Author: Brendon Turner
Source: articleage.com
Modern vehicles make a lot, hydrogen car, of demands upon their batteries. We expect our batteries to be reliable, have a large reserve capacity and a long life span, and be maintenance-free. In short, once a battery has been installed, we no longer want to think about it. Here's some tips on how to choose a battery that will serve you well.
For automotive applications,, hydrogen car, there are basically three types of batteries: conventional, maintenance-free, and recombination.
Conventional Batteries
A 12-volt automotive battery contains six cells. In each cell is a series of alternating positive and negative plates, between which are isolator or separator plates to keep them apart. All, hydrogen car, the negative plates in the battery are connected, as are all the positive plates. Each plate has a grid construction, and to this grid, the plate's active material - sponge lead - is bonded. The plates in each. cell are covered with a solution of distilled water and sulfuric acid (electrolyte). As the battery discharges (supplies electricity), the acid in the electrolyte reacts with the active material in the battery plates, forming lead sulfate and weakening the electrolyte solution. Conversely, as the, hydrogen car, battery, hydrogen car, is charged, the acid is returned to the solution, thereby strengthening it, and the used portion of the lead sulfate is converted back into active material in the plates. During this process, hydrogen and oxygen molecules are off-gassed out of the electrolyte, which is why a conventional battery often needs topping up with distilled water. The charge and discharge cycle also means that some lead sloughs off the plates. Over time, this builds up in the bottom of the case, reducing the overall capacity of the battery fluid. When enough material builds up, the plates will short out, and you're stuck with a dead battery.
Maintenance-Free Batteries
Closed (maintenance-free), hydrogen car, batteries are essentially the same as conventional batteries, except that they contain, hydrogen car, extra electrolytes in the partially sealed case. However, over time, this excess fluid is used up as fluid slowly off-gases hydrogen and oxygen molecules through the vents. Because these batteries cannot usually be topped off, once the plates begin, hydrogen car, to be exposed, the battery's life span is over. Usually,, hydrogen car, this takes a long period of time, which is, hydrogen car, why these batteries often last longer than conventional batteries. However, in situations where frequent, rapid charge/discharge occurs (such as when running a winch or powerful spotlight without running the engine), a maintenance-free battery may not, hydrogen car, outlast a conventional one.
Another type of maintenance-free battery is the gel-type battery While these batteries cannot leak or spill fluid and can be installed at odd angles, they do have a weakness. Using electrolyte gel necessitates the use of thinner plates so that adequate dispersion of the acid through the active material occurs. Since gel batteries are also sealed, they, hydrogen car, cannot be topped off and care must be taken when charging so they don't overcharge and gas-off, which will result in excessive sloughing of the plates, premature reduction in electrolytes, and eventual battery failure. This means that during the harsh vibrations, hydrogen car, associated with trail riding, a marginal gel battery can fail completely as the plates literally fall apart.
Recombination Batteries
The recombination battery is overall the best battery for off-road and heavy-duty use. They're called recombination because they recombine the gas formed during charging, channeling it into the separators so it doesn't vent out of the battery and reclaiming the water to keep electrolyte concentration at optimum. They are completely sealed (except for a reseating pressure-relief vent) and require no topping off of fluids. Recombination batteries can use either liquid or gel-type electrolytes and are different from other batteries because the acid is bound into the separators and pure lead can be used in the plates. Because of the purity of the materials, hydrogen car, used, there is no sloughing and the plates in these batteries can be very tightly, hydrogen car, packed. The result is a powerful, compact battery with, hydrogen car, quicker charging time, lower internal resistance than conventional or maintenance-free batteries, and a longer life span. In fact, for a conventional battery to deliver the same amount of starting power as a recombination battery, it would have to be two or three times larger. Because they contain no liquid as such, recombination batteries can be mounted in any position,, hydrogen car, will work when the case is damaged, and won't leak in a rollover. In short, for off-road use, they are just about the perfect battery.
How Batteries Are Rated
Battery ratings are a determination of how much power a battery can produce under marginal conditions. There are a number of ways to determine a battery's output, but ratings by ampere hour (Ah), cold-cranking amperes (CCA), and reserve capacity are the most common.
Ampere hours are determined by the SAE 20 test. This test is designed to show the amount of current that can be drawn from a battery for 20 hours without the voltage dropping below 1.75 volts per cell. In real-world terms, this means that a healthy battery should be capable of keeping the parking lights, hydrogen car, lit for 20 hours. For starting your truck, Ah doesn't mean much. However, for powering, hydrogen car, accessories without the engine running, this can be an important measurement.
Cold-cranking amperes or CCA is the unit of measurement that generally determines a battery's ability to start your engine. CCA is a measurement, hydrogen car, of the worst conditions under which a battery can be expected to deliver current, and it tests how much current in amperes a battery can deliver under extreme cold. According to the American SAE standard, CCA is determined by measuring how much current can be delivered in amperes for 30 seconds at -18 degrees C with a final voltage of 7.2 volts per cell or higher.
Reserve capacity, hydrogen car, is an important measurement for the total capacity of the battery and shows how long a battery can keep the engine running if the alternator/generator fails. Reserve capacity of a battery is measured in minutes at room temperature (approximately 70 degrees F). During this test, 25 amperes is drawn from the battery for as long as the voltage does, hydrogen car, not drop below 10.5, hydrogen car, volts. For off-road use, it's a good idea to make sure any battery you purchase has a reserve capacity of at least 120 minutes.
Reserve capacity is also important for those times when you need to run a radio, spotlight, winch, or other electrical accessory without running the engine.
A Batteries Two Enemies
Although just about all modem batteries are pretty reliable, there are two enemies that can grind even,, hydrogen car, hydrogen car, a brand-new battery to a halt - extreme cold and extreme heat. Batteries are at their best with internal temperatures (not ambient) above 50 degrees F and below 105 degrees F. Below and above this range, problems can develop, and a dead, damaged, or . useless battery can be the result.
We've all noticed that under extremely cold, hydrogen car, conditions (below freezing), the battery will turn over the starter motor slowly, if at all. This is because when the internal temperature of the battery gets below the optimum range, the chemical reaction inside the battery happens more slowly, and for every 10-degree drop below freezing, the time that the chemical reaction takes doubles. Because of this increased resistance, the voltage in the battery drops and cannot turn over the engine.
Heat can also have an adverse effect on your battery's overall health. Battery power is reduced when it's subjected to excessive temperatures, but the problem may not be immediately noticed until the temperature drops. At higher temperatures, the chemical reaction within the battery is more rapid. The battery can produce more energy more quickly. This is good, right? Wrong. The higher rate of energy production results in an increase in off gassing; the water in the battery is vented out as hydrogen and oxygen molecules and the rate of internal corrosion, or sloughing, increases. This can result in a short in one or more cells that is not noticed until cold weather, hydrogen car, diminishes the overall ability of the battery.
What to Buy
When it comes to batteries for automotive use, there is no such thing as a perfect battery. Any battery can fail if it is neglected, constantly overloaded,, hydrogen car, or overcharged. The important thing to remember is to get the right battery for your needs, one that is rated for your vehicle, hydrogen car, and all the accessories you use. Generally, this means a high Ah, high CCA, and high reserve capacity. Also, make sure you buy a quality unit. Don't be fooled by the low price of the budget shops. Batteries sold in the no-name-battery discount stores often are poorly assembled and use inferior materials in the plates and separators. Name-brand batteries, such as AC-Delco, Sears DieHard, Exide, Interstate,, hydrogen car, Optima, and others, are manufactured to the highest standards, delivering high reliability combined with long life.
For off-road use, however, we feel that the recombination battery is the best overall, since it delivers high output, needs no maintenance, holds up well to the rigors of off-road driving, and has a quick recharge rate,, hydrogen car, as well as a long life, hydrogen, hydrogen car, car, span. It is a particularly useful battery for the off-roader because it has no liquid to leak out and, hydrogen car, can be mounted in, hydrogen car, any position (even upside down). Because of this, it won't corrode battery trays or cables and is safe in a collision. You can actually shoot a 45-caliber bullet through the battery casing and it will still crank at full power. Try that with a conventional battery, and you have a leaking mess that will at best produce minimal voltage.
Although recombination batteries are sold under various brand names, Optima's 800U is the original and also the only battery available with both top posts and side terminals, a feature that makes, hydrogen car, it especially well suited for specialized installations and powering accessories and where there is installation room for only one battery Since, hydrogen car, we also run a winch and driving lights from the starting battery, it, hydrogen car, has to be a powerful one. The 800 CCA and 120 minutes of reserve capacity the Optima offers means we can rely on the unit, hydrogen car, as a power source for lights and winch use when the engine is down, without sacrificing starting ability. Additionally, the side terminals make it easy to power the winch and other accessories directly off the battery without disconnecting the main power cables and disabling the vehicle's computer. This makes for a clean installation without a lot of cable clutter at the main battery posts, which is especially important when there's limited space around the battery top.
Visit AutomotiveGazette.com - The Automotive Gazette weekly edition of car care articles, automotive news and information on automotive repair for those of us not adept at automotive troubleshooting.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Do You Get Auto Glass So Clear the Windows Look Like Their Gone?
Author: K.M. Dodd
Source: articleage.com
Auto glass that is clean and clear? I know what you might be thinking. I already get my windows clean, thats easy enough right? While they may appear clean, until your auto glass is CLEAR its not really clean. Will you buy that?
OK. Enough small talk lets git r done. While to many this is no surprise some may not realize that
Many glass cleaners contain ammonia.
Ammonia is a chemical, hydrogen car, compound consisting of nitrogen and hydrogen atoms with the formula NH3. At standard temperature and pressure, ammonia is a gas. It is toxic and corrosive to some materials, and has a characteristic pungent odor.
That is the science of ammonia. However, hydrogen car, it is used in household cleaning products, one being glass cleaner. Due to some of the, hydrogen car, chemical parts of ammonia I recommend using a ammonia-free auto glass cleaner.
Why? Well ammonia is known for stripping the natural oils in vinyl and rubber, as well, hydrogen car, as leather. It has a strong gaseous odor to it that makes it harmful to breathe when it is used inside your car.
So what do you use?
Thats, hydrogen car, a good question. Use an auto glass cleaner that is ammonia-free of course, and one that is good at cutting through road grime and bug splatter. Meguiars NTX, Stoners Invisible, hydrogen car, Glass Cleaner, is really great at breaking up all the different contaminants that you are likely to encounter on your auto glass. It is also safe to use on tinted windows.
When you begin to clean your automobile glass, either clean all of the outside first, or begin on all of the inside glass. Why? So that any streaks you may leave in the process, can be seen more easily.(Be sure the window is washed before you begin) With that said, here are the materials you will need:
Meguiars, hydrogen car, NXT Auto Glass Cleaner, Stoners Invisible Glass Cleaner
0000 Steel Wool
either soft cotton towels(enough for the job)
OR Waffle-Weave Microfiber Towels
Take your glass cleaner and apply it to a 2'section of the front windshield. Take your steel wool and using a waving goodbye type of motion, and gently work the glass cleaner around.
Side Note: (Don't worry, in my years of experience I have yet to see this type of steel wool damage a window. Speaking of scratches,You are more likely to scratch your window at the start, hydrogen car, of rain or a storm, due to the surface dirt getting pushed around by your windshield wipers)
Afterwards use your towel to dry up the cleaner on the windshield. Is it smooth? If yes, proceed to the other half doing the exact same thing. Continue this around the whole of the car, cleaning the auto glass.
Now for those hard to reach places on the inside of the the auto glass, use an attachment, hydrogen car, that is flat and soft with the towel wrapped around it.
It can be any thing you can think of, that will reach back on to the surface you are trying to reach. Just be careful not to scratch up the window.
The windshield wipers, in order to keep, hydrogen, hydrogen car, car, them operating as long as possible, you want to use a rubber dressing on them when you clean your auto glass to keep them soft and in good working condition.
K.M.Dodd is a car enthusiast,, hydrogen car, and an experienced auto detailer with over twelve years in the field of automotive detailing. Auto-detailings.com is a growing compilation of his knowledge and expertise. At Auto-detailings.com you can read up to date content-rich quality info, hydrogen car, rmation in an easy to understand style. Written for the Do It Yourself Detailer.
Source: articleage.com
Auto glass that is clean and clear? I know what you might be thinking. I already get my windows clean, thats easy enough right? While they may appear clean, until your auto glass is CLEAR its not really clean. Will you buy that?
OK. Enough small talk lets git r done. While to many this is no surprise some may not realize that
Many glass cleaners contain ammonia.
Ammonia is a chemical, hydrogen car, compound consisting of nitrogen and hydrogen atoms with the formula NH3. At standard temperature and pressure, ammonia is a gas. It is toxic and corrosive to some materials, and has a characteristic pungent odor.
That is the science of ammonia. However, hydrogen car, it is used in household cleaning products, one being glass cleaner. Due to some of the, hydrogen car, chemical parts of ammonia I recommend using a ammonia-free auto glass cleaner.
Why? Well ammonia is known for stripping the natural oils in vinyl and rubber, as well, hydrogen car, as leather. It has a strong gaseous odor to it that makes it harmful to breathe when it is used inside your car.
So what do you use?
Thats, hydrogen car, a good question. Use an auto glass cleaner that is ammonia-free of course, and one that is good at cutting through road grime and bug splatter. Meguiars NTX, Stoners Invisible, hydrogen car, Glass Cleaner, is really great at breaking up all the different contaminants that you are likely to encounter on your auto glass. It is also safe to use on tinted windows.
When you begin to clean your automobile glass, either clean all of the outside first, or begin on all of the inside glass. Why? So that any streaks you may leave in the process, can be seen more easily.(Be sure the window is washed before you begin) With that said, here are the materials you will need:
Meguiars, hydrogen car, NXT Auto Glass Cleaner, Stoners Invisible Glass Cleaner
0000 Steel Wool
either soft cotton towels(enough for the job)
OR Waffle-Weave Microfiber Towels
Take your glass cleaner and apply it to a 2'section of the front windshield. Take your steel wool and using a waving goodbye type of motion, and gently work the glass cleaner around.
Side Note: (Don't worry, in my years of experience I have yet to see this type of steel wool damage a window. Speaking of scratches,You are more likely to scratch your window at the start, hydrogen car, of rain or a storm, due to the surface dirt getting pushed around by your windshield wipers)
Afterwards use your towel to dry up the cleaner on the windshield. Is it smooth? If yes, proceed to the other half doing the exact same thing. Continue this around the whole of the car, cleaning the auto glass.
Now for those hard to reach places on the inside of the the auto glass, use an attachment, hydrogen car, that is flat and soft with the towel wrapped around it.
It can be any thing you can think of, that will reach back on to the surface you are trying to reach. Just be careful not to scratch up the window.
The windshield wipers, in order to keep, hydrogen, hydrogen car, car, them operating as long as possible, you want to use a rubber dressing on them when you clean your auto glass to keep them soft and in good working condition.
K.M.Dodd is a car enthusiast,, hydrogen car, and an experienced auto detailer with over twelve years in the field of automotive detailing. Auto-detailings.com is a growing compilation of his knowledge and expertise. At Auto-detailings.com you can read up to date content-rich quality info, hydrogen car, rmation in an easy to understand style. Written for the Do It Yourself Detailer.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Mazda To Launch New Biofabric For Auto Interiors
Author: Anthony Fontanelle
Source: articledashboard.com
Mazda Motor Corp., hydrogen car, in partnership with Teijin Ltd. and Teijin Fibers Ltd. has formulated the world's first biofabric for use in auto interiors. The plant-derived material will be launched by the Japanese automaker in Tokyo.
Mazda's new biofabric posses the class and durability essential for use in seat covers. The material, made of 100 percent polylactic acid, is resistant to fire, damage, abrasion, and sunlight. Biofabric, hydrogen car, combines sizable lactic, hydrogen car, acid molecules, hydrogen car, that are made from fermented carbohydrates such as plant sugars. As such, it meets the company's "highest quality standards."
This newly developed biofabric has harnessed the latest technologies to control the entire molecular architecture of raw resins to improve fiber strength for practical auto interior use. Other crucial qualities necessary for the highest performing fabrics, such as fire retardant properties, were achieved through, hydrogen car, Mazda's accumulated, hydrogen car, knowledge in surface technologies built up through years of collaboration with several local companies.
The automaker intends to unveil the biofabric for the seat covers, hydrogen car, and the door trim in the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid. The new hybrid will be displayed at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will also benefit from Mazda's environmentally friendly bioplastic which was developed in the previous year. This newly developed biofabric, hydrogen car, does not contain any oil-based materials, yet it possesses the quality and durability required for use in vehicle seat covers.
"Mazda succeeded in developing this 100 percent plant-derived biofabric for use in vehicle interiors by leveraging the technical expertise we have amassed in the Hiroshima area," said Seita Kanai, Mazda's director and senior executive officer in charge of R&D. "We are convinced that our new technology, which enables the manufacture of this material without any oil-based resources, will become a cornerstone, hydrogen car, for future biotechnologies aimed at reducing the burden on the environment. Mazda, working together with our locally-based partners, will continue its research and development programs aimed at achieving a future car society that is eco-friendly."
Based on this innovative biotechnology, the Japanese automaker will strengthen its future research and development on non-food-based materials taking in consideration the impact of such technologies on food supplies.
Along with the soy-foam seats introduced in the 2008 Ford Mustang, Mazda's biofabric is another milestone that can push Ford Motor Corp. family of manufacturers to lessen the impact of the materials used in building its lineup.
According to the automaker, all of its biomaterials fall under the "Mazda Biotechmaterial" brand name. Additionally, the automaker has intimated its commitment to continue its research and development efforts for the mentioned environmentally friendly technologies which will help to realize a sustainable society in the near future.
Aside from improving car accessories, the automaker is also enhancing parts like Mazda fuel pump, engines, filters, radiator, brakes, and other auto systems, hydrogen car, .
Source: articledashboard.com
Mazda Motor Corp., hydrogen car, in partnership with Teijin Ltd. and Teijin Fibers Ltd. has formulated the world's first biofabric for use in auto interiors. The plant-derived material will be launched by the Japanese automaker in Tokyo.
Mazda's new biofabric posses the class and durability essential for use in seat covers. The material, made of 100 percent polylactic acid, is resistant to fire, damage, abrasion, and sunlight. Biofabric, hydrogen car, combines sizable lactic, hydrogen car, acid molecules, hydrogen car, that are made from fermented carbohydrates such as plant sugars. As such, it meets the company's "highest quality standards."
This newly developed biofabric has harnessed the latest technologies to control the entire molecular architecture of raw resins to improve fiber strength for practical auto interior use. Other crucial qualities necessary for the highest performing fabrics, such as fire retardant properties, were achieved through, hydrogen car, Mazda's accumulated, hydrogen car, knowledge in surface technologies built up through years of collaboration with several local companies.
The automaker intends to unveil the biofabric for the seat covers, hydrogen car, and the door trim in the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid. The new hybrid will be displayed at this year's Tokyo Motor Show. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will also benefit from Mazda's environmentally friendly bioplastic which was developed in the previous year. This newly developed biofabric, hydrogen car, does not contain any oil-based materials, yet it possesses the quality and durability required for use in vehicle seat covers.
"Mazda succeeded in developing this 100 percent plant-derived biofabric for use in vehicle interiors by leveraging the technical expertise we have amassed in the Hiroshima area," said Seita Kanai, Mazda's director and senior executive officer in charge of R&D. "We are convinced that our new technology, which enables the manufacture of this material without any oil-based resources, will become a cornerstone, hydrogen car, for future biotechnologies aimed at reducing the burden on the environment. Mazda, working together with our locally-based partners, will continue its research and development programs aimed at achieving a future car society that is eco-friendly."
Based on this innovative biotechnology, the Japanese automaker will strengthen its future research and development on non-food-based materials taking in consideration the impact of such technologies on food supplies.
Along with the soy-foam seats introduced in the 2008 Ford Mustang, Mazda's biofabric is another milestone that can push Ford Motor Corp. family of manufacturers to lessen the impact of the materials used in building its lineup.
According to the automaker, all of its biomaterials fall under the "Mazda Biotechmaterial" brand name. Additionally, the automaker has intimated its commitment to continue its research and development efforts for the mentioned environmentally friendly technologies which will help to realize a sustainable society in the near future.
Aside from improving car accessories, the automaker is also enhancing parts like Mazda fuel pump, engines, filters, radiator, brakes, and other auto systems, hydrogen car, .
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Heads Of Gm, Ford, And Chrysler Meet Again With Bush
Author: Katie Jones
Source: articledashboard.com
CEOs of the Detroit's Big Three met with US President George W. Bush to tackle the use of alternative fuels. The talk is also an effort on the part of the administration, hydrogen car, to solicit support for the "20 in 10 program," which is aimed at reducing gasoline usage by 20 percent come the year 2017.
General Motors Corp. Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally and, hydrogen car, Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda all expressed strong support for Bush's goal of significantly, hydrogen car, increasing the amount of ethanol used to fuel vehicles. The ethanol accounts for 15 percent of the intended reduction.
President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney participated in the demonstration of the three flex-fuel, hydrogen car, vehicles which were parked on the south lawn of the White House. The vehicles include a concept vehicle from Ford, the Edge Hy-Series Hybrid which can run on electricity or hydrogen alone; the flex-fuel Chevrolet Impala; and a bio-diesel fueled Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The vehicles do not only flaunt striking GM engines, Ford body parts, and, hydrogen car, Chrysler styling but they showcase the future of fuels. The automakers affirm their commitment to increase flex-fuel vehicles like those that run on biodiesel or ethanol. The target is to increase flex-fuel vehicles up to 50 percent by 2012. But automakers noted that it is not very difficult to convert a traditional gasoline engine to a flexible fuel vehicle. The conversion typically costs $100 or less.
"I found it very interesting that by 2012, 50 percent of the automobiles in America will be flex-fuel vehicles. That means that the American, hydrogen car, consumer will be able to either use gasoline or ethanol, depending upon, obviously, price and convenience. That's a major technological breakthrough for the country," Bush said. "If you want to reduce gasoline usage, like I believe we need to do so for national security reasons, as well as for environmental concerns, the consumer has got to be in a position to make a rational choice."
Bush reiterated his call on Congress, hydrogen car, to "move expeditiously on our plan to reduce gasoline, hydrogen car, usage by 20 percent over the next 10 years." Bush added, "It's in our national security interest that, hydrogen car, we do this, it's in economic security interest we do it, and all at the same time, it will help us be better stewards of the environment."
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, commended the talk but said it is only a start. "I'm encouraged by the President's willingness to sit down with the Big Three, but the real proof, hydrogen car, of his commitment must come in the form of action," she said. "Michigan is building the cars, and it's time that the, hydrogen car, Administration put their full weight behind ensuring that all Americans have, hydrogen car, access to alternative fuels at their local gas station."
But environmental advocates said the emphasis on alternative fuels missed the point. Joan Claybrook, the president of Public Citizen, a group that advocates higher fuel economy standards said: "Automakers fool consumers into thinking they are helping the environment and lessening our dependency on foreign oil, while they manipulate the CAFE credit loophole, avoid meeting federal fuel economy standards and laugh their way to the bank."
Source: articledashboard.com
CEOs of the Detroit's Big Three met with US President George W. Bush to tackle the use of alternative fuels. The talk is also an effort on the part of the administration, hydrogen car, to solicit support for the "20 in 10 program," which is aimed at reducing gasoline usage by 20 percent come the year 2017.
General Motors Corp. Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally and, hydrogen car, Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda all expressed strong support for Bush's goal of significantly, hydrogen car, increasing the amount of ethanol used to fuel vehicles. The ethanol accounts for 15 percent of the intended reduction.
President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney participated in the demonstration of the three flex-fuel, hydrogen car, vehicles which were parked on the south lawn of the White House. The vehicles include a concept vehicle from Ford, the Edge Hy-Series Hybrid which can run on electricity or hydrogen alone; the flex-fuel Chevrolet Impala; and a bio-diesel fueled Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The vehicles do not only flaunt striking GM engines, Ford body parts, and, hydrogen car, Chrysler styling but they showcase the future of fuels. The automakers affirm their commitment to increase flex-fuel vehicles like those that run on biodiesel or ethanol. The target is to increase flex-fuel vehicles up to 50 percent by 2012. But automakers noted that it is not very difficult to convert a traditional gasoline engine to a flexible fuel vehicle. The conversion typically costs $100 or less.
"I found it very interesting that by 2012, 50 percent of the automobiles in America will be flex-fuel vehicles. That means that the American, hydrogen car, consumer will be able to either use gasoline or ethanol, depending upon, obviously, price and convenience. That's a major technological breakthrough for the country," Bush said. "If you want to reduce gasoline usage, like I believe we need to do so for national security reasons, as well as for environmental concerns, the consumer has got to be in a position to make a rational choice."
Bush reiterated his call on Congress, hydrogen car, to "move expeditiously on our plan to reduce gasoline, hydrogen car, usage by 20 percent over the next 10 years." Bush added, "It's in our national security interest that, hydrogen car, we do this, it's in economic security interest we do it, and all at the same time, it will help us be better stewards of the environment."
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, commended the talk but said it is only a start. "I'm encouraged by the President's willingness to sit down with the Big Three, but the real proof, hydrogen car, of his commitment must come in the form of action," she said. "Michigan is building the cars, and it's time that the, hydrogen car, Administration put their full weight behind ensuring that all Americans have, hydrogen car, access to alternative fuels at their local gas station."
But environmental advocates said the emphasis on alternative fuels missed the point. Joan Claybrook, the president of Public Citizen, a group that advocates higher fuel economy standards said: "Automakers fool consumers into thinking they are helping the environment and lessening our dependency on foreign oil, while they manipulate the CAFE credit loophole, avoid meeting federal fuel economy standards and laugh their way to the bank."
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
GM Death Watch: It Ain't Gonna Happen!
Author: Matthew C. Keegan
Source: articleage.com
I have been enjoying reading the news these past few days, perhaps in a perverse sort of way. Pundits and prognosticators are all forecasting the pending doom of the worldย's largest automaker as if the, hydrogen car, approaching layoffs and restructuring are signaling the venerable automakerย's, hydrogen car, end. Certainly, GM has some problems ย-, hydrogen car, big ones ย- but the company isnย't likely to go away or even file for bankruptcy. The news isnย't all that it seems to be on this subject eitherย…GM will survive and likely thrive in the decades ahead.
Okay, I am not crazy. Could GM go away? Of course, as could any poorly managed company. Yes, executives are overpaid and so are union workers. Thereย…I said it. GM has been taking it on the chin from Asian automakers for three decades now and their U.S. market share continues to dwindle. Still, it isnย't doomsday for the general. Far from it. Here are some things that I believe GM is attempting to do to as they restructure, hydrogen car, .
Reduced Legacy Costs ย- GM won an important, hydrogen car, battle with its unions to force workers and retirees to pony up more money for their share of rising healthcare costs. Before you cry ย"foulย" most Americans are paying heavily for their health insurance, while most autoworkers pay little or nothing. Reportedly, GMย's legacy costs add $1500 to the price of every vehicle. Hardly a way for any company to compete, right?
Divisional Trimming ย- GM axed Oldsmobile and is, supposedly, looking at whether Pontiac or Buick should go next. Saturn looks safe, primarily because of the divisionย's excellent dealer network while Chevrolet is the household name for so many car owners and is, therefore, untouchable. Cadillac is once again doing well and is competing effectively against Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, and Infiniti. Cadillac easily outsells, hydrogen car, rival Lincoln more than 2 to 1.
Captive Imports ย- I mentioned in a related,, hydrogen car, hydrogen car, article that Chinaย's Chery Automotive Company will be importing a line of vehicles to the US commencing in Summer 2007. With a starting price as low as $6995, there is no way that GM can compete with them. Neither can Ford, Toyota, Honda, or Nissan for that, hydrogen car, matter. So, what is the option? Import one or two ultra low priced lines of cars from Korea via the companyย's Daewoo division. Currently, the $9995 Chevy Aveo is the low price king in the US. This Daewoo built model is being overhauled and the new model should arrive in the US, hydrogen car, in about one year. Expect the price to drop as GM prepares for Cheryย's onslaught. Expect GM to pressure their unions for further give backs as American highways are soon flooded with cheap Chinese imports.
Operational Spread -- The US auto market is the most lucrative in the world. Expect GM to strengthen luxury brands, hydrogen car, including Cadillac and Hummer as many of these vehicles bring in profits of ten thousand dollars or more per vehicle. Gas prices are coming down and Americaย's thirst for profitable trucks and SUVs has hardly been quenched, hydrogen car, . Still, look for GM to do a few hybrids, add some more diesels, and continue researching hydrogen production.
Union members should be alarmed by all these looming changes. Cutbacks will happen but they will only be wider and deeper if union opposition remains so strong. Yes, the unions could kill off the general, but that would be suicide for the workers. Better to pick whatever battles you can win and hope for the best.
The general isnย't dead and it hardly is dying despite everything you read and hear [personally, I believe GM is beating, hydrogen car, the, hydrogen car, ย"weย're getting clobberedย" drum to squeeze out more give backs from the unions]. Globalism is changing the way business is done and it would do all of us good to wake up to that factย…like it or not.
Source: articleage.com
I have been enjoying reading the news these past few days, perhaps in a perverse sort of way. Pundits and prognosticators are all forecasting the pending doom of the worldย's largest automaker as if the, hydrogen car, approaching layoffs and restructuring are signaling the venerable automakerย's, hydrogen car, end. Certainly, GM has some problems ย-, hydrogen car, big ones ย- but the company isnย't likely to go away or even file for bankruptcy. The news isnย't all that it seems to be on this subject eitherย…GM will survive and likely thrive in the decades ahead.
Okay, I am not crazy. Could GM go away? Of course, as could any poorly managed company. Yes, executives are overpaid and so are union workers. Thereย…I said it. GM has been taking it on the chin from Asian automakers for three decades now and their U.S. market share continues to dwindle. Still, it isnย't doomsday for the general. Far from it. Here are some things that I believe GM is attempting to do to as they restructure, hydrogen car, .
Reduced Legacy Costs ย- GM won an important, hydrogen car, battle with its unions to force workers and retirees to pony up more money for their share of rising healthcare costs. Before you cry ย"foulย" most Americans are paying heavily for their health insurance, while most autoworkers pay little or nothing. Reportedly, GMย's legacy costs add $1500 to the price of every vehicle. Hardly a way for any company to compete, right?
Divisional Trimming ย- GM axed Oldsmobile and is, supposedly, looking at whether Pontiac or Buick should go next. Saturn looks safe, primarily because of the divisionย's excellent dealer network while Chevrolet is the household name for so many car owners and is, therefore, untouchable. Cadillac is once again doing well and is competing effectively against Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, and Infiniti. Cadillac easily outsells, hydrogen car, rival Lincoln more than 2 to 1.
Captive Imports ย- I mentioned in a related,, hydrogen car, hydrogen car, article that Chinaย's Chery Automotive Company will be importing a line of vehicles to the US commencing in Summer 2007. With a starting price as low as $6995, there is no way that GM can compete with them. Neither can Ford, Toyota, Honda, or Nissan for that, hydrogen car, matter. So, what is the option? Import one or two ultra low priced lines of cars from Korea via the companyย's Daewoo division. Currently, the $9995 Chevy Aveo is the low price king in the US. This Daewoo built model is being overhauled and the new model should arrive in the US, hydrogen car, in about one year. Expect the price to drop as GM prepares for Cheryย's onslaught. Expect GM to pressure their unions for further give backs as American highways are soon flooded with cheap Chinese imports.
Operational Spread -- The US auto market is the most lucrative in the world. Expect GM to strengthen luxury brands, hydrogen car, including Cadillac and Hummer as many of these vehicles bring in profits of ten thousand dollars or more per vehicle. Gas prices are coming down and Americaย's thirst for profitable trucks and SUVs has hardly been quenched, hydrogen car, . Still, look for GM to do a few hybrids, add some more diesels, and continue researching hydrogen production.
Union members should be alarmed by all these looming changes. Cutbacks will happen but they will only be wider and deeper if union opposition remains so strong. Yes, the unions could kill off the general, but that would be suicide for the workers. Better to pick whatever battles you can win and hope for the best.
The general isnย't dead and it hardly is dying despite everything you read and hear [personally, I believe GM is beating, hydrogen car, the, hydrogen car, ย"weย're getting clobberedย" drum to squeeze out more give backs from the unions]. Globalism is changing the way business is done and it would do all of us good to wake up to that factย…like it or not.
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Possibilities Of Automobiles Powered By Air!
Author: Green Feat
Source: articledashboard.com
One fascinating project I have been keeping tabs on since the late 1990's is a company founded in France but now based in Spain by the name of MDI. Founded, hydrogen car, by a former race car technician named Guy Negre who's impetus for his invention came from his background in racing.
MDI has created a high performance Auto mobile that runs completely on compressed air, hydrogen car, technology. In comparison to traditional gas powered engines, the compressed air based technology is infinitely superior in regards to energy used and thermodynamics.
More information regarding the MDI Air Car:
The technology for an air-powered motor has been around for a number of years however Mr Negre has perfected it and readied it to be fully commercialized on a worldwide scale. The 2 main benefits, hydrogen car, of this, hydrogen car, technology are fuel savings for the driver, and the beneficial environmental, hydrogen car, impact it will have could be astounding. It seems that these Air-Powered, hydrogen car, racers are ready to take the world by storm.
Unlike electric, hybrid or hydrogen powered vehicles, the AirCar isn't high-priced and doesn't have a limited range as many detractors have claimed. MDI vehicles are quite affordable and feature a level of efficiency that equates favorably with currently available eco-cars. To sum up, the MD AirCars are non-expensive and feature a minimal environmental footprint, and are uncomplicated to get around cities in.
The MDI AirCar operates on a safe fuel source(compressed air) that doesn't pose a fire or explosive hazard, does not emit toxic gases and hydrocarbons, is fun to drive and reliable. They, hydrogen car, plan to release 2 versions initially, a 6 passenger sedan call the CityCat for $16,000 and a smaller 3 seat commuter-car for around $10,000
The way the AirCar works is that an electric pump forces compressed air into a storage tank, the compressed air is then let out to force the movement of pistons to rotate the drive, hydrogen car, shaft of the vehicle, similar to a standard gasoline engine process. If driving a top speed, the AirCar has a limited range of about 50 miles, but can be stretched out if driving at a lower rate. They are also working on hybrid models that have an unlimited range like a regular automobile. These models will, hydrogen car, run on a combination of compressed air and fuels such as bio-fuel, gas or diesel. Somewhat more expensive, but capable of greater speeds and distance. The Air-only models satisfy the needs of most city drivers.
The single energy powerplants will be, hydrogen car, available in both Minicats and Citycats. These engines have been developed for urban center usage, where the upper limit speed, hydrogen car, is 50 km/h and where MDI thinks polluting will before long be forbidden. It is already conceivable to see cases of this in various places, such as London, where if you decide to go into the city center with gas powered automobiles, you must pay a fee.
All MDI, hydrogen car, automobiles will have the option of being equipped with a hybrid engine, which has been added so the vehicle can be driven longer distances as well as city driving. When the car is taken out of the city at speeds over 50km/h the engine will switch over to the fuel burning source, but when in a city driving below 50, it will work exclusively on air. The dual source engine will be able to use gasoline, diesel, ethanol or, hydrogen car, alcohol as it's combustion source.
Both power plants will be available with 2, 4 and 6 cylinders, once the air tanks are discharged the driver will be able to alternate between fuel, hydrogen car, mode, thanks to the car's on board data processor.
The cost to the Environment? According to MDI the only exhaust that pushes through of the tail pipe is cold air on the Air-only models.
Source: articledashboard.com
One fascinating project I have been keeping tabs on since the late 1990's is a company founded in France but now based in Spain by the name of MDI. Founded, hydrogen car, by a former race car technician named Guy Negre who's impetus for his invention came from his background in racing.
MDI has created a high performance Auto mobile that runs completely on compressed air, hydrogen car, technology. In comparison to traditional gas powered engines, the compressed air based technology is infinitely superior in regards to energy used and thermodynamics.
More information regarding the MDI Air Car:
The technology for an air-powered motor has been around for a number of years however Mr Negre has perfected it and readied it to be fully commercialized on a worldwide scale. The 2 main benefits, hydrogen car, of this, hydrogen car, technology are fuel savings for the driver, and the beneficial environmental, hydrogen car, impact it will have could be astounding. It seems that these Air-Powered, hydrogen car, racers are ready to take the world by storm.
Unlike electric, hybrid or hydrogen powered vehicles, the AirCar isn't high-priced and doesn't have a limited range as many detractors have claimed. MDI vehicles are quite affordable and feature a level of efficiency that equates favorably with currently available eco-cars. To sum up, the MD AirCars are non-expensive and feature a minimal environmental footprint, and are uncomplicated to get around cities in.
The MDI AirCar operates on a safe fuel source(compressed air) that doesn't pose a fire or explosive hazard, does not emit toxic gases and hydrocarbons, is fun to drive and reliable. They, hydrogen car, plan to release 2 versions initially, a 6 passenger sedan call the CityCat for $16,000 and a smaller 3 seat commuter-car for around $10,000
The way the AirCar works is that an electric pump forces compressed air into a storage tank, the compressed air is then let out to force the movement of pistons to rotate the drive, hydrogen car, shaft of the vehicle, similar to a standard gasoline engine process. If driving a top speed, the AirCar has a limited range of about 50 miles, but can be stretched out if driving at a lower rate. They are also working on hybrid models that have an unlimited range like a regular automobile. These models will, hydrogen car, run on a combination of compressed air and fuels such as bio-fuel, gas or diesel. Somewhat more expensive, but capable of greater speeds and distance. The Air-only models satisfy the needs of most city drivers.
The single energy powerplants will be, hydrogen car, available in both Minicats and Citycats. These engines have been developed for urban center usage, where the upper limit speed, hydrogen car, is 50 km/h and where MDI thinks polluting will before long be forbidden. It is already conceivable to see cases of this in various places, such as London, where if you decide to go into the city center with gas powered automobiles, you must pay a fee.
All MDI, hydrogen car, automobiles will have the option of being equipped with a hybrid engine, which has been added so the vehicle can be driven longer distances as well as city driving. When the car is taken out of the city at speeds over 50km/h the engine will switch over to the fuel burning source, but when in a city driving below 50, it will work exclusively on air. The dual source engine will be able to use gasoline, diesel, ethanol or, hydrogen car, alcohol as it's combustion source.
Both power plants will be available with 2, 4 and 6 cylinders, once the air tanks are discharged the driver will be able to alternate between fuel, hydrogen car, mode, thanks to the car's on board data processor.
The cost to the Environment? According to MDI the only exhaust that pushes through of the tail pipe is cold air on the Air-only models.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Joint Statement Of Ford, Gm, Chrysler On Meeting With Pres. Bush
Author: Dwyane Thomas
Source: articledashboard.com
The Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of America's leading Detroit-based automakers including Richard Wagoner of General Motors, Alan Mulally of Ford Motor Company, and Tom LaSorda of Chrysler Group has recently conducted a meeting with President George W. Bush to help improve the development of alternative fuel (e.g., hydrogen car, ethanol and biodiesel fuel). The three automakers also aim to reduce the country's dependence on petroleum based products and reduce consumption of gas.
After the meeting with President Bush, the three CEOs went outside the White House with the President and US Transportation Secretary Mary Peters to discuss some ways on how to improve the consumer's access to alternative fuels.
Here is what the three CEOs said in a join statement regarding the meeting:
"We, hydrogen car, briefed, hydrogen car, the President about the more than 6 million FFVs on the road today, hydrogen car, and we will add over a million FFV cars and trucks in 2007 alone. We explained to the President that if all these vehicles were running on E85, they would displace more than 3.6 billion gallons of gasoline a year. And even more compelling, if all the E85 capable vehicles on the road today -- along,, hydrogen car, hydrogen car, with those that GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler have already committed to produce over the next 10 years -- were to run on E85, we could displace 22 billion gallons of gasoline annually. Also, if all manufacturers made a comparable commitment, hydrogen car, to make half their annual production capable of running on biofuels, we could increase the savings to 37 billion gallons of gasoline annually in 2017.
Furthermore, we pointed out the benefits of clean diesel technology and that if all diesel vehicles today were fueled with B5 (five percent biodiesel) we could displace 1.85 billion, hydrogen car, gallons of petroleum per year; and 7.4 billion gallons per year if B20 (20 percent biodiesel) were utilized.
In order to achieve these levels, hydrogen car, of petroleum savings, we asked the President to help provide, hydrogen car, Americans with reasonable access to these fuels at a price that is competitive with gasoline. Right now there are approximately 1,100 E85 pumps in the U.S. and 1,000 biodiesel pumps, out of 170,000 gas stations. We expressed to the President that we are willing to lead the way, but we need government, hydrogen car, and, hydrogen, hydrogen car, car, fuel providers to increase infrastructure before we can make a meaningful impact.
In addition, we discussed with the President that as part of an overall national strategy to fully tap the potential of biofuels to displace petroleum, vehicle production increases must be accompanied by continuing the incentives that encourage the manufacture, distribution, and availability of biofuels and the production of flexible fuel vehicles.
We updated the President on our wide range of advanced vehicle technologies that run on alternative fuels such as E85, biodiesel, electricity and hydrogen. Plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen car, can play a significant role in our transportation future. Increased funding for domestic battery research and development can help accelerate bringing these vehicles to market.
Overall, we were pleased with the exchange that we had with the President and all parties came away with an understanding of the significant, positive impact that biofuels can make on the environment and in reducing our nation's reliance on oil.
We welcome the opportunity to continue working with President Bush, his Administration, and the Congress in a bipartisan manner and to move forward on solutions to these issues while continuing to do our part to ensure America's long-standing leadership in manufacturing and innovation."
This statement emphasizes that GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler will develop and produce vehicles with E85 capability in the next 10 years. So expect to see a Mercedes-Benz luxury super car model running on ethanol fuel pumping out on its Mercedes engine parts.
Source: articledashboard.com
The Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of America's leading Detroit-based automakers including Richard Wagoner of General Motors, Alan Mulally of Ford Motor Company, and Tom LaSorda of Chrysler Group has recently conducted a meeting with President George W. Bush to help improve the development of alternative fuel (e.g., hydrogen car, ethanol and biodiesel fuel). The three automakers also aim to reduce the country's dependence on petroleum based products and reduce consumption of gas.
After the meeting with President Bush, the three CEOs went outside the White House with the President and US Transportation Secretary Mary Peters to discuss some ways on how to improve the consumer's access to alternative fuels.
Here is what the three CEOs said in a join statement regarding the meeting:
"We, hydrogen car, briefed, hydrogen car, the President about the more than 6 million FFVs on the road today, hydrogen car, and we will add over a million FFV cars and trucks in 2007 alone. We explained to the President that if all these vehicles were running on E85, they would displace more than 3.6 billion gallons of gasoline a year. And even more compelling, if all the E85 capable vehicles on the road today -- along,, hydrogen car, hydrogen car, with those that GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler have already committed to produce over the next 10 years -- were to run on E85, we could displace 22 billion gallons of gasoline annually. Also, if all manufacturers made a comparable commitment, hydrogen car, to make half their annual production capable of running on biofuels, we could increase the savings to 37 billion gallons of gasoline annually in 2017.
Furthermore, we pointed out the benefits of clean diesel technology and that if all diesel vehicles today were fueled with B5 (five percent biodiesel) we could displace 1.85 billion, hydrogen car, gallons of petroleum per year; and 7.4 billion gallons per year if B20 (20 percent biodiesel) were utilized.
In order to achieve these levels, hydrogen car, of petroleum savings, we asked the President to help provide, hydrogen car, Americans with reasonable access to these fuels at a price that is competitive with gasoline. Right now there are approximately 1,100 E85 pumps in the U.S. and 1,000 biodiesel pumps, out of 170,000 gas stations. We expressed to the President that we are willing to lead the way, but we need government, hydrogen car, and, hydrogen, hydrogen car, car, fuel providers to increase infrastructure before we can make a meaningful impact.
In addition, we discussed with the President that as part of an overall national strategy to fully tap the potential of biofuels to displace petroleum, vehicle production increases must be accompanied by continuing the incentives that encourage the manufacture, distribution, and availability of biofuels and the production of flexible fuel vehicles.
We updated the President on our wide range of advanced vehicle technologies that run on alternative fuels such as E85, biodiesel, electricity and hydrogen. Plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen car, can play a significant role in our transportation future. Increased funding for domestic battery research and development can help accelerate bringing these vehicles to market.
Overall, we were pleased with the exchange that we had with the President and all parties came away with an understanding of the significant, positive impact that biofuels can make on the environment and in reducing our nation's reliance on oil.
We welcome the opportunity to continue working with President Bush, his Administration, and the Congress in a bipartisan manner and to move forward on solutions to these issues while continuing to do our part to ensure America's long-standing leadership in manufacturing and innovation."
This statement emphasizes that GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler will develop and produce vehicles with E85 capability in the next 10 years. So expect to see a Mercedes-Benz luxury super car model running on ethanol fuel pumping out on its Mercedes engine parts.
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