Criticism for E15 Ruling Cites Model Year Limitations, Lack of Testing
The Environmental Protection Agency is allowing a 15% blend of ethanol into gasoline for 2007 model year and newer vehicles. The decision has been criticized by the Renewable Fuels Association for limiting the fuel to newer vehicles, and Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers says the ruling should have waited to ensure the higher blend of ethanol won't corrode engines.
ECOtality Bringing Fast Charging to Retailer, Gas Stations
ECOtality received federal funding to get 15,000 charging stations set up around the country and is developing a 480-volt EV charger called Blink capable of recharging a car in 15 to 28 minutes. What they're doing is interesting enough to get Best Buy, BP, and Arco to bring charging stations to their facilities.
EVs May Require Home Upgrades
Consumers planning to buy a new Chevrolet Volt or Nissan Leaf electric vehicle may need to make significant upgrades at home to shorten charging time. Using regular household 110-volt outlet, it will require 16 to 20 hours to recharge the Leaf and 8 hours for the Volt. Consumers can install 220-volt charging stations at an average cost of $2,000.
Certified Programs Boosting Used-car Prices, Says Edmunds.com
Average price paid for used 3-year-old vehicle in September 2010 was $18,832, up $1,471 (8.5%), from September 2009. Used cars are in relatively short supply and high demand, says Edmunds.com Analyst Joe Spina.
Overall Used Prices Climbing but Certified Prices Fall
AutoTrader.com says asking prices for most popular used vehicles moved upward in September, but prices for certified used vehicles fell. Experts say it was the first time in 2010 for a backward slide in certified prices, and they cite the leasing market as a possible explanation.
