AutoblogGreenhttp://www.autobloggreen.comAutoblogGreenhttp://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/feedlogo.gifAutoblogGreenhttp://www.autobloggreen.comen-usCopyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.autobloggreen.com/category/podcasts/rss.xmlAutoblogGreenGM and Chrysler's future business plans include EVs and hybridshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/gm-and-chryslers-future-business-plans-include-evs-and-hybrids/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/gm-and-chryslers-future-business-plans-include-evs-and-hybrids/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/gm-and-chryslers-future-business-plans-include-evs-and-hybrids/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Now that we've had a chance to digest the future business plan from Ford, which was sent to Congress this morning, General Motors and Chrysler have followed suit with documents of their own. Unlike Ford, both Chrysler and GM claim that they need money right away just to keep the lights turned on for 2009. As was the case with Ford, both GM and Chrysler have emphasized an increased investment in fuel saving technologies as one of the main reasons the they need federal help. Chrysler is asking for a $7 billion secured working capital bridge loan by December 31, 2008 and GM requires term loans of up to $12 billion to keep the lights on through the end of 2009 with an initial draw of $4 billion in December 2008.

If they get the low-interest, deferred loans that they are looking for, the automakers have promised to introduce new vehicles with advanced technology, including full electrics and hybrids. Chrysler, for instance, says that it will begin selling EVs for fleet use in 2009, with regular customer deliveries scheduled for 2010. We're not sure what it'll be selling, though a variation of one of the three EV concepts it showed off a few months back seems most likely. In any case, the automaker believes it can have 500,000 produced by 2013.

General Motors, for its part, says that it will "launch predominately high mileage, energy-efficient cars and crossovers" in the near-term future. GM also highlights the Chevy Volt that is slated for launch in 2010 and its advanced E-Flex drivetrain, which will in turn go on to power additional models. Also under development are EVs that use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity. Take a look over at Autoblog for all the details of Chrysler's and GM's plans. Both automakers seem to by saying that they've done all they can do on their own to fix their problems. Now they need assistance from the Feds to carry them through until the financial markets begin to recover and people start buying cars again. Without immediate help, all of these environmentally-friendly plans will be meaningless.

[Sources: General Motors, Chrysler]

GM and Chrysler's future business plans include EVs and hybrids originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>chryslerchrysler llcchrysler planChryslerLlcChryslerPlancongressgeneral motorsgeneral motors planGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsPlangm planGmPlanJeremy KorzeniewskiTue, 02 Dec 2008 19:06:00 ESTVolvo launches flex fuel S80 and C30 in Thailand to go with new E85 stationshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/volvo-launches-flex-fuel-s80-and-c30-in-thailand-to-go-with-new/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/volvo-launches-flex-fuel-s80-and-c30-in-thailand-to-go-with-new/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/02/volvo-launches-flex-fuel-s80-and-c30-in-thailand-to-go-with-new/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Here in the US, millions of flex-fuel vehicles were sold before significant numbers of E85 stations began to open. Over in Thailand there were already two E85 stations before the first car was even sold. Volvo has launched two E85 capable flex-fuel models in the south-east Asian country. The S80 sedan is assembled locally from a knock down kit while the C30 is imported. The S80 is powered by a 2.5L five cylinder turbo while the C30 gets a 1.8L four cylinder. Like Swedish compatriots Saab, Volvo has promoted flex-fuel vehicles in Europe but has not yet offered them in the US market. Bangkok is expected to have 15 E85 stations by sometime in 2009. It's not known where the E85 in Thailand is coming from, but odds are it's not corn ethanol from the US.

