Category Archives: fuel economy or emissions

CARB Issues Next Gen Emissions Reduction Plan

CARB also directed staff to report annually on progress on implementation of the SIP Strategy including recommendations on additional funding as well as direction to expedite implementation where possible. Continue reading

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U.S. Ethanol Exports at Second-Highest Level on Record

U.S. ethanol imports fell 60% in 2016 to 36 million gallons, the lowest level since 2010. Imports were almost exclusively (99%) sugarcane ethanol from Brazil. Most of the imported ethanol went to the West Coast region, most likely for compliance with California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Program, which uses scoring rules that count sugarcane ethanol as a fuel with a much lower carbon content than corn ethanol. Continue reading

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Equinox SUV Design Enhances Aero – Sort of – for a Box

Aerodynamic performance, of course, is a big contributor to fuel economy given the speeds ‘Mericans drive at when able, but the box-like shapes of crossovers and SUVs are not conducive to aero efficiency. The new Equinox’s overall length was reduced by 4.7 inches, making it easier to park and maneuver. Continue reading

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27 Electric Trucks Coming to SoCal Freight and Rail Yards

Exposure to diesel exhaust, of course, can lead to serious health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses and can worsen existing heart and lung disease, especially in children and the elderly. These conditions can result in increased numbers of emergency room visits, hospital admissions, absences from work and school, and premature deaths. It also produces ground level ozone, a contributor to Global Warming. Continue reading

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Volvo Picks AeroVironment for Its First EV Charging Station

AeroVironment’s new charger is said to pair well with the TurboCord model that comes standard in the trunk of the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. Volvo Cars drivers can now have a charging station in their garage, and one in the trunk. Continue reading

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Daimler Expands ChargePoint to Europe

It’s well known that customer acceptance of electric mobility – thus far meager – is closely associated with the availability of a comprehensive infrastructure, one that is clearly deficient now. Continue reading

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California, Quebec Results on Joint Cap-And-Trade Auction

Cap-and-trade program as one of the strategies California will employ to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that cause climate change. Continue reading

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Toyota, Shell to Bid on California Hydrogen Refueling Network

Shell with Toyota will be considered for the installation of hydrogen refueling equipment into seven retail stations in Northern California and a $16,362,500 taxpayer subsidies to develop those stations. Continue reading

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Toyota Global Hybrid Sales Exceed 10 Million

In one of the most graphic demonstrations of the benefits of being a first mover in technology, Toyota has now sold more than 10 million hybrid vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, as of 31 January. The milestone was achieved a mere … Continue reading

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EPA – Cruze Diesel Sedan 52 MPG Highway

Given the Volkswagen dieselgate scandal, a large question remains about its sales potential. Even in Europe with subsidized fuel prices diesel sales are dropping. In the U.S. hybrids and super-efficient gasoline powered vehicles rule the roads. Continue reading

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Dieselgate: Volkswagen Cuts Deal with FTC and Plaintiffs

Volkswagen has agreed to pay up to approximately $1.2 billion in benefits for the 3-liter plea bargain, assuming 100% participation in the program, a 100% buyback of all eligible so-called Generation 1 vehicles and availability of an Emissions Compliant Repair for Generation 2 vehicles. Continue reading

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Dieselgate: Bosch Plea-Bargain for Dirty Engines

The dieselgate plea bargain – and it looks like a real bargain – requires the approval by Judge Charles R. Breyer, who conducts the nationwide multi-district proceedings in which numerous civil law actions have been combined. Continue reading

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California Proposes Strict Greenhouse Gases, Fuel Economy Rules for 2030

Twit-nitwit Trump – “global warming is a Chinese hoax” – is an additional exacerbating factor here with his EPA head nominee, Scott Pruitt saying it’s real – a lie about Global Warming to get through his confirmation hearing, or is he serious? Continue reading

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CARB Issues Mid-Term CAFE, Green House Gas Review

However, CARB said that the U.S. national program is very modest in terms of promoting electrification needed to meet California’s public health and environmental needs beyond 2025. CARB recommends that California make a major push now to develop new post-2025 standards while working with automakers, federal regulators and partner states to further develop the market for electric cars. Continue reading

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Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Tests in United Arab Emirates in May

Toyota will begin driving and refueling demonstration tests of the Mirai fuel cell vehicle in the UAE in May of 2017. It is currently selling the hydrogen-fueled zero emissions Mirai FCV that only emits water in Japan, the United States and Europe. Continue reading

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