CleanTech OC Daily - 6/21/12

Fuel-Cell Frenzy Looks to Convert Obama Favoring Plug-Ins

Recent remarks by Obama aides identify fuel cells as part of the solution for improving automobile efficiency. The Director of the National Fuel Cell Research Center  wants more action to be taken in order to reach the 2015 goal the President has set to have 1 million electric vehicles on the road. 2015 is also the year that many automakers including are aiming to introduce their first fuel-cell vehicles. Even with the revived interest in fuel cells there is still scrutiny over U.S. financial assistance to plug-in vehicle and battery makers like A123 Systems Inc. and Fisker Automotive Inc.

Hyundai Petitions for National Fuel Efficiency Month

Hyundai wants D.C. to name August as National Fuel Efficiency Month – a move the automaker hopes will bring attention to the environmental and economic effects of driving cars that conserve more gas. Hyundai is the manufacturer of some of the most fuel efficient cars on the road and the Sonata makes the U.S. Department of Energy’s number one most fuel efficient vehicle in the “large” category. Read and sign the petition here.

Aquion Energy’s Disruptive Battery Tech Picks Up $15MLoan

Aquion believes it has a new disruptive battery technology and the startup just received a $15 million loan facility from Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and Silicon Valley Bank to build its business. The battery consists of an anode made of activated carbon, a cathode made from sodium and magnesium oxide, and a water-based electrolyte. Aquion has plans to build a U.S. factory with 500 megawatt-hours worth of batteries a year in 2013 and 2014.