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[Pay-per-mile car insurance might come to California]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/pay-per-mile-car-insurance-might-come-to-california/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/pay-per-mile-car-insurance-might-come-to-california/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/pay-per-mile-car-insurance-might-come-to-california/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The idea of paying for your insurance by the mile is not new. MileMeter, in Texas, offers pay-as-you-drive (PAYD) rates and California has been using mileage brackets to set insurance rates for years. A new, more precise PAYD system is under discussion in California that would give people who drive less a financial incentive to do keep doing so - and maybe convince people on the fence to find an alternative when possible.

State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner recently issued regulations on what PAYD mileage verification plans could look like. It's likely that people with PAYD would think twice when getting behind the wheel and combine trips when possible. The Brookings Institution studied PAYD last year and found that driving would drop by eight percent if all U.S. drivers were under a PAYD system. Also, two-thirds of U.S. households would save an average of $270.

MileMeter is looking to expand to California, and MileMeter founder and CEO Chris Gay told the Sacramento Bee that, "Our take is that half the market out there is being overcharged and underserved - and that's who we aim to address." The bigger insurance companies are looking into PAYD, but have not yet decided to offer it in California. This is an idea that easy to implement and, in lieu of higher gasoline taxes, could have a dramatic impact.

[Source: Sacramento Bee via MMN]
Photo by Wouter Kiel. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Pay-per-mile car insurance might come to California originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>insuranceinsurance companiesInsuranceCompaniesmileagemileage insurancemileage taxMileageInsuranceMileageTaxpay as you drivepay-per-milePayAsYouDrivepaydMon, 09 Nov 2009 19:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Oklahomans battling over the cost of NEVs. Should they be free?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/oklahomans-battling-over-the-cost-of-nevs-should-they-be-free/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/oklahomans-battling-over-the-cost-of-nevs-should-they-be-free/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/oklahomans-battling-over-the-cost-of-nevs-should-they-be-free/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Wheego Whip - click above for high-res image gallery

Low-speed, neighborhood electric vehicles are an interesting case. No one thinks of them as "real cars" - although the Wheego Whip, above, tries to be the Cadillac of NEVs - but they certainly serve a purpose and can meet the transportation needs of some people, some of the time. But, should they be free?

Keith Andrews, president of Fairplay Cars, sent in some background information about a controversy brewing in Oklahoma that, at least for now, makes some NEVs effectively free. The state offers a huge tax credit towards purchasing an NEV, but the Oklahoma Tax Commission is campaigning to "black list a significant number of street legal electric cars from the states healthy tax credits now in place," Andrews wrote. The trouble revolves around the difference between a LSV and a golf cart. According to Andrews, the low-speed vehicle makers in favor of the plan pointed out in court that Oklahoma has already defined what is and is not a low-speed vehicle - based on NHTSA rules - and therefore "should adhere to its own standard and confirm approval of all LSV's that qualify on the Federal level." The Oklahoma Tax Commission has promised to appeal to the state Supreme Court, saying the decision could cost the state over $40 million. Read more from Andrews after the jump.

[Source: News 9, WSJ, Keith Andrews]




Continue reading Oklahomans battling over the cost of NEVs. Should they be free?

Oklahomans battling over the cost of NEVs. Should they be free? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>low speed vehicleLowSpeedVehiclelsvneighborhood electric vehicleNeighborhoodElectricVehiclenevnevsMon, 09 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[CAFE credits for EVs - will we repeat the E85 system?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/cafe-credits-for-evs-will-we-repeat-the-e85-system/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/cafe-credits-for-evs-will-we-repeat-the-e85-system/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/cafe-credits-for-evs-will-we-repeat-the-e85-system/#commentsFiled under: , ,



What is a plug-in vehicle worth? When it comes to CAFE credits, the answer to this question is a bit complicated. As we discussed in our Greenlings look at CAFE, the system allows for credits. One effect is that automakers who build vehicles that can burn E85 - even if these cars don't actually use the biofuel - get a bit of a pass for their dirtier vehicles. When it comes to EVs, a potential "sell one, get one free" deal is in the works.

