Sat.Dec 03, 2011 - Fri.Dec 09, 2011

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Evatran plans trials of Plugless Power wireless charging technology with commercial partners for early 2012; outfitting Volts and LEAFs

Green Car Congress

Plugless Power system components. Click to enlarge. Evatran, a developer of wireless charging systems for electric vehicles ( earlier post ), has signed contracts with six commercial participants to outfit their Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAF models with pre-production Plugless Power wireless charging systems. Plugless Power is a Level 2 (240V at 30A, 3.3 kW rated power output) inductive charging system, with a transfer efficiency of 90%.

2012 329
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Join the Greenius to Defeat Vile Vandals & Restore Hope & Trees

Creative Greenius

Let me tell you how pissed off I was the day after Thanksgiving when I read this headline in the Daily Breeze: “ Vandals Uproot Saplings Planted by Youngsters “ The story in a nutshell read, “ Forget the financial loss. Vandals crushed a lot more than that this week when they ripped out fledgling oak trees and smashed other plants being cultivated by dozens of young people from across the South Bay in Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park. “ It steamed my chaps and I wasn̵

Cars 276
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Aptera Interview Today at Last!

Electric Cars are for Girls

Steve Fambro, Aptera's founder, will be speaking today for the first time about Aptera. Specifically - hopefully - What Went Wrong Over at Aptera. Not to be ghoulish about an EV company that didn't make it, but.don't we all wanna know? The show airs live at 3pm Eastern on Transport Evolved.

Aptera 229
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2014 Nissan Leaf Will Cost Less, Go Wireless, Travel Further, Be Smarter

Green Car Reports

Last week we told you that Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand, would be including wireless inductive charging on the option list for its first electric car. Now Nissan has confirmed that the 2014 Leaf will also be able to wirelessly recharge itself using a suitable inductive charging station, doing away with those pesky power cables for good.

2014 163
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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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Valeo acquires electric supercharger business from Controlled Power

Green Car Congress

As part of its strategy of developing solutions to reduce CO 2 emissions, Valeo has acquired the Variable Torque Enhancement System (VTES) ( earlier post ) business of UK automotive technology development company Controlled Power Technologies (CPT). VTES will be integrated into Valeo’s Powertrain Systems Business Group with immediate effect. With this move, Valeo becomes the first automotive supplier to offer its customers a range of electric superchargers.

Power 326
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Join the Greenius to Defeat Vile Vandals & Restore Hope & Trees

Creative Greenius

Let me tell you how pissed off I was the day after Thanksgiving when I read this headline in the Daily Breeze: “ Vandals Uproot Saplings Planted by Youngsters “ The story in a nutshell read, “ Forget the financial loss. Vandals crushed a lot more than that this week when they ripped out fledgling oak trees and smashed other plants being cultivated by dozens of young people from across the South Bay in Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park. “ It steamed my chaps and I wasn̵

Cars 150

More Trending

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Aptera Staff Smash Prototype Electric Cars As Company Folds

Green Car Reports

At the end of last week we broke the news that Aptera, the company responsible for the futuristic three-wheeled electric car known as the Aptera 2e was closing down. Now a series of YouTube videos have surfaced showing showing people we assume to be Aptera employees wilfully destroying Aptera body shells with a forklift truck, presumably so they.

Aptera 152
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California ARB releases three studies showing fine particle pollution a threat to cardiovascular health

Green Car Congress

ARB regulates two size classes of particles: up to 10 microns (PM 10 ) and up to 2.5 microns in size (PM 2.5 ). PM 2.5 particles are a subset of PM 10. Source: ARB. Click to enlarge. Three new studies released by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) show that exposure to airborne fine-particulate matter significantly elevates the risk for premature deaths from heart disease in older adults and elevates incidence of strokes among post-menopausal women.

