Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/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/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Give a little, get a little: free biodiesel for test fleets in Yorkshire, UK]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/give-a-little-get-a-little-free-biodiesel-for-test-fleets-in-y/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/give-a-little-get-a-little-free-biodiesel-for-test-fleets-in-y/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/give-a-little-get-a-little-free-biodiesel-for-test-fleets-in-y/#commentsFiled under: ,

Can you use biodiesel in commercial truck applications? Sure you can. Thousands of trucks burn it everyday. Still, not everyone is fully convinced, and some want to operate their own fleet test to prove that turning waste vegetable oil into fuel is a viable plan. This is what CO2Sense Yorkshire, a UK-based group that helps businesses and organisations "prosper and grow in the new Low Carbon Economy," is planning with a new demonstration project. Basically, businesses in the area say, "hey, put that fuel in my vehicle and we'll see what happens," and CO2Sense Yorkshire says, "OK, here's 3,000 liters of 100% waste vegetable oil biodiesel fuel for free. Tell us how it works." Sounds like a deal to us.

The biofuel trial runs from December through February. Interested companies who want to volunteer a vehicle have until the end of the month to submit an application. Details here. Thanks to Damon S. for the tip!

[Source: Fleetnews]

Give a little, get a little: free biodiesel for test fleets in Yorkshire, UK originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2senseSat, 21 Nov 2009 12:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan LEAF named one of Time's top 50 inventions of 2009]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/nissan-leaf-named-one-of-times-top-50-inventions-of-2009/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/nissan-leaf-named-one-of-times-top-50-inventions-of-2009/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/nissan-leaf-named-one-of-times-top-50-inventions-of-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for hi-res gallery

As we approach the waning days of 2009, it's time for everyone to compile their lists of best and worst of this and that for the year. Time magazine is no exception to this grand tradition and typically publishes many such lists every year including top inventions. Among its list of 50 most important inventions of 2009 is the Nissan Leaf. The Leaf was unveiled in August as the first new dedicated electric vehicle from the Japanese automaker. The Leaf is important not just because of its powertrain, but because Nissan intends for it to be mass produced and sold globally at a reasonable price.

The Leaf isn't the only environmentally friendly transport on the list. The WorldFirst Formula 3 race car was developed at the University of Warwick in England with the use of bio-materials in some of its components. The steering wheel contains carrot fibers and the mirrors use potato starch while the engine runs on chocolate and vegetable biodiesel. Finally, the Honda U3-X personal mobility device also got on the list.



[Source: Time]

Nissan LEAF named one of Time's top 50 inventions of 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondaHonda U3-Xhonda u3xHonda UX-3HondaU3-xHondaU3xHondaUx-3nissannissan evNissan Leafnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVNissanEvNissanLeafNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvtimetime magazineTimeMagazinetop 50 inventionsTop50InventionsWorldFirstWorldFirst Formula 3 racing carworldfirstf3WorldfirstFormula3RacingCarSat, 14 Nov 2009 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Some say "No plug, no deal," but not everyone is gonna buy that]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/some-say-no-plug-no-deal-but-not-everyone-is-gonna-buy-that/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/some-say-no-plug-no-deal-but-not-everyone-is-gonna-buy-that/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/some-say-no-plug-no-deal-but-not-everyone-is-gonna-buy-that/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This week, the Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers found that plug-in hybrids have to be "affordable" if automakers think that customers will want to buy them. People are interested, U of M says, but cost is paramount to people deciding to make a purchase. Speaking at the Business of Plugging In conference in Detroit this week, Richard Curtin, from the University of Michigan's Institute of Social Research, said that at $10,000, 56 percent of the people surveyed said they wouldn't even consider it. At $2,500, a third were "very eager" to buy a PHEV. Note that the price difference there is the biggest tax credit that the federal government is offering for plug-ins with battery packs that have 16 kWh or more.

