Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Alfa Romeo introduces LPG-powered MiTo]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/19/alfa-romeo-introduces-lpg-powered-mito/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/19/alfa-romeo-introduces-lpg-powered-mito/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/19/alfa-romeo-introduces-lpg-powered-mito/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola - Click for complete gallery

Alongside the recently-launched MultiAir MiTos, Alfa Romeo has launched a dual-fueled LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) version of the Turbo 1.4-liter engine in the sexy hatchback. This model benefits from tax exemptions in many European countries, since it reduces CO2 emissions down to 131 g/km. The engine retains the standard 120 hp and still makes 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8.8 seconds. The 39-liter LPG reservoir is placed in the spare tire well and, together with the standard gasoline tank, allows the dual-fuel MiTo to run for 1,200 km (745 miles) non-stop. Prices start at €13,900 in Italy, thanks to €4,500 from the state.



[Source: Diario del Motor]

Alfa Romeo introduces LPG-powered MiTo originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa rome mitoAlfaRomeMitodual fuelDualFuelgplItalyliquiefied petroleum gasLiquiefiedPetroleumGaslpgmitoThu, 19 Nov 2009 18:06:00 EST<![CDATA[From diesel to natural gas: Jetta TDI Cup winner off to Europe for Scirocco Cup]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/from-diesel-to-natural-gas-jetta-tdi-cup-winner-off-to-europe-f/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/from-diesel-to-natural-gas-jetta-tdi-cup-winner-off-to-europe-f/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/12/from-diesel-to-natural-gas-jetta-tdi-cup-winner-off-to-europe-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Will Timmy Megenbier be able to reproduce his diesel-powered success in the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup in the natural-gas-powered Scirocco Cup in Europe next year? The answer lies only in the young driver's hands, now that he has announced that he wants to "continue his climb of the motorsports ladder," (as VW put it) in Europe. The Scirocco Cup uses Bio-Clean natural gas to power Scirocco "R" models and is now "the world's most eco-friendly one-make racing series." Compared to the vehicles in the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup, which the Scirocco Cup replaces, CO2 emissions are reduced up to 80 percent.

Think this all sounds like a fun life to lead? VW is looking for new racers to compete in the 2010 season and is accepting applications here. Drivers have to be young (between 16 and 26) and rich or able to get some sponsors. There is a $45,000 season entry fee (refunded if you're not selected).


Gallery: First Jetta TDI Cup race


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading From diesel to natural gas: Jetta TDI Cup winner off to Europe for Scirocco Cup

From diesel to natural gas: Jetta TDI Cup winner off to Europe for Scirocco Cup originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jetta tdijetta tdi cupjetta tdi raceJettaTdiJettaTdiCupJettaTdiRaceSciroccoscirocco cupscirocco rscirocco raceSciroccoCupSciroccoRSciroccoRacevw jettaVwJettaThu, 12 Nov 2009 18:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Go-Ped + propane = Pro-Ped]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/02/go-ped-propane-pro-ped/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/02/go-ped-propane-pro-ped/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/11/02/go-ped-propane-pro-ped/#commentsFiled under: , ,



What do you get when you exchange the 2-stroke gas engine on a Go-Ped for a 4-stroke propane-powered piston popper? Why, a Pro-Ped (of course!) You also get rid of almost all the particulates and carcinogens that burning gasoline produces as well as the mess and bother of mixing gas and oil that 2-strokes require. Patmont Motor Werks (PMW) has hooked up with LEHR, the maker of the propane power plant, and is now offering the cleaner fuel choice on both their two-wheeled GSR Sport Go-Ped and their 4-wheeled (and appropriately named) Go-Quad. LEHR's products have received the EPA Clean Air Excellence Award and have the approval of the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The top speed on both vehicles is a parent-friendly 21 mph and have a range of about 20 miles at half throttle. They can handle up to 400 lbs and supplying the propane is as easy as twisting on a fresh canister. To help celebrate their 25th anniversary of building family fun products in the USA, and perhaps get some Pro-Peds and Pro-Quads under some Christmas trees, PMW has chopped $100 off the price and are now offering the "high-visibility eco-green" machines for $499 and $699 respectively. Go ahead and read more about them at their website.

*Update: Added video of Pro-Ped start-up procedure and demonstration after the jump.

[Source: Patmont Motor Werks]

Continue reading Go-Ped + propane = Pro-Ped

Go-Ped + propane = Pro-Ped originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Go-PedLEHRPatmont Motor WerksPatmontMotorWerksPro-PedPro-QuadMon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some say "No plug, no deal," but not everyone is gonna buy that]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/23/some-say-no-plug-no-deal-but-not-everyone-is-gonna-buy-that/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/23/some-say-no-plug-no-deal-but-not-everyone-is-gonna-buy-that/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/23/some-say-no-plug-no-deal-but-not-everyone-is-gonna-buy-that/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This week, the Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers found that plug-in hybrids have to be "affordable" if automakers think that customers will want to buy them. People are interested, U of M says, but cost is paramount to people deciding to make a purchase. Speaking at the Business of Plugging In conference in Detroit this week, Richard Curtin, from the University of Michigan's Institute of Social Research, said that at $10,000, 56 percent of the people surveyed said they wouldn't even consider it. At $2,500, a third were "very eager" to buy a PHEV. Note that the price difference there is the biggest tax credit that the federal government is offering for plug-ins with battery packs that have 16 kWh or more.

Curtin also said that this is not VHS vs. BetaMax redux, with the loser becoming obsolete - the way plug-in vehicles did in the early 1900s - but even if plug-ins don't immediately dominate, they can at the very least find a niche audience. With the right price, they will be tremendously popular because there are many people who want to demonstrate their commitment to the environment. Price them too high, and people will be happy to keep dealing with the downsides of gasoline.

[Source: U of M]

Some say "No plug, no deal," but not everyone is gonna buy that originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cost of fuelcost of gasCostOfFuelCostOfGasenergy costEnergyCostphevplug inplug in hybridplug in hybridsplug-in vehicleplug-in vehiclesPlug-inVehiclePlug-inVehiclesPlugInPlugInHybridPlugInHybridsFri, 23 Oct 2009 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[AM General to build CNG-powered VPG MV-1 people-mover at Hummer H2 factory]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/21/am-general-to-build-cng-powered-vpg-mv-1-people-mover-at-hummer/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/21/am-general-to-build-cng-powered-vpg-mv-1-people-mover-at-hummer/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/21/am-general-to-build-cng-powered-vpg-mv-1-people-mover-at-hummer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vehicle Production Group MV-1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the Standard Taxi from the Vehicle Production Group? It's now called the MV-1, and production is slated to begin next year at the AM General plant in Mishawaka, Indiana. That's the same assembly location where the Hummer H2 is built, which makes sense since the MV-1 is based on the same GM underpinnings as the behemoth SUV.

According to its makers, the MV-1 is the first purpose-built wheelchair-accessible vehicle in America, and it's able to accommodate up to six adults or two full-size wheelchairs. An ADA-approved ramp that stows under the vehicle's floor and a 36-inch wide side opening are designed to make entry and exit a simple affair.

With its body-on-frame construction made with fully boxed rails, the MV-1 should prove to be a durable people mover and its well-known GM drivetrain components should be easily serviceable. Further, VPG has teamed up with Clean Energy to develop a dedicated compressed natural gas powertrain option that will provide a 250-mile range with significantly reduced emissions.

Styling wise, the MV-1 may not be the prettiest machine on the road, but for those needing to transport wheelchair-bound passengers, this design may just be a thing of beauty. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.



[Source: VPG Autos, Detroit Free Press]

AM General to build CNG-powered VPG MV-1 people-mover at Hummer H2 factory originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cng taxiCngTaxicompressed natural gasCompressedNaturalGasmv-1standard taxiStandardTaxivehicle production groupvehicle production group mv-1VehicleProductionGroupVehicleProductionGroupMv-1vpgwheelchairwheelchair accessiblewheelchair accessible carwheelchair accessible taxiWheelchairAccessWheelchairAccessibleWheelchairAccessibleCarWheelchairAccessibleTaxiWed, 21 Oct 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Argonne National Lab developing Omnivorous Engine]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/21/video-argonne-national-lab-developing-omnivorous-engine/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/21/video-argonne-national-lab-developing-omnivorous-engine/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/21/video-argonne-national-lab-developing-omnivorous-engine/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Click above to watch the video after the break

Gasoline, ethanol, methanol, butanol, natural gas... there are a ton of choices when deciding on what fuel is best suited for automotive use, and each of them offer at least some reason to recommend them over another. Which to choose? Here's a better question: What if you didn't have to choose just one fuel?

That's the goal of the so-called omnivorous engine. Not long ago, Lotus Engineering made headlines at the Geneva Motor Show when it showed off its flex-fuel Omnivore engine concept, and now word comes from the Argonne National Lab that it, too, is working on such a powerplant.

While there are already some engines capable of running on multiple spark ignited fuels, it's not an easy task to get one single powerplant to run with optimal efficiently on such a diverse range of products. In the case of Argonne's Omnivorous Engine, a sophisticated computer keeps track of what's being fed into the engine, and things like valve timing, fuel injection metering and compression ratio can be adjusted on the fly. Click past the break to watch a video introducing the project.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Continue reading VIDEO: Argonne National Lab developing Omnivorous Engine

VIDEO: Argonne National Lab developing Omnivorous Engine originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argonneargonne national labargonne national laboratoryArgonne-National-LaboratoryArgonneNationalLabArgonneNationalLaboratoryflex-fuelflex-fuel engineFlex-fuelEngineomnivoreomnivore engineOmnivoreEngineomnivorous engineOmnivorousEngineWed, 21 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Medic! Spanish bifuel ambulances curb emissions, disappoint drivers]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/10/medic-spanish-bifuel-ambulances-curb-emissions-disappoint-driv/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/10/medic-spanish-bifuel-ambulances-curb-emissions-disappoint-driv/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/10/medic-spanish-bifuel-ambulances-curb-emissions-disappoint-driv/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A Spanish ambulance company in the city of Zaragoza, Ambuibérica, is trying out bifuel vehicles to transport patients. The 10 Mercedes-sourced vehicles use bifuel powertrains that can burn both natural gas and gasoline. Turns out, the drivers aren't too happy with these models: they criticize the van's short, 250-km range (about 140 miles), lack of natural gas availability in town and lower speed compared to the diesel counterparts. While the city of Zaragoza itself has some natural gas fueling stations, the rest of the Aragon region doesn't have any, so the company isn't exactly eager to expand the bifuel experience to rural parts of Aragon. The picture above shows a diesel ambulance in the city of Tarragona.

[Source: El Periódico de Aragón]

Medic! Spanish bifuel ambulances curb emissions, disappoint drivers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulancearagonbifuelemergency vehicleEmergencyVehiclespainzaragozaSat, 10 Oct 2009 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen installs larger CNG tank in the Touran TSI EcoFuel, extends range to 444 miles]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/09/volkswagen-installs-larger-cng-tank-in-the-touran-tsi-ecofuel-e/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/09/volkswagen-installs-larger-cng-tank-in-the-touran-tsi-ecofuel-e/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/09/volkswagen-installs-larger-cng-tank-in-the-touran-tsi-ecofuel-e/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The VW Touran TSI EcoFuel MPV is getting an additional compressed natural gas (CNG) tank that significantly improves the car's range. A new tank placed under the trunk increases the total CNG capacity from 18 to 24 kg. Since the Touran TSI Ecofuel uses 4.6 kg of CNG to run 100 km, the compact MPV can now be driven for 570 km (354 miles) before needing a refill. The car has an additional 11-liter gasoline reservoir, which is enough for additional 150 km (90 miles). Based on current German fuel prices, it costs €4.5 to drive the car 100 km using CNG, compared to €9 if it ran on gasoline or €7 on diesel. CO2 emissions for a vehicle this hefty remain low, at 126 g/km. The one inconvenience? Just the 5-seat Touran is available with the extra tank.

[Source: Auto News]

Volkswagen installs larger CNG tank in the Touran TSI EcoFuel, extends range to 444 miles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>touranvolkswagen touranVolkswagenTouranFri, 09 Oct 2009 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen extends the range of the Touran TSI EcoFuel to 416 miles]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/07/volkswagen-extends-the-range-of-the-touran-tsi-ecofuel-to-416-mi/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/07/volkswagen-extends-the-range-of-the-touran-tsi-ecofuel-to-416-mi/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/10/07/volkswagen-extends-the-range-of-the-touran-tsi-ecofuel-to-416-mi/#commentsFiled under: ,



Volkswagen's natural gas-fueled Touran TSI EcoFuel is one of the most popular compact MPV's in Europe and the Wolfsburg automaker intends to keep it that way. The latest edition has been made more efficient than before and was given more fuel capacity. The underfloor natural gas storage tanks have been increased in capacity from 18 to 24 kg in the two-row, five-seat variant. Combined with powertrain tweaks that include a new 7-speed DSG transmission, the Touran can now go 323 miles on methane.

