Category Archives: alternative fuels

EPA Finalizes E15 Gasohol Pump Labels as Automakers Again Protest Adding More Ethanol to Gasoline. Lawsuits Pending

Posted on 29 June 2011 by Ken Zino

The ethanol tariff is comprised of a 54 cent Most Favored Nation duty and a 2.5% ad valorem tax. Critics say the ethanol tariff makes our nation more dependent on foreign oil by increasing the price of imported ethanol. Iowa State University estimates that a one-year extension of the ethanol subsidy and tariff would lead to only 427 additional direct domestic jobs at a cost of almost $6 billion, or roughly $14 million of taxpayer money per job.
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Driving the 2012 Toyota Prius V – Another Hybrid Benchmark

Posted on 28 June 2011 by Ken Zino

Toyota has done it again. A day of test driving the newly enlarged Prius V – for versatile – model affirmed the claim that this hybrid station wagon can indeed return the expected EPA ratings of 44 mpg in the city, 40 highway and 42 mpg combined. On the road Prius V is comfortable, reasonably quick, and mostly quiet except for some pleasant hybrid drive whine and the inevitable tire noise on expansion joints and rough pavement that comes from the low rolling resistance rubber. Alas the electric steering is still vague and without usable feedback. Nonetheless Prius V is a delightful family car. Continue reading →

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With BMW EV Due, Study Says Range Anxiety Not an Issue

Posted on 15 June 2011 by Ken Zino

One of the observations about the 80 to 100 mile range – that it’s acceptable – challenges conventional wisdom. This will be tested further when the all-electric BMW Active E becomes available in some U.S. markets beginning in late 2011. A two-year lease will be $499 a month with a $2,250 down payment. A series production BMW I3 follows in 2013. Continue reading →

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$10,000 Increase per Auto Under Fuel Economy Proposal?

Posted on 14 June 2011 by Ken Zino

Some of the proposed changes to increase fuel economy and decrease greenhouse gases starting in 2017 could cost new car buyers from $3,700 to more than $9,000 per vehicle if they are adopted, and that’s before another $1,500 or so is added for additional safety equipment.

The new fuel economy mandates under consideration by the government are based on reducing emissions ranging from 3% to 6% per year, the same as increasing fuel mileage equivalent amounts. The highest increase, 6% per year, will raise the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) from 35.5 mpg in 2016 to 62 mpg in 2025. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Volt Price Cut? Fully Loaded 2012 Now $46,265

Posted on 13 June 2011 by Ken Zino

Chevrolet has announced that the base price for the 2012 Volt will be $1,000 lower when it goes on sale later this year. Suggested retail asking price is $39,995. The price includes an $850 freight charge but excludes tax, title and license fees. A loaded Volt, with leather appointments, backup camera, navigation system and premium paint and wheels is now priced at $46,265 including delivery. Continue reading →

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Ford Kills U.S. Gas C-Max Van. Smaller Hybrids Now Due in 2012

Posted on 9 June 2011 by Ken Zino

The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid will be followed by another next-generation hybrid in 2012, presumably an updated hybrid version of the Ford Fusion, which in its gasoline form remains the best selling car at the Number Two U.S. automaker. Continue reading →

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OPEC to Keep Oil Production Even. Prices Likely to Stay High as U.S. Economic Recovery Stalls and Unemployment Grows

Posted on 9 June 2011 by Ken Zino

OPEC’s decision to keep oil production levels constant is the latest setback for the stumbling U.S. economy. Since there has been no change in the way oil is produced or traded – as a fungible commodity – there is no reason speculators cannot keep oil prices moving up toward the record $147 a barrel that it hit in July of 2008. In fact, some analysts warn oil prices won’t stop there this time. Continue reading →

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Renault Tries Humor in New Electric Vehicle Ad Campaign

Posted on 31 May 2011 by Ken Zino

Renault has kicked off a new series of electric vehicle advertisements in Europe where it is in the process of introducing four EVs. By taking a humorous approach that shows that a car is the only non-electric device in common use, the French automaker is hoping to makes EVs more acceptable. Continue reading →

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U.S. Oil Imports Declining Since 2005 Peak. It’s Not All Good

Posted on 31 May 2011 by Ken Zino

There are several problems with the imported oil numbers since oil is mostly imported as crude, an unrefined product, but is consumed as a refined product. In between there is refinery gain – yes, gain – whereby more comes out of the process of splitting heavier oils into lighter ones. Continue reading →

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