AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 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[Obama administration rethinking support for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/obama-administration-rethinking-support-for-hydrogen-fuel-cell-v/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/obama-administration-rethinking-support-for-hydrogen-fuel-cell-v/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/obama-administration-rethinking-support-for-hydrogen-fuel-cell-v/#commentsFiled under: , ,



This is one political flip-flop scenario that could actually please some constituents.

The Obama Administration might reverse its policy of cutting support for hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle development (FCEV) in favor of battery-electric vehicles by putting more resources towards FCEV advancement, Slate reports.

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently spoke at a private event and supported expansion of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, Slate said, citing ex-Shell USA President John Hofmeister. The government's executive branch may be reversing course because of what's so far been lower-than-expected battery-electric vehicle sales in the U.S.

Some consider hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles a best-of-all-worlds solution to cutting both petroleum use and greenhouse-gas emissions because the vehicles can be filled up in minutes and can go almost as far on a full tank as gas-powered vehicles. Still, costs remain an issue because of the limited number of HCEVs and the challenges of hydrogen distribution to refueling stations. General Motors has estimated that it would cost as much as $25 billion to build out the 11,000 hydrogen fueling stations needed to support a "mature" FCEV fleet, Slate reported. Currently, there are only about 50 stations across the U.S., according to the Energy Department.

Last year, Pike Research estimated that automakers will sell about one million FCEVs by 2020, less than Pike Research's prior estimate of 2.8 million vehicles. Toyota, GM, Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler and Hyundai are among the automakers that have targeted 2015 for mass production of FCEVs.

Obama administration rethinking support for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doefuel cellfuel cell vehicleshydrogenhydrogen fuel cellobamaobama administrationslatesteven chuTue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242638/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20242638/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/22/obama-administration-rethinking-support-for-hydrogen-fuel-cell-v/20242638/article-detail.xml 20242638 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/hydrostation_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/hydrostation.jpg <![CDATA[No new infrastructure required: Hydrogen Hyundais drive across Europe]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/no-new-infrastructure-required-hydrogen-hyundai-drives-across-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/no-new-infrastructure-required-hydrogen-hyundai-drives-across-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/no-new-infrastructure-required-hydrogen-hyundai-drives-across-e/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's getting easier and easier to ignore gas stations.

Over in Europe, the H2 refueling infrastructure is apparently robust enough to allow a pair of hydrogen-powered Hyundai iX35 (Tuscon) FCEVs to drive from Oslo, Norway to Monte Carlo, Monaco. Almost, anyway.

Yes, the 1,404-mile, cross-continental drive was, according to Wired, the "longest a hydrogen-fueled vehicle has ever travelled using only fuel from permanent hydrogen filling stations." As some readers may remember, similar previous tours have relied on refueling trucks to go the distance. The Oslo-Monte Carlo drive took five days and wasn't as easy as pie. An out-of-service station meant a ferry was needed for some of the trip. Also, since not all the H2 stations are open to the public, a few pre-arrival phone calls were needed. One lesson learned: Germany has the best network of H2 pumps; France and Sweden are less developed.

The Norwegian Zero Emissions Resource Organization (ZERO) organized the trip, using h2stations.org to find the route. As Wired writes, the whole trip, "highlighted just how far ahead of the rest of the world Europe's hydrogen infrastructure is, and also how much more work needs to be done before hydrogen becomes a viable fuel source for vehicles."

No new infrastructure required: Hydrogen Hyundais drive across Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 07 May 2012 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeeurope hydrogenfcevhyundaihyundai hydrogenix35ix35 fcevtuscontuscon fcevMon, 07 May 2012 11:52:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232374/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20232374/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/07/no-new-infrastructure-required-hydrogen-hyundai-drives-across-e/20232374/article-detail.xml 20232374 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/hyundaifcev-1334360679_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/hyundaifcev-1334360679.jpg <![CDATA[Nevada hydrogen-station builder touts profits by making oxygen]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/22/nevada-hydrogen-station-builder-touts-profits-by-making-oxygen/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/22/nevada-hydrogen-station-builder-touts-profits-by-making-oxygen/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/22/nevada-hydrogen-station-builder-touts-profits-by-making-oxygen/#commentsFiled under:



No vehicles? No problem.

That's what one builder of a hydrogen-fueling station slated for Carson City, NV, is saying.

H2 Technologies, which is looking to break ground on the station by July and open the station within a year, says the operation could be profitable even without any revenue from vehicles filling up. That's because the company will be able to sell the oxygen that's created when the station's electrolyzer extracts hydrogen and oxygen from water, according to the Northern Nevada Business Weekly.

