A Green Hummer? (It Runs On Biofuels)
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 04. 9.07
A green Hummer eh? Well, ZDNet reports that a biodiesel conversion specialist, Jonathan Goodwin, has retrofitted a Hummer to run on ethanol, hydrogen, biodiesel or natural gas. The car gets the equivalent to 40 miles per gallon. Goodwin's company is an alternative energy start-up, SAE Energy. The company is filling an unlikely niche in the clean tech market: making muscle cars green. He's already converted about 60 H2 Hummers from gas to diesel and about 100 H1 hummers, including a Hummer that can burn the whole menu of clean fuels.
A gas-to-diesel conversion boosts a Hummer's mileage from about 10 miles a gallon to between 22 and 24 miles a gallon. Additionally, the horsepower jumps from about 325 in the regular Hummer to 650, giving the car more power.
Author's note: I'm an advocate for transportation solutions that don't involve cars. Building more highways and larger bypasses is not a sustainable solution for our transportation need. Instead high-speed rail and car-free cities would be the most efficient. Also, for a Hummer to be truly green it would have to be made with low-embodied energy materials, that are easily recycled or biodegradable. It would also help if the trucks were assemble locally or at least in the same country. An electric Hummer that plugs into a renewable energy source would be green.
See also: Japanese "Mileage Maniacs" Hack Prius To Get 116 MPG.
:: Via: ZDNet
So which version gets 40 mpg? You say the diesel gets 22-24..
I don't know what's green about the production of a Hummer, nor do I see much green in the commercial production of biofuels. There's nothing alternative in buying uselessly impractical big and/or overly powerful vehicles. If this is green, it's so dark it's practically black. I expect better from you, Treehugger.
I guess the real question is: If that guy can get a hummer to have good mileage, he can probably get a normal vehicle to get excellent mileage. Why not focus on that?
Gimme a biodiesel Bugatti any day!
People are more than willing to adopt new technlogies if they're styled as just that. (And Treehugger does this very well.) But i'ts much harder to get people to break or amend habits. People don't normally do that unless they're manipulated, or they can't afford the old habit anymore.
People seem desperate to hold on to a lifestyle that's no longer sustainable but is for the nonce affordable. What environmentalists can do is is (first) sympathize with them a little and (second) through that sympathy, help addicted consumers accept new realities.
Yes, this post was not intended as a endorsement for greening Hummers and muscle cars.
In my option, investing in efficient public transportation, bike rental systems, and plug-in electric vehicles is the way to go.
Justin
Changing from gasoline to diesel always improves miles per gallon because diesel contains mroe energy per gallon than gasoline.
While diesels appear to me more carbon friendly, they are just a different part of the petroleum stream, and produce particulates that damage people's lungs.
The people who think they are greening their hummers are being dupped. I'm all for broadening hte market for green stuff, but this is silly.
so are they converting the engine or swapping it? If swapping, what happens to the old([practically new) one? I really don't see how this vehicle could get 40 mpg average, ever, no matter what the fuel. Except perhaps if you put a lawnmower engine in it and only went 20 mph, but then you wouldn't be able to accelerate or go uphill...
When the oil runs out, Hummers will be fun to live in. Toss out the seats and there's room for a bed, and ice chest, and a wash basin. They're also weatherproof, and can be towed out of the way of rising coastal waters with a team of mules
failed to mention the conversion cost $39,000 fo rthe H2 and $50,000 for the H1....Yikes!!!!
"failed to mention the conversion cost $39,000 fo rthe H2 and $50,000 for the H1....Yikes!!!!"
For the cost of the vehicle + conversion you could probably buy 6-7 Priuses...
You guys complain an awful lot. Why can't you all simply be happy that somebody is doing something constructive? The purpose of these conversions isn't to help the environment, it's to make money. America is driven by capitalism and entrepeneurs like Jon are going to be the ones that help fuel a new green era. You should all be supporting him with open arms not complaining that he's "not green enough." Private business is going to be what saves the world, not inefficient beaucracies. International governmental institutions like the UN aren't interested in saving the world, they're interested in governing it. Giving more power to them in order to fuel the pipe dream of a zero emissions and fossil fuel free economy is ridiculous. Private business is going to be the saving grace. Just look around. They're the only ones getting anything done as far as "green" technologies go.
