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[Washington 2009: Riding in the Chrysler EVs [w/VIDEO]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/washington-2009-riding-in-the-chrysler-evs-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/washington-2009-riding-in-the-chrysler-evs-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/10/washington-2009-riding-in-the-chrysler-evs-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above and scroll down to watch the video

People are rightly skeptical about whether or not the Chrysler electric vehicles will ever make it to market. For now, all we can say for sure is that some of Chrysler's EV prototypes can go for a spin around the Washington DC Convention Center. We were able to go for a ride in the Dodge EV and the Jeep ER-EV with Crysler's Douglas Quigley, executive of product engineering for ENVI (the Chrysler electric vehicle "start up") when we were in town last week, and you can see our video of the rides (no drives yet, sadly) after the jump.

Quigley said that it is not Chrysler's intention to sell 100,000 of the Dodge EVs a year. You can roll your own joke about that, but his explanation was that the battery pack that is good for 150 miles will be expensive and therefore the target audience is someone who wants to cruise through the city or on the track for a few hours on the weekend. He's got a lot more to say about these two vehicles in the video, including how they're being used for testing in Arizona, what might make it into a possible production version and how fun it is to drive the Lotus Europa-based Dodge EV.

Continue reading Washington 2009: Riding in the Chrysler EVs [w/VIDEO]

Washington 2009: Riding in the Chrysler EVs [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge evDodgeEvelectric dodgeelectric jeepElectricDodgeElectricJeepenvifeaturedjeep evjeep re-evJeepEvJeepRe-evlotus europaLotusEuropaTue, 10 Feb 2009 12:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Washington 2009: ExerTrike Tri-Hybrids, including new Stealth model]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/washington-2009-exertrike-tri-hybrids-including-new-stealth-mo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/washington-2009-exertrike-tri-hybrids-including-new-stealth-mo/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/washington-2009-exertrike-tri-hybrids-including-new-stealth-mo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Click above for a gallery of the ExerTrike Tri-Hybrids

The Tri-Hybrid Stealth (above) and Tri-Hybrid (below the jump) are on display at the Washington Auto Show in of the Green Car Pavilion. Not exactly cars, but certainly very green, the Tri-Hybrid is part recumbent bicycle, part covered trikes and part hybrids. A tribrid, actually, since it can operate on battery, leg, or motor power (not all of the time, though). The wicked-looking Tri-Hybrid Stealth had its official unveiling at the show. The seats two, should get 150 mpge, has "full safety features" and its designers are confident it can do well in the Auto X Prize.

These vehicles, and many more, are available from ExerTrike, the company behind the bike/boat combo the Pedal Paddle. C'mon, guys, let's get all of these technologies into one vehicle already.

Gallery: Washington 2009: ExerTrike TriHybrids


[Source: ExerTrike]

Continue reading Washington 2009: ExerTrike Tri-Hybrids, including new Stealth model

Washington 2009: ExerTrike Tri-Hybrids, including new Stealth model originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exertrikepeadl paddlePeadlPaddlestealthtri hybridtri hybrid stealthtrihybridtrihybrid stealthTrihybridStealthFri, 06 Feb 2009 15:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Washington 2009: picture fun with the Saturn Flextreme]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/washington-2009-picture-fun-with-the-saturn-flextreme/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/washington-2009-picture-fun-with-the-saturn-flextreme/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/washington-2009-picture-fun-with-the-saturn-flextreme/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Saturn Flextreme

One of the guilty pleasures available during the quiet period before the public days of an auto show is taking pictures when no one is around. We've seen the Saturn Flextreme (and it's Opel cousin) before, but haven't seen it spinning around on the stand all by itself, just asking for a few shutter clicks. We obliged, of course, and present you with these images. We got a little carried away with the long shutter speeds and liked the trippy effects they created. Oh, to have our fisheye with us at all times.

Technical details on this Volt-like plug-in hybrid concept can be found here. This post is all about the pics. Enjoy.

