Green Car Congress

APRIL 7, 2010

Ford Motor Company is the first automaker and one of several companies taking a leadership position in joining the Water Disclosure Project , which will establish a water disclosure protocol for companies around the world and promote conservation and stewardship. The initiative is sponsored by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), which established the disclosure and reporting framework used by 2,500 of the world’s largest companies to report carbon emissions.

Water 322

Water Ford Climate Change 2000 322

Creative Greenius

APRIL 9, 2010

Kudos for the brilliant work on this new Greenpeace production to my good friend, Jenny Binstock, and the great cast and crew of volunteers from Greenpeace Southern California. This would be even funnier if it weren’t so truly sad and sadly true. Too bad Meg Whitman wasn’t available because she would have been a contender! Tags: campaign carbon producers citizen volunteer climate change environment greenwashing Greenpeace Jenny Binstock.

Climate 246

Climate Climate Change Environment Carbon 246

Revenge of the Electric Car

APRIL 6, 2010

This Tesla is one of a number of electric cars coming on the market. Will Electric Cars Give New York a Charge? by Lars Vercelli for the Gotham Gazette. From the article: ‘The New York study anticipates that by 2015, electric vehicle prices should decline because of reduced battery costs, that there will be a sufficient supply of electric vehicles to purchase, and that consumers will take advantage of the existing federal tax credit of $7,500 for new electric cars.

New York City 167

New York City New York Obama Tax Credit 167

Plugs and Cars

APRIL 3, 2010

Small patches of oil were seen Sunday from a coal-carrying ship that ran aground on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Authorities fear an oil spill would cause environmental damage to the world's largest coral reef. The vessel was carrying about 72,000 U.S. tons (65,000 metric tons) of coal from the Queensland port of Gladstone to China. It has 1,000 U.S. tons (950 metric tons) of oil on board.

Coal 100

Coal Oil Mariner Australia 100

Advertisement

emissions global warming Norway climate change carbon dioxide youtube lighting

Norway

Green Car Congress

APRIL 9, 2010

In a paper to be presented at next week’s 2010 SAE World Congress in Detroit, LiquidPiston, Inc. will publicly reveal the architecture of its High Efficiency Hybrid Cycle (HEHC) engine. ( Earlier post.) The paper describes LiquidPiston’s third-generation engine prototype, which was first test-fired in January 2010. It provides an air-standard analysis of efficiency, including a comparison to conventional engine technologies.

Congress 268

Congress 2010 Engine Exhaust 268

Electric Cars are for Girls

APRIL 5, 2010

How many batteries and what size electric engine do I need to power my 1975 bmw 2002? Does any one have a universal kit (wiring, batteries, safety switches.

2002 89

2002 Batteries Battery Kits 89

Green Car Reports

APRIL 5, 2010

We've written already about the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco high-mileage model launched at the New York Auto Show. Now we've had a chance to sit down with Gary Altman, GM's vehicle chief engineer for compact cars-North America, and find out exactly how they did it. In addition to predictable tweaks--tires with lower rolling-resistance, and a higher.

2011 63

2011 North America New York Chevrolet 63

Green Car Congress

APRIL 8, 2010

Researchers from BASF, Energie Baden-Württemberg AG (EnBW), Heidelberg University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) are seeking to develop a process for the photocatalytic conversion of CO 2 into methanol for use in fuel cells or internal combustion engines. The Verbund project “ Solar2fuel ” belongs to the “Forum Organic Electronics” excellence cluster and is being sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with more than €1 million (US$1.3 million) over

Conversion 259

Conversion Engine Germany CO2 259

All Cars Electric

APRIL 9, 2010

In some ways, urban parcel delivery is the ideal duty cycle for electric trucks. Daily routes are usually under 100 miles, and all trucks return to a central location at night--ideal for recharging. Federal Express, which has a large fleet of green and alternative vehicles, is now putting its first all-electric trucks into service. Four electric.

All-Electric 55

All-Electric Recharge Electric Electrical 55

Green Cars News

APRIL 9, 2010

Several car manufacturers are going above and beyond their duties to ‘go green’ by focusing not only on enhancing their alternative fuel offerings, but also on supporting other environmental campaigns. Ford has exemplified this by joining the CDP Water Disclosure project. Sponsored by the Carbon Disclosure Project, it helps to manage the world’s shrinking water resources [.].

Water 49

Water Ford Alternative Fuels Green Cars 49

Advertisement

Brief

Connect

Green Car Reports

APRIL 7, 2010

We don't know what it looks like yet, but another detail emerged yesterday on BMW's upcoming tiny MegaCity urban electric vehicle: It will be built out of carbon fiber that is partly made in the U.S. BMW will partner with composites expert SGL Group to construct a new plant in Moses Lake, Washington, that will manufacture lightweight carbon-fiber.

Carbon Fiber 62

Carbon Fiber BMW Carbon Washington 62

Green Car Congress

APRIL 8, 2010

The Audi Q7. Click to enlarge. Audi has revised the engine lineup for the Q7 full-size SUV, offering two new gasoline engines and the second-generation 3.0L V6 TDI diesel. V8 and V12 diesels completes the range. All the engines for the Q7 combine forced induction and direct fuel injection. A high-performance recuperation system that recovers energy during braking is also a standard item with all six- and eight-cylinder engines.

