GM changes course on the Chevy Volt’s powerplant; The Honda FCX fuel cell vehicle reaches consumers; and how about a solar powered purse?

GM’s Larry Nitz confirms Volt will use 1.4L four cylinder, talks Two-Mode: Change of plan — the Chevy Volt (and whatever its E-Flex siblings may eventually be) will not be powered by a turbocharged 1.0L three=banger, after all. Instead, GM engineers will be tuning up a normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine originally designed for the Chevy Cruze. That word from powertrain specialist Larry Nitz, who also explains that performance of the Volt will not be comprimised when running in “recharge” mode. (Autoblog Green)

U.S. Army works to cut its carbon “bootprint”: The military is a longtime investor in green technology through the DARPA program. Reuters reports that U.S. forces are in a rush to cut their carbon footprint by 30 percent no later than 2015. It’s not all about saving the environment, though: it’s about saving troops. Using less fossil fuel means shorter supply lines, which reduces risk to military and civilian delivery personnel. (Reuters)

Photos: Honda Delivers FCX Clarity to First Customer: Honda has officially put its fuel cell vehicle into the hands of consumers. Hollywood producer Ron Yerxa and his spouse, Annette Ballester, were the first to pick up keys to their new car at a private ceremony on Friday. Up to 200 vehicles will be leased in three test California markets as Honda tests the viability of fuel cell technology. (Green Car Advisor)

Fans of L.E.D.’s Say This Bulb’s Time Has Come: We’ve been using LED lighting around the office here at Vida Verde Media for quite a while. Even our company car — a tricked-out sport utility bicycle with a Free Radical hitchless trailer — sports LED lighting. We’re geeky early adopters, but an article in the weekend’s New York Times once again raise the issue of LED bulbs for the masses. Industry spokespeople say LED reliability, light quality, and efficiency is there, but so are steep purchase prices. Even low-wattage LEDs are in the $40 range. Replacements for 60 to 100 watt incandescent bulbs can still top $100. While the steep cost of acquisition is verifiably recovered over the life of the bulb, most analysts think it will take a significant breakthrough, witha sharp reduction in bulb prices, before consumers take LEDs seriously. (New York Times)

NOON SOLAR hot new solar bags for back to school: They’re crazy expensive, but it’s hard not to love the idea of tote and hand bags with built-in solar panels. What is the panel for? It powers an internal battery which will, in turn, charge your cellphone or iPod. Noon Solar makes six purses and totes in various sizes, for which you’ll pay north of $400. But if you’ve shopped similar conventional accessories, you’ll realize this Noon Solar’s models are in the general price ballpark. You can buy online. (Inhabitat)

Stories You Might Also Like: