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[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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fcvfuel cellfuel cell vehiclesFuelCellFuelCellVehiclessuzukisuzuki sx4Suzuki SX4-FCVSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4-fcvtokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor Showtokyo motor show 2009Tokyo2009TokyoMotorShowTokyoMotorShow2009Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda CEO: People will embrace fuel cells when they realize battery limits]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/honda-ceo-people-will-embrace-fuel-cells-when-they-realize-batt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/honda-ceo-people-will-embrace-fuel-cells-when-they-realize-batt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/honda-ceo-people-will-embrace-fuel-cells-when-they-realize-batt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blencoeFuel Cellfuel cell carfuel cell vehiclesFuelCellFuelCellCarFuelCellVehiclesgreg blencoeGregBlencoehydrogenhydrogen carhydrogen fuel cellhydrogen fuel cellsHydrogenCarHydrogenFuelCellHydrogenFuelCellsjoe rommJoeRommrommMon, 19 Oct 2009 19:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Congress restores hydrogen funding with $187 million in appropriations bill]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/congress-restores-hydrogen-funding-with-187-million-in-appropri/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/congress-restores-hydrogen-funding-with-187-million-in-appropri/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/congress-restores-hydrogen-funding-with-187-million-in-appropri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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<![CDATA[Honda FCX clarity arrives in Europe, but only for the media]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/honda-fcx-clarity-arrives-in-europe-but-only-for-the-media/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/honda-fcx-clarity-arrives-in-europe-but-only-for-the-media/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/honda-fcx-clarity-arrives-in-europe-but-only-for-the-media/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

Honda has brought the Honda FCX Clarity to the Old Continent. Unfortunately, interested drivers won't be able to lease the hydrogen-powered car, since the Clarity is here just for members of the press. Only two vehicles have been brought ashore, and both are registered in Germany.

One of the first publications to glimpse the car is Autoplus, in important car magazine in France. Autoplus highly praised the Clarity, saying it was as an upscale, family-oriented large sedan with great assembly quality. The magazine said that "perceived quality" is one of the Clarity's most important selling points. Also, the 460-km (300-mile) range is considered excellent, although there are barely any hydrogen filling stations in Europe, except in Norway. Considering that the car isn't available here, anyway, it's not a big problem right now.

Gallery: 2009 Honda FCX Clarity First drive


[Source: Autoplus]

Honda FCX clarity arrives in Europe, but only for the media originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoplusclarityeurope hondaeuropean hondaeuropean honda fcxEuropeanHondaEuropeanHondaFcxEuropeHondafcxhonda clarityhonda fcxhonda fcx clarityHondaClarityHondaFcxHondaFcxClarityThu, 15 Oct 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Unexpected Greenery: TVR Artemis concept from Niels van Roij]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/unexpected-greenery-tvr-artemis-concept-from-niels-van-roij/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/unexpected-greenery-tvr-artemis-concept-from-niels-van-roij/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/unexpected-greenery-tvr-artemis-concept-from-niels-van-roij/#commentsFiled under:


TVR Artemis concept from Niels van Roij - Click above for high-res image gallery

TVR, a British sportscar manufacturer with a troubled past and uncertain future, is known for producing brutish performance cars with impossibly curvy bodies molded from fiberglass and powerful inline-six or V8 engines. As such, the idea of an eco-friendly TVR never really crossed our minds until we saw Niels van Roij's TVR Artemis concept.

The Dutch designer created the Artemis as his final-year project at the Design Academy Eindhoven in The Netherlands. Powered by one in-wheel electric motor per contact patch and a theoretical hydrogen fuel cell, there seems little chance that a car such as this would ever see the light of day, but it certainly is an interesting take on the modern TVR design ethos. See for yourself in the gallery below that shows a 1:5 scale model of the Artemis concept.


Gallery: TVR Artemis concept from Niels van Roij


[Source: Niels van Roij via Carscoop]

Unexpected Greenery: TVR Artemis concept from Niels van Roij originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artemis conceptArtemisConceptDesign Academy EindhovenDesignAcademyEindhovenniels van roijNielsVanRoijTVRtvr artemistvr artemis conceptTvrArtemisTvrArtemisConceptWed, 14 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Energy Secretary Chu: "I would put every cent into electric cars"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/report-energy-secretary-chu-i-would-put-every-cent-into-elect/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/report-energy-secretary-chu-i-would-put-every-cent-into-elect/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/report-energy-secretary-chu-i-would-put-every-cent-into-elect/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu has a penchant for making some straightforward statements about energy policy. He's said that electric vehicles are inevitable, for example, and that all American cars should be E85-capable. Recently, he apparently said that "if it were up to me, I would put every cent into electric cars."

This quote, which was relayed by unnamed alternative energy developers who were at a recent meeting on alternative fuels, is sure to stir up the whole hydrogen vs. plug-in cars debate that's been going on since the DOE slashed H2 funding in May. The Senate Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee responded by marking up the FY 2010 DOE budget and restoring the hydrogen vehicle funding.

If Chu did say what it's reported that he said, then it should be clear that it isn't an official reversal of the Senate's work. It just shows that there are some serious disagreements in Washington about how to best fund the future - and what that future should be. But the DOE is in charge of some big things and, this year, it has handed out billions in loan guarantees for plug-in vehicles, including money for Ford ($5.9 billion), Nissan ($1.6 billion), Tesla Motors ($465 million) and Fisker ($528 million).

[Source: Biofuels Digest]

REPORT: Energy Secretary Chu: "I would put every cent into electric cars" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Department of EnergyDepartmentOfEnergydoeElectric carelectric carsElectricCarElectricCarsevsecretary of energySecretaryOfEnergystephen chuStephenChuTue, 13 Oct 2009 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[H<sub>2</sub> Olympics power: BC Transit gets first fuel cell bus with Ballard stack]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/h2-olympics-power-bc-transit-gets-first-fuel-cell-b/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/h2-olympics-power-bc-transit-gets-first-fuel-cell-b/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/h2-olympics-power-bc-transit-gets-first-fuel-cell-b/#commentsFiled under:



Over two years ago, we first learned the British Columbia Transit was planning to acquire 20 fuel cell-powered buses for use in the Whistler area ahead of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The first of those buses was recently delivered to the transit company with the rest arriving over the coming weeks and months. The 20 bus-fleet will be the single largest deployment of hydrogen-fueled buses in the world. The buses are built on chassis supplied by ISE Corporation and use fuel cell stacks supplied by Ballard Power Systems.

Ballard sold off its automotive fuel cell unit to Daimler and Ford last year, but is continuing to develop the technology for heavy duty and stationary applications. The buses are using Ballard's FCvelocity-HD6 stack which is available in 75 and 150 kW versions. The HD6 can be operated from temperatures of -4 to 20 degrees F. The fuel cell buses will continue to operate in Whistler beyond the Olympics, replacing conventional buses now in use.

[Source: Ballard Power Systems]

Continue reading H2 Olympics power: BC Transit gets first fuel cell bus with Ballard stack

H2 Olympics power: BC Transit gets first fuel cell bus with Ballard stack originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballardballard powerBallard Power Systemsballard-power-systemsBallardPowerBallardPowerSystemsbcbc transit hydrogenBcTransitHydrogenbritish columbiaBritishColumbiaFuel Cellfuel cell busfuel cellsFuelCellFuelCellBusFuelCellsMon, 12 Oct 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[AltCar 2009: Dan Neil, "Some Inconvenient Questions," and GM hints it could sell Chevy Volt gliders]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/altcar-2009-dan-neil-some-inconvenient-questions-and-gm-hin/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/altcar-2009-dan-neil-some-inconvenient-questions-and-gm-hin/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/altcar-2009-dan-neil-some-inconvenient-questions-and-gm-hin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



On top of the test drives (Wheego Whip), test rides (Coda Sedan) and a visit to the unlimited energy booth, a highlight of the AltCar Expo last weekend was getting to hear the LA Times' premiere auto scribe Dan Neil moderate two sessions called "Some Inconvenient Questions." Neil was lucky to have on his panels some of the most knowledgeable people in the green car world who were able to discuss and promote their favored technologies (plug-in hybrids, hydrogen, etc.) without beating each other up. Well, Neil dished out a few critical hits at the idea of hydrogen cars but also allowed Honda's Steve Ellis to rebut his doubts about the efficacy of H2 as an energy carrier for vehicles. All in all, it was an entertaining three hours (four-and-a-half if you count the Tech Review Panel that took place just before Neil's events) in the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. We've got details and audio recordings of everything after the jump.

