SciFi channel once stated that one out of seven Americans has encountered UFO. 14% of population is composed of a UFO close encounter and the largest proportion is comprised of people who actually saw UFO. In fact, in the year 1940s several pilot sighting cases were recorded. In the year 1940s to 1960s, most convincing UFO reports were given by pilots and ex-pilots. The question is: are UFO’s real?

A space UFO was seen on the highway! But, it is not the real UFO you’re thinking about. It is actually a car. It is termed as ‘Zooop’. It is one of the ideal future cars made. Plus, its design is really unusual.

Zooop

Seeing the picture, you’ve probably noticed its round chassis that gave it a unique appearance. Aside from that, it is also designed to have Propulsion of 150-kW AC. It is capable of achieving the speed of 112 mph, as well as going up to 280 miles even with a single recharge. Most of all, it is gasoline-free!

Drive one to experience the feeling of riding in UFO car. With Zooop, UFO issues can be resolved. If not, at least you’ve experienced a ‘UFO ride’. So what are you waiting for? Ask yourself a big question: “How can I experience a UFO ride?”

Japan’s third largest auto manufacturer—Honda, is now introducing the latest member of the hybrid world. Its name is FCX Clarity. This zero-emission vehicle runs on both hydrogen and electricity, which uses a hydrogen fuel cell for power. Honda, being the maker, claims that the FCX Clarity has only water as its emission, with no poisonous gases that are known to be the causes of global warming. It has an energy efficiency that is twice as an ordinary gas-electric hybrid and thrice of a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle.

The FCX Clarity is an improvement of its earlier version—the FCX. It is a generation fuel cell vehicle that was introduced six years ago. With advancement in the fuel cell stack, the company engineers had made a lighter body, expanded interior, and increased efficiency. The fuel cells are supplied with energy coming from the chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen gas. There is also a lithium-ion battery that acts as a supplemental power source. With all these innovations, the FCX Clarity, in its weight of 3,600 pounds, could run up to 100 miles per hour.

This year, Honda has a plan to lease out a few dozens units of this hybrid and is eyeing to make it up to 200 units within three years. In California, the amount per month of its lease will be $600, which includes both maintenance and collision repairs.

Still, there are seen hindrances in the global commercialization of the FCX Clarity. At the top of the list is the cost. The other is the lack of hydrogen fuel stations. In fact, Honda stated that as of now, there are already about 50,000 people who are applying to them through their site for its lease. With the problem in the location of the hydrogen fuel stations, they only consider those people who live near the stations in Torrance, Santa Monica, and Irvine.

In my previous post, you’ve learned something about bio-plastic. This article is also related to the first one. However, this will tackle more about bio-plastic cars (as the title implies).

In addition to the research by Mazda, Toyota also showed the world’s first electric car that uses bio-plastic. These are actually numerous concept cars. The said cars are named as “Voxy Bi-Trek,” “Mobile Trimmer,” “Trans-Pit,” and “COMS BP.” The “Voxy Bi-Trek” is based from the “Trans X-5” 5-seater model of Toyota Voxy. It combines a motor-driven second row seat and interior cargo cover. Plus, this particular kind of car is arranged into four modes. Included in the four modes are one rear row seat turned around to use rear space as living room, etc.

The “Mobile Trimmer” is a mobile trimmer shop model. It is based on Toyota HIACE Super Long. The said van is also equipped with facilities for trimming and shampooing. So, pet owners out there, watch out for this van!

The “Trans-Pit” is mainly for lifting. It is a Toyota HIACE Wide Super GL. It is also equipped with power lift, necessary for loading and unloading motorcycles. Add to that the functionality designed instrument panel. This is surely a ‘lifting’ bio-plastic car!

Finally, you have the “COMS BP.” It is actually a small electric vehicle. Same with others, it also uses bio-plastic derived from plants. Some of its body parts are really made from bio-plastic.

Isn’t it nice to hear that people are trying to be creative to find for alternatives? Yes, it is nice to hear or read something like this. Unfortunately, the use of bio-plastic especially for automobiles, created some issues. The first one is regarding the carbon dioxide produce in making bio-plastic. The issue is actually regarding global warming. Another issue is the cost of production. According to some, it costs three times more than conventional plastics. One big issue is the use of some materials that are also useful in making other products.

