If the US automobile industry ramps up its efforts to produce eco-friendly vehicles for the mass market, it could cut the nation’s gas consumption by 30 to 50 percent by 2035. That’s according to a new study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But the study also asserts that the mentality of car consumers will need to change.
Europeans are far ahead of North Americans in eco-awareness, and it’s most evident at auto shows. This year’s London show, July 23 to August 3, is a perfect example; despite the UK’s traditional abundance of small supercar-makers and its luxury brands, the popular market seems now to be all about green cars—specifically those with low carbon emissions, or electric cars with no emissions at all.
Oil surged to a new height today, almost reaching $114 a barrel. Retail gas prices rose to a new record of $3.38 per gallon. Diesel jumped to $4.19. And AAA is warning that these prices will continue to rise. The first reaction might be to panic, or make a mad dash toward a single technology solution. But a recent talk by John German, manager of environmental and energy analyses at American Honda Motor Company, suggested that we remain calm.
BMW’s Hydrogen 7, which has garnered attention for being test-driven by a roster of celebrities, has been confirmed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory to surpass Super Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle standards.
For decades, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have been trumpeted as the best strategy for reducing emissions from our cars and trucks. Billions of dollars later, top executives from General Motors and Toyota appear ready to give up on the viability of hydrogen-powered cars. Is this shift a clear-headed assessment of hydrogen technology and its economics? Or merely corporate maneuvering?
One of the most glittering pieces of eye candy at the Geneva Motor Show this week is a hydrogen fuel-cell roadster built by British automaker Morgan. Unlike most vehicles of its kind, Morgan designed the vehicle around the fuel cells, rather than fitting the fuel cells into a space designed for a gasoline engine.
Penn State researchers have developed a proof-of-concept device that can mimic photosynthesis by splitting water to produce recoverable hydrogen. Is it pie-in-the-sky?
In an exclusive interview for HybridCars.com, Dr. David Chen, general manager of General Motor’s Beijing Operation, dispels some of the myths about China's growing auto market, and explains how the Chinese government is paving the way for a hybrid future.
In a possible breakthrough, a research team from Texas A&M University has modified certain genes in E. coli to make the bacteria capable of producing hydrogen—possibly enough to create the energy to power homes and vehicles in the future.
As infrastructure continues to be the greatest challenge for hydrogen as a long-term green transportation strategy, making small and steady advances will be the key. To that end, the State of Florida opened its second hydrogen fueling station.
via Environmental News Service
December 10, 2007
