Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[VIDEO: Wet Liberal rants about Top Gear, electric cars and hydrogen]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/video-wet-liberal-rants-about-top-gear-electric-cars-and-hydro/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/video-wet-liberal-rants-about-top-gear-electric-cars-and-hydro/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/video-wet-liberal-rants-about-top-gear-electric-cars-and-hydro/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Wet Liberal rants - Click above to watch the video after the break

Most of the time, Robert Llewellyn is a seemingly well-adjusted comedic actor with a concern for environmental issues who currently hosts a web-based show called Carpool, where he drives about in a hybrid or electric car whilst talking with a very interesting person. Occasionally though, the pressures of life bear down on him and to remove certain issues from off his chest, he becomes the "Wet Liberal" (defined by Llewellyn a someone who "inhabits the flippy floppy central area" between the political left and right, where he reckons most people actually reside) and speaks his truth directly to the camera sans car and sans guest.

This latest episode begins with the disclosure that he has been given a car. Well, several cars apparently, but the most recent and pertinent one being an i MiEV which Mitsubishi has agreed to let him have for a year, ostensibly for the purposes of an upcoming project. (Dear Mitsubishi, We are anxiously awaiting an i MiEV for an extended stay in the AutoblogGreen Garage. Specifically, the garage of our southeastern branch office. In left-hand-drive please.) From there, the soliloquy turns to the latest electric-car edition of Top Gear which, naturally, leads to a discussion of hydrogen and why its promotion as the fuel of the future is an oil company ploy. While we can't speak to veracity of all his claims, we can recommend sitting back for nine and a half minutes of the Wet Liberal amusement that awaits you after the jump.


[Source: YouTube via Tesla Motors Club]

Continue reading VIDEO: Wet Liberal rants about Top Gear, electric cars and hydrogen

VIDEO: Wet Liberal rants about Top Gear, electric cars and hydrogen originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conspiracyhydrogenhydrogen conspiracyHydrogenConspiracyRobert LlewellynRobertLlewellynWet LiberalWetLiberalFri, 27 Nov 2009 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan starts first hydrogen X-Trail FCV lease in U.S. with Coke]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nissan-starts-first-hydrogen-x-trail-fcv-lease-in-u-s-with-coke/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nissan-starts-first-hydrogen-x-trail-fcv-lease-in-u-s-with-coke/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nissan-starts-first-hydrogen-x-trail-fcv-lease-in-u-s-with-coke/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nissan FCV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just as it offers a variety of beverage flavors, the Coca-Cola company dabbles in many gasoline alternatives for its truck fleet, from flex-fuel to hybrids. Today, the Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Company started leasing a Nissan X-Trail hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the first such lease in North America. The company will lease the vehicle for one year, but has the option to extend that for another two years. Sacramento is one of the locations targeted by the California Fuel Cell Partnership for early H2 refueling infrastructure and already has three stations in the vicinity (it's also the home of the CaFCP). Coke will use the FCV for sales calls and public events to promote Coke Zero (zero - get it?). Read our first drive take on the X-Trail FCV here.

Gallery: Nissan X-Trail FCV


[Source: Nissan North America]

Continue reading Nissan starts first hydrogen X-Trail FCV lease in U.S. with Coke

Nissan starts first hydrogen X-Trail FCV lease in U.S. with Coke originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coca colacoca cola nissanCocaColaCocaColaNissanfcvFuel Cellfuel cell cokefuel cell vehicleFuelCellFuelCellCokeFuelCellVehiclenissan fcvnissan fuel cellNissanFcvNissanFuelCellTue, 24 Nov 2009 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Would a hydrogen economy be good or bad for the water supply in the U.S.?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/would-a-hydrogen-economy-be-good-or-bad-for-the-water-supply-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/would-a-hydrogen-economy-be-good-or-bad-for-the-water-supply-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/would-a-hydrogen-economy-be-good-or-bad-for-the-water-supply-in/#commentsFiled under:


