Aspiring zookeeper and frequent Tiffany’s shopper Newt Gingrich made some fresh waves in his wavy presidential campaign last week in Georgia, claiming the Obama administration wanted to force smaller vehicles and electric cars like the Chevrolet Volt on Americans, saying: “You can’t put a gun rack in a Volt.” One Chevrolet Volt owner took that as a challenge.
In the video below, the Volt owner – also apparently from Georgia — says he made the video to respond to the cheap shots by Gingrich made against the Volt, noting it’s made and designed in the United States, unlike nearly every other hybrid or electric vehicle on American roads. All we’ll add is that while GM says it didn’t design the Volt to be a “political punching bag” and might not be the first choice for a hunting trip, it did shoot battery packs to ensure they wouldn’t blow up if bullets passed through. (They don’t.)
A123 Systems Inc., (AONE) Electric Vehicle Battery Maker About to See Company Turnaround?
Electric vehicles have been out of testing labs and on the market, at least in limited quantities, for a few years now. There are not a large number of these vehicles on the roads just yet, but slowly they are starting to become more of a presence. One of the biggest reasons why the vehicles have not gained more popularity is simply that they are harder to manage. While a traditional vehicle can go around 300 miles before refueling at one of the many available gas stations, electric vehicles can traditionally go about 100-200 miles before needing to be charged using a proper power source. But a recent deal with A123, a maker of batteries for electronic vehicles, indicates that things may soon be changing.
A123 has inked a deal with Detroit’s GM to supply batteries for vehicles that are intended to be announced later on. While little is known about the deal or the vehicles that the batteries will be used for, speculation indicates that the company will be providing GM with thousands of batteries. The batteries are expected to be engineered and produced by the end of 2012, with vehicle production to begin shortly thereafter. In the time following this announcement, it has also been noted that the remainder of the year is expected to bring more announcements from A123, including deals with BMW as well as another major North American car manufacturer.
So, what does all of this mean for the electrical vehicle market? Well, it seems that this, too, is open to speculation. Are GM and BMW working on new electric vehicles? It will be some time before those announcements are made, but indicators are certainly pointing in that direction. With numerous major car companies producing electric vehicles, the race may finally be on for car companies to produce an EV that can go farther and longer without the need to recharge. The recent announcement regarding solar panels with the new EV from Ford certainly shows that makers are working hard to improve EV lifespan between charges.
Electric vehicles are still in their infancy. The technology is available, but improvements will likely need to continue before the general public is willing to make these vehicles the primary choice. But with announcements like these indicating that major manufacturers are likely putting more work and research into creating better electric vehicles, the dawning of a new era in personal vehicles might not be as far away as you think.
A123 Systems, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, manufacture, and sale of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and battery systems worldwide. The companys battery products are based on its proprietary Nanophosphate technology for application development in the transportation, electric grid services, and commercial markets. In addition, it provides research and development services to government agencies and commercial customers. A123 Systems sell its batteries and battery systems directly to end-user customers, as well as through reseller and distributor channels. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Hybrid Fuels, Inc. as incorporated in the state of Nevada in 1998 as Polo Equities, has announced and filed amended articles of incorporation to change its name. The Company was primarily been a development stage company with management focused on developing innovative business opportunities and further advancing technologies. The Company’s states that the new name will better reflect its business strategy to provide consumers with alternatives to traditional drugs for a new healthy life style. Nouveau Life’s niche in the market will be to provide nutraceutical alternatives and solutions to patients suffering from impotence, erectile dysfunction, acne, cholesterol and many other common conditions. The Company introduced Azul Instant™ – “Be Ready in an Instant”, in January, a 100% natural male enhancement product for erectile dysfunction.
Late last year, the Company announced a new business strategy. The company will transform itself into a nutraceutical/pharmaceutical business venture with new strategic goals.
The announcement came just weeks before the Washington state Senate has passed a bill to charge electric car owners a $100 annual fee to compensate for the lack of gas taxes they pay. The bill comes as a slap in the face to all EV owners as the passing have the possibilities to be adopted to all 50 states in the future. Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, the Camano Island Democrat who sponsored the bill, says while electric cars are good for the environment, they put the same wear and tear on the state’s roads that gas vehicles do.
The same bill passed in the Senate last year but failed in the House.
Washington’s gas tax stands at 37.5 cents per gallon, and is the state’s largest source of transportation dollars.
Is the another attempt at killing the electric car movement in America?
Do Hybrids and EV owners need to be punished for doing the right this for our country?
Is big oil staging a quite movement to discourage the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles, hybrids and electric cars in America?
San Francisco’s P Youthful Museum is really a modernist copper-and-glass statement that challenges the attention and mind to consider past the quotidian. Exactly the same could be stated for that funky vehicle and it is oddball trailer parked just next door in the middle of Golden Gate Park. Should you thought the all-electric Nissan Leaf would be a walk into the near future, Phil Sadow would love you to consider again.
“What you are searching at is really a gas-powered Capstone turbine engine that spins at 100,000 revoltions per minute, but only has one moving part and may help electric vehicle proprietors circumvent the possible lack of quick-charging stations,” Sadow states, starting right into a flurry of scientific jargon that’s the San Francisco Bay Area engineer’s natural language.
When Nissan revealed its Leaf EV this past year, the wedge-like machine lifted the spirits associated with a driver disgruntled through the Who Wiped out The Electrical Vehicle? era. None much more than Sadow, who was raised criss-crossing the nation because of his father’s job using the electric golf buggy giant, E-Z-Go.
“You can tell I acquired the EV bug early, around age 7,” Sadow states.Skip forward couple ofseveral decades, which kid has become an electric engineering whiz that has become consumed with creating this version from the electric vehicle live.
“Transpire is always to make EV’s successful, because it is factoronly factor that’s likely to save us,” statesaccording to him. “The west is dependant on cars, so that is not vanishing. However when oil becomes scarce, our economy will most likely tank given our addiction to foreign oil. I simply hope what we are doing is not not enough past too far.Inch
Sadow is a component of the growing number of savvy fanatics who’re wanting to enhance whatever alternative-fuel automobiles auto producers can produce. In lots of ways, this smart number of renegades aren’t unlike the garage-based computer nerds who, in the past from the PC, compromised around to be able to find more effective methods of the machines to operate.
Hacker, however, is really a term which make Sadow wrinkle his nose. “We’re making appropriately designed items,” he states. “We are not hacking things together.”
Although Sadow themself drives a heavily modified Prius — run by a 6.5 kilowatt-hour battery power and monitoring system of their own devising — he understood that Leaf proprietors would benefit most out of his brainstorms. His first thought had related to japan EV’s 120-volt energy cord, which could re-charge the Leaf in around 20 hrs, “that is just way too lengthy to become practical.”
Joining track of fellow EV enthusiast Mark Dutko, EVSE Upgrade was created. The internet company sells re-designed Leaf energy cords for $240, which may be blocked into 240-volt connections — what most houses have for any washer/dryer or spa — therefore reducing re-charge occasions close to seven hrs. Another $25 buys a fast-220, a forked adapter that enables the Leaf to charge off two separate 110-volt shops.
Dutko will not release sales figures, but he states EVSE Upgrade has put connects to the hands close to 15 % from the nation’s 7,000 Leaf proprietors. Nissan hasn’t endorsed Sadow’s invention, something he finds vexing.
“It’s certainly simple for individuals to panic,Inch he states, referencing the fires some Chevrolet Volt proprietors faced consequently of this plug-in hybrid’s energy cord issues. “However I think overall there’s an excessive amount of untrue stories available.”
Sadow states he’s heard no reviews of incidents from his clients. That’s given him the impetus to further upgrade the Leaf. Next is really a $150 tweak towards the car’s climate controls. In the as-shipped condition, the Leaf’s heater — a substantial energy drain, because it does not come with an car engine producing spare warmth — can’t be turn off using the press of the mouse, much the means by a regular vehicle the energy-drawing AC could be shut lower with one touch.
“Using what we are developing, the Leaf owner can very simply turn off the heat tank,Inch states Sadow. “What we should find is the fact that with many EV proprietors, an obsession evolves around mileage. People wish to go so far as they are able to off electric power charge, and do not want almost anything to get when it comes to that mission.”
Sadow happily announces he has not put gas in the Prius since last March.
Such obsession is part associated with a new technological boom, states Andy Frank, the plug-in hybrid pioneer whose transmission system improvements produced as they was in the College of California-Davis happen to be licensed to a different firm he’s managing, Efficient Drivetrains, Corporation.
“Should you look in time, the beginning associated with a new technologies have found people tinkering, in the Model T on up,” states Frank. “I performed with hot rods like a kid. Exactly the same is happening with plug-inches and hybrid cars. It’s a part of American culture.”
Frank salutes leaders for example Sadow, but, like a passionate Volt owner, thinks that plug-in hybrid cars possess the best possibility of beginning a genuine automotive revolution due largely towards the vexing problem of re-charging EVs, whose range typically tops out around 100 miles.
“For brief drives out and about, my Volt runs only on electric,” states Frank. “But when I were an EV owner and needed to move from Davis to Bay Area and back, I’d need to rent a vehicle.”
That kind of talk will get Sadow’s motor running. Actually, he was partially driven to action by EV owners’ frustration over both how gradually electric re-charging stations are now being folded out by the prices – $6,000 or even more – of in-home re-charging models.
“I needed a means for individuals to recharge without resorting to city assessments and major electrical rewiring projects,” he states.
What quickly adopted suit was the Leaf’s upgraded plug, its enhanced Air conditioning system, and — perhaps his most impressive if up to now not scaleable invention — a transportable electrical powerplant that will get towed behind the Leaf.
It’s this contraption which has Golden Gate Park drivers slowing down and bike riders preventing.
“Uh, what’s that factor?” asks a biker because he pulls a set of buds from his ears.
Sadow does not have to be requested two times within minutes, he’s off and running having a science-heavy explanation of methods he fabricated a tow-hitch to drag a micro-turbine given by gas you can use to charge the vehicle from zero to 80 % in about half an hour (the final 20 % takes another 40 minutes), or utilized on-the-go therefore stretching the plethora of the EV as lengthy because the gas lasts.
“This can be a evidence of concept, and we are still tinkering,” states Sadow, explaining the way the somewhat bulky package may ultimately be sleek right into a sleek tow-able oblong. He stays he mind within the turbine’s exhaust and sucks inside a lungful of air. “It’s cleaner than most air you breathe,” he states.
The price of Sadow’s portable generator continues to be within the prohibitive category, around $30,000. But he’s going to bring that lower, in addition to expand the scope of the potential marketplace for the invention. He’d particularly prefer to interest traditional gasoline stations covering the country’s interstates. “Not just could they assist EV proprietors fill, however they could likely get free heating for his or her garages” because of towards the extreme warmth produced through the turbine, states Sadow.
Not sometime ago, Sadow reached demonstrate his invention in a gathering of EV fans for Hidetoshi Kadota, Nissan’s chief vehicle engineer for that Leaf. Sadow reviews that although impressed, Kadota felt such improvements would only attract “techies, but that is not really a fair description of who Leaf proprietors are,” states Sadow. “Should you continue any EV discussions groups (online), you’ll find yourself speaking to everybody from doctors to mechanics, Dems and Republicans. We are just individuals who want to get rid of the earth, and believe that cars make the perfect starting point.Inch
Sadow shrugs. “I possibly could make much more money talking to than I actually do with EVSE, however i am going to help begin to see the EV grow,” he states. He then confesses for an odd dream to have an entrepreneur.
“Eventually, we’ll get beyond these habits that we have produced over decades, of seeing a service station to fill on oil therefore we can drive these noisy, smelly gadgets,” he states. “When on that day comes and you will find a lot more EVs on the highway in addition to easy methods to recharge them, I’m going to be happily bankrupt.”
EVCARCO takes a look inside the world of hybrid vehicles to look at an unexpected turn towards the seriously sexy with the release of the Fisker Karma in 2011. Not a fully electric car, it nonetheless has a lot to offer to the environmentally friendly driver. It also has a tremendous amount to offer to those interested in sports cars too. Difficult to describe in terms of design and appearance, the fact that this new offering from Fisker Automotive sold out until 2012 demonstrates the universal appeal of the car.
Basically, the Fisker Karma is powered by batteries that can give it around 50 miles per charge. When the batteries are low or depleted a simple flick of a steering wheel-mounted paddle kicks in the 2 liter turbocharged engine (four cylinders) that will power the car on lengthier trips even as it is also recharging the batteries. It takes around five hours to fully charge the batteries, and to run the vehicle in its Stealth mode.
Fisker Automotive decided to mount the electric motors in the rear of the car and to give them enough power to supply the driver of the Fisker Karma with a stunning 260 horsepower. When these are active (in the Sport mode) the car can go from zero to sixty in less than six seconds and can reach speeds of 125 mph. This is unprecedented in the world of hybrids and EVs (electric vehicles) and accounts for the diverse number of buyers who managed to acquire all 3,000 units available.
Fisker Automotive also opted to outfit the interior of the Fisker Karma with technologies and luxuries too. Drivers are seated on leather upholstery, touch suede or wood to engage all of the different functions, and even see a large central touch screen that will interact beautifully with any driver’s command.
What all of this means is that the Fisker Karma is taking the world of hybrids and EVs to an all-new level. Some industry experts worry that the release of this model is too early in terms of viability. These concerns are due entirely to the difficulties with “away from home” charging in many parts of the world. There are some places in which public charging stations are readily available, but in a location such as the United States the infrastructure is not yet “up to speed” and may impact the delight that should be experienced by all who are driving these amazingly impressive and eco-friendly cars.
Though some of the most accessible and first fully electric cars have began to arrive in the United States in late 2011, the turn to hybrid plug-in and all electric vehicles has created the need for a system of charging station access. If you don’t know a lot about electric vehicles, or EVs, it helps to know that they have what is known as a “range”. This is a figure that indicates the number of miles that the EV can operate in between full charges. Hybrid plug-ins vehicles also have their electric capabilities or ranges too, and this is the reason behind the need for charging station access around the country.
What is so interesting is that it is retail stores that are really moving things forward by opting to install stations for consumers to use as they do their shopping or errands. The average charging station is going to be able to supply power to cars, scooters, and bikes that require batteries, but they will vary in terms of fees or prices.
For example, the world-famous Mall of America in Minnesota has a charging station system that asks for three dollars per hour in order to charge the batteries while other stations ask for nothing in return. The owners of the fee-less stations usually understand that a customer is not going to be in their store or shop long enough to take the full charge and they believe that this is simply a service to clients and the environment.
Industry experts feel that the days of free charging station access are numbered simply because the shift to hybrid and fully electric vehicles is inevitable. With changing efficiency standards being required by the United States government (capped at more than 50 MPG by 2025) it is going to be impossible for most manufacturers to avoid the use of battery systems. This means that increasing demands for charging stations will begin to arise very quickly, and the option for free charges will disappear just as quickly.
For now, there are literally hundreds of stations popping up all over the country. The most unique of them was unveiled in Bethesda, MD in 2011. This is a totally green station that uses solar panels, GPS tracking of the sun, and clean supplies to provide drivers with free charges. The owner is a real estate developer who decided to his “bit” for the environment by making the green solar charging station available in a heavy commuting region.
EVCARCO continues to be carefully following NHTSA’s investigation into the safety issues on the GM [GM 24.86 -0.14 (-0.56%) ]Volt’s battery power because the first reviews of the fire incident were released last year. Just like any report, it appears the allegation received much more coverage compared to resolution. Therefore we desired to make certain we did our part to obtain the discharge of the NHTSA’s stamp of approval to our fans.
On January 20th, 2012 the NHTSA cleared the Volt
“The NHTSA issued a statement essentially saying, ‘case closed.’ Typically, when the NHTSA closes an investigation, there is no public statement. Not this time. This time, the NHTSA issued a very public release, explaining it closed the Volt case, finding no safety defect. Then the federal government went a step further. In its release, the NHTSA said the Chevy Volt and other electric vehicles pose no greater risk of catching on fire than gasoline-powered cars. It was a very public and strong statement about the safety of electric vehicles.”
Even though the opening of this investigation generated national news coverage along with a slew of online press stories, it seems the “case closed” statement isn’t reaching exactly the same audience. We’re encouraged that Chevrolet Volt sales, together with Nissan Leaf sales, continue to increase each month they are available. Some interesting sales statistics are available here showing that sales of electric vehicles continue to increase despite this (now closed) NHTSA case. You’ll find that in their first year of availability both the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt (individually) outsold the Toyota Prius in its first year of availability here. The Volt and Leaf each sold between 7,500 and 9,000 vehicles in 2011, almost double that of 2000 sales of the Toyota Prius (~5,000). This bodes effectively for the continued adoption of the electric vehicle, as also does the information found here, showing that Nissan has officially hit its goal of selling 10,000 Leafs in the states (less than 20 days after its target date of December 31, 2011).
With the NHTSA case closed, having a vote of confidence in electric vehicle safety, and with the promising 2011 EV sales figures, we believe the EV market is going to have an exciting 2012.
Improvements in Electric Vehicle Systems
What do you need to run electric vehicles (EVs)? Obviously you require a good battery system inside of the car or light truck, but you also need a place where “fuel” or energy can be supplied. Currently there are a few ways that this is done. For instance, in some locations there are curbside stations that allow users to plug their fully electric or hybrid vehicles in for a charge. There are also some innovative solutions in the form of battery swapping stations (which is currently being tested in Israel), and then there are solar powered poles that allow electric vehicles (EVs) to be plugged in while the driver runs errands or goes to work.
It is the latter that is of such interest to many people in the world. For example, in mid-2011 a real estate developer in the Washington D.C. metro area spoke with his children about the need for solar charging stations for the many hybrids that fill the streets of the region. The three teenagers challenged their father to begin developing the “greenest” stations possible for those with electric vehicles (EVs), and together they came up with a very unique plan.
They designed and installed the first Solar Power Pole. This is a device that uses solar panels mounted to a very sturdy utility pole. The panels are equipped with “tracking” gear that enables them to turn with the sun and to accumulate energy all day long. Thus, they are of tremendous use to commuters who need to give their electric vehicles (EVs) a charge, but who do not want to drive well out of their way in order to obtain a resource making energy available.
The concept was actually implemented by the ATR Corporation (Advanced Technology and Research) and is capable of generating an impressive 1410 watts of electricity. This makes it around 45% more efficient than standard “fixed” solar arrays. The tracking is done through a built in GPS system that follows the trajectory of the sun and maximizes the production from the pole.
It is interesting to note that these poles work in the same way that all net-metering systems do in standard households. They generate totally green energy that is then fed into the public supply. The pole itself is fed with constant electricity by the actual grid, but the use of the supplies is offset completely by the creation of the green energy that is sent into the public grid. This makes the system neutral, and gives drivers the ability to use only the most earth friendly energy possible.
Sears to offer EV customers the Evatran Plugless Power Wireless Electric Car Charger!
2012 Electric Cars Unplugged
If the idea of inserting a plug to your vehicle every time you need to charge up is a pain, here’s promising news: Sears has connected with Evatran to sell the wireless
Evatran's Plugless Power
charging systems for residential and commercial use. The Evatran system, known as Plugless Power, means that you could simply drive to your office or home garage and jump from the vehicle without needing to worry that you simply didn’t remember to hook it up. This of course might not be among life’s large problems but getting a vehicle that will not go is worse than getting an iPad that is not juiced up, so you shouldn’t be too quick to laugh about this.
Installation will be handled by Sears Home Services that has been setting up home appliances and electronics for many years.
“Sears is very excited to announce this agreement with Evatran to support the installation and servicing of these stations. We look forward to being one of the leaders in this growing industry,” said Stu Reed, SVP and President, Home Services at Sears Holdings.
The companies say the benefits of the Sears-Evatran agreement includes:
Simplified Purchasing: Evatran will offer Plugless Power systems with optional basic or standard home installation wrapped into the purchase price of the equipment; this full price may be included in the vehicle purchase or lease at the time of sale.
Pre-Installation Site Visits: Site visits, as necessary to quote non-standard and commercial installations, will be completed in advance of installations.
Timely Installation: Sears will receive automatic notification of a customer’s installation request; Sears will contact the customer within one business day of equipment purchase to schedule home installation.
Convenient Additional Services: Sears will offer ongoing service and maintenance to Plugless Power owners.
Sears installation network technicians will be trained and certified on the wireless charging systems and will work with Evatran to structure a comprehensive launch plan for aftermarket systems throughout 2012, the companies said.
Product offerings will initially focus on Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf models but Sears and Evatran said they will quickly expand to include additional electric vehicles. Installation will be offered with the sale of each Plugless Power system and priced based on the customer’s home and current electrical service. Sears will also offer commercial installation for electric vehicle fleet owners and managers.
Aftermarket systems will be available for installation starting in 2012 for Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt models. A specific geographic rollout plan will be announced next year with final installation pricing for basic and standard home installations.
EV Manufacturer Tesla Motors recently Adds Fresh Faces to Management Team!
Tesla Motors Inc, (NasdaqGS: TSLA) is a company that is making a big name for itself in the electric vehicle market. The company was founded by a group of Silicon Valley engineers back in 2003 and since that time, the company has been working hard to create efficient, stylish electric vehicles that consumers will want to drive. The company strives to reduce dependence on petroleum while also working to decrease the cost of EVs, and with each new model, the company is coming closer to achieving these goals. Of course, no company can achieve greatness and perfection without talented and motivated experts to help facilitate the process, and in August 2011, Tesla announced the addition of four new members of their management team
These new members represent top talents from the tech, travel, and manufacturing industries. The first addition is Greg Reichow, who has been appointed as the lead for powertrain
Greg Reichow
manufacturing operations for the company. Reichow is expected to help make existing lines more efficient while also helping to increase innovation on future projects and designs.
Peter Carlsson
Peter Carlsson is another newcomer to Tesla Motors. Carlsson comes from NXP semiconductors, where he actually helped to build a successful global purchasing organization. His expertise will help him to lead supply chain and purchases for Tesla so that he can help ensure greater quality and timeliness while also helping to boost the company’s overall cost efficiency in a number of ways.
Ravi Simhambhafta has been hired on to help Tesla Motors streamline their information and technology platform so that they can not only provide greater efficiency within, but so that they can work to improve the customer experience as well. Ravi was a founder and CIO at Virgin America and
Ravi Simhambhafta
helped to build both the website and the IT platform for the award winning airline.
Last is John Hillegass, whose experience includes work with the likes of HP, Intel, Pixar, and more. Hillegass has overseen the creation and development of new stores for a variety of his clients, and his 25 years of experience will help Tesla design and build successful retail stores across the country.
In all, these individuals represent four very experienced additions to Tesla’s team. But if we have learned anything about Tesla Motors since their creation, it is that the company works not as a group of individuals, but as a team that truly works together on all fronts. Tesla has already experienced great success in the EV market, and these new managers will certainly help to increase the company’s success in the future.
In August of 2011, the California-based “Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market” proudly announced the use of 25 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) operated vehicles within its distribution fleet. This is a reflection of the company’s desire for and policies around the use of less energy than most of its competitors in the food industry. What needs to be assessed in this solid example of earth friendly “big business” is how this use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is passed on to shoppers in the form of reduced food costs.
Here’s how it works – the company already has hybrid refrigeration units that transport food and yet keep it at safe temperatures while in motion or parked at delivery and storage locations. They worked with the United States Department of Energy, the California Energy Commission, the Southern California Association of Governments Clean Cities Coalition, and Ryder System, Inc. to purchase the fleet of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) delivery trucks that would produce 30% fewer emissions than other vehicles of the same size and transportation capabilities.
By using the hybrid cooling along with the advanced Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) delivery equipment, the company is dramatically cutting transportation, storage, and refrigeration expenses. By doing this they can then reduce the costs of the foods that they sell in each of their stores. For example, if it now costs 20% less to obtain and distribute strawberries, this will be reflected in a notable decrease in the cost of the fruit when put up for sale.
This sort of system proves that CNG fleet vehicles are one of the best ways to save the environment while simultaneously helping consumers to enjoy more affordable lives. What is interesting to note is that this same sort of approach could leave consumers open to some of the abuses that the major fuel companies have perpetuated. Consider that the Pakistani government has continually increased the prices of commuter tickets even as they rely on thousands of CNG vehicles. The reasoning for the escalating prices is open to dispute, but many believe that it has to do with the desire of the government to pass on financial difficulties to the consumer market even as the costs of operating public transportation decline.
What this all means is that there is a tremendous amount of potential in the CNG vehicle industry. It also shows that some of the world’s most polluting vehicles can be easily replaced with buses and trucks that produce around 30% fewer emissions, with some reaching around 90% fewer emissions too.
Electric vehicles are gaining rapidly in popularity, and with the end of 2011 bringing us a large number of EVs, there is little wonder why so many states and cities are working hard to install electric charging stations in public areas. EVs are expected to sell fairly well in big cities, especially among two car families looking for a vehicle to be used primarily for city driving and commuting. The Chevy Volt is one of the newest entrants in the EV game, and the car is promising big benefits over traditional hybrid vehicles.
One thing to understand about the Chevy Volt is that while the car does consume gas, it does not power the car. Instead, the car has a range of about 35 miles that it can run on battery alone when fully charged. After this initial period is up, the car’s generator kicks on to keep it powered. This generator is the part of the car that is fueled by gas. This certainly helps lower emissions, but it also serves to greatly increase overall gas mileage. For consumers driving less than 35 miles per day, it is possible to go significant periods of time without ever consuming any of the gas in the car.
As to whether or not the car is more efficient than a traditional hybrid vehicle, the answer is an absolute yes for people who will be doing less than 35 miles of driving per day. The cars will generally offer better performance even on longer drives, but if you plan to use your vehicle for frequent long distance trips, you will certainly experience a significant reduction in fuel efficiency. The Chevy Volt is designed for the average city dweller and short distance driver and makes an ideal second car.
One thing that should be noted about the Chevy Volt is that the car has been given an EPA estimated fuel rating of over 90MPG. This takes into account the daily driving habits of the average user, however, which is someone taking the vehicle to and from work and on daily errands. The Chevy Volt certainly offers greater fuel economy than hybrid and traditional vehicles, as well as lower long term maintenance costs. When coupled with the $7,500 Federal rebate currently being offered on the vehicle, it is certainly something that city dwellers, daily commuters, and two car households would be well advised to consider.
So whats better, Nissan’s Leaf all electric car or GM’s Chevy Volt EV/Hybrid?
Over the years we have all been able to monitor the ways that electric vehicles (EV’s) have increased in popularity and capability. Though early models were simply equipped with large arrays of batteries, today we can find a huge number of improvements and options. For this brief discussion on the most recent evolutions in electric vehicles (EV’s) we’ll consider Israel’s use of Better Place cars, solar powered electrical powering poles and stations, and the release of the fully electric Focus in the United States.
We’ll begin this look at interesting approaches to the use of electric vehicles (EV’s) with a review of the innovative system about to be launched in Israel. The Better Place vehicles come with a promise of around 20 percent savings in annual automotive expenses for their owners, but they do this through a series of unique concepts. The first is that the system uses a monthly membership plan similar to most cell phone plans. This locks the costs of operating the Renault Fluence Z.E.s into a fixed range and requires only that the driver “swap” batteries at the appropriate stations when necessary. The company also has a nice package deal that will actually decrease total costs by 35% by including three years of use of the car, all of the battery swaps needed, all service fees, and around 25km in mileage per year. The company indicates that it isn’t just making electric vehicles (EV’s) possible, but also affordable – which is something that is a major challenge in the industry.
Another great challenge with EVs is the fact that they need to have access to charging stations, but there are not a lot of them available at the current time. This is being changed in many ways including the recent “launch” of the first solar “tracking” pole station in the state of Maryland. Originally the concept created by children of the real estate developer who installed the device, the idea was to mount solar panels that track or follow the sun to a special utility pole. This pole would then serve a few cars at a time. The very first was installed in Bethesda, MD in August of 2011.
Of course this sort of concept is going to come in very handy as the first full fleets of electric vehicles begin rolling out across the U.S. In 2012, the states of California and New York will be the first recipients of fully electric Ford Focus vehicles. These are cars that will require the presence of such things as charging poles, and fortunately the timing is almost perfect!
California and New York Poised for First Ford Focus EV Release
When Ford Motor Company announced that the Ford Focus would soon be available as a fully electric car, eco-minded consumers everywhere sat up and took notice. As Ford unveiled more and more details about their electric cars, order numbers went up rapidly. While Ford quickly shut down rumors that the release of the vehicle would be delayed, it was recently announced that most markets would not see the vehicle until spring of 2012, when production of the vehicles would increase. 19 target markets will receive their vehicles in early 2012, but for California and New York, the wait is considerably shorter.
Ford has long promised that the initial delivery of its all-electric Focus EV would come at the end of 2011, and for consumers in the California and New York markets, which the company has long been focused on, this will certainly be the case. The vehicles are set to be delivered by year’s end, where lucky consumers will be able to be the first in the world to get to drive and report on these exciting electric vehicles. Release of the EVs in these two areas makes sense not only because of higher populations and more media coverage, but because both have worked exceptionally hard on the installation of charging stations throughout the states- something that will be necessary to combat the range anxiety that many owners of electric cars feel when driving far from home.
Because the average electric car can drive around 100 miles without needing a charge, many consumers are worried that vehicles like the Ford Focus EV will leave them stranded away from home and away from the ability to charge. In areas like San Francisco, however, this has been combated by the installation of numerous charging stations throughout the Bay area, including many rapid charging stations.
For many, access to these stations within close proximity to work means the ability to receive a full charge during the work day and to be able to charge the vehicle again at home if needed. But with the average commute equaling far less
than 100 miles, most consumers will be pleased to learn that the Ford Focus EV should stand up to daily driving needs without any anxieties needed. While cross country trips will take a great deal of planning, most Americans will find that EVs are perfectly designed to offer more efficient and economical commutes with less environmental impact and far less financial cost.
Putting out a review of the Fisker Karma is hard. It has only been out for a very short time now, the price tag is well over $100k, and most importantly, there are very, very few of them in the United States. Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist Ray Lane was lucky enough to be one of the first in the nation to get his hands on the car, and already he has set a lofty goal- to use the car daily for a full year without ever consuming a drop of gas. A big project? Absolutely. An impossible feat? Not for the Karma.
One thing we learned about the Karma fairly quickly was that the car can go a fairly impressive 50 miles daily without needing to use any gas at all. After this, the owner needs to simply switch the car to sport mode to engage the 2.0 liter engine that will charge the battery while providing another 250 miles of driving range. For those who stay under 50 miles per day, far less than the average commute, this certainly indicates that it really is possible to never need gasoline. Considering that many corporations around the globe are installing recharging stations, even those with slightly longer commutes may be able to recharge during work in order to avoid using gas in their vehicles at all.
Depending on your driving style, the Fisker Karma can range from 100 to unlimited miles per gallon. The only real complaint that users so far seem to have with the car is that the engine can get slightly loud whenever the vehicle is making use of the gas engine. To that end, however, Fisker plans to have each car retrofitted with a quieter exhaust by the end of 2011.
In terms of design, the Karma both looks and feels like a luxury vehicle. Showing off the skills possessed by Fisker, the companies CEO and a former Aston Martin designer, the exterior of the Karma is exceptionally sleek. The interior of the car is quite luxurious as well, offering recycled wood as well as the option for leather or an animal free interior. Add in a touch screen infotainment system, tons of leg and head room, and plenty of other options, and you have a car that is as fun to drive as it is eco-friendly. The Fisker Karma is truly a luxury electric vehicle with something big to prove to a market that seems hesitant to trust EVs.
Tesla Motors (TSLA – News) has not been in the EV game for long. While the company has been in business since 2003, its first model, the Roadster, didn’t hit the streets until 2008. The company isn’t to blame, of course, as technologies needed time to come into existence, and a nervous public needed time to adjust to the notion of a car that could only travel a certain distance. The Roadster was soon followed by the Model S, which offered an equally sleek look but a considerably smaller price tag. The Roadster is no longer being produced, but with the sneak peeks Tesla has offered for the new Model S EV, the company has something even better in store.
The Model S EV has a number of features that are going to put it in a class of its own the moment it hits the market. For starters, we have learned that the car will have an ultra light lithium-ion battery pack and a liquid cooled motor that will provide higher speeds and more power over a longer period of time. But these are not the facts that have garnered the attention of most who have heard about the new model. Instead, the company has offered two facts that it believes will sway public opinion away from cars such as the Nissan Leaf and in favor of Tesla’s Model S EV instead.
The first spec on this list is the mile range on the Model S EV. While EVs such as the leaf have a 100 mile range, the Model S EV is intended to have a range of 300 miles. For all of the skeptics out there battling with range anxiety, this is a vehicular valium to quell those fears. But there is one more feature to the Model S EV that makes it one that needs to be considered- the new model will be capable of recharging in 45 minutes.
While this may mean little to those who charge overnight, people who have long held fears that cross country vacations would be nightmarish with EVs will find that they can charge their cars at recharging stations in the amount of time it will take to enjoy a nice meal and stretch the legs. With charging stations cropping up all over the country these days, the fact of the matter is that the newest version of the Tesla Motors Model S EV may just be the car that makes EVs a viable option for almost anyone.
Silicon Valley start-up Tesla Motors (Nasdaq: TSLA ) could also be a long-term winner. It focuses on technologically advanced battery-powered electric cars. …
PALO ALTO, CA, Nov 23, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — Tesla Motors /quotes/zigman/118681/quotes/nls/tsla TSLA -1.93% is showing off the advanced technology …
By TheStreet Wire 11/16/11 – 05:03 PM EST Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA) pushed the Automotive industry higher today making it today’s featured automotive winner. …
How much would it cost you to run your clothes dryer (over night) for around six to eight hours? If you have it on the mandatory 220 volt line and you choose to use the energy during the evening hours it is likely that it would cost you no more than the price of an average gallon of gas – meaning between three and four and a half dollars. This is also what it would cost to give a fully electric car’s battery a full charge too, and the great thing is that you can actually get a charging station installed in your own home.
Whether you have a garage or just a basic driveway, you can now get a safe and efficient charging station installed at your home. There are some Federal tax credits available to those who make this choice; and the pump and cords would cost less than three thousand dollars for the entire job. This would give you the optimal method for owning and operating your electric car (EV) in the current era, but you wouldn’t have to worry for very long about where to get charges when far from home.
For instance, though many say that the production of the EVs has jumped far ahead of the actual infrastructure necessary for them, it is easy to look in any metropolitan or suburban area and find plans for the development of charging station locations. Consider a city like Austin, Texas which is already home to 103 public electrical charging station facilities or the ClipperCreek firm that has worked in the Sacramento, California area since 2009 and which has installed more than 3,000 charging stations since that time.
There are also groups like Coulomb Technologies of Campbell, California which has received $15 million in federal stimulus funding to develop 4,600 charging stations. This will be done through its ChargePoint network in nine different regions across the United States.
The ability to have an at home charging station and the massive expansion of public charging stations could not come at a better time. This is because the first wave of fully electric vehicles is due to arrive in the United States in late 2011 or early 2012. This is the Ford Focus, but it will not be the only vehicle of its kind on American roads for very long. With efficiency standards changing and the price of gas escalating, more and more people are happy to consider such options as totally electric cars.
In late 2011 or early 2012 Ford’s first completely electric version of their famous “Electric Vehicle Market” will arrive in United States markets. This is a vehicle that is generating a lot of interest because it is quite likely to be among the first of the brands or models that is used in a broad manner by a huge portion of the population. This car is going to appear first in California and New York and then spread out across the country before being released in Europe. This is great news for those hoping to some day see the electric vehicle, or EV, market go totally main stream.
Naturally, the appearance of fleets of electric vehicles indicates that the country has the infrastructure ready to support them…right? Sadly, the United States is out of sync in terms of its capabilities for supporting electric vehicle usage and the appearance of actual electric cars or trucks.
Consider the most substantial factor for any electric vehicle – the energy supplies it requires. This is something that most often comes from a home-based charging station, but this is an issue that will have to change. Most of the vehicles will run from 50 to 120 miles on a single charge, but that is not adequate to the needs of most daily drivers. This has always been one of the reasons behind the wild popularity of the Tesla EVs with their 245 mile capacity on a single charge, but with a $100k price tag it is not likely that average drivers will be able to enjoy this, and so a better infrastructure of charging stations is essential.
In 2008, the City of Chicago began creating esthetically pleasing and totally functional solar charging stations that remain free of the public utility grids, but this is not the preferred approach. That is why so many news stories featured the inaugural use of a single Solar Charging Pole that began operating in Bethesda, MD in July of 2011. The pole utilizes a “tracking solar” array that relies on GPS guidance to keep it continually aligned with the sun. By doing this, it provides around 45% more energy than standard or “fixed” panels.
This is the sort of readily available support that most EV drivers will require and is what needs to begin appearing as the thousands of brand new and totally electric cars start to appear on American roads and highways.
The need for an alternative to gasoline and diesel has certainly been made clear over the past couple of decades. Presidents and legislators alike have promised to funnel money into funds to help find alternative fuels, and car manufacturers are working tirelessly to create vehicle that do not require these fuels. One proposed solution that is gaining a fair amount of popularity in the automotive world is compressed natural gas. While this is still a fossil fuel that can emit greenhouse gases, it is considerably greener than its predecessors, does not increase carbon concentrations in the atmosphere, and can even be produced from landfills and wastewater.
It is already possible to convert vehicles to compressed natural gas, and surprisingly, many transit companies have already done so. Many states even offer rebates and tax incentives to companies operating large fleets of vehicles who are willing to convert the fleets to use this newer, cleaner source of energy. Arkansas, for example, just put $2.2 million into a fund that is available until December 2011 for companies looking to convert their fleets. The money is available to fleets belonging to public entities as well as any private fleet that operates ten or more vehicles, as long as at least four of them are converted.
Within the week since Arkansas made the announcement that they would be providing these monies, they have received numerous calls expressing interest. Because the money is first come, first served, the state is hoping that many will take advantage of the program quickly. Rebates will cover half of the cost of purchase, up to $25,000, provided the equipment installed is certified by the EPA and meets all of their requirements.
So, what is stopping companies throughout Arkansas from taking advantage of the money immediately? The best guess is that it is likely logistics. Finding the right place to have a conversion installed and finding a ready source of compressed natural gas that can be used as needed is not yet as easy as many public vehicles need it to be. The move towards more eco-friendly vehicles is certainly picking up steam, but until there are reliable sources of alternative fuels or charging stations for electric cars, many motorists are still going to have to wonder how they will venture far from home without the need to drive significantly out of their way to refuel. The good news, however, is that governments and alternative energy companies everywhere are working to address that even as we speak.
A Little Known Worldwide Phenomenon: Natural Gas Powers Cars
Unlike using solar energy to power cars, this is still very underground as far as green movements go. Yet, nonetheless, it’s making an impact worldwide; using compressed natural gas (CNG) to power cars is a green phenomenon. But how does it work? Can a fossil fuel really be green? These and other questions permeate the mystery behind natural gas as a fuel for cars.
What is natural gas?
Natural gas is a byproduct of oil drilling. It can be obtained from petroleum reservoirs as a multi-component gas. It consists of about 90% methane and 10% other gaseous hydrocarbons. It is refined and compressed into tanks or cylinders to be used in cars and other market uses. CNG is nothing new to commercial fleet operators. Honda has been selling the gas for over eighty years. UPS is a notable buyer.
How does it work?
Engines in natural gas cars are similar to conventional gasoline engines. They are, however, fitted with custom engine modifications or add-ons that allow it to run on natural gas. Engines can be built to run on natural gas or, in some cases, gasoline engines can be converted to utilize the gas. The engine works similarly to a gasoline engine. It uses pistons (spark plugs) to generate motion using fuel combustion. However, natural gas varies in its flammability, volume, and ignitability.
Natural gas is also stored in the car in a similar manner to conventional gas, usually in the rear of the car. The natural gas fuel tank contains cylinders which hold the gas under around 3,000 pounds of pressure to conserve space. The cylinders are protected from impact with metal buffers.
Advantages
Natural gas cars are considerably less expensive to run than gasoline-powered cars. On average, natural gas costs 30% less than gasoline. Furthermore, it is possible to refuel your car at home using your household natural gas line.
Natural gas, although it is a hydrocarbon, burns much cleaner than conventional gasoline. In fact, natural gas vehicles can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 90%.
Safety is also a notable advantage for natural gas vehicles. They are considered safer because of the reinforced fuel tanks which makes them more resistant to leaks and punctures.
Disadvantages
One disadvantage for natural gas cars is smaller passenger space due to that large, reinforced fuel tank. And while they burn cleaner, natural gas cars have less fuel efficiency than gasoline cars.
Secondly, while it burns much cleaner, natural gas is a fossil fuel and a non-renewable resource.
Another issue, for now, with natural gas is the lack of fueling stations for fill-up. If you do not have natural gas running to your home, it is often not feasible to own a natural gas vehicle.
Nonetheless, natural gas is a readily available, domestic resource that could easily make a huge difference in greenhouse gas emissions. There are over 8 million natural gas cars in use worldwide. In 2006, Honda introduced the Civic GX, its first natural gas vehicle. Popular Science did a year-long study of the car, creating an excellent resource for information on natural gas cars and their day-to-day function.
If you were to walk up to a Chevy Volt in a regular parking lot you might not think of it as a car that could be powered entirely by electrical energy. This is because it has the looks and size of the more popular mass vehicles, and yet beats the hybrids to an amazingly high degree. In fact, some recent headlines explained that many of the new Chevy Volt buyers were people frequently trading in the other mass vehicles such as the Prius.
Most of the consumers questioned said that there were a lot of reasons to turn to the Chevy Volt, but the primary factors had to do with the unbelievable mileage equivalents they could enjoy with the EV (electric vehicle). For instance, the Prius will usually get around 44 mpg while most of the Chevy Volt owners can enjoy around 58 mpg, but this “mileage” must be translated to battery life, and also not exclude the fact that there are zero emissions coming from the car.
Let’s look at that battery life first. When considering the distance that a single full charge of a battery can provide, it is usually going to have to translate to the costs associated with the charging process. Unlike the pricing on gas, however, the owner of an EV such as the Volt is going to be able to rely upon the equipment that the manufacturer provides and which ensures the best charging process possible. For example, the device that charges the vehicle is going to run fault detection protocols to ensure that the outlet is going to deliver the properly grounded supplies into the device. Not many makers have this sort of option, and this is actually a problem that occurred with those who relied on household outlets for vehicles such as the Prius.
The programming equipment can also be triggered to take advantage of any off-peak rates available too. This can translate to a tremendous amount of financial savings because it could actually be said to reduce the “per gallon” price of fuel. For instance, if you use electrical charging during the lowest or “off peak” hours it would be the same thing as finding gasoline at a reduced price for a standard car.
The Volt is also a great communicator and can let the driver remain consistently aware of the level of battery left when using certain equipment or driving in a specific way. This is extremely useful because it prevents the owner from ending up without any energy to operate the car without gas.
Anyone interested in the green driving movement will be likely to have heard about Tesla Motors. This is going to be for a number of reasons, but primarily because it is a company producing sports cars that are entirely powered by electricity. Yes, sports cars. The Tesla Roadster is capable of 288 horsepower, reaching zero to fifty in less than six seconds, and has the lines and sleek looks of the world’s most glamorous sports cars too.
Among the other reasons that Tesla Motors has become such a well-known name is the fact that it was their car known as the Roadster that was selected for the Renew America Roadtrip in 2009. This was a cross country journey that few believed an electric car could manage. This was not without good reason when you consider that most electric vehicles can run for only a limited number of miles without a lengthy recharging process. The recharging equipment can be difficult to find, and has to be especially wired to accommodate the needs of the car.
Tesla Motors had already been thinking well into the future, however, and had designed a vehicle that can be plugged into the same wall outlets as a cell phone, lamp, or other standard electrical device. The charging process requires around four hours to complete and then the car can run for roughly 245 miles before the next recharging is required. Clearly, this was the sort of functionality that would easily get any vehicle across the country in a reasonable amount of time, but the Tesla Motors Roadster also did so without a single harmful emission.
The Tesla vehicles are known for their “zero tailpipe emissions” which means it is among the only electric cars that can deliver sports car performance without also dumping the same harmful chemicals into the air that most high-end vehicles are known for. Instead, the vehicle will “create” only the emissions connected directly to the generation of the electricity that is used to power or charge the batteries. This means that around 50% of standard emissions are reduced simply by relying on one of these electric cars.
The infrastructure necessary to support widespread EV usage is not yet available, but with a design like that in the Tesla Roadster there is really no need to worry about such things. The vehicles can recharge anywhere a standard 120v or 240v outlet is available and will go for more than two hundred miles without any problems.
If you are interested in alternative energies it is likely to be due to your desire to see the environment improved or saved from further harm or damage. This means that you think about the ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint, which in turn leads to questions about household and transportation energy consumption as well. As soon as people begin worrying about such issues they find that the problems can seem overwhelming, but this is why a company such as ECOtality, INC. is a wonderful surprise.
This group offers a seemingly total solution to the creation of earth-friendly energy that relies on everything from wind and water to solar and electric supplies. With a commitment to “developing and commercially advancing clean energy solutions and environmentally friendly products…” ECOtality, INC. has designed a set of initiatives that really tap into every area imaginable.
Consider that ECOtality, INC. has its ECOtality North America division that focuses on the creation of electric vehicles. These include everything from alternative-fuel, hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric vehicles (EV) to the infrastructure necessary to support their widespread use. The company also announced plans to partner with car2go N.A. in July of 2011. This is an innovative urban program in which clients have access to a fleet of electric vehicles and can use them when necessary while never having to worry about maintenance or upkeep. This means that the group is now heavily involved in the designing and creation of EVs (electric vehicles) but that they also foster a “car sharing” program which ensures the largest number of users possible.
To support their electric car programs, ECOtality, INC. also has their Blink Network that is continually expanding the number of residential and commercial charge stations available for owners of electric vehicles as well. In late July of 2011, the group announced its partnership with the global furniture company known as IKEA, and indicated that they would feature at least two of the Blink EV charging stations at every store in operation, and there are many plans for a continually expanding network of stations as well.
Because there is not always time to conduct a complete battery the company has also created fast charging hear known as their Minit-Charger that provides super-fast charging with less heat and longer battery life.
The company also offers fuel cells, solar energy solutions, energy storage systems and equipment, and even helps with the creation of “turn key” programs for the adoption of electric transportation systems as well.
If you have been following the evolution of the electric car over the past few years, there is no doubt that you are familiar with Tesla Motors. Founded in 2003, the company strives to provide affordable EVs that make use of the best technologies in order to cut fossil fuel dependence and reduce carbon emissions.
While the vehicles have been available throughout Europe since their release, many have been reluctant to purchase the vehicles due to high price tags and a bit of range anxiety. In late July of 2011, however, Tesla Motors, in conjunction with Athlon Car Lease, announced an agreement that would make both the Tesla Roadster and the Tesla Roadster Sport available for lease in Europe. Furthermore, the companies already have plans to include the Tesla Model S in their lease agreement when the car is released in Europe near the end of 2012.
The Roadster is currently the only highway capable serially produced EV on the market that has a range of more than 300km, and the Roadster has much to offer. It is the first vehicle to be produced by Tesla, yet it can already boast greater acceleration than EVs costing nearly double the price as well as more than twice the range of EVs that are still in the production and planning stages. When the Model S hits the market, with even greater range and the ability to charge in only about 45 minutes, there is no doubt that it will change the EV market in Europe. While the Model S will carry a higher price tag, it will offer seating for five as well as a remarkable amount of cargo space, something that most entrants into the EV market so far have lacked.
The partnership between Tesla Motors and Athlon Car Lease simply makes sense. Athlon has been working to change the car leasing industry to help promote greater sustainability, which is also the key goal for the engineers behind Tesla Motors. This partnership has the capability to revolutionize Europe’s vehicle leasing market, and there are few who doubt that the partnership will have a positive and lingering effect. Athlon Car Lease is currently active in nine European countries, and since the cars will be first available for lease in populous areas where recharging stations are available, the long term effect when the benefits of EVs become apparent could indeed spread throughout a significant percentage of Europe.
The EV Project is a joint project created by ECOtality, INC and partially funded by the US Department of Energy to help bring electric cars to the mainstream. The project is working hard to bring both electronic vehicles and EV charging stations to states around the country, and for residents in the state of Tennessee, which is a pilot market for the project, incentives are certainly very inviting for those interested in purchasing an EV. In total, the state is offering 2.5 million dollars worth of rebates for people who purchase the new Nissan Leaf SL with DC Fast Charge capabilities.
The LEAF is one of the first EVs to become available to the mainstream public, and for consumers who sign up for the EV Project through the Nissan LEAF Customer Journey online and live in Tennessee, the benefits of ownership are great. In order to qualify, applicants must own their home and must have resided there for at least two years. Applicants will also have to agree to share their LEAF charging data. The purchase of a LEAF through this program will include a Blink Wall Mount charger in addition to free or substantially reduced installation. The rebate per participating purchase is $2,500, which is offered in addition to the $7,500 rebate provided by the Federal government.
ECOtality, Inc is a company based in San Francisco, California. The company works in a variety of ways to help take consumers and businesses off of the fossil fuel based grid. They work with a variety of forms of alternative energy and with the EV Project, the company is striving to help increase the speed with which advanced electric technologies in vehicles are made available and accessible to the general public. The company strives to help do more than increase consumer interest in EVs, they are working hard through the EV project to also ensure that areas where the car is made available have access to sufficient charging stations.
Range anxiety, or a fear of running out of power away from a home charging station is cited as one of the main reasons why consumers are hesitant to purchase and use electric vehicles. ECOtality, Inc has chosen to tackle this issue head-on. The EV Project has been funded to add a total of 14,000 charging stations throughout the US, spanning a total of six states. While this may not yet make the technology widely accepted nationwide, success in pilot markets will certainly increase interest in and funding for EVs throughout the rest of the nation.
If you know a bit about electric vehicles (or EVs), you already understand that they are positioned to really “boom” in the United States in the coming years. In fact, a new wave of entirely electric cars is now entering the markets, and one of the most well-known is the Chevy Volt. It’s popularity has as much to do with the way that the manufacturer, General Motors, has promoted it as it does with the fact that the Chevy Volt is among the first of the mass market electric vehicles.
If you read about the different EVs, you might see that some boast of making electric vehicles affordable to the masses, but it is a model such as the Chevy Volt that will provide the familiar looks of the average sedan along with the benefits of a gas-free car.
This, however, is where vehicles such as the Chevy Volt might run into trouble because the cars do need fuel in the form of electricity. Unfortunately, though the markets are ready to receive EVs in a number of formats, the infrastructure necessary to feed the cars or EVs with the electricity that they need is not yet available. This is why there are so many options for home charging stations or for EVs that can be plugged directly into any wall outlet to get a full charge.
Okay, you might say, so what’s the problem? If there are cars that plug into outlets and home-based charging devices, why is there a big concern about public charging stations? It is because the average EV cannot go for hundreds of miles on a single charge in the ways that regular cars can go for hundreds of miles on a tank of gas. In fact, most EV owners have to plug their vehicles into charging stations whenever available.
So, the maker of the Volt vehicles used a very clever approach to finding an answer. They installed 26 solar charging stations (officially labeled as Green Zones) at the dealerships making the cars available. These solar charging stations are going to serve as pseudo-billboards advertising the presence of entirely electric cars, but will also demonstrate that the Volt is a vehicle that can actually be operated by a reliable solar panel array.
General Motors is demonstrating through the construction of Green Zones that ownership of one of their EVs is just part of the way that consumers can help improve the environment and come to rely on alternative energy sources.
The IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, kicking off Thursday, will pit the latest electric cars equipped with the best environmental credentials and designs.
High-end brands including BMW, Audi and Volkswagen will showcase the next-generation cars at one of the largest motor shows in the world held biannually.
BMW will introduce its i3 concept car, a small and “affordable” electric car scheduled to go into production starting 2013. The all-electric city car is perhaps the most advanced take on the electric vehicle from BMW, a much more complete take than the Megacity concept car that preceded it.
To make its battery more efficient, it has filled the bottom half of the i3 with lightweight aluminum, with a Life passenger compartment on the top. It was designed to make the vehicle as light as possible which is important to raise the efficiency of lithium-ion batteries often criticized as too heavy, big, and expensive to commercialize.
Replacing gasoline with environmentally friendly power options has become obligatory with international push to meet stricter energy standards. The latest push in Korea came last week when the government announced up to 6 million won ($5,569) of fresh tax credits for buyers of electric cars starting next year.
The i3 will be capable of reaching 100 kph in 7.9 seconds. It has a single-speed transmission.
The summer of 2011 the Mitsubishi i-MiEV began appearing in auto shows and making its first impressions on the driving public. The media attention on the vehicle was more than above average because the details about the EV (electric vehicle) had intrigued so many different groups and individuals.
After all, the makers of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV claimed that it could go 62 miles on a single battery cycle and that it cost only one-third of the average gas powered vehicles to operate, but that this reduction could be increased by almost three-fold if the owner learned when their utility companies extended discounted pricing to EV owners. Continue reading “What do people like about the Mitsubishi i-MiEV?” »
One of the biggest news stories to come from the world of EVs (electric vehicles) during 2011 was the announcement by Nissan that their Nissan Leaf could actually provide emergency energy supplies to a home during the event of a power outage or failure. They went on to explain that the Nissan Leaf (due to reach consumer markets in 2012) has the option for two-way energy flow. This means that the vehicle can accept energy into its batteries, but that a simple switch can re-direct that energy back into the charging station, and then back to the source. In that case, say the carmakers, the Nissan Leaf can operate a home should the power supplies be interrupted or fail.
They went on to indicate that the car could keep the average American home functioning for roughly 20 hours after the power loss. So, is it possible? That is something that will not be determined until the vehicles appear in the spring season of 2012. What people do know about the Nissan Leaf is that the car has a power control system rated at 6,000 watts with lithium-ion batteries capable of storing up to 24,000 kilowatts for up to two days at a time. Continue reading “Nissan Leaf and Household Power” »
We’ve all seen at least one movie, TV show, or commercial in which a man in a hybrid car drives up alongside some sort of “muscle” car. The joke is that the earth friendly and fuel efficient hybrid is no match for the monster machine that gobbles down fuel and pumps out impressive horsepower. Things are beginning to change in ways that might make those jokes less amusing or even understandable. For example, Fisker Automotive has the Fisker Karma available, and this is a vehicle that looks like something straight out of a James Bond film, and with a lot of the same impressive power!
It is easy to illustrate the truth of that statement by revealing that Fisker Automotive recently indicated that it pre-sold 3,000 Fisker Karma units in advance of the release of the vehicle, and that this means that no further units will be available until some time in 2012. Continue reading “The Race for the Fisker Karma – $200 million ‘pre-IPO’ financing” »
We know that energy supplies are limited and that there is a time in the near future when we have to accept reality and transition away from fossil fuel use. This is something that people understand and accept, but which many have not yet taken steps to make a reality. This is why there is still a limited infrastructure meant to support the use of the electric vehicle on a widespread basis.
For example, if you own an electric vehicle you may make a point of finding all of the charging stations available to you in your area or in the places where you travel frequently. If you don’t already own an electric vehicle, on the other hand, you may see a charging station as a novelty or as something very interesting, but not yet essential. Continue reading “How the Electric Vehicle Industry Will Succeed?” »
All across the nation, car manufacturers, governments, researchers, and consumers alike are looking for a better, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly alternative to the use of traditional high emitting fossil fuels in private and publicly owned vehicles. While there have been a number of solutions offered, created, and marketed, however, none seem to be making it into the mainstream. Many consumers worry about the availability of fuels or charging options, while for others, the cost effectiveness of a vehicle versus the availability of energy for it certainly play a role. Compressed natural gas is an excellent alternative to fossil fuels, and California is working hard to make it accessible to the population.
There is much for consumers to appreciate about compressed natural gas. It is odorless and non-corrosive, weighs less than air, does not increase carbon concentrations in the atmosphere, and is considerably greener than traditional fuels. But what many are quick to note is that, unlike oil, over 99% of our natural gas comes from North America. While greatly increasing our consumption of the substance will change this, research indicates that the percentage of compressed natural gas imported from countries outside North America would still be far lower than our current rate of oil import. Continue reading “Compressed Natural Gas in the State of California” »
The Chevy Volt Has Inspired GM (NYSE: GM) to Give It a Sibling
The Chevy Volt is one of the latest in the extended range electric car offerings on the market. Created by General Motors and met with surprising demand and success, the Chevy Volt has helped to bring EVs into the public spotlight. Along with other entrants in the EV race, such as the Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the Chevy Volt allows daily commuters to make most or all of their travel on battery use alone without the need to also consume gas.
Considering that the average charge uses only about $1.50 worth of electricity and generates far fewer emissions, the car certainly has a fan base, especially in the green movement. On August 12, 2011, General Motors made a surprising announcement by telling the press that they have given the green light to another EV- this one to be produced by Cadillac. Continue reading “The Chevy Volt Has Inspired GM to Give It a Sibling” »
Hertz (NYSE: HTZ ) and Enterprise Both Now Renting the Nissan Leaf
Electric vehicles are generating quite the buzz this year, with the Nissan (OTC: NSANY.pk) Leaf and other popular models finally rolling off the lines and into the hands of anxious consumers. By the end of the year, there will be a surprising number of EVs available on the market, and in many states, it is also possible to rent these vehicles. Enterprise, the popular auto rental chain, currently rents both the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf in 6 states across the US, and Hertz has just announced that it, too, will soon be offering electric vehicles for use as rentals, although initially only in San Francisco.
The introduction of EVs through rental car companies is one that offers a number of prospective benefits. Consumers seem to be a bit skeptical about purchasing the cars, wondering if the decreased range and the rarity of charging stations means that they are likely to end up stranded somewhere with no way to get home or charge their vehicles, and the rental option actually provides them with a chance to experience the cars for themselves. Customers will find that the Nissan Leaf has a range of about 100 miles before it needs a charge, which should be sufficient for a day’s activities for most. Many of the hotels offering the cars as part of their packages will also provide charging stations onsite so that renters can charge the vehicles overnight. Continue reading “Hertz and Enterprise Both Now Renting the Nissan Leaf” »
Electric vehicles are certainly gaining a lot of attention in recent years, but with little access to charging stations outside of home, few consumers have really made the transition. Car manufacturers and environmentalists alike are trying to lobby governments to help make the vehicles a more viable alternative to traditional fuel based vehicles, but progress on the matter has been slow. It is worth noting, however, that many states are certainly starting to make progress. The Mall of America has now installed a charging station, as have many businesses in California. And now it seems that Massachusetts is making a very active effort to increase opportunities for people who purchase these vehicles.
The commissioner of Massachusetts’ Department of Energy Resources has made it clear that he believes electric cars are a critical part of reducing emissions on the state and that he recognizes the reluctance of consumers to purchase the vehicles when there are few to no convenient places to recharge them. In recognizing this, he has worked to garner funding to build a statewide infrastructure of charging stations that includes a grand total of 142 electric vehicle recharging facilities statewide. Continue reading “Massachusetts Moving Ahead with Electric Car Charging Stations” »
With the economy in shambles and so many people on unemployment benefits, it would not seem reasonable or viable that anyone is all that concerned if a car is delayed for release to the consumer markets. For instance, when news spread that Ford electric vehicles would delay the release of the Focus model, it became a major news story. Because the story was false, it lingered, but it does illustrate something about Ford electric vehicles, and that is that they are going to be in sharp demand.
After all, if millions of people are struggling financially and yet still concerned about the availability of one of the Ford electric vehicles it shows that they understand the tremendous financial savings possible through ownership of such a car. The Focus is due to be released in New York and California by the end of 2011 and then in 19 other stats during the early part of 2012, and it is anticipated that all of the consumer “buzz” indicates high sales. Continue reading “Delays in Ford (NYSE: F) Electric Vehicles” »
When President Barack Obama stated in July of 2011 that his goal by the year 2025 was to have minimum fuel economy standards for vehicles around 54.5 miles per gallon, motorists everywhere took note. With most cars achieving around half this, the number would certainly be promising. But the only way to really achieve this is to make furthering improvements to current hybrid and electric vehicles. While there are some newer EVs coming onto the market, a lack of charging stations coupled with range anxiety leaves many fearful to purchase them. As leaders in the EV project, these new standards and the likely push towards more EVs certainly help benefit companies like ECOtality, Inc.
ECOtality, Inc is a company devoted to helping to pull America off of the traditional fossil fuel burning grid in a number of ways. One way they are doing this is by starting and partially funding the EV Project. With help from the US Department of Energy, which is funding half of the EV Project, the goal is to help put numerous electric vehicle charging stations into place in six different states. Many of these stations are already in place, and in total, ECOtality, Inc intends to install a total of 14,000 electric charging stations. This would certainly help to greatly reduce range anxiety, and with areas such as the Phoenix greater metropolitan area being outfitted with some 920 stations, competition, especially in the early days of EVs, is not going to be a significant problem. Continue reading “New Fuel Standards Could Greatly Benefit ECOtality, INC” »
“Range anxiety”. It’s an unfamiliar term to many, but for those who have purchased electric vehicles or who have sat down to weigh the pros and cons, it is certainly a familiar concept. Most electric vehicles are designed to go at most 100-200 miles on a single charge, and for those who travel frequently, get stuck in traffic, or have limited opportunities to recharge, the fear of losing charge away from home can make people reluctant to travel.
This same fear has led many to stray away from electronic vehicles, opting instead to wait until more charging stations are created. For some time, it appeared as though it would be a standoff- no stations would be built until enough cars had been sold to prove them worthwhile, but no cars would be purchased until there were enough charging stations for consumers to be comfortable leaving home.
As winter of 2011 rapidly approaches, consumers, environmentalists, and car manufacturers alike will be waiting with bated breath as the newest models of electric vehicles finally hit the road. Most of these vehicles, however, are actually at least partially powered by gas. The 2011 Nissan Leaf, on the other hand, is one of the few cars hitting the market that will be all-electric and therefore completely zero emissions. The first production of 20,000 vehicles has long been sold out, so people looking to purchase the Leaf will have to wait until the next run. Many consumers have already seen delivery of their first run vehicles, however, and so far, the response has been quite positive.
The Nissan Leaf is certainly something unique in today’s car market. The average operating cost is surprisingly low, and the vehicle only costs about $2.75 or so to charge based on average electricity prices. The vehicle can travel up to 100 miles on a single charge, which puts it at around 1/3 the running cost of your average hybrid vehicle. The car can be charged using traditional 220V home outlets, but it is also possible (and recommended) for owners to purchase quick charging stations. Continue reading “As First Release Approaches, Consumers Await the Nissan Leaf” »
Cadillac’s quest to compete with German luxury makes first took it smaller. With the unveiling of the Ciel convertible concept, the brand is thinking big again.
Cadillac revealed the Ciel hybrid Thursday night at Pebble Beach, ahead of Sunday’s Concours d’Elegance car show. If General Motors decides to build it, the Ciel could be the largest car in Cadillac’s confirmed future lineup.
The four-seat Ciel has a 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 engine paired with a lithium-ion battery. Its doors are French-style, opening in opposite directions without a B-pillar to show off the interior’s Italian olive wood, machined aluminum and hand-tipped leather.
Will Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. shake up the U.S. truck market with its new midsize pickup called the Appalachian sporting a 2.2L four-cylinder diesel engine producing around 150 horsepower and 300 pound feet of torque.
Mahindra’s entry into the U.S. market revealed that the truck was introduced as a 30 to 35 miles per gallon and cost in the mid-$20,000 range. The truck has six-speed automatic that’s controlled via a floor-mounted shifter or paddle shifters(!), have a class-leading payload of 2,600 lbs. and feature a 60,000-mile, four year bumper-to-bumper warranty.
If that’s not enough to strike fear in domestic and import truck makers alike, Mahindra has also revealed plans to sell a diesel hybrid version of its pickup. If it happens, the diesel hybrid Appalachian will be, as far as we know, the only diesel hybrid on sale in the U.S. market and achieve fuel economy figures even higher than its diesel-only counterpart. Imagine a midsize pickup in the low-$30,000 price range capable of 40+ mpg. Continue reading “Mahindra & Mahindra Passes Tata Motors” »
Leonardo DiCaprio had to spend a lot of green to get his new green-friendly car, a $100,000 hybrid Fisker Karma. His new wheels are quite a step up from his Toyota Prius.
His Karma has a hybrid engine that competes with normal sports cars, going from 0-60 miles per hour in under 6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 125 miles per hour.
The Karma’s accessories include: keyless entry, bucket seats and diamond dust in the paint. The eco-car can also use the energy captured by the solar glass roof to assist the lithium-ion batteries that power the dual electric motors. The Karma gets an economical 100 miles per gallon.
(Photo by FilmMagic)
The Karma also features two driving modes, Stealth Mode for efficient electric driving and Sport Mode to access the car’s full power. Former Vice President Al Gore and former U.S. Secretary Of State General Colin Powell are said to be in the market for one.
Apart from his fame as an actor, DiCaprio has become known for being one of the most vocal environmentalists. He recently told Live magazine: “This is not about me. And it’s not about one group of people telling any other group of people how to live. I don’t think it’s fair to tell people to install solar panels, buy (low-watt) light bulbs or drive a hybrid – that’s not a reality for most people.”
“It is about something much, much bigger. It’s about getting the governments of the world to implement environmental policy. We are the most powerful country in the world and we haven’t made a tiptoe towards renewable technologies. We should be the ones paving the way, the ones other countries look up to. It makes me extremely sad.”
You may know that you can have a charging station installed in your home in order to provide your electric vehicle with its “fuel” requirements. You may also know that hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent to rapidly expand the number of public charging station facilities available to those with hybrid and EVs (electric vehicles) as well. Did you also realize that there are solar charging station facilities at work too?
As long ago as 2009, the city of Chicago was not only thinking ahead of things by laying the foundation for a charging station infrastructure for the fleets of hybrid and electric cars that were bound to appear on the city’s streets, but they were also savvy enough to opt for solar powered charging stations too. What is even more interesting about this decision was that they didn’t just use a basic structure but had their installation designed to look like “trees”. The city created their Solar Plug-in Stations in the shape of trees that have solar panels as their canopies. These can power up to two cars at one time and were the creation of Carbon Day Automotive, which operates as part of the ChargePoint Network.
Honda's Solar Charing Station
This system truly operates off of the grid and give the drivers of the electric vehicles the
peace of mind knowing how clean the energy that they are using truly is, but there are also some solar charging station options that work in a similar manner but without the disconnect from the grid. For instance, in Bethesda, Maryland the first solar tracking station was opened in 2011. This is a pole system that uses two panels that track the trajectory of the sun thanks to GPS gear. This gives the pole around 45% more energy than any of the fixed panel systems, but this energy actually goes into the public grid rather than to the vehicles. Continue reading “Can a Solar EV Charging Station Work?” »
Imagine driving a sports car that offered you more than three times the efficiency that an internal combustion powered vehicle does. That is what buyers of the cars from Tesla Motors can expect. The “brain child” of a group of Silicon Valley innovators, Tesla Motors was founded in 2003 with a commitment to using technology to make affordable electric cars a reality.
What they offer is the famous Roadster that is a battery-powered fully electric vehicle capable of some impressive performance statistics. For instance, the Tesla Motors drive train allows the vehicle to produce up to 900 amps of current and give out around 288 horsepower as it spins upwards of 14k per minute.
Naturally, a “beast” of a motor is not the only benefit available from Tesla Motors, and each of their Roadsters is packed with a huge array of additional options and features too. For example, the battery pack in the Tesla vehicles is the result of major engineering efforts and uses the modern Lithium-ion battery to ensure the largest energy storing capacity. This is what enables the Roadster to take a charge from any outlet (120 volt or 240 volt) and to then drive around 245 miles without a recharge necessary. The average charging process takes only four hours as well and can use any outlet in the world. Continue reading “A Look at Tesla Motors” »
Evatran’s Plugless Power wireless/proximity charging system grows up by evolving into the form of a new circular sensor that is far removed from the boring, rectangle design which folks caught a glimpse of at the Plug-In Conference. The change is not just cosmetic, ending up as round simply because customers preferred something that looked like that, but rather, the insides have been improved as well. The Plugless Power system is now hovering at efficiency levels of 90% to 91%, which is at least 10% more in total compared to last year’s overall efficiency of 80%.
You will, of course, need to upgrade your plug-in car to make it compatible with this new charge receiver. Drivers will just need to be close enough to the sending unit in order to juice up the vehicle sans cables, and the sensitivity of the disc is such that it can be a half-radius off and still continue to do its job with aplomb. Continue reading “Plugless Power Showcases Wireless Charging System” »
In a bold and sort of unexpected move, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has signed an executive order calling for widespread use of natural gas, electric or other alternative-fueled vehicles throughout the Commonwealth.
The Virginia Office of Fleet Management Services, which oversees approximately 4,000 passenger-type vehicles used by some 175 state agencies and institutions, will be tasked with replacing much of its fleet with alternative-fuel vehicles.
Effective immediately, Virginia is to, “pursue all practicable and cost-effective options to promote the use of alternative fuel vehicles.” Increased use of alternative fuel vehicles holds, according to Governor McDonnel, the potential to, “reduce our dependence on foreign oil, support the expansion of private-sector businesses and create new jobs here in the Commonwealth.”
Governor McDonnell says the state’s “all fuel approach” provides the Commonwealth with the best opportunity to meet its goals. Hit the jump to check out Virginia’s approved list of alt-fuel vehicles.
BMW has unveiled concepts of electric and hybrid vehicles that will go into production and be marketed under its new i sub-brand. The new i3 city car goes on sale in 2013 and the i8 sports car due is in 2014. BMW plans to introduce additional i models down the road as part of a major push to meet stricter fuel economy and emissions standards around the globe.
The rear-wheel drive electric i3 Concept has a 170-hp electric motor over the rear axle. It achieves 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just under eight seconds and has an electronically governed 150 km/h (93 mph).
The four-seat car has front-hinged front doors and rear-hinged rear doors. The upper-body is made of carbon fiber and the drive system module that holds the battery package, electronics and motor is made of light-weight aluminum. The i3 Concept is a zero-emissions vehicle, which is claimed to have a range of 130-160km (80-100 miles) on a full charge. BMW said the car has been developed for use in an urban environment.
The i8 Concept plug-in hybrid uses a modified electric drive system from the i3 Concept that is fitted over the front axle, as well as a three-cylinder combustion engine with 220bhp.
Electrovaya to Provide 1.2MWh Lithium Ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)Under the Federal Government Clean Energy Fund for Demonstration Purposes in Ontario
Electrovaya Inc. today announced that it has signed a contract to provide a lithium ion Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”) of approximately 1.2MWh for demonstration purposes in support of renewable energy generation in Ontario.
This program is a part of an Electrovaya led $7.6 million project supported by the Government of Canada’s Clean Energy Fund (CEF) to investigate the potential use of battery energy storage systems in clean energy project, such as wind and solar farms. Partners in the project include Natural Resources, Canada, Hydro One and others. Electrovaya is the prime contractor and system designer and will provide the full energy storage system.
“By investing $3.36 million in the Electrovaya electricity storage project, our Government is demonstrating its commitment to position Canada at the forefront of clean energy technology,” said the Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources. “This innovative project supports high quality jobs for Ontario and encourages new technologies to help protect our environment for future generations.”
“We are pleased to team up with Electrovaya to explore how Battery Energy Storage Systems can work with our grid and benefit our customers,” said Rick Stevens, Vice President, Asset Management, Hydro One Networks Inc. “We are proud to work with an Ontario company to take a leadership role in the further development of the advanced distribution system.” Continue reading “1.2MWh Lithium Ion Battery Energy Storage System Project In Canada” »
A Look at Current Federal Credits for Electric Vehicles
In 2009, the federal government began offering credits for people who purchased hybrid and electric vehicles. Sales of the vehicles increased significantly, but the credits, which were offered on a first come, first served basis, ran out rather quickly in most states. Pushing harder to get consumers to use electric vehicles is certainly a priority, however, and because of this 2010 brought us another wave of tax credits for the purchase of EVs. These credits are still firmly in place, and the phase-out period has not yet begun, which means that purchasers will still qualify for the entire $7,500 credit. Continue reading “A Look at Current Federal Credits for Electric Vehicles” »
Have you heard of ECOtality, INC? With the interesting headlines about the company it would be surprising if you were unaware of them, but you may not actually know them as ECOtality, INC at all. Instead, you might have heard about them as one of their “solutions” or partnerships.
For example, in July 2011 it was announced that the company had recently partnered with the famous car2go N.A. firm that offers networks for those interested in car sharing. Their partnership with ECOtality, INC created an incredibly impressive union that would establish the first 100% electric car sharing fleet along with the infrastructure necessary to support it.
ECOtality Charging Station Blink
What does that mean? It means that the two firms bring together two key names in clean electric transportation and storage technologies. The partnership will use roughly 300 of the “smart fortwo” electric cars along with the charging stations and gear that are part of every “Blink” charging station installed by ECOtality, INC.
The test market for this partnership is San Diego, California and the goal is to demonstrate that a fleet of shared electric cars can easily and successfully meet the demands of commuters and regular drivers. This is because the traffic conditions that the fleet of vehicles will experience will range from standard highway commuting trips to longer drives by those running errands or making lengthier journeys.
Of course, you may know the company from the Blink charging stations that appear in thousands of homes and businesses, including every IKEA store in the country. The two groups came together in 2011 and decided that at least two charging stations should be available for hybrid and EV drivers who frequent this global chain store. They have already installed the gear to support the growing hybrid and EV driving market.
The company also is known for their fast charging gear that is meant for use by airport ground equipment, marine and transit vehicles, and traditional electric cars among other on-road electric vehicles. Consider what a viable solution this would become when someone wakes in the morning or arrives at work and realizes that they have forgotten to charge the vehicle. Because a four hour wait is not feasible, the firm designed their “Minit-Charger” that is capable of doing a full charge at four to six times faster speeds than the traditional approach.
ECOtality is really striving to provide comprehensive solutions, and create clean energy solutions that everyone can use.
Chesapeake Energy Corp. and the OnCue Express convenience store chain announced Wednesday they have teamed up to bring six compressed natural gas fueling stations to Oklahoma this winter.
CNG stations will be opened Jan. 12 to 18 at Chesapeake’s field offices in Weatherford, Waynoka, Lindsay, Arkoma and Wilburton.
As General Motors, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and other major automobile manufacturers prepare to bring hydrogen cars to market by 2015, the availability and sustainability of the hydrogen fuel to power them remains an issue.
Later this month, what is believed to be the world’s first sewage-powered hydrogen fuel station will open in Fountain Valley, offering a renewable-energy solution to one piece of the sustainability puzzle.
“This is a paradigm shift,” said Scott Samuelsen, director of the UC Irvine National Fuel Research Center that engineered the system. “This is the epitome of sustainability, where we’re taking an endless stream of human waste and transforming it to transportation fuel.”
The new station is powered with a 300-kilowatt fuel cell capable of producing 120 kilograms of hydrogen gas, and fueling as many as 30 cars, per day, Samuelsen said. Designed as a three-year demonstration project and funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, the station will be accessible to drivers of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles who have arranged for access through the vehicle manufacturer. Continue reading “World’s first hydrogen fuel station to open later this month in Fountain Valley.” »
Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has added 25 compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to its distribution fleet in an effort to reduce emissions.
The new natural gas vehicles produce 20% to 30% less emissions than comparable diesel vehicles and are part of the company’s larger environmental efforts.
The vehicles were made available through a $38.7 million Ryder/San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) project that is part of a joint public/private partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy, the California Energy Commission, the Southern California Association of Governments Clean Cities Coalition, and Ryder. Continue reading “Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market added 25 compressed natural gas vehicles” »
-0.14 (-0.56%) 
]
Advance Looks at 
If you are interested in alternative energies it is likely to be due to your desire to see the environment improved or saved from further harm or damage. This means that you think about the ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint, which in turn leads to questions about household and transportation energy consumption as well. As soon as people begin worrying about such issues they find that the problems can seem overwhelming, but this is why a company such as ECOtality, INC. is a wonderful surprise.
The summer of 2011 the Mitsubishi i-MiEV began appearing in auto shows and making its first impressions on the driving public. The media attention on the vehicle was more than above average because the details about the EV (
All across the nation, car manufacturers, governments, researchers, and consumers alike are looking for a better, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly alternative to the use of traditional high emitting fossil fuels in private and publicly owned vehicles. While there have been a number of solutions offered, created, and marketed, however, none seem to be making it into the mainstream. Many consumers worry about the availability of fuels or charging options, while for others, the cost effectiveness of a vehicle versus the availability of energy for it certainly play a role. Compressed natural gas is an excellent alternative to fossil fuels, and California is working hard to make it accessible to the population.
Hertz
transition. Car manufacturers and environmentalists alike are trying to lobby governments to help make the vehicles a more viable alternative to traditional fuel based vehicles, but progress on the matter has been slow. It is worth noting, however, that many states are certainly starting to make progress. The Mall of America has now installed a charging station, as have many businesses in California. And now it seems that Massachusetts is making a very active effort to increase opportunities for people who purchase these vehicles.
gallon, motorists everywhere took note. With most cars achieving around half this, the number would certainly be promising. But the only way to really achieve this is to make furthering improvements to current hybrid and electric vehicles. While there are some newer EVs coming onto the market, a lack of charging stations coupled with range anxiety leaves many fearful to purchase them. As leaders in the EV project, these new standards and the likely push towards more EVs certainly help benefit companies like ECOtality, Inc.
“Range anxiety”. It’s an unfamiliar term to many, but for those who have purchased electric vehicles or who have sat down to weigh the pros and cons, it is certainly a familiar concept. Most electric vehicles are designed to go at most 100-200 miles on a single charge, and for those who travel frequently, get stuck in traffic, or have limited opportunities to recharge, the fear of losing charge away from home can make people reluctant to travel.
finally hit the road. Most of these vehicles, however, are actually at least partially powered by gas. The 2011 Nissan Leaf, on the other hand, is one of the few cars hitting the market that will be all-electric and therefore completely zero emissions. The first production of 20,000 vehicles has long been sold out, so people looking to purchase the Leaf will have to wait until the next run. Many consumers have already seen delivery of their first run vehicles, however, and so far, the response has been quite positive.
Cadillac’s quest to compete with German luxury makes first took it smaller. With the unveiling of the Ciel convertible concept, the brand is thinking big again.
engine producing around 150 horsepower and 300 pound feet of torque.
Imagine driving a sports car that offered you more than three times the efficiency that an internal combustion powered vehicle does. That is what buyers of the cars from 
Evatran’s Plugless Power wireless/proximity charging system grows up by evolving into the form of a new circular sensor that is far removed from the boring, rectangle design which folks caught a glimpse of at the Plug-In Conference. The change is not just cosmetic, ending up as round simply because customers preferred something that looked like that, but rather, the insides have been improved as well. The Plugless Power system is now hovering at efficiency levels of 90% to 91%, which is at least 10% more in total compared to last year’s overall efficiency of 80%.
In a bold and sort of unexpected move, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has signed an executive order calling for widespread use of natural gas, electric or other alternative-fueled vehicles throughout the Commonwealth.
sustainability of the hydrogen fuel to power them remains an issue.
Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has added 25 compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to its distribution fleet in an effort to reduce emissions.
Follow Us!