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Featured Threads Archive
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Road salt
Lots of reasons to hate the stuff. Rusting cars, infrastructure (bridges, concrete, especially rebar), changing fresh water lakes/rivers, to the point marine species are able to live in them.
Good discussion of alternatives/adjuncts (beet juice/salt mix for example), and "low hanging fruit", like: do we really need a centimeter deep layer of rock salt throughout our parking lots and mall sidewalks?
Also the question, is a completely bare road necessary?
My thought: maybe wider adoption of snow tires could reduce the need for salt.
Beet juice and cheese brine: what cities are spreading on streets to replace corrosive road salt - Home | The Current with Anna Maria Tremonti | CBC RadioMendel Leisk Jan 26, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 2,957 Likes: 2 Replies: 26 -
Barnaby Joyce rejects petrol car sales ban amid Coalition debate on electric vehicles
Quote from news article:
Transport Minister Barnaby Joyce has quashed the prospect of Australia replicating overseas bans on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, as the Turnbull government debates whether to encourage the electric vehicle industry.
End quote
Barnaby Joyce rejects petrol car sales ban amid Coalition debate on electric vehicles
It almost seems that when there is a change of government this situation will change. Would this uncertainty make for difficult long term decisions for buying new cars? It almost seems the safest bet would be to buy a plugin hybrid, so as to not get stuck with a car that will lose too much of it's value dependent on the decision of the government of the day.
Or am I mistaken? What do other people here think?
bauhaus Jan 25, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 2,584 Likes: 3 Replies: 32 -
Switching to electric cars
Source: Switching to electric cars is key to fixing America's 'critically insufficient' climate policies | Dana Nuccitelli | Environment | The Guardian
Carbon pollution from electricity is already falling fast
But the power sector is already rapidly decarbonizing because coal can’t compete in the marketplace. In some regions, new wind and solar with battery storage have already become cheaper than continuing to operate existing coal plants, and the International Renewable Energy Agency has concluded that by 2020, “all the renewable power generation technologies that are now in commercial use are expected to fall within the fossil fuel-fired cost range.”
American power sector carbon emissions had exceeded those from transportation from 1979 until 2016. But because coal power...bwilson4web Jan 25, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 653 Likes: 0 Replies: 1 -
Safe or Save
Source: High-Tech Safety Gear Preventing Crashes – But Raising Insurance Rates | TheDetroitBureau.com
. . .
Given the significant benefits already being reported – with more vehicles now being sold with even more advanced technologies, the pay-off would seem to be obvious. “To the extent that vehicles get into fewer crashes that will ultimately be reflected in the rate you pay,” said Russ Rader, a spokesman for the IIHS.
But that isn’t happening. At least not yet. If anything, there’s evidence that motorists may be saddled with higher insurance rates as lane departure warning and other ADAS technologies become ever more commonplace. But why?
Experts say that’s because these systems make use of an array of onboard camera, radar and other sensors that are, in many cases, mounted in the grille, sideview mirrors or a vehicle’s bumpers and fenders....bwilson4web Jan 24, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 1,158 Likes: 3 Replies: 17 -
VIA Motors partnership
Source: Via Motors, Geely to co-develop medium-duty extended-range electric truck for China and Americas - Green Car Congress
VIA Motors International is partnering with China-based Zhejiang Geely New Energy Vehicle Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Commercial Vehicle Group, to co-develop a medium-duty extended range electric truck. The truck will incorporate VIA’s proprietary vehicle software and systems control technology, for launch in China and the Americas in 2019.
VIA Motors develops and markets extended-range electric (eREV) and all-electric (EV) powertrain systems for most vehicle classes from light-duty through Class 8. VIA’s vehicle integration capability, at both production facilities in Utah and Mexico, provides a range of commercial vehicles to meet zero emissions requirements. VIA vehicles are marketed under the VTRUX...bwilson4web Jan 24, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 668 Likes: 1 Replies: 0 -
It has started, 48 volt hybrids arrive.
Sounds like the 2019 Ram 1500 will have a mild hybrid system standard on all trucks.
