Hybrid Living

Filed under: Biodiesel, Emerging Technologies

The closest I’ve ever come to making biodiesel was helping a friend build and run an appleseed reactor. It did produce some biodiesel, but he was in charge of the project and I just lent a hand. I say this because that method made at least some sense to me: put your veggie oil and methanol together, heat, work a little magic, dry it, and you’re good to go. Researchers at Augsburg College in Minnesota, though, have discovered a quick new way to make biodiesel that’s beyond my technical understanding. Still, it seems to be an exciting new process.

According to Biodiesel Magazine, Brian Krohn (and undergrad student) and his advisor, Arlin Gyberg, and two other researchers figured out that using zirconia as a catalyst can make biodiesel from oil and alcohol in six seconds. That’s freakin’ fast. If you have the raw materials, the researchers say, this new Mcgyan process can make three million gallons of biodiesel from one column that’s two feet long and four inches in diameter. The researchers say that the Mcgyan process has been tested “using a wide range of feedstocks with no problems” for the past six months. The first commercial plant using the Mcgyan process should be coming to Isanti, Minnetosa by October and run by Ever Cat Fuels (a company started by one of the researchers). The feedstocks are unusual for biodiesel: hydrous ethanol (instead of methanol) and corn oil from distillers grains (instead of soybean oil). Sounds like something to keep an eye on.

[Source: Biodiesel Magazine]

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Filed under: Etc., Toyota, Green Daily

Already known as the “green” car company to many people (thanks, Prius) Toyota today announced a five-year alliance with Audubon called TogetherGreen. TogetherGreen will “fund conservation projects, train environmental leaders, and offer volunteer opportunities to significantly benefit the environment” across the United States, according to Toyota. The program will be run by Audubon with $20 million from Toyota.

Audubon And Toyota’s partnership contains three main components: grants, fellowships and volunteer days. The grants will be used to fund local projects that conserve land, water or energy. The fellowships will be given to up to 200 “promising environmental leaders.” And the volunteer days, to be held at Audubon Centers and other locations, will encompass various conservation actions. For those of you who prefer your eco-actions online, check out TogetherGreen.org (the first 1,000 to sign up get a free T-shirt) when the site launches later this spring. More details after the jump.

Press Release:

Audubon And Toyota Announce Five-Year Alliance To Promote Conservation Action And Grow Leaders Of Tomorrow
03/26/2008

March 26, 2008 – New York, NY – The National Audubon Society and Toyota today launched TogetherGreen, a nationwide Audubon program to fund conservation projects, train environmental leaders, and offer volunteer opportunities to significantly benefit the environment.

A $20 million Toyota grant-the largest Audubon has received in its 103-year history-will fund TogetherGreen for five years, enabling Audubon to expand the scope and reach of its internationally-known conservation programs.

TogetherGreen will include three program components:
– Innovation Grants to fund dozens of on-the-ground projects each year that employ creative approaches and engage diverse communities to help achieve measurable land, water and/or energy conservation results. Grant requirements will broaden project participation and promote innovation by uniting Audubon’s national network with environmental and community partners.

– Conservation Fellowships to train and foster up to 200 promising environmental leaders who can serve as role models, expert guides and organizers for engaging new and diverse audiences in effective conservation action.

– Volunteer Days to be offered at Audubon Centers and other locations nationwide, providing hands-on opportunities to address environmental problems and take part in restoration activities.

“TogetherGreen is about giving people the knowledge, the support and the opportunities they need to truly make a difference,” said Audubon President John Flicker. “We will engage people of all ages, from every community and all walks of life to help shape a healthier future.”

“Audubon has a long and successful history of encouraging conservation of our natural ecosystems, and we are proud to develop this initiative with them,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of Toyota Motor North America. “Toyota believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results, and TogetherGreen fits perfectly with that philosophy.”

Toyota plans to engage its 36,000 U.S. employees and invite its business partners to join with others through TogetherGreen as conservation volunteers to take the individual steps that will add up to significant conservation results.

