Hybrid Living

Filed under: Hybrid, USA

Plymouth Rock Studios, a film and television Production Campus being developed in Plymouth, Massachusetts, has decided to go green with the rental cars that will undoubtedly be required by the actors, studio execs and visitors. In order to make this happen, they have teamed up with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which has already seen some coverage here at AutoblogGreen. Enterprise will be providing the an all-hybrid fleet of rental cars to Plymouth Rock Studios, making them “an official Green Alliance Partner” with the studio … for whatever that’s worth. Hyperbole aside, offering a hybrid-only fleet is a step in the right direction and we hope that other studios can find a way to follow the example set here. Details after the break.

Press Release:

Plymouth Rock Studios and Enterprise Rent-A-Car today announced a new green partnership that will bring an increase in hybrid vehicle use to the town of Plymouth and to the state of Massachusetts.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car will serve as an official Green Alliance Partner of Plymouth Rock Studios and has committed to an expansion of its Plymouth-based hybrid vehicle fleet to meet the demand of the first all green film and television studio campus in the world.

This strategic alliance will provide alternatively powered hybrid vehicles to meet the vehicle rental demand of studio executives, actors, production entities and guests working at the studio.

“We see this as a major step forward in demonstrating our commitment to protecting the environment,” said Thom Black, a managing partner at Plymouth Rock Studios. “To have a company like Enterprise Rent-A-Car join us as one of our lead Green Alliance Partners sends a strong signal that Plymouth Rock Studios intends to lead by example.”

Plymouth Rock Studios is a film and television production campus being developed in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Upon completion, Plymouth Rock Studios will be the most technologically advanced film and television studio campus ever to be constructed.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is the largest rental car company in North America and has demonstrated a commitment to alternatively powered vehicles. Enterprise last year announced a carbon offset program allowing customers the opportunity to participate in reducing the carbon emissions created by an average rental car, and the company has agreed to match customer contributions dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $1 million. In addition, the company has committed to having the nation’s largest fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Enterprise donated $25 million to create the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, as well as committing to plant 50 million trees over the next 50 years.

“Plymouth Rock Studios represents what can happen when people are committed to a best-in-class community that honors its natural heritage. We are thrilled to be a partner in their effort,” said Andrew Feldman, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Regional Vice President of Plymouth.

[Source: Plymouth Rock Studios]

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Filed under: MPG, On Two Wheels, Lightweight, USA

Currently, there are a few small manufacturers marketing in the small, three-wheeled vehicle segment. Obviously, ZAP comes to mind with their electric Xebra sedan and pickup truck. Bajaj sells small three-wheeled utility vehicles here as well. It looks like we can add Trifun to that list, as they reportedly plan to sell a few thousand three-wheeled vehicles this year in the U.S.

A high quality 1 liter four cylinder engine, manufactured by GM joint venture Wuling, powers pickup truck, sedan and surrey – basically a sedan with a removable canvas top – models. Each machine also features a 5-speed manual transmission and should be capable of highway speeds. These vehicles, all of which come equipped with air conditioning standard, are expected to start just under $10 grand, placing them a bit higher than the less-speedy Bajaj units but undercutting any traditional sedan available in the states.

[Source: Trifun via Jalopnik]

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Filed under: Etc.

Got a decent used car with engine problems? Consider installing a repowered engine in it, an option that, according to the Engine Repower Council (press release after the break), will end up saving you money on gas and reducing your emissions. As the miles rack up on the engine under the hood of your car, tolerances end up getting larger and larger, which not only reduces the power of your engine and makes it feel run-down, but also increases fuel consumption and is the cause for increased emissions.

Another possible eco-benefit would be that the large components of the engine, like the block, intake system and exhaust system end up being re-used, which saves them from ending up as trash or being recycled.

Press Release:

Repowered Engines Get Better Gas Mileage

With gasoline prices projected to hit the $4 per gallon point by this summer, the Engine Repower Council (ERC) reminds motorists that a repowered engine gets better gas mileage than a worn out engine, emitting fewer pollutants as well.

