Hybridfest 2008
Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 20 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Located at Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin

You’ll be able to catch plug-ins, electrics, biodiesel, hydrogen and other alternative autos, as well as listen to the experts speak on how to save gas with everyday vehicles. Then there’s the Hybridfest MPG Challenge where drivers do their best to stretch their mileage.

Speakers include:
Felix Kramer, Cal-Cars
Mike Granoff, Project Better Place
Jo-Ann Yantzis, Clean Energy
Francis Vogel, Wisconsin Clean Cities
Wayne Gerdes, CleanMPG
Peter Kozan, MPG Challenge Winner
Michael Sefton, Diesels 101

Hybridfest 2008 is presented as part of Dane County Fair. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children 6 to 11, parking and admission for younger children is free. Visit the Hybridfest website for more information.

* Don’t forget to comment to win a free Rand McNally road atlas … now Earth-Friendlier!*

Post from: EveryJoe

Hybridfest 2008 – Madison, Wisc.

Way back in April of 2007 – now more than a year ago – the American Chemical Society’s online journal published the results of a study done by Standford atmospheric scientist, Mark Z. Jacobson. You can read the paper here (PDF).

The San Francisco Chronicle did a wonderful job of summing up the results, and checking them out with other scientists who supported his methods:

Pollution from ethanol would be riskier than pollution from gasoline because when ethanol breaks down in the atmosphere, it generates considerably more ozone. Ozone is a highly corrosive gas that damages the delicate tissues of the lungs. In fact, it’s so corrosive that it can crack rubber and wear away statues, Jacobson told The Chronicle.

While he was attacked by the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights for working with a university that accepts funding from ExxonMobile, the results of his other studies show no bias toward oil companies, and even his critics said his study was sound.

As of yet, I haven’t found any studies that were able to refute Jacobson’s methods or his results.

This is a good example of an interest group using environmental issues to further their own agendas, and the problems that they cause. While many scientists are calling ethanol a “transitional” fuel, my fear is we may wait too long to accept the risks of this alternative.

In addition, especially because we live in the Midwest and near a VeraSun plant – where my nieces’ father works – are the harmful emissions that stay near the production areas. My 34 year old (former) BIL had a heart attack last year. He’s a little overweight and heart problems run in his family, but still – so young for something like that. I’m wondering now how much of a factor these toxins had on his health problems. How will effect those of us living nearby? It’s an important question we all need to start asking.

Please remember, now through July 4th, you can comment to win a free Rand McNally atlas, made from trees grown in sustainable forests and incorporating less harmful chemicals. (Especially important when carried in the glove compartment during a summer trip!) Or you can grab one at their website. ;)

Source: SF Chronicle, CleanTech

Post from: EveryJoe

Year-old study: Ethanol emissions worse than gas

Batteries Beyond Lithium Ion

After developing nickel hydride batteries, and then lithium-ion batteries (to be used in plug-in hybrids in 2010) the automaker looks to their old partner Matsushita Electric Industrial to create a “next generation” battery. Details were sparse, but they’re setting up shop by the end of the summer.

When it comes to works in progress, I try to stay very neutral. You never know if a plan is going to lose footing or hold, but these companies have a history of success working together.

Every Toyota a Hybrid, New Hybrid-Only Model

Katsuaki Watanabe made several other claims during his news conference. Two exciting announcements were the decision to take the entire Toyota line hybrid (which we all know could change at any time between now and intended completion date, 2029).

More importantly, Toyota has plans to unveil a new hybrid-only model at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. So far, the only cars currently fitting this mold are the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. If Toyota is successful in making a functional auto with a unique design, they could be launching their second major win.

Ethanol from Yard Waste

Last, but certainly not least, Toyota is investing in research for making ethanol from cellulose (grass clippings, wood chips, etc). It’s not as exciting as ethanol from garbage, but better than using up topsoil to grow crops to convert into fuel.

Source: Forbes

[Image: Newscom]

Post from: EveryJoe

Toyota to Unveil New Hybrid in Detroit, 2009

In 2003, the United Stated Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published rules outlawing any product containing any quantity of THC unless it was medicinal in nature, or not intended for consumption.

THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, puts the wacky in weed, so to speak, but most hemp doesn’t contain enough THC to have an effect. Unfortunately, the DEA bases its rules on the Controlled Substances Act, in which Congress used the wording “any quantity” of THC. In other words, if you have a problem with the limits of THC allowable in products, take it up with your state representatives. While the DEA determines how this law affects you and me (for instance, by denying permits to grow hemp, which was once a very successful US crop) the law gives them that opportunity.

Legal issues aside, is hemp a good alternative?

Personally, I would have to say no. We need to be looking toward transportation methods that create significantly less pollution, and uses fewer resources. Ethanol just isn’t it, regardless of what it’s made of. As far as the cost of corn and grain goes, if farmers make the switch to hemp, they’d affect the supply of other corns and grains and still drive up the cost of food. (This is not to say I’ve jumped on the ethanol = starvation bandwagon.) Why not focus on converting garbage? We have plenty of that we don’t know what to do with.

Sources: DEA, Farm and Ranch Guide

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Hemp for Ethanol?

Here, I’ve been thinking all day about how cool it would be to take an RV around — I have friends who do it. Some family with limited travel time each year. I’ve been on my husband to consider it for a few years now, but the big roadblock for me has always been the pollution factor. (Despite studies which show families living on the road contribute less to pollution in general.)

Not only is it run off of oil that would otherwise be thrown out, there are solar panels on the roof to help run all the conveniences of their home  TV, DVD, fridge, stove, AC.

Oh, and wouldn’t you know it? They’re Iowans. :)

Their conversion was done by Golden Fuel Systems who seem to have a set-up for most anything … even big rigs! The systems run from $1500 to $3500 for an RV with another $1500 to $3000 for installation … but given the rising cost of diesel fuel, and the many free sources of used cooking oil, the conversion would pay for itself in one to two years.

[The Ranger]

Post from: EveryJoe

Conversion kits for Big Rigs and RVs