Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/green.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Vail goes green with hybrid bus]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/11/27/vail-goes-green-with-hybrid-bus/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/11/27/vail-goes-green-with-hybrid-bus/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/11/27/vail-goes-green-with-hybrid-bus/#commentsFiled under:

While most towns considering a switch to hybrid-electric buses are worried about reducing their fuel costs and improving air quality, in Vail, CO, the switch to hybrid electric diesel buses is most likely motivated equally as much by public relations. The first hybrid-electric bus went in to service last Wednesday, and the town plans to buy nine more over the next four years. This move goes hand in hand with Vail's recent decision to get all of its electricity from wind power. Clearly, Vail's tourism business has a lot to gain from a healthy environment. Tourist's awareness of the environment is also becoming a factor in deciding a travel destination, as was the case with April Jean-Baptist and her husband. Lets hope many more towns follow Vail's lead, for economical, environmental or public relations reasons.

[Source: Summit Daily News]

Vail goes green with hybrid bus originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BusDieselHybridVailMon, 27 Nov 2006 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[$1.85 million offer for LA's 74 RAV4 EVs, but are they for sale?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/19/la-dwp-has-offer-for-74-rav4-evs-but-are-they-for-sale/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/19/la-dwp-has-offer-for-74-rav4-evs-but-are-they-for-sale/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/19/la-dwp-has-offer-for-74-rav4-evs-but-are-they-for-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is being urged to sell the 74 electric RAV4s to the public, instead of returning the leased vehicles to Toyota. The DWP officials don't necessarily see themselves as used car salesmen, but an offer of $1.85 million for all the electric vehicles might change their tone. No need to start typing numbers in your calculator, the offer boils down to $25,000 per car. All of this is clearly depending on whether Toyota is willing to part with the vehicles. While some companies have crushed their electric cars at the end of their lease, Toyota is not planning to destroy the electric RAV4s. When the leases end, the vehicles that are safe and economical to operate are being redeployed. Toyota has retired approximately 20 EVs to provide parts for the remaining cars.

[Source: LA Daily News]

$1.85 million offer for LA's 74 RAV4 EVs, but are they for sale? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Oct 2006 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EVRAV4ToyotaThu, 19 Oct 2006 10:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Popular Mechanics gives us the truth about hydrogen]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/18/popular-mechanics-gives-us-the-truth-about-hydrogen/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/18/popular-mechanics-gives-us-the-truth-about-hydrogen/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/18/popular-mechanics-gives-us-the-truth-about-hydrogen/#commentsFiled under:

Popular Mechanics is giving their readers the truth about hydrogen, describing what it thinks are the four major roadblocks to the hydrogen economy: production, storage, distribution and use. While a number of technologies are available to produce hydrogen, they each have their specific drawbacks.

To produce hydrogen without producing carbon emissions, electricity generated from renewable resources can be used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The next generation of nuclear plants also promise to produce hydrogen without carbon emissions, but there are clearly other concerns when considering this option. When it comes to storing hydrogen, the different solutions either require significant amount of energy, or result in very large tanks or very heavy tanks. It sounds a lot like choosing between three evils. As for distribution, pipelines and local production sound like the solutions that are the most interesting.

While some see a hydrogen economy where everything is powered by the simplest element in the universe, the most promising use of hydrogen is in transportation. Whether hydrogen will be burned in internal combustion engines, or powering fuel cells, it might not be the silver bullet some people think it is, but it does have its place in a future where a whole array of energy alternatives will be available.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Popular Mechanics gives us the truth about hydrogen originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HydrogenWed, 18 Oct 2006 18:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Arctic Cat starts B20 approved ATV production]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/17/arctic-cat-starts-b20-approved-atv-production/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/17/arctic-cat-starts-b20-approved-atv-production/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/17/arctic-cat-starts-b20-approved-atv-production/#commentsFiled under:

While this new offering from Arctic Cat has four wheels, it's technically not a car. However, it's worth mentioning here since it marks the first time a B20 biodiesel blend is being commercially promoted for use in a small diesel engine. The Arctic Cat ATV, powered by a twin-cylinder diesel engine, is targeted at farmers who are already using biodiesel for their tractors and other farm equipment. The engine used in this ATV came from Italian small-engine specialist Lombardini. The diesel ATV provides 30 percent better fuel mileage and low-end torque. Arctic Cat's main findings from rigorous testing with B20, simulating five years of customers use, were mainly that there was nothing very significant to report. No differences in engine or component wear were observed, and no degradation of the fuel system occurred. Let's hope more and more manufacturers will follow suit and certify their diesel engines for B20 use.