Curtin also said that this is not VHS vs. BetaMax redux, with the loser becoming obsolete - the way plug-in vehicles did in the early 1900s - but even if plug-ins don't immediately dominate, they can at the very least find a niche audience. With the right price, they will be tremendously popular because there are many people who want to demonstrate their commitment to the environment. Price them too high, and people will be happy to keep dealing with the downsides of gasoline.

[Source: U of M]

Some say "No plug, no deal," but not everyone is gonna buy that originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cost of fuelcost of gasCostOfFuelCostOfGasenergy costEnergyCostphevplug inplug in hybridplug in hybridsplug-in vehicleplug-in vehiclesPlug-inVehiclePlug-inVehiclesPlugInPlugInHybridPlugInHybridsFri, 23 Oct 2009 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Studies Say: a wrap up from the green car front: "Internalize the Externalities," more]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/studies-say-a-wrap-up-from-the-green-car-front-internalize-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/studies-say-a-wrap-up-from-the-green-car-front-internalize-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/studies-say-a-wrap-up-from-the-green-car-front-internalize-th/#commentsFiled under: , ,



This is a particularly busy time for studies trying to understand the impact of green vehicles. Here's a quick round-up:

Paul Scott writes that, for anyone to fairly compare driving plug-in vehicles and gasoline-powered ones, we need a better understanding of the "exernalities" of fossil fuels. That is, what effect do these energy sources have that are not reflected in the price of gas at the pump. One example from a recent Congressional study: "burning of the two worst fuels, coal and oil, accounts for about $120 billion each year in health costs." Also, "criteria air pollutants emitted by power plants and vehicles" are responsible for about 20,000 deaths per year. Solar-powered EVs, which Scott is a strong proponent of, can compete if these costs are added to what we typically figure is the cost of gas.

A few other recent surveys and reports have found that:
[Source: Paul Scott]

Studies Say: a wrap up from the green car front: "Internalize the Externalities," more originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cost of oilCostOfOilhealthpaul scottPaulScottplug-inplug-in hybridplug-in vehicleplug-in vehiclesPlug-inHybridplug-insPlug-inVehiclePlug-inVehiclesprice of gasPriceOfGasFri, 23 Oct 2009 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Lists? Yeah, electric vehicles get on lists. Hopeful, hopeful lists]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/lists-yeah-electric-vehicles-get-on-lists/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/lists-yeah-electric-vehicles-get-on-lists/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/lists-yeah-electric-vehicles-get-on-lists/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here are five technologies that "could change everything":

  • Advanced car batteries
  • Carbon capture and storage
  • Space-based solar power
  • Utility storage
  • Next-generation biofuels

This is the list culled by the Wall Street Journal, and we note that plug-in vehicles benefit/are tied to four of those five items. All five if you include things like the E85-capable range extender in the plug-in Chevy Volt.

Meanwhile, over at the Seattle Times, Tesla was named one of eight companies that are changing the world. Other companies on the list are working on technical, gadget-y advances (laser broadband streaming data at 1.25 gigabytes a second) and eco-advances (green building materials) and more.

What we take away from these lists is that people have a lot of hope that technology will save us. Somehow, someday. Just wait until a better widget comes along, then all will be well.

[Source: Seattle Times, Wall Street Journal]

Lists? Yeah, electric vehicles get on lists. Hopeful, hopeful lists originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biofuelbiofuelsplug in vehicleplug in vehiclesplug-inplug-in hybridplug-in vehicleplug-in vehiclesPlug-inHybridPlug-inVehiclePlug-inVehiclesPlugInVehiclePlugInVehiclestesla motorsTeslaMotorsMon, 19 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[CleanFlex Power System finds a way to burn ethanol in diesel engines]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/cleanflex-power-system-finds-a-way-to-burn-ethanol-in-diesel-eng/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/cleanflex-power-system-finds-a-way-to-burn-ethanol-in-diesel-eng/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/cleanflex-power-system-finds-a-way-to-burn-ethanol-in-diesel-eng/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Diesel engines like to burn diesel fuel. Most, especially older ones, will also run just fine on biodiesel. But ethanol? You can't put ethanol in a diesel engine, right? According to National Corn Growers Association chairman and Nebraska corn farmer Bob Dickey, there actually is a way to mix ethanol into a diesel cycle right at the point of combustion, resulting in a diesel engine that runs cooler and is more efficient.

