Autoblog Green

Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, USA

Chevrolet Volt pre-production IVER prototype - click above for high-res image gallery

We long ago had a chance to drive the Chevy Volt mule in all-electric mode, and more recently took a ride in the IVER (integration vehicle engineering release) version. We found the Volt's performance was rather impressive for a vehicle still under development. It was clear at that time that there was still room for improvement, though, and the question of how it would perform after the gas-powered generator kicked in remained unanswered since GM was not allowing anyone from outside the company to experience it. Would there be a sudden jolt of power during the transition or would it perhaps produce a howl reminiscent of the flying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz? Now it seems those questions are being addressed as GM has just started to allow media to drive the IVER and experience that change.

So how was it? According to Lindsay Brooke over at the New York Times, the initial moments, as the engine comes to life, are "inaudible and seamless." Very nice. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter the sound suddenly surged as the car became cognizant that its battery was lower than desired and attempted to quickly return to its preferred level by revving itself up. Clearly, there is still some refining to be done. The overall impression was extremely positive though, the regenerative braking in particular garnering some amount of praise. We look forward to soon gripping the wheel for ourselves and giving you our in-depth reaction. Thanks to wincros for the tip!

Gallery: Quck Ride: Pre-production Chevy Volt

[Source: New York Times]

Journo experiences Volt's electric-to-hybrid transition, says it needs improvement originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elk Horn, Iowa installs first electric car charging stations in new "Pony Express" lane

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, USA

Elk Horn, Iowa's website says it is located, "In the heart of Southwest Iowa's picturesque countryside." Google Maps shows just how remote the town is, so it is clear that to make this place a forward-thinking electric vehicle destination takes a bit of chutzpah. While most EV advocates and manufacturers see electric cars as urban runabouts for the near future, Elk Horn businessman Mike Howard thinks that it makes sense to build eight EV charging stations in town. Four - one is solar, the others are connected to the grid - are already installed and four more are coming soon. Howard told the AP that the stations are like some famous horse exchange locations from Western U.S. history, "This is a modern-day Pony Express," he said. Expanding out from Elk Horn, Howard wants to build more of the $6,000 stations along Highway 80 - all the way from Chicago to Denver. That's what we call ambition.

Currently, there are 96 EVs registered in Iowa, out of over 4 million total. At the very least, the one EV registered in Elk Horn - a converted Chevy S-10 - will never need to wait for an open outlet.

[Source: AP via Autopia]

Elk Horn, Iowa installs first electric car charging stations in new "Pony Express" lane originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ecos Motors Harbinger debuts in Vegas, now taking orders

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:51:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, SEMA Show, USA

Electric Cars of Springfield (ECOS), taking full advantage of an invitation from duPont Registry, brought their recently constructed all-electric supercar to SEMA 2009. The bright orange Harbinger[TM] (photo above), with its Lamborghini-looks drew lots of attention with the likes of Diggity Dave stopping by for an extended chat. Its open scissor-door seemed to lure passing show professionals who used the two-seater as an impromptu posing podium (photo right).

Besides being a head-turner, the car also acted as a platform for a product from another Missouri company. EVInstruments had their customizable MiMod[TM]EV monitoring system with its touchscreen installed in the craft ready to provide potential drivers with GPS, stereo and wireless internet as well as real-time info on things like battery condition and power consumption.

Built on a German‐engineered aluminum frame and suspension system of undetermined origin, the Harbinger uses an 11" Netgain DC motor to get its bad self up to 60 mph in about 5 seconds before heading off to the electronically-imposed limit of 117 mph. Lurking beneath the composite body lies 30 kWh of lithium ion batteries said to be worth up to 150 miles of range. The social media-friendly (Facebook/Twitter) company hopes its beast will bewitch buyers into parting with $89,995 and is now accepting reservations for a limited production scheduled to start in February. ECOS got its start last year doing radical frame-off VW Beetle restoration conversions and sells electric-car components for the do-it-yourselfer. While all that might sound like enough to keep the young company busy, their website also has mention of another vehicle they hope to build next year. The ECOS Fun is a little Jeep-inspired affair that promises highway speeds and hundred-mile range for $24,995. Hit the jump for video of a little Harbinger-in-Vegas action.

[Source: ECOS Motors]

Continue reading Ecos Motors Harbinger debuts in Vegas, now taking orders

Ecos Motors Harbinger debuts in Vegas, now taking orders originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S., China announce new Electric Vehicles Initiative

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:07:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, China, USA

2009 BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery

You'll be forgiven if all you know about President Obama's recent trip to Asia was that he bowed (ZOMG!) to the Japanese Emperor, but we have to ask you to stop watching so much cable TV news. Things of substance happened during the trip, too, and one of them (hopefully) is a new Electric Vehicles Initiative that the U.S. and China will work together on.

The Initiative is made up of four main parts: joint standards for plugs, battery test protocols and the like; joint demonstrations to compare how plug-ins will be used in the two countries; a joint technical roadmap to plan out what research needs to be done and how it can be used to bring EVs to market; and working together to promote plug-ins. This last point means that the US-China Electric Vehicles Forum that took place in September will become an annual event, moving from the U.S. to China every other year. Read the official announcement after the jump or download the PDF here.

[Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Green Car Congress via Treehugger]

Continue reading U.S., China announce new Electric Vehicles Initiative

U.S., China announce new Electric Vehicles Initiative originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Aptera production pushed back to 2010

Domenick Yoney — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Aptera, USA

If anybody is still wondering whether Aptera, despite the recent commotion, will deliver one of their flightless wonders by Christmas, they can officially cease speculating. They're not, and the release date has now been pushed back to some undefined time in 2010. Hopefully, the delay won't be a full year as it was the last time they announced delivery postponement. According to the company, fund raising efforts didn't keep pace with vehicle development and so they're taking measures to slow the burn, as it were. One of those unfortunate actions involved laying off an unspecified number of employees, though one of them, co-founder Steve Fambro, has said he will resume his role next year. Addressing the situation he said:

Right now my advanced work is a lower priority for Aptera. We've got to be wholly focused on funding and getting the first 2e on the road. Paul's leadership and (chief engineer) Tom Reichenbach's talent have led to changes in the vehicle that are spot-on. They've made the vehicle safer, it's better handling and more comfortable. Once we get through this stage, we'll begin mass producing the 2e - the most aerodynamic and efficient vehicle in the world.

Sounds reasonable to us, and it's no doubt reassuring for ~~patiently~~ waiting customers to have official communication from the firm. However, one can't help but wonder why they didn't head this chaotic episode off at the pass by making this announcement in a more timely fashion. The emotional investment of nearly 4,000 reservation-holding fans might be just as important as seeking further financial investment. In any event, the official press release awaits after the break.

[Source: Aptera Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: Aptera production pushed back to 2010

Officially Official: Aptera production pushed back to 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A.U.T.O. lobbyist Veronica Moss visits, hates the new Times Square [w/VIDEO]

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Green Culture, USA

Veronica Moss in Times Square - Click above to watch the videos after the break

As a lobbyist for the Automobile Users Trade Organization (A.U.T.O.), Veronica Moss calls 'em like she sees 'em. She hates that there are not enough roads for cars, for example. Moss recently took a look at the "improved" Times Square and, well, she hates this, too. The place has been wiped clean of automobiles - or, close enough to it - and this just isn't fair to our four-wheeled bretheren. Time Square, after all, is the crossroads of the world, so where are the roads? It's enough to make her lobbyist self nearly panic. Watch it after the jump.

[Source: Streetfilms]

Continue reading A.U.T.O. lobbyist Veronica Moss visits, hates the new Times Square [w/VIDEO]

A.U.T.O. lobbyist Veronica Moss visits, hates the new Times Square [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STUDY: Cash for Clunkers helped Japanese way more than Detroit 3

Michael Harley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, USA

While there is no question that Obama's Cash-for-Clunkers program accelerated vehicle sales this summer, a new report by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute shows the big winners were from Japan, not Detroit.

According to the study, nearly 85 percent of the trade-ins were from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler, yet they only sold 39 percent of the new cars moved off the lots. On the other hand, eight percent of the trade-ins came from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, manufacturers who accounted for 41 percent of new car purchases.

While these numbers may be justified by the large quantity of inefficient domestic trucks and SUVs that were deemed clunkers, customer loyalty also seems to have taken a big shift. About 68 percent of owners who traded in Toyota, Honda, or Nissan vehicles replaced them with another from one of those Japanese brands, while only 43 percent of consumers who traded in Detroit steel purchased another General Motors, Ford, or Chrysler product. The program cost the U.S. taxpayers about $3 billion.

[Source: USA Today]
Photo by dno1967. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

STUDY: Cash for Clunkers helped Japanese way more than Detroit 3 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RUMORMILL: Aptera co-founders booted, staff slashed!

Domenick Yoney — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:16:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Aptera, USA

A website devoted to following the development of that futuristic vision of automotive efficiency known as the Aptera has spent much of the month of November in stomach-knotting suspense as rumors began flowing that CEO Paul Wilbur and company directors were planning significant staff cuts (thread here). According to multiple anonymous sources, the blood-letting began in earnest on Thursday when the top fabrication engineer and supervisor (and aluminum jewelery maker) Tim Dine was axed and continued when word trickled out that co-founders Steve Fambro and Chris Anthony had also been ousted, along with 30 percent of remaining employees.

We expect Aptera to release a statement soon addressing the situation. If true, the firings would seem to confirm recent speculation that the company was not going to hit its target of beginning production by the end of the year. An alleged final production version of the craft has only been seen in a computer rendering and communication from the firm has been, well, let's just say their Twitter feed has been tweetless for over a month. On the other hand, the company has recently re-applied for $75 million in DOE loans that, if successful, should lead to cars coming off the line. Eventually. Our fingers remain crossed.

[Source: ApteraForum]

RUMORMILL: Aptera co-founders booted, staff slashed! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan CEO is bullish for Leaf's success, says million plug-ins by 2015 is an easy goal

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Nissan, USA

Speaking at the U.S. launch of the Nissan Leaf this morning in Dodgertown, Los Angeles, Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn was supremely confident and optimistic about the chances of his company's first electric vehicle - and plug-ins in general - in the U.S. market.

"This car should sell without advertising," Ghosn said, noting that Nissan's plan to sell a normal-looking (mostly), family-style vehicle with the "free premium" of an electric drivetrain will be an easy sell. Because the Leaf's batteries will be leased, Ghosn said, the Leaf will cost almost exactly the same as a similar gasoline-powered vehicle (it'll be one to two percent higher, without factoring in the cost of the battteries). For someone who drives between 12,000 and 15,000 miles a year, buying the Leaf and leasing the battery will be cheaper than owning a similar gas-powered car and filling up with liquid fuel. Using the "free premium" strategy, Ghosn said, the U.S. can easily reach and then beat President Obama's goal of having a million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2015.

Another bonus of leasing the battery, Ghosn said, is that the consumer won't have to worry about when to replace or upgrade it. Nissan will make that decision for the user, simplifying what it means to own an electric car. Nissan has publicly stated that they expect 10 percent of all cars sold in 2020 will be plug-ins, a number some criticized as too optimistic. But Ghosn said that Nissan's internal polling shows that even today, before most people have driven an EV, eight percent of Americans say they want their next car to be an EV. This gives Ghosn confidence that the 10 percent number is probably too low - and doesn't even account for possible dramatic political or social changes (wars, huge spikes in the price of oil, etc.). The question might not be if Nissan can drum up enough interest in the Leaf, but if they can produce enough to meet demand.

We'll have a full report about the launch - and what it's like to drive the Leaf - up shortly.

Our travel and lodging for this media event were paid for by the manufacturer.

Nissan CEO is bullish for Leaf's success, says million plug-ins by 2015 is an easy goal originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buy a Bad Boy Buggie, kill save big bucks

Domenick Yoney — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle), USA

Bad Boy Buggies markets its tough all-terrain vehicles using the slogan "They'll Never Hear You Coming" to hunters who generally are of a mind to slay whatever bucks they can track down. Well, now they can save them too. No, not the four-legged woodland creatures with the white fur on the underside of their tails which are quite tasty. Rather the paper-with-pictures-of-past-presidents-kind. Lots of them.

The cash comes in the form of a $5,590 tax-credit and applies to versions of their vehicles outfitted with all the lights, seatbelts and other safety equipment required to make the buggies street legal. While the low speed vehicle (LSV) package does tack close a grand onto the pricetag, the resulting savings at tax time and the added ability to take your Bad Boy to the streets makes this option something of a no-brainer. Especially if you happen to live in Oklahoma, where they have also just been approved for that state's incredible 50 percent-of-purchase-price tax credit. In fact, if you're in the market for this kind of machine, the only reason we can think of not to track down a dealer now is they just might have even more amazing models next year. Hit the jump for a promotional video featuring the Bad Boy XT in action.

