also keep your catalytic converter hot for the entire trip. Short trips (less than 10 km) can increase fuel consumption by 20% in summer and by 50% in winter.

Also, avoid rush-hour traffic and streets that have heavy traffic. A vehicle that is crawling along releases about three times more smog-producing VOCs than one cruising at the most fuel-efficient speed. It has been estimated that a 16 kilometre trip taken in heavy traffic over 30 minutes generates seven grams of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The same trip in light traffic over 11 minutes produces only two grams of VOCs (a 250% decrease).³

And avoid rough roads where possible: smooth road surfaces can reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 30%.⁴

Use a block heater
As mentioned, the emissions from a cold engine are much higher. Pre-heating the engine with a block heater allows easier starting and more rapid warm-up, and greatly reduces engine wear.

A block heater need not be plugged in for more than one or two hours to provide effective starting. Install a timer and set it to warm your vehicle’s engine for one or two hours before driving, instead of plugging it in to operate all night.

Maintain correct tire pressure
Check the tire pressure at least once a month and maintain the maximum tire pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer. This will decrease fuel consumption and emission.

Under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by 4 to 8%.⁵

Removal of mud and snow tires when they are no longer required will also improve fuel economy.

Maintain moderate speeds and accelerate smoothly
Avoid speeding and abrupt starts and stops. Accelerate smoothly.

The optimum fuel economy for most vehicles is achieved at a steady speed of between 80 and 100km per hour. Tests show that most cars use about 10% less fuel when driving at 90 instead of 100km/hr.⁶

Avoiding speed changes saves fuel. Accelerate and decelerate gradually. (This will also reduce engine wear.) Anticipating traffic movement will help you avoid frequent brake applications. Stepping on the accelerator too heavily can use up to four times as much fuel as moderate acceleration.

Refer to the owner's manual to determine optimum gear shift points for manual transmissions.

For example, the owner's manual for a. 1992 Ford Taurus recommends the following upshifts for best fuel economy when accelerating:

First to Second - 27 km/h Second to Third - 44 km/h Third to Fourth - 56 km/h Fourth to Fifth - 70 km/h

When going up hills, let the vehicle's speed drop off gradually or shift to a lower gear when necessary. When driving down hill, ease up on the accelerator and let gravity move the vehicle.

Remove excess weight from vehicle
Keep the vehicle free of unnecessary objects which would add weight and thereby cause greater fuel consumption If you carry bags of salt in the trunk during winter, remove them when they are not needed. A roof rack can increase aerodynamic drag and result in higher fuel consumption. A roof rack that is not permanently fixed to the vehicle should be removed when it is not being used.

http://www.commuterpage.com/tentips.htm

10 Tips For Successful Carpooling

1. Determine your route and schedule. Establish the morning pickup point(s) and designate a place(s) to meet for the trip home.

2. Draw up a schedule for driving responsibilities. If all members of your carpool alternate driving, decide among yourselves if you want to alternate on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

3. Establish a method for reimbursing driving expenses. Is all members of your carpool do not share the driving equally, come to an understanding of how the costs will be shared and agree on payment dates.

4. Be punctual. Decide how long the driver is expected to wait. When home pickups are utilized, do not disturb everyone in the neighborhood by honking if a rider is running a few minutes late.

5. Establish policies. Smoking or nonsmoking; music and volume; food and drinks. Your carpool will have a better chance of success if possible irritants are discussed initially.

6. Make carpooling service on purpose. If it is for commuting to and from work, do not let it become a shopping or errand service.

7. Establish a chain of communication. If a driver is ill, or will not be going to work one day, an alternate driver should be notified to ensure that other members of the carpool will have a ride. If a member is ill or will not be working, the driver must be contacted as soon as possible.

8. Drive carefully and keep the vehicle in good repair. This includes keeping the vehicle clean and safe. There are others involved. There should be no excuse for excessive speed, use of alcohol, or reckless maneuvers.

9. Respect your fellow carpooler's wishes. Especially in the morning when some people like a time of quiet.

10. If you lose a member of your carpool, call Commuter Connections at 1-800-745-RIDE or contact The Commuter Store for help in finding a replacement. Together we can save money, time, and the environment while reducing traffic congestion.

http://www.redjellyfish.com/special/si-defaulthub.html?transtips.html~main

Some things you can do...

