Heal Earth Now » alternative fuel

Nissan Resurrects the Electric Epoch with the LEAF

Heal Earth Now — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 03:24:55 +0000

In the 1920s, electric vehicles overwhelmed America’s street corners. Nissan seems determined to resurrect that epoch. Welcome to the all-electric, 5-seater hatchback, the Nissan Leaf: “Leading, Environmentally Friendly, Affordable, Family Car.”

The Leaf runs on state-of-the-art, 480-pound lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries. They are charged using an 110v, 220v, 240v or 480v charger. With an 110v charger (U.S. household standard), the Leaf takes an interminable 16 hours to recuperate, but that lessens to a decent eight with the 220v and approximately 30 minutes with the 480v charger. The latter is planned for use in public fueling stations.

The Leaf promises a 100-mile range on a single charge. Nissan notes this meets 70% of the world’s mileage requirements and that 80% of drivers travel fewer than 62 miles per day. Nissan expects the batteries to retain 80% of their storage capacity after five years and stabilize thereafter. These incredible achievements warranted the Leaf the Green Car of the Year accolade by Green Car Journal in 2010.

Nissan does not skimp on interior amenities. Standard features include A/C, cruise control with steering-wheel mounted controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror, variable intermittent wipers, trip computer, tilt-steering column, 12v DC power outlet, adjustable driver and passenger seats, 60/40-split rear seats, full power accessories and a navigation system. Blast some bass from the M/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system, equipped with optional XM radio, auxiliary audio jack and USB port. The high-end SL trim adds fog lights, automatic headlamps and a rear spoiler.

The exterior exhibits its own aplomb. Rolling on 16-inch wheels, the Leaf sports LED headlamps (using only 10% power of regular headlamps), dual-power exterior mirrors and chrome accents.

Nissan has affixed its own technological legerdemain. Mobile phones can be used to adjust A/C, heating, and charging functions, even when the vehicle is turned off. The Leaf sports traction control, a security system, and airbags protecting every occupant.

New toys tend to be expensive. However, the U.S. Leaf will cost $32,780, and with tax incentives it may lessen to $25,000. It costs only $3 “fill up.” Nissan predicts an average five-year “real” cost of $28,180, lower than a Toyota Prius or Honda Civic.

The Nissan Leaf debuts soon. Watch the street corners.

Netherlands Using More Cow Manure to Heat Homes

Heal Earth Now — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:03:16 +0000

Biogas produced from cow manure is warming many homes in the Netherlands. Biogas is produced by the fermentation of cow manure and other biological material. Biogas is a biofuel that can be used as power. The Netherlands and many other European countries have been using biogas as a power source for some homes.

A new plant opened in the Netherlands this past Friday.

Manure from cows at a nearby dairy farm will be fermented along with grass and food industry residues, and the biogas released during the process will be used as fuel for the thermal plant’s gas turbines.

The heat generated will be distributed to around 1,100 homes in the area around Leeuwarden in the north of the Netherlands, the plant’s operator Essent said in a statement.

Source: Reuters.com

Chrysler Has Hopes of Selling Electric Car to the Public by 2010

Heal Earth Now — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:31:05 +0000

Auto manufacturers are trying to win the battle of gasoline and driving vehicles by introducing alternative fuel vehicles. Chryslers unveiled a few electric cars and hope to sell one by 2010 to the general public.

Chrysler’s Electric Vehicles utilize just three primary components. These include an electric motor to drive the wheels, an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor, and a controller that manages energy flow. The electric-drive system is being developed for front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, and body-on-frame four-wheel-drive vehicle applications.

The three vehicles introduced by Chrysler were the Chrysler EV, Jeep EV, and Dodge EV. The Chrysler EV is the electric automobile version of the Chrysler Town & Country; the Jeep EV is the electric version of the Jeep Wrangler, and the Dodge EV is a 4-passenger sports vehicle.

More information on Chrysler Electric Vehicles

Cadillac Escalades Go Green with New Flex Fuel 2009 Escalades

Heal Earth Now — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:42:44 +0000

Going green in not just for smaller cars anymore. Sales of larger vehicles and SUVs have seen a downward turn. More and more people are trading in their gas guzzlers for smaller more fuel efficient vehicles. Not to be outdone auto manufacturers having been working to improve the fuel economy of its SUVS. GM has added flex- fuel to many of its vehicles. GM flex- fuel vehicles can run on gasoline and E85 ethanol. E85 ethanol is fuel mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

Cadillac Escalades are one of the latest GM cars to have flex fuel. Although the flex- fuel is gives an option for vehicle owners, the amount of filling stations are the country that actual offer E85 to public is currently limited. So, although you may purchase a flex- fuel vehicle you may not be able to purchase E85 fuel close to home.

For a list of E85 fueling stations closing to you visit: http://www.e85refueling.com/locations.php

Source: GM