By Todd Kaho (http://www.greencar.com/articles/will-hybrid-car-really-pay-off.php)

It is true that hybrid vehicles cost more than usual. This prompted many to wonder whether the extra cost for these cars deserve a high efficiency, and in fact if the difference can be offset from time to time by the cash saved from buying fuel. While many generalizations that have been conducted in recent years, additional cost recovery concept hybrid that involves many variables and can only be answered on a case by case basis. Green Car research shows that a realistic answer is not so simple and boil it into a simple chart misleading … so we will not do it. Instead, we will do this the right way and help you come up with a valid return factor you might consider a hybrid.

You need to know that chewing numbers involve some element of a moving target. For example, higher gasoline prices work to shorten the number of miles required for a refund. Changing government incentives means that the calculations made today may be different from the reality of the calculation was made several months on the road. And do not forget that the retail price of hybrids also appears to be in play as a dealer tactic to a hybrid of several thousand dollars a suggested retail price because demand is high.

However, the basic equation for determining the breakeven point of a hybrid is easy. This begins by identifying the combination city / highway mpg hybrid numbers and that of the conventional nearest peer. Mpg, these figures can be found online at www.fueleconomy.gov. Once armed with the numbers you can find the operating cost of each vehicle per mile based on current fuel prices.

To do so, simply divide the price of fuel (eg $ 4.00 per gallon) by a combined mpg of a vehicle. As an illustration, a Honda Civic Hybrid will pencil out as follows, assuming gas costs above: $ 4.00 ÷ 42 mpg = $ 0.095 (9 ½ cents) per mile operating costs. If the Civic EX is used as a comparison of conventional, these pencils will be out at $ 4.00 ÷ 29 mpg = $ 0.14 (14 cents) per mile. Thus, the hybrid variant will cost $ 0.045 (4 ½ cents) less for each mile driven. Placed in these terms, it was enlightening that even at 42 mpg, you burn money on gasoline worth almost every 10 miles you drive. Ouch!!

Furthermore, manufacturers specify a suggested retail price (MSRP) for the models you’re comparing. Honda Civic Hybrid MSRP is $ 22,600 and the standard Civic EX is $ 18,710, with a differential of $ 3,890. To find the distance traveled is projected to break-even point – where fuel efficiency improvements offset the cost of the hybrid premium – the price difference between hybrid and conventional models models powered identically divided by the savings per mile. In the case of Honda Civic, this figure came out like this: $ 3,890 (cost difference) ÷ $ 0.045 (4 ½ cents per mile savings) = 86 444 miles. So, at least in theory, the additional cost of the Honda Civic hybrid in this scenario will be calculated at more than 86,000 miles of driving if gas prices $ 4.00 per gallon.

Of course, there are federal incentives for hybrid models a lot and this can make a big difference in the payback calculation. Civic Hybrid currently qualifies for a federal tax credit of $ 1,050, which converts the differential cost comparison between the model and results in a factor payback mileage 63 111 miles if purchased now. However, the tax credit be deleted according to certain criteria and disappeared when the car is sold 60 000 hybrid. For example, Honda’s tax credit is reduced to $ 525 on July 1, 2008 and will be lost entirely on the date of January 1, 2009. Substantial tax credit $ 3,150 are available for the Toyota Prius as a federal incentive program began now really go for this model, and in fact all the Toyota / Lexus hybrids, because this successful sales automaker’s hybrids. information currently available to credit for specific hybrid models can be found in http://www.fueleconomy.gov/Feg/tax_hybrid.shtml.

Basic calculations can be used to determine the theoretical payback for each hybrid model. If the basics are what you are looking for then you’ve done here. But there are more “wild card” factors to consider, so if you tend to find other ways that may affect the weight in, then read on.

BEYOND BASICS

If all this sounds simple, I assure you it is not. Looking for a direct hybrid / gasoline ratio of the model can be tricky because many of the features that come standard on the hybrid model can not be offered on gasoline-powered counterparts them. Auto manufacturers often sweeten the deal on hybrids with additional content to soften the higher price of hybrids. Additional features to the manufacturers cost much less than the retail value added they bring to consumers, so that the content serves to take some of the sting from the additional money paid handsomely for hybrid technology.

