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California state fleet reduces petroleum consumption 13% compared to 2003

Green Car Congress

The California state fleet has reduced its petroleum consumption by 13% compared to a 2003 baseline, according to a state progress report. In 2003, the state fleet consumed 38,559,715 gallons of petroleum-based fuel (gasoline and diesel), according to the report. 281,619 gallons gasoline equivalent (gge) of CNG and propane (7%).

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New Zealand simplifies Road User Charges system, extends exemption for light electric motor vehicles from 2013 to 2020

Green Car Congress

New Zealand is implementing revenue-neutral changes to its road user charges (RUC) system as of 1 August 2012. In New Zealand, diesel and electric-powered vehicles pay for their road use through road user charges. The proportion of diesel vehicles in the New Zealand fleet has increased from 13% to 16% over the period from 2003 to 2009.

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Draper awarded patent on electrostatic motors; family under development

Green Car Congress

Electrets (“electricity” + “magnet”) are dielectric materials with a quasi-permanent electric charge or dipole polarization. A mask is used to charge portions of an electret cylinder or other curved surface. Esashi (2003) “High power electrostatic motor and generator using electrets,” TRANSDUCERS '03. Genda et al. ).

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Chrysler and EPA to partner on hydraulic series hybrid powertrain for light duty vehicles

Green Car Congress

Chrysler Group LLC and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are working together to determine the possibility of adapting a hydraulic series hybrid system for application in large passenger cars and light-duty vehicles. The gas engine will remain off if the accumulator charge is sufficient to drive the motor. Earlier post.)

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SolarCity introduces energy storage for businesses; Tesla battery technology

Green Car Congress

SolarCity has unveiled a smart energy storage system to address rising utility demand charges and increasing grid outages affecting businesses. The US experienced 679 major weather-related power outages between 2003 – 2012, including 7 of the 10 costliest storms in American history.

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GM recalling 656 Cadillac ELR extended range electric vehicles over calibration of Electronic Brake Control Module

Green Car Congress

The ESC malfunction indicator light will not illuminate as required, even though ESC functionality will be disabled or degraded. Failure to illuminate the ESC malfunction indicator light when an ESC fault condition is present could result in an increased risk of crashes and injuries. The recall is expected to begin on April 17, 2014.

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Kia surprisingly tops Hyundai in market value with affordable EVs rolling out

Baua Electric

In 2003, the first Hyundai Genesis arrived, and in 2015, the luxury brand became a standalone marque. Affordable Kia EVs will charge up sales growth Kia is in a good position to take advantage of the growing demand for affordable EVs, according to YongJin Jung, an analyst at Shinhan Securities. million won). with up to 310 miles range.

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