Andrew Porter takes a closer look at how energy travels from the grid to the road, and argues that electric cars are not necessarily more energy efficient compared to fossil-fuel powered cars. Electricity generation needs to be re-examined to gain greater energy efficiencies.

How soon will we see people driving sustainable motorcars that reduce the impact on fossil fuels and reduce pollution? While many people assume, and hope, that the next generation motorcar will be powered either from a rechargeable battery, or an internal combustion engine using bio-fuels, there are problems associated with these methods. Andrew Porter looks into the sustainability issue of bio-fuels to power internal combustion engines, and presents the bright prospect of fully-optimised electric cars inspired by the old diesel electric railway locomotive.

Singapore has aced in many areas. But when it comes to embracing renewable forms of energy sources though, Singapore is terribly late in the game.

Much has been said about next generation motorcars and the influx of bio-fuels, petrol electric hybrids, pure electric, hydrogen power and so on. Still, just how much improvement they make to the environment on a total carbon footprint basis remains debatable. But we can do something about what we have now. This article looks at what can be done to improve existing motorcars – both old and new - in terms of fuel efficiency.

Most people think of the internal combustion engine as being the thing that powers cars. But just as many are used for railway trains, ships, planes and more. Although carmakers are looking at alternatives like fuel cells, battery power or even biofuels to run hybrids, there are still plenty of vehicles with plain old internal combustion engines – so is there anything that can be done to improve it that will help lessen environmental impacts?

Electric cars are currently touted as the best thing for the environment. But are they really?

The experience of the smart was definitely mixed. As a sensible, socially-responsible mode of city transport it has few equals.

City bikes make a lot of sense. Which is why many major cities offer special cycle schemes for visitor and residents.

Great to get around with, but cars can make you and your kids ill.