Gallery: Washington 2009: Saturn Flextreme

Washington 2009: picture fun with the Saturn Flextreme originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flextremesaturn flextremeSaturnFlextremeThu, 05 Feb 2009 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Washington 2009: modded Prius is part solar PHEV, part bed, part crazy]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/washington-2009-modded-prius-is-part-solar-phev-part-bed-part/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/washington-2009-modded-prius-is-part-solar-phev-part-bed-part/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/washington-2009-modded-prius-is-part-solar-phev-part-bed-part/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



We usually use the main picture in a post to give you a straightforward idea of what vehicle or technology the post is about. More unusual images can live in the gallery. For a vehicle we discovered at the Washington Auto Show, though, we needed to use the main picture spot to show off just one of the many highlights that Bob Bruninga has made to his Prius: wood trim on the doors (see it from a distance here and here). This little homebrew addition is just one of a ridiculous number of modifications made to the Prius Power vehicle we found on display in the Green Car Pavilion

The more important mods include: solar panels on the roof and hood, a bigger battery setup (248 volt, 9 amp hour array) to give the solar energy somewhere to go when the car is parked, a retro analog instrument panel to keep track of all the added electronics, and a wood and glass/plastic cylinder thing on the top. No one was around when I stopped by, so I'm not sure what that's all about but, man, is it cool. In a "huh?" kind of way.

Bruninga writes that the solar panels and beefed up battery cost him about $3,000. He knows it won't get him 100 mpge, but he doesn't care. He wants to provide power for ham radio field days and explore the possibilities. One more thing: the passenger seat has been replaced with the DIY "Prius Inn," bed for one option. Who knew you could do so much to a Prius? He has plans for more, BTW.

Gallery: Washington 2009: Prius Power


[Source: APRS]

Continue reading Washington 2009: modded Prius is part solar PHEV, part bed, part crazy

Washington 2009: modded Prius is part solar PHEV, part bed, part crazy originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob bruningaBobBruningaprius innprius powerPriusInnPriusPowerWed, 04 Feb 2009 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Washington 2009: Colin Powell likes the Fisker Karma]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/washington-2009-colin-powell-likes-the-fisker-karma/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/washington-2009-colin-powell-likes-the-fisker-karma/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/washington-2009-colin-powell-likes-the-fisker-karma/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high res gallery of Powell's Fisker visit

There was a bit of a hub-bub around the Fisker Automotive booth yesterday afternoon thanks to the surprise appearance of one Colin Powell. The former four-star general, Secretary of State and WMD fearmonger spent a lot of time with both the Karma and the Karma S, getting a lot of one-on-one time learning about the vehicles from Henrik Fisker. A lot of well-known government officials visit the Washington Auto Show, but the Fisker booth model I talked with was geeked as anything about Powell's appearance, asking me to send her the photos I was taking of the visit, even thought there were dozens of people snapping away with their own cameras. Even Powell pulled out his own camera to take his own pictures of the cars.

The best part: Powell wore a name tag, just like the rest of us.

UPDATE: Ah, now it all makes sense.

Gallery: Colin Powell checks out the Fisker Karma


Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the Auto Alliance.

Washington 2009: Colin Powell likes the Fisker Karma originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colin powellcolin powell fiskerColinPowellColinPowellFiskerfiskerfisker automotivefisker karmaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerKarmahenrik fiskerHenrikFiskerwashingtonwashington auto showwashington dcWashingtonAutoShowWashingtonDcWed, 04 Feb 2009 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Auto Show: GM announces plan for Volt introduction, San Francisco, D.C. early adopter cities]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/dc-auto-show-gm-announces-plan-for-volt-introduction-san-franc/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/dc-auto-show-gm-announces-plan-for-volt-introduction-san-franc/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/dc-auto-show-gm-announces-plan-for-volt-introduction-san-franc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


GM's Ed Peper

At the Washington Auto Show this morning, GM outlined its plan for getting America ready for the Chevy Volt. GM has been looking at which cities are the most prepared for and has people who are the most interested in a plug-in vehicle, and singled out San Francisco and Washington, D.C. as two locations where the General is focusing its roll-out efforts. Working with local governments, electric utilities, regulators and other players, GM is setting the stage with a holistic approach: finding ways to provide incentives to purchase the Volt, creating workplace charging infrastructure, HOV-lane access possibility, potentially changing building codes to allow vehicle charging stations to be built, and more. GM will replicate these efforts in other parts of the country. As all this is happening on the outside, GM North America president Ed Peper said that Volt development is continuing uninterrupted and GM is still on track to introduce the car late next year. More details after the jump.

Ron Cogan, editor of the Green Car Journal, also announced that The Volt won the Green Car Journal's Green Car Vision Award.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


Continue reading DC Auto Show: GM announces plan for Volt introduction, San Francisco, D.C. early adopter cities

DC Auto Show: GM announces plan for Volt introduction, San Francisco, D.C. early adopter cities originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltChevyVolted peperEdPepergreen car journalgreen car vision awardGreenCarJournalGreenCarVisionAwardvoltwashingtonwashington auto showWashingtonAutoShowTue, 03 Feb 2009 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Green Car Summit: fiery debate in D.C. on policy, pressure and people]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/green-car-summit-fiery-debate-in-d-c-on-policy-pressure-and-p/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/green-car-summit-fiery-debate-in-d-c-on-policy-pressure-and-p/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/green-car-summit-fiery-debate-in-d-c-on-policy-pressure-and-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click on the image above for a gallery of the panelists

Before the Washington Auto Show starts up for real tomorrow, a very spirited debate took place as part of the Green Car Summit. The topics: legislation, consumer desires, fuel-saving technologies and a whole lot more. The panelists:

  • Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi America
  • Bill Reinert, national manager, advanced technology group, Toyota Motor Sales
  • Alan Neidzwiecki, president and CEO of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide
  • William Craven, general manager, regulatory affairs, Daimler
  • Richard Kolodziej, president, NGVAmerica, the trade association for natural gas vehicles
  • Britta Gross, manager, hydrogen and electrical infrastructure
  • Dan Weiss, senior fellow and director of climate strategy, Center for American Progress

Unlike some panels featuring people with different agendas, this one was a bit of a powder keg - and moderators Warren Brown (Washington Post) and Ron Cogan (Green Car Journal, the event sponsor) were happy to let the panelists shoot off their own sparks. Details and audio available after the jump.


Continue reading Green Car Summit: fiery debate in D.C. on policy, pressure and people

Green Car Summit: fiery debate in D.C. on policy, pressure and people originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan neidzwieckiAlanNeidzwieckibill reinertBillReinertbritta grossBrittaGrossdan weissDanWeissfeaturedgreen car summitGreenCarSummitjohan de nysschenJohanDeNysschenrichard kolodziejRichardKolodziejwashington auto showWashingtonAutoShowwilliam cravenWilliamCravenMon, 02 Feb 2009 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Auto Show: Destiny 2000 used to be a Fiero, now it's a solar electric]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/dc-auto-show-destiny-2000-used-to-be-a-fiero-now-its-a-solar-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/dc-auto-show-destiny-2000-used-to-be-a-fiero-now-its-a-solar-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/dc-auto-show-destiny-2000-used-to-be-a-fiero-now-its-a-solar-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



There is section of the DC Auto Show, called the Green Car Pavilion, that is intended to highlight alternative fuel vehicles. Before the show officially opens tomorrow, we managed to take a walk around the GCP and saw an interesting collection of vehicles parked there. One was the bright yellow ride that you see here: a 1985 Pontiac Fiero (well, so said the info sheet taped to the car, EV Album says it's a 1986, see more details after the jump). A long time ago, certainly before the recent uptick in home electric car conversions, its gasoline guts were ripped out - professionally, of course, by Solar Electric Engineering of Santa Rosa, California - and replaced with 18 6-volt Trojan R-125 lead acid batteries and a series wound GE motor. With the conversion came a name change: from Fiero to Destiny 2000.

Today, the Destiny 2000 can go 50 miles on a charge, has a top speed of 75 mph and a 0-60 time of 11.2 seconds. There was no one around to learn a bit more about the car, so in lieu of actual information, let's imagine the fun one could have in a Fiero EV.

