Hybrid Living

Filed under: Hybrid, BMW

The ActiveHybrid system is the result of BMW’s collaboration with GM and the former DaimlerChrysler, the Global Hybrid Cooperation. Their goal has been to engineer a modular two-mode hybrid system that can be modified in its behavior and function to suit the dynamics customary to the brand using it. Obviously, BMW is using it to fuel its proclaimed image of providing “Sheer Driving Pleasure,” meaning sport performance preferred over economy. Nonetheless, the German engineers who obviously wrote the press release say the system functions seamlessly and provides the perfect blend of sport and economy based on the demands of the driver (how this is different from the system in the Lexus LS600h L we don’t know, but we’ll wait for our first drive to see.)

I wouldn’t fly too fast and loose with the word “perfect,” however. Exactly how the system works is nearly impossible to decipher, but it does include no less than three planetary gear sets to engage and disengage the right motors at the right time. The motors are “high-powered,” though no figures are quoted. In fact, despite the system being so complicated, it is only expected to reap a 20 percent fuel economy increase. Not that that isn’t swell and all, but I start to wonder if perhaps it was over-engineered when the press release says that the first electric motor acts as a generator connected to the ICE, feeding the battery pack or the second electric motor. As efficient as new electric motors are, they still lose about 20 percent to heat at least. That’s 40 percent of your power gone from those two energy conversions.

The release also claims that the X6 is the perfect vehicle to debut this technology with because it combines the looks of a coupe, practicality of a sedan and off-road capability of the other X models into its own created niche. Well, if this is the only BMW to get the ActiveHybrid system for a while, at least there’s one reason for people to buy Chris Bangle’s BMontiac X-Aztek.

Get out your decoder rings and read the press release after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

AN INNOVATIVE HYBRID CONCEPT LIKE NO OTHER IN THE WORLD: THE BMW CONCEPT X6 ACTIVEHYBRID SPORTS ACTIVITY COUPE
01/13/2008

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 13, 2008… In addition to the world debut of its all-new X6 Sports Activity Coupe at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, BMW will also present the North American debut of an innovative hybrid concept like no other in the world — the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid. The vehicle is the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe to feature a unique design of hybrid drive like never seen before, combining Sheer Driving Pleasure with significant enhancement of all-round efficiency.
Through its drive concept alone, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid allows far greater driving dynamics than a conventional hybrid car and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 percent versus a comparable car running on a combustion engine alone.

The innovative drivetrain and the unique concept of the Sports Activity Coupe form an ideal match that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. BMW ActiveHybrid technology has indeed been developed especially for a particularly dynamic vehicle in this segment and for extensive use far beyond city traffic.

In terms of its size, character and driving dynamics, the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe is simply ideal for bringing out the full potential of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, combining an elegant and dynamically flowing roofline with the features so typical of a BMW X model. Its design clearly epitomizes the full DNA of BMW X, while interpreting the character of these vehicles in a uniquely sporting manner.

Combining the qualities of electric drive and BMW driving dynamics to provide an unprecedented driving experience.

BMW ActiveHybrid combines a combustion engine with two high-performance electric motors, taking advantage of the greater efficiency of hybrid technology over a much larger speed range than with conventional hybrid vehicles. The specific features and characteristics of BMW’s electric drive, combined with the proven features of BMW’s combustion engine, allows BMW ActiveHybrid to provide a unique driving experience that is unavailable anywhere else.

The benefits and capabilities of the electric drivetrain can be felt instantly, responding precisely and immediately to the driver when setting off. Then, continuing the process of acceleration, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid offers a perfect symbiosis of required drivetrain performance and appropriate touch-based and acoustic feedback to the driver at a level never seen before in a hybrid vehicle. The result is a driving experience that provides dynamic development of power and performance so typical of a BMW engine interacting with the particularly precise and fast-acting automatic transmission-at all speeds.

BMW ActiveHybrid: the next step in the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy.

Offering enhancement of both all-round economy and driving dynamics, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid fits perfectly into the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy. Indeed, implementing this strategy with full consistency, BMW is able to offer cars in all segments through the current model range, ranking right at the top against the competition in terms of both performance and efficiency.

BMW ActiveHybrid is a core part of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy. Introducing this technology, BMW is taking the next step in consistently reducing both fuel consumption and emissions. BMW ActiveHybrid is based on a modular principle following the strategy of “Best of Hybrid” to integrate the optimum components in each case in various vehicle concepts. And pursuing this strategy, BMW-with its first full-hybrid vehicle-is now taking the next step towards lasting and sustainable mobility based on Sheer Driving Pleasure.

The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is the result of the consistent development of attractive vehicle concepts and drivetrain technologies. A pioneer in the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment, BMW has already revolutionized the market by innovating in a completely brand-new segment, where previously there was only the sports utility vehicle (SUV). And given their supreme agility and driving dynamics, both the BMW X5 and the BMW X3 have now gained a dominating position in this segment.

Now, the concept of a Sports Activity Coupe shows how the range of BMW X models so successful the world over might be enlarged by another exclusive variant, while providing the opportunity to experience the sporting performance so typical of the brand in a completely new style.

Furthermore, BMW’s outstanding competence in the area of drivetrain development is setting the basis for combining an innovative driving experience with outstanding efficiency. Once again, BMW is becoming the trendsetter in a market segment that shows particularly dynamic growth.

A hybrid vehicle with that typical BMW character requires innovative technology.

The objective to combine that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW with a significant reduction of fuel consumption and emissions in BMW’s first full hybrid, called for the development of innovative technology offering a synthesis of the combustion engine and the electric motor.

To make this process of development as efficient as possible, the BMW Group has joined forces with General Motors and DaimlerChrysler to form the Global Hybrid Cooperation, serving to develop the next generation of hybrid drive systems. These three equal partners pool their know-how and resources in the GM, Daimler, Chrysler and BMW Hybrid Development Center in Troy (Michigan, USA), concentrating in the process on a flexible system concept allowing each of the companies involved to integrate the particular concept, design and construction of their cars in the new technology, focusing on the specific features of each brand. This is precisely why the technology of the two-mode active transmission, created through this cooperation, is part of the BMW ActiveHybrid modular development system.

Optimized use of energy and superior power in every situation.

The innovative active transmission featured by the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid combines two compact, high-performance electric motors with a transmission using fixed transmission ratios. These drive systems are connected to one another by three planetary gearsets allowing a power split covering the drive forces of the combustion engine and the electric motors in two transmission modes. Thus, a level of variability that is quite impossible to achieve on a conventional hybrid drivetrain is ensured thanks to the combination of the two drive sources, which are able to provide optimum power and maximum efficiency under all driving conditions and power requirements from the driver.

The system, referred to as the two-mode active transmission on account of its two operating modes, also consists of a high-performance battery, power electronics with an integrated inverter module and the required cables.

The two-mode active transmission is based on an electrical continuously variable transmission mode (ECVT). The two operating modes-one of which has been optimized for low-, the other for high-speeds-are supplemented by fixed transmission ratios.

The two power-split ECVT sections allow the drivetrain to run at continuously variable speeds and ensure full, highly efficient hybrid functions throughout the complete operating range of the vehicleperformance typical to a BMW. As a result, the innovative system in the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid serves to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent in relation to a comparable BMW running on a combustion engine alone.

Furthermore, with the two-mode system, the electric motors are very compact in size-facilitating integration into the overall vehicle and minimizing an increase in weight, which in the case of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, is lower than conventional hybrid cars offering comparable power.

The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid can be driven on electric power only, on the combustion engine alone or with a combination of both power units. Depending on driving conditions, the electric motors may also be used for both accelerating and regenerative application of the brakes, in which case the brake forces generated when coasting and when applying the brakes flow to the high-volt energy storage unit to provide an increase in electric power.

This energy, subsequently available for further use, need not be generated by the combustion engine and is therefore available virtually free of charge.

Already using this principle in a similar manner on production cars featuring Brake Energy Regeneration, BMW is able to ensure efficient energy management and maintain the battery at a high charge level. On the road, the support provided by the electric motors in this way, referred to as “boosting,” serves first to give the vehicle incomparable spontaneity and a direct response; and second, to significantly reduce fuel consumption.

BMW ActiveHybrid comes in where conventional hybrid drive reaches its limit.

Conventional hybrid systems allow efficient motoring only in relatively small or medium-sized vehicles at relatively low speeds. This is because most of the power coming from the combustion engine has to be conveyed most of the time via the electrical path of the transmission and because of the use of a high level of electric power. A car with enhanced dynamics, performance and running speeds would therefore require a larger combustion engine calling for less efficient, larger and heavier electric motors.

In the power split drive mode, also referred to as the output branched concept, one of the two electric motors acts as a generator, converting some of the engine’s power into electrical current, subsequently fed to the battery or the second electric motor. The second electric motor then converts such power coming from the first electric motor or from the battery back into mechanical power for the output drive shaft on the transmission.

Two-mode technology varies the balance of electrical and mechanical energy on the respective paths for optimum efficiency.

Conventional hybrid drive systems do not come with fixed mechanical transmission ratios, which would serve to optimize fuel consumption. Instead, to their disadvantage, they use a continuously variable transmission which actually requires that performance and load feedback from the car are separated from one another, thus failing to provide a dynamic driving impression.

The two-mode active transmission, by contrast, overcomes and eliminates the disadvantages of a conventional hybrid drivetrain. It reduces the share of power flowing through the electrical branch of the transmission throughout a broad range of transmission ratios. Through its power split in two transmission modes, the two-mode active transmission provides the energy of both electric motors in an ideal form tailored to current driving conditions.

BMW ActiveHybrid: the result of years of research.

The principle of the two-mode active transmission in the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid forms a significant milestone in BMW’s ActiveHybrid strategy, fulfilling the demands made by a broad range of customers looking for a dynamic, economical and responsible form of motoring.

To reach this goal BMW pursues a clear-cut “Best of Hybrid” strategy, enabling use of the optimum components under a modular principle within a wide range of different vehicle concepts planned for the future. Parallel to the Global Hybrid Cooperation, the BMW Group has therefore entered into yet another joint venture with the Mercedes Car Group of Daimler, developing components for hybrid drive in the luxury performance sedan.

BMW started to develop hybrid drives many years ago, long before the foundation of the Global Hybrid Cooperation. Indeed, BMW tested the electric drivetrain as early as in the late 1980s, for example in the BMW E1. And the BMW Group has been conducting research on hybrid technology and its various options for more than 15 years, making this technology and the results already obtained a firm part of the BMW X5 EfficientDynamics development strategy.

In the meantime, the BMW Group has presented several hybrid vehicle concepts, starting with a hybrid car in 1995 based on the BMW 518i. In particular, the outstanding potential of this drive technology has been proven in the BMW X5 EfficientDynamics presented in 2003 and the BMW Concept X3 EfficientDynamics shown to the world in 2005.

With the introduction of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, BMW is proudly presenting the highest degree of maturity in hybrid technology seen so far. Indeed, this technology offers everything it takes to combine extremely efficient motoring with that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW.

A clear sign of the special status of the BMW ActiveHybrid concept is the presentation of this technology in combination with a brand new type of vehicle: The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is the unusually attractive vision of a truly innovative vehicle virtually predestined for such cutting-edge drivetrain technology.

A thrilling team: BMW ActiveHybrid and the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe.

The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid establishes a new benchmark right from the start through the innovative combination of design and concept features. Four doors and the smooth, dynamic coupe roofline interact with a high window line and extra-muscular wheel arches ensuring permanent presence and a perfect balance of the front and rear axle as a clear reference to all-wheel drive.

At the front, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is dominated by design elements symbolizing the vehicle’s dynamic orientation to the road, while from the side the vehicle’s proportions are particularly elegant and well-balanced. The short front body overhang emphasizes the dynamic character of the vehicle, while the long overhang at the rear highlights the stretched and sleek appearance of the vehicle.

Moved far to the back and with the roofline dropping down visibly and continuously from the B-pillar, the greenhouse, together with the high window line, ensures flat and low-slung window graphics.

The roofline flows down gently to the contour lip at the rear, finally merging into a slight upward swing perfecting the Coupe line and at the same time optimizing the vehicle’s streamlining. The rear look of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is split by horizontal lines, making the vehicle look wider and emphasizing its road stability.

A muscular bumper and the protective cover for the underfloor are further classic design elements characteristic of a BMW X vehicle. And last but not least, the proportions so typical of a coupe are exhibited here in particular style typical of a BMW X model, among other elements, through the muscular and elegant shoulders.

A typical BMW also in design.

The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is clearly recognizable as a BMW from every angle. All design features clearly exhibit classic BMW design, with the focus primarily on those sculptural lines so characteristic of all BMW X models.

The front, side and rear body sections flow smoothly and directly into one another, with additional highlighting design elements typical of the brand, ranging from the BMW kidney grill through the dual round headlights with their cut contour and the powerful contour line at the side all the way to the horizontal lines at the rear.

Following the usual philosophy of a BMW X vehicle, the wheel arches show slightly square contours offering space for 21-inch light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design created especially for the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid. This is indeed a brand-new rendition of such three-dimensional rims with the individual spokes showing recessed surfaces not only at the top, but also further down towards the inner sections of the wheel.

The exterior mirrors on the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid are likewise brand-new in their design-a white, shimmering row of lights standing out between the lower element, finished in body color and the upper section of the mirror cap made of aluminum. Supplementing the corona rings in the headlights so typical of BMW, these additional lights also provide a daytime light function.

The unique character of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is also exhibited in the design of the rear lights, where the L-shape so typical of a BMW X model is re-interpreted in a particularly dynamic, sweeping motion. Extending far into the side panels, the rear lights also serve to emphasize the overall width of the vehicle in its night design.

Front and rear: clear signals for efficient motoring.

The truly authentic and unique features of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid’s unmistakable design are apparent at first sight. Through its look alone this concept vehicle arouses the greatest expectations of the driving experience in such a Sports Activity Coupe. It clearly underlines the robust character and superior traction of a BMW X model in combination with dynamic driving qualities never seen before in this segment.

As soon as the electric motors take over in full and provide all the drive power required, a visual representation of optimized combustion and emission ratings is proudly displayed at the back of the vehicle. Since the underfloor protection panel, made of brushed aluminum, both front and rear is a moving element on the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, as soon as the vehicle is running entirely on electric power, the rear protection panel moves up to cover the two tailpipes on the exhaust system-as long as they are not required for their normal purpose.

The innovative philosophy of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid proves that large and dynamic vehicles can also be driven economically, with a clear focus on the environment, while simultaneously reaching new horizons in terms of driving pleasure and aesthetic design.

Not only does the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid offer a particularly high standard of efficiency, but it also provides enhanced driving dynamics-a concept that meets the high standards of BMW EfficientDynamics in every respect. Indeed, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid ensures progress on all levels in terms of driving dynamics, in its all-round economy and design.

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Transportation Alternatives, Green Daily, Holidash

If you want to be kind to the environment at your next social, look no further than Hammacher Schlemmer’s 14 mph ridable cooler. Able to carry 24 12 oz. cans of cheap beer soda pop and 8 lbs. of ice, plus as much as 300 lbs. of you for a maximum range of 15 miles, perfect for a couple round trips from the dorms to the party house to the community picnic or block party. It is also equipped with a conveniently placed cup-holder for the enjoyment of the rider. He/she controls the ‘vehicle’ via handlebar-mounted throttle and brake levers. The handlebars and footrests are removable for trunk transportation, and though made of the same lightweight aircraft aluminum, it tips the scales at 74 lbs unloaded. Not the easiest thing to fit in the back of your car. Interestingly the seat (as shown above) is a $29.95 option. Since the entry and departure angles are so shallow, the only off-roading you’ll likely be able to do is a short drive over your well-maintained lawn, but the disc brakes should be able to bring you to a swift halt should you suddenly realize your route was chosen under impaired judgment. At ‘only’ $499.95, it makes a perfect holiday gift for your underage deviant legal upstanding treehugging college student.

[Source: Hammacher Schlemmer]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: Volkswagen, European Union, North America, UK

The Volkswagen Golf (or Rabbit, if you’re a Yank like me and always prefer a car’s name to reference a potential meal rather than a game for old people) has just been awarded Car of the Year by ACFO, an organization that produces a bi-monthly journal called “Fleet Operator.” CotY was awarded to the Golf for “delivering operational performance, whole-life cost control and driver appeal as well as an environmental edge.” In other words, it’s one of the best Euro-boxes out there for professionals and consumers alike.

[Source: ACFO via Newspress]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hydrogen, North America

If Jeremy’s post last week piqued your interest, here’s the video to prove it. Found in the magical realm of YouTube, this news story was originally on NBC News. John Kanzius was trying to find a way to cure cancer via a specialized bombardment of radio waves. What he accidentally discovered was that when he put a test tube of salt water in the beam of radio waves, it disrupted the bonds between hydrogen and oxygen and ignited a flame that burned up to 3000 degrees. Needless to say, this is an alarming discovery.

While Kanzius is using the flame to run a small model steam engine, it may perhaps have greater potential as a substitution for an electrolyzer. Or, if the system can be miniaturized and made cost-effectively efficient, it could combust in the cylinder of an ICE directly. There is also a lot of valid criticism regarding this idea, which many of you commented on last week. In any case, Kanzius’ discovery could greatly impact the transportation industry, as well as find the cure to cancer he was looking for in the first place.

Related Posts:

• Salt Water as fuel? Burning hydrogen with radio waves? It’s true
• Stan Meyer and the Mysterious, Elusive Electrolyzer

Related Video:

• Salt water into fire

[Source: YouTube -- Thanks for the tip, Sean!]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Daily

If you’re like me and you live near Lemont, Illinois, there’s a small company called Pioneer Conversions that can convert your ozone-eating, oxygen-depleting, daisy-choking, baby seal-killing gasoholic car into a clean green driving machine. They specialize in Cavaliers, Saturns and small pick-up trucks, but that isn’t stopping them from working on a Porsche Boxster or an MG B. They say conversions will run you $10-20k, or you can buy the parts from them and have a go at it yourself.

Before the comments ensue about it not being cost effective – you’re right, it isn’t. $10K+ in addition to the donor car is hard to swallow, unless your reasons go beyond saving money. If it’s about saving the ozone, the air, the daisies and the baby seals, or simply alleviating your own conscience, this is one way to do it. The guys at Pioneer Conversions thankfully seem to be willing to work on other models besides the plastic domestics, so you won’t have to deal with the amenity trade-offs in some hybrids or electric cars. They don’t try to sell it as a money-saver either, so they appear to be honest eco-mentalists. Interestingly, they are able to convert a car to electric with an automatic transmission, something I haven’t heard of before in a conversion. Follow the yellow brick ‘Read’ link to see their homepage.

[Source: JD Electric Vehicles Inc. -- Thanks for the tip, Sean!]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

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

Following the recent debut of the Vectrix electric scooter at the Alt Car Expo, their new “superbike” concept debuted to an odd choice of music at the Milan motor show. Vectrix themselves have not yet posted any information on it on their website yet, but according to Motorcycle News, this “superbike” can reach 125 mph. The reason I have “superbike” in quotes is because, unfortunately, the only thing super about it is its looks – more cut from the standard crotch-rocket mold than the EV-X7, but just as cool – as you can only go 43.5 miles on a charge. That means if you’re planning on going a distance, get to that top speed as fast as you can so you can coast the rest of the way after the battery dies.

In reality, bikes like these are rarely used to go great distances, so Vectrix may have a winner here. Vectrix says they can start building them if they get 500 deposits, so start saving your pennies… or sell plasma so you’ll make less of a mess if you wipe out.

[Source: Motorcylce News]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: MPG, Transportation Alternatives, On Two Wheels

Well let’s start with the start with the technical stuff before we laugh about the styling…. I’m sorry, I can’t wait. It looks like the 2008 Car of the Year for GayWheels.com. Did you ever see the Ambiguously Gay Duo? They put their car into production! Okay, that’ll do me for the moment. The American Roadster is powered by a compressed natural gas (CNG) engine that achieves 70 mpg. That’s all I’ve got – no horsepower or performance figures, but at least we know at first glance it’s rear-drive. Burning CNG, which, if you can get your hands on it, is significantly cheaper than gas, at 70 mpg sounds pretty sweet.

But look at it. If you thought the ’59 Firebird II concept was phallic, you were wrong. Well, you were right, but this thing has got it beat. And they’re actually planning in producing it – in mass quantities. In their current factory, they can only expect to be able to build 100/month, but at their new 200,000 sq. ft. factory they’re acquiring, they expect to construct 240,000/month! I’m sorry, I just don’t think they can sell that many. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the forward thinking and battering-ram style to getting a product to market, but did it have to look like a… like that?

More color commentary after the jump.

[Source: Eco-Fueler]
According to John S. Greene, the creator, on the Eco-Fueler website, taking away a wheel classifies it as a motorcycle, thus dodging “billions of dollars” in federal safety testing, like the Zap! Xebra. This, apparently accomplishes Greene’s dream:

Create a company that is “Made in the United States of America,” that produces a “vehicle” unfettered by regulation, and that runs on fuel that is produced in the United States of America.

The roadster is supposedly planned to run on hydrogen at some point as well, but that will definitely be more expensive, if it ever sees the light of day. As it stands now, it can strut proudly for 450 miles on a tank of compressed gas, but no matter how far you drive, you’re still displaying your manhood in a quite embarrassing way.

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

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

Here’s one electric vehicle where limited range no longer seems unpalatable. Designed and built in China by a company called Axle Corporation, the EV-X7 is driven by an electric wheel hub motor and has a top speed of 93 mph. This, of course, is a snail’s pace compared to modern motorcycles, but then again, this doesn’t burn an ounce of fossil fuel. It also looks like something the police force in Minority Report would patrol the suburbs with, were it painted black. The above video is in Chinese, but the basic idea is that they think their potential commercial product will revolutionize personal transportation, to the point that one day we will see this and others like it (such as the more conventional style scooter at the end) running around everywhere. This was not a spirited test drive, but the sporting nature of the vehicle is obvious.

This bike does show, along with the PML Flightlink motors soon to be found in the production ZAP-X, Volvo ReCharge, Lightning GT, and PML Flightlink’s own Mini, that the trend in electric vehicle propulsion may turn towards hub motors. What will have to be proven before these motors have an effect on people’s health and safety is that the motors can function as well or better than conventional brake technology.

[Source: ITN Source -- Thanks for the tip, Sean!]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Filed under: Biodiesel, Ethanol

A poll conducted by the Clean Fuels Development Coalition over nearly 2,200 people says that 88 percent of adults are of the opinion that the U.S. should pursue alternative fuels to decrease our dependence on foreign oil. Really?? Amazing. More interestingly, 72 percent of adults blame the increase of food costs on the price of oil increasing. My favorite statistic is this: “Other results indicate that nearly eight in 10 adults (78 percent) believe usage of ethanol would lessen the country’s dependence on foreign oil.” Wow. Not only are we using a substantial survey to state the obvious, but astonishingly 22 percent of those surveyed don’t think using ethanol reduces usage of foreign oil. They either don’t know what ethanol is or they understand the complicated petro-heavy production process required to make today’s corn ethanol.

Anyway, what is important about this survey is that it shows that the majority of Americans are behind the search for and advancement of alternative fuels. That, in turn, should tell our fearless leaders that they have our support to throw more funding at alternative fuel research and production, so we can kick our black gold guzzling addiction cold turkey. Oh, and deepen our national debt to do so.

Related:

• 3 out of 4 Americans say: let’s go for renewable fuels

[Source: Clean Fuels Development Coalition]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.