Recently, in a press conference convened by the Chemical Research Society of India, revealed the dream of Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata.
Ratan Tata's dream is to see cars fueled by only water, simply water which may be toilet water, sea water or drinking water. In order to make it happen soon, he has invested USD 15 million in a start-up firm supporting research in the field, carried out by an eminent scientist from Massechusetts Institute of Technology in the US.
The scientist, friend of Prof C N R Rao who is chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister said that he(scientist) has found a way to split water directly into hydrogen and oxygen.
- PTI Inputs
Showing posts with label green car. Show all posts
Showing posts with label green car. Show all posts
Monday, January 3, 2011
Sunday, December 5, 2010
17 year school kid from Sikkim designs car based on Electromagnetic induction magnetism (EMIM)
A class XI, seventeen-year-old, Deepak Gupta, a science department student of Jawaharlal Navodya Vidhlaya at Rabong in South Sikkim has come up with eco-friendly vehicle design which works on the principle of electromagnetic induction magnetism (EMIM).
He said that the design has one system in the gear. "By pressing the buttons of the vehicle, one can increase or decrease the speed of the vehicle. With the help of the batteries, we start the dynamo which shall charge the electromagnetic induction motor which gives energy to the vehicle," he said to PTI.
With assistance from his physics teacher, Gupta is now preparing to show case his designs at the driving technology competitions to be held in Brazil, USA, China.
- PTI Inputs
He said that the design has one system in the gear. "By pressing the buttons of the vehicle, one can increase or decrease the speed of the vehicle. With the help of the batteries, we start the dynamo which shall charge the electromagnetic induction motor which gives energy to the vehicle," he said to PTI.
With assistance from his physics teacher, Gupta is now preparing to show case his designs at the driving technology competitions to be held in Brazil, USA, China.
- PTI Inputs
Saturday, November 20, 2010
US President Obama impressed by GM's hybrid Plug-in Opel Ampera.
Taking break from Nato meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, President Barack Obama checked out an Opel Ampera plug-in electric hybrid being buit at Detroit-Hamtramck plant.
He said the Ampera "is another example of GM technology that is going to have great appeal here in Europe," according to a White House pool report. "Our hope is we're going to market this all through Europe," he said.
He touted the car's quiet sound and called it the "future."
'This is a nice looking car," Obama said. He sat in the passenger seat for about three minutes and said "Fire it up" to the man in the driver's seat.
The Ampera is a five-door, four-seat will offer different trim levels from market to market.
(Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press)
Src: [The Detroit News]
India's Environment Minister thinks that Driving heavy, luxury personal vehicle should be liable for criminal offense in India.
With the increase in the SUV and luxury car from Europe which doesn't have any fuel efficiency sense is worrying India's Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh.
Use of Sports Utility Vehicles in countries like India is 'criminal', Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said and pitched the need for evolving an effective fuel policy regime to discourage the use of such vehicles that emit more carbons.
"The luxurious growth of large-size vehicles like SUVs is really a growth of concern... use of vehicles like SUVs and BMWs in countries like India is criminal," Ramesh said at a UN function here.
"I think, we seriously need to think about fuel policy regime," he said.
The Minister said there should be a reformed diesel policy as the real beneficiaries of the diesel subsidy are the owners of the 'BMWs, the Benzs and Hondas' and not farmers.
Ramesh said the transport sector contribute 7.5 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the country and this is expected to be 15 per cent in the next 15 to 20 years.
"We are worried and we are looking at how to control these emissions from transport sector. For this to happen, there should be mandatory fuel efficiency standards," he said.
The minister added that a national transport policy committee has been constituted and the committee will give its recommendations in next 12 to 15 months.
- PTI Inputs
Use of Sports Utility Vehicles in countries like India is 'criminal', Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said and pitched the need for evolving an effective fuel policy regime to discourage the use of such vehicles that emit more carbons.
"The luxurious growth of large-size vehicles like SUVs is really a growth of concern... use of vehicles like SUVs and BMWs in countries like India is criminal," Ramesh said at a UN function here.
"I think, we seriously need to think about fuel policy regime," he said.
The Minister said there should be a reformed diesel policy as the real beneficiaries of the diesel subsidy are the owners of the 'BMWs, the Benzs and Hondas' and not farmers.
Ramesh said the transport sector contribute 7.5 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the country and this is expected to be 15 per cent in the next 15 to 20 years.
"We are worried and we are looking at how to control these emissions from transport sector. For this to happen, there should be mandatory fuel efficiency standards," he said.
The minister added that a national transport policy committee has been constituted and the committee will give its recommendations in next 12 to 15 months.
- PTI Inputs
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
New new auto fuel economy, emissions rules to be proposed by U.S Govt
(Reuters) -- The Obama administration this week will propose new fuel efficiency and emissions requirements for cars and light trucks for model years 2017 and beyond.
The plan, a centerpiece of President Barack Obama's energy agenda geared toward reducing oil imports, is under review by the White House budget office. It is due on Thursday, but could be released sooner.
Leading environmental groups have called on the administration to set a target of 60 miles per gallon by 2025, but officials have said that is unlikely.
Environmental and auto industry experts close to the process believe transportation and environmental regulators will propose a yearly average increase ranging from 3 percent to 6 percent. The 60 mpg figure would require a roughly 6 percent annual improvement.
The administration is expected to take pains not to be prescriptive, but will spell out its aims for more aggressive gains than industry is accustomed to achieving.
Oil depedence
U.S. passenger vehicles emit about 20 percent of the nation's carbon emissions and consume about 44 percent of its oil, figures show.
