article thumbnail

ORNL study finds best current use of natural gas for cars is efficient production of electricity for EVs

Green Car Congress

However, they also noted, high PTW efficiencies and the moderate fuel economies of current compressed natural gas vehicles (CNGVs) make them a viable option as well. If CNG were to be eventually used in hybrids, the advantage of the electric generation/EV option shrinks. Their open access paper is published in the journal Energy.

article thumbnail

Ford begins production of 2012 Focus Electric at Michigan Assembly, C-MAX models on deck

Green Car Congress

Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant is starting production of the 2012 Focus Electric ( earlier post )—a five-passenger, battery-electric car Ford expects will achieve more than a 100 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) fuel economy rating. 1 gallon of gasoline=33.7 1 gallon of gasoline=33.7 Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.;

Michigan 363
article thumbnail

Audi opens power-to-gas facility in Werlte/Emsland; e-gas from water, green electricity and CO2

Green Car Congress

Audi’s e-gas plant. Audi has opened its e-gas plant in Werlte, making it the first automobile manufacturer to develop a chain of sustainable energy carriers. The Audi e-gas plant, which can convert 6MW of input power, utilizes renewable electricity for electrolysis to produce oxygen and hydrogen. Click to enlarge.

article thumbnail

EIA: US energy-related CO2 emissions in 2012 lowest since 1994; reflects drop in coal use

Green Car Congress

US energy-related CO 2 emissions in 2012 were the lowest since 1994, at 5.3 The largest drop in emissions in 2012 came from coal, which is used almost exclusively for electricity generation. EIA will publish a full analysis of 2012 energy-related CO 2 emissions later this year. Duke study.

Coal 265
article thumbnail

EPA: US greenhouse gases dropped 3.4% in 2012 from 2011; down 10% from 2005 levels

Green Car Congress

US greenhouse gas emissions by gas. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 19 th annual report of overall US greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, showing a 3.4% decrease in 2012 from 2011. Total emissions of the six main greenhouse gases in 2012 were equivalent to 6,526 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.

2005 252
article thumbnail

Geothermal energy in US grew 5% in 2012; California the leader

Green Car Congress

Preliminary industry data reveals that year-end geothermal growth in 2012 was up 5% from the previous year, according to the Geothermal Energy Association ( GEA ). In 2012, seven new geothermal projects and additions came online in three different states. Projects and new additions that came online in 2012 include: John L.

2012 303
article thumbnail

California greenhouse gas emissions up 2% in 2012; driven by economic growth, closing of San Onofre, and drought

Green Car Congress

According to the most recent greenhouse gas emissions inventory from the California Air Resources Board (ARB), the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions rose 1.7% in 2012 from 2011 to 459 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO 2 e). increase in population during the same period.

2012 231