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[VIDEO: New Toyota Prius ad channels Vishnu to explain hybrid tech]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/video-new-toyota-prius-ad-channels-vishnu-to-explain-hybrid-tec/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/video-new-toyota-prius-ad-channels-vishnu-to-explain-hybrid-tec/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/video-new-toyota-prius-ad-channels-vishnu-to-explain-hybrid-tec/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Australian Toyota Prius advertisement - Click above to watch the video after the break

What do you want from me, I've only got two hands?! Wouldn't we all be a bit more productive if we were blessed with another set of upper appendages, complete with opposable thumbs? Toyota apparently thinks so, and the Japanese automotive giant is using the point to prove that two drivetrains are better than one.

Of course, the two drivetrains in question belong to the new 2010 Toyota Prius, which mates an electric motor capable of powering the car on its lonesome and a small, efficient gas-burning 1.8-liter four cylinder internal combustion engine in one happy marriage to produce the perfect hybrid. Or something like that.

Click past the break to watch the advertisement for the new 2010 Prius in Australia. Oh, and Vishnu? Click here for an explanation of the title reference if it slipped you by. Thanks for the tip, Mark C!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: New Toyota Prius ad channels Vishnu to explain hybrid tech

VIDEO: New Toyota Prius ad channels Vishnu to explain hybrid tech originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 prius ad2010 prius teaser2010 toyota prius2010PriusAd2010PriusTeaser2010ToyotaPriusadadvertisingaustralian prius adAustralianPriusAdpricingtoyotatoyota priustoyota prius adToyotaPriusToyotaPriusAdTue, 27 Oct 2009 08:08:00 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[Biodiesel bike tries to circumnavigate Australia]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/biodiesel-bike-tries-to-circumnavigate-australia/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/biodiesel-bike-tries-to-circumnavigate-australia/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/biodiesel-bike-tries-to-circumnavigate-australia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Paul Carter, a best-selling author who previously spent 20 years as an off-shore oil driller, is smack dab in the middle of a 20,000-kilometer (12,240-mile) trip around Australia aboard a biodiesel-powered motorcycle built by students at the University of Adelaide. If Carter is successful, he plans to follow this trip up with a land-speed record attempt of 166 miles per hour aboard a second biodiesel-powered motorcycle.

Carter hopes to average 53 miles per hour over the trip using 650 liters in used cooking oil and waste animal fats. A few years back, this same green machine traversed 3,000 kilometers while achieving about 67 miles per gallon and emitting just 71 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.

From what we can glean from earlier reports, the bike itself is based on a Husaberg enduro and is powered by a 10-horsepower diesel engine from Yanmar hooked up to a Comet CVT transmission. Interested in following along? Carter is chronicling the adventure at thegoodoil.tv.

[Source: TreeHugger]

Biodiesel bike tries to circumnavigate Australia originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biobikebiodiesel motorcyclebiodiesel motorcyclesBiodieselMotorcycleBiodieselMotorcyclesdiesel motorcyclediesel motorcyclesDieselMotorcycleDieselMotorcyclespaul carterPaulCarteruniversity of adelaideUniversityOfAdelaideFri, 09 Oct 2009 08:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian Premier lobbying for Volt built Down Under]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/australian-premier-lobbying-for-volt-built-down-under/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/australian-premier-lobbying-for-volt-built-down-under/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/australian-premier-lobbying-for-volt-built-down-under/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Holden Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

As has been reported in the past, GM's Australian arm is waiting in eager anticipation for a Holden-badged version of the Chevy Volt to hit the market Down Under in 2012. That car will be assembled here in the United States and is little more than a standard Volt minus the Bowtie emblem on the front fascia - not that there's anything wrong with that, of course.

According to Wards Auto, though, South Australia Premier Mike Rann is hoping for even more electrification, preferably built in Australia for its own home market. Since Holden is already going to build a version of the upcoming Cruze in Australia, which is based on the same Delta underpinnings as the Volt, might it be possible for Holden to build its own Volt? Says Rann:
While the Cruze will be a fuel-efficient car, I would like to see the Elizabeth plant manufacturing the same model but with an even greater fuel efficiency in the future, as the technology develops.
While it's true the Volt and Cruze share the basic Delta platform, the details of the two cars are radically different and there aren't any plans at present to build a Voltec-powered vehicle in Australia. Still, The General isn't ruling out a locally-built EV for the Australian market, and officials from the country have further visits planned later this year to continue discussing the subject. Stay tuned.


