Hybrid News

Filed under: Ford

A prototype of the four-door sedan variant of the new Ford Fiesta has been spotted wearing some rear camoflage while in public in China. Production of the three and five door hatchback variants of the Fiesta started this fall in Europe. Chinese production is expected to start sometime in the first of 2009 with the addition of the sedan. Production for the North American market should start around the end of 2009 or early 2010 at a plant in Mexico. Originally the U.S. was only supposed to get the sedan, but increasing interest in hatchbacks prompted Ford to offer those body styles as well. Like the hatchbacks, the sedan looks like it will be pretty much unchanged from the Verve sedan concept.

[Source: China Car Times]

Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta sedan spotted in China originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Diesel, GM

We’ve written here several times about the brilliant packaging job that General Motors has done with its new upcoming 4.5L Duramax diesel V8. Beyond the basic packaging, the engineers have done a lot of fascinating work on the internals to reduce weight and improve efficiency as well. The main bearing journals that are cast into the bottom of the block are manufactured with a fracture splitting process that makes them stronger and lighter. The block itself also uses less compacted graphite iron, making it lighter and less expensive. The design and manufacturing process also means more open space in the block. The result is easier air flow around the bottom of the block. When the pistons come down in the cylinders, the air needs to move and reduced restriction means lower pumping losses. Since GM hasn’t disclosed specifics about weight or weight savings yet, we’ll have to wait to see how much benefit there is. GM does plan to apply the lessons learned from this engine to other future gas and diesel engines.

One thing that is clear is that GM has not over-engineered this engine the way they have with previous diesel engines. When I spoke to high performance engine specialist Gale Banks about this engine recently, he explained that, unlike the 6.6L Duramax which he has pushed past 1,200 hp, the 4.5L has relatively little room for improvement. It should still provide more than enough power, torque and efficiency for its intended applications, though. We’ll be looking forward to pitting this engine against the two-mode hybrid system when it comes out in the same vehicles.

[Source: CNet]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Volkswagen, European Union, UK

Large sedans don’t usually have small engines, but CO₂ emissions limits and taxes have given automakers incentive to launch green versions of their larger models. Think of the Citroën C5 Airdream, the Opel Insignia Ecoflex or the VW Passat Bluemotion. Now we can add Škoda, a brand that belongs to the Volkswagen group, and its Superb Greenline to the list. Mated to the same engine as the Passat, a 1.9 TDI PD diese that is good for 105 hp, 46 mpg U.S. (5.1 l/100 km) and CO₂ emission levels of 136 g/km. The Superb isn’t small in fact, it’s larger than an Audi A6. The Green Line model has lost a bit of weight and gets longer gears, a remapping of the engine for improved efficiency, improved aerodynamics and low-rolling resistance tires. Prices start at £16,710 in the UK.

[Source: Škoda UK]

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Original post by Xavier Navarro

Filed under: Volkswagen, European Union, UK

Large sedans don’t usually have small engines, but CO₂ emissions limits and taxes have given automakers incentive to launch green versions of their larger models. Think of the Citro&eumln C5 Airdream, the Opel Insignia Ecoflex or the VW Passat Bluemotion. Now we can add Škoda, a brand that belongs to the Volkswagen group, and its Superb Greenline to the list. Mated to the same engine as the Passat, a 1.9 TDI PD diese that is good for 105 hp, 46 mpg U.S. (5.1 l/100 km) and CO₂ emission levels of 136 g/km. The Superb isn’t small; in fact, it’s larger than an Audi ʐ. The Green Line model has lost a bit of weight and gets longer gears, a remapping of the engine for improved efficiency, improved aerodynamics and low-rolling resistance tires. Prices start at £16,710 in the UK.

