Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Give a little, get a little: free biodiesel for test fleets in Yorkshire, UK]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/21/give-a-little-get-a-little-free-biodiesel-for-test-fleets-in-y/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/21/give-a-little-get-a-little-free-biodiesel-for-test-fleets-in-y/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/21/give-a-little-get-a-little-free-biodiesel-for-test-fleets-in-y/#commentsFiled under: ,

Can you use biodiesel in commercial truck applications? Sure you can. Thousands of trucks burn it everyday. Still, not everyone is fully convinced, and some want to operate their own fleet test to prove that turning waste vegetable oil into fuel is a viable plan. This is what CO2Sense Yorkshire, a UK-based group that helps businesses and organisations "prosper and grow in the new Low Carbon Economy," is planning with a new demonstration project. Basically, businesses in the area say, "hey, put that fuel in my vehicle and we'll see what happens," and CO2Sense Yorkshire says, "OK, here's 3,000 liters of 100% waste vegetable oil biodiesel fuel for free. Tell us how it works." Sounds like a deal to us.

The biofuel trial runs from December through February. Interested companies who want to volunteer a vehicle have until the end of the month to submit an application. Details here. Thanks to Damon S. for the tip!

[Source: Fleetnews]

Give a little, get a little: free biodiesel for test fleets in Yorkshire, UK originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2senseSat, 21 Nov 2009 12:08:00 EST<![CDATA[GoGo Electric thinks short-term EV renting can change minds]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/gogo-electric-thinks-short-term-ev-renting-can-change-minds/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/gogo-electric-thinks-short-term-ev-renting-can-change-minds/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/gogo-electric-thinks-short-term-ev-renting-can-change-minds/#commentsFiled under: ,

With some free recharging and free parking available around town, there's more reason than ever to drive an electric car in London (that is, if the public transportation system doesn't work for you). To prove that EVs can work in the city, GoGo Electric is offering short-term rentals of the MegaCity electric cars. One difference between this rental scheme and others, like Zipcar, is that there are no membership fees. But we can't tell if this is a good deal or not. GoGo doesn't tell us what the rental fees are, just that the cost "will be determined according to the price list applicable at the time of rental."

GoGo Electric founder Natalie Franklin, pictured, said in a statement that a lot of customers are renting the car just to see if plug-in technology works for them. It seems like response has been positive, but the main complaint from customers is that they want more public charging stations throughout London.

[Source: GoGo Electric Car Rentals]

Continue reading GoGo Electric thinks short-term EV renting can change minds

GoGo Electric thinks short-term EV renting can change minds originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car rentalsCarRentalsgogogogo electric car rentalsGogoElectricCarRentalsnatalie franklinNatalieFranklinFri, 20 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[UK to spend £30 million on EV Charging points]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/uk-to-spend-30-million-on-ev-charging-poins/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/uk-to-spend-30-million-on-ev-charging-poins/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/20/uk-to-spend-30-million-on-ev-charging-poins/#commentsFiled under: , ,



British Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis has announced that the UK will spend £30 million to install plug-in vehicle charging stations. The charge points will be built in at least three and as many as six "electric car cities and regions" across the UK, the forerunners of a national EV recharging grid. The plan is called Plugged-In Places and is accompanied by creation of the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). The OLEV is a new goverment office in charge of coordinating policy and funding for low-carbon projects throughout the country. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Department of Transport]

Continue reading UK to spend £30 million on EV Charging points

UK to spend £30 million on EV Charging points originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british charging gridBritishChargingGriddepartment of transportDepartmentOfTransportolevplugged-in placesPlugged-inPlacesuk charging griduk electric gridUkChargingGridUkElectricGridFri, 20 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[First 25 production i-MiEVs roll into the UK]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/17/first-25-production-i-mievs-roll-into-the-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/17/first-25-production-i-mievs-roll-into-the-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/17/first-25-production-i-mievs-roll-into-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Mitsubishi i-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the ship they came in on was probably dirty as all get out during its six-week journey from Japan, 25 all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEVs have arrived in the UK and will take to the streets (in an uneventful government Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator test kind of way) on December 12th. Bringing the cars to the UK has been in discussion for a long time.

