Category Archives: alternative fuels

2016 RAV4 Joins Toyota Hybrid Lineup

Posted on 6 November 2015 by Ken Zino

For a – hefty? – $2620 price increase, buyers of the 2016 RAV4 can get an awd hybrid version. This makes the number of hybrid available in the US from Toyota at eight models, the undisputed hybrid leader around the world. Lexus offers six more in its division. Continue reading →

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Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Range 312 Miles Says EPA

Posted on 30 June 2015 by Ken Zino

Mirai is the only zero emission electric vehicle on the market that tops the 300 mile range milestone, at least on paper. The Zero emission claim is also dependent on how the hydrogen fuel is produced. Continue reading →

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70 Tucson Fuel Cell Vehicles Run 500,000 Miles in California

Posted on 11 June 2015 by Ken Zino

The fuel cell – at great expense – improves on some of the range and utility limitations of traditional battery electric vehicles. Continue reading →

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Renewable Biodiesel Fuel Scam from Washakie in Utah

Posted on 20 March 2015 by Ken Zino

During 2010, Washakie issued more than 7.2 million Renewable Identification Numbers, aka RINs, and reported to EPA that it produced biodiesel associated with those RINs at its Plymouth, Utah refinery. During that time, Washakie did not produce any biodiesel at the Plymouth facility. Continue reading →

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Goodyear Concept Tire Charges EV Batteries

Posted on 3 March 2015 by Ken Zino

BH-O3 generates electricity through the action of materials in the tire that capture and transform the energy created by heat when it flexes as it rolls during normal driving conditions. Continue reading →

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Japan Inc. – Toyota, Nissan, and Honda Jointly Support and will Subsidize Hydrogen Stations

Posted on 12 February 2015 by Ken Zino

Specific measures to be undertaken by the Big Three Japanese manufacturers were not announced, but this appears to an attempt by the automakers to prod the Japanese government into faster action on build hydrogen refueling stations. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Pledges $10 million for Electric Vehicle Charging

Posted on 10 February 2015 by Ken Zino

With gasoline prices low, EV sales are threatened, of course, and have been declining recently while truck and SUV sales skyrocket. The question facing taxpayers is how long such “pump priming” investments in new technology should go on before the protects offered have to compete alone in the marketplace. Continue reading →

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Toyota Says 1500 Japanese Orders for Mirai Fuel Cell Car

Posted on 15 January 2015 by Ken Zino

During the first month since its launch in Japan on December 15 2014, 1,500 orders have been received for Toyota’s Mirai fuel cell sedan that lists for ¥7.24 million, ~$63,000, Continue reading →

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Hydrogen Bomb! Toyota Opens Its Fuel Cell Patents for Industry Use

Posted on 6 January 2015 by Ken Zino

In a deft P.R. move that also has abundant self-interest, Toyota Motor Corporation will allow royalty-free use of 5,680 fuel-cell-related patent licenses, including pending applications, it holds globally. Continue reading →

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Volt Camouflage Designed to hide Freshened Sheet Metal

Posted on 29 September 2014 by Ken Zino

The camouflage package on the next-generation Volt was started six months in advance of early development. The tricks are constantly updated to keep spy photographers – Jim Dunne, who graciously contributes to AutoInformed – and the curious guessing. Continue reading →

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Gas-Powered Cars – CNG v LPG

Posted on 29 July 2014 by Ken Zino

There is an interesting technical argument about CNG and LPG powertrains that are apparently cheaper and arguably more eco-friendly in cars than diesel or gasoline engines. It starts with combustion that is cleaner, thereby reducing emissions of particulates and nitrogen … Continue reading →

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Anti-Green Aviation Industry Finally Getting the Lead Out

Posted on 10 July 2014 by Ken Zino

The general aviation industry through trade groups, airplane and engine makers, as well as members of Congress who fly has fiercely resisted doing anything about this destructive and toxic use of lead in so-called 100 low lead fuel (100LL) going back to the last century. Continue reading →

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Honda Recalls New Fit and Vezel Hybrids

Posted on 10 February 2014 by Ken Zino

It is the third recall on this new transmission, and part of a growing number of software caused recalls in the industry. Honda claims that each recall was due to a different cause Continue reading →

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Kia Soul EV Debuts at CAS. Range of 80 to 100 miles claimed

Posted on 6 February 2014 by Ken Zino

Kia Motors America held a global unveiling of the 2015 Soul EV at the Chicago Auto Show today. Scheduled for sale in Q3 of 2014, the Soul EV will be Kia’s first all-electric car sold in the U.S. The Soul EV joined a refreshed 2014 Optima Hybrid on stage. Continue reading →

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Is the Cadillac ELR a flop? Incentives via a Free 240 Volt Charger and ‘no-charge’ Home Installation added

Posted on 27 January 2014 by Ken Zino

The ELR on an ultra-low-mileage, 39-month lease for qualified lessees starts at $699 per month with $5,999 due. Cadillac deliver six ELR hybrids in December, but since the Volt-based coupe just went on sale, January and Q1 2014 sales will be a better indicator of actual demand. Continue reading →

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