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Mascoma backs away from IPO plans

Jon LeSage — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 08:46:00 EST

Mascoma, a cellulosic ethanol maker, has been working on gaining capital investment from just about every funding source out there. But now it looks like the attempts to go public and raise $100 million have been pulled off the market.

Gigaom's Katie Fehrenbacher had been puzzled that a company with weak financials - including 86 percent of its revenue coming from government grants - filed to launch an initial public offering. That happened about a year and a half ago but the effort never made it to the stock market.

The other 14 percent of Mascoma's revenue came from selling its next-generation yeast to corn ethanol makers to cut their costs. Mascoma has wanted to go in a different direction - producing next-generation cellulosic ethanol from plant waste and not corn, with the waste coming from wood waste in a Michigan factory.

The company said it was "market conditions" that made it withdraw the public offering.

The Mascoma stock market launch was waiting in the wings until this month, when the company quietly withdrew its IPO plan. The company said it was "market conditions" that made it withdraw the public offering, even though, as Fehrenbacher writes, macro IPO conditions seem a little bit better this year than in 2012.

Another confusing pre-IPO action was Mascoma raising a few million dollars in debt during two rounds over the past six months. That didn't make a lot of sense for a company preparing to go public. Government grants have taken a bigger slice of the pie since the initial filing a year and a half ago. Its latest revenue numbers, from a year ago, said that government grants and awards made 93 percent of its revenue - up seven percent since its initial filing six months earlier.

Mascoma was founded in 2005 by Dartmouth professor Lee Rybeck Lynd. Since that time, company management has secured government funds and at least over $100 million from private capital firms and corporations including Khosla Ventures, SunOpta, GM and Marathon Oil (General Motors took an equity stake in Mascoma in 2008). The US Department of Energy awarded it $80 million, though its not clear if all the funds came through. The state of Michigan offered the company a $20-million grant to build its factory in Michigan.

Advanced biofuels has been a very tough business to break into, and other companies have failed in taking cellulosic ethanol to scale.

Mascoma backs away from IPO plans originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First E15 gas station gets warning from ConocoPhillips, might have to stop ethanol sales

Jon LeSage — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:51:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Legislation and Policy

Ethanol advocates are continuing to throw down the gauntlet with Big Oil. Jabs have been thrown through satire and blogging - now the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is throwing a hook by going after ConocoPhillips, one of Big Oil's top five conglomerates.

After offering E15, "ConocoPhillips quickly threatened to terminate Zarco 66's franchise agreement unless Zarco 66 started offering 'premium' gasoline."

RFA says that ConocoPhillips has threatened the franchise agreement with fuel station retailer Zarco 66 unless it offers premium gasoline. This gasoline would have to replace the ethanol stored in one of Zarco 66's two fueling tanks; these tanks have stored ethanol that's been used for years in the blend of 85-percent ethanol (E85) at Zarco 66 fuel stations. ConocoPhillips put the pressure on to sell premium gasoline not long after Zarco 66 became the nation's first retail chain to offer gasoline with 15 percent ethanol (E15) last summer. "ConocoPhillips quickly threatened to terminate Zarco 66's franchise agreement and charge Zarco 66 hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties unless Zarco 66 started offering 'premium' gasoline," said RFA president and CEO Bob Dinneen. If ConocoPhillips gets its way, it would mean "far fewer [ethanol] sales than the ethanol blends that would be available if Zarco 66 maintained the current ethanol contents," Dineen said.

"I am a true believer in energy independence, alternatives [and] domestic fuels, and I will continue to fight for that."

RFA is also asking for a federal investigation into the matter. The ethanol advocacy association sent a three-page letter to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Trade Commission, US Department of Energy and US Department of Agriculture. RFA is requesting the agencies to investigate and put an end to the "oil industry's highly discriminatory and unlawful conduct - conduct that is impeding the delivery of renewable fuels to the American marketplace," the letter stated. Zarco 66 could become the "first casualty" in the oil industry's war against renewable fuels.

Zarco 66 has yet to cave in to Big Oil. "I am a true believer in energy independence, alternatives [and] domestic fuels, and I will continue to fight for that, because I believe that is what is in the best interest of our country," Zarco 66 owner Scott Zaremba told Ethanol Producer Magazine.