If sales in Japan, which started in July, are any indication, a lot more ships with a lot more electric jellybeans will need to make the journey to satisfy demand. Mitsubishi has sold 1,400 units in Japan and already has orders for 900 copies of the vehicles that it will make in 2010. Mitsubishi will make the car in Europe starting in October 2010 and Peugeot and Citroën will sell re-badged versions. More information after the jump.

Gallery: Production i-MiEVs in the UK


[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading First 25 production i-MiEVs roll into the UK

First 25 production i-MiEVs roll into the UK originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingi mievi-mievIMievmievmitsubishiMitsubishi i MievMitsubishiIMievTue, 17 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Six UK teens rushed to hospital after drinking ethanol]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/16/six-uk-teens-rushed-to-hospital-after-drinking-ethanol/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/16/six-uk-teens-rushed-to-hospital-after-drinking-ethanol/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/16/six-uk-teens-rushed-to-hospital-after-drinking-ethanol/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ethanol can be used in ICE engines, can be made from renewable resources and, depending on whether it's been denatured or not, can technically be drunk. John McCain's 2007 joke aside, this is a bad idea. Physics Forums lists a few reasons why. Nonetheless, six teenagers in the UK thought that an episode of the BBC1 drama Waterloo Road portrayed a good idea when a young female character drank ethanol. So, sadly, the five girls and one boy (all either 14 or 15) copied the fictional character's action. They were then taken to the hospital, where it was discovered that none of them will suffer any long-term effects, according to UPI. Call it a "lucky break."

No one would want to ever drink ethanol once it's been mixed with gasoline (the smell! the taste!), but if you don't talk to your kids about ethanol, who will?

UPDATE: And again...

[Source: UPI, Telegraph]
Photo by ˙Cаvin 〄. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Six UK teens rushed to hospital after drinking ethanol originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drinking ethanolDrinkingEthanolethanolteenagerteenagersteensMon, 16 Nov 2009 19:46:00 EST<![CDATA[New Vectrix picked up by Hesketh Motorcycles in the UK]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/14/new-vectrix-picked-up-by-hesketh-motorcycles-in-the-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/14/new-vectrix-picked-up-by-hesketh-motorcycles-in-the-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/14/new-vectrix-picked-up-by-hesketh-motorcycles-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Vectrix VX-1 - click above for high-res image gallery


While the company formerly known as Vectrix Corporation has just changed its name to the more descriptive Electric Scooter Wind Down Corp. appellation, New Vectrix is out and about doing deals and moving forward. In fact, it's just been announced that Hesketh Motorcycles (HMC) has taken the electric maxi-scooter under its wing in the UK, where it will now be known as the Hesketh HZE-Vectrix. The British boutique brand is itself recently-revived, having previously functioned as a marque in the early Eighties when it produced a relatively small number of gas-powered machines. Current company director Charles Hesketh had this to say about the deal,
This is a brand new chapter in the life of what we know as the World's first high performance, zero emission, production motorbike. We spent a considerable amount both financially and energetically searching for a zero emission two-wheeled vehicle worthy of the Hesketh brand, and the Vectrix VX-1 meets all our requirements.
HMC will now offer the UK dealers a warranty extension plan that covers their previously-sold bikes and supply the shops with new product as well. There might also be two new models in the pipeline for 2010, though no details are being given at this time. We can only hope they decide to move the technology forward with lithium cells rather than lead-based backward direction of the two disastrously-debuted models from last January. Perhaps they'll be bold enough to pull out the eye-popping and multi-award winning superbike concept they had earlier shelved. Press release after the break.


Gallery: Vectrix Electric Scooter


Gallery: Vectrix Superbike


[Source: Hesketh Motorcycles / Providence Business News]










http://www.heskethmotorcycles.net/index.php?p=home

Continue reading New Vectrix picked up by Hesketh Motorcycles in the UK

New Vectrix picked up by Hesketh Motorcycles in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electric Scooter Wind Down CorpElectricScooterWindDownCorpHesketh HZE-VectrixHesketh MotorcyclesHeskethHze-vectrixHeskethMotorcyclesNew VectrixNewVectrixVectrixSat, 14 Nov 2009 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[ETA says plug-in cars could "speed climate change" unless we get off coal]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/eta-says-plug-in-cars-could-speed-climate-change-unless-we-get/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/eta-says-plug-in-cars-could-speed-climate-change-unless-we-get/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/11/eta-says-plug-in-cars-could-speed-climate-change-unless-we-get/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Think that plugging in your vehicle will protect the earth? Sure, this was the message that EPRI and the NRDC sent following a 2008 study that found that, if 60 percent of the U.S. fleet of light vehicles converted to plug-ins by 2050, CO2 emissions would drop by 450 million metric tons annually (the same as taking 82 million cars off the road) while electricity consumption would increase only eight percent.

Not everyone is convinced that plugs are the answer. The Environmental Transport Association in the UK, for example, believes that switching to electric cars could increase the rate of climate change, depending on how the electricity is created. Like the Natural Resources Defense Council report last year that found that PHEVs will add to pollution levels if the grid remains coal-centered, the ETA's statement warns that a shift from gasoline to electrons needs to be accompanied by a change in how we generate our electricity. Looking at how EU rules handles emissions, the ETA found that, if the regulations don't change, "sales of electric cars are likely to result in higher overall CO2 emissions and oil consumption." The ETA's soundbite for the report: if you're using coal to make electricy, then standard hybrids are better than plug-ins.

In the past, the ETA opposed a cash-for-clunkers-like plan in the UK. Each year, the ETA also organizes a Green Transport Week.

[Source: ETA]

Continue reading ETA says plug-in cars could "speed climate change" unless we get off coal

ETA says plug-in cars could "speed climate change" unless we get off coal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coalcoal plantcoal plug incoal powercoal power plantcoal powered carCoalPlantCoalPlugInCoalPowerCoalPoweredCarCoalPowerPlantEnvironmental Transport AssociationEnvironmentalTransportAssociationetahybridsplug inplug in hybridplug-inPlugInPlugInHybridpluginsWed, 11 Nov 2009 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[UK expands fuel economy label to include used cars]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/uk-expands-fuel-economy-label-to-include-used-cars/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/uk-expands-fuel-economy-label-to-include-used-cars/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/03/uk-expands-fuel-economy-label-to-include-used-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The UK's Minister for Transport, Sadiq Khan, has announced a new color-coded label that would help identify the most fuel-efficient cars right in the showroom. This label will also include information about the car's CO2 emissions, estimated fuel costs over 12,000 miles and MPG. This label was created by the British Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) and, although it's not mandatory yet, 94 percent of British car dealers have signed up to display it on new and new-ish cars. That's right, these labels are designed not only for new cars, but for used vehicles as well, with information available for cars dating back to 2001 (check the mock-up here). Dealers can register to use the system either individually at www.vca.gov.uk or through their manufacturer. Read full press release after the jump.

[Source: DfT]

Continue reading UK expands fuel economy label to include used cars

UK expands fuel economy label to include used cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>color labelColorLabelfuel labelFuelLabelSadiq KhanSadiqKhanused car fuel economy labelUsedCarFuelEconomyLabelTue, 03 Nov 2009 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Axon Automotive unveils plug-in hybrid]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/28/axon-automotive-unveils-plug-in-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/28/axon-automotive-unveils-plug-in-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/28/axon-automotive-unveils-plug-in-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Axon Automotive has once again shown off its pre-production plug-in hybrid, this time at the Milton Keynes Science Festival. Two versions of the lightweight city car are planned, the first using a small-bore gasoline-fed engine that's purported to deliver 83.3 mpg U.S. (100 mpg or 2.8 l/km in the UK).

A second version pairs an electric motor that's capable of powering the car without a drop of fuel for city use with a small gasoline engine that theoretically provides unlimited range for longer trips. According to Axon, the PHEV would generate just 50 grams of carbon emissions per kilometer, easily evading European carbon taxes in the process.

Two adults can fit in the little EV, and the interior is fashioned from recycled carbon fiber, denim jeans and pinstripe suits (really!). If all goes to plan and sufficient funding is sourced, Axon plans to begin selling the car in 2011 with full-scale production slated for 2012.

[Source: Green Car Congress]

Axon Automotive unveils plug-in hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axonAxon AutomotiveAxon GroupAxon hatchbackaxon phevAxonAutomotiveAxonGroupAxonHatchbackAxonPhevphevWed, 28 Oct 2009 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford prepping for 20 home trials of the Focus BEV in London]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/20/ford-prepping-for-20-home-trials-of-the-focus-bev-in-london/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/20/ford-prepping-for-20-home-trials-of-the-focus-bev-in-london/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/20/ford-prepping-for-20-home-trials-of-the-focus-bev-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ford Focus BEV - Click above to enlarge

Electric vehicle fans, London is calling. Ford is looking for 20 volunteer households in the Hillingdon Borough to drive an all-electric Focus for three months next year. Starting early in 2010, the borough will install a local charging infrastructure, and the Focus drivers will be expected to take part in research testing the car and the grid. Ford will provide five Focus BEVs for the test, which is part of the UK Government's "Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicles" demonstration that will take place next year. Here in the U.S., Ford is using the Focus EV in a promotional bit on the Jay Leno Show. A production version of the all-new electric Ford Focus is scheduled to go on sale in North America in 2011.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford prepping for 20 home trials of the Focus BEV in London

Ford prepping for 20 home trials of the Focus BEV in London originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Focus BEVfocus evFocusBevFocusEvford focusFord Focus BEVFord Focus EVFordFocusFordFocusBevFordFocusEvTue, 20 Oct 2009 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[smart cdi clinches MPG Marathon with 80.61 mpg, driver shows how [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/17/smart-cdi-clinches-mpg-marathon-with-80-61-mpg-driver-shows-how/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/17/smart-cdi-clinches-mpg-marathon-with-80-61-mpg-driver-shows-how/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/17/smart-cdi-clinches-mpg-marathon-with-80-61-mpg-driver-shows-how/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The 2009 edition of the ALD World MPG Marathon was held a couple weeks ago and this year's winner gained a result unseen in the contest's seven-year history: 80.61 mpg U.S. (96.81 mpg UK). Mick Linford was the man behind the wheel for the 360-mile contest and wrung the result from a smart cdi. Officially rated at 71.28 mpg U.S. ( 85.6 mpg UK) combined, the mileage master managed to make a 13 percent increase with the machine. The two-seat oil burner, which just became available in the UK this year, makes 45 brake horsepower from its three-cylinder common-rail engine but, perhaps more importantly, emits a mere 88 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Unfortunately, like so many other fuel-frugal cars, the smart cdi is unavailable in the U.S.

This was not Mr. Linford's first time to pilot the smart. He was also the driver during a somewhat controversial one-tank journey from London to Edinburgh. It all makes us wonder if Mick isn't something of a company man (not that there's anything wrong with that) seeing that his video showing us 10 ways to achieve these kind of results, and which awaits you after the jump, seems to have been slickly produced by the manufacturer.

[Source: smart UK]

Continue reading smart cdi clinches MPG Marathon with 80.61 mpg, driver shows how [w/VIDEO]

smart cdi clinches MPG Marathon with 80.61 mpg, driver shows how [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALD World MPG MarathonAldWorldMpgMarathonMick LinfordMickLinfordMPG MarathonMpgMarathonsmart cdiSmartCdiSat, 17 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Vauxhall unsure whether Ampera will be built in UK]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/15/report-vauxhall-unsure-whether-ampera-will-be-built-in-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/15/report-vauxhall-unsure-whether-ampera-will-be-built-in-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/15/report-vauxhall-unsure-whether-ampera-will-be-built-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Vauxhall Ampera - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just the other day, reports from the British motoring press indicated that the Vauxhall Ampera wouldn't be built in the UK as initially planned. Instead, the extended-range electric vehicle would reportedly be shipped over from America where the Ampera would presumably be built alongside the Chevy Volt at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant in Michigan.