Environmental groups and scientists want the United States to cut oil dependence nearly 50 billion gallons annually and carbon pollution more than 500 metric tons per year by 2030.
Standards imposed last year require automakers to achieve 35.5 mpg by 2016, up 42 percent from current levels.
The Consumer Federation of America, along with leading environmental and scientific groups, wrote President Obama last week urging his administration to raise vehicle fuel efficiency requirements to 60 mpg by 2025.
60 mpg
If the 60 mpg standard were in place now, U.S. gasoline consumption would fall by roughly half to 4.5 million barrels a day this year, or 1.6 billion barrels annually, according to CFA Director of Research Mark Cooper. One barrel holds 42 gallons.
Cooper also said other countries would benefit from a higher U.S. vehicle fuel standard, as America's gasoline consumption accounts for 10 percent of global petroleum demand.
"Gasoline policy is a huge important part not only of U.S. energy policy, but of global energy policy," Cooper said.
Europe and Japan lead the world in auto fuel and emissions efficiency while the U.S. fleet, which has made some strides in recent years, still trails much of the industrialized world.
Brendan Bell, a lobbyist with the Union of Concerned Scientists, acknowledged 60 mpg was aggressive. But he said the 2017 target gives automakers plenty of time to assess the initial impact of electric models and make other adjustments.
"They have a ton of time to plan it out and develop technology," Bell said.
The rulemaking will undergo an intense period of public comment and is not expected to be finalized for some time. Rules must be in place at least 18 months before the start of a model year.
Getting greener
The Democratic-led Congress has required the U.S. fleet sharply improve efficiency, but industry would likely look to Republican majorities in the House or Senate, or both, beginning next year to slow administration efficiency goals deemed onerous.
Automotive experts and scientists say efficiency goals in coming years can be achieved with lighter vehicle construction, cleaner burning gasoline engines and better performing transmission systems.
Major automakers know they will have to do more, but they want a scale that does not dramatically hike vehicle production costs or a mandate that commits them to a specific approach.
"What we're hoping for is that the regulation recognizes some of the uncertainty that still exists and allows flexibility to implement new technologies," said Charles Territo, a spokesman for the chief manufacturing trade group, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
Many cars, particularly those made by Japanese companies, like Toyota Motor Corp and Honda Motor Co, already meet or exceed the U.S. 2016 standard although Korean-made models, such as those produced by Hyundai Motor are fast closing the gap.
A big unknown going forward is whether the public will embrace electric vehicles, which will receive a "0" emissions rating from the government during their introduction to the market. The most fuel efficient vehicles on the road today, gasoline-electric hybrids, represent only a fraction of retail sales.
General Motors Co, which is government-owned, has placed large bets on electric cars. Its Chevy Volt is due out later this year. Nissan Motor Co is also moving ahead with its electric Leaf. European automakers, like Volkswagen AG, are rolling out more efficient vehicles, like the 2011 Jetta, with changes to conventional technology.
The plan, a centerpiece of President Barack Obama's energy agenda geared toward reducing oil imports, is under review by the White House budget office. It is due on Thursday, but could be released sooner.
Leading environmental groups have called on the administration to set a target of 60 miles per gallon by 2025, but officials have said that is unlikely.
Environmental and auto industry experts close to the process believe transportation and environmental regulators will propose a yearly average increase ranging from 3 percent to 6 percent. The 60 mpg figure would require a roughly 6 percent annual improvement.
The administration is expected to take pains not to be prescriptive, but will spell out its aims for more aggressive gains than industry is accustomed to achieving.
Oil depedence
U.S. passenger vehicles emit about 20 percent of the nation's carbon emissions and consume about 44 percent of its oil, figures show.
Environmental groups and scientists want the United States to cut oil dependence nearly 50 billion gallons annually and carbon pollution more than 500 metric tons per year by 2030.
Standards imposed last year require automakers to achieve 35.5 mpg by 2016, up 42 percent from current levels.
The Consumer Federation of America, along with leading environmental and scientific groups, wrote President Obama last week urging his administration to raise vehicle fuel efficiency requirements to 60 mpg by 2025.
60 mpg
If the 60 mpg standard were in place now, U.S. gasoline consumption would fall by roughly half to 4.5 million barrels a day this year, or 1.6 billion barrels annually, according to CFA Director of Research Mark Cooper. One barrel holds 42 gallons.
Cooper also said other countries would benefit from a higher U.S. vehicle fuel standard, as America's gasoline consumption accounts for 10 percent of global petroleum demand.
"Gasoline policy is a huge important part not only of U.S. energy policy, but of global energy policy," Cooper said.
Europe and Japan lead the world in auto fuel and emissions efficiency while the U.S. fleet, which has made some strides in recent years, still trails much of the industrialized world.
Brendan Bell, a lobbyist with the Union of Concerned Scientists, acknowledged 60 mpg was aggressive. But he said the 2017 target gives automakers plenty of time to assess the initial impact of electric models and make other adjustments.
"They have a ton of time to plan it out and develop technology," Bell said.
The rulemaking will undergo an intense period of public comment and is not expected to be finalized for some time. Rules must be in place at least 18 months before the start of a model year.
Getting greener
The Democratic-led Congress has required the U.S. fleet sharply improve efficiency, but industry would likely look to Republican majorities in the House or Senate, or both, beginning next year to slow administration efficiency goals deemed onerous.
Automotive experts and scientists say efficiency goals in coming years can be achieved with lighter vehicle construction, cleaner burning gasoline engines and better performing transmission systems.
Major automakers know they will have to do more, but they want a scale that does not dramatically hike vehicle production costs or a mandate that commits them to a specific approach.
"What we're hoping for is that the regulation recognizes some of the uncertainty that still exists and allows flexibility to implement new technologies," said Charles Territo, a spokesman for the chief manufacturing trade group, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
Many cars, particularly those made by Japanese companies, like Toyota Motor Corp and Honda Motor Co, already meet or exceed the U.S. 2016 standard although Korean-made models, such as those produced by Hyundai Motor are fast closing the gap.
A big unknown going forward is whether the public will embrace electric vehicles, which will receive a "0" emissions rating from the government during their introduction to the market. The most fuel efficient vehicles on the road today, gasoline-electric hybrids, represent only a fraction of retail sales.
General Motors Co, which is government-owned, has placed large bets on electric cars. Its Chevy Volt is due out later this year. Nissan Motor Co is also moving ahead with its electric Leaf. European automakers, like Volkswagen AG, are rolling out more efficient vehicles, like the 2011 Jetta, with changes to conventional technology.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Scandinavian EV maker, Think promotes Eco Tourism in Swiss Alps
In a bid to make Tourism Eco friendly, Scandinavian EV maker, Think today announced it has teamed up with its Swiss distribution partner, M-Way, to bring a fleet of 60 Think City cars to eco-tourists.
For about $57, or 60 Swiss francs, a day, tourists will be able to rent a Think City car through Alpmobil. Unfortunately the Web site is only available in German, but it can be easily translated by using Google's translation tool.
"This trial program fits perfectly with Alpmobil's philosophy, and we are proud to have made a start and to show both the public and other resorts in sensitive regions that driving ecologically and without noise pollution is possible, affordable and fun," said Dionys Hallenbarter from Alpmobil.
"Sustainability in business is at the heart of Migros' ethos, and M-Way is our means of delivering the transportation element of this plan," said Daniel Hofer, Migrol CEO and project head at M-Way. "Through projects like this with Alpmobil we are leading the way in delivering clever but simple solutions and bringing them into the mainstream. This initiative is a perfect example of this, and as the EVs are powered by locally sourced renewable electricity, the offer boasts 100 percent carbon-free transportation to explore the beautiful and unspoilt valleys, mountains and pass roads in the region of Goms and Haslital."
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Volkswagen Beetle powered by Human Waste
(Autocar) A VW Beetle, dubbed the “Bio-Bug”, has been converted to run on methane gas produced by human excrement.
The prototype was created by GENeco, a Bristol firm specialising in sustainability and organic waste.
See pictures of the GENeco Bio-Bug and how the process works
The car can travel for 10,000 miles – one average motoring year – using an amount of excrement equivalent to that produced by 70 homes over a one year period. Its economy is 5.3 miles per cubic metre of biogas and it can reach a top speed of 114 mph.
The car is started with regular petrol, then automatically switches to methane once the engine has warmed up. Mohammed Sadiq of GENeco said: "If you were to drive the car you wouldn’t know it was powered by biogas as it performs just like any conventional car."
The gas used for the Bio-Bug came from the Wessex Water plant in Avonmouth and is generated through anaerobic digestion, which uses bacteria to process organic matter.
Before the gas can be used to power the car, the CO2 is removed to improve performance.
The prototype was created by GENeco, a Bristol firm specialising in sustainability and organic waste.
See pictures of the GENeco Bio-Bug and how the process works
The car can travel for 10,000 miles – one average motoring year – using an amount of excrement equivalent to that produced by 70 homes over a one year period. Its economy is 5.3 miles per cubic metre of biogas and it can reach a top speed of 114 mph.
The car is started with regular petrol, then automatically switches to methane once the engine has warmed up. Mohammed Sadiq of GENeco said: "If you were to drive the car you wouldn’t know it was powered by biogas as it performs just like any conventional car."
The gas used for the Bio-Bug came from the Wessex Water plant in Avonmouth and is generated through anaerobic digestion, which uses bacteria to process organic matter.
Before the gas can be used to power the car, the CO2 is removed to improve performance.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
GM going green with eco refrigerant for selected 2013 models.
GM is planning to keep drivers and passengers of 2013 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac cars cool with a sustainable air-conditioning refrigerant that lingers in the atmosphere for only days instead of years.
Honeywell has designed a new refrigerant, (HFO-1234yf), that lingers in the atmosphere for just 11 days and has a global warming potential (GWP) of only 4, a 99.7 percent improvement over current emissions.
On average, the refrigerant used in current GM models, R-134a, has an atmospheric life of more than 13 years and a GWP of more than 1,400.
"GM's decision to adopt this new refrigerant is additional proof of our commitment to be on the forefront of green technologies that will keep our planet healthy for our children and grand-children," said Mike Robinson, GM vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. "It's not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it's about environmental leadership, and GM plans to lead in developing new technologies that will take the vehicle out of the environmental debate."
The refrigerant will meet new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation requirements, which call for improved greenhouse gas and fuel economy in passenger cars and light-duty trucks by 2016.
"We're pleased that GM is taking the lead in choosing HFO-1234yf, a refrigerant that has a lower impact on global warming," said Terrence Hahn, vice president and general manager for Honeywell Fluorine Products. "This is another example of how Honeywell is developing innovative new environmental and energy-efficient solutions to meet our customers' current and future needs."
Src: Cartech-Cnet
Honeywell has designed a new refrigerant, (HFO-1234yf), that lingers in the atmosphere for just 11 days and has a global warming potential (GWP) of only 4, a 99.7 percent improvement over current emissions.
