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[Lithium battery recycling facility suffers explosions, fire]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/lithium-battery-recycling-facility-suffers-explosions-fire/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/lithium-battery-recycling-facility-suffers-explosions-fire/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/lithium-battery-recycling-facility-suffers-explosions-fire/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A big piece of the end-of-life plan for lithium batteries is recycling and there is only one place in North America currently capable of carrying out that procedure. That facility, owned and operated by Toxco Waste Management in southeastern British Columbia, experienced a large fire last Saturday after suffering through a series of explosions. The event, which happened after-hours, seems to have started in a lithium storage building and created an impressive fireworks display for about 45 minutes. No one was hurt and the main facility remained unscathed, though firefighters at the scene couldn't use their hoses to put out the lithium-fire since it is reactive to water. Officials reportedly were told the explosions produced sulphur dioxide and lithium hydroxide emissions. A statement on Toxco's website addressing the incident says, "The fire did not result in any negative impacts to the environment of the surrounding area." British Columbia Environment Ministry officials have visited the site to make their own assessment.

Lithium batteries from across the US and Canada, mostly from phones and laptops, are stored at the site in earth-covered bunkers chilled to -324 degrees. The low temperature is supposed to make the chemicals inert and prevent incidents like this from happening. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation though arson is not suspected. Toxco, which has a recycling agreement with Tesla Motors, has plans to add lithium battery recycling to their pre-existing facility in Ohio. Thanks to Jeff for the tip!

[Source: The Globe and Mail / Vancouver Sun]

Lithium battery recycling facility suffers explosions, fire originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>British ColumbiaBritishColumbiaCanadalithium battery firelithium battery recyclingLithiumBatteryFireLithiumBatteryRecyclingToxcoToxco Waste ManagementToxcoWasteManagementMon, 09 Nov 2009 18:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Plug-in vehicles will get special license plate in Ontario next year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/plug-in-vehicles-will-get-special-license-plate-in-ontario-next/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/plug-in-vehicles-will-get-special-license-plate-in-ontario-next/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/plug-in-vehicles-will-get-special-license-plate-in-ontario-next/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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

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

[Source: Toronto Star]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery electric vehicleBatteryElectricVehiclebevcanadaevevsontarioontario phevOntarioPhevphevphevsplug-inplug-in-hybridThu, 05 Nov 2009 08:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Mexico developing 'smart' speed bumps to increase safety, decrease fuel consumption]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/mexico-developing-smart-speed-bumps-to-increase-safety-decrea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/mexico-developing-smart-speed-bumps-to-increase-safety-decrea/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/mexico-developing-smart-speed-bumps-to-increase-safety-decrea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Speed bumps are the bane of many an urban driver all around the world. We understand that the little protrusions were first installed to promote safety by getting drivers to slow down in congested areas, but we can't be the only ones that think the dang things have been getting out of hand as of late. Such is apparently the case in Toluca, Mexico, where a company called Decano Industries is working on a new smart speed bump that may both increase safety and decrease fuel consumption. Wait... smart speed bump?

Apparently, Decano's innovative devices measure the force of impact from an oncoming vehicle and immediately collapse if the car is traveling the speed limit or below. If a car is moving too fast, the speed bump stays in place, causing the familiar jarring impact we've all come to know and loathe. The government of Mexico City sees enough promise in the technology that its providing grant money to the company and helping get the system patented.

There's more on the line than just controlling speed. A 2006 study by Mexico City Autonomous University found that the constant acceleration and deceleration caused by speed bumps actually causes more pollutants and increases fuel consumption. A slow and steady speed would be much more environmentally friendly. In this instance, it would seem that dumber drivers equals smarter speed bumps. Who knew?

[Source: USA Today | Image: Flickr/boulanger.iE via C.C. 2.0]

Mexico developing 'smart' speed bumps to increase safety, decrease fuel consumption originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DECANOdecano industriesdecano speed bumpsDecanoIndustriesDecanoSpeedBumpsMexicoMexico CityMexicoCitysmart speed bumpsmart speed bumpsSmartSpeedBumpSmartSpeedBumpsTolucatoluca mexicoTolucaMexicoThu, 15 Oct 2009 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Electric Bicycle World Tour to last three years, well under way]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/electric-bicycle-world-tour-to-last-three-years-well-under-way/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/electric-bicycle-world-tour-to-last-three-years-well-under-way/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/electric-bicycle-world-tour-to-last-three-years-well-under-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



While some think driving around the world in 80 days is a good way to promote the environmentally-friendly possibilities of electric transport, others prefer to take the slow road. In this case, three years worth of slow road. This past May, Guin Valls set out from Beijing, China on a journey powered by sunshine and sweat that won't end until he arrives in London during the Olympic Games in 2012. Aboard a specially-built electric bicycle laden with gear and pulling a small trailer, the Spaniard is using his life-long love of travel to "demonstrate and promote the use of alternative transport options that have less negative impact on our planet."

As the "Electric Bicycle World Tour" travels through more than 40 countries on 5 continents, Guin is talking to people about their lives and environmental concerns, taking pictures and video as well as recording sounds. The multimedia experience is being uploaded to his burgeoning website and you can follow along as he meets and (hopefully) surmounts the challenges that present themselves. Although he is traveling solo, there are a number of people behind the scenes helping him out and, if you'd like, you can too. He is seeking supporters who can help with everything from translations to donations. Hit the jump for a bit of video explaining his trip as well as some bonus footage of bicycling in Beijing.

[Source: Electric Bicycle World Tour]

Continue reading Electric Bicycle World Tour to last three years, well under way

Electric Bicycle World Tour to last three years, well under way originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>around the world in 3 yearsAroundTheWorldIn3Yearselectric bicycleElectric Bicycle World TourElectricBicycleElectricBicycleWorldTourenvironmental awarenessEnvironmentalAwarenessGuin VallsGuinVallsWed, 14 Oct 2009 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Tesla build electric cars in Canada someday?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/will-tesla-build-electric-cars-in-canada-someday/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/will-tesla-build-electric-cars-in-canada-someday/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/will-tesla-build-electric-cars-in-canada-someday/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Elon Musk - Click to enlarge

The Tesla Roadster is, quintessentially, a California car. Not only is the convertible two-seater perfectly suited for the streets of Santa Monica but the car's home is in the San Francisco/Palo Alto area. Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk, though, has a lot of ties to Canada and a new profile of the man suggests that as the electric car company grows, it might build future Tesla models in Ontario.

The Star writes that Canada is being considered for Tesla's third model, the "cheap" one that should cost less than $30,000 when it arrives an unspecified number of years (five?) down the road. The value of the Canadian dollar at that time is one of the factors that will determine where that vehicle will be built, Musk said. He also said, "Canadian auto plants are some of the most efficient in North America, so it would be wise for us to take a close look" and that Canadians just might crush hard on his EVs:

Canadians have a strong environmental sensitivity, greater than in the United States. Also in Canada, most of the electricity is renewable from hydro and nuclear, much more so than the U.S., which still uses a lot of coal. I think in some ways it's really a better market.

Maybe not for convertibles 12 months a year, but for EVs? Sure.

[Source: The Star]

Will Tesla build electric cars in Canada someday? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Elon MuskElonMuskteslatesla motorsTeslaMotorsTue, 13 Oct 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Emission Race plans to go around the world in 80 days]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/zero-emission-race-plans-to-go-around-the-world-in-80-days/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/zero-emission-race-plans-to-go-around-the-world-in-80-days/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/zero-emission-race-plans-to-go-around-the-world-in-80-days/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It's been less than a year since Louis Palmer ended his 17-month circumnavigation of the planet in his solar-powered "taxi" and it seems the experience has inspired him to organize something bigger and better. The Swiss teacher is putting together a zero emissions race around the world that will, not unlike the fictional Phileas Fogg, attempt to make the trip in eighty days. While that is 470 days faster than Palmer's original journey, the competitive version will be taking a more direct 30,000 kilometer (18,641 mile) route.

