Clean Vehicles
Consumers deserve better performance and less pollution than automakers currently provide. Our experts in diesel, gasoline, and advanced vehicle technologies provide consumers and decision makers with the information they need to build a robust economy based on cleaner transportation choices.
Features
The UCS Model E: An Electric Car Revolution
Just as Ford’s Model T revolutionized the automobile industry 100 years ago, UCS engineers have created a new line of electric car designs: The Model E. These electric-drive vehicles could be the start of a revolution that helps to dramatically cut smog-forming pollution, reduce U.S. global warming pollution 80 percent or more, and effectively end our oil addiction by 2050.
Clean Car Standards Resource Center
Frustrated by high gasoline prices? Learn more about how the Federal government's work with the state of California on a new set of vehicle standards (aka the "clean car standards") can relieve America's pain at the pump while cutting global warming emissions and stimulating the American economy.
The Convoy
UCS engineers developed a virtual tractor-trailer design, called the Convoy, which illustrates how various technologies could improve tractor-trailer fuel efficiency.
2010 Automaker Rankings
In the closest competition to date, Honda claims the Greenest Automaker award amid a three-way photo finish—with Toyota and Hyundai tied for second place—in the Union of Concerned Scientists’ comprehensive environmental rankings.
National Oil Savings Plan
UCS outlines a suite of policies to cut our nation's oil dependence. These policies include boosting the fuel economy of our vehicles, producing clean biofuels, and investing in the next generation of advanced vehicles that do not rely exclusively on oil.
Billion Gallon Challenge
The Billon Gallon Challenge is an effort to build the support and policies needed to bring the fledgling advanced biofuels industry to maturity.
UCS Hybrid Scorecard
The Hybrid Scorecard on UCS's award-winning HybridCenter.org website is the only comprehensive ranking of hybrid vehicles available in the U.S. market.
Successes
Recent successes in Clean Vehicles include:
- Winning tough new fuel economy standards
- Defending California’s tailpipe emissions standards
- Launching a campaign to promote “smart” bioenergy
- Holding automakers accountable for their environmental performance
Analysis
UCS Vanguard
Drivers across the nation have been waiting for "no compromises" vehicles; cars and trucks that can help keep America running strong while countering the threats posed by global warming pollution. UCS engineers have designed just such a vehicle—The UCS Vanguard.
Setting the Standard: Major Fuel Economy Gains Possible
The federal agency writing regulations for vehicle fuel economy standards could lay the groundwork for a new vehicle fleetwide average of more than 50 miles per gallon by 2030.
UCS Automaker Rankings
Bottom-line analysis of the environmental performance of eight companies, which together account for 96 percent of cars and trucks sold in the United States—the world’s largest vehicle market.
Campaigns
National Oil Savings Plan
UCS outlines a suite of policies to cut our nation's oil dependence. These policies include boosting the fuel economy of our vehicles, producing clean biofuels, and investing in the next generation of advanced vehicles that do not rely exclusively on oil.
Help Clean Up California's Dirty Diesel Trucks
California's heavy duty trucks are the state's largest source of toxic diesel pollution—burdening Californians with serious health impacts and billions in healthcare costs.
Smart Bioenergy Initiative
Bioenergy can be part of the solution to America’s energy and environmental needs. But it must be produced in a way that protects our air, soil, and water and generates the lowest amount of global warming pollution.
UCS HybridCenter Driving Change Network
Join with the thousands of other vehicle enthusiasts to get the latest information and special actions to help shape the future of the advanced vehicle market.
Resources
Hybrid Center
Hybridcenter.org is your one-stop shopping for the consumer and technological information you need to understand how this new technology fits into your personal and environmental priorities.
Tips to Maximize Your Vehicles Fuel Efficiency
At today’s national average regular gasoline price, even small increases in fuel economy can add up to big savings. Over the short-term, drivers can reduce their fuel use with routine maintenance and smart driving habits.
Building a Better SUV
UCS finds that "off-the-shelf" improvements to SUV engine and body design could cut over 27 tons of global warming emissions as compared to the Ford Explorer. Additional technologies could easily increase the reduction to 49 tons.
