GM's Volt of enlightenment - The Irish Times - Wed, Jun 24, 2009

GM's Volt of enlightenment - The Irish Times - Wed, Jun 24, 2009: "Few have been let behind the wheel of GM's new electric plug-in family car but CHELSEA SEXTON got the chance to spend a day behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Volt

GENERAL MOTORS’ Volt has been described as a car that can save the motoring world from its dependency on fossil fuels. Incredible times ahead then.

Due to be sold as a Chevrolet in the US, it will come to Ireland later on as the Opel Ampera.

From its unveiling over two years ago, I’ve wanted to drive it. Having worked on GM’s original electric car, the EV1, I’ve had the right contacts to make a case and have all but made a nuisance of myself with the company, seeking evidence of their sincerity about doing another plug-in car."

Federal dollars could stimulate electric vehicle charging stations - OregonLive.com

Federal dollars could stimulate electric vehicle charging stations - OregonLive.com: "With as many as 20 percent of new cars purchased in 2010 predicted to be electric or electric-gas hybrids, nearly 80 public and private entities, including Washington County and the City of Hillsboro, have pledged to support the region becoming a leader in electric car proliferation."

China moves ahead in EVs, while hybrid sales stall

China moves ahead in EVs, while hybrid sales stall: "The New York Times ran a feature story today on China's plans to take a leading position in electric and hybrid vehicles. Reporter Keith Bradsher writes:

China wants to raise its annual production capacity to 500,000 hybrid or all-electric cars and buses by the end of 2011, from 2,100 last year, government officials and Chinese auto executives said. By comparison, CSM Worldwide, a consulting firm that does forecasts for automakers, predicts that Japan and South Korea together will be producing 1.1 million hybrid or all-electric light vehicles by then and North America will be making 267,000.

Meanwhile, hybrid vehicles are sitting unsold on U.S. dealer lots. Last summer, with gasoline at $4 a gallon, the average new Toyota Prius moved off the lot within 36 hours of arrival. Now, with the gas price down by half, the average Prius sits for 76 days. In most parts of the country, the average price of a used Prius has dropped about 24% in 7 months.

We can't blame that situation entirely on gas prices. Sales of all new vehicles plummeted about 30% after the credit crisis and stock market crash."

EV batteries: An investor's take

EV batteries: An investor's take: "He buys individual 4.2-volt Li-ion cells for about $2 each and 'welds' them into packs providing the required voltage and amp-hour reserve. He charges about $2.50 per cell for the assembled pack, and the final price may be thousands of dollars.

That's a problem for electric cars. The lightweight Tesla roadster, for instance, uses 6,800 Li-ion cells, the whole pack weighing 450kg, roughly half a ton. That battery pack would constitute about 50% of the cost of a modest plug-in hybrid sedan.

Hence the interest in the future of the battery market. A new report, 'The Race for the Electric Car,' from Thomas Weisel Partners, an investment firm, points out that the first real hurdle in electric car production is economical assembly of Li-ion cells into usable battery packs."

China Vies to Be World’s Leader in Electric Cars - The New York Times

China Vies to Be World’s Leader in Electric Cars - The New York Times: "In a new threat to Detroit, China is investing heavily in hybrid and electric-vehicle technology."

SOLAR TODAY: (2009 Apr) Plugging In Transportation - Expected Vehicles

SOLAR TODAY: (2009 Apr) Plugging In Transportation - Expected Vehicles: "Electric Cars — Present and Future

From motor legends such as Ford to international startups like REVA, car makers around the world are gearing up to build electric vehicles ranging from sports cars to family vans. There doesn’t seem to be an official list of current and coming electric vehicles, many of which are tentative or produced on a limited basis. The following is not a definitive listing of electric vehicles, but it proves that the move to electric vehicles is both real and imminent.