2019 RAM 1500 Mild Hybrid | CleanMPG
On a separate note, engine coolant will be used to heat up the 4x2's rear axle to efficient temps, and also cool it while towing.Trollbait Jan 23, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 3,759 Likes: 1 Replies: 44 -
Nissan e-power
Thanks to @Rmay635703 for this find:
Here is a better source:
http://www.autonews.com/article/20180121/OEM05/180129955/nissan-epower-us-popular-in-japan
Saikawa said that every Infiniti that appears in or after 2021 will either be a full electric vehicle or have an ePower powertrain.
The technology reached the market in Japan as a powertrain option on the Note in late 2016. But in 2017, its...bwilson4web Jan 22, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 8,618 Likes: 0 Replies: 29 -
Solar cell import tariff
Source: Trump Slaps Tariffs On Imported Solar Panels And Washing Machines : The Two-Way : NPR
In a statement, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said that, after consulting with the interagency Trade Policy Committee and the bipartisan U.S. International Trade Commission, the president decided that "increased foreign imports of washers and solar cells and modules are a substantial cause of serious injury to domestic manufacturers."
. . .
A 30 percent tariff will be imposed on solar panel components, with the rate declining over four years.
The move against imported solar components splits...bwilson4web Jan 22, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 880 Likes: 0 Replies: 7 -
EV Models Launched in 2017
2017 was a transformative year for EV sales and EV launches.
The first affordable EVs with 200+ miles of range rolled out. Families rejoiced to get the first plug-in minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica, and several new luxurious plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) options came out, including the BMW 530e, Volvo XC60 and S90 T8 and Cadillac CT6.
MINI PHEV gave us another fun driving option, and both Honda and Hyundai began to roll out affordable cars in both all-electric and plug-in hybrid options.
Over 10 new models joined the portfolio of options available in the U.S., and EV sales consistently broke records.
We wrote a bit more about those models. Check out the 10+ EV models that made this another record-breaking year for EV sales, over on the ChargePoint blog.Team ChargePoint Jan 22, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 508 Likes: 2 Replies: 0 -
Tideland Prius Jan 20, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 6,341 Likes: 5 Replies: 31
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EPA Light-Duty Vehicle CO2 and Fuel Economy Trends
This one has me puzzled:
Source: Highlights of CO2 and Fuel Economy Trends | Light-Duty Vehicle CO2 and Fuel Economy Trends | US EPA
Manufacture 2015 MPG 2016 MPG 2017 MPG 1 Honda 28.5 28.2 29.5 2 Mazda 29.2 29.6 29.3 3 Hyundai 27.5 28.8 28.9 4 Subaru 28.1 28.1 28.4 5 Nissan 28.0 27.9 27.9 6 Kia 26.1 26.2 27.5 7 Toyota 25.0 25.0 26.0 8 BMW 26.1 25.5 25.6 9 Mercedes 23.4 23.7 24.2 10 GM 22.2 22.4 23.0 11 Ford 22.8 22.8 22.8
pp. 7
Except Ford and Nissan, everyone increased their new car MPG. These are new car sales values. Hyundai/Kia make the largest, 1.4 MPM improvement.
Bob Wilsonbwilson4web Jan 20, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 841 Likes: 2 Replies: 5 -
Tideland Prius Jan 19, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 1,220 Likes: 0 Replies: 15
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Soon off lease BMW i3-BEVs in CA
Source: http://www.hybridcars.com/lapds-multi-million-dollar-electric-fleet-allegedly-goes-unused-unloved/
. . . Back in June of 2016, the LAPD awarded BMW with a contract to provide 100 battery-powered i3 hatchbacks as part of a plan to enhance its public image. At the time, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told the press, “We should be thinking green in everything we do,” adding that the electric BMWs would “also save money and resources.”
Fast forward to 2018 and the contract is beginning to look like a good way to waste millions of dollars. The LAPD agreed to lease the vehicles, effectively doubling its electrified fleet, for three years. The logic was that the gas savings would offset the $1.4 million it would cost the police force to apprehend them from BMW. While that sounds wonderful, there is a problem — the LAPD isn’t driving them.