Called CleanFlex Power System, the unusual process was developed as a way to burn more ethanol in the U.S. Currently, CleanFlex is being tested in a stationary John Deere power system, and Dickey says it's working well. In addition to the diesel fuel (which could also be biodiesel), the ethanol used in CleanFlex is cut to 60 percent with water (called EM60). You can hear Dickey talk about the system over at Domestic Fuel.

[Source: Domestic Fuel]

CleanFlex Power System finds a way to burn ethanol in diesel engines originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiodiesel ethanol blendBiodieselEthanolBlendbob dickeyBobDickeydomestic fuelDomesticFuelem60ethanolron prestonRonPrestonFri, 16 Oct 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Biodiesel myths and facts, simplified]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/biodiesel-myths-and-facts-simplified/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/biodiesel-myths-and-facts-simplified/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/biodiesel-myths-and-facts-simplified/#commentsFiled under:



It's not an easy time to be a biofuel promoter. Plug-ins are getting all of the automaker and government support, and lingering questions about biofuel's impact on the environment and food prices can have people shying away. When it comes to biodiesel, dealing with different levels of the plant-based fuel in the petroleum and questions about OEM warranty issues can impact a person's or fleet's decision whether or not to use B5 or B20 or B99 or stick with straight petroleum.

If you're looking for a few simple answers to these questions, then the National Biodiesel Board would like you to download a new PDF called "Biodiesel Myths Busted." The brochure includes helpful items like this one:

Myth: Biodiesel use voids manufacturers' engine warranty coverage.
Fact: All major U.S. automakers and engine manufacturers accept the use of up to at least B5, and many major engine companies have stated formally that the use of high quality biodiesel blends up to B20 will not void their parts and workmanship warranties. For a listing of specific statements from the engine companies, please visit the National Biodiesel Board Web site.

The PDF also covers issues of biodiesel's shelf life, whether there is a biodiesel fuel standard, how it operates in cold weather and its effect on food prices. Get it here.

[Source: National Biodiesel Board]

Biodiesel myths and facts, simplified originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiodiesel co2biodiesel mythsbiodiesel standardbiodiesel standardsbiodiesel warningsbiodiesel warrantyBiodieselCo2BiodieselMythsBiodieselStandardBiodieselStandardsBiodieselWarningsBiodieselWarrantynbbFri, 09 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Biodiesel bike tries to circumnavigate Australia]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/biodiesel-bike-tries-to-circumnavigate-australia/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/biodiesel-bike-tries-to-circumnavigate-australia/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/biodiesel-bike-tries-to-circumnavigate-australia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Paul Carter, a best-selling author who previously spent 20 years as an off-shore oil driller, is smack dab in the middle of a 20,000-kilometer (12,240-mile) trip around Australia aboard a biodiesel-powered motorcycle built by students at the University of Adelaide. If Carter is successful, he plans to follow this trip up with a land-speed record attempt of 166 miles per hour aboard a second biodiesel-powered motorcycle.

Carter hopes to average 53 miles per hour over the trip using 650 liters in used cooking oil and waste animal fats. A few years back, this same green machine traversed 3,000 kilometers while achieving about 67 miles per gallon and emitting just 71 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.

From what we can glean from earlier reports, the bike itself is based on a Husaberg enduro and is powered by a 10-horsepower diesel engine from Yanmar hooked up to a Comet CVT transmission. Interested in following along? Carter is chronicling the adventure at thegoodoil.tv.

