The Week in Cleantech, Saturday Edition: Experts warn that Hurricane Ike could spike prices across the U.S. — and GM leaks photos of the 2011 Chevy Volt.

Hurricane Ike expected to pump up gas prices: Hurricane Ike barreled into the Texas coastline early this morning, making landfall at Galveston with 110 MPH winds and a storm surge of up to 20 feet. Experts warn the strike is likely to spike gasoline prices as early as today. About 15 percent of the United States’ gasoline supply passes through refineries battered by both Ike and Hurricane Gustav, which struck Louisiana September 1st. Gas prices could jump 35 to 50 cents per gallon over the next week or so due to damage and the nearly two-week shutdown of Gulf refining facilities. (Newsday)

GM - Volt photos released by accident: General Motors says the release of photographs showing a production-ready Chevy Volt electric car was a matter of “human error.” The images — posted to a company media website on Monday — depict the eagerly-awaited car with GM Vice Chairman Bib Lutz and other members of the Volt production team. The official unveiling of the Volt wasn’t expected until GM’s centennial celebrations next week. EcoTech Daily has gallery of the leaked Volt photos here. (Detroit News)

Daimler to Electrify Autobahn With “e-mobility Berlin”: With German carmaker Daimler on record as planning to shift its entire line of vehicles to electric drivetrains, it’s nor surprise to see them actively promoting creation of the infrastructure to support a plug-in fleet. The company is partnering with German utility RWE to seed 500 electric charging stations at points around Berlin — probably the largest such commitment yet announced. The charging stations will service about 100 test vehicles beginning early next year. The “smart stations” will communicate with vehicles as they are charged, automatically billing the owner. (Earth2Tech)

Older Demographics Biggest Users of Green Products: Who is using the greatest number of Green products? A new survey by communication company ICOM says it’s not younger consumers — it’s adults over the age of 55. Leading the way: 55 to 59 year old women, followed by 65-69 year old men. When those who don’t choose Green products were asked why, 50 percent responded that cost was the main reason. Another 17 percent said they doubted Green products are actually better for the environment. (Environmental Leader)

The 65 mpg Ford the U.S. Can’t Have: A version of the Ford Fiesta sold in Europe gets a whopping 65 MPG — better than the popular Toyota Prius hybrid. But don’t expect to see it on U.S. roads anytime soon, if at all. The 2009 Fiesta ECOnetic looks sports, seats five, and has its own GPS navigation system. Unfortunately for North American drivers, it’s also a diesel. Manufacturers have found it difficult to overcome diesel’s smoky, big-rig image in the United States. Ford says importing the Fiesta ECOnetic wouldn’t be profitable, and none of its existing Stateside facilities are in a position to produce the vehicle. U.S. drivers wanting to go diesel will have to wait for models from Mercedes, Honda, and Nissan — expected sometime in 2010. (Businessweek)

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