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[Israeli researchers at Innowattech capture energy from traffic]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/israeli-researchers-at-innowattech-capture-energy-from-traffic/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/israeli-researchers-at-innowattech-capture-energy-from-traffic/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/israeli-researchers-at-innowattech-capture-energy-from-traffic/#commentsFiled under: ,



Capturing lost energy with regenerative braking systems is one thing. This, however, is another ball-game entirely. Researchers in Israel have been experimenting with power generators placed underneath the road's surface to capture the mechanical energy of cars passing above and turn it into electricity.

The research is being carried out by an Israeli start-up called Innowattech, in conjunction with the Israel National Roads Company and the Technion, Israel's technological institute in Haifa. Referred to as "parasitic energy harvesting", the technology involves small piezoelectric generators placed five centimeters below the asphalt's surface. The weight of the cars passing over the road's surface is captured - 2000 watts an hour in "regular" traffic conditions - and stored in roadside batteries. Drivers reportedly feel no difference in the road, although naturally the initiative is limited by the progress of battery technology (or hydraulics, with the Dragon Power system).

As Better Place discovered, Israel's geographic and economic situation makes it an ideal testing ground for green technologies. The first implementation was over a relatively small ten-meter stretch of road on Israel's main north-south highway, and is now being placed in one-kilometer sections for further study. Further applications are also being evaluated, including pedestrian walkways, airport runways and railroads. It's not just for Burger King any more. Thanks for the tip, Mono!

[Source: Globes.co.il | Image: Uriel Sinai/Getty]

Israeli researchers at Innowattech capture energy from traffic originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>haifaharvestingInnowattechisraelisrael national roads companyisraeliIsraelNationalRoadsCompanyparasiticparasitic energyparasitic energy harvestingparasitic generatorParasiticEnergyParasiticEnergyHarvestingParasiticGeneratorraananatechnionTechnionIsraelInstituteOfTechnologyMon, 12 Oct 2009 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[ETV Motors demonstrates extended-range Prius with microturbine]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/etv-motors-demonstrates-extended-range-prius-with-microturbine/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/etv-motors-demonstrates-extended-range-prius-with-microturbine/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/etv-motors-demonstrates-extended-range-prius-with-microturbine/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There are companies that burst onto the scene producing not one, but several innovative products and there are companies that promise lots of tech that just sounds too good to be true. Which category ETV Motors falls into is yet to be determined, but their recent demonstration of a proof-of-concept range extended electric vehicle (REEV) utilizing a microturbine for power generation should certainly have folks discussing both possibilities. While they are not the first to use a microturbine as a range extender, they claim that their machine is superior to current state-of-the-art examples and will reach efficiencies of up to 60 percent in the final production version.

Using a Prius as their prototype platform, they replaced the stock nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery with large format lithium ion one and installed a liquid fueled gas turbine to charge it. Apparently, the gas engine in the vehicle was disabled for the test. In operation, the turbine's "quiet whisper" was, according to ETV Motors chief executive Dror Ben David,"music to our ears." Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be video available of the session, so we can't share this sweet sound with you.

Perhaps even a bigger breakthrough is the battery tech the Israeli company is developing. While it's unclear whether it was involved in the REEV demonstration, they are working on a couple different cells using lithium manganese nickel oxide (LMNS). The best of these is said provide 240 Wh/kg, be capable of achieving over 3,000 cycles and cost as little as $200/kWh. Impressive stuff indeed though, as with so many ventures in their infancy, time will tell. Hit the jump for video for ETV Motors COO talking up his company as well as the official press release.

[Source: ETV Motors via Green Car Congress]

Continue reading ETV Motors demonstrates extended-range Prius with microturbine

ETV Motors demonstrates extended-range Prius with microturbine originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dror Ben DavidDrorBenDavidETV MotorsEtvMotorsmicroturbinemicroturbine range extenderMicroturbineRangeExtenderREEVMon, 13 Jul 2009 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Daimler sells 4% of Tesla to Middle East investment fund just two months after acquiring it ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/report-daimler-sells-4-of-tesla-to-middle-east-investment-fund/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/report-daimler-sells-4-of-tesla-to-middle-east-investment-fund/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/report-daimler-sells-4-of-tesla-to-middle-east-investment-fund/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tesla Roadster - Click above image for high-res gallery

Just two months after buying 9% of Tesla Motors, Daimler has reportedly sold nearly half of that stake. According to Reuters, a 4% percent of the electric car startup is now owned by Aabar Investments, an Abu Dhabi-based investment fund. In a way, the stake is still in the family, since Aabar already bought 9.1 percent of Daimler's stock earlier this year. At the time of its original investment, Daimler and the fund indicated an intention to pursue joint projects in low emissions transportation.