Audi 247

Audi Diesel Fuel Emissions 247

All Cars Electric

APRIL 8, 2010

Automotive journalists aren't known for putting their money where their mouth is. Lots of us talk about loving the planet, owning the environmental mantle, and yet somehow we all drive MINI Coopers and Mazda MX-5 Miata roadsters. Not me. I think I just signed up to buy a 2011 Nissan Leaf. The idea's been bubbling up for a while. A long time ago.

Buy 46

Buy Nissan Mazda IDEA 46

Green Cars News

APRIL 6, 2010

A new electric vehicle prototype weights half the average weight of a conventional electric vehicle. Designed and built by Japanese manufacturing firm, Teijin, the new concept weighs just 437kg, much less than a smart fortwo at 750kg. The PU_PA EV (as in ‘pupa electric vehicle,’ a reference to metamorphosis) is designed to embody the firms [.]. Tags: Electric cars concept electric car PU_PA ev Teijin.

Concept 49

Concept Light Electric Electrical 49

Advertisement

Oil

Guyana

Green Car Reports

APRIL 7, 2010

This morning's deal bringing Daimler AG into the Renault-Nissan alliance has lots of interesting details--but first and foremost, it could be what Smart needs to survive in the long term. Today in Brussels, the CEOs of the companies involved--Renault-Nissan's Carlos Ghosn and Daimler AG's Dieter Zetsche--inked a deal that will trade stakes in the.

Nissan 60

Nissan Green Cars Green Cars 60

Green Car Congress

APRIL 3, 2010

Researchers in Spain have demonstrated the direct transformation of biomass consisting of the fungus M. circinelloides into biodiesel compliant with ASTM D6751 and EN14213 and 14214 standards. A paper on their work was published online 2 April in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels. Oils from oleaginous microorganisms, such as yeasts, fungi, bacteria, and microalgae, are under investigation as alternatives to plant—and especially food crop—oils as feedstocks for renewable fuels and chemicals.

Engine 239

Engine Production Energy Storage Spain 239

All Cars Electric

APRIL 5, 2010

Last month was was a pretty great one for mainstream automakers planning to deliver plug-in vehicles. Publicity a-plenty, state and Federal grants announced, pricing revealed. The message from Detroit and Japan is clear: If you like it then you shoulda put a plug on it. But with so many of the big guns launching plug-in vehicles, what hope do.

Plug-in 45

Plug-in Plug Federal Grant Future 45

Green Cars News

APRIL 7, 2010

The Spanish government has pledged €590 million to promote and develop a market for electric cars. The fund includes incentives for electric car buyers of a 20 per cent subsidy up to the value of €6,000. Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero made the announcement yesterday as his government pledged to increase the number [.]. Tags: Electric cars electricity fund grant production Spain subsidy.

Spain 48

Spain Electric Cars Grant Cars 48

Green Car Reports

APRIL 8, 2010

Can hybrid vehicles deliver on muscle performance? Is it necessary to sacrifice luxury for fuel economy? To answer these questions, I took two luxury hybrid vehicles, the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, for a week-long test drive through Southern California. The 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 and the 2010 Escalade Hybrid are.

Escalade 60

Escalade Hybrid Green Cadillac 60

Green Car Congress

APRIL 5, 2010

The Nikkei reports that the Japanese government is planning to offer comprehensive economic aid to countries that produce rare-earth metals or lithium in exchange for supplies of the resources to be used in hybrid and electric vehicles. In what would be the first such deal, the government is considering extending tens of billions of yen in loans by May or June to help build a 100-megawatt geothermal power plant planned by Bolivia, which in turn would allow Japan to secure supplies of lithium.Jap

Bolivia 236

Bolivia Japan Supplies Brazil 236

All Cars Electric

APRIL 8, 2010

"OK, let's get you signed in here. The car brand you're representing would be? Uh-huh. And the lineup your company will be showing this year will be.? And your plug-in eco-hybrid diesel electric model is.?" "Oh?!?" "Your brand has no alternative fuel solution to show?" "Thanks very much for stopping by. You can leave now." Or at least that's.

New York 40

New York Hybrid Alternative Fuels Auto 40

Green Cars News

APRIL 7, 2010

A tie-up between Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance has been confirmed this morning. Daimler will take a 3.1 per cent share in both Renault and Nissan while the Alliance will share a 3.1 per cent stake in the German car giant. While each of the companies will remain independent, the new strategic co-operation will allow [.]. Tags: Mercedes Nissan Renault co-operation Daimler Electric cars fuel efficiency Infinti smart tie-up.

Electric Cars 48

Electric Cars Nissan Cars Mercedes 48

Green Car Reports

APRIL 8, 2010

Sure, hybrids and electric cars are great, but they sell in small numbers. The way most cars will meet newer, more aggressive fuel-economy rules is by making engines smaller and more efficient. Case in point: the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, a midsize sedan now offered with a 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower, mated.