Gallery: DC Auto Show: Destiny 2000, the Solar Fiero


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading DC Auto Show: Destiny 2000 used to be a Fiero, now it's a solar electric

DC Auto Show: Destiny 2000 used to be a Fiero, now it's a solar electric originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destiny 2000Destiny2000fierosolarwashingtonwashington auto showwashington dcWashingtonAutoShowWashingtonDcMon, 02 Feb 2009 19:18:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 Green Car Vision Award winner announced tomorrow]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/2009-green-car-vision-award-winner-announced-tomorrow/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/2009-green-car-vision-award-winner-announced-tomorrow/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/02/2009-green-car-vision-award-winner-announced-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click on the image above for a gallery of the Fisker Karma

The Fisker Karma will make an appearance in Washington, D.C. this week for that city's auto show. While there, the car is up for a starring role in the Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car Vision Award. We won't know until later in the week (tomorrow, actually) which actor vehicle lands the lead, but it'll either be the Karma or one of these other finalists: Mitsubishi iMiEV, the Honda FCX Clarity, Chevy Volt, and MINI E. Green Car Journal editor and publisher Ron Cogan says that these five vehicles, "each inspire in important ways with their advanced powertrains, use of cleaner or more sustainable fuels, vastly improved efficiencies, or a combination of these attributes." OK, fine, but which one do you think will win the award?

Gallery: Detroit 2009: production Fisker Karma


[Source: Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.]

Continue reading 2009 Green Car Vision Award winner announced tomorrow

2009 Green Car Vision Award winner announced tomorrow originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker karmaFiskerKarmagreen car journalGreenCarJournalkarmaquantumron coganRonCoganMon, 02 Feb 2009 13:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: GM to hybridize Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, GMC Sierra]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/exclusive-gm-to-hybridize-saturn-outlook-gmc-acadia-gmc-sierr/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/exclusive-gm-to-hybridize-saturn-outlook-gmc-acadia-gmc-sierr/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/exclusive-gm-to-hybridize-saturn-outlook-gmc-acadia-gmc-sierr/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Washington Auto Show is over and I have news of three new hybrids from GM. I asked GM's car show floor specialists which cars GM plan to turn into hybrids? I was told there would be an Acadia and Sierra hybrid by a GMC specialist and Outlook hybrid by a Saturn specialist. I don't think GMC, Saturn or GM has said officially they would turn the Acadia and Outlook vehicles into hybrids. GM has said they plan to release a hybrid every 3 months for the next 4 years. So, I guess it's possible GM told the specialists before releasing the plans.

I would have recorded the specialists saying there will be a hybrid Acadia, Sierra and Outlook. But they said they were not allowed to be recorded because they did not actually represent GM. So, take this rumor with a grain of salt. I suppose even if GM somehow leaked this information in briefings to specialists, GM could still reconsider hybridizing Acadia and Outlook. I also think it's possible I could be mistaken and they meant the older Sierra hybrid. That would not explain the Acadia and Outlook though.

Anyway, I was actually thinking a lot about what 16 brands GM would make hybrids. My theoretical list of brands included lots of GM's car brands. I asked a Pontiac (a GM brand) specialist and he said GM had no plans for a hybrid Pontiac. So even if this rumor is incorrect, there seems to be a trend at GM towards making SUV hybrids. More SUV hybrids would fit the logic of what they say about first hybridizing buses, where it can do the most good. What do you think about the possibility of 16 new SUV hybrids coming to the market?

Exclusive: GM to hybridize Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, GMC Sierra originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcadiaGMhybridOutlookSierraWashington-Auto-ShowMon, 28 Jan 2008 11:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Washington Auto Show videos: Car makers on senators, state regulators and CAFE]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/washington-auto-show-videos-car-makers-on-senators-state-regul/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/washington-auto-show-videos-car-makers-on-senators-state-regul/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/washington-auto-show-videos-car-makers-on-senators-state-regul/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The big automakers showed a little teeth at this year's Washington Auto Show. The video above begins with Mark LaNeve of GM telling a story about a U.S. senator. The senator suggested to Mark that GM build at least one car that got over 30 MPG. Mark said GM builds 15 cars that gets over 30 MPG and he was shocked a U.S. Senator did not know this. I'm not shocked.

The video above also includes Jim Press of Chrysler talking about state regulation. Jim says it's not just California but 13 other states that want different standards. Why should Chrysler have to make 14 different vehicles, Jim wondered. I think they all want the same standard, so you could just build one car that complied with that standard and sell it in the entire United States.

I recorded the Ford and government press conference as well. As you can see in the video below the fold, something went wrong. Sorry readers, I'm not that familiar with Mini DV video cameras. Ford's Sue Cischke did argue with a reporter on whether or not their were actually CAFE "fines" anymore. Sue said the system has changed and their really are not fines. The reporter did not believe her.

Anyway, your questions could have responses as great as these. The show has two days left. So, post your questions in comments and I will ask them when I head back to the show.

Continue reading Washington Auto Show videos: Car makers on senators, state regulators and CAFE

Washington Auto Show videos: Car makers on senators, state regulators and CAFE originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CAFEChryslerfineFordGMJim-PressMark-LaNeveregulationstateSue-CischkevideovideosWashington-Auto-ShowFri, 25 Jan 2008 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Washington Auto Show video: Jim Press talks about the difference between US and Japan]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/washington-auto-show-video-jim-press-talks-about-the-difference/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/washington-auto-show-video-jim-press-talks-about-the-difference/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/washington-auto-show-video-jim-press-talks-about-the-difference/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



At the Washington Auto Show, Jim Press (the guy who famously left Toyota for Chrysler) said the Japanese government worked closely with corporations, like Toyota, for the betterment of society. Jim said he is excited to work with Cerberus, the private owners of Chrysler, to contribute to society as well. In the U.S., Press said, things like the Alliance of Auto Manufactures and the new CAFE standard lead to great results, e.g., the Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid. Do you have questions about Chrysler's HEMI hybrid? The Washington Auto Show has two days left and I will ask your questions when I head back there. Post your questions in comments now.

Washington Auto Show video: Jim Press talks about the difference between US and Japan originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChryslerDodgeDurangogovernmenthemihybridJapanJim-PressToyotaUSAvideoWashington-Auto-ShowFri, 25 Jan 2008 14:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Washington Auto Show video: GM hands over Project Driveway fuel cell test vehicle keys]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/washington-auto-show-video-gm-hands-over-porject-driveway-fuel/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/washington-auto-show-video-gm-hands-over-porject-driveway-fuel/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/washington-auto-show-video-gm-hands-over-porject-driveway-fuel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Tom Albert of Alexandria, VA, and Nick Williams of Washington, DC. will test drive fuel cell Equinoxes for the next few months. GM North America Sales VP Mark LaNeve handed over the keys to Tom and Nick at the 2008 Washington Auto Show this week. In the video above, Tom and Nick talk about how they came to be a part of the Project Driveway program. Tom says his wife, Heather, is expecting a baby in two weeks and Nick could not top that explaining he learned about Project Driveway on the internet. If you can't make it to the show but want to know more about GM's fuel cell vehicles, post a question in comments and I will ask on your behalf. The Washington Auto Show is over in just two days, so post your question quickly.

Washington Auto Show video: GM hands over Project Driveway fuel cell test vehicle keys originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptEquinoxfuel-cellhydrogentest-drivevideoWashington-Auto-ShowFri, 25 Jan 2008 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[What do you want to know about the Volt and plug-in Prius?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/what-do-you-want-to-know-about-the-volt-and-plug-in-prius/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/what-do-you-want-to-know-about-the-volt-and-plug-in-prius/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/what-do-you-want-to-know-about-the-volt-and-plug-in-prius/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The Washington Auto Show is underway and ends this Sunday, January 29th. Just a reminder, if you can't make it, tell me what you want to see and I will find it at the show. For example, great, green cars like plug-in Prius and Volt are on the show floor. What do you want me to ask the people manning the booth about these cars? Questions that involve pointing out something on the car would be best because the car is on the show floor and I want to include the car in the videos of responses to your questions.

The video above is a preview of the first day of the show. Media, including myself, were shuffled around a number of press conferences. The video includes: fuel cell Equinox test drivers, GM North America Sales VP Mark LaNeve explaining why they are advertising the Volt now, Ford saying they could make a plug-in hybrid right now but it would get 7 miles in electric only mode, and the Chrysler press conference. The video also includes Green Car Journal's green car award and the Green Car Summit. The Green Car Summit was actually interrupted by a fire alarm.

Anyway, don't forget to post your questions, the show only has three days left.

What do you want to know about the Volt and plug-in Prius? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevy-VoltGMplug-inPriusToyotavideoVoltWashington-Auto-ShowThu, 24 Jan 2008 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Co-op wants a plugged-in America]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/co-op-wants-a-plugged-in-america/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/co-op-wants-a-plugged-in-america/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/co-op-wants-a-plugged-in-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Co-op America has launched a campaign to encourage automakers to mass produce plug-in hybrid vehicles. This includes a demonstration outside the Washington Auto Show. Co-op America believes that the technology is ready and that customers deserve 100-mpg vehicles in 2010.

The organization also states that not developing this technology will harm the U.S. auto industry because foreign automakers are already working on it and might have it ready (er... how about the Volt?). The Co-op directly points a finger at what they call "hot air solutions" (such as ethanol) which, according to them, don't really address the country's oil addiction and how automakers advertise their cars' power instead of efficiency. Plug-in technology seems to Co-op America as the readiest solution.

Co-op America is looking for supporters to send a letter to Ford and GM from the Co-op's website, joining their campaign to ask U.S. automakers to make plug-in hybrids.

While I think demonstrating is very good, I think that the Co-op's chances are small. Yes, plug-in technology is here and is very promising, but maybe the industry and, specifically, the battery industry isn't ready for large deployment levels. What's your opinion? You can read the full press release after the jump.

[Source: Co-Op]

Continue reading Co-op wants a plugged-in America

Co-op wants a plugged-in America originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opdemonstrationsplug-in hybridsPlug-inHybridsThu, 24 Jan 2008 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Which tires should I kick at the Washington Auto Show?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/which-tires-should-i-kick-at-the-washington-auto-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/which-tires-should-i-kick-at-the-washington-auto-show/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/which-tires-should-i-kick-at-the-washington-auto-show/#commentsFiled under:



The 2008 Washington Auto Show starts today and ends January 27th. I am going and I want to know what you want me to report on. Sure, I will ask the exhibitors the tough green questions and try to catch all the green events. I still want to know what you want me to ask or which booth I should not miss. So, sound off in comments and tell me what I should do.

The Washington Auto Show includes some big names and they might take questions but don't be upset if all 15 of your questions don't make it to that Senator or CEO. I am not saying aim low but if you have a question that's kinda obscure, that an engineer who might be staffing a booth can respond to, I will probably get a good response.

Anyway, ask away. You have six days until it's over.

Which tires should I kick at the Washington Auto Show? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Washington-Auto-ShowTue, 22 Jan 2008 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Auto Show: General Motors introduces the first DC-Area Project Driveway participants]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-general-motors-introduces-the-first-dc-area-projec/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-general-motors-introduces-the-first-dc-area-projec/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-general-motors-introduces-the-first-dc-area-projec/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As General Motors prepares to start handing over the keys to fuel cell powered Equinoxes to the "customer" participants in Project Driveway, they announced the first Washington, DC-area drivers. At the Washington DC Auto Show, GM North America Sales VP Mark LaNeve introduced Tom Albert of Alexandria, VA, and Nick Williams of Washington, DC. Williams and Albert will each get a fuel cell Equinox free of charge for a three-month period. Over 100 Equinoxes are being prepared for a two-to-three-year field test. Drivers won't have to pay for fuel or insurance but will have to provide regular feedback to GM on the vehicles. The Equinox uses the current fourth-generation fuel cell stack and has a range of about 160 miles.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading DC Auto Show: General Motors introduces the first DC-Area Project Driveway participants

DC Auto Show: General Motors introduces the first DC-Area Project Driveway participants originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel-cell-equinoxgm-project-drivewayproject-drivewayTue, 22 Jan 2008 00:04:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Auto Show: Ford refines the Escape/Mariner hybrids]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-ford-refines-the-escape-mariner-hybrids/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-ford-refines-the-escape-mariner-hybrids/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-ford-refines-the-escape-mariner-hybrids/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Just in time to better compete with the upcoming Saturn Vue Two-Mode hybrid, Ford is rolling out a series of updates to the Escape and Mariner (and likely the badge engineered Mazda Tribute) hybrids. The big news is an updated 2.5L four cylinder engine that supplants the existing 2.3L unit. The revised engine includes variable cam timing on the intake camshaft, the first such application on the Ford hybrids. The updated engine still runs on an Atkinson cycle and the updates improve performance without degrading the fuel economy. When we tested the 2008 Escape hybrid last year it achieved a real world 30mpg, so that should be maintained.

One of the complaints with the existing Escape hybrid is the brake system. Many drivers don't like the pedal feel and, unlike the conventional models, the hybrids haven't had traction or stability control. That changes for 2009. Ford claims a new brake system improves the blending of friction and regenerative braking. It also adds traction, stability and roll stability control to the package for the hybrids.

The conventional Escape and Mariner also get powertrain upgrades. The 2.5L four cylinder also replaces the 2.3L in the base version and gets the variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. The four gets an increase power from 153hp to 170hp. The up-level 3.0L V-6 gets new pistons, cylinder heads and injection system for a 30hp increase to 230hp. All the Escapes and Mariners also get some minor aerodynamic tweaks as well. Both engines are paired up with a new 6-speed automatic transmission, which, when combined with the engine changes, gives a 1mpg increase to each model while improving acceleration and towing capability. The Ford press release is after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading DC Auto Show: Ford refines the Escape/Mariner hybrids

DC Auto Show: Ford refines the Escape/Mariner hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escape-hybridford-escapeford-escape-hybridford-hybridford-marinerTue, 22 Jan 2008 00:03:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Auto Show: 1,732 more orders for GM Hybrid buses]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-1-732-more-orders-for-gm-hybrid-buses/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-1-732-more-orders-for-gm-hybrid-buses/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-1-732-more-orders-for-gm-hybrid-buses/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The pace of orders for GM's two-mode hybrid buses is picking steam. At the Washington DC Auto Show, General Motors has announced orders for an additional 1,732 GM-Allison diesel-electric transit buses. With the 1,000 Two-Mode bus being delivered to Las Vegas this month, the new orders will more than double the fleet since they first hit the road in 2003. The Washington Metro Transit Authority has placed the largest single order to date for 952 buses. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's has ordered for 480 buses and Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Transit wants another 300. To date the buses on the road have accumulated 55 million miles with no battery failures.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading DC Auto Show: 1,732 more orders for GM Hybrid buses

DC Auto Show: 1,732 more orders for GM Hybrid buses originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gm-buseshybrid-busestwo-mode-hybridTue, 22 Jan 2008 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Auto Show: Ford expands flex-fuel to Navigator, Expedition, E-Vans]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-ford-expands-flex-fuel-to-navigator-expedition-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-ford-expands-flex-fuel-to-navigator-expedition-e/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/22/dc-auto-show-ford-expands-flex-fuel-to-navigator-expedition-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


For the 2009 model year, Ford is expanding flex-fuel capability on their big trucks. The humongous Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs and the E-Series vans will all be capable of running E85 through the 5.4L V-8. Ford has already offered the same flex-fuel capability on the F-150 pickups for several years. The change probably won't make any real impact on to total fuel consumption but it will get Ford some mpg credits. The Ford press release is after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading DC Auto Show: Ford expands flex-fuel to Navigator, Expedition, E-Vans

DC Auto Show: Ford expands flex-fuel to Navigator, Expedition, E-Vans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flex-fuelford-expeditionlincoln-navigatorwashington-auto-showTue, 22 Jan 2008 00:01:00 EST