“Toyota employees have already been energized by participation in volunteer activities at Audubon’s Mitchell Lake Center in San Antonio, Texas,” said Pineda. “We’re excited by the promise of more opportunities for them to be involved in hands-on conservation efforts.” Toyota is a long-time supporter of Audubon Centers that deliver nature experiences, conservation education and action opportunities to previously underserved groups in urban communities.

TogetherGreen will also reach a diverse array of audiences through TogetherGreen.org, scheduled to debut later this spring. The site will help visitors discover dozens of individual conservation actions to help them independently “green” their lives. It will provide opportunities to challenge friends to take conservation actions of their own. Visitors will be able to follow the evolving conservation efforts and achievements of TogetherGreen projects, and nominate and celebrate the work of environmental heroes and projects across the country. Every aspect of TogetherGreen.org will be designed to highlight and encourage conservation action.

“The stakes for the future of our environment are tremendous and Toyota and Audubon share a commitment to inspire and empower Americans to make a positive difference.” adds Flicker. “With our two organizations working together, we plan to see true and measurable results from TogetherGreen.”

ABOUT AUDUBON
Now in its second century, Audubon connects people with birds, nature and the environment that supports us all. Our national network of community-based nature centers, chapters, scientific, education, and advocacy programs engages millions of people from all walks of life in conservation action to protect and restore the natural world.

ABOUT TOYOTA
Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants, with another under construction in Mississippi. Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Through its corporate initiatives, manufacturing operations and philanthropy, Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. In 2007, Toyota contributed more than $56 million on philanthropy in the U.S. For more information on Toyota’s commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit http://www.toyota.com/community.

[Source: Toyota]

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Filed under: Etc., Solar, Green Daily

Last year, the Sundance Channel premiered the show Big Ideas for a Small Planet. AutoblogGreen took a look at two Season one episodes in particular, Drive and Fuel, because they directly related to our daily topics. Big Ideas is back for season two and if you weren’t convinced by our reviews last year that this is a show worth watching, then fire up iTunes for a free download of the Power episode (I’m not sure how to link to something within iTunes, but if anyone knows the secret, feel free to share). Of course, you can always watch a lot of the show online at the Big Ideas website.

As you might guess, the Power episode is about renewable sources of energy. The 25-minute show takes a look at the Solar Decathlon and the way wind power is replacing coal in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania.

[Source: iTunes]

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Filed under: Biodiesel, Emerging Technologies, South/Latin America

Image by Gaby_bra. Licensed under Creative Commons license 2.0.

The increase in biodiesel production the world over long ago spelled the end of the need for synthetic glycerin. Since glycerin is a by-product of biodiesel production, communities are finding ways to process the excess material. Kyoto, Japan is using glycerin to make hydrogen. Brazil – more often noted for its ethanol economy – has found that enough glycerin is produced in the country to make bio-propane a feasible prospect. When Brazil’s current biodiesel mandate of B2 jumps to B5 in 2013, even more glycerin will be available, so this green propane has a solid future in Brazil in the coming years. Bio-propane isn’t the only green energy use for Brazil’s glycerin, and you can find out more at Spero News.

[Source: Spero News / Mario Osava]

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Filed under: Etc., MPG, Green Daily, USA

Even if ethanol is making a tiny dent in gasoline prices, seeing $5.40 on the gas station sign is enough to make anyone forget about six or nine measly cents. The $5.40 price is currently available to lucky driver in Gorda, California, south of the Bay Area on Highway 1. Two reasons for the high price: 40 miles until another gas station and pump profits pay for the town’s generator, which supplies all of the electricity in the area.

Local NBC affiliate NBC11 reports that the price is high enough to get some customers to tell the station owner to go to hell. Another said the owner “should be shot for charging that much for gas.” C’mon, people. It’s time to stop getting mad and start getting greener.

[Source: NBC11]

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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Daily, UK, Th!nk (Think)

click to enlarge

March has been a big month for Th!nk, with the news about $4m investments and the new Ox model out of Geneva. We knew EV fans in Norway would be able to buy a Th!nk City soon, and the good news for Britons is that the City will be available to order in the UK sometime “during the last quarter of this year.” Smart Planet notes that the Th!nk City’s running costs of around 1.25p a mile are a good place to be and “exactly halfway between the usual stated costs of the G-Wiz and the Mega City.” While the Th!nk City does take longer to charge than some other EVs (10 hours at a standard plug vs. 4-6), you get more performance from it. 124 miles per charge being the big one; a little bit of punch with a 0-30 speed of 6.5 seconds being the other. UK buyers can expect to pay £14,000 (just under $28,000US) for a Th!nk City – plus £100 per month for a battery rental. Details after the jump.

Press Release:

FIRST FULLY ELECTRIC CAR TO GO ON SALE IN THE UK

UK motorists will soon be able to place orders to buy the first fully electric powered car later this year, when the new TH!NK city electric vehicle (EV) goes on sale in this country.

Revealed at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show this month by Norwegian electric vehicle pioneers Think, a company with 17 years experience in EVs, the new TH!NK city will be available for customer orders during the last quarter of this year.

TH!NK city is a true, modern urban car, not a quadricycle. It is a fully environmental vehicle, emission free and 95 percent recyclable. With an energy efficiency three times that of a traditional combustion engine car, it is a car that realistically meets the growing challenges of environmental protection and congestion and emissions legislation.

The two seater urban car has a top speed of 65 miles per hour. It accelerates from zero to 30 mph in just 6.5 seconds and 50 mph in 16 seconds. It requires just an overnight top-up of electricity and can travel for 124 miles in city driving on a fully charged battery. A full charge from a domestic electricity socket takes just ten hours. Over 10,000 miles use, the total cost of electricity used to power a TH!NK city will be in the region of £125.

TH!NK city is designed to meet the strict safety requirements of both Europe and the US, as a highway-safe road car. The car is equipped with ABS brakes, airbags and three-point safety belts with pretensioners and it meets all European and US requirements with good margins.

“Unlike the lower-range, electric quadricycles that have had limited success in the UK, TH!NK city is a real car which provides a realistic option for those motorists who want to drive a true zero emissions car,” said Richard Blundell, Managing Director of Think UK.

“Also, concern for the environment has been at the heart of the development of TH!NK city. It’s not only environmentally sound to drive, but the car itself is designed to be recycled,” he added.

Engineers, developers, buyers and designers in the company have focused on utilising clean recyclable materials, non-polluting production processes. The dashboard can be completely recycled. The fabric, body, supports, air ducts, adhesives and fixings are designed using the same recyclable materials.

TH!NK city’s body is made of recyclable ABS plastic, designed specifically for city driving. Not only is it ideal for motorists want to avoid visible scratches and irritating dents, the unpainted plastic bodywork also reduces both energy consumption and toxins, while also making the panels easier to recycle. The batteries are returned to the supplier at the end of their useable life.

Standard equipment on each TH!NK city includes power steering, central locking, a 4kW electric heater, and electric windows and mirrors. Optional equipment will include air conditioning, a pre-heat timer, electrically heated windscreen, full length sunroof, Radio CD with MP3, USB, Bluetooth, a navigation & multimedia system, alloy wheels, roof rack and 2 + 2 children seats (including 3-point seat belts)

Production started last autumn, and the first batch of cars will be delivered to Norwegian customers this spring with orders for UK cars being taken in the last quarter of this year. The expected retail price of TH!NK city is £14,000.

# # # #

Company history

Think has been developing and producing urban mobility solutions since the early 1990s. Major investments made during the Ford ownership period contributed to an important infrastructural upgrade. New investors are now grooming Think as “The Car Company of the 21st Century.”

The first prototype predecessor to today’s modern TH!NK city was developed in 1991. Drawing on 17 years of experience in electric vehicle development and production, Think is not a typical car industry start-up. TH!NK city was put in serial production in 1999, supported by American car giant Ford.

Ford became a major shareholder and invested USD 150 million in Think during its four years as an owner. When Ford decided to leave the electric vehicle sector in 2003, Think was sold out of the car manufacturing group. Though struggling to survive, Think has always retained the basic infrastructure and acquired considerable competence from its American owners.

During recent years, a wave of environmentalist conscience and climate change awareness has ripened the market for alternative mobility solutions. In 2006, Norwegian investors bought Think, and an experienced management team entered the scene. Both new and former staff members were added to the team, and a new strategy was outlined for the company. Further share issues during 2007 have prepared Think to go into regular serial production of the 5th generation TH!NK city. The car company of the 21st century is on the road.

“We are the car company of the 21st century. We develop zero emission vehicles and sustainable solutions and we are proud to be launching TH!NK city in new markets in 2008 and 2009, something that shows that the demand for sustainable solutions and zero emission vehicles is greater than ever before,” says Jan-Olaf Willums, CEO of Think Global.

[Source: Th!nk, Smart Planet h/t to Adam V]

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Filed under: Etc., Carbon Offset

Earlier this year, TerraPass sold its 100,000th sticker. The momentum to offset a vehicle’s carbon emissions continues, and you can now participate in the program even if you’re not in your car

uShip is a shipping service, and can help you move a vehicle when you need to get it somewhere but don’t have the time or money to move it yourself. uShip also offers more traditional shipping options (think pianos or moving furniture), and it’s this side of the company that partnered up with TerraPass. uShip’s trucks now sport the TerraPass sticker (if I’m reading things correctly) which makes using the service carbon neutral.

uShip’s Adam Greenspan told AutoblogGreen that the TerraPass partnership “is an effort to reduce the environmental impact of shipping. uShip also makes the shipping industry more efficient by filling empty cargo space and back hauls.” Nothing that other shippers aren’t trying (see here or here), but every time someone makes a greener decision, I’m pretty sure an angel gets its wings.

[Source: Adam G. of uShip]

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Filed under: Ethanol, Green Daily, USA

Gas prices are noticeably high. Ethanol is not exactly the most loved liquid in the country (unless you’re a farmer or a politician representing a farm state). How might you be able to leverage these negatives into a positive? How about making sure people know that all of this corn fuel is saving them at the pump?

According to a news release from the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), gasoline that has been blended to include ten percent ethanol is six to nine cents per gallon cheaper at the pump than gasoline that contains no ethanol. ACE uses data from price reports by Axxis Petroleum and the Oil Price Information Service to arrive at these numbers. ACE says about two million gallons of ethanol are added to the nation’s fuel supply every day.

[Source: American Coalition for Ethanol]

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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Green Daily

A little over ten days ago, GM’s Bob Lutz told us that the Chevy Volt would not be ready for media drives until July. While that announcement was slightly newsworthy because it signaled a small delay/shifting of the timeline. Whatever. The news that the lithium-ion-powered mules would still be on track to be driven at all was a good sign. Lutz has now confirmed to Reuters that those rides are still scheduled for July but then announced a delay of a different kind.

Two companies, Continental Automotive Systems and Compact Power Inc., are supplying test batteries for the Volt. GM had been hoping to name a supplier for the production Volt’s batteries in the first half of 2008, but that announcement will now come later in the year. Lutz told Reuters that, “We need a better handle on who has the technological capability we need and who is going to have the production capability.” And all the Volt fans held their breath a bit longer.

[Source: Reuters]

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Filed under: Hydrogen

A 2005 press image from Air Products.

“Mobile hydrogen fueling technology.” Sound like something you want? Air Products thinks so, and kicked off the company’s latest demonstration of its mobile refueling system, this time in Aiken County, South Carolina. Air Products’ announcement explains that there is one mobile fueler supplying 5,000 psi (350 bar) hydrogen for one hydrogen ICE truck. Everyone who is opposed to the wastefulness of hydrogen vehicles probably won’t be too keen on that. Aiken County officials, like Fred Humes, director of the Aiken County Economic Development Partnership, are gushing about the technology, though. Humes said in a statement that, “By working with Air Products, we have access to the latest in vehicle fueling equipment and a reliable supply of hydrogen. The project team will provide tangible and visible proof that the use of hydrogen as a replacement for gasoline is feasible, safe and reliable.” Air Products recently announced a plan to bring ten hydrogen buses to London.

[Source: Air Products]

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