"Hummers are greener than Prius" study makes it into an episode of ABC's Boston Legal

Filed under: Hybrid, HUMMER, AutoblogGreen Exclusive

Boston Legal is an ABC TV series about a law firm. In the episode Green Christmas (first aired Dec. 18, 2007), the law firm, Crane Poole and Schmidt, is sued by a group called "Green People" for fraud because they said they were green but actually were not. In the court case, a board member of Green People is asked which car he drives? He says a hybrid, to which the Boston Legal firm's lawyer Katie responds saying a Hummer is greener because of the way batteries are made. On top of that, she says hybrids reduce the cost of driving which encourages more driving and in the end more pollution. You can watch the video above. Here's exactly what Katie says:

Hybrid batteries contain nickel that is mined and smelted in a plant in Sudbury, Ontario. A plant that has caused so much environmental damage and acid rain that NASA uses the so-called dead zone around the plant to test its moon rovers. ... That nickel then has to be shipped via massive containers to a refinery in Europe. Then off to China to be made into nickel foam, then to Japan to be manufactured, then finally all the way back to America. All that, just to put a single hybrid battery into a car. When you combine all the energy it takes to built and drive a hybrid it adds up to almost fifty percent more that it does to build and drive a Hummer.

A few comments to my posts on the hybrid in the Knight Rider TV movie, said things like like "spare me." Yes, the Knight Rider TV movie is a remake of a cheesy '80s TV show, but it might inspire Ford to make a hybrid Mustang. Boston Legal's 10 million viewers probably believed the statements about hybrid batteries. My point is: Culture matters. It's probably more important than things like politics, technology, brand or anything. It really does not matter that the hybrid Hummer/Prius study has been discredited (many, many times) or that this argument is just stupid for the simple reason that batteries are recycled by law. If it's repeated on shows like Boston Legal, it's "fact."

Related:

• Study commissioned by Land Rover finds small cars are bad for the environment


• Should we ban the catalytic converter?


• Paris Hilton: "I'm buying a hybrid car right now"


• Chevy describes its car as "vegetarian" in TV ad

[Source: ABC]

 

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Two Corporate Express truck fleets in Colorado and Kansas now drinking B20

Filed under: Biodiesel

It was just last week that Corporate Express announced it would test Isuzu's hybrid trucks in its delivery fleet. Now the Dutch-based company has said that the majority of its trucks in Kansas and Colorado are being filled up with B20. The biofuel is Fusion B20 made by Colorado's Blue Sun Biodiesel, which Corporate Express says is "an ultra-low sulfur fuel comprising 20% virgin oilseed-based biodiesel, from renewable US-grown crops, and 80% petroleum diesel." All that veggie oil in the trucks means a reduction (compared to using standard diesel) of carbon monoxide emissions by 24 percent, hydrocarbon emissions by 29 percent, particulate emissions by 18 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 4 percent.

Related:

• Corporate Express will test Isuzu hybrid truck for delivery

[Source: Corporate Express US Inc.]


Corporate Express Converts Two Truck Fleets to B20 Biodiesel

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Corporate Express US Inc., part of the Dutch-based Corporate Express NV (NYSE:CXP) , announced today that it is now fueling the majority of its delivery truck fleets in Colorado and Kansas with Blue Sun's Fusion B20 biodiesel -- an ultra-low sulfur fuel comprising 20% virgin oilseed-based biodiesel, from renewable US-grown crops, and 80% petroleum diesel.

This strategic step will significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the Company's Colorado and Kansas fleets -- a total of 45 trucks. The use of B20 fuel, as compared to using regular petroleum diesel, reduces carbon monoxide by 24%, hydrocarbons by 29%, particulates by 18% and nitrogen oxides by 4%, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado.

"We already have an extremely efficient US distribution model with advanced technology such as systems to map out highly streamlined driver routes," said Jay Mutschler, President of Corporate Express US. "Using biodiesel in our trucks will advance our distribution while decreasing emissions and further reducing our Company's carbon footprint."

This move is part of Corporate Express' plans to reduce environmental impact through goals for facilities, distribution operations, sustainable forestry, environmentally sustainable products and social responsibility. These plans are outlined in the Company's US Sustainability Policy.

"Because Fusion B20 is a cleaner fuel, we expect that it will help reduce truck engine wear and also improve miles per gallon," said Tim Beauchamp, Senior Vice President of Customer Care and Distribution Operations.

Blue Sun's Fusion B20 biodiesel can be used in conventional compression-ignition engines that were designed to be operated on diesel fuel, making it a direct substitute for traditional petroleum diesel. The Company will use the fuel in its trucks that were built after 2004.

"As cost and availability of this high-quality biofuel increase, we will look to transition additional trucks that are able to run on this fuel, to help further reduce emissions from our US fleet," said Beauchamp.

The use of US-produced Fusion B20 biodiesel helps to reduce dependence on foreign oil imports. Colorado-based Blue Sun Biodiesel, LLC produces their Fusion B20 product from crops grown in the US specifically to be used as fuel. According to the US Department of Energy, the US currently imports more than 60% of its petroleum. As use of Fusion B20 increases, it will contribute positively to our economy by keeping more fuel dollars in the country and by creating more jobs for US farmers to grow crops for Blue Sun's products.

"We're pleased Corporate Express has chosen to partner with Blue Sun in support of this sustainability initiative. The added performance and economic benefits they'll enjoy will ensure a long-term relationship for both companies," said Jeff Probst, Blue Sun's President and CEO.

About Corporate Express

Corporate Express provides customers with a single source of business products and services, so that they can focus their resources, energy and time on their core business. Corporate Express helps organizations to save time and maximize their productivity.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, Corporate Express NV generated 2006 annual sales of EUR 6.3 billion. The Company has a widespread global distribution network spanning North America, Europe and Australia, has close to 19,000 employees, and operations in 20 countries. Corporate Express NV is listed on Euronext Amsterdam (Euronext: CXP) and in New York (NYSE:CXP) . For more information, please visit http://www.corporateexpress.com/. A copy of the Company's US Sustainability Policy can be found at http://www.corporateexpress.com/sustainability.html.

About Blue Sun Biodiesel

Blue Sun Biodiesel, LLC is a vertically integrated manufacturer and marketer of premium agricultural and renewable fuels products. Blue Sun's exclusive distribution network features specially-appointed and trained distributors and proprietary high-volume, state-of-the-art ratio blending terminals, which ensure Blue Sun Fusion(TM) is blended and supplied according to its industry-leading quality specifications. For more information, please visit http://www.gobluesun.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements included in this press release, which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are made based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Corporate Express and therefore involve a number of uncertainties and risks, including, but not limited to industry conditions, changes in product supply, pricing and customer demand, competition, risks in integrating new businesses, currency fluctuations, and the other risks described from time to time in the Company's filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2007. As a result, the actual results of operations or financial conditions of the Company could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Shareholders and other readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements.

 

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GM could very easily make a two-mode hybrid H2

Filed under: Hybrid, GM, HUMMER, AutoblogGreen Exclusive

Paris Hilton just might get her wish for a hybrid Hummer. The H2 is based on the same platform as the Yukon and Tahoe, which are both hybrids now. It's really not a problem at all for GM to release a two-mode hybrid H2 to the market. The work on the platform is already finished and it's just a decision by the corporate heads right now.

GM could easily turn lots of its other brands into hybrids as well. For example, the Aura is a hybrid and it shares the same platform with the Cadillac BLS and Pontiac G6. GM probably won't flood the market with hybrids that look exactly the same. They are launching the Buick LaCrosse hybrid in China this August at the Olympics. So that's very likely coming to America soon.

Recently, I told you about a rumor of a hybrid GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. For now, GM is denying these rumors. GM has said they would offer 8 hybrids by the end of 2008. By my count, they still have a few to go. If it's the Buick LaCrosse, the H2, Lambda platform vehicle or a totally new hybrid only brand, we will tell you about it.

What GM brands would you like to see hybridized?

 

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So whats the downside to the Tesla Roadster? The range!

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Green Daily

Click on the Tesla Roadster for a high-res gallery

As much as I love driving the Tesla Roadster, it's far from perfect. I discussed most of the flaws during the big review. However, there is one very important topic that I left out, range. When Tesla publicly launched the Roadster in mid-2006 the big number was the 250 mile range claim. Over the past nine months the range number has fluctuated several times from a low of just over 200 miles to about 240 with the current average falling in at 220 miles for the city/highway combined cycles. The problem is that all those numbers are based on the EPA test cycles. Those cycles are set up for all vehicles to follow and generally don't include any wide open acceleration.

Therein lies the rub. Driven sedately, the Tesla Roadster very likely could achieve somewhere around 220 miles or more. Perhaps even as much 250 miles in city driving with lots of regenerative braking. The problem is that this little demon doesn't really want to be driven in that manner. It begs to be flung from curve to curve. It wants to be thrashed. During our drive, we accumulated somewhere between 80 and 90 miles based on plotting the route on Google maps. Unfortunately I forgot to check the mileage at the beginning. When we left San Carlos the car had a full charge. Update: I got a clarification from Aaron Platshon at Tesla about the indicator gauge. The gauge actually reads miles to discharge rather than percentage charge. So that would put the range with the driving I did at somewhere between 105 and 120 miles. Once the indicator gets to zero, there is actually an emergency reserve that consists of about a 15% charge on the battery. Depending on your driving, that could take you another 15-30 miles. However, it's not recomended to do that very often as such deep discharges are bad for battery durability. When we returned it was at about 22 percent which would put the range in the ballpark of 120 miles. The weather and road conditions didn't permit really exploring the limits of the Roadster's performance envelope. According to some of the print magazine reviews, they got significantly less. Autoweek only managed 93 miles. For now, drivers of the Roadster will have to choose, exceptional performance or exceptional range, but probably not both. Eventually that will surely change, but not today.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster

 

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Sharing Winding Road's eBay find of the day

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, SMART, NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle), China, USA

In a stunning example of e-sharing, we've decided to share Winding Road's eBay find of the day with our readers. Listen up: it's not stealing, it's meta... that's what's so cool about the Internet. Speaking of stealing *cough, ahem* sharing, our aforementioned find is a Chinese Smart ForTwo clone. Remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so all of you legitimate Smart purchasers should be very proud of your chosen auto.

Unfortunately for the Revolution EV, it appears that the quality of the copy is a bit less than stellar. You know... when making a copy of a copy it never turns out quite as good as the original, right? We're not so sure that the safety cell of the Smart was copied over intact. In fact, we're pretty sure that it was not. At least you're not likely to get into too much trouble at just 25 miles per hour. If you do make the 60 miles until your next recharge, just wait about ten hours or so for your recharge. The cost? Just under ten grand. A bargain!

Gallery: Revolution EV

[Source: eBay via Winding Road]

 

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Study: green cars to outsell gas guzzlers this year in the UK

Filed under: Legislation and Policy, UK, USA

Vehicles in the UK are grouped into tax bands from A to G, depending on how much CO₂ they emit. Cars ranked A and B are the greenest (and least taxed) while cars ranked G are the ones that emit the most CO₂ (and drivers have to pay more). Since the tax bands were instituted, sales of A, B band cars have gone up while sales of G band cars have gone down. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders studied the trend in sales and predicts A and B will outsell G cars this year for the first time ever.

You don't have to worry about SUV tax turning up in your tax returns (if you live in the U.S.). If we get a carbon law at all, there won't be any taxes on cars according to a House white paper on the topic. Most of the American presidential candidate's energy policies call for tax incentives, but not penalties. If if could be implemented, how much of a tax would it take to change sales of SUVs? Canadians, for example, are taxed $4,000 for driving an un-green car. Would that stop you from buying an SUV?

Related:

• Gas guzzler tax coming to the Netherlands


• Israeli government passes "green tax" on cars

[Source: This is London]

 

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CO₂ offset milestone: 100,000 TerraPasses sold

Filed under: Green Culture, Carbon Offset, Green Daily

If I can't buy a hybrid or get an EV for 'round town needs, then perhaps a carbon offset sticker is the right move. That's what at least 100,000 people have decided, according to the leading consumer/driver carbon offset vendor, TerraPass. Earlier this month, TerraPass sold its 100,000th TerraPass to one Heraldo Botelho of Palo Alto, CA. It was Botelho's first TerraPass and it offset a flight he took to visit his family. Like so many other TerraPassers, he said he wanted to do something for the environment, and carbon offset was his solution.

[Source: TerraBlog]

 

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Fiat going the dual clutch route in 2009

Filed under: MPG, Fiat

Fiat is joining the race to dual clutch gearboxes with a range of new transmissions that will be debuting in June 2009. The lineup of six-speed gearboxes will kick off with a manual transmission followed by a dual clutch unit in September of 2009. In 2010 they will round out the range with an automated manual version.

Fiat Powertrain Technologies will have a capacity of 800,000 units of the new C635 transmissions by 2010. Unlike the first-generation DSG gearboxes from Volkswagen which use wet clutches, the Fiat transmission uses dry clutch plates. The dry clutch version is less expensive to manufacture and more efficient. Fiat is planning to install the new transmissions in the small to mid-size cars like the Punto and Bravo, and similar Lancia and Alfa Romeo models.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]

 

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Welch's food processing leftovers entering hydrogen-from-waste cycle

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hydrogen

Back in September, a company called NanoLogix announced it had been able to make hydrogen from the waste stream at a Welch Foods juice plant in Pennsylvania. Now, the radio show "The Allegheny Front," an environmental radio program, has taken a closer look at this technology and aired a report last week. You can hear it here (look for "Microbes Turn Waste to Power" and "Welch's Grape Juice Converted into Electricity") or read the transcript of the report here.

The process works like this: during the cleaning process at the plant, a lot of waste water is generated that has a bit of sugar in it. This easy-to-digest liquid is then fed to millions of microorganisms that produce hydrogen. Currently, the NanoLogix tests can get a liter of hydrogen from one gallon of wastewater that contains .3 percent sugar. The goal, though, is to use 16 percent sugar wastewater and get 55 liters of hydrogen from each gallon. Once perfected, the NanoLogix logic goes, this system could be installed at bottlers and beverage makers across the country, and we'll be one step closer to the hydrogen economy.

Related:

• Grape-flavored energy? Welch's, NanoLogix have generated hydrogen from bioreactor

[Source: NanoLogix, Inc.]


NanoLogix's Hydrogen-From-Waste Technology at Welch's Foods Featured on Environmental Radio Program

HUBBARD, Ohio, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NanoLogix, Inc. a nano-biotechnology company is pleased to announce that its hydrogen-from-waste extraction technology currently under development at a Welch's juice plant in Pennsylvania has been the focus of a broadcast article by "The Allegheny Front" - Environmental Radio for Western Pennsylvania". The broadcast was produced by Lisa Ann Pinkerton and aired January 23rd on WYEP- FM, a listener-supported public radio station in Pittsburgh. The archived broadcast can be accessed at: http://alleghenyfront.org/index.html and is titled as both "Microbes Turn Waste to Power" and "Welch's Grape Juice Converted into Electricity".

About NanoLogix, Inc.

NanoLogix is a leading innovator in the research, development, and commercialization of nano-biotechnologies, applications and processes. The Company has 31 granted Patents and 30 Patents Pending for bioreactor-based Hydrogen Production, revolutionary rapid medical testing technologies, potential treatments for sepsis and cancer (via apoptosis), and bioremediation. Information on NanoLogix is available at www.nanologixinc.com.

This press release contains statements, which may constitute "forward- looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of NanoLogix, Inc., and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results.

 

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Tesla gets a waiver on airbag rules for the Roadster

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, Green Daily

Amongst the announcements that Tesla made last week about the getting all the necessary regulatory approvals to begin selling the Roadster in the U.S. was one about a waiver on an airbag rule. This does not mean that the Roadster doesn't have airbags. In fact, it has inflatable pillows for both the driver and passenger. What the Roadster (and the Lotus Elise from which it was derived) lacks are new two-stage airbags. The latest generation of airbags include sensors in the front seats that adjust the inflation rate of the bags based on passenger weight and position. Since the safety systems for the Roadster are carried over from the Elise on this first-generation model, Tesla requested the waiver. Tesla is already planning a revamped interior for the car in the next few years and the passive restraints will likely be part of the update. The first item on the agenda, however, is to generate some cash flow by actually delivering cars to customers.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster

[Source: Tesla]

 

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