Green Technology

Ford and SunPower have a program where customers of the Ford Focus Electric car are offered the opting to purchase solar PV system that would  generate free and clean energy to offset the grid power used to charge the car.

The system can generate ….” an average of 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. … sized to accommodate … about 1,000 miles per month.

The price of the solar system is approx. $10,000 after incentives and rebates.

Via:  Ford LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ford sees promise in the algae path to biofuels and company researchers investigate opportunities.  …

…   “This year, Ford researchers visited Wayne State University’s National Biofuels Energy Laboratory, which is actively analyzing suitable algae strains that could be used as a feedstock for biodiesel.

The Ford researchers, part of the company’s Systems Analytics and Environmental Sciences Department, also have conducted in-house research on the opportunities and challenges of producing biodiesel from algae oil.”   …

Via Ford: Ford Algae Biofuel.

National Biofuels Energy Laboratory.

Posted by Green Tech at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My brother and his girlfriend sent photo's of her new Ford Fusion Hybrid.  They and the car live in the Research Triangle Park area in NC ... 

Buying a hybrid can help you as an individual take action and be greener ... here is a real word experience.

They report ..."We went to the beach week before last and got about 39mpg averaging 70mph.  The Fusion has an LCD dashboard display for everything except the speedometer, and uses a “growing  vine” to show how well you are managing the hybrids capabilities."

That is some pretty good MPG ... stay tuned for more updates on the Fusion.

Via:  Greentechnolog and ES  LINK 

Posted by Green Dude at 07:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ford will deliver electric vehicles to the European market from its Valencia, Spain production facility.  …

…   “Ford Motor Company has significant experience with hybrid vehicles in North America, and will now extend this expertise to Europe as part of the company's aggressive global electrified vehicles strategy.  The reason for building both full Hybrid Electric Vehicle and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle versions of the five-seat Ford C-MAX is to provide customers with greater choice to suit their specific driving and living environments.

Full HEVs charge their electric batteries through the use of the small displacement internal combustion engine along with energy recapture through the regenerative brake system, whereas PHEVs have the ability to also recharge their electric batteries through an external source, such as a conventional electric power socket. ”   …

Via Ford: Electric Vehicle Sourcing for Europe

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... "in the future it will further improve the economy and power of EcoBoost engines by using more efficient turbochargers and fine-tuning the precision of the direct-injection fuel system. " ...

Continue reading "Ford EcoBoost Engine Tech Deployment" »

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... "The comments underscore the intensifying pressure within the auto industry to attack the hurdles facing mass adoption of electric vehicles while the Obama administration continues to tighten emission standards. " ...

Continue reading "Ford Electric Vehicle Infrastructure" »

Posted by Green Tech at 01:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The two companies are teaming up to implement the Microsoft Hohm energy management application for Ford’s electric vehicles. Ford is the first automaker announcing the use of Hohm, starting with the Focus Electric next year. Hohm will help owners determine when and how to most efficiently and affordably recharge battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. It also should help utility companies manage the added demands of electric vehicles on the electric grid. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 02:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Via:  Ford LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

• Ford's new Transit Connect is the ideal taxi platform as it is both big enough to accommodate CNG or Propane fuel tanks and is available with CNG or Propane engine options that from Ford - maintaining the  manufacturers warranty.

" ... meeting with taxi operators ... found considerable interest for vehicles that run on alternative fuels ..."

“ ... they provide an overall lower emission of greenhouse gases compared to gasoline. Additionally, operating on CNG or LPG provides the operators lower fuel/operating costs ..."

Posted by Green Dude at 02:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

 Continuing the very green theme at SFO Airport ... you can also rent green cars ... and offers an incentive in the form of a rental discount for renting HYBRIDS.

" ...  offers the nation’s first Green Rental Car program that rewards customers for renting “green” alternative-fueled vehicles. ... rent hybrid cars ... such as the Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid or Toyota PRIUS will receive a $15 discount at the counter."

" ... estimated that more than 4,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year will be eliminated through the implementation of this program."

" ... 10 percent of the rental car fleet ... is comprised of high-mileage cars—such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Focus—in addition to alternative-fuel cars. ... SFO hopes to increase the total number of these cars to greater than 15 percent."

Via:  San Francisco Int'l Airport  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So you are going on a trip and want to be green and rent a hybrid.  Sounds easy enough ... except that only approximately 1% of the rental fleet consist of hybrids.

"Booking a hybrid rental car can be a big hassle. To boost your chance of scoring one of these green rides, follow Budget Travel's advice in four easy steps ...".

For the Video "How to Rent a Hybrid" click the LINK ...

Via: BudgetTravel  Link

Posted by Green Dude at 05:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Clairvoyant Energy is working with Oerlikon to bring the Swiss company's solar manufacturing technology to the United States. Clairvoyant plans to make utility-size solar panels at the site. Xtreme Power builds large-scale battery systems for storing renewable power. " ...

Continue reading "Renewable Energy Park for Ford Wixom Plant" »

Posted by Green Tech at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I have this recollection from years ago that VW offering "Start - Stop" engines in the US. Basically the engine turned off at stop lights and fired back up when the accelerator was pushed. Automatic "Start - Stop" systems eliminate wasteful idling at lights and other stops.

Do you recall this in earlier VWs - from the mid 1980s?

In any case ... Ford is bring this technology to it's fleet over the next several years.

" ... start-stop systems ... shut down the engine to prevent idling ... in the US, only hybrids have that capability ... Barb Samardzich, VP of Global Powertrain engineering stated that over the next several years all Ford vehicles will get the auto-stop capability. Currently, only the Escape, Mariner, Fusion, and Milan hybrids have it here ..."

Via: autobloggreen LINK

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Posted by Green Tech at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

ComEd, a Exelon company has bought 50 Toyota Prius to add to its already substantial GREEN fleet of cars and trucks. 

" ...One of Nation's Largest Green Fleets ... save utility 6,500 gallons of gas in 2009, ...  including 10 Priuses that have been specially converted into electric plug-in hybrids. ..."
   
" ... Compared to an average subcompact, the Prius hybrid and plug-in electric version consume about 30 and 65 percent less fuel, respectively. ... reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60 metric tons."

" ... 63 percent of the ComEd fleet uses a fuel source other than 100 percent gasoline.... 1,774 trucks that use biodiesel fuel ...250 E85 flex-fuel vehicles ... 91 hybrid Ford Escape SUVs; one biodiesel-electric hybrid bucket truck; one liquid petroleum gas (LPG) bucket truck; and the 50 new Prius vehicles. ..."

Via:  Exelon  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 05:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Ford ... entered into a partnership with battery producer Johnson Controls-Saft to develop advanced lithium-ion battery system ...  seven regional electric utility partners are joining Ford and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to conduct real-world tests on an expanding fleet of Ford Escape PHEVs."

" ... partnerships will help Ford accelerate its electrification strategy, including bringing a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) van to market in 2010 for commercial use, a small BEV sedan developed jointly with Magna International by 2011 and a PHEV by 2012."

" ... battery system that Johnson Controls-Saft is designing and manufacturing ...  the cells will be produced at the supplier's production facility in France, but the system will be assembled in the United States. The five-year supply agreement includes delivery for committed production in 2012 with a target of at least 5,000 units per year."

Via:  Ford Motor Company  LINK

Posted by Green Dude at 06:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Read on for more  >>>

"Exelon continues to be a major voluntary user of B20 biodiesel  ... the main source of fuel for more than 2,500 of the company's  vehicles—or 65 percent of its fleet. ... Exelon uses in excess of 2 million gallons per year. ... In 2005, Exelon purchased 50 Ford Escape Hybrids, the first production hybrid sport-utility vehicle (SUV).  ... about 25 percent of the company’s overall SUV fleet. ... expects to procure 50 hybrid SUVs and 10 compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles each year and to use biodiesel for all diesel vehicles by the end of 2006."

Posted by Green Dude at 06:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Continue reading "Mass Production Hydrogen Cars Cross the US" »

Posted by Green Dude at 06:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "While not as flashy as the concept cars, technologies such as Ford's EcoBoost engine offer notable fuel economy improvements with near-term, high-volume potential. " ...

Continue reading "Ford EcoBoost Fuel Economy Improvement" »

Posted by Green Tech at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 fuel cell car - a collaboratively engineered racer with Ballard, Roush and Ohio State University - is one of two vehicles Ford's fuel cell research team is helping prepare to set world land speed records. Ford researchers also are working with Ohio State University student engineers on its Buckeye Bullet 2, a fuel cell-powered racer that will compete for a similar world record in the unlimited class category. " ...

Via Ford Motor Company: Racer To Attempt Speed Record For Fuel Cell-Powered Vehicle

Posted by Green Tech at 08:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "Ford is a market leader and the market pioneer of FFVs in Europe where it sold more than 30,000 Ford Flexifuel units since market introduction in Sweden in 2001. Ford can also claim the largest owner body for FFVs in Europe as a result of this industry-leading initiative. While the majority of these FFVs have been sold in Sweden, the two current models - the Ford Focus and C-MAX Flexifuel - have progressively been made available in 12 European markets to date. Ford is confident that more markets will follow as the demand for this type of technology is expected to continue to grow, especially as the European Union works to increase the use of bio-fuels in the future. " ...

Via EUBIA, European Biomass Industry Association: FORD RECEIVES EUBIA AWARD

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One of the UNIQUE features of Ford's Escape Hybrid is the seats.

"The seats in Escape Hybrid's innovative earth-friendly seat fabric made from 100% post-industrial waste plastics and polyester fibers that would have ended up in landfills otherwise. More than simply "green," the durable, comfortable and stylish nature of the material also makes it a perfect fit for Escape Hybrid."

Via:  Ford.Com   Link 

Posted by Green Dude at 08:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "And so I appreciate very much the idea of hybrid vehicles. If Americans don't know what I'm talking about, these are vehicles that you run on gasoline or electricity. You take it for granted, you live with them every day. Some people don't know what we're talking about. It's -- this is a new market opportunity for Ford. More and more people are going to be saying, how can I help us be less dependant on foreign sources of energy? Well, one way is to buy a hybrid. " ...

Via WhiteHouse: President Bush Discusses Energy Initiatives in Missouri

Posted by Green Tech at 07:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ford has announced the Edge "with HySeries Drive™ ... the world’s first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability."

"The HySeries Drive technology is able to operate using a fuel cell, small gasoline or diesel engine connected to an electric generator to make electricity."

The "world’s first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric plug-in ... combines an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator with lithium-ion batteries to deliver more than 41 mpg with zero emissions. ... For those who drive less than 50 miles each day, the average jumps to more than 80 mpg."

“This vehicle offers Ford the ultimate in flexibility ... We could take the fuel cell power system out and replace it with a down-sized diesel, gasoline engine or any other powertrain connected to a small electric generator to make electricity like the fuel cell does now.”

Via:  Ford  Link

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Posted by Green Tech at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

... "The new HySeries Drive powertrain featured in a Ford Edge uses a real-world version of the powerplant envisioned in the Ford Airstream concept unveiled earlier this month at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The HySeries Drive powertrain delivers a combined city/highway gasoline equivalent fuel economy rating of 41 mpg. For those who drive less than 50 miles each day, the average jumps to more than 80 mpg. The plug-in hybrid is powered by a 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack at all times. The vehicle drives the first 25 miles each day on stored electricity alone, after which the fuel cell begins operating to keep the battery pack charged. This provides another 200 miles of range for a total of 225 miles with zero emissions. Individual experiences will vary widely and can stretch out the time between fill-ups to more than 400 miles: drivers with modest daily needs would need to refuel only rarely, drivers who travel less than 50 miles each day will see fuel economy well over 80 mpg, while those with long daily commutes will see somewhat lower numbers as the fuel cell must run a larger fraction of the time. The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive can travel at speeds of up to 85 mph. An on-board charger (110/220 VAC) can refresh the battery pack when a standard home outlet is available, making the concept a true plug-in hybrid. When the battery pack is depleted to approximately 40 percent, the hydrogen fuel cell – supplied by Ford partner Ballard – automatically turns on and begins generating electricity to recharge the batteries. " ...

Posted by Green Tech at 06:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

... "At the 2007 Washington Auto Show, Ford displayed the first Ford Escape Hybrid E85 scheduled for delivery this spring. It is a demonstration vehicle marrying two petroleum-saving technologies – hybrid electric power and flexible-fuel capability. Escape Hybrid E85 is the world's first hybrid vehicle capable of operating on blends of fuel containing as much as 85 percent ethanol, a renewable fuel that can be produced from American-grown corn or sugar beets. And ethanol use releases no fossil-based CO2, so its use as a fuel in place of gasoline reduces the release of greenhouse gases. Ford is producing 20 demonstration Escape Hybrid E85 vehicles for use in fleets in six different states. Deliveries will begin this spring. " ...

Via Ford: FORD TO DELIVER DEMONSTRATION FLEET OF ETHANOL FUELED HYBRIDS TO SIX STATES ...

Posted by Green Tech at 06:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)