In order to create demand, H2 is buying four Toyota Prius hybrids and two Ford Focus cars that will be converted into hydrogen-powered vehicles that will demonstrate the value of hydrogen powertrains. But H2 Technologies' principal, Gary Lord, says his company will have a contract to sell the oxygen to a supplier of industrial gases.

Either way, H2 is set to receive a $1.1 million loan from the state of Nevada for the station. While the per-gallon price hasn't been set, Lord estimates that his company will sell hydrogen at about $10 per kilogram, which will be similar to the per-mile price of gasoline, only without the emissions. The station will create enough hydrogen supply for about 80 vehicles a day.

Late last month, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) said it would fund as much as $2 million worth of research towards hydrogen refueling stations, specifically to find out what kind of components need to be invented or developed to accelerate the build-out of such stations.

Last year, green-technology research firm Pike Research forecast that there would be more than 5,200 hydrogen fueling stations in operation by the end of the decade, up from 200 stations in 2010. In the U.S., there are about 60 hydrogen fueling stations, compared to about 1,000 compressed natural gas stations and more than 7,000 electric-charging stations, according to the DOE.

Nevada hydrogen-station builder touts profits by making oxygen originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carson cityfueling stationsgary lordh2h2 technologieshydrogennevadarefueling stationsstationsSun, 22 Apr 2012 08:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20220867/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20220867/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/22/nevada-hydrogen-station-builder-touts-profits-by-making-oxygen/20220867/article-detail.xml 20220867 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/hydrostation_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/hydrostation.jpg <![CDATA[Will California's ZEV mandate expand across the country?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/will-californias-zev-mandate-expand-across-the-country/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/will-californias-zev-mandate-expand-across-the-country/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/will-californias-zev-mandate-expand-across-the-country/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

honda fcx clarity

More states may follow the Golden State in plug-in vehicle quotas, which could make auto executives see red.

Earlier this year, California approved a rule - known as the ZEV Mandate - requiring more than 15 percent of new cars to be so-called zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) by the 2025 model year. That rule, which was first drafted more than 20 years ago, would require about 270,000 ZEVs to be sold in the most populous U.S. state each year. Automotive News reports that as many as 10 states could follow California's lead in creating a plug-in and fuel-cell vehicle quota in an effort to improve air quality.

New Jersey and Maryland are among the other states that could adopt similar requirements. If all 10 states adopted similar requirements, automakers would need to sell more than 800,000 ZEVs by the 2025 model year, a prospect that could be disconcerting to automakers, according to the publication. Of course, the "over-compliance" loophole could be used to minimize that number. In 2011, Nissan and General Motors sold about 17,000 battery-electric Leafs and extended-range plug-in Volts, combined.

Will California's ZEV mandate expand across the country? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaelectric vehiclefcevhydrogenmarylandnew jerseyzero emission vehicle mandatezero emissionszevzev mandateFri, 20 Apr 2012 11:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20218699/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20218699/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/20/will-californias-zev-mandate-expand-across-the-country/20218699/article-detail.xml 20218699 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/honda_fcx_clarity_large_630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/honda_fcx_clarity_large_630.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai will make 'limited' number of fuel-cell vehicles this year, 'thousands' by 2014]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/hyundai-will-make-limited-number-of-fuel-cell-vehicles-this-ye/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/hyundai-will-make-limited-number-of-fuel-cell-vehicles-this-ye/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/hyundai-will-make-limited-number-of-fuel-cell-vehicles-this-ye/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Hyundai has confirmed that it will make a "limited" number of hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) this year for testing purposes, with a goal of making as many as 10,000 FCEVs annually by 2015.

The South Korean automaker is testing an FCEV based on the Tucson crossover which will be part of test fleets around the world during the next couple of years. Hyundai wasn't specific about how many units of the Tucson ix Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle it will make this year.

The company is "willing to provide a sufficient number of FCEVs where hydrogen infrastructure is available during 2012-2015," Hyundai said in a statement sent to AutoblogGreen. "All we can say is that we have said we will make a limited supply in 2012, and anticipate thousands will be available globally through 2014."

Torque News reported that Hyundai would make as many as 1,000 FCEVs this year, and that the car would be priced at $88,550 before incentives and any tax credits. Hyundai is looking to cut that price to $50,000 by 2015, Torque News said.

Hyundai is among a number of automakers - Toyota, General Motors and Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler among the others - that have targeted 2015 for FCEV mass production. With such plans in place, Pike Research estimated late last year that a million FCEVs will be cumulatively sold by the end of the decade, down from Pike Research's previous estimate of about 2.8 million vehicles.

