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Toyota to Build Auris Hybrid in UK
Strange But True: Researchers extracing hydrogen from urine
Currently, most commercially available hydrogen is collected by reforming natural gas with steam. That means fossil fuels are still in the mix, which is a serious black mark against hydrogen use for fuel. While it's possible to extract hydrogen from water, the process is rather energy intensive and isn't yet commercially viable.
Gerardine Botte of Ohio University believes she may have one possible solution. Instead of cracking hydrogen away from its tight bond in water, the University has demonstrated that it takes much less energy to extract hydrogen from urine, whether that's synthetic urea or real, honest-to-goodness human urine.
As the single most abundant waste on the planet, there's certainly no shortage of urine in the world and, according to the Botte, this technology can be quickly and easily scaled up as a way to both generate hydrogen and help clean up sewage plants. Sounds like a win-win scenario to us.
[Source: Chemistry World | Photo: estherase]
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc., Hydrogen, Green Daily
Strange But True: Researchers extracing hydrogen from urine originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMolicel to Build New Lithium-Ion Battery Plant in Taiwan
Synthetic Trees to Catch CO2
Renault-Nissan will lead charge to bring electric vehicles to Netherlands
Nissan EV-02 prototype - click above for high res image gallery
The widespread electric vehicle work done by the Renault-Nissan Alliance will make its way to the Netherlands soon now that the Dutch government has requested the Alliance join the government in its attempt to use electric vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions in the country. Renault-Nissan says that they, "will fill the roles of front-runner and development partner in the introduction of electric vehicles to the Netherlands." The alliance now has "nearly 30 agreements worldwide" with partners like local and state governments that will help it launch its first electric vehicle next year. Vehicle and charging testing is happening with municipalities and the like around the world, while two fleet companies are helping Renault-Nissan determine pricing and costs.
Gallery: Quick Drive: Nissan EV-02 prototype
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Renault-Nissan Alliance]
Continue reading Renault-Nissan will lead charge to bring electric vehicles to Netherlands
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, Europe/EU
Renault-Nissan will lead charge to bring electric vehicles to Netherlands originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsTesla Roadster
The 2009 Tesla Roadster is now for sale, and customers on the waiting list for this instant collector’s item are starting to get the keys to their sporty little roadster. By now, you’ve probably heard of Tesla — the startup electric car company brought to you by Silicon Valley rather than Detroit. And you might have heard rumblings that its Lotus Elise-based Roadster has been far from problem-free, with the most notable being a failed two-speed transmission that had to be replaced (including in those vehicles already sold) by this year’s one-speed automatic. The company itself has had issues, from fired executives to shuttered dealerships. The future remains questionable for the Tesla Roadster, but for now, it remains an intriguing choice for wealthy, green-minded car buyers in search of a little fun.
Here are the important things to know. The Tesla Roadster is an all-electric car with a range of 227 miles under judicious driving (although as a sports car, that could be difficult to accomplish). Using Tesla’s High Power Connector recharging device, it takes 3.5 hours to refill the lithium-ion batteries from near-empty. With only 2,750 pounds to lug about, the 240-horsepower electric motor provides a rush of seamless power, bringing the Roadster up to 60 mph in about 4 seconds. Plus, it does it with the eerie quietness of a Prius in all-electric mode.
Aside from going fast, the Tesla’s Lotus-based chassis allows it to be one of the finest-handling automobiles you can buy. Thanks to the aft positioning of the electric motor and battery pack, the Roadster’s weight distribution is even more rear-biased than the Elise’s — 35 percent front/65 percent rear, compared to 39/61 for the Lotus. The manual steering that is a pain at low parking speeds nevertheless contributes to excellent steering feel and control.
And then there are the environmental benefits. The Tesla Roadster produces no emissions on its own, though electricity produced by coal- or natural-gas-fired power plants obviously has associated emissions. Because of the Roadster’s highly efficient nature, however, Tesla claims the associated carbon dioxide emissions would only be about a third of those for a popular hybrid car. Although if you have enough cash to buy a Tesla, why not make like Ed Begley and pony up for one of those home solar panel systems, too?
