Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) had approved the use of E15 (15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline) in its model year 2016 Chrysler/Fiat, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles. According to the new owners manuals for the vehicles, “Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) are compatible with gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol (E15).” The decision means that FCA joins General Motors and …
IBB Features Mechanic Training Program
“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 …
Tesla Partners with College of Marin
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 …
Bobby Likis to Spotlight Ethanol Exports
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 …
Leno Anti Ethanol Rant Raises Eyebrows
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 …
Electric Cars Gain Ground in Vehicle Rankings
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 …
Chevy Premiers Bolt EV Concept
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 …
Propane Autogas Ford Transit Expected in 2015
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 …
RFA’s Geoff Cooper on Bobby Likis Show
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 …
Two-Thirds of New Vehicles Approved for E15
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 …