Top Five Eco-Friendly Auto Gadgets

2008 brought about many new technologies to create more eco-friendly automobiles. There is a plethora of gadgets to choose from and even more on the way from companies looking to cash in on the "go green" movement. I found some of the offerings very interesting, while others just seemed to be more thought than product.

The one I liked best was the PLX Kiwi. This gadget is what going green with our cars is all about. The Kiwi is an iPod shaped device that you plug into your car's OBDII port. The OBDII port is usually located right under the steering column. Most cars made after 1996 have an OBDII system. Once plugged in, the Kiwi will tell the driver how many miles they're currently getting. The Kiwi also displays real-time information from your cars' computer like speed and trip information. Using the cars' computer system, the Kiwi calculates four different parameters about the drivers driving style; smoothness, drag, acceleration, and deceleration. The Kiwi then totals the scores and gives you a Kiwi score that tells the driver how well they are maximizing their fuel economy. This allows the driver to change techniques to have better fuel mileage. PLX says that after training and use of the Kiwi, drivers will be able to cut their fuel costs by 20%. The Kiwi is on the expensive side at $299, but the savings on fuel will add up quickly and it will certainly reduce our carbon footprint.

Second on my list is the Genepax Water Energy System. The water energy system was developed by Genepax in Japan, but there are several other systems on the market now. The Japanese use water as their fuel because it doesn't omit carbon monoxide. This system works by supplying water and air to the fuel and air electrodes, similar to using hydrogen as a fuel. The Genepax system uses a membrane electrode assembly or MEA that contains material that breaks down hydrogen and oxygen through chemical reaction. The cost of this system varies on whether you want 120 watts of output or 300 watts. My advice is to check out other water energy systems to figure out which one best suits your needs.

Toyota once again has outdone itself with my next eco-friendly product, the Anti-mite Allergen Car Seat Fabric. This new fabric was developed by TMC for Toyota. However, expect other car manufacturers to jump on the bandwagon in the near future. This new seat fabric contains an anti-allergen agent that contains approximately 98% of all mite allergens that get into our car seats. This allows for easier breathing especially for those allergic to dust and dust mites.

Also from Toyota, is the In-Car Oxygen Level Conditioner. This add-on has a fast-acting pollen reducing mode. It is also a first in the world for being able to maintain a suitable level of oxygen inside a car. This way you can travel up into the mountains and still maintain a safe level of oxygen for breathing.

Lastly is the Rechargeable LED Cigarette Lighter Torch. Before jumping to the conclusion that this is a cigarette lighter, and cigarettes are bad for the environment, please read on. This is a great gadget. It is made to be equal to the roadside flare, and that is what its purpose is. It is recharged after use by putting it into the cigarette lighter spot in the car's interior. This is great for anyone that travels or drives at night. Flares cause plumes of smoke and toxic chemicals to be released into the air. It also recharges quickly and is small in size. It is available in many colors. Its exterior is made of aircraft-grade aluminum. Each cylinder has a 7 hour charge time and a will stay lit for about 2 hours. These are available from Flashwear.com for approximately $12.99.

There are many other eco-friendly automobile gizmos and gadgets on the market. A simple search on the internet will bring up a host of sites for your perusal. My advice is to check out an item thoroughly before investing in it, especially if it is on the expensive side. Some products claim to be eco-friendly, when in reality they are not. Have fun with the new technologies available and turning your car into a green machine.