Friday, January 30, 2009
NationMaster - Internet Statistics
NationMaster - Internet Statistics: "Internet Statistics by country"
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
GM Vice Chairman Lutz looks forward to 'car czar': Associated Press Business News: US:GM - MSN Money
GM Vice Chairman Lutz looks forward to 'car czar': Associated Press Business News: US:GM - MSN Money: "The Volt will be able to go up to 40 miles after being charged through a standard electrical outlet. After that, a gas engine will kick in to generate the electricity needed to travel hundreds more miles.
The battery in the Volt will only use 50 percent of its capability to preserve its health, Lutz said, but GM will keep pushing to get greater range out of one charge, which could eventually result in a reduction in size or cost."
The battery in the Volt will only use 50 percent of its capability to preserve its health, Lutz said, but GM will keep pushing to get greater range out of one charge, which could eventually result in a reduction in size or cost."
Chinese Electric Car Jolts The Competition | An Inconvenient Blog
Chinese Electric Car Jolts The Competition | An Inconvenient Blog: "The midsize sedan is called the F3DM. The car has a gasoline engine that kicks in when a driver accelerates to more than 37 mph; up to that point, it runs completely on electricity.
The F3DM produces 160 to 180 horsepower and can travel up to 60 miles just on its lithium ion battery, after which it relies on the small gas engine. BYD claims that charging the F3’s battery costs 75 percent less than filling up a gasoline-powered car."
The F3DM produces 160 to 180 horsepower and can travel up to 60 miles just on its lithium ion battery, after which it relies on the small gas engine. BYD claims that charging the F3’s battery costs 75 percent less than filling up a gasoline-powered car."
Paul Ingrassia: An Auto Show for Congress - WSJ.com
Paul Ingrassia: An Auto Show for Congress - WSJ.com: "They might consider Government Restructuring of the Entire Automotive Terrain. Except that even proponents of this bailout don't consider this situation to be GREAT. Another possibility would be Government Restructuring and Automotive Bailout, or GRAB. Which is what will happen when the bondholders, the union and the dealers, the environmental groups and other 'constituencies' battle -- as they surely and understandably will -- for their respective interests. The fighting will be fierce, and perhaps even fatal, unless the new law provides the companies with relief from contractual obligations, as they would get in an ordinary bankruptcy filing.
In any event, GREAT, GRAB or whatever they call the new auto-rescue law will come fast on the heels of the annual Detroit Auto Show"
In any event, GREAT, GRAB or whatever they call the new auto-rescue law will come fast on the heels of the annual Detroit Auto Show"
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Ex-Intel head Grove: Electric transportation 'has to be done' - USATODAY.com
Ex-Intel head Grove: Electric transportation 'has to be done' - USATODAY.com: "'The most important thing I would like to do is light that almost half-assumed truth up in neon lights: Electricity in transportation has to be done. It is urgent. It is so important that everything else is secondary,' Grove said in a recent interview with The Associated Press.
'The drumbeat of the electrical transportation is accelerating like nothing I've ever seen in my life,' he said."
'The drumbeat of the electrical transportation is accelerating like nothing I've ever seen in my life,' he said."
POWER Engineers
"Job opportunities sorted by location: Portland, OR"
http://www.powereng.com/resumedatabase/JobListingNew_list.asp?LocationSort=149
http://www.powereng.com/resumedatabase/JobListingNew_list.asp?LocationSort=149
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Incandescent Lamp Specifications
Incandescent Lamp Specifications: "E26standard household lamps in United States"
Electric Phaetons (Electric Cars) by John Jacob Astor IV from A Journey In Other Worlds
Electric Phaetons (Electric Cars) by John Jacob Astor IV from A Journey In Other Worlds: "Another change that came in with a rush upon the discovery of a battery with insignificant weight, compact form, and great capacity, was the substitution of electricity for animal power for the movement of all vehicles."
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Water Softeners Compared - Comparing the top brands and methods of water softening
Water Softeners Compared - Comparing the top brands and methods of water softening: "Recommended Usage: Pelican™ Salt-Free Softener
Salt Free water softeners are recommended for residential and commercial applications at or below 75 grains of hardness. It is also recommended for health conscious people, people with high blood pressure, people on a low or no sodium diet, or people who prefer chemical free water softening."
Salt Free water softeners are recommended for residential and commercial applications at or below 75 grains of hardness. It is also recommended for health conscious people, people with high blood pressure, people on a low or no sodium diet, or people who prefer chemical free water softening."
Chu's Green Energy Agenda - BusinessWeek
Chu's Green Energy Agenda - BusinessWeek: "President Barack Obama's new Energy Secretary, Steven Chu, is an unprecedented choice. Previous energy secretaries have all been politicians, such as former Democratic Representative, and now Governor, Bill Richardson of New Mexico, or former Republican Senator Spencer Abraham of Michigan. Chu, in contrast, is an eminent scientist, winner of the 1997 Nobel Prize for breakthroughs in basic physics. He's widely considered to be the smartest person ever to head up the Energy Dept."
Electric Vehicles - NEW ENERGY NEWS
Electric Vehicles - NEW ENERGY NEWS: "Fair Use Notice
This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner."
This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner."
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Electric Car's Perfect Plug - Choosing the Plug for Electric Cars - Popular Mechanics
The Electric Car's Perfect Plug - Choosing the Plug for Electric Cars - Popular Mechanics: "The most noticeable difference in the new model is at the end of the cord: the prongs. The traditional three-prong plug will be replaced with a five-prong plug, so current electric vehicles will need a converter or owners will have to replace their car's socket entirely. The two additional prongs allow charging stations and vehicles to communicate with each other—a capability that common electronics now lack. 'The devices on both sides of the connector are not just dumb things like a light bulb,' EPRI's Alexander says. 'Both sides have intelligence.'
The cord gains its intelligence through 'smart-grid' technology that monitors energy efficiency, now being installed by utilities nationwide. Car batteries will negotiate how much electricity a local grid should flow its way. That grid, meanwhile, will recognize the batteries' power limit to prevent overloading the circuit. It can also divide its power appropriately between multiple cars if they all plug in at once."
The cord gains its intelligence through 'smart-grid' technology that monitors energy efficiency, now being installed by utilities nationwide. Car batteries will negotiate how much electricity a local grid should flow its way. That grid, meanwhile, will recognize the batteries' power limit to prevent overloading the circuit. It can also divide its power appropriately between multiple cars if they all plug in at once."
Monday, January 19, 2009
Automakers Sing the Body Electric | Autopia from Wired.com
Automakers Sing the Body Electric | Autopia from Wired.com: "The future of the automobile was sealed at North America's biggest auto show this week, where all of the hottest new cars and concepts had extension cords.
Any idea that ethanol or hydrogen will lead us past petroleum was tossed out the window, as the big automakers — hobbled by a brutal economy, gyrating oil prices and humiliating congressional tongue-lashings — limped into the Detroit auto show. They all put on a brave face with the hybrids and electric vehicles they promise to start putting on the road next year."
Any idea that ethanol or hydrogen will lead us past petroleum was tossed out the window, as the big automakers — hobbled by a brutal economy, gyrating oil prices and humiliating congressional tongue-lashings — limped into the Detroit auto show. They all put on a brave face with the hybrids and electric vehicles they promise to start putting on the road next year."
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Best Water Filters »» MetaEfficient Reviews
The Best Water Filters »» MetaEfficient Reviews: "Unfortunately, there are many sources of water contamination in the modern world, and sophisticated water purification is simply not possible on the massive scale that municipalities have to deal with."
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Road to Fuel Efficiency Is Lined With Orange Cones - washingtonpost.com
Road to Fuel Efficiency Is Lined With Orange Cones - washingtonpost.com: "The case for plug-ins is gaining support. Lawmakers have championed the technology. GM and Toyota both have plans to produce plug-in hybrids that will run on lithium-ion batteries. Nissan, after being skeptical of the cost effectiveness of plug-in technology, recently began developing its own model. Yet even within this camp, there's heated disagreement over whose approach is best."
Toyota Plug-In Hybrid Coming Late This Year - Green Inc. Blog - NYTimes.com
Toyota Plug-In Hybrid Coming Late This Year - Green Inc. Blog - NYTimes.com: "Toyota plans to introduce its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle late this year, a year earlier than originally planned, and a year ahead of the Chevrolet Volt, a senior Toyota executive said on Sunday.
James Lentz, the president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., said in an interview that Toyota planned to initially make about 500 plug-in hybrids, which will be made available first to commercial customers. About 150 plug-ins will be slated for customers in the United States, Mr. Lentz said.
His comments came at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which opened to the press on Sunday."