Gallery: Melbourne Motor Show: Holden Volt


[Source: Wards Auto]

Australian Premier lobbying for Volt built Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 holden volt2012HoldenVoltaustraliaaustralia voltAustraliaVoltchevy voltChevyVoltholdenholden cruzeholden evholden voltHoldenCruzeHoldenEvHoldenVoltmike rannMikeRannTue, 25 Aug 2009 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Shai Agassi to Australian car industry: become the Saudi Arabia of plug-in cars]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/shai-agassi-to-australian-car-industry-become-the-saudi-arabia/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/shai-agassi-to-australian-car-industry-become-the-saudi-arabia/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/shai-agassi-to-australian-car-industry-become-the-saudi-arabia/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Project Better Place battery swap - Click above for hi-res image gallery

Better Place head Shai Agassi told the Australian car industry that it is looking at "certain extinction" unless it moves towards plug-in vehicles. Never one to let a good quote go by as he tours the world promiting EVs - he recently told the Chinese that the future of the electric car rests on their shoulders - Agassi said that since all new cars will be electric in 20 years (a bold claim), Australia could become the Saudi Arabia of the 21st Century if they quickly start making EVs and the batteries needed to power them. During his Deakins 2009 Eco-Innovation speech in Melbourne, Agassi said:

A billion electric car batteries will need to be made - that is the biggest industrial opportunity in the world today... Australia can pick whether to be an exporter of iron ore, phosphate and lithium, or of kilometres [in the form of batteries].

Better Place is working on an EV infrastructure in Australia that would be in place by late 2012, according to The Age. If Better Place can get just 50,000 cars in Australia to use their battery swap technology, the company will break even, Better Place's Brumby Thornley told The Age. Agassi predicted that electric cars will "quickly drop" to around $20,000 (U.S.) once economies of scale are in place.

Gallery: Better Place battery swap station


[Source: The Age]

Shai Agassi to Australian car industry: become the Saudi Arabia of plug-in cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery swapBatterySwapbetter placeBetterPlaceplug inplug in carPlugInPlugInCarshai agassishai agassi australiashai agassi better placeShaiAgassiShaiAgassiAustraliaShaiAgassiBetterPlaceMon, 27 Jul 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tesla planning to launch 2011 Roadster in more right-hand export markets]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/report-tesla-planning-to-launch-2011-roadster-in-more-right-han/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/report-tesla-planning-to-launch-2011-roadster-in-more-right-han/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/report-tesla-planning-to-launch-2011-roadster-in-more-right-han/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the long-anticipated right-hand-drive Roadster is coming in the first quarter of 2010 and will be available in both standard and Sport guise. The first market that's slated for electrification is, as you would expect, the United Kingdom, and Tesla's first European showroom has already opened up in Knightsbridge.

In addition to the UK, Musk has also indicated that Japan, Australia and India are seen as important right-hand-drive markets for the automaker to pursue in short order. The switch from LHD to RHD is surely made easier by the fact that the Lotus Elise, which shares a large portion of its chassis with the Roadster, was initially designed as a wrong right-hand vehicle.

Interestingly, there's already a lone Tesla Roadster in Australia, but that left-hand-drive car was imported by a man named Simon Hackett for his own personal use at a cost of about $200,000 Australian dollars - nearly twice what a Roadster costs in the States. Click past the break to watch a short video segment featuring that car.

Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Go Auto]

Continue reading REPORT: Tesla planning to launch 2011 Roadster in more right-hand export markets

REPORT: Tesla planning to launch 2011 Roadster in more right-hand export markets originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>right hand drive teslaright-hand-drive teslaRight-hand-driveTeslaRightHandDriveTeslateslatesla australiatesla indiatesla japantesla motorstesla roadsterTeslaAustraliaTeslaIndiaTeslaJapanTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTue, 07 Jul 2009 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Indonesian bicycle builds up steam, can go 75 mph]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/indonesian-bicycle-builds-up-steam-can-go-75-mph/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/indonesian-bicycle-builds-up-steam-can-go-75-mph/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/indonesian-bicycle-builds-up-steam-can-go-75-mph/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We've seen bicycles powered by batteries, fuel cells and even human strength here at ABG but the "R-01 NAN" may be our first look at a contemporary steam-powered bicycle. Sure, we knew they existed but we never imagined someone would think that riding around with both a furnace and a tank full pressurized steam between their legs would be an ideal transportation solution. Apparently though, Rusnan does and he's proud enough of his homemade machine to let us know that it's been given space on a (Indonesian language) bicycle-centric blog.

