Alt Fuels
-
An investment in synthetic fuel production facilities will give Porsche a long-term stake in the fuel, with near-term plans to use it in heritage models and racing.
-
Study suggests corn-based ethanol is worse for global warming than gasoline
A study funded in part by the U.S. DOE found that ethanol is at least 24% more carbon-intensive than gasoline. It contradicts the conclusions of a 2019 USDA study suggesting ethanol has GHG benefits.
Stephen Edelstein -
Synthetic gasoline emits just as much pollution as regular gas, tests find
Smog-forming emissions might not be any better with synthetic fuels, according to testing commissioned by a European environmental group.
Stephen Edelstein -
Several Japanese vehicle makers expand the use of hydrogen internal combustion engines
Hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines are the focus for a partnership among a range of Japanese makers of two- and four-wheeled vehicles.
Stephen Edelstein -
China's GAC announces hydrogen combustion engine
GAC Motor joins the ranks of companies considering internal combustion hydrogen engines as part of a future CO2-cutting solution.
Stephen Edelstein -
The end for combustion engines is in sight: Could synthetic fuels ever reverse that?
Gas stations, tailpipes, and internal combustion engines will soon be ushered out. Could synthetic fuels ever possibly turn the tide?
Stephen Edelstein -
The diesel engine that Ford rolled out for 2018 on its full-size F-150 pickup has been nudged aside by the PowerBoost hybrid—and, perhaps somewhat, the all-electric Lightning.
-
Mazda diesel has already come and gone: Here’s why it didn’t work for the US
Mazda's varied vision of the future includes EVs, hybrids, and a Skyactiv-X six—but no diesel for the U.S. We consider why that didn't work out.
Bengt Halvorson -
Study: Synthetic fuels cost more money and cause more CO2 emissions vs. batteries
Keeping internal combustion alive through synthetic fuels with a lower carbon footprint is not a better solution than batteries, T&E argues.
Stephen Edelstein -
Toyota is developing hydrogen combustion engines—for racing
Toyota sees potential in hydrogen internal-combustion engines as part of a future racing program—perhaps to boost interest in its plans for a hydrogen economy.
Stephen Edelstein -
Synthetically fueled cars can be as clean as EVs, Porsche claims
Porsche is among the automakers hoping to find a way to keep internal combustion alive as a niche, with a sustainable new twist at the fuel-making level.
Stephen Edelstein -
Illegal emissions tampering on diesel trucks is rampant—and apparently a big business
Illegal delete kits and tampering with emissions equipment is so common that is creates more noncompliant vehicles than the VW diesel scandal, a new EPA report suggests.
Bengt Halvorson -
CARB is offering carmakers a grace period on non-compliance or defeat devices—before higher fines and a new lab to sniff out cheats next year.
-
Corn farmers concerned California EV push will sink ethanol sales
Concern over an ethanol downturn, possibly exaggerated by EVs, has both campaigns—and Congress—pandering to the Corn Belt.
Bengt Halvorson -
Diesel Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee models recalled for stalling risk
FCA is recalling Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 models with the EcoDiesel V-6 for an engine-stalling issue, fixed with a software update.
Bengt Halvorson -
2020 Jeep Wrangler diesel drive review: On its way to treading lightly, but not quite there
Until the Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid arrives, the Wrangler EcoDiesel is the high-mileage off-road leader. Is it eco enough?
Bengt Halvorson -
Mercedes set to pay $2.2B in US diesel settlements, as it slowly pivots to EVs
Mercedes and parent company Daimler AG will pay $1.5 billion in penalties, as it continues to priorities Europe over the U.S. for cleaner EVs.
Stephen Edelstein -
BMW invests in company aiming to produce zero net carbon gasoline
Through BMW i Ventures, the automaker is putting its brand behind gasoline that might help lower emissions versus fossil-fuel sources.
Stephen Edelstein -
The House version of the new transportation infrastructure bill incorporates some of the spirit of the Green New Deal.
-
Will synthetic fuel be a viable alternative to battery-electric or fuel cells?
McLaren is planning to give synthetic fuels another try, although it knows that they won't replace battery-electric technology at this point.
Stephen Edelstein -
Ethanol may be the loser amid cheap gas and an oil glut
Will the corn ethanol industry survive a year when refiners are holding back and gasoline pump prices drop as low as $1 a gallon?
Bengt Halvorson -
2020 Jeep Wrangler diesel rated 25 MPG, plug-in hybrid on the way
With the addition of an EcoDiesel V-6 engine achieving an EPA 29 mpg highway, the Jeep Wrangler is no longer a gas-guzzler.
Bengt Halvorson -
Costly retrofits, state rules keeping E15 gas from making it to many stations
Despite controversies over a formulation that adds to smog issues, a Trump push for more E15 gas has been stymied by state rules and costly station retrofits.
Byron Hurd -
Rusting sheet metal could generate electricity for EVs
In a process that's a bit like a flow battery, scientists have generated electricity by spraying salt water on a rusty film.
Eric C. Evarts