What is the future of fuel? What's new? What's next? Since 2007, Gas 2 has covered a rapidly changing world coming to terms with its oil addiction.
The ITOCHU Corporation and the Chiyoda Ward-based automotive research and development company Tokyo R&D Co., Ltd. are teaming up to demonstrate that electric passenger cars and electric trucks have astounding potential. The joint endeavor is supplying lithium ion and solar power generation systems aimed at trucks, which can be used not only as standard delivery vehicles but also as mobile sales centers and emergency power supplies.
Good morning greenies! It’s been a fun week thus far, with plenty of interesting news tidbits from across the globe. This morning we have highlights stretching from the Himalyas back to the 19th century. As it turns out, the Himalayas are a goldmine of solar power, Central Park may replace horses with EV’s, and racing old school, big-wheel bikes is pretty fun!
We have seen bikes that are made out of bamboo, bikes that transport kegs, even bikes that can shift gears using one’s mind – but these bikes are used to power a musical concert.
There has been so much focus on the world of hybrid cars, that sometimes it feels like the vehicles most in need of MPG improvements, like trucks and vans, are forgotten by the OEM’s. But this week XL Hybrids announced a pilot testing program of its bolt-on hybrid system for GM full-size vans…with plans to expand to other popular fleet vehicles as well.
Last January Toyota announced the expansion of the Prius hybrid lineupto include a larger “V” model, a plug-in hybrid, and a smaller, sportier compact, the Prius C. While Toyota has not officially released any info or images of the Prius C, a recently leaked brochure gives us a clearer picture of what to expect.
Two American companies. Two class-leading mid-size pickups. Two completely different paths. Ford has announced that as of December 19th, 2011, Ford Ranger production will cease and the historic Twin Cities Assembly Plant will shut down. Meanwhile, GM announced that it will bring the new global Colorado pickup to America.
What a week so far. From news to rumors to new EPA ratings, the 3rd quarter of 2011 is already turning out to be a big one for alternative fuels and climate change. Some of today’s highlights include lower-than-expected EPA ratings for the Fisker Karma, Hertz wants more Rental EV’s, and an island nation runs out of water.
Although we certainly didn’t arrive early enough to be at the front of this joyous funeral procession, I made my way to the front to see the Fisker Karma in action, then turned around and filmed almost the entire length of the parade.
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