150 MPG “Algaeus” Plug-In Prius To Cruise Coast-to-Coast On Algae Fuel

Written by Christopher DeMorro
Published on September 1st, 2009
3 Comments
Posted in Algae, Biofuels

In an effort to drum up attention and support for their algae-based biofuel, Sapphire Energy has announced they will conduct a coast-to-coast journey in their “Algaeus” plug-in hybrid. Part electric hybrid, part biofuel vehicle, Sapphire claimes the Algaeus will get 150 miles per gallon from its hybrid/biofuel drivetrain.

The Algaeus will visit 10 cities, starting in San Francisco on September 8th and ending in New York City on the 18th.

As far as we know, this will be the first street-ready and legal algae-fueled vehicle to compete a trans-continental journey. The engine itself has not been modified in anyway, but an additional battery pack and advanced energy-management system have been added to increase the mileage.

The high-octane algae fuel is a drop-in replacement for gasoline. No engine modifications required. Using a mixture of hydrocarbons refined from “green crude”, this is a low-emission, renewable fuel. The algae is “engineered” to meet certain driving dynamics, and grown in open ponds where it is then removed from the water in a 4-15 day process. The resulting oil can be used in any petrol-powered vehicle.

The list of cities the Algaeus will visit:

  • San Fancisco, CA (September 8th)
  • Sacramento, CA (September 9th)
  • Salt Lake City, UT (September 10th)
  • Cheyenne, WY (September 11th)
  • Lincoln, NE (September 12th)
  • Chicago, IL (September 13th)
  • Detroit, MI (September 14th)
  • Cleveland, OH (September 15th)
  • Erie, PA (September 16th)
  • Washington DC (September 17th)
  • New York, NY (September 18th)

For more on Sapphire Energy check out their website.

Source: Biofuels Digest

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3 Responses to “150 MPG “Algaeus” Plug-In Prius To Cruise Coast-to-Coast On Algae Fuel”

  1. Jo Says:
    September 1st, 2009 at 5:44 pm

    Great find! What a cool concept – I hope it lives up to its claims!!

  2. Rick Milne Says:
    September 10th, 2009 at 11:09 am

    Having worked for 30 years in the oil busniess, I would like to hear how the current refineries will survive this transition & produce a product while still suppling crude based gas.

  3. michael mcomber Says:
    October 9th, 2009 at 9:32 am

    I rode in it 300 miles and smelled the fuel it is very easy deal with and smells non toxic, not at all like gasoline. Sapphire should get top awards for it’s work. Josh Tickell has been on the cutting edge of alternative energy for years supported by all the awards won by the FUEL film

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