The 2009 Tesla Roadster has undeniable appeal, but there are some major drawbacks. Chiefly, its lofty asking price makes it attainable for only the most deep-pocketed buyers. And for them, the tiny spartan interior may not seem to befit a $100,000 car, not to mention the manual steering and the awkward entry and exit. The electric battery range should also be an issue since it makes road trips a near impossibility. However, every new technological road has to start somewhere, and with GM’s EV1 long since forgotten/killed, the Tesla Roadster could very well become known as the electric car that really started it all. Or it’ll be an interesting footnote in the history of the automobile, 2000-2050. Either way, it could be fun to have one in your multicar garage.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Tesla Roadster is a two-seat roadster with a targa-style removable soft top. Only one trim level is available. Standard features includes 16-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels, the High Power Connector for a 3.5-hour charge, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated seats, a leather Momo sport steering wheel, power windows and locks, air-conditioning, a universal garage opener and a CD player stereo with an iPod interface. Options include a body-colored carbon fiber hardtop, upgraded leather upholstery, microfiber cloth upholstery, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker upgraded sound system with navigation and satellite radio.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2009 Tesla Roadster is equipped with a 375-volt AC-induction air-cooled electric motor that produces 240 hp and 276 pound-feet of torque. As is the case with all electric vehicles, that torque is immediately available. A single-speed automatic is the lone transmission. Tesla estimates the Roadster will go from zero to 60 mph in just under 4 seconds. It reaches an electronically limited 125 mph. Based on the EPA’s combined city/highway cycle, the Tesla Roadster should travel about 227 miles before needing a recharge, which takes 3.5 hours using Tesla’s High Power Connector. Just as with a gasoline-powered car, this range will obviously drop the more vigorously you drive.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2009 Tesla Roadster include antilock brakes and traction control. Notably, side airbags are unavailable.
Interior Design and Special Features
Like the Lotus Elise on which it is based, the tiny 2009 Tesla Roadster features a rather spartan interior. The heated seats and Momo steering wheel are trimmed in leather, but otherwise don’t expect the sort of luxury normally associated with a car costing $100,000. However, the Roadster does differ from the Elise in its modified transmission tunnel that hosts the exclusive automatic shifter, along with the LCD information readout for battery charge, range and optional navigation.
The seats are supportive but confining and the footwells are extraordinarily narrow, though at least there’s no clutch to worry about. As with the Elise, taller drivers could find the circus act required to get into the tiny, cramped Roadster — particularly with the removable roof in place — to be more trouble than gas-free travel is worth.
Driving Impressions
You’d think an electric car would have electric power steering, but you’d be wrong. Instead, the Tesla Roadster goes with an unpowered rack. It’s not fun at parking lot speeds, but it’s a treat around corners. Despite the Tesla’s slightly softened suspension settings, this is one of the best-handling (and stiffest-riding) cars on the market. The real story, though, is the eerily muted thrust from the electric motor. Tire noise is more audible than the subdued whine from the electronics tucked behind your left shoulder, yet the Roadster’s acceleration is breathtaking, especially from a standing start with all that torque on tap. It’s fast, but the very opposite of furious.
Pros:
No gasoline required, swift and silent acceleration, sports-car handling, it’s an instant collector’s item.
Cons:
Expensive, 3.5-hour electricity fill-ups required, limited range compared to conventional cars, gymnastic entry and exit, manual steering, no side airbags.
MSRP: From $109,000
Fuel Economy: N/A
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Toyota Plans for Plug-in Production in 2012
Toyota plans to begin commercial production of plug-in hybrids in 2012, producing between 20,000 and 30,000 units in the first year, according to Nikkei, the Japanese business daily. Toyota hopes to sell its plug-in hybrid for about $48,000.
Toyota has been slowly evaluating plug-in hybrid concepts, but until now has not committed to a production date.
According to Nikkei, Toyota's plug-ins will run 12 to 18 miles on battery power alone at full charge. Plug-in hybrids can be cleaner than regular hybrids because they can run for longer periods purely on electricity—but the need for more batteries makes them expensive. The plug-in cars will use lithium ion batteries produced by Toyota’s joint venture with Panasonic Corp., Panasonic EV Energy, which provides the nickel metal hydride batteries for current Toyota hybrids.
The swifter move toward plug-in hybrids contradicts recent statements from Toyota executives. Masatami Takimoto, an executive vice president in research and development, last month told the Washington Post that the batteries required for plug-in cars are not ready. Takimoto said, "Fundamental issues are unsolved." Bill Reinert, US national manager for advanced technology, appearing at a National Academy of Sciences panel in May said the plug-in market will be limited, and questioned the real-world mileage benefits of plug-in hybrids. And Irv Miller, Toyota group vice president of corporate communications, also speaking in May, said that the heavier battery pack required for plug-in hybrids becomes a “boat anchor” when they are depleted.
Later this year, Toyota will expand its evaluation of plug-in hybrids by leasing approximately 500 plug-in versions of its third-generation Prius. The leases will go to government agencies and corporations in Japan, the United States, and throughout Europe.
Japan Considers Adding Noise To Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid sale up despite another down month overall, Prius leads charge
2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery
Initial strong sales of the 2010 Honda Insight slowed last month, but new models of the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion helped give hybrids car sales in June 2009 a nine percent increase over last June. In the U.S., dealers sold 26,205 new hybrids in June, 49.6 of which (12,998 units) were Priuses. Compared to May, hybird sales were up two percent, according to data released by the automakers and complied by Green Car Advisor. This was the sixth month where hybrid increased in sales volumes. Potential reasons for the increase include the new models as well as rising gas prices (and the expectation thereof) and some uncommon hybrid sales incentives. Overall, sales were down for everyone but Subaru and Volvo compared to June 2008.
Gallery: Ford Fusion hybrid
[Source: Green Car Advisor]
Filed under: Hybrid, Ford, Honda, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo, Green Daily, USA
Hybrid sale up despite another down month overall, Prius leads charge originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVW Chief Executive Says Company Will Introduce EVs Based on the Up! New Small Family in 2013; Cautions Against Electro-Hype
Sex, Trams n Rock n Roll: Super Furry Animals Celebrate Mass Transit
Barefoot Motors officially opens doors for business
Having just recently returned home from the TTXGP at the Isle of Man, where its race bike managed a very respectable second-place finish in its class, Barefoot Motors has officially opened its doors. The event, complete with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony, took place June 25th in Ashland, Oregon.
Barefoot Motors' new $12,000 Model One electric Earth Utility Vehicle was present and accounted for, and initial ride reports have been highly favorable. According to the company, its machine makes 40 horsepower and can hit speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
With enough capacity from its lithium iron phosphate batteries to travel for up to 40 miles, which translates into roughly four hours of constant use or eight hours of intermittent use, the Columbia Daily Tribune reports that Barefoot Motors believes its new EUV should be a hit with farmers and vineyard growers.
[Source: Barefoot Motors]
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, USA
Barefoot Motors officially opens doors for business originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsStreet Legal Golf Carts On the Rise
Report: Toyota To Start Commercial Production of Plug-In Hybrids In 2012
Exxaro Partners With Sasol Mining in JV to Supply Potential Mafutha CTL Plant in South Africa
Nordic Oil And Gas and Western Warner Oils Exploring Underground Coal Gasification for Canada Project
Mitsubishi Encourages EV Chargers Throughout Japan Parking Lots and Public Spaces
French Research Organization IFP Says EVs Not Ready Yet, Still Too Costly
Fisker Distinguishes His Company From Tesla, Chevy
