Autoblog

LA 2008: Honda surprises with FC Sport fuel cell sports car concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:38:00 EST

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Honda FX Sport fuel cell

The first real surprise at the LA Auto Show today came from Honda in the form of its FC Sport fuel cell design study. The designers at Honda's advanced design studio in Pasadena decided to take advantage of the packaging flexibility afforded by a fuel cell powertrain and mounted it mid-ship driving the rear wheels. Using the vertical flow fuel stack mounted behind the driver and an electric motor between the rear wheels, the FC Sport is a three-seater in the style of the McLaren F1 where the driver sits in the middle of the car with the two passenger seats on either side and further back. The FC Sport is strictly a styling study right now, but we wouldn't be surprised to see a fully functional version at some point. Check out Honda's official press release after the jump and our high-res image galleries below.

Gallery: Honda FC Sport Design Study

Gallery: LA 2008: Honda FC Sport live reveal

Continue reading LA 2008: Honda surprises with FC Sport fuel cell sports car concept

LA 2008: Honda surprises with FC Sport fuel cell sports car concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free-piston engines could be alternative energy alternative

Chris Tutor — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green

Long ago (last month for example) when fuel prices were high and looked likely to get even higher, it seemed everyone had an idea to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. While some aftermarket companies played with magnets, it looked like the major OEMs were looking at some form of electric propulsion. Toyota has taken a mostly hybrid route, while GM looks to be investing in plug-in, rechargeable vehicles and Honda likes hydrogen fuel cells. In the end, they're all different ways to create electricity.

But none of those methods are as efficient as an engine design invented in 1928. It's called a free-piston engine, and until now it's been less than ideal for transportation use but could prove to be 50% more efficient than fuel cells at generating electricity.

Basically the engine is two opposed pistons pushing each other back and forth. One past use of the design was as an air compressor where each piston was connected to a compressor cylinder.

But researchers at the Sandia National Laboratory have come up with a new use for this decades-old tech. They have attached magnets to the two opposing pistons that move back and forth past metal coils, thereby creating electricity. The researches claim the free-piston design can easily be modified to run on almost any liquid fuel including hydrogen, ethanol and diesel.

One major problem they'll need to tackle to make the design successful, though, is how very loud the engine operates. The engine also will require a computerized, active control system to keep the piston movement in check.

Trust us, it's explained much better and in much more detail here as well as in a PDF here.

[Source: Technology Review]

Free-piston engines could be alternative energy alternative originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: In 2020, all cars will be hybrids, Toyota think so too

Dan Roth — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Green, Toyota

In the future, we'll eat all our meals from toothpaste tubes, everyone will be beautiful and healthy, and we won't need cars, what with the proliferation of nuclear-powered jet packs. Prediction is such thorny business, though Toyota isn't making such a fantastical claim by suggesting that each of its vehicles will have a hybrid option available by 2020. Wired's blog seems to agree that by 2020, hybrids will have proliferated like rabbits, and we'll be awash in electron propulsion systems.

We still feel a little cheated that eight years into the 21st century, we still don't have all those things promised to us fifty years ago, but at least automakers are hard at work pushing alternative systems toward viability. Justin Ward, a manager at the Toyota Technical Center overseeing advanced powertrain programs, told a Management Briefing Seminar in Traverse city that work continues on fuel cells to overcome challenges like climate extremes and range. Battery technology, too, will continue to advance, making the current Hybrid Synergy Drive even more efficient. Toyota is still holding off on diesels, and plug-ins present some issues when you consider where that electricity is generated, so it's looking like Toyota will continue to develop its fuel cell technology for the long term and bolster its hybrid offerings in the near future.

[Source: Auto News - sub req. Photo: itd.idaho.gov]

Report: In 2020, all cars will be hybrids, Toyota think so too originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nanotech research stumbles on homemade hydrogen

Dan Roth — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:06:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green, Technology

Efficiency is a large stumbling block if you're looking for a way to replace gasoline. It's pretty hard to better such an exceptional fuel, and several alternatives show promise but are nagged by inefficiencies or cost, and usually both. Nanotech to the rescue; it may soon be possible to produce your own hydrogen at home cheaply and easily, and NiMH batteries and fuel cells also stand to become less expensive and offer much better performance. With claims like that, QuantumSphere might well be selling fairy dust, but the Portland, Oregon-based company has developed a nanoparticle coating that may end up being the key to making alternative fuels actually viable.

QuantumSphere's catalytic nanoparticle coatings have 1,000 times the surface area of traditional materials, which means that more catalytic action can be housed in the same space. It's the the highly reactive nature of the coatings that allows cheap home electrolysis, also boding well for replacing precious metals like platinum in fuel cells with a coated piece of stainless steel. QuantumSphere's president Kevin Maloney claims that his company's technology makes electrolysers so efficient that they can supply hydrogen on demand while driving. The technology will roll out later this year in a battery that uses a coated cathode for a five-fold increase in energy density, which translates into a 320-percent power gain over alkaline cells. If things go QuantumSphere's way, we won't be paying $100,000 for the Tesla Roadster in a few years, and it will have an even better range than already promised.

[Source: Automotive Design Line]

Nanotech research stumbles on homemade hydrogen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New fuel economy report to finally recommend diesels and hybrids for first time

Michael Harley — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:17:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green

In a move sure to be embraced by environmentalists, a panel of trusted outside experts is finally recommending to federal regulators that light-duty diesel engines and hybrids should be regarded as available technologies to improve fuel economy. Neither of these technologies were included in a previous report released in 2001 when hybrids were not as mainstream as they are today and diesel emissions standards were lower than they are now.

The study is part of an initiative to meet the stricter standards set by our nation's new energy law enacted this past December. That measure calls for a 40-percent increase in both car and truck standards to a 35 mpg fleet average by 2020. While the addition of diesel and hybrid technology is welcomed news, the recommendation is embarrassingly behind the times (at least for hybrids) and this time around forgets to include all-electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

New fuel economy report to finally recommend diesels and hybrids for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: The Cadillac Provoq shows its face in the Midwest

Eric Bryant — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Green, Crossover, Cadillac

click above for more live high-res images of the Cadillac Provoq Concept

We've already covered Cadillac's Provoq E-Flex fuel-cell vehicle during its first public appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show last week, but GM also rolled it across the stage here in Detroit. There were no additional technical details or hints towards production plans (either for the E-Flex powertrain or the BRX crossover that this design represents), but we at least got to spend a few minutes up close and personal with the concept to snap some shots of the whiter-than-the-pure-driven-snow interior. Also note the chromed cowl vent. Oh, and the Provoq wears what has to be the skinniest tires we've seen on a concept car in recent memory.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Cadillac Provoq concept - Live Reveal

Detroit 2008: The Cadillac Provoq shows its face in the Midwest originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept lands

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Green, Chrysler

click above for more high-res images of the Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

One of three Pentastar concepts powered by some combination of cutting-edge technology, the Chrysler ecoVoyager continues the automaker's fascination with art-deco by resurrecting the Stout Scarab. Doing away with a conventional powertrain and installing a 45kW fuel cell allows the 268-horsepower electric motor to spin the wheels for 300 miles before refueling. The Li-Ion batteries give the concept a theoretical range of 40 miles before the fuel cell is called upon, and regenerative braking recovers some energy for the batteries, too.

