Car Blog

Climate summit dignitaries go green to get around Copenhagen

The climate change summit got off to a good start with a fuel change. For the first time ever, the fleet of VIP limousines switched to a climate-friendly fuel — The New Ethanol, made from straw by the Danish company Inbicon. So when the politicians are traveling around Copenhagen this week and next during the United Nations Climate Change Conference, it will be in cars powered by a climate-friendly E85 fuel. This particular blend of 85% ethanol cuts emissions of the primary greenhouse gas (CO2) 84% compared with conventional gasoline.

The climate-friendly fill-up came about as a collaboration between Danisco’s enzyme division Genencor, Inbicon Biomass Refinery Technology, Novozymes, and Statoil, assisted by the Partnership for Biofuels. The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is supplying the limousines: 30 Volvo S80s and 10 Volvo V70s will be chauffeuring politicians from all over the world during COP15. Among those present at this first official filling-up with E85 in Denmark were senior representatives of the companies involved as well as Jan-Christoph Napierski from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ COP15 Logistics unit. “An event such as the UN Climate Change Conference attracts a large number of exciting new technologies, which could help to solve the climate challenge. This is why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to be able to showcase a Danish contribution — advanced biofuel — to a green and climate-friendly Climate Change Conference,” says Jan-Christoph Napierski.

It is not just politicians who can drive around using advanced biofuel. Beginning in 2010, Statoil’s Danish customers will also be able to fill up with a fuel made using the latest technologies for developing clean, sustainable energy. The New Ethanol is produced by Inbicon, a technology subsidiary of DONG Energy, one of Denmark’s largest energy groups. Novozymes and Danisco’s enzyme division Genencor are supplying the enzymes for the biofuel production, and Statoil is providing the distribution facilities. The Partnership’s capabilities in producing advanced biofuel offer significant climate-related potential, allowing the widespread replacement of conventional fuel such as gasoline. Besides converting straw into ethanol, the current technology can produce it from corn stalks, leaves, and cobs; sugar bagasse; miscanthus grass; and other soft biomass. The development of advanced biofuel technology offers significant commercial potential through export of technological solutions and knowledge within the development and application of enzymes.

Facts about Inbicon A/S Inbicon technology produces fuel ethanol, solid lignin biofuel, and livestock feed from soft biomass. Since 2003 Inbicon has perfected its process at a pilot plant in Skaerbaek at Fredericia, Denmark, and in November the company inaugurated its first Inbicon Biomass Refinery in Kalundborg, which is open for tours during the climate summit. Commercial-scale production is planned for the U.S. beginning in 2010. Inbicon is a subsidiary of DONG Energy A/S. Find out more at www.inbicon.com.

Facts about Partnership for Biofuels Partnership for Biofuels aims to develop the frame conditions for Danish technology in order to produce second-generation biofuels. The partnership consists of Novozymes A/S, Inbicon A/S, Danisco A/S, Biogasol, Statoil A/S, Aalborg University, Agrotech, Solum Gruppen and the Danish Agriculture Council. The work is being followed by EUDP and The Danish Environmental Protection Agency.

Source: Inbicon A/S

HUMMER announced updates to the 2010 HUMMER H3 and H3T midsize all-terrain vehicles including the addition of three new exterior colors and an available E85 Flex Fuel capable 5.3L V8 engine as part of its commitment to offer a biofuel powertrain in all body styles by 2010. Both H3-based vehicles will begin arriving in dealerships before the end of 2009 in North America.

“In 2007, HUMMER committed to offer a biofuel powertrain in every vehicle by 2010 and follows through on that promise with the addition of a new 300-horsepower, E85 Flex Fuel capable 5.3L V8,” says James Taylor, HUMMER CEO. “This is just the first step in HUMMER’s evolution to offer responsible, yet highly capable all-terrain vehicles. Future models will be lighter, more efficient and will continue to offer the best blend of off-road capability and on-road performance.”

The new 5.3L V8 Flex Fuel engine is standard in all 2010 Alpha series’ models and is a powerful and efficient member of GM’s legendary small-block V-8 family. It is rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm). An aluminum cylinder block is used with the H3 Alpha’s engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance.

A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 5.3L engine. Flat towing is enabled on all H3 and H3T models.

HUMMER also continues to expand customer choice with the introduction of three new premium colors for 2010, which include Red Rock Metallic, Silver Stone Metallic, and Canyon Metallic.

The H3 and H3T feature an extensive list of standard equipment, including full-time electronic four-wheel drive; Hill Start Assist; Stabilitrak electronic stability control system; four-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction control; roof-rail side curtain airbags and dual-stage frontal air bags with passenger sensing system; tire pressure monitoring system; OnStar; bluetooth hands-free capability and HUMMER’s premium five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty plan.

Pricing for the 2010 model year H3 remains unchanged from 2009, with a starting MSRP of $33,390. H3T pricing begins at $30,915, a slight $165 increase from 2009. HUMMER has lowered the 2010 H3T Alpha price $335 with a new MSRP of $35,680. All 2010 models also include destination charges of $780.

The 2010 HUMMER H3 and H3T are scheduled to arrive in dealerships in December 2009.

Source: General Motors

The market for solar technologies is still limited to advanced roof solutions that use solar cells to ventilate vehicle interiors, but technological advancements will soon shift the focus from comfort and convenience to powertrain applications and similar domains. In tandem with expanding applications, solar cell costs are expected to fall, meaning that more average customers can look forward to a ‘greener,’ less-polluting vehicle.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Executive Analysis of the Market for Solar Technology Applications in the European Automotive Industry, finds that a sunroof panel with solar cells can generate sufficient power to ventilate the vehicle interior. The technologies covered in this research service are polysilicon solar cells, thin-film solar cells and third-generation solar cells.

The automotive industry is undergoing an evolution wherein traditional internal combustion (IC) engines are ceding the way to battery-powered motors. Growing interest in zero-emission vehicles, increased government spending on electric vehicles (EVs), and the numerous vehicle prototypes already in the pipeline point irrefutably towards a future dominated by EVs.

Nevertheless, EVs face lingering criticism regarding increased energy consumption. One compelling solution is to run EVs on power generated by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. EVs of the future could be powered by electricity from a grid generated by solar power, or else at solar charging stations. Currently, solar cells are not preferred because of their high cost to power ratio. However, this ratio is likely to lessen as a result of technological advancements, rendering it more affordable for vehicle manufacturers.

“Solar cells are poised to achieve grid parity in the coming years,” says Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Roshan Devadoss. “Subsequently, solar cells costs will plummet, making them affordable for automotive applications.” Grid parity occurs when the cost of electricity generated using solar cells equals the cost of that generated using fossil or nuclear fuels. Upon reaching grid parity, solar cells will cease to be cost-intensive, leading to inexpensive automotive solutions.

One of the biggest restraints for the use of solar panels in automotive applications is added weight. Polysilicon solar panels are heavy and exert a drag on the vehicle, reducing the range and life of the battery in electric or hybrid vehicles and decreasing the fuel-efficiency in conventional cars. “Polysilicon solar panels increase vehicle weight, resulting in higher operational costs,” explains Devadoss.

Apart from polysilicon cells, the only other commercially available solution is thin-film solar cells, which have caught the attention of vehicle manufacturers’ owing to their flexibility and light-weightiness. Vehicle manufacturers have developed concept vehicles with this technology and some of them are working towards production models.

One disadvantage of this technology is its low efficiency. However, mounting the thin-film solar cells is not design intensive due to its flexibility and can be used to cover larger surface areas to compensate for the drop in efficiency. “R & D has led to lighter, more flexible and robust thin film technologies and third generation solar cells, however they are less efficient than polysilicon solar cells,” concludes Devadoss.

Vehicle manufactures are already investigating the use of thin-film technologies that are commercially available for advanced roof solutions and have developed concept vehicles using them. Third-generation solar cells are currently under development and will likely be deployed in the interior of the vehicle as well as on the roofs, doors and windows.

Executive Analysis of the Market for Solar Technology Applications in the European Automotive Industry is part of the Automotive & Transportation Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: European Market Analysis for Low Speed Driver Assistance Applications, Strategic Analysis of European Automotive Interior Lighting Market, Strategic Analysis of European Automotive Exterior Lighting Market, and European Automotive Original Equipment DAS, ESP, Passive Safety and Rain Sensors Market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

Source: Frost & Sullivan

Media to Test Drive the Latest Clean Diesel, Electric, Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Hybrid Vehicles

The Los Angeles Auto Show will host a unique opportunity for journalists to drive some of the most advanced green cars on Dec. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Green Cars/LA Auto Show Ride & Drive will enable journalists to experience back-to-back comparison drives of exciting, new and experimental models that offer high fuel efficiency, low environmental impact or run on a variety of alternative fuels. The Ride & Drive is sponsored by Southern California Edison (SCE) and the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Make it Possible(SM) campaign.

As the first major North American auto show of the season, the LA Auto Show has developed a strong reputation as a key show for emerging green trends and vehicles. During the show’s second Press Day, multiple vehicles from ten manufacturers representing North American, European and Asian automakers will be on hand to test drive on the streets of L.A.

Some participating vehicles are so new or in such limited quantity that previous test drive opportunities have been very rare or simply unavailable, such as the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, Porsche Cayenne Diesel and the electric Volkswagen E-Up!. Other green vehicles available to test drive include the BMW 335d, Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell, Honda FCX Clarity, MINI-E, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Mitsubishi i car, Volkswagen Euro Polo Blue Motion and Touareg TDI, plus others. Three 2010 Green Car of the Year® finalists are featured as well, including the Audi A3 TDI, Honda Insight and the Volkswagen Golf TDI.

“Today’s sharper focus on efficiency, CO2 reduction and better overall environmental performance has brought greater momentum to all types of ‘green’ vehicles, whether they’re powered by advanced gasoline and diesel engines or alternatives like electricity, hydrogen or biofuels,” says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal, editor of GreenCar.com and organizer of the Ride & Drive. “The ride and drive enables journalists attending the LA Auto Show to get behind the wheel of these innovative vehicles and put them through their paces on city streets.”

The Ride & Drive will be accompanied by displays from Southern California Edison and Plastics Make it Possible(SM). Auto show participants who visit SCE’s exhibit will get an early view of what they need to do to get their homes plug-in and electric vehicle ready. SCE experts will provide answers to frequently asked questions about electricity rates, charging equipment, installation options and when to call the electric utility. Plastics Make it Possible(SM) is a new campaign sponsored by the American Chemistry Council that highlights innovative uses of plastics. Within the automotive industry, plastics are helping improve vehicles through safety, performance and style. When it comes to the latest “green” vehicles, plastics allow manufacturers to make cars lighter and more fuel efficient, reducing green house gas emissions. Over the past decade, recycled plastics have been increasingly used in vehicle interiors and upholstery, allowing plastics to live a second life in automobiles.

Source: Greater Los Angeles Auto Show

Replacing Steel Bodies with Aluminum in Electric Cars can Reduce Overall Consumer Costs

Opting for high-strength, low-weight aluminum over heavier steel structures for plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles can cut vehicle price overall by reducing the battery energy requirements and the associated costs, according to a new study released today at the Center for Automotive Research’s (CAR) Business of Plugging In conference. The study was jointly conducted by The Aluminum Association, Inc. with Ricardo, a leading technical research and strategic consultancy to the world’s automotive, transport and energy industries.

Michael Bull, Director of Automotive Technology for Novelis, Inc., represented the Aluminum Association at the conference and participated in a panel discussion on future automotive changes associated with all electric vehicles.

“As automakers gear up for a new generation of plug-in electric vehicles, the high cost of battery power remains a barrier,” said Bull. “What this new report shows is that by upgrading from traditional steel to an advanced aluminum body structure, the vehicle’s stored energy requirements can be cut by about 10 percent, which could save up to $3,000 per vehicle since less power and energy is required to move the lighter vehicle.”

“Plug-in and hybrid electric cars contain precious little, and quite expensive, ‘fuel’ in the form of batteries,” added Bull. “Therefore, every effort must be made to utilize this stored energy to the highest possible efficiency. The solution lies in lowering the vehicle’s weight with aluminum as part of a holistic approach to also include advanced powertrains and batteries, enhanced thermal management, improved aerodynamics, and reduced rolling resistance.”

Highlights from the Ricardo electric vehicle study, for the federal test procedure (FTP75) drive cycle, include:

– The driving range of the vehicles could be improved approximately equal to the mass saved. Reduce the mass of the vehicle 20 percent, go 20 percent father. One example vehicle had the range extended from 80 to 97 miles.
– The heaviest vehicle in the study, at 1,822 kg, consumed about 300 Wh/mi, while the lightest at 627 kg consumed about 146 Wh/mi.
– Regenerative braking could recover about 65 percent of the energy associated with the vehicle’s momentum irrespective of the vehicle weight. But this is only about 15-20 percent of the total energy expended.
– For the lightest vehicle, about 44 percent of the energy is lost to powertrain inefficiencies, with 33 percent of the energy used to overcome air resistance, and only 24 percent is used to move the vehicle.
– As with conventional vehicles, the lighter vehicles have faster accelerations.

The purpose of the Ricardo study was to evaluate the impact of vehicle weight reductions on electric vehicle performance, range and battery size. The majority of the vehicle simulations were done using the FTP75 drive cycle with a few highway drive cycles. In general, the relationships between vehicle mass, battery weight and energy, and range are linear up to the maximum range studied of 80 miles. At this range, the battery weight doesn’t grow enough to start a significant “weight spiral.”

The study also examined the role of vehicle mass on regenerative braking; specifically the question of whether strong regenerative braking might lessen the impact of weight reduction. This turns out not to be the case. All vehicles studied could recoup about 65 percent of energy associated with moving the vehicle. But the energy balance for each vehicle changes. As the vehicle gets lighter, less energy is required to move it, while the aerodynamic losses remain constant. For the lightest vehicle the aerodynamic losses are higher than the energy to accelerate the vehicle.

Real world designs support the fact that lightweight structures are a significant enabler for these vehicle types. Examples include Tesla Motors’s Roadster, or upcoming midsized platform, Fisker Automotive’s luxury vehicle and Bright Automotive’s van. All are all using lightweight aluminum platforms for their vehicles.

“Many of the current hybrid vehicles are progressively adding lower weight components to improve the overall vehicle performance. When it comes to making electric vehicles more affordable and efficient, aluminum is proven to get you there with no compromises,” said Bull.

Source: The Aluminum Association

Building identified as one of the most energy efficient in the nation

The Nissan Americas building’s innovative energy-saving features has earned it the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s prestigious 2009 ENERGY STAR®. The award signifies the building’s energy performance rates in the top 25 percent of facilities nationwide. Nissan Americas, which opened in July 2008, serves as the regional headquarters for North, Central, South and Latin America.

“Nissan Americas is a statement of our overall commitment to the environment and to energy savings,” said John Harris, director of Facilities and Environmental Engineering. “The ENERGY STAR® award recognizes Nissan’s ground-breaking efforts in constructing a building that has numerous features designed to maximize energy efficiency and reduce the impact on the environment.”

Nissan’s manufacturing plants in Smyrna, Tenn., and Canton, Miss., have received ENERGY STAR® awards during the last three years. The plants, including Nissan’s powertrain assembly plant in Decherd, Tenn., have seen their energy efficiency improve by more than 30 percent, saving the company more than $11.5 million per year.

“Improving the energy efficiency of our nation’s buildings is critical to protecting our environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Kathleen Hogan, director of EPA’s Climate Protection Partnerships Division. “From office buildings to hotels, supermarkets to schools, EPA’s ENERGY STAR® distinguishes those organizations who are taking environmental responsibility into their own hands.”

The ENERGY STAR® is the mark of superior energy performance and identifies Nissan Americas as one of the most efficient buildings in the nation. Commercial buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR® designation use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and release 35 percent less carbon dioxide in to the atmosphere.

Key design features in Nissan Americas that contribute to energy savings and environmental protection include:

– Heating and cooling efficiency through an under-floor ventilation system
– Low-emissivity (Low-E) Glass
– Light harvesting
– Sunshades
– Green roof system
– Runoff water collection system

In 2006, Nissan pledged to become an ENERGY STAR® partner and committed to three principal actions that include measuring and benchmarking energy performance; reducing the intensity of energy use at all facilities; and educating staff and the public about ENERGY STAR®.

Source: Nissan North America