Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Transportation Alternatives, BMW, Volkswagen, Renault, North America, South/Latin America, USA



The 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI has won the award for 2014 Northwest Green Car or the Year. The distinction comes from the Northwest Automotive Press Association during its Drive Revolution event in Portland. Co-chairman of the event, Jeff Zurschmeide, says, "Volkswagen has led the diesel passenger car market for years, and the Golf TDI proves that they're likely to stay on top for a while." The 2015 Golf TDI has 10 more horsepower than the outgoing model, while improving fuel economy thanks to a new engine. It also has a base price $3,000 lower than the 2014 Golf TDI. Read more in the press release below.

The BMW i8 gets its laser high-beam headlights from lighting company Osram. The laser lights use half the energy of their LED counterparts, according to BMW, which is important when one is trying to get every last bit of range out of the car's battery. The laser high beams can also reach about twice as far as LED lighting. Because of their brightness, they won't be available on cars sold in the US. In laser-equipped i8s, the laser high beams will not work below 60 kilometers per hour, nor when other lights are detected in front of the vehicle. Head to Automotive News Europe to read more.

Renault has delivered a fleet of 30 Kangoo ZEs to Uruguay's government-owned power company, UTE. The electric fleet will allow the company to reduce its CO2 emissions by 36 metric tons, says Renault. 84 percent of Uruguay's electricity comes from renewable sources, with a goal of 90 percent on the horizon. Uruguay aims to get a third of its electricity from wind farms by 2016, meaning these Kangoo ZEs will be powered in no small part by renewable energy. For Renault, "This order is a further sign of the interest in the region for electric vehicles," according to Denis Barbier, Renault's senior vice president, citing previous deliveries in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia. Read more in the press release at Renault's website.

Washington DC's "Circulator" bus routes may go electric. Some of the diesel buses, which were first put to work in 2003, are nearing the end of their life cycle, and DC sees an opportunity to make the switch to something a little greener. "Electric has not been a viable option in previous procurements, but now it is," says Will Handsfield, Georgetown Business Improvement District's transportation director. Handsfield is concerned about air quality, and says he also appreciates the long-term stability of electric rates compared to diesel. Stakeholders have already invited Proterra to come to DC to showcase its 77-passenger electric bus. Learn more in an article from Think Progress.

The EV Roadmap conference is happening in Portland, Oregon from July 23 to July 25. In addition to the various speakers discussing electric vehicles and their future, Portland State University's Electric Avenue will get a new SAE Combo DC Fast Charger, the first of its kind in the state. There is also an available Urban Mobility Electric Bike Tour and a Columbia Gorge Electric Vehicle Tour. Go to the event website to learn more, or to register for events.Continue reading Recharge Wrap-up: VW Golf TDI wins green car award, DC buses might go electric

Recharge Wrap-up: VW Golf TDI wins green car award, DC buses might go electric originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



Permalink | Email this | Comments

More...