. . ....bwilson4web Jan 19, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 1,274 Likes: 2 Replies: 13 -
Phantom Traffic Jams, and a new type of Adaptive Cruise Control
Clot-busting on the roads, Toyota is involved in the research:
Sick of traffic jams? Stop tailgating - Home | Spark with Nora Young | CBC RadioMendel Leisk Jan 17, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 2,492 Likes: 4 Replies: 27 -
Fuel Cell Vehicles over take Battery Vehicles in 2040
Posted more for amusement, I am reminded of the old saying,"Fusion is the power source of the future and it always will be." Ever since the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles was killed in 2001, fuel cells have been advocated as the replacement, 17 years ago. So here comes this gem:
DOE analysis suggests rapid convergence of FCEV and BEV TCOs; FCEVs less expensive for majority of LDV fleet by 2040; mass compounding - Green Car Congress
In 2020, battery-electric vehicles will be a cheaper vehicle option than fuel cell electric vehicles for the majority of the light duty fleet (79-97%), according to a new study by a team at the US Department of Energy (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO). However, the cost of the two powertrains will converge quickly, and by 2040, FCEVs will be less expensive than BEVs per mile in approximately 71-88% of the LDV fleet, according to the analysis....bwilson4web Jan 17, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 1,292 Likes: 4 Replies: 17 -
Ferrari: How to do a 180° Turn
5 years ago, Ferrari said NEVER! when will Ferrari build a 100% EV? No chance - zip - zilch - nada - no way -
Ferrari Chairman Says Italian Automaker "Will Never Manufacture an Electric Car" | Inside EVs
NEVER - apparently, means 5 years
Ferrari plans to build an electric supercar after all
Note to self; remember to keep words soft & sweet ... so they're easier to to eat.
[emoji12]
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Significant Avalon advances
Source: TNGA-based 2019 Toyota Avalon features new hybrid system - Green Car Congress
Avalon Hybrid. A new TNGA 2.5-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine is more fuel efficient, runs cleaner, and is more powerful than previous iterations, and features enhanced thermal management. Technologies required include: Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing intelligent system by Electric motor); D-4S (Direct injection 4-stroke gasoline engine Superior version) direct injection and laser-clad valve seats; longer stroke (4.07 inches; bore remains at 3.44 inches) and high compression ratio (14:1); multi-hole direct fuel injectors; a variable cooling system; cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system; and a full variable oil pump.
Instead of oil pressure, its Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE variable valve system employs an electric motor to control variable valve timing, which aids fuel efficiency...bwilson4web Jan 17, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 1,000 Likes: 0 Replies: 9 -
Tesla: Wth is going on
So, I've been a fan of Tesla since the Roadster. I remember drooling while reading about it on Digg.
Tesla is far from perfect and always has been. I test drove a 40kwh Model S -- one from the first year of its production -- and... it wasn't great. The turn signal and wiper controls were on the wrong side. There's a distinct lack of buttons for climate and audio controls. No AUX connection. They burn through 12v batteries. The big display is distracting. These are little kinks that needed hammering out, nothing insurmountable, but certainly noteworthy and substandard on a $50k+ car.
But it seems like in the last 6-9 months they've gone off the deep end. Burning crazy amounts of cash, a trend that seems to be increasing rather than decreasing. Burning bridges with suppliers left and right, first Mobileye now Grohmann Engineering and Alcantara. CEO and CFO saying ridiculous and contradictory things on official SEC filings and investor calls, like that the robots are both being...LasVegasaurusRex Jan 16, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 910 Likes: 0 Replies: 2 -
Cali Public Utility Deals a Blow to Natural Gas' Electricity
Seems the biggest bang for the Natural Gas buck, comes via peak usage times. So now, the public utility commission is hitting the fossil fuel industry right between the eyes, despite natural gas's 'clean' verbiage;
also, according to the... -
Apple’s CarPlay is finally coming to Toyota
It has finally happened! Apple CarPlay has made it to a Toyota vehicle. The 2019 Avalon will be the first Toyota with Apple CarPlay. I hope this means that 2019 might be the model year the Prius and other Toyota vehicle finally get CarPlay. Unfortunately for android users, Android Auto is not available at this time.
Here is the posting from Toyota about he new Avalon. “Meet the all-new 2019 #Avalon…with captivating design, dynamics and an elevated level of luxury. Now with Apple CarPlay. #NAIAS”PRPrius Jan 15, 2018 Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News Read More Views: 22,534 Likes: 1 Replies: 48
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