Recharge Wrap-up: First EV to attempt Dakar Rally, Mazda makes bioplastic parts
Fri, Dec 12 2014
California is the US leader when it comes to EVs. In 2013, California had 70,000 battery electric and 104,000 plug-in hybrids. The state boasts almost half of the country's electric vehicles, thanks largely to state and local EV incentives that go beyond the federal tax rebate. California also leads the way in legislation, and nine other states have adopted California's ZEV mandate. Washington, Maryland, Georgia and DC also have their own EV incentives, while some utility companies also offer benefits for EV owners in other states. Still, EV sales have only made up about 0.7 percent of new vehicle sales in 2014. Read more at the US Energy Information Administration website.
Toyota will be using landfill gas to help power its Kentucky manufacturing facility. Beginning in 2015, Toyota's Georgetown assembly plant will use electricity converted from landfill-sourced methane gas from Waste Services of the Bluegrass. It will provide enough energy to produce 10,000 vehicles each year. Plus it diverts methane - a greenhouse gas - from entering the atmosphere and helps improve the local air quality. Learn more in the video or Toyota's press release below.
Mazda has developed a plant-derived bioplastic for making exterior and interior parts. The dyed plastic doesn't require painting, and it reduces petroleum consumption and carbon emissions in the manufacturing process. The bioplastic will be used for interior parts in the all-new MX-5 before being put into use on the exterior of future vehicles. Mazda will display prototype parts at the Eco-Products 2014 exhibit in Tokyo. Read more in the press release below.
Acciona will enter the first-ever zero-emissions vehicle (pictured) to compete in the Dakar Rally. The vehicle uses an electric motor and lithium ion batteries, as well as solar panels to power telemetry and security systems. The Dakar Rally will take place from January 4 through 17 through Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. See Acciona's Dakar EV in the video and read more in the press release below.
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ZAP and Jonway Auto Exhibits EV Products in Peru Auto Show
SANTA ROSA, Calif., Dec. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ZAP (ZAAP), an Electric Vehicle (EV) automotive company incorporated in California Bay Area, and Jonway Auto exhibited in Peru from November 20th to 30th, with their dealership partner Dai-Ichi Motors, showing the Urbee and ZAP Jonway's new model, the Falcon A-380 SUV. This is the first showing of the EV Urbee in South American auto shows, and thus received tremendous interest from the public.
http://www.todoautos.com.pe/portal/motorshow-2014
Jonway Auto has partnered with Dai-Ichi Motors since 2012.
http://www.daiichimotors.com.pe/
Dai-Ichi Motors is a multi-national dealership company that established its dealerships in Lima, Peru and other South American markets for more than 20 years. They have been successful in selling and marketing Jonway Auto's SUV and minivan for the last few years in Peru. They indicated that one of the highlights and most talked about car at the exhibition, was the EV Urbees during the Peru Motor Show held last week in Lima. The exposure of Urbee at the show generated a lot of interests from the general public from people who are interested in an economical form of transport, as well as from vertical market segments such as police, security guard service companies, and residences in campuses or enclosed communities.
About ZAP and Jonway Auto
ZAP and Jonway Auto designs and manufactures quality, affordable new energy and electric vehicles (EVs). Jonway Automobile has ISO 9000 manufacturing facilities, certified for EV manufacturing, and engineering, sales and customer services facilities in China. Jonway has production capacity of up to 50,000 vehicles per year, over 1 million square feet of factory space, and over 65 acres of land and established sales distribution network in China. ZAP, an early pioneer of EVs, brings to both companies a broad range of EV product technologies. ZAP is headquartered in Santa Rosa, California and Jonway Auto is located in Zhejiang Province of the People's Republic of China. Additional information about ZAP Jonway is available at http://www.zapworld.com.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," and similar expressions that may tend to suggest a future event or outcome are not guarantees of performance, which cannot be predicted or anticipated. These forward-looking statements are based largely on expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements.
Toyota Takes Big Steps to Reduce Its Carbon Footprint
Kentuckians will soon be breathing a little easier.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, with help from Waste Services of the Bluegrass, is converting methane from a local landfill into renewable electricity to power Toyota's Georgetown assembly plant.
Landfill gas is comprised of both methane and carbon dioxide, in addition to varying amounts of other contaminants. With the increasing number of landfills in the United States, the effect of landfill gas on the environment can be detrimental.
Scheduled for completion in early 2015, the project will not only provide enough power to produce 10,000 vehicles each year, but it will also lead to improved air-quality, reducing local air pollution as much as 90 percent.
Maybe the path to a low carbon future is one step at a time.
To find out more about how Toyota's innovations are not just another "carbon-copy," check out the carbon section of the 2014 North American Environmental Report.
Mazda develops bioplastic for exterior car parts
Mazda Motor Corporation has developed a bio-based engineering plastic suitable for exterior automobile parts. The new bioplastic will help Mazda decrease its environmental impact. Made from plant-derived materials, it curbs petroleum use and with it CO2 emissions. And since the bioplastic can be dyed and does not require painting, it also reduces emissions of volatile organic compounds. Dying the material gives the parts a deep hue and smooth, mirror-like finish of a higher quality than can be achieved with a traditional painted plastic.
Mazda has been proactively developing biomass technologies for a number of years. Under the Mazda Biotechmaterial name, the company has come up with the automotive industry's first high strength, heat-resistant and plant-based bioplastic for interior parts as well as the world's first biofabric for seat upholstery made entirely from plant-derived fibre. To be suitable for exterior parts and the harsh environmental factors to which they are exposed, bioplastics need to be exceptionally weather, scratch and impact resistant.
Mazda has now succeeded in making a material suitable for both interior and exterior parts. It was achieved by optimising the composition of a highly mouldable and durable new bioplastic base material with additives and colouring agents (patent pending), and enhancing moulding specifications. This will enable the company to produce parts that are as durable as conventional painted ABS plastic parts, yet feature a higher-quality finish and the associated design advantages.
This bioplastic will be first used for interior parts on the all-new Mazda MX-5, to be launched in 2015, before finding its way onto exterior components of other production models. Mazda will display prototype Mazda Biotechmaterial parts made from the bioplastic at Eco-Products 2014, an environmental technology exhibit opening tomorrow in Tokyo. The material was developed in conjunction with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.
ACCIONA will compete in the Dakar Rally with the first ever zero-emission, electric car
ACCIONA, the Spanish infrastructure, water, services and renewable energies multinational company, has designed and built the first electrically powered car based entirely on renewable sources.
The vehicle was officially presented today at ACCIONA S.A. head office in Madrid as further evidence of ACCIONA's commitment to innovation, renewable energy and sustainable development.
Developing ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered has taken more than two years of R&D and has counted on the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of over 20 people.
The purpose was to reach an optimal balance between electric propulsion technology, powered entirely by batteries, and the unique characteristics of a racing car prepared for an extreme adventure such as the Dakar.
ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered is yet another demonstration of ACCIONA's commitment to the development of renewable energies and its reliability in even the most extreme conditions.
It will be the first time in its 37-year history that Dakar registers a 100% electric car. Dakar is considered the toughest test in the world for a car, with a distance of over 9,000 km and where the average consumption expenditure per participant is 2,250 litres of fuel; and ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered will not emit a single CO2 particle.
The race takes place between the 4th and 17th of January in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, where ACCIONA is present with Energy and Infrastructure, and Water divisions.
100% clean energy systems
- A highly efficient synchronous electric engine equivalent to 300 CV and which weighs only 80 Kg compared to its internal combustion counterparts which weigh 280 Kg.
- A set of 4 removable Lithium Ion battery packs, capable of storing a total of 140kWH (similar to the contracted capacity of 32 homes) to adequately power the electric motor.
- A system of high-efficiency solar panels, ensuring the supply of 100% renewable energy to power telemetry and security systems of the ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered.
Dakar in figures
- 37 editions.
- 7 editions in South America.
- 431 vehicles participated in the 2014 edition, 50% abandoned.
- Extreme temperatures of up to 50oC.
- 13 stages of up to 800 km each.
- More than 9,000 km in total.
- Dakar 2015 will travel across three countries: Argentina, Chile and Bolivia.
- 2-day marathon stage for all participants where they will not have access to their service vehicles.
Follow the project:
www.accionadakar.com
Facebook: ACCIONA Dakar
Twitter: @accionadakar
Instagram: accionadakar
Youtube: ACCIONA Dakar
SANTA ROSA, Calif., Dec. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ZAP (ZAAP), an Electric Vehicle (EV) automotive company incorporated in California Bay Area, and Jonway Auto exhibited in Peru from November 20th to 30th, with their dealership partner Dai-Ichi Motors, showing the Urbee and ZAP Jonway's new model, the Falcon A-380 SUV. This is the first showing of the EV Urbee in South American auto shows, and thus received tremendous interest from the public.
http://www.todoautos.com.pe/portal/motorshow-2014
Jonway Auto has partnered with Dai-Ichi Motors since 2012.
http://www.daiichimotors.com.pe/
Dai-Ichi Motors is a multi-national dealership company that established its dealerships in Lima, Peru and other South American markets for more than 20 years. They have been successful in selling and marketing Jonway Auto's SUV and minivan for the last few years in Peru. They indicated that one of the highlights and most talked about car at the exhibition, was the EV Urbees during the Peru Motor Show held last week in Lima. The exposure of Urbee at the show generated a lot of interests from the general public from people who are interested in an economical form of transport, as well as from vertical market segments such as police, security guard service companies, and residences in campuses or enclosed communities.
About ZAP and Jonway Auto
ZAP and Jonway Auto designs and manufactures quality, affordable new energy and electric vehicles (EVs). Jonway Automobile has ISO 9000 manufacturing facilities, certified for EV manufacturing, and engineering, sales and customer services facilities in China. Jonway has production capacity of up to 50,000 vehicles per year, over 1 million square feet of factory space, and over 65 acres of land and established sales distribution network in China. ZAP, an early pioneer of EVs, brings to both companies a broad range of EV product technologies. ZAP is headquartered in Santa Rosa, California and Jonway Auto is located in Zhejiang Province of the People's Republic of China. Additional information about ZAP Jonway is available at http://www.zapworld.com.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," and similar expressions that may tend to suggest a future event or outcome are not guarantees of performance, which cannot be predicted or anticipated. These forward-looking statements are based largely on expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements.
Toyota Takes Big Steps to Reduce Its Carbon Footprint
Kentuckians will soon be breathing a little easier.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, with help from Waste Services of the Bluegrass, is converting methane from a local landfill into renewable electricity to power Toyota's Georgetown assembly plant.
Landfill gas is comprised of both methane and carbon dioxide, in addition to varying amounts of other contaminants. With the increasing number of landfills in the United States, the effect of landfill gas on the environment can be detrimental.
Scheduled for completion in early 2015, the project will not only provide enough power to produce 10,000 vehicles each year, but it will also lead to improved air-quality, reducing local air pollution as much as 90 percent.
Maybe the path to a low carbon future is one step at a time.
To find out more about how Toyota's innovations are not just another "carbon-copy," check out the carbon section of the 2014 North American Environmental Report.
Mazda develops bioplastic for exterior car parts
Mazda Motor Corporation has developed a bio-based engineering plastic suitable for exterior automobile parts. The new bioplastic will help Mazda decrease its environmental impact. Made from plant-derived materials, it curbs petroleum use and with it CO2 emissions. And since the bioplastic can be dyed and does not require painting, it also reduces emissions of volatile organic compounds. Dying the material gives the parts a deep hue and smooth, mirror-like finish of a higher quality than can be achieved with a traditional painted plastic.
Mazda has been proactively developing biomass technologies for a number of years. Under the Mazda Biotechmaterial name, the company has come up with the automotive industry's first high strength, heat-resistant and plant-based bioplastic for interior parts as well as the world's first biofabric for seat upholstery made entirely from plant-derived fibre. To be suitable for exterior parts and the harsh environmental factors to which they are exposed, bioplastics need to be exceptionally weather, scratch and impact resistant.
Mazda has now succeeded in making a material suitable for both interior and exterior parts. It was achieved by optimising the composition of a highly mouldable and durable new bioplastic base material with additives and colouring agents (patent pending), and enhancing moulding specifications. This will enable the company to produce parts that are as durable as conventional painted ABS plastic parts, yet feature a higher-quality finish and the associated design advantages.
This bioplastic will be first used for interior parts on the all-new Mazda MX-5, to be launched in 2015, before finding its way onto exterior components of other production models. Mazda will display prototype Mazda Biotechmaterial parts made from the bioplastic at Eco-Products 2014, an environmental technology exhibit opening tomorrow in Tokyo. The material was developed in conjunction with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.
ACCIONA will compete in the Dakar Rally with the first ever zero-emission, electric car
ACCIONA, the Spanish infrastructure, water, services and renewable energies multinational company, has designed and built the first electrically powered car based entirely on renewable sources.
The vehicle was officially presented today at ACCIONA S.A. head office in Madrid as further evidence of ACCIONA's commitment to innovation, renewable energy and sustainable development.
Developing ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered has taken more than two years of R&D and has counted on the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of over 20 people.
The purpose was to reach an optimal balance between electric propulsion technology, powered entirely by batteries, and the unique characteristics of a racing car prepared for an extreme adventure such as the Dakar.
ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered is yet another demonstration of ACCIONA's commitment to the development of renewable energies and its reliability in even the most extreme conditions.
It will be the first time in its 37-year history that Dakar registers a 100% electric car. Dakar is considered the toughest test in the world for a car, with a distance of over 9,000 km and where the average consumption expenditure per participant is 2,250 litres of fuel; and ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered will not emit a single CO2 particle.
The race takes place between the 4th and 17th of January in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, where ACCIONA is present with Energy and Infrastructure, and Water divisions.
100% clean energy systems
- A highly efficient synchronous electric engine equivalent to 300 CV and which weighs only 80 Kg compared to its internal combustion counterparts which weigh 280 Kg.
- A set of 4 removable Lithium Ion battery packs, capable of storing a total of 140kWH (similar to the contracted capacity of 32 homes) to adequately power the electric motor.
- A system of high-efficiency solar panels, ensuring the supply of 100% renewable energy to power telemetry and security systems of the ACCIONA 100% EcoPowered.
Dakar in figures
- 37 editions.
- 7 editions in South America.
- 431 vehicles participated in the 2014 edition, 50% abandoned.
- Extreme temperatures of up to 50oC.
- 13 stages of up to 800 km each.
- More than 9,000 km in total.
- Dakar 2015 will travel across three countries: Argentina, Chile and Bolivia.
- 2-day marathon stage for all participants where they will not have access to their service vehicles.
Follow the project:
www.accionadakar.com
Facebook: ACCIONA Dakar
Twitter: @accionadakar
Instagram: accionadakar
Youtube: ACCIONA Dakar
Related Gallery 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata: LA 2014
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- News Source: Zap and Jonway Auto, EIA, Toyota, Mazda, Acciona
- Image Credit: YouTube: Acciona
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By John Beltz Snyder
See also: Mazda considers expanding Takata recall nationwide, Takata air bag recall list, Takata air bag recall list.