[Source: TreeHugger]

Biodiesel bike tries to circumnavigate Australia originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biobikebiodiesel motorcyclebiodiesel motorcyclesBiodieselMotorcycleBiodieselMotorcyclesdiesel motorcyclediesel motorcyclesDieselMotorcycleDieselMotorcyclespaul carterPaulCarteruniversity of adelaideUniversityOfAdelaideFri, 09 Oct 2009 08:56:00 EST<![CDATA[KU EcoHawks turn 1974 Volkswagen Beetle into a biodiesel-electric hybrid [w/VIDEO]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ku-ecohawks-turn-1974-volkswagen-beetle-into-a-biodiesel-electri/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ku-ecohawks-turn-1974-volkswagen-beetle-into-a-biodiesel-electri/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ku-ecohawks-turn-1974-volkswagen-beetle-into-a-biodiesel-electri/#commentsFiled under: , ,


KU's biodiesel hybrid Beetle - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

At the University of Kansas, a group of students is working small and thinking big. The EcoHawk students are part of a mechanical engineering senior project that is building small, 1/8th scale ecocars and has also turned a beat-up 1974 Volkswagen Beetle into a biodiesel-electric hybrid with "the long term goal of achieving 500 mpg." Nothing like a little ambition in the classroom, right?

The students have given their subgoups nifty names like Team Amp, Team Cell Mates and Team Redline. The different teams are making model cars that use fuel cells, hybrid of all-electric powertrains to get around. EcoHawk Jessica L. wrote to say that the 1/8th scale models are allow the students to "diversify our research in an economical way," which makes sense to us, even if it doesn't exactly follow that you can build a full-size SUV after making a little fuel cell or EV model. It's the lessons learned that are important here. Watch a video of the full-size Beetle in action after the jump. Thanks to Jessica L. for the tip!

[Source: University of Kansas]

Continue reading KU EcoHawks turn 1974 Volkswagen Beetle into a biodiesel-electric hybrid [w/VIDEO]

KU EcoHawks turn 1974 Volkswagen Beetle into a biodiesel-electric hybrid [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiodiesel hybridBiodieselHybridecohawkecohawkshybridku ecohawkKuEcohawkUniversity of KansasUniversityOfKansasThu, 08 Oct 2009 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno explains his biodiesel-powered EcoJet, races a private plane]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/video-jay-leno-explains-his-biodiesel-powered-ecojet/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/video-jay-leno-explains-his-biodiesel-powered-ecojet/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/video-jay-leno-explains-his-biodiesel-powered-ecojet/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jay Leno's EcoJet - Click above to watch the video after the break

In a garage full of ultra rare, highly desirable cars and trucks, Jay Leno's EcoJet still manages to stand out as one of the coolest. Part of the vehicle's claim to fame comes from its ability to run on biodiesel fuel, putting out an impressive 750 horsepower and 700 ft-lb of torque at 48,000 rpm from its Honeywell LT101 jet turbine engine.

Underneath the distinctive carbon fiber skin lies an aluminum chassis that was derived using existing suspension bits from the Chevrolet Corvette. Also in use is a four-speed automatic transmission from General Motors that gets its input from a custom gearbox that reduces engine speed from those aforementioned lofty heights down to 6,000 rpm.

Special carbon fiber brake disks from Brembo paired up with aluminum six-piston calipers were necessary to hold back the engine's 200 horsepower at idle. Inside, Microsoft built the dash, including a full Windows Vista-powered computer that is fully connected to the internet.

As we have come to expect from Leno, the EcoJet does indeed see action on the roads in California, and Jay also finds the time to visit the airstrip for a race against a private jet. Wanna know who wins? Click past the break to watch the video.

Gallery: Jay Leno's EcoJet


[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno explains his biodiesel-powered EcoJet, races a private plane

VIDEO: Jay Leno explains his biodiesel-powered EcoJet, races a private plane originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiodiesel jetbiodiesel turbineBiodieselJetBiodieselTurbineeco jetecojetjay lenojay leno ecojetJayLenoJayLenoEcojetlay leno eco jetLayLenoEcoJetlenoMon, 28 Sep 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the MAX: Homemade biodiesel-powered Lotus Seven replica]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/meet-the-max-homemade-biodiesel-powered-lotus-seven-replica/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/meet-the-max-homemade-biodiesel-powered-lotus-seven-replica/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/meet-the-max-homemade-biodiesel-powered-lotus-seven-replica/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Generally speaking, purchasing an eco-friendly automobile is an expensive proposition. One way to reduce that cost is by going homemade. Such is the case with Jack McCormack from Kinetic Vehicles, who decided that he would love to have fun, practical, affordable and high-mileage two seater under $10 grand.