Honda FCX Clarity - Click above for high-res image gallery

Trying to predict the numbers that will define the hydrogen economy are anybody's guess. And guess people will, because it leads to great headlines like, "Will Hydrogen Power Suck the Lakes Dry?" What are some of those numbers? The Hydrogen Association says that it would take 110 billion gallons of water a year to power all 230 million light duty vehicles in the U.S. using hydrogen fuel cells (although, to base your estimate on having all vehicles run on H2 is pretty bold). 110 billion gallons would be better than the 300 billion gallons of water it takes to make the gasoline that the U.S. uses in a year, but we're not sure if this number takes into account all of the incidental water that would be needed to make the hydrogen. (On a related note, does anyone have a good source for how much water it takes to mine lithium or make batteries?) For comparison, the U.S. uses about 4,800 billion gallons of water each year for "domestic personal water use." So, what's your guess?

[Source: Reuters]

Would a hydrogen economy be good or bad for the water supply in the U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hydrogenhydrogen fuel cellhydrogen waterHydrogenFuelCellHydrogenWaterwater useWaterUseMon, 23 Nov 2009 19:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Prediction: In 2015, fuel cell vehicles "will be cheaper than a Rolls-Royce"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/prediction-in-2015-fuel-cell-vehicles-will-be-cheaper-than-a/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/prediction-in-2015-fuel-cell-vehicles-will-be-cheaper-than-a/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/prediction-in-2015-fuel-cell-vehicles-will-be-cheaper-than-a/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 Honda FCX Clarity - Click above for high-res image gallery

A lot of automakers are targeting 2015 as the year to introduce fuel cell vehicles to the market, GM, Toyota and Honda foremost among them. This is fine and all, but there are still some serious questions about the cost of hydrogen fuel cell systems to figure out between now and then. A quote buried deep in a new UPI Asia article on Japanese leadership in FCVs gives us one researcher's prediction: "By the time FCVs are commercially available in 2015 they will be cheaper than a Rolls-Royce [$550,000], but it will be difficult to price them down to the level of a Corolla [$22,000]."

That's the view of Kenichiro Ota, a professor at Yokohama National University, and it flies in the face of what automakers like GM are claiming. Everyone seems to be coming into agreement that the cars are technologically solid - the distance they can go on a kg of H2 is increasing, for example - but that cost issue isn't going away.

[Source: UPI Asia]

Prediction: In 2015, fuel cell vehicles "will be cheaper than a Rolls-Royce" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cost fuel cellCostFuelCellFuel Cellfuel cell priceFuelCellFuelCellPriceMon, 23 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Greenlings: What's the difference between kW and kWh?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/greenlings-whats-the-difference-between-kw-and-kwh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/greenlings-whats-the-difference-between-kw-and-kwh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/greenlings-whats-the-difference-between-kw-and-kwh/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Understanding electric and plug-in vehicles requires a slightly different knowledge set than what mechanics and drivers have needed to know for decades. One of the most obvious new concepts is the large battery pack and electric motor added to the car. The capacity values of these devices are be written using kW (kilowatt) and kWh (kilowatt hours), but don't think that a 90 kW motor is anything like a 90 kWh battery pack. That little h makes a big difference. Exactly what is the difference? Well, that's what we investigate in this week's Greenlings. Follow us after the jump to learn more.


[Sources: Idaho National Lab]
Photo by Vince Alongi. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Continue reading Greenlings: What's the difference between kW and kWh?

Greenlings: What's the difference between kW and kWh? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greenlingskilowattkilowatt hourskilowatthourKilowattHourskwkwhThu, 19 Nov 2009 19:54:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/la-preview-mercedes-to-show-ml450-hybrid-and-new-f-cell/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/la-preview-mercedes-to-show-ml450-hybrid-and-new-f-cell/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/la-preview-mercedes-to-show-ml450-hybrid-and-new-f-cell/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Mercedes Benz ML450 hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

The new Mercedes-Benz ML450 is available for lease starting this week here in the U.S., but it will be making its auto show debut in production form in Los Angeles the week after next. The two-mode hybrid provides similar performance to the V8 powered ML550 but with a 46 percent boost in fuel efficiency.