Though an interesting study in locomotion, we're not totally convinced of its green credentials. Even if burning biomass (i.e wood), the "exhaust" would likely have plenty of particulates and if it's burning coal, well, that's no way to fend off gloabal warming. Performance-wise, it's estimated the bike will go between 50 and 75 mph and takes about 15 minutes to build up enough steam to get rolling. Though we're not sure if a top-speed run will be attempted, we sure hope this thing has brakes.

[Source: Sepeda.wordpress]

Indonesian bicycle builds up steam, can go 75 mph originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IndonesiaR-01 NANR-01NanRusnansteam bicyclesteam-powered bicycleSteam-poweredBicycleSteamBicycleTue, 23 Jun 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Energetique and RLE bringing evMe concept to Europe ]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/energetique-and-rle-bringing-evme-concept-to-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/energetique-and-rle-bringing-evme-concept-to-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/energetique-and-rle-bringing-evme-concept-to-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Australian company behind the evMe has announced plans to expand their conversion-concept horizons to the European market. Energetique has made the trip from Down Under to Germany and signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with vehicle development firm RLE that will see the partnership develop an adaptable and affordable electric vehicle platform that can meet a variety of different customer needs. What that means in English is that they will take the approach used to turn the Mazda 2 into the evMe and apply it to other vehicle types for small fleet buyers with specific needs.

The original Energetique project looks like it's going well if one were to judge it by its website cover. The evMe internet home has been fully fleshed out since our last visit and now boasts plenty of pictures as well as links to its Facebook page and an electric car survey. They've also been garnering a bit of favorable Aussie press attention that's worth checking out. As far as conversions from the land of kangaroos and wallabies are concerned, we've seen worse. Official press release after the break.

[Source: Energetique]

Continue reading Energetique and RLE bringing evMe concept to Europe

Energetique and RLE bringing evMe concept to Europe originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric conversionElectricConversionEnergetiqueevMeprofessional electric conversionProfessionalElectricConversionRLEThu, 18 Jun 2009 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Top Gear electric car build-off, Aussie rules]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/video-top-gear-electric-car-build-off-aussie-rules/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/video-top-gear-electric-car-build-off-aussie-rules/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/video-top-gear-electric-car-build-off-aussie-rules/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



While they might lack the comedic punch of their seasoned British co-frères, the presenters at Top Gear Australia don't seem to have any electric car "issues." Indeed, in a recent episode they even held their own battery-powered build-off. Presenters Warren Brown and Steve Pizzati each took a car of their choosing, stripped out all the combustive components and inserted a rough and (mostly) ready electric drivetrain, before meeting up on a racetrack to compete for bragging rights.

Realizing that a decent electric vehicle shouldn't be too heavy, Pizzati decided to go with the featherweight Suzuki MightyBoy while his competitor settled on that great Australian classic, the HZ Holden Kingswood. This hulking station wagon weighs in somewhere between the QEII and the state of New Hampshire. While we won't tell you which conversion won straight out, we will throw out the hint that the triumphant strains of "Football meat pies kangaroos electric cars" could be heard coming from the passenger compartment of the conquering contestant. Hit the break for the segment in two parts - as well as a bonus video of a very nice MightyBoy conversion.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear electric car build-off, Aussie rules

VIDEO: Top Gear electric car build-off, Aussie rules originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 28 May 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HZ Holden KingswoodHzHoldenKingswoodSuzuki MightyBoySuzukiMightyboyTop Gear AustraliaTopGearAustraliaThu, 28 May 2009 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian fleets adopting Hyundai i30 diesels]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/australian-fleets-adopting-hyundai-i30-diesels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/australian-fleets-adopting-hyundai-i30-diesels/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/australian-fleets-adopting-hyundai-i30-diesels/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Australia remains the home of big old rear wheel drive cars like the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. However, that is starting to change as people seek to address climate change and rising fuel prices. One example is fleets that are migrating to smaller, more efficient vehicles. Two examples are the University of Southern Queensland and Aurora Energy, both of which have recently purchased new Hyundai i30 CRDis. The cars, sold in the U.S. as the Elantra Touring, are powered by a 114 hp 1.6-liter diesel engine that gets 50 mpg (U.S.) combined. The 2.0-liter gas engine is only rated at 32.6 mpg in Australia (26 mpg according to the EPA here in the U.S.). So far, only a handful of the i30s have been put into those fleets, but drivers are reportedly pleased with the performance and more are likely to follow.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Australian fleets adopting Hyundai i30 diesels originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiahyundai i30 crdiHyundaiI30Crdii30Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Melbourne 2009: GM releases new shots of Holden Volt]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/melbourne-2009-gm-releases-new-shots-of-holden-volt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/melbourne-2009-gm-releases-new-shots-of-holden-volt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/melbourne-2009-gm-releases-new-shots-of-holden-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Holden Volt