I hate to say it, but this is actually a *good idea*.
I bet all you nay-sayers are just thinking "why not get a hybrid/electric?" as a solution for less pollution but you are the same people who are completely BLIND to the fact that the production of such hybrids/electric cars cause more pollution (technically we're just exporting our pollution by buying those cars). Now if you were of the arguement " Lessen our dependancy on foreign oil"- that's a valid reason.
"For the cost of the vehicle + conversion you could probably buy 6-7 Priuses..."
Right and do 12-14 times the damage to the environment. the Prius is a lie, stop fricken wasting your money.
http://www.impactlab.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=11001
It's definitely a cute idea, but really only serves to stroke the ego/soothe the conscience of the owner. (Hey, a 40 mpg Hummer does better than my 4-cylinder '97 Tacoma, at 27 mpg . . . Don't look at me like THAT, I commute by bicycle and the truck runs well, is paid for, and meets my house-remodeling transport needs.)
However, I did see an article comparing the total energy used per mile for a Hummer vs. a Prius. Because of the far shorter lifespan (100,000 miles for the Prius, vs. Hummer's 300,000), the far higher complexity of the Prius (all those silicon chips are energy-intensive), the greater energy investment in complex lightweight alloys, and the batteries, the Hummer came to a lower total energy expenditure per mile.
That doesn't mean we should run out and buy Hummers; many lightweight non-hybrids have a lower energy-per-mile than either Hummers or Priuses.
Meanwhile, those big batteries the Prius uses? Look up where nickel comes from . . . particularly the miles-wide deathscape in Sudbury, Ontario. (Pictures are available, just Google it.)
Much as we might like to hope for it, there's no free ride. There will be sacrifices, sooner or later, and they may well be vast. Or not, depending on what we do now . . .
1. 6-7 Priuses - Priuses is a pile of junk and set back the 'green' car market as a whole... sorry prius doesn't and wont sell in middle America. Now everyone thinks a "green" car has got to look like a tonka toy. Check out the Tesla car they got the right idea.
2. bio-diesel is not part of the petroleum pipeline. Thats the whole point. (+now they are not 100% dependent on crops)
3. new methods of creating bio-diesel are carbon-negative, meaning using it actually gives you a net loss in carbon emissions. (This car will help sustain those markets)
Or be very close to buying a Tesla...
I don't think the whole point of conservation should be about going as lean as possible. I think our final goal should be to allow anyone the freedom to drive whatever car they like but in a manner that is sustainable.
Rather then abuse people who make an effort everyone should encourage others to do what they can to get off the oil addiction. If that means complimenting someone who has just doubled the efficiency of their vehicle without sacrificing the things they like about it then that's exactly what should be done.
Not everyone is going to be willing to drive a subcompact or a mini. For the people who are unwilling to do so an alternative such as this is a very good thing. If you deride every effort that is made that somehow falls short of your expectations people are no longer going to take you seriously.
We shouldn't try to lower our standard of living to fit our current situation we should try to change that situation to allow a better standard of living for everyone. If that means long term investments in energy storage, nuclear fusion, and large scale cheap solar deployments then that's what we should do. Every step in the right direction should be cheered no matter how small.
Hey Justin... Yeah public transport and bikes are pretty frickin' sweet, but be careful with those electric cars... don't forget about producing the electricity... as soon as this country gets its self in gear and starts using solar and wind to its full potensial, electric cars are still burning coal...
But still its a better direction that sticking to gasoline.
Is there a similar modification that can be made so it doesn't seem as though you're using the car as a substitute for something else?
But it also mentions converting to hydrogen based hummer, whats wrong with that? (note: I would still prefer to see real public transport, but here in Central Texas it's quite slow moving in that way, baby steps!)
When you speak of the Hummer, you don't include the H3 which gets 22 mpg do you? I realize that is still pretty low compared to many vehicles, but for those who need the power 22 mpg isn't too bad.
...or simply move house to nearer your workplace (do the Canadian government still give you tax breaks for that??)
While everyone poo poo's the idea of greening a Hummer (or any other big SUV type vehicle) so that it can use a wide variety of fuels. The point of the fact that this man has IMPROVED this Hummer is lost or to some it seems that it is not enough. Don't forget the fact that using biodiesel in a diesel engine is still better than using dino diesel. As biodiesel cuts down on particulates and emissions when the engine is adjusted right. Sorry that this Hummer isn't all electric but until we find a battery that is light and can hold a big enough charge for a Hummer to go 500+ miles on and have good power to boot. It's a good start. Even then to some that won't be enough.
This is funny and annoying at the same time. A green hummer is an oxymoron, just like a green muscle car. People who buy hummers buy them because of the statement it makes. That statement is generally at odds with sustainable principles.
There will be a few people who swear that the Hummer is the perfect car for them based on its usefulness, and that they care about the environment. You could make a slim case for this, but it's the exception, not the rule. The rest of the people who opt for the diesel upgrade do it to save gas, nothing else. I'd even go as far as to say those people are penny wise and pound foolish because like the article states, it takes 140k miles to make back your investment in converting the car to diesel.
And lets get this out of the way: the engine shop references biodiesel, rather than conventional diesel to attract attention, to tell people they can have their cake and eat it too.
This guy more than doubles the mileage of an h1 and all most of you can do it whine and complain it's a waste. He is doing something to help. What are you losers doing other than complaining, typing away at the Internet on your toxic, landfill filling computers. If people are going to drive those things wouldn't you prefer that they are getting 44 mpg rather than 18-20? That is much, much better than most small cars. Duh.
Ethanol is not actually good for the environment!
As a society we are producing too much food because of over population. We are running out of top soil fast. We need top soil to grow food and it takes 500 years to produce 1 inch of top soil. Corn sucks nutrients out of top soil at a rapid rate causing the land to become less arable. At the rate that we are using our land we will run out of top soil by 2070. However, because of our rapidly growing population we will produce more corn at a quicker rate making top soil run out even quicker.
DO NOT USE CORN ETHANOL!
It only puts a bandaid on our problem with oil.
It runs on Biodiesel for sure. But it better be a good quality one; http://www.filtertechnik.co.uk/biodiesel
Never forget biodiesel Quality
if this guy can get 40mpg out of a frickin hummer...i wonder what he can do for smaller suvs and trucks that are the majority of that market.
and for the love of god why do people always have such vitriol for the hummer, people react like we are talking about hitler or something.
Did any body ever consider that some of require a work truck/suv. I own a jeep for light duty.The other is a 1979 ford bronco with a 7.3 liter twin turbo diesel.It runs on biodiesel and has the required space for tools - equipment and i get 25 mpg.
As far as I'm concerned some people need the groind extention of a hummer or a big truck hey we all like a "hummer" even the boys that like boys like hummers!! I prefer the idea of what's coming, or what i hope is coming!
Here's what i thinkis right around the corner is a Diesel hybrid that will get about 65 mpg for an average sized car but can go with electric only for 40 miles! We just need nuclear to make it all work!
For a diesel hybrid to work.It would need a battery pack the size of it's truck bed. At this point 25 mpg out of my diesel is far better than 9 mpg on a gas 460.And as far as nuclear is concerned you may as welcome bombing of nukes by terrorists.
As appealing as high speed rail crossing the RURAL landscape might be, I think green vehicles of all sizes is a big step forward. How many farmers or contractors can haul around the tools of their trades in the back of a civic? And a single biodeisel suburban is certainly a more practical solution for getting that 4 kid family to and from then a fleet of priuses
Green transportation options should be available to people with rural and or family lifestyles too.
Light duty cars are for city people.Not country people.My driveway is about 7 miles long.My bronco tows up to 10,000 pounds of trailer weekly.Not to mention plowing duties.So swapping in a diesel where it is possible to get 25 mpg on diesel is smarter.The previous 460(gas) got 9 mpg.Little cars in my area don't last.Road's in my area eat them.They can not withstand the abuse/use.
Well, at least it's a start to relieving the world of the buildup of greenhouse gases. I'm glad to see that people are finally opening thier eyes.
I believe if my income/job requires a heavy duty 4x4.I should be able to have it.At stock my 1979 ford bronco got 9 mpg on gas.With a diesel and twin turbos 25-30 mpg.Consider hauling around trailers/snowplowing/plus tool in the back(1500 lbs) at all times.I would say it is very fuel efficient .On top of that i need to run 36 inch tires for construction sites that turn into mud bog's.If a tiny little coffin car work's for you so be it.It would take me about 90 trip's for all my gear.That is stupid and beats the purpose.To off set my green house gases.My home/pole barn/sheds are all off grid power at great cost.I am eco aware.By the way I MAKE MY OWN BIO-DIESEL.Leave your aragont snuty self away from me.SIGNED- REDNECK Ps i also hunt most of my meat need's on 80 acres i own!!!!
For all you hummer / suv bashers.I work a rural mi police dept. They have thier place with contractors /farmers / and faimlys.Even my police dept which pays me for use of my vehicle. Our dept auto cannot travel some seasonel roads. They are to rough / brutal to drive in cars.Some city folk should know that.I have dragged you out due to one fact.Our local tow company will not go on certain roads. They are simply too harsh.When an econ-o-coffin recently went down one of them.I was called to get it out.The tow company laughed in the persons face.Telling them my number on the way out.They drove thier car head first into a ditch about 8 feet deep.In the middle of winter with the ditch at full capacity.In the end thier car was frozen from the inside out.So bash my vehicle but when you need help FORGET YOU.
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editor note: Some people need big pickups, big SUVs, etc. That's not a problem. The problem is that maybe a few percent of the population really uses these big vehicle, and they are over half of vehicles sold in many places, including suburbia.
what is the fastest limit a hummer can go to
When someone improves an h1 mileage that much.You should be glad.Not whine.As far as the bronco.Where do i get one? Not ford thats for sure.A hummer/ suv/ truck have thier use.When you can go from 9 mpg on gas to 25-30 mpg on diesel.You say thats good.If technology will adapt to older frames / autos.It is recycling(gearhead style).Heavy duty trucks / auto will always be needed.You cannot change that.Whenever tech can update older autos a new one is not bought.If diesel-hybrid were viable and cost effective.I would jump at doing it.But tech also needs to be reliable and not break at first strain or abuse.
Action over words!
What are YOU doing to make a difference? Sitting around a computer, complaining about what you would have done differently
or getting your lazy butt up and out of that chair to change the way we live and breathe, ensuring your great-great grand-children have a planet to live on? Kudos to Mr.Goodwin! At least he's trying
I work for the Department of Public works, in the Burning Man organization and our theme this year is the "Green Man". (I'll pause while you laugh..) Hey, we are 21 years old now, so we've grown up! I really do feel that we are going to light the spark of the environmental revolution. My people are good at starting fires. I want to put this thing to the test. Does anyone know how I can get in touch with Jonathan? This will be the first year that "green" corporations can have product on playa, and we could use it hard! And find out the people's opinion. It is going to take a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to pull this thing off, so if you or anybody you know has some ideas of how we can use this technology to our benefit, COME ON!
Oh, by the way, Gerlach is going to be the first town in the U.S., totally run off of solar, hydro, and geo-thermal. WE will be the model. So cool...
I personally would rather kill the enviroment than kill my wallet gasoline all the way
"Changing from gasoline to diesel always improves miles per gallon because diesel contains mroe energy per gallon than gasoline."
I call BS. there is only 10% more energy in diesel over gasoline. The real difference is in the compression ratios. Typically the ratio is about 2 to 3 times higher than in gasoline engines. That is why they cost more - they are built stronger.
Before you post nonsense you should check your facts.
Come on people! Keep up the dialogue. I for one think this guy is a winner! He understands what can be done. He has a smaller car in the corner, but his passion is with the Big Hummers. You can argue all you want, but he is actually doing something other than flapping his gums. As for me, I have tried to keep my cars in the best running condition possible, keep my trips to a minimum, and car pool to work with guys that live close by. Every little bit helps! Don't discourage the inventor! this guy may be the best thing that has happened to our energy dependant society in years!
Nay sayers... I say put up or shut up!!
I think most of the money that you pay are use to give the car more power is u just sent all the power to the injections i dont know how to spell it, the engine wouldnt lose any power, well at least that what my dad did with his hummers
hey a green hummer is a possibility, by the way so is a green muscle car. Last year they had a 1000 hp El Camino at SEMA. We can go further and we will. One big step on the Discovery Channel I saw was a Bio-Jet Fuel that will be phased in this summer
You can find out more about this technology at
Jonathangoodwin.com. Check out the news and links.
He claims he can also get 100 miles per gallon on an older Lincoln Contenental which weighs over 2 ton. (see Neil Young)