James Lentz, the president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., said in an interview that Toyota planned to initially make about 500 plug-in hybrids, which will be made available first to commercial customers. About 150 plug-ins will be slated for customers in the United States, Mr. Lentz said.
His comments came at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which opened to the press on Sunday."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
EcoGeek - Clean Technology
EcoGeek - Clean Technology: "Well, yesterday I indicated that there might not be room for many surprises at this year's Detroit auto show, but I was just plain wrong. The first on the list of 'kinda knocked my socks off' surprises is the Chrysler 200C. Not only is this sedan good-looking and extremely technology advanced, but it's also being billed as an extended-range electric vehicle."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Good Green Cars
Good Green Cars: "2010 Toyota Prius, making its world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.
Here’s the skinny from Toyota’s Group VP Bob Carter, who introduced the car at the Detroit auto show:
* 50 mpg combined — the highest-mileage car sold in the U.S.
* Most aerodynamic production vehicle in the world, with a drag coefficient of .25
* Three driving modes: EV, economy, and power
* 0-60 in about 9 seconds (a noticeable improvement)
* Solar sun roof powers an interior cooling fan while the car is parked
* Sales start in late spring 2009 in the U.S. and Japan"
Here’s the skinny from Toyota’s Group VP Bob Carter, who introduced the car at the Detroit auto show:
* 50 mpg combined — the highest-mileage car sold in the U.S.
* Most aerodynamic production vehicle in the world, with a drag coefficient of .25
* Three driving modes: EV, economy, and power
* 0-60 in about 9 seconds (a noticeable improvement)
* Solar sun roof powers an interior cooling fan while the car is parked
* Sales start in late spring 2009 in the U.S. and Japan"
FORD’S ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE STRATEGY OVERVIEW | Ford Motor Company Newsroom
FORD’S ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE STRATEGY OVERVIEW | Ford Motor Company Newsroom: "DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2009 – Ford’s electrification strategy involves three types of electrified vehicles – Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) – to provide consumers with significant fuel economy improvements and reduced CO2 emissions without compromising their driving experience.
Ford’s new electrification strategy will deliver a suite of electrified vehicles to market by 2012, including:
* A full battery electric van-type commercial vehicle in 2010.
* A full battery electric passenger car in 2011.
* Next-generation hybrid vehicles, including a plug-in version by 2012.
The electrification strategy builds on Ford’s vision for bringing affordable technology to millions. It takes advantage of rapid advancements in electrified vehicle technology – particularly Lithium-ion batteries – while leveraging the scale of global vehicle platforms to bring the cost of new technology down."
Ford’s new electrification strategy will deliver a suite of electrified vehicles to market by 2012, including:
* A full battery electric van-type commercial vehicle in 2010.
* A full battery electric passenger car in 2011.
* Next-generation hybrid vehicles, including a plug-in version by 2012.
The electrification strategy builds on Ford’s vision for bringing affordable technology to millions. It takes advantage of rapid advancements in electrified vehicle technology – particularly Lithium-ion batteries – while leveraging the scale of global vehicle platforms to bring the cost of new technology down."
Water Heaters | RateReviewer
Water Heaters | RateReviewer: "
Top Water Heater Brands - October 23, 2008
There are several top brands to choose from when selecting a hot water heater. First, you should decide whether you want a conventional water heater or a tankless or ‘on demand’ water heater. Nest, you should decide how many gallons you need based on the number of people using the hot water heater and your particular use habits. Finally, now that energy prices have skyrocketed you should pick one of the energy efficient hot water heaters to save money on heating costs.
1. Bosch Water Heater
2. Rheem Water Heater
3. AO Smith Water Heater
4. Whirlpool Water Heater
5. Rinnai Water Heater"
Top Water Heater Brands - October 23, 2008
There are several top brands to choose from when selecting a hot water heater. First, you should decide whether you want a conventional water heater or a tankless or ‘on demand’ water heater. Nest, you should decide how many gallons you need based on the number of people using the hot water heater and your particular use habits. Finally, now that energy prices have skyrocketed you should pick one of the energy efficient hot water heaters to save money on heating costs.
1. Bosch Water Heater
2. Rheem Water Heater
3. AO Smith Water Heater
4. Whirlpool Water Heater
5. Rinnai Water Heater"
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Solar-cell maker halts construction plans for new plant in Hillsboro - Breaking News From Oregon & Portland - OregonLive.com
Solar-cell maker halts construction plans for new plant in Hillsboro - Breaking News From Oregon & Portland - OregonLive.com: "SpectraWatt Inc., an Intel spinoff that planned to make solar cells in Hillsboro, may leave Oregon because it can't find financing to build a plant.