[Source: Biodiesel Magazine]

Arctic Cat starts B20 approved ATV production originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATVBiodieselTue, 17 Oct 2006 16:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Wartsila and MAN join forces to produce clean and efficient marine diesel engines]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/17/wartsila-and-man-join-forces-to-produce-clean-and-efficient-mari/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/17/wartsila-and-man-join-forces-to-produce-clean-and-efficient-mari/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/10/17/wartsila-and-man-join-forces-to-produce-clean-and-efficient-mari/#commentsFiled under:

Wartsila and MAN Diesel, two world leading European marine engine manufacturers, have agreed to join forces in a research project, called Hercules-B, in order to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The aim of the project is to reach engine efficiency of 60 percent or more for marine diesel engines. Just as a comparison, automotive gasoline engines operate at an efficiency of approximately 20 percent, while automotive diesel engines reach 30 percent or higher.

The majority of diesel engine emissions are currently produced by heavy-duty trucks, while commercial marine transport accounts for a smaller share. However, this balance will shift in the next ten years or so. On-road diesel engine emissions are heavily regulated, which will result in a significant decline. Marine-diesel engine emissions, on the other hand, will not see as significant of a decline, with U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration projections showing commercial marine engines as the major source of diesel engine emissions by 2020. Wartsila and MAN want to address some of these issues with the four-year Hercules-B project. The targeted budget for the project is 60 million Euro.

[Source: Pressemeldinger Norway]


Wartsila and MAN join forces to produce clean and efficient marine diesel engines originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DieselMANMarineWartsilaTue, 17 Oct 2006 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[From sewer sludge to affordable clean diesel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/from-sewer-sludge-to-affordable-clean-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/from-sewer-sludge-to-affordable-clean-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/from-sewer-sludge-to-affordable-clean-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Researchers from UC Riverside and a small company announced a new process yesterday that allows them to create diesel from pretty much anything that contains carbon. The process can convert sewer sludge, wood, agricultural waste, plain old trash, and even plastic into a gas, and then turning the gas into high-quality diesel. While other gasification processes have been developed in the past, this process promises to be significantly more cost effective. The gasification is achieved by using hydrogen and steam at nearly 1,500 degrees to break apart the feed stock into a gas. Traditional gasification methods use oxygen instead of hydrogen and require large amounts of energy. The new process is also a lot faster, adding to the cost savings. While the process of gasification normally takes about an hour, the new process reduces this to about 6 minutes, a tenfold improvement. The current production cost is about $1 a gallon, but retail would be higher. A pilot plant will be built, and it will be able to convert 10 tons of waste per day into fuel. Getting rid of waste, and producing fuel at the same time sounds like a win-win situation to me.

[Source: San Bernardino County Sun]

From sewer sludge to affordable clean diesel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselgasificationFri, 15 Sep 2006 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Google.org supporting ultra fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid development]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/google-org-supporting-ultra-fuel-efficient-plug-in-hybrid-develo/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/google-org-supporting-ultra-fuel-efficient-plug-in-hybrid-develo/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/google-org-supporting-ultra-fuel-efficient-plug-in-hybrid-develo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Google.org, the philanthropic organization set up by the Google founders, was given seed money of about $1 billion with the mandate to tackle poverty, disease and global warming. The organization is unlike most charities, since it is a for-profit entity. This allows Google.org to form partnerships with venture capitalists and fund start-up companies. It also means the organization will pay taxes, something most charities are exempt from.

Since one of its goals is to tackle global warming, Google.org plans to develop an ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid car that runs on ethanol, electricity and gasoline, in collaboration with hybrid-engine scientists and automakers. They also plan for the purchase of a small fleet of cars with plans to convert them to achieve 100 miles per gallon or better mileage. Dr. Larry Brilliant, the executive director of Google.org, declined to comment on the car project specifically.