Also on tap for LA will be the new generation F-Cell. This is the latest iteration of the hydrogen fuel cell-powered B-Class that Mercedes will be putting into low volume series production. It is equipped with the latest generation of the fuel cell stack that has increased efficiency and improved cold weather performance. Mercedes claims the new F-Cell can run up to 240 miles on a fill-up, the equivalent of 86.6 mpg on gasoline. Mercedes will be leasing 200 F-Cells to customers in Europe and the U.S. starting in 2010.

Finally, the new SLS AMG will be shown for the first time at a U.S. show. While the car on display will be the ridiculously fast gasoline-powered version, Mercedes has promised a battery electric version of the SLS in the next few years.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell

LA Preview: Mercedes to show ML450 hybrid, new F-Cell originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedesMercedes Benzmercedes benz f-cellMercedes Benz MLmercedes benz ml450mercedes benz ml450 hybridmercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amgMercedes-benzSlsAmgMercedesBenzMercedesBenzF-cellMercedesBenzMlMercedesBenzMl450MercedesBenzMl450HybridThu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Forget biodiesel, algae could produce hydrogen]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/forget-biodiesel-algae-could-produce-hydrogen/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/forget-biodiesel-algae-could-produce-hydrogen/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/forget-biodiesel-algae-could-produce-hydrogen/#commentsFiled under: ,


Gephyrocapsa oceanica - Wikimedia Commons

In recent years, algae has gotten a fair bit of attention for its potential use as a feedstock for producing biodiesel. While the net carbon output of algae sourced liquid fuels could be a huge boon to the environment, there is a possible path that could yield zero carbon emissions.

Researchers at the University of Tennessee are working on a process to produce hydrogen from algae via photosynthesis. The process would separate a particle produced by the algae during photosynthesis. The particle would then produce hydrogen in the presence of light and a platinum catalyst.

What makes this process different from previous efforts of this type is the strain of algae being used. The photosynthesis occurs at relatively high temperatures which often kill off the efficiency of the hydrogen generation process. The strain being tried by the Tennessee researchers is able to produce H2 at temperatures up to 131 degrees F. According the research team, the hydrogen-photosynthesis process they have is 25 times more efficient than biofuel production. However, the process still requires a lot of development and the researchers want to replace the platinum catalyst with something more affordable and abundant.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Forget biodiesel, algae could produce hydrogen originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>algaealgae hydrogenAlgaeHydrogenhydrogen from algaeHydrogenFromAlgaephotosynthesisUniversity of TennesseeUniversityOfTennesseeWed, 18 Nov 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota FCHV-adv cruises in California, wind-powered hydrogen on the horizon]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/toyota-fchv-adv-cruises-in-california-wind-powered-hydrogen-on/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/toyota-fchv-adv-cruises-in-california-wind-powered-hydrogen-on/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/toyota-fchv-adv-cruises-in-california-wind-powered-hydrogen-on/#commentsFiled under:

While hydrogen cars from Toyota, Nissan and Honda were driving the 707 miles from Tokyo to Osaka, another group of H2 vehicles from the U.S. DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) was in California conducting a research test drive. The two Toyota Highlander FCHV-adv models proved they could go at least 431 miles per tank, which equals about 68 mpg. The SUVs "mimic[ed] a typical commuter's drive, the route included high-speed highway driving, moderate highway driving, and stop-and-go traffic." Average speed was 30 mph.

perhaps more importantly, the NREL team worked out a deal to bring Wind2H2 (pictured) back to the lab in 2010. Wind2H2, as the name implies, is a hydrogen fueling station that generates electricity from wind and the sun and then electrolyzes water to make hydrogen. More details available here and here.

