Autoblog Green

Greenlings: How do I plug my electric vehicle in at home?

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:47:00 EST

As electric vehicles begin to find their way to peoples driveways and garages, knowing what's involved with charging up the batteries becomes more necessary. Over the years, electric vehicles (EVs) have used different kinds of batteries and employed different types of chargers and connectors, so the car that you buy next year may not work with the charger you picked up on eBay last month. While in the future charging may be as simple as parking in your garage or driveway and having an automated system take over, the here-and-now requires you know a thing about chargers and connectors. Hit the jump to read more about how to get hooked up.

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GM: Volt won't become a brand name

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST

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

2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Chevrolet Volt isn't scheduled to hit the market for another whole year, but there's so much anticipation for the vehicle that some are already asking if The General will try to make a brand out of the Volt name. The answer, according to Brent Dewar, Chevy's chief of global operations, is no:

Our thought is to take the Volt technology to other products... The Volt was the original vehicle that we started, but I wouldn't see that as a brand marketing direction for us.

While other models in GM's lineup are likely to get their own versions of the Voltec powertrain, those vehicles won't fall under the Volt brand name. Toyota, on the other hand, says it is considering extending the instantly recognizable Prius moniker to a whole family of hybrid vehicles that may include a smaller coupe and a larger MPV.

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

GM: Volt won't become a brand name originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:00 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.

[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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VIDEO: GM puts the Volt through its paces to test durability

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST

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

Chevy Volt durability testing - Click above to watch the video after the break

These days, we hardly give any thought at all to driving our precious cars and trucks over rough, potholed pavement. Sure, it's uncomfortable and we avoid the nastiest stretches when possible, but the worst thing that we expect might happen is a blown tire or bent wheel. In the grand scheme of things, not that big a deal.

Electric cars, though, are different animals entirely. Back when the automobile was in its infancy and the internal combustion engine first staked its claim as the powerplant of choice, it was sometimes possible to practically ruin a car when traveling over harsh terrain. That just won't do in today's modern society. For proof that electric vehicles need just as much care as other cars, look no further than Lyle Dennis from GM-Volt.com, who's own Mini E broke down after hitting a nasty pothole.

So, what is General Motors doing to ensure that the Volt doesn't rattle its delicate electrical bits to pieces over the course of its life? Glad you asked. Click past the break for a video showing the rigorous durability testing that GM is currently inflicting on its fleet of pre-production Volts.

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: GM puts the Volt through its paces to test durability

VIDEO: GM puts the Volt through its paces to test durability originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not Done Yet: Hummer H3, H3T get biofuel capability, new colors for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, HUMMER

2010 Hummer H3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Can a Hummer be green? The brand that most obviously represents American excess in the minds of environmentalists - though Hummer's vehicles aren't actually any worse than any other large SUV - has seemingly been fighting off its negative stigma since shortly after the introduction of the larger-than-life H2. Part of the brand's hopeful transformation includes giving each model a flex-fuel variant, and the latest application of that principle is seen on the 2010 H3 and H3T.

Interestingly, the engine that gets the E85 capability is the largest and most powerful option: the 5.3-liter V8 as fitted to the top-level Alpha series and not the slightly more fuel efficient inline-five. In any case, anyone who ticks the V8 box on the options list will be blessed with 300 horsepower, 320 lb-ft of torque and the ability to pump ethanol into the tank if he or she should so desire.

Not green enough for you? Baby steps, people... Hummer CEO James Taylor (no, not that James Taylor) promises bigger eco steps in the near future, saying, "This is just the first step in Hummer's evolution to offer responsible, yet highly capable all-terrain vehicles. Future models will be lighter, more efficient and will continue to offer the best blend of off-road capability and on-road performance."

In related news, the 2010 Hummer H3 and H3T will be offered with three new premium exterior colors for 2010: Red Rock Metallic, Silver Stone Metallic, and Canyon Metallic. Huh, no green? Each of the three new hues can be seen in our photo gallery below. Enjoy!

