The main concern of legislators, farmers and families about ethanol subsidies around the world is the accompanying rise in prices. Many observers are concerned that increasingly large percentages of crop yields given to fuel instead of food production will negate savings at the pump for ethanol-enriched fuels. Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based Poet Energy has recently received funding from the Department of Energy to solve this problem by using corncobs and kernel fibers for ethanol production.

Frequent readers of HybridMile have read plenty of articles about all-electric, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. These stories rarely touch on the American public’s broader knowledge of electric vehicles. The assumption that every American household is familiar with all-electric and hybrid options is challenged by a recent report from the UC-Davis Institute of Transportation Studies.

The Department of Energy laid down a challenge to motor companies to improve fuel efficiency by 10 percent by converting wasted heat and exhaust. General Motors, BMW and other motor companies are using their own resources as well as DOE funding to meet this goal. The Associated Press reported recently on advancements in thermoelectric devices that are capable of converting lost heat into electrical currents.

Readers of HybridMile have read a few stories in the past about Nissan’s commitment to bringing hybrid and all-electric vehicles to the market in the near future. The motor company’s representatives used its advanced technology briefing to unveil additional information about HEV and EV offerings that are slated for 2010. Nissan also highlighted its ongoing development of lithium ion battery packs that will enable both vehicles to operate efficiently.

China’s temporary efforts to clean up Beijing for the ongoing Olympic Games have opened up opportunities for companies like Ricardo Company and Chery to show off green products. Ricardo has partnered with the Chinese automaker to create 50 hybrid vehicles for transportation and mail delivery during the Games. These “Olympic Green Messengers” use Chery’s A5 sedan body to provide ample room for passengers and supplies between stops in the Olympic Village.

We have posted several stories on HybridMile about all-electric vehicles that are emerging in markets around the world. Each story has noted that one of the problems with all-electric cars and trucks is the strain placed on existing utility grids. Electronic Transportation Engineering Corporation (eTec) has received funding from the Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory to take a step toward solving the electric grid issue.

The upcoming release of the Typ-1 electric vehicle by California-based Aptera Motors has been buoyed by recent investments from companies like Google.com. Aptera Motors has received nearly $24 million in venture funding from Google.com, Esenjay Investments, Actacell and Idealab to advance development of the next generation of electric vehicles. The executives at Aptera Motors have stated that they want to use most of the funding to improve its production facility in Vista, California.

The designers and presenters from the NICE (No Internal Combustion Engine) Car Company may have made the greatest strides toward commercial success in the recent British International Motor Show. This London-based car company unveiled five vehicles in total that run entirely on electricity and function well in city environments. NICE has expanded its inventory to address the needs of families, commuters and vacationers looking to drive into the country.

The recent announcement that General Motors is partnering with 30 utilities throughout the United States to develop stations for electric vehicles may seem self-serving at first. Readers of HybridMile are likely aware that General Motors has plans to unveil its all-electric Chevy Volt in 2010. The initial reaction that GM is looking at its bottom line as it works with utilities in 37 states on an electrical infrastructure overlooks the overwhelming challenges to this project.

The designers at Ford Europe have created a third generation of the ECOnetic vehicle line based on the Ford Fiesta coupe. This fuel-efficient coupe was shown to auto enthusiasts, reporters and executives in London at the recent British International Motor Show. Ford Europe’s release of the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic follows on the heels of the company’s Ford Mondeo and Focus versions in recent years.