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
UCSVanguard (2009)
The UCSVanguard is a minivan blueprint developed by UCS engineers that meets California’s global warming emission standards simply by using existing technologies and fuels; and it saves money at the pump while maintaining the levels of safety and performance that drivers expect.
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
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.
Clean Vehicles Update
Get the latest information on our outreach and advocacy efforts for cleaner vehicles.
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.
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.
