Rising gasoline prices may just make other forms of alternative means of transportation become more attractive. One of the ways not to be affected by the rising prices of gas is to have an alternative means of travel. Of course, saving up on gasoline use may help in some way, but such actions may still leave one affected with the rising prices of gas. A better way would be trying to use a mode of transportation aside from one that makes use of fuel aside from gasoline. One such example is the use of an electric car.
An electric car is one type of an alternative vehicle. It makes use of electricity as its primary power source. Instead of an internal combustion engine, the electric car, also commonly called as an EV or electric vehicle, has an electric motor to make the vehicle move. It is an alternative fuel vehicle that does not use refined fossil oil for fuel.
Electric cars get electricity for power by means of electric battery packs built on board. One of the advantages of using electric vehicles or EV’s is that they are environmentally friendly. Unlike fossil fuel that emits a number of pollutants into the air when being used, the use of electricity for power does not do so, except that the power plants that may produce them do. But with using electric cars, the emission of harmful pollutants may be reduced substantially. Less cars using fossils fuel and gasoline would help make this possible. And someday, when more electric power is sourced from nuclear, solar, wind and hydro-electric power plants, pollutant emissions will even be reduced more.
Performance-wise, electric cars offer smoother and noiseless operation that cars relying on gasoline. Electric cars provide stronger acceleration and the electric motor requires lesser maintenance than the internal combustion engines of cars using gasoline and other fossil fuels. By using electricity through batteries, energy conversion is more efficient. Electric motors makes use of 75 percent of the chemical energy converted into electricity to run the car. Internal combustion engines or ICE’s only are able to make use about 20 percent of the energy stored in gasoline to power the vehicle.
If most think that the electric car is a recent invention, then they are mistaken. The electric vehicle is in fact one of the earliest vehicles known to exist. Small electric powered vehicles even predate the development of the diesel and gasoline engines. The earliest electric carriage was built between 1832 and 1839. The development of other electric cars also increased for some time during the 1860’s along with the improvement of the storage battery. It was even the electric cars that held many of the speed and distance records during this time. But unfortunately, the advent of the internal combustion engines came during the early 1900’s, which led to the decrease in the use of electric cars.
With the appearance of the more powerful and affordable diesel and gasoline powered cars starting in the early 1900’s, the market for electric cars slowly disappeared. Although there were still electric cars being made, those that do exist were being produced for specialized applications. One of the most common use for the electric vehicle today may be found in the golf carts as a primary mode of compact transport in golf courses. But because of the rising gasoline prices as well as the worsening pollution, there has been an renewed demand for the less polluting alternative electric vehicles in recent years.
NOVYAR
Novyar
http://www.articlesbase.com/technology-articles/electric-cars-and-rising-gasoline-prices-732734.html
In the bid for the world’s search for alternative sources of energy as time is currently running out given the current scarcity of crude oil, there have been numerous initiatives by companies to develop the potential of different alternatives to crude oil such as natural gas and ethanol.
Ethanol is a colorless, clear liquid with an agreeable odor. This is the natural component of ethyl alcohol. Corn, wheat, potatoes and other plants can produce starch that is made into ethanol by the process of fermentation. It can be used as fuel by mixing it with the regular gasoline and this becomes gasohol.
These sources of alternative fuels are currently one of the faces of future technologies that are being developed and researched on by many technology energy companies listed in the stock market. These technology companies have been popular picks of long-term technology savvy investors for more than 5 years.
The potential of ethanol has been the focus of a lot of technology companies in stock exchanges most commonly those listed in the NASDAQ stock exchange. The popularity of this resource as a future alternative to fossil fuels has been recognized in the stock market and numerous initiatives for research and development to make this a renewable source of energy has been ongoing for quite some time.
Although investment performance returns from these alternative energy companies may not yet be as competitive as the established companies that are currently in the business of the popular fossil fuels, the technology for these alternative fuel companies may still be a long way of waiting as the issue of having the necessary infrastructure to produce and distribute alternative sources of fuel like ethanol will take quite some time.
If you’re in the market for used auto sales, Austin’s DriveTime dealerships have a wide selection of vehicles to choose from. We know that it can be very difficult to get financed for a vehicle when you have poor credit, but at DriveTime we focus on getting people with bad credit into a used auto. Other dealerships may claim they can sell you a car no matter what your credit history is, but all too often this turns out to be an empty promise. That’s why you can count on DriveTime to find you a used car that you will be proud to drive!
Investors that are optimistic on the future of these alternative energy companies believe that the technology will still require longer waiting. Aside from the waiting of new discoveries, the infrastructure and distribution of energy products produced from alternative energy sources like ethanol will still be more costly.
It will also not necessarily be competitive at its initial stages of introduction to the stock market investors as compared to the established production and distribution processes of companies producing fossil fuel energy products.
While the wait for the availability of alternative energy sources to the public may still be long and initially costly, the world will still have to push forward the developments of alternative energy sources as the world reserves of fossil fuels are already depleting and sooner or later the alternative sources of energy will have to be much more of a priority not only of companies engaged in its development but also of the general public as well.
Nicky Pilkington
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/ethanol-and-its-significance-in-the-stock-market-investing-world-10106.html
The Ford Motor Co. Australia has intimated its willingness to support the forthcoming research project by the University of Melbourne to study efficient and practical hydrogen fuelled vehicle technologies.
According to Peter Batchelor, the Minister for Energy and Resources, “The important study today received a $1.2 million grant from the Victorian State Government, announced by the Minister for Energy and Resources.”
To further aid the research project, Ford Australia has promised to contribute engines and resources. The support will coincide with the State Government’s grant to attain engine and vehicle development. The project is also aimed at analyzing hydrogen generation and storage technology. “Ford Australia is proud to extend our relationship with the University of Melbourne through this important project,” said Tom Gorman, the Ford Australia president.
Ford Australia and the Victorian State Government joined the university so as to form the Advanced Centre for Automotive Research Technology (ACART). The purpose of the centre is to boost auto development in Australia. ACART will soon build a new engine dynamometer facility, a diesel test cell, and a top-notch environmental wind tunnel that would be available for use by the automotive development community.
“Globally, Ford Motor Company is a leader in the development of alternative fuel vehicles and technologies. The Escape Hybrid, our range of E85-capable flexi-fuel vehicles, and the recent showcasing of the world’s first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability are all examples of our broader global efforts,” added Gorman. “The University of Melbourne project is the first to research hydrogen engine alternatives using an Australian sourced engine, and will be an important complement to these initiatives,” he continued.
The first stage of the university’s study is the development and testing of a hydrogen-fuelled turbo-charged Ford 6-cylinder engine that has been designed using the advanced combustion technology (HAJI – Hydrogen Assisted Jet Ignition). The goal behind the study is to demonstrate the characteristics and benefits of hydrogen assisted internal combustion. The intensive study will build on many years of hydrogen combustion research at the renowned university.
If you’re in the market for used auto sales, Austin’s DriveTime dealerships have a wide selection of vehicles to choose from. We know that it can be very difficult to get financed for a vehicle when you have poor credit, but at DriveTime we focus on getting people with bad credit into a used auto. Other dealerships may claim they can sell you a car no matter what your credit history is, but all too often this turns out to be an empty promise. That’s why you can count on DriveTime to find you a used car that you will be proud to drive!
“This project will use cutting-edge research into low or zero emissions technology,” said Dr. Michael Brear, a senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne. “It will also tackle the important energy issues of hydrogen generation from renewable energy and its high density storage requirements.”
The research is set to start in July this year. It will be bolstered by the automaker’s vision to address global climate change and reduce foreign oil reliance by using alternative fuels and technologies.
Alternative fuels, also called non-conventional fuels, include any substance or material that can be used as a fuel other than fossils and the conventional petroleum, propane, coal, and natural gas. The term usually means a renewable energy source.
alternative fuels also cover hydrogen fuel cells and internal combustion engines, hybrid engines, liquefied petroleum gas, biofuels, advanced transmissions, and clean diesel engines. Now, the automaker will be focusing on building refined clean engines and discovering environment-friendly fuels to help clean the air. It will not be concentrating on auto parts like power antennas but on the totality its product lines.
Joe Thompson
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/ford-supports-hydrogen-fuel-technology-research-126316.html
Do you own a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)?
What in the world is a Flexible Fuel Vehicle? It’s a car or
truck that is capable of burning certain alternative fuels. Now
we’re not talking gasoline vs. diesel engines here, we’re
talking about gasoline engines that can also burn ethanol,
natural gas, propane, hydrogen, methanol, and p-series fuels.
According to some chemist at the U.S. Department of Energy,
p-series fuels are “a unique blend of natural gas liquids
(pentanes plus), ethanol, and the biomass-derived co-solvent
methyltetrahydrofuran” just in case you were wondering.
Anyway, if you own one of these flexible fuel vehicles, and you
could own one without realizing it, then you might be able to
save yourself a whopping amount of money now that gas is nearing
the price of gold.
Although some of the more exotic alternative fuels may not be
flowing out of the pumps at your neighborhood service station,
there is a good chance that ethanol is.
Ethanol is alcohol-based and it’s made by fermenting and
distilling corn, barley, or wheat. It can also be made from
“cellulosic biomass”, which is just a fancy phrase for “chunks
of trees and grass”, except that this version is called
“Bioethanol” instead of plain “Ethanol”.
E85 is an Ethanol/Gasoline product that’s being sold at a lot of
gas stations. It’s a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. E95
is a 95/5 blend of ethanol and gasoline. Both blends are capable
of being burned by most Flexible Fuel Vehicles.
Some service stations are selling an E10 (10/90 ethanol/gasoline
blend), that doesn’t really qualify as an alternative fuel. Its
primary purpose is to reduce carbon monoxide levels, and it can
If you’re in the market for used auto sales, Austin’s DriveTime dealerships have a wide selection of vehicles to choose from. We know that it can be very difficult to get financed for a vehicle when you have poor credit, but at DriveTime we focus on getting people with bad credit into a used auto. Other dealerships may claim they can sell you a car no matter what your credit history is, but all too often this turns out to be an empty promise. That’s why you can count on DriveTime to find you a used car that you will be proud to drive!
be burned by most any engine that burns gasoline.
Unlike Hybrid Vehicles, flexible fuel vehicles are not
necessarily more expensive because of the alternative fuel
option, and they aren’t anywhere near as rare. In fact, there’s
a chance that you’re driving one right now. If the salesperson
didn’t tell you, and you’re not the kind that reads owner’s
manuals, and you’re ignoring the sticker that’s probably on the
inside of your gas tank cover, you could be in for a cash-saving
surprise.
If you’re not sure if you own an FFV, or you’re planning on
buying a new car soon, then visit the U.S. Department of
Energy’s Flexible Fuel Vehicle
(http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/afv/models.html) list.
If there isn’t a FFV in your life, there’s still hope. You can
have an aftermarket conversion done. When you do a conversion,
your gasoline-only engine ends up being able to burn some
particular alternative fuel such as compressed natural gas (CNG)
or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG, or propane), or Ethanol. You
have three conversion choices; “dedicated”, “dual-fuel”, and
“bi-fuel”. Dedicated means that your engine only burns one fuel
after the conversion. Dual-fuel engines can burn two different
fuels, and with a bi-fuel conversion, your engine burns two
different fuels at the same time. So, if you think that you have
no choice but to continue paying through the nose when you’re
paying at the pump, look into getting a Flexible Fuel Vehicle or
an aftermarket conversion
Diane Nassy
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/do-you-own-a-flexible-fuel-vehicle-ffv-452.html
According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, a total of 751,051 “green jobs” were created or maintained in 2006. Of those jobs, almost 127,500 of them related to renewable power generation. The majority of the jobs in question, approximately 85% were located within metropolitan areas. However, with the increasing popularity of renewable energy in today’s market, the potential for employment in these areas can increase greatly. Santa Cruz Ca, real estate benefits when people improve their home with energy efficient products.
Projected Renewable Energy Jobs and Industries
The Energy Information Administration estimates that the electric power sector generated just over 4 trillion kilowatt hours. Of that, just about 8% was generated from renewable sources. Hydroelectric power is perhaps the largest contributor to the generation of electricity, and has been a significant creator of jobs in both manufacturing and operation of various hydroelectric jobs around the country. Since hydroelectricity has been a part of the infrastructure for a number of decades, the workforce is becoming older, and the need for an influx of skilled workers will undoubtedly increase in the coming years.
One of the most promising sources for alternative energy is wind. Geographically speaking, the areas with the highest potential for employment generation with a new energy infrastructure are in the northern and western parts of the country. In considering Santa Cruz real estate for wind potential, a survey of the area winds is helpful to determine the suitability of the site. If wind energy is pursued, the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas and Texas would be the most likely places for wind energy generation farms, and the associated employment opportunities. They are estimated to have a total potential power generation of approximately 4,500 billion kilowatt hours, which is more then enough to power the entire United States for at least 9 months. In addition, states such as Maine, New York, and Michigan also provide many opportunities for wind generation. If wind is actively pursued as a source of alternative energy, a substantial amount of jobs can be created and maintained. Potential jobs could include construction and maintenance of the wind generation farms, construction and maintenance of new transformers for electricity transportation, and jobs to regulate the flow and amount of electricity geographically. The American Wind Energy Association is a great place to find more information at awea.org.
Another potential powerhouse when it comes to alternative energy is solar power. Solar power has the potential to generate a significant amount of jobs, as well as decrease our national reliance on fossil fuels. The basic technology has been around for years, but the widespread adoption has not occurred basically due to the higher cost of power generation compared to fossil fuels. However, with the increasing cost of using fossil fuels, as well as advancements in solar panel technology, the cost difference is becoming smaller everyday.
Solar power generation supports many additional manufacturing jobs, as the final product producers make use of raw materials and intermediate goods from suppliers. There is not only potential job creation within the solar panel industry, but all the industries that supply materials needed for production.
A third source of alternative energy that could create new jobs is that of geothermal energy. The technology used in geothermal energy uses the heat and steam within the ground, and either uses them directly or indirectly to generate electricity. Unlike solar and wind generation, which so far has contributed little to the country’s energy infrastructure, geothermal energy has been a part of it since the early 1970’s. In fact, between the years of 1970 and 1980, the net generation of electricity by geothermal methods have increased by a factor of ten, and tripled by the early 1990s. However, a plateau was reached, and in 2007 geothermal energy produced approximately 14.9 billion kilowatt hours of power to 1.3 million homes. This equals approximately 4.7% of the all renewable power generation, leaving a significant room for expansion. In fact, the U.S. Geological survey has indicated that the geothermal potential might be as much as ten times higher than what is currently utilized.
Each of these renewable energy sources, if pursued has the potential to create a number of new jobs in the production of raw materials, construction of the equipment need for power generation, and the operation of the new infrastructure. In addition, since the technology is fairly new, how they impact the environment and the population is relatively undetermined at this time. This lack of information can also lead to jobs created in order to regulate and study the energy generated from these sources.
Creating a new energy infrastructure will be a daunting undertaking, and the need for skilled workers cannot be overly stressed. By understanding which industries affect and are affected by renewable resources, the areas of potential job growth can be easily seen.
Gregg- Camp
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/potential-jobs-in-creating-a-new-energy-infrastructure-1109522.html
The Nashville International Auto Show is about to open its doors to the public on the sixth of April. In connection with this, the Toyota Motor Corporation announced that they will be bringing their “Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience” to the said event.
The Japanese car manufacturer announced the schedule of their tour on the 26th of March. The company says that the experience is aimed to let consumers experience driving their hybrid vehicles like the very popular Toyota Prius aside from the Camry and Highlander hybrid vehicles. These entire three models will come to feature and sport around the company’s Hybrid Synergy Drive System which allows them to make the most of the capability of the electric motor integrated into their vehicles.
Aside from the hands-on experience, Toyota will also be offering other interactive learning activities for the attendees. These four learning areas will be part of Toyota’s exhibit at the Nashville Auto Show. One of these four interactive educational exhibits is the “Alternative Fuel: Fueling the Future” exhibit. This interactive part of Toyota’s show tackles the different alternative fuels which may, one day, totally replace gasoline as the fuel of the world. Some of these alternative fuels are biodiesel, hydrogen, and bio-ethanol.
Aside from identifying these alternative fuels, Toyota will also be educating the attendees on how each and every one of these alternative fuels are produced.
Another interactive learning experience is the “Environment and Resources: Small Steps, Big Difference”. This, meanwhile, tackles the different ways how the attendees can help in the protection of the environment in their own little way. This shows Toyota’s concern for the environment and it seems to be already manifested in their lineup of fuel efficient vehicles. These vehicles are more fuel thrifty than a vehicle equipped with a Mercury cold air intake system.
If you’re in the market for used auto sales, Austin’s DriveTime dealerships have a wide selection of vehicles to choose from. We know that it can be very difficult to get financed for a vehicle when you have poor credit, but at DriveTime we focus on getting people with bad credit into a used auto. Other dealerships may claim they can sell you a car no matter what your credit history is, but all too often this turns out to be an empty promise. That’s why you can count on DriveTime to find you a used car that you will be proud to drive!
The third interactive educational display at Toyota’s exhibit is the “Prius Driving Experience” and aside from the actual test drive, Toyota allows attendees of the event to take advantage of a Prius driving simulation. Another part of Toyota’s exhibit is the “Hybrid Technology: Not All Hybrids are Created Equal” and this one educates the attendees just about what hybrid technology is and where it is found and in what vehicle.
Aside from identifying the hybrid technologies employed by different vehicles, Toyota also highlights each technology’s benefit to the environment and the consumer.
The 2007 Nashville International Auto Show will start on the sixth of April and will run until the eighth of the month. Toyota’s hands-on exhibit will start from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on the dates April 6 and 7. On April 8, the driving experience for Toyota’s hybrid will run from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The “Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience will be held at the LP Field. To promote the driving experience to attendees of the motor show, a free shuttle service will be provided to take attendees to the LP Field.
Lauren Woods
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/highway-to-the-future-mobile-hybrid-experience-offered-by-toyota-123177.html
If you are looking for the cheapest sources of energy, then one of the best ways is to opt for wind power. From centuries, there has been a lot of use that wind has been put to. We can harness wind power to the extent where we can get the maximum out of it and you need to learn how to make a wind mill
If you are thinking about how to make a windmill, it is not so difficult. In the past it was used in flour mills and even to pump water. But we have realized the power that wind has in it and it is this power that can be used as an alternative source for electricity. With the depleting levels of fossil fuels and the increasing rates for electricity it is high time we decide on using such alternative forms of energy and learn how to make a windmill.
Not only are we going to save money, but we are saving the earth too. With nuclear energy being used as one of the sources for energy, the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere is growing to such high levels that the issue of global warming is catching every body’s attention. Is there a solution to all these problems? Well, the use of renewable sources of energy like the sun light, the wind generated power etc are sure fire solutions that does work.
When you want to know how to make a windmill and if you find the rates of installing one, you will sure find atrocious prices. The best way to go about this is to use the resources that are easily available in our homes and even in the nearby hardware stores and construct our own wind mill that results in wind generated power
All you need to set up the instrument that gives you wind generated power is a how to make a windmill installation guide and the right components. The most important consideration for this is the location where you will be building this. You need to make sure that the area has a free flowing current of wind most of the time.
Mr. Pom
During the mid-20th century, scientists have begun to observe and record the steady increase in the average temperature of the oceans as well as on the atmosphere. This change is now termed global warming and is recognized to be one of the leading factors in which the planet has been undergoing drastic climatic changes such severe typhoons and flooding. With all these alarming developments, I could not help but wonder what I can specifically do in order to contribute toward decreasing this adverse phenomenon.
One of the recognized causes of global warming is the emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This particular compound is produced by burning fossil fuels in order to provide energy. One good way to contribute toward reduction of carbon dioxide emissions would be to use a fuel efficient vehicle. This is not a hard thing to do, since a lot of automobile manufacturers have step up to the challenge to develop and sell vehicles that don’t consume as much gas as the older models. Another way to help fuel efficiency is to keep my vehicle in top shape and to try carpooling as well as commuting once in a while. It always pays to have engine tune ups regularly as well as to ensure all the tires are properly inflated, as tires not fully inflated can also increase gasoline consumption. Using car air conditioner is also one source of carbon dioxide emissions. On a cool day, driving around with windows open would a good alternative. As for driving less, it not only saves on gas but would also help reduce traffic congestions. It might even encourage a healthier lifestyle, as I now have the option of walking whenever I can.
Carbon dioxide is also emitted by home appliances so it would also make sense to purchase energy-efficient appliances that will not only reduce pollution but also translates to lower energy bill. Using compact fluorescent bulbs is also a good strategy to reduce energy costs. Appliances and light bulbs that came with the Energy Star label are also the most ideal to use and install. Some utility companies even offer rebates for those who made the switch into using energy efficient light bulbs and would also be another way for me to reduce energy bills.
There are also a lot of organizations that are pushing for the use of more renewable energy sources and thereby minimize our reliance on burning fossil fuels. I could also help the fight in global warming by giving my support to these organizations and help educate my friends and family regarding the dangers of global warming and promoting renewable energy at a community level.
Another way to contribute towards the fight against global warming would be to have a ‘greener’ home. This means a more energy-efficient home. One simple and practical way to ensure this would be to seal all drafts in order to prevent increased used of heating during winters. During summertime, opening the windows and letting cooling breeze come in is a good alternative to using the cooling system. These initiatives also translate into lesser energy bill and more savings on my part.
Joost Hoogstrate
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/what-can-i-do-about-global-warming-727806.html
With soaring gas prices, and concerns about the effects fossil fuel use is having on the environment, researchers are scrambling to find alternative fuel options for America’s dependence on foreign oil. While others are being studied, there are currently several promising fuel options already in limited use across the nation:
Biodiesel:
One of cleanest, cheapest and easiest fuel options to implement, biodiesel, fuel can be made from vegetable and soy bean oils and animal fats, as well as recycled restaurant grease.
In its pure form (100%), biodiesel is a clean-burning fuel that emits very little air pollutants, and would help reduce dangerously high levels of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and sulfates in the air, by limiting the use of traditional petroleum products.
Switching the average consumer to biodiesel fuel may be one of the easiest and cheapest transfers among all the alternative fuel sources available. Most cars and trucks built since 1994 are designed to already accept biodiesel fuel with little or no modifications. No new or special pumps are needed to make it available to the public, and according to a recent study by the United States Department of Energy, current U.S. stockpiles of soybean and other usable foodstuffs are currently available to produce nearly 2 billion gallons of biodiesel. That’s just 5% of America’s annual fuel usage.
Ethanol:
Once considered the alternative fuel of choice, ethanol has taken a back burner to other options in recent years as critics contend that it takes more energy to make it than Americans will save using it. Still, research continues to find ways to make this fuel option easier to make. Ethanol is a clear, colorless fuel that is made by distilling ground corn, and other high-sugar plants (such as sugar beets, grasses and even some fast-growing trees), into grain alcohol using a wet-milling process.
Electricity:
A completely clean fuel, interest in using electricity to fuel cars is rising. While storage capacity is small in most current models, limiting the amount of miles an electric car can drive before needing to recharge, solar and wind power may be a “recharging” option in the future, making the electric car more accessible and usable for the average driver.
Hydrogen:
Hydrogen is used to grow fuel cells that can be converted into electricity for cars. Although Hydrogen emissions are low, critics contend that since it is made from burning fossil fuels such as coal, gas and nuclear energy, it isn’t a viable large-scale alternative for lowering the country’s gas consumption.
Methanol:
Also known as wood alcohol, methanol can be used in an 85% (methanol) – 15% (gasoline), mix in flexible fuel vehicles. Blended with gasoline to enhance the octane and provide a cleaner fuel, methanol is produced by reforming natural gas to create a synthetic gas fed into a reactor to produce methane and water vapor. While the technology showed promise at first, most car manufacturers eventually stopped producing flexible fuel vehicles when concerns rose over contaminated ground water produced during the methanol production process.
While alternatives due exist for our country’s reliance on fuel, more research is needed to find the best source to replacing our dependence on fossil fuels.
Matthew Hick
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/alternative-fuel-sources-moving-away-from-gas-135717.html
The styling is a gentle evolution of its ancestors but its front end is inspired by the new Volvo S80 sedan and the Volvo C30 hatch. But what is more interesting about the Volvo V70 is that it uses one engine which can run using five different fuels.
Some aficionados regard the wagon segment as dead. To circumvent this notion, Volvo put a lot of time and money to make the Volvo V70 wagon good looking and admirable in every respect. The all-new Volvo V70 belongs to the third generation of the car. However, the car is not treated as a direct replacement for the previous Volvo V70 but only as an estate version.
The Volvo V70 prototype is engineered to compete with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5-Series. The wagon features a distinct grille and front bumper but the dashboard and majority of the interior are basically the same. Auto parts and accessories integrated to the car including Volvo brake caliper, rotors and suspension are upgraded to complement the functionality of the Volvo V70.
What is more interesting than minor modifications is the enhancement of the Volvo engine to entertain five fuels that include standard gasoline, E85 (bioethanol), natural gas, biomethane, and hythane. The most interesting fuel among the five is hythane. The latter is a mixture of hydrogen and methane. Hythane, the most recent type of alternative fuel blend, is composed of 10 percent hydrogen and 90 percent methane.
Hythane, E85 bioethanol and CNG biomethane are extra-clean fuels. This fact made the car successful in surpassing all existing emissions regulations imposed in any market these days. It will also qualify for the upcoming EuroV emissions regulations. The extra-clean fuels also have the benefit of being carbon neutral. This means that the amount of carbon emitted when the fuel is burned is equivalent to the amount acquired by the crops used to make the fuel.
Aside from running on five different fuels, another notable feature of the Volvo V70 Prototype is its relatively consistent performance regardless of the fuel used. Volvo said the turbocharged engine of the prototype is capable of generating about 200 horsepower. Said horsepower is sufficient to power up the wagon.
Volvo has established a remarkable track record in the field of producing environment-friendly cars. These automotive milestones reflect Volvo’s commitment to help clean the environment by reducing harmful emissions that contribute greatly to global warming. Aside from green car manufacture embraced in the environment philosophy of Volvo, other primordial concerns of the automaker include safety and quality.
Volvo has communicated its intention to transform its entire lineup into green cars. The Volvo V50, its station wagon variant, is available in Europe as a Flexi-Fuel model. The car can run on E85 bioethanol. When it runs on said fuel, it generates some 80 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline. The Volvo S40 1.6D is the automaker’s efficient production vehicle that consumes 48 mpg of diesel. The emissions produced are 15 to 20 percent less than an equivalently powerful gasoline model. The Volvo S60 B-Fuel, which is powered by gasoline and biomethane, is also part of Volvo’s green lineup. When fueled by biomethane, tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide are reduced to some 25 percent compared to gasoline fuel emissions. The evolution of Volvo is aimed at producing fuel-efficient, elegant, functional, green cars.
Glady Reign
http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/volvo-delivers-1-engine-5-fuels-in-v70-100618.html