Continue reading AltCar 2009: Dan Neil, "Some Inconvenient Questions," and GM hints it could sell Chevy Volt gliders

AltCar 2009: Dan Neil, "Some Inconvenient Questions," and GM hints it could sell Chevy Volt gliders originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altcaraltcar 2009altcar dan neilaltcar expoAltcar2009AltcarDanNeilAltcarExpodan neilDanNeildave barthmussDaveBarthmussdean taylorDeanTaylorfeaturedinconvenient questionsInconvenientQuestionsjeff curryJeffCurryrick sikesRickSikessteve elllisSteveElllistom gageTomGageThu, 08 Oct 2009 16:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki to show off three fuel cell concepts]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/tokyo-2009-preview-suzuki-to-show-off-three-fuel-cell-concepts/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/tokyo-2009-preview-suzuki-to-show-off-three-fuel-cell-concepts/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/tokyo-2009-preview-suzuki-to-show-off-three-fuel-cell-concepts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In addition to the plug-in series hybrid version of the Swift subcompact hatchback that Suzuki will display at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese company will also be bringing along three separate concepts powered by fuel cells.

First up is the SX4-FCV, which uses an 80 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack supplied by longtime partner GM that is paired with a Suzuki-designed hydrogen storage tank that compresses the gas at 10,000 psi. A lightweight capacitor reportedly takes the place of the more common battery pack and helps smooth out the flow of electrons to the 68 kW electric motor and aids in regenerative braking. Road testing is currently underway of the SX4-FCV in Japan.

Next on the list is a version of Suzuki's popular Burgman scooter that's propelled by an electric motor that gets its power from a small hydrogen fuel cell from Intelligent Energy and the first 700-bar storage tank in the motorcycle world. The final fuel cell-powered concept from Suzuki is a personal mobility vehicle called the MIO that uses easily replaceable methanol fuel cell cartridges in lieu of batteries. Check out all three concepts in our gallery below and hit the jump for the press release.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Fuel Cell Concepts


[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki to show off three fuel cell concepts

Tokyo 2009 Preview: Suzuki to show off three fuel cell concepts originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burgmanhydrogen scooterhydrogen suzukiHydrogenScooterHydrogenSuzukimiosuzukisuzuki burgmansuzuki miosuzuki sx4suzuki sx4-fcvSuzukiBurgmanSuzukiMioSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4-fcvsx4sx4-fcvtokyotokyo 2009tokyo motor showTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowWed, 07 Oct 2009 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Kia offering 6-month fuel cell test drives in Korea]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/kia-offering-6-month-fuel-cell-test-drives-in-korea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/kia-offering-6-month-fuel-cell-test-drives-in-korea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/kia-offering-6-month-fuel-cell-test-drives-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kia Borrego FCEV - click above for high-res image gallery

Kia is getting ready to conduct its own smaller scale version of Project Driveway, the GM fuel cell vehicle field test. The South Korean automaker will be giving five drivers the opportunity to drive a fuel cell-powered version of the Borrego (sold as the Mohave in its home market) FCEV. Interested testers can fill out an application at Kia's domestic market website www.kia.co.kr between now and Halloween for a chance at a six-month test. To be eligible, you have to live in the vicinity of Seoul and be over 20 years old. A valid license is, of course, also a must. The winners will be announced November 12. Kia and parent company Hyundai have been testing fuel cell powertrains in a number of different platforms, including the Tucson and Santa Fe, for several years. Hyundai-Kia are on the third generation of their own in-house developed stack and have announced that they plan to launch series production of fuel cell vehicles within the next three years.

Gallery: Kia Borrego FCEV


[Source: Kia]


Kia offering 6-month fuel cell test drives in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kiakia borrego fcevkia fuel cellkia mohavekia mohave fuel cellKiaBorregoFcevKiaFuelCellKiaMohaveKiaMohaveFuelCellTue, 06 Oct 2009 10:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr. Z: BEVs and hybrids for the near term, fuel cells for the long haul]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/dr-z-bevs-and-hybrids-for-the-near-term-fuel-cells-for-the-lo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/dr-z-bevs-and-hybrids-for-the-near-term-fuel-cells-for-the-lo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/dr-z-bevs-and-hybrids-for-the-near-term-fuel-cells-for-the-lo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz F-Cell - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like pretty much every major automaker, Daimler is preparing to launch battery electric vehicles in the next few years. However, again like many of its competitors, the German automaker remains unconvinced that batteries will see the kind of technical progress needed to make them a truly viable long-term mainstream option. Like Honda, Toyota, General Motors and Hyundai, (and to lesser degrees, Ford, Nissan and others) Daimler sees the hydrogen fuel cell as the best option for the end game.