Andrew Wilson, SpectraWatt's chief executive, confirmed Wednesday that the company had suspended construction plans and was searching inside and outside the state for an existing building to retrofit for less money.
The development surprised Gov. Ted Kulongoski's aides and state economic development officials, who had been negotiating tax breaks for the plant. 'Have them call us,' said Jillian Schoene, a spokeswoman for Kulongoski, who is trying to attract more renewable-energy manufacturers to the state.
The setback could spell broader trouble for the governor's green initiative. Or it could merely reveal one solar startup with unproven technology encountering obstacles and playing off Oregon against, say, New York."
Andrew Wilson, SpectraWatt's chief executive, confirmed Wednesday that the company had suspended construction plans and was searching inside and outside the state for an existing building to retrofit for less money.
The development surprised Gov. Ted Kulongoski's aides and state economic development officials, who had been negotiating tax breaks for the plant. 'Have them call us,' said Jillian Schoene, a spokeswoman for Kulongoski, who is trying to attract more renewable-energy manufacturers to the state.
The setback could spell broader trouble for the governor's green initiative. Or it could merely reveal one solar startup with unproven technology encountering obstacles and playing off Oregon against, say, New York."
waste heat posts - Green Tech - CNET News
waste heat posts - Green Tech - CNET News: "Vegawatt plugs in grease-fired restaurant generator
In a sign that waste may be a favored energy source this year, a small company on Monday said it has successfully plugged a vegetable oil generator into the electricity grid at a Boston-area restaurant.
The Vegawatt system, developed by Owl Power Systems, burns used-up vegetable oil from restaurant fryers to make electricity."
In a sign that waste may be a favored energy source this year, a small company on Monday said it has successfully plugged a vegetable oil generator into the electricity grid at a Boston-area restaurant.
The Vegawatt system, developed by Owl Power Systems, burns used-up vegetable oil from restaurant fryers to make electricity."
Tankless Water Heaters: A 2009 Review »» MetaEfficient Reviews
Tankless Water Heaters: A 2009 Review »» MetaEfficient Reviews: "Let’s quickly review the advantages and disadvantages of tankless water heaters:
Advantages:
* Uses less energy (eliminates heat loss in tanks and through pipes)
* Continuous hot water (hot water doesn’t run out)
* Long life-span (20 years versus 13 for a tank heater)
* Compact size
Disadvantages:
* Some tankless heaters have difficulty coping with large households
* More expensive than tank water heaters
* Owners may wait longer for hot water to arrive at a faucet (depending on installation)"
Advantages:
* Uses less energy (eliminates heat loss in tanks and through pipes)
* Continuous hot water (hot water doesn’t run out)
* Long life-span (20 years versus 13 for a tank heater)
* Compact size
Disadvantages:
* Some tankless heaters have difficulty coping with large households
* More expensive than tank water heaters
* Owners may wait longer for hot water to arrive at a faucet (depending on installation)"
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Detroit 2009: Toyota's iQ based FT-EV concept to hit production in 2012 - AutoblogGreen
Detroit 2009: Toyota's iQ based FT-EV concept to hit production in 2012 - AutoblogGreen: "In addition to the new third generation Prius and its sibling the Lexus HS250h, Toyota will be showing a battery electric concept here in Detroit called the FT-EV. As previously suspected, the car is based on Toyota's new iQ mini-car. Prior to the opening of the show, Toyota sent out a press release with some news about its electric vehicle plans. Toyota is planning a production launch of an urban battery electric vehicle by 2012, based on this concept."
Jeep Patriot EV: A Conceptual Electric Missile From Chrysler
Jeep Patriot EV: A Conceptual Electric Missile From Chrysler: "The Jeep Patriot EV gets an early reveal ahead of its Detroit Auto Show debut. Here's the skinny on the electric Jeep concept with a 400-mile driving range — direct from Chrysler's imagination.
The Jeep Patriot EV will join the Chrysler EV, Jeep Wrangler EV and Dodge EV (or Dodge Circuit) in Chrysler's growing group of electric cars the company claims they'll build by 2010.
