AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 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[Kartelec 2013 brings electric go-cart racing back to France]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/kartelec-2013-brings-electric-go-cart-racing-back-to-france/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/kartelec-2013-brings-electric-go-cart-racing-back-to-france/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/kartelec-2013-brings-electric-go-cart-racing-back-to-france/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

kartelec 2012 electric go-kart racing

If you've always wanted to whip a low-slung go-kart around a corner without the noisy rumble of a gas engine behind you - or at least watch - Kartelec 2013 awaits you. For the eighth time, Kartelec will bring students and their battery-powered go-karts the track in Vierzon, France later this month.

The international educational event will bring together more than 40 e-karts that were all designed and built by students from high schools, universities and engineering schools. The competition will take place on a 300-meter track, where the students will participate in a variety of challenges, things like a 50-meter drag race, race for the fastest lap and two endurance runs, of two and four hours.

As you might suspect, Kartelec 2013 is about more than the on-track events, it's about the students actually learning something (see also: the Eco-Marathons). There are the decisions that go into building the karts, of course, but the e-Kart Association is also interested in training students to work on the "electric and hybrid vehicles of the future."

Kartelec 2013 takes place May 23-25. Admission is free. There's a video of the 2012 event below.

Continue reading Kartelec 2013 brings electric go-cart racing back to France

Kartelec 2013 brings electric go-cart racing back to France originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 20 May 2013 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 20 May 2013 12:22:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576328/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20576328/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/kartelec-2013-brings-electric-go-cart-racing-back-to-france/20576328/article-detail.xml 20576328 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ekart-2011-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ekart-2011-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo's new four-cylinder engines offer more performace, better fuel efficiency]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/volvo-new-four-cylinder-engines-offer-better-mpg/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/volvo-new-four-cylinder-engines-offer-better-mpg/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/volvo-new-four-cylinder-engines-offer-better-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Volvo has started production of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines for its new Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) lineup. They're variants of Volvo's current models and are optimized to deliver higher performance than the current lineup of Volvo six-cylinder models, with less fuel consumption.

The VEA variants have been under preparation for about two years at Volvo's engine plant in Skövde, Sweden. The company has invested heavily in the plant's overhaul - about two billion kronor, or close to $300 million US. All of the engines are being built on the same line, which makes overall production more efficient. The Volvo press release (available below) says that the in-house operation is a vital part of the automaker's strategy for independence.

The VEA is replacing eight engine architectures on three different platforms, with the first new engines being introduced this year and continuing through 2015. Nearly 20,000 engines are scheduled to be produced in 2013, with a target rate of 2,000 units per week by the end of the year. By the fall of 2013, Volvo expects to have fitted the new engines to the Volvo S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 models.

Like the electrification of a few Volvo models, the objective of the new four-cylinder variants is to offer good energy economy, low environmental impact and immense driving pleasure at an attractive price, Derek Crabb, Volvo's vice president powertrain engineering said.

Continue reading Volvo's new four-cylinder engines offer more performace, better fuel efficiency

Volvo's new four-cylinder engines offer more performace, better fuel efficiency originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>four cylinder enginesfuel efficiencyvariantsvolvoWed, 15 May 2013 17:47:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567588/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567588/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/volvo-new-four-cylinder-engines-offer-better-mpg/20567588/article-detail.xml 20567588 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volvo-v70_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volvo-v70.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Auris Hybrid manages just 84 grams of CO2 per kilometer, beating Prius]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/toyota-auris-hybrid-manages-just-84-grams-of-co2-per-kilometer/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/toyota-auris-hybrid-manages-just-84-grams-of-co2-per-kilometer/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/toyota-auris-hybrid-manages-just-84-grams-of-co2-per-kilometer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota Auris Hybrid
For Toyota and the new version of its Auris Hybrid that goes on sale starting next month, less is more. In this case, the Auris Hybrid will get an engine that cuts emissions by more than three percent from the current version.

The Auris Hybrid that goes on sale next month will emit just 84 grams of CO2 per kilometer, down from 87 in the previous model. The Touring Sports version of the Auris Hybrid, which was first shown off in Geneva earlier this year was, in Toyota's words, the "first full hybrid estate car," and emits 85 g/km. For comparison, the European Prius emits 91 g/km in combined driving conditions.

First-quarter Auris Hybrid sales in Europe surged 69 percent from a year earlier. There are no plans to bring the model stateside. Read Toyota's press release below.

