Support the Arctic Sea Ice Forum and Blog

Author Topic: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....  (Read 1471602 times)

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #700 on: December 04, 2015, 12:15:39 AM »
Japan's Ambitious Hydrogen-Vehicle Plans Stumble, With Bureaucracy To Blame
Quote
Regulators are still finalizing criteria after three years of deliberation, which is reportedly undermining local governments' interest in the station.

As many as 100 local governments have put off ordering the Honda Smart Hydrogen Station until Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) implements rules that would accommodate smaller fueling stations.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1101239_japans-ambitious-hydrogen-vehicle-plans-stumble-with-bureaucracy-to-blame
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #701 on: December 04, 2015, 12:22:13 AM »
German Regulators Deem VW Diesel Emission Software A 'Defeat Device,' Deepening Crisis
Quote
The Volkswagen diesel emission scandal deepened on Tuesday as German regulators ruled that software to evade the use of emission-control systems constituted an illegal "defeat device."
...
Meanwhile, the company said that roughly 50 employees had come forward with information about the emission software and its history, under an offer of amnesty that ended on November 30.
...
In the ten weeks since the scandal broke, CEO Martin Winterkorn and other high executives have resigned, regulatory agencies on multiple continents have opened investigations, civil suits have been filed, and the company has lost billions of dollars of value.

Further investigations into its 3.0-liter V-6 TDI diesel engines have been opened. And VW has admitted it had three separate Auxiliary Emission Control Device software routines in those engines that it had not properly declared to the EPA, one of which qualifies as a "defeat device" too.
...
The KBA's determination underscores the company's vulnerability in markets where it has sold millions of diesel vehicles, not just the 485,000 in question in the U.S.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1101176_german-regulators-deem-vw-diesel-emission-software-a-defeat-device-deepening-crisis
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #702 on: December 04, 2015, 12:36:37 AM »
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sleepy

  • Guest
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #703 on: December 04, 2015, 05:21:32 AM »
Guess very few cares to much about Sweden since it's such a small country. But since it is often used as an successful nation regarding mitigation, I do feel there's a point mentioning it.

The average age of our cars is 17 years.
November was the best month ever, car sales increased 21% compared to last November. It was also the 23:rd consecutive month of increasing sales.
31352 new cars sold.
172 pure EV's.
Diesel's where just short of 60% (as usual).

http://www.bilsweden.se/publikationer/pressmeddelanden/basta-november-nagonsin-for-personbilar


The tax subsidy for E85 ends with 2015 and it will be more expensive than diesel and petrol so sales of new flexifuel cars will drop further, maybe to zero in 2016.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #704 on: December 04, 2015, 07:39:09 PM »
Porsche!
Quote
Porsche announced today the green light for its first all-electric model, the Mission E concept unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show earlier this year, for production by the end of the decade. The company will invest over $700 million to expand its assembly capacity and include the production of electric motors.
http://electrek.co/2015/12/04/porsche-approves-the-all-electric-mission-e-concept-for-production-gallery/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #705 on: December 04, 2015, 07:55:38 PM »
Quote
Germany is the thirteenth government to join the International Zero-Emission Vehicle Alliance, which aims at making all passenger vehicles emission-free by 2050. The group made the announcement Thursday at the UN global climate talks in Paris.

The governments now participating in the ZEV Alliance include the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway in Europe; California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont in the United States; and Québec in Canada.
http://electrek.co/2015/12/04/germany-joins-the-international-zero-emission-vehicle-alliance/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #706 on: December 08, 2015, 01:06:52 AM »
One of the most powerful charging stations for electric vehicles in the world.  Charges a full-size electric bus to maximum in 10-15 minutes.

China opens a new fast-charging station with 25 chargers at 360 kW
http://electrek.co/2015/12/07/china-opens-a-new-fast-charging-station-with-25-chargers-at-360-kw/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #707 on: December 08, 2015, 04:36:35 PM »
Neven, your wish for a simple EV has been granted! :D  Lots of body-style options, too.

http://polaris.hs.llnwd.net/o40/lev/2016/manuals-and-guides/2016-gem-brochure.pdf
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Neven

  • Administrator
  • First-year ice
  • Posts: 9470
    • View Profile
    • Arctic Sea Ice Blog
  • Liked: 1333
  • Likes Given: 617
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #708 on: December 08, 2015, 05:07:34 PM »
Yes, that looks more like it, and customizable too, unlike Tesla's Frankencars.  ;D
The enemy is within
Don't confuse me with him

E. Smith

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #709 on: December 09, 2015, 01:47:31 AM »
Yes, that looks more like it, and customizable too, unlike Tesla's Frankencars.  ;D

We prefer the term [computer network] "Server on Wheels."   ;)


http://electrek.co/2015/12/03/how-to-hack-a-tesla-model-s-video/
« Last Edit: December 09, 2015, 02:11:51 AM by Sigmetnow »
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sleepy

  • Guest
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #710 on: December 09, 2015, 05:26:15 AM »
That open-air-design of the polaris would be absolutely wonderful here in Sweden, for a masochist.

I was wrong in my comment above regarding the fuel pricing, saw yesterday that E85 already is more expensive than petrol and diesel.
Diesel 11:00
Petrol 11:41
E85 11:58
Biodiesel 12:10

SEK...

Laurent

  • Young ice
  • Posts: 2546
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 13
  • Likes Given: 50
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #711 on: December 09, 2015, 09:54:08 AM »
Google Snags Former Tesla Autopilot Engineering Manager Robert Rose
http://techcrunch.com/2015/11/30/google-snags-former-tesla-autopilot-engineering-manager-robert-rose/

Quote
The battle to make elite autonomous vehicles is on, and a major part of that is assembling teams that will carry out your plans.

Today, it was reported that Google snagged Tesla’s former Autopilot software engineering manager, Robert Rose. Rose also spent five years at SpaceX, according to his LinkedIn profile.

We’re hearing he’s not going to be working on the cars themselves, but software at Google tends to make the rounds. Rose’s gig for “Google Robots” is listed as “Engineering Manager,” the same title that he held at Tesla for six months. There, Rose says he “led Autopilot & UI teams through Release 7.0 Model S update.”

Check out our test of autopilot here.

We’ve reached out to Google for a statement and will update once we hear back.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #712 on: December 10, 2015, 02:58:35 AM »
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #713 on: December 10, 2015, 03:12:44 PM »
Chinese search giant Baidu’s self-driving car successfully hits the road
http://electrek.co/2015/12/09/chinese-search-giant-baidus-self-driving-car-successfully-hits-the-road/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #714 on: December 10, 2015, 09:01:08 PM »
A few more details on Faraday Future's agreement with Nevada and its "$1 billion factory in North Las Vegas at the sparsely populated, 18,000-acre Apex Industrial Park."
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2015/dec/09/chinese-backed-electric-carmaker-picks-north-las-v/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #715 on: December 11, 2015, 02:42:11 AM »
Ford is getting serious about electric cars, announces $4.5 billion in investment and 13 new models coming.
Quote
DEARBORN, Mich.–...Ford is investing an additional $4.5 billion in electrified vehicle solutions by 2020 ....

Ford is adding 13 new electrified vehicles to its portfolio by 2020, when more than 40 percent of the company’s global nameplates will come in electrified versions. This represents Ford’s largest-ever electrified vehicle investment in a five-year period.

On the way next year is a new Focus Electric, which features all-new DC fast-charge capability delivering an 80 percent charge in an estimated 30 minutes and projected 100-mile range – an estimated two hours faster than today’s Focus Electric.
http://electrek.co/2015/12/10/ford-is-getting-serious-about-electric-cars-announces-4-5-billion-in-investment-and-13-new-models-coming/


Edit: Gotta say, this is like lightning speed for such a big change from a Detroit auto company.
« Last Edit: December 11, 2015, 03:18:57 AM by Sigmetnow »
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #716 on: December 11, 2015, 08:01:01 PM »
Wow.  I hope these robots are friendly.  ;)

Rare footage from a Tesla Fremont Factory tour [video]
http://electrek.co/2015/12/11/rare-footage-from-a-tesla-fremont-factory-tour-video/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #717 on: December 12, 2015, 06:19:56 PM »
VW teases long-distance electric Microbus concept for 2016 CES debut
https://chargedevs.com/newswire/vw-teases-long-distance-electric-microbus-concept-for-2016-ces-deput/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Neven

  • Administrator
  • First-year ice
  • Posts: 9470
    • View Profile
    • Arctic Sea Ice Blog
  • Liked: 1333
  • Likes Given: 617
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #718 on: December 12, 2015, 09:15:54 PM »
VW teases long-distance electric Microbus concept for 2016 CES debut
https://chargedevs.com/newswire/vw-teases-long-distance-electric-microbus-concept-for-2016-ces-deput/

Production will start as soon as they have decided where to hide the exhaust pipe.  ;) ;D
The enemy is within
Don't confuse me with him

E. Smith

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #719 on: December 14, 2015, 12:07:41 AM »
Time for a change of climate?   ;) ;D

VW Says Emissions Cheating Was Not a One-Time Error
Quote
The chairman of Volkswagen said on Thursday that the decision by employees to cheat on emissions tests was made more than a decade ago, after they realized they could not meet United States clean air standards legally.