Basically, the system might allow plug-in vehicles to count as 1.2 or even 2 vehicles in the fleet calculations,and so each EV could offset something big and fuel inefficient. This might result in getting plug-in vehicles to market while also allowing bug SUVs to remain in production. Unsurprisingly, the Auto Alliance, made up of most of the big OEMs, loves the idea. Alliance spokesman Charles Territo said that, "The ability to earn, trade and bank credits" by producing electric and hybrid vehicles "is essential to meeting the goals of the national program." The next big CAFE goal is 35.5 mpg by 2016.

John DeCicco, senior lecturer at the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment, told HybridCars that the EV credit system under discussion is potentially confusing. "Funny math can't substitute for engineering breakthroughs. EVs of any sort can only make a real difference if they succeed on their merits for both customer value and emissions reduction. Bonus credits may fool a few starry-eyed policymakers, they won't fool either the marketplace or the Earth's atmosphere."

Source: HybridCars]

CAFE credits for EVs - will we repeat the E85 system? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecafe creditscafe evCafeCreditsCafeEvelectric car cafeElectricCarCafeev cafeev creditsEvCafeEvCreditsjohn deciccoJohnDeciccoThu, 05 Nov 2009 14:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Plug-in vehicles will get special license plate in Ontario next year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/plug-in-vehicles-will-get-special-license-plate-in-ontario-next/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/plug-in-vehicles-will-get-special-license-plate-in-ontario-next/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/plug-in-vehicles-will-get-special-license-plate-in-ontario-next/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Want to emblazon your ride with Ontario's new "environmentally friendly vehicles" license plate? There are two hurdles you'll have to jump. First, wait until next year when the plate actually becomes available on July 1. Second, you'll need to get a car with a plug. According to the Toronto Star, the new green vehicle plates are for plug-in hybrids and battery-powered cars only.

Like the Clean Access stickers that were so popular in California, the special plates will allow the cars to drive in high occupancy vehicle highway lanes through 2015 no matter how many people are in the car. Drivers will also get to pull up to recharging facilities at GO Transit and some government-operated parking lots, and will be allowed to park in special spots at some Wal-Marts and at the University of Toronto. The provincial government is offering the benefits as a way to reach Ontario's Electric Vehicle initiative goal of getting EVs to make up five percent of the fleet mix in Ontario by 2020.

[Source: Toronto Star]

Plug-in vehicles will get special license plate in Ontario next year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery electric vehicleBatteryElectricVehiclebevcanadaevevsontarioontario phevOntarioPhevphevphevsplug-inplug-in-hybridThu, 05 Nov 2009 08:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Perennial wishes: Auto industry execs calling for higher gas tax yet again]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/perennial-wishes-auto-industry-execs-calling-for-higher-gas-tax/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/perennial-wishes-auto-industry-execs-calling-for-higher-gas-tax/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/perennial-wishes-auto-industry-execs-calling-for-higher-gas-tax/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



How often do the Wall Street Journal, Bill Ford, Jr. and Thomas Friedman agree on something? When it's the gas tax, it's 100 percent of the time, and now a number of auto executives have added their voices in favor of a gas tax in order to reach the end goal of getting more fuel efficient vehicles into use.

Speaking at the Reuters Autos Summit in Detroit, people like Jerry York, a former GM board member, and Mike Jackson, chief executive of AutoNation Inc., said that setting the price of gas at at least $4 a gallon would be a better way to get Americans to use less gasoline than giving out billions in loans and grants to develop new, more efficient technologies. Only with some pain at the pump, Jackson said, will car buyers care about fuel efficiency, adding that the best way to set the price floor would be with gradual gas tax increases until the $4 or $5 price limit is reached. Tim Leuliette, chief executive of supplier Dura Automotive, suggested that $8/gallon should be the target by 2020, stressing that the increases need to be telegraphed far in advance so that automakers and buyers can prepare for them. Rebates or other assistance for low income families should also be considered, the executives said.

Of course, any politician who pushes hard for these increase will likely face tremendous opposition and criticism, but these guys are making sense. How is it that the auto industry is so far ahead on this issue?

