January, 2015

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NHTSA announces follow-up recall of 2.12 million cars and SUVs over TRW airbag defects

Green Car Congress

'US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced today the recall of more than 2.12 million Acura, Dodge, Jeep, Honda, Pontiac, and Toyota vehicles from model years 2002 to 2004 for a defect that may cause airbags to deploy inadvertently. The vehicles were subject to earlier recalls to address a problem with an electronic component manufactured by TRW that caused some airbags to deploy in the absence of a crash.

2003 224
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Riding Into A Better Future @ South Bay Bike Night

Creative Greenius

'Your friendly neighborhood Greenius has been a proud member of the South Bay Bicycle Coalition ever since there was one, and I’ve been on the Board of Directors just as long. I do it because I love to ride my bike and because here in the South Bay – which happens to be the best climate in the whole world in which to ride your bike – we need lots more zero emission people-powered bike trips to replace car trips, especially fossil fuel powered cars.

Future 197
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New, Smaller Porsche Four-Door Sedan To Be Electric Only: Rumor

Green Car Reports

'It''s pretty clear by now that the German luxury automakers, at first startled and shocked by the all-electric Tesla Model S, plan to fight back. But the latest report out of Germany--and it''s still nothing more than a rumor--is the most indicative of how seriously one of them takes the competition. DON''T MISS: Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche Electric.

Porsche 130
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With Bolt EV concept and 2016 Volt, GM ups its ante in electric vehicle market

National Green Transportation

'With lackluster sales and almost nonexistent marketing of the Chevy Volt, made some doubt GM's commitment to electrified vehicles. On Monday, at the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), GM unveiled both the 2nd generation Chevy.

Volt 56
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How serious is Norway about climate change? So much that its streetlights self-dim

emissions global warming Norway climate change carbon dioxide youtube lighting

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SolidEnergy targeting rechargeable Li-metal smartphone battery in 2016, EV battery with 2x range in 2017

Green Car Congress

'SolidEnergy , an MIT spin-out commercializing solid electrolyte technology enabling the use of lithium metal anodes for high energy density rechargeable batteries ( earlier post ), says that in 2016, it and its battery manufacturing partners will release a 2 Ah commercial battery for the smartphone and wearable market. This is to be followed in 2017 by a 20 Ah electric vehicle battery offering more than two times the driving range of current Li-ion batteries.

Recharge 267
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California ARB tightens back down on NOx requirement to 0.20 g/bhp-hr for replacement school buses

Green Car Congress

'When the California Air Resources Board (ARB) initially established emissions criteria for replacement schoolbuses in 2008, the target for 2010 and newer model year school bus engines was 0.20 gram per brake horsepower-hour (g/bhp-hr) NO x and 0.01 g/bhp-hr particulate matter (PM) standards. However, due to the limited number of model year 2010 school buses that were manufactured and certified at or below the 0.20 g/bhp-hr NNO x Ox emission levels, the NO x criterion for replacement school buse

More Trending

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EaglePicher Licenses OneD Material’s SiNANOde silicon-nanowire anode technology

Green Car Congress

'EaglePicher Technologies, LLC has entered into a License Agreement and an Engineering Services Agreement with OneD Material to set up a new EaglePicher production facility in Joplin to produce SiNANOde, a silicon-nanowire-based anode material originally developed by Nanosys ( earlier post ) for building high energy density lithium-ion cells and batteries.

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Bosch completes acquisition of ZF’s share of ZF Lenksysteme JV; electric steering systems for fuel efficiency, ADAS and automated driving

Green Car Congress

'The Bosch Group has completed its acquisition of ZF Friedrichshafen AG’s 50-percent share in the joint venture ZF Lenksysteme GmbH (ZFLS). Bosch now owns all shares in the formerly 50:50 joint venture, formed in 1999. It will be incorporated into the Bosch Group as a new division with the name Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH. ZFLS is a leading manufacturer of electric steering systems, with which it currently generates around 60% of its sales, which were around €4.1 billion (US$4.6 billio

Fuel 200
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BMW Group ConnectedDrive increases data security

Green Car Congress

'The BMW Group is increasing the security of data transmission in its vehicles in response to reports from the German Automobile Association (ADAC). The motorist’s association had identified a potential security gap when data is transmitted. The BMW Group has closed this gap with a new configuration. A review by ADAC had revealed a potential security gap affecting the transmission path via the mobile phone network.

BMW 195
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Li-S battery with novel solid-state electrolyte shows capacity approaching theoretical value and high Coulombic efficiency

Green Car Congress

'Voltage profiles of charge-discharge cycles of the solid-state Li-S battery. Current density of 0.05 C). The specific capacity is given per g of sulfur. Yamada et al. Click to enlarge. A team from Samsung R&D and the University of Rome “La Sapienza” have fabricated a novel all solid-state Li-S battery that exhibits a capacity (? 1600 mAhg ?1 ) approaching the theoretical value and an initial charge-discharge Coulombic efficiency approaching 99% (the average in ten cycles was 98%).

Li-ion 239
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Faurecia and Accenture partner on products and services for connected and autonomous vehicles

Brief

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U of I at Chicago team to optimize new traffic-powered source of electricity

Green Car Congress

'The Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department of the University of Illinois at Chicago has entered into an agreement with New Energy Innovations, Inc. (NEI), to optimize New Energy Innovations’ TPRES (Traffic Powered Renewable Energy System), a new traffic-powered source of electricity that can be deployed at intersections, municipalities, airport entrances, toll booths, as well as entrance and exit ramps.

Chicago 250
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Researchers from Caltech and UC San Diego report very high performance catalysts to convert seed oils to olefins

Green Car Congress

'Researchers from Caltech and UC San Diego have developed a family of ruthenium-based metathesis catalysts that have shown exceptional activity in the conversion of seed oils to linear-chain olefins. In many cases, catalyst turnover numbers (TONs) of more than 100?,000 were achieved, at a catalyst loading of only 3 ppm. Remarkably, the most active catalyst system was able to achieve a TON of 340,000 at a catalyst loading of only 1 ppm.

San Diego 183
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Volkswagen will premiere diesel Golf GTD Variant at Geneva show

Green Car Congress

'Volkswagen will formally introduce the new Golf GTD (“Gran Turismo Diesel”) Variant at the Geneva Motor Show; the sporty and economical long-distance cruiser is available to order now in Europe at a price of €31,975 (US$36,177). Like the Golf GTD ( earlier post ) the Golf GTD Variant features the 184 PS (135 kW) TDI engine. The 184 PS TDI engine takes the Golf GTD Variant to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds with the 2-liter unit delivering a maximum torque of 380 N·m; combined cycle fuel con

Diesel 214
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2015 Aluminum Joining Manual

Green Car Congress

'The Aluminum Association has published a manual detailing the range of commercially available production processes for joining aluminum components in automotive applications. Developed in collaboration with the European Aluminium Association (EAA) and the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), the joining manual is a reference for automotive designers and engineers as use of aluminum alloys in high-volume vehicles is expected to accelerate rapidly in the next decade.

2015 183
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ExxonMobil announces 6th oil discovery offshore Guyana with Ranger-1; Guyana may move from non-producer to regional powerhouse

Oil

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NEC introduces 12V Li-ion battery line for stationary applications

Green Car Congress

'NEC Energy Solutions, along with NEC Corporation, has announced production availability of the Li-ion ALM 12V35 product line of 12-Volt batteries utilizing Nanophosphate lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO 4 ) technology from A123 Systems. With its EverSafe battery protection technology, the ALM 12V35 is immune to short circuit, overvoltage, undervoltage, and other common accidental battery abuse conditions, the company said.

Li-ion 190
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McLaren-Honda reveals MP4-30 F1 car for 2015 with new Honda hybrid power unit

Green Car Congress

'McLaren-Honda revealed its new MP4-30 racer for the upcoming 2015 FIA Formula One (F1) World Championship. The car is fitted with Honda’s RA615H Hybrid power unit. ( Earlier post.). The McLaren-Honda MP4-30 is the only chassis on the grid to be fitted with Honda’s new RA615H Hybrid power unit. The car was aerodynamically refined over the winter, resulting in a refined nose-box solution, slimmed rear-end packaging—particularly around the gearbox—and the incorporation of the all-new p

Honda 207
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Kia teases release of electric AWD concept at Chicago show

Green Car Congress

'Kia Motors America will unveil an electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD) concept vehicle at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. The concept was conceived by Kia’s California design studio and built for city dwellers.

Chicago 183
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Chevron, BP and ConocoPhillips partner to explore 24 leases in Paleogene trend in deepwater Gulf of Mexico

Green Car Congress

'Chevron Corporation’s subsidiary, Chevron USA will now work with BP Exploration and Production Inc. (BP) and ConocoPhillips Company (COP) to explore and to appraise jointly-held offshore leases in the emerging Paleogene trend in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The transaction encompasses BP’s recent Tiber and Gila discoveries, and the Gibson exploratory prospect.

Chevron 204
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Spiky hedgehog particles could reduce VOC emissions from paints and coatings

Green Car Congress

'University of Michigan researchers have developed a new process that can sprout microscopic spikes on nearly any type of particle and that may lead to more environmentally friendly paints and a variety of other innovations. The “hedgehog particles” are named for their bushy appearance under the microscope. Their development is detailed in a study published in Nature.

Emissions 212
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Toyota beginning on-road testing of new SiC power semiconductor technology; hybrid Camry and fuel cell bus

Green Car Congress

'SiC PCU under the hood of the Camry hybrid test vehicle. Click to enlarge. Toyota will begin the on-road testing of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors in Japan this year, using a Camry hybrid prototype and a fuel cell bus. The tests will evaluate the performance of the SiC technology, which could lead to significant efficiency improvements in hybrids and other electric-drive vehicles. ( Earlier post.).

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ITF: Freight transport will replace passenger traffic as main CO2 source from surface transportation by 2050

Green Car Congress

'In the face of shifting global trade patterns, international freight transport volumes will likely grow more than four-fold (factor 4.3) by 2050, according to the International Transport Forum at the OECD’s ITF Transport Outlook 2015. Average transport distance across all modes will increase 12%. As a result, CO 2 emissions from freight transport will grow by 290% by 2050.

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Renault Sport F1 introduces revamped 2015 hybrid power unit

Green Car Congress

'Renault Energy F1-2015 Power Unit. Click to enlarge. Renault Sport F1 has unveiled its 2015 power unit for Formula 1 racing, which incorporates a number of changes compared to its 2014 predecessor ( earlier post ). 2015 is the second year of competitive use for the power units that feature a V6 turbocharged internal combustion engine coupled to energy recovery systems.

2015 183
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Platts Report: China oil demand up 5.3% in December to historic high; overall demand in 2014 increased 3%

Green Car Congress

'China’s apparent oil demand in December rose 5.3% year over year to 44.96 million metric tons (mt), or an average 10.63 million barrels per day (b/d)—the highest absolute demand on record—according to a just-released Platts analysis of Chinese government data. China’s apparent oil demand in 2014 rose 3% from a year before to an average of 10.1 million b/d, which was higher than the 2% year-over-year growth seen in 2013.

Oil 203
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Navigant forecasts 29.3% CAGR growth for electric-drive and electric-assisted commercial vehicles to nearly 160K units in 2023

Green Car Congress

'In a new report , Navigant Research forecasts that global sales of electric drive and electric-assisted medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles (MHDV, Classes 3 to 8) will grow from less than 16,000 in 2014 to nearly 160,000 in 2023, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.3%. Powertrain type included in the report are hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and battery electric.

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New Opel Corsa diesel with only 82 g/km CO2, 75.8 mpg

Green Car Congress

'1.3 CDTI four-cylinder only uses 3.1 l/100 km. Click to enlarge. Opel’s new Corsa three-door equipped with 70 kW/95 hp 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex diesel with Start/Stop technology fitted as standard, braking energy recuperation and low-rolling-resistance tires combined with the new Easytronic 3.0 transmission can reduce CO 2 emissions to 82 grams per kilometer.

MPG 223
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Ryder’s natural gas truck fleet surpasses 30 million miles

Green Car Congress

'Ryder System’s fleet of natural gas vehicles has surpassed 30 million miles. The fleet consists of liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas tractors serving customers in California, New York, Michigan, Texas, Arizona, Utah, Maryland, Georgia and Louisiana, as well as in Canada. Since deploying its natural gas vehicle program in 2011, Ryder has replaced approximately 4.6 million gallons of diesel fuel with lower emission domestically produced natural gas.