Aabar has indicated it would be interested in pursuing some kind of joint venture with Tesla. The fund is controlled by the Abu Dhabi government and managed by the International Petroleum Investment Company with the intent of diversifying beyond oil.

Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Daimler sells 4% of Tesla to Middle East investment fund just two months after acquiring it originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aabar investements pjscAabarInvestementsPjscbreakingdaimlermodel sModelSteslatesla investmenttesla model stesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaInvestmentTeslaModelSteslamotorsTeslaRoadsterMon, 13 Jul 2009 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Masdar City personal rapid transit designer talks transport]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/masdar-city-personal-rapid-transit-designer-talks-transport/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/masdar-city-personal-rapid-transit-designer-talks-transport/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/masdar-city-personal-rapid-transit-designer-talks-transport/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The zero-carbon and zero-waste Masdar City currently under construction in Abu Dhabi will also be car-free, so how will one get about the one-mile square town of 50,000? If you want to travel on the surface you can walk, bicycle or ride a Segway but if it's snowing too hot to travel outside, you will also have the option of venturing underground and ride to your destination in a personal transit vehicle (PRT). These electrically-powered, centrally-controlled pods can carry four to six people and trundle along at speeds of up to 25 mph, following magnets embedded in the pathways. While that may seem slow, the small size of the municipality means that nothing is more than a few minutes away.

The designer of the system is Dr. Luca Guala who, as a panelist for a forum at SAE 2009 called "Green Mobility - The Long View," spoke about the transit system, explaining how it will work and its advantages. Green Car Congress not only covered this event in a great post, but also did a little Q&A follow up with Mr. Guala that's well worth the read if this concept interests you. Although the whole city won't be completed until 2015, you should be able to take a robot taxi around the first part of the network connecting the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) later this year.

[Source: Green Car Congress]

Masdar City personal rapid transit designer talks transport originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abu DhabiAbuDhabiDr. Luca GualaDr.LucaGualaMasdarMasdar CityMasdarCitySAE 2009Sae2009Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[OPEC doing its part for economy, urges U.S. to do same]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/opec-doing-its-part-for-economy-urges-u-s-to-do-same/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/opec-doing-its-part-for-economy-urges-u-s-to-do-same/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/opec-doing-its-part-for-economy-urges-u-s-to-do-same/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After a meeting which saw a decision by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to leave current production levels in place rather than cutting them to maintain higher prices, a top-level member of the organization has said that they have done their part for the world's economy and "challenged" the U.S. and other countries to "clean up the financial mess they have made." Since cutting production following the collapse of demand last year, the cartel's Secretary General, Abdullah el Badri, reckons they have gifted the world $2 trillion dollars worth of stimulus. Aren't they the generous and altruistic ones.

The Secretary also announced that they would try to lessen the estimated 800,000 barrels a day OPEC members have been producing in surplus of their agreements. He worries that if the price stays around where it is for an extended period, more projects in OPEC countries may be delayed or canceled. More than 35 projects are currently said to be delayed. The move toward less oil-dependent vehicles can only help make OPEC's worst nightmares come true.

[Source: Associated Press / Onet.pl]

OPEC doing its part for economy, urges U.S. to do same originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abdullah el BadriAbdullahElBadrioil productionOilProductionOPECOrganization of Petroleum Exporting CountriesOrganizationOfPetroleumExportingCountriesprice of oilPriceOfOilMon, 16 Mar 2009 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Better Place battery swapping plan comes under fire]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/11/better-place-battery-swapping-plan-comes-under-fire/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/11/better-place-battery-swapping-plan-comes-under-fire/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/11/better-place-battery-swapping-plan-comes-under-fire/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Although many share the vision of ubiquitous infrastructure to support future fleets of electric vehicles, the concept of battery swapping, frequently championed by Better Place, doesn't seem to have the same appeal as the fast-charge station. In fact, in the past week, battery swapping has come under a bit of fire from different quarters. On one side of the globe, we have Mercedes' director of group research and car development, Thomas Weber, telling The Marker that not only is the swapping plan dangerous and could result in electrocution or fire, but that, "The industry has not even resolved matters as basic as the optimum location for an electric car's battery or the battery type." Ouch.