Once the natural gas supply runs out, if you haven't found a suitable filling station, you can tap into an 11 liter reserve tank of gasoline that will take you another 93 miles. The natural gas efficiency works out to 4.6 kg/100 km with CO2 emissions of just 124 g/km. Those who need seating for seven will have to sacrifice some fuel capacity bringing the natural gas range to just 230 miles.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen extends the range of the Touran TSI EcoFuel to 416 miles

Volkswagen extends the range of the Touran TSI EcoFuel to 416 miles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compressed natural gasCompressedNaturalGasNatural GasNaturalGasvolkswagenvolkswagen touranvolkswagen touran tsi ecofuelVolkswagenTouranVolkswagenTouranTsiEcofuelWed, 07 Oct 2009 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz launches BlueEfficiency Sprinter van]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/30/mercedes-benz-launches-blueefficiency-sprinter-van/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/30/mercedes-benz-launches-blueefficiency-sprinter-van/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/30/mercedes-benz-launches-blueefficiency-sprinter-van/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiency Sprinter - click above for high res image gallery

Over the past year, Mercedes-Benz has been rolling out high mileage BlueEfficiency versions of several passenger car models and has now expanded the eco-tweaks to their commercial vehicles. Effective immediately, two different Sprinter BlueEfficiency variants are available with different engines.

The first is powered by a new 2.2-liter four cylinder common rail diesel engine that is available in 95, 129 and 163 hp variants. Torque ranges from 184 lb-ft to 265 lb-ft. Electric on-demand control of auxiliary systems like the oil pump, alternator and oil spray nozzles allows the loads to be managed to reduce parasitic losses.

The Sprinter is also available with a 156 hp natural gas fueled four cylinder engine. Natural gas Sprinters can be had as either CNG-only or bi-fueled versions that can also run on gasoline. Both engines are paired up with a new wide-ratio ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission. The gearbox incorporates automatic start-stop functionality to shut the engines down when the van stops.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter BlueEfficiency


[Source: Daimler]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz launches BlueEfficiency Sprinter van

Mercedes-Benz launches BlueEfficiency Sprinter van originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselfalsemercedesmercedes benzmercedes benz sprintermercedes benz sprinter blueefficiencymercedes-benzmercedesbenzMercedesBenzSprinterMercedesBenzSprinterBlueefficiencynatural gasnatural gas vehiclesNaturalGasNaturalGasVehiclesWed, 30 Sep 2009 18:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Sales of natural gas powered cars increase in Germany]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/30/sales-of-natural-gas-powered-cars-increase-in-germany/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/30/sales-of-natural-gas-powered-cars-increase-in-germany/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/30/sales-of-natural-gas-powered-cars-increase-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: ,



Despite the general economic downturn - felt in Germany as much as anywhere else - sales in Germany of natural gas (CNG) powered cars increased by 14 percent this year. Specifically, the increase saw 6,561 more CNG vehicles sold this year so far, adding about 80,000 CNG vehicles to German roads. Most of these models belong to two home brands, Volkswagen and Opel. The top sellers were the VW Caddy (with 2,476 units), the Opel Zafira (839 units), the VW Passat (758 units) and the Volkswagen Touran (562 units). One of the reasons for the increase in sales is the lower costs of natural gas in Germany. it costs about half as much to run a car on CNG than on unleaded gasoline in Germay, and there are lower taxes and insurance costs to consider as well.

[Source: Auto News]

Sales of natural gas powered cars increase in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salescar sales germanyCarSalesCarSalesGermanycngWed, 30 Sep 2009 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[AFVTech working on CNG-powered, 600 hp 1933 Ford Roadster]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/27/afvtech-working-on-cng-powered-600-hp-1933-ford-roadster/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/27/afvtech-working-on-cng-powered-600-hp-1933-ford-roadster/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/27/afvtech-working-on-cng-powered-600-hp-1933-ford-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Take something old - in this case, a 1933 Ford Roadster body - and make it into something new - a CNG-powered, 600 hp beast, perhaps. That's what's happening over at AFVTech, which is prepping the hot rod for the upcoming Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Institute expo that's coming in May. The company is using what President Kevin Fern called the "Natural Drive dedicated EPA-certified CNG retrofit systems" for clean-burning 600 horsepower. The conversion uses a modified General Motors LS7 7-liter V8 engine (used in the Chevrolet Corvette Z06), a six-speed transmission, drive-by-wire controls and ABS disc brakes.

