Category Archives: alternative fuels

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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Tesla Recalls its Model S EV Chargers for Fires

Posted on 21 January 2014 by Ken Zino

It is not clear if Tesla complied with U.S. safety regulations requiring a recall within five days of a known defect since the awareness of the problem goes back to late 2012. Continue reading →

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Las Vegas Biofuels Fraud Revealed in latest EISA Scam

Posted on 20 January 2014 by Ken Zino

Two men were indicted by a federal grand jury in Las Vegas for offenses involving the badly audited federal renewable fuels program that passed out taxpayer money for the production of biodiesel among other things. Continue reading →

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Chesapeake Energy to Pay Millions for Wetlands Destruction

Posted on 30 December 2013 by Ken Zino

No criminal charges against executives were pursued, however. So the environmental rhetoric of the Obama Administration is put aside in the latest corporate friendly deal under Eric Holder, his politically appointed Attorney General. Continue reading →

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Tucson Fuel Cell EV $499 Month Next Spring

Posted on 22 November 2013 by Ken Zino

The move – part image enhancing green marketing and part technology preview – will put pressure on other automakers to respond. Honda and Toyota have announced plans to sell a limited number of fuel cell sedans in the Los Angeles area by 2015, dependent on a government project to build an expensive hydrogen-refueling network. Continue reading →

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Honda Fuel Cell Concept Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show

Posted on 21 November 2013 by Ken Zino

Honda’s next generation fuel cell-electric vehicle has what is for the moment the world’s first fuel-cell powertrain packaged completely in the engine room of the vehicle. This not only allows more interior space, but it gives the Japanese automaker some flexibility in the use of fuel cell technology in different vehicle types. Continue reading →

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Fuel Cell Faceoff in LA – Honda v Toyota

Posted on 11 November 2013 by Ken Zino

The battle of the ‘green press releases continued today as both Honda and Toyota teased their upcoming fuel cell electric vehicles that will appear in the U.S. at the Los Angeles Auto Show this month. Continue reading →

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Volvo Car Testing Batteries Built Into Body Panels

Posted on 21 October 2013 by Ken Zino

Volvo Car says it has developed a new lightweight battery that is molded and formed to fit around a car’s door panels, trunk lid and wheel housing. Aside from substantially saving on space, the Chinese-owned automaker claims that reduces the heavy weight, large size and high costs associated with the batteries used in hybrids and electric vehicles today, while maintaining power and performance. Continue reading →

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Fourth Gen Prius Will Increase Mileage by More than 10%

Posted on 4 October 2013 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada said this week that the fourth generation Prius hybrid now under development would increase fuel economy by more than 10% in rated miles per gallon. During the previous two updates of the world’s best-selling … Continue reading →

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