It is the little things. It all adds up, you don’t have to get rid of your new car and go out and get the newest electric vehicle. You can do small things every day that will spare the earth. And next time you really have to buy a car - do consider a hybrid vehicle or another environmentally friendly option.

Walk, run or get a ride. Saving energy, resources and the air happens little at a time. If you can, walk or take the bike to the corner-store (your body will welcome the exercise), or plan your shopping trips with a neighbor. Carpooling is easy and you also get to relax, taking turns driving. Even carpooling once or twice a week helps.

Resist that monster truck or SUV today. Yes, they are popular, convenient and appealing. But do you really feel that you need to drive around alone in a living-room on wheels? Not to mention the gas bills. However, if you are set on an SUV, Ford is developing a hybrid version that is coming out in 2003-called the Escape. It will get around 70 miles per gallon, and other car manufacturers will surely follow close behind.

Tune in, tune up! Not only will your car run better if you keep your car tuned up - it will last longer and use less gas. Be sure that the shop doing your car repairs are recycling their automobile oil.

Go to the carwash. This is an easy one. Not only will it take less time and work on your end, but most car washes also recycle their water.

Plan ahead. A little planning goes a long way. If you can avoid rush hour - do so. By sitting stuck in traffic for a long time, your car emits more pollutants than if you can drive uninterrupted from point A to B. Try to consolidate your trips - go shopping and to the post office when you are dropping the kids off at soccer practice.

Look around. Take some time and research the large automakers. Check out their alternative vehicle websites. These companies track the traffic they get, and by noting increased interest - they are going to be more inclined to invest R&D money into alternative energy vehicles.

http://www.hybridcars.com/news/hybrid-car-candidate-barack-obama.html

The Hybrid Car Candidate: Barack Obama

Published February 14, 2008

Following a tour of the Janesville General Motors Assembly Plant, Senator Barack Obama pledged to invest $150 billion over ten years to establish a green energy sector that will create up to 5 million new jobs over the next two decades.

Presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke at a General Motors plant in Janesville, Wisconsin on Wednesday, pledging to simultaneously support auto workers and a national transition to fuel efficient technologies, such as hybrid cars. Obama told the group of autoworkers, “If our government is there to support you and give you the assistance you need to re-tool and make this transition, this plant will be here for another 100 years.”

Obama’s speech came at the heels of GM’s announcement of a $38.7 million loss for 2007 and buyout and early retirement offers to all of its hourly workers. “I know how hard your governor has fought to keep jobs in this plant” said Obama. “But I also know how much progress you’ve made—how many hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles you’re churning out.” American automakers have recently increased their hybrid offerings, but the market is still dominated by Toyota and other foreign competitors.

Obama said as president he would spend billions of dollars to create so-called "green collar" jobs to develop more environmentally friendly energy sources. “My energy plan will invest $150 billion over ten years to establish a green energy sector that will create up to 5 million new jobs over the next two decades—jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced. We'll also provide funding to help manufacturers convert to green technology and help workers learn the skills they need for these jobs.”

A Consistent Message On Hybrids and Jobs

This proposal is not the first time that Obama drew connections between domestic auto-industry jobs and green vehicle technologies. In Nov. 2006, Obama and Jay Inslee (D-Wa.) introduced " The Healthcare for Hybrids Act." The bill proposed that up to 10 percent of the retiree health care costs for a qualifying manufacturer be paid by federal financial assistance—that is, if the carmaker invests at least 50 percent of the those savings into hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles, including the retooling of assembly lines and the retraining of workers.

At the time, Walter McManus, an auto economist with the University of Michigan, said, "Senator Obama and Congressmen Inslee have recognized these companies are circling the drain, and with them our national economy and energy security. Their stroke of genius is in connecting the dots: Decreasing oil consumption is clearly a top national priority but it will not happen without a national investment.”