Although it won't actually be present at the event, GM has released three new images of the Holden Volt to coincide with the start of the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show. Like the Opel Ampera that will be shown off at the Geneva Motor Show next week, the Holden is a rebadged version of the range-extended electric Chevy Volt. This lightly remodeled car is very important for the Australian market as the automaker tries to shed its fuel-thirsty reputation and switches to smaller, more efficient packages.

The Voltec powertrain that makes the Volt tick isn't likely to see any changes on its trip Down Under, and, as we can see from the image gallery below, there aren't any real changes to the Volt's sheetmetal either. This fact shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone since The General worked to hard to make the overall shape of the original Volt as slippery as possible in the first place. See the full press release after the break.

Gallery: Melbourne Motor Show: Holden Volt


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Melbourne 2009: GM releases new shots of Holden Volt

Melbourne 2009: GM releases new shots of Holden Volt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingholdenholden voltHoldenVoltmelbournemelbourne 2009melbourne motor showMelbourne2009MelbourneMotorShowvoltThu, 26 Feb 2009 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Melbourne 2009: GM debuts new Holden Cruze]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/melbourne-2009-gm-debuts-new-holden-cruze/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/melbourne-2009-gm-debuts-new-holden-cruze/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/melbourne-2009-gm-debuts-new-holden-cruze/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Holden Cruze

Attendees at the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show will be greeted by a nice surprise at the Holden tent as GM's Australian arm has announced it will be bringing what appears to be a production-ready Holden-badged Cruze to display. After taking a brief look at the pics, it's easy to see that nothing much has changed from the Chevy version of the Cruze besides a switch to right-hand drive and, of course, a fresh set of Holden badges all around.

The new Holden Cruze headlines a list of 25 vehicles that the Australian automaker will be showing off in Melbourne. Also on the stand will be Holden's EcoLine range of vehicles, including two Commodores (one sedan and one Ute) running on liquefied petroleum gas and another two vehicles featuring Active Fuel Management, which switches the V8 engine into a V4 when full power isn't required. See the full press release after the break.

Gallery: Meobourne 2009: Holden Cruze


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Melbourne 2009: GM debuts new Holden Cruze

Melbourne 2009: GM debuts new Holden Cruze originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holdenholden cruzeholden ecolineHoldenCruzeHoldenEcolinemelbournemelbourne 2009melbourne motor showMelbourne2009MelbourneMotorShowThu, 26 Feb 2009 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Eric Bana offsets carbon emissions of new film, "Love the Beast"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/eric-bana-offsets-carbon-emissions-of-new-film/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/eric-bana-offsets-carbon-emissions-of-new-film/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/eric-bana-offsets-carbon-emissions-of-new-film/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Regardless of your view on global climate change, you must admit that the issue of carbon emissions has become a hot topic over these last few years, and automobiles have taken the brunt of the criticism. Celebrities often seem to be leading the low-emissions charge, or they at least like to appear that way by driving fuel sippers like the Toyota Prius or sometimes the fully electric Tesla Roadster. Not this time. Eric Bana, star of box office productions like Hulk and Troy, is apparently quite the gearhead, and he's also concerned enough with the environment to offset all the carbon emissions of his upcoming new flick, Love The Beast.

The title character of the new movie is an Australian Ford Falcon coupe from 1973 - hardly a bastion of clean motoring - that was modified to take part in the Targa Tasmanian Rally. Bana's production company hired a team of specialists to calculate the carbon emissions spent by the crew in the making of the film, and the appropriate number of trees will be planted to equal it all out.