Hans-Dieter Pötsch, the chairman of Volkswagen’s supervisory board, said the cheating took place in a climate of lax ethical standards.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/11/business/international/vw-emissions-scandal.html
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #720 on: December 15, 2015, 08:16:46 PM »
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #721 on: December 15, 2015, 08:33:09 PM »
West Coast Mayors Form EV Consortium, Pledge Carbon Reductions
Quote
As world leaders met this past week in Paris to discuss carbon reductions on a global scale, mayors of four large West Coast cities—Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland—met in Portland for a two-day summit and united to reduce carbon emissions on a regional level.

The signed declaration, by the mayors of those cities and of Eugene, Oregon, includes joint plans to cut carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050 within their cities.

It would involve more use of renewable energy sources, accelerated conversions of city fleets to electric and biodiesel vehicles, and more investment of federal funds toward public transit expansion.
...
Along with other ZEV-emissions states, the same group also simultaneously joined the International ZEV Alliance, which aims to make all new cars emission-free by 2050.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1101389_west-coast-mayors-form-ev-consortium-pledge-carbon-reductions
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #722 on: December 17, 2015, 12:51:29 AM »
New Investigations Of Bosch, EU Loans In VW Diesel Emission Scandal
Quote
Bosch reportedly warned Volkswagen in 2007 that the way it planned to use software being installed with diesel engines was illegal.
...
Late Tuesday, German media reported that the European Commission's Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is investigating VW on suspicion that it had misused funds from low-interest EU loans granted for R&D into cleaner and lower-emission engines.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1101441_new-investigations-of-bosch-eu-loans-in-vw-diesel-emission-scandal
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #723 on: December 19, 2015, 03:38:40 AM »
Tesla CEO Elon Musk joins call for CARB to force VW to invest in electric vehicles as “punishment” for ‘DieselGate’
Quote
38 company and environmental group leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, signed an open letter proposing that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) lets VW off the hook in California for having cheated on reporting emissions in its diesel cars and in return, VW would be forced to significantly invest in electric vehicles or other zero-emission vehicles.

http://electrek.co/2015/12/18/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-joins-call-for-carb-to-force-vw-to-invest-in-electric-vehicles-as-punishment-for-dieselgate/


Hunh.
https://forum.arctic-sea-ice.net/index.php/topic,438.msg63737.html#msg63737
 ;D
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Laurent

  • Young ice
  • Posts: 2546
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 13
  • Likes Given: 50
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #724 on: December 19, 2015, 12:18:51 PM »
VW to Introduce All-Electric, Long-Range Camper Van
http://adventure-journal.com/2015/12/vw-to-introduce-all-electric-long-range-camper-van/

Quote
Can Volkswagen rebuild the trust that was lost over its emissions-cheating scandal? Time will tell. Maybe in the short term, distraction is good enough, and the new model that VW is set to reveal at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month will be one heck of a distraction: It’s going to be an all-electric microbus camper van, with a range of up to 310 miles, Autocar reports.

The van, called Camper, will be announced during the January 5 keynote address by Herbert Diess, head of passenger cars for Volkswagen.

The vehicle was confirmed by Gary Shapiro, whose company produces CES. “We are pleased Volkswagen will use the CES stage to unveil a concept car displaying its latest developments in safe and energy-efficient electric vehicles consistent with VW’s long history of innovation in the driving experience.”

Shapiro said the van is a “groundbreaking electric vehicle that will further illustrate the synergy between the Internet of Things and the automotive industry,”

Will it look like the blue concept van pictured above? Or more like the red one pictured below? A Volkswagen spokesman told Autocar that the van will strongly resemble the original bus, keeping in mind three important design cues. “First the wide, solid, D-pillar, second the boxy design of the centre section and, thirdly, the front end must have a very short overhang. The distance from the A-pillar to the front end must be very short.”

The van will be front wheel drive, with a small motor up front and battery packs under the floor. Sorry, folks, it’s not a replacement for the Syncro. But with a battery system based on the 2016 Audi R8 e-tron sports car and e-tron Quattro Concept SUV, its range of 250 to 300 miles would top everything currently available in the States except for Teslas.

VW plans to build the Camper in Mexico beginning in 2017, and there will be a four-cylinder gasoline version and a diesel version, too. At least, we can hope. In 2001, Volkswagen announced a new microbus would be available in 2003. It missed that target date and two years later the company pulled the plug on the program.

mati

  • Frazil ice
  • Posts: 268
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #725 on: December 19, 2015, 03:42:32 PM »
Wow.  I hope these robots are friendly.  ;)

Rare footage from a Tesla Fremont Factory tour [video]
http://electrek.co/2015/12/11/rare-footage-from-a-tesla-fremont-factory-tour-video/

a nice tour of the facility with all the Kuka robots :)

and so it goes

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #726 on: December 21, 2015, 11:01:35 PM »
Tesla CEO Elon Musk drops his prediction of full autonomous driving from 3 years to just 2
http://electrek.co/2015/12/21/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-drops-prediction-full-autonomous-driving-from-3-years-to-2/

And the Fortune article referenced in the above piece:
Elon Musk Says Tesla Vehicles Will Drive Themselves in Two Years
http://fortune.com/2015/12/21/elon-musk-interview/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #727 on: December 24, 2015, 05:51:33 PM »
Tesla’s Secret Master Plan (For Those Just Joining The Party)
http://evobsession.com/teslas-secret-master-plan-for-those-just-joining-the-party/


Meanwhile:  a Tesla owner wanna-be?

A Smart EV owner gets stuck after “accidentally” plugging his car in a Tesla Supercharger
http://electrek.co/2015/12/24/smart-ev-stuck-plugging-tesla-supercharger/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #728 on: December 29, 2015, 06:45:36 PM »
The environmental cost of shipping stuff is huge. Can we fix that?
http://www.vox.com/2015/12/23/10647768/shipping-environmental-cost
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #729 on: December 29, 2015, 07:20:53 PM »
No More California Carpool-Lane Stickers For Plug-In Hybrids
Quote
Solo carpool-lane access has proven to be one of the most effective tools to get California drivers to buy plug-in electric cars.

But soon new drivers of plug-in hybrids in the Golden State may no longer be able to take advantage of that perk--unlike new drivers of battery-electric cars.

The full allotment of 85,000 "green stickers" has been issued, and there will be no more unless the state legislature authorizes it.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1101602_no-more-california-carpool-lane-stickers-for-plug-in-hybrids
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #730 on: December 29, 2015, 07:35:59 PM »
Environmental Justice Groups: Not So Fast, Musk--VW Diesels Must Be Fixed!
Forcing VW to build more electric cars won't really address the issue of its emissions cheating, says the environmental justice community.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1101603_environmental-justice-groups-not-so-fast-musk--vw-diesels-must-be-fixed
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #731 on: December 30, 2015, 07:33:38 PM »
U.K. Extends Green-Car Grants To Double Buyers By 2018
Quote
The extension is backed by a £400 million ($595 million) funding package, and will benefit up to 100,000 U.K. car buyers, officials say.

That's twice the number of buyers who have received grants of up to £4,500 ($6,696) through the program since 2011.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1101610_u-k-extends-green-car-grants-to-double-buyers-by-2018
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

sesyf

  • New ice
  • Posts: 61
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 8
  • Likes Given: 85
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #732 on: January 01, 2016, 03:16:24 PM »
Hi

So far I haven't had anything to add to the several interesting discussions by persons who know a lot more than I... but at last something that I haven't yet noticed in the forums. A Finnish electric bus company is now building 12 fast-charging buses for testing in Helsinki area:

http://www.linkkerbus.com/naytasivu/Demanding+piloting+in+Helsinki/49


I'll go and get a ride in one when they get them to traffic... there will be probably quite a few news about them in finnish media at that point.

Also they have got contract for something similar in Copenhagen.

Best
Seppo S.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #733 on: January 01, 2016, 09:38:09 PM »
Delhi residents give up cars to stop toxic air pollution
Quote
Smog-choked residents of New Delhi welcomed the new year on Friday by largely complying with dramatic new driving restrictions designed to pull millions of cars off the roads and improve air quality.
http://money.cnn.com/2016/01/01/news/delhi-india-cars-autos-air-pollution/index.html


Acknowledging, and beginning to take action on, the problem is a good start.
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #734 on: January 01, 2016, 11:37:39 PM »
On January 4, 2016, at 8:00PM PST (11pm EST, 4am Tue UTC),
"Faraday Future" will unveil its new concept car at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Not much is known about the secretive company, other than it employs several former Tesla and SpaceX people, and it will be building a $1 billion factory in Nevada.  Even less is known about the car, other than it will be a long range, all-electric vehicle.

A live stream of the event will happen here:
http://www.faradayfuture.com/ces2016/


Nevada approves $335 million in incentives for Faraday Future to build its electric car factory in the state
http://electrek.co/2015/12/21/nevada-335-million-deal-for-faraday-future-build-electric-car-factory/

“We’re not Tesla. But we’re not Fisker either. We’re not f***ing around.” – Faraday Future; a new electric vehicle company
http://electrek.co/2015/07/16/were-not-tesla-but-were-not-fisker-either-were-not-fucking-around-faraday-future-a-new-electric-vehicle-company/
« Last Edit: January 04, 2016, 04:53:43 PM by Sigmetnow »
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #735 on: January 03, 2016, 02:12:27 PM »
The Dirty Truth About ‘Clean Diesel’
Quote
MONTREAL — AS scandals go, it was a juicy one. Volkswagen, one of the world’s highest grossing automakers, persuaded consumers it had created a new generation of so-called clean diesel cars — until investigators discovered that defeat devices, which activated emissions controls only when the cars were tested, were concealing the fact that its vehicles emitted up to 40 times the permitted levels of pollutants during regular use.

Volkswagen has been punished with consumer opprobrium, a costly recall and plummeting sales. Yet the public outrage over the fraud obscures a much larger issue.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/03/opinion/sunday/the-dirty-truth-about-clean-diesel.html
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #736 on: January 04, 2016, 05:36:48 PM »
India investigates VW diesels, launches incentive scheme for EVs
Quote
The dark cloud from Volkswagen’s diesel debacle is spreading around the world. India’s Heavy Industries Ministry ordered an independent investigation, which led to the recall of 323,000 VW vehicles in India (via The Times of India). The ministry says it plans to to start testing all on-road diesel vehicles in the country to see if they too are violating emissions rules.

Coincidentally or not, the ministry has now launched a program called Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles in India (FAME India) as part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan.

The new policy offers incentives for buyers of all types of electric and hybrid vehicles: up to 29,000 rupees ($438) for scooters and motorcycles; 138,000 rupees ($2,083) for cars; and 187,000 rupees ($2,822) for light commercial vehicles.

The first phase of the scheme will be implemented over a two-year period, and has a budget of just under 8 billion rupees ($121 million).
https://chargedevs.com/newswire/india-investigates-vw-diesels-launches-incentive-scheme-for-evs/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #737 on: January 05, 2016, 03:09:21 PM »
On January 4, 2016, at 8:00PM PST (11pm EST, 4am Tue UTC),
"Faraday Future" will unveil its new concept car at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Not much is known about the secretive company, other than it employs several former Tesla and SpaceX people, and it will be building a $1 billion factory in Nevada.  Even less is known about the car, other than it will be a long range, all-electric vehicle.

A live stream of the event will happen here:
http://www.faradayfuture.com/ces2016/

They may have great ideas in digital form, but I'd call their presentation last night 'embarrassing.'   :-\
Some kind of car... in "a couple years."  Not the major player they imagine themselves to be.  Yet, anyway.

Faraday Future officially unveils its first concept car: FFZERO1
Quote
But – and it’s a testament to the effectiveness of FF’s marketing team I suppose – with all the hype and teasers, and especially the claim of a vehicle to market by 2017, we thought Faraday Future would show an alpha prototype of the mass market car they plan to produce, not a Batmobile-looking single-seater with little to no chance of finding itself in the hands of customers, no matter how cool it looks.

I still think Faraday Future has interesting potential. They have an impressive and growing team of automobile and tech veterans, and they are backed by the deep pockets of LeTV, which we already suspected, but the company finally confirmed it tonight by introducing LeTV’s Ding Lei on stage during the presentation. But we certainly need to learn more about their ownership model and mass market car, both subject which were barely addressed during the presentation.
http://electrek.co/2016/01/05/faraday-future-officially-unveils-its-first-concept-car-ffzero1-gallery-and-videos/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #738 on: January 06, 2016, 01:38:08 AM »
Researchers Advance Propulsion Toward Low-Carbon Aircraft
Quote
Glenn researchers are looking at power systems that generate electricity in place of, or in addition to, thrust at the turbine engine and then convert that electricity to be converted into thrust using fans at other places on the aircraft.

 “These systems use electric motors and generators that work together with turbine engines to distribute power throughout the aircraft in order to reduce drag for a given amount of fuel burned,” says Amy Jankovsky, subproject lead engineer.  “Part of our research is developing the lightweight machinery and electrical systems that will be required to make these systems possible.”
http://www.nasa.gov/feature/researchers-advance-propulsion-toward-low-carbon-aircraft/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #739 on: January 06, 2016, 07:32:54 PM »
VW unveils its all-electric microbus concept: BUDD-e with a massive 101 kWh battery for 373 miles of range [per the NEDC (Euro) measuring system].
Quote
Again, BUDD-e is only an early concept for now, so of course it’s showcasing a ton of technologies you shouldn’t expect in a production car soon, but here’s the list of tech VW says it’s showcasing with its new concept...


Neven, avert your eyes now!  :o   ;D
Quote
With BUDD-e’s interface design, Volkswagen eliminates the traditional distinction between the electronic instrument cluster in front of the driver and the center console infotainment system. In a move towards comprehensive digitalization and the individualization of the driver’s workplace, these two areas have been merged to form a single information hub.
...
The intelligent “Reminder” also informs when particular items should be remembered. For example, if rain is forecast, BUDD-e will notify the driver if there is an umbrella in the car.  ...
http://electrek.co/2016/01/06/vw-electric-microbus-concept-budd-e-101-kwh-373-miles-of-range-gallery/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Neven

  • Administrator
  • First-year ice
  • Posts: 9470
    • View Profile
    • Arctic Sea Ice Blog
  • Liked: 1333
  • Likes Given: 617
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #740 on: January 06, 2016, 11:30:13 PM »
Quote
Neven, avert your eyes now!  :o   ;D

Now you forced me to look.  ;) ;D

Look, why not dispense with the steering wheel? Just this huge touch screen where you can have all your apps, Facebook window, Spotify, GPS routing system, around this virtual steering wheel, over which you slide your hands, like you do with your fingers over a smartphone touchscreen, to steer and honk (you can pick your own honktone). With a big button with a waterdrop on it to operate your wipers, a little flame and a little ice block for AC temp. And you sit on this Japanese toilet that wipes your ass and takes a selfie when done.

BTW, I operated a smartphone (iPhone) for the first time a few days ago. What a disappointment! So small and inefficient, it's mostly about the addictive aspect, nothing else really. 90% bullshit. I'm so happy I don't have that Satan's spawn in my pocket.  :P
The enemy is within
Don't confuse me with him

E. Smith

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #741 on: January 07, 2016, 03:58:25 AM »

BTW, I operated a smartphone (iPhone) for the first time a few days ago. What a disappointment! So small and inefficient, it's mostly about the addictive aspect, nothing else really. 90% bullshit. I'm so happy I don't have that Satan's spawn in my pocket.  :P

Stay free, my friend, and keep reminding us of what life was like before our eyes were constantly glued to a little screen.  :)
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #742 on: January 07, 2016, 04:00:21 AM »
India Riles Carmakers by Skipping a Step in Emissions Rules
Quote
India’s road transport ministry said it will impose tighter vehicle emissions rules four years early, skipping a transitional step offered in other countries to combat air worsening pollution.
...
The announcement is the latest step taken by India’s government and courts to fight urban smog after New Delhi and nine other Indian cities landed on a World Health Organization list of the world’s 15 most polluted municipalities, with the capital topping the ranking. The country’s Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a temporary ban on registrations of large diesel cars in New Delhi. Executives at automakers, already reeling from that decision, said the accelerated emissions timetable poses a risk due to hasty implementation.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-06/india-riles-carmakers-by-skipping-a-step-in-new-emissions-rules
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Buddy

  • Young ice
  • Posts: 3379
  • Go DUCKS!!
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 49
  • Likes Given: 34
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #743 on: January 07, 2016, 01:58:00 PM »
Another nail in the coffin of fossil fuels....this one will "go deep" into its heart:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2016/01/07/first-drive-chevrolet-bolt-is-a-shocker-that-might-convince-you-to-buy-an-electric-car/

$30,000.......200 mile range.  Not good if you own a gas station (or an oil company:)

FOX (RT) News....."The Trump Channel.....where truth and journalism are dead."

Sigmetnow

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 25759
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 1153
  • Likes Given: 430
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #744 on: January 08, 2016, 03:47:49 AM »
World’s largest electric bus fleet being delivered in Shenzhen (with video)
http://electrek.co/2016/01/07/worlds-largest-electric-bus-fleet-shenzhen-video/
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

AbruptSLR

  • Multi-year ice
  • Posts: 19703
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 2268
  • Likes Given: 286
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #745 on: January 08, 2016, 06:30:53 PM »
Per the linked Washington Post article, the penetration of EV's & hybrids into the US market has been slower than hoped (primarily due to economics):

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/government-has-spent-a-lot-on-electric-cars-but-was-it-worth-it/2016/01/06/359bd25c-b496-11e5-9388-466021d971de_story.html

Extract: "Now the 2015 car-sale data are in; time to review the bidding. Americans bought a record 17.5 million passenger vehicles in the United States, of which 116,548 — 0.67 percent — were either plug-in hybrids or all-electrics, according to insideevs.com. That was about 6,500 fewer than in 2014.

Automakers have sold 407,136 electrics (EVs) since they hit the market in 2010. That is 0.16 percent of the 250 million-plus U.S. passenger vehicle fleet. Assuming all are still on the road, carmakers must sell 300,000 this year and next to reach 1 million, or 0.3 percent of the fleet, by 2018."
“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”
― Leon C. Megginson

Sleepy

  • Guest
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #746 on: January 09, 2016, 04:31:20 AM »
Tesla on fire in Norway at a fast charger.
! No longer available

oren

  • First-year ice
  • Posts: 9805
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 3584
  • Likes Given: 3922
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #747 on: January 09, 2016, 03:26:08 PM »
Per the linked Washington Post article, the penetration of EV's & hybrids into the US market has been slower than hoped (primarily due to economics):

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/government-has-spent-a-lot-on-electric-cars-but-was-it-worth-it/2016/01/06/359bd25c-b496-11e5-9388-466021d971de_story.html

Extract: "Now the 2015 car-sale data are in; time to review the bidding. Americans bought a record 17.5 million passenger vehicles in the United States, of which 116,548 — 0.67 percent — were either plug-in hybrids or all-electrics, according to insideevs.com. That was about 6,500 fewer than in 2014.

Automakers have sold 407,136 electrics (EVs) since they hit the market in 2010. That is 0.16 percent of the 250 million-plus U.S. passenger vehicle fleet. Assuming all are still on the road, carmakers must sell 300,000 this year and next to reach 1 million, or 0.3 percent of the fleet, by 2018."

I think this says it all. A lot of attention, but the rate of adoption is simply too slow to make any meaningful impact. And this in the USA and with subsidies. Imagine what happens in less developed countries.
Admittedly cheaper EVs will improve these numbers, but those that plan on replacing the whole US fleet in 20-30 years to EVs running on solar-generated electricity are in for a big disappointment. And low oil prices in the short term don't help.

Zythryn

  • New ice
  • Posts: 81
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 9
  • Likes Given: 47
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #748 on: January 09, 2016, 06:27:00 PM »
I don't think anyone expects EVs to replace 100% of the light vehicle fleet.
EVs are being adopted faster than hybrids were, and the near future looks very bright with the next generation EVs starting late this year with the Bolt.

Too little, too late?  Perhaps, but they seem to be on a fairly rapid adoption rate considering the change required by the owners.

ghoti

  • Grease ice
  • Posts: 767
    • View Profile
  • Liked: 12
  • Likes Given: 15
Re: Cars, cars and more cars. And trucks, and....
« Reply #749 on: January 09, 2016, 07:07:25 PM »
It is very hard to say what the best comparison is to judge the uptake rate of EVs. Some suggest we should look at the way cell phones and then smartphones took off and are now omni-present.

Here's an interesting comparison between Tesla sales growth and Porsche sales growth. I'd have never thought of this one since I thought Porsche has been around forever (but what do I know)

http://evobsession.com/tesla-sales-similar-to-porsche-sales-in-20002001/

This may or may not be a valid comparison but it is worth noting at least.