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Ferrari FF converted to run on bio-ethanol packs 875 hp
Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Ferrari 
There are drawbacks to every kind of alternative to burning fossil fuels in our cars. Electric cars don't have enough range. Hybrids are burdened with what essentially boils down to two parallel powertrains. Hydrogen is limited to where it is available. Bio-ethanol has its own drawbacks, but don't tell that to the performance enthusiast. That's because E85 - similar to what IndyCars run on but mixed with 15 percent pump gasoline - is not only a renewable and cleaner source of energy, it also provides more power.
Take the Koenigsegg Agera R, for example. With 927 horsepower on tap from ordinary 95-octane gasoline, the Koenigsegg is already one of the fastest, most powerful cars money can buy. But fill it with E85 and it offers up almost 1,100 hp. Now, a Norwegian firm is offering an aftermarket bio-ethanol conversion for the Ferrari FF that provides a similar transformation.
Whereas the stock FF (which could now just as easily stand for Flex Fuel) already drives a prodigious 650 horsepower to all four wheels, the converted version packs a whopping 875 hp for a sub-three-second sprint to sixty, all the while dropping the car's emissions figures by some 80 percent. The conversion costs just €1,500 ($1,930 U.S., at today's exchange rates) - rather insignificant considering the FF's $300k+ sticker price - and has reportedly been fitted by an authorized Ferrari dealer to at least one customer's car, though that doesn't mean it's covered by (and very well might invalidate) the FF's warranty.Ferrari FF converted to run on bio-ethanol packs 875 hp originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Ford adds E85 Flexifuel to Focus lineup in Europe
Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, MPG, Ford, Europe/EU  2012 Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford of Europe will make two additional powertrain options for the Focus available in the near future: the PowerShift automatic with dual dry-clutch technology and a Flexifuel, E85-burning 1.6-liter Duratec engine.
Ford says the PowerShift trans reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while providing a "more refined driving experience." Compared to the 99 horsepower, 1.6-liter automatic Focus, the PowerShift-equipped version cuts CO2 emissions by 19 percent and has an average fuel economy rating of 36.8 miles per gallon (U.S.). Ford says the PowerShift tranny will be available in most European countries later this summer.
Next up is the Flexifuel Focus. Using a modified version of the 1.6-liter Duratec gasoline engine (it has revised fuel injectors, hardened valves and valve seats, and a revised exhaust system and catalyst), the Flexifuel Focus burns E85 with ease, pumps out 118 hp and spits out 132 grams per kilometer of CO2 emissions. Ford says the Focus Flexifuel will enter the production cycle this summer and will be optional in European markets where E85 is available, including Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland and Spain. Continue reading Ford adds E85 Flexifuel to Focus lineup in Europe Ford adds E85 Flexifuel to Focus lineup in Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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EIA: E85-capable vehicles dominate available alt-fuel models in 2009
Filed under: Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Natural Gas 
Of the 1,076,350 alternative-fuel automobiles made available in the U.S. in 2009, nearly 75 percent (805,777) were flex-fuel capable (E85) vehicles, according to the report "Alternatives to Traditional Transportation Fuels 2009" recently released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIA notes that most of the E85-burning vehicles manufactured in 2009 were sold to private individuals and not to commercial or government fleets.
The conventional gasoline-electric hybrid came in second, with available vehicles listed at 261,312. Compressed natural gas vehicles were third (3,770) and electric-only autos placed fourth (2,255). Down at the bottom of the EIA's list, with only 26 units made available in 2009, is the hydrogen-fueled vehicle.
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandates that the EIA annually collects data on alternative-fueled vehicles made available in the U.S. by automakers and that it estimates the number of alt-fuel vehicles in use in the States. Anyone got guesses for the 2010 and 2011 numbers?
[Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration]EIA: E85-capable vehicles dominate available alt-fuel models in 2009 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 May 2011 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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House members introduce technology-neutral Open Fuel Standard Act
Filed under: Biodiesel, Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hydrogen, Legislation and Policy, USA 
"This technology-neutral Open Fuel Standard is a key step to break the cycle of pain at the pump," says Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD). Bartlett, along with a bipartisan group of House members led by Congressmen John Shimkus (R-IL), and including Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Steve Israel (D-NY), recently introduced the Open Fuel Standard (OFS) Act (HR 1687), which is intended to generate competition at the pump.
The OFS requires that 50 percent of automobiles made in 2014, 80 percent in 2016, and 95 percent in 2017, would be manufactured and warranted to operate on non-petroleum-based fuels. Alternative fuel options include existing technologies such as flex fuel, natural gas, hydrogen, biodiesel, plug-in electric and fuel cell, as well a catch-all category of "emerging fuels." Congressman Bartlett said in a statement:
The International Energy Agency (IEA) documented that worldwide conventional crude oil production peaked in 2006-2007. As a result, Americans face the prospect of repeated oil supply shocks and ruinous price spikes. This technology neutral Open Fuel Standard legislation will give Americans options they can choose to end their personal dependence and the strategic monopoly of oil for transportation.
Bartlett says that the cost of making vehicles flex-fuel capable is approximately $100 per and notes that, in Brazil, the ratio of flex-fuel capable vehicles went from zero to 70 percent in three years' time. While Bartlett's claims may indeed be accurate, he fails to mention that today, owners of most flex-fuel capable autos in the U.S. dispense nothing but gasoline into their vehicle's tank.
[Source: Bartlett - U.S. House of Representatives | Image: skidrd - C.C. License 2.0]Continue reading House members introduce technology-neutral Open Fuel Standard Act House members introduce technology-neutral Open Fuel Standard Act originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 May 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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EPA streamlines alt-fuel conversions with amended regulations
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Legislation and Policy, Natural Gas, USA 
With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tweaking its rules for alternative fuel conversions for vehicles, it's time for do-it-yourselfers to rejoice. Previously, the EPA's rules for alt-fuel conversions made it difficult to convert older vehicles. However, changes made to the Agency's regulations take into account the age of the vehicle and its engine when determining whether conversions comply with emissions requirements. Meaning that when converting an older vehicle to run on something like compressed natural gas, the converted auto need only be as clean running as the vehicle was prior to any modifications.
In order to ensure that a fuel switch still meets emission standards, the EPA requires a certificate of conformity for conversion systems. Without this, the manufacturer or installer could face tampering charges under the Clean Air Act, which prohibits alterations to an engine. The EPA notes that some conversions may not result in lower emissions and that fuel costs could increase.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has a handy-dandy online alternative fuel locator, which is useful because getting hold of some alt-fuels isn't as easy as it ought to be. Likewise, the DOE's up-to-date alternative fuel price report is one tool that's essential for any DIY-er who's looking to convert his or her ride.
[Source: Environmental Protection Agency]Continue reading EPA streamlines alt-fuel conversions with amended regulations EPA streamlines alt-fuel conversions with amended regulations originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Chu: "We have only just begun to realize the benefits of homegrown fuels"
Filed under: Ethanol, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Legislation and Policy, USA 
The American political landscape is fraught with trouble and support for biofuels, but the overall shift is towards getting more and more of them in our fuel supply. That's a takeaway point from U.S. DOE Secretary Steven Chu's videotaped address to the National Ethanol Conference held in Phoenix, AZ recently. Most pointedly, Chu said, "We have only just begun to realize the benefits of homegrown fuels
Chu has previously said all vehicles in the U.S. should be E85 capable but that "corn is not the right crop for biofuels." Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen said at the conference that "Chu's [negative] comments about our industry have been misconstrued." Dinneen called for debate on the following comprehensive reform proposals to keep support for biofuel production going in uncertain economic times, according to Ethanol Producer Magazine:
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Changing the market-based incentive to a refundable producer tax incentive.
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Changing the incentive so it only applies to mid-level ethanol blends and E85 as well as to fuel produced above the renewable fuels standard requirements.
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Shifting the incentives away from biofuel production and to blender pumps and flex-fuel vehicles.
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A carbon-based performance credit that is "favored by environmentalists."
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A variable tax incentive.
[Source: Ethanol Producer Magazine | Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images]Chu: "We have only just begun to realize the benefits of homegrown fuels" originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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2012 Kia Picanto boasts 57 mpg; CO2 emissions as low as 90 g/km
Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, MPG, Kia, Geneva Motor Show 
Kia's all-new 2012 Picanto, which will be unveiled to the world at the Geneva Motor Show this coming March, aims to raise the bar in the A-segment via slashed emissions and increased fuel economy. The five-door Picanto supermini will hit dealerships across much of the world (excluding the U.S.) this spring, but the three-door hatchback version won't appear until fall.
All Picanto models will be offered with four powertrain choices that are estimated to return between 40 and 56 miles per gallon (U.S.). Kia's engine choices range from a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder flex-fuel-capable engine on up to the top of the line 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline mill. Power output spans from 68 to 84 horsepower and emissions vary from a high of 105 grams per kilometer of CO2 on down to a mere 95 g/km.
Over in Europe, all Picanto models will be available with Kia's fuel-saving start-stop system, which slashes emissions to a low of 90 g/km of CO2 and boosts fuel economy to a high of 57 mpg (U.S.). Look for more on the 2012 Picanto as its debut in Geneva draws near.
[Source: Kia Motors]Continue reading 2012 Kia Picanto boasts 57 mpg; CO2 emissions as low as 90 g/km 2012 Kia Picanto boasts 57 mpg; CO2 emissions as low as 90 g/km originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Ethanol industry proposes gentler E15 "warning" label
Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Legislation and Policy 
Last October, the EPA proposed a new warning label for E15 (a fuel made up of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline) to be used on pumps that dispense the newly-approved biofuel. It's a bright orange label with "CAUTION" in capitalized letter emblazoned across the top and looks like a serious warning. The thing is, the ethanol industry doesn't really like it. It's so, warning-y.
In response, the industry has proposed a light blue label that calls out "ATTENTION" instead and also has softer wording about how dangerous E15 is or might be in your vehicle. Instead of "Use only in: 2007 and newer gasoline cars, 2007 and newer light duty trucks, flex-fuel vehicles. This fuel might damage other vehicles. Federal law prohibits its use in other vehicles and engines," the new labels says, "Approved for use only in 2007 and newer cars and light-duty trucks and flex fuel vehicles. Federal law prohibits use in other vehicles, non-road engines and equipment." Note the missing bold warning, among other changes.
According to the Des Moines Register, the ethanol industry group Growth Energy says the softer, gentler label "appropriately informs consumers. ... This design provides all information necessary for consumers to make an informed fuel choice and does not inappropriately impact marketplace perceptions of the fuel."
This is just the latest in a long line of challenges and lawsuits to the EPA's E15 push. Read more on that here.
[Source: Des Moines Register]
Ethanol industry proposes gentler E15 "warning" label originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Consumer Reports: Interest in alt-energy vehicles on the rise; buyers deterred by drawbacks
Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, Hydrogen, MPG, Natural Gas 
Consumer Reports recently surveyed 1,713 car owners in the U.S. and discovered that 39 percent of them will consider buying a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) for their next vehicle. Out of that group, 60 percent are leaning towards a conventional hybrid, 16 percent are considering a plug-in hybrid and 14 percent are contemplating purchasing an EV. Of course, it bears noting that 'consideration' doesn't necessarily translate to actual sales. With all that said, CR found that 94 percent of those surveyed found fault with green cars, citing drawbacks such as high prices, inadequate infrastructure and limited driving range.
In addition to hybrids and battery-powered vehicles, CR discovered that new-car buyers show a varying degree of interest in several other alternative-fuel vehicles:
- 35 percent said they would consider a flexible-fuel vehicle, one that can run on either gasoline or E85, which is a mixture of 85 percent renewable ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
- 19 percent said they would consider natural gas or propane-a fuel resource that is abundant in North America. Currently, there are very few vehicles equipped to run on natural gas and the infrastructure is limited.
- 16 percent would consider a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. This, despite that fact that only a tiny number of fuel-cell cars are being leased to customers in selected regions, and no automakers have announced imminent plans to mass produce such cars.
- Only 14 percent said they would consider a diesel-powered vehicle, despite the well-developed infrastructure and relatively broad model selection.
- Of those who would consider a diesel, more than half (57 percent) said they would use biodiesel fuel.
Eric Evarts, associate automotive editor for CR, recapped the survey results like this: In the end, the survey shows that consumers are willing to consider alternative power sources for their next vehicles, but they have real practical concerns.
But it was this survey finding by CR that immediately grabbed our attention:
Only 67 percent (of those surveyed) said they are considering a traditional gasoline engine in their next new-car purchase, which may reflect a growing optimism regarding the availability of competitive green cars.
[Source: Consumer Reports]Consumer Reports: Interest in alt-energy vehicles on the rise; buyers deterred by drawbacks originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Retailers urged to limit E15 sales to flex fuel vehicles only
Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Green Daily
When the EPA approved the use of gasoline with a 15 percent ethanol (E15) for model year 2007 and newer vehicles back in mid-October, a wave of concerns surfaced. Some critics argued that it would be too difficult for drivers to determine which fuel from the many available choices at a typical gas station was actually acceptable for their vehicle. To rectify that situation, the EPA released a warning label (pictured above) that could be applied to E15 pumps.
Additionally, refiners like Valero and Marathon Oil Co., voiced concerns that selling gasoline with higher ethanol content could make them liable if long-term engine damage occurs. It's now becoming painfully obvious that switching from E10 to E15 is no easy task. While the EPA has approved the use of E15 for 2007 and newer vehicles, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) feels that the EPA didn't go as far as the science demonstrated and, at least for now, urges retailers to limit sales of E15 to flex fuel vehicles only. The RFA and the Petroleum Marketers Association of America issued this joint memo to their members:
... it is still unlawful to sell E-15 to anything other than a flexible fuel vehicle, even though EPA has approved E-15 for 2007 and newer vehicles. Until health effects testing is completed, fuel producers have a 211(b) certification from EPA, certain state fuel regulations amended, and EPA's misfueling and labeling proposed regulation finalized, E-15 sales must be confined to and labeled specifically for flexible fuel vehicles only.
We encourage all of you to remain vigilant so that you and others do not unintentionally offer E-15 to customers driving non-flexible fuel vehicles. E-15 will provide consumers and marketers another option to maximize their domestic renewable fuel use. But failing to adhere to the legal steps required to do so may give our fuel products and our industries an unnecessary and avoidable black eye.
Read the full memo after the jump.
[Source: Renewable Fuels Association]Continue reading Retailers urged to limit E15 sales to flex fuel vehicles only Retailers urged to limit E15 sales to flex fuel vehicles only originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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