Archive for November, 2008

Hybrid Technology for the Masses with GM’s Micky Bly

We’ve all heard about hybrids as the next big thing, but what are hybrids? And what is the difference between a plug-in hybrid, and extended range electric, a two-mode hybrid and a regular hybrid?

Coulomb Unveils the Smartlet

What is a Smartlet you ask? Think of it as a smart electrical outlet that is the first and most visible component to a public charging infrastructure for plug in vehicles.

EPRI Collaboration

During the Plug-In 2008 conference in San Jose, GMs VP for Global Program Management, Jonathan Lauckner announced the automaker is teaming up with EPRI and 34 utility companies, including Pacific Gas & Electric. PG&E’s Efrain Ornelas joins me to discuss the collaboration.

Water Works

Hydrogen is not only the most common element found in the universe, its the lightest. When combined with oxygen in a fuel cell, the reaction generates an electric current as well as producing water.

The Volt in the Words of Frank Weber

If everyone had an electric vehicle or extended range electric, would the U.S. have enough electricity to charge millions of vehicles? And how much would it really cost to fill up?

Debunking Diesel Myths in the U.S.

Why aren’t there more diesels in the U.S. like there are in Europe? Will we see more diesels in coming years? Why does diesel fuel cost more than gasoline? I posed questions like these to everyday American’s.

Debunking the Ethanol Myths

The environmental rumor mill has been fed little grist as productive as the rise of E85 in recent years. I hit the streets to explore the myths and peoples perceptions on E85
Ferment in the Field: Debunking the Ethanol Myths

150 MPG with AFS Trinity’s PHEV Technology

Prior to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), one news story getting a lot of traction was the conversion of a Saturn Hybrid into a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) capable of 150 miles per gallon. So I was quite excited to speak with Don Bender, chief technology officer for AFS Trinity, the [...]

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NAIAS: Ford’s Explorer America with EcoBoost

Another exciting discovery at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) was Ford’s EcoBoost platform and the unveiling of their Explorer America concept. Dan Kapp, Ford’s Director of Powertrain Research, introduces me to this next-gen SUV and it’s performance enhancing technologies that will boost power and increase mileage while also reducing harmful emissions. Paul [...]

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GM Partners with Ethanol Producer Coskata

During the North American International Auto Show, (NAIAS) one of the most important announcements I heard was made by GM Chairman Rick Wagoner, who announced a partnership with Coskata, a Warrensville, IL, biology-based ethanol producer. The company uses proprietary microorganisms and patented bioreactor designs to turn biomass, municipal solid waste and other carbonaceous material to [...]

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