BMW to Launch All Electric Mini E
Most of the auto manufacturers throughout the world are working feverishly to create cars that are smaller, more efficient and run on alternatives to fossil fuels. There are now vehicles that run on hybrid engines, vehicles that run on biofuels, solar powered vehicles and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Of course, many of these vehicles are still in the experimental stage, with scientists, researchers and auto manufacturers looking closely at them – literally microscopically – to determine flaws and discover ways to improve the vehicles.
BMW is also participating in world wide efforts to create cars powered by alternative types of energy. BMW is known for excellent automobiles and plans to use their high technology to produce a Mini that will live up to BMW’s standards. “By introducing the Mini E, the BMW Group is underscoring the resolve with which it works towards reducing energy consumption and emissions in road traffic,” the company said. BMW, as well as potential customers await the introduction the Mini E at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2008.
There is a catch, however. Only 500 of these tiny and efficient cars will come to the United States and will be leased – not sold – at a hefty price of $850 per month, which is more than some people’s rent or house payment. They will only be available in New York, California and New Jersey as a test to see how well the market accepts the car and what consumers think. In addition, the test will help uncover any changes or upgrades that might be necessary.
Your $850 per month comes complete with all maintenance and repairs needed. The Mini E will be stylish with a big yellow plug logo painted on the roof and a serial number on the front bumper of each car. The car can be re-charged overnight in a regular outlet, or in 2.5 hours through a special high-speed charger. The one drawback is that the car will be a two-seater at this point, because the battery is behind the seats and takes up a lot of space. The future will determine whether or not there will be a smaller battery, and how soon it could be available.
There are always plusses and minuses when it comes to creating new products and ideas. BMW is now stepping up to join the fight for workable and logical alternatives for fossil fuels.
Following the UK’s Lead on Fuel
Everybody is searching for fuel these days, and almost everybody is trying to find fuel that is sustainable, environmentally friendly and affordable.
The UK has been experimenting with biodegradable fuel that could cut its transportation fuel purchases by 10%. The fuel is actually created by using bacteria found in compost heaps. The bacteria is used to convert waste plant fiber into ethanol.
Researchers have actually created a new strain of bacteria that can break down straw and agricultural plant waste, domestic hedge clippings, wood chips, cardboard, garden trimmings and other waste products and convert them into fuel that can be used by the transportation industry.
There are a number of benefits to this discovery in addition to having another source of fuel. The bioethanol fuel produced by the process will easily mix with existing fuel. By creating the mix, greenhouse gasses will be diminished and this will help decrease global warming. In addition, the fuel will reduce dependence on foreign oil and work toward meeting criteria for renewable energy sources.
Bioethanol used to be quite expensive to produce, because the barley mash had to be heated then cooled then re-heated, taking quite a lot of time, as well. The new strain of bacteria that has been created does not have to go through such an intricate and elaborate process, making it faster and less expensive to produce.
The UK has just completed commissioning its first cellulosic ethanol demonstration facility. There are only a few of these facilities in the world. Researchers are convinced that in addition to creating biofuel, the process can be used to create high-value chemicals and drug ingredients that are currently created from oil.
There are reports that the U.S. is working on similar projects that could create one piece of the energy puzzle through sustainable waste that is easily obtainable and efficient to use, while being renewable and less harmful to the environment.
Algae As An Alternative Fuel
Everyone is looking for an alternative to fuel that harms the environment, costs too much and holds the country hostage to the handful of countries that control fuel supplies. There are numerous ideas being considered.
As the presidential election inches closer, we are hearing about everything from drilling to ethanol to natural gas. Of course, any of the alternatives to fossil fuels would require major adjustments – and possibly major costs – to the vehicles that these fuels are made for.
There are, however, some alternative fuels that have not been mentioned much and that many of us do not know much about. Algae is the basis for one of those bio-fuels.
According to researchers, algae can be grown inexpensively and it can be grown in areas that are unfit for crops. As a result, crops that are raised for human or animal consumption would not be affected by the growth of algae, which has been a concern when dealing with using crops for the development of ethanol.
Experts in the Department of Energy and in the Bio-Fuel industry estimate that algae for fuel can yield up to 30 times more energy per acre than soybeans and other crops, thus using less land for higher results. In addition, there are thousands of types of algae world wide that could be adapted to be grown and harvested for fuel.
Algae is extremely rich in oil and scientists have been able to isolate the types of algae that have the most oil and the best suitability to be used for fuel. Extensive research has been done from the 1970s through late 1990s, especially during the Carter administration. In fact, there are existing patents for using algae as a base for fuel. Funding and budget shortages ended research at that time.
There is good news, however. With all eyes on the fuel crisis, there are three U.S. studies being performed regarding the viability of using algae to create alternative fuel. Additionally, there are studies being performed in Japan, Australia and other countries involving major oil companies.
Algae may very well be a big part of the solution to the fuel crisis affecting the U.S. and the world. Though there are no immediate answers and though it will probably take a combination approach, algae could alleviate a substantial part of the fuel crisis at a reasonable cost, and the good news is that it is available everywhere.