Autoblog Green

BMW mull lengthening Mini E lease times

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:06:00 EST

Mini E - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are reasons to criticize the Mini E leases that BMW is offering - for example, that BMW is using the program to game CARB's Zero Emission Vehicle credit system - but one of the undeniable problems on the ground was some trouble with slow home charging. Because of the trouble with some home chargers at the start of the program, the manager of Mini electric vehicle operations and strategy, Richard Steinberg, told Car and Driver that BMW is considering extending the leases. There are two reasons an extension would be good for the automaker: it would keep customers happy and to it would make sure the project is in operation long enough for BMW to get the data that it is looking for. This data includes information on how often the EV was charged and how it was driven. If people couldn't drive their EVs because they were not able to charge them, then BMW doesn't get its gigabytes of data, so an extension might be best all around. No word on if customers would have to pony up more money for the extra months.

Gallery: MINI E

[Source: Car and Driver]

BMW mull lengthening Mini E lease times originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carbon Footprints: Ditch the dog, get a Hummer H2, save the planet?

Dan Roth — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:46:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green Culture, Green Daily

If you don't like dogs, there's now a new reason to continue avoiding canis domesticus. New Zealanders Robert and Brenda Vale have put forth the hypothesis that the care and feeding of a pooch is more environmentally harmful than rolling in a Toyota Land Cruiser. Those shifty, antisocial felines aren't much better, so don't get any more smug than you already are, cat people. One ten-pound feline's care is the same to the environment as a 3300-pound Volkswagen Golf, the theory goes.

The Vales present this work in their book "Time to Eat the Dog? The Real Guide to Sustainable Living." The animals that wind up in dog food burden the land while they're alive, and the amount of goodies that people lavish upon their dogs, from squeaky toy to special grooming sessions also do the equivalent work of burning the rainforest.

The claims have been disputed, of course - no doubt by more than a few dog lovers. The chief researcher for Seattle's Sightline Institute, Clark Williams-Derry, ran some numbers of his own and came up with results that don't square with the Vales. The think-tank scientist calculated that for the Vale's numbers to add up, the average dog would have to eat twice as much as the average person, an idea that is difficult to fathom since people are heavier than most dogs.

The takeaway from all this is simply that dog (and cat) ownership does have an ecological footprint. Like everything else in your life, keeping a pet is intertwined with our insatiable consumerism. The truly concerned will carefully consider where the products and items they purchase for their pets are made, what goes into them, and what that means for the planet. The rest of you will keep letting adorable little Beaufort leaves deposit on our lawns.

[Source: Seattle Times | Image: Andrew H. Walker/Getty]

Carbon Footprints: Ditch the dog, get a Hummer H2, save the planet? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reva partners with Northern Lights Energy to bring NXR electric car to Iceland

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:18:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Europe/EU

2009 Reva NXG (left) and NXR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Reva Electric Car Company and Northern Lights Energy signed a deal today to bring electric vehicles to Iceland. Reva, as regular readers will know, is the Indian EV company that was once best known for the G-Wiz, a quadricycle that Jeremy Clarkson did not like. In September, Reva revealed its NXG and NXR models at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and it is these newer, better looking vehicles that are destined for Iceland.

Starting in the second half of next year, Northern Lights Energy will begin marketing and selling the NXR and plans to deliver the first vehicles to customers by the end of 2010. The NXR can go about 100 miles per charge (which takes 90 minutes from a dedicated quick charger, eight hours from a standard outlet). Top speed is 65 mph. While Reva builds the cars, Northern Lights will develop a charging infrastructure in Iceland, where nearly 100 percent of the electricity is made from renewable resources (hydropower and geothermal, mostly), as part of its Project 2012. The NXG could follow the NXR to Iceland in 2011.

Reva also recently signed an agreement with GM India to develop and market an "affordable electric car," an electric Chevy Spark, in India. Reva is also working on a plan to build EVs in New York.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Reva NXG

[Source: Reva]

Continue reading Reva partners with Northern Lights Energy to bring NXR electric car to Iceland

Reva partners with Northern Lights Energy to bring NXR electric car to Iceland originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Making Green Cool: GM, SEMA and Trendhunter chat up emerging green vehicle trends

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: GM

Biodiesel Caddy from SEMA 2007

What does it take to make green cool? When it comes to green cars, we can guess that GM might be interested in figuring out an answer to this question. Later today, GM will bring together Marissa Brassfield from Trendhunter.com, John Waraniak from SEMA and Adam Bernard, who works on competitive intelligence and trends for The General, to discuss the issue. Framed by two recent events, The Business of Plugging In and SEMA, the Q&A will go over "some very real trends emerging for green vehicles" and whatever else participants want to throw in. The chat happens this afternoon at 2 p.m. EST and you can participate by clicking here.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Making Green Cool: GM, SEMA and Trendhunter chat up emerging green vehicle trends

Making Green Cool: GM, SEMA and Trendhunter chat up emerging green vehicle trends originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Toyota auctioning Aemulus Prius for charity

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Green Culture, Hybrid, Toyota, Green Daily

Aerius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Five Axis brought two modified Pruis models to SEMA this year, and one of them could be yours. The Aerius (which means "belonging to the air," pictured above) and the Aemulus look similar, but only one is being offered up to charity. The current bid for the Aemulus is $32,500 with 10 days left. Want it sooner? Pony up $50k with Buy It Now and you're ready to roll. The Aemulus is a driveable replica of the Aerius but if you don't like what Five Axis has done, there's nothing stopping you from tuning it even further. Here's hoping that the covered wheels work as advertised (better coefficient of drag!), but we recommend double-checking to make sure that the special leaf tread on the Aerius is safe for everyday driving. Check out the auction here.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Toyota Prius Aerius Concept

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

[Source: Prius Chat, Charity Folks]

SEMA 2009: Toyota auctioning Aemulus Prius for charity originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Green Daily, UK

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.

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UNO now transforms to two wheeler, may transform world

Domenick Yoney — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:02:00 EST

At first glance, it seems an unlikely piece of engineering. A one-wheeled electric motorcycle with Segway-like smarts for staying upright which, for safety's sake, topped out at 15 mph. For Ben Gulak, the Uno was just a starting point and several years after beginning his original prototype at the age of 16, Gulak, now an MIT student, has evolved his concept into a machine that transforms into a two-wheeler on the fly. At low speeds, it functions much like the original, but after it reaches about 20 mph, the wheels shift from rolling beside each other to the more typical "front to back" formation. This, as you might imagine, gives it increased stability and helps it deal with things like potholes.

While all that might sound impressive, it may be just a hint of what the future holds for both invention and inventor. You see, Ben isn't just a whiz around the workbench. He also seems to have a brain for business and has assembled a team under the banner of BPG Motors to help forward his vision of economical, environmentally-friendly transportation. Last month found the young Canadian in Silcon Valley to rendezvous with potential investors and, while we don't know the outcome of those meetings, if he displayed the same surety and skills he used to charm a roomful of business folks out of $1.25 million in capital during his appearance on Dragon's Den, we're sure he made out just fine. This guy is so impressive, we'd not be shocked if he eventually produces the world-altering device the Segway was supposed to be. Hit the jump to check out the aforementioned TV appearance.

[Source: BPG Motors / The Kneeslider via Electric Motorcycle Forum]

Continue reading UNO now transforms to two wheeler, may transform world

UNO now transforms to two wheeler, may transform world originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

VW Group names Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann run EV programs

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen

Like most other automakers, Volkswagen is ramping up its electrification efforts and part of that is putting someone in charge. VW announced today that it has hired Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann for the newly-created slot of Group Chief Officer for Electric Traction. Neumann, who was most recently chairman of supplier Continental, will report directly to VW Chairman and CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn. During Neumann's tenure at Continental, that company also continued its efforts to get into the electric drive field by supplying lithium ion batteries, electric motors and generators and power electronics systems. Prior to his time at Continental, Neumann worked at VW heading up electronics research.

Volkswagen is currently testing the Golf Twin Drive plug-in hybrid and the production Touareg Hybrid will be launched in early 2010. The automaker's first full battery electric vehicle is expected to be based on the eUp! concept that debuted at Frankfurt Motor Show.

Gallery: Volkswagen e-up! concept

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW Group names Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann run EV programs

VW Group names Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann run EV programs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford adds wheat straw plastic to a small corner of the 2010 Flex

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Ford

Ford's wheat straw bio-filled polypropylene - click to enlarge

Soy seats aren't Ford's only way to introduce as many bio-materials as possible into a production vehicle. See also: Mazda's biofabric and Toyota's "ecological plastics." Ford announced today that a new wheat straw-reinforced plastic will be used in the 2010 Flex. You'll have to kind of hunt for the bioplastic in the interior, though, since only the third-row storage bins will be made with it. Even with this minimal application, Ford estimates the change will reduces "petroleum usage by some 20,000 pounds per year and reduces CO₂ emissions by 30,000 pounds per year." After its almost unnoticeable introduction in the Flex, the bioplastic could find its way to "numerous other interior, exterior and under-hood applications for multiple product lines," Ford says.

Ford engineer Patrick Berryman, who manages and develops interior trim, said, "The storage bin for the Flex was the ideal first application" for this straw wheat material. We're used to some hyperbolic statements in press releases, but "the ideal" situation? Why? Nothing could possibly be better? Who comes up with this stuff?

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford adds wheat straw plastic to a small corner of the 2010 Flex

Ford adds wheat straw plastic to a small corner of the 2010 Flex originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drive the Model S (or maybe just the Tesla Roadster) in Gran Turismo 5

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors

Yes, we know this isn't a Tesla. Watch the video after the jump.

Speaking to the video game freaks at IGN, video game designer Kazunori Yamauchi revealed that either the Tesla Roadster or the Model S will be available to drive in the upcoming Gran Turismo 5. We already knew that "the latest model" from Tesla would be in the game to drive and maybe smash all to hell, and the Model S would be a fun new option. Yamauchi mentions a vehicle called the Roadster S (while the video shows a picture of the Fisker Karma) and Yamauchi confirms it will appear in GT5. He also says he wants to get behind the wheel of the car IRL. No kidding. Watch the video after the jump.

Until GT5 releases in March, virtual Roadsters can be driven in Project Gotham Racing 4. Thanks to Patrick M. for the tip!

[Source: IGN]

Continue reading Drive the Model S (or maybe just the Tesla Roadster) in Gran Turismo 5

Drive the Model S (or maybe just the Tesla Roadster) in Gran Turismo 5 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end?

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Porsche, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, First Drive

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's pitch on how great the X6 ActiveHybrid is goes like this: it's the world's most powerful hybrid vehicle, fuel consumption is reduced about 20 percent compared to a similar vehicle without a hybrid drivetrain, and no matter what speed you're going, the incredibly complicated powertrain is performing at the most efficient level possible. All of this power means that the X6 hybrid is no sluggish Toyota Prius, offering frugal but unexciting performance. On the other hand, the size and weight of BMW's luxury hybrid crossover means that, well, the X6 hybrid is no Prius in the mileage department, either.

Let's start by congratulating BMW for bringing its first batch of hybrids to market (the 7 Series ActiveHybrid is launching alongside the X6). In everyday traffic, the hybrid system helps keep fuel consumption down - to a still-lame 18 mpg combined (estimated) - and, since the engine can shut down at stops, the ultra-quiet interior made sitting in Miami traffic during our preview drive almost a pleasure. Nevertheless, there's still a lot of vehicle here that hampers any attempt at real fuel efficiency gains. The X6 ActiveHybrid weighs 5,688 pounds for crying out loud - 400 pounds more than the non-hybrid. This vehicle simply doesn't makes a lot of sense for anyone actually interested in fuel efficiency. Who does it make sense for? Follow us past the break as we try to find out.

Photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end?

First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is technologically impressive... but to what end? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW's Baloga confirms four-cylinder diesels for U.S. market

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, BMW

While some of us here at ABG HQ are major fans of BMW's diesel engines, we were disappointed when BMW opted to enter the U.S. market only with the twin turbo 3.0-liter six cylinder diesel. As fantastic an engine as that is, the 2.0-liter four cylinder is also plenty strong and yields even better fuel efficiency. At an event at BMW's North American headquarters this week, VP engineering Tom Baloga told the audience that BMW would introduce the four-cylinder diesel to the U.S. lineup now that tougher fuel economy standards have been imposed. In keeping with BMW's performance image, we will get the more powerful variants, likely the dual turbo, 204 hp version used in the 123d rather than the super-high-efficiency versions. Even with that engine, we averaged 37 mpg in the 123d last year. BMW plans to clean up the four cylinder diesel with a lean NOx trap like VW uses for the Jetta and Golf TDI rather than a more expensive and complex urea injection system. The four cylinder will most likely go into the 3 and maybe 1 series cars with the six being reserved for larger cars like the 5, 7 and X5.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 BMW 123d Hatchback

