Westport Innovations Inc. unveiled the first generation of its new, proprietary enhanced spark-ignited (ESI) natural gas system. The new approach to natural gas combustion technology is designed to provide vehicle and engine original manufacturers (OEMs) with a “downsized” natural gas solution that is cost competitive while providing similar levels of power, torque, and fuel economy to a larger diesel engine.
BIO says EPA RFS rule inaction on causing an increase in GHG emissions
Increased greenhouse gas emissions equal to 4.4 million additional cars on US roads are likely as a result of EPA inaction on finalizing the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rules, according to a new white paper issued by The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). The white paper updates earlier BIO’s March 2014 study, “Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Proposed Changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard Through 2022.”That study demonstrated that if EPA reduced biofuel use under the RFS, as the agency proposed in November 2013, the United States would experience an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and forego an achievable decrease in emissions.
China’s need for speed ‘drives global car market’
By Tangi Quemener
Young, rich and hungry for speed: a new generation of Chinese drivers is reshaping the global market with their taste for powerful cars, according to a study released on Wednesday.
Germany seeks to increase EV sales with free parking
Germany will offer green car buyers the prospect of free parking as Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government seeks to have 1 million electric vehicles on German roads by 2020, from about 21,000 at the start of the year.
The German cabinet today backed a bill that would enable municipalities to offer drivers of battery-powered cars, fuel cell vehicles and some plug-in hybrids privileges including parking and the right to use bus lanes, the Environment Ministry said in a statement.
Lotus’ timeless ‘tub’
New Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales sees no reason to change the British sport car maker’s underpinnings. He says Lotus’ bonded aluminum “tub” — launched on the first Elise in 1996 — remains a benchmark for vehicle dynamics and fuel efficiency.
