Gas 2.0

Gasoline-Diesel Cocktail Could Make Engines Cleaner, More Efficient
The Petri Dish Overfloweth with Algae Advancements
Creating the Infrastructure of Innovation
Lamborghini Hybrid Coming In 2015
Smith Electric Vehicles Awarded $10 Million Grant From DOE

Gasoline-Diesel Cocktail Could Make Engines Cleaner, More Efficient

Posted: 06 Aug 2009 03:46 PM PDT

As it stands, most vehicles in the world right now run on one of two fuels: gasoline, or diesel. While they perform the same function, and on the outside the engines look the same, they work in very different ways. While diesels have made progress in becoming cleaner burning, gasoline cars still dominate America’s highways.

But what might happen if someone mixed these two fuels up in the same engine? According to a research group from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, the engine not only becomes more thermally efficient but cleaner burning, too.

Read more of this story »

The Petri Dish Overfloweth with Algae Advancements

Posted: 06 Aug 2009 03:19 PM PDT

Algae, algae, algae. The research that is occurring on this second generation fuel has overfloweth the petri dish as just this week there have been five major algae announcements.

W2 Energy, based in Canada, announced that it has completed its Sunfilter commercial scale algae bioreactor.
Algaeventure Systems said that it has begun receiving orders for its algae harvesting, dewatering, and drying technology. The company that has placed the order is General Atomics.
Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at University of North Dakota was awarded a subcontract by SAIC to use its proprietary technology to produce jet fuel from algal oils.
Kent BioEnergy, based on California, announced that it is going to establish a division of the company in Charleston South Carolina, partnering with a Grant Know, a local entrepreneur.
Algenol Biofuels, a Florida based company, has threatened to leave the state and now they are working with CEO Paul Woods to entice his company to stay.
Read more of this story »

Creating the Infrastructure of Innovation

Posted: 06 Aug 2009 01:57 PM PDT

August is hotter than ever for those of us who envision a future where the streets are populated with plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles and powered by renewable energies.

The month began with the unveiling of Nissan's Leaf electric vehicle. On Wednesday, President Obama and the Department of Energy announced $2.4 billion in grants to fuel the development of the electric vehicle industry and reduce our nation's dependence on oil.

Next week opens with the second annual Plug-In 2009 in Long Beach, Calif.

Read more of this story »

Lamborghini Hybrid Coming In 2015

Posted: 05 Aug 2009 08:39 PM PDT

Lamborghini is known for many things; sexy sounding V12 engines, outrageous, egregious bodykits, and low fuel efficiency (often in the single digits). But a hybrid?

Even supercar makers are getting into the green game. Hot on the heels of Mercedes announcement that the famous gullwing would return as an all-electric supercar, and Ferrari’s plan to unveil a hybrid of their own at November’s L.A. Autoshow, Lamborghini is now planning a hybrid of their own.

Read more of this story »

Smith Electric Vehicles Awarded $10 Million Grant From DOE

Posted: 05 Aug 2009 07:46 PM PDT

"Today the Obama Administration demonstrated its commitment to this fast-emerging industry and to green fleet vehicle technologies that will define the future of American automotive manufacturing. We are honored to be among the DOE grant recipients and commend the Administration for its leadership and shared vision that we can create a viable, sustainable industry and deliver green fleets today," said Bryan Hansel, CEO of Smith Electric Vehicles, a company producing all electric trucks.

Smith Electric Vehicles was awarded a $10 million grant today by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The money is to be used for the production of all-electric, zero emissions commercial trucks for a nationwide demonstration project. The goal is to validate the performance of these vehicles across a range of climates and locations.

Read more of this story »