Hyundai will make 'limited' number of fuel-cell vehicles this year, 'thousands' by 2014 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fcevfuel cellhydrogenhyundaikoreatucsonMon, 16 Apr 2012 11:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20215412/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20215412/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/16/hyundai-will-make-limited-number-of-fuel-cell-vehicles-this-ye/20215412/article-detail.xml 20215412 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/hyundaifcev-1334360679_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/hyundaifcev-1334360679.jpg <![CDATA[Honda opens solar hydrogen station in Japan's Saitama Prefecture]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/08/honda-opens-solar-hydrogen-station-in-japans-saitama-prefecture/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/08/honda-opens-solar-hydrogen-station-in-japans-saitama-prefecture/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/08/honda-opens-solar-hydrogen-station-in-japans-saitama-prefecture/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

honda fcx clarity

For those of you who struggled with high school chemistry, this one's a doozy.

Honda has opened up a hydrogen station in Saitama, Japan that converts sunlight into hydrogen that may be used to power fuel-cell electric vehicles such as the Honda FCX Clarity.

The station, which uses both juice from the grid and solar power, can produce 1.5 kilograms of hydrogen in 24 hours. That's enough to power an FCX Clarity for about 90 miles. In addition, Honda also added an electrical outlet to the FCX Clarity so that the car can function as a power source.

For those keeping notes, the station turns sunlight into hydrogen by way of a high-pressure water electrolysis system that was developed by the Japanese automaker. The installation is the latest step in a green-transportation partnership that Honda started with the prefecture in 2009. Saitama is about 20 miles northwest of Tokyo.

Honda became the first automaker to make a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle available to the public when it started selling the FCX Clarity in Japan in late 2007. The vehicle is also in operation in California, and you can go here to read Autoblog's First Drive review.

Continue reading Honda opens solar hydrogen station in Japan's Saitama Prefecture

Honda opens solar hydrogen station in Japan's Saitama Prefecture originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will provide as much as $2 million towards a study of hydrogen refueling stations in an effort to collect more data on the use and effectiveness of such fueling cars with H2.

The study will be used to figure out what kind of components may be developed to facilitate the build-out of more hydrogen stations over the next five years, including better compressors and hydrogen tanks. The DOE lists 56 hydrogen fueling stations throughout the U.S., including 23 in California alone. By comparison, there are about 7,200 electric-vehicle charging outlets available at non-private stations and almost 1,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations.

Both the federal government and some automakers regard hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as a great way to address both greenhouse gas emissions and U.S. dependency on foreign oil, since FCEVs can provide a driving range similar to a gas-powered vehicle but without the harmful emissions. Toyota, General Motors and Mercedes-Benz are among automakers that have said they'd be selling FCEVs to the public by 2015.

Still, FCEVs are an expensive proposition because of their low volume and the hydrogen-distribution challenges. Late last year, green-technology firm Pike Research cut its FCEV sales forecast for 2020 to about 1 million units in cumulative sales from about 2.8 million units.

Earlier this month, the DOE approved both $14.2 million in funding for vehicle lightweighting efforts and as much as $10 million to facilitate the development of battery-electric utility vehicles like trucks and forklifts.

Continue reading Feds spending up to $2 million on hydrogen-station study

Feds spending up to $2 million on hydrogen-station study originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doedoe hydrogenh2hydrogenhydrogen fuel cellhydrogen fundinghydrogen stationTue, 27 Mar 2012 15:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20202011/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20202011/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/27/feds-spending-up-to-2-million-on-hydrogen-station-study/20202011/article-detail.xml 20202011 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/hydrostation_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/hydrostation.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota forecasts 'tens of thousands' of FCEVs by 2020s]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/toyota-forecasts-tens-of-thousands-of-fcevs-by-2020s/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/toyota-forecasts-tens-of-thousands-of-fcevs-by-2020s/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/toyota-forecasts-tens-of-thousands-of-fcevs-by-2020s/#commentsFiled under: ,



Toyota still plans on making "tens of thousands" of hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) annually by the 2020s, Bloomberg News reports, citing Didier Leroy, the automaker's chief of European operations.

Didier, speaking at the Geneva Motor Show last week, said Toyota is cutting the production costs associated with FCEVs, according to the wire service. The Japanese automaker is also counting on a broader network of hydrogen fueling stations, which currently number fewer than 60 in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Toyota, which plans to start selling FCEVs in the U.S. in 2015, said late last year that the production cost of a fuel-cell vehicle would be about $140,000 if it went on sale now, but that the cost should drop to about $50,000 three years from now.

In late January, Toyota started putting its FCHV-adv fuel-cell vehicles into service at Japan's Narita International Airport, and was hoping that testing of such vehicles would verify the current estimated range of 431 miles.

Automakers are looking at fuel-cell vehicles as a possible solution to environmental concerns because FCEVs can provide a similar single-tank range as a conventional vehicle without the emissions, but FCEV development has been cost prohibitive. Green-technology research firm Pike Research estimated last fall that cumulative FCEV sales will surpass 1 million units and will generate $16.9 billion in annual revenue by the end of the decade. That's down from Pike's prior forecast of $28.9 billion in sales on 2.8 million units.

Toyota forecasts 'tens of thousands' of FCEVs by 2020s originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>didier leroyfcevfchvFCHV-advfuel cellhydrogentoyotaMon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20191464/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20191464/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/12/toyota-forecasts-tens-of-thousands-of-fcevs-by-2020s/20191464/article-detail.xml 20191464 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/toyotafcev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/toyotafcev.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus pitches hydrogen-powered LFA supercar in video]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/lexus-pitches-hydrogen-powered-lfa-supercar-in-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/lexus-pitches-hydrogen-powered-lfa-supercar-in-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/lexus-pitches-hydrogen-powered-lfa-supercar-in-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

lexus lfa-h

It looks like Toyota's Lexus luxury arm is getting ready to pitch a hydrogen-powered version of its LFA supercar that's even more powerful than its 552-horsepower, gas-powered brethren.

We spotted a 45-second video that appears to show off the Lexus LFA-h, a hydrogen-powered version fitted with a V10 that can produce 600 horsepower, not to mention emissions that only consist of water. Or, as the video puts it: "fuel for life." Treehuggers and gearheads alike are treated to digitized sight of the two-door coupe screaming across a parched desert and grass growing out of cracks in the dried soil. Seriously. Lexus, which hadn't previously disclosed that it was working on a hydrogen-powered LFA, didn't get into how much the car will cost or even when it will become available. We're wondering it we might learn more about this car at the Geneva Motor Show this week.

Lexus is producing just 500 units of the LFA worldwide, and about 10 percent of those are in North America. That car, which has a sticker price of a cool $375,000, boasts a 4.8-liter V-10 that produces 552 horsepower and a top speed of 202 miles per hour. Lexus let auto journalists test-drive the car last October. Readers can check out Autoblog's rather glowing review here.

Continue reading Lexus pitches hydrogen-powered LFA supercar in video

Lexus pitches hydrogen-powered LFA supercar in video originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2012geneva motor showhydrognlexuslexus hydrogenlfalfa-htoyotaMon, 05 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20186161/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20186161/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/05/lexus-pitches-hydrogen-powered-lfa-supercar-in-video/20186161/article-detail.xml 20186161 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/lexus-lfa-h_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/lexus-lfa-h.png <![CDATA["Invisible" Mercedes F-Cell cruises on hydrogen fuel cell power in Germany]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/invisible-mercedes-f-cell-cruises-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell-power/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/invisible-mercedes-f-cell-cruises-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell-power/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/05/invisible-mercedes-f-cell-cruises-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

daimler f-cell invisible car mercedes hydrogen

The hydrogen-powered Mercedes-Benz F-Cell is not a new car - it's been around the world, as we saw - but it did just get a brand new look: it's been made "invisible."

Two things for the nit-pickers out there: it's not actually invisible and, yes, the whole thing is just a promotional stunt in Germany, a way to highlight that the car, Daimler says, is "invisible" to the environment.

The way it works is that a camera on one side of the car broadcasts a live image to a multitude of LEDs plastered on the other side. So, when you look at the car, you see a representation of what's on the other side. It's similar to what some military research organizations are working on, but this is the first time we've heard of it used on a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Also, technically, the special F-Cell is only half "invisible," since the non-LED side of the car has the camera rig and associated wires. You can see how this works in the video after the jump.

A year ago, Herbert Kohler, Daimler's head of e-drive and future mobility, said he expects fuel cell vehicles to not cost any more than diesel hybrids by 2015. We expect he meant as long as they're not covered by LEDs, anyway.

Continue reading "Invisible" Mercedes F-Cell cruises on hydrogen fuel cell power in Germany

"Invisible" Mercedes F-Cell cruises on hydrogen fuel cell power in Germany originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel cellh2hydrogeninvisible carmercedes benzstuntMon, 05 Mar 2012 08:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20185501/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20185501/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/05/invisible-mercedes-f-cell-cruises-on-hydrogen-fuel-cell-power/20185501/article-detail.xml 20185501 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/daimler-f-cell-invisible-car-mercedes-hydrogen_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/daimler-f-cell-invisible-car-mercedes-hydrogen.png <![CDATA[U.S. Army unveils GM-made fuel-cell military vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/u-s-army-unveils-gm-made-fuel-cell-military-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/u-s-army-unveils-gm-made-fuel-cell-military-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/u-s-army-unveils-gm-made-fuel-cell-military-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: ,



The U.S. Army unveiled a fleet of General Motors-made hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles in Hawaii as part of that state's efforts to cut down its use of fossil fuels and its dependence on non-renewable energy.

All U.S. military branches will test the vehicles to find out the effectiveness of using hydrogen fuel cells as a transportation source. Hydrogen proponents view fuel cell powertrains as optimal because they can provide driving ranges similar to conventional vehicles without the fossil fuel emissions, but H2 vehicles are also very expensive. Two years ago, GM and Hawaii's Gas Co. said they would lead an effort to build as many as 25 hydrogen fueling stations throughout the state by 2015.

Hawaii, which gets more than 95 percent of its energy from imported fossil fuels, is taking a leading role in advanced-powertrain adoption because of the high costs of delivering gasoline to the state. The U.S. Energy Department and the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is investing an estimated $4.5 million as part of an effort to reduce Hawaii's transportation fuel consumption by two-thirds over the next two decades.

Continue reading U.S. Army unveils GM-made fuel-cell military vehicles

U.S. Army unveils GM-made fuel-cell military vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armyfuel cellgeneral motorsgmh2hawaiihydrogen fuel cellhydrogen fuel cell electricmilitarySun, 26 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20179365/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20179365/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/26/u-s-army-unveils-gm-made-fuel-cell-military-vehicles/20179365/article-detail.xml 20179365 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/gmhawaiimilitary-1330133092_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/gmhawaiimilitary-1330133092.jpg <![CDATA[California breaks rank again, demands over 15% of cars sold be non-polluting by 2025]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/california-breaks-rank-again-demands-over-15-of-cars-sold-be-n/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/california-breaks-rank-again-demands-over-15-of-cars-sold-be-n/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/california-breaks-rank-again-demands-over-15-of-cars-sold-be-n/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

California Air Resources Board

Less than a year after everyone with any sort of say in the matter seemed to agree that 54.5 miles per gallon by the year 2025 was a properly attainable goal, the California Air Resources Board has decided to change things up a bit.

In addition to CAFE requirements of a 54.5-mpg fleet average (using the government's formula, not what you see on window stickers), at least 15.4 percent of all cars sold by any major automaker doing business in California will have to be either fully electric, a plug-in hybrid or be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell by 2025. There are questions about the "over-compliance" section of the bill, which we'll be investigating further.

According to Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board, 15.4 percent is "actually a relatively modest goal, but that's all that we're mandating." Most automakers are on board, says Nichols. "Probably the most heartening aspect of this whole rulemaking was the level of cooperation that we received from the industry... Overall, the degree of support for the package was just extraordinary."

Even if automakers are on board, though, there's still a question of who will actually buy the vehicles. While everyone wants better fuel efficiency, not everyone is willing to pay for it, counters the California New Car Dealers Association, estimating that the plan would add about $3,200 to the average price of a new car or truck. Perhaps to help dissuade such fears, Nichols added that "direct incentives to people who buy these cars (like) rebates and credits" are also in the works.

At least 10 more states are likely to follow California's lead, reports Automotive News. That would put the total number of advanced green vehicles (either with a plug or powered by hydrogen) at around three million total units by 2025, 1.4 million of which would be in California.

California breaks rank again, demands over 15% of cars sold be non-polluting by 2025 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecaliforniaCalifornia Air Resources Boardcarbevfuel mileagemary nicholsphevFri, 27 Jan 2012 19:29:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20158921/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20158921/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/california-breaks-rank-again-demands-over-15-of-cars-sold-be-n/20158921/article-detail.xml 20158921 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/carb-meeting_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/carb-meeting.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S, BMW i3 among 2012 Green Car Vision finalists]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/tesla-model-s-bmw-i3-among-2012-green-car-vision-finalists/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/tesla-model-s-bmw-i3-among-2012-green-car-vision-finalists/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/tesla-model-s-bmw-i3-among-2012-green-car-vision-finalists/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,



Tesla's Model S, the BMW i3, the Cadillac ELR, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell and the Ford C-MAX Energi are the finalists for Green Car Journal's 2012 Green Car Vision awards. The winner of the award, which is given to the most innovative "green vehicle" that's either in its demonstration phase or nearing its public launch, will be named at the Washington Auto Show on January 26.

Of the finalists, two - the Tesla and the BMW - are pure battery electric vehicles that are scheduled to be available for the 2013 and 2014 model years, respectively. The C-MAX is a plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle slated for the 2013 model year, while the Cadillac - expected as a 2014 model year - uses an extended-range plug-in hybrid powertrain similar to that of the Chevrolet Volt. The F-Cell hydrogen fuel-cell electric, which has been available in limited numbers for lease in Southern California, is slated for a 2014 model year debut.

