EPA looking into regulating CO2 for the first time ever; national auto emissions standard coming?
More potential changes in the way the EPA does business. Following the decision to re-open the states’ rights question on limiting carbon emissions and the California waiver issue , President Obama said yesterday that the EPA could soon take on CO 2 more broadly. The EPA could decide by early April whether or not carbon dioxide is a pollutant and a danger to the public, CNN says. If the EPA does so, then greenhouse gas emission regulations would kick in and would, in the words of the New York Times , “set off one of the most extensive regulatory rule makings in history.” The EPA is currently looking into how regulations might prevent endangerment to public health, and automobile manufacturers would obviously fall under any new CO 2 regulations. From the hints available in the media, it looks like the administration would prefer Congress to put together a cap-and-trade system that would affect pretty much all economic sectors, not just the dirty few. Buried at the end of the CNN piece is this: “the administration had directed the EPA and the Department of Transportation to develop a national policy for auto emissions.” Details are hazy, but it looks like the California standards (or a slightly changed version) could be the basis for a national standard. Carol Browner , President Obama’s special adviser on climate change and energy (the “climate czar”), said yesterday that, “We need a unified national policy when it comes to clean vehicles.” Well, that’s news. [Source: New York Times via Treehugger , CNN ] Photo by Clinton Steeds . Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0. Auto Blog: Legislation and Policy , Green Daily , USA EPA looking into regulating CO 2 for the first time ever; national auto emissions standard coming? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:49:00 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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EPA looking into regulating CO2 for the first time ever; national auto emissions standard coming?
Massachusetts considering raising fuel tax
In the next 20 years, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will need to fund a $15 to $19 million gap to maintain its transit system. Since there’s no such a thing as a free lunch, Governor Deval Patrick (D) is currently suggesting an increase in the fuel tax of $0.19 per gallon to raise the money. This would means that the total tax paid on gasoline in the state will be $0.609 per gallon, while the tax on diesel would be $0.669 per gallon. End result: a rollback on a proposed Massachusetts Turnpike toll increase, no fare increase on the Boston public transit system (among other benefits) and making Massachusetts the state with one with the highest gasoline taxes in the U.S. and the fourth highest tax on diesel (right behind Hawaii, New York and Connecticut). Gov. Patrick has also proposed to move registration fees upward for large, gas-guzzling vehicles with the so-called “Hummer Tax.” [Source: Green Car Congress ] Auto Blog: Legislation and Policy , USA Massachusetts considering raising fuel tax originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:32:00 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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Leave a commentChery unveils the S18, its first electric car
China’s largest independent automaker, Chery , has “unveiled” their first electric car. Called the S18, the small 4 door appears to be the a battery-operated version of the S18/QQ2 first shown to the world at last year’s Beijing Auto Show . The in-house design features lithium iron phosphate ( LiFePO 4 ) batteries with enough range to roll up to 150 km (93 miles), while its 336 volt system can allow the 40 kW (53.64 hp) motor to take it up to the dizzying speed of 120 kph (75 mph). Plugged into a 220V outlet, it can charge in 4 to 6 hours or hooked up to a “fast-charger” it can fill to 85 per cent of its capacity in 30 minutes. As to whether it will actually go into production, Chery hasn’t yet said but it wouldn’t surprise us. BYD , its well known competitor, will begin selling its all-electric E6 later this year. [Source: Reuters / Chery via Green Car Congress ] Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , China Chery unveils the S18, its first electric car originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green
Chrysler restructuring plan places heavy emphasis on hopeful Fiat models
Click above for a gallery of slides outlining Chrysler’s planned alliance with Fiat While Chrysler didn’t exactly say that there was no chance it could survive without realizing the proposed alliance with Italian automaker Fiat, the long, drawn-out 177-page document that it filed last night with Congress doesn’t leave any doubt that its future plans rely heavily on new platforms from abroad. For instance, Chrysler points out that the two automaker’s product portfolios only overlap in the midsize segments – we already know that Chrysler has had little luck with its own Sebring and Dodge Avenger – and it points to a future line that would include the Fiat 500 and Punto along with the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Fullsize and larger models may include the as-yet unheard of Alfa Milano and Giulia. Further investigation shows that Chrysler is also looking forward to getting Fiat’s dual clutch transmission , Multiair engine technology and common rail diesel technology. In return for all of these new vehicles and drivetrain components, Chrysler would provide its 4-cylinder gasoline-powered world engines and new Phoenix gas V6 engine lines plus access to its large vehicle and truck platforms. Click here to download a PDF of Chrysler LLC’s Restructuring Plan for Long Term Viability (Note: It’s 177 pages long). Back in January, we made our list of Top Five Fiats we want to see Chrysler bring to the U.S. Car Blog Greenit here . Gallery: Chrysler restructuring slides with help from Fiat [Source: Chrysler] Auto Blog: Chrysler , Fiat Chrysler restructuring plan places heavy emphasis on hopeful Fiat models originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green
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Chrysler asks for an additional $2B, promises EVs and EREVs in return
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Dodge Circuit EV As expected, Chrysler has submitted a detailed plan to Congress outlining how it will attemp to once again regain its status as a viable standalone automaker, and included in the plan’s highlights are promises of improved fuel economy and fully electric vehicles. Chrysler says it will launch 24 new vehicles in the next 48 months, at least one of which will be an electric vehicle slated for a 2010 release. That’s likely to take the form of the Dodge Circuit that’s based on a chassis from Lotus and a battery pack from A123. After that, Chrysler promises to launch more unnamed EVs and extended-range EVs in the following years. Chrysler also touts the strategic global alliance with Italy’s Fiat as another way to get eco-friendly vehicles in the hands of the American population through “access to competitive fuel-efficient vehicle platforms [and] distribution capabilities in key growth markets.” The long-rumored Phoenix engine family is also mentioned, which will reportedly improve fuel economy by 6-8% over Chrysler’s current V6 engines. The automaker further says that it supports the development of a uniform national fuel economy standard that reflects the input of all constituents. Sorry, California . To make all of this a reality, Chrysler says it needs an additional $2 billion on top of the $7B that it’s already asked for, $4B of which it’s already received. There’s plenty more to the story, including production cuts, workforce reductions and a slew of concessions from the UAW and pretty much anyone else that has dealings with the automaker. We’ve pasted the official press release after the break and you can click here to Car Blog GreenAutoblog’s take on the situation and click here to download the 177-page document as a PDF file. Gallery: Dodge Circuit EV [Source: Chrysler] Continue reading Chrysler asks for an additional $2B, promises EVs and EREVs in return Auto Blog: Chrysler , Legislation and Policy , USA Chrysler asks for an additional $2B, promises EVs and EREVs in return originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green
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Stimulus bill pumps up plug-ins, public transit, trains, smart grid
Click above and scroll down to watch the video I heard a phrase on the radio yesterday that described the unappetizing way the stimulus bill was crafted in Congress this past week: emergency sausage. However it was crafted, the deed is now done. The overall impact of the bill is being covered by everyone everywhere, so we’ll focus on the green transportation items that were included in the final bill, which is on its way to the President’s desk. The big winners were trains and plug-in cars. As the Environmental Law & Policy Center and CNN note, high-speed and inner-city rail made out like bandits. The first version of the stimulus bill, written in the House, set aside $300 million for these trains. This ballooned to $8 billion – along with $6.9 billion for public transportation and $1.3 billion for Amtrak – by the time it was done. Plug-in vehicles – as well as hybrids and fuel cell EVs – get a $2 billion investment for advanced battery technologies. The number of vehicles that are eligible for the plug-in electric drive vehicle credit jump up to 200,000 vehicles per manufacturer. The EDTA is happy with that, but is disappointed that the PHEV credit is capped at $7,500 and doesn’t apply to big vehicles (those that weigh over 14,000 lbs). An upgraded smart grid is helped out by $4.5 billion for development and deployment. Traditional cars don’t lose out, either. People who buy a new car in 2009 and who earn less than $125,000 individually or $250,000 jointly can deduct the sales tax. What does it all mean? Well, that’s something which won’t be clear for a while. CalCars , though, is optimistic: “Taken in combination with other external factors, this could be the beginning of the breakthrough we’ve been hoping for,” they write. You can watch a video of the President discussing the stimulus package after the jump. Thanks to Peter G. for sending some of this in. [Source: CNN , EDTA , Environmental Law & Policy Center , CalCars ] Continue reading Stimulus bill pumps up plug-ins, public transit, trains, smart grid Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Hybrid , Legislation and Policy , Green Daily , USA Stimulus bill pumps up plug-ins, public transit, trains, smart grid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 11:09:00 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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Posted in Auto Green, Hybrids | breakthrough, congress, policy-center, president, president obama, sales, stimulus, stimuluspackage | Leave a commentEfforts to increase ethanol concentrations in gasoline face UL hurdle
Auto Blog: Ethanol A decision made last month by Underwriters Laboratories could put a big speed bump in efforts by states like Minnesota and the USDA and EPA to increase concentrations of ethanol in gasoline beyond the current maximum of 10 percent. Many states and municipalities require UL listings for fuel pumps. The UL ruling on E85 pumps specified that existing pumps certified to the UL87 standard are certified only for concentrations up to E10. That means that concentrations like E15 and E20 can’t be dispensed from those pumps. Minnesota has mandated that gasoline blends in the state should be increased to 20 percent by 2015 and many in the ethanol industry had thought that the UL87 standard applied to blends up to E15. The main part of the decision was actually related to E85-pump components. UL rescinded its earlier approval of certain components which means pumps with those parts can no longer be used. There have not been any known safety incidents with these pumps. However, pumps in areas that require UL certification will have to be shut down. It’s unknown how many pumps will be affected by the decision. [Source: Ethanol .org via Green Car Congress ] Efforts to increase ethanol concentrations in gasoline face UL hurdle originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:07:00 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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Ford confirms Transit Connect EV with Smith Electric for 2010
Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Ford , Chicago Auto Show Click the Transit Connect for a high res gallery Ford has now confirmed that the new Transit Connect small van will form the basis for its first new battery electric vehicle that will launch in the second half of 2010. Ford is very excited about electric vehicles and we first learned that Ford planned to introduce a Transit Connect EV when the company’s viability plan was submitted to Congress in December. Since then, speculation has been rife about which vehicle would form the basis for the new EV, with most indicators pointing at either the Transit or Transit Connect. Part of the reason for that is that Smith Electric Vehicles of the UK has already developed battery-powered versions of both of those models. At a background briefing prior to the Chicago Auto Show, Ford’s VP of product development, Derrick Kuzak, revealed that Ford was working with Smith to bring the Transit Connect EV to market next year. While Kuzak declined to provide much detail on the vehicle specs, volumes or pricing, some hints can be gleaned from the Smith EV website . The model sold by Smith as the Ampere adds a 24 kWh lithiun ion-iron phosphate battery pack to the Transit Connect. The standard 2.0L four cylinder gas engine is replaced by a 50 kW electric motor. Together, these systems yield an expected range of about 100 miles on a charge and a top speed of 70 mph. The Ampere also has a payload capacity of 1,764 lbs. With that kind of payload, even a likely real world range that is considerably less than 100 miles shouldn’t do much to dampen the utility of such a vehicle for a lot of customers. At least at first the Transit Connect EV will only be offered to commercial operators. The rest of us will have to wait another year for the Focus-based EV . Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect [Source: Ford] Continue reading Ford confirms Transit Connect EV with Smith Electric for 2010 Ford confirms Transit Connect EV with Smith Electric for 2010 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green
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Montana could follow California on greenhouse gas rules
Auto Blog: Legislation and Policy Montana could soon become the latest state to adopt California emissions rules if a recently-introduced bill becomes law. California still hasn’t received the go-ahead from the EPA to even regulate carbon dioxide emissions but Montana Senate Bill 180 would make CO 2 a regulated pollutant. If the EPA reverses a late-2007 ruling, automakers will have to achieve a fleet average of 44 mpg by the end of the next decade in order to meet the California standards. Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer supports the senate bill and sent a representative to testify at a recent hearing. While Montana would simply adopt the standards set by California, state regulators would have to ensure that automakers meet the standard in the state based on sales. The Montana bill would also extend beyond cars an regulate emissions from commercial and industrial sources. [Source: Green Car Congress ] Montana could follow California on greenhouse gas rules originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:02:00 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
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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