AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 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[Tesla pays back $465M DOE loan, Musk says 'I hope we did you proud']]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/tesla-pays-back-465m-doe-loan-early/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/tesla-pays-back-465m-doe-loan-early/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/tesla-pays-back-465m-doe-loan-early/#commentsFiled under: , ,

elon musk with tesla model s

We're willing to bet there are bottles of champagne popping all the way from Washington, DC to Palo Alto, CA today with the announcement that Tesla Motors has, as suspected, paid off the entirety of its $465-million Department of Energy loan.

"I hope we did you proud" - Elon Musk

As far back as July 2012, Tesla began talking about paying the US government back early, but it was apparently the tremendous rise in the company's stock value recently that prompted CEO Elon Musk to push for the immediate repayment this week. From a price of $33.87 on January 1, TSLA has climbed to $87.24 today (down a bit from the recent highs of over $92). Last week, Tesla sold enough stock to raise over a billion dollars to repay the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) loan, with interest. This makes Tesla the first automaker to pay the DOE back, and it did so nine years ahead of schedule. In a prepared statement, Tesla CEO Elon Musk thanked the DOE and Congress and "particularly the American taxpayer from whom these funds originate. I hope we did you proud."

The DOE is certainly proud, issuing a release that said the repayment "shows the strength of energy department's overall loan portfolio." The DOE has come under fire recently for the loan it gave to Fisker Automotive. Two other ATVM recipients, Nissan and Ford, have not yet paid all theit money back, but there are no apparent worries there, either. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said in a statement that, "not every investment will succeed" but that the DOE's overall $34-million loan portfolio of more than 30 loans "is delivering big results for the American economy while costing far less than anticipated." Details in the press releases below.

Continue reading Tesla pays back $465M DOE loan, Musk says 'I hope we did you proud'

Tesla pays back $465M DOE loan, Musk says 'I hope we did you proud' originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 May 2013 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvmdoedoe loanelectric vehicleelon muskteslatesla model stslaWed, 22 May 2013 17:43:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580358/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20580358/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/tesla-pays-back-465m-doe-loan-early/20580358/article-detail.xml 20580358 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/elon-musk-tesla-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/elon-musk-tesla-opt.jpg <![CDATA[A123 Systems, now B456, wins court approval to exit bankruptcy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/a123-systems-now-b456-wins-court-approval-to-exit-bankruptcy/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/a123-systems-now-b456-wins-court-approval-to-exit-bankruptcy/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/a123-systems-now-b456-wins-court-approval-to-exit-bankruptcy/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's official: A123 Systems Inc. is passing through its final phase. The bankrupt lithium ion battery maker, now going by the name B456 Systems Inc., has won court approval for its plan to exit bankruptcy that pays off creditors from proceeds gained by selling off virtually all of its assets.

Objections previously made by creditors had been resolved prior to the hearing where US Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Carey approved the company's plan. Creditors had voted "overwhelmingly in favor of the plan," Caroline Reckler, a lawyer for B456 Systems, told the Washington Post.

Now that the plan has been court approved, B456 expects to exit court protection in about three to four weeks. This will complete bankruptcy proceedings started by A123 last October, and which was the source of political jabs by then-presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The Republican candidate had condemned the Obama administration for failed attempts at financially supporting alternative-energy industries.

The A123 name was removed in bankruptcy proceedings, which was required by the court in order to be purchased by Chinese company Wanxiang. The changeover to the B456 corporate identity was made in March as part of a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission when the company declared that its old assets were liquidated. The good parts of the old A123 live on under Wanxiang's new A123 Venture Technologies division.

As the recovery plan was being executed, plug-in hybrid carmaker and former partner Fisker Automotive came to a settlement with former A123. Fisker agreed to reduce about $140 million in claims by 89 percent to $15 million.

A123 Systems, now B456, wins court approval to exit bankruptcy originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 May 2013 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123a123 systemsb456bankruptcyfiskerli-ionlithium ionWed, 22 May 2013 14:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578981/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20578981/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/a123-systems-now-b456-wins-court-approval-to-exit-bankruptcy/20578981/article-detail.xml 20578981 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/a123-systems_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/a123-systems.jpg <![CDATA[North Carolina targets Tesla, considers banning direct-to-consumer sales]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/north-carolina-targets-tesla-banning-direct-to-consumer-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/north-carolina-targets-tesla-banning-direct-to-consumer-sales/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/north-carolina-targets-tesla-banning-direct-to-consumer-sales/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tesla Model S at sunset

North Carolina is the latest state to line up against Tesla Motors by proposing a bill that would bar direct automaker-to-customer sales within the state, the Raleigh News & Observer reports. Still, Tesla says plans to open a showroom there and has sold about 80 cars to North Carolina residents, with reservations for about 60 more.