The challenge in identifying a direct comparison is described by the Toyota Camry hybrid. When you add in a choice of engines and trim levels, a list of 11 Toyota Camry of different styles and do not have the right mix of options and components as the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Also, while a single example, should also be noted that the Toyota Prius hybrid has no direct basis of comparison since the body styles are offered only as a hybrid.

Still other factors cloud the problem. Driving habits present a significant wild card in the payback equation. Fuel economy can easily vary by 5 mpg or more on higher vehicle fuel economy with the differences in driving style. Drive with fuel economy in mind and you can also cut miles to achieve breakeven in half.

Other incentives that break-even effect is not so obvious, like the ability to solo drivers to use high occupancy vehicle (carpool) lane in some states. While these incentives can save you hundreds of hours of time behind the wheel in the cities is very solid for a year – a real life quality advantages – also offers real financial benefits from cutting commuting time saving fuels, which also save cash. The case can certainly be made for factoring the dollar value of fuel stored in the payback equation. But again, that’s a wild card that must be calculated on a case by case basis. Plus, they expect it should be remembered that the benefits of HOV can go for the purchase of new hybrids after the quota is reached, as is happening now in California.

One of the main considerations when shopping for a new hybrid is the length of time you plan to store vehicles. If you are a short-term buyers, the math to break even may seem impossible to achieve. Big variable here is the resale or residual value when you sell the car. A hybrid is likely to retain many of the original premium you paid because of high demand, especially if you sell or trade in after only a few years. So, that $ 3000 or $ 4000 premium you pay for hybrids still could add $ 2,000 or more to the value of used cars, means you only need to save $ 1,000 or so in the gas – or consume 250 gallons of $ 4 per gallon – to the point breakeven.

Finally, there is the subject of the cost of replacement batteries that could (or should) be factored into the equation. While hybrids are fairly new so the actual cost of replacement batteries is generally known, projected that the new battery pack is likely to fall within the range of $ 2000 or so when the aging hybrids get to the point where replacement is necessary.

When is a hybrid pay for itself? We like to think the day of the drive you are parking. Being the early adopter of technology a positive environment, reduce dependence on petroleum, and creates less pollution have their own awards. Large savings realized in each time a new hybrid pumps filled also provide real financial benefits and immediate. With all of this and rising gas prices are already increasing the resale value of an efficient small cars – a trend that would be beneficial as well as the values of hybrids – the answer to those who questioned whether the hybrids will pay for it seems increasingly clear every day.

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The new of the Toyota Prius built in Japan, at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, offered a new modular battery pack design and more power for better acceleration. The design of the new battery was both more powerfull and smaller, with typical Toyota Corp. reliability. Not like the first generation of Toyota Prius, the second generation of Toyota Prius smaller battery pack allowed the rear seat to fold forward, so the cargo handling more flexible. The largest Toyota market, United State, would have demanded more performance compare than the original car offered. The second generation of Toyota Prius deliver the performance needed baseline gasoline engine with an output increase from 58 horsepower to 70 horsepower. The result of the electric motor also increased slightly to 44 horsepower with 258 lbs-ft of torque.

The third generation of the Toyota Prius was introduced in 2003. It was the first hybrid cars with all new of Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. Power from the electric motor and gasoline engine to increase enough to cut the 0-60 mph acceleration time by almost 2.5 seconds. The result is a super-mileage sedan with a high-performance car is equivalent to a traditional 4-cylinder mid-size vehicle.

The latest generation features a 1.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder gasoline engine with VVT-i that produces 76 horsepower and 82 lbs-ft of torque. The gasoline engine is joined by a 67 horsepower permanent magnet AC motor that delivers 295 lbs-ft of torque between 0-1200 rpm. A sealed 201 volt nickel-metal hydride battery provides the power. Estimated fuel economy with EPA ratings system in 2007 is the best in the business, with a 60 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the freeway. They adjust to 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway numbers with the 2008 EPA test procedures.

Prius owners make more than a statement with the latest generation of cars as well. The new design, has increased significantly over the original Prius and rather strange-looking, remain distinctive even four years after its debut. Its profile of Jetsons-like futuristic and aerodynamic with high-tech appeal. It’s no secret that a different profile push many buyers to choose the Prius, because other people know that they are testing positive environment in a flash car. The interior is roomy and comfortable car, although some unique design elements to take some acclimation.

