Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 13, 2012

The average fuel economy of new vehicles sold in the US. mpg from December, according to figures from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). The EDI takes into account both vehicle fuel economy and distance driven (the latter relying on data that are published with a two-month lag). mpg US (10.2

Fuel Economy 231

Fuel Economy Economy MPG Fuel 231

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 22, 2014

In the three years since the new CAFE standard for fuel economy has been in effect, automakers have surpassed it each year, improving new-vehicle fuel economy by about a mile per gallon annually, according to an analysis by Brandon Schoettle and Dr. Michael Sivak of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).

Fuel Economy 225

Fuel Economy MPG 2008 2014 225

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 16, 2013

Michael Sivak of The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) finds that fuel consumption rates—per person, per driver, and per household—are declining, as are ownership and driving. Fuel consumed per person. In 1984, the average amount of fuel consumed per person was 400 gallons.

2004 252

2004 Fuel Motor Motors 252

Green Car Congress

MAY 30, 2018

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that in the United States from 2008 to 2017, crude oil represented only 61% of the retail price of gasoline. The 10-year period covered was from April 24, 2008 through April 23, 2018. During the examined 10-year period, crude-oil prices peaked on July 3, 2008 at $145.31/barrel,

Oil Prices 220

Oil Prices Gasoline Oil Price 220

Green Car Congress

MAY 6, 2011

million to provide hydrogen fueling infrastructure on Hawaii, and to further increase the efficiency and output potential of future commercial hydrogen stations. million in November 2008, which provided for the development and testing of a prototype electrolyzer system capable of producing 65 kg of hydrogen per day. Earlier post.).

Hawaii 236

Hawaii Hydrogen Fuel Michigan 236

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 21, 2009

A newly released University of Michigan study found widespread consumer interest in buying plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; however, the cost of the cars is much more influential than environmental and other non-economic factors as a predictor of purchase probabilities. Source: Curtin et al. 2009) Click to enlarge. Source: Curtin et al.

Michigan 218

Michigan Plug-in Cost Of Plug 218

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 29, 2009

the US subsidiary of Ricardo plc, has been awarded a contract for the development of a new vehicle under the Fuel Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator (FED) program launched by TARDEC, the US Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center in Warren, Michigan. Ricardo, Inc., Earlier post.). Earlier post.).

Fuel 186

Fuel Fuel Economy Vehicles Economy 186

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 28, 2009

to develop fuel efficient emission control components for advanced technology vehicles. The Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program is an open process designed to promote the development of fuel efficient advanced technology vehicles. The preceding four conditional loan commitments are: $5.9

Emissions 170

Emissions Fuel Nebraska Fuel Economy 170

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

The types of vehicles consumers select has by far the most dominant impact on on-road fuel economy—the best vehicle currently available for sale in the US is nine times more fuel efficient than the worst vehicle. Average on-road fuel economy in the US for all vehicles in 2008 was 17.4 mpg US (13.5 loading). (On

Fuel Economy 252

Fuel Economy Economy Fuel North America 252

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 12, 2010

Converting biomass to renewable fuels via a pyrolysis pathway. The US Department of Energy has selected UOP, a Honeywell company, for negotiation of a $25 million award to build a demonstration unit in Hawaii to convert cellulosic biomass into renewable hydrocarbon transportation fuels. In 2008, UOP received a $1.5 Source: UOP.

Oil 210

Oil Renewable Oil-Sands Fuel 210

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 18, 2014

The sixth in a series of reports on peak motorization in the US by Dr. Michael Sivak at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) finds that distance driven per GDP reached its highest values in a broad plateau from the early 1970s through the early 1990s, and then decreased steadily. —Sivak 2014.

2014 239

2014 2004 Personal Fuel Economy 239

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 3, 2013

Average monthly and model year fleet-wide achieved CAFE performance levels (light purple) versus NHTSA projected achieved CAFE levels (blue) for model years 2008 through 2016. Additionally, they found, achieved CAFE performance has consistently increased annually from model year 2008 through model year 2013. Schoettle and Sivak 2013.

Fuel Economy 220

Fuel Economy MPG 2013 2012 220

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 8, 2013

million from the US Department of Energy to find new and more efficient enzymes for turning corn stover into fuel for cars and trucks. million (2008-2012). MBI is a Lansing, Michigan-based not-for-profit company with 30 years of experience in accelerating the commercialization of bio-based technologies. Earlier post.)

