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Alternative Fuel Vehicles To Race around the World in 2008
Rally Partners Inc. recently announced that alternative fuel and hybrid-powered automobiles will compete in 2008 in an around-the-world rally race. The event will begin in New York City and finish in Paris, France, with participants competing for a $1-million purse. According to Rally Partners, the “Great Race 2008” will start in New York on February 12, 2008, and race 22,000 miles over much of the same route that was traveled in the 1908 “Greatest Auto Race.” Forty teams, twenty of which will drive alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles, will travel from New York to San Francisco where their cars will be shipped to Shanghai in preparation for the final leg of the competition. The race will stop at fifty-three cities and cover more than 14,000 miles. Contact: Great Race 2008, Web site: www.greatrace2008.com.

Desjardins Offers 10-Percent Insurance Discount for HEV Drivers
Desjardins General Insurance, the leading direct insurer in Quebec, recently introduced an additional 10-percent discount on auto insurance premiums for drivers of hybrid electric vehicles. “Under the circumstances, promoting the use of vehicles that have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor is certainly a worthwhile strategy for reducing environmentally damaging gas emissions,” said Desjardins General Insurance president and CEO Jude Martineau. Desjardins General Insurance noted that the discount is part of an effort by parent company Desjardins Group to help achieve the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol, as well as its commitment to a healthier environment. Contact: Gina Perreault, Desjardins General Insurance, phone: 418-835-4900 ext. 7532, e-mail: gina.perreault@dgag.ca.

Hymotion Unveils Plug-in Hybrid Technology in Toronto
Green technology development company Hymotion recently unveiled its plug-in hybrid technology at the Canadian International Auto show in Toronto, Ontario. According to Hymotion, the company’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) features an additional battery system that can be recharged by plugging it into a household electrical outlet. The extra system allows the vehicle to travel longer distances solely on battery power while retaining its ability to operate as a standard hybrid. “The secret ingredient to the 100-plus-miles-per-gallon performance is the lithium ion polymer technology in our PHEV battery,” said Hymotion vice president of business development Anthony Wei. “It’s smaller, lighter, and more powerful than the NiMH batteries currently used in all hybrid vehicles.” Contact: Anthony Wei, Hymotion, phone: 857-991-2430, e-mail: anthony@hymotion.com.

Montreal Transit Official Seeks New Hybrids Before Next Year
The Montreal Gazette recently reported that Montreal Transit Corporation vice-chair Marvin Rotrand has revealed that the transit authority intends to purchase fourteen new hybrid electric buses next year in an effort to phase out use of its fleet of standard diesel buses. However, the newspaper said Rotrand would prefer to acquire the new buses prior to 2007, which is the earliest that local bus manufacturer Nova Bus can deliver them. According to the paper, Rotrand noted that the government of Quebec would only agree to contribute one-third of the cost for the new bus purchase if the vehicles are manufactured in the province. Rotrand said he hopes to arrange a deal with Nova Bus and the province to obtain the hybrids sooner than currently anticipated.

China Natural Gas Opens Two New Retail Fueling Stations
China Natural Gas Inc. recently announced the launch of two new retail natural gas stations, which are operating at full capacity. According to China Natural Gas, each station sells approximately 25,000 cubic meters of natural gas daily to taxis, buses, and other vehicles, with a net profit of approximately eight cents per cubic meter of gas sold. “Providing compressed natural gas on the retail level to natural gas-powered vehicles is the growth driver for China Natural Gas,” said CEO Minqing Lu. “We are looking forward to a year of record earnings growth as we continue to construct more retail natural gas stations in the region.” Contact: China Natural Gas, Web site: www.naturalgaschina.com.

Guangzhou Proposes Tighter Vehicle Emissions Standards
Chinese news agency Xinhua reported last week that officials in the city of Guangzhou in Guandong Province have submitted a request to the State Council seeking approval for plans to implement more stringent State Phase III emissions standards. According to Xinhua, the State Phase III standards would require a 50-percent reduction in emissions produced by most vehicles, as well as the installation of onboard diagnostic (OBD) emission control monitoring systems on all new cars. The newspaper noted that Guangzhou implemented State Phase II emission standards in July 2005. The Daily said Guangzhou officials estimate that the required installation of OBD systems under the State Phase III standards will increase the cost of a new vehicle by approximately $125.

Clean Diesel Introduces Urea Quality Sensor in Europe
Clean Diesel Technologies Inc. recently announced that it would introduce its urea quality sensor technology for nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction in Europe through an agreement with Mitsui Mining and Smelting Company Ltd./Mitsui Kinzoku. According to Clean Diesel, the company’s urea sensor technology will be used to support selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology often used by heavy-duty truck manufacturers to achieve compliance with Euro V NOx-reduction standards. “Mitsui has extensive experience in SCR compliance technology and has greatly contributed to the successful introduction of SCR in Japan,” said Clean Diesel International Operations executive vice president Tim Rogers. “This technology removes one of the few remaining barriers to the application of SCR technology as a global solution to the reduction of harmful nitrous oxides from diesel vehicles.” Clean Diesel noted that Mitsui already uses the company’s urea quality sensor in all SCR vehicles introduced in Japan. Contact: David Whitwell, Clean Diesel, phone: 203-327-7050, e-mail: dwhitwell@cdti.com.

European Commission Adopts New 'EU Strategy for Biofuels
The European Commission adopted earlier this week a new EU Strategy for Biofuels, which features a range of potential market-based, legislative, and research measures designed to help boost production of fuels from agricultural raw materials. According to the commission, the paper, which builds on a biomass action plan adopted in December 2005, sets out three main aims — to promote biofuels in both the EU and developing countries; to prepare for large-scale use of biofuels by improving their cost-competitiveness and increasing research into “second-generation” fuels; and to support developing countries where biofuel production could potentially stimulate sustainable economic growth. “There has never been a better moment to push the case for biofuels,” said agriculture and rural development commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel. “Crude oil prices remain high. We face stringent targets under the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, the recent controversy over imports of Russian gas has underlined the importance of increasing Europe's energy self-sufficiency. Raw materials for biofuel production also provide a potential new outlet for Europe’s farmers, who have been freed by CAP reform to become true entrepreneurs.” The commission noted that the strategy identifies seven key “policy axes” — stimulating demand for biofuels, capturing environmental benefits, developing production and distribution of biofuels, extending supplies of feedstock, enhancing trade opportunities, supporting developing countries, and research and development. Contact: EC, Web site: http://europa.eu.int/comm/index_en.htm.

BP To Fund TERI Biofuel Production Study in India
BP recently announced it will fund a $9.4-million project to be conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh to demonstrate the feasibility of producing biodiesel from jatropha curcas. According to BP, the project involves the cultivation of approximately 8,000 hectares of land with jatropha and the installation of all equipment necessary for seed crushing, oil extraction, and processing, with the goal of producing 9 million liters of biodiesel annually. TERI will be responsible for day-to-day management and execution of the project, which is expected to take ten years to complete. BP noted that a full environmental and social impact assessment of all elements of the supply chain and life cycle analysis of greenhouse gas emissions will be completed as part of the project. Contact: Sanjeev Lowe, BP India, phone: 91-011-2375-5344, Web site: www.bp.com.

D1 Signs Jatropha Planting Agreement with Indian Company
British biodiesel producer D1 Oils PLC recently announced it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with India’s Williamson Magor and Company Ltd. to form a joint venture company to develop jatropha plantations with farmers in northeast India. According to D1, the proposed joint venture company will promote and facilitate jatropha plantations through contract farming and arrange for necessary logistics and facilities for the production of biodiesel from oil seeds harvested by the farmers. D1 noted that the joint venture would aim to plant approximately 25,000 hectares during the 2006 planting season. “India is going to be a key location for the production and consumption of biodiesel from jatropha and comprises the largest component of our current planting program,” said D1 chief executive officer Elliott Mannis. “Our MOU with Williamson Magor is in addition to the contract farming program currently being undertaken through D1’s joint venture in southeast India, D1 Mohan Bio Oils, and takes us for the first time into northeast India, where there are significant areas of marginal and unused land available for planting jatropha. Williamson Magor’s experience of large-scale planting and their excellent relationships with farmers make them a strong partner.” Williamson Magor is part of Williamson Magor Group, the largest tea plantation group in India and a leading international producer of quality teas. Contact: D1,
Web site: www.d1plc.com.

Japanese DOT Approves Road Use of Evader EV1000 Series
Evader Inc. recently announced that the Japanese Department of Transportation has approved certification of the company’s EV1000 series of electric scooters for road use. “Japan is a huge market and this approval will keep us a step ahead of the other major motorcycle manufacturers,” said Evader president of global distribution Robert Stoneham. “Our products will offer the Japanese commuter an economical and environmentally clean solution for their daily commute.” Contact: Roger Kelly, Evader, phone: 866-582-0024, e-mail: rkelly@evader.us.

Armor Electric Delivers Prototype EV for Mexico Contract
Armor Electric Inc. recently announced that Majestic Auto Ltd., a division of India’s Hero Motors, has completed the engineering and manufacturing of a test model three-wheel electric taxicab to be delivered to a Mexico City cab company under Armor Electric’s joint venture agreement with NuPow’r, LLC. According to Armor Electric, the inspection and testing by the cab company will then generate the purchase order for the first 400 vehicles under the 42,000-vehicle contract. Armor Electric noted that the contract for the electric cabs is expected to provide $42 million in gross revenues to the joint venture group. Contact: Armor Electric, Web site: www.armorelectric.com.

Philippines To Remove Import Tariff on Electric Vehicles
Chinese news agency Xinhua recently reported that the Philippine government has called for the elimination of tariffs on the importation of materials used in the production of alternative technology vehicles in an effort to help meet the country’s goal of reducing transportation fuel use by five percent. According to Xinhua, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s new executive order removes the import duty on all “components, parts, and accessories” required to build electric and hybrid electric vehicles, as well as flexible fuel and compressed natural gas vehicles. “It is the declared policy of the government to promote the judicious conservation and efficient utilization of energy resources in light of the continuing increase in world prices of imported fuel oil,” said Arroyo in the order.

Scottish RTPs Awarded Funding for Sustainable Transport Plans
The Scottish Executive recently announced that new regional transport partnerships (RTPs) in the country have been awarded 1 million pounds (about $1.7 million) of funding over the next two years to encourage employers to develop sustainable transport plans through the appointment of dedicated travel plan officers. According to the government, travel plans can incorporate a range of measures, including changes to car parking arrangements; car-sharing schemes; working with operators to improve or promote local public transport provision; “flexi-time” and home working; videoconferencing and other technological solutions that reduce the need to travel; the introduction of such measures to promote walking and cycling as well-lit paths, secure bike parking, and on-site showers; and improved accessibility to a specific site. The government noted that the 500,000-pound (about $873,000) perannum award is for fiscal years 2006-07 and 2007-08.Contact: Scottish Executive, Web site: www.scotland.gov.uk.

Sasol, CEF To Conduct Feasibility Study for Biodiesel Plant
Johannesburg, South Africa-based chemical and liquid fuel producer Sasol recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the CentralEnergy Fund to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of a 100 kiloton-per-year soy bean-based biodiesel plant in partnership with an empowerment consortium group. “Sasol recognizes the importance of renewable energy as part of our sustainability and we support government’s commitment to diversify the energy mix in South Africa,” said Sasol Nitro managing director Bernard Klingenberg. “International experience has shown that many socio-economic benefits accrue from biofuel production, including job creation, foreign exchange savings and strengthening of the rural agricultural economy.” Sasol noted that the study, which is scheduled to be completed by year’s end, would also consider production facility location options. Contact: Sasol, Web site: www.sasol.com.

Articles released with permission from: EIN Publishing - Copyright © 2005 by EIN Publishing, Inc.
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