On average, the refrigerant used in current GM models, R-134a, has an atmospheric life of more than 13 years and a GWP of more than 1,400.
"GM's decision to adopt this new refrigerant is additional proof of our commitment to be on the forefront of green technologies that will keep our planet healthy for our children and grand-children," said Mike Robinson, GM vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. "It's not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it's about environmental leadership, and GM plans to lead in developing new technologies that will take the vehicle out of the environmental debate."
The refrigerant will meet new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation requirements, which call for improved greenhouse gas and fuel economy in passenger cars and light-duty trucks by 2016.
"We're pleased that GM is taking the lead in choosing HFO-1234yf, a refrigerant that has a lower impact on global warming," said Terrence Hahn, vice president and general manager for Honeywell Fluorine Products. "This is another example of how Honeywell is developing innovative new environmental and energy-efficient solutions to meet our customers' current and future needs."
Src: Cartech-Cnet
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
According to the propsed bill, half of the US vehicles must be electrified by 2030
With the New Legislation approved by the Senate Committee on Wednesday, which says that most of the vehicles must be running on clean source of energy, either it should be Zero Emission or with very few emission. This bill aims to reduce US dependence on oil and cut green house gasses drastically as we know that the common means of transport in US is by Car.
The legislation, passed 19-4 in favor, was one of several bills cleared by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that might be folded into a broader energy and climate bill Democrats are struggling to bring to the Senate floor.
This bill will make the US to invest $3.9 Billion over the next 10 years in building infrastructure to charge electric cars, conduct research and provide incentives for consumers to buy plug-in vehicles.
"Passing this legislation will strengthen our national security and improve the air we breathe, while relying on our abundant and diverse electricity supply to fuel our cars," said Senator Byron Dorgan, the bill's chief sponsor.
A new bill that addresses climate change and renewable energy is a key priority for the Obama administration but time is running short on the congressional calendar with a scheduled August recess and congressional elections looming in November.
Senator Jeff Bingaman, who chairs the energy panel, said he was not sure if Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would unveil his encompassing energy and climate legislation next week. The bill would be in trouble if the Senate does not pass it before the August break, according to Bingaman.
"It will be difficult to get a final bill to the president for signature," Bingaman told reporters. "The earlier that the full Senate would act the better position we'll be to actually get a bill to the president."
Reid said on Tuesday he was still grappling for consensus among Democrats to forge a new climate and energy bill.
- Returns Input
The legislation, passed 19-4 in favor, was one of several bills cleared by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that might be folded into a broader energy and climate bill Democrats are struggling to bring to the Senate floor.
This bill will make the US to invest $3.9 Billion over the next 10 years in building infrastructure to charge electric cars, conduct research and provide incentives for consumers to buy plug-in vehicles.
"Passing this legislation will strengthen our national security and improve the air we breathe, while relying on our abundant and diverse electricity supply to fuel our cars," said Senator Byron Dorgan, the bill's chief sponsor.
A new bill that addresses climate change and renewable energy is a key priority for the Obama administration but time is running short on the congressional calendar with a scheduled August recess and congressional elections looming in November.
Senator Jeff Bingaman, who chairs the energy panel, said he was not sure if Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would unveil his encompassing energy and climate legislation next week. The bill would be in trouble if the Senate does not pass it before the August break, according to Bingaman.
"It will be difficult to get a final bill to the president for signature," Bingaman told reporters. "The earlier that the full Senate would act the better position we'll be to actually get a bill to the president."
Reid said on Tuesday he was still grappling for consensus among Democrats to forge a new climate and energy bill.
- Returns Input
Monday, July 12, 2010
Tesla,Toyota to prepare RAV4, RX prototypes as result of Joint Venture
As we recently discussed the alliance between Toyota world largest car maker and Tesla Co. leading Electrical car manufacturer will be using Toyota's RAV4 and Lexus RX crossovers as their first jointly developed battery-powered test models, a person familiar with the matter said.
Toyota will receive two prototypes this month, Tesla said July 10 without elaborating. While Toyota also aims to test an electric Corolla, the RAV4 and RX are better suited to the weight of Tesla's battery pack, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the models haven't been announced yet.
Toyota's President Akio Toyoda said last week the partnership with Tesla, maker of the $109,000 electric Roadster, is the first of several the Toyota City, Japan-based company wants to pursue in advanced auto technologies.
Toyota, the world's largest seller of hybrid autos, bought a $50 million stake in Palo Alto, California-based Tesla this month.
“We anticipate range and acceleration exceeding that of other announced electric vehicles of this class,” Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla, said today in an e-mailed message. He declined to discuss project details.
Keisuke Kirimoto, a Tokyo-based spokesman for Toyota, said he couldn't confirm the models. Toyota bought its stake in Tesla July 2, he said.
The target for a model developed with Tesla would be for a car that costs about $40,000 with 150 miles (240 kilometers) of driving range per charge, the person familiar with the plans said.
“Toyota and Tesla engineering teams have made a lot of progress in a short amount of time,” JB Straubel, Tesla's chief technology officer, said in a July 10 e-mail message to Autonews.
Unlike Toyota, Nissan Motor Co., and other companies readying battery models, Tesla vehicles use thousands of the same type of small lithium-ion battery cells that power laptop computers.
- With Auto news Inputs
Toyota will receive two prototypes this month, Tesla said July 10 without elaborating. While Toyota also aims to test an electric Corolla, the RAV4 and RX are better suited to the weight of Tesla's battery pack, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the models haven't been announced yet.