According to Slate, a bill pushed by the state's Senate Commerce Committee - and backed, of course, by the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association (NCADA) - would not only prevent Tesla from opening a showroom in North Carolina, it would go as far as banning Internet vehicle sales in the Tar Heel state. We're not sure how that would be enforced, but it would certainly crimp the success Tesla has had without using the traditional industry dealer distribution model. The bill is sponsored by state Sen. Tom Apodaca (R), who claims the goal is to stop unfair competition between manufacturers and dealers (as Slate notes, Apodaca also received $8,000 from the NCADA last year, the most allowed by law). Tesla's vice president for corporate and business development, Diarmuid O'Connell, argues that the bill is "a protectionist move to lock down the market so we have to go through the middleman - the dealer - to sell our cars."

Texas, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New York are among states that have so far taken issue with Tesla's dealer-free distribution model, prompting Musk to say last month that he'd consider going to Congress to try and get factory-to-customer sales legalized throughout the country. Musk is likely emboldened by the fact that Tesla earned its first quarterly profit this year and sold more of its Model S electric vehicles than General Motors and Nissan did of their Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in and Leaf EV, respectively.

North Carolina targets Tesla, considers banning direct-to-consumer sales originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 15 May 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car dealersdealerselectric vehicleelon muskncnorth carolinateslatesla motorstesla storetom apodacaWed, 15 May 2013 13:29:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568421/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20568421/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/north-carolina-targets-tesla-banning-direct-to-consumer-sales/20568421/article-detail.xml 20568421 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/teslamodels-1368580419_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/teslamodels-1368580419.jpg <![CDATA[H2USA is DOE's new partnership to support hydrogen fueling stations]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/h2usa-doe-new-partnership-to-support-hydrogen-fuel-station/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/h2usa-doe-new-partnership-to-support-hydrogen-fuel-station/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/h2usa-doe-new-partnership-to-support-hydrogen-fuel-station/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The US Department of Energy (DOE) has kicked off H2USA, a public-private partnership focused on advancing hydrogen infrastructure to bring more transportation energy options to US consumers, including fueling up their fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). This is important for FCEVs because, right now, there are only 55 of these fueling stations in the US.

Massive shale gas fields in the US are providing a plentiful source of hydrogen, and H2USA stakeholders say they will work together to leverage these low cost natural gas resources. A number of automakers, including Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota, have joined H2USA.

While former DOE secretary Steven Chu was deeply resented by the hydrogen industry for backing electric vehicles over hydrogen, that relationship had been improving before he left office. Last year, Chu admitted he'd changed his mind about hydrogen fuel cells.

The California Fuel Cell Partnership (which is also working with H2USA, see the complete list in the press release below) has committed to bringing 70 hydrogen stations to the state by 2016. The DOE's support of H2USA should further salve the wound from the Obama administration's split with the hydrogen industry.

Continue reading H2USA is DOE's new partnership to support hydrogen fueling stations

H2USA is DOE's new partnership to support hydrogen fueling stations originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 14 May 2013 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clean energydoefuel cell electric vehiclesh2h2usahydrogensteven chuTue, 14 May 2013 18:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567277/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20567277/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/h2usa-doe-new-partnership-to-support-hydrogen-fuel-station/20567277/article-detail.xml 20567277 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hydrogen-fuel-station_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/hydrogen-fuel-station.jpg <![CDATA[BIg Oil's favorite anti-clean energy study knocked down by review panel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/big-oils-favorite-anti-clean-energy-study-knocked-down-by-revie/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/big-oils-favorite-anti-clean-energy-study-knocked-down-by-revie/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/big-oils-favorite-anti-clean-energy-study-knocked-down-by-revie/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Oil companies and other supporters of the fossil fuel status quo have been using a study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to attack California's landmark clean energy bill AB32, particularly the bill's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Oil companies have been particularly irate that the LCFS requires them to reduce carbon pollution from gasoline and diesel 10 percent by 2020. But when the BCG report was roundly criticized, the Big Oil tried to come to the rescue. Now, an independent panel of scientists and academics has determined that the BCG study, the ammo being used to attack California's clean energy efforts, is packed with erroneous findings.

Oil companies have been particularly irate that the Low Carbon Fuel Standard requires them to reduce carbon pollution from gasoline and diesel 10 percent by 2020.

The BCG study had been under enough criticism and scrutiny that industry groups contracted with the UC Davis Policy Institute to assemble an expert independent review panel. The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA, which originally funded the BCG report), the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers requested the BCG report evaluation. Instead of supporting Big Oil, the reviewers found the study flawed on a number of fronts. For example, the BCG report missed "positive effects on the health and welfare of the citizens of California that could result from the implementation of AB32." The review panel also said the BCG study understated the benefits of AB32 on the economy; overstated the cost of industry compliance; and overstated harmful impact on California's oil refining industry. You can read a more detailed break-down on the situation over at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The California Air Resources Board created the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) to comply with AB32. CARB wants to reduce the amount of carbon in transportation fuels as a way to reduce the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. The BCG study and the resulting fallout isn't the first time oil companies have attempted to block LCFS and AB32. They also attempted to pass the Proposition 23 ballot initiative, which failed win voter approval in November 2010.

BIg Oil's favorite anti-clean energy study knocked down by review panel originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 13 May 2013 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab32big oilcaliforniagreenhouse gaslow carbon fuel standardoil companiesvehicle emissionsMon, 13 May 2013 10:19:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20565683/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20565683/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/big-oils-favorite-anti-clean-energy-study-knocked-down-by-revie/20565683/article-detail.xml 20565683 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/transportation-emissions_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/transportation-emissions.jpg <![CDATA[Maine votes to ban ethanol in gasoline, takes stand against E15]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/maine-votes-to-ban-ethanol-in-gasoline-takes-stand-against-e15/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/maine-votes-to-ban-ethanol-in-gasoline-takes-stand-against-e15/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/maine-votes-to-ban-ethanol-in-gasoline-takes-stand-against-e15/#commentsFiled under: ,

Maine

If it can go in your gas tank, it's potentially controversial up in Maine. A few years ago, out-of-spec gas pumps were a problem. Today, the issue is the corn-based biofuel ethanol, which the state legislature is taking a strong stand against. Citing potential engine and environmental damages, Maine's state legislature has taken another step to potential rid itself of ethanol blends into its gasoline inventory.

Legislators have approved a bill by more than a 3-to-1 margin that would ban ethanol blends in Maine - as long as two other nearby states do the same, the Bangor Daily News reports. State leaders also supported a resolution urging the government to ban gasoline with a 15 percent ethanol blend (known as E15), altogether. Most gasoline in the US contains up to 10 percent ethanol blend.

Maine regulators started talking about a statewide E15 ban early this year. The state said at the time that at least two other New England states would have to go along so that Maine refiners wouldn't have to make a custom blend for the state only, which would cause the state's fuel prices to jump.

On the federal level, the word is that E15 is fine. Last June, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially allowed for public sales of E15 as part of an effort to cut foreign-oil dependency. Groups such as AAA have since been critical of the EPA's decision, saying that E15 would cause engine damage as well as food shortages. E15 has been sold in some states since the middle of 2012, starting in Kansas, and there have not been any widespread reports of problems with the biofuel but it's not being sold just like any other fuel.

Maine votes to ban ethanol in gasoline, takes stand against E15 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 10 May 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bane15ethanolmainenew englandFri, 10 May 2013 19:14:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20565327/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20565327/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/maine-votes-to-ban-ethanol-in-gasoline-takes-stand-against-e15/20565327/article-detail.xml 20565327 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/maine_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/maine.jpg <![CDATA[More turbochargers, direct injection coming to China as plug-in interest drops]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



China seems to be hedging its bets on meeting stiffening emissions and fuel economy regulations, and addressing consumer demand for cleaner air. Electric vehicles remain part of the strategy, but their high cost, limited range and lack of infrastructure have kept sales at a slow pace. Hmm, that kind of sounds familiar, doesn't it?

As automakers are doing in the US, China-based manufacturers are exploring fuel-saving technologies that don't rely on plugging in, things like turbocharging and direct injection for gasoline and diesel engine powertrains. Chinese consumers are reticent about spending more on EVs, but they are paying extra for technology upgrades that improve fuel economy and driving experience.

Automotive supplier BorgWarner has seen its turbocharger sale double in China over the past three years. The company expects it to double again in the next three years, thanks to tougher fuel economy and emissions standards, and the fact that turbocharged vehicles are more fun to drive, according to BorgWarner China president Tom Tan. About 80 percent of turbochargers will be installed on engines between 1.4- and 2.0-liters, he added. Chinese government policy plays a role in turbocharger growth in small engines, since taxes are much higher on engines above 2.0L.

Direct injection technology is following the turbocharger trend. UK-based engineering consultancy, Ricardo, is seeing automakers clients requesting more direct injection, and expects that all gasoline-powered engines in China will include turbocharging and direct injection within 10 years.

Chinese automakers would like to be seen as technologically innovative, a central theme at last month's Shanghai Motor Show. Geely, for example, showed off its "self developed" turbocharged direct injection engine integrated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Government subsidies have failed to incentivize consumers to buy battery-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles in China in huge numbers. Larger subsidies are expected for hybrids, including plug-in hybrids, in the next few months. The Chinese government wants 500,000 hybrids and EVs on the road by 2015 and five million by 2020, but Chinese consumers only purchased 11,375 EVs and plug-in hybrids last year.

More turbochargers, direct injection coming to China as plug-in interest drops originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese auto marketdirect injectionelectric vehiclesgovernment incentiveshybridsturbochargedThu, 09 May 2013 17:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562090/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562090/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/20562090/article-detail.xml 20562090 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/detroit-electric-and-geely-at-shanghai-auto-show_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/detroit-electric-and-geely-at-shanghai-auto-show.jpg <![CDATA[LG Chem's Michigan battery plant starting production in July, will deliver Chevy Volt batteries by end of summer]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/lg-chem-battery-plant-starting-production-chevy-volt-batteries/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/lg-chem-battery-plant-starting-production-chevy-volt-batteries/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/lg-chem-battery-plant-starting-production-chevy-volt-batteries/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

LG Chem

It looks like the last hand's been played at those reputed card games that not-so-busy employees at LG Chem's lithium-ion battery factory in Michigan were playing. The South Korean company is planning to start production of batteries for the Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in in July, with the first batteries rolling off the factory's three assembly lines by end of summer, the Detroit Free Press reports. US Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) is using the announcement to call the partially government-backed factory a "flawed program," MLive says.

And the gentleman has a point. The factory broke ground in 2010 and about half of its $300-million cost was bankrolled by the US government. Volt battery orders came in slower than expected, though, so by last fall, many of the workers were being paid not to work, and production was at a standstill, according to a February audit by the US Department of Energy. LG Chem was ordered to repay the Feds $842,000 in funds reputedly used to pay workers who weren't doing anything productive. LG Chem admitted that the plant is taking longer than expected to actually, you know, make a battery, releasing a statement six months ago that said, "taxpayer money has not been wasted, because when the market demand justifies production, the facility will be utilized." It appears that time is almost here.

LG Chem's Michigan battery plant starting production in July, will deliver Chevy Volt batteries by end of summer originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 08 May 2013 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterychevychevy voltdepartment of energyelectric vehiclefactorylg chemlithium-ionmichiganplug-in hybridWed, 08 May 2013 16:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20561339/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20561339/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/lg-chem-battery-plant-starting-production-chevy-volt-batteries/20561339/article-detail.xml 20561339 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lgchem_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lgchem.jpg <![CDATA[California's Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Open Access Act would lower hurdles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/californias-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-open-access-act/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/californias-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-open-access-act/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/californias-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-open-access-act/#commentsFiled under: ,

Plug-in vehicle charging station

San Francisco and Los Angeles are known for their fog and smog, respectively, but at least the some folks representing the state of California want to make sure the view is crystal clear for plug-in drivers looking to juice up their vehicles.

The EV Open Access Act, or SB454, was recently passed by the California Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee. The bill guarantees plug-in owners "same access" to publicly accessible charging stations as conventional car owners have to gas stations. That means no special access card, password or secret handshake required, just a credit card like any other corner station. It also means pricing transparency when it comes to disclosing charging rates, advocate group Plug In America says.

That California took the lead here is no surprise. Californians have bought more than 35,000 plug-ins - more than a third of all the plug-ins in the US - since 2011. As of the end of last month, the Golden State was home to 1,276 publicly accessible charging stations, or more than a fifth of the country's total, according to the US Energy Department.

Read Plug In America's press release below.

Continue reading California's Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Open Access Act would lower hurdles

California's Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Open Access Act would lower hurdles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 08 May 2013 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billcaliforniacharging stationelectric vehicle charging stations open access actlawpricingtransparencyWed, 08 May 2013 09:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557837/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557837/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/californias-electric-vehicle-charging-stations-open-access-act/20557837/article-detail.xml 20557837 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chargingstation-1367380201_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chargingstation-1367380201.jpg <![CDATA[Consumer Federation says Americans ready for stricter fuel economy standards]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/consumer-federation-says-americans-ready-for-stricter-fuel-econo/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/consumer-federation-says-americans-ready-for-stricter-fuel-econo/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/consumer-federation-says-americans-ready-for-stricter-fuel-econo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Americans are moving past the days of screaming eagles and big pick-ups. That's what the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) says, and it has the survey results to prove it.

The CFA's 30-page "progress report" (PDF) indicates that folks are ready to embrace fuel-economy standards that will force automakers to reach a Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) level of 54.5 miles per gallon (that's about 40 mpg in real-world terms). In short, about 60 percent of those surveyed called fuel economy a "very important" factor in their next vehicle purchase and are actually looking for a fuel economy boost of about 30 percent with their next set of wheels. Check out the CFA's press release below.

Vehicle popularity has moved roughly in tandem with fuel economy and gas prices since 2009. As one broad example, four-cylinder vehicles account for about half of new car sales today, up from less than a third in 2005. For another, last year, advanced power train and diesel vehicles jumped 63 percent to about 540,000 vehicles while plug-in vehicle sales almost tripled to almost 50,000 units. In May, 2009, average gas price in the US was $2.44. Today, it is $3.52.

Continue reading Consumer Federation says Americans ready for stricter fuel economy standards

Consumer Federation says Americans ready for stricter fuel economy standards originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 07 May 2013 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecfaconsumer federation of americacorporate average fuel economyfuel economympgTue, 07 May 2013 11:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20555419/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20555419/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/consumer-federation-says-americans-ready-for-stricter-fuel-econo/20555419/article-detail.xml 20555419 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cfa-mpg-logo_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cfa-mpg-logo.png <![CDATA[With 38.2 cents per gallon, California is tops for state gas taxes]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/with-38-2-cents-per-gallon-california-highest-state-gas-tax/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/with-38-2-cents-per-gallon-california-highest-state-gas-tax/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/with-38-2-cents-per-gallon-california-highest-state-gas-tax/#commentsFiled under: ,

gas pump

This might come as puzzling news for any Angeleno or San Franciscan whose head is ringing from the most recent batch of potholes: California has the highest state gas taxes in the country, charging almost five times as much per gallon as low-tax states such as Alaska and Georgia, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) says.

The Golden State charges more than 38 cents a gallon, compared to about eight cents in Alaska and Georgia. Other states on the higher end of gas-tax rates include Washington, Maine, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina and Rhode Island, while Wyoming is one of the more wallet-friendly states. Most state gas taxes are spent on transportation infrastructure and road maintenance.

As of January 1, the US average for state gas taxes was 23.5 cents a gallon. Since 1993, the federal gas tax has remained stagnant at 18.4 cents per gallon. Gas prices are averaging about $3.50 a gallon, down 20 cents from a year ago, according to AAA. You can read the EIA's press release below.

Continue reading With 38.2 cents per gallon, California is tops for state gas taxes

With 38.2 cents per gallon, California is tops for state gas taxes originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 05 May 2013 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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States and municipalities are getting creative as they look for ways to raise tax revenues from electric cars. More and more plug-in vehicles are on the roads each year, and as gasoline-engine vehicles become more fuel efficient, there's simply less fuel tax revenue coming in. New Jersey is considering a tax scheme that will seem more reasonable to some and unfair to others.

The average EV driver would pay over $100 in extra taxes each year.

New Jersey state Sen. James Whelan (D-Atlantic) has sponsored S2531, which, if enacted would charge EVs a fee of 0.00839 cents per mile. For the average EV being driven about 12,000 miles per year, that comes out to $100.68 in tax. That's higher than what gasoline-powered vehicle drivers are paying. New Jersey's current state tax is 14.5 cents per gallon. If that car drives 12,000 miles per year and gets an average of 25 miles per gallon, that would come out to $69.60 in taxes per year. Of course, federal taxes increase the overall amount for gasoline-engines, making the gasoline tax fairly close to what electric vehicles would be taxed if the bill becomes law.

Electric vehicles are not specifically named in the S2531 bill, but internal combustion engines are exempted. For now, the bill, "Establishes mileage-based fee on passenger vehicles; exempts passenger vehicles from motor fuels tax."

New Jersey's proposal might be more affordable than other states. Michigan, Washington, Oregon, Virginia, Arizona and Texas have proposed or enacted electric vehicle taxes and they vary by how much the EV owner would end up paying. They're based on fixed fees, mileage charges and other means as governments try to recoup some of the fuel tax revenue lost to EVs.

Oregon government officials are considering a bill that would enact a per-mile tax for plug-in and highly fuel efficient vehicles. Fees would be charged for vehicles that get at least 55 mpg. The fee would be about a cent and a half per mile, coming out to about $230 annually for cars being driven about 15,000 miles per year. Ouch.

Officials in the San Francisco bay area are taking a more "technology neutral" approach to raising transportation taxes. They're studying a plan to tax drivers by the number of miles driven instead of number of gallons burned - drivers could be charged less than a penny or up to a dime per mile. To determine mileage, cars registered in the area would be fitted with a GPS device to track the number of miles traveled. Double ouch.

EVs are feeling the brunt of these new taxes nationwide. For EV owners who already pay more overall for the electric car and a home charging station than they would for a small ICE car, that has got to be annoying.

New Jersey considering electric vehicle tax originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 May 2013 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicle taxev taxfuel taxmileage taxnew jerseyoregonstate taxesSat, 04 May 2013 08:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20554978/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20554978/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/04/new-jersey-considering-electric-vehicle-tax/20554978/article-detail.xml 20554978 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/public-charging-station_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/public-charging-station.jpg <![CDATA[California rethinks battery-swap status in ZEV mandate]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/california-rethinks-battery-swap-status-zev-mandate/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/california-rethinks-battery-swap-status-zev-mandate/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/california-rethinks-battery-swap-status-zev-mandate/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Better Place battery-swapping technology

In February, the world's best-known plug-in battery-swapping network left California. Now, it looks like the state's not too keen on the concept.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), which is leading the effort to increase the number of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) in the state in the coming years, is making changes to the ZEV mandate. One such change will exclude battery swapping as a so-called "fast-refueling" technology that helps automakers earn ZEV credits.

CARB is holding a one-day workshop in Sacramento May 20 to review changes to the ZEV plan. The state is shooting for 1.4 million ZEVs - including battery-electrics, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles - to be sold in California by 2014. In February, California detailed its ZEV action plan, which, among other actions, involved subsidizing electric-charging discounts and charging-infrastructure build-out in order to help spur adoption.

Of course, the prospect of a battery-swapping network in the state, never all that likely, got quite a bit dimmer once Better Place, the electric-vehicle battery-swapping technology developer, said earlier this year that it would shut down operations in California and Australia to focus on Europe. Read the note from CARB here (PDF).

California rethinks battery-swap status in ZEV mandate originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery swappingbetter placecaliforniacalifornia air resources boardcarbFri, 03 May 2013 10:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557014/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20557014/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/california-rethinks-battery-swap-status-zev-mandate/20557014/article-detail.xml 20557014 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/betterplace_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/betterplace.jpg <![CDATA[GM signs Ceres declaration, says 'responding to climate change is good business']]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gm-signs-ceres-declaration-responding-climate-change/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gm-signs-ceres-declaration-responding-climate-change/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gm-signs-ceres-declaration-responding-climate-change/#commentsFiled under: , ,

climate declaration

General Motors has signed on to the Ceres "Climate Declaration," which is dedicated to stopping - and therefore acknowledges - climate change. While other major corporations like Starbucks, Ikea, Intel and eBay also signed on, GM is the only automaker so far to do so.

The signing took place at the Ceres Conference in San Francisco, and was organized by sustainability advocacy group Ceres and its Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP) coalition. Signers of the declaration are calling on policymakers to deal with climate change by promoting clean energy, energy efficiency and limiting carbon emissions.

Climate change tends to go through periods of public support, followed soon by waning interest. The petition does not in any way say that humans are responsible for climate change. Last year, GM got into trouble for funding the climate-change-denying Heartland Institute. Owner revolt ended that.

GM has worked with Ceres for more than two decades to refine its sustainability strategies. Ceres has been pushing for its mission of reducing climate change while building economic opportunities and job creation. In 2011, the group supported the strong 54.5 mpg by 2025 federal mandate, and actually wanted the limit to be set even higher.

Continue reading GM signs Ceres declaration, says 'responding to climate change is good business'

GM signs Ceres declaration, says 'responding to climate change is good business' originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 May 2013 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceresclimate changeenergy efficiencygeneral motorsgmsustainabilityThu, 02 May 2013 15:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20555396/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20555396/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/gm-signs-ceres-declaration-responding-climate-change/20555396/article-detail.xml 20555396 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/climate-declaration-ceres-gm_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/climate-declaration-ceres-gm.png <![CDATA[Tesla stock still climbing, despite federal subpoena asking about executive share trading]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/tesla-stock-still-climbing-despite-federal-supboena-asking-abou/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/tesla-stock-still-climbing-despite-federal-supboena-asking-abou/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/tesla-stock-still-climbing-despite-federal-supboena-asking-abou/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tesla motors logo

In recent days, Tesla Motors stock (TSLA) has been climbing and climbing, hitting a high of $58.18 earlier today before closing at a respectable $53.99. The rise comes amid a string of headline-making events - higher-than-expected sales, franchise dealer fights and a new warranty program, to name just three - but under all of the good news lies a potential problem. The Wall Street Journal revealed today that Tesla was served subpoenas from US federal prosecutors over details on the company's trading plan for executives. There has been no hint of wrongdoing, the feds just want information, Reuters reports. A similar subpoena was sent to Cardiovascular Systems, which makes medical implements.

The question is how the executives can trade their shares. Reuters reports that it is fine by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules for executives to use something called a 10b5-1 plan to trade their own stock, "even when they have access to private information." The subpoena does not seem to have anything to do with questions over whether Tesla CEO Elon Musk's recent "overzealous" Tweet was in any way illegal.

This week, analysts at Longboard Asset Management said they believe Tesla common stock will hit $100 in the next 18 months on the way to $200 per share within five years. In any case, we'll have more information ammunition for the debate when Tesla releases first quarter results May 8th.

Tesla stock still climbing, despite federal subpoena asking about executive share trading originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclesecsecurity and exchange commissionstock tradingsubpoenateslatesla model stslaTue, 30 Apr 2013 18:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20553578/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20553578/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/tesla-stock-still-climbing-despite-federal-supboena-asking-abou/20553578/article-detail.xml 20553578 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tesla-model-s-logo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tesla-model-s-logo-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz: GM deserved federal money, but Fisker, well, who knows?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/bob-lutz-gm-deserved-federal-money-but-fisker-well-who-knows/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/bob-lutz-gm-deserved-federal-money-but-fisker-well-who-knows/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/bob-lutz-gm-deserved-federal-money-but-fisker-well-who-knows/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Two days after a Congressional hearing about a US Department of Energy loan to Fisker Automotive, Bob Lutz wrote a column pondering what should be done to stop the financial hemorrhaging at the company that builds - well, used to build - the Karma extended-range sports car. When Lutz was vice chairman at General Motors, a federal bailout kept that company's factories open and helped bring the Chevrolet Volt to market. So, should the same sort of logic be applied here and Fisker given access to more money? Lutz wrote, "After all, the feds bailed out GM! What's the difference? Ah, there is one! GM was a product powerhouse, preparing the best line of cars and trucks in the last 50 years."

Lutz had good things to say about the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid itself, calling it "quite possibly the most beautiful four-door sedan ever" and that the powertrain technology was ground-breaking (while acknowledging that it is similar to what the Volt uses). But there were a host of problems: battery pack issues, the A123 bankruptcy, losing 800 Karmas in New Jersey following the hurricane and producing a very small volume of cars for sale all worked together to place Fisker in world of trouble, Lutz wrote.

The Fisker Karma is "quite possibly the most beautiful four-door sedan ever" - Bob Lutz.

GM, on the other hand, was dragged down by "overwhelming legacy costs." Lutz didn't elaborate, but these are usually considered to come from GM's labor union contracts and the massive costs of manufacturing too many cars through too many brands. In short, Lutz is basically saying GM was too big to fail but an ambitious start-up like Fisker is not a good investment. But he did forgot to mention Tesla Motors, another DOE automotive loan recipient that seems to be working out pretty well.

Lutz wants to see Fisker survive, if for no other reason than to support his investment in VL Destino which he designed with industrialist Gilbert Villereal. This performance sedan is built using a Karma body with with a Corvette drivetrain and Lutz says demand is strong for the VL Destino while electric Karmas are just languishing on dealer lots. He also wrote, "The green craze is, frankly, ebbing, and interest in conventional cars remains strong."

In the end, Lutz waffles on the question he poses, saying that whether or not Fisker should be given more federal money is, "A tough call. Glad I don't have to make it!" Click through to read the full Forbes article.

Bob Lutz: GM deserved federal money, but Fisker, well, who knows? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzchevy voltcongressional hearingdestinofederal bailoutfisker karmagm bailoutMon, 29 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20552048/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20552048/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/bob-lutz-gm-deserved-federal-money-but-fisker-well-who-knows/20552048/article-detail.xml 20552048 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fisker-automotive-congress-hearing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fisker-automotive-congress-hearing.jpg <![CDATA[More automakers will use turbochargers to meet CAFE standards]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/more-automakers-will-use-turbochargers-to-meet-cafe-standards/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/more-automakers-will-use-turbochargers-to-meet-cafe-standards/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/more-automakers-will-use-turbochargers-to-meet-cafe-standards/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Plug-ins may be getting a lot of the attention from folks looking to cut emissions, but no one is forgetting the good old-fashioned turbocharger. In the end, turbos might even have a far larger impact.

Decidedly non-electrification-related features such as turbochargers, eight-speed transmissions and low rolling-resistance tires will be included on most US vehicles in 2025, the year automakers will have to meet the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard of 54.5 miles per gallon (which is closer to a "real world" 40 mpg), Wards Auto says, citing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials.

Automakers will be able to wring out 33 percent more "effective pressure" from turbochargers than they do today, with some companies boosting pressure by as much as 50 percent. That means that for every Nissan Leaf battery-electric or Toyota Prius Plug-ins, there will likely be many cars like the Hyundai Veloster Turbo (pictured) that will get better mileage thanks to a turbocharger. Even rigs like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado may include four-cylinder engines thanks to improvements in turbocharging power.

Either way, the typical 2025 model will have about $1,800 more in fuel-saving technology than 2016 models, though the higher costs will likely be paid back in under four years, according to the EPA.

More automakers will use turbochargers to meet CAFE standards originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecorporate average fuel economyenvironmental protection agencyepamiles per gallonmpgturboturbochargerThu, 25 Apr 2013 11:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20547755/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20547755/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/more-automakers-will-use-turbochargers-to-meet-cafe-standards/20547755/article-detail.xml 20547755 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundaiturbo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundaiturbo.jpg <![CDATA[New CA bill would tax EV as a "comparable conventional fuel vehicle"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/new-ca-bill-would-tax-ev-as-a-comparable-conventional-fuel-vehi/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/new-ca-bill-would-tax-ev-as-a-comparable-conventional-fuel-vehi/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/new-ca-bill-would-tax-ev-as-a-comparable-conventional-fuel-vehi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Nissan Leaf - front three-quarter view, charcoal gray

The California legislature may do what the feds have been unable to do - create a permanent tax credit for buyers of super efficient vehicles, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid-electric, and natural gas.

The lunacy of federal tax credits is that the $7,500 credit disappears once a manufacturer has sold 200,000 eligible plug-in electric vehicles. Years ago, for hybrids, it was only 60,000 and that's why there is no more federal money for buying a Toyoa Prius or Ford Fusion or Escape hybrids, but there are credits on the recently-introduced Prius plug-in and Ford C Max Energi.

The California bill (Assembly Bill 1077), by Assemblyman Al Muratuschi of Hermosa Beach, would use existing incentives to lower the cost of all alternative fuel vehicle purchases by reducing state sales taxes. The bill would reduce the sales tax due on an alt-fuel vehicle to what would be required of a "comparable conventional fuel vehicle, as determined by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission." The bill is supported by EV advocates, including California utilities, automakers like (surprise) Nissan and General Motors and environmental groups.

New CA bill would tax EV as a "comparable conventional fuel vehicle" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker Congressional hearing

With a title like "Green Energy Oversight: Examining the Department of Energy's Bad Bet on Fisker Automotive" it was no surprise that the slant of today's Congressional hearing by the House Oversight subcommittee on Economic Growth, Job Creation, and Regulatory Affairs was overwhelmingly negative. In fact, for over three hours, it was perhaps the definition of political theater. After all, where else do you get to hear a House of Representatives member (Gerald Connolly, D-VA) say the hearing was like a Soviet show-trial while Darell Issa (R-CA) compared Henrik Fisker (co-founder of Fisker Automotive and a witness today) to Bricklin and Tucker? Oh, and Issa also said Fisker made mistakes that failed presidential candidate Mitt Romney would not have made his first day out of business school. All this and more was on display today in Washington, DC.

The hearing was incredibly - and unsurprisingly - political, with Democrats speaking positively about the overall DOE loan program and Republicans attacking Fisker for taking $192 million (almost always rounded up to $200 million) and not paying it back. Not yet, anyway. Both Fisker (who made it clear he was not speaking for the company, since his official connections have ended) and Fisker COO Bernhard Koehler said that Fisker has not yet lost any taxpayer money, and Koehler said there are still plans in place to pay everything back. Fisker's take was that there is a lot of value left in the automaker that could be brought to bear on paying the DOE back. Of course, Fisker's official website has been down all day, in case you were looking for one more sign that things are not going well for the California automaker.

Continue reading Fisker goes to Congress: DOE attacked amid hints loan could still be paid back

Fisker goes to Congress: DOE attacked amid hints loan could still be paid back originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darrell issaelectric vehiclefiskerfisker karmahenrik fiskerhouse oversight committeeplug-in hybridWed, 24 Apr 2013 19:38:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20548452/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20548452/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/fisker-congressional-hearing-doe-attacked-among-hints-loan-coul/20548452/article-detail.xml 20548452 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fisker-automotive-issa-hearing-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fisker-automotive-issa-hearing-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker execs will be questioned today over DOE loan, repayments]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fisker-execs-congress-hearing-doe-loan-repayment/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fisker-execs-congress-hearing-doe-loan-repayment/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fisker-execs-congress-hearing-doe-loan-repayment/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fisker logo on sheetmetal

As we get ready for a Congressional hearing later today, news of money that Fisker Automotive owes to the US government is on the mind of regulators and the public. Therefore, the US Department of Energy has announced that it did recently collect $21 million from the struggling automaker. The DOE says that the $21 million was paid back April 11. The company's first repayment, of $10 million out of the roughly $192 million that the company took (it was originally granted a $529 million loan but never took all of the money), was due Monday but the company did not send that check. DOE spokeswoman Aoife McCarthy said in a statement that the agency is "taking strong and appropriate action on behalf of taxpayers," and that the $21 million came from a reserve account. Whether the money covers the payment due is not clear.

Today, the ever-positive-in-the-face-of-trouble co-founder Hekrik Fisker (since resigned), company CEO Tony Posawatz (maybe; reports differ) and COO Bernhard Koehler will be questioned by Republican Darrell Issa's (R-CA) Government Reform and Oversight Committee. Word is that Henrik will say the company could "survive and move forward if it can secure financial and strategic resources, to build on its achievements so far" and that Fisker's problems are the result of "a confluence of events," which sounds like we could be in for some testy testimony.

It's pretty clear Issa has got a negative attitude about the company, since the hearing's official title is: "Green Energy Oversight: Examining the Department of Energy's Bad Bet on Fisker Automotive." We'll have more later today.

Fisker execs will be questioned today over DOE loan, repayments originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernhard koehlercongressdarrell issadoe loanfisker automotivehearinghenrik fiskerkarmatony posawatzWed, 24 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20547845/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20547845/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/fisker-execs-congress-hearing-doe-loan-repayment/20547845/article-detail.xml 20547845 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fisker-logo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fisker-logo-628.jpg -1 2