Alternative Fuels (Biofuels)
- Europe scales back crop based biofuels, moving the requirement of 40% transportation energy from renewable sources to 10% by 2020. The percentage coming from biofuels was never stipulated, but in a nod towards environmentalists they suggested that 40% of the requirement should come from hydrogen or renewably produced electricity Link
- Dartmouth College researchers have developed a genetically engineered bacteria for use in producing cellulosic ethanol that is able to operate at higher temperatures that significantly reduces the amount of expensive cellulose enzyme required. The bacteria also do not produce organic acid by-products, so the products do not have to be further refined to be used Link
- VW officially supports biodiesel blends up to 5%, but is not ready yet to support the use of B20 in the 2009 TDI Jetta. As of 2007, one reason for this was the fuel quality issues stemming from the lack of a B20 specification. The B20 spec goes into effect in October, but VW is still not ready to endorse B20 fuel just yet. Link.
- Solazyme algae based jet fuel successfully used in test flight from London to Amsterdam. Link.
- Legislation being considered to mandate gasoline vehicles to be FFVs as a way to help move the market towards using more ethanol fuel. Automakers (Mazda and GM are citied) as stating that they do not agree with government mandates for technology related issues such as FFV capability. The Alliance for Automobile Manufacturers added that some engines are not able to be easily switched to FFV capability. Link.
Alternative Fuels (non-Biofuels)
- CleanTech Group plans to build $227MM waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in Indiana. The plant will process medical, industrial, and chemical waste, rather than municipal waste as it usually done in WTE plants. The gasification process will result in methanol, hydrogen, and electricity production; Link
- Toyota will display a Camry Hybrid CNG at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show; Link
Hybrid
- Honda releases Insight dedicated hybrid model that undercuts both the Civic Hybrid and he Toyota Prius price (expected to start at roughly $18,500). Honda expects annual sales in the U.S. of 100,000 units; Link. The styling is very similar to the Prius, but Honda explains that the similarity is a coincidence due to the aerodynamics work to minimize aerodynamic drag; Link.
- 2010 Chevy Volt was officially released at the GM centennial celebration. The production intent vehicle carries over the Volt concept car styling, but in a manufacturable and more efficiency package. A number of tweaks (including revised side view mirrors, grill, spoiler, and front/rear bumper valances) were made to improve the aerodynamics to allow for the 40 mile EV driving range promised. The engine is now a naturally aspirated 1.4L engine versus the turbocharged 1L in the concept. The press release and video are available here
- The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHybrid will use a parallel hybrid system and lithium-ion batteries and is expected to have a combined fuel economy of 29.8mpg. The incremental price is expected to be €10,000 (~$14,400 at current exchange rates); Link.
- Mercedes-Benz expects, by 2015 that 20% of vehicles with utilize hybrid powertrains. Link.
- Replacement Prius battery pack prices drop. Both generations of batteries were selling for $2,985. First generation (2000-2003) battery packs are now $2,299 (23% lower), and second generation (2004-2008) battery packs are now $2,588 (13% lower). Link
- BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid will be released at the 2008 Paris Auto Show and will reduce fuel consumption by approximately 15% compared to a 750i, so is expected to yield a combined fuel economy of over 23 mpg, which will be slightly better than the Lexus LS 600h L at 21 mpg combined. The hybrid system uses absorbed glass mat (AGM) lead-acid batteries, counter to the current vehicles using nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion for new vehicles. Link. Link.
- Higher gasoline prices improve payback for hybrid-electric vehicles. Consumer Reports calculated the estimated payback period for current hybrids and found that six models (Toyota Prius, Chevy Malibu Hybrid, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, and the Toyota Camry) save between $500 and $4,250 over five years and reach financial payback in only one year, not including tax credits (if available for the particular model). The Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and the Saturn Aura Hybrid cost between $250 - $750 more over 5 years. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h, and the Lexus GS 450h cost “significantly more” than the conventional versions over the five year period. Link.
EV/PHEV/E-REVs
- Chrysler announces plans for new electric-vehicles including a Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler Caravan, Dodge compact sports car, and a completely redesigned GEM car. The vehicles use lithium-ion batteries and are designed similarly to the Chevy Volt, where the vehicle operates primarily as an electric vehicle but uses a small gasoline engine to extend the range and to recharge the batteries, called Extended Range – EV (ER-EV).
- Envia releases retrofit PHEV conversion for Ford F-150 that claims to get 38 miles per charge. The system and installation costs range between $15,000-$25,000 depending on the battery chemistry (lithium-iron phosphate [e.g. A123Systems type] and military grade lead-acid are available). Link. Link.