[Source: The New York Times, via KickingTires]

Google.org supporting ultra fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid development originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EthanolGooglePlug-inFri, 15 Sep 2006 06:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Northern Illinois University police gives Prius glowing review]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/northern-illinois-university-police-gives-prius-glowing-review/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/northern-illinois-university-police-gives-prius-glowing-review/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/northern-illinois-university-police-gives-prius-glowing-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Northern Illinois University police department's vehicle fleet has transformed itself over the last few years from a standard Crown Vic dominated fleet into a fuel sipping fleet consisting of Toyota Prius hybrids. The NIU police started testing hybrids in 2004, and now hybrids make up eighty percent of the total fleet of vehicles. This has saved 4,500 gallons of fuel for fiscal year 2005 alone. The officers using the hybrids seem to have really warmed up to using them as well. Officer Marc Roocaforte, a supporter of the Crown Victoria police car, warmed up to the Prius quickly, calling it "the perfect car for the job."

The Crown Victoria police cars average eight to ten miles per gallon, while the Prius replacement is getting forty miles per gallon, which is clearly leading to financial savings for the university. In 2005 alone, the switch to the Prius saved an estimated total of $15,828 in fuel costs. While the Prius can not keep up with the Crown Victoria as far as acceleration is concerned, this is not seen as a handicap for the model as high-speed chases are becoming a thing of the past.

[Source: NorthernStar Online]

Northern Illinois University police gives Prius glowing review originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HybridPolicePriusThu, 14 Sep 2006 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW officially announces the BMW Hydrogen 7]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/12/bmw-officially-announces-the-bmw-hydrogen-7/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/12/bmw-officially-announces-the-bmw-hydrogen-7/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/12/bmw-officially-announces-the-bmw-hydrogen-7/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Closely following a sighting of a Hydrogen-powered 7 series during testing, BMW officially announced the Hydrogen 7 today. The car is touted as the first hydrogen-drive luxury performance automobile for everyday use. The BMW Hydrogen 7 will be built in a limited series, and sold to select customers in the U.S. and overseas in 2007. The engine in the Hydrogen 7, a derivative of the 7 series 12 cylinder engine, is capable of running on gasoline or hydrogen, and produces 260 hp. The car will accelerate from 0 to 62.1 mpg in 9.5 seconds. The ability to run on both gasoline and hydrogen gives the Hydrogen 7 a range of more than 400 miles. The high tech hydrogen storage tank has a capacity of approximately 17.6 lb of liquid hydrogen, giving the Hydrogen 7 a cruising range in hydrogen mode upwards of 125 miles. The gasoline mode accounts for an additional 300 miles of cruising range. The driver is the one who decides which fuel to use, with a smooth transition between both operating modes, since the engine power and torque remain identical regardless of the fuel used.

[Source: BMW, full press release after the jump. Also, see more pictures of the Hydrogen 7 here]

Continue reading BMW officially announces the BMW Hydrogen 7

BMW officially announces the BMW Hydrogen 7 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 12 Sep 2006 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWHydrogenTue, 12 Sep 2006 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Torontoist compares car sharing services]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/08/torontoist-compares-care-sharing-services/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/08/torontoist-compares-care-sharing-services/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/08/torontoist-compares-care-sharing-services/#commentsFiled under: ,

Zipcar, the U.S. based car sharing company, has recently entered the Toronto market to give AutoShare, established in 1998, some competition. Torontoist provides us with an interesting article, discussing car sharing in general, and comparing the offerings of the two companies. Many Torontonians often are not aware of what a car sharing program offers, confusing it with either car pooling, or comparing it to car rental companies. That confusion has not stopped Zipcar from being successful in the Toronto market, however, as it has turned out to be the fastest market ever to attain 1000 members. While both companies initially started out by stressing the environmental aspect of their services, they are now somewhat down-playing it. Many of their customers are excited about driving around in interesting new cars on a regular basis, or having access to a car that is suited for the trip at hand. Use a Mini Cooper for a date, and reserve the pick-up truck for the trip to IKEA. So who came out on top? Each of the two companies has their pros and cons, which could make either one your top choice.