[Source: NREL]

Toyota FCHV-adv cruises in California, wind-powered hydrogen on the horizon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hydrogenhydrogen carhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenCarHydrogenFuelCellnrelwind hydrogenwind2h2WindHydrogenTue, 17 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler debuts next-gen Citaro fuel cell bus in Hamburg, cuts fuel consumption in half]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/daimler-debuts-next-gen-citaro-fuel-cell-bus-in-hamburg-half-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/daimler-debuts-next-gen-citaro-fuel-cell-bus-in-hamburg-half-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/daimler-debuts-next-gen-citaro-fuel-cell-bus-in-hamburg-half-th/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

Daimler this week unveiled the first of its new generation Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid transit buses. Thirty of these new buses will be going into service in 2010 with the first 10 going to Hamburg Germany where previous-generation fuel cell buses have already been in service for several years. The new buses use the latest iteration of Daimler's fuel cell drive system which consists of a modular stack design. By building the fuel cell stack in modules, it can be scaled for different applications with the same hardware used in the bus and the new series of B-class F-Cell cars. Twenty of the fuel cell B-Classes will also be going to Hamburg for use by the transit company.

The combination of the new stack design and a hybrid configuration using lithium ion batteries allows the fuel cells to operate at a more constant output with the batteries taking care of the transient acceleration needs. The result is that fuel consumption is cut in half compared to the older buses and the new buses have a range of 155 miles. The bus deployment is part of the Clean Energy Partnership which will see four new public hydrogen filling stations constructed in Hamburg.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-Hybrid bus


[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Daimler debuts next-gen Citaro fuel cell bus in Hamburg, cuts fuel consumption in half

Daimler debuts next-gen Citaro fuel cell bus in Hamburg, cuts fuel consumption in half originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fuel Cellfuel cell busfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellBusFuelCellshydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellMercedes-Benz Citaro FuelCELL-HybridMercedes-benzCitaroFuelcell-hybridTue, 17 Nov 2009 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Fuel cell vehicles finish 707-mile demonstration run in Japan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/fuel-cell-vehicles-finish-707-mile-demonstration-run-in-japan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/fuel-cell-vehicles-finish-707-mile-demonstration-run-in-japan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/fuel-cell-vehicles-finish-707-mile-demonstration-run-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Toyota, Nissan and Honda all participated in a fuel cell demonstration run in Japan last week. The three automakers brought their most advanced hydrogen fuel cell vehicles out for the two-day trip from Tokyo to Fukuoka with an overnight stop in Osaka. The driving teams piloted a Honda FCX Clarity, a Nissan X-Trail FCV and a Toyota Highlander FCHV-adv. Back in 2007, a Toyota FCHV traveled from Osaka to Tokyo on one tank of H2.

Over the course of the trip the three vehicles covered 706.5 miles and consumed 28.8 kg of hydrogen. That works out to an average of 73.6 miles / kg. One kg of hydrogen has roughly the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline, so the mileage works out to about 73-74 mpg.

The drive was organized by the Japan Hydrogen and Fuel cell project. While all three of the automakers are developing plug-in battery electric vehicles, all three also continue to work on fuel cells. Both Toyota and Honda maintain that they feel hydrogen remains the best long term solution for full function vehicles.

[Source: Japan Hydrogen and Fuel Cell project]

Fuel cell vehicles finish 707-mile demonstration run in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fuel Cellfuel cell carfuel cell vehiclesfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellCarFuelCellsFuelCellVehicleshonda fcx clarityHondaFcxClarityhydrogenhydrogen carhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenCarHydrogenFuelCelljapannissan x-trail fcvNissanX-trailFcvtoyota fchv-advToyota FCHV-adv ConceptToyotaFchv-advToyotaFchv-advConceptMon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[GM fuel cell boss explains that the technology needs to pass final cost hurdle to production]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/gm-fuel-cell-boss-explains-that-the-technology-needs-to-past-the/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/gm-fuel-cell-boss-explains-that-the-technology-needs-to-past-the/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/gm-fuel-cell-boss-explains-that-the-technology-needs-to-past-the/#commentsFiled under: ,

General Motors fuel cell comparsion - click above to enlarge

It's no secret that General Motors remains committed to hydrogen fuel cells as a long term solution to zero emissions transportation. In this cause, GM is in league with many of the largest automakers in the world including Toyota, Honda, Daimler, and Hyundai. Recently we ran an editorial refuting some reports (including one of our own) about the cost of GM's fuel cell system. Charlie Freese, GM's executive director of fuel cell activities, has written a post on the Fastlane blog that expands on some of what we said regarding the cost of the fuel cell system used in the Project Driveway Chevy Equinoxes.

GM has revealed some of the specific details of the latest generation system compared to the four-year-old system used in the Equinox. Freese explains that the fuel cell system is now at a stage where the engineers are working diligently to reduce the cost and bring it to parity with more conventional systems, something that should happen in the next few years.


Gallery: General Motors Generation V fuel cell stack


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: GM Fastlane Blog]

GM fuel cell boss explains that the technology needs to pass final cost hurdle to production originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charles freeseCharlesFreeseFuel Cellfuel cellsFuel-cellFuelCellFuelCellsgeneral motorsGeneralMotorshydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellWed, 11 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[STUDY: Lots of local, green electricity possible for most of the U.S.]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/study-local-green-electricity-possible-for-most-of-the-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/study-local-green-electricity-possible-for-most-of-the-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/study-local-green-electricity-possible-for-most-of-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



One of the reasons that a vehicle powered by something other than gasoline is such a popular idea in the U.S. is that it helps us become less reliant on other countries for our transportation needs. To this end, biofuels and electric vehicles offer great potential to use local sources of energy in our vehicles. To get a handle on how much green electricity - wind, geothermal, solar, etc. - is available in the U.S., the Insitute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) has conducted a study on renewable energy potential and came away with some amazing figures. The Energy Self-Reliant States study found that 31 states have the potential to produce more renewable energy in-state than they currently use and that another ten could make more than 75 of the amount. The state with the worst potential, Kentucky, could still meet 24 percent of its electricity needs using renewable energy.

The big problem with all of this potential is the cost of setting up the renewable energy production devices. Solar panels are not cheap, and wind farms have their own opponents. While no one expects Texas, for example, to make 533 percent more energy than it needs using renewable sources, ILSR shows that it's at least possible, and that should give hope to EV proponents (no more coal-powered grid!) and hydrogen vehicle fans (electrolyze water with green energy!) alike. Download the PDF of the study and see for yourself.

[Source: ISLR via Treehugger]

STUDY: Lots of local, green electricity possible for most of the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>green electricityGreenElectricityilsrlocal self-relianceLocalSelf-reliancerenewable energyRenewableEnergysolarwindwind powerWindPowerTue, 03 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota to launch battery electric vehicle in 2012, fuel cell in 2015]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/toyota-to-launch-battery-electric-vehicle-in-2012-fuel-cell-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/toyota-to-launch-battery-electric-vehicle-in-2012-fuel-cell-in/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/toyota-to-launch-battery-electric-vehicle-in-2012-fuel-cell-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota brand, came to Detroit on Monday to have lunch with some local media. Among the topics of discussion at the gathering were Toyota's plans for zero emissions vehicles.

Since last January, Toyota has shown two different plug-in battery powered concepts, the FT-EV and the FT-EV II, both of which were small city cars. Carter confirmed that Toyota would introduce a battery electric car in 2012. What he declined to elaborate on was what type of car it would be, although he did say the EV would not look like either of the concepts. Odds are the BEV will be a city car of some kind though. When asked if he thought EVs could hit 10 percent of the market by 2020, Carter replied, "the technology has to advance much further than it is today to hit 10 percent of the market."

Carter reiterated that internal combustion and hybrids would remain the primary motivators for some time to come although the company was still committed to fuel cells as well. Toyota would like to have a fuel cell vehicle on the market by 2015 if there is a reasonable network of filling stations.