[Source: Bad Boy Buggies / Natchez Democrat]

Continue reading Buy a Bad Boy Buggie, ~~kill~~ save big bucks

Buy a Bad Boy Buggie, ~~kill~~ save big bucks originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not Coming to America: Redesigned Ford Ka, Ranger

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Ford, USA

2009 Ford Ka - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford CEO Alan Mulally has said a couple of times that he'd like to see the diminutive and highly efficient Ford Ka sold here in the States, though we always questioned whether it would actually happen. Wonder no more, as Mulally has just come right out and said that the little car won't make the trek to America. Speaking to Automotive News, Mulally said, "Our view is that Fiesta is about the smallest vehicle that we think will be a real success in the United States." So, there you go.

Also not coming to America will be the next-generation Ford Ranger, which has been spotted testing over in Australia a couple of times already. At this point, it's not clear what (if anything) will replace the rapidly aging compact pickup when the current Ranger ends production in 2011.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Not Coming to America: Redesigned Ford Ka, Ranger originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pay-per-mile car insurance might come to California

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:51:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA

The idea of paying for your insurance by the mile is not new. MileMeter, in Texas, offers pay-as-you-drive (PAYD) rates and California has been using mileage brackets to set insurance rates for years. A new, more precise PAYD system is under discussion in California that would give people who drive less a financial incentive to do keep doing so - and maybe convince people on the fence to find an alternative when possible.

State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner recently issued regulations on what PAYD mileage verification plans could look like. It's likely that people with PAYD would think twice when getting behind the wheel and combine trips when possible. The Brookings Institution studied PAYD last year and found that driving would drop by eight percent if all U.S. drivers were under a PAYD system. Also, two-thirds of U.S. households would save an average of $270.

MileMeter is looking to expand to California, and MileMeter founder and CEO Chris Gay told the Sacramento Bee that, "Our take is that half the market out there is being overcharged and underserved - and that's who we aim to address." The bigger insurance companies are looking into PAYD, but have not yet decided to offer it in California. This is an idea that easy to implement and, in lieu of higher gasoline taxes, could have a dramatic impact.

[Source: Sacramento Bee via MMN]
Photo by Wouter Kiel. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Pay-per-mile car insurance might come to California originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oklahomans battling over the cost of NEVs. Should they be free?

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle), USA

Wheego Whip - click above for high-res image gallery

Low-speed, neighborhood electric vehicles are an interesting case. No one thinks of them as "real cars" - although the Wheego Whip, above, tries to be the Cadillac of NEVs - but they certainly serve a purpose and can meet the transportation needs of some people, some of the time. But, should they be free?

Keith Andrews, president of Fairplay Cars, sent in some background information about a controversy brewing in Oklahoma that, at least for now, makes some NEVs effectively free. The state offers a huge tax credit towards purchasing an NEV, but the Oklahoma Tax Commission is campaigning to "black list a significant number of street legal electric cars from the states healthy tax credits now in place," Andrews wrote. The trouble revolves around the difference between a LSV and a golf cart. According to Andrews, the low-speed vehicle makers in favor of the plan pointed out in court that Oklahoma has already defined what is and is not a low-speed vehicle - based on NHTSA rules - and therefore "should adhere to its own standard and confirm approval of all LSV's that qualify on the Federal level." The Oklahoma Tax Commission has promised to appeal to the state Supreme Court, saying the decision could cost the state over $40 million. Read more from Andrews after the jump.

[Source: News 9, WSJ, Keith Andrews]

Continue reading Oklahomans battling over the cost of NEVs. Should they be free?

Oklahomans battling over the cost of NEVs. Should they be free? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electric Vehicle International opens California headquarters, launches new lineup

Domenick Yoney — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Manufacturing/Plants, USA

When we last heard from Electric Vehicles International (EVI) they were displaying a trio of trucks at the Work Truck Show in Chicago that they had electrified at their facility in Mexico. Fast forward 7 months and we find none other than Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on hand for the grand opening of the company's relocated international headquarters in Stockton, California and a whole new slate of product in the works. EVI has partnered with a handful of companies, most significantly battery-maker Valence Technology, and will be offering entire vehicles, powertrains and plug-in conversions.