"It's no surprise that electric drive continues to dominate the thoughts of automakers as they look to the future," writes Green Car Journal, which hands out the award. "While all five finalists integrate electric drive, they power their motors in distinctly different ways."

Last year's Green Car Vision award was won by the Ford Focus Electric, while the Nissan Leaf won in 2010. The Chevy Volt won in 2009. Who should win this year? Take our poll after the jump.

Continue reading Tesla Model S, BMW i3 among 2012 Green Car Vision finalists

Tesla Model S, BMW i3 among 2012 Green Car Vision finalists originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbmw i3cadillac elrFord C-Max energigreen car journalgreen car visionmercedes-benz f-celltesla model 5washington auto showFri, 13 Jan 2012 11:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20147765/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20147765/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/tesla-model-s-bmw-i3-among-2012-green-car-vision-finalists/20147765/article-detail.xml 20147765 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cadillacelr_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cadillacelr.png <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz developing E Superlight as its new carbon fiber halo sedan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/mercedes-benz-developing-e-superlight-as-its-new-carbon-fiber-ha/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/mercedes-benz-developing-e-superlight-as-its-new-carbon-fiber-ha/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/mercedes-benz-developing-e-superlight-as-its-new-carbon-fiber-ha/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Automakers need halo cars. They bring people into the showroom and demonstrate just what their engineers can do. Typically those range-topping vehicles come in the form of sports cars - think Audi R8, Dodge Viper, Lexus LFA et al - but Mercedes-Benz is reportedly taking another direction. That's because these exotic supercars tend to sell in small numbers (almost by definition), while - for Mercedes-Benz - mid-size luxury sedans like the E-Class sell in much bigger numbers. As such, the Silver Star automaker is planning on making its next halo car a four-door sedan (of sorts).

A couple months ago, we brought you initial word of Daimler's plans to make a super-lightweight, carbon-fiber E-Class, and now further details have found their way into the bloggosphere. Dubbed the E Superlight, the sedan is tipped to share its footprint with the E-Class, its size with the CLS and its price with the S-Class. For that, buyers would get a state-of-the-art sedan made from carbon fiber sitting at the very cutting edge of what Stuttgart's finest are capable of achieving.

That's right, the E Superlight isn't a mere concept car: reports from overseas indicate that Daimler is actually planning on building it, with production earmarked to begin in 2015 and to come fully online by 2017. A hydrogen fuel cell is expected to provide the motivation at least in the beginning, but more conventional powertrains are also said to be in the mix. Once it's made its point, Mercedes can lift the halo back where it usually sits, atop the replacement for the current SLS AMG supercar.

Mercedes-Benz developing E Superlight as its new carbon fiber halo sedan originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e superlighte-classmercedes-benzmercedes-benz e superlightmercedes-benz e-classWed, 04 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140250/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20140250/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/mercedes-benz-developing-e-superlight-as-its-new-carbon-fiber-ha/20140250/article-detail.xml 20140250 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/e-class-frame_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/e-class-frame.jpg <![CDATA[Rep. Issa asks CARB for more documents about 54.5 mpg CAFE standards]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/rep-issa-asks-carb-for-more-documents-about-54-5-mpg-cafe-stand/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/rep-issa-asks-carb-for-more-documents-about-54-5-mpg-cafe-stand/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/21/rep-issa-asks-carb-for-more-documents-about-54-5-mpg-cafe-stand/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA)A month ago, Darrell Issa (R-CA) sent letters to 15 automotive CEOs asking them for information about the possible safety effects of implementing the proposed new fuel economy standards. Now, he's following up with a new request to California Air Resources Board chairwoman Mary Nichols for documents about how CARB, the Obama administration and the automakers came to the agreement to hit 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. He's been down this road before, and claims that the 4,000 documents CARB sent him before were not enough, especially since some had already been made public. Therefore, Issa is asking for all of the documents CARB has on the matter and he's a little miffed CARB is supposedly holding out on him. According to the Detroit News, he said CARB's actions were "a deliberate attempt to mislead Congress and obstruct an official investigation."

Issa is asking for all this information in his role as chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. If CARB doesn't give him what he wants, Issa said he may issue a subpoena for the documents. We'll see how CARB responds by Issa's January 9 deadline. We imagine that Nichols will continue to respond as she did to one of Issa's earlier requests, when she said (PDF):

Although I appreciate and support the Committee's mandate to conduct oversight of federal government operations, I would hope that, especially in this time of fiscal restraint, instead of choosing to re-examine legally discredited arguments the Committee would support the development of improved regulatory coordination at the federal level that generates jobs and benefits consumers, industry, American energy security, and Main Street economies.

In other words, stop fishing.

To see how the Board has discussed the issue with the Congressman thus far, see this.

