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BP joins GE, Google Ventures, ConocoPhillips, and NRG Energy in biomass-to-gasoline startup CoolPlanet’s C Round

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a start-up company developing a technology that converts low-grade biomass into high-grade fuels, including gasoline, and carbon that can be sequestered ( earlier post ) announced that BP Technology Ventures has made an investment in the company’s C Round of financing. CoolPlanet BioFuels, Inc.,

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Audi bringing Q3 compact SUV to US in Fall 2014

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The Q3 will make its US debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next week; Audi originally unveiled the Q3 in April 2011. liter TFSI gasoline engine mated with a six-speed Tiptronic transmission. The on-board Audi MMI navigation plus system is enhanced with Google Earth maps. Earlier post.).

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DENSO develops Qi-compatible integrated, in-vehicle wireless cell phone charger; debuting in Avalon

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DENSO’s Qi-compatible wireless cell phone charger will make its world debut in North America on the 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited as part of a technology package available for both the gasoline and hybrid versions. The first mobile phones with integrated Qi receivers were announced at CTIA in March 2011 and by NTT-Docomo in May 2011.

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Ford demonstrating cloud-based technology to optimize plug-in powertrain efficiency at ITS World Congress

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At the Google I/O conference in May, Ford introduced its research and innovation into using the cloud to predict driver behavior in order to optimize vehicle control systems and improve vehicle performance attributes such as fuel or hybrid-electric efficiency. Earlier post.). Earlier post.). Earlier post.).

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Honda unveils Fit EV concept and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle platform at Los Angeles Auto Show

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Driving range can be maximized by use of a 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid. liter gasoline engine. The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and an engine direct-drive mode.

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Honda Introducing BEV and PHEV to US and Japan in 2012; Demonstration Programs in US Begin This Year

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Ito also announced application of a lithium-ion battery to be supplied by Blue Energy, a joint venture company between GS Yuasa and Honda, in the next-generation Civic Hybrid in 2011. Other technology highlights of the speech included: Gasoline engines. Honda is planning to introduce a new electric bicycle product into China in 2011.

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Audi Chairman says 5 key innovation areas will determine the future of mobility; e-tron master plan calls for 6-figure sales by 2020 with an e-tron in every segment

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Today we already bring news and information into the vehicle via UMTS, offer navigation with Google Earth images, and deliver pinpointed traffic-flow data with Audi online traffic reporting. The Audi A1 e-tron has been on the roads since September 2011. Audi e-tron also addresses the infrastructure surrounding the car.

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