[Source: DomesticFuel.com]

Volvo launches flex fuel S80 and C30 in Thailand to go with new E85 stations originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>thailandthailand e85ThailandE85volvo flex fuelvolvo flexfuelvolvo flexifuelVolvoFlexFuelVolvoFlexifuelSam AbuelsamidTue, 02 Dec 2008 11:09:00 ESTTundra 5.7L V8 gets flex-fuel option for '09http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/29/tundra-5-7l-v8-gets-flex-fuel-option-for-09/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/29/tundra-5-7l-v8-gets-flex-fuel-option-for-09/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/29/tundra-5-7l-v8-gets-flex-fuel-option-for-09/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota has announced updated pricing information for the 2009 Tundra full-size truck, along with a few new options that weren't available before. Chief among these new features is flex-fuel capability on the largest, most powerful 5.7L engine option. Toyota has been planning on adding this capability since the new Tundra was introduced, which makes sense considering that all of its major competitors offer the ability to run on ethanol mixtures higher than 10 percent. The Japanese automaker will specifically be focusing in on the Midwestern states where E85 is more common, and will in fact be made standard on four-wheel drive models in certain areas. There will be no price increase on models equipped with the ethanol capability, which is good since the 2009 Tundra can top out at well over $40K. Prices have risen only modestly across the line - just an average of four percent, or $109 per truck for the new year.

[Source: Carscoop]

Tundra 5.7L V8 gets flex-fuel option for '09 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>flex fuelflex fuel tundraflex-fuelflexfuelFlexFuelTundratoyota tundraToyotaTundraJeremy KorzeniewskiSat, 29 Nov 2008 13:05:00 ESTEPA ups America's Renewable Fuel Standard to 10.21 percent for 2009http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/17/epa-ups-americas-renewable-fuel-standard-to-10-21-percent-for-2/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/17/epa-ups-americas-renewable-fuel-standard-to-10-21-percent-for-2/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/17/epa-ups-americas-renewable-fuel-standard-to-10-21-percent-for-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In 2009, the U.S. will use at least 11.1 billion gallons of renewable fuel. This was the pronouncement of the EPA today regarding an increase in the Renewable Fuel Standard Increased from 7.76 percent (the 2008 number) to 10.21 percent, an increase of 2.45 percentage points or about 2 billion gallons. The 11-plus billion gallons will be blended into transportation gasoline as E10, E85 and different types of biodiesel blends. The raise continues the EPA's policy of gradual increases in the annual use of biofuels until the target of 36 billion gallons in 2022, set by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), is reached.

[Source: EPA]

Continue reading EPA ups America's Renewable Fuel Standard to 10.21 percent for 2009

EPA ups America's Renewable Fuel Standard to 10.21 percent for 2009 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>b20b5b99biodieselbiofuelbiofuelse10e85environmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyepaethanolrenewable fuel standardRenewableFuelStandardrfsSebastian BlancoMon, 17 Nov 2008 17:57:00 ESTSEMA 2008: Making Green Cool Zone truckshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/10/sema-2008-making-green-cool-zone-trucks/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/10/sema-2008-making-green-cool-zone-trucks/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/10/sema-2008-making-green-cool-zone-trucks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Making Green Cool Zone trucks from SEMA

We are so used to huge trucks with outlandish paint jobs at SEMA, that we barely noticed these monstrosities in one corner of the upper level of the South Hall. But then we spotted the "Making Green Cool Zone" banner hanging over them and decided to take a closer look. Along with the dozen or so cars and bikes on display there were some seriously non-green-looking trucks. Their carbon footprints might be small, but godalmighty were they huge.

There was an enormous 2006 Chevy Dually done up by eXtreme-Biodiesel to showcase their 4-hour, 40-gallon portable Extreme Green Machines that make biodiesel just about anywhere they want to. The truck itself gets 25 mpg, which might not seem too impressive until you read that the turbodiesel engine pumps out 1,000 hp and 1,200 ft. lbs. of torque.

Dino Fuel Alternatives (DFA) was also on hand with not one, but two veggie oil trucks. They had a Vegistroke Ford, which we already know is one fast truck, having won the Thundertruck drags with a time of 15.81 seconds, but they also claim it gets 144 mpg. DFA's Vegistroke system has been available for any PowerStroke motor, but the company just finished its new VegiRam system for the Cummins diesel engine also. It was displayed in a VegiRam Dodge dually painted up like a NASCAR Craftsman truck series competitor.

Johnathan Goodwin had another super-efficient Hummer in Vegas, this one an H1 model with E85, Biodiesel, and water boy stickers on it. We already told you about the other Hummer H1 at SEMA that has been converted by Zero South with tracks to do a South Pole run next year. Right now it's a rolling education center with video screens facing in so passengers can see project presentations. Wild Gator Racing brought out a specially-prepped E85 Chevy Silverado that looked trail-ready.

