The E7 Purpose-Built Cop Car: Can sniff out nukes while getting 30mpg
I needed to get some eye-candy out here on the blog… how about a purpose-built cop car that has a bio-diesel burning power-plant, built-in lights, machine-gun holders, and does 0-60 in 6.5 seconds?
Meet the E7 - even Batman would like this car.
Unlike conventional police cruisers, which are retrofitted consumer vehicles such as the Ford Crown Victoria, the E7 is the first car designed and built specifically for law enforcement.
“You would never send a pickup truck to go put out a fire,” Li said. “Why would you send a family sedan to go take care of a homeland-security issue?”
Flashing emergency lights are embedded in the E7’s frame, making the car aerodynamic and visible from all directions. The front seats are designed with extra space to accommodate a police officer’s utility belt…
…Li said the car’s 300 bhp forced-induction 3.0-diesel engine will deliver 420 lb-ft of torque and propel the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, with a governed top speed of 155 mph.
He also said the E7’s engine, which can run on either ultra-low sulfur diesel or biodiesel, will have a combined fuel economy rating of 28 to 30 mpg — up to 40 percent more fuel efficient than conventional police cruisers.
That last point is important when you remember that earlier this year police were cutting patrols, mounting horses, or using bikes to try to control the skyrocketing impact of fuel on the operating budgets.
Watch the video report over at Fox.
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Has OPEC Lost Control?
OPEC wants to prop up the dive-bombing price of oil, to keep their bank accounts flush with fresh cash. Russia is also feeling the pinch, as the rest of the world decides it _can_ live on less oil than previously consumed. OPEC would like Russia to join them in cutting output, in an effort to bring prices up.
Opec has been eagerly trying to recruit Russia to join its efforts and analysts say together the two could announce a further reduction of as much as 3m barrels a day of oil production within the next week.
Chakib Khelil, Algeria’s oil minister and Opec’s president, told state radio on Thursday there was a consensus among Opec members to reduce production when they met in the Algerian seaside town of Oran on December 17. He said: “The Oran meeting will decide a severe production cut to stabilise the oil market.”
Time will tell if they can woo the worlds consumers back to heavy consumption at the same time they bring prices back to “normal” profitability. If they are successful at turning this train around, then it’s likely the run-up and recovery of recent history were always under OPEC control - then what does it say about their intentions, as America teetered on the brink of the housing investment crisis in an election year…
What do you think?
Obama: The Future of the Auto-Industry, Green-Fuel Surcharge
Barak Obama was on Meet the Press this weekend, and gave some insight into his plans for the US Auto-Industry and possibility of a fuel-surcharge
What do you think about $4/gallon gas mandate that Brokaw puts forth? I think Obama had the correct response, but it’s clear that cheap gas literally kills new investment in alternative energy solutions.
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US Govt gives automakers $25B in loans; drops fuel-efficiency mandate
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By Peter Forman |
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The United States continues to “perpetuate” a broken auto industry. Because of pressure from Detroit, unions, and Michigan lawmakers, the “Big Three” auto makers have been insulated from the real market-place of competition for the past 30 years. The Japanese and Germans have figured out how to build cars in the American South profitably–but not the Big Three. That’s fine and good except now we have a completely broken auto industry that is unable to compete. Now exposed to declining demand and lacking access to “cheap” capital, they are likely to disappear in their current forms–even after we spend untold billions in short-term assistance. The move, aimed at ending what the White House called partisan “gridlock,” represents a significant escalation in the political battle over aid to the Big Three auto makers. This is ahead of an expected showdown next week in Congress between Democrats and Republicans. While we are unlikely to ever see a return of these funds, the car companies could at least agree to manufacture all cars beginning in 2012 with flex-fuel compatibility and continues progress towards EVs (electric vehicles). Without at least those commitments, what will we have to show for this “investment”? Demand that your Congressperson and Senator act–call today! |
Used w/ Permission: MoveBeyondOil.org
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Dude, Where’s My [Electric] Car!?!!
Another great find tonight, and I can’t believe this one snuck past me. Thanks to the guys at PowrTalk I think I just found my next car. And it’s already monogramed for me!
Ready to hit the American market in 2010, Miles Electric Vehicles 4-Door Sedan is the first practical, affordable, 4-door, high-way-speed rated, all-electric vehicle you can buy (if you can still get a car loan…) for around $35K USD.