Rep. Issa asks CARB for more documents about 54.5 mpg CAFE standards originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecafe standardsdarrell issaissampg standardsWed, 21 Dec 2011 07:50:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20132553/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20132553/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/21/rep-issa-asks-carb-for-more-documents-about-54-5-mpg-cafe-stand/20132553/article-detail.xml 20132553 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/issaofficial_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/issaofficial.jpg <![CDATA[U.S. Omnibus Appropriations bill would raise hydrogen funding 6% over 2010 levels]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/u-s-omnibus-appropriations-bill-would-raise-hydrogen-funding-6/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/u-s-omnibus-appropriations-bill-would-raise-hydrogen-funding-6/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/u-s-omnibus-appropriations-bill-would-raise-hydrogen-funding-6/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mercedes-Benz F125! Concept

The future of hydrogen vehicles is both promising and full of questions. Everyone from Nissan to Toyota to Mercedes-Benz (the F-125! concept is pictured) continues to work on the technology, but it still trails battery-electric powertrains in real-world sales and use. The good news for H2 advocates in America is that an increase in government funding for hydrogen vehicles was included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill that passed the U.S. Senate last week. The bill looks likely to get the President's approval when it lands on Obama's desk soon.

Sandy Thomas, a long-time proponent of hydrogen vehicles (he's the former president of H2Gen Innovations), sent out a message that, buried in the 1 trillion-dollar spending bill, is $104 million for the DOE's hydrogen and fuel cell budget through the end of September next year. He writes:

This is a remarkable outcome, since Secretary Chu requested only $100.45 million, and the House marked up the bill at only $91.5 million while the Senate came in at $98 million. Normally, the conference between the House and Senate will settle on a value that is the average of their two marks, or $94.7 million in this case. So the final $104 million is an increase of $9.3 million (9.8%) over the customary 50/50 split, and a $3.6 million (3.5%) increase over the Secretary's request. It is also a $6 million increase (6.1%) over the FY 2011 level of $98 million.

In comparison, funding for biomass, solar and wind were cut by 41 percent, 37 percent and 27 percent, respectively, Thomas writes.

U.S. Omnibus Appropriations bill would raise hydrogen funding 6% over 2010 levels originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doedoe fundingh2genhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellomnibus billsandy thomasMon, 19 Dec 2011 07:48:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20130560/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20130560/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/19/u-s-omnibus-appropriations-bill-would-raise-hydrogen-funding-6/20130560/article-detail.xml 20130560 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mercedes-benz-f125-concept-1315915220_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/mercedes-benz-f125-concept-1315915220.jpg <![CDATA[California lawmakers push for 1.4M zero-emissions vehicles on the road]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/california-lawmakers-push-for-1-4m-zero-emissions-vehicles-on-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/california-lawmakers-push-for-1-4m-zero-emissions-vehicles-on-th/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/california-lawmakers-push-for-1-4m-zero-emissions-vehicles-on-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Los Angeles smog

TheDetroitBureau.com reports that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is out to change the zero-emissions-vehicle (ZEV) game again, this time revising its desired numbers for vehicle sales and prodding industry to make alternative fuels more available. From 2018 to 2025, CARB wants ZEVs to number 1.4 million sales every year. According to its numbers, by 2025, that would result in a decrease of 52 million metric tons of emissions.

While electric cars count for CARB's ZEV program, hydrogen vehicles will be a part of the 2025 mix. But what good is a car that runs on hydrogen without convenient places to refuel? The Cleans Fuels Outlet part of its plan "would require oil companies to install hydrogen refueling stations." That sure sounds like it will be rather expensive for someone, but according to CARB, somehow it won't be the consumer: CARB says residents will save $22 billion on fuel costs, 21,000 jobs will be created because of the move to different fuels, and a car buyer in 2025 would save $4,000 over the life of the car even with the extra cost of the tech.

What's more, in 2017, CARB - in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency - has released an emissions-level limit of 166 g/km for cars sold in the state. That would represent another 34 percent drop from the emissions levels targeted in 2016.

California lawmakers push for 1.4M zero-emissions vehicles on the road originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacalifornia air resources boardcarbclean fuels outletepafuel cellzero emissionszero emissions vehiclezevThu, 15 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20128836/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20128836/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/15/california-lawmakers-push-for-1-4m-zero-emissions-vehicles-on-th/20128836/article-detail.xml 20128836 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/los-angeles-smog_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/los-angeles-smog.jpg <![CDATA[General Motors, BMW to shack up on fuel cell development]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/general-motors-bmw-to-shack-up-on-fuel-cell-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/general-motors-bmw-to-shack-up-on-fuel-cell-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/general-motors-bmw-to-shack-up-on-fuel-cell-development/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BMW Logo

Reuters reports General Motors and BMW are headed toward a partnership that may see the two automakers join forces on the creation of a fuel cell system. German business magazine Wirtschafts Woche has cited unnamed industry sources as saying talks between the companies are already quite advanced, and that the duo may formalize the agreement soon. GM has already established itself as an industry authority on fuel cell vehicles, and BMW is likely hoping to leverage some of that knowledge into its own products. GM has refused to comment on the partnership, though BMW has said that the two companies are "speaking about various future technologies."

