Bosch, Siemens VDO, Delphi predict GDI sales will get boost from new emissions rules

Filed under: ,

Three companies are saying that the new European and American emissions rules are going to bring a boost to gasoline direct-injection (GDI) systems sales. According to Automotive News Europe (subs req’d) Bosch, Siemens VDO and Delphi all predict “big demand” for this fuel-saving technology. Bosch’s auto division head said GDI systems can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 15 percent. He told ANE’s Tony Lewin that he thinks his company will go from having 800,000 to 900,000 units in western Europe to about two million by 2010.

Delphi, here in the US, said it has just received its first large GDI order: 500,000 units a year for six- and eight-cylinder engines for a US carmaker.

Over at Siemens, a spokesman said his company is figuring on about a quarter of the petrol cars in Europe will use GDI in 2009-2010.

[Source: Tony Lewin / Automotive News Europe]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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

Neste will test biodiesel in Sweden

Filed under:

NExBTL, the Cthulhu-like word that stands for “next generation biomass to liquid,” is the fuel that Finnish refiner Neste Oil is trying to perfect. As we told you last year, NExBTL is a biodiesel that has a more consistent quality level that is also more cold temperature and cold tolerant than traditional biodiesel, according to Neste.

Well, the company is about to find out just how well the biofuel performs, with the announcement last week of a three year study in Stockholm with Swedish Post, Posten Logistik, shipper Waxholmsbolaget Angfartygs, Volvo Penta and Scania. The test is to figure out how tailpipe emissions change with different levels of NExBTL from 30 percent blended into conventional fuel to 100 percent NExBTL.

Neste’s press release is after the jump.

Related:

[Source: Neste Oil via Automotive News Europe (subs req’d)
Neste Oil´s renewable diesel to help clean Stockholm´s air

Neste Oil Oyj, the logistics division of Swedish Post, Posten Logistik AB, shipping company Waxholmsbolaget Ångfartygs AB, Volvo Penta, and Scania are to work together to reduce traffic-related emissions and promote the use of biofuels in Stockholm. The parties have signed a letter of intent covering a broad-based trial of NExBTL diesel produced from renewable raw materials on land and at sea in the Stockholm area.

The Swedish project is planned to be part of a broader EU project aimed at promoting the use of diesel fuel rich in premium-quality NExBTL Renewable Diesel also in other countries across Europe.

The project will study areas such as how tailpipe emissions change with different levels of NExBTL blended into conventional fuel. It is also expected to highlight the flexibility and environmental benefits inherent in the use of Neste Oil’s NExBTL diesel.

The test period will begin in fall 2007 and last until the end of 2010. It will involve around 100 vehicles operated by Posten Logistik and two to three ships in the Stockholm archipelago operated by Waxholmsbolaget. Volvo Penta will carry out emission measurements and regular inspections of the engines of the ships in the trial.

Fueled by Neste Oil’s proprietary NExBTL

The vehicles and ships in the trial will initially run on diesel fuel that contains around 30% NExBTL. The intention is gradually to shift to higher NExBTL content and eventually to 100% NExBTL. As part of the project, Scania will test the use of 100% NExBTL in several buses in Greater Helsinki in spring 2008.

The Stockholm trial is similar to that due to begin this fall involving Neste Oil, the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council (YTV), and Helsinki City Transport, which is also aimed at reducing urban traffic-related emissions and is intended to form part of a broader EU initiative.

Neste Oil Corporation is a refining and marketing company focused on advanced, clean traffic fuels, with a strategy that prioritizes growing its refining and premium-quality biodiesel businesses. Neste Oil’s refineries are located at Porvoo and Naantali in Finland, and have a total refining capacity of approx. 250,000 bbl/d. The company employs around 4,700 people and its shares are listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. For further information, see www.nesteoil.com.

NExBTL (Next Generation Biomass to Liquid) Renewable Diesel is a new, premium-quality biodiesel produced from renewable feedstocks using Neste Oil proprietary technology. NExBTL offers excellent performance that comprehensively meets engine manufacturers’ requirements with very low tailpipe emissions. Virtually any known vegetable oil or animal fat can be used to produce NExBTL. The first NExBTL plant is due to be completed at Neste Oil’s Porvoo refinery in Finland in summer 2007, and a second one at the same site towards the end of 2008. Both will have a capacity of 170,000 t/a.

