The Allstate Blog » Hybrid Car http://blog.allstate.com Expert tips and fun facts on protecting your car, home, motorcycle or RV from Allstate Auto Insurance Wed, 22 May 2013 16:31:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 The Fastest Hybrid in the World? http://blog.allstate.com/the-fastest-hybrid-in-the-world/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-fastest-hybrid-in-the-world http://blog.allstate.com/the-fastest-hybrid-in-the-world/#comments Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:06:34 +0000 Brendan http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2012/06/22/the-fastest-hybrid-in-the-world Fisker Karma

Form vs. function: choose one. It’s an unfortunate choice car manufacturers have been forced to make, seemingly forever. When the functional goal is fuel-efficiency, the resulting form often lacks a certain pizzazz. When the desired functions are speed and driving performance, the form is often sleek, aggressive and even…sexy.
The idea of combining the sexy form with both the speed and fuel-efficient functions seems less likely than a hug between a Hatfield and McCoy. But what if you didn’t have to choose? This fantasy may become reality with the stylish Fisker Karma. “Style? In a hybrid?”  Yes, and it has it in spades: Arching curves, muscular haunches and a menacing visage, the Fisker Karma looks more like an Italian V12 super-sedan than an environmentally conscious fuel sipper. Boasting a price tag over $100,000, the Fisker Karma may be the most expensive hybrid on the market. That’s six times as expensive as the economical, eco-friendly Honda Insight hybrid at $18,200.  But do all those zeroes add up to a car that’s six times better? Consider these four points of comparison:

Miles per gallon

Running on electric only, the EPA rates the Fisker Karma at 85 mpg, which is the miles per gallon equivalent of an electric vehicle’s energy cost against internal combustion cars. You should know, however, that when it does need to recharge the batteries with its engine, the Karma’s mileage drops to the low-to-middle 30’s, which is slightly less than the Honda Insight Hybrid. The Honda Insight holds steady at 41 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway.

Acceleration ability

Considering its primary motivation is from electric motors, the Fisker Karma is shockingly quick, no pun intended.
Performance, however, is another story. Considering its primary motivation is from electric motors, the Fisker Karma is shockingly quick, no pun intended. It can boogie from 0-60 in under 6 seconds, which is amazing for a hybrid. By comparison, the Honda Insight takes a leisurely 10 seconds, which still isn’t bad, unless you have an impatient Mustang behind you.

Weight

Of course, at 5,300 pounds, the Fisker Karma isn’t exactly an athletic handler in the corners, but it turns eventually. The battery pack alone weighs 600 pounds. The Honda Insight weighs three quarters of a ton less and is a lot easier to parallel park. Aluminum helps keep the Insight svelte – it makes up the car’s front break calipers, wheels, rear break drums and most of its suspension.

Star power

Perhaps the biggest seller on whether or not you choose the Karma over the Insight is who can be seen behind the wheel of these fuel-efficient vehicles. Ashton Kutcher, Taylor Lautner, Leonardo DiCaprio and Justin Bieber can all be seen behind the wheel of the prestigious auto.  Richard Dreyfuss and Dave Matthews are two celebs who seem to admire the practicality of the Honda Insight as a daily driver. Certainly these two eco-friendly vehicles could not be more different. From design to cost to heft, there are pros and cons to owning either vehicle. It’s up to you to choose. But with the Fisker, the choice is no longer purely between form and function. You can have both…but you’ve got to pay for it.
]]> Fisker Karma

Form vs. function: choose one. It’s an unfortunate choice car manufacturers have been forced to make, seemingly forever. When the functional goal is fuel-efficiency, the resulting form often lacks a certain pizzazz. When the desired functions are speed and driving performance, the form is often sleek, aggressive and even…sexy.
The idea of combining the sexy form with both the speed and fuel-efficient functions seems less likely than a hug between a Hatfield and McCoy. But what if you didn’t have to choose? This fantasy may become reality with the stylish Fisker Karma. “Style? In a hybrid?”  Yes, and it has it in spades: Arching curves, muscular haunches and a menacing visage, the Fisker Karma looks more like an Italian V12 super-sedan than an environmentally conscious fuel sipper. Boasting a price tag over $100,000, the Fisker Karma may be the most expensive hybrid on the market. That’s six times as expensive as the economical, eco-friendly Honda Insight hybrid at $18,200.  But do all those zeroes add up to a car that’s six times better? Consider these four points of comparison:

Miles per gallon

Running on electric only, the EPA rates the Fisker Karma at 85 mpg, which is the miles per gallon equivalent of an electric vehicle’s energy cost against internal combustion cars. You should know, however, that when it does need to recharge the batteries with its engine, the Karma’s mileage drops to the low-to-middle 30’s, which is slightly less than the Honda Insight Hybrid. The Honda Insight holds steady at 41 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway.

Acceleration ability

Considering its primary motivation is from electric motors, the Fisker Karma is shockingly quick, no pun intended.
Performance, however, is another story. Considering its primary motivation is from electric motors, the Fisker Karma is shockingly quick, no pun intended. It can boogie from 0-60 in under 6 seconds, which is amazing for a hybrid. By comparison, the Honda Insight takes a leisurely 10 seconds, which still isn’t bad, unless you have an impatient Mustang behind you.

