November 30, 2006 10:03 AM PST

Arnie tells carmakers to get on the train to alternative fuels

by Kevin Massy
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(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

Arnold Schwarzenegger kicked off the second day of the LA Auto Show here today by telling carmakers that clean energy is the future of the auto industry. Surrounded by a collection of alternative-fuel vehicles, including BMW's Hydrogen7, Tesla's electric-powered roadster, and Honda's hydrogen fuel cell-powered FCX Concept, the California governor said that it was time for automakers to "get on the train" to alternative energy.

He also thanked car manufacturers for what they have done to date in their efforts to produce vehicles that run on alternatives to gasoline. A troupe of automotive executives joined Schwarzenegger to unveil their alternative-fuel cars. Before unveiling the Hydrogen7, a 7-series BMW that can run on either gasoline or liquid hydrogen, Michael Ganal of BMW said that hydrogen was the only solution to the automotive alternative-fuel question. He called the Hydrogen7 a big step toward the future. We'll be getting a closer look at the car on the show floor later this morning. Today's kickoff event follows a presentation yesterday by GM's chairman Rick Wagoner, at which he announced that GM has begun development on a plug-in hybrid version of its 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line.

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BIODIESEL ANYONE!?!?!?!
by stockdad December 1, 2006 7:05 AM PST
Holy crap, electric cars!?!?!?! And how do we produce enough electricity if a significant portion of drivers convert?!?!?! Nuke plants!??!
Biodiesel. Shhhhhh, it's a secret (apparently).
Reply to this comment
Electric cars ROCK!
by efraino December 3, 2006 8:30 AM PST
Stockdad needs some enlightenment! Most of the electric utilities across the country have excess night-time capacity that they are earmarking for EV and PHEV charging! It's estimated in California alone that we can add as many as 1 million to 2 million new EVs and PHEVs without adding any new capacity, and that energy is exceptionally clean energy. Also much of the new night-time energy being added is renewable wind energy.

With EV and PHEVs running with the new advanced batteries, you will see 200 - 300 mile range making these cars the perfect commuter and "second car" for many families.

My compliments to the "Governator" for moving Cali in the right direction!
Veggie Hummer
by jessadam December 4, 2006 9:32 AM PST
I heard that a place in LA called Lovecrat Biofuels converted Arnold's military
Hummer to run on straight vegetable oil. It can also run on biobiesel or dino
diesel.
http://www.lovecraftbiofuels.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
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Need to undestand automotive timing
by RichEV December 4, 2006 2:08 PM PST
The GM announcement is good news, bad news. It is good news for the EV supporters around the world. The bad news is will GM do this timely? My guess is not really. When something is available in 2008, that means it is a 2009 model. The big truck 2-mode hybrid electrics are to be ready in 2007, that means the end of 2007, as 2008 model year products. In the Vue, GM will do the standard hybrid-electric first, followed by a plug-in version when it is ready (2010++). All they said is that they are going to do it. This is the start of a horserace with Toyota. My guess is Toyota will be there next year with a plug in. It will be simple and not very aggressive, but Toyota will not submit to GM in PHEV's. Visit my blog for more on this and EV's. http://ecovelectric.blogspot.com
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