[Source: Reuters]

Eric Bana offsets carbon emissions of new film, "Love the Beast" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eric banaeric bana carbon offseteric bana documentaryeric bana love the beastEricBanaEricBanaCarbonOffsetEricBanaDocumentaryEricBanaLoveTheBeastlove the beast carbon offsetLoveTheBeastCarbonOffsetTue, 24 Feb 2009 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi iMiEV New Zealand tour 'Tubed and Twittered]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/mitsubishi-i-miev-new-zealand-tour-tubed-and-twittered/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/mitsubishi-i-miev-new-zealand-tour-tubed-and-twittered/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/mitsubishi-i-miev-new-zealand-tour-tubed-and-twittered/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above and scroll down to watch the video

As we informed you last week, Mitsubishi and Meridian Energy have brought the iMiEV to New Zealand to introduce Middle Earth to the electric car concept. To help with that outreach, they have an expanded web presence that includes a microsite, a YouTube vid and an impressive social networking effort. If you're a Twittering fool, you can follow them there and learn about its various reviews and appearances, including this cool one from iMotormag. Their Facebook account already has a few dozen fans and features photo galleries and a way to connect with other Kiwis excited about the car. Interested in having an i MiEV of your own? Just like the UK site, the microsite has a place to tell Mitsubishi you want a battery-powered vehicle and allows you to check out the tour schedule. We suspect this iMiEV motherlode should be enough to tide most readers over until the upcoming reveal of the updated left-hand-drive version is made. If not, hit the jump to view video of the car in New Zealand.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Mitsubishi iMiEV New Zealand tour 'Tubed and Twittered

Mitsubishi iMiEV New Zealand tour 'Tubed and Twittered originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Facebooki MiEViMiEVMeridian EnergyMeridianEnergyMiEVMitsubishi i MiEVMitsubishiIMievNew ZealandNewZealandTwitterMon, 23 Feb 2009 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Melbourne 2009: Toyota shows off HC-CV (Hybrid Camry Concept Vehicle)]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/melbourne-2009-toyota-shows-off-hc-cv-hybrid-camry-concept-veh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/melbourne-2009-toyota-shows-off-hc-cv-hybrid-camry-concept-veh/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/melbourne-2009-toyota-shows-off-hc-cv-hybrid-camry-concept-veh/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of Toyota Australia's HC-CV

In about twelve months, Toyota's Australian arm will begin producing its own Camry Hybrids. To celebrate the new contract, Toyota Australia has created a new concept called the HC-CV (Hybrid Camry Concept Vehicle), and it has just debuted at the 2009 Melbourne Auto Show. Starting with the refreshed 2010 Camry Hybrid as a base, the HC-CV features a redesigned front fascia that's highlighted by vertical fog lights and a lower grille with a random pattern said to be inspired by nature.

A body kit including side skirts, rear diffuser and spoiler complete the body modifications and the whole thing's painted in satin while pearl with translucent blue logos and badging. A unique set of wheels rounds out the package. Inside, the seats are upholstered in another asymmetric pattern and stitched up with contrasting white thread. Under the skin, it's pure 2010 Camry Hybrid. Check out our complete gallery below and click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: Melbourne 2009: Toyota HC-CV


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Melbourne 2009: Toyota shows off HC-CV (Hybrid Camry Concept Vehicle)

Melbourne 2009: Toyota shows off HC-CV (Hybrid Camry Concept Vehicle) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian toyotaAustralianToyotamelbournemelbourne 2009melbourne motor showMelbourne2009MelbourneMotorShowtoyota camry hc-cvtoyota camry hybridtoyota camry hybrid australiatoyota hc-cvToyotaCamryHc-cvToyotaCamryHybridToyotaCamryHybridAustraliaToyotaHc-cvMon, 23 Feb 2009 09:41:00 EST<![CDATA[iMiEV starts renewable energy-powered trial in New Zealand]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/imiev-starts-renewable-energy-powered-trial-in-new-zealand/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/imiev-starts-renewable-energy-powered-trial-in-new-zealand/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/12/imiev-starts-renewable-energy-powered-trial-in-new-zealand/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view a high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi i MiEV

The long-awaited New Zealand road show featuring the all-electric iMiEV is underway. Mitsubishi kicked off the trial with a gala event on Tuesday, where over 100 people from the government and other "key stakeholders" were invited to Zealandia, a 252-hectare wildlife preserve, to give the zero-emission jellybean a quick drive. The nice thing about Mitsubishi's New Zealand test is that the juice is provided by local utility Meridian Energy, which produces all of its energy from 100 percent renewable power (called "carboNZero" and is made from hydroelectric and wind sources).

