Recharge Wrap-up: VW Beetle EV? EPA could allow higher ethanol blends

Neste will sell its 100-percent renewable diesel at certain stations in Finland. Produced from renewable ingredients (including waste products), the company's NEXBTL fuel has a lower carbon footprint and fewer emissions than petroleum-based diesel, requires no vehicle modifications, and can be used on its own or blended with standard diesel at any ratio. Beginning round the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, Neste will sell NEXBTL at certain fueling stations around Finland. Read more at Green Car Congress.

An EPA proposal could make ethanol blends higher than E15 more widely available to the public. The revision to the Renewable Fuel Standard would differentiate ethanol blends meant for flex fuel vehicles from gasoline, and subject them to different standards in order to "clear the way for the expanded production and use of high ethanol fuel blends at a lower cost, and thereby the opportunity for increasing demand." The EPA says it would put new, more appropriate quality and environmental standards into place specifically for E16-E83 blends. The proposal also seeks to approve new feedstocks for cellulosic biofuels. Read more at Hemmings Daily, or from the EPA.

The Volkswagen Beetle might be getting an electric version with a rear-mounted motor. More specifically, rumor has it that the Beetle could share the MEB electric vehicle platform with the upcoming I.D. that debuted as a concept car at the Paris Motor Show. If that's the case, it could end up remaining gas-powered, or as an EV, or as a hybrid with a gas engine in the front and an electric motor in the rear. There's also a seemingly equal chance that for the Beetle's 2019 redesign, it will end up sharing VW's MQB platform with the likes of the Golf. Read more at Hybrid Cars.