Tag Archives: hybrid

Super Efficient Diesel-Electric Plug-Ins Abuzz at Geneva

Posted on March 6, 2013 | Leave a comment

To our delight, several manufacturers unveiled diesel-electric hybrid models at the Geneva Autoshow, including Volkswagen’s XL1 diesel-powered plug-in hybrid, touted as the “world’s most efficient car.” Reminiscent of a tictac on wheels, the XLI is a spacey, futuristic-styled two-seater claiming a whopping 261 miles per gallon fuel efficiency.

No word on how many of these snazzy little diesel-sippers will go into production or what the price tag might be (rumors suggest over six-figures), but we like the direction VW is headed. For more information, check out autoblog’s report.

Ready for more diesel-electric thrills from Geneva?

Subaru showed off the Viziv diesel hybrid crossover. A concept vehicle that is the poster child for Subaru’s ”Vision for Innovation,” the Viziv offers a glimpse into future design and technological direction for the company.

Mitsubishi also brought a diesel-hybrid concept to the spotlight in Geneva: the Concept GR-HEV, a Sport Utility Hybrid Truck. According to Autoblog, “the vehicle’s drivetrain is good for CO2 emissions of 149 grams per kilometer. For comparison’s sake, the global 2012 Ford Ranger emits 264 g/km when equipped with the 3.2-liter turbo-diesel engine and a six-speed manual transmission.” Nice.

Learn more about current diesel vehicle options and cleaner fuels for diesel vehicles at www.propelfuels.com.

Photo Credits — Autoblog.com

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Biodiesel, Emissions, Green Business, Technology, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, concept cars, diesel, diesel hybrid, fuel efficiency, high mpg, hybrid, Jetta TDI, mitsubishi diesel, plug in diesel hybrid, plug-in hybrid, subaru diesel, Volkswagen TDI, VW

Detroit Autoshow. We like what we see.

Posted on February 8, 2013 | Leave a comment

This year’s Detroit Autoshow boasted plenty of shiny, drool-worthy vehicles, and, as renewable fuel enthusiasts, a couple in particular caught our eye.

Diesel (!) Jeep Grand Cherokee.

First of all, we love our diesels, especially the re-release on American soil of an old favorite like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Chrysler’s new EcoDiesel V6 powers this off-roading champ. For all the specs and in-depth details, read Autoblog’s review on the Grand Cherokee’s comprehensive update.

Volkswagen CrossBlue Diesel-Hybrid.

Be still our efficiency-loving hearts! Did you just say DIESEL-HYBRID? Before you get your hopes up too much, for now it’s a concept only. According to Volkswagen, the three-row crossover has an estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg combined and a whopping 89 mpg in electric mode. Get the scoop from Autoblog.

X-Truck Plug-In Hybrid Concept.

It might be hard to tell but the X-Truck is a suped-up, highly-modified Chevy Silverado by Via Motors. The most obvious addition is the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which enables it to get the touted, but still unofficial, 100 miles per gallon. The truck still uses a 5.3-liter V8 from GM as a gas generator–when the battery is in a low state-of-charge, the generator kicks in and helps power up the battery packs. This begs the question: is the V8 Flex Fuel E85 compatible?! We certainly hope so!

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Biodiesel, Flex Fuel E85, Technology, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, detroit auto show, diesel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, Flex Fuel, flex fuel vehicle, green car, hybrid, low-carbon fuel, plug in diesel hybrid, plug-in hybrid, Volkswagen TDI, VW

Diesel Hybrids Combine the Best of Both Worlds

Posted on March 4, 2011 | 1 Comment

Geneva Motor Show – Does the future of clean transportation ride on renewable fuels or electric power? As we at Propel maintain — and as these new beauties, debuted this week at the Geneva Motor Show, demonstrate — the answer can most certainly be both. The diesel hybrid dazzlers featured below can be powered by renewable biodiesel and electricity.

Range Rover Sport Plug-In Diesel Hybrid

While there’s no word yet on whether the Range_e is intended for production, Land Rover has confirmed that this unique offering is part of its 2008 plan to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2012. Impressively, the SUV can travel up to 20 miles in full electric mode and returns 88mpg and 88 grams of CO2/kilometer. Power comes from both a 3.0-liter 240-horsepower TDV6 and a 69 kW electric motor that can be recharged from a standard household power supply in <4 hours.

Peugeot 908 Hybrid 4

So it’s not your daily driver. But with its 3.7-liter, 550-horsepower diesel V8 — and an on-board electric motor that uses regenerative braking technology to provide an extra 80-horsepower spurt — Peugeot’s new endurance racer certainly inspires wide appeal. Will it be ready for the 2012 LeMans racing season? If so, Peugeot claims that the clean-burning, hybrid diesel technology will allow the 908 to stay on track longer than the average LeMans vehicle. Less pitting, more winning!

Volvo V60 Plug-In Diesel Hybrid

Who doesn’t love a sports wagon? Better yet, who doesn’t love a good looking safety machine with a diesel engine, a plug-in rechargeable electric powertrain and electric AWD? With the V60 Plug-In Hybrid, Volvo delivers all that, and more. In fact, a press release from the automaker claims the V60 Hybrid to be “three cars in one”:

1) An electric car with a range of up to 32 miles (charging time is 5 or less hours at home)
2) A high-efficiency hybrid with carbon dioxide emissions averaging just 49 g/km
3) A dynamic and engaging car with a combined output of 215 + 70 horsepower, 440 + 200 Nm of torque and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph of just 6.9 seconds

While the standard V60 is available only in European markets, Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby hinted in January that the V60 Hybrid could make its way to the US. Only time will tell. Until then, we’ll keep our fingers crossed!

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Biodiesel, blog, Technology, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biofuel, carbon, clean diesel, diesel, diesel hybrid, diesel range rover, diesel volvo, diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, electric vehicle technology, electric vehicles, geneva auto show, geneva motor show, hybrid, low-carbon fuel, peugeot, Peugeot diesel hybrid, plug in diesel hybrid, plug-in hybrid, range rover, range rover hybrid, renewable fuel, volvo, volvo hybrid

Volkswagen puts diesel in the hybrid mix

Posted on February 23, 2011 | 1 Comment

Volkswagen recently revieled the XL1 Prototype, a diesel-electric plug-in hybrid with a mind-blowing 261 miles per gallon fuel economy.

The vehicle’s extreme efficiency is achieved using light weight parts, including a small two-cylinder diesel and electric plug-in engine. While VW will only be producing the XL1 for a very limited run, there are reports the manufacturer is working on a producing a slightly bigger, more conventional hybrid, the Up mini-car, which could achieve 95 miles per gallon.

Volvo to deliver diesel hybrid plug-in for 2012.

Posted on December 6, 2010 | 1 Comment

Volvo’s plans are still on track to release a Plug-In Diesel Hybrid in 2012. The hybrid will be based on the V60 wagon and is estimated cut CO₂ emission in half when compared to emissions of the popular Toyota Prius.

The lithium-ion battery will charge from a household outlet in about five hours with a range of 30 miles and will also feature regenerative braking for added charging. After the electric-range is reached, the diesel engine takes over.

VW Jetta TDI meets Toyota Prius

Posted on May 27, 2009 | Leave a comment

Recent commercial from VW featuring the new Jetta TDI and the Toyota Prius.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Biodiesel, blog, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, diesel, hybrid, Jetta TDI, propel, Volkswagen TDI, VW

Factoria Biodiesel Clean Fuel Point Now Open

Posted on January 28, 2008 | Leave a comment

In their continuing mission to expand the distribution of biodiesel, Propel Biofuels recently flipped the switch on their Factoria Clean Fuel Point. Propel Clean Fuel Points are a unique tank/dispenser kiosk that can easily be added to the footprint of existing gas stations. Like every Clean Fuel Point, the Factoria station is integrated with CleanDrive emissions reporting. With each fill customers have the ability to see how much they’re reducing their carbon footprint. CleanDrive is available FREE to Propel customers.
CleanDrive reports show criteria like:
- Reductions in CO2 by using biodiesel
- Barrels of oil displaced
- Equivalent annual impact of mature trees

This new Clean Fuel Point, like all Propel locations is open 24/7, takes all major credit cards and serves only the highest quality biodiesel.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Biodiesel

Tagged Biodiesel, biofuel, BMW, carbon, diesel, ethanol, fleet, global warming, hybrid, Mercedes, propel, VW

Large Fleets Continue To Flock To Biodiesel

Posted on January 28, 2008 | Leave a comment

Just last week news broke that Safeway is switching its trucking fleet to biodiesel. This week Broomfield, Colorado’s Corporate Express has announced a similar move. To help curb harmful greenhouse emissions and enhance the performance of their fleet’s diesel engines, the company is now fueling their 45 trucks with B20.

“Using biodiesel in our trucks will advance our distribution while decreasing emissions and further reducing our Company’s carbon footprint,” said Jay Mutschler, President of Corporate Express US.

This is great news for biodiesel advocates as the use of the clean-burning, renewable fuel by companies dependent on diesel vehicles greatly enhances the fuel’s legitimacy as a mainstream fuel source.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Biodiesel

Tagged Biodiesel, biofuel, BMW, carbon, diesel, ethanol, fleet, global warming, hybrid, Mercedes, propel, VW

Algae Realized

Posted on January 25, 2008 | 6 Comments

We’ve been hearing it for decades: the next breakthrough fuel technology is just around the corner. Hydrogen, electric, fuel cells–all have shown promise to free the world from its dependence on fossil fuels. Yet for one reason or another, we wait and wait for the automakers to catch up or the technology to perfected. Meanwhile, in a relatively short-span, researchers have developed a method of extracting oil from algae and converting it to a viable fuel source. What makes algal biodiesel different from the aforementioned panaceas? Consumers will not need to wait on Detroit to take advantage of it as the current and future fleet of diesel vehicles will be able to use it with no conversion required. More importantly, algae is a rapidly renewable biodiesel feedstock that does not compete with food sources like soy beans or corn. Leading the way is Solazyme, a bioenergy upstart out of San Francisco, in a unique partnership with Chevron. Unique because instead of eschewing the help of big oil, Solazyme founders Jonathan Wilson and Harrison Dillon embraced Chevron’s R&D muscle as way to accelerate algal-biodiesel’s path to widespread commercial use. For more information check out this post from Wired magazine, and be sure to watch the trailer to “Fields of Gold,” the biodiesel documentary produced by biodiesel advocate Josh Tickell.

→ 6 Comments

Posted in Biodiesel

Tagged algae, Biodiesel, biofuel, BMW, carbon, Chevron, diesel, ethanol, fuel cell, global warming, hybrid, hydrogen, imperium, Mercedes, propel, Solazyme, VW

Safeway Goes Biodiesel

Posted on January 21, 2008 | 1 Comment

Safeway has boldly chosen to become one of the nation’s first major retailers to convert its fleet to clean burning biodiesel. No doubt the benefits of biodiesel were hard for the Pleasonton, California-based company to ignore.

In addition to improved engine performance, less harmful emissions, and a fuel source that isn’t tied to the volatility of the Middle East, none of the company’s 1,000 fleet vehicles will require any major mechanical conversion as biodiesel performs exceptionally well in any diesel motor.

For more information click here.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Quality, Green Business, Media, Propel Biofuels, Retail locations, Vehicles

Tagged Biodiesel, biofuel, BMW, carbon, diesel, ethanol, global warming, hybrid, Mercedes, propel, VW

BMW To Introduce New High Performance Diesels In The U.S.

Posted on January 10, 2008 | Leave a comment

Leading a wave of new clean-burning diesels headed to the states are two offerings from BMW that deliver power and performance with the added benefit of a good carbon-conscience. Take a look at this article describing the BMW 335d sedan and X5 3.0sd SUV.

BMW makes no reference regarding the use of biodiesel in these vehicles, but rest assured we’ll pass along any warranty information or blend recommendations put out from Bavaria.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Vehicles

Tagged Biodiesel, biofuel, BMW, carbon, diesel, ethanol, global warming, hybrid, Mercedes, propel, VW

Farmers Provide Biodiesel Cred In Ford Country

Posted on December 27, 2007 | Leave a comment

The biodiesel sticker: a creature of a thousand faces that is becoming easier to spot on vehicles throughout the country. It comes in many forms from your basic “Powered By Biodiesel” to the more creative “Go By Grease,” and almost always it crops up on the bumpers of European passenger vehicles like VWs, Mercedes and Volvos. But while the average biodiesel user is depicted as a more socially conscious, urban dweller, biodiesel is slowly gaining traction with commercial diesel powerusers. And if you have any interest in seeing biodiesel become a mainstream alternative to petroleum fuels, you’ll want to read this article that describes a unique field study being led by the Iowa Soybean Association. The two-year study, called the “Two Million Mile Haul,” is examining the benefits of using biodiesel blends in the trucking industry. The results–as anyone familiar with biodiesel might assume-support the use of biodiesel in long haulers which represent “the largest single users of diesel fuel” in the country. Such a study–and others like it–should be considered a boost to the biodiesel industry. Though many Volkswagens and small diesel passenger vehicles will pepper the freeways in the next few years, a challenge for biodiesel proponents is to get light-duty truck owners to trust biodiesel. Now, with opinion leaders in the farm belt stumping for biodiesel, you can bet more Duramax’s, Cummins’ and Powerstrokes will have biodiesel running in their veins. And as light duty diesel trucks outnumber passenger diesels in the U.S. by roughly 10 to 1, it would be nice to see them join the party.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Big Oil, Biodiesel

Tagged Biodiesel, biofuel, carbon, ethanol, global warming, hybrid, propel

Popular Mechanics: New Diesels Blow Away Hybrids

Posted on December 17, 2007 | 3 Comments

The January issue of Popular Mechanics just arrived in mailboxes and is a must read for anyone wondering whether to go Hybrid or Diesel. In “The Case For Diesel” author Ben Hewitt reports how the “dark-horse of fossil fuels has cleaned up its act, allowing automakers to create cars for the U.S. that are ultraefficient and high-performance.” Case in point, in a side-by-side comparison to see how hybrids compare to their diesel-powered cousins, a Toyota Prius is matched up against a VW Polo BlueMotion 1. The results were impressive. The Polo not only drove 38% further on a gallon of fuel (74.3 mpg vs. 54 mpg) but also generated 5% fewer greenhouse gas emissions per mile. Though the article makes no mention of biodiesel, one can assume through existing data that switching-out the ultra-low sulfur diesel used in this test for a biodiesel blend would even further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And though the VW Polo is presently only available in Europe, the article showcases the new wave of diesels coming stateside in the next two years. Among those listed were the Audi A4 Sedan, Honda Accord Sedan and a F-150 pick-up boasting a 4.4-liter V8 rated to 31 mpg.

→ 3 Comments

Posted in Biodiesel

Tagged Biodiesel, biofuel, carbon, ethanol, global warming, hybrid, propel

Tag Archives: hybrid

Super Efficient Diesel-Electric Plug-Ins Abuzz at Geneva

Detroit Autoshow. We like what we see.

Diesel Hybrids Combine the Best of Both Worlds

Volkswagen puts diesel in the hybrid mix

Volvo to deliver diesel hybrid plug-in for 2012.

VW Jetta TDI meets Toyota Prius

Factoria Biodiesel Clean Fuel Point Now Open

Large Fleets Continue To Flock To Biodiesel

Algae Realized

Safeway Goes Biodiesel

BMW To Introduce New High Performance Diesels In The U.S.

Farmers Provide Biodiesel Cred In Ford Country

Popular Mechanics: New Diesels Blow Away Hybrids

Search It!

Recent Entries

Links

Follow “Awake at the Wheel”