Solar

July 21, 2008

Ethanol Allows Detroit to Skirt CAFE Rules, Increases Oil Dependency, Author Says

By now most of us are aware of the pitfalls of ethanol, among them: It's raising food costs worldwide, it requires a tremendous amount of water, it produces less energy than gasoline while emitting more pollutants, it's contributing to rainforest deforestation, it's displacing valuable food crops, the fertilizers it requires are wiping out marine life. The list goes on.

But here's one pitfall this writer was unaware of: Ethanol is allowing Detroit's Big Three automakers to manufacture more gas-guzzling vehicles and as a result is making the U.S. more dependent on foreign oil, not less.

In his book "Gusher of Lies," Robert Bryce points out that the Big Three love ethanol because the automakers can use it to inflate the fuel-efficiency ratings of their cars artificially at a time when the federal government requires them to increase the corporate average fuel economy of their vehicle lines.

The CAFE rules allow for a complex formula that increases gas mileage by factoring in a percentage of ethanol use, but only counting the gasoline consumed. If, for example, the gasoline-ethanol variant of the Chevy Suburban used gas 52 percent of the time and ethanol 48 percent, it would have consumed a gallon of gas in the first 15 miles, then would be refilled with ethanol and would have used a gallon or so over the next 14 miles. But of the nearly 2 gallons consumed, only the gallon of gas would be counted.

So what does Bryce, a freelance journalist specializing in energy issues, suggest as an alternative fuel? Biodiesel derived from algae, solar and nuclear power to feed a grid that charges plug-in electric cars, and super-batteries that haven't been invented yet but likely would be soon if private foundations, the U.S. Department of Energy, or both offered a $1 billion prize to its inventor.

"Gusher of Lies" gives alt-fuel fans lots to think about. It lists for $27, but can be found at Amazon.com and other online stores for $10 less.

Scott Doggett, Contributor

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (2); Scott Doggett July 21, 2008, 8:56 AM
Categories:: Alternative Fuels, Biofuels, Chrysler, Courts, Emissions, Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Ford, Fuel Economy, General Motors, Legislation, Plug-ins and Electric, Solar

July 17, 2008

Gore Advocates the Good, Not the Perfect, and That Might Make All the Difference

By Scott Doggett, Contributor

In a speech that every American ought to read or at least watch, former VP Al Gore today told an energy conference "to join with me to call on every candidate, at every level, to accept this challenge: for America to be running on 100 percent zero-carbon electricity in 10 years. It's time for us to move beyond empty rhetoric. We need to act now."

It was in large part his inconvenient-truth pitch, but he broadened his case; he says we must abandon fossil fuels for national security and dire economic reasons, too. The New York Times' coverage made a nice note of the expansion.

But we could practically hear the ears of thousands of plug-in EV fans perk up when the Nobel laureate said, 27 minutes into his speech: "We could further increase the value and efficiency of a Unified National Grid by helping our struggling auto giants switch to the manufacture of plug-in electric cars. An electric vehicle fleet would sharply reduce the cost of driving a car, reduce pollution, and increase the flexibility of our electricity grid."

Those 49 common-yet-wonderfully-arranged words were magic to Felix Kramer, one of this nation's most resilient proponents of plug-in EVs, and thousands of other plug-in fans.

"This definitive acknowledgment of the benefits of electrification gives advocates of steps on global warming a better answer for transportation than timid suggestions that more people buy more efficient gasoline cars or drive less," Kramer wrote in a passionate posting on his calcars.org site.

But it was another Website that came to mind when we heard Gore speak, the one belonging to Tesla Motors, maker of the all-electric Roadster. Tesla sponsors blogs for its customers, one of whom wrote something two years ago that stayed with us.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (2); Scott Doggett July 17, 2008, 8:20 PM
Categories:: Alternative Fuels, Biofuels, Emissions, Ethanol, Fuel Economy, Fuels & Technologies, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Plug-ins and Electric, Solar

July 16, 2008

Survey Finds American Consumers Are Hot for Hybrids but Cooling on Ethanol

While most automakers have shifted production to focus on smaller vehicles, nearly 70 percent of consumers want the companies to invest more in existing and emerging powertrain technologies, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Alternative Powertrain Study released today.

Now in its third year, the Alternative Powertrain Study examines the reasons why consumers consider or avoid alternative powertrain vehicles, such as gas-electric hybrid, flex fuel and clean diesel models.

The study includes the Automotive Environmental Index, which rates the 2008-model-year vehicles on the basis of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data to fuel economy and greenhouse-gas emissions, as well as expert input from J.D. Power & Associates.

The study found that more than 80 percent of the 4,000 consumers polled believe the U.S. is currently facing an energy crisis. Only 18 percent of these respondents believe the issue can be addressed by building small, fuel-efficient vehicle.

Thirty percent believe automakers should continue to produce a comparable vehicle lineup with a focus on gas-electric hybrid, clean diesel and flexible-fuel vehicles, while another 39 percent believe carmakers should focus on developing fuel cell and all-electric vehicles.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); Scott Doggett July 16, 2008, 3:32 PM
Categories:: Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Emissions, Ethanol, Fiat, Flex-Fuel, Ford, Fuel Cell, Fuel Economy, General Motors, Honda, Hybrid, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, MINI, Mitsubishi, Natural Gas, Nissan, Plug-ins and Electric, Pontiac, Smart, Solar, Toyota

July 8, 2008

GM Builds World's Largest Rooftop Solar Power Station at Spanish Plant

The automaker said in a statement that its factory in Zaragoza, Spain, will be covered by 183,000 square meters (218,866 square yards) of solar panels when work is completed in September. About 480,000 vehicles are assembled at the plant annually.

The $78.5 million investment should provide the equivalent of about a quarter of the factory's power needs at peak times. GM is working with France's Veolia Environnement and Clairvoyant Energy of Santa Barbara, California, on the 10-megawatt project.

GM is likely to make its factory in St. Petersburg, Russia, the next to have such solar panels because of the long daylight hours there. It will then evaluate whether to install solar panels at its other 10 manufacturing and eight component factories on the continent.

The solar project comes amid huge difficulties for GM in the American market, where it is losing money and shedding jobs. As a result, it is becoming increasingly reliant on its profitable international activities in regions such as Asia, Russia and Latin America.

The automaker is also trying to improve its environmental reputation, which took a huge hit nearly a decade ago when it stopped the development of an electric car. It now says introduction of a new electric car, the Chevrolet Volt, is its top priority.

Scott Doggett, Contributor

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); Scott Doggett July 8, 2008, 12:36 PM
Categories:: Batteries, Chevrolet, Emissions, Fuel Economy, General Motors, Plug-ins and Electric, Solar

Toyota Motor Corp. Said To Be Ramping Up Its House Assembly Line

Soon to join the I-didn't-know-that file comes a story published in the Wall Street Journal regarding Toyota Motor Corp.'s increasingly bold home-building plans.

That's right. The automaker is also a homemaker. It's got a prefabricated-housing division and everything.

According to the Journal, Toyota has been building steel-frame houses designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons for 33 years. But with the Japanese government calling for sturdier home construction, Toyota is shifting its prefab-housing division into high gear.

What's more, the carmaker is testing an electricity-monitoring system in its homes that could charge plug-in electric vehicles during off-peak hours to keep utility bills low, while the car's battery can serve as an electrical backup, powering the home during blackouts.

The Journal says Toyota engineers are also experimenting with using solar panels as house siding and powering homes with fuel cells, which combine hydrogen and air to produce electricity.

It's got to be only a matter of time until Toyota offers a house as a Prius accessory, or vice versa.

Scott Doggett, Contributor

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); Scott Doggett July 8, 2008, 11:09 AM
Categories:: Batteries, Emissions, Fuel Cell, Fuel Economy, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Plug-ins and Electric, Solar, Toyota

July 7, 2008

Next-Generation Prius Hybrid To Get Solar Panels To Power Air-Conditioning

By Scott Doggett, Contributor

Toyota Motor Corp. plans to install solar panels on some Prius hybrids next year, responding to growing demand for "green" cars amid record-high oil prices, a source briefed on the matter told Reuters today.

The panels will be supplied by Japanese electronics maker Kyocera Corp. and will be able to power part of the air-conditioning on high-end versions of the gasoline-electric Prius, the source said.

"It's more of a symbolic gesture," said the source, who asked not to be identified. "It's very difficult to power much more than that with solar energy."

The panels, which are expected to begin appearing on the high-end version of the gasoline-electric hybrid car as early as next spring, will be located on the roof and supply part of the 2-5 kilowatts needed to power the air-conditioning, according to a report in today's edition of the Nikkei newspaper.

The move would make Toyota the first major automaker to incorporate a solar-power generation system into a mass-produced car.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); Scott Doggett July 7, 2008, 8:40 AM
Categories:: Batteries, Emissions, Fuel Economy, Hybrid, Solar, Toyota

May 16, 2008

House Panel Approves New Alt Energy Tax Credits Plan, Proposal Includes Plug-In Hybrid Purchase Credit

A $16.9 billion renewable energy and fuels tax incentive package that includes a first-ever $3,000 credit for purchase of plug-in hybrid vehicles, has made it through the House Ways and Means Committee and is headed for the floor.

The credits are part of a $50 billion tax package.

Among the provisions are a $1.01 per gallon production tax credit for cellulosic ethanol – made form non-edible waste and plant material – and a reduction of the present ethanol blending credit to 45 cents a gallon from 51 cents. Those same credits and reductions are in the Farm Bill that has passed through congress and is on the way to the White House.

The tax measure would increase the credit for installation of E85 ethanol fuel pumps to 50 percent of cost, up from 30 percent, and establishes tax incentives worth $1.4 billion for coal power and gasification projects aimed at capturing and reusing or sequestering carbon emissions.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); John O'Dell May 16, 2008, 9:30 AM
Categories:: Alternative Fuels, Biofuels, Legislation, Plug-ins and Electric, Solar, Tax Incentives

March 21, 2008

Saab BioHybrid Concept Grabs Attention at NY Show

New York -- The New York International Auto Show features a smattering of eco-friendly vehicles this year that, while unusual or even quirky, are not quite showstoppers. These include the Mitsubishi iMIEV and Subaru R1e electric minicars, and the Nissan Denki Cube Concept.

But one eco-friendly show car here is an attention grabber: the Saab 9-X BioHybrid, which made its world debut earlier this month at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show.

To improve aerodynamics and fuel economy at speed, the sleek and sporty two-door hatchback features a rooftop spoiler that automatically extends at speeds above 43 miles per hour, lengthening the roofline, while a rear diffuser automatically extends from beneath the rear bumper...

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); John O'Dell March 21, 2008, 8:58 PM
Categories:: Alternative Fuels, Auto Shows, Batteries, Biofuels, Hybrid, Plug-ins and Electric, Saab, Solar

X Prize Aims To Inspire Green Car Development

Auto X-Prize entries will include mainstream vehicles and fanciful concepts.

By Robert E. Calem, Contributor

New York --The Automotive X Prize competition, an effort to do for the green car what the original X Prize did for private space flight, was officially launched Thursday at the New York International Auto Show, where sample vehicles were displayed by four of the more than 60 teams from nine countries that will be vying for shares of a $10 million bounty.

The prize money was put up by Progressive Insurance, which has become the main sponsor in return for a name change: the competition is now the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize.

Additionally, the federal Department of Energy plans to provide a $3.5 million grant to fund a national education program organized around the competition in order to “inspire youth and the general public about the alternative vehicle and fuel options of the near future,” the X Prize Foundation announced.

Inspiring Entrepreneurs
The contest, developed over the past two and a half years by the non-profit foundation, has the lofty goal of inspiring entrepreneurs to develop a new generation of commercially viable automobiles with low emissions and fuel economy equivalent to 100 miles per gallon.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); John O'Dell March 21, 2008, 4:03 AM
Categories:: Alternative Fuels, Auto Shows, Biofuels, Diesel, Emissions, Flex-Fuel, Fuel Cell, Fuel Economy, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Natural Gas, Plug-ins and Electric, Solar, Transportation Alternatives

March 18, 2008

EV Proponents Lobby Calif. Governor on ZEV Rules

By John O'Dell, Senior Editor

California's clean air regulators are updating the state's controversial zero emissions vehicle, or ZEV, mandate and are holding a public hearing in Sacramento next week to hear comment on the proposed revisions.

In advance of that, the Plug In America advocacy group today sent a lengthy letter to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, urging him to influence the panel to protect present rules calling for automakers to collectively build 25,000 zero emissions vehicles for sale in the state between 2012 and 2014 and 50,000 between 2015 and 2017.

One of the proposed changes would cut the number of ZEVs to just 2,500 in the first stage of the build-up and to 25,000 in the second stage.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); John O'Dell March 18, 2008, 1:58 PM
Categories:: Batteries, Emissions, Fuel Cell, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Legislation, Natural Gas, Solar

March 10, 2008

Fill'er Up? That'll Be 2.7 Cents!

Ah, Monday.

Another week of commuting begins, and with it, more concern about what the price of gasoline is doing to the family budget.

Which brings up this thought: What if you could do a whole year's worth of commuting on a couple gallons of gas?

A team of students from a French technology school accomplished the equivalent (in theory) when they achieved an amazing 7,148 miles per gallon driving their ultralight, ultra-streamlined wondercar around the 1.94-mile banked circuit at Rockingham Motor Speedway outside of London during the Royal Dutch Shell-sponsored 2007 Eco-Marathon last July.

