Purchase to save utility 6,500 gallons of gas in 2009, reduce CO2 emissions

Chicago, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ — One of the nation’s largest private fleets of alternative-fuel vehicles just got greener. ComEd has added 50 new Toyota Prius hybrids and plug-in electric hybrids to a fleet that now numbers more than 2,100 green vehicles.

ComEd meter readers in Chicago and the company’s Maywood office will drive the 50 new Priuses, including 10 Priuses that have been specially converted into electric plug-in hybrids. The plug-in conversion is expected to significantly increase fuel-efficiency by providing greater electric-drive capability. (more…)

Shares ‘Oscar of Innovation’ Honor with Argonne Nat’l Lab

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Ener1, Inc. (Amex: HEV), maker of advanced battery technology to power the next generation of hybrid and electric vehicles, announced today that it has received the prestigious R&D 100 award for excellence in its technology and innovative design. The award is shared by Ener1 and its research partner, the U.S. Department of Energy and University of Chicago’s Argonne National Laboratory.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080312/CLW018LOGO )

Ener1 develops and manufactures compact, high performance lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for advanced automotive applications based on technology originally pioneered by Argonne researchers. Demand for cost effective battery solutions is being driven by a need to reduce dependence on foreign oil imports and the growing concern about vehicle emissions. (more…)