Jalopnik: E85

E85 Gas Pumps Pass 1,800 Mark, Still Can't Find One In Sarah Palin's Alaska

Andrew Stoy — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EDT

A new report shows the number of E85 ethanol pumps in the U.S. has grown nearly 28% in the past year, surpassing the 1,800 mark with 1,693 available for public use. The states with the most E85 pumps are, as you'd expect, in the corn belt, including Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri. Just don't expect to find them in every corner of the country: Despite the growth in E85 availability, seven states still don't have any E85 pumps, including Alaska. Considering E85 expansion is part of our current national energy policy, it makes us wonder if Governor Palin should revise her favorite chant to "distill, baby, distill."

But, of course, the problem with ethanol remains one of economics rather than availability. E85 costs about 18% less nationwide than a gallon of gasoline despite containing 23-28% less energy. When the cost to grow, process, distill and transport that ethanol is taken into account, the math just doesn't work out in favor of corn likker . But we are glad our farmer friends are finally able to afford those new Sea Rays. [Green Car Congress; Image Credit: EPA]

SwiftFuel Is Just Like Fuel, Except Probably Full Of Crap

Andrew Stoy — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:40:00 EDT

Today brought us news of a purported new solution to high gas prices: SwiftFuel. Currently intended as a replacement for leaded 100-octane aviation fuel, SwiftFuel claims to be ethanol-based, but somehow free from ethanol's negatives such as its lower energy density, incompatibility with gasoline, and propensity to destroy rubber components. How do we know all this? The company's MySpace page told us so. But since we realize social networking sites sometimes contain minor misrepresentations, we decided to dig deeper. What we've discovered, and more importantly, what we still don't know, after the jump.

Ordinarily, we wouldn't have given SwiftFuel a second glance due to the snake-oil style claims it makes. But in this case, the information came with a whiff of credibility thanks to a writeup by columnist Robert X. Cringely at PBS.org, including an interview with Mary Russek, half of the husband and wife team behind the company. Factor in the company's web site and a mention on Slashdot, and that's four different places you can find SwiftFuel on the internet. But is there any real information?

First, we looked at Swift Enterprises' claims about SwiftFuel, which are easy to spot thanks to the light-blue 20-point text on their MySpace entry:

Completely renewable with no petroleum: Fair enough, it's 100% ethanol based, so that claim seems plausible enough.
50% improvement in mileage over E-85 and 10-15% improvement over gasoline: I grouped these together since the math is basically the same. Still, this is a huge claim, considering that ethanol has only 75% of the energy density of gasoline. To achieve the required energy density, one would need to boost ethanol with another chemical or create a new hydrocarbon from the ethanol base stock.
20% fewer emissions than gasoline: You had me at "a 15% improvement in mileage." But the global warming benefits are certainly icing on the cake, and seem to point toward an oxygenate in the fuel.
No engine modifications, additives or stabilizers are needed: In other words, you don't need a FlexFuel engine to run SwiftFuel, nor do you have to dump a quart of STP in the tank to keep from burning a valve. So, whatever they're using is chemically inert.

The problem is, that's it. Aside from discovering that SwiftFuel is single, a Gemini, and interested in networking, there's no information explaining how these scientific miracles are accomplished. The company's appallingly slow web site offers their utopian vision: "Swift Enterprises aims to use renewable resources to end the energy crisis," but details amount to, "Swift is working with hydrogen peroxide and novel chemicals as new components in fuel cells and propellants." Peroxide as an oxygenate, perhaps? There's also a hint that the company is synthesizing hydrocarbons from ethanol, but that's about where the eight minutes of organic chemistry we took runs out.

So is SwiftFuel real? To paraphrase legions of X-Files fans, "We want to believe!" But we don't. When Robert Cringely and the Ruseks swing by our office with a jerrycan full of SwiftFuel for us to test, we'll bring you more. Until then, SwiftFuel belongs in the same category as Water 4 Gas and the Tornado.
[Slashdot]

Green Track Cars at the Ultimate Track Car Challenge!

Ray Wert — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:08:42 EDT

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

It took a bit of poking and prodding, but we managed to round up four "green" track cars for the Grassroots Motorsports Ultimate Track Car Challenge on Sunday. We have two Jetta TDIs—the Chili Pepper Racing TDI and the Kerma TDI. We'll also have the AC Propulsion eBox, which currently holds the 1/8th mile record with the National Electric Drag Racing Association for a street conversion. And finally, we have the Organic Racing Lotus 7 replica (an E85-powered WCM Ultralite S2K). These four will compete to see who's the fastest, and who's the greenest. Stay tuned for full coverage of Sunday's event at Buttonwillow.

Avoid E85 Like A Plague Of Corn-Eating Locusts

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Filing up your E85 vehicle might initially feel better due to prices that are, on average, about 20% cheaper than regular octane, but the joke is on you. Because gas engines burn the typically corn-based fuel less efficiently, the adjusted cost of E85 is $4.321 per gallon compared to gas that averaged about $3.962 on Friday. Even in states that subsidize the cost of the fuel, like New York and Iowa, the difference still results in prices that are equal to or worse than the price of regular gasoline. Though this still means you are using less dino juice, we feel that this is offset by the disruption of food crops and the fertilizer runoff that is impacting the Gulf of Mexico. Maybe you should look into Algae power. [Kicking Tires]

Coors Puts Beer Waste To Use As Ethanol

Travis Hudson — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:05:00 EDT

As we continue our march towards the end of the highest-priced gas day of the year, let's turn to something a little bit more enjoyable to think about — like beer! Who says you have to harvest football fields worth of corn for one gallon of ethanol? Molson Coors Brewing Company, the company behind the delectable Coors Light has announced that it is the official E85 ethanol producer for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Wait, what? Seriously? A beer company is the ethanol sponsor for the Democratic National Convention?

Of course! You see, as former Jalopnik Mike Austin found out a couple of years back, Coors has been putting beer to debatably better use by harvesting ethanol out of wasted malted carbonated hops during the manufacturing process. Sure, ethanol may help with the performance of your car, but how's it going to fraternity parties nationwide to not have access to cheap beer because Coors is busy spending time on getting Ethanol out of waste matter? Seriously, the nerve of some companies.

Anyway, the Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Co., is capable of producing three million gallons of ethanol per year. The link to the Democratic National Convention is a distant one, at best — although if you've been covering the process of choosing a Democratic party candidate this election cycle you'll realize how important it would be to have three million gallons of beer at the convention rather than ethanol. Not that the convention being held in Denver will need three million gallons of ethanol, as Coors will provide the ethanol to power the flex-fuel vehicles being used for the convention.

But, Coors will also be the official beer sponsor of the convention as well — just hope those hog-wild Democrats can differ between the two prior to consumption in case they accidentally do bring a case or two of the wrong alcohol mixture with them. [Newsblaze] (Image via Getty)

Saab 9-X Is A Hybrid Of Concept And Reality

Mark Arnold — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept is allegedly more than just another far-fetched yet stylish show car. Actually, this vehicle is supposed to hint strongly at an upcoming 9-1. For now, GM claims the car is powered by a 200HP 1.4-liter turbo four-banger, with magical Swedish hippie hybrid trickery. GM also feels the need to tell us that the engine can run on E85— as if that's even newsworthy anymore. No word on where the ignition key will go. But you know how Saab loyalists are about that extra-special quirk. Press release after the jump.

