LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire - December 9, 2008) - With the recent drop in the price of oil, new doubts have been cast over the future of hybrid and electric vehicles. Many manufacturers and designers of electric vehicles have faced technical and financial challenges in the past few months. Such challenges combined with large capital investments in research and development necessary for these cars, have prompted some analysts to predict a reversal of the trend towards green vehicles. (more…)

Concept to show styling direction of new, more affordable, hybrid vehicle

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Honda will reveal a concept version of its new small hybrid vehicle, to be named Insight, at the 2008 Paris International Auto Show, October 2, the company announced today. The new Insight Concept shares styling cues with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle and will provide an early look at the highly-anticipated five-passenger hybrid vehicle.

Going on sale in the U.S. next spring, the all-new purpose-built Insight will come to market at a price significantly below hybrids available today. From this unique position in the marketplace, the Insight
will advance the affordability and accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers. (more…)

SOURCE: Con Edison Co. of NY, Inc.

Jun 24, 2008 09:41 ET

Earth Day Every Day

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire - June 24, 2008) - To enhance its commitment to environmental excellence, Con Edison announced today that the company is increasing the use of environmentally friendly biodiesel fuel in its truck fleet and expanding its acquisition of green vehicles.

Con Edison’s fleet of approximately 1,700 diesel trucks is using cleaner-burning B-20 biodiesel fuel, 20 percent of which is derived from soybeans. The soy-based portion of the fuel is a renewable resource that will help the company offset almost 400,000 gallons of petroleum per year. Newer diesel vehicles also will be equipped with special exhaust filters for even cleaner tailpipe emissions. (more…)

IC Bus to Deliver the Park’s First-Ever Hybrid Bus

DENALI, Alaska, July 17 /PRNewswire/ — Visitors to Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, one of the largest protected intact ecosystems in the world, will now have the opportunity to explore the park with the aid of an environmentally friendly vehicle — a fuel-efficient and emissions-reducing hybrid bus. IC Bus, North America’s largest school bus and commercial bus manufacturer, is delivering the Park’s first hybrid bus on July 17.

Assigned for use as part of the park’s shuttle service which extends 90 miles into the wilderness, the hybrid bus will transport visitors along a 45- mile route through August 30, during the Park’s peak season, enhancing visitors’ experience. A quieter engine will improve wildlife viewing as visitors see and hear nature in a way the other buses do not allow.

“Can you imagine the thrill of moving slowly and silently past a bear nursing its cub or wolf hunting along the road?” asked Elwood Lynn, assistant superintendent of operations for Denali.

In addition to a quieter ride, the new bus will provide better performance on the steep grades of the park road as Denali is also known for its mountain viewing.

Most importantly, the CE Series Hybrid delivers the following environmental benefits:

– Up to 30 percent reduction in particulate matter

– Up to 20 percent reduction in NOx emissions

– Up to 70 percent improvement in fuel economy

– Up to 40 percent reduction in CO2

– Hybrid drive power provides an electronic boost for hills or when rapid

acceleration is needed

– Electronic regeneration recharges the battery and improves brake life

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