AFVTech is also working with Arizona's Fountain Hills high school's research club on turning a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria into a hydrogen-powered vehicle.

[Source: Green Car Advisor, Green Car Congress]

AFVTech working on CNG-powered, 600 hp 1933 Ford Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1933 ford roadster1933FordRoadster600 hp600Hpafv techafviafvtechcngcng carcng fordcng hot rodCngCarCngFordCngHotRodhot rodHotRodSun, 27 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Ten "green" cars that met their fate during Cash for Clunkers]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/25/top-ten-green-cars-that-met-their-fate-during-cash-for-clunker/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/25/top-ten-green-cars-that-met-their-fate-during-cash-for-clunker/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/25/top-ten-green-cars-that-met-their-fate-during-cash-for-clunker/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



One rule that all clunked cars needed to adhere to was a maximum rating of 18 MPG from the federal government, right? What wasn't required was that the clunked car be considered dirty. After all, it's pretty clear that CNG vehicles burn clean, but that didn't stop 232 of them from meeting their sodium silicate solution-induced death.

We looked through the official, but as of yet unverified, list (PDF) of trade-in cars that were clunked using the Car Allowance Rebate System (Cash for Clunkers) and found that the aforementioned CNG vehicles, 1,779 flex-fuel vehicles and 24 LPG vehicles found their way to the recycler thanks to CARS. Which alternative-fuel models were most dumped? Which single hybrid took a dive? Click above for our top ten and check out the full list after the jump.

Photo by dno1967. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

Continue reading Top Ten "green" cars that met their fate during Cash for Clunkers

Top Ten "green" cars that met their fate during Cash for Clunkers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b3000carscash for clunkersCashForClunkersclunkerscnge250explorerf150featuredflex-fuelflex-fuel vehicleFlex-fuelVehiclefordgrand marquisGrandMarquismazdamercurymountaineerrangersierrasonomaFri, 25 Sep 2009 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiat announces new dual fuel natural gas Qubo Natural Power MPV]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/14/fiat-announces-new-dual-fuel-natural-gas-qubo-natural-power-mpv/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/14/fiat-announces-new-dual-fuel-natural-gas-qubo-natural-power-mpv/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/14/fiat-announces-new-dual-fuel-natural-gas-qubo-natural-power-mpv/#commentsFiled under: ,


Fiat Qubo Natural Power - Click above for high res image gallery

Fiat is launching a new dual-fueled version of its Qubo van in Europe that can run on gasoline or compressed natural gas. The Qubo Natural Power is propelled by a 70 hp, 1.4-liter engine that should give the van leisurely performance. The new Qubo is intended primarily for use in urban areas where the cleaner-burning methane fuel will provide the greatest advantage. Carbon dioxide emissions are just 119 g/km, meaning the Qubo qualifies for a variety of incentives including exemption from certain taxes and congestion charges. In Italy, for example, the Qubo Active gets a rebate that brings the price from €16,400 down to just €9,950. One of the biggest benefits of natural gas are no particulate emissions and a 90 percent reduction in NOx compared to older diesels. It also costs about half of what gas or diesel does right now in Europe.

Gallery: Fiat Qubo Natural Power

090911_f_qubonaturalpower_02090911_f_qubonaturalpower_01

[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Fiat announces new dual fuel natural gas Qubo Natural Power MPV

Fiat announces new dual fuel natural gas Qubo Natural Power MPV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiatfiat qubofiat qubo mpvfiat qubo natural powerfiatqubofiatqubompvFiatQuboNaturalPowernatural gasNaturalGasMon, 14 Sep 2009 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[How important is the appearance of a green car?]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/10/greenlings-how-important-is-the-appearance-of-a-green-car/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/10/greenlings-how-important-is-the-appearance-of-a-green-car/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/09/10/greenlings-how-important-is-the-appearance-of-a-green-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2011 Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

There has been quite a spate of green car designs in the past few years that seem penned to prove the adage that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Indeed, some eco-intentioned vehicles appear to be the end result of an ultimate death match between form and function in which form never stood the slightest whisper of a chance. (We aren't looking at you, Sunmotor Coupe DX, but only because it's entirely too painful.) However, since the aim of high efficiency transportation is to leave as small an environmental impact as is possible, do looks really matter? We would argue yes.