"SUVS Become Hybrids"

In Wisconsin on Wednesday, Obama drew a comparison between hybrid production and shifts to wartime manufacturing after the Great Depression. “Prosperity hasn't always come easily. The plant shut down for a period during the height of the Depression, and major shifts in production have been required to meet the changing times,” he said. “Tractors became automobiles. Automobiles became artillery shells. SUVs are becoming hybrids as we speak, and the cost of transition has always been greatest for the workers and their families.”

In terms of his personal ride, in July 2007, Barack Obama traded in his Chrysler 300C, an eight-cylinder 5.7-liter sedan which gets 15 miles per gallon in the city—for a Ford Escape Hybrid, the first gas-electric vehicle produced by an American carmaker. The Escape Hybrid achieves 34 mpg in the city.

http://www.hybridcars.com/federal-incentives.html

Federal Incentives (United States)

Published March 2, 2006

As of June 5, 2006, the I.R.S. has ruled on credit amounts for all hybrids and has posted a summary of the hybrid tax credits for all years, and the appropriate forms. The exact amount of your credit may vary. Please consult a tax professional.

Current Models
Make	Model	Tax Credit
Chevrolet	Malibu Hybrid	$1,300
Chevrolet	Tahoe Hybrid	$2,200
Ford	Escape Hybrid (2wd)	$3,000
Ford	Escape Hybrid (4wd)	$2,200
GMC	Yukon Hybrid	$2,200
Honda	Civic Hybrid	$2,100
Honda	2005 Civic Hybrid (auto)	$1,700
Lexus	GS 450h	$1,550*
Lexus	LS 600hL	$450*
Lexus	RX 400h	$2,200*
Mazda	Tribute Hybrid (2wd)	$3,000
Mazda	Tribute Hybrid (4wd)	$2,200
Mercury	Mariner Hybrid (2wd)	$3,000
Ford	Mariner Hybrid (4wd)	$2,200
Nissan	Altima	$2,350
Saturn	Vue Green Line	$650
Saturn	Aura Green Line	$1,300
Toyota	Camry Hybrid	$2,600*
Toyota	Highlander Hybrid	$2,600*
Toyota	Prius	$3,150*

* Credits for Toyota hybrids no longer qualify for the full amount indicated here. See bolded message below.

The basic rules:

• The vehicle must be placed in service after 12/31/05 and purchased on or before 12/31/10.
• The original use of the vehicle must begin with the taxpayer claiming the credit. The credit may only be claimed by the original owner of a new, qualifying, hybrid vehicle and does not apply to a used hybrid vehicle.
• The vehicle must be acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer claiming the credit. The credit is only available to the original purchaser of a qualifying hybrid vehicle. If a qualifying vehicle is leased to a consumer, the leasing company may claim the credit. For qualifying vehicles used by a tax-exempt entity, the person who sold the qualifying vehicle to the person or entity using the vehicle is eligible to claim the credit, but only if the seller clearly discloses in a document to the tax-exempt entity the amount of credit.
• The vehicle must be used predominantly within the United States.

These rules are relatively straight-forward. But there's more— and these are more foggy:

• The new tax credit sets a limit of 60,000 hybrids per carmaker. Toyota hit the 60,000 mark in June, 2006. (Honda and Ford are unlikely to reach 60,000 hybrids in 2006.) Buyers who purchased one of the five Toyota or Lexus gasoline-electric hybrid models before Oct. 1, 2006 will qualify for 100 percent of the credit. Buyers purchasing Toyota hybrids on or after Oct. 1 will receive a credit equal to 50 percent of the amount listed above.
• The credit for Toyota hybrids will stay at 50 percent for two quarters, fall to 25 percent in the subsequent two quarters, then expire on Oct. 1, 2007.
• The credit amount is based on the purchase date of the vehicle.
• The new law for the hybrid tax credit might require taxpayers to recapture their hybrid tax credit if they re-sell their hybrid car or truck.