So far eight teams have signed on and the campaign should boast vehicles as diverse as the ErockIT, the Tesla Roadster and the Loremo. According to the website of the participating Racing Green Endurance team, the entire extravaganza will be filmed and made into a documentary. The race will start from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in June 2010 and, as well as vying for quickest finish time, competitors will be judged on various criteria including reliability, safety and affordability. Applications are still being accepted so if you have an appropriate vehicle and can feed your local grid with the renewable energy necessary to offset that used by your entry, why not give it a shot? Not only is it a great opportunity to demonstrate to the world what is low-pollution possible, for some it could provide a planet-sized promotional platform for their green transportation product. Check out the vehicle eligibility requirements and let us know in the comments who you think should sign up. Thanks to Matthijs for the tip!


[Source: The Zero Emissions Race]

Zero Emission Race plans to go around the world in 80 days originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>around the world in 80 daysAroundTheWorldIn80Dayselectric vehicle racingElectricVehicleRacingLouis PalmerLouisPalmerThe Zero Emission RaceTheZeroEmissionRaceMon, 12 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan Leaf coming to Vancouver in 2011]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/report-nissan-leaf-coming-to-vancouver-in-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/report-nissan-leaf-coming-to-vancouver-in-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/report-nissan-leaf-coming-to-vancouver-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for hi-res image gallery

Nissan has named five areas in the U.S. - Tennessee and Oregon; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; and the Phoenix/Tucson region in Arizona - to be the first to get the Leaf all-electric vehicle when the car goes on sale in late 2010. A report in the Globe and Mail says that Vancouver will be the first Canadian city where the Leaf will be available. Nissan apparently said that the EV will come to British Columbia in 2011.

The Vancouver area has a long history of advancign fuel cell technologies, thanks to local company Ballard. Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson told the paper that the Leaf agreement means the city is a little bit closer to its goal of "becoming the world's greenest city." Guess all of those plug-in-ready parking lots will see some use, after all. Thanks to Dan and Vince for the tips.


[Source: Globe and Mail]

REPORT: Nissan Leaf coming to Vancouver in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leafNissan Leafnissan leaf electricNissan LEAF EVnissan leaf salesNissanLeafNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvNissanLeafSalesvancouvervancouver leafVancouverLeafFri, 09 Oct 2009 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Us, too! Mexico introducing cash for clunkers legislation]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/us-too-mexico-introducing-cash-for-clunkers-legislation/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/us-too-mexico-introducing-cash-for-clunkers-legislation/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/us-too-mexico-introducing-cash-for-clunkers-legislation/#commentsFiled under: ,



Méxican President Felipe Calderón has announced a "cash for clunkers" plan similar to his country's northern neighbor. The idea is, unsurprisingly, to help people to get rid of old and polluting cars in order to both improve car sales and to help the environment by putting more efficient, cleaner vehicles on the roads. The plan will subsidize the purchase of a new car with 15,000 pesos (about $1,100). The new car will need to be priced under 160,000 pesos (about $12,000), be made or assembled in México and replace a car that is at least 10 years old. What's not yet known is if any sort of fuel efficiency requirements are in place. In any case, the Mexican government is allocating half a billion pesos for this program, although has requested states and municipalities contribute as well by offering additional tax exemptions.

[Source: El Universal via Le Blog Auto]

Us, too! Mexico introducing cash for clunkers legislation originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash for clunkersCashForClunkerscashforclunkersmexicomexican cash for clunkersmexican clunkersMexicanCashForClunkersMexicanClunkersmexicomexico clunkersMexicoClunkerssubsidizeSun, 26 Jul 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ontario to announce incentives for plug-in vehicles, up to $10K]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/report-ontario-announces-incentives-for-plug-in-vehicles-up-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/report-ontario-announces-incentives-for-plug-in-vehicles-up-to/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/report-ontario-announces-incentives-for-plug-in-vehicles-up-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ford Focus EV "mule" - Click above for high-res image gallery

The premier of the Canadian province of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty, reportedly plans to announce a major incentive program for plug-in vehicles today in Toronto. Ontario has already given several billion dollars to General Motors and Chrysler and wants to help boost the industry further to try and recoup some of its "investment." To that end, McGuinty plans to offer tax incentives of up to $10,000 toward the purchase of plug-in vehicles.