[Source: Forbes]
Photo by functoruser. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Perennial wishes: Auto industry execs calling for higher gas tax yet again originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gas taxgasoline taxgasoline taxesGasolineTaxGasolineTaxesGasTaxWed, 04 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[UK expands fuel economy label to include used cars]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/uk-expands-fuel-economy-label-to-include-used-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/uk-expands-fuel-economy-label-to-include-used-cars/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/uk-expands-fuel-economy-label-to-include-used-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The UK's Minister for Transport, Sadiq Khan, has announced a new color-coded label that would help identify the most fuel-efficient cars right in the showroom. This label will also include information about the car's CO2 emissions, estimated fuel costs over 12,000 miles and MPG. This label was created by the British Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) and, although it's not mandatory yet, 94 percent of British car dealers have signed up to display it on new and new-ish cars. That's right, these labels are designed not only for new cars, but for used vehicles as well, with information available for cars dating back to 2001 (check the mock-up here). Dealers can register to use the system either individually at www.vca.gov.uk or through their manufacturer. Read full press release after the jump.

[Source: DfT]

Continue reading UK expands fuel economy label to include used cars

UK expands fuel economy label to include used cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>color labelColorLabelfuel labelFuelLabelSadiq KhanSadiqKhanused car fuel economy labelUsedCarFuelEconomyLabelTue, 03 Nov 2009 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[GM awarded DOE money to research Shape Memory Alloy heat engines]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/gm-awarded-doe-money-to-research-shape-memory-alloy-heat-engines/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/gm-awarded-doe-money-to-research-shape-memory-alloy-heat-engines/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/gm-awarded-doe-money-to-research-shape-memory-alloy-heat-engines/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


General Motors has been awarded $2.7 million by the Department of Energy to create a working prototype engine using Shape Memory Alloys (SMA). The idea is for the prototype to use SMA tech to capture heat energy from engine exhaust gasses via an electric generator and transfer that energy to recharge batteries for hybrids or electric vehicles.

SMA tech can also theoretically power electronic devices like power seats and windows in a standard gas- or diesel-powered car, perhaps even replacing the power-sapping alternator. The GM press release, which is pasted after the jump, doesn't go into much depth explaining how memory alloys work, but the basic principle is easy to understand.

"When you heat up a stretched SMA wire, it shrinks back to its pre-stretched length, and when it cools back down it becomes less stiff and can revert to the original shape" said Jan Aase, director of GM's Vehicle Development Research Laboratory. "A loop of this wire could be used to drive an electric generator to charge a battery."

While $2.7 million isn't a lot of coin in the realm of GM finances (the General seemed to shed about $2.7 million every ten minutes pre-bankruptcy) the grant was significant in that it was the only monies awarded by the DOE given to an automaker. GM is working with partners from outside the auto industry to make the concept a reality, a practice that the General says is imperative to get breakthroughs like this to market. No timetable was given as to when GM's SMA concept would see the light of day.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM awarded DOE money to research Shape Memory Alloy heat engines

GM awarded DOE money to research Shape Memory Alloy heat engines originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of energyDepartmentOfEnergyelectric generatorElectricGeneratorgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhybridshape metal alloy heat enginesShapeMetalAlloyHeatEnginessmaMon, 02 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Aptera officially resubmits application for DOE loan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/aptera-officialy-resubmits-application-for-doe-loan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/aptera-officialy-resubmits-application-for-doe-loan/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/aptera-officialy-resubmits-application-for-doe-loan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

Not that it comes as a shock or anything, but word comes from Aptera (by way of Green Car Advisor) that it has officially resubmitted its application for DOE loans. The hopeful manufacturer of three-wheeled electric vehicles had previously submitted an application for funds from the DOE's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) program, but the application was declined as the funds were only available for four-wheeled vehicles.

Now that President Obama and Congress have revised the ATVM program to include three-wheeled cars that can carry at least two passengers and return at least 75 miles per gallon (or the electrical equivalent, naturally), Aptera now qualifies for funding. As such, Aptera has updated its application for a $75 million loan.