Weight

Of course, at 5,300 pounds, the Fisker Karma isn’t exactly an athletic handler in the corners, but it turns eventually. The battery pack alone weighs 600 pounds. The Honda Insight weighs three quarters of a ton less and is a lot easier to parallel park. Aluminum helps keep the Insight svelte – it makes up the car’s front break calipers, wheels, rear break drums and most of its suspension.

Star power

Perhaps the biggest seller on whether or not you choose the Karma over the Insight is who can be seen behind the wheel of these fuel-efficient vehicles. Ashton Kutcher, Taylor Lautner, Leonardo DiCaprio and Justin Bieber can all be seen behind the wheel of the prestigious auto.  Richard Dreyfuss and Dave Matthews are two celebs who seem to admire the practicality of the Honda Insight as a daily driver. Certainly these two eco-friendly vehicles could not be more different. From design to cost to heft, there are pros and cons to owning either vehicle. It’s up to you to choose. But with the Fisker, the choice is no longer purely between form and function. You can have both…but you’ve got to pay for it.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/the-fastest-hybrid-in-the-world/feed/ 0 2012 Family-Car Resolutions http://blog.allstate.com/2012-family-car-resolutions/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2012-family-car-resolutions http://blog.allstate.com/2012-family-car-resolutions/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:06:25 +0000 Kristin Varela, Cars.com http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2012/01/12/2012-family-car-resolutions Family car

Despite our best intentions as parents, sometimes we fall a little short. We harp on our kids to keep their rooms picked up, and we may even dock their allowance if they don’t—yet look at our own cars. They’re filthy. Disgusting. What if your pay was docked for not keeping your car clean?
Our team of Cars.com Family contributors has learned a lot this past year driving car after car with our combined gaggle of kids in the backseat, and we’re sharing our lessons with you. Here are our top family-car resolutions for 2012: Clean out your crumbs: Every parent should own an in-car vacuum. Our cars get so messy on a daily basis with dirt, sand, snacks, you name it. The ability to quickly suck those puppies up would be indispensible. We also all need to invest in an in-car trash can of some sort. Are you starting to notice a theme here? Believe the electric hype: Mom reviewer Jennifer Newman spent a good part of 2011 behind the wheel of the 2011 Nissan Leaf, which Cars.com purchased for a long-term test drive, and it’s one of her favorite cars. The power is instantaneous and zipping past gas stations without a care is a fantastic feeling. If you're a two-car family, the Leaf should be on your must-try list. Don’t slim down your BubbleBums: To solve a whole slew of family car problems, this year all of our reviewers will be buying more than one BubbleBum booster seat. The dreaded three-kids-in-boosters-across-one-backseat conundrum? Solved. Trying to lug booster seats through the airport while going on vacation? Solved. Worried about your kid’s booster becoming a dangerous projectile while she’s not in it? Solved. World peace? We’re still working on that one. Safety first: Despite our best efforts to educate the world on the dangers of kids in and around cars, every year more than 50 kids are backed over in the U.S., according to KidsandCars.org. This year we resolve to get an aftermarket backup camera in our car, or if we’re buying a new car, we love the 360-degree cameras popping up on higher-end vehicles like the 2012 Infiniti QX. Never drive tipsy; never drive drowsy: After a scarily eye-opening “MythBusters” episode last year that determined that driving drowsy is between three and 10 times more dangerous than driving tipsy (and a few late-night drives home from the airport in which we couldn’t actually remember driving home after the fact), we resolve to never drive drowsy. Instead, we’ll just stay an extra night in the hotel on our business trips. Room service, pajamas and catching up on tacky reality TV that’s entirely inappropriate for the young ones to see? That sounds much better than risking our lives driving home late while drowsy. Ignore the children: We vow to occasionally ignore our children when driving. Distracted driving is a real problem, and people need to make sure they’re paying attention to the road. This sometimes means having to ask the kids to pipe down so we can concentrate on getting through a tangled intersection or busy parking lot.
Kristin Varela is the senior family editor at Cars.com. Opinions expressed within this post are solely those of the author.
]]> Family car

