Archive for January 30th, 2007
Top Gear Tests the BMW 535d a 155mph Diesel Demon

This is an old video someone sent me, but I think people who haven’t seen it before need too. This is a perfect example of how diesels aren’t just for trucks, and can be real performers

Press Release - CleanAIR Systems, Inc. Launches The HiBACK USBT - Diesel Exhaust Monitor

Santa Fe, NM - January 29, 2007 - Introduced in January, the new HiBACK USBT from CleanAIR Systems is a microprocessor-based data logger and alarm system coupled with real-time monitoring software. Used in conjunction with CleanAIR’s emissions control technology, the HiBACK USBT records and monitors exhaust backpressure and temperature on diesel engines, such as mining equipment, stationary generators, and construction vehicles.

Offered with optional software, the new HiBACK USBT can track the duty cycle of an engine along with analysis of engine parameters, providing useful information on performance and warning the operator of possible problems with the system. When the HiBACK USBT is installed and used in combination with the CleanAIR PERMITT diesel particulate filter, it allows the filter to function at optimal level by warning of possible plugging or increasing engine backpressure before the situation becomes excessive.

(more…)

Edmonds, Seattle Switches 35 City Vehicles to Biodiesel

From HeraldNet.com

EDMONDS - When President Bush in his State of the Union address last week laid out a plan to reduce gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next 10 years, Edmonds was already well on its way to that goal.

At the beginning of January, the city began using 20 percent biodiesel fuel in most of its city diesel vehicles. The change was part of the city’s participation in an agreement by the U.S. Council of Mayors to reduce global warming.

The move isn’t costing the city a great deal more, public works director Noel Miller said.

(more…)

National Average Diesel Price is Down 7 Cents from Last Year

From eTrucker.com

The national average retail price of a gallon of diesel continued to drop in the week ending Jan. 29, to $2.413, or 7.6 cents less than in the same week a year ago.

Prices dropped in every region tracked by the U.S. Department of Energy. Prices dropped the most in the Rocky Mountains, by 3 cents, and the least on the West Coast, by less than a penny. Only in those two regions were prices still higher than they were a year ago.

The West Coast also had the most expensive diesel in the nation at $2.687. The cheapest diesel was on the Gulf Coast and in the Lower Atlantic, at $2.347.

Diesel - Hybrid Buses for a Measly $150 to 200K

CNET is reporting on cheap diesel-hybrid buses from AFV Solutions. $200K is cheap because a normal diesel-hybrid costs around $480 to 500K if bought through someone like DaimlerChrysler. AFV Solutions can make them so cheap because they use Chinese manufacturers for parts.

AFV has already sold some of their busses to cities in South America and Macao, in mainland China.

(more…)