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'Results from a new study by researchers at the University of California Irvine support a growing body of scientific literature indicating that sensitive populations, including children, certain ethnic groups and people of lower socioeconomic status, are more vulnerable to the effects of high exposures to traffic-related air pollution. The UC Irvine study, which examined the effect of chronic exposure in asthmatic children living in homes near traffic pollution, was led by Ralph J.
Two years ago, the launch of the Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid produced the first ostensible large luxury plug-in sedan competitor to the Tesla Model S electric car. The Porsche is a plug-in hybrid, with an electric range of 15 or 16 miles; the Tesla is all-electric, with ranges of 208 to 275 miles. DON'T MISS: 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid: Gas.
'A team of researchers in South Korea and Italy has demonstrated a highly reliable lithium–sulfur battery showing cycle performance comparable to that of commercially available lithium-ion batteries while offering more than double the energy density. The team, led by a group from Hanyang University, used a highly reversible dual-type sulfur cathode (solid sulfur electrode and polysulfide catholyte) and a lithiated Si/SiO x nanosphere anode.
The new fuel cell stack in Mirai increases the current density by a factor of 2.4 compared to the conventional FC stack. Konno et al. Click to enlarge. At SAE 2015 World Congress last week, Toyota presented a set of four technical papers describing some of the technology innovations used in its production fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle Mirai ( earlier post ).
'Industry-wide cost estimates for battery packs for electric vehicles have declined by approximately 14% annually between 2007 and 2014, from above US$1,000 per kWh to around US$410/kWh, according to a systematic review of more than 80 different estimates by a team from the Stockholm Environment Institute. Further, they reported in their paper published in Nature Climate Change , the cost of battery packs used by market-leading BEV manufacturers are even lower at US$300/kWh, and has declined by
'BMW is using the upcoming Auto Shanghai event as the platform for the world premiere of the BMW X5 xDrive40e Sports Activity Vehicle, the first plug-in hybrid production model from the BMW core brand. ( Earlier post.). The new BMW X5 xDrive40e. Click to enlarge. With a total system output of 230 kW/313 hp generated by a four-cylinder gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, a synchronous electric motor integrated in the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, and a 9.0 kWh, 96-cell high-vo
'Fujitsu Limited and Global Mobility Service, Inc. (GMS), a venture company providing mobility services, will partner on field testing to expand the use of electric tricycles (a three-wheel taxi) in the Republic of the Philippines. GMS has already conducted a trial in Metro Manila that ran from September 2014 through January 2015 using electric tricycles with proprietary sensing technologies and technologies such as remote vehicle-control systems, fare-authentication systems, and anti-theft syst
'Fujitsu Limited and Global Mobility Service, Inc. (GMS), a venture company providing mobility services, will partner on field testing to expand the use of electric tricycles (a three-wheel taxi) in the Republic of the Philippines. GMS has already conducted a trial in Metro Manila that ran from September 2014 through January 2015 using electric tricycles with proprietary sensing technologies and technologies such as remote vehicle-control systems, fare-authentication systems, and anti-theft syst
A fleet of self-driving shared cars combined with high-capacity public transport could make 90% of conventional cars in mid-sized cities superfluous under certain circumstances, according to a study published by the International Transport Forum (ITF) at the OECD. Even during peak hours, only about one-third (35%) of the current number of cars would be needed to provide the same number of trips as today.
'A pilot plant in Dresden has started production of the synthetic fuel Audi e-diesel using water, CO 2 and green power—i.e., power-to-liquid (PtL). After a commissioning phase of just four months, the research facility in Dresden started producing its first batches of high‑quality diesel fuel a few days ago. ( Earlier post.). The energy technology company sunfire is Audi’s project partner and the plant operator.
The Jaguar US lineup will expand in 2016 with the addition of the all new, aluminum-intensive Jaguar XE compact sports sedan in 20d (diesel) and 35t models each in Premium, Prestige and R-Sport trim levels and available in RWD or AWD. The Jaguar XE will be offered with a lighter version of the ZF 8-speed automatic used in the rest of the Jaguar range.
Phoenix Cars LLC, a developer of electric vehicle technologies for the fleet market, delivered an electric Zero Emissions Utility Shuttle flatbed (ZEUS) to US Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme, California. Vehicle To Grid (V2G) charging capability will provide mobile power capability available for future needs. ZEUS. Click to enlarge. The fully sized electric flatbed truck will be used as a service vehicle to transport supplies and equipment for facilities maintenance around Naval Base Port
'A team of Virginia Tech researchers and colleagues has demonstrated the complete conversion of glucose and xylose from pretreated plant biomass to H 2 and CO 2 based on an in vitro synthetic enzymatic pathway crafted from more than 10 purified enzymes. Glucose and xylose were simultaneously converted to H 2 with a yield of two H 2 per carbon, the maximum possible yield.
'At Auto Shanghai, Volkswagen is presenting the world premiere of the C Coupé GTE, which illustrates a new design approach for future top-end sedans at Volkswagen. This four-door concept car for the Chinese market—which is more than five meters in length—is powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system, the drive sources of which combine to produce 500 N·m of system torque.
Volvo Cars reports that its XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid is now rated with fuel consumption of 2.1 l/100 km (112 mpg US) and 49 g CO 2 /km, with 43 km (27 miles) all-electric range on the NEDC cycle for hybrids. In December 2014, the figures were 2.5 l/100 km and 59 g/km. ( Earlier post.). Further tuning of the 7-seat luxury SUV resulted in the drop of 10 g/km from the initial prognosis, bringing fuel consumption down to 2.1 l/100 km while also adding horsepower: now 407 hp (304 kW), up fr
'BMW presented an initial selection of technology highlights for the next generation of the BMW 7 Series model range featuring developments in lightweight design, driving dynamics, comfort, intelligent connectivity and operation. Due to the BMW EfficientLightweight strategy, the new BMW 7 Series line-up will weigh up to 130 kilograms (287 lbs) less than the outgoing generation of models.
'At the New York International Auto Show, Chevrolet introduced the all-new 2016 Spark—a completely redesigned and more sophisticated execution of the brand’s global minicar. It offers greater efficiency and refinement, along with new, available safety and connectivity features. As one of Chevrolet’s most global vehicles (global Chevrolet Spark sales have surpassed 1 million since it went on sale in 2010), the 2016 Spark will be offered in more than 40 markets around the world.
'Toshiba Corporation has opened the Toshiba Group Hydrogen Energy Research & Development Center (HRDC) at its Fuchu Complex in western Tokyo. The new Center will drive forward the development and demonstration of solutions integrating hydrogen-related energy technologies; Toshiba Group aims to increase the sales of hydrogen-related business to ¥100 billion (US$840 million) by 2020.
'Cadillac has greatly enhanced the performance of its ELR extended range electric vehicle (plug-in hybrid) ( earlier post ) for the 2016 model year, and is also cutting the MSRP by $9,005, bringing the starting price down to $58,495 net after the $7,500 US federal tax credit (MSRP = $65,995). MSRP for MY2014 was $75,000, with a net price of $67,500 after the Federal credit.
'Shell, in collaboration with Professor Gordon Murray and engine specialist Osamu Goto will co-engineer an ultra-compact, efficient car for city use based around the internal combustion engine (ICE). Initiated by Shell, the collaboration, which is called Project M, brings together Shell’s Lubricant’s Technology Team, The Gordon Murray Design Group and Goto’s engine specialist company Geo Technology.
'The winning design: “WaterBone”. Click to enlarge. Local Motors, in partnership with the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), announced the winner of the LIghtweighting Technologies Enabling Comprehensive Automotive Redesign ( LITECAR ) Challenge. The design challenge served to accelerate innovative ideas by using novel material technologies, structural designs, energy absorbing materials and unique methods of manufacturing to reduce vehicle curb weight while maintaining current U
'Crowdtap released the results of a new study exploring the consumer path to purchase when it comes to buying a vehicle. The data shows that car buyers are increasingly relying on peer reviews and social media—above traditional advertising and professional review sources—when it comes to researching and learning about car brands and models.
'Volvo Cars will introduce the production version of the S60L T6 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid sedan at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show; the plug-in sedan first made its appearance as a concept car at the Beijing auto show in 2014. ( Earlier post.) Sales of the S60L T6 Twin Engine begin next week in China. The new S60L Twin Engine is manufactured in Volvo Cars’ Chengdu Plant.
'Cadillac will add a Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) propulsion system to its upcoming range-topping CT6 sedan, to be manufactured at the new Shanghai GM Cadillac plant, Pudong Jinqiao, China. The new PHEV version of the CT6 will be capable of greater than 60 km (32.4 miles) of all-electric range, and pairs with Cadillac’s 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder gas engine to offer estimated fuel efficiency of approximately 2.0L per 100 km (141 mpg US) based on China testing standards.
'As part of its approval of more than $83.7 million in grants and loans for 46 projects covering transportation, energy storage, biogas and efficiency programs, the California Energy Commission awarded nearly $9 million to three companies to encourage the manufacturing of heavy-duty electric vehicles and components in California. The Energy Commission also approved the 2015-2016 Investment Plan Update for its Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP).
LiquidPiston, Inc. (LPI), the developer of engines based on its High Efficiency Hybrid Cycle (HEHC) ( earlier post ), has entered into an agreement totaling $991,557 with the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to advance the development of its efficient, power-dense rotary internal combustion engine X-Mini ( earlier post ) for portable and small-engine applications.
'by James Stafford for Oilprice.com. Globally, water demand is threatening to dangerously outpace supply, while in the US, dry states such as Texas and California are suffering from shortages and the future forebodes more suffering. For the North American shale boom, the lack of water is suffocating. Amid this doom and gloom, a water revolution is emerging, led by energy industry figures who realized the endless potential of tapping into new water sources and processing them with advanced desali
'Delphi Automotive has completed the longest automated drive in North America, traveling from San Francisco to New York in the first coast-to-coast trip ever taken by an automated vehicle. ( Earlier post.) Nearly 3,400 miles (5,472 km) were covered with 99% of the drive in fully automated mode. The drive was used by Delphi engineers to research and collect information that will help further advance active safety technology.
'Using data gathered during four different, comprehensive ground tests conducted over the past decade, researchers from NASA and their colleagues have statistically analyzed the impact of jet fuel properties on aerosols emitted by the NASA Douglas DC-8 CFM56-2-C1 engines burning 15 different aviation fuels. The analysis, reported in a paper in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels , linked changes in aerosol emissions to fuel compositional changes.
According to the latest Top 30 list for organizations generating and consuming the most green power on-site within the EPA Green Power Partnership, BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, SC and General Motors’ Fort Wayne Assembly Plant rank fourth and fifth, respectively, with both using biogas. BMW. BMW Manufacturing earned a 2003 Green Power Leadership Award for using landfill gas to generate a portion of the power needed to operate its Spartanburg, South Carolina manufacturing facility.
'Nissan unveiled two all-new production models, the Murano Hybrid and Lannia, a new mid-size sedan for the Chinese market, along with two Nismo products, GT-R Nismo and 370Z Nismo, at Auto Shanghai 2015. Murano Hybrid features the Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch System (one motor/two clutch parallel system). A new supercharged QR25DER gasoline engine is paired with an electric motor to deliver driving performance equivalent to a V6-3.5L engine and fuel economy similar to the 2.0L engine.
'Under the joint Collaboration of Oak Ridge, Argonne, and Lawrence Livermore (CORAL) initiative, the US Department of Energy (DOE) will invest $200 million to deliver a next-generation supercomputer—Aurora—to the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF). When commissioned in 2018, this supercomputer will be open to all scientific users.
'Chevrolet introduced the all-new 2016 Malibu—the ninth generation of the midsize sedan which made its debut in 1964. The completely restyled midsize sedan is engineered to offer more efficiency, connectivity and advanced safety features, and features the option of a new full-hybrid powertrain, which leverages technology from the Chevrolet Volt. ( Earlier post.
'Daimler AG and the ACADEMY Holding AG are launching a pilot project with five selected ACADEMY driving schools in the wider Stuttgart area, with the aim of making electric vehicles an integral part of driver training. The specially developed training concept tackles every aspect of electric mobility, focusing on gaining familiarity and experience, as well as on the correct way to handle and work with alternative drive systems.
'Global investment in renewable power and fuels (excluding large hydro-electric projects) was $270.2 billion in 2014, nearly 17% higher than the previous year, according to the latest edition of an annual report commissioned by the United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) Division of Technology, Industry and Economic (DTIE) in cooperation with Frankfurt School-UNEP Collaborating Centre for Climate & Sustainable Energy Finance and produced in collaboration with Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
'At SAE World Congress in Detroit, Siemens introduced VersiCharge Smartgrid (SG), the first Wi-Fi enabled electric vehicle (EV) charging station that allows residential owners to monitor and control usage remotely through a mobile or web app. With this new technology an EV owner can automatically turn charging on or off; schedule charging when rates are lowest; and view past power consumption data including usage and cost in a graphical form.
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