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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

Gallons of fuel vs. cups in the drive vs. mass transit commute debate

Filed under:

There are many ways to skin a cat, and plenty ways to talk about moving people around. A company called First Transit, which runs public transportation systems for municipalities across America (see their map here) put out a press release last week that asks this question: 2 Gallons a Day, or 2 Cups a Day?

Those numbers are the difference between “An average American commuting to and from work in their SUV” versus “the same person making the same commute on a transit bus.” It’s a pretty compelling visual image of just how much fuel we can use in a day. The full press release is at the “Read” link.

I chose the picture above (from Flickr) because, yeah, it has a bus in it, but it also shows a form of transportation that uses even less fuel per commute. Two cups of coffee, maybe.

[Source: First Transit]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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

Freedom Fuels: The Biofuels Documentary

Sometimes the best way to get a message across is on the big screen, or at least Martin O'Brien thinks so. He's the director and producer of Freedom Fuels, an educational documentary about biodiesel, ethanol, and straight-vegetable-oil fuels. If you ever wondered what Daryl Hannah, Willie Nelson, and Woody Harrelson have in common (hint: biodiesel), you should check this out. Here's the trailer:

I had the opportunity to meet Martin at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, where he was taking refuge from the cold inside a biodiesel-powered schoolbus. We chatted briefly about the film, the message, and sustainability issues surrounding biofuels. Energetic and passionate could describe Martin, and perhaps of the mindset that 'we've got to save the world so let's get started'. Needless to say, he was jazzed about me driving the 1,000 miles to the festival in a vegetable-oil powered truck. The film, which can be watched or downloaded free from http://www.freedomfuels.info/, speaks for itself and is well worth the hour – even for the most diehard biofuel enthusiast.

Download the film here.

Co-Father of the 3-Way Catalyst – John J. Mooney

Filed under: ,

John J. Mooney, a native of the proud state of New Jersey, is the recognized co-inventor of the 3-way catalyst that has been on US cars since 1976. It was developed in the 1960s and 70s and has been successfully used to control the emissions levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in 31 years of auto production sold in the US and now other countries. The impact of the “3-way cat” is impressive. In combination with an oxygen sensor and fuel injection and the removal of leaded gasoline, it has helped keep air in developed countries from becoming substantially worse than it currently is.

The continuing problems we have in air pollution today are the result of the large increase in auto vehicles use. If we drive enough miles in clean vehicles, we eventually end up with dirty air. For instance, in 1965 there were about 92 million registered vehicles. In 1995 we were up to 193 million, and now in 2007 we are above 230 million registered vehicles. Think what that would be like without the 3 way cat. Think Beijing. No wonder the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) regards the 3-way cat as “one of the 10 most important inventions in the history of the automobile.”

I recently heard Mr. Mooney speak at the 2007 NJ Institute of Technology graduation ceremonies where he was awarded a Ph.D. in Science, Honoris Causa, for this achievement. He then relayed a story about the early testing of the catalyst. His team drove 50,000 miles around Newark Airport as an endurance test. That is about 10,000 times around in those days. This is a reminder that engineering is hard work.

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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

Condi Rice and Aussie minister ride a Tesla

Filed under: ,

Say, who’s that in one of the Tesla Roadster prototypes? Why, it’s none other than Tesla sales manager Tom O’Leary. Oh, you mean on the left? That’s U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice out at Moffett Field, California over last week. Rice was meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and the two took some trips on the tarmac (up to 110 mph. Jealous yet?) Here’s the official transcript of their comments:

Secretary Rice: Well, the Foreign Minister and I have just gone in what felt like a little rocket ship. We went down the runway there. We’ve been looking at some of the ways that energy efficiency can improve our ability to get off of hydrocarbons but also to improve the environment and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is an issue of great concern to me and to Foreign Minister Downer as well. So we’re delighted to be here at this great company. And we expect to see great things from Tesla, but it was a wonderful to meet with the engineers, to meet with the founder, but it was especially wonderful to ride in the car. (Laughter.)

Foreign Minister Downer: I can only repeat all of that. Fantastic car. We got it up to 110 miles an hour. It’s entirely legal on an airport here. (Laughter.) And great acceleration, naught to 60 miles an hour in four seconds is pretty breathtaking, so a genuine sports car. And an electric car like this has great environmental advantages, including being quiet, actually. The silence of the car is extraordinary. But maybe for those who love the tone of the Ferrari engine or whatever it is, they’ll miss that with electric cars, but very much the technology of the future and exciting to see. And I think this company has done incredibly well with private venture capital. It’s not a government initiative. It’s a private initiative and it’s great to see the private sector coming up with solutions like this to some of our environmental problems.

I love the reflections of all the media (and, presumably, security) folks we can see in the shiny front fender.

[Source: State Department, h/t to Linton]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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

Carnival of the Green #79


Ladies and gentleman, step right up! Welcome to the greenest show on the web, the Carnival of the Green! sustainablog is proud to serve as the stopping point for the 79th installment of the COG, now organized by Treehugger. Last week, the carnival struck ground at everyday trash; next week, it will move along to groxie.

It’s a holiday weekend in the US, so everyone should already be in a festive mood. If you need a little help, though, here’s some music to put you in the right frame of mind. And away we go…

Hungry?

We’ve got plenty of choices for snacking while enjoying the Carnival this week (though no funnel cake or cotton candy):

Animals on Display

We’ve got a couple of wonders from the animal kingdom here for your entertainment. Please note that all animals used in the Carnival of the Green live under humane conditions!

Business and Government

Our mini trade show this week includes some information on finances, real estate and utilities.

Enjoy a Ride!

A couple of participants in this week’s COG think about getting from here to there.

Stroll Down the Midway

Finally, to wrap things up this Monday,

That’s a wrap for this week’s Carnival of the Green! See you next week at groxie.

On a personal note, I said on Saturday that today’s COG post would be the last at sustainablog for the foreseeable future. I say that with a heavy heart — my little sustainability blog has been a real source of joy and pride for nearly four years, and connected me with many good people around the globe that I now consider friends. Many, many thanks to all of you who’ve supported sustainablog over the years — you’ve made it all very worthwhile. Please stop by Green Options or Treehugger to say “Hi!” — I’m not going away…

Best,

Jeff

Sierra Club tells you how much you would save if CAFE was updated

Filed under:

The Sierra Club has set up a mileage calculator on their website that purports to tell users how much their mileage would improve if fuel economy requirements were updated and carmakers put all the technology that’s currently available on their cars. While this seems like a good idea for showing people how much they would save under the new rules the reality is somewhat flawed.

When a user goes to the site and selects the car or truck they have and the annual miles they drive the calculator displays the current mileage and what could be achieved with current technology. It then displays how much money you would save. The problem is that much of the data in the calculator is incorrect. For example selecting the Ford Escape hybrid shows a current mileage of 33mpg and a potential of 62mpg which seems highly unlikely. Choosing the Prius or Civic hybrid brings a response that the vehicle is already achieving maximum fuel economy. If an Escape Hybrid could almost double it’s mileage why not these two?

If you select a Toyota Yaris it reports the current mileage as 22.7 mpg and potential of 39.7mpg. I suspect most Yaris drivers would be very surprised and suspect something is wrong if they got mileage that low. The same result comes up if you select a Honda Fit or numerous other cars. According to the site the current numbers are based on EPA ratings but clearly they have entered a lot of erroneous data. The idea is a good one, but if the results are so wrong it can be counterproductive and damaging to the club’s credibility. They should really take the calculator off line until they correct the errors.

[Source: Sierra Club via Green Options]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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

Shell Hydrogen and Virent announce an agreement to create hydrogen from biomass

Filed under: ,


Good news for those of us who daydream about the day BMW is handing us a hydrogen-powered 7-series sedan.

Shell Hydrogen, LLC and Virent Energy Systems, Inc. announced a five-year joint development agreement to develop further and commercialize Virent’s BioFormingTM technology platform for hydrogen production.

Virent claims to produce hydrogen, among other fuels and chemicals, from renewable sources: glycerol and sugar-based feedtsocks. Currently, most of the available hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels.

Virent and Shell will collaborate on the development and testing of hydrogen systems for fueling stations. If research and development goes to plan, initial deployment of the new technology at a Shell hydrogen fueling station could follow within several years.

We are speaking of an important market that, if given the facilities, can grow immensely. Currently, the worldwide market for distributed and centralized hydrogen is estimated at approximately 45 million tons each year. The pilot experiences of using hydrogen in public transport in Europe used in-house plants that obtained this gas using conventional electric methods.

Hydrogen has not only applications for fuel. It is used in many chemical processes such fertilizer production, oil cracking and other applications such as manufacture of glass, vitamins, personal care products, lubricants, refined metals, and food products.

[Source: Shell, Virent]

 

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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