Despite our best intentions as parents, sometimes we fall a little short. We harp on our kids to keep their rooms picked up, and we may even dock their allowance if they don’t—yet look at our own cars. They’re filthy. Disgusting. What if your pay was docked for not keeping your car clean?
Our team of Cars.com Family contributors has learned a lot this past year driving car after car with our combined gaggle of kids in the backseat, and we’re sharing our lessons with you. Here are our top family-car resolutions for 2012: Clean out your crumbs: Every parent should own an in-car vacuum. Our cars get so messy on a daily basis with dirt, sand, snacks, you name it. The ability to quickly suck those puppies up would be indispensible. We also all need to invest in an in-car trash can of some sort. Are you starting to notice a theme here? Believe the electric hype: Mom reviewer Jennifer Newman spent a good part of 2011 behind the wheel of the 2011 Nissan Leaf, which Cars.com purchased for a long-term test drive, and it’s one of her favorite cars. The power is instantaneous and zipping past gas stations without a care is a fantastic feeling. If you're a two-car family, the Leaf should be on your must-try list. Don’t slim down your BubbleBums: To solve a whole slew of family car problems, this year all of our reviewers will be buying more than one BubbleBum booster seat. The dreaded three-kids-in-boosters-across-one-backseat conundrum? Solved. Trying to lug booster seats through the airport while going on vacation? Solved. Worried about your kid’s booster becoming a dangerous projectile while she’s not in it? Solved. World peace? We’re still working on that one. Safety first: Despite our best efforts to educate the world on the dangers of kids in and around cars, every year more than 50 kids are backed over in the U.S., according to KidsandCars.org. This year we resolve to get an aftermarket backup camera in our car, or if we’re buying a new car, we love the 360-degree cameras popping up on higher-end vehicles like the 2012 Infiniti QX. Never drive tipsy; never drive drowsy: After a scarily eye-opening “MythBusters” episode last year that determined that driving drowsy is between three and 10 times more dangerous than driving tipsy (and a few late-night drives home from the airport in which we couldn’t actually remember driving home after the fact), we resolve to never drive drowsy. Instead, we’ll just stay an extra night in the hotel on our business trips. Room service, pajamas and catching up on tacky reality TV that’s entirely inappropriate for the young ones to see? That sounds much better than risking our lives driving home late while drowsy. Ignore the children: We vow to occasionally ignore our children when driving. Distracted driving is a real problem, and people need to make sure they’re paying attention to the road. This sometimes means having to ask the kids to pipe down so we can concentrate on getting through a tangled intersection or busy parking lot.
Kristin Varela is the senior family editor at Cars.com. Opinions expressed within this post are solely those of the author.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/2012-family-car-resolutions/feed/ 0 5 Green Car Components That May Surprise You http://blog.allstate.com/5-green-car-components-that-may-surprise-you/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-green-car-components-that-may-surprise-you http://blog.allstate.com/5-green-car-components-that-may-surprise-you/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:07:42 +0000 Jody DeVere, AskPatty.com http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/10/17/5-green-car-components-that-may-surprise-you Green car key

A certain little, green felt frog once said that it wasn’t easy being green, “having to spend each day the color of the leaves.” We sure empathize with his plight, poor little guy, mostly because it’s a pretty song, but in the human world, “being green” is easier than you probably thought.
Sure, you recycle, you switched some light bulbs to compact fluorescents, maybe you even bought a more fuel-efficient vehicle or a hybrid—but did you know that you may be driving around in a car made of recycled materials? It’s true! Come along as Ask Patty brings you five car components you won’t believe are made from recycled materials. The Volt’s Plastics. This one’s timely as well as Earth-friendly. Chevy is utilizing many recycled materials for the plastics that make up their all-electric Volt, including tires from their Milford Proving Ground, post-consumer recycled plastics, and—get this—saturated oil booms, which were used to contain the BP oil spill. They have about 100 miles worth of the material from the Gulf of Mexico, and they’re using it to build a better automobile. Now that’s turning a negative into a positive! In the Driver’s Seat. Or actually, in all of your seats. Old clothes turn up in plenty of places—maybe you’ve found an old t-shirt under your seat—well, you’ll also find them in your seat! The 2012 Ford Focus uses cottons from recycled clothing in its carpet backing and sound-absorption materials, and both Ford and GM are using more and more post-industrial yarns, cottons and many other recycled materials in your car seat’s interior sound dampening—from old jeans to carpet. Under the Hood. While we’re on the subject of Ford, you may not believe it, but if you drive one of many Ford vehicles, including Fusion, Escape, Mustang or F-150, when you look at your engine cover under the hood, you’re looking at recycled carpets. Sound hard to believe? It’s true!  Ford’s new cylinder head covers are crafted entirely from repurposed nylon gathered from old carpet. In the Engine. Next time you go in for an oil change, consider your options: The standard oil change with new oil, refined from petroleum that grows more expensive day by day, or a motor oil that is chemically identical, and happens to be recycled. Didn't know you could recycle used motor oil into brand new stuff? You sure can. The process is called re-refining, and for the lay-person, it can be compared to the process of distillation. Either way, the result is a product that is indiscernible from newly-refined motor oil, without the use of new petroleum. Products like Valvoline’s NexGen, SafetyKleen’s EcoPower and Universal Lubricants’ Eco Ultra are bringing an ever-expanding line of re-refined lubricants to consumer shelves. Right out Front. Sometimes the recycled components are hiding in plain sight. The plastic in the grille of the GMC Terrain is made from recycled soda bottles. Hyundai unveiled a concept car called the QuarmaQ (pronounced  like “karmic” I presume?), a vehicle whose entire exterior skin is made from recycled plastics, and in 2010, Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1 Supercar, created the T25 Supermini Car, built entirely out of recycled plastic bottles. All of it. While these last two are still in the conceptual stages, they’re definitely examples of what is to come—cars that utilize these recycled materials are smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient. And the truly beautiful thing: They keep on giving, even when it’s time for them to be returned. Ford and GM’s cars are currently 85 percent recyclable themselves, and that number will only grow larger as the innovations keep coming. So you see, little frog? Green is the color of spring! It is easy being green, if you just look a little deeper. Ask about recycled components when you’re shopping for service or a new car and you just may be surprised at what’s being done to make your ride a little bit greener. Until next time, dear reader—may your rainbow connection be a green one!
Guest blogger Jody DeVere is the CEO of AskPatty.com Inc, a website, blog and marketing agency providing automotive education to female consumers.
]]> Green car key

A certain little, green felt frog once said that it wasn’t easy being green, “having to spend each day the color of the leaves.” We sure empathize with his plight, poor little guy, mostly because it’s a pretty song, but in the human world, “being green” is easier than you probably thought.
Sure, you recycle, you switched some light bulbs to compact fluorescents, maybe you even bought a more fuel-efficient vehicle or a hybrid—but did you know that you may be driving around in a car made of recycled materials? It’s true! Come along as Ask Patty brings you five car components you won’t believe are made from recycled materials. The Volt’s Plastics. This one’s timely as well as Earth-friendly. Chevy is utilizing many recycled materials for the plastics that make up their all-electric Volt, including tires from their Milford Proving Ground, post-consumer recycled plastics, and—get this—saturated oil booms, which were used to contain the BP oil spill. They have about 100 miles worth of the material from the Gulf of Mexico, and they’re using it to build a better automobile. Now that’s turning a negative into a positive! In the Driver’s Seat. Or actually, in all of your seats. Old clothes turn up in plenty of places—maybe you’ve found an old t-shirt under your seat—well, you’ll also find them in your seat! The 2012 Ford Focus uses cottons from recycled clothing in its carpet backing and sound-absorption materials, and both Ford and GM are using more and more post-industrial yarns, cottons and many other recycled materials in your car seat’s interior sound dampening—from old jeans to carpet. Under the Hood. While we’re on the subject of Ford, you may not believe it, but if you drive one of many Ford vehicles, including Fusion, Escape, Mustang or F-150, when you look at your engine cover under the hood, you’re looking at recycled carpets. Sound hard to believe? It’s true!  Ford’s new cylinder head covers are crafted entirely from repurposed nylon gathered from old carpet. In the Engine. Next time you go in for an oil change, consider your options: The standard oil change with new oil, refined from petroleum that grows more expensive day by day, or a motor oil that is chemically identical, and happens to be recycled. Didn't know you could recycle used motor oil into brand new stuff? You sure can. The process is called re-refining, and for the lay-person, it can be compared to the process of distillation. Either way, the result is a product that is indiscernible from newly-refined motor oil, without the use of new petroleum. Products like Valvoline’s NexGen, SafetyKleen’s EcoPower and Universal Lubricants’ Eco Ultra are bringing an ever-expanding line of re-refined lubricants to consumer shelves. Right out Front. Sometimes the recycled components are hiding in plain sight. The plastic in the grille of the GMC Terrain is made from recycled soda bottles. Hyundai unveiled a concept car called the QuarmaQ (pronounced  like “karmic” I presume?), a vehicle whose entire exterior skin is made from recycled plastics, and in 2010, Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1 Supercar, created the T25 Supermini Car, built entirely out of recycled plastic bottles. All of it. While these last two are still in the conceptual stages, they’re definitely examples of what is to come—cars that utilize these recycled materials are smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient. And the truly beautiful thing: They keep on giving, even when it’s time for them to be returned. Ford and GM’s cars are currently 85 percent recyclable themselves, and that number will only grow larger as the innovations keep coming. So you see, little frog? Green is the color of spring! It is easy being green, if you just look a little deeper. Ask about recycled components when you’re shopping for service or a new car and you just may be surprised at what’s being done to make your ride a little bit greener. Until next time, dear reader—may your rainbow connection be a green one!
Guest blogger Jody DeVere is the CEO of AskPatty.com Inc, a website, blog and marketing agency providing automotive education to female consumers.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/5-green-car-components-that-may-surprise-you/feed/ 0 What Do You Look for in a Hybrid? http://blog.allstate.com/what-do-you-look-for-in-a-hybrid/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-do-you-look-for-in-a-hybrid http://blog.allstate.com/what-do-you-look-for-in-a-hybrid/#comments Sat, 28 May 2011 18:31:24 +0000 Jen http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/05/28/what-do-you-look-for-in-a-hybrid Green car key

Are you in the market for a hybrid car? You may not be alone. According to manufacturers’ monthly reports, approximately 1 million hybrids were sold in the U.S. between 1999 and 2007. With the ever increasing cost of gas, hybrid and electric vehicles are attracting more and more shoppers. However, according to a study from Accenture*, six out of 10 consumers are only more likely to purchase a hybrid or electric car when it is “superior” to gasoline models on all purchasing factors, such as safety, entertainment, navigation and cost of care. While respondents that have driven a hybrid or electric vehicle rate fuel efficient as good to excellent, most rate the ride, performance, style and other factors as either good or below-good. With 42 percent of respondents likely to buy a hybrid or electric auto in the next two years, this information could be extremely useful to auto manufacturers. So if you are in the market for a new car and are considering purchasing a hybrid car, here are some key factors you should consider, outside of increased fuel efficiency:
  1. Performance
  2. Style
  3. Safety
  4. Entertainment features
  5. Navigation features
  6. Cost of Care
*Accenture surveyed 1,850 consumers in five countries, including Germany, France, Italy, the United States and Canada.
]]> Green car key

Are you in the market for a hybrid car? You may not be alone. According to manufacturers’ monthly reports, approximately 1 million hybrids were sold in the U.S. between 1999 and 2007. With the ever increasing cost of gas, hybrid and electric vehicles are attracting more and more shoppers. However, according to a study from Accenture*, six out of 10 consumers are only more likely to purchase a hybrid or electric car when it is “superior” to gasoline models on all purchasing factors, such as safety, entertainment, navigation and cost of care. While respondents that have driven a hybrid or electric vehicle rate fuel efficient as good to excellent, most rate the ride, performance, style and other factors as either good or below-good. With 42 percent of respondents likely to buy a hybrid or electric auto in the next two years, this information could be extremely useful to auto manufacturers. So if you are in the market for a new car and are considering purchasing a hybrid car, here are some key factors you should consider, outside of increased fuel efficiency:
  1. Performance
  2. Style
  3. Safety
  4. Entertainment features
  5. Navigation features
  6. Cost of Care
*Accenture surveyed 1,850 consumers in five countries, including Germany, France, Italy, the United States and Canada.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/what-do-you-look-for-in-a-hybrid/feed/ 0 Celebrities Gone Green http://blog.allstate.com/celebrities-gone-green/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=celebrities-gone-green http://blog.allstate.com/celebrities-gone-green/#comments Mon, 16 May 2011 14:45:38 +0000 Jen http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/05/16/celebrities-gone-green Green Car

Green is the new black in Hollywood. In an effort to preserve the environment, many celebrities are trading in the gas guzzling SUVs and sports cars for eco-friendly vehicles that emit less harmful chemicals and are much more fuel efficient. Shortly after Leonardo DiCarpio, a leader of the celebrity green movement, purchased his Toyota Prius in 2001, other celebrities began jumping on the green bandwagon and embracing new environmentally friendly technology such as hydrogen energy and biodiesel fuel. Although the Toyota Prius, seen driven by celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts and others, is the clear celeb favorite, other popular green cars include the GMC Yukon, the exclusive BMW Hydrogen 7 and the hybrid Chevrolet Tahoe. In addition to driving greener, many celebrities have gotten involved in other environmental issues like deforestation, global warming and endangered animals.

Celebrity Green Car Trivia

Leonardo DiCaprio Car: Tesla Did You Know? DiCaprio helped popularize the green movement in Hollywood and has been leading the celebrity fight for green technology since 2001. He recently traded in his Toyota Prius for a Tesla, the first high-performance electric sports car valued at over $200,000. Barack Obama Car: Ford Escape Hybrid Did You Know? During the Presidential primaries, President Barack Obama traded his gas guzzling Chrysler 300C for a eco-friendly Ford Escape Hybrid. And according to the Auto Blog, Hilary Clinton, Mitt Romney and John Edwards are also owners of the Escape Hybrid. Edward Norton Car: BMW Hydrogen 7 Did You Know? In early 2008, Edward Norton joined a small group of celebrities who were given exclusive access to the BMW Hydrogen 7, a luxury sedan which runs on both gasoline and hydrogen. Although Norton is best known for movies such as Primal Fear and Fight Club, he is also an advocate for the Solar Neighbors Program, which installs a BP Solar electric system in a low-income home in L.A. when a celebrity purchases the same system. Will Ferrell Car: BMW Hydrogen 7 Did You Know? In 2007, Will Ferrell, best known for his laugh-out-loud comedies, became the first American to drive the new eco-friendly BMW. Ferrell also recently purchased a BP solar system for his home to benefit the St. George Hotel, a permanent supportive housing facility for the chronically homeless. George Clooney Car: Tango 600 Did You Know? As an strong advocate for many social issues, Clooney purchased a Tango 600 in 2004, a two-seat electric car with a top speed of 150mph. The Tango is six inches narrower than many motorcycles! Danny DeVito Car: Black Toyota Prius Did You Know? After his EV1, GM’s limited edition electric car, was recalled, DeVito purchased a Toyota Prius. DeVito’s eco-friendly car has even made a cameo appearance in 10 Items or Less. Woody Harrelson Car: 2000 Volkswagen Beetle TDI Did You Know? You may remember Harrelson as Woody Boyd on Cheers. Now an environmental activist, Harrelson runs his Volkswagen on biodiesel fuel, a clean burning alternative fuel for diesel engines made from 100% renewable resources such as soybean oil.
]]> Green Car

Green is the new black in Hollywood. In an effort to preserve the environment, many celebrities are trading in the gas guzzling SUVs and sports cars for eco-friendly vehicles that emit less harmful chemicals and are much more fuel efficient. Shortly after Leonardo DiCarpio, a leader of the celebrity green movement, purchased his Toyota Prius in 2001, other celebrities began jumping on the green bandwagon and embracing new environmentally friendly technology such as hydrogen energy and biodiesel fuel. Although the Toyota Prius, seen driven by celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts and others, is the clear celeb favorite, other popular green cars include the GMC Yukon, the exclusive BMW Hydrogen 7 and the hybrid Chevrolet Tahoe. In addition to driving greener, many celebrities have gotten involved in other environmental issues like deforestation, global warming and endangered animals.

Celebrity Green Car Trivia

Leonardo DiCaprio Car: Tesla Did You Know? DiCaprio helped popularize the green movement in Hollywood and has been leading the celebrity fight for green technology since 2001. He recently traded in his Toyota Prius for a Tesla, the first high-performance electric sports car valued at over $200,000. Barack Obama Car: Ford Escape Hybrid Did You Know? During the Presidential primaries, President Barack Obama traded his gas guzzling Chrysler 300C for a eco-friendly Ford Escape Hybrid. And according to the Auto Blog, Hilary Clinton, Mitt Romney and John Edwards are also owners of the Escape Hybrid. Edward Norton Car: BMW Hydrogen 7 Did You Know? In early 2008, Edward Norton joined a small group of celebrities who were given exclusive access to the BMW Hydrogen 7, a luxury sedan which runs on both gasoline and hydrogen. Although Norton is best known for movies such as Primal Fear and Fight Club, he is also an advocate for the Solar Neighbors Program, which installs a BP Solar electric system in a low-income home in L.A. when a celebrity purchases the same system. Will Ferrell Car: BMW Hydrogen 7 Did You Know? In 2007, Will Ferrell, best known for his laugh-out-loud comedies, became the first American to drive the new eco-friendly BMW. Ferrell also recently purchased a BP solar system for his home to benefit the St. George Hotel, a permanent supportive housing facility for the chronically homeless. George Clooney Car: Tango 600 Did You Know? As an strong advocate for many social issues, Clooney purchased a Tango 600 in 2004, a two-seat electric car with a top speed of 150mph. The Tango is six inches narrower than many motorcycles! Danny DeVito Car: Black Toyota Prius Did You Know? After his EV1, GM’s limited edition electric car, was recalled, DeVito purchased a Toyota Prius. DeVito’s eco-friendly car has even made a cameo appearance in 10 Items or Less. Woody Harrelson Car: 2000 Volkswagen Beetle TDI Did You Know? You may remember Harrelson as Woody Boyd on Cheers. Now an environmental activist, Harrelson runs his Volkswagen on biodiesel fuel, a clean burning alternative fuel for diesel engines made from 100% renewable resources such as soybean oil.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/celebrities-gone-green/feed/ 0 McDonalds Powering Up to Charge Electric Cars http://blog.allstate.com/mcdonalds-powering-up-to-charge-electric-cars/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mcdonalds-powering-up-to-charge-electric-cars http://blog.allstate.com/mcdonalds-powering-up-to-charge-electric-cars/#comments Mon, 09 May 2011 16:23:20 +0000 Jen http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/05/09/mcdonalds-powering-up-to-charge-electric-cars Electric Car Charging

Starting in 2009, some owners of electric cars were able to charge their cars at a McDonalds in Cary, North Carolina. This newly built McDonalds is testing a pilot program with electric charging stations in their parking lot. This location is the first location in more than a decade to offer a recharging station. In the late 1990s, a McDonalds in Phoenix, Arizona also installed a charging station. There are also plans to install several charging stations around Sweden. What do you think? Would you go to a McDonalds just so you could charge your electric car?
]]> Electric Car Charging

Starting in 2009, some owners of electric cars were able to charge their cars at a McDonalds in Cary, North Carolina. This newly built McDonalds is testing a pilot program with electric charging stations in their parking lot. This location is the first location in more than a decade to offer a recharging station. In the late 1990s, a McDonalds in Phoenix, Arizona also installed a charging station. There are also plans to install several charging stations around Sweden. What do you think? Would you go to a McDonalds just so you could charge your electric car?
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/mcdonalds-powering-up-to-charge-electric-cars/feed/ 0 A History of Hybrid Cars http://blog.allstate.com/a-history-of-hybrid-cars/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-history-of-hybrid-cars http://blog.allstate.com/a-history-of-hybrid-cars/#comments Fri, 06 May 2011 17:45:55 +0000 Jen http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/05/06/a-history-of-hybrid-cars Hybrid Speedometer

Hybrid cars have been mass-produced for more than 10 years. With technology constantly improving, they have definitely come a long way. While the first mass produced hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius, is still the best selling hybrid, the number of models available to consumers has increased drastically in the past few years. Looking back, it’s hard to imagine that ten years ago, Americans were on a waiting list for a hybrid from either Toyota or Honda, especially considering a recent Accenture study that showed that 42 percent of consumers are likely to purchase a hybrid or electric automobile in the next two years. I’ve decided to put together a timeline of how far hybrid cars have come and what to expect in the very near future. 1997 – Toyota launches the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius, in Japan. 37,000 Prius’ were sold in Japan before the popular Toyota became available in the U.S. 1999 – Honda releases the Insight in the U.S., making it the first mass-produced hybrid automobile sold in the U.S. 2000 – Toyota launches the Prius in the U.S. Only 12,000 vehicles are available. 2002 – Honda unveils the Honda Civic Hybrid 2003 – The second generation Toyota Prius was named the 2004 Car of the Year by Motor Trend Magazine. Over 700,000 Prius’ were sold in the U.S. 2004 – Ford introduces the Escape Hybrid, the first hybrid SUV and the first American-made hybrid. The Escape Hybrid was named the North American truck of the year in 2005. 2005 – Three hybrid SUVs, including the Lexus RX 400h, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid are introduced. The Highlander Hybrid is considered a “muscle hybrid” because of its increased horsepower; however, it sacrifices fuel economy. 2007 – Nissan enters the hybrid market with the Altima Hybrid sold in 8 states – New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California. Chevrolet also introduces the first full-size SUV hybrid that increases fuel economy by approximately 25 percent more than the conventional model. 2009 – The newly redesigned Honda Insight becomes the only hybrid option under $20,000. Toyota also introduces the 2010 Prius with the highest fuel economy of any car on the U.S. market at 50 mpg. 2010 and Beyond – In late 2010, GM unveiled the Chevrolet Volt which was expected to travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone. GM estimated that it would cost 2 cents per mile under batter power. In 2012, Toyota is expected to produce 20,000 to 30,000 Toyota Prius Plug-in hybrids which can run about 12 to 18 miles on battery power alone.
]]> Hybrid Speedometer