First E15 gas station gets warning from ConocoPhillips, might have to stop ethanol sales originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iowa newspaper finds no problems using E15; biofuel could have saved drivers $69m

Jon LeSage — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 13:50:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, MPG

There's been a lot of concern expressed over the potentially damaging impact on engines that E15 - gasoline with 15 percent ethanol - could have on vehicle engines. AAA most recently sounded an alarm on the issue - the organization says that sale of E15 gasoline should be postponed until consumers can be educated on the fuel - and using the fuel can void the warranty in some vehicles.

Right now, drivers have access to E15 only in certain areas of the country, like Kansas and Iowa. To educate Eastern Iowan readers on what it costs to use E15 in their gas tanks, a local newspaper took a field trip to find out how the biofuel compares to fueling up on gasoline with E10. They accessed the Linn Co-op Oil Co. in Marion, IA, three times in the last month and found that on the first day, the E15 price was two cents per gallon more than E10 at nearby stations, and that it was approximately the same price for E10 at nearby stations on the two December dates.

The fuel economy experience was similar to typical gasoline with E10, even though higher ethanol concentrations in gasoline can be associated with a loss in fuel economy. The team tested E15 in a 2003 Volkswagen Golf with a 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine with a typical mileage range of 28 to 32 miles per gallon, depending on driving conditions. Their experience was very similar with E15 - 31.5 mpg on the first fill-up and 28.6 mpg on the second.

Engine performance didn't appear to be impaired during the non-scientific test, and the risk of motorists accidentally filling the gas tank with E15 didn't seem to be a real problem. Pricing did seem to slightly favor E10 over E15, and having very limited access to E15 at gas pumps gives E10 the edge for now.

Granted, this is a very limited test run for E15, fitting since we're a long way away from the fuel being available at most gas stations across the country. For that to happen, it will take lots of user experiences similar to that experienced by the reporters - positive real world driving conditions and beneficial cent-to-cent comparisons. The numbers could be huge: the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association has calculated that drivers in Iowa could have saved $69 million this year had E15 been widely available. IRFA executive director Monte Shaw told Domestic Fuel, "Until E15 is widely available, Iowans will continue paying more at the pump than they should."

Iowa newspaper finds no problems using E15; biofuel could have saved drivers $69m originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Propel Fuels adding hundreds of biofuel stations soon

Jon LeSage — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Biodiesel, Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Vegetable Oil, Carbon Offset

Propel Fuels is acquiring $21 million in funding to add more than 200 fuel stations in new and existing markets over the next two years, offering more drivers E85 ethanol and biodiesel blends. The company currently sells fuel out of 31 existing retail stations in California and Washington, sharing gas pumps with gasoline and diesel.

The company has closed the initial phase of its Series D round of funding for $11 million in equity capital from existing investors Nth Power, Craton Equity Partners and @Ventures, and a new investor, Gentry Venture Partners. Propel Fuels has also secured an additional $10 million in debt financing.

Propel's mission is to create a network of fueling stations offering drivers the cleanest, most sustainable, domestically produced fuels on the market today. Along with clean fuel, the company is focused on offering consumers a satisfying station experience; to do that, Propel offers services including a CarbonOffset program, improvements in vehicle fuel economy, finding rideshare opportunities, tuning bicycles and recycling on the go.

The company is seeing fast growth, being named the 17th fastest growing energy company in Inc. Magazine's ranking of Fastest Growing Private Companies, the 8th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal and the 14th Fastest Growing Private Company in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times.

Along with receiving funding from California, Propel has lobbied in Washington for favorable implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The political climate for biofuels is difficult to work through, with the food versus fuel debate and diminishing support from politicians. Propel Fuels is supporting advanced biofuels like algae-based diesel, but for now, corn ethanol makes up most of the biofuel used in E85 and E10 (and, slowly, in E15) blends found in gas stations across the country. Corn ethanol has its share of critics, but for those looking for E85 and biodiesel, Propel is working hard at bringing these fuels to the public.

Continue reading Propel Fuels adding hundreds of biofuel stations soon

Propel Fuels adding hundreds of biofuel stations soon originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Energy outlook looks bad for biofuels, fuel prices and electric vehicles

Jon LeSage — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Biodiesel, Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Green Culture, Legislation and Policy, Natural Gas

When the US Energy Information Administration released its annual energy outlook pre-release earlier this month, biofuels industry publication Biofuels Digest was hit with six press releases from the biofuels community in the space of two hours. The final version of the EIA's energy outlook through 2040 won't come out until the spring, but the 16-page preview was enough to set off an avalanche of biofuel industry outcry.