We say "in theory" because Team Microjoule, entered in the "prototype" category, didn't burn anywhere near a gallon of gas -- the car's fuel tank held only 1.01 ounces of fuel and the mileage was extrapolated from the gas used during 7 laps around the racecourse.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); John O'Dell March 10, 2008, 10:30 AM
Categories:: Alternative Fuels, Hydrogen, Natural Gas, Solar, Transportation Alternatives

January 2, 2008

The Candidates' Energy Plans: A Green Car Primer

We don't believe a candidate's stand on energy, or fuel economy regulation or even the larger issue of climate change, ought to be the sole reason he, or she, is judged worthy of office.

But it certainly ought to be an important part of every voter's decision-making, so we're offering up this look at the auto-related portions of the main candidates' energy plans to help those who haven't made up their minds with primary (and caucus) season rapidly closing in.

There are hundreds or sources for interested voters to find out how Hillary stands on health care, or Rudy on Iraq, but pinning down the presidential hopefuls' positions on CAFE and related alternative fuel issues isn't quite so easy.

To help out, we asked correspondent Terril Yue Jones to put together a look at the auto and fuels aspects of the energy plans of candidates who are polling at least 1 percent in national surveys.

We're doing this now, of course, because voting season gets off to an especially early start this year, with more than half the primaries and caucuses slated to be held on or before February 5 -- the so-called Super Tuesday when 22 states hold primaries and the major party nominees, who won't officially be named until the Democratic and Republican conventions at the end of summer, will be all but set in cement.

First up, though, are the Iowa caucuses, to be held Thursday evening, a fortnight after President Bush signed sweeping new energy legislation that raises the required corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) of automakers to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, from their current levels of 27.5 miles per gallon for passenger cars and 22.2 miles per gallon for light trucks.

Led by Hillary Clinton’s call for a massive increase in the fuel efficiency required of automakers, Democratic candidates' energy plans almost all spell out specific fuel economy standards for the nation’s automobiles. For the most part the Democrats even set fuel efficiency timetables.

Republicans speak in broader terms, preferring discussion of ending dependence on foreign oil and promoting alternative fuels and saying that specific miles-per-gallon benchmarks are not the way to go.

Here's the rundown on the candidates, in alphabetical order, from a green car perspective. Have fun!

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (2); John O'Dell January 2, 2008, 4:00 AM
Categories:: Alternative Fuels, Biofuels, Flex-Fuel, Fuel Cell, Hybrid, Legislation, Plug-ins and Electric, Solar

December 17, 2007

Bibendum: Green Cars Show Off in Shanghai

Hybrid-electric Citroen prototype enters Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai.

By Kate McLeod, Contributor

There was little TV coverage and hardly anyone watched from the sidelines, but this still was one of the most important races in the world.

Run in the form of a rally on the public roads of China’s Shanghai province on November 14, it was part of a unique event, the Challenge Bibendum.

There were no winners, though. The Bibendum philosophy is that the race won't be over until we all enter and drive together to find a sustainable finish. The environment is the ultimate winner, says Michelin, although the Hyundai Tucson fuel-cell prototype received "As" in tests for noise, local pollutants, fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions -- tank to tire. Venturi’s Eclectic got As across the board for the above tests as well as acceleration and maneuverability. Two prototype buses made in China, WanXiang EV Co.’s C3 fuel cell and CITIC Guoan Mengguli’s battery-electric, also made top grades.

Until then, the event -- launched by French tire giant Michelin Group in 1998 -- is staged annually to showcase existing and developing technologies that can help save fuel and reduce atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.

It brings together global vehicle makers, energy suppliers, researchers and political and economic decision makers and encourages discussion of potential solutions to transportation, energy consumption, and traffic congestion and noise problems.

Equally important is that it lets them see advanced technology vehicles in motion.

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (0); John O'Dell December 17, 2007, 3:26 AM
Categories:: Alternative Fuels, Biofuels, Diesel, Flex-Fuel, Fuel Cell, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Natural Gas, Plug-ins and Electric, Solar, Transportation Alternatives

September 15, 2007

Huge Solar Array to Top GM Parts Facility

One of the biggest solar power arrays in use by corporate America will be installed atop the 300,000-square-foot roof of General Motors' Service and Parts Operations warehouse in Fontana, California, the carmaker said.

The system, expected to be in operation by December, will provide about half the electricity needed to run the facility. It also will feed extra power to the grid.

It joins a similar-size solar array at a GM warehouse eight miles away in Rancho Cucamonga...

Posted by: Permalink | Comments (2); John O'Dell September 15, 2007, 2:00 AM
Categories:: Solar