Success with the Toyota Prius have been encouraged to apply to its Hybrid Synergy Drive on other popular platforms including the Toyota Highlander SUV, the mainstream Toyota Camry sedan, and a various of models including the Lexus RX, GS, and LS channels. As a result, Toyota’s hybrid 1000000 submitted in June of 2007, with more than half (541 210) was submitted in the US. Toyota is on track to sell more than one million hybrids quarter in 2007 alone.

Ten years after being introduced, the Toyota Prius still leads in many respects. It has dropped the Prius GT concept and established a land speed record at Bonneville with a specially prepared Prius. What’s next? Maybe a plug-in Hybrid Prius that gets more than 100+ mpg combined. Toyota now has started a PHEV or plug-in hybrid vehicles development program and test samples Toyota Prius PHEVs on the agile American highway. And, just maybe … there might be consolidation of the hybrid Toyota Prius to the all brand new? We do not know. Apparently, there’s just no stopping this innovative vehicle.

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Since the introduction of the Toyota Prius Hybrid in the end of 1997, the Toyota Prius is now become the icon of the green vehicle movement – after overcoming an engineering, technological, and development challenges.

Before going international, the first mass produced was launched especially for the home market. Obviously, so many list of order on the line. The concept of the hybrid electric cars was a new concept to customers. So, it was very essential to get best response. Toyota does not want to experience a parallel hybrid diesel-powered cars from the fast-to-passenger market in the United States that occurred ten years ago. Aka that diesel is still get negative reputation in the United States.

The name of Prius is from Latin names, means ‘proceed’ or ‘to go before,’ it seems very appropriate for the Toyota as the leader of hybrid effort. As we know, Takeshi Uchiyamada – in 1994, was assigned to design an environtmentally friendly cars with his team. The company has worked a lot of hybrid technology’s form on and off for some time. With Global 21^st century or G21 project lead Toyota Prius concept vehicle that debuted in 1995 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Despite the technical challenges of sustainability, this program is not only pushing forward, but accelerated towards production.

The First Generation of Toyota Prius was introduced in December 1997 to the market in Japan – with a THS or Toyota Hybrid System powertrain. The Prius give the consumers a 58 horsepower gasoline engine and 40 horsepower electric motor. Moreover, with the D cell size battery, the first generation of Toyota Prius offered 288 volts. The company will replace for free if there are problems with a the battery packs.

While the concept of the battery was being implemented, the company brought the slippery 2-seater Honda Insight Hybrid to America in 1999, beating the punch of the gasoline electric hybrid from Toyota and claiming the title of the first hybrid cars in the US market. That is a coup … but does not overcome the unstoppable force that is destined to become the most popular hybrid cars on the road.

The company introduced the second generation of Toyota Prius in August of 2000 in United State, was a better evolution for the US market. The company described the second generation of Toyota Prius as roomy, stylish, 5-passenger sedan with a MSRP of $19,995. The EPA fuel rating of 45 mpg on the highway and 52 mpg in the city. While this fell short of the Honda Insight’s even more amazing EPA estimated 61 city and 70 highway mpg, it was eye-opening for a 4-door sedan and also clean enough to be certified as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle, making it one of the cleanest on the road.

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Using a lithium battery that is electrically charged atoms move between their electrodes. When charging, the head of ions in one direction and go the other way when they perform. There are many different chemical make-up used for the battery, which is the most common positive electrode containing cobalt or manganese oxides as well as the negative electrode of graphite. Ions then pass through a lithium-based polymer or gel. Cars, unlike household goods, and quickly recharge the battery discharge and subject to wildly varying temperatures. This added to the instability of the battery and can cause overheating.

Lithium Ion Battery – Why It’s Appealing

Besides more compact, lighter, and more powerful than nickel-metal-hydride— NiMH batteries, lithium-ion battery is also high in power and energy density. Because the cells weigh less and do not take as much space as that used in other hybrid systems, equipped with lithium-ion battery in the car can help increase fuel efficiency. The end goal – even though technology has a ways to go – is to produce hybrid and electric cars are very efficient with quick acceleration, stamina, and an affordable price.

Lithium Ion Battery – The Concerns

Lithium-ion battery is not new technology. They can be found in everything from phones to camcorders, iPods, and laptops. However, they are viewed as not stable when filled and, as usual, has been known to spontaneously short-circuit and explode or burn. So, automakers and developers to find batteries to fail-safe option for obvious reasons. One problem with lithium-ion batteries is that their ability to continue to charge dropped after a certain period and may not last the life of the car, although this could also be problems with other batteries, depending on how “car life” is measured. Adding that to the fact that, for now, they are much more expensive than NiMH batteries. As production and increasing demand and improving technology, however, the cost of lithium-ion batteries are anticipated to decline.