Meanwhile here in the States, the president of ECOtality, Johnathan Read, reeled off his own list of perceived problems with rival Better Place's battery swapping station concept. In an interview with the Cleantech Group during the launch of its EV Micro-Climate Working Group in Arizona he said, "It takes 10 or 15 minutes to fast charge, which isn't going to be much quicker or slower than swapping a battery, and certainly a lot less moving parts and potential points of failure. Let alone the capital costs required to build a battery swap infrastructure." He went on to make points about the speed of energy storage evolution and the difficulties of standardization. Of course, we're sure Better Place has already considered many of these points and is most likely in disagreement with the views of its critics. We would like to hear how they would respond but while we wait, feel free to leave your responses in the comments.

[Source: Haaretz / BusinessGreen.com]

Better Place battery swapping plan comes under fire originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery swappingBatterySwappingBetter PlaceBetterPlaceECOtalityelectric vehicle infrastructureElectricVehicleInfrastructurefast chargingFastChargingJohnathan ReadJohnathanReadProject Better PlaceProjectBetterPlaceThomas WeberThomasWeberWed, 11 Mar 2009 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Chery electric car venture with Israel Corp. speeds up, slims down]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/chery-electric-car-venture-with-israel-corp-speeds-up-slims-do/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/chery-electric-car-venture-with-israel-corp-speeds-up-slims-do/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/chery-electric-car-venture-with-israel-corp-speeds-up-slims-do/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Less than two weeks after Chery unveiled its first electric car (above) comes news that the joint venture the Chinese car maker has with Israel Corporation Ltd. is set to speed up. The holding company belonging to the Ofer family, which has $100 million or so invested in Better Place, has said that, although it will pare down its investment, it will also speed things up. When we had reported about the deal a little over a year ago it was "only" worth $225 million but apparently it had grown to $900 million. The new figure bandied about is a more manageable $500 million with each party owning a 50 percent share of Chery Quantum Auto Co.

The rearrangement doesn't call for any new cash outlays for the next couple of years beyond the $200 million each has already thrown down. Other refinements to the plan include the postponement of new plant construction in favor of using Chery's existing capacity and a reduction in the number of different models to be produced. Although Israel Corp said that "development would begin now," it was unstated what type or how many models would be produced. We'll keep an eye on the situation and let you know what develops.

[Source: Jerusalem Post]

Chery electric car venture with Israel Corp. speeds up, slims down originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CheryChery Quantum Auto Co.Chery S18CheryQuantumAutoCo.CheryS18Israel CorpIsrael Corporation LtdIsraelCorpIsraelCorporationLtdOferOfer familyOferFamilyTue, 03 Mar 2009 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Better Place announces 19 "Vision Partners" (aka early buyers) in Israel ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/better-place-announces-19-vision-partners-aka-early-buyers-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/better-place-announces-19-vision-partners-aka-early-buyers-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/better-place-announces-19-vision-partners-aka-early-buyers-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image above for a gallery of Better Place images

"Vision Partner" sure has a nice ring to it. So positive, so optimistic, and so perfect a name for Better Place's new partners in Israel. Better Place announced this week that it has agreements with 19 companies who want to support Better Place's plug-in vehicle/infrastructure project by being the first to buy the cars when they become commercially available in 2011. Better Place founder and CEO says that these agreements prove "that there is a real demand for electric cars powered by the Better Place network."

The Jerusalem Post lists 13 of the companies: Israel Corporation, Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries, Partner Communications, Pelephone Communications, Orange Communications, Matrix IT, Direct Insurance, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Netafim, Keter Plastics, Orbotech, Manpower Israel, and Glasshouse Technologies. Globes also names Jafora Tabori, SQlink, and Nike Israel as partners. We're trying to find the names of the other three.