Fleet 228
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Mercedes-Benz expanding SUV production capacities in US, bringing in AM General

Green Car Congress

'Mercedes-Benz is reorganizing its SUV production and will expand production capacities in the USA. The US contract manufacturer AM General will join the production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars, producing the R-Class in South Bend, Indiana, in the future. Production capacities at the Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant (Mercedes-Benz US International – MBUSI), which will be gradually be released in this process, will then be used for the M-Class, the GL-Class and the new GLE Coupé due in summer.

Mercedes 200
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E3 study finds low-carbon gas fuels option for meeting Calif GHG reduction goals

Green Car Congress

'A new study by Energy Environmental Economics (E3) consulting suggests that low-carbon gas fuels are a viable option for meeting California’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals and can simultaneously help achieve pollution emission reduction targets. Low-carbon gas fuels or “decarbonized gas” refers to gaseous fuels with a net-zero, or very low, greenhouse gas impact on the climate.

Gas 200
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Animation of new Cummins M2 two-stage turbo in Nissan Titan XD 5L V8 diesel

Green Car Congress

'The Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel which makes its debut in the upcoming 2016 Nissan Titan XD full-size pickup truck ( earlier post) features a unique Cummins M² Two-Stage Turbocharger and is configured to work well at both low and high engine speeds. The series sequential turbocharging system, involving two differently sized turbochargers, effectively provides a small turbocharger for low air flow requirements and a large turbo for high air flow.

Nissan 200
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Researchers exploring Li-Tellurium for high energy density batteries

Green Car Congress

'Researchers at the Kumoh National Institute of Technology in Korea have developed a new, high-performance Li-Tellurium (Li-Te) secondary battery system using a Li metal anode and a Te-based cathode. As described in an open access paper in Nature’s Scientific Reports , the mechanically reduced (MR) Te/C nanocomposite electrode material exhibited high energy density (initial discharge/charge: 1088/740?

Li-ion 255
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HEI ACES study of lifetime animal exposure to New Technology Diesel Engine exhaust finds no lung cancer

Green Car Congress

'The first study to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of lifetime exposure to new technology diesel exhaust (NTDE)—i.e., exhaust from heavy-duty diesel engines meeting EPA 2007 and later emissions requirements—has found no evidence of carcinogenic lung tumors. The Advanced Collaborative Emissions Study (ACES), released today by the Health Effects Institute (HEI), also confirmed that the concentrations of particulate matter and toxic air pollutants emitted from NTDE are more than 90%

Exhaust 249
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Lotus F1 Team presents E23 Hybrid for 2015; Mercedes power unit

Green Car Congress

'The Lotus F1 team presented its 2015 challenger, the E23 Hybrid, the successor to the E22. The 2015 racer features a Power Unit from new supplier Mercedes Benz in place of the E22’s Renault unit. ( Earlier post.) Improvements within Design, Aero and Simulation departments have all contributed to the development of a car which is a huge step forward, according to Matthew Carter, Lotus F1 Team CEO.

2015 190
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New membrane technology for Post-Combustion Carbon Capture begins pilot-scale test

Green Car Congress

'A new carbon capture technology sponsored by the US Department of Energy (DOE) for economically capturing 90% of the carbon dioxide emitted from a coal-burning power plant has begun pilot-scale testing. The Polaris membrane system, developed by Membrane Technology and Research Inc. (MTR), uses a specially designed CO 2 -selective membrane—a micro-porous film that acts as a semi-permeable barrier—to separate CO 2 from other gases, such as nitrogen, in a coal-burning plant’s flue gas.

Carbon 223
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Mitsubishi to show compact SUV PHEV concept at Geneva

Green Car Congress

'Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) said it will unveil a world premiere compact SUV plug-in hybrid concept car on 3 March at the 85 th Geneva International Motor Show. Mitsubishi said that the compact SUV concept was designed to achieve top-of-class reduced CO 2 emissions and features MMC’s @earth TECHNOLOGY stable of environmental technologies. Teaser.