Pollution 319
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Pike forecasts global investment in intelligent transportation systems will total $13.1B through 2017

Green Car Congress

Forecast global spending on ITS. Source: Pike Research. Click to enlarge. The concept of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) encompasses a wide range of systems and applications. In a new report, Pike Research focuses on four key smart transportation sectors—traffic management systems; smart charging for plug-in electric vehicles; public transportation systems; and vehicle-to-vehicle systems—and forecasts a global investment in these totaling $13.2 billion by 2017.

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WVU NAFTC partners with Tesla Motors for professional development and electric drive vehicle first responder safety training

Green Car Congress

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) will hold its upcoming Electric Drive Vehicle First Responder Safety Training at the Tesla Motors headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif. Scheduled for 6-7 Dec., the train-the-trainer workshop is the fifth of its kind to ensure first responders nationwide have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of electric drive vehicle accident response procedures.

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Faurecia and Accenture partner on products and services for connected and autonomous vehicles

Brief

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Study finds California captured 69% of global venture capital investment in EVs in 1H 2011

Green Car Congress

A new report prepared by Collaborative Economics and produced by the organization Next 10 finds that California took in $467 million in global venture capital (VC) investment in EVs (69% of total dollars) in the first half of 2011. The report, Powering Innovation: California is Leading the Shift to Electric Vehicles from R&D to Early Adoption , tracks key indicators to assess opportunities and obstacles for California in the EV sector.

2011 252
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DENSO, Toyota Housing and Misawa Homes develop home energy management system; optional support for PHEVs or EVs

Green Car Congress

DENSO Corporation has jointly developed a home energy management system (HEMS) with Toyota Housing Corporation and Misawa Homes Co., Ltd. The HEMS, DENSO’s first such product of its kind, has optional functions that work with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or electric (EV) vehicles. It will be available in the Japanese market in or after February 2012. As plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles become more widespread, we recognized that it’s possible to realize a more environmentally friendly society by con

PHEV 252
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GM and Teijin to co-develop carbon fiber composite technologies for potential high-volume use in GM vehicles

Green Car Congress

General Motors and Teijin Limited., a leader in the carbon fiber and composites industry, will co-develop advanced carbon fiber composite technologies for potential high-volume use globally in GM cars, trucks and crossovers. The two companies signed a co-development pact that involves use of Teijin’s carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) technology ( earlier post ) , a faster and more efficient way to produce carbon fiber composites that potentially could be introduced on mainstream vehi

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PwC survey finds minerals and metals scarcity a worry for manufacturing industries

Green Car Congress

Seven core manufacturing industries could be seriously affected by a shortage of minerals and metals, which could disrupt entire supply chains and economies, according to new PwC research. Percentage of respondents indicating that their company is affected by minerals and metals scarcity [by industry]. Source: PwC. Click to enlarge. PwC surveyed some of the largest manufacturing businesses across manufacturing, chemicals, automotive, energy/renewable energy, aviation, metals, infrastructure and

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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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U-M study finds current CAFE standards create profit incentive for larger vehicles

Green Car Congress

The current vehicle footprint-based Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards create a financial incentive for automakers to increase vehicle size, except under certain limited conditions of consumer preference for vehicle size, according to a study by University of Michigan researchers Kate Whitefoot and Steven Skerlos. Simulations of future vehicles under the footprint-based standards found that the sales-weighted average vehicle size increases by 2–32%, undermining gains in fuel economy

Standards 240
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EPA draft findings of Pavillion, Wyoming ground water investigation indicate water contamination likely associated with fracking; open for public comment and independent scientific review

Green Car Congress

Organic compounds detected in the two deep monitoring wells (purple and orange bars) during the last sampling event. Horizontal bars show method reporting limits for the individual analytes. Source: EPA Draft Report. Click to enlarge. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a draft analysis of data from its Pavillion, Wyoming ground water investigation, indicating that ground water in the aquifer contains compounds likely associated with gas production practices, including hydrauli

Wyoming 239
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Study finds global carbon emissions reached 10 billion tonnes in 2010

Green Car Congress

Global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels have increased by 49% in the last two decades, according to the latest figures from the Global Carbon Project. Total emissions—including fossil fuel combustion, cement production, deforestation and other land use emissions—reached 10 billion tonnes of carbon (36.7 billion tonnes of CO 2 ) in 2010 for the first time.

