Responses to Obama’s move, and looking at the potential of a $10,000 PHEV tax credit
Auto Blog: Legislation and Policy , Green Daily , USA There were good and bad receptions to President Obama’s move earlier this week to push the EPA to rethink the California waiver decision (details here ). GM released a very short statement that said they were “ready to engage the Obama administration and the Congress” on this topic (Car Blog Greenthe whole thing after the jump). The Progressive Auto X Prize praised Obama’s opening the door to California setting its own standards greenhouse-gas emissions. So, with that little chapter all wrapped up (ha!), we move on to what comes next. The Senate is thinking about doubling down on number of plug-in hybrid credits , one think we didn’t mention (I don’t think) is the possibility that the President’s stimulus proposal will increase the current $7,500 PHEV tax credit to $10,000 . Sounds like something GM would be “ready to engage” with, no? [Source: U.S News & World Report , GM, Auto X Prize ] Continue reading Responses to Obama’s move, and looking at the potential of a $10,000 PHEV tax credit Responses to Obama’s move, and looking at the potential of a $10,000 PHEV tax credit originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green
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Responses to Obama’s move, and looking at the potential of a $10,000 PHEV tax credit
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Leave a commentIn Detroit, Hell Actually Has Frozen Over
What a new world we live in these days: a black president (hurray!), the worst economy since the Depression (oh, dear), and now…even Detroit is changing its wanton ways. Here are five pieces of ironclad evidence that Hell has now well and truly frozen over in southeastern Michigan. 1. Detroit car critic actually LIKES a hybrid! Toyota Camry Hybrid. See for yourself: Detroit News auto critic Scott Burgess, who never met a three-ton truck or big honkin’ SUV he didn’t like, actually fell for the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid . He doesn’t just like it—he LUVS it . What’s next, a Smart ForTwo ? 2. Hour-long waits to drive green cars at the Auto Show. Basement of Detroit’s Cobo Center, transformed into EcoXperience. As we mentioned in our Detroit Auto Show preview , the vacant basement of Cobo Hall was transformed into the EcoXperience, a 1/8-mile test track winding through waterfalls, flowers, and trees that filled the 70,000-square-foot area. Hometown crowds waited up to an hour to drive hybrid, electric, and fuel-cell cars at low speeds, with factory reps or trained drivers alongside. The only snag was the sharp, dank odor of mulch that rose onto the show floor from every basement stairwell, like a garden center with dead A/C. read more
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In Detroit, Hell Actually Has Frozen Over
Posted in Hybrids | auto, black-president, depression, detroit-auto, news, toyota-camry, trained-drivers, usedcars.com | Leave a commentBMW X6 ActiveHybrid to arrive by year’s end
Auto Blog: Hybrid , BMW , Detroit Auto Show Click above for gallery of photos of the 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid One of the vehicles we expected to see in Detroit somehow missed our radar. The not-so-green BMW X6 ActiveHybrid was previewed in COBO and we somehow missed it. Sure we’ve seen pics of this sports car/utility vehicle crossover hybrid before and we’ve also heard BMW promise that it will be available by the end of 2009, but this time they really seem to mean it. After giving a walkaround of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, BMW’s Dr. Klaus Draeger gave some additional details about this upcoming hybrid hybrid. As we’ve told you before, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is a two-mode hybrid, and uses BMW’s 4.4L V8 gasoline engine along with its electric assistant. Going hybrid increases fuel economy on this most oddly shaped BMW by a decent 20 percent, but that still puts the X6′s mileage at just about 15 mpg/city. BMW promises that both the 7-series and X6 hybrids will be on sale by the end of 2009. Well, it’s better than nothing we guess. Gallery: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid [Source: AutoReview ] BMW X6 ActiveHybrid to arrive by year’s end originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green
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BMW X6 ActiveHybrid to arrive by year’s end
BMW launches 730Ld, a 32 mpg (U.S.) luxury sedan, in Europe
Auto Blog: Diesel , BMW BMW’s new 7-series flagship is still a couple of months away from going on sale here in the States, but it’s already available overseas. The latest models to join the team are the new 730d and 730Ld, equipped with a 3.0L inline six cylinder diesel. The version in the 730 is rated at 245 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. In the 17.1 ft long, 4,343 lb, long wheelbase Ld, combined fuel efficiency is rated at an impressive 32.2 mpg (U.S.). The lighter, short wheelbase edition does slightly better at 32.6 mpg. Like the 335d and X5 35d offered here in the U.S., the 730 uses a 6-speed automatic transmission. Even though the 730 diesels are not hybrids, they do use brake energy regeneration to help reduce parasitic losses. [Source: BMW] Continue reading BMW launches 730Ld, a 32 mpg (U.S.) luxury sedan, in Europe BMW launches 730Ld, a 32 mpg (U.S.) luxury sedan, in Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green
