...engine vehicles have come a long way, especially since conventional vehicles are reaching upwards of 30 miles per gallon. Conventional vehicles have only grown more reliable over the past few decades, and continue to improve with each passing year. Due to these advancements, many would agree that there is no reason to switch over to new alternative fuel vehicles. However, Lotus Car Rental should add 100 alternative fuel vehicles to its fleet, placing 50 vehicles in Boston, MA and 50 vehicles in Los Angeles, CA. in order to maximize profit. Alternative Vehicles There are many types of alternative fuel vehicles to choose from such as ethanol flex-fuel, electric, and hybrid vehicles. In addition to regular gasoline, flex-fuel vehicles operate on E85, which is a mix of gas and ethanol. The ethanol levels of E85 range be¬tween 51% and 83% (Clean Cities, 2013). The miles per gallon are decreased when flex-fuel vehicles utilize E85 rather than regular gasoline, due to ethanol containing less energy than gasoline (Clean Cities, 2013). Regardless of this fact, many individuals power these vehicles with E85 because it is a high-octane fuel (Clean Cities, 2013). The high octane increases the vehicles power and performance, ultimately giving the driver a better driving experience. Electric vehicles use batteries to store the energy needed to operate its one or multiple motors. These batteries are charged by plugging into an electri¬cal power source (Clean Cities, 2013). Another method...
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...Lotus Car Rental Alternative Fuel Proposal Joshua Maldonado and John Elias COMM/215 September 3, 2013 Vincent Palmieri Lotus Car Rental Alternative Fuel Proposal Combustion engine vehicles have come a long way, especially since conventional vehicles are reaching upwards of 30 miles per gallon. Conventional vehicles have only grown more reliable over the past few decades, and continue to improve with each passing year. Due to these advancements, many would agree that there is no reason to switch over to new alternative fuel vehicles. However, Lotus Car Rental should add 100 alternative fuel vehicles to its fleet, placing 50 vehicles in Boston, MA and 50 vehicles in Los Angeles, CA. in order to maximize profit. Alternative Vehicles There are many types of alternative fuel vehicles to choose from such as ethanol flex-fuel, electric, and hybrid vehicles. In addition to regular gasoline, flex-fuel vehicles operate on E85, which is a mix of gas and ethanol. The ethanol levels of E85 range between 51% and 83% (Clean Cities, 2013). The miles per gallon are decreased when flex-fuel vehicles utilize E85 rather than regular gasoline, due to ethanol containing less energy than gasoline (Clean Cities, 2013). Regardless of this fact, many individuals power these vehicles with E85 because it is a high-octane fuel (Clean Cities, 2013). The high octane increases the vehicles power and performance, ultimately giving the driver a better driving experience. Electric vehicles use batteries...
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... I. Introduction 3 II. Brazil 4 a. Short history 4 b. Brazil during the oil crisis in the 70’s 6 III. Ethanol as bio-fuel 7 a. Extraction process 7 b. Energetically self sufficient ethanol plants in Brazil 8 c. Energy from Ethanol 9 d. Flex-Fuel Vehicles 10 IV. Economic Effects of Ethanol as Bio-Fuel 10 a. Brazil not endangered by a new oil crisis 10 b. Export 12 c. Vertical industries 13 d. Environmental benefits 14 V. Ethical and Social Implications 15 a. A market not dominated by oil barons 15 b. Independent economy 16 VI. Brazil in a global economy and ethanol in the US 18 a. Future of ethanol as bio-fuel in Brazil 18 b. Ethanol in the United States 19 c. E85 21 VII. Conclusion 22 VIII. Works Cited 23 I. Introduction Fuel, at its simplest, makes us go. It is a necessity to modern day life. Even if everyone were to walk, rather than drive, there would be a need for it. This is one thing that is in common around the world. The dependence on oil based gasoline has many of the most powerful countries forking out quite a bit for their fuel. This is, of course, the case in the United States. There is no doubt that this country needs an alternative fuel, or to cut back on its use of the current fuel. However, because we are so dependent at this time on oil based gasoline and other fuels, Americans tend to be a bit hesitant of truly switching over to some of the other products. We need examples. We need to know...
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...technologies that GM advertises in its Gas-Friendly to Gas-Free ads remain mostly prospective. Super-efficient vehicles represent a small percentage of the 9.3 million cars GM produced in 2007. The company is only now introducing real hybrid vehicles, and its electric and fuel cell technologies are not yet production-ready. In the ad below, GM states that that Chevrolet currently sells seven vehicles that get at least 30 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway. Although accurate, the campaign fails to note that GM currently produces fifty-one other models that get less than 30 mpg, including thirty-five that get...
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...Sarju Patel BC607 Assignment 7.1 Oil Producers vs. Oil Users Oil is a unique and finite commodity. Every person in the world is affected by oil and it plays a vital role within modern society. It has also been associated with conflict since the First World War. The importance of oil is such that nationals and ethnic groups are prepared to go to war for this commodity if necessary. As such, a unique set of economic circumstances and policy issues surround oil. These include oil’s links to industrialization, economic growth, the distribution of wealth, and global warming. Oil is vital to the functioning of the economy of individual countries as well as the global economy. It plays an essential role in transport systems (ground, air and sea), agriculture, chemicals, and the military. Thousands of products are made using oil including plastics, pesticides, paints, inks, synthetic fibers, solvents, medicines, and other vital everyday use products. The reality is that oil is all around us, even when it is not being used in vehicle or other transport engines. Since oil is a finite commodity, concerns about when the supply of oil will decline and run out is of paramount importance and concern. The world’s supply of readily accessible oil is declining simply because more oil is being extracted than being discovered. New technologies that gain access to reservoirs previously hard to access may extend the life of these reserves. However, demand for oil in developed...
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...Rather than grow algae and then harvest and ferment it, the algae grow in sunlight and produce ethanol directly, which is removed without killing the algae. It is claimed the process can produce 9,000 US gallons per acre per year compared with 400 US gallons per acre for current corn production. This process actually absorbs CO2. (Biofuels Digest) Ethanol-gasoline blends are denoted by E and the percentage of ethanol in the fuel. Pure ethanol (E100) consumption in an engine is approximately 51% higher than for gasoline since the energy per unit volume of ethanol is 34% lower than for gasoline. (Autos) Despite this, the higher compression ratios in an ethanol-only engine allow for a power output higher than could be obtained with lower compression ratios of a gasoline-only engine, and approximately 20 to 30% more fuel efficiency and 30% less carbon emissions....
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...alternative fuel vehicle is a vehicle that runs on something other than traditional fuel, or a vehicle that does not completely rely on one type of fuel but instead a combination of fuel and battery power. The type of alternative fuel vehicle best suited for a rental car company such as Lotus, would depend on what types of alternative fuel or technology they have available. There are several different types of vehicles available, each one with a different or combination technology for alternative fuel use. Some vehicles are not available in all states, so this would also be a consideration for Lotus. The most popular and readily available alternative fuel vehicle is the Hybrid cars. Although not technically considered an alternative fuel car, these vehicles operate using advanced technology that combines the electric battery, motor and generator, creating more efficient use of traditional fuel. In addition to the gas tank they have an electric battery that stores energy during the speeding and slowing parts of a typical journey. This type of vehicle will offer a substantial savings in fuel costs because of the engine’s efficiency. Many car companies offer Hybrid cars at a reasonable cost to consumers. Honda, Toyota, Lexus and Ford all lead the way with a variety of these vehicles. There are a limited number of automakers producing Ethanol fuel vehicles. Ford, Dodge and Chevy each have a model currently available that runs on this alternative fuel. Ethanol-fueled...
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...Lotus and Alternative Fuels Willis Jackson Jr. Comm/215 June 25, 2014 David S. Murphy Introduction For years, environmentalists have been screaming about going green, recycling, reusing products, and so forth. Therefore, the idea of our vehicles using alternative fuel sources would be a welcomed change. With dozens of vehicles and fuel sources becoming available, it is now possible to add alternative fuel vehicles to our rental car fleet. Through this presentation, I will fully outline gasoline and alternative fuel vehicles; the history, the sources of fuel, and consumer incentives will all also be explained. Gasoline vehicles Gasoline powered vehicles are the types of vehicles that are commonly used around the world. Gasoline powered vehicles utilize an internal combustion power train. Power train refers to the group of components within the vehicle that generates power. Internal combustion engines are typically associated with gasoline even though variations of the internal combustion engine can be fueled by other sources. The mainstream alternative to gasoline is diesel fuel. History of gasoline vehicles Self-propelled vehicles have been around since 1672 but were not introduced to mainstream America until 1902. Older vehicles were powered by steam engines, which gave way to the internal combustion engines that are powered by either gasoline or diesel fuel. Diesel fuel and gasoline both cause air pollution and play a role in global warming. The ever increasing...
