Category Archives: alternative fuels

GM and U.S. Army Expand Fuel Cell Development

Posted on 4 October 2013 by Ken Zino

General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development & Engineering Center are increasing their collaboration in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology Continue reading →

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Toyota to Retail Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hybrids in U.S. by 2015

Posted on 5 September 2013 by Ken Zino

Carter told AutoInformed that he has seen and driven the Toyota fuel cell hybrid. The ultimate timing for U.S. retail sales is dependent on California’s hydrogen infrastructure program that aims to put in place 35 hydrogen-refueling centers in the Los Angeles area by 2015. Continue reading →

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Honda Shows another Racing Version of Acura NSX Sports Car

Posted on 16 August 2013 by Ken Zino

Honda this morning unveiled an NSX Concept-GT that is destined for entry in the 2014 Super GT Series in Japan. This NSX complies with the regulations on GT500 vehicles regulated by the Japan Automobile Federation. Continue reading →

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ExxonMobil to Pay Fine for Fracking Wastewater Dumping

Posted on 11 August 2013 by Ken Zino

The consent decree, lodged in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and almost certain court approval given the DOJ’s laughably lenient treatment of corporate criminals. Continue reading →

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Alternative Powertrains to Remain Technical Curiosities

Posted on 6 August 2013 by Ken Zino

The market share of battery electric vehicles’ (BEVs) of U.S. light vehicle sales is expected to remain below 1% through 2020. If plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), such as the Chevrolet Volt and the Ford Fusion Energi are included, share will only increase to 3% by 2020. Continue reading →

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GM Cuts 2014 Chevrolet Volt Price to $34,995

Posted on 6 August 2013 by Ken Zino

GM has cut the price of the 2014 Chevrolet Volt to $34,995, including an $810 destination fee, representing a $5,000 price decrease for the carry over vehicle. If a buyer includes federal tax credits ranging from $0-$7,500, depending on tax liability, pricing could start at $27,495. Continue reading →

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EPA Looks at Toxic Sites for Renewable Energy Sources

Posted on 5 August 2013 by Ken Zino

Since Re-Powering’s inception in 2008, more than 70 renewable energy projects have been installed on contaminated lands. These early projects represent just over 200 MW of installed capacity, which could power approximately 30,000 homes, and provide a foundation for future development as demonstrations of the latest technologies in both renewable energy and remediation design. Continue reading →

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Electric Cars and Solar Cells are not so Clean

Posted on 1 August 2013 by Ken Zino

“Stating that an electric car is clean is like saying that a light bulb is clean. Light bulbs do not produce exhaust, but it doesn’t mean we can use them with zero emissions. The same holds true for electric cars,” said Zehner in an NPR interview Monday. Continue reading →

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Cuts to 2014 EPA Budget Threatens Auto Emissions Rules

Posted on 26 July 2013 by Ken Zino

Not surprisingly since the chairman is Hal Rogers, a Republican from Kentucky, the legislation reflects significant efforts to cripple the EPA – “an agency that has been rife with governmental overreach, overspending on ineffective and unnecessary programs, and costly and questionable regulations.” The bill funds the EPA at $5.5 billion, a reduction of $2.8 billion – or -34% – below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level. Continue reading →

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Detroit Electric Roadster at Concours d’Elegance of America

Posted on 18 July 2013 by Donna Barbera

For the first time at any Concours, a rare 1914 Detroit Electric Roadster will be on display, the Concours d’Elegance of America claims Continue reading →

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GM and Honda Target 2020 for Viable Fuel Cell EVs

Posted on 9 July 2013 by Ken Zino

The light duty fuel cell vehicle (FCV) has shown promise for decades, but the problem remains that it is space age technology at NASA levels of cost. Not surprisingly, automakers have varying levels of interest fuel cells that always appear to be just a decade or so from commercialization, but interest is rising. Continue reading →

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Supreme Court Dismisses Ethanol Waiver Case

Posted on 24 June 2013 by Ken Zino

The United States Supreme Court today dismissed a petition by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers or AFPM challenging an EPA regulation that allows for 15% ethanol in gasoline. Continue reading →

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Price War as Honda Cuts Fit EV Lease to $259

Posted on 30 May 2013 by Ken Zino

Moreover, the revised Fit EV three-year lease requires no down payment, has unlimited mileage, provides routine maintenance and collision coverage, as well providing a 240-volt home charging station, although the customer must pay for its installation but owns it forever. To the horror of auto execs, this program might foreshadow the next generation of marketing incentives that would apply to other types of vehicles. Continue reading →

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Electric Vehicle Startup Coda Files for Bankruptcy

Posted on 1 May 2013 by Ken Zino

Coda EV announced today that it is filing Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code after selling only 100 cars. Continue reading →

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Volvo Says Flywheel Energy Recover Ups Fuel Economy 25%

Posted on 28 April 2013 by Ken Zino

An experimental 4-cylinder Volvo equipped with flywheel energy recovery has the potential to increase fuel economy by as much as 25% when compared to a six-cylinder engine with the same performance level. Continue reading →

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