No details are available yet, but the plan would likely be similar to a U.S. program, with graduated incentives of up to $7,500 depending on the capacity of the battery. A wide array of plug-ins are expected to arrive over the next several years, including the Chevrolet Volt, Ford's Transit Connect and Focus based EVs, Toyota's PHEV Prius and Nissan's EV, among others. McGuinty will reportedly also pledge to have at least 20 percent of the province's vehicle fleet be plug-ins by 2020. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!


Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: CTV]

REPORT: Ontario to announce incentives for plug-in vehicles, up to $10K originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingdalton McGuintyDaltonMcguintyev incentivesEvIncentivesontarioontario ev incentivesOntarioEvIncentivesWed, 15 Jul 2009 11:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Does Canada already have an EV charging infrastructure? Not really]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/does-canada-already-have-an-ev-charging-infrastructure-not-real/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/does-canada-already-have-an-ev-charging-infrastructure-not-real/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/does-canada-already-have-an-ev-charging-infrastructure-not-real/#commentsFiled under: ,



One of the biggest issues with rolling out large numbers of plug-in vehicles is figuring out where exactly to connect them to the grid. Cities around the world are looking at how to implement large numbers of public charging stations as well as support charging at home. Much of the territory in Canada lies in far northern areas where temperatures get extremely cold during the winter. In many of those areas it's not at all unusual to find posts sticking up out of parking areas with electrical outlets. These are of course used to power the block heaters that are often necessary to keep the engine coolant from freezing at extreme low temperatures.

While these plugs could certainly be used to charge electric vehicles, they would not be very practical. These are 110V (typically 15A) plugs that would take a very long time to charge an EV - something many early MINI E customers found out the hard way. The other problem is that while much of Canada is in cold northern areas, most of the population lives in a very small area along the southern edge of the country. Most of the people likely to adopt EVs live in places like Toronto and Vancouver where these block heater plugs aren't common in public places. The exceptions might be Winnipeg, Montreal and Quebec City which do get very cold in winter. Relatively few people live in places where block heater plugs are common and the rural nature of those areas makes them less suited to EVs. Thanks to Frank for the tip!

[Source: Canada.com]
Photo by ffg - Flickr - Creative Commons

Does Canada already have an EV charging infrastructure? Not really originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>block heaterBlockHeaterelectric chargerelectric charging stationElectricChargerElectricChargingStationMon, 13 Jul 2009 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Vancouver considering mandatory electric vehicle plugs for some new parking lots]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/report-vancouver-considering-mandatory-electric-vehicle-plugs-f/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/report-vancouver-considering-mandatory-electric-vehicle-plugs-f/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/report-vancouver-considering-mandatory-electric-vehicle-plugs-f/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Hydrogen cars in Vancouver - click above for high-res gallery

Vancouver, British Columbia makes a big deal of promoting hydrogen-powered vehicles. But the city is not letting the potential of H2 get in the way of other gasoline alternatives. In fact, local blog The Hook is reporting that Vancouver is considering making electric vehicle charging outlets mandatory in any parking lots for newly-constructed multi-family buildings. The idea is to get the infrastructure ready now and to help make PHEVs and BEVs an easier choice, once they become more widely available.

Specifically, Vancouver would require that 10 percent of the stalls in the buildings would need to have a 240V charging port. City officials said the mandate would add 0.5 percent to the total cost of a building. A local EV advocate told The Hook that, while the move is admirable, a better goal would be to put plugs in all stalls. "If you're building a building to last 50 years, it's ridiculous to put in only enough plugs to last you five," John Stonier of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association said. Thanks to Alvin S. for the tip!

Gallery: Vancouver 2009: Hydrogen Road Trip vehicles


[Source: The Hook]

REPORT: Vancouver considering mandatory electric vehicle plugs for some new parking lots originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carElectricCarparking lotparking lot chargingparking lot electric carparking lotsParkingLotParkingLotChargingParkingLotElectricCarParkingLotsvancouvervancouver bcvancouver bevvancouver electric carvancouver phevvancouver plug in vehicleVancouverBcVancouverBevVancouverElectricCarVancouverPhevVancouverPlugInVehicleTue, 07 Jul 2009 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Nearly 10,000 Can Am Spyders recalled over faulty steering]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/nearly-10-000-can-am-spyders-recalled-over-faulty-steering/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/nearly-10-000-can-am-spyders-recalled-over-faulty-steering/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/nearly-10-000-can-am-spyders-recalled-over-faulty-steering/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Can-Am Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