According to Chrysler, the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) will be capable of driving approximately 40 miles on purely electric mode with additional power provided by a small gasoline-powered engine with an integrated generator, similar to what the Chevy Volt will offer. The information on price or production is non-existant at this point, but hey, Chrysler promises a quarter-mile time of 16 seconds, which seems awfully slow. Even for a fictional vehicle."
The Jeep Patriot EV will join the Chrysler EV, Jeep Wrangler EV and Dodge EV (or Dodge Circuit) in Chrysler's growing group of electric cars the company claims they'll build by 2010.
According to Chrysler, the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) will be capable of driving approximately 40 miles on purely electric mode with additional power provided by a small gasoline-powered engine with an integrated generator, similar to what the Chevy Volt will offer. The information on price or production is non-existant at this point, but hey, Chrysler promises a quarter-mile time of 16 seconds, which seems awfully slow. Even for a fictional vehicle."
Friday, January 9, 2009
Next Big Future: Sasol making 1.1 million barrel per day Coal to Liquid Operation in Indonesia by 2015, Competitive prices with Oilsands and Deep Water Oil
Next Big Future: Sasol making 1.1 million barrel per day Coal to Liquid Operation in Indonesia by 2015, Competitive prices with Oilsands and Deep Water Oil: "Sasol making 1.1 million barrel per day Coal to Liquid Operation in Indonesia by 2015, Competitive prices with Oilsands and Deep Water Oil
South Africa's Sasol Synfuels has a US$10 billion project to build 1.1 million barrels per day of oil equivalent with a massive coal to liquid operation in Indonesia.
Until recently coal to liquid cost $1 billion for 10,000 barrels per day of oil equivalent. So the Sasol operation is eleven times more cost effective at $1 billion for 110,000 barrels of CTL liquid per day
If the price of ten billion dollars for 1.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day could be hit by 2015, then such a project would be competitive with the pricing and timescale of oilsand projects and deep water oil. It would also be competitive with the scale of those other large oil projects."
South Africa's Sasol Synfuels has a US$10 billion project to build 1.1 million barrels per day of oil equivalent with a massive coal to liquid operation in Indonesia.
Until recently coal to liquid cost $1 billion for 10,000 barrels per day of oil equivalent. So the Sasol operation is eleven times more cost effective at $1 billion for 110,000 barrels of CTL liquid per day
If the price of ten billion dollars for 1.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day could be hit by 2015, then such a project would be competitive with the pricing and timescale of oilsand projects and deep water oil. It would also be competitive with the scale of those other large oil projects."
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Electric Cars Get a Makeover : Discovery News
Electric Cars Get a Makeover : Discovery News: "But after technological breakthroughs in the development of long-lasting lithium-ion batteries, soon it may not just be Hollywood stars who are zipping around in zero-emission automobiles.
Mitsubishi's electric car now runs 100 miles on one charge,"
Mitsubishi's electric car now runs 100 miles on one charge,"
Coulomb’s Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Are Live in San Jose « Earth2Tech
Coulomb’s Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Are Live in San Jose « Earth2Tech: "Like another electric vehicle infrastructure company Better Place, Coulomb plans to offer subscription plans. That includes a limited-time “Basic Access” subscription offer, which the company says includes free charging through 2009.
coulombcharging1smallSubscribers pay a one time $10 account setup fee and receive a charging card, which enables them to access any station. Then there’s options for varying monthly plans including: $15 per month for 10 night time charging sessions, $30 per month for unlimited night time charging sessions, $20 per month for “grid-friendly” charging sessions (we’re assuming that’s off-peak when the utility says it’s OK), $40 per month for unlimited “grid-friendly” charging sessions, $25 per month for 10 anytime sessions, and $50 per month for unlimited charging at anytime.
Fifty dollars per month ($600 per year) might sound like a lot for anytime unlimited access, but think how much you pay in gas per month and per year. But realistically, at this point, the only people who are going to sign up for a service with such limited access are EV owners that just want test out the novel technology."
coulombcharging1smallSubscribers pay a one time $10 account setup fee and receive a charging card, which enables them to access any station. Then there’s options for varying monthly plans including: $15 per month for 10 night time charging sessions, $30 per month for unlimited night time charging sessions, $20 per month for “grid-friendly” charging sessions (we’re assuming that’s off-peak when the utility says it’s OK), $40 per month for unlimited “grid-friendly” charging sessions, $25 per month for 10 anytime sessions, and $50 per month for unlimited charging at anytime.
