Green Car Congress

MAY 15, 2010

An MIT-led team has designed an airplane that is estimated to use 70% less fuel than current planes while also reducing noise and emission of NO x. The design was one of two that the team, led by faculty from the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, presented to NASA last month as part of a $2.1 million research contract to develop environmental and performance concepts that will help guide the agency’s aeronautics research over the next 25 years.

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MIT Design Fuel Concept 382

Revenge of the Electric Car

MAY 25, 2010

Tesla has breathed new life into the recently shut down NUMMI plant in Fremont, announcing its plans last week to team up with Toyota to start making its $50,000 electric Model S at the NUMMI plant. That means they will be hiring 1,000 workers, and possibly creating 10 times that number of jobs down the road. Resurrection of NUMMI auto plant by Tesla and Toyota lifts spirits all over Fremont.

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Toyota Tesla San Jose San Francisco 191

Green Car Reports

MAY 17, 2010

The 2011 Ford Fiesta is officially the most fuel efficient model in its class, with the EPA announcing today that the ultra-funky hatchback and sedan rates in at 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway when equipped with the smooth shifting six-speed PowerShift dual clutch transmission. To put that into perspective, the Fiesta's highway fuel.

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MPG 2011 Ford EPA 145

All Cars Electric

MAY 10, 2010

General Motors is quietly conducting research into Lithium-Air batteries, the next Holy Grail of electric vehicle technology, according to a Friday article in The New York Times. GM acknowledges that while the battery technology has some way to go before it is used in commercial electric cars, the leap in capacity these batteries could offer could.

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Lithium Air GM Batteries Battery 73

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Green Cars News

MAY 24, 2010

Toyota may be well established as the hybrid car leader but it hasn’t turned its attention away from other alternative fuels. According to a report in The Nikkei, Toyota will team up with Chuo University and Japan’s Agriculture Ministry to begin a research project with the aim to produce biofuel from the algae Pseudochoricystis. One of [.]. Tags: Biofuels Green cars Latest news Toyota algae biofuels Alternative Fuels alternative vehicle fuels Toyota algae biofuel research project.

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Toyota Alternative Fuels Fuel Alternative Green Cars 57

Creative Greenius

MAY 23, 2010

The smartest scientists on the face of the planet, the ones studying climate change and global warming, are mad as hell and they’re not going to take it any more. They’re really pissed because some of the dumbest people on the face of the earth have been successfully keeping us from taking the steps we needed to take if we were going to save our children from a future existence we wouldn’t wish on our worst enemies.

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Climate Change Global Climate Coal 326

Revenge of the Electric Car

MAY 19, 2010

Another Leaf-note: It’ll be iPhone friendly. Read more in the article: Nissan Leaf electric car gets iPhone control. From the article: “All Nissan Leafs (Leaves?) will come with a cellular data radio built in. While the vehicle is at a charging station, it’ll be able to send updates to your phone, telling you when it’s finished suckling go-juice.&#.

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Juice Nissan Climate All-Electric 183

Green Car Reports

MAY 6, 2010

Adding more ethanol to gasoline may help the U.S. meet a Congressional mandate to use more of the renewable fuel, but it could damage many of the cars now on the road, say automakers. Last year, U.S. vehicle manufacturers went public with their alarm that the EPA might increase the permissible ethanol in standard "gasoline" to 12 or even 15.

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Gasoline EPA Cars Renewable 94

All Cars Electric

MAY 20, 2010

Governor Arnold Scharzenegger leaked earlier today that Tesla Motors will be partnering with Toyota to build a new electric vehicle. Now, a reliable source close to the deal confirms that this is true — but that Tesla will also be acquiring the recently-closed NUMMI automotive manufacturing plant in Fremont, Calif., potentially bringing back.

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Toyota Building Electric Vehicles Tesla 73

Green Cars News

MAY 13, 2010

If you were wondering whether or not General Motors is truly throwing its weight behind green technology then take a look at its list of 1,300 patents filed last year – more than half of them were devoted to green innovations. A study released by the Intellectual Capital Merchant Banc firm Ocean Tomo LLC looked into [.]. Tags: Green cars Green credentials Latest news general motors GM GM Global Research and Development green innovations green patents green technology new catalyst material shape

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General Motors Green Motor Motors 54

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Green Car Congress

MAY 3, 2010

Concept of the subsea oil recovery system. Not to scale. Click to enlarge. BP is working to deploy a subsea oil recovery system over the largest leak source in the Transocean Deepwater Horizon Rig that it hopes will capture up to 85% of the oil rising from the sea floor following the sinking of Deepwater Horizon on 22 April. This will mark the first time such a system will be used at this water depth (5,000 feet / 1,524 m).