Further, those same reports suggested that GM's European arm would wait until 2015 or so to begin UK production when the second-gen model was ready. Not so fast, reports Autocar. According to an unnamed source (aren't they all?) at Vauxhall:
There has categorically been no decision on where European production of the Ampera will take place... But in order to justify production at any European plant there will need to be sufficient demand and this, rather than the launch of the second-gen model, will drive the decision on timing.
Apparently, no decision has yet been made on where or when the Ampera will be built overseas and there's still plenty of time before the car is scheduled to go on sale in the UK in early 2011.


Gallery: Vauxhall Ampera


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Vauxhall unsure whether Ampera will be built in UK originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperaampera productionAmperaProductionopelopel amperaopel ampera productionOpelAmperaOpelAmperaProductionVauxhallvauxhall amperavauxhall ampera productionVauxhallAmperaVauxhallAmperaProductionThu, 15 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota named UK's cleanest automaker]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/14/report-toyota-is-the-cleanest-automaker-in-the-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/14/report-toyota-is-the-cleanest-automaker-in-the-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/14/report-toyota-is-the-cleanest-automaker-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Toyota iQ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota is the cleanest automaker in the UK. This is the finding of Cleangreencars, which calculated that Toyota has the cleanest average lineup, taking into account CO2 emissions averaged with car sales. Toyota achieved this figure by stopping sales of three models - the MR2, the Previa and the Celica - and by adding a new small model, the iQ. Toyota's average went from 144.82 g/km to 129.15 g/km in the first nine months of 2009, reaching levels required by EU legislation. In Toyota wake, the UK's cleanest manufacturers are Fiat, Mini (last year's winner) and Hyundai. Overall, CO2 emissions for the average new car fell by 5.5 percent. The current average for all cars sold is 150.6 g/km, an impressive 8.8 g/km drop from a year ago. Read more in the press release after the jump.



[Source: Cleangreencars]

Continue reading Toyota named UK's cleanest automaker

Toyota named UK's cleanest automaker originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clean green carsCleanGreenCarsco2 salesCo2Salesuk co2uk co2 salesuk salesUkCo2UkCo2SalesUkSalesWed, 14 Oct 2009 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[MINI selects 40 UK test drivers for MINI E leases]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/14/mini-selects-40-uk-test-drivers-for-mini-e-leases/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/14/mini-selects-40-uk-test-drivers-for-mini-e-leases/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/14/mini-selects-40-uk-test-drivers-for-mini-e-leases/#commentsFiled under: , ,


MINI E - Click above for high-res image gallery

Apparently drivers in the UK were not as enthralled by the prospect of leasing the battery-powered MINI E as Americans. While some 10,000 drivers were reported to have applied for the privilege of paying MINI to beta test the EV, only 515 wanted in on the UK test. Of those 40 were chosen, half of which are private users.

While Americans have to pay $850 per month for a year, British drivers get off with only £330 a month (approx $640 U.S.) for six months. All of the UK-based MINI Es will be in the southern part of the country, mostly between Oxford, London and Andover. Oxford is, of course, the site of the MINI factory and home base to the little cars. The cars will be delivered before Christmas and, hopefully, charging cords and wall boxes will be in place before the cars arrive.

Gallery: Electric MINI E


[Source: AutoExpress]

MINI selects 40 UK test drivers for MINI E leases originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minimini emini e deliverymini e leasemini e londonmini e testmini electricMiniEMiniEDeliveryMiniELeaseMiniElectricMiniELondonMiniETestWed, 14 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Vauxhall Ampera production gets snubbed in the UK]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/13/report-vauxhall-ampera-production-gets-snubbed-in-the-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/13/report-vauxhall-ampera-production-gets-snubbed-in-the-uk/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/13/report-vauxhall-ampera-production-gets-snubbed-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vauxhall Ampera - Click for high-res image gallery

Where, exactly, the Vauxhall Ampera - the British version of the Chevy Volt - will be built is up in the air now that Magna, Vauxhall's new owner, has decided that the plug-in hybrid will not be built at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port factory. Prime Minister Gordon Brown had reportedly said that GM assured him the Ampera would be built in the UK, after U.S. production kicks off next year. But the Daily Mail is reporting that UK-based Ampera production will now likely be pushed back until the second-generation version comes along in 2015 or 2016. A "top-level source at General Motors" told the Daily Mail that the reason the Ampera will not be built in the UK right away is that GM expects low demand for the car there.

Interesting side note: the Daily Mail says the Ampera "is capable of 176 mpg." This is equal to 146.55 mpg in U.S. gallons; we have no idea where this number comes from.

Gallery: Vauxhall Ampera


[Source: Daily Mail]

REPORT: Vauxhall Ampera production gets snubbed in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gm voltGmVoltmagnamagna vauxhallMagnaVauxhallVauxhallvauxhall amperaVauxhallAmperavoltTue, 13 Oct 2009 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Elektromotive charging station given "outstanding achievement" award from Green Fleet]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/08/elektromotive-charging-station-given-outstanding-achievement-a/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/08/elektromotive-charging-station-given-outstanding-achievement-a/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/08/elektromotive-charging-station-given-outstanding-achievement-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

Elektrobay charging station - Click on image for complete gallery

Elektromotive has been given Green Fleet's 2009 "Outstanding Achievement" award for its development of recharghing facitilies for electric vehicles. Elektromotive was honored with "Industry Innovation Awards" in 2007 and 2008 for their Elektrobay charging station. These charging stations are also the first ones where PLCs are being tested that is trying to establish a smart grid that is able to communicate billing information, power requirements and other information. Approximately 100 of these stations have been already installed in London and 90 additional units can be found across Great Britain. Find the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Elektrobay Charging Station


[Source: Elektromotive]

Continue reading Elektromotive charging station given "outstanding achievement" award from Green Fleet

Elektromotive charging station given "outstanding achievement" award from Green Fleet originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardelektrobayelektromotiveGreen fleet awardsGreenFleetAwardsindustry innovation awardsIndustryInnovationAwardsprizeThu, 08 Oct 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Focus RS tops 32 mpg (US) in UK MPG marathon]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/07/ford-focus-rs-tops-32-mpg-us-in-uk-mpg-marathon/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/07/ford-focus-rs-tops-32-mpg-us-in-uk-mpg-marathon/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/07/ford-focus-rs-tops-32-mpg-us-in-uk-mpg-marathon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Focus RS - click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that the biggest variable that affects fuel consumption of a car is not the powertrain, or the drag or rolling resistance. It's that bit between the seat and the steering wheel and pedals. As any hyper-miler can tell you, the behavior of the driver has a huge influence. That's why Ford devised the SmartGauge cluster for the Fusion hybrid and why most automakers are looking at more feedback systems to help coach drivers on more efficient behavior.

Having said that, more power usually means more fuel consumption and you might expect a 305 hp Ford Focus RS to be somewhat thirsty. Truth be told, driven the way it was intended it surely does consume a hefty amount of premium unleaded. However, British auto writer Jeremy Walton apparently behaved himself as he piloted a Focus RS in the just-completed 7th annual UK MPG Marathon. Walton averaged 32.05 mpg (U.S.) over a two-day, 360-mile drive in the high-end Focus. The official rating for the car is a combined 25.1 mpg (U.S.), which Walton topped by 28 percent. An impressive feat.


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Focus RS tops 32 mpg (US) in UK MPG marathon

Ford Focus RS tops 32 mpg (US) in UK MPG marathon originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford focusford focus rsFordFocusFordFocusRsfuel economyfuel efficiencyFuelEconomyFuelEfficiencymiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpguk mpg marathonUkMpgMarathonWed, 07 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[i MiEV joins the CarPool, speeds excessively]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/07/i-miev-joins-the-carpool-speeds-excessively/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/07/i-miev-joins-the-carpool-speeds-excessively/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/07/i-miev-joins-the-carpool-speeds-excessively/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mitsubishi i MiEV on CarPool - Click above to watch video after the jump

We've seen the Mitsubishi i MiEV in action before and have even rolled about New York in it ourselves. However, we've never really seen it taken out onto a highway and driven like a regular car. The latest episode of CarPool changes that. In this edition of the super cool web series, Robert Llewellyn (he of Red Dwarf and Scrapheap Challenge fame) is joined by Catherine Perrin of Mitsubishi for a chat about the car whilst the actor pilots it across town for a little photo shoot.