[Source: Hummer]

Continue reading Not Done Yet: Hummer H3, H3T get biofuel capability, new colors for 2010

Not Done Yet: Hummer H3, H3T get biofuel capability, new colors for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault will build Twizy EV in Spain

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Renault

Renault Twizzy ZE concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Renault announced today that its Valladolid, Spain plant will become the home of a new electric vehicle based on the Twizy Z.E. concept that was show at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The Twizy is a peculiar looking two-seat city vehicle and it will be probably change quite a bit before production. The open sides will likely become fully enclosed and the wheel covers probably won't make it to the road, at least not in their current form. That makes two EV production announcements this week for Renault, following yesterday's decision to build a car based on the Zoe concept in France. The Twizy goes into production in 2011 alongside Mégane Hatchback, Mégane Estate, Modus and Grand Modus.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Renault Twizy, Zoe, Kangoo and Fluence EVs

[Source: Renault]

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Renault will build Twizy EV in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zytek teams up with Gordon Murray for T.27, an all-electric version of the T.25

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in

Zytek Automotive has worked on electric drivetrains for the Smart ED and the Mercedes F1 KERS system. This week, Zytek announced a partnership with Gordon Murray Design for a new all-electric city car called the T.27. Gordon Murray is the force behind the T.25, the tiny three-seater that was designed to use a 660cc turbocharged engine. The T.27 is basically a plug-in version of the efficient T.25.

The UK government, through the Technology Strategy Board, is funding the project with 4.5 million pounds. This is half of the 9 million pounds it will take to make four prototypes by February 2011. Aside from the vehicles, the project will also:

further explore the possibility of scaling up and building a manufacturing facility in the UK, with the ultimate goal of producing the T.27 in Britain; to keep the new technology and intellectual property rights within the UK; and to make this affordable, fun and environmentally friendly car available for purchase.

Many more details after the jump.

[Source: Gordon Murray Design]

Continue reading Zytek teams up with Gordon Murray for T.27, an all-electric version of the T.25

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It's Friday: Swedish automatic PHEV charging prod gets a big WTF? from us [w/VIDEO]

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:38:00 EST

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

Trinnovator - Click above to watch the videos after the break

Is it too harsh to say that the Trinnovator is a solution without a problem? At the very least, we don't think that a flexible, extendable prod coming out of the front bumper of a plug-in car and creepily finding its way into a grid of receptacles is the best way to recharge a vehicle. This is the method that the Swedish team behind the Trinnovator has come up with to make getting electrons into a PHEV or BEV somewhat automatic. It's kind of hard to explain, so we recommend just watching the video pasted after the jump.

A few immediate thoughts: real-life implementation of this system seems needlessly complicated. The receptacle grids would also have to be much wider (and maybe taller for trucks and SUVs) and installed all over the place - regular plugs make more sense, no? Plus, shouldn't there be prods on the back of the car, too? And what about parallel parking spots? We've used plug-in cars and it's really not that difficult to remember to plug in every night. If we're going to have automatic and easy recharging, we want to see wireless/witricity get real. Thanks to Anders J. for the tip! Watch the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading It's Friday: Swedish automatic PHEV charging prod gets a big WTF? from us [w/VIDEO]

It's Friday: Swedish automatic PHEV charging prod gets a big WTF? from us [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce Ghost could go hybrid sooner rather than later

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:17:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Rolls Royce

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rolls-Royce unveiled the production version of its new "smaller" car, the Ghost, at the Frankfurt Motor Show and it goes into production next year. AutoCar is now reporting that the Rolls engineers are working on a hybrid version of the Ghost using BMW's mild hybrid system. The mild hybrid is getting its first application in a BMW right about now in the new ActiveHybrid 7. The Ghost shares most of its platform with the new 7-series, so installing the electric assist should be a no-brainer. The main difference is that the BMW pairs the electric motor and battery with the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 while the Roller would retain its 6.2-liter V12. AutoCar estimates the Ghost hybrid would boost mileage by up to 15 percent, which might be a stretch but in a car of this type every little bit helps. The 20 kW motor is sandwiched between the engine and transmission and can't drive the car purely on electricity. It does provide start-stop capability and reduces parasitic losses by using regenerative braking to supply some of the electrical needs of the car.