Then we saw our favorite vehicle of the day, Baby. It's an old Japanese fire truck that was converted to run on natural oils and has become an ambassador for alternative fuels and environmental issues as it made its way around the world. Baby was featured in the award-winning documentary Oil + Water, and is now on the Kavu Elements Nature Propelled educational tour. Besides being able to run on just about any kind of oil, Baby also uses vehicle motion, sun, wind and water to store and use energy so the team can run off the grid when parked. The whole thing opens up too, with sleeping areas and a stage for movie showings, concerts and presentations. Very, very cool. See it in the gallery below (of just click here).

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Green trucks


Photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2008: Making Green Cool Zone trucks originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>dino fuel alternativesDinoFuelAlternativesextreme biodieselExtremeBiodieselJonathan GoodwinJonathanGoodwinkavu elementsKavuElementsoil waterOil Watersemasema 2008Sema2008vegiramvegistrokeFrank FilipponioMon, 10 Nov 2008 12:49:00 ESTSEMA 2008: Toyota Yaris Tailback runs on CNGhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/06/sema-2008-toyota-yaris-tailback-runs-on-cng/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/06/sema-2008-toyota-yaris-tailback-runs-on-cng/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/06/sema-2008-toyota-yaris-tailback-runs-on-cng/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for two high-res shots of the Yaris Tailback concept from SEMA

Toyota has brought a really, really green concept with it to the SEMA Show that's currently taking place in Las Vegas. That first bit of green comes courtesy of a compressed natural gas conversion that allows the driver to switch from gasoline to CNG for the otherwise stock four cylinder engine via a button. It wouldn't be a proper SEMA concept without a ton of modifications, and so the storage tank for the natural gas is housed in the rear and appears when the modified rear tailgate is opened with its automated electric motor.

Other greenery includes the can't-miss-it Sherwin Williams green paint with metallic flakes and bronze accents. Besides its CNG system, the Yaris Tailback gets custom suicide rear doors and a custom wide body kit, necessary to cover the ridiculously wide 19x9 front and 19x11 rear wheels. Inside is custom upholstery and an audio/video system provided by Pioneer. Full press release after the break.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Toyota Yaris Tailback


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Toyota Yaris Tailback runs on CNG

SEMA 2008: Toyota Yaris Tailback runs on CNG originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cngcng yarisCngYariscompressed natural gasCompressedNaturalGassemasema 2008Sema2008toyota yaristoyota yaris tailbackToyotaYarisToyotaYarisTailbackJeremy KorzeniewskiThu, 06 Nov 2008 15:29:00 ESTSaab 9-4X possibly another victim of GM cash crunchhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/04/saab-9-4x-possibly-another-victim-of-gm-cash-crunch/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/04/saab-9-4x-possibly-another-victim-of-gm-cash-crunch/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/04/saab-9-4x-possibly-another-victim-of-gm-cash-crunch/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click the Saab 9-4X for a high res gallery from its Detroit debut

It looks like the cash flow crunch down at the Ren Cen has claimed another product victim. This time it's the Saab 9-4X that looks like it will see a delay of up to a year before it's launched. The new Saab crossover debuted as a concept at this year's Detroit Auto Show and had been scheduled to launch in the fall of 2009. The Saab shares its platform with the Cadillac SRX that will debut at Detroit in January and go on into production in May. In concept form, the Saab used a direct injected and turbocharged 2.0L four cylinder that's optimized for operation on E85. The production version will likely use something similar. While the concept didn't use a hybrid drive system, and GM hasn't given any indication in that direction, the production version could potentially use the two-mode hybrid transaxle that will debut shortly in the similarly-sized Saturn Vue. The premium-priced Saab could prove to be a more viable platform for selling the pricey two-mode system.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X BioPower live reveal


[Source: Left Lane News]

