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MIT study finds materials risk exposure increases significantly with vehicle electrification

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The team analyzed part-level data of material use for seven current year models, ranging from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV) to plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), all provided by Ford. Among the findings were that exposure increases from $874 per vehicle for ICEV passenger vehicles to $2,344 per vehicle for SUV PHEVs.

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MIT team proposes flex-fuel gasoline-alcohol engine PHEV long-haul trucks

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In a paper being presented at WCX SAE World Congress Experience in Detroit this week, a team from MIT is proposing the use of a flex-fuel gasoline-alcohol engine approach for a series-hybrid powertrain for long-haul Class 8 trucks. The research was supported by the MIT Arthur Samberg Energy Innovation Fund. and Bromberg, L.

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MIT, Ford researchers find lightweight conventional vehicles could have lower lifecycle GHG impact than EVs depending upon location

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Researchers at MIT and the Ford Motor Company have found that depending on the location, lightweight conventional vehicles could have a lower lifecycle greenhouse gas impact than electric vehicles, at least in the near term. Lifecycle GHG emissions per km for different powertrain types (ICEV, LW-ICEV HEV, PHEV, and BEV) in selected counties.

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MIT and IEA reports take different views of the future of natural gas in transportation

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MIT and the IEA both have newly released reports exploring the potential for and impact of a major expansion in global usage of natural gas, given the current re-evaluation of global supplies. MIT: leaning toward conversion for light-duty vehicles. Earlier post.) I.e., on an energy basis at the point of use, the CO 2.

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Texas study finds PHEV use could increase ozone at night, decrease ozone during the day

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A study by researchers at the University of Texas found that in general, use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can lead to an increase in ozone during nighttime hours (due to decreased scavenging from both vehicles and EGU stacks) and a decrease in ozone during daytime hours. The results are less clear in Dallas and Houston.

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MIT Year End Energy Review touts PHEVs

Plugs and Cars

The MIT Technology Review reports plug-in hybrids a big 2006 energy story: "The plug-in hybrid-vehicle era begins. For years, hobbyists and a few companies have been adding bigger battery packs to hybrid vehicles, which have both battery power and an internal combustion engine, and plugging them into electrical outlets.

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UC Davis Researchers Suggest the Battery Problem Seen to Be Slowing Electric Drive Commercialization Is Perceptual as Well as Technological

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Distribution of battery requirements for consumer-selected PHEV designs (shaded circles) compared to USABC, MIT and EPRI performance requirements. The present analysis explores both, with a particular emphasis on the latter—challenging untested assumptions regarding consumer valuation of PHEV capabilities. Units USABC MIT EPRI.

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