Toyota's President Akio Toyoda said last week the partnership with Tesla, maker of the $109,000 electric Roadster, is the first of several the Toyota City, Japan-based company wants to pursue in advanced auto technologies.
Toyota, the world's largest seller of hybrid autos, bought a $50 million stake in Palo Alto, California-based Tesla this month.
“We anticipate range and acceleration exceeding that of other announced electric vehicles of this class,” Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla, said today in an e-mailed message. He declined to discuss project details.
Keisuke Kirimoto, a Tokyo-based spokesman for Toyota, said he couldn't confirm the models. Toyota bought its stake in Tesla July 2, he said.
The target for a model developed with Tesla would be for a car that costs about $40,000 with 150 miles (240 kilometers) of driving range per charge, the person familiar with the plans said.
“Toyota and Tesla engineering teams have made a lot of progress in a short amount of time,” JB Straubel, Tesla's chief technology officer, said in a July 10 e-mail message to Autonews.
Unlike Toyota, Nissan Motor Co., and other companies readying battery models, Tesla vehicles use thousands of the same type of small lithium-ion battery cells that power laptop computers.
- With Auto news Inputs
Bill Gates and Vindo Khosla Invest $23.5 Million in EcoMotors
The Billionaire seem to love to Invest on Green Projects. EcoMotors International has received $23.5 million from Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates and investor Vinod Khosla for engineering and testing of its trademarked Opoc engine technology.
EcoMotors said in a statement today that the investment marks a key advance in commercializing its opposed piston-opposed cylinder engine. The engine maker plans to use the funds for completing testing and building demonstration units.
Further details about the funding have not been disclosed.
EcoMotors CEO Don Runkle said it is terrific to have the support of prominent investors. He also said EcoMotors' engines will be built in Michigan because of the state's resources and talent. Runkle is a former executive of General Motors and Delphi Corp.
EcoMotors, based in suburban Detroit, says the Opoc architecture allows its opposed piston-opposed cylinder engines to use 50 percent fewer parts than standard engines, while providing 50 percent more fuel efficiency. Runkle says the company is working on its sixth-generation engine and the new funds may be used for the next engine configuration.
Gates, also co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said in a statement that the technology may be a stepping stone in advancing affordable, low-emission transportation.
Khosla co-founded Sun Microsystems in 1982 and was a general partner of the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins, Caufield & Byers in California. In 2004, he founded venture capital firm Khosla Ventures of Menlo Park, Calif., to invest in various green technologies. The firm owns 47 percent of EcoMotors.
Opoc was conceived by Peter Hofbauer, former head of powertrain development at Volkswagen AG and now EcoMotors' chairman and chief technology officer, the company said.
Hofbauer designed the VW high-speed diesel engine that became the foundation for the clean diesel engine used in the Jetta and other VW vehicles, EcoMotors said.
- Autonews Inputs
Securing “Series B” funding from two prominent investors represents a major advance in the global commercialization of the opoc® technology.
TROY, Michigan, July 12, 2010 -- EcoMotors International CEO Don Runkle announced today that the Company has secured substantial Series B funding – sufficient to complete engineering and testing of the opoc® engine.
The two exclusive investors in EcoMotors' Series B are Khosla Ventures of Menlo Park, California and Bill Gates. The two principals, Vinod Khosla and Bill Gates, indicate their stakes in EcoMotors reflect a shared belief in the global potential of the opoc® technology and the impact it can have on transportation emissions because of its cost effectiveness.
“opoc® is precisely the kind of game-changing innovation that we at Khosla Ventures are passionate about,” said Khosla. “The only truly disruptive technologies are those that can provide not only payback in months but also economic and carbon benefits to large segments of the world's population without the need for subsidies or massive infrastructure investments. Among next-generation propulsion systems, the opoc® engine is broadly applicable and can provide lower carbon emissions than almost any other technology.”
“The opoc® engine can be an important step in providing affordable, low-emission transportation for the developing world,” said Gates. “EcoMotors has developed a promising technology that could help reduce levels of greenhouse gas emissions in a low-cost, globally relevant way.”
The revolutionary opoc® architecture of opposed pistons and opposed cylinders provides unparalleled benefits:
High Efficiency: The unique enginearchitecture – which offers true modular displacement capability — delivers up to 50% greater fuel efficiency compared with conventional engines of similar output, along with a corresponding reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Half the weight and half the size of conventional engines: Theopoc® engine provides unparalleled power density and flexibility in automobile and truck design as well as other engine applications.
Low Cost: With50% fewer parts than a conventional engine, the opoc® is less expensive to manufacture, to purchase, to operate and to tool up.
Established in early 2008, EcoMotors is quickly achieving critical mass in terms of changing the landscape of internal combustion power. Based in Troy, Mich., EcoMotors is commercializing the unique opoc® engine for use in cars, light trucks, commercial vehicles, aerospace, marine, agriculture, auxiliary power units, generators, etc. Anywhere conventional gas or diesel power is currently utilized, opoc® represents a better propulsion solution.
EcoMotors is led by Don Runkle (Chief Executive Officer) and Prof. Peter Hofbauer (Chairman and Chief Technical Officer).
opoc® was conceived by Prof. Peter Hofbauer – who formerly as Head of Powertrain Development at VW designed the original VW high speed diesel engine that became the foundation for the Jetta Clean Diesel that won 2009 Green Car of the Year honors. Don Runkle, as former VP of N.A. Engineering at GM, spearheaded the GM EV1 electric car along with countless other innovations.
EcoMotors is a Khosla Ventures portfolio company. Khosla Ventures offers venture assistance, strategic advice and capital to entrepreneurs. The firm helps entrepreneurs extend the potential of their ideas in breakthrough scientific work in clean technology areas such as solar, battery, high efficiency engines, lighting, greener materials like cement, glass and bio-refineries for energy and bioplastics, and other environmentally friendly technologies as well as traditional venture areas like the Internet, computing, mobile and silicon technology arenas. Vinod Khosla founded the firm in 2004 and was formerly a General Partner at Kleiner Perkins and founder of Sun Microsystems. Khosla Ventures is based in Menlo Park, California.
EcoMotors said in a statement today that the investment marks a key advance in commercializing its opposed piston-opposed cylinder engine. The engine maker plans to use the funds for completing testing and building demonstration units.
Further details about the funding have not been disclosed.
EcoMotors CEO Don Runkle said it is terrific to have the support of prominent investors. He also said EcoMotors' engines will be built in Michigan because of the state's resources and talent. Runkle is a former executive of General Motors and Delphi Corp.
EcoMotors, based in suburban Detroit, says the Opoc architecture allows its opposed piston-opposed cylinder engines to use 50 percent fewer parts than standard engines, while providing 50 percent more fuel efficiency. Runkle says the company is working on its sixth-generation engine and the new funds may be used for the next engine configuration.
Gates, also co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said in a statement that the technology may be a stepping stone in advancing affordable, low-emission transportation.
Khosla co-founded Sun Microsystems in 1982 and was a general partner of the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins, Caufield & Byers in California. In 2004, he founded venture capital firm Khosla Ventures of Menlo Park, Calif., to invest in various green technologies. The firm owns 47 percent of EcoMotors.
Opoc was conceived by Peter Hofbauer, former head of powertrain development at Volkswagen AG and now EcoMotors' chairman and chief technology officer, the company said.
Hofbauer designed the VW high-speed diesel engine that became the foundation for the clean diesel engine used in the Jetta and other VW vehicles, EcoMotors said.
- Autonews Inputs
PRESS RELEASE: Khosla Ventures and Bill Gates Invest in EcoMotors' Revolutionary opoc® Engine
Securing “Series B” funding from two prominent investors represents a major advance in the global commercialization of the opoc® technology.
TROY, Michigan, July 12, 2010 -- EcoMotors International CEO Don Runkle announced today that the Company has secured substantial Series B funding – sufficient to complete engineering and testing of the opoc® engine.
The two exclusive investors in EcoMotors' Series B are Khosla Ventures of Menlo Park, California and Bill Gates. The two principals, Vinod Khosla and Bill Gates, indicate their stakes in EcoMotors reflect a shared belief in the global potential of the opoc® technology and the impact it can have on transportation emissions because of its cost effectiveness.
“opoc® is precisely the kind of game-changing innovation that we at Khosla Ventures are passionate about,” said Khosla. “The only truly disruptive technologies are those that can provide not only payback in months but also economic and carbon benefits to large segments of the world's population without the need for subsidies or massive infrastructure investments. Among next-generation propulsion systems, the opoc® engine is broadly applicable and can provide lower carbon emissions than almost any other technology.”
“The opoc® engine can be an important step in providing affordable, low-emission transportation for the developing world,” said Gates. “EcoMotors has developed a promising technology that could help reduce levels of greenhouse gas emissions in a low-cost, globally relevant way.”
The revolutionary opoc® architecture of opposed pistons and opposed cylinders provides unparalleled benefits:
High Efficiency: The unique enginearchitecture – which offers true modular displacement capability — delivers up to 50% greater fuel efficiency compared with conventional engines of similar output, along with a corresponding reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Half the weight and half the size of conventional engines: Theopoc® engine provides unparalleled power density and flexibility in automobile and truck design as well as other engine applications.
Low Cost: With50% fewer parts than a conventional engine, the opoc® is less expensive to manufacture, to purchase, to operate and to tool up.
Established in early 2008, EcoMotors is quickly achieving critical mass in terms of changing the landscape of internal combustion power. Based in Troy, Mich., EcoMotors is commercializing the unique opoc® engine for use in cars, light trucks, commercial vehicles, aerospace, marine, agriculture, auxiliary power units, generators, etc. Anywhere conventional gas or diesel power is currently utilized, opoc® represents a better propulsion solution.
EcoMotors is led by Don Runkle (Chief Executive Officer) and Prof. Peter Hofbauer (Chairman and Chief Technical Officer).
opoc® was conceived by Prof. Peter Hofbauer – who formerly as Head of Powertrain Development at VW designed the original VW high speed diesel engine that became the foundation for the Jetta Clean Diesel that won 2009 Green Car of the Year honors. Don Runkle, as former VP of N.A. Engineering at GM, spearheaded the GM EV1 electric car along with countless other innovations.
EcoMotors is a Khosla Ventures portfolio company. Khosla Ventures offers venture assistance, strategic advice and capital to entrepreneurs. The firm helps entrepreneurs extend the potential of their ideas in breakthrough scientific work in clean technology areas such as solar, battery, high efficiency engines, lighting, greener materials like cement, glass and bio-refineries for energy and bioplastics, and other environmentally friendly technologies as well as traditional venture areas like the Internet, computing, mobile and silicon technology arenas. Vinod Khosla founded the firm in 2004 and was formerly a General Partner at Kleiner Perkins and founder of Sun Microsystems. Khosla Ventures is based in Menlo Park, California.
Friday, July 9, 2010
By the 2012 end, Toyoto will introduce three new Green Cars.
Going green seems the way the Japanese Automaker wants to go. Toyota plans to introduce three new-to-market green vehicles in 2012, a company source said.
A battery electric vehicle, a plug-in version of the Prius and an as-yet-unveiled variant of the Prius will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2012, said the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the plans.
The second Prius vehicle will begin the creation of an ongoing family of vehicles that will carry Prius badging but will not be a separate brand. The battery electric vehicle probably will be similar to the electric version of the iQ, which Toyota unveiled at the 2009 Detroit auto show.
Though Toyota may not sell the electric vehicles worldwide, it plans to research and find those market sales and infrastructure on their Web site, www.toyota.com/esq.
Toyota also will launch a viral marketing campaign on that Web site as it approaches the launch dates of the green vehicles, the source said.
Src: [autonews]
A battery electric vehicle, a plug-in version of the Prius and an as-yet-unveiled variant of the Prius will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2012, said the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the plans.
The second Prius vehicle will begin the creation of an ongoing family of vehicles that will carry Prius badging but will not be a separate brand. The battery electric vehicle probably will be similar to the electric version of the iQ, which Toyota unveiled at the 2009 Detroit auto show.
Though Toyota may not sell the electric vehicles worldwide, it plans to research and find those market sales and infrastructure on their Web site, www.toyota.com/esq.
Toyota also will launch a viral marketing campaign on that Web site as it approaches the launch dates of the green vehicles, the source said.
Src: [autonews]
Friday, July 2, 2010
Former F1 engineer unveils new Efficient City Car
The former Formula One engineer who created the iconic McLaren F1 supercar has officially unveiled the T.25 -- his idea for a new class of city car.
Murray and his team based in Shalford, south east England, have been working on the design for the past three years and, until now, have kept the exact details of the car firmly under wraps.
At less than eight feet long and a little over four feet wide, the T.25 is smaller than Daimler AG's popular Smart car, and a petrol engine model will retail for around $9,000.
The centralized driving position -- also a feature of Murray's McLaren F1 -- and central instrumentation and controls are perhaps its most obvious traits borrowed from Formula One.
Others might not be so easy to spot, but they are no less important to the overall design.
A chassis design based on "Formula One derived materials, philosophy and technology" provides an "immensely strong structure," says Murray and body panels are also easier to replace in the event of damage.
A flat under-floor design also improves overall aerodynamics.
One thing the car most definitely does not share with an F1 car is its turning circle, which at six-meters a Smart car's is nearly nine meters, a BMW Mini's over ten makes it highly maneuverable in an urban setting.
The T.25's also has an electric cousin, the T.27, which Murray says will have a range of 80-100 miles and cost around $18,000.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Lexus HS Hybrid 2010
Lexus HS Hybrid , both variants are equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4 , 187-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 35-mpg in the city and 34-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
Lexus HS Hybrid 2010 SPECIFICATIONS:
Body style(s): 4-Door SedanDetailed specifications of Lexus HS Hybrid 2010
Colors: Aurora White Pearl,Black Opal Mica,Black Sapphire Pearl,Golden Almond Metallic,Matador Red Mica,Obsidian,Silver Opal Mica,Smoky Granite Mica,Starfire Pearl,Tungsten Pearl
Fuel Capacity:(gal) 14.5
Mileage(est)(city/highway): 35 / 34
Price Onwards: $34,650
Lexus HS Hybrid 2010 HOMEPAGE
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Honda Insight 2010
Honda Insight , both variants are equipped with a standard 1.3-liter, I4, 98-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 40-mpg in the city and 43-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2010 Insight is all-new for 2010.
Honda Insight Awards:
- The first generation Insight's engine won the International Engine of the Year award for 2000, and continued to hold the "Sub-1 liter" size category for the next six years.
- It received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2000 Climate Protection Award.
- It was named the "Greenest Vehicle" of the year for 2000, 2002,2003 and 2006 by The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).[50]
- The Insight was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2001.
Honda Insight 2010 SPECIFICATIONS:
Body style(s): 5-Door Hatchback
Engine(s): In-Line 4-Cylinder 8-Valve SOHC i-VTEC®
Power:@ rpm (SAE net) 98 @ 5800
Torque:(lb-ft @ rpm) 123 @ 1000-1700
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT),Standard with Paddle Shifter System
DC Brushless Motor (Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous)
Power (hp @ rpm): 13 @ 1500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 58 @ 1000
Electric Power Storage: Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Battery
Output (Volts): 100.8
Rated Capacity : 5.75 Ah
Exterior Dimensions (IN.)
Overall height: 56.2
Overall width: 66.7
Overall length: 172.3
Wheelbase: 100.4
Track (front/rear): 58.7 / 58.1
Colors: n/a
Fuel Capacity:(gal) 10.6
Mileage(est)(city/highway/both): 40/43/41
Price Onwards(MSRP): $19,800
Honda Insight 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Ford Escape 2010 (HYBRID)
Ford Escape 2010 FWD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4 , 153-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 34-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. The Limited Ford Escape 2010 4WD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4 , 153-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 29-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both variants.
The Ford Escape Hybrid is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the Ford Escape SUV developed by the Ford Motor Company, first launched in the U.S. in 2004. The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first American-built hybrid and the first hybrid vehicle from an American automaker, joining the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrids during the same model year.The Escape Hybrid uses technology similar to that used in Toyota's Prius.