The EIA's Annual Energy Outlook 2013 projection is less optimistic about the ability of advanced biofuels to take a larger share of the liquid fuels market. For the 2013 forecast, biomass use is expected to reach 4.2 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) in 2035, compared to 5.4 quadrillion Btu listed in the 2012 AEO report.

Still, the longer-term trend is up. The 2013 report thinks that we will reach 4.9 quadrillion Btu in 2040, up from 2011's prediction of 2.7 quadrillion Btu. But why did the forecast drop so far from the 2012 report to the new version? According to the EIA's energy outlook, "The increases are much smaller than those in AEO2012, however, as a result of diminished FFV [flex fuel vehicle] penetration, a smaller motor gasoline pool for blending ethanol, and reduced production of cellulosic biofuels."

The EIA thinks gasoline prices will jump 25 percent - diesel by 37 percent - in 2011 dollar terms.

While biofuel use is expected to be lower than initially anticipated, the AEO 2013 is bullish about growth in other facets of energy production - solar and wind are expected to go up; light crude oil and natural gas are expected to go way up. Sales of FFVs in 2035 are expected to drop to about half what they were in the previous report - 1.3 million, or less than half the 2.9 million FFV sales expected in the 2012 report.

There's bad news in the report for consumers - the EIA thinks gasoline prices will jump 25 percent - diesel by 37 percent - in 2011 dollar terms. If you add in 2.5 percent annual inflation, that will come out to $8.62 per gallon for gasoline and $9.86 for diesel. The cause of this increase is expected to be rising crude oil prices.

Battery electric vehicles also had their numbers diminished - 119,000 units sold in 2035, down 65 percent from the expected numbers in the 2012 report. The EV sales decline is expected to be offset by increased sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, a full 20 percent higher than they were in the 2012 report.

Continue reading Energy outlook looks bad for biofuels, fuel prices and electric vehicles

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EPA denies ethanol waiver requested by governors and farm groups

Jon LeSage — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 17:49:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Legislation and Policy

Ten governors and a coalition of farm groups were upset on Friday to see the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deny requests that corn production requirements be waived. While corn farmers were likely glad to see the ruling, farmers in the poultry, hog and cattle industries were not. They're seeing big increases in corn-based feed costs in this drought-heavy year as corn is diverted for ethanol used in vehicle fuel. The EPA says that the Renewable Fuel Standard must be enforced and conditions are not present to qualify for the waiver.

Governor Mike Beebe (D-AK) had sent a letter to EPA in August calling for the waiver due to a "terrible toll" on animal agriculture in Arkansas and that consumers would be paying higher food prices because of it. Beebe was joined by governors from North Carolina, New Mexico, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Utah and Wyoming.

The EPA said that the agency had studied the effects of waiving the requirement and determined it would have had little impact on corn prices. The EPA recognized this year's drought has created hardship in several sectors including livestock producers. However, extensive data analysis made clear to the agency that Congressional requirements for a waiver had not been met and that following the requirements of the Renewable Fuel Standard will have little, if any, impact on corn prices. Most of corn ethanol is blended into gasoline and makes up 10 percent of what comes out of the pump in the US, and this level will be increasing to E15, or 15 percent ethanol, in some areas.

It is tough to get a waiver. The EPA can grant one if it determines that the set ethanol production volume would "severely harm" the economy of a state, region or the entire country. The RFS requires that 13.2 billion gallons of ethanol be produced by this year, and 15 billion gallons by 2015.

A coalition of livestock, poultry and dairy organizations were upset with the ruling. "We are extremely frustrated and discouraged that EPA chose to ignore the clear economic argument from tens of thousands of family farmers and livestock and poultry producers," the coalition said in a statement. The farmers and governors had been joined by environmental groups in opposition to increased ethanol production. Environmentalists see increased production tearing up the land.