Key:
EV = electric vehicle
NEV = low-speed neighborhood electric vehicle
EREV = extended-range electric vehicle
PHEV = plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

Available Now

CAR TYPE
MORE INFORMATION
BMW Mini-E (limited leasing in California, New York and New Jersey) EV
miniusa.com/minie-usa
Columbia ParCar Mega
NEV
columbiavehicles.com
Chrysler Global Electric Motorcars
NEV
gemcar.com
Miles Electric ZX40
NEV
milesev.com
Myers NmG NEV
myersmotors.com
REVAi (available in India) EV revaindia.com
Tesla Roadster
EV
teslamotors.com
Think City (available in Norway) EV
think.no
ZAP Xebra
NEV
zapworld.com"

Tesla, Ford and Nissan win big with DOE grants | Revenge of the Electric Car

Tesla, Ford and Nissan win big with DOE grants | Revenge of the Electric Car: "We’ve been waiting for several months to hear this good news. Three EV pioneers, Tesla, Nissan and Ford, are receiving loans from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program. Totaling $8 billion, the funds will be used to manufacture efficient vehicles and electric drive components. tesla

In Tesla’s case, they’ll receive a total of $465 million to set up their factory in Southern California for the production of their hot Model S. This car has generated a lot of interest given its superb styling, performance and efficiency. The price point of $57K makes it affordable for a large segment of the population. Part of the money will be used to set up a production line for their battery packs and electric drive trains to be sold to other manufacturers such as their new partner, Daimler."

It’s Happening | Revenge of the Electric Car

It’s Happening | Revenge of the Electric Car: "How long before the number of plug-in cars outnumbers the gas burners? I think it’ll happen some time around 2022, give or take. Of course, you can help your community get there earlier by getting in line early for yours …"

Tesla Motors - Tesla Leadership

Tesla Motors - Tesla Leadership: "With the recent lawsuit filed by Martin Eberhard, which seeks to perpetuate a version of Tesla’s history that is at odds with the truth, I felt it was important to set the record straight. This post is not a complete response to the allegations in the lawsuit (we will be responding fully in court soon), but rather an effort to correct several misconceptions propagated by Eberhard that are now being reported as truth.

I’ve included several relevant emails as source documents to show that this is more than just my subjective opinion versus Eberhard’s. As you will see, the evidence overwhelmingly supports a different account of the past than the one presented in his lawsuit.

At the heart of his attack, Eberhard plays to a common archetype – that of the noble inventor whose invention is usurped by the rich and powerful businessman. He has labored hard to create this impression and there is an intuitive appeal to it, as there is with any archetype, but in this case it is false."

Exxon Entering Electric Vehicle Market With Maya 300 | Sustainability | Fast Company

Exxon Entering Electric Vehicle Market With Maya 300 | Sustainability | Fast Company: "Electric vehicles have definitely hit the big time now that gasoline-slinging companies are getting involved. The Maya 300, an all-electric vehicle coming out in 2011, will feature a lithium ion battery separator film dubbed 'the SuperPolymer' from Exxon-Mobil. The separator--a critical part of li-ion batteries--can withstand temperatures up to 374 degrees. That's 85 degrees more than competing separator films can take. The Maya 300's actual li-ion battery will come from its manufacturer, Electrovaya.

When Electrovaya first announced the Maya 300 in January, it said that the plug-in electric vehicle will only travel up to 25 or 35 mph. Newer announcements from Electrovaya omit that detail, but highlight the car's eight to 10 hour charging time, ability to run for 120 miles, and plug-in capabilities. Electrovaya will reveal more details in an announcement next Wednesday."

Plug-in electric vehicles pose challenges for feds (6/10/09) -- www.GovernmentExecutive.com

Plug-in electric vehicles pose challenges for feds (6/10/09) -- www.GovernmentExecutive.com: "Federal agencies are obligated by law and executive order to use plug-in electric vehicles when they become commercially available, but meeting that requirement will be a major challenge, auditors from the Government Accountability Office found.

In a new report, GAO found that the likely high cost of those vehicles and insufficient infrastructure for recharging them are barriers to widespread adoption, at least initially. In addition, many of the laws governing federal energy use and vehicle acquisition hold contradictory goals that will make it difficult for agencies to comply."

Saturn's Future Under Penske Might Move Electric Cars to Forefront - Beyond Fossil Fuel

Saturn's Future Under Penske Might Move Electric Cars to Forefront - Beyond Fossil Fuel: "Now that Penske has agreed to buy Saturn from GM, the big question is what will happen to the their vehicles. The agreement between the two companies stated that GM would keep building the Aura, Outlook, and Vue models for Penske on a contract basis and the plug-in Vue Hybrid powertrain will be moved over to the Equinox. In the higher-mpg era that's coming, though, Saturn needs to focus on green cars. According to Roger Penske, there is at least a small chance that the new Saturn will bring all-electric cars to market soon. Penske told Edmunds that EVs 'might be the first vehicles produced in the U.S.' under Saturn's arrangement with foreign partners."

