March 17, 2004
Anuvu To Power First San Francisco Bay Fuel Cell Ferry
Source: Fuel Cell Today
149-passenger ferry to run between San Francisco and Treasure Island by 2005
After testing its 30-foot, 18-passenger, hydrogen-powered water taxi on the San Francisco Bay in late October, Anuvu Inc. is finalizing paperwork to be the San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit Authority's (WTA) contractor for the world's first fuel cell-powered commuter ferry. With $2.6 million in federal grants, the WTA is charged with building a 149-passenger ferry to run between San Francisco and Treasure Island by 2005.
For the complete story please visit the EV World website.
March 4, 2004
Latest Neil Young tour highlights environmentalist character
Thursday, March 04, 2004
By Associated Press
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin — Saving the family farm, helping the Earth and reducing America's dependence on foreign oil — they all go together for Neil Young on his "Greendale" tour.
Young rolled into town with a fleet of buses and trucks running on biodiesel, an environmentally friendly fuel made from renewable resources such as soybean oil and recycled cooking oil. He said switching to biodiesel was his idea.
"Rather than talk about it, I figured just do it," Young said, noting there's an environmentalist character in his new show, which features actors performing on stage along with the music.
In an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press, the veteran Canadian rocker said he can still be a capitalist and embrace the environment.
"I'm just trying to make a point. There are other ways to be self-sustaining," the 58-year-old said.
As a member of Farm Aid for 18 years, Young said he's always looking for ways to help the family farmer. He said there are millions of acres (hectares) of unfarmed crop land in the United States and Canada that could be tapped for renewable energy.
But Young knows it's a struggle to persuade people to end their reliance on fossil fuels during the pro-oil tenure of President George W. Bush.
"You can't change the Bush administration with this. I mean, to them, I'm a tree hugger," he said.
Related link
www.neilyoung.com
This story can be found by visiting the ENN website.
March 4, 2004
Volvo Introduces Hybrid Electric Concept Car for Women
Source: EIN Publishing, Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Today
The Associated Press (AP) recently reported that Volvo Car Corporation publicly displayed the Your Concept Car (YCC), a hybrid electric concept vehicle designed by and for women, at the 74th Geneva International Motor Show, ending this week in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to AP, the 215-horsepower YCC's specialized design includes such "maintenance-free" features as automated engine-check notification and a gas tank with a "roller-ball valve opening," as well as extra storage space and parking sensors.
"You get the power, and you're environmentally okay at the same time," said project communications manager Tatiana Butovitsch.
(AP: 3/2)
March 1, 2004
Toyota Rated Most Eco-Friendly Company
Jiji Press English News Service -- March 01, 2004
Tokyo, March 1 (Jiji Press)--Toyota Motor Corp. was the only company to be given the top rating of AAA in a list that ranked Japanese firms according to their achievements in environment- friendly efforts in 2003, a corporate research firm said Monday.
The Tohmatsu Evaluation and Certification Organization, affiliated with major Japanese auditor Tohmatsu & Co., praised the top Japanese automaker for its efforts in cutting harmful greenhouse gases and for spreading environmental-friendly efforts across its global operations.
Toyota achieved the highest ratings in all of seven categories, including anti-soil pollution measures.
The rating covered 449 companies in Japan that publish reports on their environment-related activities.
The research firm gave the second-highest rating of AA to Sony Corp. , Ricoh Co. , Seiko Epson Corp. and Fuji Xerox Co.
This story can be found on the Zurich North America website.
February 23, 2004
NHTSA Extends Dual-fuel Credit Through Model Year 2008
Source: EIN Publishing, Alternative Transportation Fuels Today
The Department of Transportation's (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced that DOT has extended until 2008 the incentive for dual-fueled vehicles created by the Alternative Motor Fuels Act (AMFA).
According to NHTSA, the administration expects that the four-year extension "means that manufacturers will produce more dual-fueled vehicles than they would if the incentives were not extended," while offering the U.S. vehicle fleet "greater capability to operate on ethanol...." Additionally, NHTSA said the decision gives Congress, other federal agencies, regional authorities and the private sector "ample time to identify, adopt and implement measures to enhance the alternative fuel infrastructure."
