• Cars that plug into solar panels for electricity or run on hydrogen may sound like something found only on the pages of science fiction novels, but engineers at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory are driving these futuristic vehicles today.
  • United Continental Holdings announced that it has operated the first U.S. commercial flight powered by advanced biofuels. Flight 1403, flown by a Boeing 737-800, used a blend of sustainable, advanced biofuel and traditional petroleum-derived jet fuel.
  • OriginOil, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough technology to extract oil from algae, recently announced the Algae Appliance, a commercial entry-level algae harvesting system that will help producers process algae at very low cost and without chemicals.
  • The EIA released its first annual report on U.S. fuel ethanol production capacity. The report includes data for the total production capacity for all operating fuel ethanol production plants at the start of 2011.
  • The Detroit Auto Show will continue for a few more days, but some of the fuel efficient models put on display from major car makers are worth highlighting now. The latest from Ford, Chevy, Nissan and Honda all made headlines.
  • A few years ago, MIT's Smart Cities project developed the idea for the City Car. The City Car project was the one that promised a car that folds up into itself when parked, opens from the front, and takes up 1/3 the space of a normal-sized vehicle on the street. Now, it's a reality.

Transportation and Alternative Fuels

Under EO 13514, fleets of 20 vehicles or more must reduce petroleum use by 2% each year through 2020. This section covers issues and resources about transportation and fleet management.

 

Home Transportation and Alternate Fuels Fuel efficiency on display in Detroit
Fuel efficiency on display in Detroit
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Transportation & Alternative Fuels
Written by CEIL Staff   
Tuesday, 17 January 2012 07:30

The Detroit Auto Show will continue for a few more days, but some of the fuel efficient models put on display from major car makers are worth highlighting now. The latest from Ford, Chevy, Nissan and Honda all caught our attention. These vehicles have fuel efficiency credentials - high 30s and low 40s MPG ratings as well as EV or hybrid options.

The Detroit Auto Show will continue for a few more days, but some of the fuel efficient models put on display from major car makers are worth highlighting now. The latest from Ford, Chevy, Nissan and Honda all caught our attention. These vehicles have fuel efficiency credentials - high 30s and low 40s MPG ratings as well as EV or hybrid options.

New Ford Fusion Brings More Technology, Expected Triple Crown of Best-in-Class Gas, Hybrid, Plug-In Efficiency


Ford's all-new Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford and is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford – following the 2011 Fiesta subcompact and 2012 Focus small cars – developed to satisfy customers everywhere who want leading fuel efficiency, helpful technologies and game-changing looks.

"Our vision for Fusion was clear – deliver the very best of what One Ford stands for," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. "We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with groundbreaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result."

Here's a Concept: Chevrolet Puts Next-Gen Buyers in Charge

Chevrolet today introduced two concept coupes at the 2012 North American International Auto Show aimed at inspiring next-generation buyers to take the wheel and suggest ideas for a car they can co-create.

"Chevrolet has always stood for making the aspirational attainable for all generations" said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. "These two concepts interpret that vision for a new generation. We're seeking out our newest customers' opinions, listening to their advice, and engaging them in new ways."

Nissan e-NV200 Concept Previews Future Affordable, Multi-Usage Zero Emissions Small Van

The innovative Nissan e-NV200 Concept, which makes it world debut at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit, serves as more evidence of Nissan's leadership position in the zero-emission automotive industry. Based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept previews a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction.

"With its 'no gas, no tailpipe, no emissions' powertrain, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept combines a quiet, comfortable driving experience with a large, highly versatile, functional interior space within a compact overall body length," said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "A potential game changing vehicle in its segment, the battery capacity will support a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF, while payload and cargo space will offer the same level as the current NV200. The production version would be targeted mainly at businesses, but also at private users or families in major regions."

Honda Unveils 2013 Accord Coupe Concept

Honda unveiled the dynamic Accord Coupe Concept today at the North American International Auto Show, providing the first official glimpse of the athletic styling direction, as well as revealing a host of new technologies for the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 model, set to go on-sale this fall.

The 2013 Accord will feature three all-new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-liter direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system from Honda's suite of next-generation Earth Dreams™ powertrain technologies. In addition, the V-6 Accord will be the first Honda sedan to feature a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Both the Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe models are expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy ratings and will be available with a number of innovative new safety and technological features.

 

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