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Oil Louisiana Water Store 294

Green Car Congress

MAY 25, 2010

Fuel-cycle SO 2 emissions of EVs compared to those of gasoline ICEVs and HEVs in China, current (left) and future (right). Credit: ACS, Huo et al. Click to enlarge. A new study by researchers from Tsinghua University (China) and Argonne National Laboratory (US) concludes that the mass use of electric vehicles in China could result in multiple environmental issues, including higher emissions of CO 2 and criteria pollutants than from conventional and hybrid gasoline vehicles, because electricity i

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Coal Gasoline-Electric Gasoline Pollution 291

Green Car Congress

MAY 6, 2010

Carbon steel coupons after 60 days of exposure to Key West seawater and biodiesel under anaerobic conditions. (b, c, and d) Coupons in biodiesel, at the biodiesel/seawater interface, and in seawater, respectively. Corresponding micrographs (e-g) indicate pitting after acid cleaning. Credit: ACS, Aktas et al. Click to enlarge. A study by researchers from the University of Oklahoma and the US Naval Research Laboratory has found that biodiesel is easily susceptible to biological degradation by anae

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Mariner Oil Oklahoma Environment 287

Green Car Congress

MAY 15, 2010

The “Gasser” CNG Hot Rod. Click to enlarge. The WJ Daytech/AFVTech CNG Hot Rod made its debut at the recent Alternative Fuels and Vehicles ( AF&V 2010 ) show in Las Vegas. ( Earlier post.) Based on a 1933 Ford Roadster, this Hot Rod is intended to showcase the possibilities and the performance of using natural gas in a fun and unique way. Featuring a naturally aspirated CNG-fueled LS-7 GM Crate Engine built by Bob Santinoli with Riolo Racing engines and a 6-speed automatic transmission by TC

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2010 Las Vegas Carbon Fiber MPH 273

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Green Car Congress

MAY 5, 2010

The NZN concept relies on high energy density storage systems incorporated into the local grid, as well as efficient photovoltaic generation. NZN can integrate with the centralized grid. Source: Gil Weigand. Click to enlarge. In a special presentation yesterday at the “ Beyond Lithium Ion: Computational Perspectives ” conference held at Argonne National Laboratory, Dr.

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Neighborhood Energy Storage Grid Transportation 273

Green Car Congress

MAY 13, 2010

A Rotrex supercharger. Source: Rotrex. Click to enlarge. UK-based variable drive specialist Torotrak has formed a 50-50 joint venture with Denmark-based centrifugal supercharger firm Rotrex. The new venture, which will be called “Rotrak”, will add Torotrak’s variable speed traction drive to Rotrex’ supercharging technology to address the automotive industry’s need for affordable, effective engine downsizing technologies.

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Downsizing Engine Denmark Fuel Economy 268

Green Car Congress

MAY 13, 2010

In the past year, Ford Motor Company has increased its use of paper from recycled content instead of virgin sources for all its high-volume, consumer and employee printing projects. The results is a reduction in the use of paper made exclusively from virgin sources by 6,000 tons—the equivalent of a loaded freight train with two locomotives and 100 cars.

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Ford Mercury Waste Water 267

Green Car Congress

MAY 20, 2010

Tesla Motors, Inc. and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) intend to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support. The two companies intend to form a team of specialists to further those efforts. TMC has agreed to purchase $50 million of Tesla’s common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla’s currently planned initial public offering.

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Purchase Toyota Tesla Long Beach 259

Green Car Congress

MAY 20, 2010

The Evolution Seat. Click to enlarge. Lear has developed a technologically advanced seating system it calls The Evolution Seat that integrates seven patented technologies that reduce seat weight up to 25 pounds (11.3 kg) compared to conventional seats without sacrificing strength and safety. The Evolution Seat is expected to launch in the Asian market by 2011.

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2002 Waste Fusion Renewable 259

Green Car Congress

MAY 17, 2010

Top : Mechanism of the photocatalytic-electrolysis system. Bottom : New high-performance photocatalyst (inset) and overall model of the system. Source: AIST. Click to enlarge. Researchers at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) have developed a tungsten oxide (WO 3 ) photocatalyst that provides a significantly higher quantum yield under visible light than conventional photocatalysts.

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Hydrogen Hybrid Production Solar 259

Green Car Congress

MAY 3, 2010

At the ceremonial launching of Germany’s “National Electric Mobility Platform” (NEMP) in Berlin, Volkswagen presented the Golf blue-e-motion electric vehicle concept to German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel. NEMP is a German government initiative to develop Germany into a leading market for electric mobility, with about 1 million electric vehicles on its streets by 2020.

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Concept Gas-Electric Lithium Ion DC 256

Green Car Congress

MAY 24, 2010

Walmart has selected Inflation Solutions Group ( ISG ) to provide nitrogen tire inflation systems for its fleet. ( Earlier post.). ISG nitrogen tire inflation system. Click to enlarge. As of April, ISG said in a press release, 28 of Walmart’s 54 fleet service centers are using the ISG nitrogen system, with installation of the system due to be complete and the remaining centers by the end of this year.

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Fleet Installation Fuel 255

Green Car Congress

MAY 10, 2010

New Ford C-MAX and new Ford Grand C-MAX 2010. Click to enlarge. Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain will build the company’s first hybrid models for European customers with two advanced technology derivatives of the new Ford C-MAX compact multi-activity model to be launched in 2013: a full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), and a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

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Plug-in 2013 Hybrid Ford 250

Green Car Congress

MAY 20, 2010

Ford plans to survey 35 top global suppliers on their energy use and estimated greenhouse gas emissions as part of a broader effort to reduce carbon emissions within the auto industry. The suppliers in the initial request include companies that make commodities such as seats, steering systems, tires and metal components, which require more energy to produce and thus have a larger carbon footprint.