[Source: AutoCar]

Rolls-Royce Ghost could go hybrid sooner rather than later originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Meet the world's most desirable Lexus RX450h by Branew

AutoblogGreen Staff — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:08:00 EST

Filed under: Lexus, SEMA Show

Branew Lexus RX450h - click above image to view hi-res gallery

Let me be blunt: I don't like luxury crossovers. At all. It's a niche with no appeal to me whatsoever. Not a car, not a truck - just a fat sedan jacked up on stilts to woo trophy wives with fancy badges and reassure soccer mammas that their children are "safe." And the Lexus RX gets the sharp point of my spear of anger because it's basically responsible for the high-end CUV craze. Not a fan of hybrids, either. That said, I'm absolutely smitten with Branew's Lexus RX450h.

I think it's the stance, has to be. But there is just something very desirable - from an aesthetic standpoint. The big 24-inch wheels help tremendously, perching Branew's at just the right height. And the lower fascia helps the quite handsome - if not distinctive - OEM grill pop. And I know it's going to be a controversial opinion, but the koi fish on the hood totally work. In fact, I know a certain Subaru WRX that could use a koi or two. Anyhow, while I'd rather gargle nails than rock a luxo-CUV, if forced at gunpoint, Branew's RX450h would be my first (and only) choice.

SEMA 2009: Meet the world's most desirable Lexus RX450h by Branew originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan releases official sketch of NV200-based electric commercial vehicle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan

Nissan Light Commercial Electric Vehicle sketch - Click above to enlarge

Nissan has electricity on the brain. The Japanese automaker is readying its opening salvo in the alternative propulsion wars in the form of the Leaf compact hatchback. Carlos Ghosn, though, announced at the Tokyo Motor Show that there would be plenty more to come, including an unknown Infiniti model, something like the unique leaning Land Glider concept and an electric version of the NV200 light commercial van that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show.

Naturally, there needs to be some sort of differentiation between the standard-fare NV200 and its battery-powered sibling, and Nissan has just released the first official sketch of that new electric commercial vehicle. As you can see from the above image, the vehicle will take plenty of inspiration from the Leaf, including the steeply-raked windshield, flowing headlamps, front-located plug receptacle and general bottom-feeder shape.

No real details besides the sketch have so far been provided, but you're more than welcome to click past the break to read the sparsely-worded press release.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan releases official sketch of NV200-based electric commercial vehicle

Nissan releases official sketch of NV200-based electric commercial vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Progressive Automotive X-Prize Contenders

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Automotive X-Prize

EVI Wave2 Progressive Automotive X-Prize contender - Click above for high-res image gallery

For us polar ice cap haters, we generally think of the competitors in this kind of thing as a bunch of ultra-light, tofu-fueled playthings for liberals who care more about the planet than they do about the people who have to drive one of these rolling chicanes. Sometimes, we'll admit to being wrong.

While Sinclairs and Peels, Tatas and Smarts have forever shaped the way some people think of our recurring push towards greener motoring, the aim of this challenge is to bring ultra-efficiency to vehicles you could really use in the real world. Cars that provide room for you and your stuff and your mate. Cars that don't have to worry about keeping out of everyone else's way while merging into traffic or climbing hills. Cars that look more like a family sedan than a landspeed bicycle. Judging by the competitors we saw at SEMA, we'd say they have a little ways to go yet, but most of the vehicles that were on display sure looked fun. If they're frugal too, so much the better.

Unfortunately, for every Team Hydrophi Ford 500 Phi Ride and Global-E G1 in the group, there was still a Tango or Zap Alias, cars that might be great to drive and efficient, but only seem to reinforce the stereotypes. The ones we really liked were the examples that blended the two needs in a tasteful way. Cars like the EVI Wave 2 (above) and the Aptera 2e are a hoot. Competitors like the Amp'd Sky and Smart EVX seem like solid choices, but the cars they're based on might not be practical for everyone either. Same goes for the Carbon Zero roadster and the T-Rex-derived Optamotive Surge. The one that really captured our attention the most though, was the Future Vehicle Technologies eVARO (its the gold car between the Tango and Smart). We covered this squid-like tandom when it was first announced a couple of years ago. Until they come to market, check out our gallery and the press release announcing the 43 finalists for the prize.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Progressive Automotive X-Prize Contenders