The skateboard nature of the chassis and power systems allows for a very roomy cabin and low center of gravity, which aids handling. Weighing in at a modest 2,750 pounds, the ecoVoyager doesn't have a problem performing like the cars we know and love, either. 0-60 is dispatched in 8.8 seconds, and Chrysler's claiming a 12.9 second quarter mile, which we find astounding to the point of disbelief. A 13-second quarter mile seems too fleet, even for the eyeball-flattening torque delivery of electric motors. Nuts and bolts aside, Chrysler outfitted the ecoVoyager's interior to keep occupants connected, entertained, fed and watered. There's even dual strips of sunroof that don't look at all like toaster slots. The goal was to create the earth-bound experience that a Gulfstream jet offers in the air. The powertrain of the ecoVoyager certainly outpaces the mere jet-age ideas of a G5.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Chrysler ecoVoyager concept

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept lands

Detroit 2008: Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept lands originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sorry CARB: EPA says states can't regulate their own emissions

Chris Shunk — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Toyota

If you found it slightly strange that automakers went from being ardently opposed to any new EPA legislation to 100-percent behind the new proposal, you're not alone. Now the picture appears clearer, as the EPA has deemed any new California Air Resources Board (CARB) legislation an unnecessary evil. The significance of the new ruling is so far-reaching that the OEM savings can be heard all across our great land. In short, it means that California and the 17 other states vying for independent CO2 regulations are completely helpless in forcing automakers to be held to a separate, higher standard. Of course, California is now threatening to sue the EPA, which will provide interesting headlines but likely no alternative outcome.

While we will never know if automakers were tipped by the EPA of this eventuality, we can definitely say that every exec in the auto industry is today dancing the jig over this news. Besides, we've been keeping tabs on this situation for some time, so we knew it was a possibility. Having multiple regulations would set back R&D spending for years, as automakers would be chasing their own tails trying to comply with multiple regulations. With no separate standard for green states like California, automakers can now build one car for all 50 states, which will save billions every year. Let's hope that the saved cash will be funneled back into green tech research and development. And let's hope that lawmakers spend more time paving the way for plug-in spots for electric cars, more gas stations with E85, and a proper fuel cell infrastructure, and less time trying to beat on OEMs in an effort to look good for voters.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Sorry CARB: EPA says states can't regulate their own emissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Water mafia fighting over the new Honda FCX Clarity

Chris Shunk — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 12:09:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Honda

The Honda FCX Clarity is hugely important because it represents an honest to goodness fuel-cell vehicle that is going to actually be built and sold in 2008. The significance of a vehicle that spits water out of its exhaust instead of carbon is lost on virtually nobody, and it looks like Honda will be the first out of the gate. Honda has created a clever commercial to show how important its new accomplishment is, and it involves a bunch of thugs shooting it out with water guns. It's good stuff, and you can view it by clicking the read link below.

[Source: YouTube]

VIDEO: Water mafia fighting over the new Honda FCX Clarity originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Nov 2007 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007 VIDEO: Alan Mulally delivers keynote

Chris Shunk — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Etc., Green, Videos, Ford

A little over a year ago, Alan Mulally's time was spent managing Boeing, and here in LA just 14 months later he's the keynote speaker for at an international auto show. He's a year older, and he also knows a heck of a lot more about cars than he did when he took the helm at Ford Motor Company. In that time, Ford has begun on reversing its massive losses, a new contract with the UAW has been ratified, and new products like the MKS introduced today are on the verge of production.

Much of Mulally's keynote speech focused on the green initiatives that Ford is undertaking, and we've attached the above video clip with the meat of Ford CEO's message. Click play above to check it out.

LA 2007 VIDEO: Alan Mulally delivers keynote originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hydrogen Hybrid Toyota drives from Osaka to Tokyo on one tank

Justin Gardiner — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Japan, Technology, Crossover, Toyota

Technically this Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle made the 560km journey on four tanks of hydrogen, as that's how many high pressure pods are hidden away under the Toyota Kluger's rear seats. But the big news is that this car, and a back up sibling, managed to drive 350 miles from the hydrogen fueling station by the Osaka Prefectural Government Office to Toyota's Mega Web theme park in Toyota without needing to stop for more, err, gas. The car even had 30-percent of its fuel left -- running its A/C the entire time -- which mathematically gives it a 480-mile range. That's double the range of most current fuel-cell vehicles.

