Study: Diesel particulates cause… heart attacks?

Filed under: Diesel, Etc.

In what might be considered one of the worst bits of info related to diesel engines, medical researchers at the University of Edinburgh say that chemical particles (aka particulates) exiting the tailpipe of diesel-fueled vehicles can significantly increase the risk of heart attack in otherwise healthy adults.
The research, funded by the British [...]

Study: Vehicle emissions down 14% since 2007

Filed under: Etc., MPG, USA

Consumers are now buying cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles, according to something called the Eco-Drive Index that was compiled by researchers at the University of Michigan. In fact, the researchers found that emissions from recently purchased vehicles are 14 percent lower than back in 2007.
The Eco-Drive Index examines and evaluates greenhouse gases [...]

Study: 62 mpg CAFE standard would cost consumers an arm and… $1,450

Filed under: MPG, Legislation and Policy, USA

Bumping up federal fuel economy standards to 56 miles per gallon in the 2025 would yield fuel savings that offset increased vehicle prices, according to the Center for Automotive Research. However, CAR says, jumping to 62 mpg would increase vehicle prices to such a degree that additional cash needed [...]

Fed launching $8.75M study into fire risks from EV batteries

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Legislation and Policy, USA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an extended investigation into any possible fire risk associated with the lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The $8.75 million study will last through 2014 and will specifically focus on whether or not the cells can catch fire while being charged at [...]

Study: Lack of recycling threatens future of hybrid, plug-in vehicles

Filed under: Etc., EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Europe/EU, North America

A UN-backed report released late last week warns that lack of recycling threatens the future of hybrid and plug-on vehicles. In particular, the report, issued by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), claims that:

Less than one third of metals globally have a recycling rate of more than 50 [...]

Connecticut Light & Power launches “Plug My Ride” website; kicks off EV research study

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, USA
Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P), an electric company and subsidiary of Northeast Utilities (NU), is expecting up to 20 municipalities and businesses in its service area to install charging stations and participate in the utility company’s just-announced plug-in vehicle research project. Among the first to sign on to install charging equipment are [...]

Study: London’s congestion charge lessens traffic; has not improved air quality

Filed under: Etc., Europe/EU, UK

London’s Congestion Charging Scheme (CCS), which was implemented back in 2003 to reduce traffic volume in central London, has had virtually no impact on air quality, according to a study published by the Health Effects Institute (HEI). The study, “The Impact of the Congestion Charging Scheme on Air Quality in London,” [...]

Study: Lengthening semi trucks could reduce emissions

Filed under: Diesel, Etc., UK

The UK’s Department for Transport (DFT) has released the results of its study on the impact of longer semi-trailer trucks. The findings suggest that the use of longer trailers would slash emissions without compromising road integrity or safety.
The study proposes that by increasing the total length of articulated trucks by two [...]

Geneva 2011: IED Scorp-Ion design study electrifies Abarth’s future

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, Fiat, Electric

IED Abarth Scorp-Ion – Click above for high-res image gallery

Every division in the sprawling Fiat empire had something new to unveil at the Geneva Motor Show this year. Starting at the top, Ferrari presented the new FF. Maserati had the GranCabrio Sport, Alfa Romeo wowed with [...]

Study: Lithium-ion batteries age much like we do; irreversibly

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid

In a lab at Ohio State University (OSU), scientists, engineers and experts in the chemical field are studying the effects that time has on lithium-ion batteries. The goal: to discover the “hows” and “whys” behind battery aging. Specifically, why do lithium-ion batteries degrade from repeated use and how come this [...]

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