The Escape hybrid is a "full" hybrid electric system, meaning the system can switch automatically between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power, or a combination of electric battery and gasoline engine operating together, for maximum performance and efficiency at all speeds and loads. When braking or decelerating, the Escape's hybrid system uses regenerative braking, where the electric drive motor becomes a generator, converting the vehicle's momentum back to electricity for storage in the batteries. With 155 hp (116 kW), the Hybrid Escape has nearly the same acceleration performance as the conventional 200 hp (150 kW) V6 Escape.
Ford Escape 2010 (HYBRID) SPECIFICATIONS:
Body style(s): 4-Door SUV
Engine(s): 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Engine
Power: 153 @ 6,000 (SAE net@rpm)
Torque: 136 @ 4,500
Transmission Type: Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable
Electric HorsePower RPM: 5000
Electric HorsePower BHP: 94
Exterior Dimensions (IN.)
Overall height: 67.7
Overall width: 81.3
Overall length: 174.7
Wheelbase: 103.1
Track (front/rear): 61.1/60.4
Colors: Black,Black Pearl Slate Metallic,Ingot Silver Metallic,Kiwi Green Metallic,Steel Blue Metallic,White Suede
Fuel Capacity: 15 gal
Mileage(est)(city/highway): 29 / 27 MPG
Price Onwards: $29,785
Ford Escape Hybrid HOMEPAGE US
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Toyota Prius 2010
Toyota Prius made it debut in Detroit Auto show 2009 admist of the great recession.The updated hybrid synergy drive is expected to yield both better performance and mileage. Toyota Prius equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 134-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 51-mpg in the city and 48-mpg on the highway. Variants are
Prius II:
1.8L 4-Cyl. Hybrid
Prius III:
1.8L 4-Cyl. Hybrid
Prius IV:
1.8L 4-Cyl. Hybrid
Prius V:
1.8L 4-Cyl. Hybrid
Prius 3rd Generation Pic's:
Prius 2010 Videos:
Body style(s): 5-door hatchback
Engine(s): Toyota Hybrid System
Gasoline/Petrol engine:
Aluminum double overhead cam (DOHC) 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder
Power: 98 hp @ 5200 rpm (73 kW @ 5200 rpm)
Torque: 105 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm (142 N•m @ 4000 rpm)
Electric motor:
Power: 80 hp
Torque: 153 lb-ft
AT-PZEV
Hybrid system net horsepower: 134 hp
Transmission:
Exterior Dimensions (IN.)
Overall height: 58.7
Overall width: 68.7
Overall length: 175.6
Wheelbase: 106.3
Track (front/rear): 60.0/59.8
Fuel Capacity: 11.9
Mileage(est): 51/48
Price Onwards: $22,400
Pirus Hybrid HOMEPAGE (US)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
NISSAN LEAF (ELECTRIC POWERED)
Nissan LEAF is an electric car announced by Nissan in 2009. It is expected to be marketed in North America, Europe, and Japan, beginning in late 2010. Time magazine called it one of the 50 best inventions of 2009.
The EV-11 prototype electric car was based on the Nissan Tiida (Versa in US) platform, but uses an all-electric drive train including an 80 kW (110 hp)/280 N·m (210 lb·ft) electric motor, 24kWh lithium-ion battery pack rated to have a range of 100 miles (160 km) on the EPA LA-4 or "city" driving cycle, navigation system, and remote control & monitoring using a cellphone connection through Nissan's secure data center to the car.The prototype was on display July 26, 2009.A week later, on August 2, 2009, the production version was unveiled at Nissan's Yokohama headquarters and is set to begin selling in both the North American market and Japan in 2010.
HOMEPAGE: Nissan Leaf
The Leaf uses a front-mounted electric motor driving the wheels, powered by a 24kW·h/90 kW lithium ion battery pack. The expected cruising range is the same as the EV-11 prototype, as is the engine.The battery pack is made of air-cooled stacked modules.Nissan Leaf has a top speed of over 140 km/h (87 mph).
The battery can be charged to 80% capacity in about 30 minutes with a special quick charger[9] that sends 440/480 volt direct current to the battery. It can also be charged from a conventional 110- or 220-volt alternating current outlet.
NISSAN LEAF SPECIFICATIONS:
Zero-emissions vehicle
Body style(s): 5-door hatchback
Layout: FF layout
Engine(s): synchronous motor
Wheelbase: 106.3 in (2700 mm)
Length: 175.0 in (4445 mm)
Width: 69.7 in (1770 mm)
Height: 61.0 in (1549.4 mm)
Fuel capacity: 24 kW·h (Li-ion battery)
Electric range: 100 mi (160 km) on the US LA-4
HOMEPAGE: Nissan Leaf
The Leaf uses a front-mounted electric motor driving the wheels, powered by a 24kW·h/90 kW lithium ion battery pack. The expected cruising range is the same as the EV-11 prototype, as is the engine.The battery pack is made of air-cooled stacked modules.Nissan Leaf has a top speed of over 140 km/h (87 mph).
The battery can be charged to 80% capacity in about 30 minutes with a special quick charger[9] that sends 440/480 volt direct current to the battery. It can also be charged from a conventional 110- or 220-volt alternating current outlet.
NISSAN LEAF SPECIFICATIONS:
Zero-emissions vehicle
Body style(s): 5-door hatchback
Layout: FF layout
Engine(s): synchronous motor
Wheelbase: 106.3 in (2700 mm)
Length: 175.0 in (4445 mm)
Width: 69.7 in (1770 mm)
Height: 61.0 in (1549.4 mm)
Fuel capacity: 24 kW·h (Li-ion battery)
Electric range: 100 mi (160 km) on the US LA-4
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