Lithium Ion Battery – The Integrating

In addition to finding the most suitable battery for the car, it will be important that the outcome of sync with the drive system of each model. So, that means the manufacturer must first obtain the proper chemical battery, battery handling stability, build the cell, and combine them into algorithms and software that is embedded in the vehicle.

Lithium Ion Battery – When to Expect Major Production

Because there are still significant hurdles to overcome, the version is fully drivable car powered by lithium-ion batteries are limited in number. There are many companies who claim the car is almost ready to hit the production line, but more conservative estimates target 2010 or 2011 when the cars become available to the public.

Adopt from Jennifer Olvera, a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, and now she has become one of superior dining, food, and entertainment writers in Chicago. He has regularly been published in Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Citysearch.com, Gayot.com, and Zagat.

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By: Johan Young

Auto insurance is very important especially when you want to protect your asset and also protect your life from any auto risk. But, this is not easy to find the right auto insurance company, moreover when you must find low auto insurance quotes because in fact some auto insurance company claim they will offer you low auto insurance quotes but less of service quality and less of safety. This will bring another risk besides the company itself, so you have to be wise and carefully in choosing the right auto insurance.

The easiest way to find low auto insurance quotes is from the internet, but still you will not be able to find cheapest quotes without any basic reference first. Asking to the online forum maybe a good idea, but of course we must choose the right forum, where there are also people who understand about auto insurance. However, don’t worry about it, I am sure there will be someone who will help you to find auto insurance with low insurance quotes but still with high quality of security and service.

A good auto insurance company should provide you safe and secure transaction and also fund. The company should be able to ensure you to feel safe especially when you have problem with your car in the future. Low auto insurance quotes without high quality of service is nothing, so you have to get low insurance quote but not low service quality.

If you are enjoy read this article, you may be also interested in reading: Ferrari Hybrid, 2010 Toyota Prius, BMW X6, Fuel Economy Standards, Audi Q7, Prius Minivan, The Interior of Prius, Honda CR-Z Hybrid, Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars, Infinity M35, 2010 FIFA WorldCup, and The Most Popular Hybrid Cars.

Toyota begins selling the Auris Hybrid in the U.K. on July 1. This is a milestone for a number of important reasons.

First, it’s the first time a full hybrid has been targeted for the heart of the European market. The Auris—which uses the same technical architecture as the Toyota Prius— is a mainstream economical model, with a position in the market roughly similar to the Corolla. The hybrid version is very similar to the conventional Auris. The main differences are: lower ride height for better aerodynamics (0.28 Cd); reshaped bumpers and longer rear spoiler (also for aero); and a smaller gas tank and trunk to accommodate the nickel metal hydride battery pack. Cosmetic changes include a chrome grille, LED driving lights and hybrid blue-tint badges.

Why else is it important? Because the Auris Hybrid is the first full hybrid—at least according to Toyota—to be produced in Europe, specifically for the European market. The Auris Hybrid went into production earlier this month in Burnaston, England. (Actually, Volkswagen began building the Touareg Hybrid in Slovakia in April.)

Europe has historically preferred diesels to hybrids, as a green fuel efficiency choice—but this marks the beginning of a shift to hybrids. The Auris Hybrid could help Toyota bypass Fiat to become Europe’s low-CO2 champion. The Auris hybrid’s CO2 output is just 89 gram per kilometer.

The Auris Hybrid is not just an afterthought. It’s central to Toyota’s Europe strategy. Toyota expects to the hybrid version to account for one-quarter of Auris sales this year. That means 14,000 units, growing to 30,000 starting in 2011. By 2015, Toyota wants hybrids to make up 50 percent of its model range in Europe.

Implications for the United States

The introduction of Aura Hybrid could ripple across the pond. The U.S. market is lacking a compact hybrid hatchback—and Toyota is lacking any kind of compact hatchback. Yes, in 2011, Honda will launch the Fit Hybrid, and Toyota will offer the Lexus CT200h hybrid. If Toyota brings over the Auris Hybrid, maybe rebadged as a Prius Junior, U.S. car shoppers could have at least a trio of small hybrid hatchbacks to choose from.

Could Toyota push down the price tag of a U.S. Aura Hybrid to $19,000 or lower? Could they configure the car to break 50 mpg? Could the design be modified with some of the Prius’s DNA for those that like a unique eco-friendly appearance? If yes to all the above, Toyota could have the first serious option for hybrid affordability.

Source:hybridcars.com

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The Real Deal

Today, zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) are seen as an ideal way to satisfy society’s conscious efforts to go green. In the eyes of a growing number of people, electric vehicles (EVs) running on rechargeable batteries are a big part of that plan. However, even if electric vehicles become more affordable and offer greater functionality, they will need an infrastructure for recharging their batteries to make their use convenient.

New Competition Among Alternative Energies

The newly emerging fuel cell technologies are vying with battery electric vehicles for a place among zero emission options. This could eventually take place as fuel cell and hydrogen storage costs come down, but by all indications this is years away. Battery costs appear to be decreasing even as technology is improving, which in tandem with automaker announcements of coming electric models means these electric drive cars could make their way to showrooms in larger numbers soon.

Plugged into the Grid

EVs run on battery power, replenished through standard electric outlets with energy generated by electric utilities. Primary charging locations are at residences, businesses, or where fleet vehicles are stored. Public charging sites are uncommon, although they did grow in numbers when electric vehicles were being test marketed by multiple automakers in the 1990s. Both 110 and 220 volt chargers are used, with 200 volt chargers recharging an electric car’s batteries much faster.

Charging Costs Less than Gas
Recharging a typical electric vehicle battery from near-total discharge to full charge takes four to eight hours, with most EV driver charging overnight. Some utilities have offered breaks on electricity used for charging that factor in a ‘time-of-use’ provision for cars charged at night when electrical demand is less. Allowing for about five cents per kilowatt-hour, an average EV recharge could cost less than $1 per day. Utilities say that even if many thousands of EVs all charged at once, it would use only a relatively small amount of power that would not overtax electricity supply.

California Leads the Way

In California, which has led the way in EV commercialization in the past, charging stations are more plentiful than in other states. They are usually located in city or store parking lots, at hotels and airports, and at various businesses. Charging is generally free or cheap, and additional incentives like free parking is sometimes also offered.

Author: Wendy Clem is a Michigan-based writer/photographer providing material for newspapers, magazines, and online – locally, regionally, and nationally. Her syndicated auto column for Avanti NewsFeatures has appeared in 400 national markets, and her online how-to articles serve an international audience. Wendy holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in journalism from Detroit’s Wayne State University. (http://www.greencar.com/articles/5-facts-electric-vehicle-charging.php)

If you are enjoy read this article, you may be also interested in reading: Ferrari Hybrid, 2010 Toyota Prius, BMW X6, Fuel Economy Standards, Audi Q7, Prius Minivan, The Interior of Prius, Honda CR-Z Hybrid, Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars, Infinity M35, 2010 FIFA WorldCup, and The Most Popular Hybrid Cars.

The Toyota Prius is by far the most popular hybrid car because it’s immediately recognizable as an earth-friendly car. At least, that’s the explanation offered by Dan Ariely, the behavioral economist who wrote Predictably Irrational. Ariel was in Seattle last week on a tour for his new book, The Upside of Irrationality.

Ariely’s books combine neuroscience, economics, and personal observations to explain how emotions—rather than rational economic logic—drive us to make odd choices in life.

“This is my personal observation,” said Ariely, “When I drive and I see people driving Priuses, they look to me like they smile more than others.” Ariely explained that Prius drivers want to stand out, to pat themselves on the back as they drive down the road, and to make it crystal clear that they’re driving a hybrid. (This observation has been made many times before, most notably by the creators of Comedy Central’s South Park, who portrayed hybrid drives as smug snobs. Very funny stuff.)

Ariely is not commenting on whether or not hybrids are good for the environment. He believes they are, according to a March 2008 posting on his blog. But he’s trying to better understand what motivates a hybrid purchase, with the idea of creating incentives for fuel efficiency that will move the masses. Ariely believes that seeing the gas price every time we fuel-up makes it more psychologically painful to drive a less efficient car, and at the same time, constantly reminds us of how little we spend on gas compared to other cars.

Theory Put to the Test

At the Seattle gig, he pointed to the reason why the Prius represents more hybrid sales than all 25 of the other hybrids combined: its unique looks. There have only been two other hybrid-specific cars—the Lexus HS250h and the first and second generation Honda Insight. The HS250h doesn’t scream out its identity as a hybrid—so drivers can’t broadcast their green stripes—and the 2010 Honda Insight looks nearly identical to the Prius (while not competing on the logical factors of fuel efficiency, space, and cost).

Time will tell if Ariely’s observation is true. There are certainly a lot of hybrid drivers who wouldn’t get close to a Prius because of its space-age jellybean looks. Regardless, more unique green car nameplates are on the way, including the Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe and a yet-to-be-named unique Hyundai hybrid, as well as the all-electric Nissan LEAF (which certainly has an identifiable look) and the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid (which doesn’t stand out nearly as much).

Ariely is a master at explaining why people act in ways that are clearly not in the best interest of their own pocketbook or of society. At the Seattle venue, he shined some light on why so little progress has been made on global warming. “If you tried to create a problem people would not care about, it would be global warming,” said Ariely. “It’s long in the future, it will happen to other people first, you don’t see anybody suffering, it’s hard to see evidence, and anything you do is a drop in the bucket.”

Anohter articles by Johan Young that you may be interested in reading: Ferrari Hybrid, 2010 Toyota Prius, BMW X6, Fuel Economy Standards, Audi Q7, Prius Minivan, The Interior of Prius, Honda CR-Z Hybrid, Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars, Infinity M35, and 2010 FIFA WorldCup.

Source:hybridcars.com

• Information from CapeArgus newspaper tell us that in this worldcup more than two thousand aeroplanes will fly over in this country – (South Africa) each day from June 11^th to July 11^th.
• The number of visitors for the 2010 FIFA WorldCup is predicted at 10 million plus.
• The Water and Environmental Affairs Minister from South Africa – Buyelwa Sonjica, in2009 warned the Reuter that the this ‘big event’ will have the biggest carbon emissions footprint of every major event in order to be climate neutral.
• South African Government has invested about $ 12000000000 over the last four years in infrastructure for the Cup. Critics say the money could be better spent alleviating poverty.
• To compare it, they predicted that the 2010 FIFA WorldCup that the carbon emissions footprint of the 2010 WorldCup will be 6 times than the 2006 WorldCup which held in Germany and nearly twice the Olympics in Beijing.
• South Africa and Norway have ‘cooperation’ to make this event – which first time held on African soil – kind to the environment through the reduction of carbon emissions.
• In this period (11^th June – 11^th July) will be the football fever all over the world, and I think that if every fan of taking one step to help offset the carbon emissions footprint of their favorite events of our world will be better. And there are some tips to reduce carbon emission:

1. Use public transportation, walk, carpool, or bicycle to get to work.
2. Plant a Tree!
3. Don’t forget to turn off power lights and strips after watching the 2010 FIFA WorldCup.
4. Purchase local product and improve your plant consumption

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The entire world will be attending in the great event in the world on South Africa – the 2010 FIFA WorldCup. South Africa is the first time become as hosts in the FIFA WorldCup in Africa – the poorest of all continents. This event start on 11^th of June and the first match is between South Africa versus Mexico.

As the most popular game in the world, this event will get a lot of attention from people all around the world. All of people will watch the matches, some herd to watch from the comforts of their homes, some will watch in hotel (gathering), and some will watch the matches in stadiums. The good part is that it is a coming together of the world for 30 days to play and celebrate the best players in world football.

There are 32 teams, each team 23 persons, playing each other and going through four rounds until the world champion is decided. Brazil, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England, and Spain are considered favorites to win the 19^th edition of the FIFA WorldCup.

The 2010 FIFA WorldCup and Carbon FootPrint:

In the 2010 FIFA WorldCup the matches are spread over nine far flung cities; Durban, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Tshwane in Pretoria, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Rustenburg, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town. The distance to travel, the number of visitors, organizers, players and support staff, volunteers, etc. and of course a brand new stadium! Simple geography also will be one of the main reasons: the foreign visitors will travel a total of 7.1 million kilometers (4.4 million miles) to cheer their team on the southern tip of Africa, the plane they emit tons of carbon.

Updates / build a new stadium has a large carbon footprint due to the use of virgin cement. The cement industry is one of the major producers of CO2. For every tonne of cement there is a ton of carbon produced.

All of this adds to the carbon footprint of this big event. So what? How Green will be the South Africa 2010 World Cup?

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