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

BMW's Baloga confirms four-cylinder diesels for U.S. market originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: IEA hiding truth about dwindling oil reserves

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green Daily

How much oil is left in the ground? No one knows precisely, but groups like the International Energy Agency are supposed to offer us a good estimate. Knowing how much oil is left helps set the price of the fuel and also determines how much public and political pressure there is for gasoline alternatives. So, it's kind of big news that a whistleblower says that the IEA has been "deliberately underplaying a looming shortage for fear of triggering panic buying." The unnamed "senior official" told the Guardian that the U.S. was a driving force behind clouding the situation.

The numbers work like this: this year, the IEA said that the world could produce 83 million barrels of oil, then raised that to 105 million. Supporters of the peak oil theory - the idea that the world has already produced at much oil in a year as it ever will and it's all downhill from here - called shenanigans. The whistleblower says that the IEA's 2030 predictions - once claimed to be 120 million barrels but was since downgraded to 105 million, "is much higher than can be justified and the IEA knows this. [...] Even 90m to 95m barrels a day would be impossible but there are fears that panic could spread on the financial markets if the figures were brought down further. And the Americans fear the end of oil supremacy because it would threaten their power over access to oil resources."

The reality of what's available underground is tremendously difficult to know - we've seen all sorts of estimates - but to hide whatever truth you do know from the public is worse than running out, don't you think?

[Source: Guardian]
Photo by johnny choura. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

REPORT: IEA hiding truth about dwindling oil reserves originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM fuel cell boss explains that the technology needs to pass final cost hurdle to production

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, GM

General Motors fuel cell comparsion - click above to enlarge

It's no secret that General Motors remains committed to hydrogen fuel cells as a long term solution to zero emissions transportation. In this cause, GM is in league with many of the largest automakers in the world including Toyota, Honda, Daimler, and Hyundai. Recently we ran an editorial refuting some reports (including one of our own) about the cost of GM's fuel cell system. Charlie Freese, GM's executive director of fuel cell activities, has written a post on the Fastlane blog that expands on some of what we said regarding the cost of the fuel cell system used in the Project Driveway Chevy Equinoxes.

GM has revealed some of the specific details of the latest generation system compared to the four-year-old system used in the Equinox. Freese explains that the fuel cell system is now at a stage where the engineers are working diligently to reduce the cost and bring it to parity with more conventional systems, something that should happen in the next few years.

Gallery: General Motors Generation V fuel cell stack

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: GM Fastlane Blog]

GM fuel cell boss explains that the technology needs to pass final cost hurdle to production originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroën C-Zero ready to be tested [w/VIDEO]

Xavier Navarro — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:11:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Citroen, Europe/EU

Citroen C-Zero - click above for high res image gallery

British and French motorists will be able to try the Citroën C-Zero before it goes on sale. Citroën has launched a website for interested drivers to ask for a test drive of the ~~badge-engineered~~ Mitsubishi-based car and to get all kinds of information about the model. As announced yesterday, the C-Zero is based on the Mitsubishi iMiEV and uses a standard European 220V plug to fill the batteries in about 6 hours. The website also offers up a nice video which you can watch right after the jump. It's in French, but the message is pretty obvious.

[Source: Citroën via Le Blog Auto]

Continue reading Citroën C-Zero ready to be tested [w/VIDEO]

Citroën C-Zero ready to be tested [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy 10th Birthday, Diesel Particulate Filters

Xavier Navarro — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, PSA

For 10 years, diesels lovers have had a reason to celebrate their engines a little bit more than before: filters that reduce pollution. Called Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), the devices were first introduced by Peugeot at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 1999. The lucky vehicle was a Peugeot 607. As you might know, DPFs come in two versions. Some of them, like the ones used by PSA, need a special additive, called Eolys. Others, like the ones used at Toyota, store the pollutants in a chamber and burns them when necessary. Peugeot has sold 2.1 million cars with PDFs, 233,000 of them in Germany.