Surprisingly, for taxpayers who take a lot of deductions or use the Alternative Minimum Tax, the previous tax deduction (which bit the dust in 2005) was more valuable. Details:

• The credit will not reduce your alternative minimum tax, if that applies to you. As stated in Toyota's statement about the new tax credits: "The benefit of the hybrid vehicle tax credit will also be substantially reduced or eliminated if the individual purchaser is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax."
• The credit will reduce your regular income tax liability, but not below zero.
• If you are eligible for multiple tax credits, the hybrid tax credit is taken last after all the other credits (e.g., child care tax credit, mortgage credit, retirement savings credit) have been taken. Any tax liability left over by these reductions will be the maximum dollar limit of your hybrid tax credit. If your hybrid tax credit exceeds your maximum dollar limit, the excess is not refundable, and is lost forever.
• The excess cannot be carried over to another year, or given away to another person.

As you might guess, it's a good idea to get advice from a tax professional before filing.

By the way: Based on info currently available, the Honda Insight manual, as well as the upcoming Saturn VUE and Chevy Malibu hybrids, may not meet the necessary emissions levels required for the tax credit.

Prior Incentives
Hybrid car buyers in 2004 or 2005 could claim a $2,000 one-time deduction on 2004 or 2005 tax returns. Because the tax break was a deduction, its value varied, depending on your tax bracket. If you're in the 33% tax bracket, a $2,000 deduction reduced your tax bill by as much as $600. If you're in the 15% tax bracket, it might have been worth $300.

> See the I.R.S. website regarding "Clean-Fuel Vehicle Deductions Available for Certain Models."

How it worked:

• Under the prior rules, the I.R.S. certified all hybrids available to consumers.
• The deduction was limited to new cars, but you could go back as far as 2000, if you haven't already taken the deduction.
• The deduction was a one-time deal.

http://www.hybridcars.com/news/presidential-candidates-call-more-hybrids.html

Presidential Candidates Call for More Hybrids

Published April 11, 2008

John McCain visited a Ford assembly plant in February. The tour focused on Ford's hybrid and fuel efficient models.

Even with the economy and the war in Iraq dominating the discourse surrounding the presidential elections, environmental concerns and energy policy could potentially become major issues by the end of the summer. Oil prices hit record highs seemingly every week, and young voters—who have been a crucial demographic in several primary states—tend to see the environment as one of the most crucial challenges facing the country.

As Newsweek points out, only around 10 percent of voters said they would weigh a candidate's environmental positions in the last two elections, but this year that number has jumped to 30 percent.

Each of the three remaining candidates have made efforts to be perceived as "forward thinking" environmental issues, and if Americans are paying in excess of $4.50 per gallon for gasoline by the end of the summer, it's likely that both nominees will scramble to create proposals to ease the burden. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have both already outlined major energy and transportation initiatives designed to stimulate public transportation, plug-in hybrid technologies and biofuels.

Obama

Obama's energy plan would allocate $150 billion over ten years to help build a green energy sector and dramatically increase current fuel efficiency standards by 2018—even beyond new CAFE levels. Obama says his goal is to reduce oil consumption the United States by at least 35 percent by the year 2030. Last year, the senator introduced a bill that would pay as much as 10 percent of retiree health care costs for auto companies that were willing to invest half of those savings into hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.

Clinton

Hillary Clinton favors an almost identical increase in fuel efficiency standards, but her plan offers an array of incentives for hybrid buyers and manufacturers. One such proposal would give a tax credit of up to $10,000 toward the purchase of a plug-in hybrid or the retrofitting of an existing hybrid to incorporate plug-in technology. Clinton also wants to add 100,000 plug-ins to the federal fleet and help cities and states pay to do the same.

McCain

John McCain favors establishing "a national challenge to improve the cost, range, size, and weight of electric batteries for automobiles," and flexible fuel technologies, but he has yet to unveil a detailed energy plan. It is worth noting that McCain was the only major Republican candidate to discuss climate change with any urgency during the primaries, and that he has consistently called for a decreased dependence on foreign oil while opposing drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Many of these proposals would have us hitting around 55 MPG by 2030. But like with much of what the candidates offer, you have to close your eyes and click your heels three times and just hope that when the details are filled in later, it'll be as good as it sounds.

http://www.hybridcars.com/shop-by-technology/hybrid

More car companies to produce hybrids in the next couple of years.