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Supplies Ford Carbon Emissions 247

Green Car Congress

MAY 18, 2010

A Fixed Pitch Continuously Variable Transmission (FPCVT) assembly with two FPCVT units connected in series. Source: Ken Hawthorn. Click to enlarge. Independent inventor Ken Hawthorn has been issued a US patent (Patent# 7,713,154) on a Fixed Pitch Continuously Variable Transmission (FPCVT) designed for higher torque applications. The FPCVT is the first positively engaging sprocket that uses standard roller chain that can change diameters while engaged, Hawthorn says.

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Concept Engine Connect Connected Concept 247

Green Car Congress

MAY 20, 2010

Universal Cars Ltd. (UCL), Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)’s importer and distributor for Hong Kong, will begin sales tomorrow of the i-MiEV electric vehicle to individuals in Hong Kong. Mass-production i-MiEVs have already been delivered to the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR) and some companies; however this announcement marks the first time sales to individuals will be commenced in Hong Kong, and also marks the first time

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i-MiEV Japan Mitsubishi Sale 240

Green Car Congress

MAY 8, 2010

The US Department of Energy has selected 13 projects for investment of up to $62 million over five years to research, develop, and demonstrate Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems capable of providing low-cost electrical power. CSP technologies concentrate the sun’s energy and capture that energy as heat, which then drives an engine or turbine to produce electrical power.

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Solar Powered Power Molten Salt 240

Green Car Congress

MAY 29, 2010

BP and the government team involved in the response have deemed the top kill operation attempting to stop the flow of oil from the MC252 well in the Gulf of Mexico ( earlier post ) unsuccessful. BP is proceeding with the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap option. BP started the top kill operations to stop the flow at 1300 CDT on 26 May. The procedure was intended to stem the flow of oil and gas and ultimately kill the well by injecting heavy drilling fluids through the blow-out preventer on t

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Mariner Oil Mexico Connect 239

Green Car Congress

MAY 28, 2010

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation is increasing its production capacity of lithium-ion battery cathode materials some 3.7 times, from 600 tons per year to 2,200 tons per year. Mitsubishi is manufacturing nickel-cobalt-manganese materials with a lower cobalt ratio (about 10%) than typical (usually about Ni:Mn:Co = 1:1:1, or about 33% cobalt content). Mitsubishi Chemical makes all four of the major components of a lithium-ion battery: cathode, anode, separator and electrolyte.

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Li-ion Mitsubishi Lithium Ion Production 239

Green Car Congress

MAY 21, 2010

Strengthening the fuel economy of medium- and heavy-duty trucks could create as many as 124,000 jobs in the US by 2030, with all 50 states experiencing net job growth, according to a new report by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and CALSTART. Efficiency improvements could save class 8 fleet truck owners more than $120,000 per tractor-trailer over eight years and owner-operators more than $80,000 per tractor over 10 to 15 years, assuming an average $3.50 per gallon fuel price.

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Fuel Economy Economy Fuel Gasoline-Electric 239

Green Car Congress

MAY 17, 2010

Blade compressor prototype. Click to enlarge. The UK Technology Board has awarded a consortium comprising UK start-up Lontra , Ricardo, and Ford Motor Company funding to demonstrate Lontra’s Blade Supercharger. The team will integrate the novel technology with a downsized engine to create a Ford vehicle demonstrator. The Blade Supercharger is a novel variable flow compressor with the ability to meet the boosting requirements of heavily downsized engines, both gasoline and diesel.

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Downsizing 2004 Water Engine 239

Green Car Congress

MAY 6, 2010

Factors contributing to the 7% drop in emissions in 2009. Source: EIA. Click to enlarge. In 2009, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in the United States saw their largest absolute and percentage annual decline (405 million metric tons or 7.0%) since the start of US Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) comprehensive record of annual energy data that begins in 1949.

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2009 Emissions Carbon Transportation 239

Green Car Congress

MAY 2, 2010

Life-cycle GHG emissions from fossil and alternative sources of electricity. Credit: ACS, Kharecha et al. Click to enlarge. CO 2 emissions from US coal-fired power plant could be phased out entirely by 2030 using existing technologies or ones that could be commercially competitive with coal within about a decade, according to a paper published online 30 April in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology.

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Coal Emissions Oil-Sands Climate Change 239

Green Car Congress

MAY 5, 2010

Axial Vector Energy Corporation (AVEC) has developed a new hybrid electric drive train comprising a small axial-type, multi-fuel AVEC engine ( earlier post ), an AVEC generator/motor and an all new electric clutch. The electric clutch is composed of AVEC permanent magnets and coils and is engaged when the two come in proximity. The new clutch is more than 80% efficient with less than 1% slip.

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Corporation Engine Hybrid Energy 236