- Famous Italian design firm Pininfarina showed their 4-door EV performance sedan, the Sintesi, at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. The vehicle is only a concept, but Pininfarina is developing a small 4-door EV sedan with French battery manufacturer Bollore. The plan is to sell the vehicles in Europe, the U.S. and Japan starting in 2010. Link.
- Counter to Chevy introducing the Volt and Toyota developing PHEV variants of the Prius, Honda cautions that battery technology has not advanced to the stage where PHEVs should be considered for mass production. Honda’s mild-hybrid system design employs a lower power electric motor which makes the conversion to operation as a PHEV difficult, or impossible, without significant design changes. Honda is focusing its development work on the fuel cell powertrain and is currently producing (in limited quantities) the FCX Clarity fuel cell powered car. Link.
- BMW developing city car using the Isetta name from the 1950s. The car will be available as an electric vehicle that complies with the California requirements for 200+ mile range by 2012. Link. Link.
Efficiency / Fuel Efficiency
- The redesigned F-150 achieves 8% better fuel efficiency than the previous model by weight reductions, aerodynamic improvements. The SFE package further improves fuel efficiency by using a 6-speed automatic transmission, a 3.15:1 rear axle, and low rolling resistance tires to yield fuel economy of 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. Link
- Chevy unveiled the new Cruze that will replace the Cobalt in 2010. The car is larger than he Cobalt and will also be sold in Europe. In the U.S. the car is expected to get a turbocharged 1.4L engine that will give highway fuel economy of 45mpg. Link
- Toyota will produce a sub-Tacoma, true-compact, pickup truck based on the A-BAT (Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck) Concept from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. This would be the first new true compact pickup truck on the market. The Ford Ranger (last completely redesigned in 1993) is the only compact pickup truck currently on sale in the U.S. Discussions are also underway to possibly shelve plans for developing a diesel Tundra pickup. Link.
- Engine downsizing enabled by turbocharging is expected to increase turbocharged cars market share from 6% currently to 15-20% by 2013. Link.
- Peugeot has developed a hybrid version of its diesel LeMans Series LMP 1 race car. The car will be tested at the 2008 Le Mans event at Silverstone (UK) but may not be allowed to officially compete due to regulations. The system can allow for EV operation, hybrid operation, or engine only operation. The stored energy provides a 60kW (80 bhp) boost for approximately 20 seconds per lap. Link.
- BMW developing city car using the Isetta name from the 1950s. The car will be available as an electric vehicle (mentioned above), but will also be available with “frugal and super clean internal combustion engines”. Link. Link.
- California and Colorado have EcoDriving™ driving efficiency movement described on the consumer education website. The videos and literature describe the impact of simple changes such as properly inflated tires, trip planning to reduce miles, smooth driving that eliminates fast starts/stops, removing unnecessary weight from the trunk, and many other tips. The combined effect for the average driver is a 15% reduction in their fuel use, and therefore their CO2 footprint. The website provides people with information, in video quick tips handout, and detailed EcoDriving manual, and posters about what the combined impact of these simple changes. The website claims that Maryland drivers have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 3,928,500 tons per year by following these steps.
- VW Golf TDI will be available in the fall of 2009 using the same powertrain as the Jetta TDI. Link.
- The Volkswagen BlueMotion Golf Concept follows in the footsteps of other Volkswagen production models. The BlueMotion line includes vehicle versions that are optimized for maximum fuel economy. The Golf BlueMotion concept uses a 1.6L TDI engine along with the now typical efficiency tweaks, including ~1/2” lowered suspension, taller transmission gearing, low rolling resistance tires, underbody panels, and improved aero dynamics to minimize the fuel consumption. The result is a European combined cycle fuel economy of 62mpg (U.S.) and produces only 99g/km CO2 emissions; the conventional 2.0L TDI Golf achieves 52mpg. Link.
Medium- and Heavy Duty Vehicles
- GE Transportation releases Evolution Hybrid Locomotive that has 15% higher fuel efficiency and 50% reduction in NOx and PM than previous generation diesel trains and roughly 10% higher fuel efficiency and 25% higher emissions reduction than GE’s current generation Evolution diesel train. Link
- Nissan medium-duty box hybrid CabStar truck introduced in Europe using a 3L, 150hp diesel engine, stop/start functionality to eliminate idling losses and regenerative braking resulting in up to 30% lower fuel usage (~43% higher fuel economy). Link (translated)
- Balqon officially releases an electric heavy-duty Class 8 tractor that can tow 60,000 lbs. at speeds up to 40mph, for 30-60 miles. The truck costs $208,500 and is estimated to save $400,000 in fuel costs over its lifetime. The truck has been tested at the Port of Los Angeles since 2007; Link 1, Link2 (with video)
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