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Recharge Wrap-up: Tesla battery improvement, marine engine folks want ethanol

Babcock signs streaming deal with Formula E.

Tesla Model 3 / Image Credit: Sebastian Blanco / Autoblog
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The Tesla Model 3 battery pack will use fewer cells than the Model S. The cells, which are longer and wider, will store 30 percent more energy than the individual cells in the Model S. Along with chemistry optimization for automotive use, the Model 3 battery pack can be smaller while still providing over 200 miles of driving range in a single charge. It's possible that the Model 3 will use 50 percent fewer of the slightly larger cells than the Model S or Model X. Read more at Clean Technica.

Babcock International Group has signed a deal for multi-platform distribution of the Formula E electric racing series. Babcock will provide live race coverage streamed to connected devices like smart TVs, smartphones, computers, and tablets. "Our technology independence allows us to create a unique solution at each race using satellite, fiber and our own internet cloud delivery platform," says Babcock Media Services Director of Technology and Products Dave Travis. "We have provided Formula E with broadcast distribution services from the very first race of the inaugural season, and our services have grown dramatically to meet the ambitions of Formula E, broadcasters and platforms." Read more from Formula E.

People in the marine engine business are calling on lawmakers for higher ethanol blends. Mechanics, fisherman, and engine experts believe ethanol is safe to use, and helps to protect the environment and provide energy security. "It doesn't matter whether a boat has a two-stroke or four-stroke engine, an inboard or outboard motor, or a built-in or portable fuel tank," says Auto Channel Executive VP Marc Rauch. "Decades of experience with modern engines shows that E10 is the best fuel for marine applications. As an oxygen booster, ethanol replaces toxins like MTBE, which are notorious for contaminating water supplies. And it reduces CO2 emissions by 34 to 100 percent or more compared to gasoline." Read more in the press release below.

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Boating and Engine Experts Call on Lawmakers to Boost Biofuel Blends

WASHINGTON, DC - Certified mechanics, engine performance experts, and professional fishermen briefed lawmakers on Capitol Hill today about the importance of ethanol in protecting the environment, preserving America's energy security, and providing a high-octane boost to marine engines. The briefing, hosted by Fuels America, provided an important opportunity for experts to dispel myths about ethanol and discuss key benefits of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

"We work on a wide variety of racing engines for watercraft, and they run at their absolute best on a high-octane ethanol blend," said Keith Holmes, President and Owner of CK Motorsports in Nunica, Michigan and a Certified Mercury Marine Racing Technician. "Ethanol burns cleaner and cooler. Since the introduction of E10, we find that many engine parts have a 25 to 50 percent longer lifespan. The National Boat Racing Association exclusively uses E10 for all their races."

"One hundred percent of the winners on our tournament trail use an ethanol blend in their tanks," said Brian Sowers, Co-Host of Crappie Masters TV, covering the Crappie Masters All American Tournament Trail based in Clinton, Missouri. "I want to take my grandkids fishing someday. That means having clean water and clean air. Mixing ethanol into our fuel is the best way to reduce the pollutants that fossil fuels leave behind, so our lakes and rivers stay clean and marine life can flourish."

"It doesn't matter whether a boat has a two-stroke or four-stroke engine, an in-board or out-board motor, or a built-in or portable fuel tank," said Marc Rauch, Executive Vice President and Co-Publisher at the Auto Channel, based in Louisville, Kentucky. "Decades of experience with modern engines shows that E10 is the best fuel for marine applications. As an oxygen booster, ethanol replaces toxins like MTBE, which are notorious for contaminating water supplies. And it reduces CO2 emissions by 34 to 100 percent or more compared to gasoline."

"We serve communities on the Minnesota River and Prior Lake, and our customers expect to have choices at the pump," said Joel Hennen, President and Owner, Hennen's Auto Service in Shakopee, Minnesota. "Companies like Kawasaki, Mercury Marine, OMC, Pleasurecraft, Tigershark, Tracker, Honda, and Yamaha all approve the use of E10 in their engines. The labels are clear, and whether customers have a flex fuel vehicle or a race boat, we make it easy to pick the most affordable option with the lowest emissions."

Today's briefing was held as the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) works to complete its review of the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed blending requirements for ethanol and advanced biofuels in 2017.

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