"Diversifying the fuels we use will help protect the environment while achieving greater energy independence and security for our nation," said DOT secretary Norman Mineta. "Extending this incentive will encourage manufacturers to produce dual-fueled vehicles and retailers to provide pumps for these fuels."
Contact: Tim Hurd, NHTSA, phone 202-366-9550, website http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
(EIN STAFF: 2/18)
February 23, 2004
Raser Technologies Tests Hybrid Snowmobile
Source: EIN Publishing, Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles Today
Local officials in Provo, Utah recently reported that Raser Technologies has completed initial testing of a snowmobile equipped with a hybrid electric motor.
According to officials, Raser Technologies believes the hybrid electric snowmobile, which the company said is cleaner and quieter than a 60-horsepower two-stroke gasoline-powered snowmobile, could potentially help solve the ongoing debate concerning the operation of such vehicles in national parks.
"This technology really provides a solution to that problem so that snowmobiles can run again in the park [quite] cleanly, a better experience for everyone," said Raser Technologies spokesman David West.
(KSL-TV: 2/18)
February 19, 2004
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen vs. Hybrids and Biofuels
By David Morris
Should we build a hydrogen or a carbohydrate economy?
Both President Bush and Governor Schwarzenegger have embraced a fuel-cell-powered, hydrogen-fueled transportation system. Bush declared his support in his State of the Union address in 2003, Schwarzenegger in his recent State of the State address. In March Arnold will issue an Executive Order whose goal is to have hydrogen fueling stations along all 26 of the state’s interstate highways by 2010.
For the complete story please go to the EV World website.
February 19, 2004
Novozymes Achieves Cost Reduction in Biomass-to-Ethanol Project
Source: EIN Publishing, Alternative Transportation Fuels Today
Bagsvaerd, Denmark-based Novozymes, a "world leader in enzymes and microorganisms," recently announced it has achieved a twelve-fold enzyme cost reduction for the conversion of biomass into sugars for fuel ethanol production.
By utilizing its proprietary biotech research platform to increase enzyme activity and fermentation yield, Novozymes said it succeeding in lowering the cost of enzymes required to produce one gallon of biomass-based ethanol from "above $5 to below 50 cents per gallon."
Novozymes noted that the achievement exceeds the goal of a ten-fold cost reduction under the company's three-year, $14.8-million subcontract with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
"We see reducing the effective cost of enzymes as perhaps the greatest potential improvement in biomass-to-sugar technology, and the progress Novozymes has made in this area is a major step toward making the technology cost-competitive and a basis for bio-refinery industries," said DOE Office of Biomass Program manager Douglas Kaempf.
Contact: Novozymes, website http://www.novozymes.com.
(EIN STAFF: 2/12)
February 18, 2004
Automakers Urge Canada to Help Promote HEVs
Source: EIN Publishing, Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles Today
The Canadian Press (CP) recently reported that several automotive industry officials who attended the Canadian International Auto Show last week in Toronto urged the federal government to help raise interest in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) by providing such incentives as federal tax rebates to consumers who purchase the low-emission vehicles.
"We, along with several others in the industry, have been trying to encourage [Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)] to put a program in place that would encourage consumers to accept this technology and to change their buying habits," said Honda Canada spokesman Jim Miller.
According to CP, automotive officials also encouraged the federal government to help promote the use of hybrid electric transit buses, as such vehicles could help the country meet its emissions reduction goals under the Kyoto Protocol.
(CP: 2/12)
February 12, 2004
I Want My R1e
A Plan to Get Subaru to Build Highway-Capable EVs for the Rest of Us
Article by: Rev. W. Christopher Benham Skidmore
Hear me out. I have a plan. Well, it's more like a dream, but with your help we can make and implement a powerful plan for pressuring an OEM to bring a nice EV to market.
PHASE ONE: Putting Our Heads Together
Let's launch a concerted, organized, grass-roots, highly-focused campaign to bring another full-sized highway-capable EV to market in the United States of America.
Target one manufacturer.
Make them know it will be profitable for them because we will each: PLEDGE TO BUY THE CAR WHEN IT IS PRODUCED.
Believing that progress can be made in the corporate sector when a large number of consumers make their voices heard in a loud way, I want to start a campaign to get progressive-minded consumers (and potential EV consumers) uberfocused-- and put pressure on one car maker: Subaru.