Saab 9-4X possibly another victim of GM cash crunch originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>production delayProductionDelaysaab 9-4xSaab9-4xSam AbuelsamidTue, 04 Nov 2008 16:24:00 ESTAnother eco option for Brazilians: Citroën Xsara Picasso Ecohttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/31/another-eco-option-for-brazilians-citroen-xsara-picasso-eco/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/31/another-eco-option-for-brazilians-citroen-xsara-picasso-eco/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/31/another-eco-option-for-brazilians-citroen-xsara-picasso-eco/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It seems that it's not just Europeans who are getting green (or blue) labels for virtually every model of the road. We recently reported that Volkswagen has taken the BlueMotion badge to Brazil and that the Smart fortwo is being put on sale there. Well, it looks like Citroën has had the same idea and has unveiled a new model for the Brazilian market: the Xsara Picasso compact minivan, which is going to get the green label of "Eco" (not Airdream as in Europe). What's the Xsara Picasso got going for it? A flex-fuel engine, like the Brazilian BlueMotions, but mated to a Stop/Start system. A good side benefit of the Start/Stop system is that flex-fuel models won't need an additional gasoline reservoir for cold starts. Citroën claims that the latter system itself cuts fuel use by 8 percent, which "adds to the benefits of using ethanol at the pump."

[Source: Citroën Brazil via Le Blog Auto]

Another eco option for Brazilians: Citroën Xsara Picasso Eco originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>brazilpicassosao pauloSaoPaulostart-stopxsaraxsara picassoXsaraPicassoXavier NavarroFri, 31 Oct 2008 19:11:00 ESTYamaha patents flex-fuel motorcyclehttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/30/yamaha-patents-flex-fuel-motorcycle/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/30/yamaha-patents-flex-fuel-motorcycle/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/30/yamaha-patents-flex-fuel-motorcycle/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to enlarge the patent drawing of a flex-fuel Yamaha motorcycle

Flex-fuel automobiles are nothing new. In fact, there are over 7-million flexible-fuel vehicles already on the roads in America, and it's not at all uncommon to see gas stations that offer E85. All vehicles sold in the United States must be able to accept a minimum of 10 percent ethanol, but some modifications are required to run at higher percentages, including the use of different rubber tubes and seals along with some reprogramming of the engine's computer. At this point, there are no motorcycles or scooters that are certified to run on fuel with ethanol concentrations as high as 85 percent, but Yamaha has recently filed a patent for just such a machine. Since there isn't any production machine as of yet, details on the Yamaha system remain sketchy, with Motorcycle News in the UK suggesting that there is a secondary fuel tank on-board to hold the ethanol. This shouldn't really be necessary if the bike is equipped with sensors to detect the alcohol content of the fuel. On the other hand, if Yamaha were planning to use the ethanol as an injection to control engine knock and emissions, a second tank would be necessary. We look forward to seeing what the Tuning Fork company has in store for its flex-fuel two-wheelers.

[Source: Motorcycle News]

Yamaha patents flex-fuel motorcycle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>flex fuelflex fuel motorcycleflex fuel vehicleflex-fuelflex-fuel motorcycleflex-fuel vehicleFlex-fuelMotorcycleFlex-fuelVehicleflexfuelFlexFuelMotorcycleFlexFuelVehiclemotorcycle e85motorcycle ethanolMotorcycleE85MotorcycleEthanolyamahaJeremy KorzeniewskiThu, 30 Oct 2008 13:49:00 ESTBlueMotion arrives in Brazil and gets local (ethanol) flavorhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/30/bluemotion-arrives-in-brazil-and-gets-local-ethanol-flavor/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/30/bluemotion-arrives-in-brazil-and-gets-local-ethanol-flavor/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/30/bluemotion-arrives-in-brazil-and-gets-local-ethanol-flavor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As you know, blue is the new green, at least marketing-wise. Therefore, Volkswagen has decided to offer the BlueMotion badge in Brazil, albeit adapted to the homegrown fuel from the South American continent: the Brazilian BlueMotion bagde vehicles will be powered by ethanol. BlueMotion will be an option for the Fox (pictured above), Gol and Polo models. Not much information has been released yet, although the models are currently being shown at the São Paulo Motor Show. We know that the Brazilian Polo BlueMotion will be powered by a flex-fuel 1.6-liter engine mated to a new gearbox with longer gear ratios. As usual, some additional tweaks are included in the pack, such as a closed front grille and underside, lowered suspension and low-rolling resistance tires mated to 14-inch wheels. The Polo is expected to be on sale by the end of the year but the BlueMotion versions of the Gol and the Fox probably won't be ready until later in 2009