SEMA 2009: Progressive Automotive X-Prize Contenders originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc., EV/Plug-in, Audi, GM, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, LA Auto Show, Green Daily

Mazda Souga Concept from LA Design Challenge 2009 - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's iteration of the annual Design Challenge at the LA Auto Show asks the question: How will a new generation of drivers age 16-23 - raised with cell phones, web cams and online communities - emotionally connect to the automobile in 2030? We don't know the answer either, but at least six designers from some of the world's top automakers decided to give it a go with their own ideas. if you thought the Aptera was futuristic, check these out.

First up are the eSpira and eOra from Audi, which are controlled by thought and by the minutest adjustments to the pilot's body. Next we have the General Motors Car Hero... yes, the name is borrowed from the popular Guitar Hero line of games and the car, as you might imagine, "turns driving into gaming." What happens when the inevitable "Game Over" comes at the end? Moving along, we come to the Honda Helix, a shape-shifting vehicle that borrows actual DNA from its owner. Yuck, we don't want to be a car, we want to drive a car.

Which brings us to the Mazda Souga, easily our favorite out of this crop of concepts. This vision for the future would have each owner design his own car for the low price of $2,000 while paying an additional monthly usage fee that also covers the price of electricity to power the Souga.

Nissan's vision for the future includes cars that get their power from an electrically-charged roadway called the GRID, and the vowel-challenged V2G UNLMTD is quickly hacked into an OFF-GRID transportation device by the next breed of young hackers. Lastly, we have the Toyota Link. According to Toyota, future college students will have nearly no income and will rely on mass transit vehicles like the Link that allow them to interact via their various social networks on their daily commutes. Sounds boring to us, but what do we know?

Be sure to check out all six designs in our high-res image gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.

[Source: LA Design Challenge]

Continue reading LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs

LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Wicked Chevelle isn't as fuelish as it seems

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Chevrolet, SEMA Show, Green Daily

1970 Duramax Chevrolet Chevelle custom - Click above for high-res image gallery

The clean exterior of this 1970 Chevelle hides a wicked little secret. If you take a look at the photo above, you'll see what we mean. The bundle of plumbing you see spilling out of the engine bay tells only part of the story. That's no overworked Chevy small block in there, it's a Duramax diesel that has been pushed to new heights via an outrageous custom twin-turbo setup. The stripped-out interior and racing slicks out back show the true purpose of this ride. It was built by Mike Racke and made Popular Hot Rodding's Top Ten Builds this year. We couldn't agree more.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2009: Wicked Chevelle isn't as fuelish as it seems originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:04:00 EST

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

Mavizen TTX02 - Click above to enlarge

Right on schedule, Mavizen has released its TTX02 electric motorcycle at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Well, if you listen to Azhar Hussain, TTXGP founder and the entrepreneur behind this racebike, the TTX02 is a "laptop on wheels." How so? For starters, each machine is fitted with an dash-mounted computer that runs on Linux, comes with its own dedicated IP address, on-board web server and connectivity to wireless networks.

While all of that consumer electronics gadgetry is cool, it's the platform of the TTX02 that interests us the most. As rumored, it definitely appears that the TTX02 is based on the chassis of KTM's highly acclaimed RC8 superbike, which means it's a proven platform that's capable of solid handling and high speeds... good thing, as it's reportedly capable of hitting 130 miles per hour.

Twin Agni 95 electric motors push out a total of nearly 100 peak horsepower along with what's surely an admirable torque figure that peaks right off the bat at just about zero RPM. Three lithium ion battery packs will be made available with up to 11 kWh of power, which is reportedly capable of tackling all 38 miles of the TTXGP Isle of Man course. Pricing is not yet announced, but Hussain suggests a competitive machine can be had for around $40,000. Hit the jump to watch a couple videos of the bike's launch at SEMA.

