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The average reading speed, according to Wikipedia, is 250 words per minute. So here goes a monthly roundup of in less than 1250 words. Promise, no more. And no, the links don’t count – that’s additional reading.
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First one of the year, covering these topics and more:
This is published late for a February (or early for a March update, depending on how you want to view it):
First one of the year, covering these topics and more:
Several important new updates:
There has been a break in the 5-min monthlies the past two months, but for good reason – we have summarized the U.S. EPA light- and heavy-duty proposals instead. But here’s back to the monthly update. This one covers –
Revised fuel economy standards in the US, new electric variants in pickups and heavy-duty trucks – and even construction machinery, a new diesel engine smashing previous brake thermal efficiency records, and fully self-driving tractors. And you thought the year is off to a slow start ?
The US DOE has published several white papers describing the supply chain for various decarbonization technologies and the mining and processing capabilities across the world for critical elements. It is perhaps a very timely reminder that geopolitics will play an important role in how we address clean air challenges, given the global unrest today.
Also covered – catalytic converter theft: Did you know that it is now so rampant that new legislative actions are being considered in the US?
Stellantis and Ford have made major announcements towards electrification.
And renewable fuels are progressing .. read on.
We summarize two recent EV outlooks
Europe has outlined steps to reduce dependence on Russian fuel – implications for natural gas, hydrogen and renewables
European committee has approved phase out of ICEs by 2035 – Parliament vote coming up in a week
Biggest order for Class 8 electric tractors and one of the largest investment in renewable fuels
H2 ICE engine announced
More .. !
.. read on.
To say that this is a historic month is an understatement. Europe has announced what is effectively a ban on the internal combustion engine after 2035. It is easier said than done, however, given the material constraints, geopolitical and socioeconomic issues associated with such a massive transition.
Still, the pursuit of all technical approaches for decarbonization is evident – new battery productions announced for heavy-duty trucks, megawatt (!) charging system demonstrated, liquid H2 truck demonstrated and continued investments in low carbon fuels.
Euro 7 is delayed yet again (!)
The US Supreme Court has given a landmark decision on power plant regulations.
In a world first, a commercial scale carbon capture plant is now using the CO2 for producing sodium bicarbonate.
And the perfect antidote to energy crisis deniers who bury their head in sand ? Warm up the sand itself for use as a battery (seriously, there is a thing called sand batteries and is being demonstrated in Finland ..)
.. read on.
Summarized here is the Inflation Reduction Act and its implications for the transport and clean energy sectors. Also a spotlight on battery supply chain and H2 requirements for heavy-duty. And the best way to decarbonize heavy-duty may be fleet turnover, according to a new study.
.. read on.
.. read on.
What’s worse than Delhi’s outdoor pollution? Take a guess. Or read on to find out.
Two topics addressed in this one :
(1) Major announcements with the backdrop of COP26 – the US infrastructure package, an analysis by the EU Environmental Agency on the efforts needed to meet GHG targets, and a major fuels study.
(2) CARB is busy – two new workshops, one on light-duty emission standards and another proposing up to 90% NOx reductions from off-road machinery.
And the DOE SuperTruck3 winners are announced !
Read on …
This one is focused on heavy-duty trucking. California has held another workshop on the Advanced Clean Fleets rule with ambitious targets to advance zero-tailpipe emitting trucks. We take a look at various factors that can affect the rate of penetration of electric trucks.
Also, the WHO has revised the air quality guidelines calling for reduced particulate emissions, and the US will likely revise its own standards in response.
What about renewable fuels ? Ethanol may be even better than you thought.
Read on …
August was a “hydrogen” month, and this newsletter covers some of the important announcements and papers on the use of green (or against the use of blue) H2.
We also cover other topics, notably India’s ambitious plans to get energy independent by 2047 and the steps for the automotive sector. And CARB’s focus on environmental justice and implications for Advanced Clean Cars 2.0.
Read on …
This is a “special” bulletin, covering some of the important changes proposed by both EU and the US to the existing CO2 and fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles. The implications for powertrains, batteries and charging are discussed.
But, we also cover other topics .. read on.
This is a special bulletin, listing some thoughts on topics to watch in 2021.