[Source: Autoblog en Español]

BlueMotion arrives in Brazil and gets local (ethanol) flavor originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>blue motionbluemotionbrazilfoxgolpoloXavier NavarroThu, 30 Oct 2008 12:19:00 ESTTech Analysis: 2010 Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan powertrains, 38 mpg hybrid!http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/30/tech-analysis-2010-ford-fusion-mercury-milan-powertrains-38-mp/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/30/tech-analysis-2010-ford-fusion-mercury-milan-powertrains-38-mp/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/30/tech-analysis-2010-ford-fusion-mercury-milan-powertrains-38-mp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The long-awaited redesign of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan is almost upon us and we got our first look at the new powertrains this week in Dearborn. As expected, increased fuel efficiency has been the number one priority for Ford's engineers, followed by power and refinement. In the conventional models, the sedans have picked up the redesigned engines that we first saw last spring in the 2009 Escape and Mariner compact SUVs. We did learn some new information about efficiency improvements to the 2.5L four cylinder and the 3.0L V6 that Ford hadn't revealed previously.

Even more importantly, the sedans will now be available with a hybrid powertrain for the first time. While the 2.5L engine in the hybrid is shared with the Escape, the electrical part of the system is almost entirely new. The whole system has been designed in-house by Ford and if what we were told pans out, this mid-size sedan will be the most fuel efficient car in the segment on the road in the U.S. One thing the Ford staff emphasized during the briefing was the company's emphasis on affordable fuel efficiency. VP of Global Powertrains, Barb Samardzich, told the assembled media that "we don't want our sustainability strategy to be public affairs exercise." In reviewing the company's plans for the coming decade, Samardzich focused on affordable technologies that can be applied to almost all cars in the near term. That means that over the next five years, almost all Fords will have transmissions with at least six gears and well over half of the company's North American products will have EcoBoost engines. Read on to find out more about what Ford has in mind for the Fusion and Milan in 2009.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Tech Analysis: 2010 Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan powertrains, 38 mpg hybrid!

Tech Analysis: 2010 Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan powertrains, 38 mpg hybrid! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>2010 ford fusion2010 fusion hybrid2010FordFusion2010FusionHybridfeaturedford fusionFordFusionla auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008los angelesLosAngelesmercury milanmercury milan hybridMercuryMilanMercuryMilanHybridSam AbuelsamidThu, 30 Oct 2008 10:12:00 ESTNew information on the electric Ford F-150 Hi-Pa coming to SEMAhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/29/new-information-on-the-electric-ford-f-150-hi-pa-coming-to-sema/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/29/new-information-on-the-electric-ford-f-150-hi-pa-coming-to-sema/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/29/new-information-on-the-electric-ford-f-150-hi-pa-coming-to-sema/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click for a gallery of the Hi-Pa F-150

When it comes to all things pickup truck related, Mike Levine is the go-to guy. Mike has been continuing to investigate the back story on the PML F-150 Hi-Pa that will making its debut at the SEMA Show next week. It turns out that PML didn't build this truck single-handedly. They teamed up with DST Industries and Ford on the project. The V8 powertrain has been completely stripped out in favor of the electric drive system. According the PML the motors are good for over 150 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque... each! That's over 600 hp cumulative and 2,000 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. PML's wheel motors pull electrons for drive from a 40 kWh lithium ion battery pack that sits under the rear part of the cab and the bed where the gas tank normally sits. The motors, of course, also provide regenerative braking capability although the hydraulic friction brakes are also retained.

The truck is currently electric only which means it has a range of only 75-100 miles. Early next year, PML is planning to add an engine and generator to transform it into a series hybrid. The company wants to use an existing emissions-certified engine, preferably a flex-fuel example. PML CEO Craig Knight told Mike that there are no current production plans for the Hi-Pa F-150 although it could be built by 2011. Mike tells ABG that PML doesn't plan to build motors but would rather license the designs to a tier 1 supplier that will work with automakers.

Gallery: PML Hi-Pa F-150


[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

New information on the electric Ford F-150 Hi-Pa coming to SEMA originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>electric carelectric truckelectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricTruckElectricVehicleElectricVehiclespml flightlinkpml flightlink f-150pml flightlink f150PmlFlightlinkPmlFlightlinkF-150PmlFlightlinkF150Sam AbuelsamidWed, 29 Oct 2008 17:17:00 ESTRenault Sand'up concept finally brings see-through doors and flex-fuel capability togetherhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/28/renault-sandup-concept-finally-brings-see-through-doors-and-fle/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/28/renault-sandup-concept-finally-brings-see-through-doors-and-fle/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/28/renault-sandup-concept-finally-brings-see-through-doors-and-fle/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click for more of the Sand'up

At the Såo Paolo Auto Show in Brazil this week, Renault has unveiled a new version of the Sandero: this one a quirky, flex-fuel design called the Renault Sandero Sand'Up concept. The active-lifestyle oriented concept can be converted from a hard-top coupe to a convertible pickup and seats 2+2, or two and their kiteboards, perhaps. The 1.6 liter 16V Hi-Flex is flex-fuel capable - pretty much a necessity in ethanol-happy Brazil - and offers either 107 hp on petrol or 112 hp on ethanol.

On the outside, the Sand'Up's got exaggerated wheel arches and a somewhat gaudy red trapezoid in front. Still, we like the style, and that means we like what they're doing south of our border. The Sand'Up is the first Renault concept designed exclusively in South America.

Gallery: Renault Sand'up Concept


[Source: Renault, ZER Customs]

Continue reading Renault Sand'up concept finally brings see-through doors and flex-fuel capability together

Renault Sand'up concept finally brings see-through doors and flex-fuel capability together originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>renaultrenault sanderorenault sanduprenault sandup conceptRenaultSanderoRenaultSandupRenaultSandupConceptsand-upsanderosandupsandup conceptsandupconceptSebastian BlancoTue, 28 Oct 2008 11:23:00 ESTRoush Technologies converts Ford Transit van to hydrogen flex-fuelhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/28/roush-technologies-converts-ford-transit-van-to-hydrogen-flex-fu/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/28/roush-technologies-converts-ford-transit-van-to-hydrogen-flex-fu/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/28/roush-technologies-converts-ford-transit-van-to-hydrogen-flex-fu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Roush Technologies has been working on flexible fuel vehicles for the last few years. Unlike most manufacturers, which seem to be focusing on using either ethanol or gasoline in their flex-fuel vehicles, Roush Technologies has been integrating compressed hydrogen power into normal internal combustion engines. The latest example to come from the company is based on a Ford Transit van and is being shown at the Cenex-hosted UK National Low Carbon Vehicle event at Millbrook Proving Ground. The Transit features a 2.3-liter Ford engine that is capable of running on gasoline or hydrogen and features a supercharger and intercooler that help the vehicle make enough power when running on the compressed gas. That hydrogen is stored in a 5000psi tank, which holds enough of the gas to run the vehicle for up to 135 miles.

Roush Technologies has also been working with Britain's ITM Power on hydrogen refueling stations. The resulting filling units use electrolysis technology to generate hydrogen from water on-site. The two companies point out that the necessary infrastructures for water and electricity are already in place and the hydrogen generators can use any form of electricity - including renewables - to operate and that hydrogen emits zero carbon dioxide as it burns.

[Source: Roush Technologies]

Continue reading Roush Technologies converts Ford Transit van to hydrogen flex-fuel

Roush Technologies converts Ford Transit van to hydrogen flex-fuel originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>compressed hydrogenCompressedHydrogenflex-fuelhydrogenhydrogen flex-fuelhydrogen gasHydrogenFlex-fuelHydrogenGasitm poweritm power hydrogenItmPowerItmPowerHydrogenroush technologiesRoushTechnologiesJeremy KorzeniewskiTue, 28 Oct 2008 10:52:00 ESTClimax Supercar: a new British sportscar that runs on ethanolhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/26/climax-supercar-a-new-british-sportscar-that-runs-on-ethanol/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/26/climax-supercar-a-new-british-sportscar-that-runs-on-ethanol/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/26/climax-supercar-a-new-british-sportscar-that-runs-on-ethanol/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more shots of the Climax Supercar

Ethanol has proven itself a viable fuel for tuners that want to get the most power from their automobiles. The alcohol has a higher octane rating that gasoline, meaning that an engine tuned to run on ethanol can make higher horsepower without the risk of detonation. This fact has prompted some companies to use ethanol for their performance cars, allowing them to offer extreme performance along with being able to market the vehicle as a greener option. The latest example of this strategy comes from Climax, makers of a new mid-engine British sportscar.

The Climax uses a lightweight aluminum structure underneath a body pounded either from aluminum or molded from carbon fiber. Power comes from a flex-fuel capable and Prodrive-tuned version of Subaru's latest turbocharged boxer four cylinder engine, tuned to run on ethanol, which powers the rear wheels. Performance figures are impressive, with the run to 60 taking less than four seconds. Top speed is estimated at around 170 miles per hour. Combined fuel economy is rated at 27.4 miles per gallon. A full provisional spec-sheet is available (.pdf link). It's definitely a good-looking car, though its green credentials may be debatable.

Gallery: Climax Cars Supercar


[Source: Climax Cars via Gizmag]

Climax Supercar: a new British sportscar that runs on ethanol originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>climaxclimax carsclimax supercarClimaxCarsClimaxSupercarethanolflex fuelflex-fuelflex-fuel vehicleFlex-fuelVehicleFlexFuelJeremy KorzeniewskiSun, 26 Oct 2008 10:01:00 ESTLA Preview: 2010 Ford Fusion to get flex-fuel V6 optionhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/26/la-preview-2010-ford-fusion-to-get-flex-fuel-v6-option/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/26/la-preview-2010-ford-fusion-to-get-flex-fuel-v6-option/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/26/la-preview-2010-ford-fusion-to-get-flex-fuel-v6-option/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We've known for some time now that Ford's redesigned 2010 Fusion and Milan sedans would be getting a new hybrid version for the first time. What we didn't know before was that there will also be a new flex-fuel variant. An order guide has appeared on a Ford discussion board. The flex-fuel engine is based on the updated 3.0L Duratec V6 that debuted earlier this year on the 2009 Escape and Mariner. It will be optional on the S, SE and SEL trim levels and matched up with the same new 6 speed automatic transmission used in the crossovers. The base engine on all three of those trim levels will be the new 2.5L four cylinder also shared with the Escape. On the SE and S trim levels the four will even be available with a new 6 speed manual transmission in addition to the automatic.

The Fusion/Milan hybrid will use an Atkinson cycle version of the 2.5L just like the Escape, but the hybrid hardware is expected to be an upgraded second-generation version. Electrical energy storage will be the usual nickel metal hydride battery pack. We should be learning more about the new Fusion powertrains next week.

[Source: Blue Oval Forums]

LA Preview: 2010 Ford Fusion to get flex-fuel V6 option originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>flex fuelflex fuel fordflex fuel vehicleFlexFuelFlexFuelFordFlexFuelVehicleford fusionford fusion flex fuelford fusion hybridFordFusionFordFusionFlexFuelFordFusionHybridSam AbuelsamidSun, 26 Oct 2008 08:12:00 ESTLondon gets its first biogas fueling stationhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/22/london-gets-its-first-biogas-fueling-station/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/22/london-gets-its-first-biogas-fueling-station/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/22/london-gets-its-first-biogas-fueling-station/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Back in August, Gasrec and Iveco announced that they would be testing street cleaning trucks running on biomethane. Of course, it's kinda tough to use a truck on a fuel that's not available, so Gasrec, the company that's pioneering the fuel, has partnered up with Veolia Environmental Services to get the gas it needs for its liquid methane and has created a refueling point for the Iveco truck. The methane gas is coming from both landfills and through controlled digestion of waste food products. The methane gas is converted to liquid fuel that can be used in any vehicle that's set up for compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas, as the Iveco trucks have.

The London Borough of Camden has apparently embraced this fuel and is excited to have the first biogas fueling station in its back yard. The Camden Council hopes to power its own fleet of vehicles with the fuel from Gasrec, assuming that this first trial is a success.