Sustainable Industries » Synkromotive electric charging stations

Sustainable Industries » Synkromotive electric charging stations: "“The future of passenger transportation is going to change,” says Chris Bakken, chief strategy officer for Synkromotive, a Portland-based company that designs, manufactures and supplies OnSynk charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs).

Even if you didn’t get a chance to hear Bakken in person Tuesday morning at the Young Professionals of Portland “Breakfast of Champions” event at the University of Oregon building in Portland, the reasons for why Americans should steer away from gasoline-powered vehicles will sound familiar: petroleum scarcity, pollution, climate change, cost of maintaining the current gas infrastructure and national security."

Argonne Study Suggests Chevy Volt Would Get 157 MPG | GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site

Argonne Study Suggests Chevy Volt Would Get 157 MPG | GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site: "The four configurations studied were a 4 kwh and 8 kwh PHEV and a 12 kwh and 16 kwh EREV."

Geek Squad gets new, shiny wheels… « evchels

Geek Squad gets new, shiny wheels… « evchels: Brammo Enertia
"It is said that smart people bet on the inevitable."

OnCars - 2011 Tesla Model S Part 1 of 3: Design

OnCars - 2011 Tesla Model S Part 1 of 3: Design

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In alternative energy, a new China Syndrome – OregonLive.com

In alternative energy, a new China Syndrome – OregonLive.com: "use of piezoelectric textile materials called AFCs, or Advanced Fiber Composites, to generate electricity in wind and water applications. I came up with two inventions I thought for sure universities, researchers and companies would jump on: (1) an artificial 'Wind Tree', which bio-mimicked a real tree in appearance, while generating electricity in lower wind velocity areas, like suburban backyards, using a passive power generating system involving piezoelectric leaves and piezoelectric actuators in artificial leaf nodes. Not one university or company in the U.S. I contacted showed any interest. Several overseas did, however. (2) a follow-on variant, called the 'Kelp Tree', which basically used piezoelectric textiles, cut into long strips, like artificial kelp or seaweed, and anchored to a simple seabed, lake or stream bed platform. The movement of the stream current or tides generated consistent electrical current. In fact I tested a small, single strand device in the near surf zone on the Oregon Coast and it generated electricity consistently from wave and tidal action. The 'Kelp Tree' concept could be applicable to our rivers, like the Columbia, and even small streams and irrigation canals, anywhere there is a small moving current of water. The added benefit is these artificial piezoelectric weed beds could perform many of the environmental functions of real weed beds, such as fish and small invertebrate habitat, while also generating electricity. Again no interest from any academic institution or companies in the U.S.; but some interest overseas as far away as New Zealand. So go figure, as the old saw goes."

In alternative energy, a new China Syndrome – OregonLive.com

In alternative energy, a new China Syndrome – OregonLive.com: "'We spend one-tenth of a percent of of the total cost of our energy on research,' he warns. 'There's no part of the economy where we spend so little, and this is our future.'

And it could be a somewhat limited future if we spend it going to Germany for solar technology, and to Denmark for wind technology, and to China for electric cars."

Future is sunny for PV Powered | Local & State News | The Bulletin

Future is sunny for PV Powered | Local & State News | The Bulletin: "Bend’s PV Powered is ramping up for growth that could double or triple the company’s size in the next two years and firmly cement Central Oregon as a center for renewable-energy technology, according to CEO Gregg Patterson."

ClipperCreek to Supply Power Control Stations for Tesla Motors

ClipperCreek to Supply Power Control Stations for Tesla Motors: "The TS-70 is the industry’s first product to market that incorporates the new SAE-J1772 standard for vehicle to EVSE communications, while remaining backward compatible with the previous standards. The TS-70 is also available at different charge rates to accommodate areas with limited electrical service."

Pharox 6W Dimmable LED Bulb Brightens Up Lightfair | SYS-CON AUSTRALIA

Pharox 6W Dimmable LED Bulb Brightens Up Lightfair | SYS-CON AUSTRALIA: "'The illumination market, currently dominated by incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent lamps and halogen lighting, will be revolutionized through the use of white LED,' said Steven Nia, chairman and CEO, Digital Light. 'White LED requires less than 10% of the energy, as compared to traditional lighting and lasts 10 times longer. The Pharox 6W is a tremendous step forward in the advancement of LED lighting.'