Gallery: Better Place


[Source: Better Place, Globes, Jerusalem Post]

Continue reading Better Place announces 19 "Vision Partners" (aka early buyers) in Israel

Better Place announces 19 "Vision Partners" (aka early buyers) in Israel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>better placeBetterPlaceisraelvision partnersVisionPartnersThu, 26 Feb 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Using biofuels might be a sin, says Muslim cleric]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/using-biofuels-might-be-a-sin-says-muslim-cleric/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/using-biofuels-might-be-a-sin-says-muslim-cleric/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/using-biofuels-might-be-a-sin-says-muslim-cleric/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



I had no idea what would pop up when I typed in "ethanol sin" into the search box over at Flickr. Turns out, you get the image above, which was created for the Pope's visit to the U.S. back in early 2008. It's a good reminder that the debate over biofuels has donned religious clothing before. There a new twist to the discussion, though, following a recent statement from Sheikh Mohamed Al-Najimi, member of the Saudi Islamic Jurisprudence Academy, who said that using biofuels might be a sin because they go against the Islamic rule forbidding alcohol. This opinion, issued as a personal opinion and not an official fatwa, according to Al Arabiya, would apply to ethanol and methanol, and biodiesel made using methanol. SVO users, you're off the hook, here.

Related stories:

Note: we've had a little too much name-calling in the comments recently and have needed to ban some people from writing more. Feel free to write what you think about this particular issue, but stay away from name calling and broad generalizations about religion or ethnic groups, ok? No more warnings, just bannings if you can't be civil.

[Source: Cleantech via Green Daily, Al Arabiya]
Image by Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Using biofuels might be a sin, says Muslim cleric originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biofuelbiofuel sinbiofuelsbiofuels sinBiofuelSinBiofuelsSinclericethanolfeaturedmuslimsinsinfulWed, 25 Feb 2009 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Israeli military be a Better Place?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/14/will-israeli-military-be-a-better-place/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/14/will-israeli-military-be-a-better-place/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/14/will-israeli-military-be-a-better-place/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Better Place may be getting a helpful boost as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are considering installing the company's infrastructure to charge future electric jeeps and troop carriers, as well as civilian cars. Better Place has close ties with the Jewish state and the CEO of its Israeli chapter, Major General Moshe Kaplinsky, used to be the Deputy Chief of Staff of the IDF. The electric infrastructure company could certainly use the support of the country's military if it is to attain founder Shai Agassi's ambitious goal of 100,000 electric cars in two years 10 months in the territory. At last count they were only up to 10. They also have at least 17 charging spots installed of an eventual 500,000, leaving lots of room for growth. The State has previously announced support of electric transportation and were considering greatly reducing or eliminating taxes on them.

Although Better Place and its partner, Renault, do face possible competition from BYD, the entry of the Chinese carmaker may be delayed as a restraining order was being sought by Eastern Automobile Marketing Co (EAM) against Clal Industries of the IBD Group. They claim they had previously signed an agreement with BYD for distribution rights.

[Source: Solve Climate / Haaretz]

Will Israeli military be a Better Place? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Better PlaceBetterPlaceClal IndustriesClalIndustriesEastern Automobile Marketing Co EAMEasternAutomobileMarketingCoEamIBD GroupIbdGroupIsraelIsrael Defense Forces IDFIsraelDefenseForcesIdfMoshe KaplinskyMosheKaplinskyShai AgassiShaiAgassiSat, 14 Feb 2009 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Iran's Samand Soren boasts the world's most powerful natural-gas car engine]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/irans-samand-soren-boasts-the-worlds-most-powerful-natural-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/irans-samand-soren-boasts-the-worlds-most-powerful-natural-gas/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/irans-samand-soren-boasts-the-worlds-most-powerful-natural-gas/#commentsFiled under: ,



Iran's most important car manufacturer, Iran Khodro, has announced they are developing the world's most powerful natural gas engine. The engine is installed in the marque's latest model, the Samand Soren (a car which can trace its roots to the Peugeot 405). Although this claim should be checked against the VW Passat TSI EcoFuel, Iran Khodro claims that the Samand Soren ELX produces 150hp and that the engine is Euro IV compliant. No other specifications were announced. Natural gas is a solution that is being promoted by authorities in Tehran, one of the most polluted cities in the world.

