210-station E85 and B20 biodiesel corridor along Interstate 65 completed; Indiana-to-Alabama biofuels journey now feasible

October 7, 2008

In Alabama, work has been completed on a 210-station E85 corridor, which offers consumers continuous access to E85 from Gary, IN to Mobile, AL. E85 ethanol and B20 biodiesle is now available along the length of I-65, in a project that started in 2006 by a partnership including the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, the the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors, the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council and other state organizations.

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E85 powered Corvette secures American LeMans championship; wins inaugural Green Challenge

October 6, 2008

In Georgia, an E85 powered Corvette won the 1,000 mile Petite LeMans and secured the American LeMans Series GT1 drivers championship, as well as the inaugural Green Challenge.

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US Mayors report projects 1.5 million new alt fuel jobs by 2038

October 3, 2008

The US Conference of Mayors released a “Current and Potential Green Jobs in the U.S. Economy” report that projected 1.5 million new jobs by 2038 in the alternative fuels sector. The report projected 1.2 million new jobs in renewable power and 81,000 jobs in energy efficiency. The report assumes that US alternative fuel usage will reach 30 percent by 2038. A copy of the report is here.

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US Navy to test algae-powered “Bullet”airship for border patrol, port screening duties

October 3, 2008

In Alabama, the US Navy tested its new 125 foot Bullet airship that will operate on algae fuel supplied by Alabama’s Unified Fuels. The surveillance airship, which will operate at a 15000 foot altitude and fly a 1,000 pound payload for up to 48 hours, will be used for border patrol, firefighting, port screening as well as other defense purposes.

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Ronn Motors announces hydrogen-ethanol hybrid; to run on 30/70 mix

October 2, 2008

In Texas, Ronn Motor announced that it had commenced a new R&D effort to study the use of ethanol and hydrogen blended fuels. The company’s hydrogen-powered Scorpion model will be the first car to run on a hybrid mix of 30 percent hydrogen and 70 percent gasoline or ethanol. The company’s proprietary technology is its H2GO hydrogen on demand system.

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Trusted Manufacturing to launch biodiesel kit business with $5 million sales target

October 1, 2008

In Indiana, Trusted Manufacturing said that it would commence making biodiesel kits and will invest $865,000 to upgrade its manufacturing facilities to support the new kit business. Last month, the company acquired biodiesel kit maker BioEquipment, and transferred production. The company expects to realize up to $5 million in annual sales for its kit business. The plant upgrades will be completed by spring 2009.

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India scrambles for E10 compliant cars in wake of E10 mandate

September 30, 2008

In India, the India Times is reporting on a scramble by major automakers to design and deploy ethanol-compliant vehicles, with India moving to an E10 mandate in October. Maruti Suzuki said that it would have E10 compatible cars by December, while Tata said it is developing its technology now. GM and Honda are the only makers that have E10 vehicle available now, while Nissan said it could bring in technology it uses in other markets.

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California E85 availability website launches

September 29, 2008

In California, E85 advocate Paul Wickoff has launched a grass-roots website aimed at providing California drivers information specific to them and to help bring local E85 pumps to them for their FFV’s. The site is located here.

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Pennsylvania firefighters question Keystone State readiness for ethanol fires

September 26, 2008

In Pennsylvania, firefighters are expressing reservations about ethanol fire prevention readiness in the Keystone state. Mcall.com reports that the special equipment and training needed to contain ethanol fires is lacking in portions of the state that are closely tied to biofuel development.

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National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition adds 2009 flex-fuel model data: 50 E85 models from 8 companies

September 25, 2008

The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) announced that it had added data on all 2009 flex-fuel vehicles to its website, including nearly 50 models from eight companies. Flex fuel vehicles from Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mercedes, Isuzu, Nissan and Toyota are on the site, including new flex-fuel models such as the Lincoln Navigator, Buick Terraza, Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Tundra.

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