It shouldn't come as a surprise that a vehicle as innovative as the three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder would face a few teething problems during its first few years on the market. Unfortunately, one particular aspect of the machine's power steering system has reportedly caused at least three injuries, though none have so far been life threatening. To remedy the apparent defect, Can-Am has agreed to voluntarily recall some 12,500 Spyders (9,932 of them sold in the United States) that were manufactured between July 2007 and May 2009.

The recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which can be viewed here, seems a bit ambiguous on the actual cause or effect of the steering problem, saying only that "the operator of an involved vehicle may need to exert a force greater than expected to initiate the turning of the steering handlebar off centre in order to correct vehicle drift from a straight line path." Uh-huh. Company spokeswoman Johanne Denault shed a little more light on the problem when she told The Canadian Press, "The vehicle is not going to start zig zagging, it's only a small drift."

"Small drift" or not, owners of possibly affected units are urged to contact Bombardier Recreational Products at 1-866-767-0707 or see their local dealers for a free inspection and replacement of the affected bits. Kongsberg Inc., suppliers of the Spyder's power steering system, will reportedly pay for repairs. We've reached out to BRP to see if we could obtain a more thorough explanation of the problem or the intended solution, but we've not yet heard back.

Gallery: Can-Am Spyder


[Sources: NHTSA; The Canadian Press]

Nearly 10,000 Can Am Spyders recalled over faulty steering originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bombardierbombardier recreational productsBombardierRecreationalProductsbrpcan am spydercan-amcan-am spydercan-am spyder recallcan-am trikecan-am-spyderCan-amSpyderCan-amSpyderRecallCan-amTrikeCanAmSpyderkongsbergspyder recallSpyderRecallThu, 11 Jun 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Shell station starts selling E10 in Ottawa using wheat straw ethanol]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/shell-station-starts-selling-e10-in-ottawa-using-wheat-straw-eth/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/shell-station-starts-selling-e10-in-ottawa-using-wheat-straw-eth/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/11/shell-station-starts-selling-e10-in-ottawa-using-wheat-straw-eth/#commentsFiled under: ,

A Shell station near Ottawa, Canada is leading the way in offering cellulosic ethanol at the pump. While many companies, including some in Canada, are working on making the biofuel, not many have gotten it to the refueling station. Blended at 10 percent with unleaded (E10), the ethanol is made by Iogen, which has a process that uses enzymes to chemically break down wheat straw until the cellulose molecules become ethanol. The most interesting part of this ethanol is that it isn't obtained from feedstock, but from agricultural waste. Both Shell and Iogen stated that the factory could produce up to 40,000 liters (10,500 gal) of cellulosic ethanol a month from their demonstration plant in Ottawa. Thanks to Chris for the tip!

UPDATE: It's not the first time.

[Source: Ottawa Sun]

Shell station starts selling E10 in Ottawa using wheat straw ethanol originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellulosiccellulosic ethanolCellulosicEthanole10iogenottawashellstrawwheat ethanolwheat strawWheatEthanolWheatStrawThu, 11 Jun 2009 10:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Martin Eberhard building mobile charging units for Tesla Roadster]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/martin-eberhard-building-mobile-charging-units-for-tesla-roadste/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/martin-eberhard-building-mobile-charging-units-for-tesla-roadste/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/martin-eberhard-building-mobile-charging-units-for-tesla-roadste/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Could we be watching the birth of the Tesla equivalent of Mopar? Inside Line thinks so, what with the news that one of the founders of Tesla Motors, Martin Eberhard, is one of many who are interested in creating aftermarket products for the iconic roadster. Specifically, Eberhard is working in making it easier to get electrons into the cars. Writing on his Tesla Founders blog, Eberhard writes

One of these other things has been building mobile chargers for my friends who have Roadsters. I originally intended to build one for myself. Then a few for friends. Now I am swamped with requests from Roadster owners who want a more flexible mobile charging solution. I plan to write a blog about my little charger one of these days.

We're listening.

Gallery: Martin Eberhard's Founders Series Tesla Roadster


[Source: Tesla Founders via Inside Line]

Martin Eberhard building mobile charging units for Tesla Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ev chargerev mobile chargerEvChargerEvMobileChargerMartin EberhardMartinEberhardmobile chargerMobileChargertesla chargertesla founderstesla mobile chargerTeslaChargerTeslaFoundersTeslaMobileChargerWed, 10 Jun 2009 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Lexus HS 250h is pretty on the inside]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/first-drive-2010-lexus-hs-250h-is-pretty-on-the-inside/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/first-drive-2010-lexus-hs-250h-is-pretty-on-the-inside/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/first-drive-2010-lexus-hs-250h-is-pretty-on-the-inside/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Lexus HS 250h - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just because The Cold War is over doesn't mean that all cold wars have come to an end. Two protagonists in the auto industry - once again, East vs. West - are currently embroiled in an in-car safety and technology arms race that is beginning to look more like NASA vs. Roskosmos than a battle between luxury sedans. The latest master weapon comes from Lexus in the form of its HS 250h hybrid, which is claimed to be not only the world's first hybrid-only luxury sedan, but also the most fuel-friendly luxury vehicle extant. If Lexus has it, they put it on this car. Our question was: Would we want to put one in our driveway? Follow the jump to find out.


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

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lexus HS 250h is pretty on the inside

First Drive: 2010 Lexus HS 250h is pretty on the inside originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 26 May 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Lexus HS 250h2010LexusHs250hfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveHS 250hHs250hLexusLexus HS 250hlexus hybridLexusHs250hLexusHybridTue, 26 May 2009 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian E5 mandate to move ahead despite concerns]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/canadian-e5-mandate-to-move-ahead-despite-concerns/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/canadian-e5-mandate-to-move-ahead-despite-concerns/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/canadian-e5-mandate-to-move-ahead-despite-concerns/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Despite growing concerns that the widespread production and use of corn ethanol is actually counter-productive to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Canadian government is moving ahead with a mandate to require ethanol blending into all gasoline supplies. By September 2010, Canadian refiners will be required to have at least 5-percent ethanol content in all pump gas. The regulation has received cabinet approval, and if it proceeds, would require nearly half a billion gallons of ethanol annually for blending.

Recent studies have indicated that the full well-to-wheel emissions of ethanol from corn may actually increase emissions rather than reducing it. Nonetheless, the Conservative party that is currently in power in Canada has most of its support in the western provinces, which just happen to produce most of the corn as well. Gord Quaiattini, president of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, says that Canadian producers exceed the 20-percent emissions reduction requirement needed to be considered renewable fuels, but the Canadian calculation method is different from the US formula and does not count indirect land use.

[Source: Globe and Mail]

Canadian E5 mandate to move ahead despite concerns originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 12 May 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaethanol mandateEthanolMandateTue, 12 May 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Canada to get the Mazda2 within a year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/11/canada-to-get-the-mazda2-within-a-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/11/canada-to-get-the-mazda2-within-a-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/11/canada-to-get-the-mazda2-within-a-year/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mazda2 - click above for a high res gallery

Toronto's Globe and Mail is reporting that Canadian car buyers will soon have a new small car option available when Mazda introduces it's B-segment 2. The little 2 shares its underpinnings with the Ford Fiesta and Mazda has hinted in the past at offering it in the U.S. but has yet to confirm any plans. CEO Takashi Yamanouchi declined to give the Globe and Mail a specific date but indicated it could come within a year. The key to making the decision is ensuring it can be sold in a way that won't take away from sales of the larger Mazda3. Regardless of whether the 2 does go on sale in Canada, buyers will soon have the Fiesta available. Thanks to Mark for the tip!