[Source: Škoda UK]

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Original post by Xavier Navarro

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Porsche

German mag Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that longtime Porsche tuning specialist Ruf is planning to debut an all-electric version of the awesome Cayman sportscar. Could it be? An electric sportscar that isn’t based on a platform from Lotus? We’ll see next month, as that’s when Ruf is scheduled to debut the new car. Initial specs indicate an electric motor with 150 kW of power. For comparison, the Tesla’s latest motor offers up a bit more power, 185 kW to be specific. Still, there is much more than that figure that goes into determining overall performance. Ruf indicates that its new EV will offer peak torque of 650 Nm, much higher than Tesla’s 375. Our very own Sam Abuelsamid suggests that Ruf may use a multi-geared transmission to attain its top speed of 200 kph, or about 125 miles per hour. Range is expected to be over 150 miles via a lithium ion battery pack. In any case, we are super excited to see what the German tuners have in store for us come next month.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Diesel, Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, HUMMER

Considering the current state of the SUV market in the U.S., and specifically the horrendous sales figures of the Hummer brand, you could be forgiven for thinking that the General would pull any future developments off the table in view of its desire to rid itself of the money-losing marque. Apparently, that’s not the case. Hummer will soldier on, offering new flex-fuel engines in all of its offerings. The smallest model, the H3, is scheduled to get an ethanol-capable V6 engine, most likely sometime next year for the 2010 model. The big-boy models, the H2 and H2 SUT, will be the first trucks to be endowed with E85 FlexPower V8 engines starting next month. Considering how dismal the fuel mileage of a Hummer H2 already is, and the fact that it is sure to go down while running on ethanol, expect mileage in the single digits. Europeans are likely to get a four-cylinder diesel engine option in the H3, though there is no word as of yet if it will come to the U.S. Lastly, we can’t think of any good reason that GM wouldn’t offer its new 4.5-liter Duramax in the large Hummers. In any case, we can’t imagine that these new powerplants will help sales all that much, ethanol-capable or not.

[Source: Carscoop]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Renault, Paris Motor Show

Renault is taking the wraps off a new diesel hybrid crossover at the Paris Motor Show next month. The gull-winged Ondelios is described by Renault as an “environmentally friendly long-haul journey.” The nearly 16 ft-long, three-row six-seater has an interesting drivetrain layout with a 2.0L 205 hp, 332 lb-ft diesel engine as the primary power source. In addition there is a 20kW electric motor mounted at each axle in a mild hybrid configuration. Renault hasn’t yet provided any detailed information on how the system is mechanized but it is apparently not set up to drive the vehicle on electric power alone. Instead, the electric motors are used to provide some acceleration boost and regenerative braking capability. The energy from/for the motors is stored in a 4kWh lithium ion battery pack.

The diesel engine is equipped with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and, combined with the electric motors, the Ondelios gets from 0-62 mph in 7.8 seconds. For such a large vehicle it has a comparatively low 3,200 lb mass although again Renault hasn′t released details on the vehicle’s construction. All of this yields a claimed 52.3 mpg (U.S.), which is pretty impressive for such a vehicle.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Renault Ondelios diesel hybrid crossover, 52.3 mpg

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Carbon Offset, Green Daily, UK

In this day and age of increased environmental awareness, not even motorsports are granted exclusion from the eco-friendly expectations which all companies and organizations are held to. Of course, it’s not just the racing itself that causes carbon emissions, as the fans attending the event need to travel in order to get there. In fact, as you can see from the graph below, when race organizers for the upcoming Wales Rally GB in December did some fact-finding, they found that the race vehicles accounted for just 5-percent of the 4,333 metric tons of overall CO₂ emitted into the atmosphere. In order to make the actual race the first carbon neutral FIA Rally event, organizers have instituted car-pooling for officials and marshals as well as replacing battery-powered flashlights with wind-up alternatives and planning full-scale recycling. The remaining CO₂ will be offset through credits from The CarbonNeutral Company.

The Wales Rally GB is already looking towards the future. The event believes that it can significantly reduce the amount of CO₂ emitted from the event in the coming years, lessening the amount of offsets necessary to remain carbon neutral. After all, it’s better not to emit in the first place than to cover it up afterward.