The German automaker seems to be on the equivalent of a green-tech land grab. Earlier this month, the company announced a similar partnership with Toyota designed to foster collaboration toward new green technology. We aren't surprised to see automakers joining forces on green tech. Research and development can be costly, and it only makes sense to spread that financial burden out amongst as many collaborators as possible.

General Motors, BMW to shack up on fuel cell development originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw gm collaborationcollaborationfuel cellfuel cell technologygeneral motorsGMgreentechtechnologyMon, 12 Dec 2011 07:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20125511/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20125511/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/12/general-motors-bmw-to-shack-up-on-fuel-cell-development/20125511/article-detail.xml 20125511 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/bmw-logo-6287_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/bmw-logo-6287.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan fuel cell vehicle on track for 2015]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/nissan-fuel-cell-vehicle-on-track-for-2015/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/nissan-fuel-cell-vehicle-on-track-for-2015/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/29/nissan-fuel-cell-vehicle-on-track-for-2015/#commentsFiled under: , ,



With over 20,000 Leafs running around the planet, Nissan is looking to introduce yet another alt-powered vehicle to the world, and judging by its recent work with fuel cells, a hydrogen-powered vehicle could be here in four year's time.

Today in Japan, Nissan showed off its next-generation fuel cell stack, the one that the automaker has claimed has the world's best power density for its size. Compared to the 2005 model (above, left), the new fuel cell (above, right) has 2.5-times more storage capacity while being both smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Weight is down from 265 pounds to just under 90 pounds and output is up to 2.5kW per liter.

This third-generation fuel cell stack makes uses of an improved Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA), which combined with single-row lamination, has reduced the size by over half. More importantly, the amount of platinum bits inside has been decreased, which means this new cell is about one-sixth the cost of the last generation design. But - and there's always a "but" when it comes fuel cells - the cost of production is around $50,000. However, that price is set to come down and one engineer confided in us that he'd like to half the size and components yet again, while providing 1.25-times more storage. Considering Nissan's EV push with the Leaf, we could see the automaker's first fuel cell vehicle on the market in 2015. Earlier reports said Nissan wanted to launch its fuel cell car at a cost of less than ten million yen ($128,000 U.S. at today's exchange rate). In its recent "mid-term environmental plan," Nissan said it plans to sell 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles by 2016 (some coming from Alliance partner Renault). That number includes all-electric vehicles as well as an "all-new fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) together with strategic partner, Daimler," Nissan said in a press release last month. Now about that infrastructure...

Nissan fuel cell vehicle on track for 2015 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fcvfuel cellhydrogenhydrogen fuel cellnissanplatinumTue, 29 Nov 2011 15:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20116717/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20116717/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/29/nissan-fuel-cell-vehicle-on-track-for-2015/20116717/article-detail.xml 20116717 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2011-nissan-fuel-cell-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2011-nissan-fuel-cell-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota's 2015 hydrogen vehicle still estimated to cost $50,000, not $138,000]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/toyotas-2015-hydrogen-vehicle-still-estimated-to-cost-50-000/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/toyotas-2015-hydrogen-vehicle-still-estimated-to-cost-50-000/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/toyotas-2015-hydrogen-vehicle-still-estimated-to-cost-50-000/#commentsFiled under: ,

toyota fchv adv

Stop the Internet presses! Toyota's fuel cell car is going to be really expensive!

That's the meme going around after Toyota Europe vice president for product planning and marketing, Alain Uyttenhoven, recently told Automotive News that, "We could expect a fuel cell vehicle to retail at about 100,000 euros ($138,000) in Europe." This is indeed noteworthy, as Toyota has previously stated its hydrogen car would cost around $50,000 when it is released in 2015.

So, Uyttenhoven's quote quickly caught fire (see here and here), but we thought that something seemed out of whack. So we asked Jana Hartline, Toyota's environmental communications manager, what was up. The rub is that there was some miscommunication about dates. Hartline told AutoblogGreen, "We anticipate the market price be much lower than this, as previously reported. The article's quoted price is closer to what the cost would be if we came to market today." So, nothing new to read here folks. Not yet, anyway.

Toyota's 2015 hydrogen vehicle still estimated to cost $50,000, not $138,000 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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