Driving on gas - but not gasoline

The Honda Civic GX fills its tank with methane instead of gasoline.

By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNNMoney.com staff writer

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- When my neighbors learned the car I was test-driving was filled with compressed natural gas, the first question many asked was about safety.

"Gasoline is flammable, too, you know," I reminded them.

In fact, compressed natural gas is supposed to be safer than gasoline. In the event the tank is punctured, the escaping gas would rise into the air away from the car, as opposed to puddling on the ground like gasoline.

And the tank on the car I was driving, the 2006 Honda Civic GX, is considerably thicker than one on a standard car. The Civic GX is currently the only natural-gas car.

Once you get past the safety issue, there are four major advantages of compressed natural gas as a motor fuel.

First, it's much cleaner-burning than gasoline. The tailpipe emissions from a Civic GX make a regular economy car seem like a diesel bus.

Second, it can be slightly more fuel-efficient than gasoline. The Honda Civic GX gets 39 miles for every gallon-equivalent of natural gas. (Gallon equivalency is based on the amount of energy contained in one gallon of gasoline.)

Third, natural gas is cheaper than gasoline. According to EPA estimates, the gallon-equivalent of natural gas costs about 70 cents less than a gallon of gasoline. Unlike gasoline, natural gas comes out of the ground just the way you use it, no refining needed, which is one factor that helps keep costs down. The only thing that gets added is a funny smell so you can tell if it's leaking.

Finally, natural gas is an almost entirely domestic product. Nearly all the natural gas used in the United States comes out of the ground here. Some is piped in from Canada. A small amount, called landfill natural gas, is collected from our nation's rotting garbage.

The annual fuel cost for a Civic GX is just $681, according the EPA estimates. A year's worth of gasoline for a regular four-cylinder Civic with a manual transmission - the GX has an automatic - would be $986.

The car itself, thanks to a $4,000 tax credit from the federal government, costs little more than a regular four-cylinder Civic.

Fueling the car involves a bit more finesse and arm strength than pumping gasoline. You have to line the big hose nozzle up with the little car nozzle then flip a lever to seal the connection. When I finished filling the GX and started to pull the hose out, I was unprepared for the little kickback which made me bang the nozzle against the side of the car.

Otherwise, the Civic GX is still a Honda Civic, which means it's as comfortable and fun to drive as any other Civic.

Why natural gas may not be for you

So why shouldn't you just rush out and buy one of these for yourself?

The first reason would be that you probably can't. The Civic GX is available for retail sale to the public in only two states, New York and California.

It's available for fleet sale everywhere though, and that's how most Civic GX's are sold. And that's where they make the most sense, in situatuions where they're driven around locally all day and returned to the garage for refueling each night..

"If you've gotten a parking ticket in Washington D.C., it was from someone driving a natural gas Civic," said Barry Carr, a consultant who works with Honda on Civic GX marketing. (If that doesn't endear the car to you, what will?)

For big fleets, the GX is inexpensive to run and, unlike a hybrid car, it qualifies as an "alternative fuel vehicle" under federal clean-air rules, said Carr. (Hybrid cars don't qualify because they run on gasoline. They do qualify for some state benefits for fleet buyers, though.)

If you drive any sort of alternative-fuel vehicle you need to plan ahead, though. There are about 1,000 publicly accessible natural gas filling stations nationwide. That means there are probably very few close to your home or to anywhere you want to go.

To further complicate things, the car holds only about 7.2 "gallons" worth of compressed gas, which is good for a range of 220 miles. That's about half the range of a gasoline-powered Civic.

Honda can help you out there, though, by hooking you up with a Phill. That's an at-home natural gas pump that runs off your home gas supply. It's a low-pressure device that takes 12 hours to fill a tank from empty. But if you plug your car into it every night you should be able to keep your tank filled most of the time.

Finally, there's the trunk space. Gas takes up more space than liquid. And to squeeze a usable amount into your car, the gas has to be compressed to something like 3,600 PSI. To contain that kind of pressure, the Honda GX's fuel tank, hidden behind the back seats, is shaped like an enormous propane tank.

That squeezes out trunk space, leaving the car with just six cubic feet. That's enough for everyday errand running, but not much else.

Most individual GX buyers, said Carr, already have another car. The GX is just their "city car" or used as a commuter vehicle. That way it can snuggle up at home with its Phill each night.

For most environmentally conscious car buyers, the Honda Civic Hybrid would make a far better choice. Even though the Civic Hybrid runs on gasolone, it has slightly lower annual fuel costs than the Civic GX and even lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The Civic Hybrid's resale value will probably be much better than the GX, said Eric Ibara, director of market valuation for Kelley Blue Book. The GX's limitations combined with the relatively large number that will eventually be turned out from corporate and government fleets should combine to make the GX a tough sell in the used-car market.

Finally, since the Civic Hybrid runs on regular fuel, you'll use up less brain-space thinking about where and when to fill up. And you'll also have more trunk space, with a full 10 cubic feet to pack for the spontaneous road trips the Civic Hybrid would allow.

We could hope for the fueling infrastructure to catch up making a car like the Civic GX more useful to ordinary citizens. But since there seems to be little real advantage compared to gasoline-powered hybrid technologies already available, natural gas seems likely to remain a "fleet only" option for the time being.

Study: Honda's Insight rated 'greenest' car

By Tiffany Campbell CNN Sci-Tech

(CNN) -- It is no surprise that Honda's hybrid-electric Insight remains at the top of a "greenest" car list for the second consecutive year.

What is surprising is that 10 of the 12 highest-rated cars in the fifth edition of "Green Book: The Environmental guide to Cars and Trucks" can be filled at any gas station nationwide.

"Cleaner cars are much more available than even just three to four years ago," said James Kliesch, co-author of "Green Book."

Just two years ago, according to "Green Book," half the vehicles listed required an alternative fuel.

The guide is published by the nonprofit American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy and provides information on aspects of automotive environmental performance for every new car, pickup truck, minivan and SUV sold in the United States.

The ratings are based on evaluations of tailpipe emissions and fuel economy as well as the environmental impacts of manufacturing.

Runners-up include the natural gas powered Honda civic GX, the battery-powered Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Prius hybrid.

Light trucks, a classification that includes minivans, pickups and SUVs, are some of the worst offenders for tailpipe emissions and fuel inefficiency.

Topping the "meanest vehicles for the environment for 2002" are the Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, the Chevrolet Suburban K2500 and the GMC Yukon XL K2500.

"Having a tool to see what cars are greener and to be able to compare them is important, especially since this information is not readily available," Kliesch said.

The book also lists the top gasoline-powered cars in each class as "greener choices."

Hybrids in other classes

"These are cars available widely throughout the United States that are the best in their category," said Henry Griggs, media consultant for the ACEEE.

"Half of the people buying vehicles are buying light trucks, so we want to give them choices as well."

More trends for the future include hybrids branching out into other vehicle classes, Kliesch said, adding that Dodge will be coming out with a hybrid-fuel Durango SUV.

Another hybrid vehicle, Honda's Civic, is predicted to get about 50 mpg in city and highway driving. The Civic hybrid will be available in March or April.

"There are 200 million cars on the road now," Kliesch said. "It's important for environmental, national security and economic reasons to wean ourselves off our immense thirst for oil."

Honda to release small hybrid in 2009, open two factories

Tokyo (ANTARA News) - Honda Motor Co. aims to release in 2009 a small hybrid car powered by gasoline and electricity, President Takeo Fukui said Wednesday.

The new model's annual sales in and outside Japan are projected at 200,000 vehicles, according to the Honda president, Kyodo News quoted.

"It is critical to develop hybrids featuring a better cost performance" than gasoline cars, Fukui added, indicating that Honda aims to keep down the prices of its eco-friendly vehicles.
Honda's existing hybrid, called Insight, is not selling well so the company is hopeful that its new hybrid will help the firm catch up with Toyota Motor Corp., whose Prius is doing much better in the hybrid market.

Fukui also unveiled plans to boost production capacity in North America and elsewhere with a view to raising global annual sales to more than 4.5 million vehicles by 2010.

In Canada, an engine plant is slated to come on stream by 2008, turning out 200,000 units per year.

The company also aims to open a new car plant in the United States by 2008 at a cost of about $400 million. While its location has yet to be decided, its output capacity is projected at 200,000 vehicles a year.

Another facility is due to begin operations in 2010 in Yorii, Saitama Prefecture, to build 200,000 vehicles per year, according to the company. The investment cost is estimated at 70 billion yen ($640 million).

taken from ANTARA

Honda to Add New U.S. Auto Plant and New Environmentally Friendly Products

Honda today announced plans to advance toward its “2010 Vision” for North American automobile operations, in conjunction with a wider global strategy announced in Japan today by Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda’s North American plan includes the following new corporate initiatives:

• Construction of a new auto plant in the U.S. with an investment of approximately $400 million to begin production in 2008, with employment of more than 1,500 associates at full capacity.
• Construction of a new engine plant in Canada to begin production of four-cylinder engines in 2008 with an investment of $140 million and employment of 340 associates.
• Expansion of U.S. engine, transmission and powertrain component production in Ohio and Georgia, with additional investment of $125 million and additional employment of 80 associates.
• Introduction in the U.S. and Canada in 2009 of a new, more affordable, dedicated hybrid car.
• Introduction in the U.S. and Canada within the next three years of new diesel engine technology that meets U.S. EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.
• Establishment of a goal to increase American Honda’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) by five percent over 2005 levels by the year 2010.

“We continue to experience record demand for Honda and Acura vehicles in North America,” said Koichi Kondo, COO of Honda’s North American region and president & CEO of American Honda. “To meet the needs of our customers and in accordance with our company’s vision for the future, we will introduce new fuel efficient vehicles and deepen our commitment to production in North America and we will do this in an environmentally responsible way regarding our products and the operations that produce them.”

“2010 Vision” — Creating New Value for the Customer

Honda’s 2010 Vision is a long-term corporate initiative “to become a company that society wants to exist.” Initiated in 1998, this three-part 2010 Vision calls for the expansion of Honda’s global operations through the year 2010 through “creating new value” for the customer, expanding local operations through “glocalization” and advancing environmental and safety technologies through a “commitment for the future.”

“With nine consecutive years of record Honda and Acura auto sales in North America, we will now further strengthen Honda’s foundation in North America to meet the future needs of our customers and fulfill the ultimate objective of our 2010 Vision,” said Kondo.

“2010 Vision” — Glocalization (Expansion of North American Production)

Honda will invest approximately $665 million and increase employment by more than 1,900 associates to expand North American automobile, engine and transmission production operations, further strengthening its capability to respond flexibly and efficiently to customer demand and changing market conditions, and to create a foundation for future growth. Specific details of the expansion of local production are as follows:

• With an investment of approximately $400 million and employment of more than 1,500 associates at full capacity, Honda will construct a new auto plant in the U.S. with an annual capacity of approximately 200,000 vehicles, with production to begin in 2008. The plant — Honda’s sixth auto plant in North America and 14th production facility in North America — will feature Honda’s most advanced, efficient and flexible production technologies and will have the smallest environmental impact of any Honda automobile plant in North America. Site selection for the new facility has already entered its final stage. Additional details of the new facility, including location and product production plans will be announced at a later date.
• As a result of this expansion, Honda’s automobile production capacity in North America will increase from 1.4 million to 1.6 million units in 2008.
• In conjunction with increased vehicle production, Honda will also invest $140 million to expand engine production in North America with the construction of a new engine plant neighboring the existing Honda of Canada Mfg. (HCM) operations in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. The plant will begin production in 2008, with an annual capacity of approximately 200,000 four-cylinder engines for supply to HCM-built vehicles. Investment in the facility will total $140 million with new employment of 340 associates.

Concurrent with the expansion of engine production in North America, Honda will continue to increase local production of powertrain components, including transmissions. Key areas of expansion are as follows:

• Honda of America Mfg. will invest $75 million in the Anna Engine Plant (AEP) in Anna, Ohio, to increase the number and types of engine parts it produces in Ohio, including engine components currently supplied by plants in Japan. This expansion will include the creation of approximately 40 new jobs and construction of a new building on the same site as AEP. Production of the new components is targeted to begin in 2008.
• Beginning in 2008, the Anna Engine Plant will also supply engine components for the new engine plant in Ontario, Canada, and complete engines for the new U.S. automobile plant.
• As previously announced, May 12, 2006, further localization activities will be pursued in the area of transmission production. Honda Precision Parts of Georgia (HPPG) will further expand its capabilities by adding casting and machining of transmission cases and other in-house operations to its current capabilities. HPPG began assembly of automatic transmissions for the Honda Pilot and Honda Odyssey, May 1, 2006. This expansion represents a new investment of $50 million and hiring of 40 new associates (to reach $150 million and 440 associates at full capacity).
• As previously announced, Honda Transmission Manufacturing of America (HTM) in Russells Point, Ohio, is now completing a $100 million expansion for production of primary transmission gears. Further, in July 2006, HTM will begin production of high precision gears.

“2010 Vision” — Commitment for the Future (Environmental Initiatives)

In conjunction with plans to grow its operations through 2010, Honda will seek to further reduce the environmental footprint of its products and production activities. Honda has long been committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products and operations through increased fuel efficiency, development of advanced environmental technologies, reduction of harmful emissions and elimination of waste. In accordance with this effort, the company will undertake the following activities:

• On a global basis, Honda will introduce an all-new, more affordable, dedicated hybrid car to be launched in North America in 2009. This new hybrid vehicle, to be produced at Honda’s Suzuka plant in Japan, will have an annual North American sales volume target of 100,000 units (200,000 units worldwide) and a target price significantly lower than the current Civic Hybrid.
• Based on its highly successful direct injection diesel engine technology, currently offered in Europe, Honda will introduce in the U.S. and Canada within three years a new 4-cylinder diesel engine that meets the U.S. EPA’s stringent Tier 2 BIN 5 emissions standards.
• In addition to new vehicle introductions, Honda will seek to achieve top-level fuel economy for existing models with the aim of improving Honda’s already industry-leading Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) by five percent in 2010, from its 29.2 mpg 2005 model year CAFE rating for passenger cars and light trucks. This effort will include new products and technologies and the previously announced commitment to introduce within the next two years a more advanced version of Honda’s four-cylinder i-VTEC(TM) technology with up to a 13 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over 2005 levels, and a more advanced Variable Cylinder Management(TM) (VCM) technology for six-cylinder engines with up to an 11 percent improvement in fuel efficiency versus the current VCM system in the Honda Odyssey minivan and Honda Pilot sport utility vehicle.

Honda began operations in the U.S. in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda’s first overseas subsidiary. Honda began U.S. production operations in 1979. Prior to today’s announcement, Honda had invested more than $8.5 billion in its North American operations with 13 major manufacturing plants, employment of more than 33,000 associates and the annual purchase of more than $16 billion in parts and materials from suppliers in North America. Nearly 8 of 10 Honda and Acura cars and light trucks sold in America are produced in North America.

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