2010 239
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Opel introducing new CNG Zafira Tourer with 329-mile natural gas range, lower fuel consumption

Green Car Congress

The new Zafira Tourer 1.6 Turbo ecoFLEX natural gas version has been fitted with gas tanks made of composite material including carbon fiber. The new tank system can now hold 25 kg of natural gas, increasing the range in the CNG mode by 25%. Click to enlarge. In January 2012, Opel will introduce a new natural gas ecoFLEX version of the Zafira Tourer—itself recently introduced at the 64 th Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Gas 236
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Ford China sales up 7% year-to-date; Mondeo sales Up 61% in November

Green Car Congress

Ford sales in China are up 7% for the first 11 month of this year. From January to November 2011, Ford China sold 470,152 wholesale vehicles compared to 438,636 vehicles last year. Sales for Ford-brand vehicles at Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA), Ford’s passenger vehicle joint venture, are up 6% this year, to 289,870 wholesale vehicles from 274,396 last year.

Ford 231
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Chrysler introducing new 2013 Dodge Dart compact; first use of new Compact US Wide architecture derived from Fiat

Green Car Congress

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart compact car will make its world debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich., on 9 Jan. 2012. The original Dodge Dart was first introduced as a full-size car in 1960, then moved from a mid-size in 1962 to a compact format from 1963-1976. The new Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle based upon a Fiat architecture, adapted from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

Dodge 231
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Opel introducing sequential double-turbo technology for Insignia; “twin cooler system”

Green Car Congress

The new 2.0 CDTI BiTurbo engine features a dual intercooler system. At low rpms an additional, water-cooled intercooler (small arrow) ensures that the small volume of air from the small turbocharger passes in a short and direct path to the combustion chamber. In the mid-rpm range, the larger air stream from the larger turbocharger is cooled by the larger intercooler.

Engine 230
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Sheetak and Delphi to develop efficient HVAC for EV/HEVs; $4.7M ARPA-E award

Green Car Congress

Sheetak Inc. has been awarded a $4.7-million contract by the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to develop a thermal energy storage system for supplemental heating or cooling for electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). ( Earlier post.) Delphi Automotive will partner with Sheetak to accelerate systems integration and commercialization.

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Daimler and Conductix-Wampfler collaborate on EV inductive charging research project

Green Car Congress

Daimler and Conductix-Wampfler are collaborating on a research project on the wireless inductive charging of electric vehicles co-funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit, BMU). The main target of the project is a safe, automotive-grade charging system with maximum efficiency and minimum weight and package.

Charging 225
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787 Dreamliner sets speed and distance records for its weight class; 20% more fuel efficient

Green Car Congress

Boeing has established two world records with the 787 Dreamliner, setting new marks for both speed and distance for the airplane’s weight class. The airplane is 20% more fuel efficient than similarly sized airplanes. Boeing says the 787-8 Dreamliner is the first airplane to provide both long distance capabilities with mid-size capacity (210-250 passengers in a three-class seating), allowing airlines to open new, non-stop routes.

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NREL releases interim test plan for evaluating vehicle-to-grid applications

Green Car Congress

Simple block diagram of an EV with V2G. Source: Chakraborty et al. Click to enlarge. Researchers at the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released a technical report that provides an interim test plan for evaluating vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications. The test plan is designed to test and evaluate the plug-in vehicle’s capability to provide power to the grid, and to evaluate the vehicle’s ability to connect and disconnect from the utility according to a subset

Grid 220
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Average fuel economy of new vehicles in the US rose again in November; UMTRI Eco-Driving Index at 0.87, highest since April

Green Car Congress

Average fuel economy of all new vehicles sold in the United States is up for the second straight month, according to researchers at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). In addition to average fuel economy , Sivak and UMTRI colleague Brandon Schoettle issued their monthly update of their new national Eco-Driving Index , which estimates the average monthly environmental impact of an individual US driver.

