Jun 06 2009

Ener1 contemplates the Japanese Market with Itochu Partnership

Ener1, the leading lithium-ion producer of the US, is contemplating the possibility of expansion as it teams up with ITOCHU Corporation. ITOCHU has played a major role in providing specialized equipment and materials to different lithium-ion manufacturers around the world.

Recently, the two partner companies have signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that sets the parameters of their relationship with each other. The MOU centers on Ener1’s entry into the Japanese market.

ITOCHU has established networks and partnerships with Japan’s automotive community. With this strategic partnership, Ener1’s entry into the new market should be smooth sailing.

This partnership also sets the floor for Ener1’s entry into Japan’s solar power market. This new niche provides further possibilities for Ener1’a already thriving business.

To date, Ener1 is the sole company capable of large-scale lithium-ion production in the United States. It produces enough batteries to support 1.17 megawatt hours of electricity every year. With an even stronger partnership with ITOCHU, Ener1 is looking at a 3.12 megawatt hours expansion this year.

Read More »

May 27 2009

Protéus-Syngenta tie-up to Develop Enzymes used for Cellulosic Biofuel Production

More and more green efforts have been done by different agencies and research groups. An addition to the growing list is the recent tie-up between Protéus, biotechnology company based in France, and Syngenta—a global agribusiness company. Their goal is to develop novel enzymes of high performance for the production of cellulosic biofuel.

How will this happen?

The system that Protéus uses is a specialized automated platform that screens protein expressions that are functional. researcherThis includes expression systems that are based on eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Another expression system that is cell-free is the Phenomics which is part of the platform.

With the progress of the systems they use, we can expect a continuous progress with the presence of enzymes. In the end, the outcome of these said systems will contribute to the better usage of cellulosic biofuels.

Dr. Ian Jepson, the Syngenta Head of Enzymes R&D, is confident about this tie-up. He said, “our strategy based on optimized enzymes holds tremendous potential for the creation of next generation biofuels. The collaboration with Proteus helps us to accelerate development by offering technology that complements our core skills in plant expression.”

Read More »

Apr 06 2009

Lithium-Ion G-Wiz Goes for a 75-mile Range

G-WizThe manufacturer of REVA G-Wiz, GoinGreen, discloses the specs and price tags of the highly anticipated G-Wiz L-Ion. The G-Wiz L-ion will be the first car in mainstream market that is powered by Lithium-Ion battery.

The L-ion can run for 75 miles on a single full charge. GoinGreen will also build fast charge stations that can boost the battery power up to 90% in just an hour or give the car a full charge in 1.5 hours.

The L-ion derives its technology from the G-Wiz DNA and improved with new safety and performance technologies. Some of the notable features are:

  • Improved ranged
  • Beefed up acceleration
  • Better charging efficiency that requires 20% less energy requirement per charge
  • Decreased charging time on a normal duration of 6 hours
  • Off-board fast charge capability
  • Maintenance free batteries

Read More »

Mar 15 2009

Will the Mazda Microcar pass US standards?

2008 saw a surge in the popularity of minicars and compacts, with 16,000 two-seat minicars imported to the US which did not satisfy the demands of the long list of buyers. Because of this small-is-more trend, many are now wondering whether the North American market is a ripe one for micro cars.

Mazda has recently redesigned the micro-mini AZ Wagon in Japan, offering more flexibity and room as well as better fuel efficiency. And thanks to a few tweaks and touches (which we see in the Custom Style rendition offered in Japan), the AZ Wagon has easily changed its image from being just cute to cool and comfortable.

Mazda Microcar

Read More »

Feb 27 2009

Italdesign to reveal speedy but penny-wise hybrid car at Geneva motor show

Italdesign Hybrid Race Car

Italdesign Giugiaro will reveal its latest concept of a speedy but fuel-efficient hybrid car at the Geneva motor show.

Italdesign-Giugiaro S.p.a , commonly called Italdesign, is a famous automobile designer and is a highly-specialized engineering company that is located in Turin, Italy.

It was founded in the year 1968 with its first name as Studi Italiani Realizzazione Prototipi S.p.A that worked in collaboration with the Volkswagen. At present, the company is recognized for the famous works of its subordinate, the Giugiaro Design, the home of the renowned car designer Giorgetto Guigiaro.

Today, with their innovative concept, Italdesign revealed that the hybrid coupe is a two-seater and can achieve a top speed on the road at 186 miles per hour, or 300 kilometers per hour. It can also be accelerated from an amazing zero to 62 miles per hour in less than 4 seconds.

Read More »

Feb 02 2009

Car Insurance for Green Cars

So you have just gone in for the latest conversion kit to renovate your car into an eco friendly vehicle. Or you might be among the lucky ones who have just purchased a brand new green car. There is no doubt that you are helping the earth with your decision that will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide pollution. Surely the insurance companies too will help you by offering lower insurance rates for your eco friendly cars. Be prepared for a shock, for recent research has shown that it costs nearly 100% more to insure a green car, compared to insuring normal cars.

In fact one can find comparison charts on may sites on the Internet that will testify how costly it is to get a green car insured. While it is laudable to go in for green car insurance, you need to weight the pros and cons before you make up your mind and finalize the insurance deal. All said and done, there are some insurance agents, though they are a minority, who do offer lower premiums to owners of green cars. They believe that they too should play their part to help those who are helping the world to overcome pollution caused by normal cars. I guess this is a PR-reason, but who cares, as long as you get your discount, no?

Read More »

Jan 19 2009

Johnson Controls Unveils re3 Concept in Detroit

Johnson Controls is known to auto makers as a tier 1 supplier of car parts. The company shows off in the Detroit Auto Show the re3 Concept which is a preview of what else they can offer.

The goal of the concept car is to create a smart driving environment in more efficient vehicles that have lighter bodies and good engine fuel economics. With the re3, Johnson Controls eyes all green bases and is sure to hit a run.

The tag re3 actually means re-think, re-new, and re-spond. The car draws a new picture of what small cars should be like in the future. Through innovative engineering the re3 Concept aims to deliver an overall experience of comfort and sustained appeal with the consumers.

Read More »