Carbon Works

One engine, five fuels. Awesome, is it not?

But Volvo is not only concentrating on enthralling customers with features such as these. As a fact, the latest prototype it built was actually done so as to respond to the alarming environmental concern of the automakers. Earlier, the automaker manufactured the prototype Volvo V70 with 5 fuels – majority of which are environment-friendly.

Volvo is known for its commitment to lead automotive milestones. As a fact, it has been associated with remarkable safety and ninety-degree bodywork. At this point in time, the automaker has already established a name that embodies style, quality, cutting-edge design – plus superb green technology.

It can be recalled that some Volvo vehicles and cars feature PremAir. The latter is a radiator treatment that consumes ozone on contact. The result is a cleaner, fresher and more breathable atmosphere. The Swedish luxury brand of Ford has also unleashed its first V8 engine from Yamaha. Said engine is clean enough to make the Volvo XC90 V8 the only V8-powered vehicle around the globe to meet the ULEV II emissions standards.

Lately, the automaker has been busy trying to formulate an excellent vehicle that could compete tightly in the Michelin Challenge Bibendum, the world’s leading automotive green-energy symposium. In the said symposium, automakers flaunt their cream-of-the-crop environment-friendly pride.

Volvo’s previous entry for the said event, which was held in Shanghai, was the unique 3CC Concept Car, a 2+1 seater electric car capable of providing real-world performance and range. Other enthusiasts thought that it would be hard for the automaker to produce a vehicle that could go beyond the borders of the 3CC Concept. However, Volvo proved them false. It has come up with a practical and very family-friendly station wagon that is capable of running on 5 different fuels.

The concept is based on the production version of the Volvo V70, a station wagon. The apparent difference is that the concept is painted with a vibrant electric yellow hue. Under the hood, a more substantive difference could be had. The fuels of “Multi Fuel Prototype” include standard gasoline, E85 (bioethanol), natural gas, biomethane, and hythane. The most interesting fuel among the 5 is hythane which is a mixture of hydrogen and methane. Hythane is the most recent type of alternative fuel blend. Its application is composed of 10 per cent hydrogen and 90 per cent methane.

Aside from running on 5 different engines, another notable feature of the Multi Fuel Prototype is its relatively consistent performance regardless of the fuel used. The automaker said that the turbocharged engine of prototype is capable of producing about 200 horsepower. It is sufficient to power up the wagon.

Hythane, E85 bioethanol and CNG biomethane are extra-clean fuels. This is the main reason why the vehicle has surpassed all existing Emissions Regulations imposed in any market at the present time. Furthermore, it would also qualify for the upcoming EuroV emissions regulations. The mentioned fuels also have the advantage of being carbon neutral. It means that the amount of carbon emitted when the fuel is burned is equivalent to the amount acquired by the crops used to make the fuel.

Volvo also intends to convert its entire lineup into green cars. The Volvo S40 1.6D is the automaker’s efficient production vehicle that consumes 48 mpg of diesel. The emissions produced are 15 to 20 per cent lesser than an equivalently powerful gasoline model. The Volvo V50, its station wagon variant, is available in Europe in a Flexi-Fuel model. The car can run on E85 bioethanol. When it runs on said fuel, it generates some 80 per cent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline. Part of Volvo’s green pride is the Volvo S60 B-Fuel which is powered by gasoline and biomethane. When fueled by biomethane, tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide are reduced to some 25 per cent compared to gasoline fuel emissions.

Volvo’s lineup these days is far from its vehicles in the yesteryears. This is the automaker’s way of improving some of its aging Volvo 740 parts and transforming them into fuel-efficient, functional, stylish and green cars.

Glady Reign
http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/volvo-builds-prototype-v70-with-5-fuels-100550.html

Volvo has never failed to amaze customers with its exciting design concepts. And right now with its one engine, five fuels concept the world will once again marvel at the greatness of Volvo’s technology. The latest prototype built by Volvo is designed to answer the alarming environmental concern of customers. And earlier the automaker has manufactured the prototype V70 that can run on five fuels and of which the majority are environment-friendly.

Volvo is famous for its commitment in leading automotive milestone. As proof of this is its remarkable safety and ninety-degree body work that are marveled throughout the world. After all long years of being in the industry, Volvo has already established a name that exemplifies style, quality, cutting-edge design and unparalleled green technology.

It should be noted that some Volvos feature PremAir technology. This is a radiator treatment that consumes ozone in contact resulting to a cleaner, fresher and more breathable atmosphere. Volvo has also launched its first V8 engine from Yamaha. This engine is said to be clean enough to make Volvo XC90 V8 as the only V8-powered vehicle in the world to meet the ULEV II emissions standards.

And lately the automaker has been very busy trying to develop a vehicle that could compete in the Michelin Challenge Bibendum which is the world’s leading automotive green-energy symposium. It is also in this very same symposium in which automakers parade their cream-of-the-crop environmentally friendly creation.

For the previous symposium held in Shanghai, Volvo has presented its unique 3CC Concept Car which is a 2+1 seater electric car. This vehicle is capable of providing real-world performance and range. As a matter of fact, even car aficionados thought that Volvo will not be able to produce a vehicle that could surpass the border of the 3CC Concept. But as always, the automaker has proven them wrong when it presented its practical, family-friendly station wagon that runs on five different fuels—the Multi Fuel Prototype.

The concept car was based on the production version of the V70 which is a station wagon. The distinct difference is in terms of the paint job since the Multi Fuel Prototype was painted in a vibrant electric yellow hue. And of course as expected it comes with a little Volvo surprise found under the hood. The fuels for the Multi Fuel Prototype includes standard gasoline, E85 (bioethanol), natural gas, biomethane, and hythane. From among the five fuels the hythane is the most interesting in the sense that it’s a mixture of hydrogen and methane. It is also the most recent type of fuel blend introduced to the public. The hythane is composed of 10 percent hydrogen and 90 percent methane.

Besides the ability to run on five different fuels, another notable feature of the Multi Fuel Prototype is its relatively consistent high-performance no matter what the fuel used. Volvo said that the turbocharged engine prototype is producing about 200 horsepower and sufficient enough to power up the wagon.

The hythane together with the E85 (bioethanol) and CNG biomethane are considered extra-clean fuels, this is also one of the very reasons why the vehicle has been able to pass all existing Emissions Regulations imposed in any market at present. The automaker is also confident that its Prototype will be able to pass the upcoming EuroV emissions regulations. The mentioned fuels also possess qualities that can make them carbon neutral. What does it mean? It means that the amount of carbon emitted when the fuel is burned is equivalent to the amount acquired by the crops used to make the fuel.

And here is another news! —The Swedish luxury brand of Ford is also contemplating in converting its entire lineup into green cars. The S40 1.6D is just one the automaker’s efficient production vehicle that consumes 48mpg of diesel. The emissions produced are fifteen to twenty percent lesser than an equivalently powerful gasoline model.

The V50 which is a station wagon variant and available in Europe is a Flexi-Fuel model. The car can run using E85 bioethanol. By using bioethanol it generates approximately 80 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions as compared to gasoline. Another Volvo’s green pride is the S60 B-Fuel which is powered by gasoline and biomethane. The biomethane reduced tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide by almost 25 percent as compared to gasoline fuel emissions.

Volvo’s green prides makes use of only the highest quality of auto parts starting from its large parts down to its teeny bit parts like the Volvo motor mount. Every Volvo vehicle that comes off the production line is a perfected work of art.

Glady Reign
http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/multi-fuel-prototype-another-first-for-volvo-100527.html

The styling is a gentle evolution of its ancestors but its front end is inspired by the new Volvo S80 sedan and the Volvo C30 hatch. But what is more interesting about the Volvo V70 is that it uses one engine which can run using five different fuels.

Some aficionados regard the wagon segment as dead. To circumvent this notion, Volvo put a lot of time and money to make the Volvo V70 wagon good looking and admirable in every respect. The all-new Volvo V70 belongs to the third generation of the car. However, the car is not treated as a direct replacement for the previous Volvo V70 but only as an estate version.

The Volvo V70 prototype is engineered to compete with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5-Series. The wagon features a distinct grille and front bumper but the dashboard and majority of the interior are basically the same. Auto parts and accessories integrated to the car including Volvo brake caliper, rotors and suspension are upgraded to complement the functionality of the Volvo V70.

What is more interesting than minor modifications is the enhancement of the Volvo engine to entertain five fuels that include standard gasoline, E85 (bioethanol), natural gas, biomethane, and hythane. The most interesting fuel among the five is hythane. The latter is a mixture of hydrogen and methane. Hythane, the most recent type of alternative fuel blend, is composed of 10 percent hydrogen and 90 percent methane.

Hythane, E85 bioethanol and CNG biomethane are extra-clean fuels. This fact made the car successful in surpassing all existing emissions regulations imposed in any market these days. It will also qualify for the upcoming EuroV Emissions Regulations. The extra-clean fuels also have the benefit of being carbon neutral. This means that the amount of carbon emitted when the fuel is burned is equivalent to the amount acquired by the crops used to make the fuel.

Aside from running on five different fuels, another notable feature of the Volvo V70 Prototype is its relatively consistent performance regardless of the fuel used. Volvo said the turbocharged engine of the prototype is capable of generating about 200 horsepower. Said horsepower is sufficient to power up the wagon.

Volvo has established a remarkable track record in the field of producing environment-friendly cars. These automotive milestones reflect Volvo’s commitment to help clean the environment by reducing harmful emissions that contribute greatly to global warming. Aside from green car manufacture embraced in the environment philosophy of Volvo, other primordial concerns of the automaker include safety and quality.

Volvo has communicated its intention to transform its entire lineup into green cars. The Volvo V50, its station wagon variant, is available in Europe as a Flexi-Fuel model. The car can run on E85 bioethanol. When it runs on said fuel, it generates some 80 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline. The Volvo S40 1.6D is the automaker’s efficient production vehicle that consumes 48 mpg of diesel. The emissions produced are 15 to 20 percent less than an equivalently powerful gasoline model. The Volvo S60 B-Fuel, which is powered by gasoline and biomethane, is also part of Volvo’s green lineup. When fueled by biomethane, tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide are reduced to some 25 percent compared to gasoline fuel emissions. The evolution of Volvo is aimed at producing fuel-efficient, elegant, functional, green cars.

Glady Reign
http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/volvo-delivers-1-engine-5-fuels-in-v70-100618.html

In early September 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed new regulations that will cause small engine makers like Briggs and Stratton to rethink how they make and market their engines.

The design of new laws that seek to reduce small engine emissions by 35% is to ensure a smaller carbon footprint and save Americans money, but it will cost them initially. This is justified by the promise of a savings of 190 million gallons of gasoline each year once all small engines are converted to emission-busting standards in 2011.

As with almost any advancement in lowing lawn mower emissions the consumer will see an increase in cost with the new systems. While we may think of this change in relation to lawn mowers we can’t forget gas powered weed trimmers, hedgers and recreational watercraft.

The truth is marine equipment that relies on small engines will have to meet the new requirements by 2010. They will also be required to reduce marine motor emissions by 70%.

Most analysts are agreed that any small engine change that could affect this kind of reduction in emissions would likely require the use of a catalytic converter.

Small engine manufacturers have opposed these rules for years, and had the backing of Senator Kit Bond from Missouri who sided with manufacturers who may have considered the proposed regulations as too restrictive and feared a larger price tag might mean dissatisfied customers. Many now believe the change was either inevitable or timely depending entirely on perspective.

It has been estimated by the EPA that the changes will likely cost about $235 million a year. Most of that increase will be passed on to the consumer. Briggs and Stratton officials have made it clear the cost of their motors will go up when these new regulations take effect.

Many lawn care professionals have expressed concern over the inevitable price increase leaving some to wonder if they can continue in a business that, for some, has been a life long love affair with the outdoors. To put this in perspective a lawn care provider has already accepted the loss of revenue from higher fuel prices, but even if they replaced older equipment with lesser quality new equipment it will still cost from $35-$180 more per mower. This has the potential of eroding an already slim profit margin.

As with any report there is always another perspective. The news that excites many is a statement made by Bill Becker who heads the National Association of Clean Air Agencies. Becker stated, “This rule will be the air pollution equivalent of removing one out of every five cars and trucks on the road.”

Analysts further expect fewer deaths associated with lawn mower emissions as well as other small engine carbon based discharge.

Many retailers have already concluded that when it comes to small engine machinery they will not likely see a drop in sales, at least when it comes to mowers. The prevailing belief is that while a jet ski might be a luxury a mower is often a necessity.

Some retailers are also stocking up on existing mowers due to the fact they will be grandfathered in. Existing units will not be subject to the new EPA rules so some business owners will attempt to stockpile older units for sale even after the new regulations go into effect.

Small engine manufacturers have expressed a commitment to work with regulators to find solutions to a drop in overall emissions and will be aiming at the target dates set by the EPA.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Ben Anton
http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/small-engine-mowers-are-forced-to-go-green-625949.html

Earlier, the state of California issued proposed Emissions Regulations that are expected to be enforced in the next decade. The proposed regulations, when approved, could force automakers to reduce tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases. The latter are intimately related to global warming. Parenthetically, the state is aiming to reduce 30 percent of harmful gas emissions by passing stringent auto regulations.

California represents about 10 per cent of the overall American auto market. Auto analysts expect that if the proposed regulations are adopted later this year after the review process, it would be the very first limits in the United States regarding auto emissions of gasses linked to global warming. In addition, other states in the nation are expected to follow same regulations to further promote the wellbeing of its citizens and their environment. At least four Northeastern states are observing what California is currently doing.

The California Air Resources Board, the one responsible of the proposed regulations, said that the stringent emission regulation is made in response to a state law enacted in 2002. Said law requires automakers to produce cars, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and minivans that emit 30 per cent less greenhouse gases on average by 2015.

The proposed regulations are expected to increase the market value of new vehicles. However, the boards did not go into specifics by divulging the anticipated increase. With the proposed regulations, automotive emission parts are expected to become expensive due to the upgrades and innovations to come up with reduced greenhouse gases emissions. On the one hand, automakers are trying to prevent the proposal from becoming a law. California’s actions have tremendous repercussions for the auto industry because the state represents about 10 per cent of the nation’s car market.

The proposal entails added expenditures to automakers because of the required studies, testing, materials and modifications. Consequently, there is no assurance of a greener pasture attributed to the enhancements of emission control parts.

The upgrades needed to meet California’s proposed regulations could add thousands of dollars to the price of a new vehicle, said Eron Shosteck of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. “We are happy to offer these efficient fuel-saving technologies. But consumers just don’t want to buy them… Automakers believe consumers should have the option to choose.” He added that the regulations would result in vehicles that are “lighter, smaller, less powerful, and less able to do what consumers want.”

California has the dirtiest air in America. This is the very reason why several movements have been established to take care of the matter. In addition to these cause-oriented movements, the state’s Air Resources Board is also determined to promote a cleaner air to preclude illness and other hazardous effects of global warming.

Global warming, the continuous increase of Earth’s temperature, is said to be mostly attributable to human activities that results to increased atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, a colorless gas that rises into the atmosphere and traps heat. The situation further leads to warming of the atmosphere by escalating the greenhouse effect.

Global warming influences both the natural environment and human life. Its effects include sea level rise, agricultural repercussions, thinning of the ozone layer, extreme weather events and spread of disease like malaria and other infectious maladies.

California officials said automakers could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by improving gas mileage. Less fuel consumption would result in fewer emissions. They further noted that gas mileage could be improved with available technology, such as high-tech transmissions that shift automatically into the most efficient gear.

Joe Thompson
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/california-to-enforce-stringent-auto-emission-regulations-97504.html

i was just wondering, california has Emissions Regulations for cars. when is the rest of the US, more specificly michigan, going to start doing the same?

they see california as a test-tube state. until they see california out of debt and the condition of the state is at a high standard due to the emitions stadards they won’t follow.. but lets say california was out of debt and pollution is at a all time low. without the loss of business due to our emition standars then the other states will follow