While regular ABG readers may not learn anything substantially new about the Japanese jellybean, the segment wonderfully illustrates the positives about driving electric. Llewellyn isn't shy about putting his foot into it and, once safely out of the garage and onto the motorway, quickly brings the i MiEV up to the legal limit. And then beyond. Interestingly, though the specs on this car say it has a top speed of 80 mph, the actor soon discovers it can actually slightly surpass that mark. Indeed, his co-pilot informs him its "top whack" is 87 mph. Maybe we'll have the chance to try that out for ourselves (on a track, of course) when the right left hand drive version comes to America. Hit the jump for an entertaining ride in the CarPool.

[Source: Llewtube via Tesla Motors Club]

Continue reading i MiEV joins the CarPool, speeds excessively

i MiEV joins the CarPool, speeds excessively originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CarPooli MiEVIMievLlewtubeMiEVMitsubishi i MiEVMitsubishiIMievRobert LlewellynRobertLlewellynWed, 07 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Elektromotive and GM team up to lobby UK MPs to support EVs]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/23/elektromotive-and-gm-team-up-to-lobby-uk-mps-to-support-evs/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/23/elektromotive-and-gm-team-up-to-lobby-uk-mps-to-support-evs/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/23/elektromotive-and-gm-team-up-to-lobby-uk-mps-to-support-evs/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In order for companies getting into the electric vehicle business to have a chance to be financially viable, they are going to need help from governments. That means incentives to help offset the vastly higher initial cost of such vehicles as well as a means to charge them. General Motors and Elektromotive are getting together to "educate" British parliamentarians about what needs to happen in order to make EVs a financially viable proposition.

They will attend the annual conferences for the two leading political parties, Labour and the Conservatives in the coming weeks. Elektromotive will bring its charging station and GM will bring a prototype Vauxhall Ampera (aka Chevy Volt) for MPs to try out. GM and Elektromotive will be encouraging the politicos to invest more in building out a public charging infrastructure in Britain so that when EVs become more widely available, people will be able to juice them up.

Gallery: Vauxhall Ampera


[Source: Elektromotive]

Continue reading Elektromotive and GM team up to lobby UK MPs to support EVs

Elektromotive and GM team up to lobby UK MPs to support EVs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elektromotivefalsegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmlobbyingpublic charging stat...public charging stationsPublicChargingStat...PublicChargingStationsvauxhallvauxhall amperaVauxhallAmperaWed, 23 Sep 2009 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Environmentalists treat Jeremy Clarkson's driveway to a steaming pile of manure]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/18/environmentalists-treat-jeremy-clarksons-lawn-to-a-steaming-pil/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/18/environmentalists-treat-jeremy-clarksons-lawn-to-a-steaming-pil/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/18/environmentalists-treat-jeremy-clarksons-lawn-to-a-steaming-pil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There are many things Top Gear front-man Jeremy Clarkson could be labeled as. Celebrity? Check. Petrolhead? Check. Environmentalist? Um, no. Whenever Clarkson has gotten the chance to get some seat time in what might be construed as an eco-friendly automobile, he always seems to find plenty not to like... and that goes for the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and even the Tesla Roadster.

Climate Rush, the same group that's vehemently opposed to the expansion of London's Heathrow airport, decided to let Clarkson know exactly how they feel about his carbon-spewing ways. According to the BBC, six women showed up at Clarkson's mansion in Oxfordshire in a horse-drawn carriage with a wheelbarrow's worth of manure, which was then dumped on the entertainer's front lawn.

Reports indicate that Clarkson was not home at the time of the dung dump and by the time police showed up the protesters had left the scene, though their stinky gift apparently remained for all to see. Thanks for the tip, Ben!

[Source: BBC | Photo: Hannah Johnston/Getty Images]

Environmentalists treat Jeremy Clarkson's driveway to a steaming pile of manure originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>climate rushclimate rush jeremy clarksonClimateRushClimateRushJeremyClarksonjeremy clarksonjeremy clarkson manureJeremyClarksonJeremyClarksonManuremanuretop gearTopGearFri, 18 Sep 2009 11:53:00 EST