[Source: Payvan's Iran News]

Iran's Samand Soren boasts the world's most powerful natural-gas car engine originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iraniran khodroiran khodro samand sorenIranKhodroIranKhodroSamandSorennatural gas perfomanceNaturalGasPerfomancesamand sorenSamandSorentehranWed, 11 Feb 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla vs camels: Showdown in the desert]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/tesla-vs-camels-showdown-in-the-desert/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/tesla-vs-camels-showdown-in-the-desert/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/tesla-vs-camels-showdown-in-the-desert/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The tight grip that camels have traditionally held on oil-free driving in the sandy lands of the United Arab Emirates may be loosening. Although those iconic ships-of-the-desert have long held sway for those who did not want to be beholden to oil companies, vehicles from Tesla Motors may soon begin impinging on their turf. Not only is Tesla in talks to supply sedans to act as beasts of burden, carrying visitors and their baggage about, but they may also be getting a toe-hold in another historic camel arena, racing.

Tesla is in talks with separate ventures in Abu Dhabi and Qatar who would both like to set up electric car championships. Could that happen? Tesla's Simon Rochefort said, "The two investor groups are very serious about this, and these projects have a real chance of coming through." The other major deal involves a company who wants a couple dozen Roadsters to offer as rental vehicles for a renewable enery-powered resort located on an island they are currently building. That's in addition to the Roadsters they'd like to pair up with properties they will have available for sale. To top it all off, the un-named company also wants 100 future sedans to operate as Tesla taxis. But how well can this new camel competitor handle the sandy environment? This video may offer a clue.

[Source: The National via Tesla Motors Club]

Tesla vs camels: Showdown in the desert originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abu DhabiAbuDhabicamelDubaiQatarSimon RochefortSimonRochefortTesla racingTesla rentalTesla taxiTeslaRacingTeslaRentalTeslaTaxiUnited Arab EmiratesUnitedArabEmiratesMon, 26 Jan 2009 11:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Car-free Masdar City plans still moving forward ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/car-free-masdar-city-plans-still-moving-forward/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/car-free-masdar-city-plans-still-moving-forward/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/09/car-free-masdar-city-plans-still-moving-forward/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Masdar, that "zero carbon, zero waste, car-free city" we first wrote about back in 2007 has been moving forward in Abu Dhabi. 100 sudents and faculty should be living in the early stages of development by the fall. Last November, the forces that be awarded Mustang Engineering (from Houston, Texas) a contract to ship the city's CO2 via pipeline to Abu Dhabi's oil reservoirs to be pumped underground for "enhanced oil recovery." The Masdar Initiative expects that five million tons of CO2 a year will be captured and reused by 2013. That's just one of many news items from Masdar.

Renewable Energy World recently sent out an email asking for investors and industry partners to help keep the Masdar plans on track. Their email said that, "By taking sustainable development and living to a new level, Masdar City will lead the world in understanding how all future cities should be built." Well, if all cities in the future will be car-free, then yes, this is a blueprint. If not, well, maybe someone should tell them that enhancing oil recovery isn't a very futuristic idea.

There's a video and REW's email after the jump.

[Source: Renewable Energy World, Masdar]

Continue reading Car-free Masdar City plans still moving forward

Car-free Masdar City plans still moving forward originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car freeCarFreemasdarmasdar cityMasdarCityFri, 09 Jan 2009 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Oz editorial: hurt the Taliban by investing in biofuels]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/oz-editorial-hurt-the-taliban-by-investing-in-biofuels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/oz-editorial-hurt-the-taliban-by-investing-in-biofuels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/oz-editorial-hurt-the-taliban-by-investing-in-biofuels/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Photo of Afghanistan by Carl Montgomery. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Afghanistan is a tricky place for outside powers. Beginning 800 years ago, outside forces have invaded, occupied and in other ways tried to influence the land and people there. Today, American and NATO military forces still fight the Taliban in an increasingly-worsening war. Australia also has troops in the country, and the Canberra Times thinks that focusing on biofuels is one way to reduce the Taliban's power. The basic idea: convince farmers who are currently growing poppy, which is made into opium/heroin and is controlled by the Taliban, to switch to growing biofuel crops. This would benefit the environment by reducing the amount of diesel fuel needed locally, and also reduce the Taliban's income stream. There is no way the Canberra Times' idea would work as well as they describe it - there are many reasons the region has been in a civil war for decaded - but shifting fields from drugs to biofuel can't hurt.

