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NREL develops novel method to produce renewable acrylonitrile; carbon fibers from renewable biomass

Green Car Congress

Today, acrylonitrile is used in the production of acrylic fibers for carpets, clothes, and fabrics, and in plastics such as food containers, and packaging materials. The high acrylonitrile yield allows us to propose a potential industrial process for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to renewable acrylonitrile and carbon fibers.

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XL1 dive and drive: Volkswagen aggressively optimizes for efficiency in its sleek diesel plug-in hybrid

Green Car Congress

The XL1 is aggressively optimized for efficiency in all areas of its design and technology—from materials (carbon fiber reinforced polymer monocoque); to powertrain (0.8L Comparison of electric drive fuel consumption (kWh/100 miles). By comparison, a Volkswagen Polo is slightly longer (156.3 Click to enlarge.

Plug-in 324
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DOE to award up to $184M for advanced vehicle research and development in 8 areas of interest

Green Car Congress

This subtopic seeks research and development projects on novel lubricant formulations expected to improve the efficiency of advanced combustion regime engines by at least 10% (improvement based on comparison to similarly configured 2002 or later commercially available combustion engine). Development of Low-Cost Carbon Fiber.

Li-ion 231
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Toyota FCV Mirai launches in LA; initial TFCS specs; $57,500 or $499 lease; leaning on Prius analogy

Green Car Congress

In addition to the vehicle’s introduction in Japan, Toyota launched the Mirai—a four-door, mid-size fuel cell sedan with performance that fully competes with traditional internal combustion engines—in Los Angeles on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Middle layer: carbon fiber reinforced plastic (structural element).

Prius 296
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DOE seeking comment on draft $50M solicitation for new projects over 11 areas of interest to improve vehicle performance and decrease fuel consumption

Green Car Congress

Carbon Fiber Polymer Composite. A prototype demonstration part shall be produced which reproduces, to the maximum extent practicable, the expected stresses, clearance, dimensional stability, and fatigue challenges of next generation high efficiency internal combustion engine rotating components.

Li-ion 240
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I went to China to witness the secrets of micromobility factories. Here’s what’s coming

Baua Electric

Sure, that’s an apples-and-oranges comparison because they’re very different vehicles. But still, it puts into perspective the magnitude of what Yadea is building, with an output of two-wheeled EVs that surpasses all major electric car manufacturers combined. And that’s even while its factories are still undergoing significant growth.

China 52
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BMW unveils the production i3 in New York, London and Beijing; efficiency, dynamics and a supporting ecosystem of services

Green Car Congress

With its new architecture, use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and premium mobility service offerings, the “ i3 marks the beginning of a new mobility age ,” said Dr. Reithofer. Although not a solid comparison due to drivecycle differences, the new Chevy Spark EV is EPA-rated for electricity consumption of 0.28 Production.

BMW 247