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Category Archives: alternative fuels
Petroleum Equivalency Factor Change Slows EV Adoption
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant rules for light-duty vehicles covering model years 2027-2032 is about to be to be announced. It’s part of a tangled maze of regulations from multiple federal and state agencies affecting automakers and ultimately consumers in the US, often referred in shorthand as CAFE – corporate average fuel economy.
In the latest development, The Department of Energy last year proposed decreasing the so-called “petroleum-equivalent fuel economy factor” (PEF) for EVs by 72% in 2027. The Petroleum Equivalency Factor expresses electric vehicle efficiency as equivalent-miles-per-gallon of gasoline for purposes of the EPA’s calculation of manufacturers’ compliance with NHTSA’s CAFE regulations. DOE is responsible for establishing the value of the PEF. With a final rule, issued yesterday, the PEF will be established for model years beginning in 2027. It slows forcing EV adaption, and in AutoInformed’s view this is a good thing. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, AutoInformed Editorial, blog, economy, electric vehicles, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, news analysis, public health
Tagged Alliance for Automotive Innovation, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, battery electric vehicles, cafe, CAFE civil penalties, Corporate Average Fuel Economy, department of energy, epa, John Bozzella, Ken Zino, petroleum-equivalent fuel economy factor
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Energy Independence – Clean Energy Connector Plugged In
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced an enlightened program that connects families to solar energy through HHS’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).* The so-called Clean Energy Connector,** is a tool that connects families to solar energy through HHS’s LIHEAP. The first-of-its-kind software can now be used by local LIHEAP program administrators in Illinois, Washington, D.C., and New Mexico to connect community solar subscriptions to as many as 40,000 households with low incomes.
“Renewable energy is by far the cheapest form of power and now, thanks to innovative solutions developed under the Biden-Harris Administration, more households across America can access the health and savings benefits that solar power provides,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “DOE’s partnership with HHS will increase the deployment of community solar, helping thousands of families lower their energy bills and in turn reduce their energy burden, ensuring Americans across the nation are included as we transition to a clean energy economy,” Granholm claimed. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, economy, energy, environment, global warming, news, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Biden Administration, community solar energy, energy independence, Jennifer M. Granholm, Ken Zino, National Energy Assistance Directors Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, renewable energy, solar power, Solar United Neighbors, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra
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Honda and Nissan Sign MoU for EV Technology Sharing
Nissan Motor and Honda Motor said today in Japan that they have signed a memorandum of understanding whereby they will begin a feasibility study of a strategic partnership in the fields of vehicle electrification and intelligence. In what looks like a re-run of the Nissan Renault alliance that pursued economies of scale, the intense capital costs required to develop EVs and autonomous vehicles is making for what would have previously been unlikely hookups.
Honda and Nissan, Japan’s second and third largest automakers, will study sharing automotive software platforms, core components related to EVs, and complementary products. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, global warming, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chinese EV export threat, Ken Zino, Makoto Uchida, Toshihiro Mibe, trade wars
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EV Grumblings – Auto Execs Waffling on Growth
With hybrid electric vehicle sales soaring, and the badly needed EV charging infrastructure lagging, there is considerable discussion among auto executives and industry pundits about the EV market.*
As always a walk – or in this case an electrified drive – into the unknown provokes considerable speculation and anxiety about where things are headed. Compounding the EV market grumblings are the intensive capital investments involved and the dire state of our climate with the deleterious effects of global warming increasingly laying waste to large areas of the planet. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, customer satisfaction, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, marketing, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, center for automotive research, EV charging availability anxiety, GlobalData, GlobalData Powertrain Forecasts, Ken Zino, Matt Lucki, Snehasis Ganguly
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California – Equitable EV Charging for Multi-Family Housing?
“The State of California is leading the way to transition our transportation system to 100% zero-emission vehicles, but the millions of drivers who don’t have access to at-home charging are at risk of being left behind,” said McCarty. “If we want all Californians to have access to electric mobility, we must provide them with convenient and affordable public charging options where they already park: the curb.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, connected vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, news analysis, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, FLO Charging Solutions USA, It's Electric Inc, Ken Zino, Kevin McCarty, Louis Tremblay, Nathan King
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Stellantis Posts Record 2023 Results – €18.6B Net
“As we just passed the three-year mark since Stellantis’ inception, I warmly thank our teams who are executing at the highest levels and contributing greatly to our growth story, even in the strongest of headwinds. Today’s record financial results are proof that we have become a new global leader in our industry and will remain rock solid as we look to a turbulent 2024. Thanks to our flexible technology and product roadmap, we are prepared to address the various scenarios that could arise and to continue delivering on our Dare Forward 2030 targets,” said Carlos Tavares, CEO. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, financial results, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, results, sales
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, carlos tavares, Ken Zino, NYSE: STLA, Stellantis earnings and strategy, STLA platforms
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GM and Honda Fuel Cell JV Starts Mass Production
“This is a historic day for the industry as GM and Honda are the first full fuel cell system manufacturing joint venture to begin volume production of fuel cells for transportation and beyond,” said FCSM president Suheb Haq. “We begin the process with raw materials for membrane and electrode all the way through completed systems. Ongoing investment and commitment by both companies is driving our success at FCSM. This commitment aligns with our mission of making high quality, durable and affordable hydrogen fuel cell systems for a wide range of applications and customers.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, blog, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, public health, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brownstown Michigan, FCSM, Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, hydrogen fuel cells, Jay Joseph, Ken Zino, Suheb Haq
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Stellantis Reveals STLA Large EV Platform
“Our goals for our STLA platforms are ambitious but this is what our customers need from us today,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Creating a family of vehicles from a well-engineered set of components that is flexible enough to cover multiple vehicle types and propulsions, over-performing any of our current products, will address each of our iconic brands’ customers. The flexibility and agility of this platform is its hallmark and will be a driving force for our success in the shift to electrification in North America.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, connected vehicles, design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, shows and events
Tagged 400-volt and 800-volt electric architectures, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, carlos tavares, Ken Zino, Stellantis, Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, STLA large platform
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Kia Shows Modular EV and Autonomous Driving Concepts
Kia has revealed its so-called Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) future strategy at a trade show in Las Vegas. Kia’s PBV business will start around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, previewed by the Kia Concept PV5. This was presented … Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, autonomous vehicles, concept, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, marketing, mobility company
Tagged artificial intelligence, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Autoland Hwaseong, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Concept EV3, Concept EV4, EV6 GT, EV9, Ford Transit, Ken Zino, Kia PBV model line, Korean auto industry, software-defined vehicles
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Hyundai Motor, Kia, Gore to Develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell PEMs
“We are entering the next chapter of our partnership with Gore,” said Chang Hwan Kim, Head of Battery Development and Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Development at Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation. “By leveraging the 15 years of collaboration, we will acquire advanced fuel cell technology and lead the fuel cell electric vehicle market, accelerating the movement towards a sustainable future.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chang Hwan Kim, Hyundai Motor and Kia Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems, Ken Zino, PEM, polymer electrolyte membrane
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US Fuel Economy at Record Highs. CO2 at Record Low
“As the United States accelerates towards a clean transportation future, today’s report highlights the historic progress made so far by the industry to reduce climate pollution and other harmful emissions,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “We are thrilled to see manufacturers continue to innovate and develop technologies in multiple vehicle categories that have led to a substantial increase in miles per gallon, passing cost savings onto families across the nation.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, energy, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health
Tagged 2022 EPA Automotive Trends Report, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, co2, greenhouse gases, Ken Zino, Michael S. Regan, US Environmental Protection Agency
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Honda, Mitsubishi, Tokuyama Studying Fuel Cell Recycling
Honda Motor, Tokuyama Corp., and Mitsubishi Corp. will run a joint demonstration to operate a data center using by-product hydrogen and a stationary fuel cell (FC) power station. It will reuse FC systems from fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Project Members will explore the potential of reusing automotive FC systems in a stationary application. The objective of the Demonstration Project is to reduce the economic liability on customers installing and operating stationary FC systems, which will contribute to the decarbonization of electric power. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, autonomous vehicles, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automated driving, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, FCEVs, Generative AI, honda, Ken Zino, large-volume data processing, NEDO, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, recycling fuel cell systems, Tokuyama Mitsubishi
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Isuzu and Honda Public Road Testing Fuel Cell HD Truck
The demonstration testing, scheduled to run through September 2024, will collect data and detect technical issues in preparation for a 2027 market introduction of production trucks, the companies said. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones, news analysis, public health, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Death of the diesel, fuel cell powered heavy-duty trucks, Honda Logistics, Isuzu Logistics, Ken Zino
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Heavy-Duty Emissions Standards – Missed Opportunity?
“The final rule also leaves more work to be done, and state legislatures should spur use of electric and other zero-emission trucks by adopting the Advanced Clean Truck rule. By delaying the final standards for sleeper cabs until model year 2030 vehicles, EPA missed out on the additional climate and health benefits that would have started accruing much earlier from some of the highest-polluting vehicles on the roads. Continue reading →