EERE Network News
August 08, 2007
News and Events
DOE to Award up to $21.5 Million for Vehicle Efficiency Research
DOE will award up to $21.5 million for 11 research and development projects in five states. All of the projects are aimed at improved fuel efficiency in vehicles, but are focusing on three areas: efficient ethanol-powered engines, advanced lubrication systems, and clean diesel engines.
Toyota to Road-Test Plug-In Hybrids in Japan and the United States
Toyota has developed its own prototype plug-in hybrid, and like most of the prototypes currently being tested, it's based on the Prius. But the Toyota Plug-in HV employs today's nickel-metal-hydride batteries, allowing it to travel only 8 miles in all-electric mode.
Hybrid Sales on Record Course Despite Waning Interest
Although fewer new car buyers are looking for hybrids, this year's sales of hybrid vehicles should hit record numbers in the United States, according to J.D. Powers and Associates. Toyota leads the U.S. market, and to maintain that distinction, it's dropping its base prices for some hybrids.
New Fuel-Efficient Jet Prototype Features Blended-Wing Design
A nearly triangular-shaped jet aircraft that blends a rear wing into a wide, flat fuselage has successfully flown to an altitude of 7,500 feet and returned safely. The scale-version prototype may lead the way to new fuel-efficient aircraft designs.
DOE Announces New Criteria for Energy Star Refrigerators
DOE announced on August 3rd that it has increased the efficiency criteria for refrigerators with the Energy Star label.
IBM Says Mainframes Yield Big Energy Savings in Data Centers
Years ago, the proliferation of desktop computers and the dispersion of the world's knowledge over millions of servers led some to declare that the mainframe computer was on its death bed. Now IBM is using its mainframes to eliminate servers, and it's saving money and energy in the process.
Energy Connections
EIA: Gasoline Prices to Drop More Despite Record Oil Prices
Crude oil prices are currently setting records, but that's so been-there-done-that for gasoline prices, which hit records in May due to problems at U.S. refineries. As a result, gasoline prices will continue to fall through December, according to DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA).