“If your car or truck is experiencing major engine damage, but is in relatively good shape otherwise, repowering it with a remanufactured/rebuilt engine not only will help you stretch your dollars at the gas pump, it is also a much more cost effective option compared to purchasing a new or used car,” said ERC Chairman Steve Rich.

With repowering, the engine or an identical one from another like-vehicle, is completely remanufactured/rebuilt. Also, unlike installing a used or junk yard engine, critically important internal parts get replaced with new ones that meet or exceed original equipment performance standards.

Frequently, remanufactured/rebuilt engines are even better than the new engines installed at the factory. This is because the original factory engine problems have been redesigned or repaired with better quality parts. They are dependable, reliable and backed by excellent warranty programs that also usually cover installation expenses.

Engine repowering also saves the tremendous amount of energy used in processing discarded engines and vehicles, as well as saves an incredible amount of raw materials that would have been used in building a new engine.

“According to a survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, 75 percent of drivers are maintaining their vehicles better because of rising gas prices. Now is the time to talk with an automotive technician to see if repowering your engine with a remanufactured/rebuilt one is the right choice for you,” concluded Rich.

[Source: Engine Repower Council

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Filed under: Etc.

Got a decent used car with engine problems? Consider installing a repowered engine in it, an option that, according to the Engine Repower Council (press release after the break), will end up saving you money on gas and reducing your emissions. As the miles rack up on the engine under the hood of your car, tolerances end up getting larger and larger, which not only reduces the power of your engine and makes it feel run-down, but also increases fuel consumption and is the cause for increased emissions.

Another possible eco-benefit would be that the large components of the engine, like the block, intake system and exhaust system end up being re-used, which saves them from ending up as trash or being recycled.

Press Release:

Repowered Engines Get Better Gas Mileage

With gasoline prices projected to hit the $4 per gallon point by this summer, the Engine Repower Council (ERC) reminds motorists that a repowered engine gets better gas mileage than a worn out engine, emitting fewer pollutants as well.

“If your car or truck is experiencing major engine damage, but is in relatively good shape otherwise, repowering it with a remanufactured/rebuilt engine not only will help you stretch your dollars at the gas pump, it is also a much more cost effective option compared to purchasing a new or used car,” said ERC Chairman Steve Rich.

With repowering, the engine or an identical one from another like-vehicle, is completely remanufactured/rebuilt. Also, unlike installing a used or junk yard engine, critically important internal parts get replaced with new ones that meet or exceed original equipment performance standards.

Frequently, remanufactured/rebuilt engines are even better than the new engines installed at the factory. This is because the original factory engine problems have been redesigned or repaired with better quality parts. They are dependable, reliable and backed by excellent warranty programs that also usually cover installation expenses.

Engine repowering also saves the tremendous amount of energy used in processing discarded engines and vehicles, as well as saves an incredible amount of raw materials that would have been used in building a new engine.

“According to a survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, 75 percent of drivers are maintaining their vehicles better because of rising gas prices. Now is the time to talk with an automotive technician to see if repowering your engine with a remanufactured/rebuilt one is the right choice for you,” concluded Rich.

[Source: Engine Repower Council

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Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Ford, UK

Click the S-Max for a high-res gallery

Ford has already sold 3000 Euro-market Focus ECOnetic models prior to the vehicle’s official on-sale date. Many of these units are headed to businesses interested in lowering their fleets’ carbon footprints. Because of the low added cost, the vehicles are proving to be more popular than expected; popular enough that Ford is rethinking how many ECOnetic Mondeos that they need to make. The Focus ECOnetic emits just 114 g/km of CO₂, and the new Mondeo is rated at less than 140g/km.

In other related news, Roelant de Waard, head of Ford U.K., says that an ECOnetic S-Max is a possibility, but don’t expect any hybrids from Ford’s outpost in Blighty. Instead, the EurOval is looking at stop/start technology and low-emission diesels, which have a proven track record of selling well in Europe.

[Source: Business Car]

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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Porsche

When Porsche decided to move on from its very successful 356 line, there was a faction of people who were concerned that the 911 would be too expensive and wished the German automaker would stick with its successes — four-cylinder sports cars to be specific. While history will look back at the 911 as being the quintessential sports car, regardless of manufacturer, Porsche was hedging its bets by also introducing the 912, which had the body of the 911 along with the engine from the 356. The 912 turned out to be a sales success, outselling the 911 for the first two years they were both on the market. Ultimately, though, the faster and more expensive 911 won out and the 912 was discontinued.

Now that history class is over, take a look at this Porsche 912, which has had its four-banger tossed in favor of an 88-horsepower electric motor. The lead acid batteries allow for a top speed of 100 miles per hour and a range of about 55 miles at a steady 62 mph cruising speed. While this car might be a nightmare to some die hard Porschephiles, it’s a really well done and very nice-looking conversion. Thanks for the tip, Christian!

[Source: German Car Blog]

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Filed under: MPG, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA

Nobody likes taxes. Nobody likes high fuel prices. Combine the two and what do you get? Even higher fuel prices, which nobody likes. This might all seem rather obvious, but it is still relevant considering that there are movements to place higher taxes on gas for a variety of reasons. While many agree that drastic measures may need to be taken in order to wean the American people off of foreign oil, questions remain on just how to do that. Biofuels are an option, but there are significant drawbacks there; electric cars are a popular choice, but scanning the local paper reveals a dearth of current choices in the EV arena.

Consumers have shown that they are concerned about global warming, yet when polled (.pdf link) by the National Center for Public Policy Research, 48 percent of respondents said that there were unwilling to pay any extra at all in gas taxes. The numbers dropped even more when those same respondents were told that their efforts were largely in vain. Duh. We’ve posted a video after the break from Fox News about this poll, as well as the NCPPR press release.

Press Release:

New Poll Finds Nearly Half of Americans Wouldn’t Be Willing to Pay Even a Penny More in Gasoline Taxes to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

48% of Americans are unwilling to spend even a penny more in gasoline taxes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says a new nationwide survey released today by the National aCenter for Public Policy Research.

The poll found just 18% of Americans are willing to pay 50 cents or more in taxes per gallon to reduce greenhouse emissions. Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) has called for a 50 cents per gallon gas tax increase.

“With one-fifth of all U.S. CO2 emissions coming from light trucks and cars, any serious effort to significantly reduce U.S. emissions would have to encourage fuel conservation in personal automobiles,” said David Ridenour, vice president of the National Center for Public Policy Research. “But almost half of all Americans oppose spending more for gasoline, despite polls indicating wide public concern over global warming. These results suggest Americans’ concern may not be as deep as we’ve been led to believe.”

Opposition to increased gasoline taxes was especially strong among minorities.

“It’s not surprising that many minorities oppose higher gas taxes, as such taxes are sharply regressive, harming the economically-disadvantaged disproportionately,” said Ridenour.

Voters were told: “Congress is currently considering legislation that would raise the tax on gasoline in an attempt to motivate Americans to conserve fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” They were asked how much more they’d be willing to pay in gasoline taxes and given seven choices: nothing, less than 50 cents, 50 cents, one dollar, two dollars, five dollars, eight dollars or more.

18% were willing to pay 50 cents or more; 8% a dollar or more and 2% $2 or more.

Opposition to gas tax hikes was strongest in the Great Lakes (56%), New England (51%) and the Farm Belt (50%).

Opposition grew when respondents were informed that eliminating cars in the U.S. altogether would only reduce world emissions by a fraction.

Among those willing to pay more for gasoline to reduce emissions, 58% are less willing to do so, and 42% much less willing, when informed their sacrifice would produce little positive results.

“Many global warming polls ask the wrong questions,” said Ridenour. “We shouldn’t ask Americans if action is needed on global warming, but how much more they’re willing to pay for that action. We need to also ask whether people would still be willing to pay more, given the almost certain futility of it.”

[Source: National Center for Public Policy Research]

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Filed under: MPG, Chevrolet, GM, USA

There’s been quite a hubbub over Bob Lutz’s remarks that the Camaro could potentially be offered with a four cylinder engine, an engine that would still have 260 horsepower. Hot on the heels of that revelation, Mark LaNeve, GM North America’s vice president of sales and marketing, said of the new Camaro, “We won’t position it as a muscle car. The mainstream positioning will be fuel economy, design and a V-6.” While a V6 engine is to be expected as the base engine for the Camaro, positioning the iconic muscle… um, pony car as a fuel efficient choice will likely draw the ire from Camaro fanatics just as much as a 4 cylinder engine option does. But, the masses are going to have to get used to the blending of fuel efficiency and performance in almost every mainstream vehicle in the future.