The updated application still needs to be approved by the powers that be before any funds will be distributed, though it would seem that Aptera would be a shoe-in now that the program's guidelines have been revised.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Aptera officially resubmits application for DOE loan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advanced Technology Vehicle ManufacturingAdvanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive ProgramAdvanced Technology Vehicles ManufacturingAdvanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing ATVM Loan programAdvancedTechnologyVehicleManufacturingAdvancedTechnologyVehicleManufacturingIncentiveProgramAdvancedTechnologyVehiclesManufacturingAdvancedTechnologyVehiclesManufacturingAtvmLoanProgramapteraaptera 2eaptera motorsAptera2eApteraMotorsatvmatvmpdoedoe fundsDoeFundsFri, 30 Oct 2009 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[President signs bill expanding ATVM program to three wheelers]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/president-signs-bill-expanding-atvm-program-to-three-wheelers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/president-signs-bill-expanding-atvm-program-to-three-wheelers/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/president-signs-bill-expanding-atvm-program-to-three-wheelers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

When congress established the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) program in the 2007 energy bill, it explicitly said that it applied to making cars that come under the federal motor vehicle safety standards. Those safety standards apply only to vehicles with four or more wheels, meaning that three wheelers like the Aptera 2e were not eligible for the money.

This week, Congress passed and President Obama signed into law a bill that revises the $25 billion loan program administered by the U.S. Department of Energy. The ATVM program now applies to high efficiency two- and three-wheelers that carry at least two people and get 75 mpg or more. Aptera is now revising and re-submitting its loan application based on the new rules. In spite of not being required to meet federal safety standards, Aptera has committed to passing all the crash requirements anyway. Now the company may be able to get some-low cost funding to help expand and get cars into customer hands.

Gallery: Aptera


[Source: Aptera]

Continue reading President signs bill expanding ATVM program to three wheelers

President signs bill expanding ATVM program to three wheelers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advanced Technology Vehicle ManufacturingAdvanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive ProgramAdvanced Technology Vehicles ManufacturingAdvanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing ATVM Loan programAdvancedTechnologyVehicleManufacturingAdvancedTechnologyVehicleManufacturingIncentiveProgramAdvancedTechnologyVehiclesManufacturingAdvancedTechnologyVehiclesManufacturingAtvmLoanProgramapteraaptera 2eaptera motorsaptera-motorsAptera2eApteraMotorsatvmatvmlpFri, 30 Oct 2009 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi to work with Netherlands government on EV promotion]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/mitsubishi-to-work-with-netherlands-government-on-ev-promotion/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/mitsubishi-to-work-with-netherlands-government-on-ev-promotion/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/mitsubishi-to-work-with-netherlands-government-on-ev-promotion/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Osamu Masuko, president of Mitsubishi Motors, paid a visit to the Netherlands this week to meet with prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende on the subject of electric vehicles. Mitsubishi recently delivered a production iMiEV to the Dutch embassy in Japan for use there. The Dutch government launched a tax incentive program to promote EV field tests last June and wants to expand the program beyond just fleets.

Mitsubishi will be working with the Dutch just as it is in numerous other countries (including Monaco, Iceland and Hong Kong) to expand availability of both plug-in vehicles and build out a network of public charge points to facilitate the use of EVs. Mitsubishi is now offering the iMiEV for sale in Japan and showed a small cargo box version of the car last week at the Tokyo Motor Show.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi to work with Netherlands government on EV promotion

Mitsubishi to work with Netherlands government on EV promotion originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mitsubishiMitsubishi i Mievmitsubishi imievmitsubishi netherlandsMitsubishiIMievMitsubishiNetherlandsNetherlandsnetherlands governmentNetherlandsGovernmentThu, 29 Oct 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[PEV 2009: David Cole explains why adding plugs to cars is anything but simple]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/pev-2009-david-cole-explains-why-adding-plugs-to-cars-is-anythi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/pev-2009-david-cole-explains-why-adding-plugs-to-cars-is-anythi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/pev-2009-david-cole-explains-why-adding-plugs-to-cars-is-anythi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

David Cole is the chairman of the Center For Automotive Research. As such, he is deeply connected to the industry and played a big role in organizing the Business of Plugging In expo in Detroit last week. We've talked with Cole in the past, and caught up with him at the expo to hear what the Michigan-centric conference can tell us about the future of plug-in vehicles in the mitten state.

