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Follow-up report: President Obama signs Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act into law

It looks like automakers will be required by law to add audible alerts to silent-running electric vehicles to keep sight-impaired pedestrians safe.

President Barack Obama this week signed into law the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act (S. 841), which will protect the blind and other pedestrians from injury as a result of silent-vehicle technology, said the National Federation of the Blind.

The new bill, sponsored by Senator John Kerry, and 29 other co-sponsors, allows the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) begin crafting standards for an alert sound.

"The National Federation of the Blind is pleased that this critical legislation … Read more

Car Tech Live 149: Ohmygod that Bentley Continental Supersports is fast! (podcast)

We drive the most audacious Bentley ever, Saab gets sold off like a parts car, Ford opens up SYNC to app developers, and an Aston Martin even you can afford!

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 149 SHOW NOTES

• CNET drives the Bentley Continental Supersports

• Saab gets sold off like a parts car

• The baby Aston Martin--the Cygnet

• Vote for CNET Tech Car of the Year

• BMW previews an electric 1 Series concept

This plug-in Prius gives back good energy

A common argument against electric vehicles is that they'll increase demand for carbon-producing electricity and cause brownouts during peak times. But what if plug-ins could actually prevent these outages by sending electricity from their batteries back to the grid?

It's an interesting concept dreamed up by engineers at the University of Technology Sydney. Combining their research on plug-in hybrids and electrical grids, they've developed "Switch," a plug-in Toyota Prius that acts as a sort of an energy reservoir that can give back to the grid whenever needed.

The Switch uses a 4.1 kWh lithium ion battery stored in the trunk to store extra electricity that is theoretically purchased during cheaper off-peak times. The extra battery also helps power the Prius' existing NiMH battery pack and raises fuel economy to 118 mpg. … Read more