Production 240

Production Michigan 2001 2005 240

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 4, 2010

Hyundai Motor America, currently the leading fuel economy auto manufacturer in the US according to EPA ratings, plans to achieve a corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) rating of at least 50 (mpg) by 2025 for its lineup of passenger cars and light duty trucks. Since becoming the fuel economy leader in the 2008 model year (average 30.9

MPG 223

MPG Hyundai America Fuel Economy 223

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 20, 2015

LTG and LHU model codes), high-flow, K-DI fuel injector at the SEMA Show 2015. Much of the Nostrum development work is being carried out at Michigan Technical University, but Nostrum also has contracts with two engine research companies: Ricardo and Mahle. Both are running the Nostrum cycle on commercial engines they have retrofitted.

Water 150

Water Energy 2015 Cleaner 150

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 21, 2011

Harmonizing fuel programs between state, federal, and foreign jurisdictions is useful to ensure the optimum reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. —Low Carbon Fuel Standard 2011 Program Review Report. For LCA analysis, the model used for calculation (CA-GREET, GHGenius, etc.) Earlier post.).

Carbon 244

Carbon Standards Fuel Oregon 244

Green Car Congress

SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

CTV is developing proprietary technology and catalysts for the conversion of lignin into hydrocarbon components for transportation fuels. The upgrading of our byproduct lignin to high value transportation fuels is an important step in our effort to prove the effectiveness of integrated biorefineries. Chevron and lignin for fuels.

Chevron 249

Chevron Convert Fuel Supplies 249

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 6, 2012

by Fulcrum, will fully fund construction of the municipal solid waste to renewable transportation fuel facility. USDA has funded 7 additional biorefineries that are using feedstocks like agriculture residue, woody biomass, municipal solid waste, and algae in states from Florida and Michigan to New Mexico.

Sierra 253

Sierra Waste Financing New Mexico 253

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 20, 2011

The Biorefinery Assistance Program (Section 9003 of the 2008 Farm Bill) provides loan guarantees to entrepreneurs seeking to take advantage of the growing opportunities in renewable energy provided by advanced biofuels. The process produces approximately 100 gallons of fuel from each dry ton of biomass. Coskata, Inc. Earlier post.).

Waste 199

Waste 2008 Alabama Renewable 199

Green Car Congress

MAY 27, 2011

A 2008 paper by a team at the University of Michigan. While the long-term fuel cost savings (dollars) were higher for the gasoline-powered vehicle, long-term distance savings (range) favored the electric vehicle. OSRAM JOULE LED forward lighting unit. Click to enlarge. This translates into an annual savings of 10.5 Schoettle, B.,

Light 244

Light All-Electric Electric Vehicles Vehicles 244

Green Car Congress

JULY 1, 2011

The most recent (April 2011) value of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute ( UMTRI ) Eco-Driving Index (EDI) stands at 0.86, indicating that in April 2011 there was a 14% reduction of emissions per driver of newly purchased vehicles in the US compared to the situation in October 2007. and 0.98, respectively.

2007 225

2007 2011 Purchase Fuel Economy 225

Green Car Congress

OCTOBER 5, 2014

Gas chromatography comparison of Conoco fuel and a Conoco-CoolPlanet blend. Cool Planet has devised a biomass-to-liquids thermochemical conversion process that simultaneously produces liquid fuels and sequesterable biochar useful as a soil amendment. Cool Planet’s biogasoline blendstock is 100% compatible with pump gasoline.

Conversion 308

Conversion Renewable Water Gasoline 308

Green Car Congress

JUNE 3, 2009

EPA alleges that for calendar years 2003 through 2008 BP failed to manage and treat benzene waste from the facility as required by the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants. The facility’s 2008 report showed that benzene waste was almost 16 times the amount allowed. These are preliminary findings of violations.

EPA 150

EPA Clean Cleaning 2008 150

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 7, 2011

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.

Standards 240

Standards Fuel Economy Vehicles Economy 240

Green Car Congress

DECEMBER 15, 2012

Vilsack highlighted the announcement with a visit to Michigan State University, a grant awardee. Michigan State University, $349,695. AFRI is NIFA’s flagship competitive grant program and was established under the 2008 Farm Bill. University of Georgia, $345,689. University of Florida, $496,996. University of Florida, $497,851.

Grant 231

Grant Production Automobile Manufacturer West Virginia 231

Green Car Congress

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Equipment used for testing emissions or fueling infrastructure is not eligible for funding. Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin): EPA is requesting proposals between $500,000 and $2,500,000. Since the first year of the DERA program in 2008, EPA has awarded nearly 700 grants across the US.

EPA 150

EPA Diesel Fleet Puerto Rico 150

Green Car Congress

JULY 17, 2009

NewPage Corporation is discontinuing work on the biofuels gasification project at the Escanaba, Michigan pulp and paper mill due to escalating costs. Chemrec has proprietary technology and had approached the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) looking for a United States partner. Earlier post.). Earlier post.).

North America 150

North America Sweden Michigan United States 150

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 5, 2009

While the XM1124 Humvee is already significantly more efficient than the conventional M1113 Humvee, boasting a higher top speed, faster acceleration, longer range and improved fuel economy, expectations are that the new, upgraded battery packs will increase the peak power capability of the current demonstration vehicles.

Hybrid 199

Hybrid Batteries Battery Lithium Titanate 199

Green Car Congress

MARCH 17, 2010

The move to greater fuel economy means greater labor content per vehicle and higher employment across the fleet. By 2020, the US job gain relative to 2008 could be as little as 49,000 or more than 150,000. But the size and ultimate realization of that opportunity depends partly on the decisions of US policymakers.

Clean 186

Clean Cleaning Climate Fuel Economy 186

Green Car Congress

MAY 24, 2012

Improvement in fuel consumption (red line) from one of the case models using the POD learning model. Calibration is defined as the procedure required to optimize one or more engine performance indices—such as fuel economy, emissions, or engine power—with respect to the engine controllable variables.). Click to enlarge.

Engine 236

Engine Fuel Economy PHEV Economy 236

Green Car Congress

JUNE 23, 2009

The Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, first appropriated in the fall of 2008, will provide about $25 billion in loans to companies making cars and components in US factories that increase fuel economy at least 25% above 2005 fuel economy levels. Ford Motor Company will receive $5.9 Nissan will receive $1.6

Tesla Motors 170

Tesla Motors Motor Motors Motoring 170

Green Car Congress

JUNE 2, 2011

Ford also said that its next generation of hybrid vehicles, including a new plug-in hybrid that will launch next year, will have a Ford-engineered transmission that will be built in Michigan. unit features: An offset crankshaft that helps improve fuel economy. Faster cylinder block warm-ups save fuel, especially in cold weather.

Ford 247

Ford Engine Hybrid 2012 247

Green Car Congress

JULY 7, 2015

The study, led by GLBRC scientist and Michigan State University professor of ecosystem ecology Stephen Hamilton, is the first multi-year effort to compare the water use of conventional corn crops to the perennial cropping systems of switchgrass, miscanthus, native grasses, restored prairies, and hybrid poplar trees. —Hamilton et al.

Water 150

Water Climate Change Climate Environment 150

Green Car Congress

NOVEMBER 12, 2014

The US Department of Energy (DOE) released the 2013 edition of its annual Fuel Cell Technologies Market Report , detailing trends in the fuel cell and hydrogen technologies market. More than 35,000 fuel cell systems were shipped in 2013, an increase of more than 26% over 2012 and 400% more than 2008. Earlier post.).

2013 296

2013 Market Fuel Sale 296

Green Car Congress

JANUARY 11, 2010

The new Focus will be one of up to 10 unique models to be built from Ford’s new global C-car platform, which is expected to generate total sales in all regions of 2 million units annually by 2012—a doubling Ford’s 2008 C-car volumes. Duratec I-4 unit while contributing to projected fuel economy gains of more than 10%.

Ford 199

Ford Engine Global Market 199

Green Car Congress

JUNE 4, 2009

Today’s engines can deliver a fuel efficiency of 40-42%, with corresponding loss of initially available fuel energy of 58-60%. The feedback during the 2008 merit review criticized the constant-pressure approach, suggesting that a constant volume approach was more relevant to combustion engines.

Engine 150

Engine Exhaust Concept Universal 150

Green Car Congress

AUGUST 7, 2009

With the initiation of the EFRCs in April 2008, the Department of Energy (DOE) budgeted approximately $100 million for multiple EFRC awards starting in FY 2009. Dramatically increase our fundamental knowledge of the physical structure of biopolymers in plant cell walls to provide a basis for improved methods for converting biomass into fuels.

Energy 150

Energy Energy Storage Conversion Solar 150