Hybrid News

Proof that BMW is a green automaker?

I′ve now read a number of articles that discuss how green the LA Auto Show is, and how committed automakers are to green technology. Please. What show were these journalists attending?

The Honda Insight hybrid, the Ford Fusion hybrid, the Mini E, the Toyota Camry Natural Gas hybrid and some fuel cell cars demonstrate how much more committed the auto industry is to green technology? Wow! You have to be drinking some pretty good kool-aide to buy that green message.

Certainly, the Honda Insight is a legitimate effort. But, 25,000 Fusion hybrids per year? Whatever. A few hundred two-seat electric Mini E’s? That’ll make a difference. A Toyota Camry Natural Gas Hybrid? There are no plans to sell it. Fuel cell cars? Awesome! There’s a monkey ready to fly out of my ass with plans for the hydrogen highway.

Automakers aren’t green and they won’t be green any time soon. By 2020, US automakers testified before Congress that 35 mpg fleet fuel economy by 2020 was already pushing the limits of possibility. That won’t come close to ending foreign oil dependency, nor will it reduce CO2 emissions nearly enough.

Outside of some minor, niche automakers, there is no such thing as a green automaker. Not even close.

Original post by Dahcredyns

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hybrid, Honda, LA Auto Show

Honda joins Ford in the green dash race with its latest piece of clever technology, the Eco Assist dashboard, which the automaker has revealed here in LA and will come with the 2009 Insight hybrid. There’s an ECON button on the dash that increases fuel efficiency by changing settings on the CVT transmission and air conditioning unit and by increasing regenerative braking capabilities and a more aggressive anti-idling algorithm.

The Insight’s new dash will also change colors between shades of green and blue to tell the driver how they′re driving. There is also an an “economy scoring function” that keeps track of the way the car is driven and gives eco-scores to the pilot. Ford has taken a similar approach with its new Fusion hybrid, which will be equipped with an LCD gauge cluster called SmartGauge[TM] with EcoGuide.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight’s Eco Assist dashboard

LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight’s Eco Assist dashboard originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Still the green standard

GM debuted the Chevy Volt almost 2 years ago, yet it is still the green standard when it comes to Auto Shows. Sure, there are some pretty cool fuel cell vehicles out there, but PHEVs and EVs are much more realistic in the short to mid-term. In that segment, the Volt still stands above the rest.

Still, the competition is heating up. The Mini E, the Honda Insight and Hyundia’s Hybrid Blue Drive were new developments at the LA Auto Show this year. And the competition will heat up even more at the Detroit Show in January when Toyota debuts the Third Generation Prius.

Plus, Hyundai, Honda and Toyota are seeking to challenge the Volt with much cheaper, conventional hybrid cars. Of course, Hyundai and Toyota will also challenge the Volt directly. Will GM ever challenge the Prius and Insight directly?

With two years before the Volt hits the streets, it seems obvious the competition will heat up even more. Will the Volt still dominate next year’s LA Auto Show?

Original post by Dahcredyns

Ford Fusion hybrid

There are going to be a number of new hybrid cars at this year’s LA Auto Show. While much of the hype has been focused on the Honda Insight hybrid, it is the Ford Fusion hybrid that I am almost most interested in, almost.

The new Fusion hybrid will debut Ford’s new hybrid powertrain - no longer dependent on Ford’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. Even more exciting, it will out perform the Toyota Camry hybrid in fuel economy.

Unfortunately, however, Ford only intends to produce 25,000 Fusion and Milan hybrid vehicles per year. That simply doesn’t cut the mustard. It also makes me wonder, is Ford’s new hybrid powertrain truly cost-competitive?

Original post by Dahcredyns

Is electrification going to save the US auto industry?

The article Will Detroit’s cash crisis kill the electric car? questions whether the Chevy Volt can survive without the bailout, and whether the electric car dies if Detroit dies.

Please. The electrification of the automobile isn′t dependent upon either GM or Detroit. In fact, very major automaker, and a number of minor automakers, are working on some form of electrification.

A smarter question might be, when is the electric car going to be profitable for any major automaker? Or, in what year will the first automaker produce even 100,000 EVs in a single year - something the Chevy Volt won′t do for several years after it launches in late 2010.

Reality sucks

Tomorrow, the highly anticipated Honda Insight hybrid will hit the floors of the LA Auto Show. Yet, some are already questioning its viability at today’s gas prices because study after study demonstrate that auto consumer interest in fuel economy is driven by one thing: gas prices.

Not global warming. Not foreign oil dependency. Simple economics.

Ultimately, gas prices could remain low for several more years. Coupled with a recession, these lower prices could severely dampen interest in hybrid cars and electric vehicles - vehicles that won’t be profitable for already struggling US automakers for many years.

Saving the US auto industry is not going to be easy, and it is certainly not as simple as saving the Volt. While the Volt is undoubtedly an extremely important vehicle, it, and electrification in general, won’t help solve any financial woes for many years. What happens until then?

Original post by Dahcredyns

$1,000 off MSRP

Just came accross an ad for the Toyota Prius offering $1,000 off MSRP here in Southern California - a far cry from the $5,000 + that some dealers were adding onto MSRP this summer.

If you believe that falling gas prices are just the calm before the storm, or you just want to do your part to fight global warming or foreign oil dependency, finding a good deal on a hybrid is getting easier. And, it’s going to get even easier.

Competition in the hybrid cars segment will increase significantly in 2009, especially with the launch of the Honda Insight hybrid. Additionally, Toyota has promised a significant increase in Prius production.

Original post by Dahcredyns

Filed under: Hybrid, SMART, Green Daily, Germany

Perhaps the cheapest way to get around is by walking, followed closely by cycling. But, if you want a roof over your head and four wheels on the ground, the cheapest way to drive in Germany is with a smart fortwo. Studies performed by auto motor und sport, Auto Bild, Autozeitung, the ADAC and now EurotaxSchwacke GmbH all come to the same conclusion. The latest numbers show that it costs €27.52 to drive 100 kilometers in a smart fortwo pure micro hybrid drive. It’s not just fuel savings, though that certainly plays a part, as the study included wear items, maintenance, insurance, taxes and the car’s remaining value after 36 months of ownership. In addition to saving money, Germans who choose to drive a smart fortwo that’s equipped with the micro hybrid drivetrain will emit just 103 grams of C0₂ per kilometer driven. Currently, electric smart fortwos are undergoing testing. It will be interesting to see the cost comparison of running a smart ed with the standard mhd model.

[Source: smart]

Continue reading Studies find smart is the cheapest way to drive in Germany

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Santa Monica Alt Car Expo, On Two Wheels, USA

For those of you who had been hoping to get your hands on a new 2008 Zero X electric motorcycle, we have some bad news. They are all sold out. Now, the good news is that a new revised-for-’09 model will be making its first appearance at the Alt Car Expo in Santa Monica, California, on September 26-27. Of course, we’ll be there, on the lookout for all the coolest greenery at the show. We’ll need to wait until then to find out what changes have been made, but the press release after the break makes it sound like a thorough upgrade with changes to the frame, suspension, brakes and electric drivetrain. Specs indicate 23-horsepower and just 145-pounds to move around, plus rider. That should get things going pretty briskly. Want one? Don′t worry, the new bike is scheduled to begin shipping next month, so the wait shouldn′t be too terribly long.

[Source: Zero Motorcycles]

Continue reading Zero Motorcycles sells out of ’08s, touts ’09s

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA

A few updates from the U.S. federal government regarding cleaner vehicles. First, we have the official DOE fuel economy numbers for the 2009 Prius: 48 mpg in the city, 45 on the highway for a combined rating of 46 mpg. If that looks familiar, it’s because it’s the same as the 2008 Prius (and the 2007 and 2006 …) But here’s something that’s new (maybe): has the FuelEconomy site always had the “switch units” option? I hadn’t noticed it before but it caught my eye today because of the whole gallons per mile debate we had earlier this summer. Anyway, this option is easy to see on the DOE site - which remembers your setting - and we can clearly see that the 2009 Prius uses 2.2 gallons to go 100 miles.