Hybrid cars have been mass-produced for more than 10 years. With technology constantly improving, they have definitely come a long way. While the first mass produced hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius, is still the best selling hybrid, the number of models available to consumers has increased drastically in the past few years. Looking back, it’s hard to imagine that ten years ago, Americans were on a waiting list for a hybrid from either Toyota or Honda, especially considering a recent Accenture study that showed that 42 percent of consumers are likely to purchase a hybrid or electric automobile in the next two years. I’ve decided to put together a timeline of how far hybrid cars have come and what to expect in the very near future. 1997 – Toyota launches the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius, in Japan. 37,000 Prius’ were sold in Japan before the popular Toyota became available in the U.S. 1999 – Honda releases the Insight in the U.S., making it the first mass-produced hybrid automobile sold in the U.S. 2000 – Toyota launches the Prius in the U.S. Only 12,000 vehicles are available. 2002 – Honda unveils the Honda Civic Hybrid 2003 – The second generation Toyota Prius was named the 2004 Car of the Year by Motor Trend Magazine. Over 700,000 Prius’ were sold in the U.S. 2004 – Ford introduces the Escape Hybrid, the first hybrid SUV and the first American-made hybrid. The Escape Hybrid was named the North American truck of the year in 2005. 2005 – Three hybrid SUVs, including the Lexus RX 400h, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid are introduced. The Highlander Hybrid is considered a “muscle hybrid” because of its increased horsepower; however, it sacrifices fuel economy. 2007 – Nissan enters the hybrid market with the Altima Hybrid sold in 8 states – New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California. Chevrolet also introduces the first full-size SUV hybrid that increases fuel economy by approximately 25 percent more than the conventional model. 2009 – The newly redesigned Honda Insight becomes the only hybrid option under $20,000. Toyota also introduces the 2010 Prius with the highest fuel economy of any car on the U.S. market at 50 mpg. 2010 and Beyond – In late 2010, GM unveiled the Chevrolet Volt which was expected to travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone. GM estimated that it would cost 2 cents per mile under batter power. In 2012, Toyota is expected to produce 20,000 to 30,000 Toyota Prius Plug-in hybrids which can run about 12 to 18 miles on battery power alone.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/a-history-of-hybrid-cars/feed/ 0 Earth Day Countdown: Top 10 Green Autovations http://blog.allstate.com/earth-day-countdown-top-10-green-autovations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=earth-day-countdown-top-10-green-autovations http://blog.allstate.com/earth-day-countdown-top-10-green-autovations/#comments Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:57:23 +0000 goodhandsgiveback http://community.allstate.com/community/making_a_difference/blog/2010/04/20/earth-day-countdown-top-10-green-autovations This year, April 22 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day! In commemoration of this important event, well be surfacing...

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greencar.jpg

This year, April 22 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day! In commemoration of this important event, well be surfacing articles with news and tips on making our daily lives more eco-friendly:


 

The future of driving technology seems to be focused on not only making our lives more comfortable and convenient, but improving our quality of life as well. A recent report by MSN detailed a list of 10 exciting innovations that could revolutionize the auto industry, and while some of these are still in early developmental stages, others are already being tested and are expected to hit the market in coming years. Among some of these enhancements are:

 

  • Special speed bumps on the road which not only slow the car down as normal speed bumps would, but convert this change in momentum into electricity that can be reused.
  • A common plug-in hybrid car which can charge up in about 8 hours and cna also rely on a backup gasoline engine
  • Stackable CityCars which could maximize auto storage in crowded urban environments

Full article here.

 

Which of these innovations do you think will catch on the most?

 

What other ideas can you think of to make us greener drivers?

 

 

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/3336/1710118565/ / CC BY 2.0

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]]> http://blog.allstate.com/earth-day-countdown-top-10-green-autovations/feed/ 0 Hybrid Payback Calculator http://blog.allstate.com/hybrid-payback-calculator/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hybrid-payback-calculator http://blog.allstate.com/hybrid-payback-calculator/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:55:09 +0000 Brendan http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2009/10/13/hybrid-payback-calculator iStock_000015791547Large

New car season is about to get into full gear and we can expect some interesting models on tap for 2010. If you’re thinking about buying a hybrid, many shoppers debate if paying the extra money for the hybrid is worth it. Typically that “hybrid premium” needs to be balanced against the cost of gasoline during the time you own your car. When gas averaged over $4 a gallon, the decision was much easier; however, with gas around $2.60 we could go either way.
Our handy Hybrid Car Savings Calculator does the heavy lifting for you. (See attached file) The calculator will determine how long it will take you to break even from paying the “hybrid premium” and saving money on fuel efficiency.

