clean cars


Green Subaru Forester at 2019 LA Auto Show
Automakers like Subaru use the Los Angeles Auto Show to tout their supposed “green” credentials while glossing over their efforts to undermine the Clean Air Act. Newsflash, Subaru: if you actually want to do something about wildfires, maybe you should try fighting climate change instead of working to gut the biggest policy we have to combat it? UCS/Dave Reichmuth

Why (Some) Automakers Are Working with the Trump Administration to Undermine the Clean Air Act

, senior vehicles analyst

December 2, 2019 1:58 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Auto Show is just wrapping up, but while my colleague Dave Reichmuth was there getting a sneak peek at what the next couple years have in store, California’s emissions regulators were absent for the first time in 50 years. The reason? It is all too apparent that automakers are engaging in a classic case of greenwashing, using the event to tout a handful of “green” vehicles as environmentally friendly while actively working behind the scenes to undermine environmental protections.

Here’s the skinny on what the industry is doing, and why California and other states pushing to protect their citizens are seriously pissed off at a cabal of automakers currently in cahoots with the Trump administration.

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UCS/Dave Reichmuth
UCS/Dave Reichmuth
UCS/Dave Reichmuth
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To tackle climate change, it's clear that we can drive efficiency improvements across all types of vehicles - now is not the time to throw that progress in reverse.

Automakers Can Build Better Cars, But We Need Strong Standards to Make Them

, senior vehicles analyst

November 25, 2019 12:15 PM EDT

Let’s quit with the nonsense from lobbyists and lawyers that these standards aren’t achievable. Read more >

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Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee have proposed a package of clean energy tax incentives that would continue our clean energy momentum and represent a last chance for Congress to do something meaningful on climate change this year.

Proposed Tax Package Is Critical for Clean Energy Momentum and Progress on Climate

, senior energy analyst

November 19, 2019 10:11 AM EDT

The clean energy tax package proposed today by House Ways and Means Committee Democrats is Congress’s best chance to do something meaningful on clean energy and climate change this year. The proposal would provide tax incentives for a host of renewable energy technologies as well as battery storage that is critical to decarbonize our power sector. The package also looks to increase the number of electric vehicles that would qualify for a tax credit, making an important step towards addressing emissions from the transportation sector.

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Photo: Ad Meskens
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2018 Chevrolet Malibu sedan parked in front of the Golden Gate Bridge
General Motors is attacking California's ability to set emissions regulations, but its Chevy Malibu is proof that GM can meet strong 2025 standards. Chevrolet

While GM Fights Stronger Standards, Its Chevy Malibu Proves It Can Meet Them

, senior vehicles analyst

November 12, 2019 8:01 AM EDT

Recently General Motors, Fiat-Chrysler, Toyota, and other automakers sided with the Trump administration to fight California’s ability to set strong emissions standards. While this fight tramples all over the Clean Air Act and state leadership, GM and others are pushing the administration to rollback the One National Program we already have so that it can be replaced with a much weaker one. The Chevy Malibu is set to be redesigned in the coming years—by 2025, the next-generation Malibu can meet the One National Program of strong vehicle efficiency standards we have today, saving hundreds of dollars for its customers in the process. Read more >

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A red 2020 Ford Ecosport Titanium driving over bridge in urban setting
Ford's entry level crossover isn't living up yet to its "eco" name, but by 2025 it could be. Ford Media Center

How Ford Can Use Global Innovation to Put the “Eco” into its Entry-Level Vehicle, the Ecosport

, senior vehicles analyst

November 5, 2019 12:56 PM EDT

Ford, unfortunately, is abandoning the car market, with the 2020 model year marking the final year of its lone sedan offering, the Fusion, and the Fiesta not even getting a 2020 model year. This makes its subcompact crossover, the Ecosport, the company’s lowest-priced offering. Unfortunately, any cost-conscious consumer interested in a low base price and high fuel economy will have to look elsewhere thanks to the Ecosport’s thirsty 25-28 mpg. While the current Ecosport is anything but economical at the pump, Ford has an opportunity to green up its cheapest vehicle for 2025 and save its customers a few greenbacks in the process. Read more >

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