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'Smart' plugs ready to quash office stand-by power

It may not look like much, but a little white electric outlet with a networking chip in it can save a bunch of money, according to ThinkEco.

The New York-based start-up today said its "modlet," or modern outlet, is now available. It also released results from a pilot project which showed that a company reduced its power bill by $65,000 per year using the networked outlets in its office.

ThinkEco is one of a handful of companies making these smart plugs to lower the wasted energy from plug loads, which is a growing portion of businesses' and … Read more

Ford launches educational site about EVs, hybrids

Ford just launched a new Web site to educate people about electric vehicles in an interactive way.

The site is designed to inform visitors about the differences between hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure battery electric vehicles like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Ford Focus Electric, and other plug-in vehicles Ford has in the works.

Using videos and diagrams, the Web site demonstrates how gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles work and lets visitors make their own conclusions about which vehicle is right for them. The Web site also offers links to other sites, such as EcoBoost and MyFord Touch, … Read more

Green iPhone 4 case: The EcoShield+

Alas, going green always seems to cost a little extra, and at $39.99, Agent 18's EcoShield+ iPhone 4 case borders on the exorbitant.

That "+" stands for the nifty integrated kickstand, and while the case is expensive, we did check out a sample, and have to say that it's really pretty nice. Agent 18 also makes the same case without a kickstand for $5 less, but we think that added feature helps distinguish the case--and it does come in handy.

So what makes this black case green? Well, Agent 18 promises that it uses one recycled … Read more

Chevy Cruze Eco 'feels' wind change to better fuel economy

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco will owe, in part, its estimated 40 MPG on the highway to its innovative design.

Greg Fadler, aerodynamics engineering group manager at Chevrolet, said in a press release, the front grill and air shutter system of the Cruze Eco uses sensors to feel and sense wind and temperature conditions. The senors allow the car to change shape and cut through the air more smoothly.

At high speeds, the shutters stay closed to reduce drag. At lower speeds, the shutters open to maximize engine-cooling air flow.

The Cruze Eco's cooling systems was put to the … Read more

Think promotes eco-tourism in the Swiss Alps

Tourists can now tour the breath-taking Swiss Alps without hurting the environment.

Scandinavian EV maker, Think today announced it has teamed up with its Swiss distribution partner, M-Way, to bring a fleet of 60 Think City cars to eco-tourists.

For about $57, or 60 Swiss francs, a day, tourists will be able to rent a Think City car through Alpmobil. Unfortunately the Web site is only available in German, but it can be easily translated by using Google's translation tool. It works, I tried it.

"This trial program fits perfectly with Alpmobil's philosophy, and we are proud … Read more

GM Aerodynamics Laboratory turns 30

What do the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, the America's Cup-winning Stars & Stripes yacht, and the 2011 Chevy Cruze Eco have in common? They've all been tested in the GM Aerodynamics Laboratory.

For 30 years, engineers have used the GM Aerodynamics Laboratory to improve the capability of vehicles and athletes to slip through the air more efficiency.

The GM wind tunnel, the largest of its type dedicated to automotive work, began operating in August 1980. During the past three decades, engineers have used it to cut the coefficient of drag of GM vehicles by about 25 percent, according … Read more

Holy crap! Scientists create pooping robot

One good robot deserves another. That's why Japan's robot toilets would love a British bot that poops with clockwork regularity.

Ioannis Ieropoulos and other researchers at Bristol Robotics Laboratory in the U.K. have created a marvel of modern science--a robot that can feed on biomass and excrete waste. The EcoBot III has an artificial gut that allows it to survive on fluid food and water for seven days without human intervention.

The robot is powered by 48 small microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and moves along a steel track between sources of liquid food and water (see time-lapse … Read more

Gates, Khosla invest in EcoMotors' efficient engine

If you believe that high-profile investors add to your credibility, then the folks at tiny EcoMotors are having a good day.

Vinod Khosla and Bill Gates on Monday said they are the sole investors in a series B round for EcoMotors. The money will allow the Troy, Mich.-based company to complete engineering and testing of its efficiency-minded car engine, called Opoc.

CEO Don Runkle told the Detroit Free Press that the value of the investment was $23.5 million. Khosla Ventures provided a smaller series A round for the 2-year-old company, which has about three dozen employees.

Although there'… Read more

'Smart' thermostats to get test run in Texas

A thermostat technology that's intended to significantly reduce energy bills is about to become available for use in actual homes.

EcoFactor, the developer of a software platform for a two-way "smart" thermostat, announced Thursday its dynamic system for regulating home heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems will be offered through a pilot project in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, metro area.

In addition to turning heat or air conditioning on and off at set times or specified temperatures, the system monitors the thermal behavior of the home, as well as daily outdoor temperatures and weather forecasts. It … Read more