EPA denies ethanol waiver requested by governors and farm groups originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 17:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fleets and consumers now see practical alternative-fuel vehicle options

Jon LeSage — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:49:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Natural Gas

Automakers and fans of alternative fuel vehicles have been waiting for years for consumers to start rolling off dealer lots driving green cars. It is slowly starting to happen, with the number of vehicles that don't run exclusively on standard gasoline nearly doubling from 534,000 on US roads in 2003 to almost 940,000 in 2010, according to US Energy Information Administration. The numbers have only risen since then, and are expected to increase in the coming years - Pike Research is forecasting sales of hybrid and electric vehicles to nearly triple by 2017 when federal mandates for higher fuel economy vehicles take hold.

While wealthy consumers have been hanging out at Tesla Motors showrooms to consider buying the expensive Model S, some fleet managers are becoming more interested in buying alternative power vehicles as well. The environmental benefits are there, but the economic figures makes sense, too.

"The main reason we made the decision to transfer to an alternative-fuel fleet is to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible, but it's definitely helping the bottom line," Kelso Ingraham, operations and logistics manager at snack-food maker SunRidge Farms, told Terra. The company has saved 33 percent on fuel costs thanks to its hybrid electric vehicles.

Benefits making alternative fuel vehicles more attractive to fleets and consumers are federal tax incentives up to $7,500 per vehicle, decreasing sticker prices, record breaking gasoline prices, high mileage vehicles, access to carpool lanes and a growing fueling infrastructure. The number of vehicles is getting more diverse and numerous, too. This selection includes all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hybrids, and natural gas, propane, clean diesel, hydrogen, ethanol, and biodiesel powered vehicles. If you're getting ready to do homework on lifecycle costs for alternative fuel vehicles, here's an "Alt-Buyers Guide":

US Department of Energy website offers a comprehensive overview of alternative fuels and vehicle options, case studies, reports, links to interactive maps and other resources.
FuelEconomy.gov offers mileage and cruising range information on most AFVs, including a simple cost calculator.
Consumer Energy Center and the Department of Energy site's laws and incentives section are good for researching tax credits, rebates and grants from federal and state agencies.
Check out AltFuelPrices for a map with AFV refueling and recharging stations that includes CNG, biodiesel, hydrogen and ethanol.

Fleets and consumers now see practical alternative-fuel vehicle options originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iowa ethanol group gets Romney's support, but will it be enough?

Jon LeSage — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:44:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Legislation and Policy, USA

The current and past presidents of Iowa Renewable Fuels Association were able to chat with Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney on Tuesday, asking for his endorsement of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) and ethanol. IRFA president Brad Albin and past president Walt Wendland approached Romney and put him on the spot while an associate filmed (watch it below). Romney's response? "I do support the RFS and ethanol."

Albin works for Renewable Energy Group and Wendland with Golden Grain Energy, both of which are biofuels production companies in the state. They approached Romney at the Koch family farm in Van Meter, IA, where Romney was speaking about his agriculture policy goals.

IRFA's slogan is "leading Iowa into the 21st century's bio-refining economy," and the association brings together ethanol and biodiesel producers to promote and support the industry. The industry is dependent on the federal RFA, and looks like it's gaining support from both the Romney and Obama campaigns. Gaining traction in Washington is difficult these days, especially when the amount of corn used as a gasoline additive is lambasted by leaders in the United Nations who are worried about volatile global food prices and drought conditions.

There's another hurdle the IRFA and other biofuels advocacy groups have to get over: public support. There are thousands of flex-fuel vehicles on American roads these days (made by General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler), but it has yet to gain widespread awareness and support from consumers as an important alternative fuel.

Flex-fuel vehicle owners need questions answered: Can you go as far on a tank of E85 as you can on gasoline? Why do the levels of ethanol blend vary widely in different gas stations? What's the real price differential between gasoline and ethanol? So far, drivers don't seem to be impressed enough with ethanol, or biodiesel, to demand government support for the alternative fuels or to make sure they're gassing up with it.

Continue reading Iowa ethanol group gets Romney's support, but will it be enough?

Iowa ethanol group gets Romney's support, but will it be enough? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai HB20 a Brazil-exclusive flex-fuel car, coming in October

Jon LeSage — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Flex-Fuel, Manufacturing/Plants, Legislation and Policy

The Brazilian Hyundai subsidiary has launched a Brazil-only flex-fuel model called the HB20. It will be manufactured at its new plant in Piracicaba, Brazil, which starts production September 20 ahead of an early October sales launch.

Hyundai decided to bring its first Brazil-exclusive car to market to meet the tastes of Brazilian consumers and driving conditions in the country. Small cars make up Brazil's largest and most competitive segment. "I guarantee with pride that HB20 will change the perception of Brazilian customers in the small car segment," said Chang Kyun Han, President of Hyundai Motor Brasil. The HB20 is Hyundai's first flex-fuel car. Building the HB20 as a flex-fuel car was a good idea, considering Brazil requires gasoline to contain a minimum of 20 percent sugar cane ethanol.

The Hyundai HB20 will be offered in nine versions with a comprehensive package offered as standard from entry levels - hydraulic power steering, dual front airbags, air conditioning, and a spoiler with built-in brake lights, to name a few. The HB20 comes with three powertrains: 1.0L and 1.6L, with a manual gearbox and 1.6L, with automatic transmission.

The name "HB" stands for Hyundai Brasil, and the number "20" is the company's characterization for vehicles in this segment, a category that includes models assembled on small or compact vehicle platforms. See also: the i20.

Hyundai took about five years to develop the new model, which is part of the company's larger regionalization strategy. Dozens of Brazilian and Korean engineers were involved in the concept phase. Their strategy was to build a car tailored to Brazilian consumers' sensitivity to stylish and fuel-efficient cars. HB20 also features advanced anti-theft functions for maximum security.

Continue reading Hyundai HB20 a Brazil-exclusive flex-fuel car, coming in October

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Opel Insignia's LPG option delivers 1,000-mile full-tank capability

Danny King — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:10:00 EST

Filed under: Flex-Fuel, GM, Opel, Europe/EU

For anyone who wants to drive from Paris to Budapest without that pesky problem of filling-up, Opel has got the car for you.

General Motors' Opel division is offering its Insignia with an engine that can run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as well as petrol, Green Car Congress reports.

The engine, which is available in all three of the Insignia's body styles, is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-banger that delivers about 140 horsepower and uses 7.6 liters of gas per 100 kilometers, or about 31 miles per gallon, on the slightly more lenient European driving standards. More importantly, with both the gas tank and LPG tank filled, the car has a leg-cramp-inducing range of 1,056 miles, which will get you from the French to Hungarian capital cities with about 100 miles to spare. The Insignia with the LPG option starts at 28,150 euros ($34,266 U.S. at today's exchange rates).

Opel Insignia's LPG option delivers 1,000-mile full-tank capability originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari FF converted to run on bio-ethanol packs 875 hp

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Ferrari

There are drawbacks to every kind of alternative to burning fossil fuels in our cars. Electric cars don't have enough range. Hybrids are burdened with what essentially boils down to two parallel powertrains. Hydrogen is limited to where it is available. Bio-ethanol has its own drawbacks, but don't tell that to the performance enthusiast. That's because E85 - similar to what IndyCars run on but mixed with 15 percent pump gasoline - is not only a renewable and cleaner source of energy, it also provides more power.

Take the Koenigsegg Agera R, for example. With 927 horsepower on tap from ordinary 95-octane gasoline, the Koenigsegg is already one of the fastest, most powerful cars money can buy. But fill it with E85 and it offers up almost 1,100 hp. Now, a Norwegian firm is offering an aftermarket bio-ethanol conversion for the Ferrari FF that provides a similar transformation.

Whereas the stock FF (which could now just as easily stand for Flex Fuel) already drives a prodigious 650 horsepower to all four wheels, the converted version packs a whopping 875 hp for a sub-three-second sprint to sixty, all the while dropping the car's emissions figures by some 80 percent. The conversion costs just €1,500 ($1,930 U.S., at today's exchange rates) - rather insignificant considering the FF's $300k+ sticker price - and has reportedly been fitted by an authorized Ferrari dealer to at least one customer's car, though that doesn't mean it's covered by (and very well might invalidate) the FF's warranty.

Ferrari FF converted to run on bio-ethanol packs 875 hp originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford adds E85 Flexifuel to Focus lineup in Europe

Eric Loveday — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, MPG, Ford, Europe/EU

2012 Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford of Europe will make two additional powertrain options for the Focus available in the near future: the PowerShift automatic with dual dry-clutch technology and a Flexifuel, E85-burning 1.6-liter Duratec engine.

Ford says the PowerShift trans reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while providing a "more refined driving experience." Compared to the 99 horsepower, 1.6-liter automatic Focus, the PowerShift-equipped version cuts CO2 emissions by 19 percent and has an average fuel economy rating of 36.8 miles per gallon (U.S.). Ford says the PowerShift tranny will be available in most European countries later this summer.

Next up is the Flexifuel Focus. Using a modified version of the 1.6-liter Duratec gasoline engine (it has revised fuel injectors, hardened valves and valve seats, and a revised exhaust system and catalyst), the Flexifuel Focus burns E85 with ease, pumps out 118 hp and spits out 132 grams per kilometer of CO2 emissions. Ford says the Focus Flexifuel will enter the production cycle this summer and will be optional in European markets where E85 is available, including Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland and Spain.

Continue reading Ford adds E85 Flexifuel to Focus lineup in Europe

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EIA: E85-capable vehicles dominate available alt-fuel models in 2009

Eric Loveday — Tue, 10 May 2011 13:48:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Natural Gas

Of the 1,076,350 alternative-fuel automobiles made available in the U.S. in 2009, nearly 75 percent (805,777) were flex-fuel capable (E85) vehicles, according to the report "Alternatives to Traditional Transportation Fuels 2009" recently released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIA notes that most of the E85-burning vehicles manufactured in 2009 were sold to private individuals and not to commercial or government fleets.

The conventional gasoline-electric hybrid came in second, with available vehicles listed at 261,312. Compressed natural gas vehicles were third (3,770) and electric-only autos placed fourth (2,255). Down at the bottom of the EIA's list, with only 26 units made available in 2009, is the hydrogen-fueled vehicle.

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandates that the EIA annually collects data on alternative-fueled vehicles made available in the U.S. by automakers and that it estimates the number of alt-fuel vehicles in use in the States. Anyone got guesses for the 2010 and 2011 numbers?

[Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration]

EIA: E85-capable vehicles dominate available alt-fuel models in 2009 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 May 2011 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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House members introduce technology-neutral Open Fuel Standard Act

Eric Loveday — Thu, 05 May 2011 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Biodiesel, Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hydrogen, Legislation and Policy, USA

"This technology-neutral Open Fuel Standard is a key step to break the cycle of pain at the pump," says Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD). Bartlett, along with a bipartisan group of House members led by Congressmen John Shimkus (R-IL), and including Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Steve Israel (D-NY), recently introduced the Open Fuel Standard (OFS) Act (HR 1687), which is intended to generate competition at the pump.

The OFS requires that 50 percent of automobiles made in 2014, 80 percent in 2016, and 95 percent in 2017, would be manufactured and warranted to operate on non-petroleum-based fuels. Alternative fuel options include existing technologies such as flex fuel, natural gas, hydrogen, biodiesel, plug-in electric and fuel cell, as well a catch-all category of "emerging fuels." Congressman Bartlett said in a statement:

The International Energy Agency (IEA) documented that worldwide conventional crude oil production peaked in 2006-2007. As a result, Americans face the prospect of repeated oil supply shocks and ruinous price spikes. This technology neutral Open Fuel Standard legislation will give Americans options they can choose to end their personal dependence and the strategic monopoly of oil for transportation.

Bartlett says that the cost of making vehicles flex-fuel capable is approximately $100 per and notes that, in Brazil, the ratio of flex-fuel capable vehicles went from zero to 70 percent in three years' time. While Bartlett's claims may indeed be accurate, he fails to mention that today, owners of most flex-fuel capable autos in the U.S. dispense nothing but gasoline into their vehicle's tank.

[Source: Bartlett - U.S. House of Representatives | Image: skidrd - C.C. License 2.0]

Continue reading House members introduce technology-neutral Open Fuel Standard Act

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EPA streamlines alt-fuel conversions with amended regulations

Eric Loveday — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Legislation and Policy, Natural Gas, USA

With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tweaking its rules for alternative fuel conversions for vehicles, it's time for do-it-yourselfers to rejoice. Previously, the EPA's rules for alt-fuel conversions made it difficult to convert older vehicles. However, changes made to the Agency's regulations take into account the age of the vehicle and its engine when determining whether conversions comply with emissions requirements. Meaning that when converting an older vehicle to run on something like compressed natural gas, the converted auto need only be as clean running as the vehicle was prior to any modifications.

In order to ensure that a fuel switch still meets emission standards, the EPA requires a certificate of conformity for conversion systems. Without this, the manufacturer or installer could face tampering charges under the Clean Air Act, which prohibits alterations to an engine. The EPA notes that some conversions may not result in lower emissions and that fuel costs could increase.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has a handy-dandy online alternative fuel locator, which is useful because getting hold of some alt-fuels isn't as easy as it ought to be. Likewise, the DOE's up-to-date alternative fuel price report is one tool that's essential for any DIY-er who's looking to convert his or her ride.

[Source: Environmental Protection Agency]

Continue reading EPA streamlines alt-fuel conversions with amended regulations

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Chu: "We have only just begun to realize the benefits of homegrown fuels"

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Legislation and Policy, USA

The American political landscape is fraught with trouble and support for biofuels, but the overall shift is towards getting more and more of them in our fuel supply. That's a takeaway point from U.S. DOE Secretary Steven Chu's videotaped address to the National Ethanol Conference held in Phoenix, AZ recently. Most pointedly, Chu said, "We have only just begun to realize the benefits of homegrown fuels

Chu has previously said all vehicles in the U.S. should be E85 capable but that "corn is not the right crop for biofuels." Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen said at the conference that "Chu's [negative] comments about our industry have been misconstrued." Dinneen called for debate on the following comprehensive reform proposals to keep support for biofuel production going in uncertain economic times, according to Ethanol Producer Magazine:

Changing the market-based incentive to a refundable producer tax incentive.
Changing the incentive so it only applies to mid-level ethanol blends and E85 as well as to fuel produced above the renewable fuels standard requirements.
Shifting the incentives away from biofuel production and to blender pumps and flex-fuel vehicles.
A carbon-based performance credit that is "favored by environmentalists."
A variable tax incentive.

[Source: Ethanol Producer Magazine | Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images]

Chu: "We have only just begun to realize the benefits of homegrown fuels" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Kia Picanto boasts 57 mpg; CO2 emissions as low as 90 g/km

Eric Loveday — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, MPG, Kia, Geneva Motor Show

Kia's all-new 2012 Picanto, which will be unveiled to the world at the Geneva Motor Show this coming March, aims to raise the bar in the A-segment via slashed emissions and increased fuel economy. The five-door Picanto supermini will hit dealerships across much of the world (excluding the U.S.) this spring, but the three-door hatchback version won't appear until fall.

All Picanto models will be offered with four powertrain choices that are estimated to return between 40 and 56 miles per gallon (U.S.). Kia's engine choices range from a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder flex-fuel-capable engine on up to the top of the line 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline mill. Power output spans from 68 to 84 horsepower and emissions vary from a high of 105 grams per kilometer of CO2 on down to a mere 95 g/km.

Over in Europe, all Picanto models will be available with Kia's fuel-saving start-stop system, which slashes emissions to a low of 90 g/km of CO2 and boosts fuel economy to a high of 57 mpg (U.S.). Look for more on the 2012 Picanto as its debut in Geneva draws near.

[Source: Kia Motors]

Continue reading 2012 Kia Picanto boasts 57 mpg; CO2 emissions as low as 90 g/km

2012 Kia Picanto boasts 57 mpg; CO2 emissions as low as 90 g/km originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ethanol industry proposes gentler E15 "warning" label

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Legislation and Policy

Last October, the EPA proposed a new warning label for E15 (a fuel made up of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline) to be used on pumps that dispense the newly-approved biofuel. It's a bright orange label with "CAUTION" in capitalized letter emblazoned across the top and looks like a serious warning. The thing is, the ethanol industry doesn't really like it. It's so, warning-y.

In response, the industry has proposed a light blue label that calls out "ATTENTION" instead and also has softer wording about how dangerous E15 is or might be in your vehicle. Instead of "Use only in: 2007 and newer gasoline cars, 2007 and newer light duty trucks, flex-fuel vehicles. This fuel might damage other vehicles. Federal law prohibits its use in other vehicles and engines," the new labels says, "Approved for use only in 2007 and newer cars and light-duty trucks and flex fuel vehicles. Federal law prohibits use in other vehicles, non-road engines and equipment." Note the missing bold warning, among other changes.