The resulting car is called the MAX: Mother's Automotive eXperiment. Although the initial goal was to reach the 100 mpg mark set for the Auto X Prize, the resulting car turned out to be a little far from this objective and was totaled in an accident. Thankfully, nobody was seriously injured.

McCormack has rebuilt the car and hopes to accomplish the X Prize target with a custom-built streamlined body on a Locost chassis, a 32-horsepower three-cylinder diesel engine from Kubota, old Toyota Corolla parts and plenty of custom bits and pieces. The car is driven either with diesel, biodiesel or SVO (Straight Vegetable Oil). You can read the complete story at his site. We wish McCormack the best!

[Source: Kinetic Vehicles]

Meet the MAX: Homemade biodiesel-powered Lotus Seven replica originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>affordable green carAffordableGreenCarauto x prizeautomotive x prizeAutomotiveXPrizeAutoXPrizecheap green autoCheapGreenAutohomemadehomemade green carhomemade green carsHomemadeGreenCarHomemadeGreenCarsJack McCormackJackMccormackkinetic vehiclesKineticVehiclestwo-seaterFri, 25 Sep 2009 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Should I switch to straight veggie oil? What is holding SVO back?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/greenlings-should-i-switch-to-straight-veggie-oil-what-is-hold/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/greenlings-should-i-switch-to-straight-veggie-oil-what-is-hold/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/greenlings-should-i-switch-to-straight-veggie-oil-what-is-hold/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We like to answer reader questions with our Greenlings series whenever possible, and thought that Timothy H. had a good topic. He sent in the following question/suggestion about straight vegetable oil (SVO):
I have seen several articles dealing specifically with SVO, but not as it concerns the economic viability compared to petro-diesel. I mean there are articles out there, but I'm interested in knowing why I should/should not use SVO in my car, what benefits I have to look forward to, what problems people have had from using it, etc. Is it really as simple as heading to a Chinese restaurant and heckling $5 for a 50 gallon jug of WVO, then filtering the oil before it goes in the tank? If it isn't that easy, what is making it hard? Why are so few people making the jump if the conversion can pay itself off in two to three years?
We've got the answers for him - and everyone else who's interested - after the jump.

[Image: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading Should I switch to straight veggie oil? What is holding SVO back?

Should I switch to straight veggie oil? What is holding SVO back? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieseldieselgreenlingsstraight talkstraight vegetable oilStraightTalkStraightVegetableOilsvovegetable oilVegetableOilwaste vegetable oilwaste veggie oilWasteVegetableOilWasteVeggieOilwvoThu, 24 Sep 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[ExxonMobil gives $25,000 to Philly high school X Prize team for Hybrid K-1 Attack]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/exxonmobil-gives-25-000-to-philly-high-school-x-prize-team-for/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/exxonmobil-gives-25-000-to-philly-high-school-x-prize-team-for/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/exxonmobil-gives-25-000-to-philly-high-school-x-prize-team-for/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

click to enlarge

For ExxonMobil, $25,000 is not a lot of money. For a group of high-school students working on a 100+ mpg car for the Automotive X Prize, it's a great boost to get their Hybrid K-1 Attack - or whatever vehicle the team enters into the AXP (the press release mentions but does not describe two vehicles - to the next stage. The money was presented to the students of the West Philly Hybrid X Team, based at the West Philadelphia High School Academy for Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, earlier this week by U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah and ExxonMobil Foundation President Gerald McElvy.

The Hybrid K-1 Attack is a biodiesel-burning hybrid that, last we heard, could get to 60 mpg. The body is taken from a standard K-1 Attack, a Slovakian kit car.

Gallery: New York 2008: West Philly's Hybrid Attack


[Source: ExxonMobil]

Continue reading ExxonMobil gives $25,000 to Philly high school X Prize team for Hybrid K-1 Attack

ExxonMobil gives $25,000 to Philly high school X Prize team for Hybrid K-1 Attack originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto x prizeauto x-prizeautomotive x prizeautomotive x-prizeAutomotiveX-prizeAutomotiveXPrizeAutoX-prizeAutoXPrizeaxpfalsehybrid attackhybrid k-1 attackHybridAttackHybridK-1Attackk-1philadelphiaphiladelphia academiesPhiladelphiaAcademiesphillywest philadelphia high school academy for automotive and mechaniWestPhiladelphiaHighSchoolAcademyForAutomotiveAndMechaniWed, 16 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ford's 6.7L Power Stroke to put out 400 HP and 725 pound-feet]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/05/report-fords-6-7l-power-stroke-to-put-out-400-hp-and-725-pound/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/05/report-fords-6-7l-power-stroke-to-put-out-400-hp-and-725-pound/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/05/report-fords-6-7l-power-stroke-to-put-out-400-hp-and-725-pound/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 Ford "Scorpion" Power Stroke 6.7-liter diesel V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

From the sound of things, it seems that the ongoing power war amongst America's many fullsize pickup trucks will continue unabated for at least the next few years. To wit, the next Power Stroke diesel engine from Ford that we've recently heard so much about is reportedly going to be quite a powerhouse. According to Straightline, the Blue Oval's 6.7-liter V8 powerplant will put out 400 horsepower and a whopping 725 lb-ft of torque. That's mighty impressive, to say the least.

By way of comparison, the current 6.4-liter Power Stroke is competitive for its class with 350 horses and 650 lb-ft of torque. Fortunately, all that extra stump-pulling power will reportedly come along with both an increases in fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions. Plus, the new engine will be fully compatible with B20 biodiesel blends, unlike the current 6.4L diesel.



[Source: Straightline]

REPORT: Ford's 6.7L Power Stroke to put out 400 HP and 725 pound-feet originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6.7 liter ford diesel6.7LiterFordDieselfalseford dieselford engineford scorpionford scorpion diesel v8ford v8FordDieselFordEngineFordScorpionFordScorpionDieselV8FordV8Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Beware the biodiesel-ready Scorpion! 2011 Ford Super Duty gets all new 6.7-liter diesel V8]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/beware-the-biodiesel-ready-scorpion-2011-ford-super-duty-gets-a/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/beware-the-biodiesel-ready-scorpion-2011-ford-super-duty-gets-a/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/beware-the-biodiesel-ready-scorpion-2011-ford-super-duty-gets-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 Ford "Scorpion" Power-Stroke 6.7-liter diesel V8 - click above for high-res image gallery

Ford's ongoing issues with its long-time heavy duty diesel engine supplier, Navistar, will soon be coming to an end. The 2011 edition of the Ford Super Duty pickups will get an all-new, in-house designed diesel V8 code-named Scorpion. So, now, if Ford has any durability issues with its big diesels it will have no one to blame but itself.

Officially the Scorpion retains the Power Stroke badge, but that and eight cylinders in a V-configuration are all that are carried over. The Scorpion engine picks up a variety of technologies that have been appearing on other recent engines both gas and diesel fueled, as well as adding a few new tricks, particularly the turbocharger. The biggest change for the architecture is the move to an inside-out layout. Since the early days of the V-engine configuration, most examples have had the intake system mounted in the valley between the banks with the exhaust on the outside. Like BMW's new turbocharged gas V8 and GM's currently-on-the-shelf Duramax 4500, the Scorpion switches this around. Read on after the jump to learn more.


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Beware the biodiesel-ready Scorpion! 2011 Ford Super Duty gets all new 6.7-liter diesel V8

Beware the biodiesel-ready Scorpion! 2011 Ford Super Duty gets all new 6.7-liter diesel V8 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b20biodieselbreakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsfeaturefordford power strokeford scorpionford scorpion diesel v8ford super dutyford super duty dieselford super duty pick...ford super duty pickupsford super-dutyford superdutyford superduty 2011FordPowerStrokeFordScorpionFordScorpionDieselV8FordSuper-dutyFordSuperDutyFordSuperduty2011FordSuperDutyDieselFordSuperDutyPick...FordSuperDutyPickupsscorpionscorpion diesel v8ScorpionDieselV8super dutysuper duty dieselsuper duty fordsuper duty pickupSuperDutySuperDutyDieselSuperDutyFordSuperDutyPickupMon, 31 Aug 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[DOE invests $300 million in clean fuels, including one lonely hydrogen station]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/30/doe-invests-300-million-in-clean-fuels-including-one-lonely-hy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/30/doe-invests-300-million-in-clean-fuels-including-one-lonely-hy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/30/doe-invests-300-million-in-clean-fuels-including-one-lonely-hy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


What does it cost to displace 38 million gallons of petroleum per year? According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), almost $300 million. That's the amount that DOE head Steven Chu announced last week would go from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into buying about 9,000 "alternative fuel and energy efficient" vehicles and 542 new refueling locations. The gasoline alternatives being funded by the money include the whole swath of options: including "natural and renewable gas, propane, ethanol, biodiesel, electricity, and hybrid technologies." While not prominently mentioned in the press release, a single hydrogen refueling station in New Haven, Connecticut, in fact, part of the funding (not a surprise). The money is being given out as part of the Clean Cities initiative, a partnership between the government and industry groups with the goal of reducing petroleum use in the transportation sector. See a complete list of grant winners here.

[Source: DOE]

DOE invests $300 million in clean fuels, including one lonely hydrogen station originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doerecovery actRecoveryActstephen chuStephenChuSun, 30 Aug 2009 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[GM will have first factory-certified B20 diesels vehicles next spring]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/gm-will-have-first-factory-certified-b20-diesels-vehicles-next-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/gm-will-have-first-factory-certified-b20-diesels-vehicles-next-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/gm-will-have-first-factory-certified-b20-diesels-vehicles-next-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Chevy Express with 6.6-liter Duramax diesel

One of several interesting little surprises to come out of this week's GM product technology showcase was the upgraded 6.6-liter Duramax V8. Unfortunately, the 4.5-liter diesel developed for the light duty applications remains on the shelf for now, but the big diesel is getting a significant revamp in 2010. First up is a new fuel injection system that takes advantage of the latest common rail technology with piezo electric injectors. The system now runs at 2,000 BAR (29,000 psi) and can do up to six injection pulses per cycle. This allows for more precise, slower and cooler combustion.

The lower combustion temperature reduces NOx production and the multiple pulses help reduce noise significantly. The 6.6-liter still uses a single variable vane turbocharger mounted on top of the intake manifold. Downstream, the engine also meets the latest emissions standards thanks to a diesel particulate filter and a urea injection SCR system. Read our drive impressions - and the news about biodiesel - after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM will have first factory-certified B20 diesels vehicles next spring

GM will have first factory-certified B20 diesels vehicles next spring originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b20biodieselbiodiesel standardBiodieselStandardchevroletchevrolet expressChevroletExpresschevy expressChevyExpressduramaxduramax dieselDuramaxDieselgm heavy duty trucksGmHeavyDutyTrucksThu, 13 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: SunEco and JB Hunt test algae biodiesel, 82% particulate reduction]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/02/video-suneco-and-jb-hunt-test-algae-biodiesel-82-particulate/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/02/video-suneco-and-jb-hunt-test-algae-biodiesel-82-particulate/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/02/video-suneco-and-jb-hunt-test-algae-biodiesel-82-particulate/#commentsFiled under: ,


lick above to watch the video after the jump

SunEco Energy has been working with partner Global ReNergy Systems for several years to develop algae biodiesel and the company has been operating a pilot facility in Chino, California for two years. During this time, the company has been growing algae in open ponds and has had 18 harvests. Most recently, SunEco has been working with JB Hunt trucking to test its biodiesel fuel. The companies started their collaboration with a test program in a JB Hunt truck running on ultra low sulfur diesel, a B20 blend of ULSD and algae biodiesel and a B50 blend.

