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	<title>Alternative Energy and Fuels &#187; electric cars</title>
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		<title>Novel Fuel Cell Catalyst Lowers Need for Precious Metal</title>
		<link>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/fuel-cells-batteries/novel-fuel-cell-catalyst-lowers-need-for-precious-metal?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=novel-fuel-cell-catalyst-lowers-need-for-precious-metal</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/fuel-cells-batteries/novel-fuel-cell-catalyst-lowers-need-for-precious-metal#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Nov 2010 06:37:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fuel Cells/Batteries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[catalysts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electric cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fuel cells]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[precious metal]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/?p=2133</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Are you finding the information on fuel cells confusing? Perhaps you are finding much of the information contradictory? If so, you are not alone. That's the reason why we developed our website. We spent time trying to gather the facts for ourselves, unfortunately, what we found didn't help us make decisions at all.Have a look at the article below. It...<em><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/fuel-cells-batteries/novel-fuel-cell-catalyst-lowers-need-for-precious-metal">Continue reading</a></em></p><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/fuel-cells-batteries/novel-fuel-cell-catalyst-lowers-need-for-precious-metal">Novel Fuel Cell Catalyst Lowers Need for Precious Metal</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The information that follows is one way to look at  <strong>fuel cells</strong>, and after reading the article below you will be in a better position to form your own opinion. Whether or not you agree with the author is up to you, and you are certainly free to make up your own mind about the material presented here.</p><p>Fuel cells could create a breakthrough for electric cars, because refuelling them is fast and easy, just like your traditional gas guzzler. But there&#8217;s an obstacle. Current fuel cells need platinum in order to work. And that&#8217;s expensive. Now chemists from Copenhagen, Potsdam and Hanau have taken the first step towards producing fuel cells using very little of the precious metal. Testing problemsolver</p>
<p>At the University of Copenhagen Matthias Arenz has specialized in testing the catalysts that do the actual work in fuel cells. Presented with a so called &#8220;Core Shell catalyst&#8221; developed by Clarkson University chemist Dan Goia for fuel cell company Umicore, he soon realized that this catalyst was special and testing it would deserve an unusual effort. Et spørgsmål om overflade.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/core-shell-catalyst-300x142.jpg" alt="core shell catalyst" title="core shell catalyst" width="300" height="142" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2134" /><strong>A question of surface</strong><br />
The catalyst in a fuel cell taps electrical current from a reaction fusing hydrogen and oxygen into water. This takes place in a complex reaction at the surface of the platinum, so more surface means more electricity. In traditional fuel cells the surface area of platinum is maximized by grinding the precious metal into exceedingly small particles and suspending them in a frame of carbon. But there&#8217;s a catch or two. If the particles become too small, they lose their converting power. Tend to clot together. And over time the carbon-frame tends to burn away which again leads to clotting. These scenarios make the particles lose surface area, and with less surface area, catalysts produce less current.</p>
<p><strong>Avoid clotting</strong><br />
Larger spheres don&#8217;t need the fragile carbon scaffold, and they tend not to clot as badly. But they would require much more platinum to make. Until now. The novel catalyst from Umicore has gotten around this problem by coating larger spheres of less precious metal with a thin skin of platinum. If these do not clot the catalyst should keep producing electricity at top capacity for much longer than cells with small particles of platinum.</p>
<p><strong>Molecular needle in a nano-haystack</strong><br />
Unfortunately figuring out whether particles clot or not is hard, explains Matthias Arenz. &#8220;In an electron microscope we find a particular particle. Then we run the fuel cell. After running gasses over the catalyst, finding that same particle is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. But we have our ways,&#8221; smiles Dr. Arenz.</p>
<p><strong>Full steam from fuller spheres</strong><br />
Having done a series of tests, Dr. Arenz is able to conclude that the novel large-sphere catalyst retains its full converting power. The catalyst produces the same amount of electricity as small particle models. But with bigger spheres, chances are that it will keep on producing at top capacity for a longer time..</p>
<p><strong>Expensive heart</strong><br />
Only one problem remains. The less precious spheres coated with platinum is&#8230;Gold. &#8220;Dan Goia and Umicore have been the first to show, that it is possible to create these thin shells of platinum using simple and cheap chemistry. Now they need to show, that they can do it on spheres of a somewhat cheaper material. If they succeed in this, I&#8217;m sure my tests will show, that cheap and efficient fuel cells are on their way,&#8221; concludes Copenhagen chemist Matthias Arenz.</p>
<p>University of Copenhagen (2010, November 24). Novel fuel cell catalyst lowers need for precious metal. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 24, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2010/11/101123112218.htm</p>
<div id="crp_related"><h5>Related Posts:</h5><ul><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/solar/mimicking-photosynthesis-path-to-solar-derived-hydrogen-fuel" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Mimicking Photosynthesis Path to Solar-Derived Hydrogen Fuel</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/solid-tech-improvements-advance-practical-hybrids" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Solid Tech Improvements Advance Practical Hybrids</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/general/sea-urchin-shaped-nanostructures-grown-in-the-lab" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">&#8216;Sea Urchin&#8217;-Shaped Nanostructures Grown in the Lab</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/fuel-cells-batteries/future-of-electric-cars-running-fuel-cells-on-biodiesel" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Future of Electric Cars? Running Fuel Cells on Biodiesel</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/solar/improving-performance-of-nanotubes" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Improving Performance of Nanotubes in Solar Cells that Produce Hydrogen Gas from Water</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/solar/spray-on-solar-panels" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Spray-on Solar Panels</a></li></ul></div><p>If you want to know more about <strong>fuel cells</strong>, you may click on the resources to lead you to more information.  You may also use the search box to further lead you to other articles.  If you want to contribute to this website, we would love to hear your suggestions!  It would be great to have you share your thoughts about <strong>fuel cells</strong>.</p><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/fuel-cells-batteries/novel-fuel-cell-catalyst-lowers-need-for-precious-metal">Novel Fuel Cell Catalyst Lowers Need for Precious Metal</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Discover The Latest Developments In Electric Cars</title>
		<link>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/discover-the-latest-developments-in-electric-cars?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=discover-the-latest-developments-in-electric-cars</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/discover-the-latest-developments-in-electric-cars#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:24:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alternative Energy News</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electric car]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electric cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fiat 500]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hybrid Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toyota Prius]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/?p=1710</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Cars pollute, kill the planet and generally are not that green are they not? Here is the latest news from the world of the eco-friendly electric cars trying to prove the car hater wrong. The limited edition Micro-Vett electric 500 is an electric, eco version of the famous Fiat 500. This little green-mobile has a maximum speed of 60mph, a...<em><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/discover-the-latest-developments-in-electric-cars">Continue reading</a></em></p><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/discover-the-latest-developments-in-electric-cars">Discover The Latest Developments In Electric Cars</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Cars pollute, kill the planet and generally are not that green are they not? Here is the latest news from the world of the eco-friendly electric cars trying to prove the car hater wrong. The limited edition Micro-Vett electric 500 is an electric, eco version of the famous Fiat 500. This little green-mobile has a maximum speed of 60mph, a range of 70 miles, and takes 6-8 hours to charge.</p>
<p>Transmission is manual 5-speed but there is an automatic option. It weighs around 1050kg, has four seats, and standard kit includes a radio, CD, MP2 player, Bluetooth and USB, air con, remote central locking, ABS with EBD, 15-inch alloy wheels, drivers airbag, drivers knee airbag, passenger and window airbags. You can also pay extra if you want auto climate control, an electric sunroof, reverse parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a metallic paint finish to your motor. As with many electric cars price unfortunately is on application. But if you have to ask, you clearly cannot afford.</p>
<p>Lotus introduces an electric car that ROARS! The wonders of modern technology, a car that glides seamlessly along with hardly any noise at all. Well that is great if you are the driver or the passenger, but the quiet hybrid or electric cars of today are not so good for pedestrians as people simply do not hear them coming. Lotus has decided to create a technology to bring that oh so thrilling sound, the roar of a well tuned engine, to eco conscious drivers.</p>
<p>The car manufacturer explains that its safe and sound hybrid technology simulates the growl of a combustion engine, making it instantly recognisable that the vehicle is in motion. It has already put the system into a Toyota Prius, which is one of the most popular hybrid cars on the market. The system produces a pitch and frequency designed to help pedestrians identify the speed and distance of the car. Lotus claim their technology increases pedestrian safety, while retaining the environmental benefits of electric cars.</p>
<p>Shown off at the 2008 motor show, the Lighting car is designed to turn all the heads. Why because it is fast and it is electric. The company claimed the Lightning GTS, which is built in the UK, claims the Lightning can hit 60mph (97kmph) in under four seconds. Instead of one single motor, each wheel has its own giving the most effective power.</p>
<p>Special batteries are used to give the car the power when it needs it rather than a constant speed and you will be able to do a fast charge in around 10 minutes to get you back on the road. The CEO of the company said they are trying to change the perception of what people expect from electric cars. The car will cost around 120,000GBP when it goes on sale so it is up against some real supercar competition.</p>
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<p>Shaun Parker is an expert on <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/carandgps"> electric cars </a> and provides eco-friendly advice on all aspects of the motor industry.</p>
</div>
<div id="crp_related"><h5>Related Posts:</h5><ul><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-cars-why-they-are-the-best-alternatives" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Electric Cars: Why They are the Best Alternatives</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/take-a-ride-to-the-future-in-a-hybrid-car" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Take a Ride to the Future In A Hybrid Car</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-car-facts" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Electric Car Facts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/are-electric-cars-still-the-wave-of-the-future" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Are Electric Cars Still the Wave of the Future?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/the-hybrid-car-of-tomorrow-is-here-today" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">The Hybrid Car of Tomorrow is Here Today</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/hybrid-cars-for-fuel-efficiency" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Hybrid Cars for Fuel Efficiency</a></li></ul></div><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/discover-the-latest-developments-in-electric-cars">Discover The Latest Developments In Electric Cars</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Are Electric Cars Still the Wave of the Future?</title>
		<link>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/are-electric-cars-still-the-wave-of-the-future?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=are-electric-cars-still-the-wave-of-the-future</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/are-electric-cars-still-the-wave-of-the-future#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:45:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alternative Energy News</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American Electric]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electric cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fly bo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GEM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kurrent]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/?p=1666</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>With all the hype and then subsequent let down of the electric car movement many people are beginning to wonder if these cars will ever become mainstream or if they will remain the occasional oddity on the road. Many gas-electric hybrids by companies like Toyota, Ford, Lexus and Mercury are already enjoying some success, but true electric cars are still...<em><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/are-electric-cars-still-the-wave-of-the-future">Continue reading</a></em></p><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/are-electric-cars-still-the-wave-of-the-future">Are Electric Cars Still the Wave of the Future?</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With all the hype and then subsequent let down of the electric car movement many people are beginning to wonder if these cars will ever become mainstream or if they will remain the occasional oddity on the road. Many gas-electric hybrids by companies like Toyota, Ford, Lexus and Mercury are already enjoying some success, but true electric cars are still not capable of attaining the speed or traveling distance required to make them a viable alternative to the gas guzzling vehicles that many Americans are still driving. And the cost is still prohibitive for the average person as well. Saving money on fuel expenses isn&#8217;t likely to help the average household afford a vehicle in the $20,000 to $40,000 price range any time soon.</p>
<p><strong>Keeping Kurrent in the Neighborhood</strong></p>
<p>Still, electric vehicles are getting better and there are some inexpensive models on the road from independent companies like American Electric with their Kurrent selling for around $9,800. However, this is not a family vehicle as it only seats two people. It isn&#8217;t meant for cruising down the highway either, the manufacturers suggest that people need to &#8220;slow down&#8221; a bit anyway and tout this vehicle as a &#8220;neighborhood vehicle&#8221;. This would be perfect for college students or people who live a short distance from work, but it won&#8217;t replace your regular vehicle just yet. Meanwhile, countries like Norway have been driving electric cars like the Think which can go 112 miles on a charge at top speeds of 62 mph for years now and these vehicles are expected to hit US markets within the next couple of years for less than $10,000.</p>
<p><strong>Innovations on the Rise</strong></p>
<p>Most Americans aren&#8217;t ready to settle for driving 30-100 miles on a charge and then waiting many hours to get back on the go and so the car manufacturers are still working hard to overcome the obstacles and build better batteries and vehicle designs that will extend the driving distance and increase speed. Ideas being developed include hydrogen fuel cells and plug-in hybrid. Either manufacturers are going to have to find a way to create electric vehicles that are comparable in performance and price to conventional vehicles or Americans are going to have to alter their lifestyles by limiting the number of hours driven per day and their driving speed. Since the latter is unlikely in the near future, automakers will have to keep working on new designs.</p>
<p><strong>Weighing the Options</strong></p>
<p>There are several good, inexpensive electric vehicles on the market right now for people who travel short distances to work or to the grocery store like the Kurrent, the Fly bo (made in China), and the GEM. There are also more expensive electric cars like the Venturi Fetish that top out at speeds of 100mph and have an equally impressive price tag at over 0,000 in the US. Meanwhile, it will likely still be few years into the future before the electric car becomes a viable option for the majority of people in the United States.</p>
<p><strong>The American Electric Car</strong></p>
<p>GM is not the first and certainly will not be the last American auto manufacturers to create a mass marketed electric car. GM did it in the 90&#8242;s with the &#8220;EV&#8221; which was a success to the consumers, but not for GM as it was more of a test car. They are working on a car, the &#8220;Volt&#8221; which will be designed to travel 40 miles solely on battery power. Something like 75% of Americans travel less than 40 miles in their commute to work. So it can provide a clean means to travel and will have a small engine for those with greater distances. The Volt is highly anticipated to charge into American&#8217;s lives.</p>
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<p>Gregg Camp is an experienced <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.propertyinsantacruz.com/Santa-Cruz-homes-for-sale.php" target="_blank">Santa Cruz real estate broker</a> who has spent more than 20 years working in the beautiful <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.propertyinsantacruz.com/Santa-Cruz-homes-for sale.php" target="_blank">Santa Cruz home</a> market.</p>
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<div id="crp_related"><h5>Related Posts:</h5><ul><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-car-facts" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Electric Car Facts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/hydrogen-hybrid-cars" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Hydrogen Hybrid Cars</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-cars-why-they-are-the-best-alternatives" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Electric Cars: Why They are the Best Alternatives</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/history-of-the-hybrid-car" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">History of the Hybrid Car</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/the-most-important-hybrid-car-information" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">The Most Important Hybrid Car Information</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/the-history-of-hybrid-cars" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">The History of Hybrid Cars</a></li></ul></div><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/are-electric-cars-still-the-wave-of-the-future">Are Electric Cars Still the Wave of the Future?</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Growing Popularity of Electric Cars</title>
		<link>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/growing-popularity-of-electric-cars?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=growing-popularity-of-electric-cars</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Aug 2010 23:48:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alternative Energy News</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electric automobile]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[electric motorcar]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/?p=1602</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Europe has umpteen Electric motorcar motorcars seen on numerous roadways, normally in the chockablock cities or urban regions where getting around town is a bit distinct than it is in the US. On the other hand, the Electric motorcar motorcars being manufactured today are not like the ones of a few ages back that could only get up to 30MPH...<em><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/growing-popularity-of-electric-cars">Continue reading</a></em></p><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/growing-popularity-of-electric-cars">Growing Popularity of Electric Cars</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Europe has umpteen Electric motorcar motorcars seen on numerous roadways, normally in the chockablock cities or urban regions where getting around town is a bit distinct than it is in the US. On the other hand, the Electric motorcar motorcars being manufactured today are not like the ones of a few ages back that could only get up to 30MPH and can be driven a few miles before requiring reloaded.</p>
<p>Today&#8217;s Electric automobiles you can find are a bit smallish than the full sized cars we are use to however, they will well seat four adults, but nothing more. normally the style is like to a two-door hatchback. Other ease or necessaries you will find are airbags, seat belts, and air-conditioning. Not only will you savor these characteristics but also the new Electric automobile automobiles can get up to speeds of around 60MPH and move for about 12 hours without breaking and recharging.</p>
<p>The Electric Automobile cars are unthoughtful urban Electric cars as most masses will still not wish to use them on long trips, however, even in larger cities or going from the urban regions to the big urban centers, they will be great. The idea is that you will be able to go longer and faster than before so the Electric motorcar motorcar will be more attractive for those that live in large cities or in the urban areas and travel to the city for work.</p>
<p>At this time, Ford and Nissan are trying out these Electric cars and Daimler-Chrysler is under sign up for the Zap! Smart motorcar to the US. In the past, the Zap! Smart car was imported to the US and then modified to meet the safety standards of the US.</p>
<p>Why are these Electric Automobile vehicles on the Rise? The answer is quite plain. The Electric Automobile car does not let loose carbon dioxide or other harmful gases into the air. Along with this, in the UK, if you have a automobile that does not emit carbon-dioxide you do not have to pay motorcar tax. In the UK, the car tax you pay is defined by the amount of CO2 your vehicle emits, the more your car emits the more you give in car tax. One more great cause to view buying an Electric automobile car is that they are compact, are easy to drive in congested areas, and you can find a spacing space much quicker.</p>
<p>Electric car automobiles are advantageous for the environment while allowing all individuals the chance to get around town or the area, but in a diminutive more compact way. Research is still being done and of course, more Electric automobile motorcars are being made. This means that before long, you will see umpteen improvements in the speed and the space you can move between recharges.</p>
<div>
<p>Mike Kelly is an expert in the car tax industry as well as being a staff writer providing consumers with information on the <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cartaxprices.co.uk/">DVLA Car Tax</a>, <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cartaxprices.co.uk/electriccars.html">electric cars</a> and <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cartaxprices.co.uk/C02caremissions.html">C02 car emissions</a></p>
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<div id="crp_related"><h5>Related Posts:</h5><ul><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-car-facts" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Electric Car Facts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/the-history-of-electric-cars" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">The History of Electric Cars</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/are-electric-cars-still-the-wave-of-the-future" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Are Electric Cars Still the Wave of the Future?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/the-history-of-hybrid-cars" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">The History of Hybrid Cars</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-cars-why-they-are-the-best-alternatives" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Electric Cars: Why They are the Best Alternatives</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/history-of-the-hybrid-car" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">History of the Hybrid Car</a></li></ul></div><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/growing-popularity-of-electric-cars">Growing Popularity of Electric Cars</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Electric Cars: Why They are the Best Alternatives</title>
		<link>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-cars-why-they-are-the-best-alternatives?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=electric-cars-why-they-are-the-best-alternatives</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:12:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alternative Energy News</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electric cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electric vehicles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hybrid Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lithium ion batteries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[zero emission vehicles]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/?p=1542</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Electric cars, as the name indicates, are vehicles that work on electricity and whose only source of power is electricity. They are also known as battery electric vehicles. The most advantageous feature of electric cars is that they are zero emission vehicles and so, do not pollute the atmosphere. The number of parts in an electric car is also less...<em><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-cars-why-they-are-the-best-alternatives">Continue reading</a></em></p><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-cars-why-they-are-the-best-alternatives">Electric Cars: Why They are the Best Alternatives</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Electric cars, as the name indicates, are vehicles that work on electricity and whose only source of power is electricity. They are also known as battery electric vehicles. The most advantageous feature of electric cars is that they are zero emission vehicles and so, do not pollute the atmosphere.</p>
<p>The number of parts in an electric car is also less as against other hybrid cars or cars that run on gas. The noise from electric cars is almost negligible. Basically, an electric car is made up of a simple frame, wheels, an electric motor, car battery and an electric on and off switch. The engine of the electric car is made up of a series of batteries that are attached to an on and off switch and it is in turn, attached to a motor that is electrically operated. Obviously, the electric motor drives the wheels and sets the car in motion.</p>
<p>The amount of electricity that goes into the motor is controlled to drive the vehicle in a controlled manner. There are solar cars available that convert solar energy into electricity. The electricity that is stored within the battery of an electric car can be generated from any source, apart from solar, like nuclear, natural gas, coal and petroleum.</p>
<p>Since electric cars have a low center of gravity, the initial acceleration is quite rapid and can be handled quite easily. But, the fact of the matter is, that the lithium ion batteries used in cars are very expensive making the overall price of the car expensive and these batteries have to be replaced once in three or four years. In addition, the charging of the battery takes almost three or four hours to fully recharge and therefore needs prior planning, if the electric car is to be used for longer distances.</p>
<p>This also means that the batteries can be charged only from the initial point of journey because there may not be too many charging stations on the way. People also feel that the electric cars are not most suitable for driving long distances and can be nightmarish, if the car runs out of battery or in the midst of busy traffic.</p>
<p>Normally, an electric car offers the equivalent of twenty miles per gallon and the cost to run a mile is nearly three cents. Further more; there is no expenditure on tune ups, oil changes and the like in an electric car. So, people who are environment friendly and want to paint a greener world can opt for an electric car.</p>
<p>The choice would not only be appreciated by others but it would also fill the pocket of the owner because it saves a lot of fuel in the long run. Even though man affords to purchase oil what with soaring oil prices, oil is a depleting natural resource and it is our duty to save this resource for our future generations.</p>
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<p>Visit <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.electricvehiclescenter.info">http://www.electricvehiclescenter.info</a> for a detailed analysis of electric vehicles and various models available in the market.</p>
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		<title>Electric Car Facts</title>
		<link>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-car-facts?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=electric-car-facts</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:54:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alternative Energy News</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[batteries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electric car]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Gasoline]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[greenhouse gases]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/?p=1463</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>When it comes to one of the newest developments in the vehicle industry &#8211; electric cars &#8211; the facts about them are plentiful and easy to come by. This new alternative to regular gasoline powered cars has many people very excited about being able to have reliable transportation without damaging the environment. So what are the facts about electric cars?...<em><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-car-facts">Continue reading</a></em></p><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-car-facts">Electric Car Facts</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When it comes to one of the newest developments in the vehicle industry &#8211; electric cars &#8211; the facts about them are plentiful and easy to come by. This new alternative to regular gasoline powered cars has many people very excited about being able to have reliable transportation without damaging the environment. So what are the facts about electric cars?</p>
<p>First, there are many types of electric cars you can choose from, but all of them use an electric motor that runs on batteries that you recharge. The more batteries you have, the longer you can drive your car. Electric cars come in all different sizes and performances. They are aerodynamically more efficient than gasoline powered cars because electricity stored chemically is lighter than electricity stored electrically.</p>
<p>Another very advantageous fact about electric cars is that they emit virtually no greenhouse gases into the air and thus run much, much cleaner than many other vehicles. Greenhouse gases contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer that has led to global warming. Electric cars that run on batteries alone produce no pollution at all and thus are very environmentally friendly.</p>
<p>How far can you drive on an electric car’s charge? The amazing fact is that electric cars can usually travel for about a hundred miles before needing a charge. The batteries generally need charged overnight and there is a gauge that can tell you how much power you have left. They are perfectly fine for city driving and those who don’t have to go long distances on a regular basis.</p>
<p>This next fact about electric cars may amaze you – I know it did me! Some people believe that an electric car can’t go very fast. But the fact is that electric cars have been clocked at over one hundred miles per hour and can go from zero to that in less than nine seconds! This is because electric motors have a very high torque which allows them to accelerate quickly and travel faster.</p>
<p>There are many more facts to be found out about electric cars such as their price, their range, their availability, and their benefits. Finding out these facts is easy. If you are thinking about buying an electric car, do your research and find one that fits your lifestyle. Most car companies produce at least a hybrid type of electric car that runs on both gasoline and electricity, but you can also find total electric cars if you know where to look. Just get the facts and then get on the electric car bandwagon. You may just find out you like it there!</p>
<p><a title="Automotive" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" rel="nofollow" href="http://oto-motto.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Read more&#8230;&gt;&gt;&gt;</a></p>
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<p>Working at Korean Paper Mill Industry as Incineration Process Engineer</p>
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		<title>The History of Hybrid Cars</title>
		<link>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/the-history-of-hybrid-cars?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-history-of-hybrid-cars</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:17:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alternative Energy News</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hybrid Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alternative fuel vehicles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[conventional vehicles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electric cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[henry ford]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/?p=1198</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Ever curious how exactly hybrid cars became the economic revelation they are today? Well, it definitely didn&#8217;t start in the 1990s, that&#8217;s for sure. In fact, alternative-fuel vehicles and transportation were being developed as far back as 1665, which Flemish inventors used to experiment with steam-power in order to power unmanned cars, and, moving forward to the 1700s, steam-powered carriages....<em><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/the-history-of-hybrid-cars">Continue reading</a></em></p><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/the-history-of-hybrid-cars">The History of Hybrid Cars</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="drop-cap">E</span>ver curious how exactly hybrid cars became the economic revelation they are today? Well, it definitely didn&#8217;t start in the 1990s, that&#8217;s for sure. In fact, alternative-fuel vehicles and transportation were being developed as far back as 1665, which Flemish inventors used to experiment with steam-power in order to power unmanned cars, and, moving forward to the 1700s, steam-powered carriages.</p>
<p>For the most part, though, these were small developments, and it wasn&#8217;t until nearly 1900, in 1898, that the first real hybrid car made its grand debut. Although there are conflicting views as to which hybrid came first, the actual hybrid car developed by Porsche utilized a similar engine as in conventional vehicles today to rotate a generator that would power electric motors, located in the actual car wheel&#8217;s hubs. This particular Porsche was able to travel to nearly 40 miles simply utilizing the power in the battery pack before it had to quit, and by 1899, two more hybrids had appeared in Paris, at the city&#8217;s Salon.</p>
<p>In the earlier years of the twentieth century, there were thousands of hybrid and electric cars being produced and showcased. It seemed that electric and hybrid cars would be the way to travel, and in 1900, the &#8220;voiturette,&#8221; the first of these hybrids, was made by Pieper and was very similar to the hybrids we already know. The only difference was most likely in the exterior. After all, the French didn&#8217;t necessarily have flames painted along the car and spinners on the rims. For this particular hybrid, the purpose of the battery was to help the car in making its way up hills, and while the car was cruising, the battery would recharge itself. There was even a reliability test in 1902 to see which would fare better, a hybrid, or steam-powered or gas-powered vehicles.</p>
<p>But, then, at some point around the 1920s, hybrids suddenly vanished from the public eye, as if they had never existed. Why and how did that happen?</p>
<p>The answer to that is two words: Henry Ford. Ford&#8217;s Model T was not only gas-powered, but his production utilized the assembly line, which made these cars much faster to produce, and easier to do so. Regardless of Ford&#8217;s later influence, though, in 1905, H. Piper, an engineer, was hoping to patent his own hybrid vehicle that would use an electric motor along with a gas-powered engine. Even in 1905, someone had thought of the hybrids we would use today. The problem was finding the support needed.</p>
<p>There were also hybrid trucks that were used from 1910 to 1918, and still, hybrid cars offered in 1916 could still reach 48 miles to the gallon, although speeds were much lower. Still, efficiency-wise, the hybrid from 1916 was better than the vast majority of conventional and hybrid cars on the market.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, any plans for hybrids were dropped in the 1920s when Ford&#8217;s Model T flooded the automobile market. From 1920 to 1965, there was simply no chance for hybrids to develop. Then, in 1969, GM began to experiment with hybrid cars again, and the next thirty years would be filled with tireless efforts of scientists, inventors, and engineers to help create a fast, eco-friendly hybrid.</p>
<p>Finally, in 1997, manufacturers Toyota and Audi premiered their hybrid cars to mixed reactions. The vehicles were hardly flawless, so it took some time to before hybrids were picked back up by manufacturers and kinks were worked out.</p>
<p>But, the most interesting fact about all of this is that considering the history of hybrids, these cars were originally the vehicle of choice for most engineers. So, how could things have been different if hybrids had remained in the spotlight and not blotted out by Henry Ford?</p>
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<p>You might also want to learn about <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.hybridcarchat.com/articles/The+Future+of+Hybrid+Cars.htm">the future of hybrid cars</a> and discuss it in the <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.hybridcarchat.com">hybrid car forums</a>.</p>
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		<title>The History of Electric Cars</title>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:06:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/?p=965</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>We&#8217;ve all seen the commercials talking about how technology was all going to be about flying cars and cold fusion. In reality, though, we have our very own science-fiction-turned-fact in looking at hybrid vehicles which are taking over. They truly are efficient and are money-saving at some levels, but most consumers assume that the concept of electric motors is brand...<em><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/the-history-of-electric-cars">Continue reading</a></em></p><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/the-history-of-electric-cars">The History of Electric Cars</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="drop-cap">W</span>e&#8217;ve all seen the commercials talking about how technology was all going to be about flying cars and cold fusion. In reality, though, we have our very own science-fiction-turned-fact in looking at hybrid vehicles which are taking over. They truly are efficient and are money-saving at some levels, but most consumers assume that the concept of electric motors is brand new, but the first experiments with electric motors began in the mid-1800s. Going as far back as 1832, locomotives and carriages were already using electric motors, considering that lead-acid batteries were already being used.</p>
<p>In the 1890s, though, the first electric cars were actually built at home in the U.S. and actually shown to the general public. To thank for that first electric car we have William Morrison, whose electric car was one of the first to be successfully tested. By the time 1893 had rolled around, there are already several models of electric-powered cars that were showcased in Chicago.</p>
<p>If you have the impression that electric cars are solely known to the public as the new economic fad, think again. Made by Pope manufacturing company in New York City, 1897 saw electric taxis around the city. In fact, by 1899, Thomas Edison was also involved with these ideas, even though he never saw his developments come to fruition.</p>
<p>In 1900, 28% öf vehicles in the U.S. were powered by electric motors, and over one-third of the driving populations in New York City, Boston and Chicago were actually driving electric cars. Had Henry Ford&#8217;s new automobile, the gas-powered Model T Ford, not come along eight years later, the electric car could have possibly been the more common vehicle. Unfortunately, Henry Ford&#8217;s Model T had taken over electric cars by far by the 1920s.</p>
<p>Around 1966, environmental awareness actually became a concern, prompting the US Congress to actually pass legislation regarding pollution, air cleanliness concerns, not to mention rising gas prices. As a result, the popularity and demand for electric cars has increased.</p>
<p>While most consumers think of old hybrids as being the 1998 Toyota Prius, the first actual hybrid vehicle was constructed from a Buick Skylark by a man named Victor Wouk in 1972. The Federal Clear Car Incentive Program in 1970 brought forward this need for hybrid cars, and Wouk&#8217;s hybrid was no different, having been built specifically in response to this Act. Later, in 1974, Vanguard-Sebring built an electric vehicle known as the CitiCar, and was another attempt to respond to the Incentive Program. Unfortunately, the company and program were both out of the picture by 1980.</p>
<p>Although there was an actual act passed by Congress to research and develop hybrid vehicles in 1976, General Motors didn&#8217;t actually start its research on their first hybrid vehicle, the EVI, until 1988. Thankfully, the entire country got a kick in the pants when California passed a Zero Emission Mandate in 1990 that required at least 2% of vehicles be ZEV compliant by 1993, and then 10% of those vehicles by 2003. Unfortunately, both of those goals had not been met by 2003, which still left the country in a position to research hybrids.</p>
<p>Finally, in 1997, Toyota was able to make a breakthrough, and the Toyota Prius was released to the commercial mass-market, selling over 18,000 vehicles in one year alone. It didn&#8217;t take long after that, and in the next three years, Chevy, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, and GM began to release hybrid vehicles, but they were full of kinks and problems. By 2004, most of them were scrapped and recycled.</p>
<p>In 2006, hybrid vehicles began to see a resurgence in production. This time, the kinks were worked out and now, hybrids will soon become the new standard. The fact of the matter, though, is that while the packaging may be new, the actual technology behind the hybrid has spent a century being developed.</p>
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<p>To learn more about <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.hybridcarchat.com">hybrid cars</a> visit hybridcarchat.com and join the <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.hybridcarchat.com/forum/">hybrid car forums</a>.</p>
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<div id="crp_related"><h5>Related Posts:</h5><ul><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/the-history-of-hybrid-cars" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">The History of Hybrid Cars</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/history-of-the-hybrid-car" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">History of the Hybrid Car</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/ford-americas-hybrid-car" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Ford: Americas Hybrid Car</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/the-history-of-the-hybrid-car" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">The History Of The Hybrid Car</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/electric-car-facts" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Electric Car Facts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/why-hybrid-cars-are-better" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Why Hybrid Cars are Better</a></li></ul></div><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/the-history-of-electric-cars">The History of Electric Cars</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The Great Biofuel Hoax of 2008 &#8211; Energy Policy and Climate Change</title>
		<link>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/biofuels/the-great-biofuel-hoax-of-2008?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-great-biofuel-hoax-of-2008</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/biofuels/the-great-biofuel-hoax-of-2008#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:52:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Biofuels]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Climate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electric cars]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[energy efficiency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Great]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[greenhouse gas emissions]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/?p=777</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Biofuels. What a great name! It just sounds green. Looking around I see a proliferation of Biodiesel bumper stickers everywhere I look. In my home state of Oregon all filling stations will be required to add at least 10 % ethanol to all gasoline by next year. Environmentalists are cheering as politicians and the media are jumping onto the Biofuel...<em><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/biofuels/the-great-biofuel-hoax-of-2008">Continue reading</a></em></p><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/biofuels/the-great-biofuel-hoax-of-2008">The Great Biofuel Hoax of 2008 &#8211; Energy Policy and Climate Change</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img style="float:left;margin: 10px 20px 10px 0;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3183411701_357e775784_m.jpg" width="300" />
<p><span class="drop-cap">B</span>iofuels. What a great name! It just sounds green. Looking around I see a proliferation of Biodiesel bumper stickers everywhere I look. In my home state of Oregon all filling stations will be required to add at least 10 % ethanol to all gasoline by next year. Environmentalists are cheering as politicians and the media are jumping onto the Biofuel bandwagon. Sounds like a big win for the environment and society &#8211; think again, in reality Biofuels are much more brown than they are green.</p>
<p>Here are five reasons why Biofuels may actually be harmful for the environment:</p>
<ol>
<li> Biofuels are so profitable that rain forest, the most efficient absorber of greenhouse gases, is being cut or burned to grow grains and sugarcane to make ethanol or Biodiesel.</li>
<li> Farmers growing highly profitable Biofuel crops are looking for the fastest growth and biggest yields and use heavy amounts of chemical fertilizer; which strips key micronutrients out of our increasingly scarce topsoil, and the nitrogen-rich runoff causes massive algae growth that destroys our streams, rivers and lakes.</li>
<li> Because Biofuels are more profitable than food crops large amounts of prime farmland is being devoted to Biofuel production creating grain shortages and increasing the price of grain products, especially in third world countries.</li>
<li> Although Biofuels emit less greenhouse gases per gallon than petroleum fuels they still emit significant amounts. Biofuels are also less fuel-efficient. In my vehicle mileage drops substantially when I use a fuel containing ethanol. So, overall Biofuels do not reduce greenhouse emissions nearly as much as claim.</li>
<li> This is perhaps the most important reason. To permanently solve both the energy crisis and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions we will have to move away from consumable fuels to toward energy sources that do not consume fuel, emit heat or produce pollutants. At the moment electricity is the cleanest energy source available and companies are beginning to develop and produce powerful electric cars that can go a few hundred miles on a charge. For these vehicles to be practical we will need to establish charging stations in every town and alongside every highway. This requires a massive transition from filling stations to charging stations. The use of Biofuels will perpetuate the existing infrastructure of filling stations and delay the transition to charging stations. The longer we delay this transition the more greenhouse gases will be released into our atmosphere.</li>
</ol>
<p>At this point some of you might be wondering why our political leadership and big business is so supportive of Biofuels &#8211; yet they never even mention electric vehicles. It might be worth your time to see the movie &#8220;Who Killed the Electric Car&#8221;, which is available on DVD. Click <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.whokilledtheelectriccar.com/">Here</a> to go to their website.</p>
<p>To begin with most big grain producers are large corporate farms with a strong lobbying presence in Washington and a history of making campaign contributions to politicians that support their agendas. Biofuels are big business for these companies.</p>
<p>The auto industry also is heavily involved in politics, lobbying efforts, and campaign contributions. These companies have a big investment in continuing to make internal combustion engines that burn fuels. Moving to electric motors will require major retrofitting for these companies. Biofuels allow them to avoid making this investment.</p>
<p>The petroleum industry has perhaps the most to gain from the implementation of Biofuels. They know that the public will eventually demand a move away from petroleum. All the other solutions will take business away from them. However, they will be refining and distributing Biofuels just like they do with petroleum &#8211; and crude Biofuels are cheaper too. So, the petroleum industry stands to make a great deal of money from the distribution of Biofuels.</p>
<p>The petroleum industry makes huge campaign contributions to certain politicians. They have been successful at having many of their supporters and former executives elected and appointed to the highest levels of power in our current administration. It is not surprising that our political leaders are embracing Biofuels.</p>
<p>The solution to both the energy crisis and pollution is to transition to non-consumable fuels. This means solar, geothermal, wind and tidal energy production of electricity. Even nuclear energy could be a viable alternative if spent fuel can be safely transported out of the Earth&#8217;s atmosphere using the low-cost rocket technologies recently developed. All of these kinds of energy production are already in use and are becoming cheaper and more efficient every day. We have not yet begun to see the economies of scale and innovation that will make this kind of energy production much cheaper the more that it is developed and used.</p>
<p>At this very moment several companies are planning massive solar energy installations in Arizona, which is beginning to be called the Silicon Valley or Middle East of Solar energy production. Huge wind farms are being planned for the Plains states. We could be only years away from a massive transition to electric vehicles. For this to be successful we need to get big business and our political leadership to focus on this transition. This will take a lot longer if we allow them to remain focused on Biofuels instead.</p>
<p>When comparing non-consumable energy sources to fuel based energy production remember that all fuels must be transported to where they are sold. The transportation of fuels burns more fuel &#8211; so these transportation costs must be figured into the numbers used for greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency. Distribution of electricity does involve some energy loss, but it is fractional compared to how much energy is used to transport fuel and does not emit greenhouse gases.</p>
<p>Some of you might be wondering why I have not mentioned hydrogen fuel cells. There are three reasons why: 1. Hydrogen combustion still produces heat, 2. Our engineers still have not figured out how to produce hydrogen without using large amounts of energy to do it, and 3. The other renewal energy sources mentioned earlier have already moved beyond the experimental stage and are in real-world use.</p>
<p>On the Bright Future website we offer a comprehensive discussion about energy and climate. Check out our radio show: Click <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.brightfuture.us/new/index.php?option=com_wrapper&amp;Itemid=118/">Understanding Climate Change</a> on the Listen page. On our panel for this discussion is Greg Jones, a distinguished climate scientist from Southern Oregon University. This discussion reveals some of the complexities of properly addressing Climate Change.</p>
<div style="margin:5px;padding:5px;border:1px solid #c1c1c1;font-size: 10px;">
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<p><i>Randy Bisenz is the founder of <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.BrightFuture.us">http://www.BrightFuture.us</a> , a non-partisan article hub and online community focused on solutions to worldwide problems.</i></p>
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<div id="crp_related"><h5>Related Posts:</h5><ul><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/biofuels/how-the-u-s-can-wean-itself-off-fossil-fuels-with-biofuels" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">How The U.S. Can Wean Itself Off Fossil Fuels With Biofuels</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/biofuels/6-reasons-to-use-biofuels" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">6 Reasons to Use Biofuels</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/biofuels/powering-canada-with-biofuel-energy" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Powering Canada With Biofuel Energy!</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/biofuels/e85-biofuel-myth-or-magic" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">E85 Biofuel Myth Or Magic</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/biofuels/biofuel-for-everyone-will-it-solve-the-energy-crisis" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Biofuel for Everyone: Will It Solve the Energy Crisis?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/biofuels/3rd-generation-biofuel-algae" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">3rd Generation Biofuel Algae</a></li></ul></div><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/biofuels/the-great-biofuel-hoax-of-2008">The Great Biofuel Hoax of 2008 &#8211; Energy Policy and Climate Change</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Toyota Explains Its Position on Electric Cars</title>
		<link>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/toyota-explains-its-position-on-electric-cars?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=toyota-explains-its-position-on-electric-cars</link>
		<comments>http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/toyota-explains-its-position-on-electric-cars#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 09:11:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Electric Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chevy volt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electric cars]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Hybrid Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toyota FT-EV]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/?p=650</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>It appears that every automaker in the world has caught electric car fever, save one: Toyota, the one best known for green cars. While General Motors and Nissan will both introduce plug-in cars next year, and Ford will follow in 2011, Toyota does not plan to bring an all-electric car to market until 2012. Yesterday, The New York Times declared,...<em><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/toyota-explains-its-position-on-electric-cars">Continue reading</a></em></p><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/toyota-explains-its-position-on-electric-cars">Toyota Explains Its Position on Electric Cars</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="drop-cap">I</span>t appears that every automaker in the world has caught electric car fever, save one: Toyota, the one best known for green cars.</p>
<p>While General Motors and Nissan will both introduce plug-in cars next year, and Ford will follow in 2011, Toyota does not plan to bring an all-electric car to market until 2012. Yesterday, The New York Times declared, “Toyota has fallen behind in the race for the all-electric car.” San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, an electric car advocate, said earlier this year that Prius-style hybrids are “yesterday’s technology.” And Toyota competitors are touting plug-in cars they claim will get the equivalent of 200 or 300 miles to the gallon—putting the Prius’s 50 mpg to shame.</p>
<div id="attachment_651" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 610px"><img class="size-large wp-image-651" title="toyota-ft-ev" src="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/toyota-ft-ev-600x361.jpg" alt="Earlier this year, Toyota announced plans to launch an urban commuter pure-electric car by 2012, a year or two behind its competition. The company showed the Toyota FT-EV - with a driving range of 50 miles, at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but has not confirmed the design, market or price of its upcoming electric car." width="600" height="361" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Earlier this year, Toyota announced plans to launch an urban commuter pure-electric car by 2012, a year or two behind its competition. The company showed the Toyota FT-EV - with a driving range of 50 miles, at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but has not confirmed the design, market or price of its upcoming electric car.</p></div>
<p>One might expect this criticism to spark Toyota to accelerate its plans for electric cars or a plug-in hybrid. But Toyota’s planners are showing more steely concentration than a Buckingham Palace guard taunted by tourists.</p>
<p>“Our hair is never on fire. We’re not looking around at the latest PR articles, and saying oh my gosh, we have to change our plans because somebody said this or that,” explained Doug Coleman, US-based Prius product manager at Toyota. “We’re pacing ourselves in a way that we think that we can be competitive in a few years time for a market that makes sense for both us and the customer.” Jana Hartline, Toyota’s environmental communication manager, added, “Our outlook has never been to be the first to market. We want to be the best to market.”</p>
<p>While GM, Ford, and Nissan—and newcomers like Tesla, Fisker, and Coda—busily generate buzz for their grid-connected vehicles, Toyota has been nearly silent about electric cars. In an exclusive interview with HybridCars.com, we asked Coleman and Hartline to explain Toyota’s position on plug-in hybrids and electric cars.</p>
<h3>Turn Down the Noise</h3>
<p>To understand Toyota’s approach to plug-in cars, imagine that Toyota’s product planners are listening to three radio broadcasts at the same time. The first program blasts a frenzied chorus of voices from the automotive press, political circles, electric car and clean energy enthusiast groups, and the blogosphere—clamoring for electric cars NOW. This broadcast is the loudest, but Toyota mutters and hits mute (much like you and I would were we listening to Terry Jacks singing “Seasons in the Sun,” circa 1973).</p>
<p>“It’s very easy to construct a story that says Toyota is falling behind by looking for people who are advocates for a certain technology,” said Coleman. “We’re listening to all perspectives, but we’re making our own judgments based upon our own data and our own forecasts.” Depending on your view, Toyota is either turning a deaf ear to early influencers, or putting the pressure of an unrepresentative group in proper perspective. “In terms of the overall population—300 million people in the US—there’s a very small portion of the population that wants to leapfrog [to electric cars] and says hybrid is yesterday’s technology,” said Coleman.</p>
<div id="crp_related"><h5>Related Posts:</h5><ul><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/solid-tech-improvements-advance-practical-hybrids" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Solid Tech Improvements Advance Practical Hybrids</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/want-to-build-your-own-plug-in-hybrid" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Want To Build Your Own Plug-In Hybrid?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/expecting-a-baby-electric-from-toyota" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Expecting a baby electric from Toyota</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/hybrid-cars/fisker-distinguishes-his-company-from-tesla-chevy" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Fisker Distinguishes His Company From Tesla, Chevy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/the-history-of-electric-cars" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">The History of Electric Cars</a></li><li><a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/are-electric-cars-still-the-wave-of-the-future" rel="bookmark" class="crp_title">Are Electric Cars Still the Wave of the Future?</a></li></ul></div><p>The Original Post is Located Here: <a href="http://www.alternative-energy-fuels.com/vehicles/electric-cars-vehicles/toyota-explains-its-position-on-electric-cars">Toyota Explains Its Position on Electric Cars</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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