[Source: Business Week]

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Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, On Two Wheels

In case you are not faimiliar with the term “steampunk”, it’s a part of the literary sci-fi punk genre. Need more explanation? Consult the all-knowing wiki here. Now that we’re all on the same page, check out this electric-steam hybrid motorcycle, built by Tom Sepe. We think that it’s pretty cool, although the steam part is a bit misleading. Sure, steam bellows forth from the rear of the bike, but that’s for show only. We think it would be epic if the steam boiler powered a turbine which in turn powered the batteries. As it stands, though, this is still an electric motorbike, plus, it throws flames … and that is cool enough for us. Follow past the break for a short video of the machine in action.

[Source: Steampunk Workshop via The New Cafe Racer Society]

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Filed under: Transportation Alternatives, Legislation and Policy, UK

Most of us here in the U.S. don’t get the opportunity to drive around in the UK very often, and that includes myself. Still, I was a bit shocked when I read the press release I’ve now posted after the break, which announced that the UK has just opened the country’s first High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane. So, they’re a little ahead in roundabouts, and we’re a little ahead in carpooling.

Anyway, the lane runs just 1.7-mile and links the southbound M606 near Bradford to the eastbound M62 towards Leeds. Any vehicle with more than one occupant is welcome to use the lane, as are motorcycles. The lane was added by utilizing the already available shoulder of the roadway. Assuming that this experiment goes well, the Department for Transport has identified 500 more miles of roadway where a hard shoulder could be utilized as an HOV lane.

[Source: Department for Transport]Press Release:

(DFT) Ruth Kelly opens first Motorway car share lane

The UK’s first motorway car share lane was opened today by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, giving drivers a new opportunity to cut both their journey times and carbon footprints.

The 1.7-mile lane, built by the Highways Agency, links the southbound M606 near Bradford to the eastbound M62 towards Leeds. It is open to cars and taxis with two or more occupants, as well as buses and coaches, and bypasses the notoriously congested section where the two motorways merge. The new lane will save road users an average of six to eight minutes per journey – 30-40 minutes per week for regular commuters.

Ruth Kelly said:
“This new lane offers motorists the opportunity to reduce both their journey times and their carbon footprints. Currently, four out of five vehicles using this busy junction have only one occupant. I hope this new lane will encourage people to share their journeys, which will ease congestion, cut journey times and improve local air quality.

“The Government is committed to finding innovative ways to get more from our existing roads and improving journeys for motorists. We have identified around 500 miles of motorway as potential priority sites for new traffic management measures, which may also include more car share lanes.”

The lane will allow vehicles on the M606 to bypass congestion at J26 of the M62 and gain priority entry on to the eastbound M62, which is a busy commuter route for motorists driving from Bradford towards Leeds. As the new lane creates extra capacity, other vehicles on the M606 and M62 could also benefit from improved journey times.

It is open to cars, vans and taxis with two or more occupants. Minibuses, coaches and buses can also use the lane and motorcyclists will also be able to use it whether carrying passengers or not.

The project has been funded by the Northern Way economic development partnership who are supporting improvements to the transport infrastructure that will assist economic growth across the north of England.

John Jarvis, Northern Way Transport Project Director, said:

“We are already suffering high levels of congestion on the North’s motorways especially around our city regions where the motorways cater for long distance traffic and the needs of our resurgent city economies. If we can encourage greater levels of car sharing through the provision of dedicated lanes at suitable locations it will help lock in the benefits of additional road capacity and be good for the economy and the environment.”

The lane can be used by vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will be enforced by West Yorkshire Police.

The new lane has been constructed on the hard shoulder of the M606 and M62 eastbound slip road, connected by a short stretch of new carriageway. New lay-by areas have been provided as an emergency refuge facility for broken-down vehicles in place of the hard shoulder.

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