Iceland Gets a PHEV for Sept. Int'l Conference

Iceland Gets a PHEV for Sept. Int'l Conference: "PHEVS COME TO ICELAND

In European countries where fuel costs over $5/gallon, our 100+MPG message (translated to 40+ kilometers/liter plus electricity) resonates. And the global warming benefit is of great interest especially when the European Union is establishing goals of 120 or 130 grams of CO2/kilometer. A Prius conversion can emit less than 110 grams/kilometer! (For documentation, see the Technical Notes for the Presentation by CalCars Tech Lead Ron Gremban at EET-2007 European Ele-Drive in Brussels last spring at http://www.calcars.org/­downloads.html )

Some time ago, we agreed to speak at a Sept. 17-18 conference in Iceland bringing together key policymakers in that country along with many leaders from Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. We were interested in doing this because we'd been hearing that this unique nation, 72% powered by goethermal energy and hydropower, was reconsidering its assumptions about a fuel-cell future. We saw a chance to present the pathway of electrifying transportation, using existing technology and infrastructure, and avoiding the high energy needed to electrolyze water into hydrogen. (That said, there's still lots of momentum for hydrogen in Iceland.)

With three cabinet ministers and the President driving hybrids, the climate seemed favorable for our message. (Barbara Boxer, Chairperson of the Senate Environment and Pu"