[Source: Wales Rally GB via Automotive News - sub. req’d]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Carbon Offset, Green Daily, UK

In this day and age of increased environmental awareness, not even motorsports are granted exclusion from the eco-friendly expectations which all companies and organizations are held to. Of course, it’s not just the racing itself that causes carbon emissions, as the fans attending the event need to travel in order to get there. In fact, as you can see from the graph below, when race organizers for the upcoming Wales Rally GB in December did some fact-finding, they found that the race vehicles accounted for just 5-percent of the 4,333 metric tons of overall CO₂ emitted into the atmosphere. In order to make the actual race the first carbon neutral FIA Rally event, organizers have instituted car-pooling for officials and marshals as well as replacing battery-powered flashlights with wind-up alternatives and planning full-scale recycling. The remaining CO₂ will be offset through credits from The CarbonNeutral Company.

The Wales Rally GB is already looking towards the future. The event believes that it can significantly reduce the amount of CO₂ emitted from the event in the coming years, lessening the amount of offsets necessary to remain carbon neutral. After all, it’s better not to emit in the first place than to cover it up afterward.

[Source: Wales Rally GB via Automotive News - sub. req′d]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, Volkswagen, Lightweight

DuPont has announced a new type of resin that can work as a metal substitute. The new Zytel(R) nylon resin has replaced steel in exhaust system parts on all Volkswagen vehicles built on the current Golf platform, cutting weight of the component by nearly 50 percent. The resin is used in the catalytic converter bracket to substitute a previous multi-assembled metal and rubber part, so the benefits are not only from the reduced weight but also in the ease of assembly. As stated in the press release (which you can find after the jump), this might be a small step, but it’s one small way to achieve higher mileage figures.

Press Release:

DuPont Helps Auto OEMs Achieve Reduced Emissions
Metals Replacement Reduces Weight and Aids Fuel Economy

BAD HOMBURG, Germany, Feb. 26, 2008 - In a breakthrough for structural automotive components, DuPont today announced that its reinforced DuPont[TM] Zytel(R) nylon resin has replaced steel in exhaust system parts on all Volkswagen vehicles built on the current Golf platform, cutting weight of the component by nearly 50 percent.

“This is significant because a key priority today for automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is weight reduction to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions,” said Keith J. Smith, vice president and general manager - DuPont Engineering Polymers. “Future emissions requirements such as Euro 5 and EPA 2010 pose an enormous challenge that automakers are addressing in new designs for chassis, powertrain and engine systems. DuPont is applying its polymer science know-how and broad portfolio of high performance engineering resins for new designs where plastics match the performance of metals to achieve significant weight reduction without sacrificing functionality.”

Smith said the focus on weight reduction will be reflected in new powertrain technologies of the future and smaller engine designs that improve fuel economy. The EPA’s 2007 Fuel Economy Report indicates that progress is being made. The report confirms that gains in average fuel economy made in 2005 and 2006 are being held in 2007.

The new Golf catalytic converter bracket, which experiences temperatures up to 175 degrees Celsius due to its proximity to the engine, was previously a complex metal/rubber part which required multiple assembly steps. The new component is a global first, as a metal to plastics transition had not been attempted for parts such as these, which must withstand dynamic forces, chemical exposure and high temperatures. In addition to the nearly 50 percent weight reduction, the new all-plastic design with Zytel(R) also makes possible more efficient, one-step assembly.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction communications; and transportation.

[Source: DuPont]

 

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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 Xavier Navarro

Filed under: Etc., Green Daily

Finding some use for old tires is quite a problem. While some have found quite interesting DIY solutions, not all of us are that gifted. So it’s a good thing that, besides using them for things such as sidewalks, pavements, basketball courts or even asphalt, they can be used as fuel. Currently, the U.S. burns 52 percent of its old tires, while the EU is burning about 31 percent. But how clean is that? The EPA states that although burning them as fuel is not the cleanest thing on the world, it’s better than just stockpiling them or disposing in landfills. Cement factories or power plants can use them to produce energy.