Toyota will start deploying its test fleet of 500 plug-in Priuses around the end of November to commercial and government fleets in Japan, North America and Europe. According the Carter, the lithium ion battery Prius can run electrically at speeds up to 62 mph for up to 5 miles. It's not clear if the car can actually accelerate from a standstill to the speed without running the engine, that will have to wait until we have a chance to try one out.

[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]

Toyota to launch battery electric vehicle in 2012, fuel cell in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob carterBobCarterElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehicleshydrogenhydrogen carhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenCarHydrogenFuelCellphevphev priusphev-priusPhevPriusphevstoyotaTue, 03 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: Henderson's fuel cell 10X cost comments are out of context]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/editorial-hendersons-fuel-cell-10x-cost-comments-are-out-of-co/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/editorial-hendersons-fuel-cell-10x-cost-comments-are-out-of-co/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/editorial-hendersons-fuel-cell-10x-cost-comments-are-out-of-co/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The other day we reported on an interview with General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson published in the Washington Post. While most of the discussion focused on the bailout and bankruptcy, from the perspective of this site, the main items of interest were Henderson's responses to questions relating the to the cost of the Chevy Volt and hydrogen fuel cells. Much has been made of Henderson saying that the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell used for the Project Driveway program cost 10 times the Volt's approximately $40,000 price.

The problem here is that Henderson's numbers are taken out of context and mean nothing in and of themselves. This is a total apples to oranges comparison. The Volt is expected to carry a sticker price of somewhere around $40,000 at launch. That price will be reduced for customers by a federal tax credit of $7,500 along with whatever state incentives are available. However, that does not necessarily reflect the cost to build the extended range EV, which will likely be somewhat higher than $40k at launch. More important to this discussion is the fact that the Volt is also designed and engineered for mass production meaning that it is cheaper in all respects than the Equinox FCV. Keep reading after the jump.


Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell


Gallery: Chevrolet Volt 65% drive

Continue reading Editorial: Henderson's fuel cell 10X cost comments are out of context

Editorial: Henderson's fuel cell 10X cost comments are out of context originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterybattery vs fuel cellBatteryVsFuelCellchevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltEditorialfeaturefeaturedFeatured StoriesFeaturedStoriesfeaturesfritz hendersonFritzHendersonFuel CellFuelCellhydrogenhydrogen carhydrogen carshydrogen fuel cellhydrogen vs plugHydrogenCarHydrogenCarsHydrogenFuelCellHydrogenVsPlugplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridplug-insProject DrivewayProjectDrivewaywashington postWashingtonPostMon, 02 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Suzuki to put hydrogen two-wheelers into production]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/report-suzuki-to-put-hydrogen-two-wheelers-into-production/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/report-suzuki-to-put-hydrogen-two-wheelers-into-production/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/report-suzuki-to-put-hydrogen-two-wheelers-into-production/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Suzuki fuel cell concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

Suzuki and Intelligent Energy have been working on hydrogen fuel cell-powered two-wheelers for the last few years, with the Crosscage, their first public concept, debuting back in 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Then, earlier this year, we heard rumblings that Suzuki hoped to have its first production hydrogen cycle ready within the next 12 months.

Falling right in line with those expectations, Suzuki unveiled a new concept just last week at the most recent show in Tokyo, and instead of using a pie-in-the-sky motorcycle chassis with single-sided suspension bits that have little chance of actual production, the Japanese company placed its proprietary fuel cell and storage system in a regular old Burgman scooter.

Now, Wired reports that we can expect these hydrogen two-wheelers in production in very short order. Says Dr. Henri Winand, CEO of Intelligent Energy, "These clean fuel cell engine-powered motorcycles are not simply for motor shows, and can be widely available to everyone in the near future."

