"Saab Backs Ethanol As Next-Step Towards Sustainable Mobility"

[Carstyle]

http://www.autospectator.com/modules/news/...hp?storyid=1191

 

It seems that SAAB is extremely committed to Ethanol as a bridging solution to the gasoline crisis before the advent of bio-hyrogen fuel. In fact, the 9-3 hybrid car has just been unveiled at the Stockholm Motor show:

 

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/03/saab_unveils_e1.html

 

"Combining a 260 hp (191 kW) 2.0-litre turbo BioPower engine and two electric motors totalling 53 kW, the BioPower Hybrid Concept can briefly generate torque values three times greater than its gasoline-only equivalent.

 

The new modular hybrid system features a maintenance-free, 300-volt Li-ion battery pack designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, a 38kW rear-mounted electric motor, a 15 kW integrated starter/generator (ISG) and all-wheel-drive with electric power transmission to the rear wheels.

 

The all-aluminum 2.0-liter BioPower engine is modified to run on pure E100 ethanol fuel, giving zero fossil CO2 exhaust emissions, and operates in tandem with the electrical power system. This system offers fuel-saving stop/start functionality, torque boosting electric power assistance on demand, an electric-only

[Seansene]

It doesn't look sexy, but could be the future. Imagine an environmentally sustainable fuel that's not dependent on wars and speculation, and thus is relatively price-stable.

[Clubace]

Heh...but u heard that the sugar price went up due to higher demand for sugar cane?

 

In any case, it is still prone to war and speculation. If war starts in the country where sugar cane plantations are abundant then the price of it will go up.

[Carstyle]

Ethanol can be produced from many other crops like corn. But researchers are now focusing on producing Ethanol from organic waste, something which even Singapore can look into.

[Seansene]

But unlike oil, you actually have a choice. You can grow crops, you can't with oil. Therefore oil can be used as a bargaining chip by countries who otherwise have nothing to contribute, but to hold the world hostage. With crops you can say 'fine, I'll take my business elsewhere, or grow it yourself'.

[Clubace]

Bio-fuel, be it corns or sugar cane, need a large piece of land. Alterating the landscape with the crops can have averse effect on the environment too.

 

I am supportive of alternative energy but i predict that bio-fuel wouldnt be a major source of energy.

[Normal_aspirated]

read this article:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/CIS_EO_E...sis_87917_7.pdf

 

recommended only 10% ethanol for petrol fuel for our cars here.......translated not much benefit here. As ethanol for diesel.....too bad, too much complications.

 

Even they produce cars that can take 85% ethanol........the energy mass of ethanol is very much lower than petrol.......so u burn more ethanol resulting not much gain if at all.

 

do u think natural gases are better substitute in short term?

Edited April 24, 2006 by Normal_aspirated

[Carstyle]

That is the usual dimissal. But the Ethanol is meant to solve the energy crisis caused by the depletion of fossil fuels, including natural gases, and also the environmental problems of adding more CO2 into the atmosphere. As proven by SAAB, E100 hybrid can also be more powerful than a pure gasoline car. In fact, there are so many articles on the Internet about the overwhelming benefits of using Ethanol. Brazil is showing the rest of the world what can be achieved with bio-fuels.

[Carstyle]

The environmental concern is almost about the destruction of natural forests, a problem that exists even today due to poor agricultural policy and control. Who knows with the Kyoto treaty and support of energy hungry countries, natural forests could be better managed if farmers realised that existing lands could be used and not have to cut down the natural forest.

 

But bio-fuel will not be the only source of fuel in the future. Better methods of converting dirty coal into clean energy will be feasible soon. In fact, the production of DME, which can be extracted from coal, has begun in Shanghai. DME will be used to replace the diesel powered buses in that city. Japan

Edited April 24, 2006 by Carstyle

[Normal_aspirated]

bio-diesel u r toking about......made from palm, castor, soya oil seeds, etc.

these bio-diesel r the more practical alternative fuels tat will not add to the green-house effect as fossil fuel does.

[Clubace]

Kyoto treaty is a complete joke.

 

US not in...China and India not in....UK planning to exit too.

[Clubace]

Bio-diesel...singapore is pushing for it.

[Normal_aspirated]

brazil hv excess sugar cane stock so they can use to convert it to ethanol as fuel. Ironically, automobiles burn more ethanol to get the same mobility.......guess wat, dunno they reap more from fuel tax or not?

Edited April 24, 2006 by Normal_aspirated

[Normal_aspirated]

currently only taxis r benefitting from it.

[Carstyle]

<-- brazil hv excess sugar cane stock so they can use to convert it to ethanol as fuel. Ironically, automobiles burn more ethanol to get the same mobility.......guess wat, dunno they reap more from fuel tax or not? Laugh -->

 

No sane government in this world will impose excessive tax on Ethanol, with the exception of perhaps the government of the powerful little red dot. Knowing how slow it drags along with the introduction of hybrid cars, I won't be surprised. Just how many hybrids on the roads of the little red dot today? Not very flattering.

[Normal_aspirated]

The Kyoto Protocol promotes zero emissions......so japs r pushing for hybrids and electrics. But SG is not in it, my guess is very slow adoption of hybrids here.

Edited April 24, 2006 by Normal_aspirated