Continue reading Toyota Auris Hybrid manages just 84 grams of CO2 per kilometer, beating Prius

Toyota Auris Hybrid manages just 84 grams of CO2 per kilometer, beating Prius originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auris hybridco2emissionseuropetoyotaWed, 15 May 2013 11:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569259/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569259/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/toyota-auris-hybrid-manages-just-84-grams-of-co2-per-kilometer/20569259/article-detail.xml 20569259 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/auris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/auris.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Z.E. center celebrates first birthday with 21,000 EV test drives]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/renault-z-e-center-celebrates-first-birthday-21000-ev-test-drives/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/renault-z-e-center-celebrates-first-birthday-21000-ev-test-drives/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/renault-z-e-center-celebrates-first-birthday-21000-ev-test-drives/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

renault fluence

Renault is ready to party at its Z.E. (zero emission) Center in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, near Paris. While it's being called a birthday celebration, the Z.E. Center actually opened up almost a year and a half ago, in January 2012. Renault says that it's the first electric vehicle test center in Europe.

So far, the Center has organized over 21,000 electric vehicle test drives for professional, institutional and individual customers and guests. These visitors have driven the family of Renault EVs - Zoe, Twizy, Kangoo Z.E. and Fluence Z.E. - more than 50,000 kilometers (31,000 miles). Visitor who go for a drive are accompanied by EV experts around a two-kilometer (about one and a quarter mile) track. Along the way, they learn more about the services, benefits and charging infrastructure details that come with EV ownership. Through April 2013, Renault has only sold 24,688 EVs throughout Europe, or roughly the same number as it's had test drives at the Z.E. Center.

Visitors have included race car drivers Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel, photographer/journalist Yann Arthus-Bertrand and a few French government officials. It's got to help Renault to gain such exposure, but the trick will be expanding the sales figures way beyond the number of visitors.

Continue reading Renault Z.E. center celebrates first birthday with 21,000 EV test drives

Renault Z.E. center celebrates first birthday with 21,000 EV test drives originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 15 May 2013 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boulogne-billancourtelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesevsfluencefrancekangoorenaultrenault z.e. centertest drivestwizyzoeWed, 15 May 2013 09:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569329/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20569329/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/renault-z-e-center-celebrates-first-birthday-21000-ev-test-drives/20569329/article-detail.xml 20569329 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/renault-fluence-z.e._thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/renault-fluence-z.e..jpg <![CDATA[BMW says European CO2 targets are 'impossible to meet' *UPDATE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/bmw-says-european-co2-targets-impossible/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/bmw-says-european-co2-targets-impossible/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/bmw-says-european-co2-targets-impossible/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW i3

Volkswagen and former nemesis Greenpeace recently kumbaya'd to pledge to meet the European Union's strict 2020 emissions standards. Not everyone is feeling the love.

BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer says the standards, which would require about a 30-percent improvement over current levels, are "impossible to meet." That is, they are impossible to meet without huge technology investments that will require extra help from government, Australia's Drive website reports.

Reithofer accused the EU of playing politics and said the 2020 standards were set without sufficient analysis. He also added that, when compared to China and the US, the EU undercredits makers of advanced powertrain vehicles in their efforts to meet emissions standards.

This doesn't mean BMW isn't trying to make cleaner vehicles. The company will start selling the i3 electric vehicle, the successor to the lease-only ActiveE, later this year, while the i8 plug-in hybrid goes on sale next year. BMW also showed off a coupe concept version of the i3 at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November. Automotive News recently reported that the i3 will be priced at about $40,000, about the same as a well-equipped 3 Series gas-powered sedan.

*UPDATE: Reithofer's full quote, which puts everything into context, is as follows:

As always, companies need the most reliable framework possible in order to plan for the future. But this can only be achieved with parameters that are based on sound analysis. One example where this is clearly not the case is the recent proposal by the European Parliament to tighten CO2 limits in Europe from 2025 on. This proposal was politically motivated and published without conducting any kind of technical feasibility study. The EU's 95-gram CO2 target for 2020 is already impossible to meet without the use of alternative drive technology. The European Union must decide - as other countries have - whether or not it wants to combine reductions in emissions and fuel consumption with boosting incentives for technological advancements. It is hard to understand why alternative drive trains should only be credited with a factor of 1.5 in Europe - while the same drive train technology is credited with a factor of five in China and a factor of two in the United States. This is not only counterproductive for the industrial base in Germany but also in Europe. And Europe is not currently in a strong enough position to isolate itself from global competition in this way. Automotive markets are already developing unevenly.

BMW says European CO2 targets are 'impossible to meet' *UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 May 2013 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwco2emissionseueuropean unionnorbert reithoferThu, 09 May 2013 13:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562926/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562926/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/bmw-says-european-co2-targets-impossible/20562926/article-detail.xml 20562926 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmwi3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmwi3.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo doubling V60 diesel PHEV production to 10,000 to meet demand]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/volvo-doubling-v60-diesel-phev-production-to-10000/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/volvo-doubling-v60-diesel-phev-production-to-10000/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/volvo-doubling-v60-diesel-phev-production-to-10000/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volvo V60 PHEV

Turns out, people want a highly efficient Volvo. The Swedish automaker originally was going to offer only 1,000 of its first production diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the V60 PHEV, but now it is apparently having trouble keeping up with demand.

Last September, Volvo said it had sold out of its first 1,000 units made, so the increased production target isn't a surprise. Volvo had originally planned to boost annual production to about 5,000 in 2014 - up from about 1,000 this year. A report in Cars UK says Volvo may now try to double that number for next year. The reason for the 10,000 new diesel PHEVs is because Volvo's been "inundated" with orders for the car, which retails for about $80,000. The car can go as far as 32 miles on electric power alone and can scoot from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about six seconds. Plus, hey, diesel plug-in efficiency.

Volvo doubling V60 diesel PHEV production to 10,000 to meet demand originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 May 2013 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diesel plug-in hybridphevplug-in hybridv60v60 phevWed, 01 May 2013 13:41:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20553280/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20553280/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/volvo-doubling-v60-diesel-phev-production-to-10000/20553280/article-detail.xml 20553280 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvov60-1367359320_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volvov60-1367359320.jpg <![CDATA[FIM announces 'first ever' electric motocross race, E-MX, forgets own previous event]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/fim-first-ever-electric-motocross-race-e-mx/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/fim-first-ever-electric-motocross-race-e-mx/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/fim-first-ever-electric-motocross-race-e-mx/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Institutional memory can be a funny thing. Sometimes short, sometimes selective, it always makes us wonder just how much effort was put in looking backwards before sending out press releases trumpeting a "first ever" product or event.

Case in point, the FIM has just announced the "first ever race for electric motocross bikes": the E-MX. While we can understand the desire to unremember unaffiliated happenings, such as the MiniMoto SX and, perhaps, Zero Motorcycles' 24 Hours of Electricross, it puzzles us how it manages to forget its own pioneering Ride Green Eco Enduro. It all just distracts from what could be a very significant bit of news - which we will now focus on, now that we feel better after getting that off our chests.

A significant hole in the electric motorcycle racing continuum might be about to be filled as the first E-MX event kicks off this week in at Circuit Zolder in Belgium, part of CleanWeek 2020. The contest will feature about a dozen riders, who will be split into two groups for sets of sessions for practice, qualifying and a semi-final. The top three riders from each group will then take to the track and face off in a five-lap final.

A varied assortment of riders includes the likes of 10-time world MX champion Stefan Everts and, interestingly, BMX Olympian Arnaud Dubois. Instead of his pedal bike, Dubois, and the rest of the riders, will compete using a small fleet of not-yet-for-sale-to-the-public KTM Freeride E motocross bikes. There will also be some representation from other manufacturers, as Zero Motorcycles and Quantya (now Vrone) bikes will be used for some "test runs" before the qualifying begins.

It's not clear whether the FIM E-MX, as it is called, will be an annual event or perhaps the beginning of a proper series. We, of course, hope it is the latter since motocross is the most popular form of motorcycle racing and the use of electric propulsion would help demonstrate to a wider audience the advantages of a quiet, yet powerful drivetrain. Scroll down for video from last September's original announcement which includes some getting-dirty demonstration footage, along with the official press release. If you happen to find yourself in the vicinity of Zolder Circuit on Thursday, definitely go check it out. Admission is free.

Continue reading FIM announces 'first ever' electric motocross race, E-MX, forgets own previous event

FIM announces 'first ever' electric motocross race, E-MX, forgets own previous event originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 May 2013 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In Europe, car rental and car sharing are getting tapped into by automakers to "move the metal." Electric vehicles may come equipped with cutting-edge technology, but when buyers balk, automakers are quick to dump them on fleets.

EVs only made up 0.23 percent of new car sales in Western Europe during Q1 of 2013.

Electric vehicle sales have been slow to catch on in Europe, where they are even farther behind than the US. In the US, about 13,000 EVs were sold in the first quarter of this year - which comes out to about half of one percent of new vehicle sales. In Europe during the first two months of this year, 3,785 of new vehicles sold were EVs, an increase of 39 percent compared to the same period in 2012. Still, it wasn't impressive - EVs only made up 0.23 percent of market share in Western Europe during that time, according to the Automotive Industrial Data (AID) newsletter.

For AID newsletter editor Peter Schmidt, carsharing ventures are providing useful "dumping grounds" for EVs that automakers can't sell. Citroen of France set up a European multi-city rental business to get people driving its C-Zero electric car. Mercedes has been building up its Car2go carsharing network, and it may be where its 6,000 electric Smart Fortwos planned for production this year end up.

Germany has been a particularly tough market to break into. Consumers can buy the Smart Fortwo ED for the equivalent of $31,000 in Germany after taxes, while the gasoline version of that car goes for about $13,500. Germany doesn't offer consumers financial incentives to buy EVs, unlike France, the UK and the US.

There's a lot of interest in how the long-awaited Renault Zoe EV will do in attracting Europeans to EVs, but it's going to take several months to see if the concept takes off. So far, it's been unimpressive. In France, there were 648 electric cars sold in February 2013. This number was increased by 440 new Zoes, which are all either dealer demonstrators or press fleet vehicles.

Slow sales in Europe mean EVs often going to fleets originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-zerocar rentalcar salescar sharingcar2goelectric vehicleseuropefleetsrenaultzoeTue, 16 Apr 2013 11:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20541400/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20541400/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/slow-sales-in-europe-mean-evs-going-to-fleets/20541400/article-detail.xml 20541400 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/smart-fortwo-ed-1366063688_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/smart-fortwo-ed-1366063688.jpg <![CDATA[GM's Opel may add electric side to diesel engines]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/gms-opel-may-add-electric-side-to-diesel-engines/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/gms-opel-may-add-electric-side-to-diesel-engines/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/gms-opel-may-add-electric-side-to-diesel-engines/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


General Motors' Opel division is confident that its slate of diesel engines will allow it to meet stricter European emissions standards set for 2020. As for the even stricter ones expected in 2025? Not so much.

Stop us if you've heard this before, but that's why Opel says it will consider adding hybrid-electric options to some of its diesel powertrains in the next few years, Automotive News says, citing an interview with General Motors executive Pierpaolo Antonioli. As it is, Opel is upgrading 80 percent of its engine inventory during the next three years to meet the fleetwide European requirements of a 130 grams per kilometer emissions limit for 2015. Opel's next engine to debut is a 1.6-liter diesel coming to the Zafira Tourer minivan later this year.

By going diesel-electric, Opel would be joining a number of automakers. Mitsubishi debuted a diesel-hybrid pickup truck concept at the Geneva Motor Show in February and Volvo started selling its V60 Plug-in Hybrid Diesel in November. Peugeot has been selling its diesel-hybrid 3008 HYbrid4 in Europe since 2011.

GM's Opel may add electric side to diesel engines originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselelectricemissionseueuropeeuropean uniongeneral motorshybridopelplug-invauxhallMon, 15 Apr 2013 17:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20539339/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20539339/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/gms-opel-may-add-electric-side-to-diesel-engines/20539339/article-detail.xml 20539339 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/opel-logo-new_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/opel-logo-new.jpg <![CDATA[GM refutes German OEMs, says HFO-1234yf AC coolant is safe]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/gm-says-hfo-1234yf-ac-coolant-safe/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/gm-says-hfo-1234yf-ac-coolant-safe/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/gm-says-hfo-1234yf-ac-coolant-safe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Automakers dispute A/C refrigerant safety issue

General Motors' Opel division is adding metaphorical fire to the real dispute over a new air-conditioning refrigerant's potential flammability.

Opel recently ran crash tests with an SUV using a refrigerant, called HFO-1234yf, that is being pushed by the European Union as a way to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Contrary to earlier tests by Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler, GM says the product isn't flammable, Reuters reports.

HFO-1234yf was developed by Honeywell and DuPont. Despite a crash test that destroyed the car's A/C unit and caused it to leak, Opel says it did not cause a fire. The EU is pushing for HFO-1234yf to become standard refrigerant by 2017.

Last year, Daimler conducted its own tests and found that the new refrigerant catches fire and releases toxic fumes in the event of a crash. And last month, Volkswagen, Europe's biggest automaker, backed Daimler's claims and said it would try to develop its own carbon-dioxide-based A/C systems as a way to meet the EU's requirements.

GM refutes German OEMs, says HFO-1234yf AC coolant is safe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-conditioningdaimlereueuropean unionfiregeneral motorsHFO-1234yfhoneywellopelrefrigerantsafetyvolkswagenMon, 08 Apr 2013 07:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20532155/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20532155/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/gm-says-hfo-1234yf-ac-coolant-safe/20532155/article-detail.xml 20532155 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fridge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fridge.jpg <![CDATA[Swedish researchers burn garbage into hydrogen]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/swedish-researchers-burn-garbage-into-hydrogen/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/swedish-researchers-burn-garbage-into-hydrogen/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/swedish-researchers-burn-garbage-into-hydrogen/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As the ancient idiom says, "Waste not, want not." Researchers at Lund University in Sweden are making it happen by turning ash from burned garbage into hydrogen.

"The ash can be used as a resource through recovery of hydrogen gas instead of being allowed to be released into the air as at present. Our ash deposits are like a goldmine," Aamir Ilyas, Doctor of Water Resources Engineering at Lund University and the developer of the technology, told Domestic Fuel.

