BYD partners with U.S. firm to launch all-electric garbage truck

BYD and Wayne Engineering electric garbage truckHere's an electric vehicle that really, truly stinks. While automakers are moving in the direction of more electric cars, several companies are also making efforts to electrify commercial vehicles. The humble garbage truck will be the next to be electrified—which, if nothing else, will eliminate the unpleasant noise from huge diesel trucks...

Start-stop systems to soar in number over next decade

2017 Nissan Sentra NismoPlug-in electric cars are slowly becoming more common, but internal-combustion engines will remain a significant presence on the world's roads for decades to come yet. That means automakers will continue trying to squeeze ever-greater efficiency out of these engines, making them more complex in the process. This will almost certainly include a...

Renewable energy to hit 9 percent of U.S. total in 2017

Photovoltaic solar power field at Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, TennesseeU.S. renewable-energy generating capacity is not only growing, but it is beginning to erode coal's share of the electricity-generating mix, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The agency predicts renewable energy—particularly solar power—to continue growing. At the same time, a combination of renewable...

How China’s horrific air quality magically turns cleaner: cotton

Beijing smogChina is known for having some of the most polluted air in the world. But officials in one Chinese city found a way to at least make that air appear cleaner, for awhile. Like many Chinese cities, Xi'an, the provincial capital of Shaanxi, in the northern part of the country, has air-monitoring equipment. DON'T MISS: Coal in China: huge problem for...

Are you driving a car, a crossover, an SUV, or a truck? Do you care?

2017 Honda CR-VAre you driving a car or a truck? The answer may be harder to determine than you think. U.S. safety and emissions regulations generally split cars and trucks into two categories, but the line between those two vehicle types has become blurred in recent years. That's thanks to the car-based crossover utility vehicle, which now represents one of the...

Coal in China: huge problem for clean power, climate efforts

Coal, by Flicker user oatsy40 (Used Under CC License)Over the past few years, China has made impressive strides in renewable-energy investment. The promotion of renewable energy will only become more important as China works to meet its commitments under the recently-ratified Paris climate agreement. But the country's reliance on coal for electricity generation still poses a huge problem for these...

Could an EU switch to on-road emission tests allow more pollution?

2016 Renault Clio RSThe Volkswagen diesel scandal convinced European regulators to switch from laboratory emissions testing to tests that involve actual, on-road driving. This could prevent automakers from deploying "defeat device" software like the kind used by VW on laboratory tests, as well as produce results that more closely align with what consumers can expect...

Emission debate in Europe: should new EU agency test, or each nation?

Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) on a Peugeot 308The Volkswagen diesel scandal has brought increased scrutiny on how new cars are tested for emissions and fuel economy. VW's use of "defeat device" software to cheat on laboratory emissions tests could cause regulators to put greater emphasis on on-road emissions testing. But, in Europe at least, there is some debate about which entity will...