Plug-in Hybrids

Hey,

I'm back and ready to talk about hybrids. Oil has been up and down and up again. $60 is the high now and we keep moving between $55 & $60. So with gasoline back around $2.25 per gallon do we still need hybrids??

There's lots of talk about Plug-in Hybrids lately. Energy independence and zero emission bragging rights of a pure electric vehicle are now available in new package.



At least for 20-30 miles, when the small generator/engine kicks on to recharge the on-board batteries and keep you moving. The secondary system can be a small 2cyl. gasoline engine, an efficient diesel, a natural gas turbine or even a Hydrogen fuel cell.




General Motors (GM) annouced that they plan to show their version of this technology at the LA Auto Show. Can everyone say EV1 flashback. You just cannot keep a good technology down.

I think this is great news for EV lovers and the fearful that need a safety net (a backup power-train).

Toyota, has a plug-in hybrid under evaluation as well. Choice is very good when it comes to transportation.... bring it on!

Let me know what you think!

TheGreenGuy

Oil is going down!

The Middle East is stabilizing again and oil prices dropped for most of last week.  Oil dropped below $70 per barrel for almost five whole minutes; then it jumped to $71.


Corn supplies are forecast to be "beyond good" so Ethanol producers are in a great position to keep E85 flowing.

Many people are saying oil prices will continue drop into next year. China is slowing.... Yeah Yeah Yeah!!  $25 oil is making a comeback.

Well, TheGreenGuy thinks oil is going up again and sooner and than anyone knows right now! It should stay up for a while and then drop back to some level under $65.

The United States needs to stay focused on alternative energy and fuel sources.  Even if you do not think oil is peaking, having a backup makes a lot of sense.  It's smart, strategic and should be better for the environment.

Let me know what you think!

TheGreenGuy
 

High Temps and Lots of Electricity

It has been a while, but let's see.

The daily temps in most of the country have been in the high 90's for over a week. Is it global warming or just part of the normal cycle of the Earth. Almanac anyone??

Oil is high, Natural Gas is up, down, up ?? Let's hear how you're keeping cool.  

Conventional electricity from the grid, Wind power, Solar? Or maybe a hybrid process like me; I get windpower through the grid.  

I am cool ... how are you all doing?? Any environmental friendly suggestions?? Lower the shades, turn off those fun electronics?

Let me know your thoughts!!

TheGreenGuy

Oil hit $70 per barrel today.  I think alternative fuels might be getting a little more discussion around the country now?? Ethanol is starting to look cheap in comparison.

Do you think the USA is ready to get serious about alternative fuels for our almost "1 Billion vehicles"?

Let me know what you think!

TheGreenGuy

"If you thought high oil prices were just a blip think again - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has ruled out any return to the era of cheap oil."


Oil is up again! Countries around the globe are nationalizing their oil fields. Is this the time for alternative fuels?? I think SO! What do you think?


The GreenGuy

Cold Conditions Equals Higher Heating Fuel Prices!

Now that cold weather has found some of us around the USA again, what can we expect Oil and Natural Gas prices to do? Few people have alternative methods to heat their homes other than heating oil or natural gas. Natural has been quite low in price the last month or so after hitting all time highs in the late fall.

The questions of the day is: Is there a better way to fuel our home? Are Biodiesel, Solar, Wind or Fuel Cells viable options?

Are you a user of one these alternative options? I know some of you are!

Let me know what you think!

The GreenGuy

Ethanol (E85)

I have a question for our readers today:

What do you think of this fuel being used more widely? Did you know it is or will be 10% of every gallon of regular gasoline you buy in the near future. It's used as an additive. But it could be much much more .. it could be up to 85% of each gallon. That's E85 (85% Ethanol, 15% Gasoline).






Per the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (www.e85fuel,com):

E85 has the highest oxygen content of any transportation fuel available today, making it burn cleaner than gasoline. Fewer exhaust emissions result in reduced production of smog and a decline in respiratory illness associated with poor air quality. E85 also reduces greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide, the main contributor to global warming, as much as 39 to 46 percent compared to gasoline.

Since E85's main ingredient is ethanol, which is non-toxic, water soluble and biodegradable, E85 is simply a better fuel for the world around us.
________________________

There are pros and cons to all fuels, but at least Ethanol can be grown domestically forever!!

Let me hear your comments!

TheGreenGuy

Hybrid Problems are here!

I was reading the paper the other day and I saw the most unexpected thing. A potential recall of the Toyota Prius. The Prius has reported cases of engine shutdown at highway speeds. Number of cases is small (Less than 60), but this is a real issue. Toyota says it is software related, but no other details are available.

The question on the blog today is: Does this give you pause? Would you still consider a hybrid? Have you experienced this problem? Let me know your thoughts!

The Green Guy

Power in the "Near" future!

I have been on vacation with a lovely cold. I had a chance to watch a lot of television and energy is the talk of day. High oil prices has everyone talking about alternative fuel and energy sources for the United States.

Clean Coal is big with the Bush administration and others. (www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/powersystems/cleancoal)

Nuclear power is moving ahead around the world. Just ask anyone in China, France or Iran.
(http://people.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-power.htm)

Solar and wind power are gaining popularity again. They are still costly and require a large physical "foot print" to setup large installations.
(www.awea.org or www.solarelectricpower.org/power)

Ok, GreenGuy what's your point. My point is that the United States will eventually develop a true energy policy; the question is will people like you and me agree with it? Did we give any input to the decision?

The question of the day is: Do you care where the USA get its energy? Or how it is produced? Let me know folks!

The GreenGuy

Recycling can be fun

I recycle every week. I separate the paper and cardboard from the plastic and glass. Don't forget to remove the lids! Why can't we recycle the lids? It seems this should be possible. I know it has something to do with the fact it has paper and metal.

Ok, enough monologue, it's time for dialogue. What is your best recycling story? If you do not recycle... why not?

TheGreenGuy

Solar Power

It has been bitter cold in the Northeast for the last week. I have been wondering if we have anyone out there is using solar power? How much power does it generate? Living green is great and hopefully it keeps you warm as well. I use natural gas to heat my home, but I have been investigating solar recently. Respond with any feedback or recommendations.

TheGreenGuy

Cold Days Ahead

It is cold again today. About 10 degrees outside right now. I saw a few cars having problems today (dead battries, etc.). I just wanted to see if any of our hybrid owners are having any issues. Everyone get their vehicles started ok? Driving range reduced at all on electric power? Is your life being effected at all by your green choices?

Let me know!

TheGreenGuy

GM Sequel

Ok,

Did anyone see the pictures of GM's new fuel cell concept vehicle, the Sequel, this week in the news? What a great looking vehicle and it is GREEN powered by a fuel cell engine. It has a driving range of 300 miles per "fill-up" and it seats 4-5 adults in a great looking car. Very close to production intent from the looks of it. If you have not seen it yet just google GM Sequel to find out more.

TheGreenGuy

Green Energy and Heating Sources

It has been very cold this week in the Northeast. Below 30 degrees every day. I just drove back form D.C. and it is about 19 degrees everywhere north of Delaware. I love the natural gas heating system in my home; great heating for my family and it's clean buring at the power plant.

My concern is that when I first started using natural gas to heat my home in the 80s it was cheap, domestically produced and plentiful. It's still very clean burning, but it is no longer domestically produced in sufficient quantities. The success of natural gas has started to impact its availability.

The question for today is: What is the price of being green? Should we care how our electric power or heat is generated? If low emissions is the main goal should nuclear power be used more? Should solar and wind be "pushed" more to help maximize our domestic natural gas resources? Lets talk about it.

TheGreenGuy

Driving Green

Now that the first real snow storm of the season has hit, I thought it might be a good time to talk about green vehicles (cars, trucks, etc,). Even people who hate SUVs might have second thoughts during a week like this.

Is there a "Green" choice for winter-ready vehicles? Does an event like this storm prove that if used appropriately -- SUV are not that bad?

Hybrids are available in compact SUVs. Pickups are avialble in CNG, E85 and hybrids. All-Wheel drive cars are available (Surburu, Audi). Green life choices can be made.

Lets talk about it. Tell me what you think.