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BMW launches 730Ld, a 32 mpg (U.S.) luxury sedan, in Europe
Mercedes-Benz rumored to be working on hybrid sportscar
Auto Blog: Hybrid , Mercedes Benz Mercedes-Benz has quite a history with gull-wing doored sportscars; not as much with hybrids. Regardless, the German automaker appears ready to combine the two in the next version of its SLK range, which is rumored to add the upward-opening doors and regenerative braking technology to its repertoire in 2012. It’s the hybrid drivetrain that may be causing MB to look to its past 300SL’s unique portal configuration since the twin battery packs will be placed in large side sills, a configuration that would preclude the use of normal doors. Mercedes hopes to gain experience with the KERS hybrid system that’s currently making its way into Formula 1 racing, where the German marque has been doing quite well over the last few years. Teamed with a 3.5L V6 engine, preliminary reports suggest that the hybrid SLK could get up to 40 miles per gallon on the European cycle while also being able to accelerate the coupe to 60 miles per hour in under 5 seconds. They could sure use the efficiency boost . [Source: Auto Express ] Mercedes-Benz rumored to be working on hybrid sportscar originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green
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Mercedes-Benz rumored to be working on hybrid sportscar
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid qualifies for $3,400 tax credit
Auto Blog: Hybrid , Ford , Legislation and Policy , Green Daily , USA Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Good news for those looking to get into a new fuel efficient midsize sedan: Ford’s 2010 Fusion Hybrid has been tested by the EPA and its 41 mpg city and 36 highway entitle it to the maximum $3,400 tax credit allowed for hybrid vehicles by the federal government. The current set of tax credits are calculated based on the fuel efficiency improvement of a particular model versus what it and its competitors achieve with their non-hybridized powertrains. In standard four cylinder guise, the Fusion still manages a very respectable 23 city and 34 highway, again proving that hybrids make their largest efficiency improvements in city driving conditions. If you want to benefit from the full tax credit, we’d advise you to act quickly. As buyers of Toyota and Honda hybrids have already found out, once an automaker has sold 60,000 hybrid units, the tax credit is slowly phased out. Ford reached its total allotment late last year, so you’ve got until the end of March before the credit is halved. Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid [Source: Ford] Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid qualifies for $3,400 tax credit 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid qualifies for $3,400 tax credit originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green
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2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid qualifies for $3,400 tax credit
Rumormill: Lexus LS could get base V6 model
Auto Blog: Lexus Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LS600h The trend towards more fuel efficient automobiles is stretching past its expected economy car roots and into the upper reaches of large luxury vehicles. It could be argued that Lexus started this particular trend with its range of hybrid vehicles, especially the GS 450h and the LS 600h premium sedans. Perhaps the biggest hurdle Lexus needs to overcome to sell its hybrids is their price, since all that extra doohickery adds plenty to the bottom line. Perhaps it’s not surprising, then, to hear rumors that Lexus is working on a new version of its LS flagship that will use Toyota’s 2GR-FSE 3.5L V6 engine engine in lieu of the pricey hybrid or thirsty V8 options. We’d assume the new model would be named the LS 350. This particular powerplant has won accolades by combining both port fuel injection and direct injection to produce up to 311 horsepower (315 PS or 232 kW) and is already used in the automaker’s IS 350 and GS 350. This engine option in the LS would also allow buyers in some countries to avoid high taxes that are based on the powerplant’s displacement. Gallery: AutoblogGreen Garage: 2008 Lexus LS600h L [Source: Paultan.org ] Rumormill: Lexus LS could get base V6 model originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green
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Rumormill: Lexus LS could get base V6 model
Posted in Auto Green, Hybrids | ford fusion hybrid, fusiontaxcredit, green-garage, lexus, lexus ls 350, lexusls, price, total-allotment | Leave a commentTexas governor supports $5,000 incentive for plug-in vehicles
Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Hybrid , Legislation and Policy , Green Daily , USA Photo by wili_hybrid . Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0 . Here’s a benefit to living with dirty air in Texas: getting $5,000 off the price of your plug-in hybrid vehicle. That’s the amount being proposed in the state legislature and supported by Gov. Rick Perry. In the governor’s state of the state speech last night, Perry said , “I support giving Texans in the non-attainment areas of our state a $5,000 incentive towards a purchase of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, using the funds Texans have already paid to reduce emissions, while providing a unique way to store wind energy.” The phrase “non-attainment areas” refers to a place “where air pollution levels persistently exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards, or that contributes to ambient air quality in a nearby area that fails to meet standards.” So, if you live where there’s dirty air, and this proposal passes, and the Chevy Volt ever appears in your local dealer lot, then you could get $12,500 off the sticker price, thanks to government help . Perry was a strong supporter of building a coal gassification plant in Texas. [Source: Wall Street Journal ] Texas governor supports $5,000 incentive for plug-in vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green
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Texas governor supports $5,000 incentive for plug-in vehicles
Posted in Auto Green, Hybrids | government-help, hybrid-electric, Hybrids, local, price, rick perry, rickperry, street, street-journal, texas | Leave a commentGreen theme returns to 2009 Work Truck Show
Auto Blog: Diesel , EV/Plug-in , Flex-Fuel , Hybrid , USA This year’s edition of the Work Truck Show is stuffed with everything from electric trucks to aerodynamic mudflaps (yes, they make those) and promises to be every bit as green as it was last year . Day one starts with the return of the “Green Truck Summit: The Future of Hybrids and Alternative Fuels,” an educational event meant to show fleet managers and others how environmentally-friendly products and practices can make a positive impact. There’s nothing like a hands on experience and so there will be a “Green Truck Ride-and-Drive” featuring electric, compressed natural gas (CNG), hydraulic hybrid, stored energy, plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), electric hybrid and dual mode electric hybrid vehicles. Our friends at Smith Electric Vehicles are keeping a high profile this year by not only sponsoring that event, but also the “Green Truck Pavilion” which will be located on the show floor. Check out all the details in the press release after the break. [Source: National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) ] Continue reading Green theme returns to 2009 Work Truck Show Green theme returns to 2009 Work Truck Show originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green
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Green theme returns to 2009 Work Truck Show
AFS Trinity updates PHEV crossover, applies for $2.5B loan from DOE
Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Hybrid Click above for high-res gallery of the AFS Trinity prototypes AFS Trinity has been making some awfully big claims for its Saturn Vue-based PHEV since its debut last year. Since it launched, the company has touted its 150 mpg capability. As with all such combination plug-in/ICE vehicles your mileage will vary radically depending on your driving cycle. This particular vehicle is claimed to have a range of 40 miles on a battery charge before running the engine. The 150 mpg figure is based on driving 40 miles a day 6 days a week without starting the engine and then 100 miles one day a week. That may or may not be realistic for every driver but if it can actually meet that 40 mile electric range it will be impressive. AFS is continuing to work with Ricardo on developing the powertrain and has recently implemented updates to the new XH-150S prototypes (as opposed to the earlier XH-150 version , seen above) that add new driver selectable operating modes. The driver can force hybrid operation in either charge sustaining or charge depleting mode. The former will yield less performance and run the engine just enough to maintain the battery state of charge and yield about 35 mpge. The charge depleting mode relies more on the battery and can yield better acceleration. In more sedate driving, the reliance on the battery will apparently yield up to 65 mpge. The company has also applied for $2.5 billion from the DOE advanced technology vehicle program to purchase and retool an existing closed auto plant. In order to qualify for that amount AFS Trinity will have to come up with at least $500 million in matching funds. So far the company has not given any indication of the cost of its vehicle. Gallery: Detroit 2008: AFS Trinity XH-250 and XH-150 [Source: AFS Trinity Power Corporation ] Continue reading AFS Trinity updates PHEV crossover, applies for $2.5B loan from DOE AFS Trinity updates PHEV crossover, applies for $2.5B loan from DOE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green
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AFS Trinity updates PHEV crossover, applies for $2.5B loan from DOE
Posted in Auto Green, Hybrids | a-remains-the, a-week-without, afstrinityhybrid, battery, deforestation, doeloans, feedstock, Hybrids, trinity | Leave a commentGet Approved!
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