At the most recent Alternative Energy Conference at University of Michigan, a panel of 3 experts talked about they’re doing to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and eliminate dependance on foreign oil. Facinating! But the word, no the new word, electrification was the buzzword of the day. Clearly, the electrics are currently the most visible alternative for better energy usage. But are they the best way forward?...

It’s been an information-filled Day 1 at the MBS. Started with a session on World Class Manufacturing and Manufacturing Excellence. Discussion on a DOE proposal for reducing vehicle weights raised a conflict with the cost vs. savings.  Many studies show $1 to $2 cost-per-pound of weight reduction; the EPA says it has a study that shows weight reduction saves money. CAR says it is working to verify the EPA data. Ken Knight,...

$4,500 IN SCHOLARSHIP MONEY AWARDED DEERFIELD, MI – Make that two wins in a row for Ashley Frye.  The Deerfield 12th Grader was awarded $1,000 in scholarship money at the 2011 Science Fair. In all, seven students split a total of $4,500 in scholarship award money, ranging from $500 for top projects in each of Grades 6-10, and $1,000 each for the top projects in Grades 11 and 12. With no entry from Grade 10, a $500 award was presented for...

We love getting your questions, by email or on the blog. Dan writes: How much would a drive unit sized for a compact car cost? I’m [also] curious if there is a difference in the way the car drives? NRG Dynamix isn’t ready to share list price at this time. But the fuel savings for a taxi running one shift in New York over two years would be enough to pay for the whole car – NRG Drive hydraulic Drop ‘N Hybrid and all. As...

The potential for hydraulic hybrids is great — and widely varied. Heavy off-road equipment and delivery fleets are logical applications. In time, hydraulic hybrids will make sense in personal vehicles. Meantime, I continue to be intrigued by the possibilities in racing. Jeremy Kaminski of Kamien Performance Cars in New Buffalo, MI, writes, “Some supercars can put out about 600 lb/ft of torque to the wheels. Is this possible...

NRG Dynamix, Inc. expects to hire 8-10 additional engineers at its research facility in Deerfield, MI. The staffing increase to 35 comes as the company readies its NRG Drive System for production in 2011. “NRG Drive is a hybrid system that makes sense,” says NRG Dynamix President and Chief Technology Officer, James O’Brien II. “It delivers up to 60 percent better fuel economy, reduces emissions up to 90 percent and...