Meridian has been pro-electric cars for years, and has its own Electric Vehicle Programme that is "tasked with researching EV technology and implementing strategies to help NZ unlock a more sustainable personal transportation future, using renewable electricity." This is the first time an automaker and a utility have worked together in New Zealand on EVs. The iMiEV will launch in Japan this summer and is currently testing there and in the U.S. and Europe in addition to New Zealand.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading iMiEV starts renewable energy-powered trial in New Zealand

iMiEV starts renewable energy-powered trial in New Zealand originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>imievmeridian energyMeridianEnergymievmitsubishimitsubishi imievMitsubishiImievnew zealandnew zealand imievNewZealandNewZealandImievThu, 12 Feb 2009 17:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian biofuel imports hurting SE Asian rainforests]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/australian-biofuel-imports-hurting-se-asian-rainforests/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/australian-biofuel-imports-hurting-se-asian-rainforests/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/australian-biofuel-imports-hurting-se-asian-rainforests/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Photo of "Australia" by reinn. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

As anyone who has seen episode 2F13 of The Simpsons (aka Bart vs. Australia) knows, introducing foreign species into an environment can have dangerous effects. A real-world situation - not really all that similar, but I like to reference the Simpsons whenever possible - in Australia shows the sad connection between environmental destruction and the way some biofuels are produced.

The Australian reports that Australia's large-scale biofuel imports are exacerbating the "widespread destruction of tropical rainforests in Indonesia and Malaysia." Orangutans and other endangered species are directly affected by the deforestation, but cheap biodiesel from Southeast Asia remains popular Down Under. Australia has dealt with the negative effects of growing crops for biofuels by banning two types of plants that had been intended for biofuel production in 2006 because of fears they would turn invasive. Therefore, domestic production is now mostly limited to companies that use tallow and recycled cooking oil as the feedstock. For now, according to one source, Australia remains the "dumping ground for palm oil-based biodiesel." Looks like Better Place, the evMe and the Holden Volt can't come soon enough.

[Source: The Australian]

Australian biofuel imports hurting SE Asian rainforests originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabiofuelbiofuelsbiofuels australiaBiofuelsAustraliadeforestationpalm oilpalm oil biodieselpalm oil plantationsPalmOilPalmOilBiodieselPalmOilPlantationsMon, 26 Jan 2009 15:44:00 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[Honda advertises cars with green hybrid billboards]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/honda-advertises-cars-with-green-hybrid-billboards/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/honda-advertises-cars-with-green-hybrid-billboards/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/honda-advertises-cars-with-green-hybrid-billboards/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to enlarge

If you are going to bill yourselves as the World's Greenest Automaker, as Honda does from time to time, you'd better be willing to back it up. Luckily, Honda always seems to be looking for a way to do just that. Whether it's by offering the best overall fuel economy in the United States or powering billboards with solar power, Honda is often a step ahead. Wait, hold on... powering billboards with solar power? Yep, in the land of Oz at least, Honda has partnered up with APN Outdoor to create Australia's first eco-friendly outdoor advertisements. The solar panels provide power when possible and a backup electrical connection that gets its power from a green feed is there to pick up the slack. This may be a small thing, but we'll take it. We should also mention that Honda has invested in solar technology itself, with its Soltec subsidiary opening for business in 2006 and now selling panels for residential or commercial use.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda advertises cars with green hybrid billboards

Honda advertises cars with green hybrid billboards originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apn outdoorApnOutdoorhondahonda solarhonda solar billboardHondaSolarHondaSolarBillboardsolar billboardSolarBillboardTue, 06 Jan 2009 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[First commercial biofuel jet test successfully completed yesterday]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/30/today-marks-first-commercial-biofuel-jet-test/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/30/today-marks-first-commercial-biofuel-jet-test/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/12/30/today-marks-first-commercial-biofuel-jet-test/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Airlines all over the world are finding themselves under increased pressure to lower their carbon footprints, and saving a buck or two (million) in the process certainly wouldn't hurt anything. To that end, Air New Zealand has successfully conducted the world's first commercial test flight with a Boeing 747-400 powered by Rolls-Royce jet engines. According to reports, everything went exactly as planned without a single problem.

This successful test should go a long way towards helping Air New Zealand hit its self-imposed target of displacing 10 percent of its 9 million barrels of fuel used annually with biofuels by 2013. If the company is able to meet that goal, some 400,000 tons of CO2 could be kept out of the atmosphere. For this flight, one of the jet's two engines ran on jatrpopha-based oil and the other used normal Jet A1 fuel.

Jatropha oil reportedly freezes at a lower temperature than even standard-grade jet fuel and is not used as a food source, making it an ideal choice for aviation biofuels. The oil for these tests was sourced from East Africa and India and is cost competitive with traditional fuels.

[Source: Stuff.co.nz]

First commercial biofuel jet test successfully completed yesterday originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air new zealandAirNewZealandbiofuelbiofuel flightBiofuelFlightbiofuelsTue, 30 Dec 2008 13:47:00 EST