Saab 9-X BioHybrid: Boosting Efficiency in Compact Design and Performance
The Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.

Exploring design themes from Saab's award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the 9-X BioHybrid also demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147 kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM's next-generation Hybrid system. Projected combined cycle CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km on E85 fuel are testimony to the promise of this package (see separate release for details).

The interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab's driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a 'low friction' loading system.

"This car is all about efficiency in design and performance," says Anthony Lo, Director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden.

With its 'turbine' wheels placed at all four corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new dimension to conventional compact 'hatchback' looks.

The smooth 'fuselage' bodywork, now without any visible handles or door mirrors, the bold 'wraparound' window graphic and deep front grille are all themes inspired by the Aero X coupé concept shown at Geneva two years ago.

The car's distinctive 'shooting brake' silhouette and rear functionality are developed from the 9X multi-role concept shown at Frankfurt in 2001. "You could say we designed this car from back to front, "says Lo. "The shape of the 9X is right for a car of this size, and the longer roof line helps the aerodynamics as well as providing more rear headroom and interior space."

Echoing Saab's roots in aircraft design, the 9-X BioHybrid also explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag - and fuel consumption - at cruising speeds. Above 70 kph (43 mph), the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.

The four-seater cabin introduces an entirely new execution of Saab's driver-focused cockpit design. The central, floor-mounted console, with its angled controls and displays, is now eliminated. Instead, the driver- focused layout incorporates a main instrument panel that sweeps out from the top of the door moulding, arching across the driver. The embedded 3-D graphics appear to be 'frozen' in ice, continuing a Scandinavian design theme first seen in the Aero X.

Reflecting the needs of youthful customers, who expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car, Saab has co-operated with Sony Ericsson in providing seamless in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices. The result is a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions for display and use. The interface also allows the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.

At the rear, the cargo deck features an electrically-powered slide-out floor, which is activated when the bottom half of the split tailgate drops down The floor, and the back of the folding rear seats, is covered by 'high friction' rubber carpeting, which 'grips' items and holds them securely in place. For easy loading and unloading, aluminum bars automatically rise up and down as the tailgate is opened and closed.

The treatment of light is an important part of Scandinavian design and this is evident in the use of variable, white ambient lighting inside the cabin. The level of suffused illumination can be changed in intensity from bright, cold to warm and soft. It's a personalized feature that could even be programmed, for example, to reflect the pattern of the changing seasons

"This car shows how our concept work can be carried forward into a compact format," adds Anthony Lo. "It has a number of features which we will be developing further, such as the new driver-focused design theme, the importance of clean, uncluttered surfaces and the easy, seamless connectivity inside the car."

Technical Specifications

BioPower Engine:
Transversely-mounted, front wheel drive
1398 cc. Four cylinders Bore/stroke: 73.4/ 82.6 mm. Aluminum cylinder head, cast iron block
DOHC, chain-driven. Four valves per cylinder.
Forged steel crankshaft, steel connecting rods. Aluminum pistons, oil spray cooled.
Direct Injection with centrally-mounted injectors. VVT, inlet and exhaust
Sodium-filled exhaust valves
Compression Ratio: 10.2: 1
Intercooled turbocharger. Max. Boost Pressure: 1.6 bar
Dual-mass flywheel. Saab engine management

Max power (E85): 200 hp (147 kW) @ 5000 rpm.
Max.torque (E85): 280 Nm (207 lb.ft) @ 1750-5000 rpm
Max power (gasoline): 170 hp (125 kW) @ 5200 rpm.
Max.torque (gasoline): 230 Nm (170 lb.ft) @ 1500-5200 rpm

Hybrid System
Electric motor/generator with lithium ion battery pack.
Electric power boost, regenerative braking, fuel cut-off, automatic engine re-start

Transmission:
6-spd manual gearbox, automated clutch, sequential gear selection, steering wheel controls

Suspension:
Front: Damper/coil struts, aluminum lower A-arm. Anti-roll bar.
Rear: Torsion beam, two trailing links, coil springs and dampers. Anti-roll bar
Steering:
Rack and pinion, Electrical power assistance.

Wheels, Tires:
21inch, 245/35R21
Brakes:
Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster. Discs: 345 mm / 345 mm (all ventilated)

Performance Data
(projected figures)

0 - 100 km/h (0-62 mph): 7.9 secs (E85)
8.3 secs (gasoline)

80 -120 km/h (50-75 mph), 5th gear: 8.8 secs (E85)
11.2 secs (gasoline)

Top Speed, 6th gear: 216 km/h /134 mph (E85)
192 km/h / 119 mph (gasoline)

Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 6.4 l/100km (E85)
4.9 l/100km (gasoline)

CO2 emissions 105 g/km (E85)
117 g/km (gasoline)

[source: Saab]

Ford Extending E85 Corn Goodness To E-Series, Navigator and Expedition

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:45:00 EST

More exciting action from the D.C Auto Show as Ford snuck some E85 news into the 2009 Ford Escape press release. The company's E-Series vans, Navigator and Expedition will be able to run on E85 fuel this year, which is good news for the small percentage of the people reading this that have access to the approximately 0.01% of gas stations in the United States that actually offer Ethanol and are suddenly in the market for a bold-faced commercial van. Excuse us if we're not that excited. We really wanted them to announce they were building an E-Series van that runs on straight vegetable oil. Press release below the jump.

Press Release on E85

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 22, 2008 - Today at the Washington Auto Show and Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Ford Motor Company announced its hot-selling compact SUVs, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, will become more fuel efficient, more powerful and more connected for the 2009 model year.
Ford also announced that it is expanding its commitment to biofuels by adding three additional vehicles to its E85-capable flexible fuel line-up for 2009 - the E-Series van, as well as the standard and extended-length models of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. These additional product actions are part of Ford's sustainability strategy, which also includes high-volume introductions of EcoBoost gas turbocharged direct injection engines.

Speaking today at Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally met with industry leaders and media to share today's announcement and discuss how Ford is accelerating the development of new products and technologies customers want and value. Mulally also reaffirmed that Ford will reach benchmark levels of new or significantly freshened products, delivering a showroom with 70 percent new or freshened vehicles by the end of 2008 and 100 percent by 2010.

"This year, we make good on our commitment to freshen our showrooms," Mulally said. "We just introduced the new 2009 Ford F-150 last week, and it was a hit. We also have Lincoln MKS and Ford Flex coming, as well as a new Mustang early next year."

At the Washington Auto Show, Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, outlined the company's high-volume customer-focused strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy.

"Ford Motor Company is increasing fuel economy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions with affordable technologies for millions of customers," said Cischke. "In the near term, we will leverage existing technologies to achieve those goals, including advanced engines and multi-speed transmissions. The 2009 Escape and Mariner are great examples of how we're delivering today."

[Source: Ford]

Detroit Auto Show: Chevy Releases E85 Powered Corvette for ALMS, Spotted Owls Rejoice

Wes Siler — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST

As part of a drive to push green innovation in the racing world, the American Le Mans series has announced the Green Challenge. Basically, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy are partnering with SAE to encourage race teams to use renewable fuels, alternative engine configurations, regenerative braking and emissions controls. Chevy unveiled this Corvette race car, plastered in E85 stickers, to highlight the announcement. We're bigger fans of the Vantage GT2, which is also powered by ethanol, or the Lexus IS350 GT2.

No emissions targets or environmental impact limits have been set. While we would love to see racing reduce its impact on the world around us, thus furthering research into enabling passenger cars to do the same, we can't help but feel efforts like this merely pay lip service to being environmentally friendly in order to placate critics.

Detroit Auto Show: GM>>Next Press Event

Mike Spinelli — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 12:06:31 EST

GM's new green push, dubbed GM>>next, shows what happens when a global multinational throws a few tens of millions in public relations and directs marching orders toward facing down rival Toyota's reputation, deserved or not, for greenness. It's the marketing wrapper under which all of GMs's alternative energy projects exist. One of those is GM's backing of E85 Ethanol, the increased production of which they're saying will reduce the use of fossil fuels to the tune of 30 percent by 2030. In between, the speculation on corn will continue to drive the price of dairy products, Cheetos and high-fructose corn syrup through the roof. The visual metaphor for the press event was extreme juggler Chris Bliss, who did a truly outstanding juggling number to the tune of the Beatles' "Carry That Weight." The balls were yellow, the color of GM's Ethanol initiative, corn itself, and many other things like Rick Wagoner's tie, bananas and one-fifth of Toucan Sam. Can midwest plus corn equal page inches? They also introduced the Hummer HX concept, whose V6 is set up to handle E85. GM also announced a partnership with Ethanol producer Coskata, which says it's got a way to make production more efficient and get more energy out of every drop. Harumph. Do these guys know how much Corn Flakes are now? Like $800 bucks an ounce.

Fuel Economy Rules Near Completion, Automakers Shift to Bicycle Production?

tingwall — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 11:45:00 EST

It looks like automakers will have to meet the dreaded 35-mpg fuel economy standard despite the gazillion dollars they claim it will take to get their cars sipping gasoline like it's Dom Pérignon. Senate and House members are working out the final details of a bill that will likely have a significant impact on what we drive over the next decade and then some. Automakers had been lobbying against the initial bill, expressing specific concern over wording that would require cars and light trucks to meet the same 35-mpg benchmark. The latest edition allows vehicle to meet standards lower than 35 mpg based on their weight and size as long as an automaker's entire fleet meets the 35-mpg standard. Click through the jump to find out what other changes are expected — and what the chances are that Toys 'R Us (how the hell do you type a backwards 'R' on a computer?) will bring back that $50 Dodge Viper bike.

In addition to establishing standards by size and weight, a plan to give fuel economy credits for producing ethanol-capable flex fuel vehicles has made the bill more platable to automakers. It is anticipated that the bill will require ethanol consumption to increase by billions of gallons along with other alternative fuels while accelerating the implementation of new fuel-saving technolgies. By the middle of the next decade, more than half the cars in production are expected to make use of advanced technologies. So does the new bill mean the end of rear-wheel drive and big V8s before the Muscle Car Wars even got started? The full impact won't become clear until the deal is completed, all of the details are revealed and the experts have weighed in. For now, just remember: if you can't afford a $35,000+ V8, do your duty and buy a disastrously slow subcompact so the rest of us can buy that sweet gas-guzzling brute. [The Detroit News]

Enterprise Opens First Ethanol Branch

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST

Because there aren't enough things for rental car companies to screw up, Enterprise is now opening an all flexfuel branch in Kirkwood, Missouri (a suburb of St. Louis). This is another salvo in the war to seem the greenest, with other companies offering carbon offsets and hybrids and the like. The new location will be adjacent to the city's first E85 pump, so that drivers can actually put ethanol in their rentals. GM makes a fairly large fleet of ethanol vehicles, so you should still be able to rent the full range of products in flexfuel form. Press release below the jump.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Announces First E85/FlexFuel Branch in St. Louis; Latest Move in Nationwide Commitment to New, Clean Fuels and Technologies

As part of its nationwide commitment to promote the increased availability and use of new, clean fuels and technologies throughout the United States, Enterprise Rent-A-Car today dedicated its first "E85/FlexFuel branch" in the St. Louis area, located at 11135

Manchester Road in Kirkwood. Officials from Enterprise, General Motors, fuel supplier J.D. Streett & Co. Inc., the City of Kirkwood, St. Louis Regional Clean Cities and the Missouri Corn Growers Association will be on hand as the Enterprise branch begins fueling its FlexFuel vehicles from Kirkwood's first E85 fuel pump, at the nearby ZX SMACK Shoppe Inc., at 10921 Manchester Rd. Enterprise will fuel the vehicles at noon during the ZX station's one-day promotion offering E85 to customers at $1.85 per gallon.

For Enterprise, the move is the latest addition to a comprehensive, long-term environmental stewardship platform, and follows the launch in recent months of similar E85/FlexFuel branches in Washington, D.C., and in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton, Ohio.

"As the owner of the world's largest vehicle fleet, we are committed to fueling our FlexFuel vehicles with E85 and sending a strong message that we are ready to embrace new technologies and alternative fuels as they become commercially viable," said Tony Moise, vice president and general manager of Enterprise's operations in the St. Louis area. "Those who produce and sell FlexFuel vehicles and E85 fuel need to know that if they make it, we will buy it, and we will encourage our customers to use it as well.

"Today we are honored to back that commitment by establishing our first E85/FlexFuel branch in our hometown of St. Louis," Moise said. "About 25 percent of our fleet at that branch will be GM FlexFuel vehicles, and we are committed to keep them fueled with E85 from ZX's fueling station. It's a pleasure to join with others who share our commitment to environmental stewardship."

The Taylor family of companies, which includes Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car, has the world's largest fleet of FlexFuel vehicles - more than 54,000 cars and trucks that have the ability to burn E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Nationally, Enterprise is actively deploying as many of its FlexFuel vehicles as possible near E85 fueling stations in order to build consumer awareness and increase the number of cars being fueled with E85. According to the EPA, E85 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 percent.

"E85 ethanol is the biofuel most likely to reduce our demand for oil, and GM offers 11 E85 models," said Frank Ellis, fleet account executive for General Motors. "We're happy to work with Enterprise to help promote and expand the availability of E85 fuel in St. Louis, and in more and more communities across the country."

The Enterprise E85/FlexFuel branch will have about 35 GM FlexFuel vehicles available for rental. To educate customers about E85, Enterprise will provide in-car materials showing the locations of other St. Louis-area E85 fueling stations, and offer information on the environmental benefits of the fuel.

"At Enterprise, we know there are two things we need to be successful for the long term - cars and fuel," said Moise. "We need access to both and both must be acceptable to society. For us, environmental stewardship is about sustaining our business for the long term by addressing the parts of the world our business touches. Embracing renewable fuel blends like E85 and alternative technologies like FlexFuel is a step in the right direction to reduce vehicle emissions and cut our dependence on fossil fuels.

"Part of our goal as a company is to reduce the environmental impact of our fleet," Moise added. "But we know our customers care about the environment, too. We want to make it easier for them to make sustainable choices. In St. Louis, this focus on E85 and FlexFuel vehicles will help us accomplish that goal."

In addition to this initiative to embrace E85, FlexFuel and other new, clean technologies, the other major elements of the company's environmental platform include:

— Offsetting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions - Beginning in January 2008, Enterprise - along with National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car - will offer customers the opportunity to benefit the environment by offsetting the CO2 emissions generated by their car rentals.

— The world's largest fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles - More than 440,000 cars in the combined Enterprise, National and Alamo worldwide fleet average a highway fuel efficiency rating of 28 mpg or better, and more than 237,000 average at least 32 mpg. In addition, 264,000 have earned the U.S. EPA's SmartWay certification mark - a distinction the EPA grants to vehicles that emit relatively low levels of both regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases such as CO2.

— Research - In February 2007, the Taylor family gave $25 million to create the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, one of the world's foremost plant research centers. The institute works to develop acceptable alternatives to finite fossil fuels by finding new ways to create fuel from renewable, reliable plant sources.

— Conservation - The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation is funding the planting of 50 million trees over the next 50 years at a total cost of $50 million through the 50 Million Tree Pledge, a public/private/non-profit partnership with The National Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service. The trees are being planted on public lands in the U.S., Canada and Europe.
[PR Inside]

Diesel Tops Hybrids, E85 in RAND Study

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:45:00 EST

Those funky number crunchers at the RAND Corp have found that owning a diesel is slightly more cost efficient for the buyer than a hybrid, but that owning either contributes to the betterment of society. The study also found that E85 kind of blows, relative to the other options. Diesel was the overall winner as it provided the highest savings over the life of the vehicle ($460 for cars, $1,249 for SUV's and $2,289 for trucks), compared to hybrids ($198 for cars, $505 for trucks and $1,066 for SUV's). E85 cars actually cost their owners more over the lifetime of the vehicles, though still assure that someone missing part of their spine will be elected president. Full release after the jump:

Diesel- and Hybrid-Powered Vehicles Can Provide More Societal Benefits than Gas-Powered Autos

Cars and light trucks powered by advanced diesel technology or hybrid technology can provide larger societal benefits than traditional gasoline-powered automobiles, according to a RAND Corporation working paper presented today.

The research by RAND, a non-profit research organization, also found that light trucks and cars continuously fueled by a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline - known as E85 - compare unfavorably with the other two alternatives.

"Rising oil prices coupled with concerns about global climate change are driving debate about which fuels and engines should be used to power the 17 million new cars and trucks sold each year," said John Graham, dean of the Pardee RAND Graduate School and senior author of the research paper.

"Advanced diesel and hybrid technologies show very well in this study, in terms of benefits to the individual and society overall," Graham said. "E85 simply doesn't provide the same benefits."

Graham presented the results of the research today at the annual meeting of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management in Washington, D.C. The peer-reviewed paper is available online as part of RAND's working paper series in which initial research results are shared publicly to solicit additional technical feedback.

The research examines the benefits and costs of three alternatives to the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine for the 2010-2020 period: gasoline-electric hybrid technology (as found in the Toyota Prius or the Ford Escape SUV Hybrid), advanced diesel technology (such as the Mercedes-Benz E320 sedan), and dual-fuel vehicles that are powered continuously by E85.

Each alternative has the technological potential for significant market penetration in the near term, the research finds.

Additionally, each technology was compared to a gasoline-powered vehicle. Comparisons were made for three vehicle types: a mid-sized car, a mid-sized SUV and a large pick-up truck. The cost-benefit comparisons were made from the perspective of individual consumers and society in general, on a per-vehicle basis over the life of the vehicle.

The paper ranks the four technologies using benefit-cost analysis. Using most reasonable assumptions, the results placed advanced diesel technology first, followed by hybrid technology, the gasoline engine and E85 technology.

The consumer perspective accounted for technology cost, fuel savings, mobility and performance. The societal perspective also included tailpipe pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and "energy security costs" for the fuels - the costs to society as a whole from greater dependence on expensive and unstable foreign oil supplies.

Fuel taxes are excluded in the societal case, which is typical of benefit-cost analysis. And the costs are estimations that illustrate relative performance.

The results assume fuel prices of $2.50 per gallon for gasoline, $2.59 per gallon for diesel fuel, and $2.04 per gallon for E85 (including tax credit). The report also examines scenarios where fuel costs are much higher and much lower.

Among the key findings from the consumer perspective:

* For all three vehicle types, the advanced diesel offers the highest savings over the life of the vehicle among the options considered. These savings increase with the size and fuel use of the vehicle: $460 for the car, $1,249 for the SUV and $2,289 for the large pick-up truck;
* The hybrid option has smaller but still considerable savings for SUV applications ($1,066), moderate savings for pick-up applications ($505) but minimal savings over the life of the vehicle for car owners ($198);
* The vehicles operating on E85 cost all three owners more over the vehicle life, with a greater net cost burden for larger vehicles and increased fuel consumption: (-$1,034 for cars, -$1,332 for SUVs, -$1,632 for pick-ups).

Both the hybrid and diesel vehicles are more fuel efficient than their gasoline-powered counterparts: 25 to 40 percent better for hybrid and 20 to 30 percent for diesel, depending on the vehicle.

"While it is assumed that the hybrid vehicle will save more fuel than the advanced diesel, the overall advantage goes to the diesel because of its lower technology costs and better performance such as increased torque," Graham said. "For E85, it is the cost of producing the fuel, not vehicular changes, that drives the negative results."

The key findings from the societal perspective are similar to those of the consumer perspective, including:

* The advanced diesel again shows the most promise, particularly for the larger vehicles: $289 for cars, $1,094 for SUVs and $2,199 for large trucks.
* The net benefits for hybrids are somewhat less positive, with moderate-to-small values of $481 for SUVs and $132 for light trucks, and an increased cost for cars (-$317) over the life of the vehicle
* Results for E85 remain uniformly negative, even more so for larger than smaller vehicles: -$1,046 for cars, -$1,500 for SUVs and -$2,049 for light trucks

"While the net benefit of E85 is generally unfavorable compared to hybrid and advanced diesel technology, the diesel's edge over the hybrid is not as significant," Graham said. "If the cost of hybrid technology falls significantly, the benefits of the hybrid could equal or exceed the diesel."

The report finds that E85 does not generate net societal benefits unless a breakthrough reduces ethanol production costs or gas prices stay near their current high levels for a sustained period of time.

"Hybrid and diesel technology are close, but diesels have the advantage for the typical motorist, and provide a strong edge for drivers who require towing, hauling and rugged capabilities such as those offered in pick-ups," Graham said. "Hybrids have a competitive edge for urban consumers who experience more stop-and-go city traffic."

Graham said it is unlikely that market forces alone will result in widespread use of any of the three technologies, noting that federal consumer tax credits improve the benefit-cost estimates of the advanced diesel and hybrid technologies.

The paper, "The Benefits and Costs of New Fuels and Engines for Cars and Light Trucks," can be found at www.rand.org.

The research was funded through philanthropic support for the Pardee RAND Graduate School, including contributions by DaimlerChrysler, The Dow Chemical Company, DuPont, Ford Motor Company, General Electric, General Motors and Toyota.

Other authors include Ryan Keefe and Jay Griffin, doctoral fellows at Pardee RAND Graduate School in Santa Monica, Calif.

The Pardee RAND Graduate School was founded in 1970 as one of America's original eight graduate programs in public policy and remains the only one based at a think tank. The interdisciplinary doctorate in policy analysis offered by the school is designed to train creative thinkers to play important roles in solving major problems facing the world. [RAND via EarthTimes]

Commenter of the Day: SEMA Press Release Orgy Edition

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:15:00 EDT

Murilee and I spoke with Wert on Saturday after the Pumpkin Smash. He was already in his ~~Howard Hughes Suite~~ room at the MGM Grand, so we asked if he was going to play some Texas Hold 'Em or get blotto off free booze or hit a strip club — you know, any Vegas-type activity. No, he told us, he was going to sit tight and post press releases. Which prompted me to remark that in a lot of ways, Ray and I are very different. Regardless, that boy can post! Which brings us to today's winning comment, right after you jump.

Herr Wert tossed one up about the '34 Chevy Coupe with the 2.0-liter, 500 HP Ecotec E85 turbo mill. To which we can only say, "Hot damn!" Commenter danms6 however, had a slightly different take:

I wouldn't be surprised if GM made this FWD.

We hate it when you all are smarter than us all. And more accurate, too. We just hate it.

SEMA 2007: 500 HP E85-Powered '34 Chevy Coupe

Ray Wert — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:15:00 EDT

1934 Chevy Coupe. 2.0-liter Ecotec engine running on E85. 500 HP. Need we say more? Actually, yes, we probably should, but with all of the GM SEMA nonsense running up in this here site all morning, frankly we're just getting sick of it. We mean fercrissakes, SEMA hasn't even started yet. Whatever. Full release after the jump. We're going to go find a hole to crawl in out here in Vegas.

FLEXFUEL CHEVY HOT ROD DEMONSTRATES VINTAGE STYLE AND MODERN ALTERNATIVE-FUEL PERFORMANCE
With a 500-horsepower engine, a channeled body and a chopped top, GM's custom street rod looks right at home on the salt flats of Bonneville. But instead of a traditional gasoline V-8, this '34 Chevy replica rod sports a turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec engine that runs on E85 ethanol. Appropriately, it has been dubbed the FlexFuel Chevy Hot Rod.

"Since the 1930's, hot rods have embodied American ingenuity, aesthetic flair and the quest for performance," said Bryan Nesbitt, vice-president of General Motors North American Design. "The ethanol Hot Rod is a modern statement that today's hot rodder can address energy concerns about the consumption of petroleum without sacrificing performance or style."

The car's low-slung stance and stripped-down essence suggests track cars and speed racers of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Open hood sides reveal the high-powered Ecotec engine, which has been pumped up with the help of GM Performance Parts' Stage III performance kit and a larger turbo. The higher octane of E85 enabled engineers to tune the engine for more power. It is backed by a GM Powertrain 5L40 five-speed automatic transmission.

"The engine was built using the basic recipe that is available in the Ecotec performance book available from GM Performance Parts," said Al Oppenheiser, GM Performance Division director of concept and vehicle integration. "Also, the E85 conversion is based on a kit that GM is exploring for regular production engines."

True hot rod aesthetic

Like hot rods built for the last 60 years, the FlexFuel Hot Rod is built from an assemblage of factory and aftermarket parts. The frame and body are based on the 1934 Chevy, but both were fabricated by the craftsmen at the GM Performance Division (GMPD). The body has been sectioned and channeled to give the car its true hot rod aesthetic, while the frame is a one-off piece designed, engineered and built by GMPD. The slanted grille - with a unique chrome mesh pattern - and hood are integrated for a smoother look, which includes a sun visor characteristic of period hot rod racers.

Like any good rod worth its salt, there are no fenders or running boards; the 10-inch headlamps are mounted to the core support. The front suspension is all custom-built, complete with period-perfect lightening holes drilled in it.

A sturdy 8-3/8-inch Winters Quick-change rearend is suspended by a parallel four-link suspension. It is filled with 5.20 gears, which are used to generate brisk acceleration with 35-inch-tall, racing-type Excelsior rear tires and 29-inch-tall front tires. The tires are mounted on custom 18-inch front and 20-inch rear "kidney bean"-style wheels from Budnik.

Steering comes from a custom-fabricated linkage that is connected to a reversed Corvair steering box. The linkage is mounted to the outside of the frame rail.

Hand-crafted cabin

Inside, the FlexFuel Hot Rod maintains its racing-inspired minimalist theme, but with contemporary feel. Hand-formed sheet metal and earth-friendly materials were used to trim the cabin, as well as the racing-style aluminum seats. The dashboard was hand-finished, too, and filled with traditional-looking Stewart-Warner gauges.

One of the interior's central points of interest is the racing-style driveshaft tube, which covers the custom driveshaft. It is a prominent fixture in the cabin because the body has been lowered around the chassis to achieve the streamlined appearance that was characteristic of old-school hot rods.

Road ready

More than just a conceptualized vision of an alternative-fuel street rod, the FlexFuel Hot Rod is a driver that GM Performance Division will press into service for a number of road events and tests.

"This thing is going to rack up a lot of miles," said Oppenheiser. "With the FlexFuel conversion, it can run purely on E85, gasoline or any combination of the two. That means it can be refueled anywhere the road takes it."
# # #

SEMA 2007: Jay Leno's 600 HP E85-Powered Corvette C6RS Revealed Before SEMA Debut

Ray Wert — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:01:08 EDT

Jay Leno apparently was unwilling to wait for the new 2009 Corvette ZR1 and decided he needed to get his 600-HP swerve on a wee bit early. The humongously chinned one worked with the C6.R-builders at Pratt & Miller to design this — a C6RS — a Corvette inspired by both the Corvette Z06 as well as the racetrack-ready C6.R. To all this, Leno added his own little touch of corniness — the ability to run it on the ethanol-blended E85. Leno's alternative-fuel supercar is powered by a custom and giant 8.2-liter (500 cubic-inch) all-aluminum small-block V8 that pumps out approximately 600 horses and 585 lb-ft of torque. On the outside, the wider front and rear fenders and a wider rear fascia with an integrated spoiler on top combine with the racing-style diffuser and the waterfall hood with venting show some clear indications of C6.R inspiration. All we know is we want to drive this more than the Leno-inspired Ecojet concept car from last year. Full press release after the jump.

GREEN AND MEAN: JAY LENO'S E85-CAPABLE Z06-INSPIRED C6RS CORVETTE BOASTS 600 HP AND ALTERNATIVE-FUEL CAPABILITY
LAS VEGAS - "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno's predilection for performance cars is no secret, but many fellow enthusiasts may not know that he is keenly interested in alternative fuels. To prove that red-blooded power mixes easily with a touch of green, Leno partnered with Pratt & Miller - the engineering company that builds and campaigns C6.R Corvettes - to develop a modified Corvette Z06 that is capable of running on E85 ethanol. It was unveiled at the 2007 SEMA Show.

More than merely a conversion of the stock LS7 engine to E85 capability, Leno's alternative-fuel supercar is powered by a custom, 8.2L (500-cubic-inch) all-aluminum small-block V-8 that pumps out approximately 600 horsepower and 585 lb.-ft. of torque.

"The C6RS is the result of an idea we hatched to prove that high-performance cars and alternative fuel technology weren't diametrically opposed concepts," said Leno. "I love the idea of having 600 horsepower at my disposal, but using a homegrown alternative to gasoline."

The engine is built around a custom aluminum cylinder block that was CNC-milled from a single block of billet aluminum. And while the cylinder heads, intake system and dry-sump oiling system are stock LS7 components, the engine - which has larger bore and stroke dimensions than the 7.0L (427-cubic-inch) LS7 - uses a one-off reciprocating assembly, including a forged steel crankshaft, forged rods and forged pistons. Katech Engines, the company that builds engines for the Corvette C6.R racing program, developed the engine.

The fuel system and engine control computer were modified to accommodate E85, and spent gases exit through a Corsa exhaust system. Supporting the 600-horse engine's power is a blueprinted and strengthened T-56 six-speed transmission and a high-performance Centerforce dual-friction clutch.

C6.R inspiration
On the outside, Leno's bad and black C6RS emulates the styling of C6.R racecars, with wider front and rear fenders and a wider rear fascia with an integrated spoiler on top and a racing-style diffuser at the bottom (the diffuser incorporates an LED-lit backup lamp). A C6.R-style waterfall hood front fender louvers, rockers and lower grille opening further define this special Corvette - and all of the car's front-end panels are made of carbon-fiber, including custom brake air ducts routed through the front fenders. With all of its body modifications, Leno's C6RS is 1.6 inches wider than stock.

The C6.R's - and production Corvette's - aerodynamically styled bodywork is designed to slice efficiently through the wind, which helps enhance fuel mileage.

The race-ready look of the car is enhanced with a quartet of BBS wheels that feature racing-type locking center hubs. The forged aluminum 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels ride on Michelin P295/30ZR18 and P345/30ZR19 tires, respectively.

Adding authenticity to the car's custom bodywork was the involvement of Pratt & Miller. The company took on the task of crafting Leno's Corvette into a street-going replica of the racecars, which included installing or fabricating a host of unique components, including:
• A custom DeWitt high-capacity radiator with dual cooling fans
• A carbon-fiber ram-air induction system
• Carbon-fiber inner fender panels that vent hot air from the engine compartment
• Brembo brakes with six-piston mono-block calipers in front and four-piston rear calipers
• Dyna-Mat used throughout the cabin and chassis to reduce interior noise

While the exterior and drivetrain were inspired by the racetrack, the C6RS's cabin exudes luxury, with premium touches and enhancements from Genuine Corvette Accessories that include a two-tone shift knob and boot; leather-covered console armrest, parking brake handle and boot; an interior trim kit, racing-style pedal covers and more.

With its 600 horses on tap and domestically produced E85 fuel in the tank, Jay Leno's alternative-fueled C6RS is an all-American supercar that proves high performance and environmental consciousness go together like the Corvette and checkered flags.

# # #

Audi A5 E85 Edition Spotted In San Francisco

Ray Wert — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:30:00 EDT

The folks at CNet's Crave blog were out driving an Infiniti G37 on the curve-tastic streets of San Francisco when they came across a brand-spanking new, and as-of-this-moment unavailable, Audi A5. Even more strange was the car was branded with white lettering declaring that it runs on E85 and that it was powered by the 2-liter turbocharged Euro engine instead of the 3.2-liter V6 it'll have when it comes stateside next year. [via Crave]

Buy Ethanol At GM's "E85 Days Of Summer" For 85 Cents Per Gallon, Get Free Corn Chips!

Ray Wert — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 10:00:00 EDT

We normally couldn't care less about automaker pre-produced segments, and we'd never post them. That is until we found this one for the General's "E85 Days Of Summer" — a seven-city summer tour to promote the use of ethanol. We mean, come on — the lack of imagination, the abject literalism, the amateurish delivery, we give it three thumbs up! [via GM FYI Blog]

VeraSun and Enterprise to promote E85 use ...

Ray Wert — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:59:00 EDT

VeraSun and Enterprise to promote E85 use in rental cars. Yay, energy independence! Boo, fuel economy! [Houston Chronicle]

Politicians of the Corn

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EDT

A few years ago while we snacked during an early morning press conference at the LA Auto Show, Chevrolet announced that the State of California had made a deal with to purchase a heap of Flex Fuel vehicles for the fleet. Jay Leno cracked a couple jokes, and the guy from the Air Resources Board looked sweaty during the extended huzzahs and back slapping. The vehicles are now indeed in the fleet. The problem is that E85 fuel is still not available in California. Two state Senate hearings are set to investigate why Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration spent taxpayer greenbacks on green vehicles which have yet to burn one drop of green fuel. Collective huzzahs have turned to political hrumphs.

State Senate Hearing to Focus on Flex-Fuel Vehicle Purchases [mercurynews.com]

Related:
Corn Demand Up, Pizza Prices Skyrocket [Internal]

Michigan State University Receives Federal Grant Monies For Ethanol Research

Ray Wert — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:30:00 EDT

"On the banks of the Red Cedar, there's a school that's known to all. It's specialty is farming and those Spartans know their alcohol. Spartan scientists are never beaten, all through the federal funding fight! Fight for the only formulations, E-eighty-five. Go right through for MSU, watch the fed funding growing. Spartan applications are bound to win, they're written with a vim. Rah! Rah! Rah! See their team is weakening, we're gonna win this cash!
Fight! Fight! For E-eighty-five! Grant money for MSU!"

– Ray Wert

Feds tap MSU to develop ethanol [Detroit News]

[Image Credit: AllPosters]

E85 Worse For Environment Than Regular Gas?

Ray Wert — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:24:54 EDT

The AP's Seth Borenstein is reporting that there's a Stanford study out this week using some kind of a computer model to claim burning ethanol's worse for the environment than burning straight gasoline. His model indicates an extra 20 people would die each year if "...all vehicles in the United States ran on a mostly ethanol fuel blend by 2020." Well, seeing as I can't find a station selling that level of corn-enhanced gas in a fuel tank's distance of where I live — I'm thinking his model's not so realistic. Plus, we'll all be in flying cars and stuff by then. – Ray Wert

Ethanol may cause more smog, more deaths, study says [OCRegister.com]

E85 for All Our Friends: Bush and Lula Party in Brazil

Mike Bumbeck — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 12:30:00 EST

President Bush is in Brazil today causing a ruckus, creating traffic jams, and hanging out at at a mega fuel depot touting the new biofuels agreement between Brazil and the USA. Brazil is the world's largest single producer of ethanol, making theirs from sugary cane instead of corn. While chumming around with Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Bush said he wants to promote the trade of ethanol as a world commodity, but has no interest in lifting the 54-cent a gallon tariff on the ethanol already coming to the USA from Brazil. Conspiracy theorists and Senators are already grumbling about the formation of an OPEC-style ethanol and biofuels cartel. – Mike Bumbeck

Bush Hails Biofuels Pact in Brazil [SFgate.com]; Senators Harumph Over US-Brazil Ethanol Deal [Truthabouttrade.com]

Jalopnik Does Math Good: A Corny State Of The Union Address?

Ray Wert — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:11:20 EST

Ok, so here's what we know. Earlier today FoMoCo issues a press release tauting six states receiving a test fleet of new E85-fueled hybrid Escape SUV's (gallery below). On top of that news, but wholly unrelated, there appears to be some kind of a run in stocks of companies involved in E85 production today. We've also heard unconfirmed reports the ethanol lobby plans to open up a bigger office in Washington, DC. How can these seemingly unrelated things all be happening today? To explain, let's put it together into a handy math equation below the jump.

Ford press release On E85 Hybrids
+
run in E85 stocks
+
corn lobby opening up new lobbying office
=
Bush plans to announce the continuation and expansion of an ethanol policy in tonight's State of the Union address. He'll be pushing a crop which yields less energy than is required to produce it. Hooray, corn! Boo, energy efficient switchgrass and sugar-based ethanols!
See, unlike some people, we learned basic math in school. We also learned how to get into fights, but whatevs — nobody's perfect. – Ray Wert

Springtime for Ethanol [NYT]

Renault Announces Green Cars by 2010

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 21:15:00 EST

Carlos the Jackalope's minions have announced plans to have a hybrid fuel-cell vehicle on European roads in 2010. Designed primarily as a city car, the runabout will feature a pack of lithium-ion cells recharged via regenerative braking. Also, the Trafic and Master vans will go the way of GM's large vehicles and run on E85 for the 2007 model year. A flex-fuel Megane is also in the works, and by 2009, half of the vehicles the company sells will be E85 capable. – Davey G. Johnson

Renault unveils plans for 'green cars' [Andhra Cafe]

Austin Stays Golden, Drives From Ann Arbor to Colorado On E85

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:30:00 EDT

One of our resident reviewers proved you can go home again by getting some action from Jean Jennings. No, not like that. Austin went back to his old Automobile boss and picked up a gig driving an Impala solely on E85 from Michigan to the Coors brewery in Golden, where they not only brew beer, but manufacture ethanol. And then, y'know, he drank some beer. Because if there are two things Austins know how to do well, it's grow top-quality Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce and Canaan Fir trees and consume alcohol.

2006 Chevrolet Impala E85: Hopped up on Ethanol [Automobile]

Sometimes A Guv's Gotta Do What A Guv's Gotta Do: Michigan Guv Granholm Creates Incentive Program For 1,000 BioFuel Pumps By 2008

Ray Wert — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 16:30:00 EDT

Michigan's Governor Granholm knows that just because the Commander-in-Chief doesn't have the time to meet with the leaders of the Big Three, it don't mean she can't help to solve one of their problems all by her lonesome. The Guv's gone and found a way to get some more of those darn-hard-to-find E85 pumps into Michigan:

"To reach that goal [1,000 biofuel pumps by 2008], the governor announced a $250,000 grant program to help service station owners defray the costs of installing or converting infrastructure at public service stations to provide ethanol and biodiesel fuel to Michigan consumers."

Well, it sure as hell ain't much — and it actually leverages funds from the U.S. Department of Energy. Still, it's a creative way to address the issue — and in all honesty, we're just glad to see at least one public servant's out there trying to help a few of the nation's largest employers. We'll even bet she won't hesitate meeting with the Big Three's bosses, either. Full press release is after the jump.

Governor Granholm Announces Goal of 1,000 BioFuel Pumps by 2008; Announces $250,000 Grant Program

Second round of grants to help defray costs

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the state of Michigan will work to have 1,000 biofuel pumps by 2008 to make ethanol and biodiesel fuel more accessible to Michigan motorists. To reach that goal, the governor announced a $250,000 grant program to help service station owners defray the costs of installing or converting infrastructure at public service stations to provide ethanol and biodiesel fuel to Michigan consumers. This is the second round in a series of grants being made available by the state.

"Michigan is moving aggressively to increase production and use of both ethanol and biodiesel fuels," Granholm said. "Ethanol and biodiesel production facilities are coming on line. We've cut taxes on the purchase of these fuels, and now, thanks to this grant program, we will greatly expand access. Expanding access and use will help reduce the cost of gas for all of us."

Five ethanol plants are already in production in Michigan, with two more under construction. Two biodiesel plants are also beginning production, with another plant in the works. In addition, the legislative package signed by the governor in July cut the gas tax by 36 percent for the purchase of ethanol and 20 percent for biodiesel.

Granholm said that Michigan's investment in alternative energy production and use will benefit consumers in the long-run as increased use of ethanol and biodiesel helps reduce the demand for foreign oil. In the short-term, Granholm said the state is doing everything in its power to protect consumers at the pump, including doubling the number of inspections this year to ensure that consumers are receiving the quantity and quality of gasoline they are paying for. The governor said that President Bush could provide short-term relief, as well, by capping outrageous oil company profits.

"It's time for President Bush to stand up for Michigan citizens and cap big oil's outrageous profits," said Granholm. "That will provide our citizens immediate relief from high gas prices, while our long-term solutions take route and end our dependence on foreign oil once and for all."

Legislation signed by the governor in July called for the creation of this program to increase the number of retail outlets throughout the state that provide ethanol and biodiesel to fleet owners and the public.

To implement the grant program, the state is seeking proposals from 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporations for state projects to provide incentives to service station owners to convert existing pumps or install new ethanol and biodiesel pumps. Ethanol and biodiesel are clean burning fuels that can be made from renewable resources grown in Michigan. Most ethanol is made from corn, and biodiesel is made from vegetable oils and waste grease. Over the last two years, rising oil prices and an increased number of biofuel production facilities in the U.S. have helped reduce the price difference between petroleum fuels and bio-based alternatives.

Today's announcement is the second phase of the grant program. In July, NextEnergy received a $62,500 grant to provide the first round of grants to service stations. The initial grants are expected to be awarded in September.

"This program will greatly expand the availability of ethanol and biodiesel to consumers throughout Michigan," said Bob Swanson, director of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth, which will oversee the program. "Michigan farmers will benefit through increased demand for corn and soybeans, Michigan citizens will enjoy cheaper gas prices and a cleaner environment, and Michigan's economy will be strengthened through increased investment in infrastructure and a decreased reliance on foreign oil.

Funding for the Biofuel Infrastructure Incentive Program was made available through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (www.energy.gov). The program will be administered by the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) Energy Office, (www.michigan.gov/energyoffice) in cooperation with the Michigan Strategic Fund.

# # #

Pass the Cider, Mate: The Bio-Ethanol Lotus Exige 265E

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 09:31:41 EDT

Lotus is bringing a new connotation to the term British racing green. The sons of Chapman have turned out an Exige coupe, the 265E, that can run on E85 bio-ethanol. It's no sacrifice, however, as the 265-hp track-day favorite shares the same figures with its monofuel counterpart: zero to 60 mph in 3.88 seconds, 0-100 mph in 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 158 mph. The company's preserved the car's performance mainly by enlarging the existing four fuel injectors and by adding two additional ports at the supercharger inlet to increase the volume of fuel fed to the engine. Unfortunately, greenies with a jones for more correct racing options will have to stick to the Roller Derby; the 265E is for research purposes only.

Nebraska Government Fondles the Corn...Sorta

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:15:00 EDT

As one of the largest corn-producing states in the Union, the state government of Nebraska feels compelled to run its vehicles on ethanol blends. However, when the price of the fuels skyrocketed recently, a memo went out to the state's vehicle-using employees to run whatever was cheapest cost-per-mile-wise, E85 or E10. Meanwhile, the state's cops, who are exempt from the ethanol edicts, saved $22,000 by running straight gasoline. We're still not convinced, Nebraska.

State cars use E10 no matter what the price [Lincoln Journal-Star]

Kickin' The (Oil) Habit In Vegas: More On Mark's Corny Ride

Davey G. Johnson — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 00:42:42 EDT

Our cross-country adventurin' boy in the alcoholic car, Mark Pike, has his first update from the road for us. It's short and sweeter than summer corn:

Since leaving Washington, DC powered exclusively by E85 fuel, we've driven through seventeen states, chilled with Governors, chatted with Congressional Representatives, and discussed boxers vs. briefs with Senators.

We've attended baseball games and churches, hung out with farmers and farmer's daughters, driven dump trucks, recorded rap songs, and eaten more beef jerky than is recommended by the Surgeon General.

Who said kicking the oil habit couldn't be fun?

We're about to leave Vegas right now, and I was hoping lucky number Red 21 would win us enough E85 fuel money to get us to the Pacific. Mark Twain was right, gambling is the stupid man's tax."

Keep checking back over the next couple of days — hopefully the free wi-fi will keep up for the rest of the trip. Also, check out our very own Robert Farago's talk with the young lad over on TTAC.

Here Today, Corn Tomorrow: The E85 Road Trip [TTAC]; Kick the Oil Habit Road Trip - Cruising on Homegrown Fuel [kickthehabit.org]

Tripping The Ethanol Fantastic: Mark Pike's Corny Cross-Country Ride

Ray Wert — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 17:15:42 EDT

The video above is what happens when you have Senator Barack Obama introduce some college kids with a lot of time on their hands and a lot of hatred of oil dependence in their hearts. Watch as Obama uses simplistic and ill-prepared talking points to explain how three college kids plan to strap themselves into a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria Flex-Fuel in Washington DC with a game plan of reaching LA and stopping only at gas stations pumping sweet light corn-flavored ethanol. So what you end up getting is the cross-country "Kick The Oil Habit" road trip. It's an idea that although great — would probably be easier with more stations than just the 750 or so currently stocking the yellow blend. But, wait — we feel like that's what Mark Pike, the leader of this zany adventure, wants to get across to us, the teeming, sweat-soaked masses. Maybe there's something we can do to get more stations serving corn-flavored fuel, even if it's less efficient, it still helps the US of A towards energy less-than-dependence — if only we knew how to help.

We contacted Mark and he's going to be providing an update or two for us from the road. Although we're a bit late to the party as they're allready in Vegas, we're happy to have the opportunity to hear more about Mark's Corny Ride. Check back for his first update later this afternoon.

Kick The Oil Habit

Fodder for Armada: 2007 Nissan SUV Will Have E85 Compatability

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 10:08:03 EDT

Somewhere in the central US, another cornfield just gasped in horror. Nissan announced it will offer an E85-compatible Armada SUV in corn-belt states for 2007. The company's largest ute will join its sister ship, the 5.6-liter V8 powered Titan FFV pickup — launched in 2005 — in E85 suckage. Nissan's plans call for selling in the neighborhood of 55,000 Titans this year, and 20,000 Armadas — figures that have already been revised downward — though the FFV Armadas will be sold in the North Central, South Central, South East, and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Related:
Factory Tweak: Nissan Reveals GT-C Concept [internal]

Ethanol's Pricey!

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 15:00:00 EDT

State 29 found a compelling piece in a regional Nebraska paper regarding the expense of E85. The State of Nebraska's flex-fuel vehicles are the only consumers of E85 fuel in Columbus, and they're running on a supply purchased back in april at $2.80 a gallon. However, E85 prices have now skyrocketed to $3.60 a gallon, and with the fuel economy decrease associated with ethanol, consumers are looking at what's essentially $4.70 a gallon in gasoline prices. Boondoggle, anyone?

Ethanol Prices Are Killing E85 [State 29]

Related:
Cornography: The Truth About E85 [Internal]

Cornography: The Truth About E85

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 19:30:00 EDT

Yesterday, while standing in line at the snack bar with Bumbeck ordering very large Cokes in a popcorn combo meal, he remarked, "Mmm...corn syrup. I'm doing my part for E85!" During Passover, Spinelli was stoked on kosher Coca-Cola, which true to the pre-New-Coke formula, is made with actual sugar. Our point? The corn lobby is ruining everything. Can't we just be happy with hot buttered ears? Apparently not. Which is a shame because the C&H factory below the bridge that our dad helped build needs some love. Michael Koresh destructos the hoopla at TTAC.

Alternative Fools: E85 [The Truth About Cars]

If Your Car Uses Ethanol, Chrysler's Gonna Cap Yo' Gas

Ray Wert — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 16:28:23 EDT

That's right folks — here's an easy way to tell if your Chrysler vehicle's able to use the corny good Ethanol (E85) — look at your gas cap. Starting in 2007, if you're driving one of the Chrysler's which use ethanol, the manufacturer is going to give you a yellow gas cap. Ingenious! The person filling up could just look at their owner's manual — but we don't have time for that silliness — let's just paint the gas cap yellow! Why not just paint a picture of an ear of corn on the hood? But really, this is all academic — with only 600 ethanol stations in the whole United States — the chances of someone accidentally dropping ethanol into their non-compliant gas tank is about the same as someone stickin an ear of corn in it.

Ethanol-ready Chryslers to get yellow fuel caps [Freep]

Make E85 At Home, In A Still

David Thomas — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 15:14:04 EDT

How hard-up are ethanol buyers? Pretty hard up it seems. A Tennessee company, too many jokes, is selling make-your-own-ethanol kits. They're called stills kids. You know, what they made moonshine in! This is completely nuts. Originally conceived for emergencies like hurricanes, the stills are one way to stick it to the man, the oil man.

People making ethanol at home for their cars [Channel 3 WCAX, Vermont]

Related:
GM And Ford: Lead On You Leaders Of Flex Fuel [internal]

GM And Ford: Lead On You Leaders Of Flex Fuel

Ray Wert — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 09:00:00 EDT

They've gotta be doing something right — first Toyota jumped on the flex fuel bandwagon started by the General and FoMoCo. Well, let's drop another onto that list as Chrysler, the third amigo of the big three, is now agreeing to expand it's lineup of ethanol-fuel burning models with two Jeeps offering flex-fuel engines. We almost want to make some kind of corn-y crack about how the child will lead them. But we're above that. Aren't we?

Chrysler to expand ethanol lineup [Freep]

Related:
Toyota Thinks Yellow, Goes Green [internal]

Going Yellow in Chicago: MPH on the Great Ethanol Hunt

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 12:59:56 EST

MPH's David Thomas is on a hunt to find Ethanol in the city of Chicago. He's rocking GM's Live Green Go Yellow poster car, the Chevrolet Tahoe, which can swallow 26 gallons of corn-fossil cocktail faster than you can say "Wacker Drive" with a straight face. That means he'll have to stay on top of where the corn pumps are, lest he find himself having to go for the hard stuff. And that'll defeat the whole purpose, no? Exactly.

Ethanol Hunt Day 1 [MPH]

Related:
More on Ethanol [internal]

GM Supplies E85 Cars to UN Climate Conference

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 20:28:35 EST

While GM hasn't been heavily pushing their E85 cars on the coasts, they are supplying 12 of the ethanol-powered Impalas to the UN's convention on climate change in Montreal later this month. The corn-bits-burnin' Chevys will be available to the public in 2006, and according to GM Director of Environmental Activities Bryan Swift, the angry Imps boast the lowest greenhouse-gas emissions of any car in North America. Other than that, it's all pretty much the standard boilerplate about the hydrogen future. Farmers are undoubtedly bummed.

GM supplies ethanol cars for climate-change conference [News Durham Region]