Now, about the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit, which the Jetta TDI qualified for earlier this year. As Mercedes-Benz hoped, the company’s three new BLUETEC SUVs do qualify for the credit, which is good on diesel vehicles “purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005.” The DOE includes this helpful note: “No eligible vehicles were manufactured for sale until 2008.” The exact credit values are pasted after the jump. Thanks to Shaun for the tip.

[Source: DOE]

Continue reading DOE fuel economy updates: 2009 Prius mpg, diesel tax credits

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota, Green Daily

There is a lot of stuff that needs to be considered when purchasing a car for its economy. Obviously, being AutoblogGreen and all, we are concerned with fuel efficiency. Still, a car’s mileage or how green it actually may be aren’t the only things to consider when it comes to choosing your next vehicle. For instance, when a car is involved in a low-speed accident, how much damage does it sustain? Why does this matter? Besides the obvious dollar amount you would have to spend on getting your car repaired, more damaged parts mean more junk that’s sent off to be disposed of or recycled. So, with that in mind, how do economy cars compare?

Ford′s latest Focus scores the highest by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, requiring minimal repairs both front and rear after head-on and offset crash tests. The Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Rabbit don’t do so well. Neither does the Prius, which can surely keep you safe and save you in gas. As a demonstration, the IIHS made a few simple changes to the Prius’ front bumper and greatly mitigated the damage caused by a small accident. Check past the break for a full rundown of all the cars tested.

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading Economy cars, Prius score poorly in IIHS crash tests

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, Ford, USA

We’ve been waiting, along with pretty much everyone else in the country, for Ford to go ahead and bring over some of the desirable small cars it sells in Europe to the United States. It’s been discussed over and over, and rumors now predict that Ford will make some official product announcements on Thursday. According to a report on the New York Times, some of these Euro-designed Ford’s will wear the Mercury badge as the automaker moves to improve the health of that ailing marque by building those Euro cars in America in ex-truck, SUV and van plants. For our part, we′d be more than happy to see a premium set of small, fuel efficient cars sprout in Mercury dealerships to go along with the higher-end Lincoln models that they share floor space with. If Ford is able to offer bread-and-butter models wearing the Blue Oval badge along with premium and fuel efficient small cars like the Euro Focus and Mondeo under the Mercury brand, they could have a winning set of vehicles on their hands.

[Source: The New York Times]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, MPG

We don’t need to tell you that under-inflated tires can zing your mpg for a few percentage points, do we? You know that keeping your tires correctly inflated means you’re helping to get the most miles per gallon you can, right? Good, cause it’s something we should all know by now, and there are only so many ways to write it.

Something that we don’t always know is when our tires are under-inflated. Some people check their tires regularly. If you’re one of them, you can stop reading now. For the rest of you, if you’ll take a moment to familiarize yourself with the orangish shape above, you soon will be able to tell when your tires are plumping out, as all new cars, starting with 2008 models, will have TPMS, a tire pressure monitoring system. When you need air in the tires, the symbol above will appear in the dashboard, telling you it’s time to visit a pump (BTW, is there a site that tells you which gas stations still offer Free Air pumps? Because there totally should be).

The Auto Alliance is promoting TPMS as a new safety feature, but it’s obviously more than that. Following a long spiel about how flat-ish tires can be dangerous to drive on, the Alliance’s press release announcing the standard TPMS systems says that fuel efficiency is reduced one percent for every three-PSI under-inflation. Don’t make me repeat that.

[Source: Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers]

 

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: Hydrogen, BMW

While General Motors is providing a fleet of seventy-five alternative fuel vehicles. including fuel cell Equinoxes, and flex-fuel and hybrid Tahoes to shuttle the special people to the Oscars red carpet, others are finding their own rides. Among them is Cameron Diaz who will be getting dropped of in front of the camera line by a BMW Hydrogen 7. The ˗ is a equipped with a dual fuel system that allows the V-12 engine to run on either gasoline or liquified hydrogen. Like other hydrogen-fueled internal combustion vehicles the ˗ emits pretty much only water (and some trace amounts of NOx) when it’s running on hydrogen. BMW’s decision to follow the internal combustion path allows them to utilize their engine expertise, but the result is far less efficient than a fuel cell. Using liquid hydrogen also allows them to carry more hydrogen on board, but the insulated storage tank is much larger and heavier and the hydrogen boils off and must be vented to atmosphere. Still, celebs like the car a trend Brad Pitt helped start last summer.

[Source: BMW]

CAMERON DIAZ SET TO RIDE IN THE BMW HYDROGEN 7 TO THE 2008 OSCAR AWARDS CEREMONY
02/22/2008

Diaz Joins Ed Norton, Will Ferrell, Jay Leno and Others Among the First Americans to Hit the Roads In BMW’s Hydrogen-Powered Vehicle
Hollywood, CA - February 22, 2008… Demonstrating her continued dedication to the exploration of environmentally sustainable energies, Cameron Diaz will be traveling to the 80th Annual Academy Awards ceremony in the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series. The BMW H7 is the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan, which emits almost nothing but water vapor, and still features all the amenities and comfort of a BMW 7 Series.

Diaz, who will present on the awards telecast, has been a leading advocate of environmental issues over the past five years by working with organizations such as the NRDC, Global Green, The Climate Project, and Live Earth.

While the BMW Hydrogen 7 is not for sale, it is considered to be a milestone in bringing forward hydrogen as the sustainable fuel for individual transportation. Running in hydrogen mode, the BMW Hydrogen 7 essentially emits nothing but water vapor, representing a major step in reducing harmful CO2 emissions. It is not a concept car, but a production model vehicle that has successfully completed the entire Product Development Process.

A number of entertainers, politicians, business leaders and more have already opted for a BMW Hydrogen 7 as their energy-efficient ride of choice in order to evalutate the technology. Those who have recently chosen the vehicle include previously announced members of the BMW Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program: Ed Norton, Will Ferrell, Jay Leno, opera star Placido Domingo and famed director Steve Gaghan, among others. Other notable figures who have opted for rides in a BMW Hydrogen 7 include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the “Ocean’s 13″ premiere in Hollywood; Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Liguori at the FOX All-Star Party in Santa Monica; Richard Gere and Sharon Stone at the Cinema for Peace Gala in Berlin; and “An Inconvenient Truth” producer Davis Guggenheim (Oscar(R) for the best Documentary Feature) and Best Foreign Language Film Oscar(R) winner, director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck at the 2007 Academy Awards. The vehicle has also made an impact oversees, with luminaries such as Michael Glos, German Federal Minister for Economy and Technology, and Günter Verheugen, Vice President of the European Commission, world renowned soprano Anna Netrebko and many others.

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, North America

When the Canadian government announced its ecoAuto program a year ago, it was immediately controversial. By offering tax rebates to drivers who bought more cars with mileage above an specified level and applying extra taxes to thirstier vehicles, certain vehicles where left out in the cold. Setting arbitrary thresholds means that cars just above or below threshold might get comparable real world mileage but some buyers get the rebate while others don’t. In this case, the Honda Fit was left out while the Toyota Yaris got the rebate. Since almost no one was entirely happy with the program, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has decided to let the program expire next year after the initial two-year run. As a replacement, Flaherty has announced that the federal government will provide $250 million over the next five years to help the auto industry develop greener technologies. Thanks to Darin for the tip!

[Source: Globe and Mail via EcoModder]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Etc., Green Culture, Carbon Offset, Green Daily

The first hints that low-mpg cars were sinful in the eyes of the Catholic Church came last fall, when a spokesman for Pope Benedict XVI confirmed that the Pope would use an April 2008 address to the UN as a way to speak to the moral implications of living a greener life. Today, the Vatican has gone a bit further and told its followers that polluting the earth should be considered a “new” sin.

Archbishop Gianfranco Girotti, whom Reuters describes as “the Vatican’s number two man in the sometimes murky area of sins and penance,” said over the weekend that pollution ranks up there with human cloning and other genetic manipulation as barriers to heaven. There have got to be about ten thousand great editorial cartoons generated by his statement.

As we know, the Vatican became the first country to fully offset CO₂ emissions last summer by installing photovoltaic cells and buying carbon offset credits. If I had centuries’ worth of booty stored in my basement, I could probably afford all those PVs as well.

[Source: Reuters / Yahoo]

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco