IBB Features Mechanic Training Program

Joanna Schroeder

“The Biodiesel for Diesel Technicians,” is currently available for free at community colleges in Iowa and surrounding states complements of a federal grant. The class has been supported by the regional Clean Cities along with the Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) and was developed by the National Biodiesel Board and IBB together. “This training program helps mechanics better understand how biodiesel …

Alternative Vehicles, automotive, Biodiesel, Education

Tesla Partners with College of Marin

Joanna Schroeder

During a presentation at Tesla Design Studios in Los Angeles the company unveiled a new Tesla battery that has home, commercial and utility-scale storage applications. College of Marin is the first community college to partner with Tesla to install the new battery storage products on campus. The college received $5.3 million in government incentives to help cover the costs of …

automotive, Clean Energy, Energy Storage, Solar

Bobby Likis to Spotlight Ethanol Exports

Cindy Zimmerman

Syndicated car-talk program “Bobby Likis Car Clinic” will feature a discussion on global demand for U.S. ethanol and its co-products on this week’s globalcast which airs live on Saturday morning March 14. Judd Hulting of Patriot Renewable Fuels will talk with Bobby about the operations, products and statistics of Patriot’s ten-year old, ethanol plant located near the Quad Cities and …

automotive, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Leno Anti Ethanol Rant Raises Eyebrows

Cindy Zimmerman

Former Tonight Show host, comedian, and car enthusiast Jay Leno is being taken to task by automotive experts for a harshly-worded, negative article in AutoWeek entitled “Can’t We Just Get Rid of Ethanol?” The thrust of the article is to support reform or elimination of the Renewable Fuel Standard and even attacks farmers. I just don’t see the need for …

Audio, automotive, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA, RFS

Electric Cars Gain Ground in Vehicle Rankings

Joanna Schroeder

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has released its 18th annual vehicle environmental ratings on greencars.org. The top rated vehicles for the year were Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Convertible/Coupe with the highest score ever, Chevrolet Spark EV, Fiat 500E, Toyota Prius C and the Nissan Leaf. Six out of 12 places in this year’s Greenest List were …

Alternative Vehicles, automotive, Electric Vehicles, Environment

Chevy Premiers Bolt EV Concept

Joanna Schroeder

Chevrolet has premiered its Bolt EV concept car, a long-range all-electric vehicle designed to offer more than 200 miles of range starting around $30,000. Leveraging the electrification prowess established by Volt and Spark EV, the Bolt EV concept is designed to offer long-range performance. “The Bolt EV concept is a game-changing electric vehicle designed for attainability, not exclusivity,” said General …

Alternative Vehicles, automotive, Electric Vehicles

Propane Autogas Ford Transit Expected in 2015

Cindy Zimmerman

The Ford Transit 3.7L engine conversion to propane autogas is in development and expected to go in for EPA certification by January 2015, according to Blossman Services, managing member of Alliance AutoGas and exclusive United States distributor of Prins Autogas products. The Transit will be the first “bolt & plug” conversion to be installed by Blossman Services which says the …

automotive, Propane

RFA’s Geoff Cooper on Bobby Likis Show

Cindy Zimmerman

The “Bobby Likis Car Clinic” featured Renewable Fuels Association Senior Vice President Geoff Cooper on show’s live globalcast this past Saturday, November 8. Cooper addressed a variety of topics including the truth behind the fictional food vs. fuel argument, as well as the hot button issue of greenhouse gas – or GHG – emissions and the role ethanol plays in …

Audio, automotive, Ethanol, Ethanol News, RFA, Video

Two-Thirds of New Vehicles Approved for E15

Cindy Zimmerman

Auto manufacturers explicitly approve the use of E15 (15 percent ethanol blend fuel) in approximately two-thirds of new vehicles, according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). RFA’s analysis of model year (MY) 2015 warranty statements and owner’s manuals finds that nearly 63 percent of MY 2015 vehicles will have E15 approval from their manufacturers. E15 is approved by the Environmental …

automotive, Car Makers, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Simplifying Propane Autogas Dispensers

Cindy Zimmerman

2014 World LP Gas Forum Photo Album One of the keys to getting more propane-powered vehicles on the road is getting more propane autogas fueling infrastructure and making it safe and simple for users. Superior Energy Systems offers a whole line of autogas dispensing systems and during a Propane Education & Research Council event at the World LP Gas Forum, …

Audio, automotive, PERC, Propane