[Source: Torontoist]

Torontoist compares car sharing services originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 08 Sep 2006 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoShareZipCarFri, 08 Sep 2006 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Peak oil from an investors viewpoint]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/05/peak-oil-from-an-investors-viewpoint/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/05/peak-oil-from-an-investors-viewpoint/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/09/05/peak-oil-from-an-investors-viewpoint/#commentsFiled under:

Even though the slight decline in fuel prices might have reduced the worry in some of us, more and more investors are starting to believe we are now close to the peak of global oil production. If the world is currently at or near its peak oil capacity, it would mean the end for cheap and abundant crude in the near future. While some might say the lack of abundant oil has already lead to war, things could get significantly worse, according to some geologists' theory known as peak oil. Clearly, this would have significant impact on the financial markets worldwide, and some investors are trying to capitalize on this looming crisis. Bloomberg has an extensive article on the different predictions on when the world will reach peak oil. While everyone agrees the world will eventually run out of oil, predictions as to when it will happen vary widely. The U.S. Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog, will be releasing a study on peak oil in November. Some sources have predicted peak oil to be reached as early as 2001, something that clearly did not happen. Many parallels can be drawn between the peak oil predictions and some of the early research and discussions on global warming. While some parts of the world are slowly trying to get a grasp on reducing global warming, it seems we are much less prepared to deal with peak oil, no matter when it happens.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Peak oil from an investors viewpoint originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>OilTue, 05 Sep 2006 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexus LS600h: 444bhp and 29.7 mpg]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/lexus-ls600h-444bhp-and-29-7-mpg/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/lexus-ls600h-444bhp-and-29-7-mpg/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/lexus-ls600h-444bhp-and-29-7-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The upcoming Lexus LS600h, which is getting its European premiere at the Paris motor show, will offer the performance of a V12 with the fuel economy and emissions of a V6. Lexus just announced its flagship hybrid will return 29.7 mpg, which does compare well with an Accord V6. The output of the electric motors combined with the 5.0 liter V8 engines is 444bhp, which does not compare well with the power output of an Accord V6. The power output trails the BMW 760i V12 engine by just one bhp, but fuel economy for the Lexus is almost 30 percent better. The LS600h will be powered through all four wheels by a continuously variable transmission. There will be two body styles, a standard LS and a stretched version, the LS600h L. I wonder if this hybrid will qualify for a tax credit.

[Source: Car Magazine]

Lexus LS600h: 444bhp and 29.7 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybridLexusmpgThu, 31 Aug 2006 17:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Free parking for fuel efficient cars in Ferndale, MI]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/free-parking-for-fuel-efficient-cars-in-ferndale-mi/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/free-parking-for-fuel-efficient-cars-in-ferndale-mi/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/free-parking-for-fuel-efficient-cars-in-ferndale-mi/#commentsFiled under: ,

In case having to pay more and more money every time you fill up is not sufficient motivation to consider a fuel efficient car, Ferndale, a Detroit suburb, is now offering free parking for cars that get 30 mpg or better. The ordinance, the first of its kind in Michigan, wants to promote environmentally friendly behavior through the small financial incentive. Craig Covey, a Ferndale council member, realizes the ordinance is more of a symbolic step. The city council met yesterday to determine which cars will qualify for the free parking. The new rules take effect on Friday. While some motorists applaud the initiative, others believe everyone should have free parking.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Free parking for fuel efficient cars in Ferndale, MI originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FerndaleHybridParkingWed, 30 Aug 2006 18:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes E320 Bluetec arrives as 45-State Vehicle]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/mercedes-e320-bluetec-arrives-as-45-state-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/mercedes-e320-bluetec-arrives-as-45-state-vehicle/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/mercedes-e320-bluetec-arrives-as-45-state-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While DaimlerChrysler announced at the start of this year it would be introducing its E320 BLUETEC with clean diesel technology as a 50-state vehicle, the car will be hitting showrooms as a 45-state compliant car. BLUETEC, DaimlerChrysler's aftertreatment system promises to meet the upcoming EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions, which would make it 50-state compliant. However, to meet these tough new standards, a urea selective catalytic reduction system is needed. The 45-state version of the Mercedes E320 comes equipped with a nitric oxide absorber, which converts nitric oxides into nitrogen. This brings the emissions close to the strict new standards, but not quite all the way there, according to a 2004 test of a prototype. In an Autoweek article, found here, EPA guidelines for urea systems are a few weeks away. The uncertainty regarding the EPA direction on urea might have led to the decision by Mercedes-Benz to reduce the E320 BLUETEC to a 45-state vehicle.

[Source: Green Car Congress]

Mercedes E320 Bluetec arrives as 45-State Vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DaimlerChryslerDieselMercedes-BenzUreaWed, 30 Aug 2006 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Follow-up on EPA's plans to release urea guidelines in a few weeks]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/epa-plans-to-release-urea-guidelines-in-a-few-weeks/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/epa-plans-to-release-urea-guidelines-in-a-few-weeks/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/epa-plans-to-release-urea-guidelines-in-a-few-weeks/#commentsFiled under:

Following up on Derrick's post from yesterday, one other option the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may use is to require the urea refill interval to be at least as long as the manufacturer's oil change interval, allowing the urea refill to coincide with oil changes.

If you missed yesterday's post, it was about diesel engines and how urea selective catalytic reduction systems (SCR) can reduce nitric oxide emissions from the engine's exhaust very effectively. The trouble is that SCRs require the user of the car to be responsible for keeping the on-board urea tank replenished. The EPA plans to issue guidelines for urea SCR systems that could be as drastic as requiring a vehicle to stop running if drivers don't keep the tank filled. Manufacturers are opposing this measure, citing safety issues. While the need to fill an additional tank is clearly a drawback of the urea SCR systems, they allow diesel engine manufacturers to meet the strictest worldwide emissions regulations without fuel economy penalty and at an acceptable price.

Related:
[Source: Autoweek]

Follow-up on EPA's plans to release urea guidelines in a few weeks originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftertreatmentEPAUreaWed, 30 Aug 2006 10:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Rusty Wallace joins Julia Roberts in promoting biofuels]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/29/rusty-wallace-joins-julia-roberts-in-promoting-biofuels/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/29/rusty-wallace-joins-julia-roberts-in-promoting-biofuels/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/29/rusty-wallace-joins-julia-roberts-in-promoting-biofuels/#commentsFiled under: ,

NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace is joining Julia Roberts as advisory board member and company spokesperson for Earth Biofuels, Inc., a biodiesel producer. The company's advisory board is not the only star-studded affair. The board of directors for Earth Biofuels, Inc., also received the star treatment, with country music star Willie Nelson and actor Morgan Freeman as active members. Rusty Wallace, while retired from race car driving, is active as a team owner competing in the NASCAR Busch Series. He is also the lead auto racing analyst for ESPN and ABC Sports. His first sound bite tied his understanding of our need for cleaner and more efficient burning fuels to his life spent in racing. While I can see the need for the most efficient burning fuel in racing, I have to wonder if much effort is spent on reducing emissions.

[Source: Yahoo News]

Rusty Wallace joins Julia Roberts in promoting biofuels originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 29 Aug 2006 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BiodieselEthanolNASCARTue, 29 Aug 2006 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Electric vehicles part of Japanese plan to reduce oil dependence]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/28/electric-vehicles-part-of-japanese-plan-to-reduce-oil-dependence/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/28/electric-vehicles-part-of-japanese-plan-to-reduce-oil-dependence/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/28/electric-vehicles-part-of-japanese-plan-to-reduce-oil-dependence/#commentsFiled under: ,

While GM might have killed the electric car, it seems the Japanese government plans to revive it. A panel set up by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan has put together a plan to develop the next generation of environmentally friendly vehicles and batteries, to reduce the country's oil consumption. The plan calls for introduction of environmentally friendly vehicles in stages, and will support a project to develop next-generation batteries to power automobiles. Japan wants to have a two-seater electric vehicle capable of traveling 50 miles per charge in mass production by 2010. The government plans to offer incentives to make the vehicles widespread, and it plans to develop the needed infrastructure for them. By 2030, the panel hopes local car makers will mass-produce electric vehicles powered by batteries, and a significantly lower cost compared to current offerings.

(Note: Pictured is an 8-wheel EV developed by researchers at Keio University in Japan)

[Source: Reuters]

Electric vehicles part of Japanese plan to reduce oil dependence originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 28 Aug 2006 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EVJapanMon, 28 Aug 2006 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[DaimlerChrysler introduces E class diesel in Japan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/28/daimlerchrysler-introduces-e-class-diesel-in-japan/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/28/daimlerchrysler-introduces-e-class-diesel-in-japan/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/28/daimlerchrysler-introduces-e-class-diesel-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Today Hans Tempel, president of DaimlerChrysler Japan, introduced in Tokyo the new E Class Mercedes, including the diesel powered E320 CDI. The sales of diesel cars in Japan last year added up to just 0.2 percent of the country's total car sales. This minimal amount of market share reflects the image diesel cars have in Japan. For the majority of consumers, diesel cars are slow, loud and sooty. But DiamlerChrysler hopes to be successful with the introduction of the E320 CDI, equipped with what it calls "Clean Diesel Technology". The only other diesel car sold in Japan is the Toyota Prado Land Cruiser SUV. The market for fuel-sipping diesel powered cars in Japan is expected to grow significantly with growing oil prices, and the goal of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. To further help the diesel engine's case in Japan, it is priced 20 percent cheaper than gasoline.

[Source: Reuters]

DaimlerChrysler introduces E class diesel in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DieselMercedesMon, 28 Aug 2006 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Palm oil prices rising rapidly]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/28/palm-oil-prices-rising-rapidly/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/28/palm-oil-prices-rising-rapidly/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/28/palm-oil-prices-rising-rapidly/#commentsFiled under: ,

While we are all aware of steep increase in oil prices over the last three years, how many of us knew that the price of palm oil reached a two year high, and is topping the price increases of crude oil? While palm oil is normally used to make mayonnaise and chocolate bars, the price increase is not due to an increasing demand in junk food. The surge is fueled by a demand from biodiesel production facilities, emerging everywhere around the world. The palm oil prices rose 17 percent in the past year, and are expected to rally 20 percent in the next six months, with new factories being announced on a daily basis. The growth is spurred mainly by the European Union target for alternative fuel use.

The actual production of biodiesel from vegetable oils soared 80 percent in 2005, outpacing a 14 percent increase of ethanol. Palm oil usage is not limited to usage in cars and trucks. A U.K. utility company is investigating whether converting a power plant to burn palm oil is technically feasible and makes sense financially. While the success is a clear indication of the growth in biofuels demand and usage, it could be a double edged sword. As the palm oil prices rise too much, will the biodiesel production become prohibitively expensive? The second concern for palm oil is sustainability. While biodiesel is considered to environmentally friendly, growing the feedstock at the expense of an existing ecosystem, like virgin rainforest, would have a negative overall impact on the environment.

[Source: Bloomberg.com]

Palm oil prices rising rapidly originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 28 Aug 2006 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BiodieselPalmMon, 28 Aug 2006 10:12:00 EST<![CDATA[GM, DCX, BMW partnership discloses investment amounts]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/11/gm-dcx-bmw-partnership-discloses-investment-amounts/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/11/gm-dcx-bmw-partnership-discloses-investment-amounts/http://green.autoblog.com/2006/08/11/gm-dcx-bmw-partnership-discloses-investment-amounts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW announced they will spend more than $1 billion combined to develop a shared hybrid-electric powertrain to compete with hybrid leader Toyota. While the three way partnership has been around for a few years, investment amounts were not disclosed until now. The investment cost includes at least $300 million for the development of a transmission. The $1 billion combined investment is about half of what Toyota officials have said it spent on hybrid research in the 1990's, leading to worldwide sales of more than 600,000 hybrids worldwide. While GM, DCX and BMW are hoping the joint development of their hybrid system will cut cost, Toyota is moving forward itself by trying to cut the cost of its hybrid components by 50 percent. Toyota has also licensed the technology to Ford, and is supplying components to Nissan for its hybrid Altima sedan, which goes on sale in 2007.

[Source: Bloomberg]

GM, DCX, BMW partnership discloses investment amounts originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 11 Aug 2006 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWDCXGMHybridsToyotaFri, 11 Aug 2006 18:34:00 EST