Car Blog Green » biofuelsin

Using biofuels might be a sin, says Muslim cleric

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:43:00 +0000

I had no idea what would pop up when I typed in “ethanol sin” into the search box over at Flickr. Turns out, you get the image above, which was created for the Pope’s visit to the U.S. back in early 2008. It’s a good reminder that the debate over biofuels has donned religious clothing before. There a new twist to the discussion, though, following a recent statement from Sheikh Mohamed Al-Najimi, member of the Saudi Islamic Jurisprudence Academy, who said that using biofuels might be a sin because they go against the Islamic rule forbidding alcohol. This opinion, issued as a personal opinion and not an official fatwa, according to Al Arabiya , would apply to ethanol and methanol, and biodiesel made using methanol. SVO users, you’re off the hook, here. Related stories: Could the Pope make 15 mpg a sin? Can driving greener get you into heaven? Vatican says sure Another thing to worry about gas guzzlers: the sin factor Note : we’ve had a little too much name-calling in theCar Blog Green recently and have needed to ban some people from writing more. Feel free to write what you think about this particular issue, but stay away from name calling and broad generalizations about religion or ethnic groups, ok? No more warnings, just bannings if you can’t be civil. [Source: Cleantech via Green Daily , Al Arabiya ] Image by Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com . Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0. Auto Blog: Biodiesel , Etc. , Ethanol , Green Daily , Middle East Using biofuels might be a sin, says Muslim cleric originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

View post:
Using biofuels might be a sin, says Muslim cleric

Ask AutoblogGreen: What regulations govern electric vehicles?

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:54:00 +0000

Here at AutoblogGreen we get plenty of questions from readers about all kinds of topics related to alternative transportation. Reader James asks: “Reportedly, there is a federal law which limits the size/speed of autos on all roads. This, in effect restricts electric alternative vehicles that must exceed 35 mph speed. I haven’t got the whole story correct, I’m sure. That’s why I’m trying to get the straight story. Specifically, determine whether such a Federal law exists, and if so, what exactly does it restrict?” So what exactly is the story? In the electric “car” ranks there are basically three classes of vehicle. There are three wheelers like the Zap Xebra or Aptera which are classed as motorcycles and therefore not subject to crash safety standards. These vehicles are allowed to operate at any speed. Then there are full-speed vehicles which have at least four wheels, are capable of exceeding 25 mph and have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 8,500 lbs. These vehicles are subject to all of the same safety regulations as any other car on the road today. That means the bumpers must withstand 2.5 mph impacts, there must be seatbelts and airbags and all sorts of other rules regarding lighting and impact safety are enforced. The only series production EV currently available in the U.S. today that meets this classification is the Tesla Roadster . Then there are low-speed vehicles . Car Blog Greenon after the jump to find out more. Continue reading Ask AutoblogGreen: What regulations govern electric vehicles? Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Legislation and Policy Ask AutoblogGreen: What regulations govern electric vehicles? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

Original post:
Ask AutoblogGreen: What regulations govern electric vehicles?

Volvo to bring V70, S80, XC60, and XC70 DRIVe models to Geneva

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:13:00 +0000

Click above for a gallery of Volvo DRIVe models Last year at the Paris Motor Show , Volvo introduced the world to its first three DRIVe models , which feature a slew of changes, including efficient diesel engines, manual gearboxes, stop/start, lowered ride height, aerodynamic tweaks and low rolling resistance tires. All of these modifications are meant to increase fuel efficiency and therefore decrease vehicle emissions. The models already available are based on the C30 SportsCoupe (53.4 mpg U.S.), the S40 saloon and the V50 Sportswagon (both at 52.3 mpg U.S.). Next week at the Geneva Motor Show , Volvo will debut four new vehicles to add to its growing DRIVe range. The Volvo V70 and S80 DRIVe will feature the same 108-horsepower and 177lb ft 1.6-liter turbodiesel that the DRIVe versions of the C30, S40 and V50 are fitted with, allowing for a rating of 57.6 mpg in EU testing (48 mpg U.S.), with CO 2 emissions of 129g/km. Volvo’s XC60 and XC70 also get the DRIVe treatment, though they feature a larger 2.4-liter 5-cylinder turbodiesel engine that drives the front wheels only and returns 47.1 mpg (39 mpg U.S.) and CO 2 emissions of 159g/km. All four new DRIVe models will be available in the UK.this summer. Gallery: Geneva 2009: Volvo DRIVe models [Source: Volvo] Continue reading Volvo to bring V70, S80, XC60, and XC70 DRIVe models to Geneva Auto Blog: Diesel , MPG , Volvo , Geneva Motor Show , Europe/EU , UK Volvo to bring V70, S80, XC60, and XC70 DRIVe models to Geneva originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

View original post here:
Volvo to bring V70, S80, XC60, and XC70 DRIVe models to Geneva