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David Suzuki: Why even electric vehicles won’t save us

pete — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:31:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc. , EV/Plug-in , Green Culture Long-time environmental activist Dr. David Suzuki is unconvinced that a huge shift to electric vehicles will do enough to address the impact of our transportation culture. It’s clear that simply replacing internal combustion engines with electric drive powertrains will definitely reduce the direct pollution of operating vehicles, but Suzuki argues (correctly) that the total impact of the way our transportation system has evolved over the past century goes way beyond what comes out of the tailpipe.

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David Suzuki: Why even electric vehicles won’t save us

62 mph in 4 secs, drag-racing 12,000 pounds up a mountain, or 60 mpg?

Uzair — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:09:39 +0000

Utterly senseless? Will fuel economy ever be cool? MotorTrend is salivating over the new ABT-Sportsline modified Audi TT-RS today. With specs like 0 – 62 in 4 seconds and a top speed of 181 mph, what gear head wouldn’t act as if his bell had just been wrung? Yet, if all the effort put into achieving such power had been put into achieving fuel economy, 60 mpg would already be an after-thought

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62 mph in 4 secs, drag-racing 12,000 pounds up a mountain, or 60 mpg?

Video: ECTunes solves silent electric vehicle "problem" with directional noise system

pete — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:26:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc. , EV/Plug-in , Green Daily ECTunes equipped vehicle – Click above to watch video after the jump The issue of whether or not noise should be added to electric vehicles (EVs) always seems to elicit a heated discussion . On one side of the argument, blind advocacy groups push for added noises because they believe that without an alert system, near-silent EVs present an added risk . On the flip side, there’s a slew of advocates who firmly believe that adding sound to EVs creates unnecessary noise pollution. The arguments from both sides aren’t likely to die down, but ECTunes , a small company based in Horsens, Denmark, believes it has developed a solution that could please those who demand noiseless cars, while also satisfying safety concerns.

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Video: ECTunes solves silent electric vehicle "problem" with directional noise system

In Push to Small Global Hybrids, Toyota Will Build Yaris Hybrid

pete — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:49:24 +0000

Toyota Yaris In what could become the next chapter of the hybrid car saga, Toyota is planning to produce small, affordable high-mpg hybrids. The downsizing of hybrids, at first in Europe and Asia, could represent the technology’s shift to mainstream global markets where economies of scale would mean dramatic increases in hybrid production. The Mid-Japan Economist newspaper today reported that Toyota plans to produce a hybrid version of the Yaris subcompact at its factory in France starting next April.

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In Push to Small Global Hybrids, Toyota Will Build Yaris Hybrid

Toyota’s Daihatsu Motor Co. recalls 581,192 minicars

pete — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:32:00 +0000

Filed under: MPG , Toyota , Green Daily , Lightweight Toyota’s minicar division, Daihatsu Motor Co. , has announced that it will recall more than half a million cars due to taillight lenses that can fade from long-term UV exposure. Apparently, the vehicle’s rear lenses, which are originally orange in color, can loose their lustrous glow as the sun’s penetrating rays sap the orange right out of them and turn the lenses an off-white hue. This presents a safety risk to other motorists because the turn signals flash white rather than the expected amber hue

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Toyota’s Daihatsu Motor Co. recalls 581,192 minicars

Peugeot iOn to lease for €499 / month in France

Uzair — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:29:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in , Mitsubishi , Peugeot , Paris Motor Show 2011 Peugeot iOn – Click above for high-res image gallery Peugeot has announced pricing for the iOn electric commuter car ahead of its debut in production form at the Paris Motor Show later this month. When the iOn becomes available, Peugeot will be offering a five year lease deal that will cost €499 per month (including value-added tax) in France. The lease is all-inclusive and covers the battery warranty and all servicing and roadside assistance for five years or 50,000 kilometers.

Obama announces $50m plan to build the "best infrastructure in the world"

Addydas21 — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:24:00 +0000

Filed under: Legislation and Policy , USA President Obama announces $50m infrastructure plan – Click above to watch video after the jump Yesterday, as part of his speech marking Labor Day, President Obama said the following: So, that’s why, Milwaukee, today, I am announcing a new plan for rebuilding and modernizing America’s roads and rails and runways for the long term. I want America to have the best infrastructure in the world. We used to have the best infrastructure in the world.

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Obama announces $50m plan to build the "best infrastructure in the world"

2011 Bentley Continental GT to get new V8 with 40% lower CO2 emissions

pete — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:31:00 +0000

Filed under: Ethanol , MPG , Bentley 2011 Bentley Continental GT – Click above for high-res image gallery Last year, Bentley took its first tentative step toward reducing the CO2 emissions from its high-powered luxury vehicle lineup with the introduction of the E85-capable flex-fuel Continental Supersports . While few, if even one, of those cars are ever likely to be fueled with ethanol, Bentley has now unveiled a second-generation Continental GT coupe that gets more serious about fuel savings. Ever since the original Continental debuted as a 2003 model, it has been powered by a 552 horsepower twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine. While an updated version of that power-plant carries over into the new 2011 model, the Continental is also downsizing with an available 4.0-liter V8. The only information provided so far by Bentley about the new engine is that emissions will be reduced by 40 percent compared to the W12 and that it will lead the luxury performance class with its CO2 emissions-to-power ratio

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2011 Bentley Continental GT to get new V8 with 40% lower CO2 emissions

Crazy Talk: 60 mpg by 2025

Addydas21 — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:25:45 +0000

Stagnating fuel eonomy. Time for a big increase in CAFE? There has been much talk in the blogosphere regarding CAFE and future fuel economy requirements with some hoping that a huge increase in CAFE is forthcoming. Others claim such an increase will mean many consumers will hold onto older gas guzzlers much longer as automaker profits turn into red ink due to declining profit margins. Recently a few studies have claimed that much higher fuel economy can be cost-effectively achieved with today’s technologies at a much faster pace than automakers appear ready to embrace.

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Crazy Talk: 60 mpg by 2025

Report: U.S.-bound i-MiEV to be roomier, more feature packed than Japan- or Euro-spec models

pete — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:27:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in , Mitsubishi , Green Daily Mitsubishi i-MiEV – Click above for high-res image gallery The Mitsubishi i-MiEV should hit U.S. shores in late 2011, but if a report from Automotive News pans out to be true, then we shouldn’t expect the U.S.-bound i-MiEV to look like either the Japan- (pictured above) or Euro-spec versions that we’ve laid eyes on before. Gregory Adams, head of marketing and product planning for Mitsubishi Motors North America, recently told Automotive News that the U.S.-bound i-MiEVs will be wider than versions offered elsewhere.

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Report: U.S.-bound i-MiEV to be roomier, more feature packed than Japan- or Euro-spec models

Paris preview: Toyota to emphasize hybrid dominance, showcase Synergy Drive technology

pete — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:31:00 +0000

Filed under: Hybrid , Toyota , Green Daily , Paris Motor Show Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid concept – Click above for high-res image gallery Like a record that constantly skips, each and every month the sales figure for hybrid models are released and we look to see which one takes top honors once again – time after time, the results replay and the gas-electric champion ‘s name remains the same. Toyota is no doubt aware that its dominance in the hybrid market is unmatched and unchallenged. Still, the company hopes to increase its segment lead by showcasing its gas-electric technology at this year’s Paris Motor Show . Toyota will make its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) the focus of its Paris stand and will showcase the technological advancements that differentiate HSD from hybrid systems offered by competitors. Toyota will highlight the HSD’s modularity, something that makes its easily adaptable to a multitude of vehicles, and will also touch on the hybrid setup found in the company’s plug-in Prius hybrid

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Paris preview: Toyota to emphasize hybrid dominance, showcase Synergy Drive technology

David Vespremi: A lot is hanging on the Leaf

Addydas21 — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:53:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in , Nissan , AutoblogGreen Exclusive , Green Daily Nissan Leaf EV – Click above for high-res image gallery When Nissan announced that it would be the first major auto manufacturer to sell (not lease, EV1 fans) a mass-market electric vehicle (EV) in the U.S., executives there knew that potential rewards were high – and so was the pressure to get it right. Speculation has been running high for years about who would be first to market: Mitsubishi with the i-MiEV , General Motors with the Chevrolet Volt (Okay, it’s a serial hybrid, but close enough), or perhaps a product from a dark horse like BYD or Coda . As Leaf reservation holders begin placing their final purchase orders with dealers this week, a number of big questions loom for Nissan and its chief executive, Carlos Ghosn, who has seemingly bet the farm on its success. Let’s begin with the premise that, as a mass-market car, the Leaf has to offend no one even as it proceeds down the road less traveled. It must embrace future technology but feel as familiar as an old pair of blue jeans

Dealers flunk the EPA: NADA not happy with proposed fuel economy letter grades

pete — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:37:00 +0000

Filed under: MPG , Legislation and Policy Last week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its proposals for new fuel economy labels and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has responded with a thumbs down. Specifically, NADA is unhappy with the proposed letter grades that would indicate where the labeled vehicle stands relative to its direct competitors. NADA is concerned that the new grades would confuse consumers, especially when comparing different fuel types.

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Dealers flunk the EPA: NADA not happy with proposed fuel economy letter grades

Video: Denver dealership hosts Fisker Karma "launch" party

Addydas21 — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 07:37:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in , Hybrid , Green Daily , Fisker Fisker Karma preview party – Click above to watch video after the jump Back in early August, Fisker of Orange County unveiled the Karma in spectacular fashion . Well, at least that’s what the dealership wanted us to believe. The event that actually took place in early August is what we’d call a public appearance , but Fisker of Orange County treated the situation as though we had never laid eyes on the oft-delayed , yet-to-be-driven , much-hyped plug-in hybrid. Now, we’ve been tipped about another Fisker bash and this time, Rickenbaugh Cadillac-Volvo of Denver, CO, is calling it a Karma launch party. Launch

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Video: Denver dealership hosts Fisker Karma "launch" party

Nissan sticks with Lance Armstrong as Leaf’s spokesperson despite escalated doping concerns [w/video]

Uzair — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:58:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in , Nissan , Green Daily Nissan Leaf ad featuring Lance Armstrong – Click above to watch video after the jump Amid escalating concerns over Lance Armstrong’s possible violation of cycling’s anti-doping policy, Nissan is saying it will stick with the seven-time Tour De France champion as the Leaf’s official spokesperson. Speaking with Ad Age , Nissan’s new marketing boss, Jon Brancheau, admitted that although Armstrong has received a significant amount of negative press, Nissan will support the cyclist while continuing to keep an eye on things. Ad Age prodded Brancheau with this question: Nissan has made a pretty big bet on Lance Armstrong — he was featured in the first Leaf commercial, is displayed prominently on your website and you even sponsor one of his cycling teams.

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Nissan sticks with Lance Armstrong as Leaf’s spokesperson despite escalated doping concerns [w/video]

China’s Chery Automotive, Taiwan’s BenQ team up to produce li-ion separator films

pete — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:16:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in , Hybrid , Green Daily Chery Riich M1 EV In recent years, China’s Chery Automotive has displayed a growing fondness for electric vehicles (EVs). From the company’s Riich M1 , to the S18 , its Tiggo 3 and even the QQ , Chery’s focus on delivering EVs to its customer base is really unmatched by any of its Chinese competitors. The company’s lineup of EVs, none of which are particularly strong sellers, continues to grow on a regular basis. With Chery’s battery-powered focus in mind, it’s not at all surprising to learn that the company has formed a joint venture (JV) with BenQ to develop lithium-ion battery technology. Under terms of the 50:50 JV, Chery and Taiwan-based BenQ Corporation will construct a production plant in Wuhu in east China’s Anhui province.

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China’s Chery Automotive, Taiwan’s BenQ team up to produce li-ion separator films

Ask AutoblogGreen: What’s up (and down) with electric vehicle performance in hilly terrain

pete — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:27:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in , AutoblogGreen Exclusive We recently got the following query from reader Felipe about electric vehicles (EVs) and we thought the answer would be of interest to many readers who are considering purchasing or leasing one of the upcoming crop of plug-in vehicles: Hi, do you have any info for EV performance in hill terrain (paved roads). I believe all MPG testing is done on flat roads, and where i live most of the roads are high slope streets, so an underpowered engine is less efficient than a big one. Felipe’s assumption about mileage testing on flat ground is essentially correct.

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Ask AutoblogGreen: What’s up (and down) with electric vehicle performance in hilly terrain

Los Alamos County takes delivery of New Mexico’s first hydraulic hybrid garbage truck

Uzair — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:51:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc. , Hybrid , Green Daily Just days ago, Los Alamos County took delivery of New Mexico’s first hydraulic hybrid refuse truck. Like the four hydraulic hybrid recycling vehicles that recently started work on the streets of Ann Arbor, MI , the Los Alamos refuse truck is powered by Eaton Corporation’s hydraulic launch assist system (HLA). The refuse truck, a Peterbilt Model 320 equipped with the HLA system and a Wayne Curbtender side loader, will be used for residential garbage pickup and is designed to withstand the rigorous collection routes that require up to 1,200 stops per day

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Los Alamos County takes delivery of New Mexico’s first hydraulic hybrid garbage truck

From Funerals to Births: Revenge film crew on hand for Chevy Volt production

Addydas21 — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:24:00 +0000

Filed under: EV/Plug-in , Chevrolet Early in 2006, director Chris Paine first screened his film Who Killed the Electric Car at the Sundance Film Festival and turned the media spotlight on General Motors and its decision to scrap the EV1 electric car. GM was, of course, well aware of the impending movie and at just around the same time, a small group of engineers and designers began work on a new concept car. The following January, Bob Lutz drove the Chevrolet Volt onto the stage at the Detroit Auto Show and a star was born . Before long, the launch of the Tesla Roadster and the decision to produce the Volt convinced Paine to begin work on a sequel, Revenge of the Electric Car which is due out next year. This time, instead of a funeral, Paine got to film the birth of a car.

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From Funerals to Births: Revenge film crew on hand for Chevy Volt production

Lexus Announces Driving Modes for its Sporty New Hybrid Compact

Uzair — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:39:58 +0000

Lexus has released details about the four driving modes that will be included in its forthcoming CT 200h hybrid . The sporty compact is the second dedicated hybrid offering from the carmaker and is intended to boost the fun factor for luxury hybrid drivers—while still being capable of delivering fuel economy approaching the Toyota Prius’s 50 MPGs. For the CT 200h, Lexus will essentially replace the Power mode found in its other dedicated hybrid, the HS 250h , with a new Sport mode which will be tooled towards maximum performance and handling. In Sport mode throttle is cranked up considerably, power control from the battery increases by about 15 percent, and the CT’s Electronic Power Steering is adjusted to be more responsive. Lexus will also make its Vehicle Stability and Traction Control systems more passive, allowing for more driver control

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Lexus Announces Driving Modes for its Sporty New Hybrid Compact