Thanks to improvements to the car's fuel cells and the management system that controls the hybrid's charging and discharging, the FCHVs used today are 25% more efficient than their predecessors, which have been roaming Japan's streets since 2001 undergoing testing. New stronger tanks that can hold hydrogen at twice the pressure of the old ones also helped the car reach such an impressive range.

Continue reading Hydrogen Hybrid Toyota drives from Osaka to Tokyo on one tank

Hydrogen Hybrid Toyota drives from Osaka to Tokyo on one tank originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Hyundai i-Blue isn't blue, it's green

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Green, Crossover, Hyundai

Click the pics above for a gallery of high-res images of the Hyundai i-Blue Concept.

Hyundai, like practically every other automaker in Frankfurt, is showing off its green-wares. The i-Blue is the poster-child for the automaker's environmentally focused future, with a 100 kW motor powered by a fuel cell. Developed by Hyundai's Design and Technical Center in Chiba, Japan, the i-Blue's platform shares the concept's name, and will likely underpin future D-segment crossovers with a 2+2 seating arrangement.

The styling is certainly futuristic, with expansive front fenders, a dramatic fascia, heavily sculpted sides and a rear spoiler that culminates in a sharp point and houses a reversing camera. Inside, it's all flowing shapes, all the time, with plenty of space for its occupants and technology that only Data could wrap his head around.

All the details are available in Hyundai's press release after the jump, and we've assembled a gallery of live and press pics for your viewing pleasure.

Gallery: Hyundai i-Blue Concept

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Hyundai i-Blue isn't blue, it's green

Frankfurt 2007: Hyundai i-Blue isn't blue, it's green originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pasta Cargioli? Pasta powered fuel cell

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Green, Technology

High fuel prices and energy mandates bring all sorts of alternative fuel research and technology to the fore. University and government researchers recently whipped up a special blend of 13 enzymes and spices that releases hydrogen from a mixture of starch and water. There's no word on how it tastes, but it will definitely give you some pep, packing into six pounds the same wallop as a gallon of gasoline. The process produces hydrogen efficiently, so a vehicle using a hydrogen-powered fuel cell would only need to carry 12 gallons of water and 60 pounds of solid starch (96 lbs total), plus the enzyme blend, to achieve a 300-mile range. While this process appears to be an economical way to produce hydrogen in a manner quick enough for use in an automotive fuel cell, it does generate carbon dioxide. The reaction also requires a temperature of 86 degrees farenheit. Neither problem sounds as difficult as cold fusion, and the technique will be test driven in small fuel cells for mobile phones before testing in vehicles. Sugar water, pasta power, call it what you will, wouldn't it be nice to fizz up some power to get you on your way?

[Source: Automotive DesignLine]

Pasta Cargioli? Pasta powered fuel cell originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ABG Exclusive: Ford and OSU team up for fuel cell land speed record

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 23 May 2007 22:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Green, Technology, Ford

Ford and Ohio State University are teaming up to attempt a double land speed record for fuel cell-powered vehicles. Ohio State already holds the land speed record for electrically driven vehicles at 315 mph with the battery-powered Buckeye Bullet. Now they are providing the motor and fuel cell that will power the Ford Fusion XV1 and the Buckeye Bullet 2 when they head out to Bonneville to try and set dual records for fuel cell powered vehicles in the unlimited and production classes. AutoblogGreen has the information and will be providing more coverage over the coming weeks and months.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

ABG Exclusive: Ford and OSU team up for fuel cell land speed record originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2007 22:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Sequels go the distance! Over 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 May 2007 11:37:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Technology, Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, First Drive