Fifty dollars per month ($600 per year) might sound like a lot for anytime unlimited access, but think how much you pay in gas per month and per year. But realistically, at this point, the only people who are going to sign up for a service with such limited access are EV owners that just want test out the novel technology."
Monday, January 5, 2009
Erik Spiekermann - Wikipedia
Erik Spiekermann - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Spiekermann has designed the FF Meta typeface"
Friedman - Cars, Kabul and Banks - NYTimes.com
Op-Ed Columnist - Cars, Kabul and Banks - NYTimes.com: "Over the years, Detroit bosses kept repeating: “We have to make the cars people want.” That’s why they’re in trouble. Their job is to make the cars people don’t know they want but will buy like crazy when they see them. I would have been happy with my Sony Walkman had Apple not invented the iPod. Now I can’t live without my iPod. I didn’t know I wanted it, but Apple did. Same with my Toyota hybrid."
The Plug-In Paradox | The New America Foundation
The Plug-In Paradox | The New America Foundation: "UC, Davis Ph.D. candidate Jonn Axsen designed an online game last year to measure how 2,373 new car-buying households would weigh tradeoffs between cost and fuel efficiency. He found that while nearly 62% of those surveyed wanted a car with gas mileage near 125mpg, only 12% were comfortable with leaving gas behind altogether with an all-electric vehicle, probably out of fear of running out of juice. This emotional trigger could fade as more drivers experience plug-ins. 'It's unavoidable that the world will change while we're doing this research,' says Kurani."
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Electric vs Gasoline - Which is more cost effective? « True Cost - Analyzing our economy, government policy, and society through the lens of cost-benefit
Electric vs Gasoline - Which is more cost effective? « True Cost - Analyzing our economy, government policy, and society through the lens of cost-benefit: "At What Gasoline Price are Hybrid or Electric Vehicles Competitive?
For the Hymotion-modified Toyota Prius, the breakeven price of gas is around $3 a gallon. The Hymotion modification for the Toyota Prius costs $10,000, and the Prius itself costs roughly $5000 more than a similar non-hybrid vehicle. At $3 a gallon, a driver that drives 12,000 miles per year would save about $1500 per year, just recouping his initial investment over a 10 year timeframe.
Batteries represent the primary factor in the additional cost of hybrid vehicles, and battery price-performance is improving at a rate of about 8% per year. At this rate, the breakeven price will probably be $2 a gallon in 2013."
For the Hymotion-modified Toyota Prius, the breakeven price of gas is around $3 a gallon. The Hymotion modification for the Toyota Prius costs $10,000, and the Prius itself costs roughly $5000 more than a similar non-hybrid vehicle. At $3 a gallon, a driver that drives 12,000 miles per year would save about $1500 per year, just recouping his initial investment over a 10 year timeframe.
Batteries represent the primary factor in the additional cost of hybrid vehicles, and battery price-performance is improving at a rate of about 8% per year. At this rate, the breakeven price will probably be $2 a gallon in 2013."
The Plug-In Paradox | The New America Foundation
The Plug-In Paradox | The New America Foundation: "Plug-ins are ready to hit the highway, but are drivers? Their behavior has a huge influence on the performance of the technology under the hood. Rothman can get 99.9mpg, but an average driver will get 80, an aggressive one, 60 and a negligent one, who forgets to plug in the vehicle the night before and then drives like Dale Earnhardt Jr., less than 40. Argonne National Lab found that a bad driver who turns on the air conditioner can squash the plug-in's performance by reducing battery range from 40 miles to 15, which won't get most commuters to work and back."
autoblitz: Electric Vehicle Celebration
autoblitz: Electric Vehicle Celebration: "Meet 7 of the latest electric vehicles to hit the road, and find out how they did in our rigorous round of tests."
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Nissan Electric Cars: Nissan To Sell Pure Electric Cars In Oregon
Nissan Electric Cars: Nissan To Sell Pure Electric Cars In Oregon: "Nissan will begin selling electric cars in Oregon state as early as 2010, according to a statement by Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn at the LA Auto Show. There's been a lot buzz surrounding Nissan electric cars, especially with the debut of the Nissan Denki Cube concept at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. Oregon's governor Ted Kulongoski is recommending the state replace the $1,500 hybrid tax credit with a $5,000 electric vehicle credit, essentially subsidizing part of the cost of the vehicle. Nissan also plans a larger scale production of electric cars by 2012. Details in the statement from Nissan below."