How does it work?

1. Enter the cost of the hybrid car and normal car Try to evaluate cars that have similar options so that the only difference is the hybrid engine. That way you’ll be estimating the true cost of the hybrid premium. Check out Kelley Blue Book to find ideas. 2. Enter the fuel efficiency of the cars you wish to compare If you don’t know the fuel efficiency of your car, you can find out estimates at Fueleconomy.gov 3. Enter the price of a gallon of gas You can find the current local average at GasBuddy.com 4. Enter the estimated number of miles you drive per month

Example:

As an example, I entered in some data in the light blue sections to show how the calculator works. In this example, the difference between my hybrid car and normal car is $2,000. My hybrid car averages 46 mpg whereas my normal car averages 20 mpg. I’m estimating that gas costs $2.50 and I drive 1,500 miles per month. Based on my driving habits, I can expect to save approximately $106 a month in fuel costs. However, to break even on my fuel cost savings and the extra money I had to pay up front for my hybrid, I will have to wait about 19 months to recoup my hybrid premium. What happens if gas returns to $4 a gallon though? I’ll save a whopping $169.57 a month in fuel costs and I’ll recover my hybrid premium in only a year! Auto manufacturers are also vastly improving the fuel efficiency of regular combustible engines too. What happens when the fuel economy on my normal car improves to 30 mpg and the price of gas increases to $3.00 a gallon? I’ll save $52.17 a month; however it will take 39 months for me to break even on the hybrid premium. Try out the calculator yourself and determine if a hybrid is the best choice for you.
]]> iStock_000015791547Large

New car season is about to get into full gear and we can expect some interesting models on tap for 2010. If you’re thinking about buying a hybrid, many shoppers debate if paying the extra money for the hybrid is worth it. Typically that “hybrid premium” needs to be balanced against the cost of gasoline during the time you own your car. When gas averaged over $4 a gallon, the decision was much easier; however, with gas around $2.60 we could go either way.
Our handy Hybrid Car Savings Calculator does the heavy lifting for you. (See attached file) The calculator will determine how long it will take you to break even from paying the “hybrid premium” and saving money on fuel efficiency.

How does it work?

1. Enter the cost of the hybrid car and normal car Try to evaluate cars that have similar options so that the only difference is the hybrid engine. That way you’ll be estimating the true cost of the hybrid premium. Check out Kelley Blue Book to find ideas. 2. Enter the fuel efficiency of the cars you wish to compare If you don’t know the fuel efficiency of your car, you can find out estimates at Fueleconomy.gov 3. Enter the price of a gallon of gas You can find the current local average at GasBuddy.com 4. Enter the estimated number of miles you drive per month

Example:

As an example, I entered in some data in the light blue sections to show how the calculator works. In this example, the difference between my hybrid car and normal car is $2,000. My hybrid car averages 46 mpg whereas my normal car averages 20 mpg. I’m estimating that gas costs $2.50 and I drive 1,500 miles per month. Based on my driving habits, I can expect to save approximately $106 a month in fuel costs. However, to break even on my fuel cost savings and the extra money I had to pay up front for my hybrid, I will have to wait about 19 months to recoup my hybrid premium. What happens if gas returns to $4 a gallon though? I’ll save a whopping $169.57 a month in fuel costs and I’ll recover my hybrid premium in only a year! Auto manufacturers are also vastly improving the fuel efficiency of regular combustible engines too. What happens when the fuel economy on my normal car improves to 30 mpg and the price of gas increases to $3.00 a gallon? I’ll save $52.17 a month; however it will take 39 months for me to break even on the hybrid premium. Try out the calculator yourself and determine if a hybrid is the best choice for you.
]]> http://blog.allstate.com/hybrid-payback-calculator/feed/ 0 Personal Finance – Weekly Digest Vol. 1 http://blog.allstate.com/personal-finance-weekly-digest-vol-1/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=personal-finance-weekly-digest-vol-1 http://blog.allstate.com/personal-finance-weekly-digest-vol-1/#comments Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:15:45 +0000 Brendan http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2009/06/03/personal-finance--weekly-digest-vol-1 Heres a roundup of some of recent articles from around the web to consider which may help save some cash:7...

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Heres a roundup of some of recent articles from around the web to consider which may help save some cash:


7 misconceptions About the Stimulus – Learn how you can help maximize the money you save from the stimulus bill President Obama signed in February

Is it worth it to buy a hybrid car? With gas prices back around $2 a gallon, does it still make wise economic sense to buy a hybrid?

Spruce up your yard with these budget-conscious tips – Spring is here. Boost your home’s value by sprucing up your yard

How I learned to haggle Learning how to haggle is an interesting way to help reduce your bills, especially in these tough economic times.

 

 

 

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