Gallery: 2008 Mazda2


[Source: Globe and Mail]

Canada to get the Mazda2 within a year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadacanada mazda2CanadaMazda2mazda2Sat, 11 Apr 2009 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Fuelmaker goes bankrupt, Honda to blame?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/fuelmaker-goes-bankrupt-honda-to-blame/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/fuelmaker-goes-bankrupt-honda-to-blame/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/fuelmaker-goes-bankrupt-honda-to-blame/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fuelmaker, the company that creates the PHILL compressed natural gas filling stations for residential and commercial use, has just been driven into involuntary bankruptcy. You may recall that Fuelmaker is owned by Honda, which had been in negotiations last year to sell the company to a number of different suitors, most notably to T. Boone Pickens' Clean Energy Fuels. None of those negotiations resulted in a sale.

Fuelmaker's bankruptcy leaves a number of questions as to how companies relying on PHILL fueling units will get their products serviced, and it also casts doubts on the future of CNG vehicles for private residential use. Fuelmaker president John Lyon has hopes that another suitor will "see this as an opportunity and come to the rescue."

We're not ready to count ourselves among those that believe the automaker has ulterior motives in closing up shop at Fuelmaker. For an alternative take from the Edwin Black, click here.

[Source: The Auto Channel / Edwin Black]

Fuelmaker goes bankrupt, Honda to blame? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cngcng filling stationCngFillingStationcompressed natural gasCompressedNaturalGasfeaturedfuelmakerfuelmaker bankruptcyfuelmaker philFuelmakerBankruptcyFuelmakerPhilhonda civic gxHondaCivicGxphilMon, 06 Apr 2009 15:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt scheduled for Canadian launch in August 2011]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/chevy-volt-scheduled-for-canadian-launch-in-august-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/chevy-volt-scheduled-for-canadian-launch-in-august-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/chevy-volt-scheduled-for-canadian-launch-in-august-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high res image gallery of the 2011 Chevy Volt

General Motors has said time and again that it will not delay the introduction of the Chevy Volt here in the United States, despite growing concerns that the automaker's financial difficulties could put the project in danger. Barring any major problems with the vehicle's development, GM believes Volt sales should begin in November of 2010. Now, GM-Volt.com quotes Volt vehicle line director Tony Posawatz as saying the plug-in would be "rolled out 9 months later in Canada." Counting 9 months from November 2010 puts us at August of 2011.

Of course, it's cold up there in the Great White North, which brings up the question of how the Volt's huge lithium ion battery will function in frigid climates. Testing has been taking place in Kapuskasing, Ontario, and apparently the Volt's built-in battery heating measures have been working as designed. A little extra attention on the owner's part won't hurt, though. So, while the car might not post fuel mileage numbers that are as impressive as those in warmer areas, there shouldn't be any worries that the Volt won't function as a vehicle.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: GM-Volt]

Chevy Volt scheduled for Canadian launch in August 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevy volt2011ChevyVoltcanadian chevy voltCanadianChevyVoltchevy voltchevy volt canadaChevyVoltChevyVoltCanadaMon, 06 Apr 2009 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Canada wants North American fuel efficiency standard]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/canada-wants-north-american-fuel-efficiency-standard/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/canada-wants-north-american-fuel-efficiency-standard/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/canada-wants-north-american-fuel-efficiency-standard/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Canada's Environment Minister Jim Prentice believes that there should be a single fuel efficiency standard for all countries in North America. He says, "At this point in the United States, it would appear as though they are headed toward a 35 mile a gallon standard by 2020 and that would start to come into effect in the 2011 model year. We've essentially been prepared to go in that same direction."

That 35 mpg standard is good enough for Canada if it's good enough for the United States, right? It makes sense for automakers that sell their products across all of North America, especially to the U.S. domestic manufacturers that build hundreds of thousands of cars in Canada and Mexico each year.

It's not perfect, though, as California is moving to create its own fuel economy standards under the guise of greenhouse gas emissions regulations. "The first thing that has to happen, however, is that the United States has to land with their own domestic policy. It's by no means clear how this will emerge from Congress over the course of the next year," Prentice said.

[Source: Reuters | Image: AlexCovarrubias C.C. 2.5]

Canada wants North American fuel efficiency standard originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canada fuel economycanada fuel mileageCanadaFuelEconomyCanadaFuelMileagenaftanorth americanorth america fuel mileagenorth american fuel economyNorthAmericaNorthAmericaFuelMileageNorthAmericanFuelEconomyWed, 04 Mar 2009 16:44:00 EST