The vehicles on offer range from the tiny to the mighty. Not only will they be assembling the e-Zone from CT&T, but they will also produce commercial trucks from Classes 4 to 6, including a walk-in configuration based on chassis from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. The heavy duty haulers are said to have a top speed of 60 mph and will be available in a 60, 80 or 115 mile packages. Prices are between $120,000 and $180,000, depending on battery configuration. While sales deals haven't yet officially been announced, it's reported that UPS will taking delivery of a WI EVI (the walk-in version) for testing and the city of Stockton itself will be putting at least one appropriately-painted e-Zone on parking enforcement duty. Click here (link) for a brief newsclip about the plant and find press releases covering both the opening and the truck deal after the break.

[Source: EVI / Recordnet.com]

Continue reading Electric Vehicle International opens California headquarters, launches new lineup

Electric Vehicle International opens California headquarters, launches new lineup originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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To Infineon and Beyond: TTXGP brings electric motorcycle racing to America

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels, USA, Racing

Mavizen TTX02 - Click above to enlarge

Earlier this year at the annual time trials at the famed Isle of Man, the inaugural TTXGP electric motorcycle race proved that battery-powered bikes can be just as entertaining and exciting as their gasoline-swilling and emissions-spewing siblings. Not quite as fast, of course, but still a thrill over the 38-mile winding race course through the mountains.

Now, the event organizers are looking to bring the excitement of electric motorcycle racing to the United States. The first real competition has been scheduled from May 14th through 16th of 2010 and will take place at Infineon Raceway in California. That location strikes us as a good idea as a number of TTXGP participants hail from the West Coast, including Mission Motors, MotoCzysz, Brammo and Electric Motorsport.

In addition to the aforementioned teams, we also hope to see participation from new entrants using the newly-available Mavizen TTX02 platform, which was just officially unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: Mavizen TTX02 Electric Racebike

[Source: Infineon Raceway]

Continue reading To Infineon and Beyond: TTXGP brings electric motorcycle racing to America

To Infineon and Beyond: TTXGP brings electric motorcycle racing to America originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CAFE credits for EVs - will we repeat the E85 system?

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:49:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, USA

What is a plug-in vehicle worth? When it comes to CAFE credits, the answer to this question is a bit complicated. As we discussed in our Greenlings look at CAFE, the system allows for credits. One effect is that automakers who build vehicles that can burn E85 - even if these cars don't actually use the biofuel - get a bit of a pass for their dirtier vehicles. When it comes to EVs, a potential "sell one, get one free" deal is in the works.

Basically, the system might allow plug-in vehicles to count as 1.2 or even 2 vehicles in the fleet calculations,and so each EV could offset something big and fuel inefficient. This might result in getting plug-in vehicles to market while also allowing bug SUVs to remain in production. Unsurprisingly, the Auto Alliance, made up of most of the big OEMs, loves the idea. Alliance spokesman Charles Territo said that, "The ability to earn, trade and bank credits" by producing electric and hybrid vehicles "is essential to meeting the goals of the national program." The next big CAFE goal is 35.5 mpg by 2016.

John DeCicco, senior lecturer at the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment, told HybridCars that the EV credit system under discussion is potentially confusing. "Funny math can't substitute for engineering breakthroughs. EVs of any sort can only make a real difference if they succeed on their merits for both customer value and emissions reduction. Bonus credits may fool a few starry-eyed policymakers, they won't fool either the marketplace or the Earth's atmosphere."

Source: HybridCars]

CAFE credits for EVs - will we repeat the E85 system? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perennial wishes: Auto industry execs calling for higher gas tax yet again

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA

How often do the Wall Street Journal, Bill Ford, Jr. and Thomas Friedman agree on something? When it's the gas tax, it's 100 percent of the time, and now a number of auto executives have added their voices in favor of a gas tax in order to reach the end goal of getting more fuel efficient vehicles into use.

Speaking at the Reuters Autos Summit in Detroit, people like Jerry York, a former GM board member, and Mike Jackson, chief executive of AutoNation Inc., said that setting the price of gas at at least $4 a gallon would be a better way to get Americans to use less gasoline than giving out billions in loans and grants to develop new, more efficient technologies. Only with some pain at the pump, Jackson said, will car buyers care about fuel efficiency, adding that the best way to set the price floor would be with gradual gas tax increases until the $4 or $5 price limit is reached. Tim Leuliette, chief executive of supplier Dura Automotive, suggested that $8/gallon should be the target by 2020, stressing that the increases need to be telegraphed far in advance so that automakers and buyers can prepare for them. Rebates or other assistance for low income families should also be considered, the executives said.

Of course, any politician who pushes hard for these increase will likely face tremendous opposition and criticism, but these guys are making sense. How is it that the auto industry is so far ahead on this issue?

[Source: Forbes]
Photo by functoruser. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Perennial wishes: Auto industry execs calling for higher gas tax yet again originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STUDY: Lots of local, green electricity possible for most of the U.S.

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hydrogen, Solar, Green Daily, USA

One of the reasons that a vehicle powered by something other than gasoline is such a popular idea in the U.S. is that it helps us become less reliant on other countries for our transportation needs. To this end, biofuels and electric vehicles offer great potential to use local sources of energy in our vehicles. To get a handle on how much green electricity - wind, geothermal, solar, etc. - is available in the U.S., the Insitute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) has conducted a study on renewable energy potential and came away with some amazing figures. The Energy Self-Reliant States study found that 31 states have the potential to produce more renewable energy in-state than they currently use and that another ten could make more than 75 of the amount. The state with the worst potential, Kentucky, could still meet 24 percent of its electricity needs using renewable energy.

The big problem with all of this potential is the cost of setting up the renewable energy production devices. Solar panels are not cheap, and wind farms have their own opponents. While no one expects Texas, for example, to make 533 percent more energy than it needs using renewable sources, ILSR shows that it's at least possible, and that should give hope to EV proponents (no more coal-powered grid!) and hydrogen vehicle fans (electrolyze water with green energy!) alike. Download the PDF of the study and see for yourself.

[Source: ISLR via Treehugger]

STUDY: Lots of local, green electricity possible for most of the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota plans to trim trucks, focus on hybrids, improve quality

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:53:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Manufacturing/Plants, Toyota, USA

Stick with what you know. That seems to be Toyota's new mantra going forward, as the Japanese automaker has reportedly diverted its attention away from large trucks like the largely unsuccessful and slow-selling Tundra pickup and back to hybrid vehicles - possibly all wearing the Prius badge, including a minivan and something smaller than the current Prius - and returning to its previous levels of unquestionable quality.

Atsushi Niimi, executive vice president for North America and global manufacturing, tells Automotive News that Toyota will try to build more longevity into its current lineup, addressing issues such as excessive rust and corrosion and introducing new "fail-safe functions" designed to minimize the possibility of "tragic accidents." We suspect that means push-button ignitions that can more easily shut down the car and floor mats that can't bunch up under the accelerator pedal.

In addition, Toyota will focus on the North American market, giving U.S. engineers a larger say when it comes to new vehicle design and the choices of which models make the overseas trek. To speed up the new model renaissance, Toyota will hold back on midcycle refreshes, instead working to get more substantial updates ready in less time.

On the manufacturing side, Toyota believes that it expanded too rapidly over the last decade and will attempt to slow down and restore the trust that customers had in the brand. Apparently, that slowdown will indeed affect the recently-built and still-idle plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi.

[Source: Automotive News (products, manufacturing) (quality) - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Toyota plans to trim trucks, focus on hybrids, improve quality originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Go-Ped + propane = Pro-Ped

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Natural Gas, On Two Wheels, USA

What do you get when you exchange the 2-stroke gas engine on a Go-Ped for a 4-stroke propane-powered piston popper? Why, a Pro-Ped (of course!) You also get rid of almost all the particulates and carcinogens that burning gasoline produces as well as the mess and bother of mixing gas and oil that 2-strokes require. Patmont Motor Werks (PMW) has hooked up with LEHR, the maker of the propane power plant, and is now offering the cleaner fuel choice on both their two-wheeled GSR Sport Go-Ped and their 4-wheeled (and appropriately named) Go-Quad. LEHR's products have received the EPA Clean Air Excellence Award and have the approval of the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The top speed on both vehicles is a parent-friendly 21 mph and have a range of about 20 miles at half throttle. They can handle up to 400 lbs and supplying the propane is as easy as twisting on a fresh canister. To help celebrate their 25th anniversary of building family fun products in the USA, and perhaps get some Pro-Peds and Pro-Quads under some Christmas trees, PMW has chopped $100 off the price and are now offering the "high-visibility eco-green" machines for $499 and $699 respectively. Go ahead and read more about them at their website.

*Update: Added video of Pro-Ped start-up procedure and demonstration after the jump.

[Source: Patmont Motor Werks]

Continue reading Go-Ped + propane = Pro-Ped

Go-Ped + propane = Pro-Ped originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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