There are six big companies with "significant" R&D facilities in Michigan - the three big domestic manufacturers plus Toyota, Nissan and Hyundai - and Honda has a major facility in Ohio. On top of this, there are about 300 tech centers for suppliers in the area, so it makes sense to try and bring these players together at a conference. Adding a plug to the vehicle means involving a larger cast of characters than has been common in the past, and new relationships must be developed. This is not easy to do.

"People tended to trivialize the complexity of the industry because it's so easy to drive cars," Cole said. Not true, he said, not true at all. Read more of his thoughts after the jump.

Continue reading PEV 2009: David Cole explains why adding plugs to cars is anything but simple

PEV 2009: David Cole explains why adding plugs to cars is anything but simple originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business of plugging inBusinessOfPluggingIncarCenter for Automotive ResearchCenterForAutomotiveResearchdavid coleDavidColepev 2009Pev2009Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:49:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: All those clunkers messed up with no where to go]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-all-those-clunkers-messed-up-with-no-where-to-go/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-all-those-clunkers-messed-up-with-no-where-to-go/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-all-those-clunkers-messed-up-with-no-where-to-go/#commentsFiled under: ,



We found out which vehicles were the most popular "green" clunkers in the Car Allowance Rebate System that ran its course earlier this fall, but it won't take much sleuthing to discover where all these clunkers have ended up. According to the AP, the disabled SUVs, minivans and trucks (mostly) are still sitting on scrap lots around the country. One recycler in Minnesota has acres crammed with 4,000 cars and can only dismantle about 100 cars a week. This is a problem, because all of the clunkers are supposed to be recycled and dealt with within six months of when they were turned in for the rebate that was worth up to $4,500.

The American Recyclers Association said before the program ended that the clunkers would be recycled "according to the rules set forth under the CARS program to achieve the highest of environmental standards. With protecting the environment being a major component in this legislation, recycling these vehicles is the next logical step." The ARA is now asking for more time to properly recycle the vehicles. Sounds reasonable, no?

[Source: AP]
Photo by dno1967. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

REPORT: All those clunkers messed up with no where to go originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american recyclers associationAmericanRecyclersAssociationcar allowance rebate systemCarAllowanceRebateSystemcarsCash for ClunkersCashForClunkersclunkersrecyclerecyclersrecyclingscrapMon, 26 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[HFO-1234yf: Get used to hearing it]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/hfo-1234yf-get-used-to-hearing-it/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/hfo-1234yf-get-used-to-hearing-it/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/hfo-1234yf-get-used-to-hearing-it/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



What the heck is HFO-1234yf? That's the name of a new refrigerant that's reportedly 350-times less damaging to the atmosphere than the current HFC-134a (or 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane, if you prefer). You may recall that today's refrigerant was actually put into widespread use back in the early 1990s as a replacement for the long-running R12 that was found to be collecting in and damaging our delicate ozone layer.

Well, it turns out that HFC-134a isn't as good a solution as hoped for. As such, the refrigerant has been banned in Europe beginning in 2011 and it seems likely the United States will follow suit. Enter HFO-1234yf, also known as 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene.

The new refrigerant was co-developed by DuPont and Honeywell and has already been approved for use in Japan and Europe for automotive air conditioners. Earlier this week, the United States EPA issued a proposal to approve a replacement for HFC-134a, and this new stuff is seen as a likely substitute.

[Source: EPA via Green Car Advisor]

HFO-1234yf: Get used to hearing it originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>environmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyepahfc-134aHFO 1234-yfhfo-1234yfHfo1234-yfr-134aR1200S HP2R1200sHp2refrigerantSat, 24 Oct 2009 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[World's Largest Rebate? Save $42,000 on Tesla Roadster in Colorado]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/worlds-largest-rebate-save-42-000-on-tesla-roadster-in-colora/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/worlds-largest-rebate-save-42-000-on-tesla-roadster-in-colora/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/worlds-largest-rebate-save-42-000-on-tesla-roadster-in-colora/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Tesla Roadster - Click above image for high-res gallery

We didn't believe it until we verified it with our own eyes, but amazingly it's true: Colorado is offering a $42,083 rebate on the 2009 Tesla Roadster until December 31st. Carry the one, move the decimal point... yep, that's a 38-percent discount on what must be the most desirable electric car currently for sale in the United States.

So, exactly how did this come about? Is the thin air that's distorting people's better judgment? Not exactly. The incentive actually applies to a slew of qualifying hybrid and electric vehicles and will be paid in the form of an income tax credit that's calculated by determining the difference in price of the alt-fuel car or truck as compared to a competitive gas-powered model. In the case of the Tesla Roadster, Colorado figures the EV costs a whopping $50K more than its competitive set... which we imagine might be the Lotus Elise.

Want to take advantage of the rebate but not interested in a fully-electric sportscar? Buyers can also get a $20K rebate on the 2009 Lexus LS 600h L or about three grand on either the new Honda Insight or Toyota Prius. See the complete list in PDF form here.


Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster


[Source: Green Car Reports]

World's Largest Rebate? Save $42,000 on Tesla Roadster in Colorado originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coloradocolorado ev rebatecolorado hybrid rebatecolorado rebateColoradoEvRebateColoradoHybridRebateColoradoRebatehybrid rebatehybrid rebatesHybridRebateHybridRebatesTeslatesla motorstesla rebatetesla roadstertesla roadster coloradotesla roadster rebateTeslaMotorsTeslaRebateTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterColoradoTeslaRoadsterRebateThu, 22 Oct 2009 16:53:00 EST<![CDATA[PEV 2009: GM's Lauckner wishes for bigger incentives to get drivers out of gas-powered vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/pev-2009-gms-lauckner-wishes-for-bigger-incentives-to-get-driv/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/pev-2009-gms-lauckner-wishes-for-bigger-incentives-to-get-driv/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/pev-2009-gms-lauckner-wishes-for-bigger-incentives-to-get-driv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At this point, it's no secret that the Chevy Volt and other plug-in vehicles are not going to come cheap. The least-pricey full-speed electric vehicle may very well be the Nissan Leaf, which after incentives might drop into the $27-28,000 range before the extra cost of leasing the battery. While the operational costs of these cars should be substantially less than any internal combustion vehicle, customers rarely think that far ahead when signing up for a car loan. That's especially true when gas remains well under $3 a gallon here in the U.S.

Speaking at the Business of Plugging In Conference in Detroit, Michigan this week, GM's VP of Global Program Management told the audience that incentives will need to be increased for plug-in vehicles to start gaining a real foothold in the U.S. market.

Although GM won't announce pricing until its launch a year from now, most observers expect the Volt to run about $40,000. With a $7,500 federal tax credit, it will still be well over $30,000, which is very expensive for a compact car. Unless gas prices get significantly higher or incentives are increased, most buyers are unlikely to find this or other plug-ins to be a good economic proposition.

[Source: Detroit News]

PEV 2009: GM's Lauckner wishes for bigger incentives to get drivers out of gas-powered vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevy volt2011ChevyVoltchevy voltChevyVoltJon LaucknerJonLaucknerplug in hybridplug-inplug-in hybridplug-in-hybridplug-in-hybridsPlug-inHybridpluginPlugInHybridpluginstax incentivetax incentivesTaxIncentiveTaxIncentivesWed, 21 Oct 2009 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Opposite World: Is traffic good for the environment?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/opposite-world-is-traffic-good-for-the-environment/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/opposite-world-is-traffic-good-for-the-environment/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/opposite-world-is-traffic-good-for-the-environment/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Traffic congestion is good for the environment. Wait, come again? Are we talking about Bizarro World here? Actually, according to Wall Street Journal writer David Owen, excessive congestion can actually be a good thing when it convinces drivers to explorer transportation alternatives instead of sitting in endless traffic jams.

Further, some studies show that decreasing travel time with metered freeway entrance ramps actually increases overall vehicle emissions and fuel usage as the volume of vehicles using the expressways goes up. Poor traffic conditions in the New York metropolitan area turn many commuters and city dwellers into transit users. In fact, New York users account for a third of all public-transit miles in the United States.

Further, increasing roadway capacity can also have a negative impact on vehicle usage as drivers are lured back into their cars for trips they would otherwise have avoided. So, what's the solution? Really, there doesn't seem to be any one answer that will fix all of our traffic woes adequately, which is why individual city planners often come up with differing ideas, depending on local conditions.

[Source: Wall Street Journal via Wired]
Photo by flickrized. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Opposite World: Is traffic good for the environment? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>congestioncongestion chargecongestion chargescongestion reliefcongestion zoneCongestionChargeCongestionChargesCongestionReliefCongestionZonetraffictraffic jamTrafficJamTue, 20 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Why can't Americans have good, small diesels?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/greenlings-why-cant-americans-have-good-small-diesels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/greenlings-why-cant-americans-have-good-small-diesels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/greenlings-why-cant-americans-have-good-small-diesels/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

The question is often asked, "Why is it that drivers in Europe can get all of these amazing high-mileage cars that get 50, 60 or even 70 mpg but we have to celebrate when we get half of that?" There are plenty of reasons, but one of the main ones is the remarkable compression ignition engine, more commonly known by the name of its inventor, the diesel.

In recent years, diesel engined vehicles have accounted for over half of all new vehicle sales in Europe - in some places like France and Italy, up to 80 percent. Yet here in the United States, these high-efficiency wonders represent a tiny minority of car sales. Only in the heavy duty truck segment do diesels grab any significant attention. Read on after the jump to learn why so few diesel cars are available in the U.S.


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

Continue reading Why can't Americans have good, small diesels?

Why can't Americans have good, small diesels? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldiesel emissionsdiesel emissions-control technologydiesel pricesDieselEmissionsDieselEmissions-controlTechnologyDieselPricesfeaturedgreenlingst2b5tier 2 bin 5Tier2Bin5Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Kansas newspapers calls for end to ethanol subsidy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/kansas-newspapers-calls-for-end-to-ethanol-subsidy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/kansas-newspapers-calls-for-end-to-ethanol-subsidy/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/kansas-newspapers-calls-for-end-to-ethanol-subsidy/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's no secret that ethanol is a controversial fuel. There are numerous arguments against the use of corn-derived alcohol as a fuel, both economic and environmental. The federal and some state governments have been subsidizing corn ethanol production for many years, but the 2007 energy bill mandated a huge increase in production of both corn and cellulosic ethanol.

The subsidies were intended to be a carrot to stimulate production, but with production now mandated, the subsidies now seem redundant, at least according to the editorial board of the Kansas City Star. The paper is calling for the repeal of the corn ethanol subsidies which seem to do little more than line the pockets of big corn producers and processors. Eliminating the 45 cent per gallon credit would also pave the way for cheaper sugar can ethanol to come in from Brazil. There should also be more rigorous study of the effects of corn ethanol production including water and land use.

[Source: Kansas City Star]

Kansas newspapers calls for end to ethanol subsidy originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ethanolethanol productionethanol subsidiesEthanolProductionEthanolSubsidiesMon, 19 Oct 2009 08:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Congress approves three-wheelers for DOE funds]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/congress-approves-three-wheelers-for-doe-funds/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/congress-approves-three-wheelers-for-doe-funds/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/congress-approves-three-wheelers-for-doe-funds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aptera 2e final design rendering - Click above to enlarge

Following months of debate, Congress has approved a bill that will pave the way for three-wheeled vehicle manufacturers like Aptera to qualify for funding from the Department of Energy. Next step: President Obama's desk, and the Commander-in-Chief is reportedly expected to sign the bill into law in short order. Rep. Brian Bilbray, a Republican from California that co-sponsored the bill, says:
This is a huge win for scientific innovation and the environment. We need more innovation and less regulation when it comes to promoting new ways to save energy while saving money at the pump.
Indeed, three-wheeled vehicle platforms sometimes have the potential to use less energy to operate than their four-wheeled siblings, though some still question the inherent safety of such designs. Assuming the bill passes the President's desk, any manufacturer of enclosed three-wheeled vehicles that can carry at least two adults while returning at least 75 miles per gallon will be eligible for funding, though the DOE will still approve applications on a case-by-case basis.


Gallery: Aptera


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

Congress approves three-wheelers for DOE funds originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apterabreakingDepartment of EnergyDepartmentOfEnergydoedoe loandoe loansDoeLoanDoeLoansthree-wheelthree-wheeledthree-wheeled carThree-wheeledCarthree-wheelerFri, 16 Oct 2009 17:05:00 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