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche spoke with Automotive News during the Frankfurt Motor Show and acknowledged that both battery and fuel cell electric vehicles need infrastructure. The fuel cell doesn't have the range or re-energizing time constraints that a battery does. Both directions will require work to get the cost down comparable to existing vehicles, but Zetsche seems unconvinced that batteries will ever get there. Zetsche is also confident that a hydrogen fueling network will be put in place in Europe in the coming years.

Zetsche isn't declaring a winner yet, but highlights the modularization that vehicle electrification brings with it. Because battery and fuel cell vehicles all use the same motors and power electronics for propulsion, it is possible to follow parallel paths while sharing much of the underlying technology.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell


[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd]

Dr. Z: BEVs and hybrids for the near term, fuel cells for the long haul originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery electric vehicleBatteryElectricVehicleDieter ZetscheDieterZetscheFuel CellFuelCellhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellHydrogenFuelCellMercedes Benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzMon, 05 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[California ZEV regulations may push Honda to release a BEV, fuel cells still the goal]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/california-zev-regulations-may-push-honda-to-release-a-bev-fuel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/california-zev-regulations-may-push-honda-to-release-a-bev-fuel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/california-zev-regulations-may-push-honda-to-release-a-bev-fuel/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

Honda's new CEO Takanobu Ito still maintains that hydrogen fuel cells are the best long-term solution for zero-emission vehicles. This is a position that Honda has held as a corporate policy for a number of years. However, the realities of upcoming regulations and the lack of movement in opening hydrogen filling stations are causing Ito-san to take a more pragmatic approach when it comes to product planning.

Ito-san hasn't committed to Honda releasing a production plug-in battery electric vehicle. However, the need to provide a certain number of zero emissions vehicles by mid-decade, and the lack of hydrogen fueling networks means that Honda may have no other option. Honda already has a joint venture with GS Yuasa to produce lithium ion batteries that are destined for hybrid vehicles. That partnership could be expanded to produce batteries for pure BEVs. Honda will be showing a new BEV concept later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show and we'll be sitting down with Ito after the show to follow up on this.

Gallery: 2009 Honda FCX Clarity First drive


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

California ZEV regulations may push Honda to release a BEV, fuel cells still the goal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleElectricVehiclehondahonda batter electric vehicleHonda battery carshonda fcxhonda fcx clarityhonda fuel cellHondaBatterElectricVehicleHondaBatteryCarsHondaFcxHondaFcxClarityHondaFuelCellMon, 05 Oct 2009 09:54:00 EST<![CDATA[BYU research hints at a possibility of a fuel cell powered by sugar]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/byu-research-hints-at-a-possibility-of-a-fuel-cell-powered-by-su/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/byu-research-hints-at-a-possibility-of-a-fuel-cell-powered-by-su/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/byu-research-hints-at-a-possibility-of-a-fuel-cell-powered-by-su/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



When it comes to sugar and cars, there's a type of cellulosic ethanol made from sugarcane, much of which is produced in Brazil. However, researchers at Brigham Young University (BYU) have developed a catalyst that breaks glucose molecules in such a way that electrons, and therefore electricity, can be obtained. This research means there is the possibility of a "sweet" type of fuel cell. The catalyst was obtained from a herbicide that helps break the sugar down and liberates electrons. The process has a 29 percent conversion rate, meaning that 7 of the 24 available electrons per glucose molecule are transferred. According to BYU, the process could be good enough to power cars using cheaper components than hydrogen fuel cells: sugar and this herbicide aren't expensive at all and are surely quite earth-friendly. Hat tip to Ray!

[Source: BYU]

BYU research hints at a possibility of a fuel cell powered by sugar originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>byucatalystherbicidesugarMon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST