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NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ -
Stavanger, Norway, 2009/03/16 - Patent-Pending Technology Monitors CO2 Emissions for Flexi-Fuel Cars: A new Emission Lock™ system for flexifuel cars will help the automotive industry and consumers to save billions of euros while positively contributing to environmental change.
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The Emission Lock is a tracking device that constantly monitors and analyzes a flexi-fuel vehicle’s net CO2 emissions over its lifecycle, in order to assure it is being used as it was designed, to run on biofuel as opposed to fossil fuels. With new EU environmental regulations taking effect beginning in 2012, the Emission Lock can help governments comply with the regulations, car manufacturers avoid costly penalties and environmentally conscious consumers purchase the right vehicle without sacrificing comfort, safety or performance.
“The system is simple, but effective,” said Steinar Kolnes, Emission Lock™ inventor. “All the consumer needs to do is keep biofuel in the tank, and the device does the rest. This is a great way for auto manufacturers to offer a value-add to consumers while saving significant money in avoiding regulatory penalties.”
Here’s how it works: Because biofuel has a lower net CO2 footprint as compared to fossil fuels, CO2 emissions are reduced when running a vehicle on either pure biofuel or a blend of biofuel and fossil fuel. When installed in a vehicle, the Emission Lock™ constantly analyzes the biofuel blend of the vehicle to calculate its net CO2 emissions. If CO2 emissions are lower than 120 g/km (or some other limit), “emission credits” are accumulated in the system. When forced to use pure fossil fuel or higher percentage fossil fuel blends, the system deducts emissions credits.
When running low or negative on credits, the system can reduce engine power, stop the vehicle or switch to electric (as with hybrid cars). Credits can then be regained through purchase from another person or a carbon market or by refilling the vehicle with biofuel. Conscientious drivers conscientiously may choose to sell CO2 credits on the same market.
Starting in 2012, car manufacturers will have to pay fines of up to €95 per gram/km for CO2 emission above certain limits set by the EU. Because use of pure biofuel may reduce net CO2 emissions by 90% as compared to fossil fuels, the automotive industry stands to save billions by installing devices that limit emissions from their vehicles.
Governments and consumers will also benefit. Some European countries have already introduced tax schemes placing higher taxes on higher-emission vehicles, rewarding consumers for purchase of lower-emission vehicles with lower taxes.
BioFuel Africa (biofuel.no) delivers environmentally friendly biofuel through sustainable production methods and socially responsible business practices.
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