On the day some people were boycotting gasoline purchases to protest high prices, two Chevrolet Sequel fuel cell powered concepts each traveled over 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen. AutoblogGreen went along for the ride from Rochester, New York to Tarrytown. This was the first time that a fuel cell powered car had traveled over 300 miles without a refill under real world driving conditions facing traffic jams, climbs through the Catskills, and hot running batteries. Follow the Read link to check out the whole story.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Chevy Sequels go the distance! Over 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2007 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 03.19.07

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 06:04:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green, Audi

In spite of rule changes meant to negate some of the advantage Audi gained from the superior fuel economy of their turbo-diesel V12, they again dominated the Twelve Hours of Sebring. A Pennsylvania EV advocate is running a DIY workshop on converting your car to run on batteries. Get some information on what tax breaks are available to buyers of hybrid vehicles.

AutoblogGreen for 03.19.07 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Auto Show: Ford Airstream Concept

Dan Roth — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Ford

click above image to view high-resolution gallery of 22 pics!

WHOA, This thing conjures up images of caffeine and nicotine fueled road trips, the KTel 8-track banging away with the requesite matchbook jammed in there to keep it operating smoothly. The nose says Econoline quite clearly, while the rest of Ford's latest CUV concept is inspired by both space capsules and Airstream trailers. While the styling of the exterior and interior may pay some homage to what has passed, the mechanized bits of the Airstream are definitely space-age and forward looking. Once you digest the styling and the high-tech underpinnings, the old camper and Hal 9000 influences converge neatly. We can definitely picture an A-Team edition with matte black paint, a wing on the back and a red stripe down the sides.

More after the jump including a press release, and check out our gallery of high-resolution images.

Check out all the debuts and galleries from the Detroit Auto Show here.

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: Ford Airstream Concept

Detroit Auto Show: Ford Airstream Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda will have a fuel-cell car for sale by 2018

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 08:09:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Honda

In a recent interview, Honda President Takeo Fukui said that he fully expects to offer a fuel-cell Honda by 2018. Nissan has already gone on record as saying they plan to have a fuel-cell vehicle on the road by the early 2010s. So that might seem like a long way off, especially considering the FCX Concept that AB Green drove will be doing real world testing by 2008, but production and storage of hydrogen are still huge obstacles to making fuel-cell vehicles practical. The Kyodo News agency also said Fukui implied that Honda's research showed that the price would have to be less than about 10 million yen ($84,000) to make it palatable to buyers. Well, we'd have to agree with that, but might add that it would have to be WAY less than that figure.

[Source: Detroit News]

Honda will have a fuel-cell car for sale by 2018 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Dec 2006 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to debut fuel cell Explorer, redesigned Escape hybrid in L.A.

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Truck, Green, Ford

UPDATE: New photos and press release available after the jump.

It seems as though the Los Angeles Auto Show will serve as the venue for both GM and Ford to bring their eco-friendly offerings to the public.

On the Ford side of things, it's been confirmed that a hydrogen fuel cell Explorer will make its debut alongside the newly redesigned 2008 Escape Hybrid. The Explorer can travel up to 350 miles on a tank of gaseous hydrogen and is equipped with electric motors on both the front and rear axles, making the 'ute 4WD.

Ford is also expected to debut the 2008 Super Duty pickup, which houses a new diesel powerplant and employs a number of emission limiting devices.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Continue reading Ford to debut fuel cell Explorer, redesigned Escape hybrid in L.A.

Ford to debut fuel cell Explorer, redesigned Escape hybrid in L.A. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Green drives FCX from Honda

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology, Honda

Our man Sam from Autoblog Green recently had the opportunity to spend a couple days in the Golden State, driving Honda's FCX hydrogen fuel-cell sedan.

He covers Honda's hydrogen offering in a four-part series, going into detail about the interior, exterior, technology and driving impressions during his time at Laguna Seca in Monterey, CA. His post is far and away the most in-depth article we've seen on the FCX, so it's certainly worth a few minutes of your Saturday afternoon.

Enjoy and great job Sam!

Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four

Autoblog Green drives FCX from Honda originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Nov 2006 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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