If that does indeed take place, as cool as the Crosscage may be, we'd expect the initial offering to take a form similar to the conceptual Burgman scooter. We'll know for sure soon enough.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Fuel Cell Concepts


[Source: Wired]

REPORT: Suzuki to put hydrogen two-wheelers into production originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellFuelCellhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellhydrogen motorcyclehydrogen scooterhydrogen suzukiHydrogenFuelCellHydrogenMotorcycleHydrogenScooterHydrogenSuzukisuzukiSuzuki Burgmansuzuki burgman fuel cellSuzuki Burgman Fuel-Cellsuzuki crosscagesuzuki fuel cellSuzukiBurgmanSuzukiBurgmanFuel-cellSuzukiBurgmanFuelCellSuzukiCrosscageSuzukiFuelCellSat, 31 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Equinox fuel cell vehicles ready for Vancouver Olympics; Volts due in February]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/equinox-fuel-cell-vehicles-ready-for-vancouver-olympics-volts-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/equinox-fuel-cell-vehicles-ready-for-vancouver-olympics-volts-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/equinox-fuel-cell-vehicles-ready-for-vancouver-olympics-volts-d/#commentsFiled under: ,

Chevrolet Equinox - Click above for high-res image gallery

Vancouver continues its two-fold path towards reducing gasoline usage (H2 and plug-ins) with a new fleet of eight Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicles that will used during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Games start February 12. The fuel cell vehicles are being used for test drives now and will shuttle athletes, journalists, organizers and more around town during the Olympics, part of a GM fleet that is made up of over 4,600 vehicles. The hydrogen-powered Equinoxes were engineered and made in Canada. Come February, GM will also send two Chevy Volts to steal the show for PR duty. The GM vehicles will operate in town until the Games are finished.

Gallery: 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell


[Source: GM]

Continue reading Equinox fuel cell vehicles ready for Vancouver Olympics; Volts due in February

Equinox fuel cell vehicles ready for Vancouver Olympics; Volts due in February originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevrolet EquinoxChevroletEquinoxequinoxEquinox Fuel Cell SUVequinox hydrogenEquinoxFuelCellSuvEquinoxHydrogenhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellTue, 27 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Suzuki SX4-FCV takes a break from testing]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-suzuki-sx4-fcv-takes-a-break-from-testing/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-suzuki-sx4-fcv-takes-a-break-from-testing/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-suzuki-sx4-fcv-takes-a-break-from-testing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Suzuki SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Suzuki SX4-FCV (Fuel-Cell Vehicle) isn't a new vehicle - they've been used for testing on Japanese streets since last year - but the colors and stickers on the model on display at the Tokyo Motor Show meant we needed to get some fresh pics to share with you. Under the new look, the SX4 FCV is the same as before, with an 80 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack from GM and a high-pressure 70 MPa (10,000 psi) hydrogen storage tank. The car reportedly can go up to 75 mph and has a 155-mile range using a 68 kW electric motor and a lightweight capacitor. The capacitor is used to not only regulate the flow of electrons to the wheels but also to retain energy collected from the regenerative brakes on the SX4 FCV. Suzuki says it wants to commercialize the technology someday, but for now is happy with the "ongoing development."

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki SX4-FCV


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Suzuki SX4-FCV takes a break from testing originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here at the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda introduced its first plug-in vehicle concept in many years in the shape of the EV-N. However, during the press conference, new CEO Takanobu Ito shared the main stage with only two cars, the FCX Clarity and the new CR-Z concept. The EV-N and a plug-in Cub scooter were off on a smaller side stage. During a Q&A session with media this evening, Ito explained the company's strategy on electric vehicles.

According to Ito, who assumed the top post at the company last June, hydrogen fuel cells are still the best long term strategy for vehicles. The only reason Honda is developing a plug-in vehicle right now is to meet California zero-emission vehicle mandates coming up in about five years. Because there appears to be little movement on establishing additional hydrogen filling stations in the U.S. right now, the company would be unable to meet the standards with a fuel cell vehicle. Thus a small urban commuter BEV is the best option for the short term.

Asked what it would take to get a hydrogen filling network going, especially with a current administration that is openly hostile, Ito responded "I wish I knew" but that hydrogen must be promoted to governments and "we must be patient." He went on to say that while batteries are evolving, he didn't believe they would ever get to a stage where their performance would be acceptable as the primary energy carrier. Instead he said that "people would become more aware of the limits of BEVs" and come back to hydrogen fuel cells.

[Source: Honda]

Honda CEO: People will embrace fuel cells when they realize battery limits originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery electric vehicleBattery Electric vehicle conceptBatteryElectricVehicleBatteryElectricVehicleConceptbevElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric-carElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleevhondahydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCelltakanobu itotakanobu ito hondaTakanobuItoTakanobuItoHondaThu, 22 Oct 2009 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Two years in, hydrogen fuel cell bet causing some strangeness]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/two-years-in-hydrogen-fuel-cell-adoption-bet-causing-some-stran/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/two-years-in-hydrogen-fuel-cell-adoption-bet-causing-some-stran/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/two-years-in-hydrogen-fuel-cell-adoption-bet-causing-some-stran/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's difficult to pick the strangest part of Greg Blencoe's post today about his ongoing bet with Joe Romm over the viability of hydrogen cars. It could be the hubris, the feeling of unquestioned "win" ahead for Blencoe (who, of course) came down on the pro-hydrogen-soon of the bet. But what's really bizarre is that he is using a picture of soldiers placing an American flag on a coffin as his lead image for his post. Is this a comment on how devastating America's continued quest for oil is? Is it about putting something to rest? Is it not supposed to be there?

In any case, tomorrow is the two-year anniversary of the bet that Romm and Blencoe made about when hydrogen fuel cell vehicles hit one percent of new sales of the typically-defined car and light truck market in the U.S. Blencoe picked 2015 or earlier, Romm said no way. The stakes are $1,000 and the punishment of wearing a shirt admitting error (full details after the jump). As we mentioned in our original post about this bet, even the DOE numbers say it's more than likely that Romm will walk away the winner here.

The money is really secondary here. Both men want to raise awareness about alternatives to gasoline and possible solutions to global warming. They agree that, "When people are discussing and debating the solutions, the best technologies will emerge and positive change will come sooner than later."

Still, a flag-draped coffin? Sometimes I get the feeling that Blencoe just likes to draw attention to himself. As long as he keeps the debate going, that's not a terrible thing.

UPDATE: Joe Romm responds to Blencoe: "If your post means you'll triple the size of our bet to $3000, then let's do it. If not, your post is just more BS."

LATER UPDATE: Blencoe responds as well. Read it after the jump.

[Source: Greg Blencoe]

Continue reading Two years in, hydrogen fuel cell bet causing some strangeness

Two years in, hydrogen fuel cell bet causing some strangeness originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu is not getting his way in Washington. Recently (and, at this point, still allegedly) he said that he "would put every cent into electric cars." The Senate, though, has other plans and has now restored almost all of the hydrogen funding money that the DOE slashed in May. Back in July, the Senate hinted that it would fight back against the DOE cuts when the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee marked up the FY 2010 DOE budget and then restored hydrogen vehicle funding. Yesterday, the full Senate made it official.

As part of an appropriations bill that the House had previously approved, Congress has appropriated $187 million for continued research and development for hydrogen fuel cell cars. Jerome Hinkle, vice president of government affairs for the National Hydrogen Association, said he believes that the Obama Administration has "made peace" with the idea of hydrogen cars. Obama is expected to sign the appropriations bill when it reaches his desk.

[Source: Washington Post]
Photo by cliff1066[TM]. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Congress restores hydrogen funding with $187 million in appropriations bill originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appropriationsbreakingDepartment of EnergyDepartmentOfEnergydoehydrogenhydrogen carhydrogen fuel cellhydrogen fundingHydrogenCarHydrogenFuelCellHydrogenFundingobamaObama AdministrationObamaAdministrationstephen chuStephenChuFri, 16 Oct 2009 13:54:00 EST