Fuel cell technology holds great potential for clean energy generation with both residential and commercial applications. Presently, the two biggest obstacles to such technology impacting our lives have been the cost of the catalysts involved, as well as the toxic/flammable nature of the two most commonly used fuel sources: hydrogen and methanol. But a research team at the UK’s Heriot-Watt University believes that another fuel source for fuel cells may be capable of overcoming both of these hurdles: urine.

Volvo Construction Equipment  has launched a wheel loader fuel efficiency guarantee program. When a Volvo wheel loader is registered for the fuel efficiency program, the CareTrack system measures the fuel efficiency data. Volvo then evaluates the fuel efficiency, and it shares the difference in fuel cost with the equipment owner if the machine does not meet the model’s rated fuel efficiency levels.

Just the Facts: NHTSA is looking into consumer complaints of fuel spills in an estimated 223,000 2007-’08 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. There have been 217 complaints so far

Just the Facts: Cruze will feature a smartphone app that allows drivers to control numerous functions by remote. Chevy Connect works through GM’s OnStar. It will also be available on the majority of 2011 Chevrolet models, including the Chevrolet Volt, as well as Buick, Cadillac and GMC models

Just the Facts: NHTSA has initiated a defect investigation into 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees. At issue is a fuel tank that may rupture following a rear-end crash.

According to China’s quality watchdog, BMW China Automotive Trading Limited is recalling 5,308 imported BMW 5 series GT cars.

Photo: GM Cars that don’t have such a system force engineers to plan for worse case scenario, which is usually something like towing in the desert heat, something that few of us ever do. This leads to cars that are less slippery than they could be. GM claims that this simple system makes a difference of about 1 MPG on the highway

Just the Facts: Ford announces four engine options for its 2011 F-150 pickup. A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is available, along with a 3.7-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8.

Though it doesn’t get as much coverage as other issues under the broad banner of transportation, TreeHugger has covered many ways to make shipping more environmentally friendly and reduce its fuel consumption a number of times. Here are some of those highlights: photo: lotsemann via flickr Slowing Down Saves Tons of Fuel As I suggested in a previous post, simply slowing down can have a great impact on the amount of fuel consumed. Known as ‘ super-slow-steaming ‘ container ships traveling at speeds of 12 knots (14 mph) are going half of the top speed modern ships of this size can attain

Company shifting resources in Minnesota, asks for more money in Wisconsin Aug. 3, 2009 — Xcel Energy subsidiary Northern States Power Co