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SoCalGas, partners developing technology to make carbon fiber during hydrogen production from methane; reducing the cost of H2 and cutting GHG

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(SoCalGas) is partnering with a development team to advance a new process that converts natural gas to hydrogen, carbon fiber, and carbon nanotubes. In addition, this technology will virtually eliminate CO 2 emissions from the methane-to-hydrogen process. The global CNT market was estimated at approximately $3.5

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XL1 dive and drive: Volkswagen aggressively optimizes for efficiency in its sleek diesel plug-in hybrid

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During a media event in Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen provided a medium dive into details of its two-seater XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle diesel plug-in hybrid ( earlier post ) as well as some driving time on local roads and highways. two-cylinder diesel, 20 kW electric motor and 5.5 The two-cylinder diesel is very audible when it runs.

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Agility launches fifth-generation ProRail CNG fuel systems

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With fuel capacity options ranging from 30-60 diesel gallons equivalent (DGE), and the ability to be installed on one or both sides of the vehicle, the ProRail can be configured to meet a wide range of fuel capacity requirements.

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DOE awards nearly $55M to advance fuel efficient vehicle technologies in support of EV Everywhere and SuperTruck

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Building on the SuperTruck activity, other projects aim at developing enabling technologies to improve the efficiency of heavy-duty diesel engines. Body-In-White Joining of Carbon Fiber Composites to Lightweight Metals (Aluminum, Advanced High Strength Steel, or Magnesium) at Prototype Scale for High-Volume Manufacturing.

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US DOE awards more than $175M to 40 projects for advanced vehicle research and development

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This project will optimize fuel-based control of novel combustion strategies in light- and heavy-duty vehicles to enable diesel-like efficiencies with ultra-low engine-out emissions. Increased availability of low cost carbon fiber can enable vehicle weight reduction and improvement in fuel economy. Plasan Carbon Composites.

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GM to double models with 40 mpg highway or better by 2017; ongoing manufacturing efficiency improvements

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Describing its product goals and tracking progress toward its 2020 manufacturing priorities in its 2012 Sustainability Report , General Motors reaffirmed its commitment to further reduce the energy used and the environmental impacts of building and operating an automobile. Earlier post.). GM has a goal of 125 MW renewable energy.

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DOE to award up to $137M for SuperTruck II, Vehicle Technology Office programs

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SuperTruck II builds on the successful SuperTruck I program, which has already led to more than twenty fuel saving technologies that have reached the commercial market, said Acting Assistant Secretary David Friedman. Develop, build and test a production‐feasible electrically‐actuated dynamic skip fire cylinder deactivation valvetrain.

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