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Gazprom and Volga Bus partner to develop natural gas buses

Green Car Congress

In Russia, Gazprom and Volga Bus recently entered into a cooperation agreement to create and deploy a full range of modern natural-gas-powered buses as well as the formation of a favorable environment for developing the natural gas vehicle market in Russia. In addition, the parties agreed to elaborate jointly the relevant proposals for the federal and regional authorities.

Gas 210
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Mascoma and Valero establish JV for commercial-scale hardwood cellulosic ethanol facility; Valero providing majority of financing

Green Car Congress

Cellulosic biofuels and consolidated bioprocessing company Mascoma Corporation has entered into definitive agreements with Valero Energy Corporation, the US’ largest independent oil refiner and a leading ethanol producer, to develop and to operate a first-of-its-kind 20 million gallon per year (mgpy) commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol facility in Kinross, Michigan.

Financing 210
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Hyundai 1.6-liter Gamma engine the smallest on Ward’s new 10 Best Engines List

Green Car Congress

Following in the footsteps of Hyundai’s Tau V8 engine, the 1.6-liter GDI Gamma engine, which debuted on the all-new Accent ( earlier post ), has been named one of the Ward’s 10 Best Engines by WardsAuto World, and is the smallest displacement engine on this year’s list. This year’s winners and the applications tested: 3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi A6). 2.0L N20 Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (BMW Z4/528i). 3.0L N55 Turbocharged DOHC I-6 (BMW 335i coupe). 3.6L Pentastar DOHC V-6 (Chrysler 30

Engine 210
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Nissan expands LEAF availability into 7 more states

Green Car Congress

Nissan North America Inc. (NNA) has expanded availability of the all-electric LEAF into seven new states. Nissan has re-opened reservations and has begun taking orders from the general public for the 2012 Nissan LEAF in Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Deliveries of the LEAF, enriched for the 2012 model year with additional standard equipment including quick charging and cold-weather features, will take place in these key markets beginning in spring 201

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Exide Technologies has produced 2.5 million Start-Stop batteries in Europe since 2009

Green Car Congress

Exide Technologies announced the production of its 2,500,000 th micro-hybrid battery in Europe. These advanced lead acid batteries are used in vehicles with Start-Stop systems aimed to cut the fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions. Exide began production of these batteries in 2009 and they are now produced in two Exide plants in Italy and Spain. In 2004, Exide Technologies was the first in the market supplying an Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology-based micro-hybrid battery for the Citroën C3.

2009 210
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BP/DuPont biobutanol JV signs first ethanol early adopter

Green Car Congress

Butamax Advanced Biofuels, the joint venture (JV) between BP and DuPont targeting the production of biobutanol from a variety of feedstocks, recently signed Highwater Ethanol as the first entrant to the Butamax Early Adopters Group. ( Earlier post.) Butamax’s business model is to offer current ethanol producers proprietary biobutanol technology to permit improved biofuels growth and plant profitability.

Brazil 210
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Virent secures $1.5M FAA award to advance renewable jet fuel certification

Green Car Congress

Virent has received a $1.5-million award from the Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation, through the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center to advance the readiness of Virent’s drop-in jet fuel. ( Earlier post.). This award supports the generation of 100 gallons of Virent jet fuel for the purposes for fit-for-purpose testing at the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson AFB.

Renewable 210
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Sapphire Energy demonstrates external assembly and modification of the chloroplast genome from algae; a pathway to commercially viable algal biofuel

Green Car Congress

In an open access paper published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research , scientists at Sapphire Energy report on a hybrid yeast-bacteria methodology for cloning and modifying the chloroplast genome from the green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , and then inserting it into algae. The chloroplast—the site of photosynthesis—is responsible for producing organic molecules from atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and is thus a crucial metabolic engineering target.