Transportation News

These Nations Look Forward to the Extinction Of Fossil Fuels

Sep 26, 2017: If proposed bans on conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles by some of the nations of the world are any indicator, the days of fossil fuels could be headed toward extinction It is a tall order at this stage, but the very fact some are already talking about it says something in itself That is, even […] The post These Nations Look Forward to the Extinction Of Fossil Fuels appeared first on HybridCars.com.

New Japanese turbines harvest wave energy and protect coastlines from erosion

Sep 25, 2017: Surf's up! Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan are working on a project with the goal of creating turbines that both harvest the renewable energy of tidal movement while simultaneously protecting coastlines from erosion. To accomplish this, turbines would be placed atop tetrapods, star-shaped concrete structures anchored to the sea floor with mooring cables,…

Frida the rescue dog helps search for survivors after Mexico's deadly earthquake

Sep 25, 2017: A 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocked Mexico earlier this week, and in Mexico City, 15 dogs are coming to the rescue. But none are quite as beloved as Frida, a 7-year-old Labrador who achieved Twitter fame. The Internet at first thought she'd found 52 people after the earthquake, and while that figure isn't correct - she's found 52 over the course of her whole career - people have been drawn to the story of a dog in blue boots and goggles searching for survivors. Related:…

Go way off-grid in this beautiful bamboo hut in tucked into Bali's lush mountains

Sep 25, 2017: Related: Beautiful bamboo building withstands floods and storms in Vietnam + Hideout Bali Via Archdaily Jarmil Lhoták + Alena Fibichová, Hideout Bali, bamboo buildings bali, bamboo buildings, bamboo building material, locally sourced materials,…

Flesh-eating bacteria might be spread by mosquitoes in Australia

Sep 25, 2017: Cases of infections from a bacteria described as flesh-eating seem to be increasing in Australia. The bacteria Mycobacterium ulcerans gives Buruli ulcers, non-healing sores that slowly grow bigger. The ulcers are a huge health issue in West Africa, and now Australia has been seeing more cases. Scientists aren't quite sure how humans get infected - but possums or mosquitoes are two suspicions. Related:…

Compact New Zealand home sets its sights on going off the grid

Sep 25, 2017: High on a hill above New Zealand’s idyllic Peka Peka beach sits an eco-friendly compact home that responds to the surrounding landscape. Herriot Melhuish O’Neill Architects designed the dwelling, named Peka Peka House I, as three boxy units perfectly positioned to maximize shelter as well as views of Kapiti Island, forestry, and farmland. In response to the client’s desires to eventually go off-grid, the home is equipped with photovoltaic panels, solar hot water panels, above-code insulation,...

Cool micro studio in Budapest makes the most out of 344 square feet

Sep 25, 2017: Related: + Studio Bunyik + Architecture Uncomfortable Workshop Via Dwell Photography via Bence Farkasinszki Micro housing, micro studio, Architecture Uncomfortable Workshop, lofted bedroom, tiny homes, tiny space design, tiny home living, tiny home interior design, flexible furniture, micro studio hungary, interior design, wooden furniture, bespoke furniture, furniture design,…

Cadillac embarks on first hands-free cross-country highway drive with Super Cruise

Sep 25, 2017: Cadillac embarked on its first official hands-free drive on freeways from one side of the country to the other, using Super Cruise technology. (Earlier post.) Super Cruise utilizes two advanced technology systems—a driver attention system and precision LiDAR map data....

This electric bike is claimed to have a 236-mile range per charge

Sep 25, 2017: A Ukrainian courier company has parlayed its experience with electric bike technology into the development of a long range e-bike with all the bells and whistles.

MIT engineers devise algorithm to identify warning signs of extreme weather events

Sep 25, 2017: Extreme events - like a rogue wave or sudden extinction of an animal species - often seem to strike without any hint beforehand. So two Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineers came up with a framework, a computer algorithm, to spot patterns that occur before such an event. Their method may help anticipate hotspots of instability, so we could try to avoid extreme events. Related:…

Tesla Looking into Supercharger Rest Stops

Sep 25, 2017: Tesla could be the next big thing in roadside rest stops. That is, in an effort to expand and improve its Supercharger network, Tesla is mulling the restaurant and convenience store business. Or, more likely, it could end up in one or more partnerships with companies that are already in these businesses. The notion of […] The post Tesla Looking into Supercharger Rest Stops appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Bentley’s First Electric Vehicle Set For Production in 2019

Sep 25, 2017: Bentley is entering the race toward electrification with its first electric vehicle to begin production in 2019. The new electric vehicle is a medium-sized, two-seater sports car modeled after the EXP12 Speed 6e concept presented at March’s Geneva Auto Show. According to Motor Authority, it is expected to share Porsche’s J1 electric platform, the same […] The post Bentley’s First Electric Vehicle Set For Production in 2019 appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Suzuki e-Survivor Electric Concept To Debut at the Tokyo Motor Show

Sep 25, 2017: Suzuki is set to introduce a new compact offroad concept called the e-Survivor at the 45th annual Tokyo Motor Show in October. Its appearance is jarring to the eye, likened to a more futuristic-looking version of the Suzuki Jimny. It is also comparable in looks to a sportier, miniature version of a Jeep Wrangler. According […] The post Suzuki e-Survivor Electric Concept To Debut at the Tokyo Motor Show appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Consumers Union Wants You to Have The MPG for HD Pickups

Sep 25, 2017: Consumer Reports is giving consumers fuel economy numbers for HD trucks, and is lobbying Congress to do the same. Light-duty trucks, the 150 and 1500 sizes known as half-tons, tear up the sales charts every year, and the companies that make them are adding smaller engines, more gears, turbos, and even diesels to try and improve […] The post Consumers Union Wants You to Have The MPG for HD Pickups appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Daimler Trucks testing truck platooning on public highways in the US

Sep 25, 2017: Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) is testing connected trucks in platooning operations on public roads in the US. In truck platooning, connectivity and automated driving improve safety within the vehicle convoys, support drivers and enhance efficiency through closer distances between...

Jaguar To Introduce A New Electric Model, the Road Rover

Sep 25, 2017: Jaguar aims to unveil a new all-electric model later this decade called the Road Rover. According to Autocar, the first vehicle in the series will be an all-electric model that will focus its sales in the U.S. and China. Very little has been revealed about its specifications, other than it may feature a 300-mile range […] The post Jaguar To Introduce A New Electric Model, the Road Rover appeared first on HybridCars.com.

BHP and Goodfuels Marine to collaborate on biofuels pilot project in Singapore

Sep 25, 2017: With support from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), BHP and GoodFuels Marine have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on a biofuels pilot project in Singapore, which is expected to be carried out early next...

Volvo adding production of next-gen XC90 to South Carolina from 2021

Sep 25, 2017: Volvo Cars announced that the next generation of the XC90 large premium SUV will be built in its new manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina from 2021. This takes Volvo Cars’ total investment in its US manufacturing operations to more...

Danish Power Systems sets new record with degradation rate in high-temperature polymer fuel cells

Sep 25, 2017: The clean technology company Danish Power Systems (DPS), with partners at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Czech Republic, reports the best operating stability for high-temperature polymer fuel cells (HTPEMFC) yet....

Diesel Greenwashing Campaign In Europe Doesn’t Add Up

Sep 25, 2017: The German automakers want to slow down tougher emissions rules for diesel cars because they have lower carbon dioxide emissions and besides, nobody really wants to buy electric cars. Neither is true. The post Diesel Greenwashing Campaign In Europe Doesn’t Add Up appeared first on Gas 2.

Plasma Rock is a new material made from 100% recycled landfill waste

Sep 25, 2017: Related: Artist recycles leaf waste into biodegradable Beleaf chair + Inges Luijs Plasma Rock, recycled waste, sustainable design, london design festival,…

Scientists warn new "super malaria" in SE Asia poses alarming global threat

Sep 25, 2017: If you're planning a trip to South East Asia, you may want to reconsider your itinerary. An evolved form of malaria which is resistant to anti-malaria medication is spreading at an "alarming global rate," according to scientists. The parasite was first documented in Cambodia but quickly migrated to other regions. Researchers predict mass casualties should the "super malaria" spread to Africa, where over 90 percent of cases occur. The “super malaria” is more dangerous than the original...

E-Bike Combines Healthy Living With Low Cost Commuting

Sep 25, 2017: Bicycles with electric motors are becoming more popular by the day. They are the perfect choice for commuting and offer many of the health benefits of conventional bicycles. The post E-Bike Combines Healthy Living With Low Cost Commuting appeared first on Gas 2.

Solar Motor Home For More Sustainable Vacations

Sep 25, 2017: A motor home with solar panels for environmentally conscious vacationers is now available on the market. The post Solar Motor Home For More Sustainable Vacations appeared first on Gas 2.

World's fastest bullet train can travel between Beijing and Shanghai in 4.5 hours

Sep 25, 2017: Traveling between Shanghai and Beijing can take 12 and a half hours by car, or just over eight hours by train. But a new bullet train could slash those travel times. China recently launched the fastest bullet train in the world, and it zooms at 217 miles per hour. Related: China takes on the Hyperloop with a supersonic 'flying train' Via The Telegraph Images via…

Eaton Cummins JV unveils 12-speed automated transmission

Sep 25, 2017: Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies has introduced the new Endurant 12-speed automated transmission—the lightest, most efficient 1,850 lb-ft (2,508 N·m) capable heavy-duty transmission. Designed for linehaul applications, Endurant weighs up to 105 pounds less than competitive automated manual transmissions (AMTs)....

Inflexion to buy Xtrac

Sep 25, 2017: Inflexion Private Equity said that funds managed by Inflexion have agreed on the buyout of Xtrac Ltd, a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance transmissions for the motorsport and automotive industry. Xtrac supplies most of the world’s top motorsport...

NTT and Toyota begin joint research aimed at promoting the use of lifestyle support robots

Sep 25, 2017: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) have commenced joint research with the aim of promoting the use of partner robots that can help and coexist harmoniously with humans. The research aims to provide support for...

Anticipating increased demand for EVs, Teijin to support World Solar Challenge

Sep 25, 2017: Teijin Aramid BV, the core company of the Teijin Group’s aramid business, announced that its para-aramid fiber Twaron will be deployed in the solar-powered vehicles being developed by the KU Leuven and University of Michigan http://umich.edu/ teams taking part in...

Former chicken coop transformed into a backyard artists studio in Berlin

Sep 25, 2017: We’ve heard of horse stables transformed into dwellings for people, but converted chicken coops are a first. Büros für Konstruktivismus turned an old henhouse into a timber-lined artist’s studio in the backyard of a Berlin villa. The adaptive reuse project, called Hühnerhaus (German for henhouse), preserves part of the original facade and completely overhauls the interior into a modern light-filled space. Constructed just after World War II in a lush garden, this former henhouse...

NREL team demonstrates sustainable process for conversion of algal lipids to renewable diesel

Sep 25, 2017: A team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has demonstrated a sustainable process for converting crude extracted algal lipids to renewable diesel fuel via bleaching, deoxygenation, and hydroisomerization. A paper on their study is published in the ACS journal...

Hyundai Motor America adds more than 100 Chargepoint L2 charging stations for employees

Sep 25, 2017: Hyundai Motor America recently officially opened its “Charging Century” of more than 100 level-two charging locations to its employee work force. These allow Hyundai’s employees driving Ioniq Electric, Plug-in Hybrid and Sonata Plug-in Hybrid vehicles to recharge their vehicles at...

Spanish researchers propose new LOHC-based system for on-demand hydrogen production, storage and transport

Sep 25, 2017: A group of researchers in Spain—from the Universitat Jaume I de Castelló, the University of Zaragoza and the Institute of Chemical Technology of the Universitat Politècnica de València-CSIC—coordinated by Professor José Antonio Mata of the UJI, have developed and patented...

Uber Loses License to Operate in London

Sep 25, 2017: Uber’s recent controversies are affecting the company. Regulator Transport for London (TfL) has found Uber unfit to operate as a taxi service in London and has stripped the company of its license. TfL has said Uber’s “approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential […] The post Uber Loses License to Operate in London appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Gas2 Week in Review, September 24: Tesla Tops the News Cycle — Again

Sep 24, 2017: This edition of "The Gas2 Week in Review" is all about Tesla: Tesla autonomous driving, supercharger service stations, first responder manuals, and even body kits. The post Gas2 Week in Review, September 24: Tesla Tops the News Cycle — Again appeared first on Gas 2.

PROSUME blockchain-based platform for new peer-to-peer energy models; EV platform

Sep 24, 2017: The PROSUME Energy Foundation has developed a blockchain-based platform to exchange electricity from renewable and fossil sources. It connects independent power producers, consumers, utility companies and energy communities in a locally shared market where each peer is free to interact...

DOE announces $36M in funding for carbon capture technologies

Sep 24, 2017: The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced approximately $36 million in federally-funded financial assistance to advance carbon capture technologies. Under the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office Of Fossil Energy (FE), the Design and Testing of Advanced Carbon Capture Technologies funding...

Tesla May Locate Repair Facilities At Some Supercharger Locations

Sep 23, 2017: Tesla may be planning to open repair facilities at some Supercharger locations. The post Tesla May Locate Repair Facilities At Some Supercharger Locations appeared first on Gas 2.

Tesla Developing Proprietary Chip For Autonomous Driving Use

Sep 23, 2017: Tesla may be working with AMD to design a proprietary computer chip for its Autopilot autonomous driving system. AMD has declined to confirm or deny the report. The post Tesla Developing Proprietary Chip For Autonomous Driving Use appeared first on Gas 2.

GLOBALFOUNDRIES introduces new 12nm FinFET technology; enhancements for next-gen automotive electronics

Sep 23, 2017: GLOBALFOUNDRIES (GF) plans to introduce a new 12nm Leading-Performance (12LP) FinFET (fin field-effect transistor) semiconductor manufacturing process. The technology is expected to deliver better density and a performance boost over GF’s current-generation 14nm FinFET offering, satisfying the processing needs of...

Tesla First Responder Manual Offers Insights Into Model 3 Construction

Sep 22, 2017: The Tesla Model 3 manual for first responders offers a glimpse into how the Model 3 is designed and built. The post Tesla First Responder Manual Offers Insights Into Model 3 Construction appeared first on Gas 2.

Introducing the World’s Largest All-Electric Vehicle, the e-Dumper

Sep 22, 2017: A Komatsu quarry mining truck in Switzerland is now the largest all-electric vehicle in the world. According to Green Matters, the Komatsu truck coined the “e-Dumper” weighs in at almost 50 tons with wheels 6.5 feet in diameter, capable of holding up to 65 tons of stone. Its 700-kWh battery pack weighs 4.5 tons and […] The post Introducing the World’s Largest All-Electric Vehicle, the e-Dumper appeared first on HybridCars.com.

JRC study explores impacts of Coordinated Automated Road Transport (C-ART)

Sep 22, 2017: A new report by the EU’s Joint Research Center (JRC) explores how connected vehicles and intelligent systems could change transport and the (r)evolution these changes could bring to people’s lives. The report serves as a first input to anticipated policy...

Astronomers observe an object in space unlike anything they've seen before

Sep 22, 2017: Space is full of oddities, but astronomers were recently able to observe a type of object we've never found anything like. 288P is a binary asteroid - or two asteroids orbiting each other - that has the features of a comet, like a long tail and bright coma, or cloud of dust and gas surrounding a comet's nucleus. It is the first binary asteroid we've ever found that can also be classified as a comet. Related:…

Geothermal-powered Lake Austin Home is tuned in to nature

Sep 22, 2017: Local studio A Parallel Architecture designed the award-winning Lake Austin Residence, a beautiful luxury home that derives inspiration from nature. Despite its large 6,750-square-foot size and horizontal footprint, the contemporary house achieves a sense of lightness thanks to ample full-height glazing and limestone massing. The energy-efficient dwelling offers geothermal climate control, as well as onsite waste treatment and water collection. Spread out across two stories, the Lake...

Solar-powered Cottage in the Vineyard puts a modern spin on rural architecture

Sep 22, 2017: Ramón Esteve Estudio completed a minimalist mono-pitched dwelling that blends into its agricultural backdrop yet still catches the eye with its modern design. Located in the rural outskirts of Valencia, Spain, the Cottage in the Vineyard was designed to perfectly integrate into the landscape and features full-height glazing to blur the lines of indoor/outdoor living. The home also sits lightly on the landscape with its use of solar panels, natural insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and rainwater...

Soaring timber tower could clean up contaminated water in NYC's Central Park

Sep 22, 2017: Related: "Aside from supplying water to the pool and Harlem Meer, the Reservoir sits stagnant and fenced off due to its current state as a health threat to millions of New Yorkers, tourists and animals," said DFA. "DFA envisions a temporary landmark that is remarkably of its time to creatively transform the reservoir into one of New York's boldest urban amenities," said studio founder Laith Sayigh. "This conceptual project pushes the boundaries of what we perceive is possible in a city as...

This house for sale in New York has two waterfalls and a luscious forest

Sep 22, 2017: If you’re on the market for a beautiful home that forces you to get in touch with nature, then you might want to check out this piece of property that just went on the market in upstate New York. Delphi Falls, located near Cazenovia, NY, features more than 60 acres of land that include two waterfalls, a creek and woodlands. 0905 0906 The rustic wooden home was built in 1945 and is 3,500 square feet with four bedrooms and three baths. The master bedroom suite on the first floor holds...

Aston Martin CEO Thinks Legislators Are Off Track With Fossil-Fuel Bans

Sep 22, 2017: Aston Martin’s chief is taking lawmakers to task for an upcoming ban on gasoline and diesel vehicles for being unrealistic about how automotive technology really works. Great Britain’s announcement in July about banning the sale of new vehicles running on “petrol” and diesel by 2040 is “meaningless,” according to CEO Andy Palmer. The regulation is […] The post Aston Martin CEO Thinks Legislators Are Off Track With Fossil-Fuel Bans appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Volkswagen Stockpiling Cobalt in its Move Toward Electric Cars

Sep 22, 2017: As part of Volkswagen’s ambitious efforts to reorient itself toward vehicle electrification, the brand has started to solicit proposals from cobalt producers for ten year’s worth of supply starting in 2019. According to cobalt industry sources, Reuters reports the deadline to submit proposals is by the end of September with finalized contracts due by the […] The post Volkswagen Stockpiling Cobalt in its Move Toward Electric Cars appeared first on HybridCars.com.