Of Flexfuels and Hybrids Posted by Mike at 2006-08-01 13:03:27
There have been discussions (Hybrid
ReviewHybrid
Cars Blog) on what's better, flex-fuel vehicles (aka ethanol and
biodiesel) or hybrids. My best guess is that Ford set this conversation
topic off when they announced
that they won't make their hybrid target but are also focusing on
flex fuels to reduce the CO2 performance. Toyota has also been at the
press-release podium, but they banging the drums hard on plug-in
hybrids, more hybrids, and "Oh, yeah, flexfuels too". Both these
positions make sense: Toyota's got the hybrid experience and sales,
while Ford is making flexfuel gestures toward the US domestic market
(the corn industry loves ethanol talk) because they're not as hybrid
ready. Flex fuel compatibility is easy to implement, priced in the
hundreds of dollars, while hybrid technology is difficult and priced
in the thousands of dollars.
German Carmaker Porsche to Develop Hybrid Version Posted 2007-07-23 12:19:53 tags: RumorPorsche(suggest tag) Citing rising environmental concerns among car buyers, German luxury sports car-maker Porsche said Monday it's developing a hybrid drivetrain for its Cayenne SUV to drastically cut fuel consumption. In a statement issued at its headquarters in Stuttgart, Porsche said its aim was to achieve average fuel consumption of 8.9 liters (2.35 gallons) per 100 kilometers (62 miles). ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Study Demonstrates Environmental Benefits of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles Posted 2007-07-23 12:18:26 tags: Plug-InStudyEmissions(suggest tag) A comprehensive study conducted by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) shows that widespread use of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) can decrease both air pollution and greenhouse gasses. The study, which assessed the effect of increasing PHEVs in the U.S. fleet of light- and medium-duty vehicles from 2010 to 2050, was funded by FirstEnergy Corp. and more than a dozen utilities and organizations around the U.S. It was released today. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Mariner hybrid redeems Mercury Posted 2007-07-23 12:14:04 tags: ReviewMercury(suggest tag) With smoke from nearby forest and brush fires clouding the International Speedway here, I retreated to my hotel room to breathe filtered air and write this confession. It is a simple matter: Ford is right, and I am wrong. It apparently makes perfect sense for Ford to hold on to its Mercury Division, the elimination of which I have advocated for several years. It makes even more sense for Mercury to target women in its product development and marketing strategies. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Japan's Toyota Motor says quake impacts output of 55,000 vehicles Posted 2007-07-23 12:12:44 tags: ToyotaBusiness(suggest tag) Japan's Toyota Motor Corp said Monday production of around 55,000 vehicles has been affected as a result of a temporary shutdown in its operations in the wake of last week's powerful earthquake. Damage from the quake caused some parts suppliers, including Riken Corp to halt output of key engine components. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Best Hypermilers From Across America Compete in MPG Challenge - Top Drivers Achieve 60 to 168 MPG Posted 2007-07-22 21:22:55 tags: EfficiencyAwardPress Release(suggest tag) Today at Hybridfest 2007, the nation’s largest hybrid car festival, 35 drivers competed in the second annual Hybridfest MPG Challenge, with the top drivers achieving 60 to 168 miles per gallon (MPG), over a 26-mile open course. Novice to expert hypermilers competed to achieve maximum fuel efficiency. Each driver’s goal was to achieve the best percentage over the EPA’s estimates for their vehicle, within their division. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Another reason to buy a hybrid car Posted 2007-07-22 21:19:09 tags: StudyEmissions(suggest tag) Two environmental research groups estimate in a new study that widespread use of hybrid cars that plug into household outlets for recharging would equate to removing more than 80 million passenger cars from the nation's roads, reducing air pollution and saving oil. But while several automakers are experimenting with "plug-in" hybrids, technical hurdles remain to make them commercially-viable, especially producing an affordable battery. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Hybrid Highway Posted 2007-07-22 21:18:24 tags: AdoptionBusinessStudy(suggest tag) Rental car customers are willing to pay more green to drive "green." An
overwhelming majority of respondents from a priceline.com survey say they
want rental car companies to offer hybrid vehicles and almost half say they
would be willing to pay a premium for their "green" rental. Rental car companies have taken note of this information and are rapidly expanding their fleets to include hybrid vehicles. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