We are not saying that every hybrid need look like rolling art. The Toyota Prius has become the most popular fuel-sipper of all time yet it could never be confused for the hybridized Essence concept from its competitor, Infiniti. One has been accused of resembling an aerodynamic toaster while the other seems a sculpted homage to sinful sensuality and yet each is reasonably successful at achieving its aesthetic goals. Most cars are conceived with a particular market niche in mind and the successful treatment not only marries form and function but also projects the proper image and social status. Come past the break and we'll explore the importance of appearance of eco-cars a bit further.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt




Continue reading How important is the appearance of a green car?

How important is the appearance of a green car? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appearancedesignform functionFormFunctiongreenlingsstylingThu, 10 Sep 2009 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[DOE invests $300 million in clean fuels, including one lonely hydrogen station]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/30/doe-invests-300-million-in-clean-fuels-including-one-lonely-hy/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/30/doe-invests-300-million-in-clean-fuels-including-one-lonely-hy/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/30/doe-invests-300-million-in-clean-fuels-including-one-lonely-hy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


What does it cost to displace 38 million gallons of petroleum per year? According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), almost $300 million. That's the amount that DOE head Steven Chu announced last week would go from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into buying about 9,000 "alternative fuel and energy efficient" vehicles and 542 new refueling locations. The gasoline alternatives being funded by the money include the whole swath of options: including "natural and renewable gas, propane, ethanol, biodiesel, electricity, and hybrid technologies." While not prominently mentioned in the press release, a single hydrogen refueling station in New Haven, Connecticut, in fact, part of the funding (not a surprise). The money is being given out as part of the Clean Cities initiative, a partnership between the government and industry groups with the goal of reducing petroleum use in the transportation sector. See a complete list of grant winners here.

[Source: DOE]

DOE invests $300 million in clean fuels, including one lonely hydrogen station originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doerecovery actRecoveryActstephen chuStephenChuSun, 30 Aug 2009 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Can I convert an older vehicle to something more environmentally-friendly?]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/27/greenlings-can-i-convert-an-older-vehicle-to-something-more-env/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/27/greenlings-can-i-convert-an-older-vehicle-to-something-more-env/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/27/greenlings-can-i-convert-an-older-vehicle-to-something-more-env/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Converted plug-in Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Cash For Clunkers is officially over and helped put almost 700,000 new cars on the road. Now that the easy $4,500 are no longer available to buyers with low-mpg cars, we thought it'd be a good time to answer AutoblogGreen reader Adam's question that he submitted for our Greenlings series. Adam said he would like to know:
What efforts are being made via research & development that will convert existing vehicles to green vehicles? Is it not important to use the existing fleet vs. constant production of new and more vehicles? I am thinking of classic or special vehicles owners want to keep on the road once alternative engines / fuels are commercially available.
We tackle the question after the jump.

Gallery: EVS23: Kim Adelman's Plug-in Conversion Prius


Photos copyright (C)2007 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading Can I convert an older vehicle to something more environmentally-friendly?

Can I convert an older vehicle to something more environmentally-friendly? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conversionconversion kitconversion kitsConversionKitConversionKitsconversionse85 conversionE85Conversionelectric conversionElectricConversionev conversionEvConversionfalsehybrid conversionhybrid conversionsHybridConversionHybridConversionsphevphev conversionphev conversionsPhevConversionPhevConversionssvosvo conversionSvoConversionThu, 27 Aug 2009 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sin City orders up 26 CNG-powered stretch limos for new CityCenter]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/07/sin-city-orders-up-26-cng-powered-stretch-limos-for-new-citycent/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/07/sin-city-orders-up-26-cng-powered-stretch-limos-for-new-citycent/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/08/07/sin-city-orders-up-26-cng-powered-stretch-limos-for-new-citycent/#commentsFiled under:

