Ohio State Students Win EcoCAR Competition
A team of students from Ohio State University are in the lead after the first phase of the three-year EcoCar: the NeXt Challenge that took place last week in Toronto, Canada. The actual challenge was to convert a Saturn VUE into an electric vehicle with increased fuel economy and lower tailpipe emissions. The team from Ohio State utilized a battery …
Energy Secretary on Ethanol in Iowa
During a visit to Des Moines Monday, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu gave some hope to ethanol supporters hoping that the federal government will approve a waiver that would allow up to 15 percent ethanol blends for standard vehicles. “I don’t want to prejudge what they’re going to find, but if the existing automobile fleet can handle 15 percent, I …
Five Steps to Becoming an EcoDriver
Summer is officially here and with it summer driving season (and high gas price season). As people pack their bags and head to the gas station to fill up for summer vacation, EcoDriving USA, a campaign from the Auto Alliance, is encouraging people to become “EcoDrivers.” EcoDrivingUSA claims that practicing “green driving” produces the highest miles per gallon, regardless of …
NREL & Google Launch Alternative Fuel Map
Don’t know where to buy your biodiesel? Un-enlightened about ethanol’s whereabouts? Perplexed about propane? Well, a new tool from the National Renewable Energy Labs and Google could help you be a more active alternative fuel buyer. Ecogeek.org reports that the two have launched TransAtlas, an interactive map that shows all existing and planned alternative fuel stations across the country: The …
E85 Comes to Sacramento
The clean burning alternative is selling for $.66 less per gallon than regular unleaded at the Valero. Sasha Faught of Natomas, who owns a flex-fuel Chevy Tahoe, has been using E85. “I want to be green,” she said. “Let’s face it, we’re using up our resources. It’s smart to get on with it.” The new E85 dispensers were funded mainly …
Flex-Fuel Photo Challenge
Photos from your summer vacation could mean cash in your pocket if you enter the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) “Flex Fuel Challenge” Summer Photo Contest. All you have to do is submit a photo of photo of yourself on vacation and submit it. A panel of judges will choose one lucky first place winner, based on equal parts creativity and …
Phoenix Airport Taxis Could Run on E85, Propane
Catching a cab at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport could soon be a greener proposition. The Arizona Republic reports that the city council has voted in a new rule that will require taxis at the airport to use one of several alternative fuels: Under the new rules taxicabs would have the choice of using compressed natural gas; liquid propane gas, …