[Source: Canberra Times]

Oz editorial: hurt the Taliban by investing in biofuels originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>talibantaliban biodieseltaliban biofueltaliban ethanolTalibanBiodieselTalibanBiofuelTalibanEthanolThu, 08 Jan 2009 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Better Place: more partnerships in Japan; electric car parking lot opens in Israel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/better-place-more-partnerships-in-japan-electric-car-parking-l/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/better-place-more-partnerships-in-japan-electric-car-parking-l/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/better-place-more-partnerships-in-japan-electric-car-parking-l/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



A few bits of news from the Better Place electric vehicle juggernaut today.

One, Israel's first electric parking lot has opened at Cinema City in Pi-Glilot. Pictured above is Better Place Israel CEO Moshe Kaplinsky with one of the Renault vehicles plugged into the station. So, how does the Better Place battery-swap idea fit in with these charging stations? There is an interesting tidbit in this Guardian article that says that Better Place "expects a lithium-ion car battery to last for 106 miles. Given Israel's small size, the company expects relatively little need for changing batteries." Let's just note for the record that Better Place is OK with not swapping the packs. (The Guardian says the first charging station in Israel is located by a shopping center in Ramat Hasharon, near Tel Aviv.)

The second announcement is that Better Place will join with Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., (i.e., Subaru) and "other Japanese carmakers" for a electric vehicle project in Japan (guess the rumors were true). For now, Better Place is building a battery exchange station in the city of Kanagawa for the Ministry of Environment. The government project will start in January and last "three to six months."

Gallery: Better Place Charging Station


[Source: Better Place]

Better Place: more partnerships in Japan; electric car parking lot opens in Israel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Described as a measure to improve road security and the environment, the government of the United Arab Emirates has passed a bill which will surely raise a eyebrow: Cars older than 20 years are going to be banned, and used car dealers won't be allowed to sell cars that are more than 10 years old. While this can be a somewhat effective policy to remove polluting cars from roads, it also raises questions about what people with lower income will do. With 1.85 million cars on the road, the UAE is one of the countries with the highest ratios of cars per capita and, according to the Emirates'Traffic Agency, this measure is being implemented not only to reduce pollution, but to stimulate the use of public transport while also improving the aesthetic of area cities as well.

[Source: Quattroruote via Le Blog Auto]

Emirates to ban old cars for the sake of the environment? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-yearsarab-countriesbansemiratesold car banOldCarBanuaeunited arab emiratesUnitedArabEmiratesTue, 09 Dec 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Michigan governor meets with Shai Agassi and Better Place in Israel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/michigan-governor-meets-with-shai-agassi-and-better-place-in-isr/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/michigan-governor-meets-with-shai-agassi-and-better-place-in-isr/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/11/18/michigan-governor-meets-with-shai-agassi-and-better-place-in-isr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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Michigan's Governor, Jennifer Granholm, is currently on an overseas trip to try and boost Michigan's economy. It's a trip she's cut in half from its scheduled length because of the automaker bailout discussion here in America. Still, while she was in Israel, Granholm took a peek at the Better Place model and met with Better Place's CEO, Shai Agassi. Australia, Israel and Denmark are officially on board with Better Place, and San Francisco and Japan are on the short list of potential new locations. Will Michigan join them? On her blog, Granholm wrote, "We talked about future partnerships that might be viable for Michigan, and in Michigan, we know that new energy means new jobs." Read into that what you will.

Gallery: Jennifer Granholm visits Better Place


[Source: Better Place, Jennifer Granholm]

Michigan governor meets with Shai Agassi and Better Place in Israel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>better placeBetterPlacejennifer granholmJenniferGranholmmichiganshai agassiShaiAgassiTue, 18 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Better Place all-electric Renault delayed?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/10/better-place-all-electric-renault-delayed/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/10/better-place-all-electric-renault-delayed/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/10/better-place-all-electric-renault-delayed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Bad news for fans of the Better Place plan - maybe. According to a report on an Israeli business website, Renault executives at a conference in Geneva have said that the electric car bound for Israel, to be franchised by Shai Agassi's Better Place, will be delayed by a year. However, the website also states 2011 as the new launch date which is basically when Renault has originally said it would happen. Perhaps it is just a matter of it happening at year's end rather than the beginning. No reason for the delay was mentioned but, if real, it could have something to do with newly-announced cost-cutting measures that will see the departure of 6,000 Renault employees. Of course, it might just be that the company already has its hands full preparing the six different liquid-fueled Megane III models it says will be available. Based on a slightly lengthened 2010 Megane III (pictured above), the electric version of the car was to be sold in other countries as well. Hopefully the French automaker won't wait too long to deliver on its earlier promise. Israel is a relatively small market and there are other electric car competitors getting ready to grab up precious market share.

[Source: Globes}

Better Place all-electric Renault delayed? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Better PlaceBetterPlaceelectric RenaultElectricRenaultIsraelMegane IIIMeganeIiiProject Better PlaceProjectBetterPlaceShai AgassiShaiAgassiWed, 10 Sep 2008 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Dubai public transportation to be all hybrid by 2012]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/dubai-public-transportation-to-be-all-hybrid-by-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/dubai-public-transportation-to-be-all-hybrid-by-2012/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/dubai-public-transportation-to-be-all-hybrid-by-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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GM has been testing its hybrids as taxis in Dubai since January and the results so far have been so encouraging they feel they may be able to replace the emirates' entire fleet of taxis, government and emergency vehicles by 2012. Despite the heat, sand and humidity on crowded streets, the test fleet has not only held up but also demonstrated their ability to achieve significant cuts in fuel usage and carbon emissions. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai (and father of 18 children) "challenged" the Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to pursue an aggressive hybrid implementation strategy in early 2007. The authorities hope that by setting a positive example, ordinary citizens will follow suit, thereby reducing vehicular pollution and making Dubai a more environmentally friendly place. GM saw an opportunity to help itself out and reportedly approached the RTA to begin the relationship. At the conclusion of data analysis the commercialization phase should begin. GM expects to be able to supply 5,000 to 6,000 hybrid vehicles for Dubai with the possibility of an additional 4,000 hybrids for the neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi. Hit the jump for a bonus video of a pair of GM hybrids cruising the streets of the emirate in an RTA infomercial.

Gallery: GM's hybrid taxis in Dubai


[Source: Khaleej Times]

Continue reading Dubai public transportation to be all hybrid by 2012

Dubai public transportation to be all hybrid by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dubaihybrid ambulancehybrid taxihybrid taxi fleetHybridAmbulanceHybridTaxiHybridTaxiFleethybris police carHybrisPoliceCarMohammed bin Rashid Al MaktoumMohammedBinRashidAlMaktoumtaxiTue, 02 Sep 2008 11:42:00 EST<![CDATA[BYD getting Israeli partner to compete with Renault and Better Place]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/byd-getting-israeli-partner-to-compete-with-renault-and-better-p/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/byd-getting-israeli-partner-to-compete-with-renault-and-better-p/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/byd-getting-israeli-partner-to-compete-with-renault-and-better-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



If competition spurs companies to improve the quality of their offerings and the speed with which they innovate, then we may soon expect more from Shai Agassi's Better Place and its partner in Israel, Renault. While BYD already announced they would be selling electric vehicles in Israel earlier this month, that pronunciation gains serious weight with the news that IDB Holding Corp. Ltd. is said to be close to officially announcing a deal with the Chinese automaker to bring both its all-electric E6 and its 60 mile plug-in serial hybrid (PHEV) F6DM to the Jewish state.

IDB, which is run by its largest shareholder, Nochi Dankner, has interests in most areas of the Israeli economy save for automobile importing. The shouldn't prove overly problematic as the Lubinsky and Livnat families, who together hold 50 percent of the company, are currently importers of Peugeot and Citroen and have experience in the truck industry. They also operate a network of service stations and "logistic centers." It should be interesting to see whether they employ a cooperative or confrontational approach to competing with the Better Place and their partner, Renault. You bring the popcorn and we'll bring the details of any upcoming battles royale.

[Source: Globes Online]

BYD getting Israeli partner to compete with Renault and Better Place originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Better placeBetterPlaceBYDBYD AutoBydAutoE6F6DMIsraelLivnatLubinskyNochi DanknerNochiDanknerProject Better PlaceProjectBetterPlaceMon, 25 Aug 2008 18:20:00 EST