Lund University researchers have developed a process that could produce 20 billion liters (about 5.3 billion gallons) of hydrogen gas per year from the ash.

Burned garbage could be an enormous power source in Europe, where refuse incineration is a widespread practice. It would also keep a lot of that ash out of landfills. The Lund University researchers have developed a process they say could produce 20 billion liters (about 5.3 billion gallons) of hydrogen gas per year from the ash, enough to power 11,000 homes.

The researchers have developed a technique where they place the ash in an oxygen-free environment. The ash is dampened with water to form hydrogen gas, and the process uses a safety procedure to make sure stored hydrogen doesn't explode.

Hydrogen gas has multiple sources and applications. The Swedish university project is thinking about converting it into electricity to power homes. Fuel cell vehicles convert hydrogen and oxygen from air into electricity inside the vehicle's fuel cell stack.

In Fountain Valley, CA, the Orange County Sanitation District and Air Products have created a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle fueling station where hydrogen comes from waste water. Methane gas is extracted from the waste water and stored inside holding tanks. In addition to hydrogen for powering vehicles, this project creates electricity and heat from the waste water.

Swedish researchers burn garbage into hydrogen originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyalternative fuelashfuel cell vehiclesgarbageh2hydrogenwaste waterFri, 05 Apr 2013 11:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20520189/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20520189/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/swedish-researchers-burn-garbage-into-hydrogen/20520189/article-detail.xml 20520189 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hydrogen-fueling-station_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hydrogen-fueling-station.jpg <![CDATA[Audi A1 e-tron EREV will get further testing in Germany]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/audi-a1-e-tron-erev-will-get-further-testing-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/audi-a1-e-tron-erev-will-get-further-testing-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/audi-a1-e-tron-erev-will-get-further-testing-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi A1 e-tron

The Audi A1 e-tron extended-range plug-in, which has already been extensively tested by the automaker, will be further put under the microscope, as it were, by Germany's National Platform of Electrification (NPE).

The test is part of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research's program to broaden plug-in vehicle adoption in Germany, Hybrid Cars says. Getting the up-close treatment is UQM Technologies' drivetrain and systems, which give the car a 30-mile range in all-electric mode and 155 miles of combined gas-electric range.

Last September, Audi started promoting the Dual-Mode Hybrid version of the A1 e-tron, which has multiple drivetrain modes that allows the car's 1.5-liter gas engine act both as a conventional motor and an on-board generator, depending on driving conditions. Audi said that version could go as far as 56 miles on battery power alone and delivers 177 horsepower.

Audi A1 e-tron EREV will get further testing in Germany originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1audie-tronextended-range plug-inGermanyNational Platform of ElectrificationNPEplug-in hybridThu, 04 Apr 2013 09:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20520825/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20520825/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/audi-a1-e-tron-erev-will-get-further-testing-in-germany/20520825/article-detail.xml 20520825 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/audietron_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/audietron.jpg <![CDATA[VW, Greenpeace agree on tighter emissions standards, 95 g/km of CO2 by 2020]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/vw-greenpeace-agree-tighter-emissions-standards/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/vw-greenpeace-agree-tighter-emissions-standards/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/vw-greenpeace-agree-tighter-emissions-standards/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Greenpeace

We're not expecting the next whaling-ship ramming Greenpeace boat to have a VW logo on it, but it's nice that the two entities are finally getting together in the name of lower emissions.

Volkswagen and Greenpeace leaders recently agreed that Europe's largest automaker would pledge to cut its fleetwide new-vehicle emissions to 95 g/km of CO2 by the end of the decade by increasing sales of diesels and electric-drive vehicles.

Volkswagen Chairman Martin Winterkorn and Greenpeace Chief Executive Director Brigitte Behrens met for the first time to ease what has, at times, been a frosty dialogue between VW and the environmental group. The result was VW pledging to "do everything in our power" to reach the lower emissions level, as proposed by the European Commission last summer. This level would represent about a 30-percent reduction in average emissions from last year.

In 2011, Greenpeace activists started poking fun at the much lauded VW-Darth Vader TV commercial, even going as far as dressing up as Imperial Stormtroopers as VW auto executives enteedg a meeting of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (Acea) in Brussels. Greenpeace was at it again last year, saying that VW's new diesel-hybrid Golf wasn't as eco-friendly as the vehicle maker made it out to be. This new agreement augurs a new hope, doesn't it? Check out VW's press release below.