Here's why I want us to target Subaru:
To read the rest of the article please go to the EV World website.
February 11, 2004
Kaz EV Goes for World Speed Record in Japan
Eight-wheeled, lithium-powered electric car to attempt to set new world speed record of 400 kph (248 mph)
Source: Channel News Asia
[Feb 11, 2004]
KUROISO, Japan : Japanese researchers test driving an electric car here Sunday said they aimed for the machine to set a new world speed record of 400 kilometres (248 miles) per hour.
Former Formula One driver Ukyo Katayama took the wheel of the Eliica, equipped with eight wheels and lithium battery-powered motors, at a test track in Kuroiso, some 200 kilometres (130 miles) north of Tokyo.
A predecessor of the Eliica, the Kaz, set the current world record for the land speed of an electric car of 311 kilometres per hour in Nardo, southern Italy, in April 2001.
The Eliica hit the top speed of about 315 kph in Sunday's test runs but the time was considered unofficial.
It will be sent to Nardo in early March for official trials to set a world record on March 13-14.
The car was developed by a research team led by Hiroshi Shimizu, engineering professor at the prestigious Keio University, in cooperation with dozens of corporations.
This article can also be found on the EV World website.
February 11, 2004
ACEEE Names Natural Gas-Powered Car 'Greenest' of 2004
Source: EIN Publishing, Alternative Transportation Fuels Today
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recently announced environmental scorings of all model year 2004 cars as part of its seventh annual Green Book Online, available at online at http://www.greenercars.com.
According to ACEEE, the natural gas-powered Honda Civic GX is the "greenest" vehicle available this model year based on it's "green score," a singular measure that incorporates unhealthy tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption and emissions of greenhouse gases.
The ACEEE noted that the Green Book Online website contains "write-ups on model year 2004 highlights, consumer information on vehicles and the environment, and advice on how to buy green when shopping for a new car or truck."
Contact: James Kleisch, ACEEE, phone 202-429-8873, website http://www.aceee.org.
(EIN STAFF: 2/9)
February 11, 2004
OSU Scientists Research New Hydrogen Production Process
Source:EIN Publishing, Alternative Transportation Fuels Today
Oregon State University's (OSU) Daily Barometer recently reported that OSU's College of Engineering is researching a new process for the conversion of vegetable oil into hydrogen fuel via a "specialized" microprocessor.
According to the Daily Barometer, the Department of Energy has selected the college's Microtechnology-based Energy and Chemical Systems (MECS) proposal as a finalist for a departmental grant, with an upcoming final review to determine the winner.
The Daily Barometer noted that while the DOE aims to develop a hydrogen production method capable of generating the fuel for $2.6 per kilogram within 10 years, MECS researchers maintain their process could result in hydrogen production at $2.1 per kilogram "as soon as the technology is built."
(DAILY BAROMETER: 2/10)
February 10, 2004
BAF Plans to Continue Conversions on Certain Ford Models
Source: EIN Publishing, Alternative Transportation Fuels Today
BAF Technologies recently announced it will continue to provide vehicle conversion services on select Ford products. This follows an announcement by Ford that it plans to stop production of its compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid propane gas (LPG) vehicles after model year 2004.
According to BAF, it will continue to produce a Ford E450 cutaway with the 6.8-liter engine and the Crown Victoria in both the CNG and LPG, as well as explore production of a F250 and E350 models in both CNG and LPG based on market demand.
"Ford has been an industry leader for many years in this market," said BAF president John Bacon. "I know they will support not only the research and development of alternative fuels in general, but also the continuing use of CNG and LPG in their products. We are confident that we will continue to meet the growing alternative fuel vehicle demands."
Contact: Bill Calvert, BAF, phone 214-231-1450, e-mail bcalvert@baftechnologies.com.
(EIN STAFF: 2/5)
February 10, 2004
Yamaha to Offer PAS Lithium Hybrid Electric Bicycle
Source: EIN Publishing, Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles Today
Industry officials in Japan recently reported that Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd. plans to offer the PAS Lithium, a new hybrid electric bicycle in its power assist system (PAS) lineup, beginning March 15.
According to officials, the PAS Lithium is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that features "superior high-current discharge capability."
According to officials, Yamaha has expectations of selling "66,000 units of the new PAS series this year."
(JAPAN CORPORATE NEWS NETWORK: 2/6)
February 2, 2004
ZAP Delivers New NEV Model to Vegas Dealership
Source: EIN Publishers, Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Today
Santa Rosa, CA-based electric vehicle developer ZAP recently announced that its Las Vegas dealership has received its first shipment of seven ZAP Intimidator L.U.V. neighborhood electric vehicle (NEVs).
According to ZAP, the company is "making auto dealer distribution a focus for 2004" by working to build a national distribution network as well as forging alliances with vehicle manufacturers and service providers to support its dealers with more products and services.
"At ZAP, we believe there is not only the opportunity to introduce electric transportation on a large scale, we believe it is our responsibility to start leading the auto industry towards energy and environmental conservation," said ZAP CEO Steve Schneider.
Contact: ZAP, website http://www.zapworld.com.
(EIN STAFF: 1/28)
January 30, 2004
LTC Delivers Prototype Li-ion Battery to Astor Consortium
Source: EIN Publishing, Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Today
Plymouth Meeting, PA-based Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC), a "leading participant in the rapidly emerging large-format rechargeable battery market," recently announced the delivery of a second prototype 42-volt lithium ion (Li-ion) polymer battery to the European Astor consortium.
According to LTC, the prototype battery, which was produced by the company's GAIA operating unit in Nordhausen, Germany, will be tested by the ASTOR consortium for use in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) propulsion system.
The ASTOR consortium comprises seven automobile manufacturers including BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Opel, Peugeot, Volkswagen and Volvo.
Contact: LTC, website http://www.lithiumtech.com.
(EIN STAFF: 1/28)
January 30, 2004
UQM Announces Sale of Hybrid Propulsion for HEVs
Source: Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Today
UQM Technologies, Inc. recently announced that two international tier I automotive suppliers have ordered UQM permanent magnet propulsion systems.
According to the company, the series hybrid configuration consists of a UQM generator driven by an internal combustion engine to provide on-board electric power, and a UQM propulsion system that provides primary propulsion, and serves as a regenerative braking system. The parallel hybrid configuration incorporates a UQm propulsion system in the driveline to join the internal combustion engine in propelling the vehicle, as well as providing regenerative braking.
"We are pleased that these international automotive suppliers have selected UQM propulsion systems for use in their hybrid electric vehicle development activities," said UQM president and CEO William Rankin.
Contact: Donald French, UQM, phone 303-278-2002, website http://www.uqm.com.
(EIN STAFF: 1/27)
January 26, 2004
Hybrids and Fuel Efficiency on Candidates' Minds
Source: Green Car Journal Online
President Bush significantly raised the profile of fuel cell vehicles with his program of funding hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and the infrastructure to support them. Now, as presidential campaigns heat up and candidates clarify their positions on high-profile issues, it's apparent that hydrogen fuel cells, advanced technology vehicles, and higher fuel efficiency have also become important threads through most of these campaigns.
Perhaps the most optimistic plan comes from Rep. Dick Gephardt, who not only feels that environmental issues are at stake, but also American competitiveness. His plan would see significant investment in advanced technologies that would find a million hybrids and 100,000 fuel cell vehicles on American roads by 2010 and 2.5 million fuel cell vehicles in use a decade after that. Increased federal investment in advanced vehicle technologies as well as tax credits for buyers of these vehicles would be provided.
Howard Dean aims to close the SUV "loophole" that allows SUVs significantly lower fuel economy than passenger cars by increasing corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) across-the-board to 37.5 mpg by 2015. Sen. John Kerry favors increasing CAFE to 36 mpg by that same year while Sen. Joe Lieberman aims a bit higher at 40 mpg. Rep. Dennis Kucinich believes that a shift away from fossil fuels is in order and a 45 mpg CAFE standard should be imposed on automobiles. Al Sharpton favors increasing automobile CAFE requirements to 33 mpg.
Candidate Wesley Clark believes that advanced vehicle technologies like hybrids will play an important role in increasing fuel efficiency and lowering emissions. His plan would call for consulting with industry, environmental, scientific, and regulatory groups to determine workable goals and timetables for higher fuel economy and tighter emissions standards. Sen. John Edwards supports investing in technologies that enhance fuel efficiency and increased CAFE standards, while candidate Carol Moseley Braun simply wants existing CAFE standards enforced before tightening them.
