musings about the automotive world
The Environmental Protection Agency has released the updated “boutique fuels” list, in compliance with the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
The list has finalized the draft list of “boutique fuels” put forward last June 2006 and will serve as the basis for any future adoption of boutique fuels into State Implementation Plans.
Continue reading ‘EPA releases updated “boutique fuel’ list’
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed the installation of onboard diagnostic systems (OBDs) for large trucks and buses to monitor their emissions control systems.
The proposal, according to the EPA, requires the emission control monitoring of trucks and buses to be like of cars. Also, that will ensure that the emission control systems would work properly in the service lifetimes of the said vehicles.
Continue reading ‘Onboard diagnostic systems for trucks and buses – EPA’
Car maker Mercedes-Benz would have to pay the government $ 1.2 million in civil penalties, the Environmental Protection Agency reported Wednesday.
The penalty came after the company failed to inform the EPA about air pollution control defects in its 1998-2006 vehicle models. Mercedes must also improve on its reporting system and emissions defect investigation to ensure its compliance, pegged at around $ 1 million annually.
Continue reading ‘Mercedes-Benz penalized $1.2 M for Clean Air Act violation’
The Environmental Protection Agency had revised its miles per gallon estimates. Stickers will be available as early as next month, and would take effect for 2008 model vehicles.
For more information, click here.
The United States could save as much as one billion gallons of fuel every year by adopting new aerodynamic technologies for tractor-trailers, a study revealed.
The two year study, undertaken by members of the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), looked into a variety of design improvements to minimize aerodynamic drag and improve fuel efficiency.
Continue reading ‘New technologies to save 1B gallons of fuel’
REFUELING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR E85 AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE FUELS
WestStart-CALSTART in Pasadena, CA, will install 15 publicly accessible E85 refueling stations along interstate highways in the Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and the San Joaquin Valley areas. Additionally, five of these locations will potentially also have biodiesel fueling capability. Team members include CleanFuel USA, United Oil, Pacific Ethanol, State of California, and General Motors. Clean Cities partners include Southern California, San Joaquin Valley, and Central Coast.
DOE Share: $495,000 Proposed Total Project Cost: $2,371,363
Continue reading ‘List of Projects (under negotiation with the DOE)’
Last October 2006, the Department of Energy announced the investment of $8.6 million for 16 projects that will expand the use of alternative fuels in vehicles.
It will bring up to $25 million in funding the United states’ alternative fuel program.
Continue reading ‘DOE to invest $8.6 million in alternative fuel programs’
In a bid to reduce air pollution, the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency has announced a new loan initiative aimed for small trucking companies last November 14.
The EPA, in a statement, said that they are partnering with the Small Business Administration to provide loans to purchase SmartWay Upgrade Kits. These kits include fuel reduction technologies such as idle-deduction devices, low rolling resistance tires, aerodynamic equipment and exhaust after-treatment devices.
She made a splash during her 1997 Japanese debut, then made a killing in her 2001 worldwide premiere.
Touted as the world’s first commercially produced and marketed hybrid car, the Toyota Prius has emerged a bestselling car model following the “green” revolution that came after environmentally conscious consumers demanded for it.
With today’s environmentally conscious consumers going green over so many things, many car manufacturers have turned into “green” car production, hoping to get a headstart over the competition and carving out a niche in the business.
One such car model is what manufacturers have termed “hybrid”. Hybrid cars, as the name suggests, is a combination of old and new technology, bringing forth cars running on internal combustion engines and electric motors.