Buick 60

Buick 2010 Engine Fuel Economy 60

Green Car Congress

APRIL 5, 2010

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $2.38 million to 34 small businesses to develop innovative, sustainable technologies to protect human health and the environment. The awards to businesses in 16 states focus on ten key environmental research areas: increasing the efficiency of green building materials and systems; manufacturing innovation; prevention, monitoring, and control using nanotechnology; reducing greenhouse gases; new treatment technologies for drinking water; imp

Emissions 225

Emissions EPA Waste Exhaust 225

All Cars Electric

APRIL 7, 2010

Sometimes, a car--even an electric car like the 2011 Nissan Leaf--isn't the best way to transport yourself on errands or to work. Bicycling's one of the greenest alternatives to gas-powered travel, and when it comes to biking-friendly commutes, a handful of cities have a huge advantage over others when it comes to being bike-friendly. That's the.

Electric Cars 40

Electric Cars America Cars Nissan 40

Green Cars News

APRIL 8, 2010

Small cars will no longer mean cheap cars as the car market is set for minor revolution, it is predicted. According to Network Automotive, the long established perceived link in car buyer’s mind between vehicle size and prestige is about to be blown apart. The specialist automotive consultancy firm expects that with a host of [.]. Tags: Green credentials Aston Martin Cars cygnet Luxury Network Automotive small.

Aston Martin 46

Aston Martin Low CO2 Market CO2 46

Creative Greenius

APRIL 3, 2010

It’s perfectly obvious that President Obama is attempting to reach out to the right and members of Congress who are owned by the oil industry with his move this week to make offshore drilling part of his energy mix. The Greenius understands full well this “ Let’s Keep Lindsey Graham and Joe Lieberman Aboard the Climate Bill Bandwagon &# approach, just as I can grok how ineffective and nonproductive that approach is.

Climate Change 305

Climate Change Waste Obama Timor 305

Green Car Congress

APRIL 7, 2010

California-based Cobalt Technologies, a company using strain development and bioprocess technology to optimize biobutanol production ( earlier post ), has successfully produced biobutanol from beetle-killed lodgepole pine feedstock. Cobalt combined a non-enzymatic pretreatment process derived from the pulp and paper industry to release the C 5 and C 6 sugars from the pine, followed by fermentation with Cobalt’s optimized bacteria.

Renewable 220

Renewable Colorado Fuel Canada 220

Green Car Congress

APRIL 7, 2010

Basic operation of the Opcon Powerbox ORC waste heat recovery system. Click to enlarge. Opcon, the Sweden-based energy and environmental technology Group, will install an Opcon Powerbox—an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) waste heat recovery system—on one of Wallenius’ ships. The initial installation, which aims to utilize waste heat for production of electricity onboard, is expected to achieve a fuel saving of between 4-6%; it will be the first installation of the Opcon Powerbox onboard a ship.

Waste 220

Waste Installation Mariner Fuel 220

Green Car Congress

APRIL 6, 2010

SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers LLC, the joint venture between SGL Group and BMW Group ( earlier post ), will build a carbon fiber manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, WA. During the initial phase, US$100 million will be invested and 80 local jobs will be created. The new facility is an important element of both companies’ strategy to commercialize viable manufacturing of ultra light weight carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) for use in future vehicle concepts.

Carbon Fiber 220

Carbon Fiber BMW Carbon Building 220

Green Car Congress

APRIL 7, 2010

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan and Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations & Environment Jackalyne Pfannenstiel kicked off the first of several energy forums to look at ways to increase biofuels production and meet the Navy’s renewable energy needs. The forum comes as a result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in January by the USDA and the Department of the Navy (DON) to encourage the development of advanced biofuels and other renewable energy

Renewable 218

Renewable Energy Mariner Installation 218

Green Car Congress

APRIL 6, 2010

Researchers from the Berner Fachhochschule and EMPA, a Swiss research and services group, are developing a thermoelectric generator for vehicle waste heat recovery that is integrated in the muffler, rather than being installed as a separate thermoelectric generator (TEG) unit on the exhaust line. Prototype for the integrated thermoelectric system. Click to enlarge.

Fuel Economy 218

Fuel Economy San Francisco Economy Exhaust 218

Green Car Congress

APRIL 5, 2010

Researchers at Colorado State University have shown that under relatively mild conditions (?140 °C, 1 atm) and in the absence of added acid catalysts typically employed in biomass conversion, cellulose dissolved in certain ionic liquids (ILs) can convert into water-soluble reducing sugars in high total reducing sugar yield (up to 97%), or directly into the biomass platform chemical 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) in high conversion (up to 89%) when CrCl 2 is added.

Conversion 218

Conversion Water Colorado Convert 218

Green Car Congress

APRIL 4, 2010

Measured effects on conversion and yield with and without membrane integration (full symbols=without membrane; empty symbols=with membrane). Credit: ACS, Unruh et al. Click to enlarge. Researchers from the Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) in Germany have shown that hydrocarbon yield and energy efficiency can be increased in a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) biomass-to-liquids (BTL) process through the use of a hydrophilic membrane enabling the in situ removal of water from the catalyst bed.

Kits 218

Kits Coal Conversion Carbon 218