Toyota Announces Voluntary Safety Recall of Certain 2006 and 2007 Model Year Highlander Hybrid and RX 400h Vehicles
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. (TMS), today announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall involving approximately 45,500 Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles sold in the U.S. No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved.
The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) located inside the Hybrid System Inverter contains a control board with transistors. Certain transistors on the control boards in some of the subject vehicles were inadequately soldered and could be damaged from heat caused by a large current flow during high-load driving.
If this were to occur, various warning lamps will illuminate on the instrument panel. In most cases the vehicle will enter a fail-safe driving mode, resulting in reduced power in which the vehicle can still be driven for short distances. In limited instances, the power supply circuit fuse could blow when the transistor is damaged. If the fuse blows, the hybrid system will stop and the vehicle will coast to a stop.
Charging Stations – State by State Report by EVA News
Recently, I attended a business seminar in Concord NH at the Grappone Conference Center. To my surprise – when I stepped outside, I saw this charging station at the adjacent Marriott. I was surprised! This is the only public charging station in NH!
Charging stations
The list of all U.S charging stations is listed at:
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/fuels/electricity_locations.html
Looking at the states revealed:
Pumped up research
An environmental science major at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) who was selected as a Volkswagen Distinguished Scholar worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, looking into the role of farmers’ choices in bioenergy scenarios.
“Most ethanol produced in the U.S. is currently made from corn grain, and the government would like to limit that process and encourage ethanol to be produced instead from non-food crops like switchgrass or hybrid poplar,” Carolyn Hoagland said.
While many aspects of farmers’ choices and U.S. farm policy are complex, Hoagland was able to determine that high quality farm ground is unlikely to be converted to cellulosic energy crops if farmers are concerned about making a profit.
“These poor quality acres can sometimes be profitably converted to switchgrass or other energy crops, but only if a biorefinery is nearby to buy the biomass energy crop,” Hoagland said.
Hoagland presented her research at Annual Meeting and International Research Conference of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Get Energy Efficient Replacement Windows
Get Energy Efficient Replacement Windows Installed – By American Vision Windows™
When it’s nearly triple digits outside, homeowners almost expect a spiked electric bill just to keep the house temperature bearable. But what if this expected cost could be unexpectedly controlled? Thanks to new energy-efficient replacement windows you get climate and cost control at your fingertips.
“As energy experts, we strive to provide homeowners with the information they need to make smart home improvement decisions,” says Bill Herren, Owner of American Vision Windows. “When energy-efficient windows are installed, the cost savings alone is incredible. Pair that with our knowledgeable staff, experience and quality workmanship, we have no doubt homeowners will be thrilled with their return on investment.”
According to Energy Star, on average homeowners see a 15% cost reduction on their utility bill by installing energy-efficient replacement windows. That savings can ultimately result in an impressive 71.6% return on a homeowner’s investment of the initial window upgrade. Now that’s an impressive ROI!
While these statistics are enough to turn heads of the most cost-conscious homeowners, it’s not the only benefit to making this upgrade. The high-quality, energy-efficient windows offered by American Vision Windows will keep the home well insulated, which means the home uses less power to keep it cool – a factor ‘green’-conscious homeowners will appreciate.
Green Design Materials for Impressive Home Decor
Guest author: James Andrew
An interior can be chic AND eco-friendly. Thankfully green design has come a long way, and with furniture makers like Environment leading the way, one can truly have the best of both worlds. Environment produces their innovative pieces from reclaimed, recycled and re purposed materials, creating a sophisticated modernist collection while holding true to their motto: “Create beauty, respect the planet.” – Of particular note are their amazing assortment of modernist sofas and chairs upholstered in unusual materials like army tent canvas, yarn, and denim – it’s quite amazing to see how beautifully these materials work!
I’m seated in front of a magical curtain of glass made from recycled Coke bottles.
