Nation’s Largest Solar Highway Project Opens To Rest Stop Visitors

Published August 24, 2012

By Philippe Crowe

Will you be traveling in Oregon along Interstate 5 some time in the future? You may want to have a look at the Baldock Solar Station on your way while taking a rest from driving.

One year after breaking ground, the nation’s largest solar highway project — a partnership between Portland General Electric and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) — is now open to visitors stopping to take respite from their travels along Interstate 5 in Oregon.

Growing clean, renewable energy amongst farm fields of corn and cabbage, the Baldock Solar Station is a 1.75-megawatt solar array boasting nearly 7,000 solar panels across seven acres of the Baldock Safety Rest Area, located on Interstate 5 northbound near Wilsonville.

Visitors to the station can learn about solar power and Oregon’s solar highway installations through a variety of interpretive displays and walk along a sustainable community garden bordering the site created by Oregon State University Master Gardeners.

Built and operated by PGE on land owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation, the $10 million solar array went online in January and is expected to produce 1.97 million kilowatt-hours of energy each year — equivalent to 11 percent of ODOT’s need in PGE’s service territory.

The Baldock Solar Station is also an all-Oregon project, meaning consulting, construction, analysis and other materials also were provided by Oregon companies. Its 6,994 panels were produced by SolarWorld of Hillsboro, Ore., with inverters provided by Advanced Energy of Bend, Ore.

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The station is the second joint highway solar project between PGE and ODOT and will help PGE meet the state’s Renewable Energy Standard of providing 25 percent of its power from renewable energy sources by 2025. To date, PGE has a combined 37.7 megawatts of solar power online by utility and customer resources in Oregon. Nearly 3,000 PGE customers have solar electric systems installed on their homes and businesses.

Bank of America provided financing for the project, with additional support provided by Energy Trust of Oregon, PGE’s Clean Wind program and the state’s Business Energy Tax Credit program.

More information about the Baldock Solar Station can be accessed here.

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Ampera Doubles Up At Business Car Technology Awards

Published August 24, 2012

By Philippe Crowe

The Volt’s European twin, the Ampera, is accumulating the awards across the pond.

Vauxhall has scooped two “Techie” honors from the Business Car Fleet Technology Awards with the Ampera winning best green development and Vauxhall RoadTrip named as best app.

This is the latest in a long line of significant prizes for the Ampera including the current European Car of the Year, What Car? Green Car of the Year and TopGear Magazine’s Green Car of the Year.

This latest award was won in huge part due to the Ampera’s total driving range of up to 360 miles and, according to figures produced on the official European Test Cycle (ECE R101) the emissions achieved of 235.4mpg and combined tailpipe emissions of just 27g/km.

Vauxhall’s RoadTrip app, available for free on iPhone and coming soon on iPad and Android, provides drivers with a fast, simple way to track their business journeys. The app has been downloaded over 7,500 times to date and offers a range of smart features for tracking business miles, to make creating mileage claims quicker and easier.

It allows users to choose from any vehicle from Vauxhall, as well as other manufacturers, enter a destination and plan a route. The clever app can then work out any mileage rates, what the journey will cost and any other likely expenses, without draining your phone battery by using GPS constantly to track your journey.

To download the RoadTrip app and see Vauxhall’s video on how to get the most out of it, drivers can visit its fleet Web site. RoadTrip is also available on iTunes.

The Techies, Business Car’s Fleet Technology Awards, now in their fourth year, are the only set of awards in the industry that specifically focus on honoring companies that use technology to help make the operation of business cars cheaper, cleaner, easier, safer and less time consuming across 12 categories. Judged by an expert panel, they focus specifically on technological innovation and expertise.

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Cambridge Scientists Progress Toward Sustainable Hydrogen Production

Published August 24, 2012

By Jeff Cobb

Bubbles in air.

Several major automakers have hydrogen fuel cell projects underway, with initial roll out of pilot fleets already underway and others scheduled by various companies for subsequent years, but all of them have significant cost and sustainability considerations yet to overcome.

This week scientists in Cambridge were encouraged by crossing a milestone toward one aspect of the chicken and egg problem, the need for a sustainable and cost-effective source for hydrogen (H2).

Using a cobalt catalyst instead of expensive platinum, the researchers published results significant also in that they were done in the "industrially relevant" conditions in which air was present, and at room temperature.

“Until now, no inexpensive molecular catalyst was known to evolve H2 efficiently in water and under aerobic conditions. However, such conditions are essential for use in developing green hydrogen as a future energy source under industrially relevant conditions,” said Dr Erwin Reisner, an EPSRC research fellow and head of the Christian Doppler Laboratory at the University of Cambridge. “Our research has shown that inexpensive materials such as cobalt are suitable to fulfil this challenging requirement. Of course, many hurdles such as the rather poor stability of the catalyst remain to be addressed, but our finding provides a first step to produce ‘green hydrogen’ under relevant conditions.”

Although not ready to produce affordable cars, a summary article by Cambridge said the progress is remarkable in that abundantly available cobalt basically worked, and this heartened them given that alternative homogeneous catalyst systems have to date proven inefficient.

