Switch to ethanol may be harmful to health, scientist says
Switching from gasoline to ethanol – touted as a green alternative at the pump – may create dirtier air, causing slightly more smog-related deaths, a new study says.
Nearly 200 more people would die yearly from respiratory problems if all vehicles in the United States were to run on a fuel blend made mostly of ethanol by 2020, the research concludes. The author of the study acknowledges that such a quick and monumental shift to plant-based fuels is next to impossible.
Each year, about 4,700 people, according to the author of the study, die from respiratory problems related to ozone, the unseen component of smog, combined with small particles. Ethanol would raise ozone levels, particularly in certain regions of the country.
“It’s not green in terms of air pollution,” said Mark Jacobson, a Stanford University civil and environmental engineering professor and author of the study. “If you want to use ethanol, fine, but don’t do it based on health grounds. It’s no better than gasoline, apparently slightly worse.” Read more
Koenigsegg CCXR Flower Power
When thinking about supercars, one of the last things that spring to mind are their environmental friendliness.
Even though the very low and exclusive production volume of Koenigsegg can hardly be considered to have a measurable impact on the Co2 problem that global society is facing, it is an impressive statement that even a small and extreme company like Koenigsegg can afford to develop environmentally focussed solutions. It doesn’t take top business schools to figure out that if a small company can do it, than a much larger one can as well.
By following conscientious and forward thinking strategies, Koenigsegg has managed to create the Bio Fuel Powered CCXR – environmentally friendly 1200 with even more spectacular performance than the standard CCX. Read more
Ford gets 2007 EUBIA award
The European Biomass Industry Association (EUBIA) has granted Ford its “2007 EUBIA” award, as a recognition of Ford’s European pioneer ship in the area of bio-ethanol powered flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs).
The award ceremony last Friday marked the end of EUBIA’s 15th biomass conference in Berlin. During one week, approximately 1,400 experts from more than 80 countries had debated the future potential and challenges of bio-energy use.
Ford is a market leader and the market pioneer of FFVs in Europe where it sold more than 30,000 Ford Flexifuel units since market introduction in Sweden in 2001. Ford can also claim the largest owner body for FFVs in Europe as a result of this industry-leading initiative. Read more
Tesla Roadster videos
Here are some interesting videos about the Tesla Roadster sports car.
The unveiling of the Tesla Motors Electric Car
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Tesla Roadster
The electric-powered Tesla Roadster boasts the equivalent of 135 mpg and a range of 250 miles on a single charge, a combination heretofore unseen in a mass-produced electric vehicle. Its extended range is due to its state-of-the-art lithium-ion Energy Storage System. The Tesla Roadster is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in about four seconds. Read more
PML Electric MINI
While all the world’s most famous motoring names look on, a British company, PML, has chosen the UK’s most prestigious motor show as the venue to strip away all the misconceptions surrounding electric/hybrid vehicles and to showcase a truly awesome car. Featuring four revolutionary electric wheels, the standard BMW Mini One you can see on Stand 270 is predicted to have a top speed approaching 150mph and to out-accelerate a Porsche 911 Carrera from 0-60mph. Brake horsepower is a stunning 160bhp per wheel – 640bhp in total. Read more
Volkswagen Presented with Automotive News Pace Collaborator Award for EcoConcept Plant
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. —Volkswagen of America, Inc. was presented with the PACE Collaborator Award on Monday evening, April 16, 2007 at the 13th Annual Automotive News PACE Awards for its EcoConcept paint process partnership with DuPont Automotive Systems. This breakthrough technology was recognized for reducing the number of paint processing steps, cost and time efficiency, as well as being more environmentally friendly. Read more
Lexus LS 600h
The new LS 600h adds Lexus’ revolutionary hybrid technology to the unique values of L-finesse design, the world’s most advanced safety technology and the highest possible standards in production, quality and comfort expressed in the LS 460, to create a vehicle which explores the outer reaches of luxury car performance, design, safety and efficiency, whilst offering the ultimate in sophisticated and engaging driving experiences.
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