The test initially measured the opacity of the fuels with ULSD getting 14 percent and the B50 coming out much clearer at 2.5 percent. When running on B50, the truck produced 82 percent fewer particulate emissions compared to the ULSD. Later, the truck was put on a chassis dynamometer and the power level was measured at an equal 370 hp on each fuel. When measuring the efficiency, the truck got 2.45 mpg on ULSD, a number that rose to 2.56 mpg on B20 and 2.52 mpg on B50. SunEco now plans to move forward with full scale production of algae biodiesel. A video describing the testing is after the jump.

[Source: SunEco Energy]

Continue reading VIDEO: SunEco and JB Hunt test algae biodiesel, 82% particulate reduction

VIDEO: SunEco and JB Hunt test algae biodiesel, 82% particulate reduction originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>algaealgae biodieselalgae-biodieselalgaebiodieselbiodieselsuneco energySunecoEnergySun, 02 Aug 2009 16:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Kid Rock's new beer means biodiesel is bad ass ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/kid-rocks-new-beer-means-biodiesel-is-bad-ass/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/kid-rocks-new-beer-means-biodiesel-is-bad-ass/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/kid-rocks-new-beer-means-biodiesel-is-bad-ass/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Kid Rock isn't exactly your average environmentalist. Still, the Michigan rocker is pulling a Daryl Hannah with his new American Badass Beer, which just went on sale in the Mitten State. What's unusual about the brew is that it's made, in part, using biodiesel.

The beer is brewed by Michigan Brewing Co., near Lansing, Michigan, which has been using biodiesel to power a steam generator used in the beer production process since 2007. Aside from pushing the green angle, Kid Rock - pictured above with the Mercedes BlueTEC-loving Sheryl Crow, Rock's singing partner on "Picture" - is also a job creator: MBC got a $722,957 tax credit to make his new beer, creating 400 jobs. Sierra Nevada also uses biofuels to help make beer.

While the "American-style lager" is currently only available in Michigan, a nationwide roll-out is planned for the next 12 months or so. After all, it's not called Michigan Badass Beer, is it?

[Source: Mother Nature Network | Source Photo by: Rick Diamond/Getty]

Kid Rock's new beer means biodiesel is bad ass originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american bad assamerican bad ass beerAmericanBadAssAmericanBadAssBeerbad ass beerBadAssBeerkid rockKidRockmichigan brewingmichigan brewing companyMichiganBrewingMichiganBrewingCompanysheryl crowSherylCrowWed, 22 Jul 2009 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[DOE readies $85 billion for algal and advanced biofuels]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/doe-readies-85-billion-for-algal-and-advanced-biofuels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/doe-readies-85-billion-for-algal-and-advanced-biofuels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/doe-readies-85-billion-for-algal-and-advanced-biofuels/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The DOE is getting ready to spend $85 billion on research to create biofuels made from algae and other advanced techniques. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will be made available "for the development of algae-based biofuels and advanced, infrastructure-compatible biofuels" that can be brought "to market in an accelerated timeframe."

Interestingly, wiht this announcement, the DOE says it is not looking to fund any sort of cellulosic ethanol. Instead, the biofuels that the DOE is hopes to help create include aviation fuel, green gasoline and green diesel. Biofuels made from algae are high on the DOE's funding hitlist, as are bio-based replacements for traditional hydrocarbon fuels. More details are available here.

[Source: DOE]
Photo by *higetiger. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

DOE readies $85 billion for algal and advanced biofuels originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>algaealgae biodieselalgae biofuelalgae ethanolAlgaeBiodieselAlgaeBiofuelAlgaeEthanoldoedoe algaedoe algalDoeAlgaeDoeAlgalgreen dieselgreen gasolineGreenDieselGreenGasolineFri, 17 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST