Category Archives: fuel economy or emissions

Dieselgate Spin Says Modern Diesels Emit Low Emissions

What’s missing of course are older generation designs which are being re-calibrated or shipped elsewhere or cancelled. Testing here by the German automakers association (ADAC) that the best-performing RDE-compliant Euro 6 diesels emit as much as 95-99% less NOx than the older Euro 5 vehicles. Too bad about the millions upon millions of these dirty diesels on the road. Continue reading

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Potential Performance Improvement in Energy-Dense Batteries Touted by Toyota

Technologies such as cellphones, laptops, and hybrid and electric cars rely on Li-ion batteries, of course. The configuration of such batteries is predominantly a graphite anode and a cobalt-based material cathode. The electrolyte typically consists of an organic electrolyte that is generally flammable and volatile as numerous vehicle and laptop fires can attest. Continue reading

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A Regional Look at EV Sales

Six states, and Washington D.C., over-index for electric market share – that is having more than the 0.9% share (which is the total national EV market share of the passenger and light truck market) through the first half of the 2018 calendar year Continue reading

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Governor Brown, Attorney General Becerra, CARB Chair Nichols to Demand Trump Administration Withdraw Proposal to Eliminate National Clean Car Standards Today

The state will also release its formal analysis and comments on the federal proposal, showing it is riddled with errors and based on faulty assumptions, incorrect modeling, cherry-picked data and a fundamental misunderstanding of consumer behavior. It will also note that the current, achievable standards save consumers money, prevent serious health issues and help curb harmful carbon emissions. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Performance to Show Newest Crate Engines at SEMA

The new crate engines add to a line of nearly 50 Small Block, Big Block, LS, LSX, LT, Circle Track and COPO crate engines, giving enthusiasts myriad choices for powering their projects. Continue reading

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Mercedes-Benz Construction for U.S. Battery Factory Underway

The new production site for batteries – along with the new Consolidation Center – is located seven miles from the Mercedes-Benz Cars vehicle production site in Tuscaloosa. The Consolidation Center, also part of a 2017 investment announcement, will consist of three major areas, including the body parts preparation area, the assembly parts preparation area and the empties storage. It is expected to be operational next year in 2019. Continue reading

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Watt? Pure EV Porsche Crossover Ready for Serial Production

German automakers whose entire reputations – especially in expensive segments – are built on technology and they are struggling to catch up with Toyota on hybrids and have few EV entries thus far. Add in the emerging threats of Apple and Google in the auto business and the Germans are playing defense. The well-known problems with initial German automaker forays into electronics – remember the BMW I-Drive fiasco – and even the defense needs bolstering in a business that centers on offense. Continue reading

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Death Of The Diesel Continues As London Mayor Delivers Online Checker To Help Car Buyers Choose Cleaner Cars

The Mayor wants to help restore public confidence following the ‘dieselgate’ scandal, in which many Londoners wrongly brought ‘cleaner’ cars in good faith but later found out they had dirty polluting engines because of defeat devices or the official testing process not reflecting emissions in ‘real world’ conditions. Continue reading

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Dieselgate – Audi Fines of ~$1 Billion hit Porsche Guidance. Porsche is Economical with the Truth on Ongoing Risks.

Porsche rules out however a spin off ala Ferrari that could value and independent company at more than $80 billion. The remaining outstanding fraud case from the noxious diesel emissions scandal is remains ongoing in Stuttgart, where state prosecutors are investigating the role Volkswagen’s sports car brand Porsche played in the sordid diesel affair. Continue reading

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Four Banger for 2019 Chevrolet Silverado?

Standard on LT and RST trims, the 2.7L engine has 14% more torque and 13% better city fuel economy and it is a claimed more than a full second quicker 0-60 mph than the 4.3L V-6 it replaces. The Silverado city fuel economy also exceeds the standard 3.3L V6 engine in the Ford F-150 XLT (EPA-estimated 19 mpg city) but only matches that of the Ram 1500 3.6L V6 mild hybrid (EPA-estimated 20 mpg city). Continue reading

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Beware of Self Interest in Mobility Promotion says NADA

“I get it. You can’t go to an automotive or a tech conference these days without hearing about the end of personal vehicle ownership,” he said. “But I’m asking you: Question the hype, ask for proof, and find out what they’re not telling you. The future will work itself out regardless. I just want us to be informed in the meantime.” Continue reading

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UN on Global Warming: Rapid, Far-Reaching Unprecedented Changes in All Aspects of Society Needed

The Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C was approved by the IPCC on Saturday in Incheon, Republic of Korea. It will be a key scientific input into the Katowice Climate Change Conference in Poland in December, when governments review the Paris Agreement to tackle climate change. Continue reading

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Blues Brothers Note: Ford Police Interceptor Fastest Cop Car

Standard hybrid technology and standard all-wheel drive with good safety, passenger or cargo space, the all-new 2020 Police Interceptor Utility brings improved horsepower, torque, acceleration and top speed versus today’s 3.7-liter V6 model. Continue reading

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Death of the Diesel: CARB Fines LKQ $294,000 for Selling Illegal Used Diesel Soot filters

In a related case in 2017, West Coast Diesel, a Fresno repair shop caught selling and installing illegal parts, agreed to a settlement that included additional monetary penalties should they violate the terms of the agreement by installing even one diesel particulate filter. Several other Central Valley diesel repair shops are now under investigation for selling and installing illegal filters. Continue reading

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CARB Increases Low-Carbon Fuel Use Regulations

Amendments include the most stringent carbon intensity requirement, additional incentives for zero emission vehicles, and a protocol for carbon capture & sequestration. Today’s public hearing was the second hearing on these amendments, which take effect on January 1, 2019. Continue reading

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