Continue reading VW, Greenpeace agree on tighter emissions standards, 95 g/km of CO2 by 2020

VW, Greenpeace agree on tighter emissions standards, 95 g/km of CO2 by 2020 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecemissionseueuropean commissioneuropean uniongreenpeacevolkswagenvwTue, 02 Apr 2013 14:05:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20522922/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20522922/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/vw-greenpeace-agree-tighter-emissions-standards/20522922/article-detail.xml 20522922 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vw-dark-side-climate-lobby_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vw-dark-side-climate-lobby.png <![CDATA[French nuclear power grid could be strained by electric vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/french-nuclear-power-grid-strained-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/french-nuclear-power-grid-strained-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/french-nuclear-power-grid-strained-electric-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , ,

France's own Renault Zoe EV

File this under the "if it's not one thing, it's another" department. France, whose largest automaker Renault is already addressing concerns over what may be less-than-expected demand for electric vehicles, has a power grid that may be insufficient should consumers adopt plug-in vehicles in substantial numbers, Reuters says.

The culprit is a combination of France's extensive use of nuclear power, which lacks the flexibility to cope with power-demand surges, and the widespread use of electric heaters during France's cold spells, which already strains the country's power supply. With France shooting to have 2 million plug-ins on its roads by the end of the decade, the prospect of more power-demand surges may further highlight France's power-grid limits, Reuters says, citing executives with some of the country's utilities. Fast chargers use about as much energy as a dozen electric hot-water heaters.

France's utility executives and analysts are hoping technology advances such as smart-charging, which facilitates off-peak grid use, may mitigate some of France's power-supply issues.

Renault started sales of its all-electric Zoe this month. Last month, the French government said it would order about 2,000 Zoe vehicles and 100 Fluence Z.E. EVs over the next three years.

French nuclear power grid could be strained by electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclefrancegovernmentpower gridpower supplyutilitiesMon, 01 Apr 2013 08:06:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20522203/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20522203/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/french-nuclear-power-grid-strained-electric-vehicles/20522203/article-detail.xml 20522203 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renaultzoe-1364492976_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/renaultzoe-1364492976.jpg <![CDATA[Your car's exhaust can cause, not just trigger, kids' asthma]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/your-cars-exhaust-can-cause-not-just-trigger-kids-asthma/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/your-cars-exhaust-can-cause-not-just-trigger-kids-asthma/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/your-cars-exhaust-can-cause-not-just-trigger-kids-asthma/#commentsFiled under: ,

car exhaust

Stick your head too close to an old car's exhaust, and we're willing to be dollars to donuts that you'll start coughing. It turns out that vehicle exhaust isn't just bad for you until the air clears. All that nastiness has a serious long-term effect, and can even cause asthma in children.

That's the finding of researchers in Europe, who studied children in 10 cities and recently published their findings in the European Respiratory Journal. In fact, as much as 14 percent of all asthma cases are being blamed on traffic exhaust. This makes car exhaust more harmful than previously thought, since previous research stated that traffic simply made already-existing asthma cases worse.

What happens now is, well, who knows. Last year, the World Health Organization found that diesel fumes causes cancer, but as best we can tell, there haven't been any big new regulations issued because of that finding. The story is becoming clearer, though: the sooner we eliminate dirty vehicles from the environment, the healthier we'll be.

Your car's exhaust can cause, not just trigger, kids' asthma originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asthmacar emissionscar exhaustchildhood asthmaemissionseuropean respiratory journalexhaustpollutionTue, 26 Mar 2013 16:31:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20517666/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20517666/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/26/your-cars-exhaust-can-cause-not-just-trigger-kids-asthma/20517666/article-detail.xml 20517666 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/car-exhaust_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/car-exhaust.jpg <![CDATA[KTM E-Speed brings slice-and-dice sexy to electric scooters]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/ktm-e-speed-brings-slice-and-dice-sexy-to-electric-scooters/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/ktm-e-speed-brings-slice-and-dice-sexy-to-electric-scooters/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/ktm-e-speed-brings-slice-and-dice-sexy-to-electric-scooters/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ktm e-speed

Quick. If we say, "electric scooter," what springs to mind? A retro-styled off-brand offering from China? A plush maxi-sized conveyance for mature riders? Anything except, we imagine, the E-Speed concept from KTM that was just revealed at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show.

This sexy little beastie could very well be the butterfly knife of electric scooters: fun to play with, but deadly serious about slicing and dicing city traffic (*Disclaimer: Don't play with knives. You can put an eye out.) Built lean, with its aluminum battery enclosure doubling as the main chassis component, it doesn't just look sporty, it embodies it.

The E-Speed concept is quiet enough to not interfere with the sweet nothings it whispers to your inner hoon.

Packing an 11-kW (14.75 horsepower) liquid-cooled motor, the E-Speed offers 26.5 pound-feet of twist to help it reach its 85 kilometer-per-hour (53 mile-per-hour) top speed quickly, and in a fashion quiet enough to not interfere with the sweet nothings it whispers to your inner hoon. Quality flex bits from WP Suspension attached to the swingarm and front fork - both single-sided - should keep things well planted and allow for sharp handling. Luckily, it also features ABS brakes to reel you in if you get too close to the edge.