According to the Des Moines Register, the ethanol industry group Growth Energy says the softer, gentler label "appropriately informs consumers. ... This design provides all information necessary for consumers to make an informed fuel choice and does not inappropriately impact marketplace perceptions of the fuel."

This is just the latest in a long line of challenges and lawsuits to the EPA's E15 push. Read more on that here.

[Source: Des Moines Register]

Ethanol industry proposes gentler E15 "warning" label originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports: Interest in alt-energy vehicles on the rise; buyers deterred by drawbacks

Eric Loveday — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:38:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Hydrogen, MPG, Natural Gas

Consumer Reports recently surveyed 1,713 car owners in the U.S. and discovered that 39 percent of them will consider buying a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) for their next vehicle. Out of that group, 60 percent are leaning towards a conventional hybrid, 16 percent are considering a plug-in hybrid and 14 percent are contemplating purchasing an EV. Of course, it bears noting that 'consideration' doesn't necessarily translate to actual sales. With all that said, CR found that 94 percent of those surveyed found fault with green cars, citing drawbacks such as high prices, inadequate infrastructure and limited driving range.

In addition to hybrids and battery-powered vehicles, CR discovered that new-car buyers show a varying degree of interest in several other alternative-fuel vehicles:

35 percent said they would consider a flexible-fuel vehicle, one that can run on either gasoline or E85, which is a mixture of 85 percent renewable ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
19 percent said they would consider natural gas or propane-a fuel resource that is abundant in North America. Currently, there are very few vehicles equipped to run on natural gas and the infrastructure is limited.
16 percent would consider a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. This, despite that fact that only a tiny number of fuel-cell cars are being leased to customers in selected regions, and no automakers have announced imminent plans to mass produce such cars.
Only 14 percent said they would consider a diesel-powered vehicle, despite the well-developed infrastructure and relatively broad model selection.
Of those who would consider a diesel, more than half (57 percent) said they would use biodiesel fuel.

Eric Evarts, associate automotive editor for CR, recapped the survey results like this:

In the end, the survey shows that consumers are willing to consider alternative power sources for their next vehicles, but they have real practical concerns.

But it was this survey finding by CR that immediately grabbed our attention:

Only 67 percent (of those surveyed) said they are considering a traditional gasoline engine in their next new-car purchase, which may reflect a growing optimism regarding the availability of competitive green cars.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports: Interest in alt-energy vehicles on the rise; buyers deterred by drawbacks originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retailers urged to limit E15 sales to flex fuel vehicles only

Eric Loveday — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:52:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Green Daily

When the EPA approved the use of gasoline with a 15 percent ethanol (E15) for model year 2007 and newer vehicles back in mid-October, a wave of concerns surfaced. Some critics argued that it would be too difficult for drivers to determine which fuel from the many available choices at a typical gas station was actually acceptable for their vehicle. To rectify that situation, the EPA released a warning label (pictured above) that could be applied to E15 pumps.

Additionally, refiners like Valero and Marathon Oil Co., voiced concerns that selling gasoline with higher ethanol content could make them liable if long-term engine damage occurs. It's now becoming painfully obvious that switching from E10 to E15 is no easy task. While the EPA has approved the use of E15 for 2007 and newer vehicles, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) feels that the EPA didn't go as far as the science demonstrated and, at least for now, urges retailers to limit sales of E15 to flex fuel vehicles only. The RFA and the Petroleum Marketers Association of America issued this joint memo to their members:

... it is still unlawful to sell E-15 to anything other than a flexible fuel vehicle, even though EPA has approved E-15 for 2007 and newer vehicles. Until health effects testing is completed, fuel producers have a 211(b) certification from EPA, certain state fuel regulations amended, and EPA's misfueling and labeling proposed regulation finalized, E-15 sales must be confined to and labeled specifically for flexible fuel vehicles only.

We encourage all of you to remain vigilant so that you and others do not unintentionally offer E-15 to customers driving non-flexible fuel vehicles. E-15 will provide consumers and marketers another option to maximize their domestic renewable fuel use. But failing to adhere to the legal steps required to do so may give our fuel products and our industries an unnecessary and avoidable black eye.

Read the full memo after the jump.

[Source: Renewable Fuels Association]

Continue reading Retailers urged to limit E15 sales to flex fuel vehicles only

Retailers urged to limit E15 sales to flex fuel vehicles only originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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