According to the Miles EV website:
“In early 2004, concerned by growing environmental problems linked to micro-carbon emissions, Miles Rubin set out to make a difference – by developing a line of safe, affordable, all electric vehicles that produce zero emissions. He centered the company’s activities in Tianjin, China, where the battery industry had expert manufacturing experience. Since then, Miles Electric Vehicles has begun importing low speed vehicles and is working to develop a highway speed, all-electric, midsize sedan.”
“The MILES XS500 prototype sedan currently under development will top 80mph and travel over 120 miles on a single charge – for about the cost of a gallon of gas.”
“Miles Electric Vehicles is owned by Miles Automotive Group, Ltd, and headquartered at the historic Santa Monica Airport in Santa Monica, CA.”
Hopefully I can get in touch with my local rep for some additional information and to arrange a demonstration. I’ll keep you posted.
DOD’s Energy Plan is Running on “E”
Tonight, while scouring the web for the best sources of energy and new fuels information I can find for you, I stumbled upon a gem of a blog ( DOD Energy Blog ) that focuses on the impact of our energy crisis on the Department of Defense - the worlds single largest oil consumer.
And what perfect timing! First up, a post about a report that will get us all right up to speed on current DOD energy issues.
I’m not exaggerating when I tell you Dr. Sohbet Karbuz’s ”Can the U.S. military move to renewable fuels?” in last month’s Bulletin of Atomic Scientists is perhaps the best, most concise summation of the military’s fuel concerns in 2008.
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What Should Obama’s Energy Policy Include/Exclude?
Senator Obama ran a brilliant campaign and yesterday a majority of Americans voted him in to the Office of the President of the United States. While there is certainly reason to celebrate today, in a few short months he will inherit a failed energy policy, one in desperate need of change – but exactly what kind of change?
The Obama-Biden comprehensive New Energy for America plan will:
+ Provide short-term relief to American families facing pain at the pump
+ Help create five million new jobs by strategically investing $150 billion over the next ten years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future.
+ Within 10 years save more oil than we currently import from the Middle East and Venezuela combined.
+ Put 1 million Plug-In Hybrid cars — cars that can get up to 150 miles per gallon — on the road by 2015, cars that we will work to make sure are built here in America.
+ Ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.
+ Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
In the past Obama has been a friend of the ethanol industry, supporting the subsidies that enabled the young industry to flourish in his home state (and surrounding states) early by encouraging private investment and innovation. He recently said corn ethanol is not “optimal” when compared with sugar cane ethanol, a comparison that is not entirely fair, since corn ethanol production produces feed for livestock as a byproduct.
Will he continue to support the ethanol subsidies, and work to raise the “blend wall” on E10 from 10% to a higher figure? (Ethanol production is about to “cap” out due to the lack of market for it’s excess product.) There is no mention of the Flex-Fuel Vehicle in the bullet points above, although it would be the cheapest fastest method for reducing (in a meaningful way) America’s transportation reliance on oil.
So, besides encouraging fuel conservation and mandating FFV’s w/ the Open Fuels Standard Act, what else should President Obama’s energy policy include and exclude?
Comments are open, but moderated to reduce spam.
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Supply and Demand: Oil Prices Dropping
You’ve probably noticed oil and gas prices are the lowest they’ve been all year. Demand has slipped not just here at home, but around the world. Even China’s demand is showing signs of cooling.
Source: IHT.com
At the beginning of the year, OPEC producers felt confident that strong economic growth and tight supplies would keep oil prices high. When oil crossed the $100-a-barrel threshold in February, the cartel’s president blamed speculators and said there was not much OPEC could do.
But now, panic is gripping producers as prices drop. Oil is down by half since July, and the speed of the decline has stunned oil-rich governments that have become dependent on high prices.
OPEC is worried that prices are going to slip too far. This, of course is great news for consumers, who have been suffering for months paying balooning prices at the pump. It’s also a confirmation that basic rules of supply and demand still work to determine the cost of commodities like fuel. Of course lower fuel prices would be even more welcome if not for the global economic downturn.
Were fuel prices a contributor to the economic crisis - a perfect storm of the housing credit and oil bubbles? I’m sure that high fuel prices helped push consumer confidence down. How can you be optimistic about weathering your other economic problems when every day the price of fuel rises, and never seems to fall. High fuel costs may have pushed us over the economic edge we have be teetering at for the last few years.
Early in the year there were numerous reports from government transportation agencies and commercial groups like AAA that Americans were curtailing driving, driving less that they had the year before, indicating the first decrease in driving in decades. In any case, the oil market is finally reacting to months of run-ups, where we found ourselves paying over $140 for a barrel of oil just a few short months ago. We stopped buying as much, and the price slips.
Now OPEC, the largest oil cartel, may attempt to flex its muscle to prop up falling oil prices and protect their profits, by purposely reducing oil supply.
Is it possible to demonstrate more clearly the need to find alternative supplies for energy than this? Is it possible to demonstrate more clearly the effect of energy conservation than this? We all participated in the grandest supply and demand experiment of modern history.
Conservation works - and works quickly, without any new technology required. Finding alternative sources of energy, or just stating the intention of finding alternative sources of oil, also works to reduce prices. It doesn’t take years, as predicted by politicians from each side. Speculators and cartels are discouraged when they hear the largest customer has decided to shop around a little. Sellers tend to sweeten the deal in order to keep the customer. It’s less about actual drops of oil, and more about managing human greed. Let’s not be lulled back into old habits by lower prices.
Let’s also remember that relatively small changes in demand led to fairly substantial changes in price. It’s true that Americans are driving less than last year - but it’s only by a small percentage. Look around, there are cars everywhere - moving around all hours of the day. American’s haven’t abandoned their cars, they are just using them a little less, or using them a little more efficiently. I’d like to think we contributed, however slightly.
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Season 28 of PBS’ MotorWeek Holds Keys to Fuel Efficiency
Owings Mills, MD — With high gas prices fueling significant changes in how Americans buy and drive cars, PBS’ award-winning automotive series MotorWeek launches its 28th season focused on vehicle technology that is fuel efficient, eco-friendly and reshaping the auto industry.
Beginning Saturday, September 6th (check local listings) MotorWeek rolls out its “Clean Power Drive Season” with all-new, consumer-oriented content including Energy Smart Road Tests, expanded fuel efficiency ratings, interactive opportunities for viewers and audio podcasts. A special “Clean Power Drive” edition of MotorWeek, airing October 18th (check local listings), takes a realistic look at fuel economy currently available and what the future holds for automotives.
“MotorWeek is tuned in to what consumers want in their automotives – comfort, versatility, performance, and now more than ever fuel economy,” said host and executive producer John H. Davis. “Even if gas prices drop, consumers know it is probably a temporary reprieve. They are demanding significant gains in fuel efficiency, without giving up capabilities. That’s a tall order that all automotive companies will have to meet just to survive.”
All 52 new episodes will feature MotorWeek’s traditional Road Tests, along with exclusive Energy Smart Road Tests which will highlight new vehicles that best blend practicality and affordability with increases in fuel economy. Many small cars will be included, as well as new hybrid, diesel and alternative fuel vehicles, and other new technologies to increase fuel efficiency.
Also new this season, viewers will have more tools to determine a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Carbon Footprint ratings will be included in many of the automotive reviews, indicating how much carbon dioxide is emitted annually by a vehicle.
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FORD TESTS SHOW ECO-DRIVING CAN IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMY BY AN AVERAGE OF 24 PERCENT
PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 27, 2008 – Tests performed by Ford Motor Company show that motorists coached by eco-driving experts can significantly improve the fuel economy performance of their cars, trucks or SUVs.
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Eco-driving refers to specific driving behaviors that can improve fuel economy, save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote safe driving. Ford and Phoenix-based Pro Formance Group have teamed up to pilot an eco-driving program for fleet customers. The program would employ certified master trainers to deliver hands-on coaching to maximize mileage in everyday driving.
Over a four-day period, Ford and the Pro Formance drivers conducted validation tests using volunteers from Phoenix who were given individual coaching on specific driving behaviors. The Sports Car Club of America verified the results, which showed an average 24 percent improvement in fuel economy as a result of hands-on eco-driving training.
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Airlines Hurt by Fuel Price Hedging
Slacking oil prices has United Airlines paying more for fuel than what it currently costs on the openmarket - and unintended consequence of hedging oil contracts.
Source: Wired
Here’s a very simplified explanation of how fuel hedging works, using a hypothetical scenario: Let’s say oil is selling for $130 and the price is expected to rise. An airline signs a deal with a supplier to buy, say, three months worth of fuel at $110 a barrel. That’s called a fuel hedge. The price of oil rises to $140 a barrel, but since the airline is locked in at $110, it can sit back and laugh as its competitors pay more for fuel…
But let’s turn that scenario on its head and say the airline hedges at $110 but the price drops to $92. Oops. Now the airline is paying more for fuel than it costs on the open market, placing it at a competitive disadvantage. The balance sheet craters.
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AP: Prices Up, Gas Consumption Down