[Source: Gasrec]

Continue reading London gets its first biogas fueling station

London gets its first biogas fueling station originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>biomethanecamdenivecoiveco cngiveco truck cngIvecoCngIvecoTruckCnglandfill gasLandfillGaslandfillslondonmethane gasMethaneGasJeremy KorzeniewskiWed, 22 Oct 2008 08:43:00 ESTMinnesota state fleet using 77 percent more E85 this yearhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/21/minnesota-state-fleet-using-77-percent-more-e85-this-year/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/21/minnesota-state-fleet-using-77-percent-more-e85-this-year/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/21/minnesota-state-fleet-using-77-percent-more-e85-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Photo by antaean. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

The Minnesota SmartFleet Committee took a look at the amount of E85 used thus far in 2008 and found that the biofuel mixture's use is way up compared to 2007. In the first nine months of 2008, the state fleet of about 1,700 flexfuel vehicles has burned 529,000 gallons of E85; in the same time period in 2007, this number was just 295,000 gallons. That's an increase of about 77 percent and E85 now makes up about 12 percent of all the fuel that the state buys. As is almost always the case with these sorts of governmental initiatives, the future looks to be made up of even bigger numbers. The chair of the SmartFleet Committee and director of Fleet and Surplus Services, Minnesota Department of Administration, Tim Morse, said that, "we can do even better" than that 12 percent.

[Source: American Lung Association of Minnesota]

Continue reading Minnesota state fleet using 77 percent more E85 this year

Minnesota state fleet using 77 percent more E85 this year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ethanolflexflex-fuelflexfuelminnesotaSebastian BlancoTue, 21 Oct 2008 18:20:00 ESTCobalt Biofuels gets $25 million for biobutanolhttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/21/cobalt-biofuels-gets-25-million-for-biobutanol/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/21/cobalt-biofuels-gets-25-million-for-biobutanol/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/21/cobalt-biofuels-gets-25-million-for-biobutanol/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When most people think of biofuels, the usual suspects that first sprint to mind are ethanol and biodiesel. That's not to say, though, that these are the only game in town. There's another player for a non-petroleum alcohol fuel that could displace gasoline in the form of butanol, which can be distilled in a similar manner as ethanol. There are many proponents for biobutanol who claim that the fuel is superior to its ethanol sibling, and there may be some truth to those claims. Butanol can run in any gasoline engine with no modifications and, like ethanol, has a higher octane rating than our normal gasoline. Another benefit is that butanol can be transferred in our existing pipelines. The fuel could also be used as an additive in either gasoline or diesel fuel.

So, butanol supporters take note: Cobalt Biofuels has gotten $25 million in funding for its next phase of butanol commercialization. The company plans to create the fuel from non-food sources at a profit right from the start. The full press release is pasted after the break.

[Source: Cobalt Biofuels]

Continue reading Cobalt Biofuels gets $25 million for biobutanol

Cobalt Biofuels gets $25 million for biobutanol originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>biobutanolbutanolcobalt biofuelsCobaltBiofuelsJeremy KorzeniewskiTue, 21 Oct 2008 17:27:00 ESTGM, 10 states push for more ethanol accesshttp://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/20/gm-10-states-push-for-more-ethanol-access/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/20/gm-10-states-push-for-more-ethanol-access/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/20/gm-10-states-push-for-more-ethanol-access/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Even as the tide turns against corn ethanol, GM and ten U.S. state governments announced a new partnership last week to get more E85 to more flexfuel vehicles. The states involved here are: Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Each state will "work with GM to advance location selection, development and usage of their state's E-85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline) infrastructure."

This means that GM will coordinate ethanol promotion and help plan where the E85 stations should go. The states will concurrently set up task forces to find target areas for the new ethanol-ready pumps, as well as how to get these pumps funded and built (or converted). Since there is no cellulosic ethanol on the market today, whether or not this program pushes more corn ethanol into the system depends on the timeline achieved in each state.

[Source: National Governors Association]

Continue reading GM, 10 states push for more ethanol access

GM, 10 states push for more ethanol access originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ethanolgmnational governors associationNationalGovernorsAssociationSebastian BlancoMon, 20 Oct 2008 08:50:00 EST