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...Adding Alternative Fuel Vehicles to the Lotus Rental Fleet BCOMM 215 March 11, 2013 Sharon Bronson-Sheehan Adding Alternative Fuel Vehicles to a Fleet This year more than ever, Americans are beginning to be concerned about the use of petroleum, due to the significant cost increase of gasoline and diesel, possibility of global warming, and energy security. Abstract Fossil fuels have been a primary fuel source for the industrial world, for centuries. Fossil fuel costs have been at all-time high and the economy is being burdened with the cost of everyday commuting and traveling expenses. Consumers have been looking for new ways to reduce cost by looking into other means of transportation. In an effort to bring down the gasoline cost for his fleet, Lotus Car's Chief Financial Officer is looking at the possibility of adding alternative fuel vehicles to its fleet. Types of Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Today, there is numerous alternative fuel vehicles developed and being developed to compete with fossil fuel usage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, more than a dozen alternative fuels are in production or under development for the use in alternative fuel vehicles and advanced technology vehicles. (U.S. Department of Energy, 2013) Vehicles are being powered by biodiesel, propane, ethanol, hydrogen, natural gas, and electricity. The most popular alternative fuel vehicles being used in today’s rental car fleets are hybrid, ethanol, and electric vehicles. ...
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...other than fossil fuels. Automobiles in the last 10 years have evolved from using gasoline and diesel as a primary power source, and now include features once only seen in luxury cars. Introducing them to a rental car company may give it more of a variety to offer its customers. Introduction This paper is to introduce the idea of the integration of alternate-fueled vehicles into the Lotus Rental Car Company and the feasibility to do so to the Chief Financial Officer. There are numerous factors to consider. A large purchase, especially for vehicles, requires in-depth research and weighing of advantages and disadvantages that need to be evaluated. Alternate Fuel Sources There are a few power source options when looking to buy or lease alternate fueled vehicles; ethanol; flex-fuel; hybrid; electric; and natural gas. Alternate fuel source seem to be attractive for consumers as the high prices for fossil fuels continue to climb. With the purchase of new fuel-saving vehicles in mind, each fuel source will be examined. Each type of fuel does have its own great benefit as well as drawback. Ethanol Ethanol is a fuel that is usually comprised of 10% gasoline and 90% ethanol. The more commonly known mixture is 15% and 85% called E85. Internal combustion engines are able to utilize this type of fuel with modifications made the hose materials used to carry this fuel. Newer vehicles have the capability to utilize E85 and gasoline, known to be called Flex-Fuel vehicles. The...
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...SPS: To inform my audience of the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles, and their impact on the environment. Central Idea: In order to understand the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles, one must gain an understanding of the most common alternative fuels available today, as well as the vehicles currently on the market, and how they impact the environment. Intro: I. By a show of hands how many of you own a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle? A.) Congratulations, those of you that raised your hands, you’re helping the environment. B.) For those of you who didn’t raise your hand, I am going to share with you today the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles, and their impact on the environment. C.) Spent the last several weeks researching this topic, and have come up with some great information I would like to share with you tonight. D.) I will cover some of the most common alternative fuels used today, and the types of vehicles that are on the market today, along with their impact on the environment. Body: I. There are four most common types of alternative fuels. I will briefly review them, and their benefits. A. Ethanol – The United States Department of Transportation defines ethanol as a renewable resource made from various plant materials, and can be blended with gasoline in various quantities. 1. Already used in Brazil since 1920s, and is derived from sugarcane (Bourne 2007). 2. Ethanol in the United States is derived from corn. 3. Per the US Department of...
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...Lekeisha Mitchell Eng 102 Howell T/TH Is Ethanol the New Fuel of Tomorrow? If you’re like me, the prices at the pumps have probably got you ready to trade in your car keys for a helmet, knee pads, and reflectors. Since the beginning of the current term, our fearless leader has repeatedly reminded us that we must no longer be dependent on foreign oil. I don’t know about you, but to me that sounds like we’re addicts who’ve just missed a few steps of the 12-step program. He talks as though we have a choice in the matter. Is there an alternative fuel that would no longer force billions of Americans to have to choose between feeding their family a healthy meal or having a ride to work? Would you give it a go? Well, let me be the first to tell you that everything that glitters isn’t gold. As with any and everything, there are pros and cons of alternative fuel. At the risk of sounding like my mother: remember way back when the price of a gallon of unleaded fuel cost the same as an item on McDonald’s Value Menu, when you could literally pay for gas from the change in your couch cushions? Those were the days. Unfortunately, nowadays, you’d have to dig in all of your friends’ cushions, and you would still have to sell a pint of blood just to have gas for the week. And at the risk of sounding like my mom yet again: I never thought I would see the day when the cost of a gallon of milk and the cost of a gallon of gas would be running a tight race--and in some parts of the country--the...
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...RENTAL/ALTERANTIVE FUEL VEHICLES Stephen McCauley Comm/215 University of Phoenix June 7, 2013 INTRODUCTION Lotus car rental, one of the world’s leading car rental companies, is in a position to take advantage of a great opportunity. This is an opportunity to be one of the first car rental services to provide our consumers with alternative options to fuel-powered vehicles, and to rise above the competition. Adding alternative fuel vehicles to our car rental fleet will increase our car rental turnover and improve the company's image to consumers. Creating a fleet of Alternative fuel vehicles for Lotus rental cars would be a very wise decision. There is a strong movement towards using alternative fuels for many reasons. The consumers are now motivated to drive vehicles that not only protect the environment, but also save money. More and more car manufactures are providing vehicles that use alternative fuels or flex fuels. This movement in the market place is gaining momentum. It would be wise for Lotus to lead this market by providing this service to the consumer. Today environmentally concerned consumers are looking for ways to not only save the environment, but also save money. Oil prices are constantly on the rise and turmoil in the oil producing regions has not helped alleviate the problem. Taking these considerations and research into account, we feel that Louts Rental Cars should invest in an alternative fuel vehicle fleet. BACKGROUND ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS Alternative fuels are...
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... Argosy University July 12, 2014 Abstract Hybrid vehicles are known for having more than one battery and two engines (electric and gas) that help alternate the energy needed to run. While a majority of hybrid vehicles are designed not to burn as much fossil fuel, some hybrid vehicles may be designed to use other alternative fuels (such as hydrogen, biodiesel, flex-fuel, etc.). This not only makes them fuel efficient, but friendly to the environment as well. Conscious that carbon dioxide released from the burning of fossil fuels is driving global warming, many drivers have opted for hybrids because their fuel efficiency makes them relatively environmentally friendly (Hewitt, et al., 2006). There is a huge difference between non-hybrid vehicles and hybrid vehicles. Unlike the hybrid vehicles, a non-hybrid vehicle only burns fossil fuels that causes smog and a variety of harmful gases (such as nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide) into the atmosphere, which may be responsible for global warming. Because of the harmful gases in the atmosphere, they are not friendly nor healthy; which actually harms our environment. Renewable energy technologies are being explored to meet the challenges of energy security and climate change, as well as to boost regional economic development (Zhang & Cooke...
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... Lotus Rental Car's Auto Fleet Alternative fuel vehicles have been a long time coming in car industry but especially in the rental car industry. Many people want a vehicle that not only is fuel efficient but one that has lasting benefits to the environment. Adding Alternative fuel vehicles to a car rental fleet has so many benefits. If we think about the many different ways the rental car industry has changed we can appreciate that the rental industry is willing and serious about catering to the customer that would prefer an alternative fuel vehicle. Not only will it save the company on gas per rental but it will also win the customers approval on the rental industry and its willingness to help the environment while still meeting the needs of the customer. Government tax incentives are another main reason why Lotus Rental Cars should consider purchasing alternative fuel vehicles. Before there were not a variety on types of vehicles that were available where as now there is several. Each customer has his or her own special needs when renting a vehicle. For example a customer may rent or request an SUV or a small sports car and still have the opportunity to pick an alternative fuel vehicle. This may be the single most important factor in adding these types of vehicles to Lotus Rental Cars. Americans are looking to get the biggest bang for their buck when it comes to fuel economy. Whether the consumer is looking to buy a vehicle or just rent one...
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