[Source: Auto News]

Happy 10th Birthday, Diesel Particulate Filters originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault-Nissan-Bajaj's Ultra-Low-Cost car project still alive

Xavier Navarro — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Tata

It's been a while since we've heard an update on the car coming from the joint venture of Renault-Nissan and Indian manufacturer Bajaj, a competitor to the Tata Nano. Carlos Ghosn, Renault-Nissan's CEO, fills us in with a statement that the ULC (Ultra Low Car) project is alive and well. What news do we learn? First, the 2011 release date has been pushed back to 2012. Second, the car is going to cost $3,000 (compared to the Nano's base price of around $2,000) and will still be available in a version that gets 70 mpg. According to Ghosn, the car will be designed, developed and produced by Bajaj, while Renault-Nissan will provide sales and marketing. We surmise that an export model, with either Nissan or Renault (or maybe Dacia) badges, is more than a possibility.

[Source: AFP via Le Blog Auto]

Renault-Nissan-Bajaj's Ultra-Low-Cost car project still alive originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dacia launches ethanol-fueled version of Logan MCV

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:04:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, Renault

Dacia Logan MCV - click above for high-res image gallery

Renault's low-cost, Romania-based brand, Dacia, has introduced a new flex-fuel version of its Logan MCV people mover. The E85-capable wagon uses a 105 hp version of the Renault 1.6-liter four cylinder. With French tax incentives, the Logan starts at a rather miserly €11,200, a very moderate price in Europe. When the "field to wheel" emissions are factored in, the CO₂ emissions of the Logan MCV amount to just 116 g/km although this obviously depends greatly on the feedstock source used for the ethanol production. Nonetheless, the Logan qualifies for Dacia's eco2 badging for low emissions vehicles.

The Logan MCV is available with either a five- or seven-seat configuration and running on ethanol boosts output to 105 hp from the 90 hp of the gas-only version. The Logan is now available for order in France.

Gallery: Dacia Logan MCV Hi-Flex

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Dacia launches ethanol-fueled version of Logan MCV

Dacia launches ethanol-fueled version of Logan MCV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brammo cuts Enertia price to $7,995

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:49:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in

Brian Wismann on the Brammo Enertia - click above for high-res image gallery

A few weeks back, we got to meet a couple of the guys from electric motorcycle maker Brammo as they set off on a road trip from Ann Arbor to Washington, D.C. We thought the new Enertia powercycle was a pretty cool ride but we were a bit shocked at the $11,995 price tag. Well, it looks like Brammo was seeing some inertia to the Enertia's sticker price and have made an adjustment. As of today, the Enertia is priced at a more palatable $7,995 and a 10 percent federal tax credit drops the price down to just $7,195.

Brammo is also offering a finance deal through the Best Buy stores that have begun to stock the plug-in bike. With $2,000 down, you can get the Enertia for $249/month for two years with no interest. That certainly makes it a bit easier to swallow.

Gallery: Brammo Enertia: Shocking Barack

[Source: Brammo]

Continue reading Brammo cuts Enertia price to $7,995

Brammo cuts Enertia price to $7,995 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China turns to methanol for flex-fuel cars

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Ethanol, China

Methanol is an unusual alcohol. For one thing, it can be used in fuel cells instead of hydrogen. It is also used by homebrewers to make biodiesel. Alternatively, it can be used in internal combustion engines instead of gasoline (see: drag racing). In China, methanol has just been approved by the ministry for standards for use as a motor vehicle fuel. Like ethanol in the U.S., China now permits the chemical to be added to pure gasoline so that it makes up to 85 percent of the mixture. The U.S. has E85, China has M85. It's possible to make methanol from natural gas, wood, and coal. The downside? Methanol is less efficient than either gasoline or ethanol. For example, a car that gets 10 l/100 km (23.5 mpg) using gasoline would get 12.5 l / 100 km (18 mpg) on ethanol and 15 l / 100 km (15.5 mpg) on methanol.

Green Car Advisor notes that one of the first automakers to prepare a powertrain that can burn methanol is Geely, which makes some of the cheapest cars in the world.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

China turns to methanol for flex-fuel cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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