Top Gear

I think I've confessed before that in spite of my green leanings, I'm a bit of a gear-head. I love exotic cars. I've resigned myself to the fact that I will never own one because I couldn't justify the carbon output. Still, there is a glimmer of hope: The Tesla still has a chance to succeed, and Britain's Lightning GT looks to be a close contender.

This week on Top Gear, the team will take some time away from guzzling gasoline to review some electric and alternative fuel vehicles (looks like they'll cover the Tesla and the Honda Clarity FCV). I can't wait to see what they come up with: Monday, March 23, 8pm eastern, BBCA.

Electric ATVs hitting the trail

From the Washington Post (AP) Barefoot Motors is soon to release it's new electric ATV. At almost three times the price, I wonder how it will sell against the Zap ATV. The difference being that the Zap uses lead acid batteries and requires a much slower charge, while the new Barefoot model uses lithium-iron-phosphate batteries like those in the Chevy Volt.

The Zap tops out at 25mph and has a range of 25, while the Barefoot Model 1 has a top speed of 35 and a range of 20.