January 23, 2004
PA Offers Grants to Help Residents Purchase HEVs
Source: EIN Publishing, Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Today
State officials in Pennsylvania recently announced that 10 residents of Centre County were awarded $500 grants towards the purchase of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
According to officials, the grants were made available through the Pennsylvania Alternative Fuels Incentive Program.
"We bought [an HEV] for its great gas mileage," said grant recipient Colleen Felton. "It gets 45 miles per gallon, in the city too. It's definitely cheaper to run."
(PENN STATE COLLEGIAN: 1/20)
January 22, 2004
Green Car Journal Wins Prize, Starts Website
San Luis Obispo, California - January 15, 2004 [SolarAccess.com] Green Car Journal, a new auto enthusiast publication that takes environmental performance into account, was honored with seven International Automotive Media Awards, including Silver for Best Magazine Design and Bronze for Best Single Issue. Launched in May 2003, the consumer magazine is a follow-on to the monthly Green Car Newsletter, which was awarded Gold for Best Newsletter by IAMA, began publication in January 1992. Both publications focus on hybrid, electric, and fuel cell vehicles; hydrogen, ethanol, natural gas, LPG, and low sulfur hydrocarbon fuels; and technologies such as electric and fuel cell power plants, advanced gasoline engines, and clean diesel.
For the full story please visit SolarAccess.com.
January 20, 2004
Nissan Offers Altima PZEV
Nissan Altima sedans equipped with 4-cylinder engines have qualified for Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) certification in the 2004 model year. The Altima joins its Sentra stable mate in attaining this stringent emissions certification. Achieving PZEV status reduced the Altima’s horsepower slightly from 175 to 170. The Altima PZEV will be sold in California and Northeastern states.
Source: Green Car Journal online website.
January 20, 2004
U.S. and Japan to Work on Hydrogen Vehicles
The U.S. and Japan, both members of the International Partnership for a Hydrogen Economy and deeply involved in the development of hydrogen fuel cells, have agreed to work jointly on pre-competitive research and development that will bring fuel cell and hydrogen technologies to market. The aim is to leverage the individual efforts of each country to decrease technology costs and hasten the drive to a hydrogen economy. Both countries will exchange experts and share information on policies, technology programs, fuel cells, hydrogen production and storage, and hydrogen transport technologies.
Source: Green Car Journal online website.
January 17, 2004
Thai Government to Launch New NGV Initiative
Source: EIN Publishing, Alternative Transportation Fuels Today
Government officials in Thailand recently reported that the Thai Energy Ministry has unveiled a natural gas vehicle (NGV) project to encourage the use of NGVs in an effort to decrease the impact of an ongoing oil crisis.
According to officials, the project involves the introduction of 10,000 natural gas-powered taxicabs as well as subsidization through PTT Public Company, Ltd. to help cover the cost of converting a diesel engine to run on natural gas.
Additionally, officials said PTT will reduce natural gas fuel costs to 50 percent below that of standard diesel.
(THAI PRESS REPORTS: 1/15)
January 15, 2004
Mazda RX-8 RE
The hydrogen rotary returns in an aggressive dual-fuel sports car
By Ron Cogan
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles may be all the rage on the developmental circuit these days, but that doesn’t mean hydrogen won’t make it to the highway in more conventional ways…at least if Mazda has a say in it.
No stranger to hydrogen power, Mazda recognized some time ago that its rotary engine and clean hydrogen fuel operate quite well together. Green Car Journal editors understood this first-hand when driving the automaker’s developmental MX-5 Miata hydrogen rotary sports car a decade ago...
The Mazda RX-8 RE integrates Mazda’s Renesis hydrogen rotary engine, a lean-burn powerplant based on the automaker’s next-generation rotary engine launched just last year in the all-new RX-8 sports car. Even when running on conventional gasoline, the new Renesis features significant environmental improvement over previous generation rotary engines with better fuel economy and reduced emissions.
For the complete story please visit the Green Car Journal Online website.
January 15, 2004
Popular Electric Scooters Require Licenses in Arkansas
No child under 10 years of age can possess a motorized bicycle operator certificate
Source: Picayune Times
[Jan 15, 2004]
Arkansas law requires operators of motorized scooters have a driver'
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