40 mile range is the sweet spot says GM - News - PlanetTesla
40 mile range is the sweet spot says GM - News - PlanetTesla:
"GM's Volt vehicle line executive Frank Weber says that future battery improvements will not see a Volt going further than 40 miles on battery alone but rather becoming lighter, cheaper and hence a little more efficient.
He bases this on polls carried out by the company on typical usage and concludes that more than 80% of drivers will never engage the engine on a daily basis.
The current goal in the design of the Volt is a reduce cost, to bring the Volt into lower and lower cost markets.
He does however speculate that a modular battery design will emerge that might allow different owners to tune the range of the car between 20 and 80 miles on battery alone."
"GM's Volt vehicle line executive Frank Weber says that future battery improvements will not see a Volt going further than 40 miles on battery alone but rather becoming lighter, cheaper and hence a little more efficient.
He bases this on polls carried out by the company on typical usage and concludes that more than 80% of drivers will never engage the engine on a daily basis.
The current goal in the design of the Volt is a reduce cost, to bring the Volt into lower and lower cost markets.
He does however speculate that a modular battery design will emerge that might allow different owners to tune the range of the car between 20 and 80 miles on battery alone."
Gas prices too high in the US; I agree, but sign me up for the Gas Guzzler tax - News - PlanetTesla
Gas prices too high in the US; I agree, but sign me up for the Gas Guzzler tax - News - PlanetTesla: "awash with stories of fuel-efficiency and of downsizing out of road going farm, construction and military vehicles and into more efficient road going alternatives, it was starting to look as though SUV's might become unfashionable. Fast forward to today and despite financial concerns SUV's are off the chopping block, and that is a shame."
ETDA Presentation Notes - Karl Lewis of Gridpoint
ETDA Presentation Notes - Karl Lewis of Gridpoint: "assuming 25% of cars on the grid were plugin by 2020 then we would need an additional 160 large power plants in the US to manage on-peak charging vs. 0-8 if off-peak charging were used. We have enough capacity to power 100 million electric vehicles today if we manage charging correctly. We have more than enough capacity, we need to make the cars themselves 'grid aware' to manage that capacity successfully. Average EV power consumption is ~10kWh [daily]."
Friday, January 2, 2009
Innovation Electric Vehicle - travel green in the cities of future | Futuristic Transportation
Innovation Electric Vehicle - travel green in the cities of future | Futuristic Transportation:
"This communal electric car combines the flexibility and speed of a privately owned car with the ecological benefits of public transportation."
"This communal electric car combines the flexibility and speed of a privately owned car with the ecological benefits of public transportation."
China Beats The Big 3
China Beats The Big 3: "China’s first mass-produced hybrid electric car hits the market on Monday, in a move aimed at driving the nation to the cutting edge of the world’s green auto industry.
The car is made by BYD Auto"
The Electric Car's Perfect Plug - Choosing the Plug for Electric Cars - Popular Mechanics
The Electric Car's Perfect Plug - Choosing the Plug for Electric Cars - Popular Mechanics:
"The Quest for the Electric Car's Perfect Plug
Refueling a plug-in electric vehicle sounds like an overly simple task: Take it to the socket and plug it in. But when you are quickly transferring 400 amps of energy, your everyday outlet—and standard extension cord—just won't do. Before the plug-in electric revolution becomes a reality, engineers have to first agree on standardized cords that are sleeker, safer and smarter than the traditional three-prong extension cord. Here are the problems and answers from engineers on their quest for the perfect plug."
"The Quest for the Electric Car's Perfect Plug
Refueling a plug-in electric vehicle sounds like an overly simple task: Take it to the socket and plug it in. But when you are quickly transferring 400 amps of energy, your everyday outlet—and standard extension cord—just won't do. Before the plug-in electric revolution becomes a reality, engineers have to first agree on standardized cords that are sleeker, safer and smarter than the traditional three-prong extension cord. Here are the problems and answers from engineers on their quest for the perfect plug."
As easy as (A)123! - Naked Stocks
As easy as (A)123! - Naked Stocks: "Think has reengineered their cars since then. The new models now sport ranges of about 106 miles without a charge and 65 mph, they are being sold in Norway now and the company plans to have them in U.S. driveways next year for an estimated cost of $18,000 to $20,000. If all goes according to Think’s plans, they’ll have their electric car in America a full year before the Volt goes on sale. In addition to General Electric, Think’s coporate investors include Proctor and Gamble, Qualcomm, MIT and Motorola."
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