“A H2 evolution catalyst which is active under elevated O2 levels is crucial if we are to develop an industrial water splitting process – a chemical reaction that separates the two elements which make up water,” said Reisner. “A real-world device will be exposed to atmospheric O2 and also produce O2 in situ as a result of water splitting.”

You’ll note also he conceded they still need to address poor stability of the catalyst. Next on the plate is a solar water splitting device in which the hydrogen and oxygen are simultaneously produced.

“We are excited about our results and we are optimistic that we will successfully assemble a sunlight-driven water splitting system soon,” said Fezile Lakadamyali and Masaru Kato, co-authors of the study.

The researchers say a sunlit-driven method could yield “green and sustainable H2 instead of not-green and not-sustainable processes presently used to produce H2 from fossil fuels which produces CO2 as a by-product.

The research was published in em>Angewandte Chemie International Edition for those who wish to read more on these developments.

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2013 Ford Explorer Sport officially rated at 365 HP, 16/22 MPG

Related Gallery 2013 Ford Explorer Sport

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New High-Performance Ford Explorer Sport, a Fully Capable SUV Certified to Deliver Class-Leading Fuel Economy

· The Ford Explorer Sport high-performance SUV is certified at 365 horsepower, with class-leading EPA-rated fuel economy of 16 city and 22 highway mpg

· The Ford Explorer Sport's standard Terrain Management System™ has been specifically calibrated to optimize increased EcoBoost® power

· Explorer Sport features an interior inspired by designer fashion accessories, sporty exterior cues, and 20-inch high-performance tires and wheels

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 24, 2012 – Ford's new Explorer Sport will stand in a class of one when it goes on sale next month with an EPA-certified 22 mpg highway rating, the only seven-passenger, high-performance SUV on the market to do so.

New for the 2013 model year, Ford Explorer Sport arrives, packing a 365 horsepower EcoBoost® engine, high-fashion interior design and class-leading fuel economy.

"Explorer Sport hits a sweet-spot combination of power, usable torque, 4WD capability, with class-leading fuel efficiency," said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor vehicles. "The Explorer Sport EcoBoost engine matches Taurus SHO for output and the Terrain Management System has been specifically calibrated to optimize increased power – regardless of the road or conditions."

Explorer Sport mixes high-performance SUV power with fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway. This is 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg better on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T with 5.7-liter Hemi engines.

Explorer Sport scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the supercharged Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

No compromises

"Explorer Sport is an uncompromised high-performance SUV," said Gubing. "From making changes to the chassis and suspension, uniquely calibrating the Terrain Management System for added power, we're delivering an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds."

The Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better highway fuel efficiency.

Ford engineers also added chassis tunnel reinforcements and a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with improved pedal feel and response for drivers, both on-road and off.

This model comes standard with larger brakes for improved pedal feel, stronger resistance to fade and better performance while towing.

Explorer Sport also has received special Terrain Management System settings for optimizing increased power and torque in on-road touring and under sandy, snowy, rutted mud and hill descent conditions. These changes enable a luxurious ride for driving enthusiasts, without the harshness or thirst for fuel of performance-intended competitors.

Development engineers validated snow settings in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and returned to Borrego Springs, Calif. to fine-tune sand settings.

Sport-specific calibration optimizes increased EcoBoost power and consistent torque to specific conditions such as deep sand or snow, at the setting of a console-mounted knob.

Design elements

The 2013 Sport builds on Explorer's muscular, sculpted form with subtle cues to differentiate it from other models in the lineup.

Available in four exterior colors – Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic – Explorer Sport has unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, features blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof rack rails, sideview mirror skull caps and a liftgate appliqué.

The Explorer Sport's special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh, with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars.

The black front lower fascia features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement.

Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts.

The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Explorer Sport's sculptured seats.

Explorer Sport also has unique steering wheel stitching, a technical look to instrument and door panel appliqués, unique Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.

Comfort, convenience, connectivity

As the top of the Explorer line, Sport offers a robust array of standard and optional customer-focused technologies that make driving more comfortable, convenient and connected. These include:

Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control (DEATC)

10-way power driver's seat with power recline and lumbar

Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar

First-row heated seats

Compass and exterior temperature display

Rearview camera system

SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology

Sony® Premium Audio System with HD Radio™ and 12 speakers

Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the following options:

BLIS® (blind spot information system) with cross-traffic alert

Cooled seats

Inflatable rear seat belts

110-volt outlet

PowerFold mirrors

Rain-sensing wipers

Intelligent access with Push-Button Start

Remote Start

Power tilt and telescoping steering column

Adjustable pedals with memory

Dual-panel moonroof

Power liftgate

Class III trailer-towing package

Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford's Chicago production facility and goes on sale this fall.

News Source: Ford

Category: Car Buying, Crossover, Ford

Tags: 2013 ford explorer sport, ecoboost, explorer, explorer pricing, explorer sport, explorer sport pricing, ford

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Delayed CAFE Rules Re- Reported As Coming ‘Soon’

Published August 24, 2012

By Jeff Cobb

2013 Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid.

A week after a U.S. Department of Transportation official was quoted as saying delayed final CAFE mandates would be released “soon,” word has it – again – that they'll be “soon.”

Actually the same news source repeated the same DOT source quote in a new story yesterday giving details it first reported over a week ago regarding timing for a final Corporate Average Fuel Economy ruling intended to nearly double current standards.

"The rule is still undergoing interagency review and we expect that process to be completed soon," department spokeswoman Lynda Tran was quoted in an Aug. 15 story and again by the same source Aug. 23. To the average reader, it might have been a bit confusing at first realizing it was recycled news, as the second story merely said the statement was made on a “Wednesday” – which could have been last Wednesday, or the Wednesday before that (as was the unstated case).

Do you think someone wants to make a point? Do you think some journalists are immune to political considerations – or at the very least want to milk stories with murky details and insinuations about a very controversial subject?

Since we’re equal opportunity offenders giving a platform for all sides, we’ll note it’s true CAFE’s delay is newsworthy still, but no new news was actually reported other than to give more virtual ink to a Republican-led urge to reconsider CAFE led by House Oversight Committee Chairman, Darrell Issa.

The Republican-led opposition letter, which we reported about last week, was addressed to the head of the White House's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Boris Bershteyn. It alleged improprieties in the Obama-administration-led process of getting CAFE through, including lack of transparency.

In fact, the actual reason for the present CAFE ruling delay could well be the Republican effort to stop rules as written, and as implied by a certain source. But the Obama administration was not reported as specifically stating this was the reason, that was just hinted at.

So really, we know nothing more than we did a week ago, except a repeat for your consideration that Republicans have cried foul, and the Democratic administration disputed alleged improprieties saying a final CAFE ruling is coming “soon.”

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Chevrolet Camaro (1969) by Roadster Shop

V8 / 6.162 cc / 585 PS / 485 ft/lb (658 Nm)

(click images for a larger view)

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Trident Iceni Biodiesel Sports Car Offers Nearly 69 Peak MPG Or 200 MPH Top Speed

Published August 24, 2012

By Jeff Cobb

You can forget about sensible stereotypes associated with the handful of diesel autos sold in the U.S. when looking at the UK-made Trident Iceni Grand Tourer.

It goes “nearly” 200 mph – or possibly more depending on tuning – and can still deliver 68.9 mpg – that is, you get either peak mpg /or peak mph, obviously – not both at the same time, but the 2-seater costing a bit more than a fully spec’d Tesla Model S electric sedan is meant to be compelling.

Trident will build the Iceni to order in Norfolk, starting at £75,000 (around $119,000). And though it has an engine that could make a 4X4 truck driver green with envy, it actually makes a few concessions toward being potentially green, as it will run also on mineral diesel, biodiesel, palm oil or linseed oil.

The base model uses a mid-front mounted 6.6-liter Duramax engine with turbo boost turned up for 430 bhp, 950-pound-feet torque at under 3,250 rpm. Its maker boasts 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

Higher performance is possible via an upgraded version of the same engine that the manufacturer rates at 660 bhp and 1,050 pound-feet torque.

Its 68.9 mpg figure is derived by employing “torque multiplication” to its transmission so when in top gear at 70 mph, its freight-train-powerful diesel lazily lopes along at just 980 rpm.

At 980 rpm, much less fuel is being consumed, so it gets mileage as good as or better than a carefully driven Toyota Prius. Even at such low engine speeds, however, around 700 pound-feet of torque is ready at the driver’s disposal. With a rather large fuel tank on board, the theoretical range on one fill-up is over 2,000 miles – just what is needed for a “grand tourer,” right?

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Trident is a traditional British brand originally established decades ago and in the mid 60s as Trident Cars Ltd. it produced such vehicles as the TVR Trident Coupe. In 1999 it was re-established in Fakenham, Norfolk to manufacture a GM petrol-engined V6 sports car, and the company underwent a change again after 2007/2008.

The newer company with the time-honored name will show its exclusive Iceni September 5-7 at the Salon Privé Supercar Show & Concours d'Elégance in the the UK.

As a UK equivalent to Pebble Beach, Salon Privé will have representatives from Trident on hand to take orders for those wanting a modern diesel sports car that makes an iconic but old-school AC Cobra 427 from the 1960s look rather underpowered and definitely more thirsty.

All the way back in 2008, the Daily Mail cited company reps claiming 100 mpg on biodiesel, stainless steel chassis and carbon fiber body although a recent press release is more vague about the to-be-revealed car. We’ve seen discrepancies also in its top speed from just shy of 200 mph to 230 mph.

Although the video mentions the higher top speed, presumably from a pre-production model – or perhaps someone was exaggerating, or maybe it was from a higher performance version – the manufacturer now simply claims “nearly 200 mph” presumably for the base model.

In any case, the Iceni is billed as a have-it-all green car; another approach to cool styling and outrageous performance while capable of fewer emissions and more miles per gallon – if one has the self-restraint to drive it at a docile pace, that is.

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