Range-wise, the 4.36-kWh lithium battery, running at over 300 volts, can carry passengers 60 km (37.28 miles) and charge to full in two hours. The 576 individual 18650-type cells are said to be good for 1,000 full cycles.

The question remains, though: will KTM build it? The official press release makes all kinds of happy noises about electric motivation, quoting CEO Stefan Pierer as saying, "We at KTM are completely convinced of electric mobility as a perfect complement to conventional powertrains." However, this is the same man that earlier this month told Italian website Motociclismo that lithium batteries were too expensive and dangerous to use.

Hopefully Mr. Pierer, after a long talk with some battery engineers and a spin around the block will come to his senses and figure out how to commercialize this concept. In the meantime, you can check it out from all angles in the gallery. Scroll on down for the official press release and full specifications.

Continue reading KTM E-Speed brings slice-and-dice sexy to electric scooters

KTM E-Speed brings slice-and-dice sexy to electric scooters originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austriaelectric scooterktmktm e-speedtokyo motorcycle showTue, 26 Mar 2013 09:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20517263/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20517263/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/26/ktm-e-speed-brings-slice-and-dice-sexy-to-electric-scooters/20517263/article-detail.xml 20517263 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ktm-e-speed-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ktm-e-speed-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen to use CO2 as future refrigerant for air conditioning systems]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/volkswagen-to-use-co2-as-future-refrigerant-for-air-conditioning/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/volkswagen-to-use-co2-as-future-refrigerant-for-air-conditioning/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/volkswagen-to-use-co2-as-future-refrigerant-for-air-conditioning/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

jetta ac controls

Another German automaker has rejected the air conditioning refrigerant that's scheduled to be adopted by global automakers in 2017. Earlier this month, Volkswagen lined up with Daimler and BMW to support Daimler's findings from last year that the new refrigerant, called HFO-1234yf, can become flammable.

Volkswagen says it will be rolling out its own carbon-dioxide-based air conditioning systems. The European Union wants to have HFO-1234yf, which was designed by Honeywell and DuPont, replace the coolant currently in use, HFC-134a to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and its global warming potential. Daimler engineers discovered HFO-1234yf could spark a fire under the hood, with the potential to destroy the car and emit highly toxic gas while burning.

An automotive working group - the Cooperative Research Program - was formed last year to study the matter. Daimler conducted its own flammability tests and became concerned enough about vehicle safety to leave the working group, along with BMW. Volkswagen's Audi division also expressed concern and is now part of Volkswagen's decision to join ranks with its German allies and dismiss adoption of HFO-1234yf as the new refrigerant.

European Union Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani appears unwilling to accept the decision by Germany's "Big 3" automakers or a written request from German ministers asking for a temporary suspension of the new EU law. While Tajani said he would listen, he also said that he would begin infringement proceedings against any member state that did not comply with the new rules. "Since there was some information from Germany there was a problem, I am obliged to ask for information, but it's not giving them time. I am not weak," Tajani told Reuters.

There's no word yet what other agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency may do about it. Honeywell and Dupont would be holding a billion-dollar monopoly starting in 2017 if HFO-1234yf goes through. They're bound to support Industry Commissioner Tajani's decision.

Continue reading Volkswagen to use CO2 as future refrigerant for air conditioning systems

Volkswagen to use CO2 as future refrigerant for air conditioning systems originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air conditioningco2daimleremissionseuropean unionhfo-1234yfrefrigerantvehicle safetyvwMon, 25 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20515014/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20515014/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/volkswagen-to-use-co2-as-future-refrigerant-for-air-conditioning/20515014/article-detail.xml 20515014 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2012-vw-jetta-gli-ac_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2012-vw-jetta-gli-ac.jpg <![CDATA[Scania, Siemens partner for roof-connected electric trucks]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/scania-siemens-partner-for-roof-connected-electric-trucks/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/scania-siemens-partner-for-roof-connected-electric-trucks/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/scania-siemens-partner-for-roof-connected-electric-trucks/#commentsFiled under: ,

Scania/Siemens electric truck

San Francisco Bay Area readers, or anyone who has ridden (or driven behind) Muni buses, are more than familiar with the concept of electric-powered commercial vehicles getting energy through a roof-mounted apparatus connected to wires. Now, Sweden-based Scania and German company Siemens are partnering on a similar technology that would be used by commercial trucks on Sweden's highways.

The companies aren't releasing a ton of detail on the subject, only saying that the trucks will have pantographs (i.e., those roof-mounted things) that will let trucks be powered by electricity through nearby wires. That means far less diesel being belched on Sweden's roads. Scania was a sister company of Saab for more than a quarter century before the companies were split in 1995.

"Full-scale demonstration of electrified road sections can quickly become a reality through this partnership," says Henrik Henriksson, Executive Vice President and head of Scania's sales and marketing, in a statement. How quick? We'll hopefully find out soon. In the meantime, you can read Scania's press release below.

Continue reading Scania, Siemens partner for roof-connected electric trucks

Scania, Siemens partner for roof-connected electric trucks originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electricelectric vehiclepantographsaabscaniasiemenstrollytrucksSun, 17 Mar 2013 08:40:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20499441/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20499441/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/17/scania-siemens-partner-for-roof-connected-electric-trucks/20499441/article-detail.xml 20499441 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/scania_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/scania.jpg <![CDATA[GM VC not happy with Europe's response to plug-in vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/gm-vc-not-happy-with-europes-response-to-plug-in-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/gm-vc-not-happy-with-europes-response-to-plug-in-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/gm-vc-not-happy-with-europes-response-to-plug-in-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

opel ampera

General Motors Vice Chairman Steve Girsky has had it up to his eyeballs with Europe. It's one thing to attempt to bail out GM's Opel subsidiary in the beleaguered European auto market. It's another to market the Opel Ampera plug-in hybrid to such tepid response.

"All the governments in Europe said, 'We want EVs, we want EVs.' We show up with one, and where is everybody?" Girsky said last week at the Geneva Motor Show, as reported by Automotive News Europe.

Girsky expects a lot more from European governments to instill demand for EVs. "We're hoping for some support from other places, whether its subsidies or infrastructure help or something like that," he said.

Something needs to be done to increase sales for the Ampera, which sold fewer than 6,000 units last year. That was enough to grab more than 20 percent of the market of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Europe, but it was far removed from its US cousin, the Chevrolet Volt, which saw sales triple to 23,461 units in 2012, Girsky said.

For now, the Opel Ampera is a loss leader for GM, which will continue to sell the plug-in hybrid. The global automaker is working hard to drive down costs as it maps out the next-generation Volt and Opel. "We're willing to absorb some losses on this because it's new technology," he said.
europe.autonews.com/article/20130315/ANE/303159998/girskys-irked-by-europes-chilly-reception-for-plug-in#ixzz2NcjblcIYe

GM VC not happy with Europe's response to plug-in vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperachevyeuropegeneral motorsopelplug in hybridsteve girskyvoltFri, 15 Mar 2013 17:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20505906/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20505906/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/15/gm-vc-not-happy-with-europes-response-to-plug-in-vehicles/20505906/article-detail.xml 20505906 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/opel-ampera_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/opel-ampera.jpg <![CDATA[Carmakers taking advantage of EU fuel economy test by taping up seams, overinflating tires]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/carmakers-taking-advantage-of-eu-fuel-economy-test-by-taping-up/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/carmakers-taking-advantage-of-eu-fuel-economy-test-by-taping-up/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/carmakers-taking-advantage-of-eu-fuel-economy-test-by-taping-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Common Ways Carmakers Manipulate Tests

Automakers don't necessarily sell the same vehicles in both North America and Europe, but a new report from the Continent's Transport And Environment makes it sound like the fuel-economy rating... questions we've seen here in the US might also be happening across The Pond. Well, except over there it sounds like full-on legal cheating.

The report features lines like this:

When the road load test procedures were drafted 30 years ago, no-one expected carmakers to adjust the brakes, pump up the tyres, and tape up all the cracks around the doors and windows to reduce the air and rolling resistance. These practices are now commonplace.

As you can sort of see in the image above (click to enlarge), manufacturers overinflate tires to reduce rolling resistance and tape over indents to improve drag, among two dozen other tricks. In short, the report describes a complex system for automakers to get the highest possible fuel economy rating (You can download it yourself in PDF). How bad is it? Transport And Environment had independent tests done, and found that those results showed 12-percent higher "fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than official figures reported by the carmaker."

"There is no evidence that carmakers are breaking any formal rules - but they don't need to."

Greg Archer, the clean vehicles manager for Transport And Environment, told the Guardian that the tricks are evidence the automakers are cheating customers and legislators because, "EU laws intended to reduce CO2 emissions from cars and vans are only being met in the laboratory, not on the road. The only way to rebuild this trust is by closing loopholes in the current test procedures, to ensure that cheaters never prosper."

Europe uses the New European Driving Cycle test, which is built in such a way that it results in higher fuel economy numbers than the EPA test used in the US. NEDC is also about three decades old, an updated ruleset is supposed to be introduced in the next few years. The most frustrating aspect is that, as Transport And Environment writes, "There is no evidence that carmakers are breaking any formal rules - but they don't need to - the current test procedures are so lax there is ample opportunity to massage the test results.

Carmakers taking advantage of EU fuel economy test by taping up seams, overinflating tires originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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