News Around World: Green on top

Green on top, or face $100,000 fine, city propose

Toronto is poised to become the first city in North America to make green roofs mandatory on most new buildings and set standards for their construction.

A city committee yesterday considered a proposed bylaw that would require roofs on new buildings with an area of 5,000 square metres or greater to be 30% to 60% covered by vegetation. The bigger the building, the more planted space it would have to have--otherwise fines of up to $100,000 could be levied.

As drafted, the bylaw would cover mid-to high-rise condos, retail space and office towers, but exempt low-rise, large-scale industrial, nonprofit housing and public buildings such as schools.

But even as Toronto's powerful development industry was urging the city to slow down and keep green roofs strictly voluntary, local politicians were complaining the draft bylaw was too cautious for a metropolis vying to be the most environmentally minded on the continent.

Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, who helped bring the city's first power-generating windmill to the Exhibition grounds, said he was "disappointed" the first draft of the bylaw was so "tepid."

Mr. Pantalone asked city staff to come back in a month with a proposal that would include schools, low-rise buildings on "Main Street" and even private residences.

"Either we are the leading city in the world or we're the ones who looked in the mirror and got scared," he said.

BILD -- the Toronto and GTA Building Industry and Land Development Association -- was quick to urge city politicians to reconsider.

The association sent a letter to the city's chief planner expressing reservations and proposing a pilot project first instead of a full-scale bylaw.

"We have significant concerns with the city's proposal to require and govern the construction of green roofs. We continue to advocate that green roofs be implemented on a voluntary basis," it stated.

"If the home-building and development industry are provided with various incentives, this approach would assist the city with its objectives, while not forcing green roofs on those who may choose to use other forms of sustainable development for their projects."

Since his election in 2003, Toronto's hybrid-driving Mayor David Miller has put the environment front-and-centre on the municipal agenda, setting up a LiveGreen office to promote eco-friendly living, offering rebates for low-flush toilets, banning bottled water sales at city hall, taking on the coffee industry over the disposable cup and studying climate change within civic boundaries.

A new city report touts the environmental benefits of rooftops covered largely in plants and organic material as opposed to asphalt or metal.

These include "reducing the urban heat island effect and energy consumption, improving air quality and storm water management and creating opportunities for biodiversity and habitat creation and beautification of the city."

Steve Daniels, who sat on a green roof technical advisory committee representing BILD, said developers are interested in working with the city to create more green roofs. But he said they can add "hundreds of thousands of dollars ... if not more" to the cost of a project.

"The range can be anywhere on the lower end from $18 a square foot to around $28 a square foot. It's somewhere in that range that we're looking at for an added cost," Mr. Daniels said.

"It's always a concern. Compounded with development charges, compounded with application fees that go up, it's a cumulative effect. So this is just another added cost that has to be factored in at the end of the day."

On top of that, he said there is trepidation about how the new bylaw, which derives its authority from the City of Toronto Act, would mesh with the Ontario Building Code and other city zoning requirements, such as those that call for outdoor amenities for high-rise condos. Those amenities often end up on the rooftop.

Stephen Upton, vice-president development planning at building giant Tridel, pointed out that once installed, the rooftop shrubbery has to be left untouched for two years to allow it to take root.

More information is also required about the longevity of green roofs and how much should be budgeted in a condo corporation's building fund for future replacement.

"I think there's still quite a bit left to be understood, digested and refined," Mr. Upton said. "Toronto green standards, those are things that shouldn't be mandated but should be encouraged."

But while the developers were balking at the bylaw, environmental groups were urging Toronto to move further and faster.

Steven Peck, president of the 10-year-old Torontobased group Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, said the city's efforts could create jobs and be on the "leading edge" of the technology.

"We're very concerned that there's been a watering down of the requirements and we're concerned it will set a negative precedent for cities elsewhere in North America," Mr. Peck said, adding Toronto is "perched on the edge of really starting to get serious about implementing green roofs."

The issue will return to the planning and growth committee for further debate on May 6.

News Around World: Green on top

0 comments RSS Posted by Alluri Girish at 11:07 PM

Ireland and Renault-Nissan Sign Agreement to Develop Electric Vehicles

Ireland’s Energy Minister Eamon Ryan recently announced a major move in the electrification Irish motoring. The Memoranda of Understanding (signed by Minister Ryan on behalf of the Government) and by Padraig McManus (for ESB) will create favourable conditions for the distribution of electric vehicles to the Irish market by Renault-Nissan.

In a hugely significant and new collaboration between Government, between the semi-state electricity supplier ESB and between car manufacturers Renault-Nissan, these electric vehicles will be on Irish roads within 2 years.


“This historic agreement”, said Minister Ryan “is proof of Government’s firm intention to act on the electrification of transport. Some months ago, I announced the Government target to move to at 10% target of electric vehicles by 2020. Today’s Memorandum of Understanding will help us not only realise, but surpass this target.

We are well on our way and our streets will see the change very shortly”.

“In November, we sent a call to the market that Ireland was ‘open for business’ on electric cars. Our call has been answered by Renault-Nissan and I’d like to welcome them to the Irish market with this new product Today we sign, what I hope will be the first of many agreements with interested companies”. The Irish Government’s intentions are not product-exclusive.

“Today’s initiative will transform our streets, will cut carbon emissions and change the face of transport in Ireland,” he said. “Again we see the ESB stepping up to the plate to secure Ireland’s future and I commend them for their vision and work in this regard”.

“This collaboration will provide the world with a model for how electric vehicles can be achieved globally. We will continue to press ahead”.


Renault-Nissan Denki concept
ESB Chief Executive Padraig McManus described today’s development as an “an opportunity for Ireland to demonstrate its leadership in the green revolution, including in electric transport”.

“ESB has set out its plans to become carbon-neutral by 2035 and carbon-neutral electricity will power an emissions-free transport system. ESB will roll out a charging network to support the development. We will guarantee open access to all electricity suppliers and car manufacturers and can ensure adherence to the strictest safety standards for the recharging points”, he said.

“The roll-out of electric vehicles will provide major employment opportunities in a number of areas”, he said.

Speaking at the announcement, Andrew Palmer, Senior Vice President, Nissan Motor Company, said the Renault-Nissan Alliance looks forward to a successful partnership with Ireland.

“We regard Ireland as a leader in the EV project. Demography and political support make Ireland one of the most suitable locations for a large scale roll out of electric vehicles. Renault and Nissan are particularly pleased to be working with the Irish Government and ESB in putting in place the correct conditions to support electric transport“.

About ESB

Founded in 1927, ESB is Ireland’s leading electricity company. It is a vertically integrated utility that generates, distributes and supplies electricity in a regulated energy market.ESB Group employs approximately 6,500 people and sub-company, ESB International, employs 1,200 on its overseas business that has spanned more than 100 countries.One of Ireland’s most successful companies with an annual turnover of €3.5 billion, ESB has grown in value from €2.5 billion in 2002 to approximately €6.5 billion today.
Ireland and Renault-Nissan Sign Agreement to Develop Electric Vehicles

0 comments RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 6:30 AM

Smith Electric Vehicles Collaborates with Ford Motor Company to Build Electric Vans

Smith Electric Vehicles, the leading manufacturer of commercial electric vehicles, recently announced an electric vehicle development collaboration with Ford Motor Company. Smith Electric Vehicles, a trading division of The Tanfield Group Plc, will work with Ford to introduce a battery-electric light van, the first vehicle in the company’s broad electrification strategy for the North American market which was announced at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. This vehicle will be based on the European-designed Ford Transit Connect which goes on sale in North America this year.

The vehicle, which Smith will assemble in North America, will have a range of up to 100 miles on a full charge, without compromising the Transit Connect’s superior driving experience. It will operate very similarly to a conventional light van, but with smoother acceleration, less noise and zero emissions. The vehicle will be fully branded as a Ford product and will go on sale through selected Ford dealerships in North America in 2010.
Smith Electric Vehicles Collaborates with Ford Motor Company to Build Electric Vans

0 comments RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 6:30 AM

Coca-Cola bottles cool in emissions-free machines

The Coca-Cola Company, in partnership with Greenpeace, has committed to make all its new vending machines and coolers hydrofluorocarbon-free by 2015.

By using hydrofluorocarbon-free refrigeration, Coca-Cola would be able to reduce its equipment’s direct greenhouse gas emissions by 99 percent. The elimination of hydrofluorocarbons in the commercial refrigeration industry would be equivalent to the elimination of annual emissions of Germany or Japan.

Coca-Cola’s new green commitment will help influence the commercial refrigeration market to shy away from using hydrofluorocarbons. The company has already invested more than $50 million in research and development to accelerate the use of climate-friendly cooling technologies.

Next year, Coca-Cola and its bottling partners will purchase a minimum of 150,000 units of hydrofluorocarbon-free equipment, doubling the current rate of purchase to meet its goal to buy 50 percent of all new coolers and vending machines without hydrofluorocarbons by 2012.

The company has approximately 10 million coolers and vending machines worldwide, making up the largest element of Coca-Cola’s total climate impact.

Hydrofluorocarbon-free equipment
As a result of the company’s commitment to use hydrofluorocarbon-free equipment, carbon emission reductions will exceed 52.5 million metric tons over the lifetime of the equipment – the equivalent of removing 11 million cars from the road for one year.

Because of Coca-Cola’s supply chain engagement, a major supplier already intends to build a dedicated carbon dioxide compressor production facility to help meet the increasing demand for hydrofluorocarbon-free cooling options across the industry.

“At Coca-Cola, we are deploying our scale and working with suppliers to deliver cost effective alternatives to HFC, for us and for others,” said Rick Frazier, vice president of supply chain for the Coca-Cola Company.

The new green initiative is a direct result of the collaboration with Greenpeace that began in 2000. Greenpeace has urged Coca-Cola to use hydrofluorocarbon-free equipment for the Olympics. By the Torino Games in 2006 and the Beijing Games in 2008, the company was using all hydrofluorocarbon-free technology at Olympic venues.

“Large enterprises have both an opportunity and responsibility to change the game and Coca-Cola’s action leaves no excuse for other companies not to follow,” remarked Kumi Naidoo, executive director of Greenpeace International.

In addition to its refrigeration gas commitment, Coca-Cola also developed a proprietary energy management system that provides energy savings of up to 35 percent.

The beverage bottler is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

0 comments RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 3:30 AM

The Power Generated From Sun And Wind

The Power Generated From Sun And Wind
Posted by David Tanguay in wind power, sun power, solar power

The term green energy refers to the generation of power, usually electrical power, through renewable resources in other words, using energy sources that dont run out because weve used some of them. Green energy contrasts with power provided by fossil fuel, the emissions of which create toxic hydrocarbons that make us and our earth sick. Some green energy sources are sun, wind and water.

Green energy produced by the sun is called solar energy, generally captured through solar panels. There are two types of these solar panels. Each uses its own technology to create this green solar energy. Solar water heater collectors are green energy panels that absorb the suns energy and transfer it to water to heat it Solar or photovoltaic electric panels transform the radiation from the sun directly into electrical energy. For the best efficiency in solar green energy homeowners or contractors should mount the panels on a roof that faces south and at a 30 degree angle from the horizontal, and not near any shade or shadow caused by surrounding buildings, trees or chimneys.

Solar energy systems for water hearing are the most popular green energy in use in the United Kingdom. Connected to a homes hot water system, the solar panels provide more than half of each UK households hot water for a year. The two choices in solar collectors to heat water are evacuated tubes or flat plates.

Wind has been a source of green energy for several years. The primary early use of this green energy is to pump water and mill grain. Recently improvements in the technology of wind turbines have enabled the use of harnessed wind for the generation of electricity. In high wind areas such as Palm Springs CA, for example, youll see hundreds of wind turbines turning continually on the hills along the major thoroughfares. The electricity these generate then get exported to a grid for local use or for energizing a standalone application.

Wind as green energy has enormous potential both offshore and onshore for farming. It is one of the safest and cleanest of any of the renewable energy methods. The largest green energy source is the UKs use of wind energy. There youll find small green energy battery charging by wind at the lower end of the wind energy spectrum and huge wind farms that produce vast amounts of electricity at the higher end. While wind is currently producing less than one percent of the worlds energy green or otherwise, it has the potential for providing more than 10 percent. The expectation is that this will happen within the next twenty years, especially due to its highly competitive cost. Green energy from wind is very simple to create and maintain, and still leaves the surrounding land available for farming or development.

Of course, as with any green energy, neither solar or wind energy produce emissions or pollutants during their operation. About the only negative for either is the fact that some folks object to the look of the wind turbines, claiming it has a negative visual impact. Others disagree.

The Power Generated From Sun And Wind - Green Energy Online

0 comments RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 7:27 AM

Gimme a Green Cell Phone

No, I'm not talking about LG's green-hued Mint Chocolate phone (although, if I were in the market for a new Chocolate, the green Mint would be my preference). What I'm actually referring to is a new type of technology that the wireless industry is testing out that will use alternate energy to power cell phones. Cell companies have "heard the call" of millions ofgreen energy advocates and, in response, have begun working on ways to change the methods they have had in place for years.

There is a variety of ways that the cellular industry can utilize in place of their current mode of providing this convenience to its users. They are realizing that cell phone towers may have the ability to be powered by wind turbines. For those who don't know, turbines are

any of various machines in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid, such as water, steam, or gas, is converted to rotary motion.

These same cell towers could also be operated through the use of solar panels, making use of the energy of the sun to power up the cell phones. Antennas could also receive their back up energy from hydrogen fuel cells and computer equipment could be cooled through geothermal methods.

The wireless industry has come to realize, whether through their own conscience or through the voices of millions who care about the earth's current deterioration and eventual demise, all of the negative effects that its current methodology has had on environmental factors, and they seem to have a desire to alter their techniques in order to do their part to improve the condition of our world. However, my skepticism prevails, and it almost seems as if their concerns still reside more so in what impact this alteration with have financially. In other words, if this will save them money, they are more interested in attempting it.

The ideas that they have for this change over are still in the experimental phase, meaning it could take many years for this critical plan to be brought to fruition. To be fair, it should be noted that Sprint Nextel has been testing alternate energy sources for their cellular power since 2004, already using hydrogen fuel cells at 65,000 of its sites. In addition to this, Sprint has already been making use of many of the above mentioned alternates. T-Mobile is also attempting the application of some alternatives. T-Mobile's director of national operations planning mentioned tax incentives that are given to companies from states when using alternate energy resources.

The idea of "green" wireless technology is one step closer to attaining a more livable earth. Not only is there a certain amount of radiation that is emitted from the cell phone antenna, the electricity being used to operate cell phone towers is immense. Because the electricity is generated in the current, traditional ways, it wreaks havoc on Mother Earth. These new ideas that are being generated with some cellular companies (and I'm sure all will follow suit at some point) are crucial to the necessary end result of using alternative energy wherever is humanly possible.

Gimme a Green Cell Phone - Green Energy Online

0 comments RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 7:26 AM

Pumping Carbon Dioxide to Generate Power and More

A new study administered recently by Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory appears to show that by pumping carbon dioxide through hot rocks two different positive effects can be realized. First, this method has the ability to generate power, which has obvious effects in regards to the currentthe current modes of producing power. In addition to this advantageous result, by propelling the carbon dioxide through the hot rock, these dangerous greenhouse gases that are produced by fossil fuel power stations may be absorbed.

Karsten Pruess, the hydro-geologist at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory who carried out this studied, claims that "carbon dioxide could theoretically boost the amount of energy produced by hydrothermal plants by 50% or more...." and that "the technique could be used to dispose of the carbon dioxide produced by conventional power plants, which contributes to global warming."

In order to take control of the geothermal power, heat must be extracted from below the surface of the Earth. This new method being studied by Pruess can extract this heat more efficiently than the current method, which involves water being pumped through the hot rocks and subsequently being extracted again.

Pruess' hypothesis prior to utilizing the Soultz hydrothermal plant located in northwest France was that his method would be more resourceful than the plant's method of pumping water. Though he was not completely confident in this hypothesis prior to commencing the study, he learned that it is beneficial to take risks and attempt new solutions.

On top of the fact that driving carbon dioxide through the hot rocks produces more energy by up to 50 percent, it also necessitates less energy to be used in undertaking the process. This is due to the fact that the hot gas in the exit hole of the rocks is less impenetrable than the cooler gas at the entry, subsequently meaning reduced pumping would need to be done because of this density. Overall, this novel idea appears to be a win-win situation regarding the proposal of a new form of renewable energy.

Let us also look to the second aspect of absorbing the dangerous greenhouse gas that carbon dioxide is. According to Pruess' study, it seems to be inevitable that some amount of the gas would seep into the rock, storing the carbon dioxide. Although this seems like it would be an extreme positive, Robert Pine of the Camborne School of Mines in the United Kingdom thinks there could be some adverse affects from this.

His take on it is this: "While carbon dioxide is unlikely to escape from such traps, rock fractures, which are common in regions used for hydrothermal operations, could allow gas to leak out. Using gas fields might be better, but because they aren't very hot you would have to go very deep to get to the heat."

So, although he still appears to, in general, advocate the idea that Pruess has proprosed, in his opinion there are precautions that should be taken to ensure the most advantageous results from the new method.


Pumping Carbon Dioxide to Generate Power…and More - Green Energy Online

0 comments RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 7:25 AM

Bamboo Bike

Bamboo is a giant grass commonly found in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and South America. Bamboo is the fastest-growing woody plant on Earth; it can reach maturity in months compared to other woods, which take decades. It grows super-fast, some types grow about one meter a day. Bamboo is one of the most versatile

Bamboo has been used in the eastern hemisphere for centuries. Bamboo bikes have existed for over hundred years Particularly in the orient, but in other places as well when times were either hard or when metals were subject to civilian restriction, such as during the world wars and conflicts.

Any movie or documentary that you watch often depicts Asian villagers riding what seems to be poorly constructed bicycles through dilapidated towns. However, there is a great misconception regarding these bikes. Bamboo bikes are very different looking and maybe less likely to get stolen. They are lighter than, and just as strong, as bikes made using aluminum. They do not rust, and there are no nuts or bolts to loosen that can cause serious accidents.

Bamboo bicycles, therefore, can create sustainable way for businesses to keep costs down and it allows for local business to create employment, even in remote areas. It literally helps the economy by providing the necessary tools for people to provide for their families. With bamboo bicycles, there is no worry about running out of gas or if the engine will fail as with automobiles. Bamboo bicycles offer a safe and reliable mode of transportation with minimal repair costs, and require very little upkeep and maintenance.

Bamboo bicycles are extremely eco friendly because there are no harsh emission or pollutants that are released. An added benefit to bamboo bicycles is that the rider get many hours of exercise and generally remains in good health.

Bamboo is a totally renewable resource you can clear cut it, and it grows right back, almost like weeds in a garden. It is strong, but it's also very flexible, however, Bamboo is prone to splitting and fracturing when under lateral strain. This seems to be the only drawback to using bamboo.

Bamboo Bike - Green Energy Online

0 comments RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 7:21 AM

Zoe Z.E. Concept

Zoe Z.E. Concept’s special roof optimizes the management of the climate control system to ensure extended range, while the ambience inside the cabin can be customized.

Over and above its traditional role, the climate control system breaks new ground thanks to its hydrating, ‘detox’ and active scent functions which combine to enhance the travelling experience.

Zoe Z.E. Concept is a compact, versatile daily driver which represents a new way of experiencing mobility thanks to a choice of three battery-charging techniques.

Technical data

Motor

• Type : Electric
• Transmission type : Direct drive with forward/reverse inverters
• Maximum power EEC (kW/hp) : 70/95
• Maximum torque EEC (Nm) : 225

Battery

• Type : Lithium-ion
• Range : 160km

Steering and Brakes

Power steering : Electric variable rate power steering

Parking brake : Electric

Dimensions

• Rims (inches) : 21
• Length (mm) : 4,100
• Width (mm) : 1,840
• Height (mm) : 1,516
• Wheelbase (mm) : 2,605
• Front/rear track (mm) : 1,626/1,626
• Front/rear overhang (mm) : 747/719
• Unladen weight (kg) : 1,400
• Tyres : 185/55 R21
• Boot volume (dm3 VDA)… : Between 150 and 500… …with 4/3/2 occupants : …150/325/500

Performance

• Aerodynamic performance (CdA) : 0.25
• Top speed (kph) : 140

Zoe Z.E. Concept

0 comments RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 11:20 PM

Myers Motors introduces new two-passenger, 75 mph electric vehicle.

Tallmadge, OH – Myers Motors manufactures and sells the only 100% electricpowered, highway speed vehicles available for under $30,000 in the US, the singlepassenger NmG. Consumer feedback on the single-passenger vehicle led the design process for Myers Motors’ new two-passenger model, which will also cost less than $30,000. Like the NmG, the new model will feature Myers’ advanced lithium battery system that provides drivers with a standard 60-mile range. This range covers over 80% of America’s daily driving habits. Myers Motors also plans to give owners an option to upgrade the range to 100 miles to fit their commuting needs.

The two-passenger model is also designed for easy overnight charging, and, depending on local electricity prices, should only cost about 2-cents per mile to drive. Recharging overnight prevents overtaxing the electric grid, and in some locations may even allow EV owners to receive a discount on electricity rates for the recharge.

Dana Myers, Founder and President of Myers Motors said, “While people love our zippy single-passenger model, we know that sometimes you want to take a friend along for the ride – and soon you can.” He continued, “Our goal is to make electric vehicles more affordable for average Americans.” Myers anticipates production of this new vehicle will begin in the 4th quarter of 2010.

More details about the new vehicle will be revealed over the next several weeks on the Myers Motors website, www.myersmotors.com.

About Myers Motors

Myers Motors has been the only company selling and delivering three-wheel highway speed (75 mph) all-electric vehicles in the United States since 2006, following an intensive two-year R&D process. Manufactured in Tallmadge, Ohio, Myers Motors vehicles feature a lithium-battery system for extended range and battery life. The 60-mile range of their lithium battery vehicles covers more than 80% of all daily distance needs in the U.S., while the addition of the second passenger covers almost 9 out of every 10 trips taken in the U.S. In addition to the extended driving range, the new batteries should last over 100,000 miles for a vehicle driven an average of 60 miles a day. The Myers Motors team continues building a future in which fun, practical, and affordable electric vehicles are the norm for daily transportation needs

Myers Motors introduces new two-passenger, 75 mph electric vehicle.

0 comments RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 11:16 PM

GM India and REVA form partnership to transform electric vehicle market

Reva

New Delhi, September 24, 2009: General Motors India and Reva Electric Car Company (REVA) have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop electric vehicles for the Indian market. This unique partnership will bring together two companies, established in their own field to develop car platforms, electric vehicletechnology and advanced control systems. The agreement was announced jointly by Karl Slym, president and managing director, General Motors India and Chetan Maini, deputy chairman and chief technology officer, REVA.

Karl Slym, President and Managing Director, GM India said, “We are pleased to join hands with REVA to bring affordable small car platform based electric vehicles to the market in line with government objectives to reduce fossil fuel dependence. GM’s ability to develop platforms and REVA’s capability in developing electric drive-trains and control systems will result in, the consumer having a wider choice of EVs. We are going to be working closely with the Central and State Governments in India to develop infrastructure for electric vehiclecharging and providing specific financial benefits to consumers, who make the choice to adopt an environment-friendly mode of personal transport.”

REVA-NXR

Speaking on the occasion, Chetan Maini, Deputy Chairman and CTO, Reva Electric Car Company said, “This unique collaboration symbolizes a global trendsetter for partnerships that will result in far reaching changes in the industry. Each of the partners will use its strengths, with the aim of making India a global hub for the development and manufacture of electric vehicles and related technologies. I am extremely happy that we have found a partner in GM India that shares our passion for reducing carbon emissions”.

Development of small electric vehicles is a growth area around the global automotive industry and we are excited that this cooperation with REVA in India will accelerate GM’s progress to meet the emerging needs in many parts of the world ” , said Nick Reilly , President of GM International Operations . GM is pursuing several energy alternatives and advanced technology options to meet the varied needs of customers around the world. GM believes that electrically driven vehicles, based on battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology, offer the best long-term solution for providing sustainable personal transportation, he added.

The two companies have begun feasibility studies of GM’s vehicle platforms sometime back to host the electric technology and they will announce more details about the vehicles soon.

About General Motors India

General Motors India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Motors Company, USA, has completed over 12 years of operation in India. GM India started its journey in 1996 and now offers products under the Chevrolet brand, which was introduced in India in 2003. Chevrolet had already emerged as one of the fastest growing automotive nameplates in India. GM India produces the Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet SR-V, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Tavera for sale in India and operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Halol, Gujarat and in Talegaon, Maharashtra.

About REVA Electric Car Company Pvt. Ltd

Reva Electric Car Company, a Bangalore-based company with over 14 years of experience in electric vehicle (EV) research and development. It is the first company worldwide to successfully commercialize electric cars and was acclaimed by Business World India in 2006 as one of India’s “Cool Companies” and technology innovators. Today, REVA is selling or test marketing its products in 24 countries across Europe and Asia, as well as Latin and Central America. It has the largest deployed fleet of electric cars on the market with over 3,000 EVs on the road and more than 70 million kilometers of user experience. In recognition of its technology leadership, REVA was the recipient of the Frost & Sullivan 2008 Automotive Power train Company of the Year award.

GM India and REVA form partnership to transform electric vehicle market

0 comments RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 11:15 PM

Diesel Hybrid Electric Drivetrain Developed for Military Applications

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. has introduced a fuel efficient, high performance diesel hybrid electric powertrain, “Q-Force,” after six years of development. This advanced, proprietary 4-wheel drivetrain can be configured for specialized military as well as commercial applications.

The first application of Quantum Q-Force is in a JP-8 fuel compatible diesel engine-based, battery dominant, series-hybrid electric military Alternative Mobility Vehicle (AMV). A number of pre-production prototypes that incorporate Q-Force have been successfully developed and built for testing and evaluation by selected commands to assess mission suitability, supportability, performance objectives, and guidance on final vehicle configuration.

In one configuration, the diesel engine produces 75 horsepower, the electric motor, 133 horsepower, and the powertrain yields 5,463 foot-pounds of torque after gear reduction. Features of Q-Force include:

Sophisticated System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, incorporating Quantum‟s proprietary algorithms

Hybrid control system that minimizes battery size through optimized charge controls and regenerative braking

Optimized engine operation/calibration and generator performance

Advanced traction motor/transmission system

Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum said: “Our innovative diesel hybrid electric all-wheel drive system provides high performance, acceleration and extended range, resulting in significant advantages for the U.S. Army in communications, surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance missions. We believe that Quantum’s Q-Force drivetrain is also very well-suited for commercial applications including homeland security, border patrol, park service operations, and light-duty automobiles.”

In 2008 Quantum introduced a gasoline plug-in-hybrid electric drive known as „Q-Drive‟ in the Fisker KARMA 4-door sports sedan. Fisker Automotive, a „Green American‟ car company co-founded in 2007 by Quantum and Henrik Fisker, was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for a low interest loan of $528.7 million, under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Loan Program.

About Quantum:

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., a fully integrated alternative energy company, is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles.

Diesel Hybrid Electric Drivetrain Developed for Military Applications

0 comments RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 11:12 PM