[Source: Asphalt and Rubber]

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike

SEMA 2009: Mavizen introduces 130-mph TTX02 electric racebike originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroën updates C5 with a small turbo and an all-new diesel

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Citroen, Europe/EU

Citroën's entry in the medium-large car segment is the C5. This sedan, which competes against offerings such as the VW Passat, gets updated with a couple of Euro V-compliant powertrains that reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. First, the C5 gets the 1.6-liter THP turbo gasoline engine, which was co-developed with BMW and can be found in other PSA offerings as well as the Mini. This 163 hp unit replaces the 2-liter 143 hp unit and burns 7.1 l/100 km (33 mpg U.S.). The new diesel features a particulate filter and is a 2-liter 163 hp unit that manages to burn just 5.6 l/100 km (42 mpg U.S.) when mated to a manual gearbox and 6.9 l/100 km (34 mpg U.S.) when mated to an automatic.

[Source: Motor Pasión]

Citroën updates C5 with a small turbo and an all-new diesel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:04:00 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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Renault partners with Atomic Energy Commission to build batteries in France

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Renault

The French half of the Renault-Nissan Alliance has reached an agreement with two partners to develop and produce lithium ion batteries in France. Renault, the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) and the French Strategic Investment Fund (FSI) will create a joint venture for EV batteries. The venture will address the full lifecycle of the batteries, including recycling after they have been used in vehicles.

Production is slated to begin in mid-2012 in conjunction with the start of production of an electric city car at Renault's Flins plant outside of Paris. The partners will put up €600 million to establish a capacity of 100,000 units a year. The new car is based on the Zoe ZE concept. Like Nissan's AESC joint venture, the Renault venture is opening to produce batteries for any automaker that wants to use the technology. Renault has not provided any specifics about whether the new venture will use the same technology developed by AESC or go its own way on cell development.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault partners with Atomic Energy Commission to build batteries in France

Renault partners with Atomic Energy Commission to build batteries in France originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota's long hybrid patent fight with Paice continues in court

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota, Green Daily

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's legal battle to over making and selling the Hybrid Synergy Drive has a long history. Toyota has fought with both Solomon Technologies and Paice LLC over the gasoline-electric technology. In 2008, Toyota was ordered to pay Paice LLC $4.3 million for patent infringement, based on a cost of $25 per infringing car (defined at the second-gen Prius, the Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Lexus RX400H). But that didn't end the problem. Instead, this past September, Paice issued a new suit trying to get U.S. Customs to stop all of Toyota's hybrids at the border.

Paice believes that Toyota is using Paice technology in its hybrids and a court agreed in the $4.3 million settlement. Paice - Power Assisted Internal Combustion Engine - was started in 1992 by Russian immigrant Alex Severinsky. In 1994, Severinsky was awarded a patent for a microprocessor that coordinated power flows in both an ICE and an electric motor. Severinsky's patent expires in 2012 and Paice wants Toyota's imports halted until then. But, a semi-related legal decision involving eBay issued in May of 2006 may impact the Toyota situation because Paice, which does not make any hybrid cars, does not meet the new four-factor test that decision created. The lawsuit trying to get the vehicles stopped at the border is simply a new chip Paice is trying to gain in the ongoing fight. Learn more at Law.com.

[Source: Law.com]

Toyota's long hybrid patent fight with Paice continues in court originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA testing green pavement to clean rainwater runoff

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Green pavement? What's so exciting about that? If I wanted to test out some green pavement, all I'd need to do is make a run to the local Home Depot, pick up a can of green paint and dump it outside my driveway, right? Well, that's not exactly what we're talking about here, of course. But just what is "green pavement" anyway?

In this case, the pavement in question has been designed to suck up the nasty pollutants from vehicles and fertilizers from rainwater runoff. Here's what EPA Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou has to say on the subject:

Runoff from parking lots and driveways is a significant source of water pollution in the United States and puts undo stress on our water infrastructure, especially in densely-populated urban areas.

There are literally millions of parking lots all over the United States and the rest of the world, and many of those are concentrated in densely-populated urban areas. What can we do about all that potential water pollution? That's exactly what the EPA is working to figure out. Over the next ten years, the EPA will be testing various porous pavement materials in its parking lots along with plants that are good at filtering and absorbing parking lot pollutants.

[Source: Wired | Photo: China Photos/Getty Images]

EPA testing green pavement to clean rainwater runoff originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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