California Fuels Report Released

Joanna Schroeder

A new report, “Projected Outlook for Next Generation and Alternative Transportation Fuels in California 2010-2030,” has been released. The report concludes that with current investments and advances in alternative fuels over the past several years should lead to a significant displacement of petroleum-based fuels like diesel and gasoline. The report was released by Fueling California and Orange County Business Council …

Biodiesel, biofuels, biojet fuel, Electric Vehicles, Research

Federal Fleet to Use Alternative Fuels

Cindy Zimmerman

President Obama wants the federal fleet of more than 600,000 vehicles to use alternative fuels by 2015. The goal of the Presidential Memorandum issued today implementing new Federal fleet management practices is “to cut oil imports by one-third by 2025 and to put one million advanced vehicles on the road by 2015.” By December 31, 2015, all new light duty …

Biodiesel, biofuels, Electric Vehicles, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Flex Fuel Vehicles, Government

Quantum Awarded $1.37M PHEV Grant

Joanna Schroeder

Quantum Fuel System Technologies Worldwide has been awarded a $1.37 million grant by the California Energy Commission (CEC) for launching a new generation of plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) systems. The goal of the program is to develop technology that will accelerate the adoption of PHEVs by way of improved operational efficiencies and reduced cost. The monies will be used for …

E85, Electric Vehicles

InterContinental Adds Zipcar Charging Stations

Joanna Schroeder

The InterContinental San Francisco has chosen ParkPod to install its electric vehicle charger for its Zipcar Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The hotel was recently awarded LEED Gold certification by the US Green Building Council that includes operational efficiency as well as minimizing environmental impact. “We’re thrilled to play a part in the InterContinental San Francisco’s initiative and offer our congratulations to …

Electric Vehicles, energy efficiency

Book Review – Energy Myths & Realities

Joanna Schroeder

This week I decided to bone up on some energy 101 so I read “Energy Myths & Realities” by Vaclav Smil, an energy scientist. He discusses eight myths and attempts to set the record straight by disseminating the true facts around the issues. He believes several of the myths have been mired in the past while others are perpetuated by …

algae, biofuels, book reviews, Electric Vehicles, Energy, Wind

Solar to Power Volt Assembly Plant

Joanna Schroeder

General Motors (GM) is in full production on the Chevrolet Volt, a flex-fuel electric car (FFV-EV). Since the Volt is more “sustainable” the company is also looking at ways to produce the vehicle in more sustainable ways as well. GM is currently in the process of installing the largest photovoltaic solar (PV) array in Southeast Michigan at its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly …

E85, Electric Vehicles, Electricity, Energy, Solar

First Mercedes Benz EV Delivered to Iceland

Joanna Schroeder

The first AMP electric Mercedes Benz, manufactured in Cincinnati, OH, has been delivered to Gisli Gislason, Chairman and CEO of Ireland-based Northern Lights Energy (NLE). This is the first in a contract worth $100 million to bring EV to Iceland. The car was “electrified” by AMP Electric Vehicles, a subsidiary of AMP Holding. This is the first EV delivered as …

Electric Vehicles

350Green Installs 3 EV Charging Stations in Bay Area

Joanna Schroeder

The Bay Area is the home of three new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. 350Green, in partnership with Simon Property Group, will install one EV charging station at the Stanford Shopping Center, one at Santa Rosa Plaza and one at Coddingtown Mall. These are the first three major shopping areas to offer EV charging in the Bay Area while consumer …

Electric Vehicles, Smart Grid

Hybrid Ford F150 Launched

Joanna Schroeder

The F150 pickup truck, the best selling truck in America, now comes in a hybrid version. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide has launched a new line of hybrid vehicles including a plug-in hybrid F150. The trucks were specifically designed for fleet operators. The PHEV F150 will provide drivers with the same performance from a conventional truck, but with higher fuel …

Electric Vehicles

How Much CO2 Does an Electric Vehicle Emit?

Joanna Schroeder

Ever wonder how much carbon dioxide (CO2) you are emitting when you drive? How about when you’re driving an electric vehicle (EV)? Well, technically EVs don’t emit CO2 but there is CO2 emitted during the process of creating the electricity used to “charge up” the batteries.  There is an online tool helps people calculate their greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from …

Biodiesel, Electric Vehicles, Ethanol, global warming, Natural Gas