CleanMPG

A must visit destination for Baseball fans everywhere.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – March 19, 2023


Louisville, KY – During one of my many delivery jaunts around the Southeast – this time from my home in Nashville to Chattanooga, TN, through a small portion of North GA on the 24, transitioning to the 65 back in Nashville, through to Louisville, KY and a drop-off in New Albany, IN, taking a short break at one of Louisville’s most unique attractions was a no brainer. Today, the city is known as the home of Muhammad Ali, the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken, the University of Louisville and its Cardinals and the...

One OEMs process to improve the future of the automobile.

Porsche Engineering – CleanMPG – February 2, 2023


Porsche Engineering uses state-of-the-art testing procedures for the development of electric drives, which include both real-life and lab testing conducted in a virtual environment. Their use can significantly shorten the development time and reduce the number of test vehicles needed.

To continue to increase efficiency in the development of new components and systems for electric drives, Porsche Engineering uses test methods specifically adapted to the requirements of high-voltage technology. As an example, high-voltage batteries are tested on vehicle and component test benches at the Bietigheim-Bissingen and Nardò locations, while...

30-miles of AER plus a turbocharged 1.3L or 2.0L highlight its performance heritage.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – March 6, 2023

Earlier today, Dodge revealed its full 90-second commercial for an all-new vehicle. “Swarming the Nation” takes viewers on a flight through city streets as word of the arrival of “engineered hornet”.


The automotive industry is evolving rapidly with new technologies and innovations by the day. In line with this, Dodge is set to unveil its latest addition to its vehicle lineup - the 2023 Dodge Hornet PHEV. This highly anticipated automobile promises to offer an exceptional driving experience with its innovative features and sleek design.

The 2023 Dodge Hornet PHEV will be a hybrid vehicle that combines the efficiency of an electric motor with the power of a 1.3 or 2.0L...

Despite one of the worst designed infotainment systems in a modern vehicle – 2020 Toyota and Lexus’, the brands continue to shine.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – March 1, 2023


The results of the J.D. Power 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study are in: Lexus ranks #1 in vehicle dependability among all brands with an overall score of 133 (PP100) vs the industry average 186 in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.

In addition, Toyota Motor Corporation received the most model-level awards, six, of all automakers for the following vehicles (segment):

• Lexus NX (Compact Premium SUV)
• Lexus RX (Midsize Premium SUV)
• Toyota C-HR (Small SUV)
• Toyota Highlander (Upper Midsize SUV)
• Toyota Sienna (Minivan)
• Toyota Tacoma (Midsize Pickup)

The 2023 U.S. Vehicle...

While XM, Pandora, and Spotify may be your go to audio apps, this one is a step above.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – March 1, 2023


When is a hot deal a hot deal? When it far exceeds expectations? When its price is miniscule compared to its utility? When it is free? This hot deal checks all the boxes!

Libby App for both Android and iOS by OverDrive

What is it? Libby is a free mobile app that allows you to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines from your local public library. Developed by OverDrive, Libby makes it easy to browse, borrow, and read your favorite titles all in one place. With a simple and intuitive interface, Libby lets you customize your reading experience, whether you prefer listening to audiobooks on the go or reading eBooks on your phone or tablet. With access...

While slow out of the EV gate, Lexus has initiated its own full electrification strategy in the form of the RZ 450e.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Feb. 27, 2023


Encinitas, CA – This modern city of 60,000 located on the Pacific Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Southern California. It is known for its forward-thinking conservation, lending a helping hand spirit, and especially its hard-core biking and surfing community. Within, Lexus is providing a short look into its next generation of energy saving transportation solutions under the moniker ‘Lexus Electrified’

While its BEV-specific platform (e-TNGA)...

A quick visit to Charlotte ends up at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Feb. 19, 2023


In honor of the Daytona International Speedway's long and illustrious history including the teams currently battling for position, points, and ultimately, a win on the Daytona 500 track, I was in Charlotte, NC last week looking for something cool to see.

Prior to pulling into pit row next to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, I gave the tracks safety team a heads up to have extinguishers ready just in case this driver and his Toyota Prius Prime were to spontaneously catch fire simply by pulling in...

Volta is set to be acquired by Shell USA, Inc. to accelerate decarbonization of the transportation sector.

Chris (MaxxMPG) Bernius – CleanMPG – Jan. 18, 2023


Volta is now set to be Acquired by Shell USA, Inc. to Accelerate Decarbonization of the Transportation Sector

New York, NY -- Late last month, Volta (NYSE: VLTA) announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement under which Shell USA Inc., a subsidiary of Shell plc (NYSE: SHEL), will acquire Volta in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $169 million. The transaction brings Volta's powerful dual charging and media network to Shell's established brand and seeks to unlock robust, long-term growth opportunities in electric vehicle ("EV") charging....

The premiere PHEV survives to drive another day.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Dec. 14, 2022


From the Del Mar, California Toyota USA #Prius Press Preview, I was heading back to the Chicago area to spend a few days with my mom before a quick stop back in Nashville and back to Southern California for Christmas...

Normally I try and keep a pristine vehicle, but road miles and weather take their toll.

Last night I was in Kingman, AZ after having decided to take the 40 vs the 70 east toward Chicago to reduce the probability of weather delays.

At ~ 1:00 AM I received a call that a major airline (I cannot name who) needed maintenance equipment (I cannot state what) driven between Las Vegas McCarran Airport and Denver International Airport (I cannot state why). The pickup time was of course...

In the last year, UK vehicle sales have dropped by 9.8%, while UK EV sales have increased by 4.8%.

Litesong – CleanMPG – Jan. 31, 2023


Despite supply constraints and temporary production stops, the VW Group has made significant progress in its electric transformation in 2022. Through all of 2022, 572,100 all-electric VW vehicles were handed over to customers around the globe. Compared to 2021, this is a substantial increase of 26 percent. The BEV share of total deliveries thus reached 6.9 percent, up from 5.1 percent a year earlier.

VW remains the BEV market leader in its home market of Europe and reached the fourth position in this segment in the US. The strongest increase came from China, where BEV deliveries were up by 68 percent year over year. Due to...

The reveal shows improvements in everything including curb appeal, all-electric range, acceleration, cargo volume, safety, and technology.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Nov. 16, 2022


Following on the heels of the all-new 2023 Toyota Prius reveal(s) from Japan and last night in Los Angeles, I am not going to neglect the Prime. There are quite a few details within the following linked 2023 Toyota Prius stories to keep us busy for a while.

• Meet the US Spec, All-new, 5th Gen, 2023 Toyota Prius Hybrid -- There are so many technology upgrades and it’s a beauty to boot!...

Taking a hot hatch for a drive.

Cliff Leppke – CleanMPG – Nov. 16, 2022


Volkswagen invites you to discover high-horsepower finger painting. Choose your canvas, a snaky roadway is perfect. Your paint pot is a turbocharged 315-hp Lapaz Blue Metallic over Titan Black Leather Golf R with 19-inch wheels. Get in. Adjust the shell-like front throne. Grab the steering wheel. Apply the pedals. Press start. Zero-to-60 mph is yours in less than five seconds. The nearly $44,640 R inspires confidence—it’s nimble, powerful and stable.

You feel like Jackson Pollock because you pour the R down the road. Plus, it sticks well, too. Steering effort is splendid, the chassis is seemingly unflappable and directional changes are prompt. You can journey through MKE’s high-rise...

A lux brand offers a diminutive CUV with efficiency.

Cliff Leppke – CleanMPG – Nov. 16, 2022


Lexus calls it the UX 250h Luxury. Regardless, the UX doesn’t mean a posh user experience. The MSRP is $46,600. That sum buys 2.0L I4 engine-related thrash. Moreover, this is mucho coin for what is a variation of the Corolla Hatchback wearing weight-cutting aluminum body panels, and a hybrid powertrain with 181-hp combined.

There was a time when $47,000 bought a luxo-liner powered by a velvety V-8. Things change. This wee hatchback (Lexus prefers SUV) has adequate people space in the cabin’s front; things get tight for humans and their gear toward the rear. One cool feature: illuminated center-of-the-vent knobs.

Ride quality is compliant, as if sprung by bungee cords. This and its...

Your ticket to rekindle an automotive romance - a compact car with luxury-grade aspirations

Cliff Leppke – CleanMPG – Nov. 16, 2022


As with Frank Sinatra, the Mazda3 proves “Nice ‘n’ Easy” does it every time. Mazda’s force-fed compact doesn’t use its engine, six-speed automatic transmission or suspension to tear through corners and beat others at the stoplight Grand Prix. Instead, Mazda down speeded the engine (2,300 rpm at 72 mph) to a hushed murmur; rushing things would be a crime.

And its developers made the necessary stops along the way toward upscale mobility. Mazda asks a modest $34,710 for this vehicle. There’s a color head up display with blind-spot warnings. The car’s chief calling card is its handsome if tight interior with a rubbery dash pad, stitched...

Just 22 mpg with an I4 Turbo?

Cliff Leppke – CleanMPG – Nov. 16, 2022


Hyundai spun off its luxury line creating the Genesis division back in 2015. The newly minted automotive brand got a winged badge and a big Durante-approved shield-like snout. What it didn’t get was a crossover. That’s changed.

Genesis adopted a Teutonic philosophy borrowing a chapter from, say, the VW Group’s playbook called Audi Q5/Porsche Macan. To wit: under the hood, there’s a longitudinally mounted 300-hp turbocharged four-pot mill. You get all-wheel drive and a sudsy eight-speed automatic transmission. The front section, supporting the suspension, is an Audi-style aluminum casting. A lightweight hood and aluminum body panels cut weight.

Thus, this GV isn’t a Hyundai Palisade in drag. It has a different...