CNG stretch limo - click to enlarge

The giant CityCenter that is under construction in Las Vegas - which, at a cost of $8 billion, it is the largest single privately funded development in U.S. history, say the developers - certainly has the funds to invest in some green enhancements. The 18-million-square-foot development is on track to get a combination of gold and silver LEED ratings. Part of the greenery will be a fleet of 26 stretch limos, each 24 feet long, that burn compressed natural gas (CNG), apparently the first such fleet in the world. The limos will be used by the CityCenter's ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel. The developers chose CNG because it is abundant in the U.S., burns clean and is often cheaper than petroleum diesel or gasoline. As probably won't surprise long-time readers, T. Boone Pickens approves of the choice. He will be in Vegas next week for the National Clean Energy Summit 2.0, along with Senator Harry Reid, former president Bill Clinton, former vice president Al Gore and Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

PR for the CityCenter says that it is "a development that was created with a vision to bring a new level of environmental consciousness to the Las Vegas Strip," which sounds good but wouldn't even a single recycling bin on the street there be more "environmental consciousness" than exists today? (I admit I'm biased against Vegas). Other eco-touches at the CityCenter, which will open in December, include preferred parking for "green cars and carpoolers," bicycle storage units and rideshare options.

[Source: CityCenter]

Continue reading Sin City orders up 26 CNG-powered stretch limos for new CityCenter

Sin City orders up 26 CNG-powered stretch limos for new CityCenter originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citycentercngcompressed natural gasCompressedNaturalGasfalselas vegaslas vegas citycenterlas vegas stripLasVegasLasVegasCitycenterLasVegasStripnatural gasNaturalGast. boone pickensT.BoonePickensvegasFri, 07 Aug 2009 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[What's up with natural gas vehicles?]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/30/greenlings-whats-up-with-natural-gas-vehicles/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/30/greenlings-whats-up-with-natural-gas-vehicles/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/30/greenlings-whats-up-with-natural-gas-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 Honda Civic GX

One thing we try to do with our weekly series of Greenlings articles is answer reader questions about the green car industry (if you've got a burning need to know something, please let us know). Considering today's news that the Honda Civic GX is now available for sale in Utah, we thought we'd dig into AutoblogGreen reader Island Don's question about compressed natural gas vehicles. Here it is (slightly edited):
To me as a big diesel guy, I see the the CNG as a great, cheap, clean burning alternative to to gas, diesel, or hybrid, yet Honda CNG sales aren't great. Why haven't they done better? Why haven't they been promoted by the government or the manufacturer? I've never seen an ad, nor ever heard any politician promote them. Yet I see all the buses in LA and San Diego running on CNG. That tells me there's an infrastructure in place. What's the scoop?
Follow us through the jump for the answer.


Continue reading What's up with natural gas vehicles?

What's up with natural gas vehicles? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cngcompressed natural gasCompressedNaturalGasfeaturedgreenlingshonda civic gxHondaCivicGxnat gasnat gas actNatGasNatGasActnatural gasNaturalGasThu, 30 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda Civic GX enters third market in Utah]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/30/honda-civic-gx-enters-third-market-in-utah/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/30/honda-civic-gx-enters-third-market-in-utah/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/07/30/honda-civic-gx-enters-third-market-in-utah/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Somewhere, perhaps, T. Boone Pickens is smiling. Honda's natural gas-powered Civic GX - the only passenger vehicle powered by this fuel available for sale in the U.S. - just increased its area of availability by a third. Until now, you could only buy the GX in California (since 2006) and New York (since 2007). Starting today, Honda dealers in Utah will also be able to sell the NGV to retail customers, and the state is offering a $3,000 state tax credit on top of the $4,000 federal credit to eligible buyers. Two Utah Honda dealers have been selling the GX to fleets. Counting all fleet dealers, Honda says there are 129 dealers in 32 states that offer the CIvic GX. The CIvic GX is assembled in Indiana, and we had our quick drive in the GX a few years ago. We remember fondly a post from the ABG archives about the nuns of the Congregation of St. Joseph of Cleveland, Ohio and their fleet of 12 Civic GVs.

Gallery: Honda Civic GX

09civic_gx_0209civic_gx_01

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda Civic GX enters third market in Utah

Honda Civic GX enters third market in Utah originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civic natural gascivic utahCivicNaturalGasCivicUtahfalsegxhonda civichonda civic gxhonda civic natural gashonda gxhonda utahHondaCivicHondaCivicGxHondaCivicNaturalGasHondaGxHondaUtahnatural gasnatural gas utahNaturalGasNaturalGasUtahThu, 30 Jul 2009 19:03:00 EST