Well, every invention has really its own pros and cons. Just bear in mind that Science is fast growing, so we should learn how to cope with these changes. In addition, we should bear in mind the effects of Science to our environment. Do you still want to own a bio-plastic vehicle? I’ll leave to you the answer!

What is bio-plastic? Bio-plastic is one among the many kinds of plastics. It is derived from renewable biomass sources. These biomass sources are vegetable oil, corn starch, pea starch, or even those derived from petroleum. Bio-plastic has many uses. It can be a direct replacement for traditional plastics. On the other hand, it can also be mixed with traditional plastics to create blends. Actually, bio-plastics are certified “compostable plastics” based from several international organizations. For a certain kind of plastic to be called as bio-plastic, it must meet some criteria. First, it should be biodegradable in which under appropriate conditions, plastic must break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass, all at the same rate. Second is disintegrating, wherein once it breaks down, you will no longer determine plastic from other kinds of composts. Last, is the so-called eco-toxicity. Eco-toxicity means that bio-plastic must not produce toxic once it decomposed. In addition, the compost must be able to support plant life.

Now, how are bio-plastics made? Actually, there are many ways of making bio-plastics. It could vary depending upon the materials, equipment, or processes used. One way of making bio-plastic is through the use of maple syrup. The use of this particular kind of syrup is discovered by a researcher in Canada. To aid in the making of bio-plastic, it was found out that a particular bacteria known as “alcaligenes latus” has a sweet tooth. In addition, it behaves voraciously when exposed to maple sap and syrup. Not just that, the said bacteria is also capable of transforming sugars in the sap into natural polymers. These polymers then are used to make biodegradable plastic-like materials. Another way of creating bio-plastic is through the use of several plants. Newly developed plastics coming from plant-based raw materials are now emerging. Plus, these are not hazardous when it comes to production and decomposition. Some examples of plants synthesized to become bio-plastic are: corn, soy, sugar cane, and other crops. In fact, there are most common resins found in corn starch─ the Mater-bi and Polyactide.

At this point, what is the essence of talking about bio-plastics? Well, the answer is simple─ for you to easily understand the kind of car that we will be discussing in this article. The said cars are made up of bio-plastic. Bio-plastic? Car? Yes, you read it right cars made from bio-plastics. As I was browsing the internet, I came up with this interesting topic. Actually, I found out that Mazda is one who signed joint research agreement with Hiroshima University in Japan. The said research contains developing bio-plastic future car. In this particular research, entails creating bio-plastic from non-food resources such as cellulosic biomass. Ethanol is also utilized as a transitional product used in creating polypropylene (a plastic used in automotive industry). In detail process starts from creating ethanol from biomass. Then, the ethanol is transformed into ethylene and propylene (the precursors of polypropylene). The main focus of the said research is in strength, heat resistance, and durability.

Aforementioned is the beginning of bio-plastic in the automotive arena. Watch out for the next article that will feature cars made from bio-plastic!

Time to reminisce: I remember in my old post entitled “Newton could be a Good Car Racer,” I discussed some Physics concepts found in car racing. Today, I suddenly figured out that fast driving is not only for racing (obviously). Fast driving is also for normal city roads (provided there’s no traffic). However, fast driving in this situation is very risky. Safety should also be considered.

If you are “naturally-born” fast driver, you should stay alert always, drive defensively, avoid aggressive drivers, and highway hypnosis. Ensuring that your car is in good shape and condition is also of help. The bottom line is to obey traffic rules and drive within the speed limit.

Knowing how to drive is not enough to safely hit the road. There are other considerations that you can bear in mind to ensure your safety, your passengers’ safety, and other drivers’ safety. During season change, you should learn how to cope with driving through winter, spring, autumn, etc. Knowing some principles, basically scientific ones may aid you in driving safely in all-seasons.

One thing you should consider is to ensure that your car is equipped with auto part or accessory needed for sudden change. For winter driving, it is necessary to double your distance from other cars. The extra distance will be allotted for braking distance. Since the road is more slippery, the moment you apply the brake, your car will take longer time and distance before it finally stops. During spring and autumn however, some wet driving tips discussed in the previous post may be helpful.

Driving for all-season also needs safety. Just have with you the necessary tools in case some systems or auto parts malfunctions. For your needs, you can also bring with you first aid kit. Lastly, is to know your limitations. If you feel that you can’t drive well or needs rest, give your self a break. Remember that safety should always be first!

Harsh weather conditions may come unexpectedly. In fact, even if we have now sophisticated and easy ways to predict weather, there are still other things left unpredicted. Just like rain. There are some cases in which we can predict rain; however in other case rain just fell unknowingly. That’s why it is important to consider some wet driving tips.

Some of these tips include constant tyre checking, knowing how to overcome skid, drive in the right track, knowing how to avoid and deal with aquaplaning, and of course slowing down. These tips can be considered if you are driving through the rain. In fact, first rains make the road very slippery. Moreover, heavy rains and cloudy weather reduce visibility, which increase road accidents. The first tip mentioned is for the tyres. Proper air pressure for your tyre will help prevent skids and aquaplaning. Aside from that, your tyre comes in contact with the road, so it is important for it to be in the right shape and condition. Slowing down also gives more tyres’ thread in contact with the road.

These were only some of the driving tips during rainy days. However, the best solution if the rain suddenly becomes heavy is to stop driving. Never pursue to drive if the weather is not permitting you to do so. Rather, it is still the best way to halt, and think for what you can do next.

Several news reports contain oil price hike. In fact, the continuous increase in oil price led to economical problems. Thus, most vehicle owners are alarmed with the said issue. Well, there are other alternatives and solutions to combat oil price hike. Actually, a little bit of Physics, may also help you. In this article, you will know some tips to save money on fuel, gas, or oil. Some of the concepts are actually approached scientifically.

Instead of blaming the society for the continuous oil price hike, it is advisable for you to find ways on how you can save money on gas. There are actually lots of ways. You can convert fancy gasoline to low-octane fuel, or even convert your engine into hydrogen-powered one. Always check on your car systems, components, and even the smallest part to avoid leaks. In relation with that, you can specifically tighten the gas cap. Another, you should also consider something about shade. In buying cars however, you should consider those with good mileage. Those were only some of the tips that you can consider. Those tips will be discussed in every paragraph for in-depth understanding.

The first tip is regarding the conversion of engine or gasoline. There are actually alternatives in expensive gasoline. Just make sure that you will buy the lowest grade most appropriate for your car. Knowing those things are also mentioned in some car manuals; just check if it is included in yours. In view of engine, there are also ways and references in which you can make your vehicle to run only with water aside from gasoline. Moreover, you can also convert it into electric, solar, etc.

You have car maintenance as a tip. Poor engine performance may be due to some malfunctioning part. For example, if your fuel tank is defective, there is the tendency for fuel leaks. Tightening the gas cap is also of help. How; because gas is naturally evaporating, so to prevent this thing from occurring tighten the cap. Actually, according to statistics, over 145 million gallons of gas evaporates yearly. One typical reason for that is loose, missing, or damaged gas caps.

Now, what can shade do to saving money on gas? Well, during hot weather conditions especially summer, fuel instantly evaporates. So, parking your car in shade may help resolve evaporation.

Actually, great problems may have small or simple solutions. All you need to do is to understand the situation. If you fully understand it, you can think of ways on how you can solve the said problem, crisis, or whatever would you like to call it.

Car manufacturers manufacture cars depending upon make and model. However, certain make and model has many numbers of units created. For that reason, car owners customized their car to set them apart. Aside from that, personalized and unique car are other reasons. Just by browsing the internet, you can see numerous customized cars. One example is the mosaic car.

The said Mosaic car is called The Glass Quilt. It is a Volkswagen Beetle created in 18 long years, by Ron Dolce (Oakland artist). The art of the said car is purely hand-made. Each piece of colored glass is cautiously cut and glued using 100 % silicone adhesive.

Would you like to own personally and uniquely designed car? If yes, all you need to have is creativity! Add to it the originality that you will extend to your car. You’ll surely get the car that you want!