Jim Motavalli Blog

Self-driving cars will take over by 2040
The push toward autonomous cars is gaining critical mass, with the disabled and the visually impaired perhaps benefiting first from vehicles that steer themselves. Kids who hate driving are also a factor.
Hit the road, Jack: The incredible disappearing spare tire
With fewer and fewer Americans actually able to change a tire, and the auto industry looking to save weight and costs to meet fuel economy targets, it's not surprising that we're getting run-flats and pump-up kits.
Green tires: Where the rubber meets the road
Bridgestone makes fuel-efficient, low-rolling-resistance tires and leads the industry in environmental innovations. And thanks to burgeoning demand, it also makes huge truck tires for tar sands oil production and mountaintop removal mining.
Amazing engines promise 60 to 100 mpg
The two-stroke motor isn't new — in fact, there's probably one in your weed whacker. But Achates Power and other companies say they can turn around its image as a big polluter.
The pedal bus: Carrying the party faithful, and party hoppers too
These pedal buses saw action at the Democratic and Republican conventions. But this unique form of human-powered transportation is more often either a beer-soaked party barge or a school bus.
Electric trucks help recharge the Bronx
Smith Electric Vehicles is bringing zero-emission electric trucks to the heart of New York City, and will be making them there, too. Satisfied customers include Duane Reade, Pepsi and Frito-Lay.
Prominent Romney advisor has different approach to green energy
As Bob Dylan asked, 'Señor, señor, can you tell me where we're heading?' Dan Senor has the Republican nominee's ear on Israel and other topics, so what's he saying about electric cars and clean energy? We'll know after the election.
The ballad of Sean and Yoko: Anti-fracking, for renewables
The new Artists Against Fracking makes a compelling case against opening up New York state to natural gas drilling. It's fuzzier about the energy sources that can replace it. Renewables are great, but not yet ready to carry the full load.
5 postwar American cars that set trends
Some of the best and most influential designs between 1949 and 1963 were 'back-to-basics' stunners. Excess chrome and big fins weren't part of the equation.
A closer look at the Romney-Ryan energy plan
Rather than achieving energy independence through a mix of renewables and fossil fuel, the Republican team is betting heavily on new oil drilling. The big problem: We don't have all that much oil.

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