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

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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. —Curran et al.

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2020 Ford Escape to offer hybrid and PHEV variants

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Escape, which debuted the world’s first hybrid SUV in 2005, brings back two hybrid choices for 2020—a standard hybrid and a plug-in variant—and introduces technologies ranging from drive modes and driver-assist features to electric vehicle ingenuity and on-board connectivity.

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Pike forecasts sales of hybrid and plug-in medium and heavy duty trucks to nearly double in 2012

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According to a new report from Pike Research, the worldwide market for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric medium- (MD) and heavy-duty (HD) trucks will grow at 92% in 2012, with total sales surpassing 19,000. Going forward, Pike expects the market to experience a compound annual growth rate of 47.2%

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

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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.;

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Toyota’s new RAV4 plug-in hybrid SUV offers 39 miles AER, 90 MPGe

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At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota introduced its new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) RAV4 performance model with an estimated 302-horsepower, advanced all-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension and exclusive design features. As a technology comparison, the 2006-2012 RAV4 offered an optional 269-hp, 3.5-liter

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XL Hybrids installs hybrid drives in 4 City of Boston vans

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XL Hybrids, Inc. announced the successful installation of its XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System ( earlier post ) in four city-owned vans for The City of Boston. The newly converted vans support the Greenovate Boston goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

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New BMW X5 xDrive40d and new BMW X6 xDrive40d feature straight six-cylinder diesel engine and 48V mild-hybrid technology

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The BMW X5 and the BMW X6 now also offer 48V mild-hybrid technology to optimize the spontaneous power delivery and effectiveness of the drive system. Two-stage NO x exhaust gas treatment, which was introduced as a standard feature on diesel models in 2012, has been further developed.

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