The EPA claims burning tires have the following benefits: they have the same energy content as gasoline, they save the use of fossil fuels, they produce less SOx and NOx than coal or heavy fuels, and in cement kiln applications, the ash resulting becomes an integral component of the product. On the other hand, burning has its drawbacks. It makes very easy to burn other types of trash mixed up with old tires and the combustion produces dioxins. Let’s keep working for a win-win solution, something like turning tires into ethanol.

[Source: Consumer Eroski]

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Original post by Xavier Navarro

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, BMW, Legislation and Policy, European Union

Sustainable and renewable materials - such as cornstarch - are going to be sources for Goodyear’s new greener tires. Goodyear announced that it’s developing a new line of low rolling resistance tires which will not only save some fuel, but are more “respectful for the environment,” since they require less CO₂ to be produced than standard Goodyear tires. Cornstarch is going to be added as “biologic” filling as a substitute for silicon and soot, both of which are usually obtained from oil. Goodyear has teamed up with Novamont, an Italian R+D company, BMW and obtained funds from the European Life Program to develop the tires.

[Source: Motorspain]

 

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Original post by Xavier Navarro

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA

Seventeen states are backing Massachusetts in a petition to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia that would force the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Filed one year after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the EPA needed to decide on regulating vehicle emissions - a year in which the EPA failed to take any action - the petition asks that the court demand the EPA release a decision in the next 60 days. When Massachusetts took the EPA to court in 2006 to decide the issue, the senior attorney for the Sierra Club, David Bookbinder, told Newsweek that the Supreme Court would have to issue a clear ruling. “There’s really no wiggle room. Either EPA has this authority or not. It’s a very plain language case,” he said at the time. A year and a half later, here we are.

The states are: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia. Thirteen other entities, including the City of New York and the Mayor and City Council for Baltimore, Friends of the Earth, and the Sierra Club, signed onto the suit.

The Massachusetts Attorney General called the 18-state petition an “extraordinary measure to fight the dangers of climate change.” We′ll see if this is enough to get the EPA to act this time.

[Source: Massachusetts AG via DieselNet]

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: Etc., Hybrid, Green Daily

Over the years we’ve seen all manner of different hybrid configurations including mild and strong hybrids with parallel and series arrangements. There are hybrids with internal combustion paired with electric drive and hydraulic systems. Now an Iranian engineer based in Dubai has come up with something truly different. Abdolhadi Mirhejazi has built the Naturmobil (previously, the Naturcar). The Naturmobil literally has one horse power, as in, there is one horse powering the vehicle. The Naturmobil is a six wheeled, polycarbonate framed buggy with a top speed of 50mph although typical cruising velocity is closer to 12mph.

Inside the cart is a treadmill tied to a gearbox. Powering the treadmill is a horse. Temperature and heart rate sensors attached to the horse allow its condition to be monitored so that it doesn’t get overworked. When the horse walks it moves the conveyor belt which through a gearbox drives an electric motor that drives the front wheels. Although the inventor doesn’t mention it, there is even the possibility for co-generation if the horse’s exhaust is collected and reprocessed or used to collect methane. No word on whether Mirhejazi plans to bring the Naturmobil to next year’s Detroit Auto Show to compare it the third gen Prius. Thanks to Tom for the tip!

[Source: Express4me.com]

 

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Green Culture, On Two Wheels, Green Daily

Click on the image to see more celebrity scooter riders

The list of celebrities driving hybrids - the Toyota Prius especially - is rather long and seems to be growing every day. There’s another list, though, which shows that celebs often enjoy life on two wheels. The choice of transportation for famous people? Scooters. While most of these people could surely afford the latest and greatest motorcycle on the market, it seems that they prefer their open-air experience more on modern, twist-and-go style scooters. So, who’s on the list? (Deep breath!) We’ve got Owen Wilson, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Jay Kay (front-man for the band Jamiroquai), Ellen Page (on a moped no less), British pop star Robbie Williams, Naomi Watts with Liev Schreiber, James Gandolfini from the Sopranos and a question-mark-covered Matthew Lesko. Surely this isn’t a complete list of scooter-mounted celebrities, but it does show that famous people have the same choices in transportation as the rest of us.

[Source: The Scooter Scoop]

 

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski