Yellow Labrador Retriever Brown - Dog Pet - Slap-stickz™ Window Bumper Sticker on 2040-parts.com

E85 makes inroads on cost and availability

Three years ago, we embarked on a Midwest road trip in search of what was then the Holy Grail of fuel: E85. Our findings weren't too positive--there were far more E85-compatible vehicles on the road in 2006 (5 million) than there were E85 pumps to fuel them (about 700 out of some 200,000 fuel stations nationwide). In addition, those burning the mix of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol were paying a pretty penny for their earth-friendly ways, losing about 15 percent in fuel economy while often paying the same price as for regular unleaded.

Nissan LEAF becomes London Taxi

Nissan has been ferrying Londoners and tourists round the capital in the Nissan LEAF EV free of charge as part of its ‘Big Turn On’ campaign. Yesterday we reported that a Nissan LEAF was going to go backwards up the hillcimb at Goodwood in a bid for a reversing speed record, and to draw attention to the LEAF’s strengths as part of Nissan’s ‘Big Turn On’ campaign. We’re not too sure how being able to go backwards as quickly as you can forwards in a LEAF is a big selling point, but Nissan’s stunt in London this week is far more relevant – they’ve been offering fee taxi rides in the electric LEAF to tourists and Londoners alike.

What defines a car’s nationality, Batty asks

Is the Mini German or British? Batty's not so sure – but what do you think? Click 'Add your comment' and let us know By Batty Motoring Issues 04 December 2008 12:41 CAR Online reader Batty ponders what gives a car a national flavour.