The Pharox 6W will be on display during Lightfair at booth #2208, and will be widely available for sale in July 2009 at www.amazon.com, and on the new Lemnis Lighting website www.mypharox.com. The Pharox 5W (40W replacement) is available today at www.amazon.com, or through Digital Light by contacting Jessica Chon at Jessica@eDigitalLight.com."

Oregon could land large solar facility | Cooler Planet News

Oregon could land large solar facility | Cooler Planet News: "Oregon may be on the verge of landing a large solar panel manufacturing facility, according to recent reports.

A report in the Oregonian newspaper says that Suntech, a large Chinese solar energy company, is eyeing the state as a location for a manufacturing plant.

A U.S. based Suntech official, Steve Chadima, said that 'Oregon's definitely on the list,' and that there may be up to a half dozen places under consideration. The newspaper also says that a decision is expected within the next six months."

Toyota: Plug-in Hybrids Will Have Limited Appeal - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com

Toyota: Plug-in Hybrids Will Have Limited Appeal - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com: "“Toyota could be the leader in plug-in hybrids,” Mr. Kramer said in an e-mail message. “Unfortunately, now that most automakers have begun to zig toward electrification, it has gone zag. Its spokespeople have been cherry-picking among studies. The company doesn’t offer equivalent objections to any other solutions it advocates.”

The debate over plug-in hybrids is apparently far from over."

The Plug In Vehicle Scam -- Seeking Alpha

The Plug In Vehicle Scam -- Seeking Alpha

EIA - Supplemental Tables to the Annual Energy Outlook 2009, Updated Reference Case with ARRA

EIA - Supplemental Tables to the Annual Energy Outlook 2009, Updated Reference Case with ARRA: "Annual Energy Outlook 2009"

Cascadia - Articles/News: Rep. Eddy's HB 1481 To Expand Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Cascadia - Articles/News: Rep. Eddy's HB 1481 To Expand Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: "The bill requires certain regional and state agencies to seek federal or private funding for planning how charging stations and related electric vehicle infrastructure would be included in publicly available off-street parking. The building trades industries would be closely consulted to ensure appropriate circuitry is used. Related planning work, according to the bill, should include an implementation plan for King, Pierce and Snohomish counties to have electric vehicle-ready 10 percent of public and private parking spaces by the end of 2018. Model ordinances would be developed guiding local governments in in siting and installing battery charging stations.

To the extent practicable, the state by year's end 2015 must install a recharging outlet for electrical vehicles in each state-operated highway rest stop. The state must also provide an opportunity to lease space for the limited purpose of operating a battery exchange or charging station in appropriate state-owned highway rest stops. The bill also contains specific provisions to encourage development of electric vehicle infrastructure not only on, but also adjacent to major highways; and to compel state and local government subdivisions to convert to 100 percent bio-fuel or electric fuel in their vehicle fleets by as soon as June 1, 2015."

CNBC Mini-mizes its journalism skills… « evchels

CNBC Mini-mizes its journalism skills… « evchels: "I’ve got plenty to say about the execution of the Mini E program- and if BMW continues to make a new poor decision seemingly by the day, it’s probably only a matter of time ‘til I’m one of several voices doing exactly that. But there’s no excuse at all for this video interview by CNBC of Peter Trepp, the first Mini E driver to take delivery of his new electrified ride.

There have been others who have criticized various aspects of the vehicle- and while I happen to think the Mini E is a kick to drive, it’s not without its faults. But Dennis Kneale, CNBC’s “reporter” takes issue not with the car, nor the program- but the fact that an EV could meet Peter’s needs in the first place. And in a 2-minute piece, he manages to work in just about every tired stereotype. The only thing this guy leaves out is a sense of objectivity and professionalism, assuming he has either."

How an electric car could kill you

TheStar.com | Insight | How an electric car could kill you: "When cars run on electric power, they not only save fuel and cut emissions but also operate more quietly. Ordinarily, people might welcome quieter cars on the roads. However, as the use of hybrid and electric vehicles grows, a new concern is growing too: Pedestrians and cyclists find it hard to hear them coming, especially when the cars are moving slowly through a busy town or manoeuvring in a parking lot.

Some drivers say that when their cars are in electric mode people are more likely to step out in front of them. The solution, many now believe, is to fit electric and hybrid cars with external sound systems.

A bill going through the U.S. Congress wants to establish a minimum level of sound for vehicles that are not using an internal-combustion engine, so that blind people and other pedestrians can hear them coming."